December 2002 Guestbook

December 21, 2002

Comment: This is a test to see if the guest book is working. . . but I also wanted to welcome all new comers and hope you find healing here. Love to all, Jesika Thoman, Dallas,TX
December 21, 2002

Comment: Hi everyone i hope, lots of new thinks will happens in the new year, for the Silentlambs case. Happy new year from Denmark.
December 22, 2002

Comment: I will be spending Xmas alone. . . so if anyone has a hard time on Xmas, I will be checking the posts here and responding. I don't want anyone to get too lonely, not a good thing. I am on west coast time and may help out at the senior center if they are serving dinner - other than that I will be here if you need some company. Love, Claudine
December 22, 2002

Comment: Where's the Video/Media Link?
December 22, 2002

Comment: I was going to be baptize this summer. I too suffered at the hands of men. Not JWs but was raped at the of five. I don't think I'll be studying anymore. Thank you. Joy.
December 23, 2002

Comment: Hello, I appreciate all the work that Silent Lambs has done to expose the WT and help all those who have suffered abuse. For those interested I have a Christian apologetics ministry called Prove All Things. It is at: http://proveallthings. 8m. com It offers answers and information concerning Jesus Christ and the Christian faith. Those who are studying with JWs, or thinking of studying with them can call us anytime (all calls confidential). (937)832 - 3971
December 23, 2002

Comment: Thank you for your hard work and dedication! Thank you for using our voices to speak out, and being our eyes and ears. Christy
December 23, 2002

Comment: I was sexually abused by my father and brother who were JW's I contacted my fathers congregation about his sins. I did not include a return address as I knew just how horrible his denial would be and how I would be treated by the JW's
December 23, 2002

Comment: Hello and welcome to all the new posters here. Your comments are very important, and no longer being silent is very powerful in healing. Welcome to Silentlambs. You are amongst friends here, and those who have experienced much the same.
December 24, 2002

Comment: Haven't been around lately, so I'm shocked to see RJ still hanging around and causing trouble! /SLC
December 25, 2002

Comment: some one please look up the New York daily news 12 - 24 - 02 about the brooklyn school teacher. who would not let her students hang up holiday drawings. . . seems she got axed>>> hope she looses her job. . i thought the WT teaches respect for other peoples beliefs. . . funny how the facts come out how the WT truly teaches no tolerance of others. . i see a civil rights case here!!!! happy it was in the newspapers, radio, and TV. here in New York . . . so millions now living today "TM" got to see how JWs really are mental terrorists. . . I'll be waiting with glee for the court case on this one. . . hi RJ, happy to see you are still searching for the "truth". . . John
December 26, 2002

Comment: very interesting site. i am a former JW and have always had issues with "policy". this particular one (not reporting abuse) demonstrates how devalued women and children are in the organization. people should be informed of this in order to make intelligent decisions. thanks.
December 26, 2002

Comment: TO FORMER JW: also, shows the lack of love that is applied to the law. In other words, law without love. Exactly, the reason Jesus said there was no law against love. Two witnesses applied without love has resulted in pedophiles having the "advantage" of the law and the victims not being loved. Good that you are gone from these people. Love, Claudine
December 26, 2002

Comment: It seems like there should be more emphasis in religions that pedophilia is a sickness - - it is an illness, for which there is no cure. It is so important that this is taken into consideration when dealing with pedophiles. If people have a compulsion for a certain behavior, they can't just say they are sorry, that they are repentant, that it will never happen again, because it is an incurable illness. Also, perpetrators blame the children for being molested. ??? A counselor told me that a child can be totally naked in front of a man, and there is no excuse for touching that child. I mean, we are talking about CHILDREN here. A child is never responsible for his or her being molested. Never. This is all just so frustrating. I admire all of you who continue to fight this issue legally, taking it to courts and so on. The more power to you. You have so much courage and determination. Hang in there! If there are other issues besides pedophilia that people would like to address in the Jehovah's Witness religion, where is a really good place to go? I have no desire to be inflammatory, to start any debates or conflicts. It's just that there are some things that I saw one way when I became a Witness, but, now, as a former Witness, I see these things so differently in retrospect. I need to bounce some things off people and get some feedback. I would appreciate other people's input very much. Karen
December 26, 2002

Comment: Karen: I don't think your questions or comments would be inflammatory. Try us here first. When I first came here I thought I was alone in my thinking and Silentlambs cured me of this. We all see and thought we were alone, sinful, disloyal, felt guilty about what we saw or that we were flawed in our thinking. Tell us why you left. I would like to share also that I do not hate JW's. . . I believe they are deceived, just as I was at one time and I am commanded to love everyone by showing the love of Christ that He shows me. But first I had to be angry and work that out. But there is nothing wrong with discussing or commenting about what is wrong with the WTS. It isn't even wrong to be angry and express it here. This is the place to not be a silentlamb anymore. There is nothing you can say, that has not be said here, or that the rest of us hasn't thought or felt I assure you! Love, Claudine
December 26, 2002

Comment: Thank you, Claudine. You asked me why I left. I don't think that when I left there was really any specific CONCRETE reason for leaving. It was based on uncomfortable, unhappy feelings I was experiencing as a Jehovah's Witness. Also, at the time I was a pretty mixed up person. I didn't know at the time that I had an anxiety disorder, which is something I've had all my life. It's just that it's only in recent years that this disorder has been recognized (I was diagnosed about ten or eleven years ago). So, I had a mental disorder and didn't know it. I knew something was wrong, but I didn't know what it was. Maybe part of the problem was inside myself. I just stopped being happy as a Witness. I didn't like being in the Kingdom Hall. Out of fairness, I think it is important that I acknowledge that at least part of the problem was in my having a mental illness. Not all of it. I remember how certain things struck me as not right when I was a Witness. Certain comments or attitudes. Another thing is looking back now I feel irritated about the pre - baptism questioning. In the Bible if someone wanted to be baptized, that person simply stated that. There weren't a series of questions asked of that person to make sure they were 'ready' for baptism. It was a heart thing, a spiritual thing, not a matter of having the right answers for a bunch of questions. Also, if it is true that the Watchtower and Bible Tract Society makes 900 and something million dollars a year profit, it seems fishy that all these people are taking a vow of poverty when they go to work at Bethel. Someone told me that in the Catholic Church that's how it is when people enter convents or monasteries. Well, if the 'governing body' is doing so well financially, while all the workers have so little, it makes me think of a queen bee, who gets fatter and fatter, while all the worker bees just work like crazy - - fattening her up. It almost strikes me as a racket. Does that sound slanderous? Because I can't help wondering what is going on behind the scenes; I can't help the impression I get based on what I have heard about the 'Society'. The information I have learned is limited, but I still can't help wondering about things. There are other issues, too, but I guess I'll stop here for now. Thanks again, Claudine, for your response. Take care, all. Karen
December 26, 2002

