UPDATE: from the local news station in Oklahoma. Dear poor brother Lawrence was released on bail. Holy Spirit directed some kind soul to post his $50,000 bond. On another note, one of the victims' lawyers told reporters that he is working with multiple victims in this case.
Tech49
JoinedPosts by Tech49
-
31
USA, Oklahoma | Jehovah's Witness church elder Ronald Lawrence arrested over sex abuse claims dating back to 1980s
by jwleaks inusa, oklahoma | jehovah's witness church elder ronald lawrence arrested over sex abuse claims dating back to the 1980's.
a 76-year-old mcalester man was arrested tuesday on 19 counts of sexual abuse after police received claims he molested several children while in a position of authority more than 30 years ago.. mcalester police detectives were alerted to the alleged sexual crimes conducted by ronald lawrence back in august when his first accuser reported abuse at the hands of a jehovah's witness church leader.. a woman now in her 40s told detectives lawrence, an elder at mcalester's kingdom hall of jehovah's witnesses, abused her when she was just eight years old, inviting her to his home, where he fondled her and raped her in his bathtub, according to her testimony found in lawrence's arrest warrant, which was issued tuesday.. two other accusers, also in their 40s, then came forward with similar stories of abuse.
both said they were very young, with one telling investigators the molestation took place from the time she was 10 until she was 13 years old.
-
-
-
31
USA, Oklahoma | Jehovah's Witness church elder Ronald Lawrence arrested over sex abuse claims dating back to 1980s
by jwleaks inusa, oklahoma | jehovah's witness church elder ronald lawrence arrested over sex abuse claims dating back to the 1980's.
a 76-year-old mcalester man was arrested tuesday on 19 counts of sexual abuse after police received claims he molested several children while in a position of authority more than 30 years ago.. mcalester police detectives were alerted to the alleged sexual crimes conducted by ronald lawrence back in august when his first accuser reported abuse at the hands of a jehovah's witness church leader.. a woman now in her 40s told detectives lawrence, an elder at mcalester's kingdom hall of jehovah's witnesses, abused her when she was just eight years old, inviting her to his home, where he fondled her and raped her in his bathtub, according to her testimony found in lawrence's arrest warrant, which was issued tuesday.. two other accusers, also in their 40s, then came forward with similar stories of abuse.
both said they were very young, with one telling investigators the molestation took place from the time she was 10 until she was 13 years old.
-
-
Tech49
So they knew, in 2005, that he had molested children in the past. Per his own words, he admitted it to them. Then, at some point they reinstated him. Then, as mentioned, they appointed him as an MS, then later as an elder?
Instructions when appointing an elder are to ask several questions of the intended appointee, including one ..."have you ever abused children..." or something similar. The instructions clearly state that if he answers YES, then he is not to be appointed. So then did the elders just assume that this was soooo long ago that it didnt bear importance anymore? Or did HQ not feel it important, as they are the ones to determine whether someone is an actual "molester", as per instructions to the elders (BOE 2010 or 2011). Not one elder had the balls to call the cops. Spineless, and sackless. Obviously WT HQ gave the green light for his appointment, after mulling it over in heartfelt prayer. The body recommended him, the CO agreed, and the Holy Spirit appointed him. Really? Then arent they all equal sharer's in the cover up and punishable by law? ALL of them need to be included in a lawsuit.
Shame on that body of elders, and shame on WT HQ and its fake "policies" that do NOT protect victims. Shame shame. Sounds to me like there are a few more grown ups that need to be taken in for some alone time in the janitors closet of the state pen...
-
31
USA, Oklahoma | Jehovah's Witness church elder Ronald Lawrence arrested over sex abuse claims dating back to 1980s
by jwleaks inusa, oklahoma | jehovah's witness church elder ronald lawrence arrested over sex abuse claims dating back to the 1980's.
a 76-year-old mcalester man was arrested tuesday on 19 counts of sexual abuse after police received claims he molested several children while in a position of authority more than 30 years ago.. mcalester police detectives were alerted to the alleged sexual crimes conducted by ronald lawrence back in august when his first accuser reported abuse at the hands of a jehovah's witness church leader.. a woman now in her 40s told detectives lawrence, an elder at mcalester's kingdom hall of jehovah's witnesses, abused her when she was just eight years old, inviting her to his home, where he fondled her and raped her in his bathtub, according to her testimony found in lawrence's arrest warrant, which was issued tuesday.. two other accusers, also in their 40s, then came forward with similar stories of abuse.
both said they were very young, with one telling investigators the molestation took place from the time she was 10 until she was 13 years old.
