There Will Be Trouble Ahead!

[TWINKLE]

Hi everyone, this is my first post. I have had problems with the organization for a number of years [THE DATES, DISFELLOWSHIPPING, CHILD ABUSE, UN} the list goes on!

Two of my very close friends have been disfellowshipped for apostacy, one of them being one of the annointed. Now my parents, my best friend and her family and my husband and i are being watched, well we have been marked. No one will speak to us and my parents were dragged in the back room at the kingdom hall yesterday, were the PO and another elder got really aggressive with them. The whole kingdom hall were watching with great interest and they didnt shut the curtains! A sister has gone to the elders saying that we have been brain washed and need help! I don't feel any anger towards her, i know she is worried for us, but now the situation has got out of control!

I keep praying to Jehovah but i am worried we will be disfellowshipped. I have a little girl who is home schooled and i really worry for her, because if we are disfellowshipped for apostacy {which no of us are} she will be cut off and shes too little to understand!

Feeling very sad and confused!

[shikinah]

Welcome to the board Twinkle,
i can imagine you must be in turmoil. What reason have they to call you apostates? have any of you shown literature to this sister that went to the elders? The two friends which have been disfellowshipped do they still attend and how do they feel?

Sisterly Love
Elizabeth

[Eyes & Ears]

Hi Twinkle,

It is heart breaking to hear of your situation. Many here including myself have gone through some pretty ugly situations. It hurts very much when others look down on us. It can be devastating.

When I went through my ordeal, I was compared to Satan the devil. It was very hurtful.

What helped me after the initial shock of it all and regaining my focus was understanding it is not what others think, but what Jehovah thinks. I know it is devastating to have others gawking when directed to the "GLOOM ROOM" (MY NAME FOR THAT AWFUL BACK ROOM) Many here understand what you are experiencing and feeling right now.

I am sure you will get some very helpful suggestions from others on the board that may bring you a little comfort and help you to cope as you HOLD ON TIGHT TO JEHOVAH while working through this ordeal with Jehovah's help.

We are living in very challenging times inside the organization, as you and your family are experiencing. This causes all of us, for the present, to pause and be extremely cautious and discreet in what we say, how we say it and what we choose to share with others.

Twinkle, my prayers are with you and your family. I also hope you find a measure of refreshment here with all of us.

May Jehovah's spirit help you and your family as you draw closer together during this most difficult time.

Sisterly Love to you and your family

E & E

Mt 10:16

2 Tim 3:1-5

Ps 34:18

Ps 37:28

Ps 55:22

1 Pet 5:7


ISAIAH 41:10

Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not gaze about, for I am your God.
I will fortify you. I will really help you. I will really keep fast hold of you with
my right hand of righteousness.

[TWINKLE]

Welcome to the board Twinkle,
i can imagine you must be in turmoil. What reason have they to call you apostates? have any of you shown literature to this sister that went to the elders? The two friends which have been disfellowshipped do they still attend and how do they feel?

Sisterly Love
Elizabeth[/b]


Hi, thanks for the comments you have sent. The reason we are being accused is that we have been associating with the ones who have been disfellowshipped. It's all very strange! The two that have been disfellowshipped are not going to meetings but their faith is still very strong. They are really ok with being disfellowshipped, they have just said that they will leave everything in Jehovah's hands. They have no anger towards the elders that cast them out.

The sister that went running to the elders is refusing to talk to any of us, just keeps saying that we need dealing with. She is a family member of my best friend. She does'nt seem to realise that she is ripping families apart!

My stomach is churning, i'm in two minds whether to contact our PO and ask whether they want to see me. I just feel like it's the beginning of a nightmare!

[shikinah]

Has your two friends who have been df have children?
I think your main worry is your little one, just be strong and pray to Jehovah. Your not alone and you havnt done anything wrong, your friends being so calm and understanding says it all. The thing is look at it realisticly, you kept speaking to your friends because you knew what they were saying is based on facts and truth. If it was apostate material against Jehovah you wouldnt have entertained it. Im sure your a good judge of character, and your not one to sit there and pretend all is well in so called spiritual paradise. Jehovah knows your heart and how you feel, this may be your test, but be strong you have your family and friends, you should all get together and pray about it. I think if you go to the po, he may think your guilty over something and then decide to delve deeper.
Keep strong theres many on here who are in or have been in your shoes.