Comment: Someone said that pedophilia is an incurable sickness. I appreciate the comments of this person, but I have to respectfully disagree on that particular point. I would say that a person who molests children IS indeed "sick", but saying that this kind of activity is incurable is almost like saying that the pedophile is not to blame (but the disease). It sounds similar to someone who says that Alcoholism is a disease. No one is born a pedophile. No one is born an alcoholic. There are many complicated factors which can contribute to deviant behavior. The same is true concerning why someone would become a member of the WTBTS and remain trapped in that organization for 50 years or more. Pedophilia is wrong, it is sinful and there is hope and recovery from this morally repugnant lifestyle. Another example which is often voiced is that people are born homosexual. This is not the case. There are many who were once homosexual, who have been set free from their sin by Jesus Christ. It is not an easy process, but people have found forgiveness and freedom from such, and I am sure the same is possible for pedophiles. If it was just seen as an incurable disease, then I would see this as devaluing the victims of abuse. I certainly do not mean to be disrespectful, but I felt that I should offer my two cents. David Race P. O. Box 340773 Beavercreek, Ohio 45434 - 0773 (937)832 - 3971 chalkman15@cs. com http://proveallthings. 8m. com
December 27, 2002

Comment: Hi Karen: I have post - traumatic Stress - the biggie of all anxiety disorders. I didn't know what was wrong with me either until I was 50 years old!!! I "left" the JW's because I didn't feel "safe" there, that was Oct 2001. Then after I left, I found out why I didn't feel safe there. Not because of the anxiety, but because lies, deception, mistrust causes me to be unsafe. . . which is not tolerable for a person who has Post Trauma Stress. Praise God!!! People with anxiety disorder can detect lies and deception, unsafe environments more keenly then the average person. This is a blessing I have come to appreciate and value. Have you read Crisis of Conscience? And have you heard of patiencepress. com? Patience has a web site that I think is excellent. Thanks for sharing a bit of your story, you are not alone!! Love, Claudine
December 27, 2002

Comment: HI KAREN!!!!!!! I noticed you wanted a place to discuss things about the JW's. A great place to do that is at - - - http://www. jehovahs - witness. com/forum/default. asp?site=3 I am a member there and have made many friends. Most are ex - JWs but some are still JW's and we discuss EVERYTHING!!!!!!!! Nice to see everyone again. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jesika Thoman
December 27, 2002

Comment: So now that 'a generation' does not mean 70 or 80 years, how will this affect the 1914 teaching? Every year that passes makes 1914 seem less important than the year before without a finishing line. Just remember folks that without a vision the people perish. The Watchtowers 1914 vision is becoming less and less important.
December 27, 2002

Comment: I am a Christian and have been horrified by what I have read on your web - site. My daughter has recently been drawn into being a Jehovah Witness. Please can you tell you what I can do to change her mind about these evil people. Your comments would be very much appreciated.
December 28, 2002

Comment: the WT is still pushing the generation idea. . . now they are saying the end will come in the life time of the last of the so called anointed left alive. . there was a WT i think 8 2001 were the WT was saying in the generation of the anointed from 1935 till death would be the end. . they went into all the old talk about 70 years etc. . a hard look at this mag will bring you to 2005 for 70 yrs or 2015 for 80 yrs. . they are still printing that millions living today will never die. . . WT 1 - 1 - 97 p 11 etc. so if a child was born today and lived , till 100 years old . . the world would end in his life time. . . . just read new WT's and if you know what to look for , you will find all kinds of crapola. . . freedom in Christ. . . . John
December 28, 2002

Comment: To I am a Christian whose daughter is involved with the Witnesses: Prayer will help. Pray hard. If you can get her to read a book on Cults. . . I forget the name of the book, so someone else here might remember. There is a book called Crisis of Conscience - it is a Must Read. Also, JWinfoline. com and Tower to truth are both web sites of XJWs who are Christians, do not hate Jehovah's Witness and have a very loving ministry. There are tapes you can listen to and get helpful information. Maybe you can print some of the stories from Silentlambs for her to read. OPPOSITION is one of the first things that she will be taught to expect. Show her the love of Christ, don't argue with her. Let her know you will "respect" her decision but that you need her to be informed first. She is already being taught that everything other than the Watchtower Society and their publication is from Satan's world. Never underestimate that power of the Holy Spirit in helping you in reaching your daughter. The JW's don't have that powerful force from God. God Bless, Claudine
December 28, 2002

Comment: Hallo everybody out there! I hope 2003 will bring healing for all those who need it,and everything good for all of us. Hoe great to see another person from Denmark,I thought I was the only one!
December 28, 2002

Comment: ********the mole*** i just got familiar with the last site and now its changed again. . . i was hoping to update everyone here. . i have visited the other sites and most i have found are focused on slander. i wish to present the facts about my religion and why many are dropping our as inactive. the growth numbers presented are not accurate in any way. for every 5 they recruit there are three leaving. but they don't tell how many actually are inactive and gave up there faith in the organization and began to worship god instead. they want us to worship the organization and not Jehovah, making us believe they have the word of god whereas reality proves they have lied to us. . . . ****mole*****
December 28, 2002

Comment: Thanks for getting rid of the new format and going back to the guest book. I said earlier that it would kill the discussion and it did(in my opinion). Thanks again
December 28, 2002

Comment: HI MOLE: You've got that right!!!! Regarding the worship of WTS vs God! You sound good! Love, Claudine
December 28, 2002

Comment: JOHN FROM THE BRONX: Can you imagine how depressed the older JWs are who have been thru how many "certain dates" the end will come? I have heard many JW's put down the ones who sold their homes in 1974 to do more work in the door to door before the end was certain to come in Oct 1975. . . not exactly loving is it? *************My heart goes out to the JWs who believed all of this and acted upon it with faithfulness only to be sneered at when 1975 came and went. Love, Claudine
December 28, 2002

Comment: It is more homey here without all the forums and hoopla. Kind of straight forward and simple like us. Love you guys! December 28, 2002" - - - - - - - and also TO: "Comment: It is more homey here without all the forums and hoopla. Kind of straight forward and simple like us. Love you guys!" December 28, 2002 - - - - - - - - - - - - REPLY: SO MUCH FOR GRATEFULNESS! I remember when you guys COMPLAINED INCESSANTLY ALL OVER THE PLACE because (1) the Guestbook was too slow; (2) the posts were too long; (3) the guys were debating back and forth constantly; (4) the long info - emails of SL - news and/or news reports were too long and everyone was too lazy to "scroll" thru them so everyone GRIPED BIG TIME about that; Etc. Etc. That's what the forums are for (debates, all the long info - news, variety of subjects, get to meet more people). A Guestbook is and always ways SUPPOSED to be a GUEST - book. Just because no one would take the EFFORT to ask questions about how to work the forum (i. e. , make use of the TECH SUPPORT), and/or write the webby directly for help, etc. , who is to blame for that? YOURSELVES. Oh well. Each to his own. But the only people who "killed" the discussions is the SL.org & members themselves. New Territory is always hard to adjust to, I guess. What a shame. So much hard work, So Little Appreciation. And all due to people not willing to go forward, learn something NEW, and unfounded suspicions and paranoia. It's way tooo sad. - - XJW links are NOT supposed to be posted anywhere on SL, BTW, but since Jesika did it, I will too: New Forums for Lambs Only: http://www. lambsroar. com/board/viewactive. php - - - and/or - - - http://www. lambsroar. com/ - - - and - - - http://pub76. ezboard. com/blambsmarch - - - - - - - - - - - Sign me: You Know Who I Am! (and it's not who you may THINK I am!)
December 28, 2002