-
-
Tech49
So in 2005, after he confessed to the elders no one ever contacted authorities? Yes, they (the body of elders) are just as guilty. There is every reason in the world for charges to be filed on them as well. Sick, just sick. It took the courage of one of the abused to alert the police, after so many years of pain. Spineless elders couldnt bother themselves to pick up the phone, except to check in with "mother". Exactly whats wrong with this bunch; this WILL bite them in the ass, you watch.
-
58
Home schooled witness kids
by stillin insorry if i'm stepping on any toes here, but i haven't seen anything positive about home-schooling...at all.
the notion is that parents are taking advantage of the formative years to inculcate more worthwhile values while protecting their kids from worldly influences.
they end up with lazy, socially inept, illiterate duds who haven't a clue.
-
-
Tech49
Not sure if you could categorize this as a Success Story or not:
Vic and I home schooled our kids.... until about middle school. At that point, we recognized the invaluable education that could only be obtained thru actual interaction with other human beings their own age. Exposure to the "world" is the only way they would be able to cope with real life, so why deny them of it and shelter them in a bubble.? Are they going to make mistakes, get into fights, deal with kid-drama? Yep. That's what shapes us and makes us who we are. As parents, we wanted to be the ones to be there for them when they came home at the end of the day, to offer support, love, discussion, and explanation.
We are fully convinced that our initial Jump-Start was instrumental in the development of our children. At the same time, we have seen others who choose not to do so, and "home-school" until the child is old enough to "pioneer". Virtually without exception, they are some of the most socially inept, uncharismatic, uneducated, lackluster, lazy, welfare-prone bunch that can be imagined. And most, if they have any gumption, bolt for the door the day they turn 18. Seen it happen over and over and over.
Sad really. I know there are exceptions to the rule, but as a whole, that's what usually happens.
-
17
Tech49 visits Bethel: Part 1-Patterson
by Tech49 ini thought that it was a good time to post my experience about visiting new york last spring.
enough time has passed that no one can put my experiences together with any kind of timeline..... so our family discussed the trip to the holy land (ny bethel), as none of us had ever been.
anyone who is anyone knows that you aren't really a good jw christian until you visit bethel!
-
-
Tech49
After lunch, we head out with our tour guide, really not much else to see. Make a trip downstairs, see young folks dutifully pounding out their day in the laundry area. A few ladies in the barber/beauty shop, and then the commissary/store. In the store, no candy bars or pop allowed. One bethelite litterally jumped with glee when he saw ICE CREAM in the freezer! You purchase items on an honor system, punching in your "code" and the amount of your purchase into the computer next to the door, which is ultimately taken out of your monthly allowance. Was a nice little "store", but prices on the items were about the same as the grocery store. Would have thought things would be cheap or almost free...
Oh, and our tour guide pointed to the field across the street. Now that's where all the young folks play soccer, football, baseball in the spring and summer. Why, they even have TEAMS! and it gets quite competitive! WHAT !!??? Say it isnt so!! Competition???? The questions are just spinning in my head, but I am polite and continue my tour.... i dont need to pester this guy and make his day any more miserable. We end up in the CLOCK TOWER. Anyone who has been there knows what it is and where it is. OK..... so its a tower at the top of the stairwell, with windows all around, with room for about 20 people standing shoulder to shoulder.... its got a good view of the complex. For our guide, this is like a crowning achievement of the day! "This is where we JUST LOVE to gather and sing Kingdom Songs, because the accoustics are sooooo COOOOL !!!" Oh brother.
The residence buildings are off in the distance, but are off limits to visitors. Bummer. The buildings up the hill are where they make the videos and do alot of scene-photography, again off limits. Double Bummer.
Well, time to go then, we have seen about all we can at this point. Really kind of dissappointed at how much you ARENT allowed to see. We part ways with our gracious tour guide; I can tell he is anxious to get back to better things.
At this point, it is still the lunch hour/time/break, so people are milling about, or heading to their dorms, or out into the "world" for whatever. On the way out, we walk towards the lobby, and there is a large common area where a piano resides. When we entered earlier in the day, the piano was quiet, and the room was empty and silent. Now however, there is a group of about 10 people gathered around the piano, and someone is plunking out KH songs. They are all singing LISTEN OBEY AND BE BLESSED. They sounded HORRIBLE !
