Posts by Stirred

28

I was counciled for putting in Pioneer hours and not officially "Pioneering"

by RubaDub in

i didn't want to hijack the thread about people having to "wait" until the society approves their pioneer status.. i recall once an elder was shocked that i had done the 60 hours a couple of months but not officially on the pioneer list for the months.

i told him that i didn't need the title, that the purpose was to do the work, not get a title.. i then heard a long lecture about how that was not encouraging to others, etc, etc, etc.. he got rather annoyed when i asked him what the purpose of the preaching work is.

of course he said to spread the good news.

Stirred

I put in several months of between 35-45 hours....then after a meeting in full view of all, an elder and his wife stopped me in the aisle and said how worried they were about me being spiritually weak since I had to visit other hall due to work and other reasons at times. I was just at the prior meeting with several Bible studies. I guess they missed that one.

They never questioned me when my hours were under 10. Personally, my conscience would never allow me to take a title of pioneer or aux. pioneer. They are not biblical and remind of the Jews who would wear extra long fringe or pray out loud in public to bring attention to themselves.

Matthew 6:1-4: “Take care not to practice your righteousness in front of men to be noticed by them; otherwise you will have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens. 2 So when you make gifts of mercy, do not blow a trumpet ahead of you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be glorified by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3 But you, when making gifts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your gifts of mercy may be in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you.
(2 Corinthians 9:7) Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
(Ephesians 5:10) Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord

Since I don't celebrate myself on my birthday, why would I want to celebrate myself for spiritual service to my God? This is not a graduation or anniversary, some milestone. This is my personal service to God and it is between He and I.

I fully agree with RubaDub that no one outside of the KH cares what our title is. In fact, I think it sounds pompous and self-righteous. You announce to all that I am super zealous and more appreciative of Jesus since I have qualified for this voluntary title. I don't know many volunteers in the community who are super dedicated in what they do to help others also want to seek recognition or a title for it.

Peace

6

This week's Bible reading

by JustVisting in

this week's reading included exodus 25:2 where moses was to collect contibutions from those whose heart incites him to.

i commented on this verse and quoted from the watchtower 1879 where it says, "we will not beg or solicite funds...when jehovah fails to provide the necessary funds it will be time to suspend publication.

" mind you, this was the same meeting where the letter was read about the new donation "arrangement" was read.. comments anyone?.

Stirred

I heard this at the beginning of meeting, then the Bible comments....and I made a comment about we are not to solicit donations, etc....then the Bible reading covered it again....then onto the Local Needs part and guess what? No more mortgage but we will have to continue the same payment ongoing to go toward KH building fund worldwide. Perhaps they were not getting enough donations for that purpose?

They even quoted Russell on that part...."we will not beg..."

This was suggested as a "great equalizing work" to balance richer countries with poorer ones that have much bulding work needs and less money to do it with.

Peace

120

A serving elder's take on the new "tithing" arrangement

by TTATTelder in

the gb can kiss my ass.. i'm writing "0" on the little slip of paper they pass out.. hey here's a thought:.

you know that "widow's might" stuff they're always talking about?

well i'm pretty dang sure that the lady was giving from the heart not because she filled out some dumba$$ piece of paper pledging two small coins several months previous!.

Stirred

So I went to another hall tonight.

I noticed that several people left before the local needs part. Hmmmm.

This hall still has a mortgage. The first thing they announced was that the WT has closed or "retired" the loan along with all kh constructions project loans worldwide due to voluntary contributions received. This was pumped up quite a bit. What bank/co will do this for your mortgage?

Next...."if we have to solicit or ask for money, then we would know that Jah has discontinued the work.....remember that statement about 125 years ago?"

Then..."25 years ago we stopped charging for literature and we are still prospering today. Ps. 127:1. If Jah isn't behind this organization, then it cannot stand."

1 Chron 29:11

Per the 1983 (9/83) letter, kh building box started. Now it has been adjusted and in order to meet these growing global building projects, and adjustment has been further made to how they would be built. We need to pool our resources worldwide. Al congregations have the opportunity to support construction projects worldwide now by the congregations offering MONTHLY contributions from KH funds. No more loans. No more need to save for remodels (only for minor repairs). We thank you for your generous support of kingdom interests.

There is a need for a great equalizing since brothers in poorer countries can use support for the building projects in their countries.

2 Cor 8:12-14

(Rather than a survey, the elders decided for the congregation that they would leave things as they were and offer a resolution). The resolution read from the platform to pay the same amount they had been for the mortgage for this purpose. The box for local KH support would now go towards local bills and the monthly donation. Excess beyond the resolution would also be sent. They went over the money very quickly and I could not understand it.

Unless those members knew what the current bills were and all the other resolutions that still must be paid (except for the mortgage - now replaced), it was way to confusing. But they quickly asked for questions then called for a vote. Since no one asked a question or voted agains (even though many didn't vote, like me as I'm not a member there) it was unanimously passed. I don't think many understood the numbers and how this would change anything. I overheard some elders say that the amount proposed was all they could do.

So....what will happen in my hall where I believe we have paid off our mortgage??

I felt like doing anything but watching this would be like swimming against current.

Quite confusing but no anger.

Thanks for your update TE. That's all for me so far too.

S

51

Categories of Former Jehovah's Witnesses

by neverendingjourney in

jw
friends

i was never disfellowshipped, but it's been about 10 years since i was an active jw.

i've made an occasional meeting or half-day at an assembly here or there, strictly at the behest of family (maybe once a year), but i'm completely disconnected.

more importantly, mentally i'm 100% free.. we all have a tendency to project our views and beliefs onto others, and tending to believe that other former jws share our views is no different.