Sisterly Love

Elizabeth

[panda]

hi Twinkle, I really feel for you, its a hard one isn't it especially when you have your child to consider, they don't seem to worry about any of that, they are in damage mode, and they fear you more than you fear them. Associating with disfellowshipped ones (especially for apostasy) in there eyes is like associating with Satan himself, they worry that you are being (as sister righteous said) brainwashed, (I would say being enlightened) by these demonic nuisances.

You know thinking about what you said going to the PO may make him think you are worrying to much because you are guilty of something they suspect anyway. But may not be a bad idea if you are very direct and make a point of speaking your concerns for your child. Maybe say that you didn't personally see anything wrong with the occasional associated with the disfellowshipped ones as nothing was being said to you that affected how you felt about Jehovah and the b/s and that you want to continue to be part of the Christian congregation.

How would people know what they have been disfellowshipped for, they don't' announce it, unless they had been talking about their views to other b/s. One thing one must understand that you can be disfellowshipped for causing divisions, this is the most likely reason that they would fear.

I would be firm and stand up for your self in a tactful respectable way, let them know that this is serious to YOU and any other b/s that gives you a hard time, I would tactfully say the same.

[Tsaphah]

Welcome on board, Twinkle.

You will find plenty of support and comfort from those on this board. Many of them have “been there, done that”. So you can count on them.

After reading your post, I couldn’t help but think of the song, “Lean On Me” written and performed by Bill Withers. I thought I’d share it with you.

Sometimes in out lives
we all have pain
we all have sorrow
but if we are wise we know that there’s
always tomorrow

lean on me
when you’re not strong
and I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
for it won’t be long till I’m gonna need
somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride
if I have things
you need to borrow
for no one can fill those of your needs
that you don’t let show

lean on me
when you’re not strong and I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
for it won’t be long
till I’m gonna need
somebody to lean on

Just call on me brother when you need a hand
we all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you’d understand
we all need somebody to lean on

lean on me when you’re not
strong and I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
for it won’t be long
till I’m gonna need
somebody to lean on

lean on me ..

But most of all, lean on Jehovah and his loving Son, Christ Jesus.

Agape,
Tsaphah

[shikinah]

Tsaphah that song was posted yesterday here is bill withers version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrqreZJdhRY

Sisterly Love
Elizabeth

[Jahsdisciple]

Hi Twinkle,
This is the last thing you need considering some people who are close to you have been DFed.

If you are worried about what might happen,I would keep records of what happens. If the worst happens,then you can appeal the decision. Not many are told this ! So,this means elders from another congo come in and you can lay down the facts.

A bit rough on your parents with the curtains not being closed and everyone watching. I wouldnt let that happen to you if this happens. Remind them this puts you in a bad light. they were obviously trying to send a message of some kind.

If they get aggresive,remind them you are innocent of anything. Be tactful,but stand your ground. Remind them they have no right to imply anything wrong to you.

Its difficult for you as your family is involved and when this happened to your parents,this must have hurt terribly. Things will settle down. Being DFed for apostacy is far worse than say immorality..and one of the annointed being involved will make this esp touchy for a while.

If something happens because of the sister you refer to,then i would be point blank and say "what does this persons report have to do with anything,you need 2 witnesses to anything to make a claim and she is a busybody"

When you are in the middle of it,you are taking in all the stress,but give it time ! Be carefull,but stand your ground AND be VERY carefull about who knows if you are contacting the DFed ones...this is asking for trouble. Phone calls or other VERY discrete methods needed !

[TWINKLE]

Hi, thanks to everyone who has replyed. It's really nice to know that others understand what's happening!

The ones that have been disfellowshipped have no children thank goodness, so that's one good thing.

What has upset me is how the elders and the members of Bethel have been lying.
I suppose i can't say i'm surprised, although i do keep trying to find some good in them. Just have to leave everything in Jehovah's hands.

We have our local needs soon so i wonder what that could possibly be about! lol
And we have our CO coming in a couple of weeks, expecting it to really hit the fan.

My husband has said he's not going anymore, he's sick of the hypocrisy and he's been treated terribly over the years, so i understand. As long as he accepts Christ and keeps praying to Jehovah, he will be ok.