Comment: Hi. Thanks for this website. I read that some of the previous postings were destroyed by someone for the Watchtower Society and am not surprised. The organization is in a definite Armageddon frame of mind because of the post 911 talk of war in Iraq and their child molestation shame. Keep up the good work. I bet some people wanted to start Silentlambs chapters but the Watchtowerite sabotaged those too. Keep after them, Bill and Friends.
December 29, 2002

Comment: HI Soapbox, mole, Jesika,etc. I'm happy the old guest book is back. . and lambs roar is not bad either. . . but this is better because it's easy for all and , the rapid help abused ones can get on one guest book . . . the girls are very informative and the guys make the trolls but their foot into their mouths. . . I'll be the first to say we should not overly respond to the trolls and let them condemn themselves with their own words . . . happy to see all are well. . . thanks Bill now lets get back to work at hand. . . John
December 29, 2002

Comment: TO WHO WE DON'T THINK WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE: Long news articles should be posted in the Press Section. Maybe the problem was too many were using this like it was a forum and not a Guestbook. Most people who post here are not "forum groupies" and are only interested in one topic: sexually abused. Most who come here are looking for help and answers, not a lot of discussion. I had no idea that one had to get a whole new format to remove the crude and the rude. I had no idea that one needed a "forum" to protect the sexually abused from further abuse. If people are happy with silentlambs this way what is it to you? Lambsroar to dedicated to the "forum groupie" not the sexually abused. So you think the sexually abused now should be shamed because they are not computer savvy and prefer a Guestbook? And you believe they should be grateful to you? What is the matter with you? Why is it lots of XJWs are so bossy, want to shame people, and thinks they are owed a "special" place and everything has to be their way? You shame yourself by coming here,laying a guilt trip on the sexually abused who happen to like Silentlambs. . . that isn't very "cheery. " There is a difference between the plain sexually abused and a forum groupie. You need to get a life outside of cyber space. Bad energy is what you just shared here and not very inviting. Let it go.
December 29, 2002

Comment: One more post. Someone said the Watchtower Society "was growing" and that is untrue because the statistic is a lie. What is true is they are below the 0 growth mark overall worldwide but the Sunday after the 9 - 11 terrorist attack a lot of inactive JWs came (most not back since) and the Watchtower Society therefore got to count that month as a peak and claimed it for the overall worldwide statistic. Even though growth is good in Brazil and pretty good in Mexico, the true statistic would be more like - . 5 to - 1% for the year worldwide. Right now elders are told to go back to inactive JWs including if they have been non - attending for up to 30 years. This is a desperate effort to boost up the statistics for the next year. Brooklyn also hopes that when war breaks out some of the inactives will pour into the halls then too. But true growth simply isn't there. The policies hiding pedophilia and sending convicted pedophiles back out preaching at doors all over the communities, the secret 10 year formal membership in the U. N. as a Non - Government Organization, and the like have severely demoralized elders and rank - and - file. I believe when the Circuit Overseers do their next pass through the circuits there will be some heads to roll, that more harshness and a down spiraling will continue. Brooklyn could even falsify the stats.
December 29, 2002

Comment: Mole: I want to share with you something that has changed me dramatically. When I was going to the Kingdom Hall I was always downhearted and joy eluded me. For one year since I left I have struggled with asking Jesus into my heart. When I fin anally got down on my knees and asked the downheartedness left and the joy slowly, but surely came into my life. I was so afraid to ask for Jesus to come into my life that it took one year to do it!! Other people notice the difference in me and I do too. I am never alone now. I can go anywhere and I have the love of Christ. There is a scripture and a chapter in the bible that says to ask Jesus into our hearts. . . JOHN FROM THE BRONX WHAT IS THE SCRIPTURE???? Anyway, Mole you are loved very much. Oh, also, once I asked for Jesus to come into my heart, the scriptures opened up in the most incredible way. Try it when you are ready. There is something so wrong with the WTS that they made us afraid of asking Jesus into our hearts and lives. You will be spiritually fed beyond what you could possibly imagine and have a personal relationship with God. . . and will scratch your head. . and say why was I afraid of this? Love, Claudine
December 29, 2002

Comment: hi Soapbox; i think mole has his mind on straight. . . i will give you a few verses about putting Christ into your heart. . Eph. 3:14 - 21 gal chapter 4 - 5. etc, etc etc, as i looked this up in my study bible i realized i need a stronger pair of glasses or the lord to correct my eye sight. . . LOL but there was 2 full pages of verse references to letting the lord into your heart. . . some thing the WT does not teach in the right terms. ask to MOLE as I'm sure he he knows the bible better than I. . one thing i can say for sure. . . there is nothing the WT or any other church can give me , that's eternal life. it only comes from the lord and no one else. . . freedom in Christ. . . John Help me to understand all these charges you make of me of complaining? The only comment I made was the night that it announced the new forum. And I said it would kill it. And it did. Period. I did not post on the new forum. Anyway with the reception you gave me, this will be my last comment on any Silent Lambs forum or guest book.
December 30, 2002

Comment: I think it is so important to be kind to one another on the Guest Book. When people start second guessing other people and speaking for them, it only leads to friction and hostility. None of us are mind readers. We can't speak for where other people are coming from. We can't say what they are thinking or feeling. It seems so important that people speak only for their own thoughts and feelings. It seems so important to give one another the benefit of a doubt. This should be a site of patience and compassion, not a place for derision or meanness. Mockery and unkindness can only destroy this site, make it crumble to its foundation. Silentlambs has a good foundation, one that has been and can be very, very beneficial if the guest book is not abused. Abusiveness of any kind is not constructive, and abusiveness of one another through the guest book can only erode the wonderful haven silentlambs has become to so many people. Instead of all the negative criticism there should be compassion and an effort to understand and support one another. Please, let's not turn this into a hate mongering place, to which people will stop turning if people start bringing it down. This is a good thing here, and we should be supporting and respecting those who took the time and made the effort to establish silentlambs in the first place. They are working hard and have put themselves on the line to help others. Please, don't let this turn into a boxing ring for hostility. We're all in this together. Take care, be good to yourselves and each other. Okay? I didn't know we were boxing, just thought it was a civil discussion. Adult - like even. These things need to be addressed, and I think this person should elaborate on these accusations. If they're true, then we need to know. If they're not, then we can surely go on. I for one and very curious as to how Bill has re - victimized the abuse victims. It's important for me to know. I am an abuse victim, and as I hope it's untrue, I surely have the right to know.