I literally stopped and stared, I think my mouth was open. Mind you, I am not easily disturbed at oddities and funkiness. However, at this I was struck, frozen. Time stood still. Everything else suddenly became unimportant and ceased to exist. I was mesmerized by the CULTISH feel of it all. It was the most odd, weird feeling I have had in a long time. It was like watching a movie. Like something you would read about in the wierdest of the wierd. And then I knew why.......... it was worship. Worship that was not normal. Freaky, cultish, worship. Like zombies on autopilot. Crazy wierd is all I can say. I shook off the shiver that ran up my spine, and we were out of there....
-
17
Tech49 visits Bethel: Part 1-Patterson
by Tech49 ini thought that it was a good time to post my experience about visiting new york last spring.
enough time has passed that no one can put my experiences together with any kind of timeline..... so our family discussed the trip to the holy land (ny bethel), as none of us had ever been.
anyone who is anyone knows that you aren't really a good jw christian until you visit bethel!
-
-
Tech49
I thought that it was a good time to post my experience about visiting New York last spring. Enough time has passed that no one can put my experiences together with any kind of timeline....
So our family discussed the trip to the Holy Land (NY Bethel), as none of us had ever been. Anyone who is anyone knows that you aren't really a good JW Christian until you visit Bethel! I was at a crossroads in my thinking, and waking, and learning the "real" truth, so I thought it would be a good reason to make the trip. Perhaps my conscience would be comforted, and all these horrible "apostate" thoughts and feelings would go away..after all, I would be in the presence of GREATNESS, and the HOLY 8 !!!......At the same time, my oldest child would accompany me, and we could have a good "bonding" experience. So we saved our money, and chunked down the moola for plane tickets and hotels and a rental car. Ok, I travel alot, so it was an uneventful journey from the West Coast. We spent the night near JFK, to get a good start for the next morning.
Day 1: PATTERSON here we come! This is where it all happens, we can't wait!! So we get there, pull up to the little "guard shack", where the nice lady asks us what our business is. Now mind you, we had a friend-of-a-friend that we were able to connect with to get an "invitation" to lunch and a private tour. So the buildings and grounds look nice, gratuitous photos at the main entrance sign, the usual. Here is where I will change my perspective a bit, moreso to general observations, and things that struck me in one way or another.
Lobby is large, cold.... and stuck in the 90's. What's with all the purple and blue? Large staircases on either side, leading to more "sacred" areas... you have to have a security card to get thru the doors. We meet up with our pre-arranged tour guide, typical Bethelite, young guy, neatly groomed, pasty white. We walk around for a bit looking at the lobby exhibit stuff, etc, then head up the stairs for a tour of the facilities. I wont give you a boring play-by-play. All in all, unimpressive. Offices, lots of offices. A few paintings that are used to photograph in the literature (DONT TOUCH THEM!), art department. Really very few people around. Got to take a peek inside the Service Department, into the little cubicles where your calls go, and the mail sort room/area where your letters and questions are opened and forwarded to the appropriate SD desk. Again, very quiet, hardly anyone around. So many areas we COULDNT see or go into, off limits and such.
Time for lunch, thank goodness! Can you say MILITARY STYLE! Sit down, table head (ok??) tells you which way you will pass plates of food. Pray, eat as fast as you can, then STOP! Time to stand and pray again, then GO! OHMYGOD, I have never seen anything like it. Think of a bunch of college kids bombarding the cafeteria. Everyone whips out their bags, tupperware, and dishes and start scooping and shoveling extra food into them like the APOCALYPSE is coming TOMORROW! Then BAM! Everyone bolts out the door and is gone! So lunch ends with a whimper, with a few die-harders, and those poor souls delegated to tourist-duty, waiting patiently for their "charges" to finish their lettuce and rice.
MORE LATER.
-
57
time to reboot jwn??? attn. tech49, formerlongtime elder, others.
by nowwhat? infirst of all let me start by saying who am i to judge, but... i understand jwn has completely evolved over the years, but what i would like to see a forum that has current members and former jw's that still live by bible principles and respect the bible, but are not afraid to call out the watchtower on their practices and revised history.
i think quality posters as mentioned above, after venting their frustrations and experiences realize this website is taken over by athiests.
and punk kids-[ see similar post.
-
-
Tech49
I am sure that I speak for many when I say that most times, we are still here. I dont have to agree with the musings of many of the posts on this site, but I can appreciate the diversity of those doing the posting. Whatever their reason(s), and there are many, all of us have been affected by an organization (WT in particular) in one form or another, good or bad... and so we are here.