Going to baton down the hatches and read my Bible now.

sisterly love

[shikinah]

Bless you sister, i feel for your family,
my goodness whats going on. A bikini clad six month pregnant woman can protest using plackards with scriptures quoting Jehovahs name and wearing a witches hat and nothings done. Yet abiding sisters who's hearts are shattered by the realities of the watchtower are treated as lepers. Its good that you and your husband have each other for strength, with your bible and Jehovah you will find strength.

Sisterly Love
Elizabeth

[gertie]

Bless you sister, i feel for your family,
my goodness whats going on. A bikini clad six month pregnant woman can protest using plackards with scriptures quoting Jehovahs name and wearing a witches hat and nothings done. Yet abiding sisters who's hearts are shattered by the realities of the watchtower are treated as lepers. Its good that you and your husband have each other for strength, with your bible and Jehovah you will find strength.

Sisterly Love
Elizabeth[/b]

[gertie]

Hi everyone, this is my first post. I have had problems with the organization for a number of years [THE DATES, DISFELLOWSHIPPING, CHILD ABUSE, UN} the list goes on!

Two of my very close friends have been disfellowshipped for apostacy, one of them being one of the annointed. Now my parents, my best friend and her family and my husband and i are being watched, well we have been marked. No one will speak to us and my parents were dragged in the back room at the kingdom hall yesterday, were the PO and another elder got really aggressive with them. The whole kingdom hall were watching with great interest and they didnt shut the curtains! A sister has gone to the elders saying that we have been brain washed and need help! I don't feel any anger towards her, i know she is worried for us, but now the situation has got out of control!

I keep praying to Jehovah but i am worried we will be disfellowshipped. I have a little girl who is home schooled and i really worry for her, because if we are disfellowshipped for apostacy {which no of us are} she will be cut off and shes too little to understand!

Feeling very sad and confused![/b]

[FGM]

Hi Twinkle

I was interested in your comment that

"the PO and another elder got really aggressive with them"

It shows how much the love that Jesus showed that we should have is definitely missing from the lives of many especially those who are taking the lead. Please try to keep calm and show them how they should act!
Mainly, pray hard to Jehovah. He knows what is going on and if injustice is being done he will
give you holy spirit to cope with the situation.

It is the most powerful force in the universe and we can pray for it.

All the best
FGM

[panda]

Bless you sister, i feel for your family,
my goodness whats going on. A bikini clad six month pregnant woman can protest using plackards with scriptures quoting Jehovahs name and wearing a witches hat and nothings done. Yet abiding sisters who's hearts are shattered by the realities of the watchtower are treated as lepers. Its good that you and your husband have each other for strength, with your bible and Jehovah you will find strength.

Sisterly Love
Elizabeth[/b]hi Elizabeth, the bikini clad sister is obviously mental, they really avoid getting involved in mental issues, as most of these b/s see psychiatrist,( just for medication) and they are wary of what they may say to them. They also strongly emphasis for any b/s not to see a psychologist, and I know personally some married couples that do see them for help with their marriage, if the elders knew they would be spoken to.

But I can see how frustrating all this unfairness is to certain ones, others get away with heaps because of their position in the congregation. It is those crying and groaning about whats happening in their midst are the ones that are being persecuted within.

[shikinah]

<div class='quotemain'>Bless you sister, i feel for your family,
my goodness whats going on. A bikini clad six month pregnant woman can protest using plackards with scriptures quoting Jehovahs name and wearing a witches hat and nothings done. Yet abiding sisters who&#39;s hearts are shattered by the realities of the watchtower are treated as lepers. Its good that you and your husband have each other for strength, with your bible and Jehovah you will find strength.

Sisterly Love
Elizabeth[/b]hi Elizabeth, the bikini clad sister is obviously mental, they really avoid getting involved in mental issues, as most of these b/s see psychiatrist,( just for medication) and they are wary of what they may say to them. They also strongly emphasis for any b/s not to see a psychologist, and I know personally some married couples that do see them for help with their marriage, if the elders knew they would be spoken to.

