I have seen the witnessing carts pop up around our city. There were no such carts when I left the JW's in the 1980's. Since leaving the organization I have survived (and thrived) by:
1) educating myself about the organization on the internet (thank you apostates!)
2) finding people who truly care about me
3) avoiding all JW's (fortunately I had no family still in). However seeing the carts I wanted to share a little of the information I learned. It took awhile to get up the courage.
Here were my goals:
1) Maintain calm at all times.
2) Do not get confrontation as the JW's would shut down and stop listening.
3) Get over my fear of talking to JW's.
4) Share a tibit of what I've learned
Today was the day. As I approached the cart I noticed something that has never happened before. The cart was being manned or rather womanned by one sister. Alone. Perfect!
I greeted her and started studying the literature on the cart. I picked up the booklet The Secret of Family Happiness. I took my time and looked through the chapters. I told her how concerned I was when I learned about the Australian Royal Commission, 1000+ victims of child sexual abuse and the two-witness rule. I then asked her what she thought about that. She had never heard of it before. We continued to talk to a few minutes more. We listened to each, was respectful so she didn't shut down her mind. It was a short conversation but I accomplished all my goals. She may or may not ask someone about the Australian Royal Commission. (hopefully she will) I do feel better having done it. I feel it is part of my healing.
Additional note to share: While we were talking about the importance of family she mentioned she has two children. Then she pointed to her van and said they were sitting in the van. My heart just dropped thinking of those two kids having to spend so much time waiting in a van while their mom is at the cart.
