Dear Fellow Board Members,
I need your help with something. My mother is still a member of the org, and as I see it, fully intends on remaining a member. She does not agree with everything the WTS says, (the elders don't know that) and she has told me that she would never disown me for them, nor have they asked her to. I don't want to pull my mother away from the org because it makes her feel like she belongs to something,(so she does.) but I have noticed that she is becoming more depressed everytime she goes to a meeting, because the "brothers and sisters" are not showing her the Christian love they so brag about. So I have written the following letter to the elders in her congregation. I'd like your input before I send it off. Here it goes...
To the Body of Elders and Ministerial Servants:
I am writing this letter because I have concerns for my mother--
Although I myself am no longer a member, I still have respect for the organization, and I respect my mother's wishes to remain a member. I love my mother, and I know that she feels that this is truly God's ordained "faithful and discreet slave". For her, being a part of it brings her happiness. However, I am concerned because she has become increasingly agitated by the way some members have and are treating her. You are all well aware that my mother is advanced in age, and cannot drive. This prevents her from getting around as most people do. I know that in the past, some brothers and sisters have offered to help her out with things like doctor's visits, grocery shopping, recreational activities. I think you should know that a very, very small number have actually followed through on thier offers. I understand that most in the congregation are busy with work or other responsibilities, but as I recall, it is always recommended in the publications and in discussions to make time to help those in need, and try to include those in the hall that don't have family, who are elderly or infirm, or who have special economic needs. My mother's case-ALL OF THE ABOVE. Yet, my mother RARELY have been invited on outings or included in gatherings by anyone in the congregation. She has RARELY been asked if she needed a ride to see her doctor or if she needs help shopping. But more disturbing is that my mother was very ill for a period of two weeks. During that time, she never received even a phone call to see if she was okay, or if she needed anything. She rarely gets phone calls or visits from anyone, except the sister that brings her to the hall, and that is only to see if she is going that evening. Occasionally, one sister asks my mother to join her in field service. According to what I was taught as a member, the congregation should take primary interest in the spiritual health of everyone. This would include making provisions for my mother to be out in the ministry. She seems to feel that people are trying to avoid her, though she doesn't know why. I have known in the past that some witnesses tend to avoid those who have a disfellowshipped, disassociated, or an inactive family member. This is most definately unchristian behavior and highly unfair. I hope this is not the case here. My mother should not be penalized for the decisions I have made. In fact, the congregation should be trying to build her up and encourage her, so that she does not lose her faith. I am not writing this letter to offend anyone, or to make accusations. I am only doing this because I know for sure that these issues have been bothering her for quite some time, and she does not have the courage to bring them to your attention. I have told her on many occasions that she should, but she tells me that she doesn't want "to be a pest" or "to be a burden" as she says. She should not be made to feel as if she were pestering or burdening the congregation. These brothers and sisters should look upon it as a blessing to be caring for those in need, something that is shown by many scriptures to be pleasing to Jehovah. I would appreciate it greatly if you brothers could observe and discuss this matter, so that you may be able to help her. I do what I can, but it is hard because my job requires many hours, and I am currently in training for my EMT license. These activities do not leave much time left, except sleep. Also I cannot offer her the spiritual comfort and support she needs, because I am not a member of the organization. I share different beliefs and I do not want to compromise her beliefs by sharing mine. But I can tell you, she really loves Jehovah and she really needs your love and encouragement. Thank you for taking time to listen to my concerns, and I hope you can help.
Sincerely,
Joanne Voorhees Seng
-So what you ya'll think? Too wordy? Did I knock'em dead?