December 30, 2002

Comment:

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I am not on a mailing list, what happened?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

" At this point I had no one to run the forums but for a temporary time frame according to the impression I was given and I also was going to have to find a new webmaster. I also began thinking about what the forms had accomplished in the six weeks of operation and after review discovered that little was being accomplished in a positive direction. I reviewed this information with key persons I had worked with since day one in silentlambs. Everyone had the same consensus, the forums needed to go. So on Friday 13 I emailed Matt and informed him of the decision and after that put up the announcement on the silentlambs forum. I gave everyone till Sunday at midnight to copy anything they might wish to keep from what was on the forum. Shortly thereafter I received an email from Matt stating he was not going to allow me to terminate the forum. My email response was the silentlambs forum was going to be terminated that was a final decision. Once again I was told that was not going to happen, in effect the silentlambs forum was being hijacked. It was at this point I was forced to make the concession that if Matt wanted to continue there had to be a non connection to “silentlambs”. If he wanted to set up his own forum there was not much I could do about that. "

if this is true isn't matt in the wrong not bill?

December 30, 2002

Comment: If people like it here,and if something has been accomplished for the sexually abused here and thru Bill's commitment and hard work this is a Good Thing. If others what to go somewhere else and they get better support and someone else is more committed than Bill(which I doubt) then let them go there. Bill is not a liar. That I know. Let's show a little class and let it drop.
December 30, 2002

Comment: To David Race, thank you for your comments on pedophilia not being an incurable illness. You were the second person to tell me that recently. Now I am confused. I have been told that it is incurable and then to be told that it is treatable (if the person wants help), that it is curable really has me stumped. I would like to know more about pedophilia and what are the chances of recovery, what is the success rate for recovery, and so on. However, whether it is curable or not, treatable or not, it does not diminish the victimization of people molested by pedophiles at all. It is a serious crime that has very deep, long term effects on the victims, and I think the pedophiles should be put into mental hospitals where their illness can be treated and dealt with by the appropriate people, professionals trained to know how to help them and at the same time protect others from being victimized. Thanks again for your input. I appreciate the feedback. Karen
December 30, 2002

Comment:
you know what?

I'm against no - one here, not Bill, not anyone. I'm just trying to find answers that's all. I don't think we need to just drop anything and i don't think that's the only way to show class. i spent many years as a Jehovah, and over those years things came up that made me question my faith. back then i let things drop, i tried to stop worrying about these things. where did it get me? nowhere that's where. i will no longer allow things to just be dropped to appease anyone. if bill is doing wrong things then we need to know. this is not the kingdom hall and bill is not an elder anymore, so i don't have to drop this. I'm confused about this issue and i want answers, and i don't need anyone telling me when I've had my fill, not you or anyone else. if your that interested i will let you know when I'm satisfied.

thank you.
BR>
December 30, 2002

Comment:
wow
what happened to the site today, it's been down all day.

December 31, 2002

Comment: Where I live we were without power for 24 hours. . . maybe the site was down for the same reason. Regarding letting it drop. Bill stated in his email what happened. I believe him. If you are a victim and are really concerned it would be better to contact Bill direct and ask him what happened. His email was very direct as to what happened. We should not be discussing Bill or anyone else here. No Bill is not an elder, he is a man who sacrificed his position as an elder to take a stand for what was wrong. Bill has earned my respect. Call Bill and then call Matt and get the truth. It is pointless to speculate/ talk/discuss/gossip. If what Bill has accomplished doesn't say enough about who he is, then nothing will. What is it exactly that has you shaken? Silentlambs.org is here, was down for 3 days and that was explained in the email to all of us. If you don't trust Bill to tell the truth about what happened, there is no one you can trust to tell you the truth. I suggest you contact Bill for what you need rather than speculate especially if you are an abuse victim. Since Bill is not an Elder, you can freely approach him without the fear of being "disfellowshipped. " THIS SITE IS NOT ABOUT "HOW TO RUN A FORUM" BUT IS ABOUT THE SEXUALLY ABUSED GETTING JUSTICE, SUPPORT,INFORMATION, AND BEING HEARD ABOUT THEIR SEXUAL ABUSE. Bill has an 800# just for this purpose.
December 31, 2002

Comment: Karen: I saw a program about a hospital in California for the criminally insane. They have been taking the sexual offenders after they serve their sentences in regular prisons because they don't know what else to do with them. They get 90 days of treatment. The facility does not considered them "sick" and they try to change their behavior responses with therapy, teaching them empathy and giving them medication. We have a society that treats our lack of moral judgment as illness once it crosses over the line into harming others. We have become the land of no right or wrong. So they call "wrong" an illness. If we do something wrong, we can claim illness instead of responsibility. I think also that some pedophile/sex offenders have other mental problems that are illnesses and it all gets lumped together. I know I don't have the stomach to deal with sex offenders or trying to understand them. I have had to cut off some of my family over this issue. My loyalty, love,understanding and support goes to the victims - that is all the energy I have. My guess: if our laws gave life sentences to sex offenders, we would find that a lot of them would cure/stop themselves!!!! Love, Claudine
December 31, 2002

Comment: Still here for you Bill. What's this I hear about a Lamb March for 2003
December 31, 2002

Comment: From: "silentlambs" Date: Tue, 31 Dec 2002 23:09:03 - 0600 To: Subject: Las Vegas Press Conference - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If you can participate in a Press Conference in Las Vegas on January 9, 2003 please contact me ASAP. We would like to have abuse survivors present as part of the interview. If you do not want to talk that is fine but your support would be appreciated. Regards, bill
December 31, 2002

Comment: KIM, the attorney, is looking for RESEARCHERS. . . if you can help, please contact her directly: - - - - - - - - - - - - Kimberlee Norris at kdnorris@airmail. net wrote on 12/30/02 4:15 PM I need some help on a nationwide newspaper research project, looking for perps from JW congregations. Know anyone with expertise in this realm? kdn
December 31, 2002