Stirred

I must be a subset of 2 or separate. Im still in and believe many teachings still. I have no desire plunge into a debauched life. no desire to celebrate xmas, etc. but i feel power corrupts and Jew's never could prove truly faithful, always adding burdens, judging, etc. and is similar that way to JW. Shows they still canj lookmforward tombeing diciplined by Jah and aren't so clean as suggested in 1919. They have much blood and guilt to attone for.

Jews were not to disregard Jah do to Eli, his sons, or other corrupt leaders. I think that situation parallels today womewhat. Atleast, that is where im at right now.

peace

120

A serving elder's take on the new "tithing" arrangement

by TTATTelder in

the gb can kiss my ass.. i'm writing "0" on the little slip of paper they pass out.. hey here's a thought:.

you know that "widow's might" stuff they're always talking about?

well i'm pretty dang sure that the lady was giving from the heart not because she filled out some dumba$$ piece of paper pledging two small coins several months previous!.

Stirred

After reading your post I feel i MUST go to my meeting (part) if only to drown my paper among many others. But i honestly don't think I can turn it in even if asked. IT IS WRONG!

We should be given time to pray, consult spouses not in attendance, review our budget, etc.

This is emotional blackmail.

This seems to be encouraging unsound planning. We are to count the cost and cannot do that in a few minutes. CRAZY. Guess I must wait and see.

If/when my study asks why all of a sudden you guys are now asking for specific donation on monthly basis? Uhhhhhh. New light. Uhhhhh spirit direction to remind us to donate?

I have donated. I do appreciate some of the literature and reaources.

definitely must pray about it but then, based on scriptures prevously cited, i dont think my conscience will allow myself to turn in a paper......oh no. What is happening to me? I sound so rebellious. And obviously am cause im here, not going d2d for 4 months (cannot take on anymore BS) can't understand nor accept explantion of generation new light....ETC. UGHHHHHHH

I acknowledge i am a mess.

120

A serving elder's take on the new "tithing" arrangement

by TTATTelder in

the gb can kiss my ass.. i'm writing "0" on the little slip of paper they pass out.. hey here's a thought:.

you know that "widow's might" stuff they're always talking about?

well i'm pretty dang sure that the lady was giving from the heart not because she filled out some dumba$$ piece of paper pledging two small coins several months previous!.

Stirred

Ths is suposed to be done in secret too....Matt 6:4 "....."when making gifts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing..." If we are called out even on paper to make it known what we will resolve to give now and in the future (uncertain) we are being led to potentially sin whereby our yes should be yes....but might not be.

i refuse to put myself in that position. I guess this could call me out.

I am not going to my meeting but will attend other congregation TONIGHT with my study. Oh no. When i come back to my hall, will the elders corner me with the paper.....and it will be easy of course to figure out whatbim doing theN.

I will have to refuse on grounds of obey God rather than man... and Matt 6:1-4, 2 Cor 9:7

i cannot believe how nervous i am.

120

A serving elder's take on the new "tithing" arrangement

by TTATTelder in

the gb can kiss my ass.. i'm writing "0" on the little slip of paper they pass out.. hey here's a thought:.

you know that "widow's might" stuff they're always talking about?

well i'm pretty dang sure that the lady was giving from the heart not because she filled out some dumba$$ piece of paper pledging two small coins several months previous!.

Stirred

Prepping for this meeting this week....thinking about what I'll put down....0, $1, a scripture (2 cor 9:7, Matt 6:1-4). Of course we are to help others and contribute to Jah in various ways with our caluable things - Prov 3:9-10. I just dont eant to be made to commit to a number.

I found a quote by Tertuian on WT CD: "Every man once a month brings some modest coin - or whenever he wishes, and only if he does wish, and if he can; for nobody is compelled; it is a voluntary offering." - 2 Cor 9:7

i do NOT want to bring attention to myself, but I feel i must make a comment on this during Bible review, Ex. 25:1-2. See also JV book, chp 21

34

Jehovah's Witnesses: Who's Your Mediator?

by Darth Rutherford in

is jesus your mediator?

were these men anointed christians?

... jesus christ, is not the mediator between jehovah god and all mankind.

Stirred

ugh. i just finished COC and now this!!! I'm looking on WT I online for references. It doesn't have link to select articles. I still saw enough to share with hubby about Christ being mediator for 144 k but that he is mediator for all our prayers. How can that be? Contradicts. I feel like I'm in a dingy in the middle of the ocean but at least I have a paddle.

55

Oh come on!!! seriously?? This weeks wt study!

by stuckinarut2 in

i'm sitting here at the mtg, and i can't believe the mind numbing stupidity of this weeks wt "study"...( i use the word study loosely too by the way...).

how many dumb repeated questions can be posed to try and make a point?.

the opening paragraph illustration re blindness is classic!

Stirred

Oubliette - It was auto correct or typing fast with thumbs.... Meant to say multiple vs. meathrow.

Stirred

51

Have You Been Invited To The Memorial?

by minimus in

jw
friends

one of my best friend's, who is an ex elder had two elders visit him at his home yesterday to invite him to the memorial.

he was cordial to them because they were'nt over the top.. so far, i have had no invites, thank god..

Stirred

Stealth - The date this year is April 14.