I can't take issue with those who see a title (Elder, MS, Pioneer, etc) as something to be angry at, to be spit out. Many of their, and our, issues (anger, hurt, rage) come from those who hold or have held a position, or a title. If you have a problem with me clarifying my postings with a previously-held-title, It's ok, I get it.
Holding a title however, whether now, or in the past, does not in itself garner wisdom. Quite to the contrary, in most cases.
That being said, I would like to think that my time serving in positions of "authority" in the congregation have given me, not wisdom, but experience. Experiences that can only be fully appreciated now, in reflection. Experiences that maybe none of us can fully understand, but as we struggle to put the pieces together every day, we find solace. All of us have such experiences, to varying degrees of course, in fact wisdom! Regardless of position, title, rank, file, or color, we all are here for a similar purpose... to find peace.
No, I dont hold any special powers, nor any levels of high intelligence bestowed upon me by WT.....I appreciate the diversity of the masses, and the anonymity of the unnamed. I don't have to agree with it all, but all of us can agree to take the discussions in, and learn a little something from them all.
Always watching and listening,
Jack Harper, Tech49
-
37
WT's 2 BOE Letters Flip-Flop!
by JW GoneBad ineveryone knows about the recent across-the-board okay to use electronic devices in jw worship.
few, though, know about how not long ago it was considered a taboo.. first, there was that dc talk a couple of years back where they nearly demonized simply the ownership of a smart phone, ipads (i phones, blackberries, etc) let alone the use of them at meetings.
they brought out that they were a waste of time, expensive and that they exposed a christian to satan's world on the internet.
-
-
Tech49
So this is a subject that has bothered me to some extent as well. In one breath, the almighty GB determine that it is "not appropriate" for the reasons stated, and then shortly thereafter "change their minds". Oh um, well, we like tablets now, .... so..... I guess you PEONS can use them too.....just turn off the SATAN mode.....
Elders now cannot "make a rule"., whereas previously, only months prior, they had no problem making rules and browbeating anyone who dared to "show their means"! So sayeth we all! ( the 8 on the GB, of course) Sheesh.
Yes, then the wonderful "Steve Jobs" type self-annointed promo at the AGM that we had the "privilege" of sitting thru as part of a "meeting"...cause apparently we are all too stupid to figure out how to download an APP to our phones or tablets.... Give me a break already, flip flop flip flop.
Hey almighty GB, how about we stop freakin micromanaging EVERYTHING! For goodness sake already. Makes me ill.
And I agree full-heartedly with DATA-DOG..... why is this even a TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION at the HQ !???!!! Dont you kingly types, annointed with the full power of the Holy Spirit, have better things to discuss??! Ya, cause I'm sure the Almighty Creator gives a rats a** about Tablets and Ipads!
Good grief!!
-
27
2 Elders steal 6 million dollars
by outoftheorg inthe missoulia montana paper of 12/30/02 carried the following news report.. two jehovahs witness elders, dale a. erickson and darryl k willis pleaded no contest to charges of fraud, amounting to 6 million dollar theft from an aged lady, una anderson.. it is the biggest single theft case in the history of montana, according to the prosecutors.
this is quite a long interesting news release.. it can be found at "missoulian.com" http://www.missoulian.com/display/inn_news/news01.txt.
this theft occured over a seven year period.
-
-
Tech49
I just stumbled upon this story.....
I knew Una Anderson. When I was a young lad, my family was in her congregation, we went to her house for Book Study, this had to have been in the mid-70's. I fondly remember the smell when you walked into her house..... that grandmotherly apple orchard something cooking on the stove smell. I remember that I was fascinated by a multicolored broach that she always wore, eventually she gave it to me!
I didnt recognize the names of the elders, had to have been long after I moved away. Just seeing her name reminded me of a kind old sister (she was old back then!), one that I always wanted to be MY gramma!
Good to see that those selfish pigs got what was coming to them for taking advantage of a kind ol' farm girl. Shame on them and their ilk.
Tech49
-
6
So proud to be part of an international "brotherhood"
by ohnightdivine in.... but doesn't even care about the "lowly ones" in the congregation.
i think it's part of human nature to be interested in meeting people from other lands.
in our case, it's the international assemblies.
-
-
Tech49
Careful SFPW, you will turn to the dark side....
(Deep voice) SFPW, I am your father!