Comment: From: "silentlambs" info@silentlambs.org Date: Wed, 1 Jan 2003 08:18:28 - 0600 Subject: Press Release - Distribute Freely - - - - - - - - - - - - - PRESS RELEASE - - - - - Tuesday, January 1, 2003 - - - - - Contact: William H. Bowen: KY 270 - 527 - 5350, cell 270 - 559 - 7791 silentlambs.org - - - - - Heidi Meyer: MN 763 - 360 - 2680 - - - - - Sex Scandal in Jehovah’s Witnesses Gains Worldwide Attention - - - - - American Support Group Founder Featured On TV Shows In Six Countries - - - - - While sexual abuse by Catholic clergy dominates American headlines, television programs in six countries are exposing the problem of molestation by Jehovah's Witnesses. - - - - - A Kentucky man who founded a support group for men and women victimized by Jehovah's Witness leaders is featured in recent TV shows in Denmark, Germany, England and Australia, and will appear in a Canadian documentary later in January. - - - - - Former Jehovah's Witness elder, William H. Bowen, started "silentlambs" - - www. silentlambs.org, a support group for victims of child abuse who were molested as or by Jehovah’s Witnesses - - spoke out on 5 - 28 - 02 on the USA's NBC's Dateline program about how children are being harmed by Watchtower policy. - - - - - Heidi Meyer, 22, of St. Paul, MN, who was featured on CNN's Connie Chung Tonight on August 14, 2002, has filed a lawsuit against her local Jehovah's Witnesses congregation and the World Headquarters of the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society located in Brooklyn, NY, for being silenced by elders when she came forward to report being molested by a fellow congregation member. “I was told I would be disfellowshipped if I told anyone. ” She says, “The Governing Body are hurting abuse survivors and refusing to change policy, thus leaving children in danger. ” - - - - - The Australian program Sunday aired an hour long documentary in September 2002 that highlighted one case in which over 40 little boys were molested by a Jehovah’s Witnesses member. In November the Denmark program Dags/Dato featured a case in which a father murdered a baby that resulted from the rape of his 12 year old daughter. The primary network in Slovenia had a documentary about Jehovah’s Witnesses and child abuse in August. The German program Contraste did an interview with two abuse survivors and the German network WDR will soon feature an hour long documentary which will feature an interview with a seventeen year old girl commenting on the problem who was molested by her father who was a Jehovah’s Witness elder. - - - - - Later this month, the Canadian CBC Program 5th Estate will air an hour - long documentary which will include an interview with Bowen and a recent court case involving church elders’ mishandling child abuse allegations. - - - - - The BBC Panorama program has aired in over 30 countries highlighting how Jehovah’s Witness elders do not report child abuse in the United Kingdom, a mandatory reporting country. - - - - - As the problem continues to be highlighted, some Jehovah’s Witnesses officials have told members that the media is controlled by Satan, and forbidding them to watch or speak of the media coverage, threatening members with excommunication. - - - - - Bowen, of Calvert City, Kentucky, USA, is a lifelong Jehovah's Witness and a candle maker.
January 1, 2003

Comment: This story ran on page B1 of the Boston Globe on 1/1/2003. - - - - - Suit charges church cover up - - - - - Jehovah's Witness group is blamed in abuse of girl - - - - - By Kathleen Burge, Globe Staff, 1/1/2003 - - - - - A 14 - year - old Dorchester girl and her parents are suing the Jehovah's Witnesses, arguing that the religious group covered up the girl's sexual abuse by a Bible study leader and discouraged her parents from reporting the abuse to police or prosecutors. - - - - - The girl, allegedly molested in her house by the son of a church elder from the Columbus Park Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses in Dorchester, was so traumatized by the abuse that she has spent most of the past three years involuntarily committed to local psychiatric hospitals, the lawsuit alleges. Her mother says that while church leaders coddled her daughter's abuser, they socially ostracized her for notifying law enforcement authorities and pressing criminal charges, according to court papers. - - - - - The lawsuit, filed last week in Suffolk Superior Court, highlights a sexual abuse scandal that has begun to envelop a religious group other than the Catholic Church: Jehovah's Witnesses, who claim 1 million followers in the United States and 6 million worldwide. - - - - - Those who have filed lawsuits against the church - calling themselves ''silent lambs,'' because they say the church has discouraged them from getting help - argue that doctrine requiring alleged sexual abuse victims to produce witnesses to their molestation breeds an environment that favors abusers and allows abuse to thrive. They also charge that the church's policy of investigating complaints on its own, and discouraging reports to authorities, is illegal. - - - - - Officials at the Columbus Park Congregation could not be reached yesterday. At the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York Inc. , also a defendant in the Suffolk lawsuit, an employee in the media center yesterday referred inquiries to the church's Web site, where church officials speak in general terms about their policy on child abuse. - - - - - The church's third priority, after protecting victims and seeking help for perpetrators, is seeing that secular authorities are informed about the accusation, says Philip Brumley, general counsel for Jehovah's Witnesses, in a Web site video. A spokesman at the New York office did not return phone calls yesterday afternoon. - - - - - The group was also named in a 2001 lawsuit in New Hampshire Superior Court involving two half - sisters who accused a man - the father of one, the stepfather of the other - of sexually abusing them as children in the 1980s. The man, now serving a 56 - year sentence for sexual abuse, was a member of the Wilton (N. H. ) Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. - - - - - Although the women's mother repeatedly voiced suspicion of sexual abuse to church elders, they told her to keep it within the church, the lawsuit charges. The women charge that New Hampshire state law required the church leaders to report the abuse to authorities. - - - - - The Suffolk lawsuit outlines similar charges that church elders in Dorchester tried to keep quiet allegations of sexual abuse. The suit alleges that William Broadard, an elder in the Columbus Park Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, appointed his son as a ''pioneer'' in the church, even though he knew his son was a threat to children. - - - - - The suit alleges that Ronald Broadard had a history of sexually and physically abusing children. - - - - - Ronald Broadard went to the girl's home in Dorchester, specifically asking to ''talk about God with the kids,'' according to the lawsuit. When the girl's parents agreed, he began meeting with the girl in their home in 1998, when she was about 10. But while he was visiting her from 1998 to 2000, they charge, he was molesting her. The girl's parents alerted authorities in the fall of 2000. The Globe's policy is not to name alleged victims of sexual abuse unless they agree to be identified. - - - - - Even though Massachusetts did not then require clergy to report suspected child abuse - a law was passed last year after the Catholic priest sexual abuse scandal erupted - the girl's family argues that the church leaders were ''guidance or family counselors,'' who were required to report potential child abuse. - - - - - The girl's parents did not learn about the abuse until their daughter's therapist told them the girl had been trying to kill herself. The girl, who had always done well in school, started having trouble. ''She became suicidal and started acting out and no longer was the angelic, well - behaved child that she used to be,'' said Stephen M. Born, the family's lawyer. - - - - - In October 2000, Broadard was arrested and charged with two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child and one count of assault and battery. But the charges were dismissed the following year. The lawsuit alleges the charges were dropped because Broadard was found incompetent to stand trial. Suffolk County prosecutors could not ascertain yesterday afternoon why the charges were dropped. - - - - - Meanwhile, according to the lawsuit, the local Jehovah's Witnesses elders, including Broadard's father, decided only to ''reprove'' him. He kept his title and responsibilities within the church, the lawsuit charges. - - - - - And when the girl's mother told church leaders about the abuse, they told her she should not talk about it. The church elders told her they would handle the matter and urged her to ''pray more about the situation,'' the lawsuit charges. - - - - - The girl was committed to psychiatric institutions after she was diagnosed with severe post - traumatic stress disorder resulting from the abuse, Born said. ''This is almost like a fresh wound,'' he said. ''The effect of it, the trauma, has been dramatic. '' - - - - - Kathleen Burge can be reached at kburge@globe. com. - - - - - © Copyright 2002 Globe Newspaper Company.
January 1, 2003