But I can see how frustrating all this unfairness is to certain ones, others get away with heaps because of their position in the congregation. It is those crying and groaning about whats happening in their midst are the ones that are being persecuted within.
[/b][/quote]

yes you could be right, afraid they may send them to the edge and may run to the papers, but there doing that anyway these days. But as we get nearer the end i think where going to see a lot of people starting to speak there minds despite the consequences.

[panda]

<div class='quotemain'><div class='quotemain'>Bless you sister, i feel for your family,
my goodness whats going on. A bikini clad six month pregnant woman can protest using plackards with scriptures quoting Jehovahs name and wearing a witches hat and nothings done. Yet abiding sisters who&#39;s hearts are shattered by the realities of the watchtower are treated as lepers. Its good that you and your husband have each other for strength, with your bible and Jehovah you will find strength.

Sisterly Love
Elizabeth[/b]hi Elizabeth, the bikini clad sister is obviously mental, they really avoid getting involved in mental issues, as most of these b/s see psychiatrist,( just for medication) and they are wary of what they may say to them. They also strongly emphasis for any b/s not to see a psychologist, and I know personally some married couples that do see them for help with their marriage, if the elders knew they would be spoken to.

But I can see how frustrating all this unfairness is to certain ones, others get away with heaps because of their position in the congregation. It is those crying and groaning about whats happening in their midst are the ones that are being persecuted within.
[/b][/quote]

yes you could be right, afraid they may send them to the edge and may run to the papers, but there doing that anyway these days. But as we get nearer the end i think where going to see a lot of people starting to speak there minds despite the consequences.
[/b][/quote]I agree and I&#39;m starting to feel that way, I think it would only take another pedophilia cover up and I&#39;d let loose, we have one in our congregation, came from another one last year, sits up the back on his own, and goes out witnessing with another brother, he had a talk last month, front school third talk. There have been a few in my congregation over the last twenty or so years, but I never really understood or knew what was going on, till much later.

I would love to had out one of Roberts essays especially the ones on the NGO and pedophilia crimes.

[Utuna]

------------------------------------------------------------------
"Le sectarisme des jugements pauvres lui tenait quelquefois lieu de volonté" - Hervé Bazin
"J&#39;ai pétri de la boue et j&#39;en ai fait de l&#39;or" - Charles Baudelaire
"S&#39;il m&#39;a été donné de voir un peu plus loin que les autres, c&#39;est que je me tenais sur les épaules de géants" - Isaac Newton

[Jahsdisciple]

------------------------------------------------------------------
"Le sectarisme des jugements pauvres lui tenait quelquefois lieu de volonté" - Hervé Bazin
"J&#39;ai pétri de la boue et j&#39;en ai fait de l&#39;or" - Charles Baudelaire
"S&#39;il m&#39;a été donné de voir un peu plus loin que les autres, c&#39;est que je me tenais sur les épaules de géants" - Isaac Newton
[/b]

Utuna
I dont have any verses to quote,but when a person is DFed,its because(in most cases) they are unrepentant sinners. this means they are not sorry and continue in their ways dispite knowing their actions are wrong..

So if they are like this,then we are associating with someone who knows Jah standards and then deliberately goes against them. of course,not all dfed should be. JD

[Utuna]

<div class='quotemain'><div class='quotemain'>------------------------------------------------------------------
"Le sectarisme des jugements pauvres lui tenait quelquefois lieu de volonté" - Hervé Bazin
"J&#39;ai pétri de la boue et j&#39;en ai fait de l&#39;or" - Charles Baudelaire
"S&#39;il m&#39;a été donné de voir un peu plus loin que les autres, c&#39;est que je me tenais sur les épaules de géants" - Isaac Newton

[Tsaphah]

According to the WTB&TS and GB, these are some of the scriptural reasons for disfellowshipping.

Jude 3-4; 2 Pet 2:2; 1 Cor 5:5-6; Josh 7:1-26; 2 Cor 7:11; Rom 16:17-18; Titus 3:10-11; 1 John 2:1, 3:4, 6; Deut 13:12-14

These are just a few of those quoted by the above organizational arrangement, although they may also throw in a few of their own personal ideas and reasonings. Of course there is also the “Word of the Idol” (AKA) WTB&TS and FSC, which takes the place of Jesus and Jehovah.

Agape,
Tsaphah