Comment: when i was a child i was molested by a Jehovah Witness married man with children. . . the elders did nothing about it. . as a matter of fact. . . they told me to get used to the idea that men would want me because i was so beautiful. . . i was 13 years old! Today, I am 41, married, with children of my own,,,i escaped this mind controlling organization when i was in my 20's. . the best thing i ever did for my life. . I saved myself. . today, when i die, I can truly say, "I am free, the truth has set me free. "
January 1, 2003

Comment: Dear "The truth has set you free" thanks for posting. It really helps victims to know that they are not alone in their experience. Brave Girl! THANK YOU. ***************** JOHN WALSH has a show on daytime TV and I have emailed him with information about Silentlambs. Might get some attention if others did the same. Please note that there is a disclaimer and should be read before you email him. I just gave him the web site addy Bill's name and the 800 number to talk with Bill. I would not advise victims to write their stories because after you read the disclaimer you will understand they can use your story & name without any permission. NBC/John Walsh can read them here. I also voted Bill Bowen as a "Neighborhood Hero" something they have the their web site. The more of us that contact John Walsh the more likely he will take notice. Thanks, Claudine
January 1, 2003

Comment: Hi, Claudine, I appreciate your comments, too, about pedophiles and victims. You are so right, that the victims need support. All the support they can get! I am so glad Bill Bowen started silentlambs, that he is doing all he can to help victims. I really respect and admire him for this! He really seems to have gotten "the ball rolling"! It's exciting seeing all the media attention that is being drawn because of him and others, not just in the United States, but worldwide. It has taken so much courage for these people and for victims to speak up and put themselves on the line as they have in the face of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society and other Jehovah's Witnesses. In time Jehovah's Witnesses everywhere can come to see how they have been misled. Also, I'm so happy about your contacting John Walsh! What a great idea!! I want to thank you for telling me about the site Patience has set up on PTSD. I looked it over and was very impressed. There is so much information there! I haven't read 'Crisis of Conscience' yet, but I would like to. Thanks again. Karen
January 1, 2003

Comment: Hi, Claudine, I wanted to let you know that I followed your excellent example and advice and sent comments to John Walsh. I appreciate the lead you took in this! I have to admit that I was very nervous when I sent him that e - mail. Thump, thump my heart went, partly because I am not personally a victim of sexual abuse by a Jehovah's Witness and probably partly because of my annoying anxiety disorder. I take 80 milligrams a day of Paxil, which really helps take a big edge off my disorder. Three cheers for Paxil! Three cheers for your contacting John Walsh and for encouraging others to do the same! Thanks. Karen
January 1, 2003

Comment: Well, I am glad that this is back to the Guestbook. I understand why the "forums" took place. I did not support that way. Truly I have no bitterness towards "Jehovah Witnesses" any more than I do the "Iraqi" people. But their leaderships are cruel. I know that they know of no other possible way to live. I know that they think that I am evil itself. Life outside of the collective is worse than to live with rapists, adulterers, and even a life of violence. Am I saying that every "Jehovah Witness" is one of these three things? No, not necessarily. What I am saying is that enduring one (or all) of these three things is a price worth a living in the so called "Hive mind. " And, I am here saying the that ideology that the "Headquarters" tells those of you that "I" (Jay) worship "Satan" that he has my back. "It" (Satan) has my back. . . ? Well, I doubt that. Evil has little use for me. And so do the Jehovah Witness like people. I refuse to hurt people with malice intent. I refuse to do evil. I refuse to call "control" love. I refuse to be controlled. And it is love that if we ever meet you will receive. A love that you may not understand in the begriming. I have hope that one day "love" as opposed to lust will empower all people. All you have to do to even begin to understand me is stop destroying yourself or others. Do not hurt people. Not with words or actions. (Sometimes this is really hard) I am not calling for pacifism?; Not at all. Evil must be opposed sometimes with force. Justice must be what we seek. (Which is to restore faith in the community) My ways might not be yours and that is OK. But know this. . . I pray that those of you who come here and have been a victim of the horrid crimes that have been described here again, and again, and again. I pray that one day you are a person who loves without conditions. I know that these are things that cannot be repaired. But it is the veil of secrecy that allows it to go on. All one has to do is say no I will not be silent or controlled. Period. Jesus did; and so can you. - Jay
January 1, 2003

Comment: Karen: I am glad you found Patience helpful. . . I felt kind of scared about posting with John Walsh too! The disclaimer was "exploitative" and one of the two biggest triggers for PTS is being exploited and betrayed. I took Paxil 10 milligrams a day and it was too much. I got really thin, didn't even crave chocolate!!! But I also caught myself angry one day, with no feelings of empathy or even a "touch" of wanting to relate to the other person. . . just mean and ugly. So I weaned myself off. But miraculously after a particularly horrible week full of crisis. . . the anxiety disappeared for the first time in my life. I occasionally use a oil of essence, that makes me giddy but relaxed. I have valium for emergency. Anyway, I like your positive enthusiasm. ***************************************CLAUDINE
January 2, 2003

Comment: thank you for your website. i have also emailed you because i need help.
January 2, 2003

Comment: ***mole*** an interview i conducted on an unsuspecting witness who came to my home. . . . . . . . . . Visitor, "brother you have been infrequent to the meeting and been ignoring your duties?". . . . response, "i have seen so much and i have been told to overlook such things because they are the work of Satan. These things are happening I'm our own hall I'm just not sure right now. ". . . . . Brother, " don't worry about such things for Jehovah in his own due time will correct this. " . . . . response, "so you are telling me that wrongfully disallowing someone and the rumors of cover ups are to be ignored?". . . . . visitor, "yes. these things are foretold and your faith to Jehovah should be of your one and only concern. ". . . response, "I'm confused? are we not supposed to keep the congregation clean?. . . visitor, " yes, but we must not lose focus and the discreet slave class knows what to do but you should keep up the preaching work and forget the rest of what you heard because these things are meant to be. ". . . . . . . THIS IS THE BEST EXAMPLE OF WHAT AND HOW THOSE IN THE ORGANIZATION THINK AND PROCESS INFORMATION. THIS SHOULD ANSWER WHY PEOPLE ARE RAPED AND INJURED IN OUR HALL AND THIS CAME FROM A CIRCUIT OVERSEER DOING A SHEPHERDING CALL TO ME. SOME CALL IT BRAINWASHING OR OTHERS MAY SAY THIS PERSON HAS BEEN FULLY INDOCTRINATED IN THE GRAND LIE AND FALSE REPRESENTATION OF MY GOD JEHOVAH. THEY USE MY GODS NAME IN VAIN AND IGNORE HIS SON CHRIST. . . . ****the mole****
January 2, 2003

Comment: Dear Mole: If you want to email me at realsimple@mchsi. com - if you want to talk. I can tell you are righteously outraged. John from the Bronx is really good to talk to - he has helped me sooo much. We have had bible studies on the phone. I can't give his email out without his permission. Email me for some support - okay??? It is wonderful that you see the truth and what you say about how the name of Jehovah is being used worthlessly and his precious son being ignored. Your visitor is a "company" man. I am and I hope you are too, thanking God for loving you so much. Love, Claudine/soapbox PS: don't like the name soapbox anymore so I don't use it. Don't want to be on my soapbox anymore!
January 2, 2003

Comment: NEW LIGHT: part of my healing process has been to stop explaining myself. Stop explaining why. . . I have post trauma stress, or why I say no to something that is so obvious as to why I say no. The minute I start explaining my energy is drained because I am on the defense. BILL wrote us two emails "explaining" what happened and I realize to ask him to explain anymore is to put him on the defense, drain him of his energy. He explained it already. So I retract my statement to contact Bill with your doubts. "Us"includes me, who have been abused,who have issues. who have to learn to trust our own instincts, assess a situation on our own, think for ourselves and have some way that works to measure a situation to keep us safe. **********I know what Bill has done and accomplished, so I don't doubt his intentions, or focus, or priorities. I don't know Matt, he appeared out of no where and he has not been there for two plus years for the silentlambs. *********I don't ask others to "explain" to me anymore, just as I don't explain to them. If someone lies to me, then they are out. If someone questions my integrity, they are out. I can read people and trust myself to read them correctly. . . took 55 years to do this. If someone does not have the insight to read me correctly, I don't take it personally but unless my actions are questionable I don't explain. It took a lot of work to learn to do this. ********I am sorry that I said to contact Bill. He already explained. If you don't trust yourself to judge for yourself. . . that is a place to start. JW. com has Rev's side, and you can read it. Learn to trust your thinking. Make it work, think hard. I know that you can do it!!!!! If you make the wrong "judgment" so what???? We learn from past mistakes. Don't give your power away by explaining or asking others to explain. . . . that is a WTS thing but it is a life thing too. Use your own thought process, pray for truth to be revealed to you and it will. I do know what it is like to trust absolutely nothing and no one. I know the loneliness & fear of trusting no one. I am so sorry if I was rude and thoughtless about your fears. I had a friend Rip and he told me something many years ago, that I didn't understand: he said that once I learn to trust myself, trusting others won't be an issue. Took me 20 years or more to understand what he said. I would add that trusting God comes first, then from there we trust ourselves. I am explaining this to you because I was wrong. Love, Claudine
January 2, 2003

Comment: From: "silentlambs" info@silentlambs.org Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2003 22:00:31 - 0600 To: info@silentlambs.org Subject: Las Vegas - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Just a brief update, we have at least six person who have expressed interest in attending the press conference. It will be a great encouragement to the abuse survivors who are part of the lawsuit. We are thinking of having lunch together after the 10:30 press conference on Thursday the 9th. We will have a press release going out on the 7th with all the details. We look forward to delivering a few “lambs” to the local kingdom halls. Along with a new surprise. For any that can it will be a good opportunity to get to know and encourage fellow silent lambs. We hope you can make it! Viva Las Vegas! bill - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Wow, just reading that makes me wish I could hop on a plane and be there with those guys for the press conference and lamb - deliveries! Hope all you folks in the Las Vegas area will be able to attend! /SLC
January 2, 2003

Comment: SLC: You misconstrued what I said, and took the point I was making out of context. You need to read my post again, the whole thing and get the jest of what I was saying. I am much more concerned in how I disappoint myself than how I have disappointed you. I have disappointed people who are really dear to me. . . your disappointment isn't important to me. I don't mean to be rude, but really why would you be so important to me that I would care if I disappointed you? *********Claudine*****
January 2, 2003

Comment: can someone tell me what BTW means. . . please? For a long time I thought it was someone's "handle" LOL. . . starting to realize that it means something. A code?
January 3, 2003

Comment: To whoever asked about BTW. . . it means By The Way. . . And another good one is FWIW (For What It's Worth). And another one is OTOH (On the Other Hand), etc. :) /SLC
January 3, 2003

Comment: Hello everybody! It's nice to see you all again, Claudine, Jay, Jesika, etc. Welcome to Karen! Welcome to all the newbies posting their comments. Linda Thoman Linthoman@hotmail. com
January 3, 2003

Comment: New Lamb: not just possible probable. You might want to write your story in the Abused Lambs Section or call Bill so he can document "another lambs". . . . but you are not silent!!! And that is the goal. Keep us informed. Remember that however you are treated you are not alone. Most here have been thru it.
January 3, 2003

Comment: Re: 'Mole's' post about his discussion with his "visitor". I have been trying to understand the reasoning this Witness presented to 'Mole'. The mind set the Jehovah's Witnesses have been pulled into seems bizarre. The "logic" with which they are being manipulated seems (to me) so convoluted, I just can't get it. I can't get it straight. It seems (to me) that the Jehovah's Witnesses have been so indoctrinated that they can't see straight. Are they being taught that the congregation must be kept clean, and on the other hand JW's must wait on Jehovah? Wait a minute - - the congregation being kept clean part is kicking out the victims, and the waiting on Jehovah part is keeping in the perpetrators? Have I got it straight? If I was a Jehovah's Witness right now I don't think I would know if I was coming or going, what is up or what is down. As a former Witness I feel so relieved to be out of the whole thing. Those poor people. I am so glad silentlambs is here for them. Karen
January 3, 2003

Comment: thank you for you're encouragement. i am new lamb and i sign . . uk. . . because i am British. i probably will put my story down in writing. i believe in happy endings, so i am waiting for the police to do there work!!! It is a anxious time for me cause i live in the same town as this person and go to the same meetings!! but not for long as i am sick and tired of it all now. I just want to be at peace with myself and my little family. Thank you once again. i now know i am not alone!!!!. . . . uk. . . .
January 3, 2003

Comment: In order to break the power of Satan in your life, you must put on the "armor of God" including the "belt of Truth".
January 3, 2003

Comment: Victims of LELAND ELWYN DAVIES from Boulder, COLORADO - ??? - - - - - If you have information concerning victims of Leland Elwyn Davies, a convicted sexual offender from Boulder, Colorado, please contact Kim. She posted this request @ JWD on 1/1/03. - - - - - Kimberlee D. Norris attorney at law Email: kdnorris@airmail. net - - - - - /SLC
January 4, 2003

Comment: Karen: this is what I think, for what it is worth. We know that God hates a liar and that Satan is the Father of the Lie. Jesus is the Truth etc. . . the bible speaks about our perceptive powers. So truth sets us free and lies keep us in bondage to living a lie. There is no such thing as one lie. Lie upon lie until a person has no perceptive power left. That is what I believe happens to JWs. . also they are lovers of the law and not lovers of God or people. Their perceptive powers are totally damaged, and this is root of their convoluted thinking. They lack love for their brothers and sisters, and the people in the world. Anyone who would not protect children from pedophiles and uses scripture to back it up. . . lacks the love of God and the love of neighbor. It is about as dark as it gets!!!! I can't believe I was ever involved in this either. . . boy am I ashamed. ****Claudine
January 4, 2003

Comment: I want to thank you and this website for helping me come to terms with the abuse i suffered as a child, and realizing finally i was not to blame for it. I never could have imagined there were thousands more that had to grow up feeling the way i did, and not receive the help that we truly deserve. Thank you, and God bless all of you.
January 4, 2003

Comment: Comment: I am a newlamb. so hello everybody. My congregation elders are unaware that I have went over their heads and went to the police about my abuser. ooops!! From what I can gather I will probably get disfellowshipped for this, because the other victim who is backing me up is now no longer a witness. Am I right?. . . . uk. . . . . "

I would talk to an attorney immediately if it were me.
January 4, 2003

Comment: I agree. Please contact an attorney ASAP!
January 4, 2003

Comment: Claudine, it does seem like people's perceptive powers often dwindle away after they become Jehovah's Witnesses! I think that many of them are very loving people, it's just that they have been so misguided. I really believe my sister, for instance, truly loves and cares about people (I caught her looking at me with a little smile on her face and a lot of love in her eyes, though she won't talk to me and doesn't want me to talk to her), she is just so conscientiously steeped in the religion that she is totally hooked into whatever is taught by it and unquestioningly accepts those teachings, because she is in "The Truth". There are so many beautiful, kind, and caring people heartbreakingly caught up in that snare. Satan must get a 'hoot' out of seeing victims being disfellowshipped and offenders being coddled (so to speak). What a lark this must be for him! I can just picture him gleefully rubbing his hands together and grinning and laughing away over this whole mess. Everybody hang in there. Karen
January 4, 2003

Comment: "Claudine, it does seem like people's perceptive powers often dwindle away after they become Jehovah's Witnesses! I think that many of them are very loving people, it's just that they have been so misguided. "

Karen, I know of an entire congregation that is just like this. The most loving people you could ever imagine. It's small, only about 30 - 40 publishers, but real good people. They're all 'refugees' from the east coast congregations. It's a shame that they're so blinded.

January 4, 2003

Comment: Karen and Poster re:30 - 40 Loving JWs: Think about this: Satan is really getting a hoot out of the ones who STAY! Someone disfellowshipped has something going for them. . . they can see & didn't go along to get along. When I stopped going to meetings, I was scared thinking I was really offending God. A Witness said to me: Satan doesn't want you at the meetings. A neighbor said: Jesus doesn't want you at the meetings!!!!!!! I wasn't quite convinced but I did laugh a warm laugh and never did I return to the meetings. Satan loves what the WTS does to families. . . a sister who can't speak to you, warm people isolated and believing lies, partaking in the disfellowshipping by shunning those they love. . . good people turned ugly. It doesn't make the angel's sing that is for sure. I have found that the XJWs that find Christ are absolutely the finest Christians I have ever met - so far this is true. Not sure why this is so, but I can't think of one who isn't intelligent, has extreme integrity and very loving. I am glad you are here Karen and the other poster who cares. ****Claudine**************UK: Have you emailed Bill Bowen? Be a good idea. He can put you in touch with those who have filed law suits. He might have someone in the UK for you to work with. You have to judge for yourself if a lawsuit is worth the emotional expense. I went to court once, wasn't prepared and it wiped me out. But you sound very upbeat!! And not depressed, so it might be a great validation and maybe some $$$. . . I would ask a lot of questions about the process of a lawsuit, court and then decide. I have been extremely emotionally fragile with PTS so that is where I am coming from. I don't think on my feet. . . I get slaughtered by people. Whatever you do, there is not one of us who won't support you. One more thing, there is a difference between the criminal prosecution and a civil suit. Read the transcripts of the court cases we have here on SL. They will make you sick. . . but there is victory too. Love, Claudine
January 4, 2003

Comment: Claudine, I agree there, but Satan certainly doesn't care for the good hearted people in the organization. Remember, the NT says that in the end God reads the heart, so I believe those good hearted people (like my parents) will be saved. The only thing is, and this I worry about sometimes, if there's any questions or doubts in their minds, and they don't investigate. . . . . . well chances are, God will hold that against them. Of course that is only a guess, and only God knows these things. But I wonder. . . . is the 'truth' harder on those that are kind? Within the organization, is Satan working hard on them? I never was one of the true believers, so I wouldn't have a clue myself. RevMalk
January 5, 2003

Comment: Hi Rev: That is true, thank God that it is He that can read the hearts! I have a real hard time with thinking people who are sweet won't meet God's approval and yet the Bible says clearly the road is narrow, and that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. But we know that the robber next to Jesus on the cross will be in Paradise!!! I heard so much destruction of the "wicked" from the WTS for 18 years, that I do not have a sound scriptural thought on the subject. But we do know that people humiliating themselves, being humiliated, rather than being humble is exactly what Satan wants. Jesus even on the cross said "they know not what they do. " And He was much upset with the ones who lead people away from God, rather than the ones who were lead away. *****You can see how my thoughts have not come to some dogmatic conclusion. I have a lot of love for the JWs and know they are deceived by the WTS. Every Christian should be equipped to witness to a JW when they knock at our doors. I tell people to just show the love of Christ; it hurts to see people oppressed and living a lie and worshipping some "thing" like the WTS. God is grieving for them. ****Claudine*********
January 5, 2003

Comment: I have been reading the quest book for this month, and enjoying the discussion. I'm one of those "forum groupies". I did want to comment about about "mole" visit and what mole was told. Having been a JW my entire life, I know that most of them know nothing about any of this. They are told not to listen to any negative talk or media about JW. I would turn off a TV show, i never for ONE moment would have believed any negative accusation about JW. And this was in spite of the fact i had been abused myself terribly. I had to get so depressed that i could no longer function, and seek therapy. And it took 2 years before i would listen to my therapist. Every time he would say something I'd say"but the elders say, the WT says" . Finally my eyes opened and i was able to get some help from the therapy. Even then did not think to leave the Org. Finally one day,one of my abuser's name was mentioned on stage by a CO, essentially giving this person a good reference. I think that was it. i could barely contain myself . I left and have seldom been back. I was very outspoken with the elders about this, so no one has called on us in years. it has made me very bitter. This has destroyed my life and reputation in my area. I'll never have any respect from JW in this area. I'm still in therapy, and trying to put this behind me, b/c hate and bitterness can kill u, literally. BTW, I'm not DF/Da. I'm very grateful to Bill for having the courage to bring all this abuse out in the open. If Bill never did another thing, it would be more than anyone else has done. Who knew when he started this HOW MANY people would come forward?Wow, all these people and how to help! I personally enjoy some of the other forums on the net for XJW - although i really still do not consider myself one . I don't think Silent Lambs has to be everything to everyone. First and foremost it is for abuse survivors . All the discussion boards in the world will not help if we can't get the media/lawyers involved. I am waiting for SL to get a spot on Oprah or Dr. Phil . For all i have said, i still believe Jehovah takes care of things in time. How do we know this is not His hand in exposing the corruption in the Org? Just a few thoughts.
Comment: O LORD, Make me an instrument of Your Peace Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is discord, unity; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is error, truth; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is sadness, joy; Where there is darkness, light. O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled, as to console; To be understood, as to understand; To be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; It is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. " - Mother Teresa

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