LETTERS

TO THE EDITOR:

Actually David, I wish to address this letter to your readers. You know my story and you know what amazing work you have done in my life. I would like to tell all those who read Comments from the Friends about what you have done for me.

Ten years ago, both of my children became JW's. They were raised in a home where Jesus was and is Lord. We never had religion, we lived Jesus. I am not saying we were perfect, but we did the best with what we had, and to the extent of our faith.

When I first learned that my children had become JWs, I blamed myself. I knew I had failed as a Christian mother. All I could think of was facing God and saying, "Oh Lord, I have begotten thee two children that have joined a cult." The pain of knowing that they were going to loose their salvation was torture, I was going crazy with guilt and sorrow.

The first thing I did was to ask the kids for JW books and their Bible. I studied, and then began to argue. They brought people who almost convinced me that they were right.

The next step would be to threaten: JWs or me. After that I would kidnap them even though they were of age.

I called my minister who could not help me. He said to call so and so, who said to call so an so, who said to call David Reed.

The first thing David said was, "Stop arguing. You can't beat them. They are trained to convince. Talk about God generically, but not denominationally." Then he told me not to threaten because the organization will win.

He said to love them and pray for them constantly. Keep the door open and maybe some day I would say something that would cause them to question the organization. David told me that he knew of a mother who had prayed for years and years. Her children left the JWs after she died.

David helped me to understand that I had not sent my children to the JWs because I had failed as a Christian mother. The devil calls and people answer, It is not necessarily someone's fault.

Now for the results. My children are still JWs and have married JWs. BUT they visit me and other members of our family. Both of my children still say they love me. My son and daughter-in-law are wonderful people, and we love each other. They bring JW friends to my house. We talk on the phone and visit each other. We help each other. I did not lose my children because I listened to David Reed and did exactly what he said to do.

Please readers, listen to David. Don't argue with JW friends or family, you can't win. Don't threaten, you canÌt win. Love those who have gone to the JW's, and PRAY for them. Keep the door open. And believe David when he says it is not your fault. That is the way to win.

David never asks for donations, but I can ask for donations for his ministry. Please support this man and his ministry. I don't know what would have happened to me and my children if it were not for David Reed.

Sincerely,
name withheld

TO THE EDITOR:

Here is a picture of my youngest daughter, Sarah, who got married at the Kenosha, Wisconsin, Kingdom Hall last February. I was told not to attend the reception that followed.

I will probably carry this resentment and humiliation to my grave, even though I pray all the time for peace of mind.

Tom Schuckman
Kenosha, Wisconsin

Date: Fri, 4 Oct 1996 11:30:02 -0400
To: comments@..........com
From: newlife@usa.nai.net (Terry Cross)
Subject: 1 November 1996 Watchtower

Dear David:

I am continuing to enjoy your work in the "Comments."

Saw something in the latest Watchtower that related directly to your Summer 1996 issue. On page 27, a writer from Greece congratulated the governing body of JWs for their recent "light" [1 May 1996 Watchtower] on Romans 13:1 and the related issue of whether or not a Witness should go to war or jail. His comments were incredible, but clearly expressive of someone under such mind control: "I want to express my deepest gratitude to all you dear brothers for taking such good care of us spiritually. Having spent some nine years in prison because of my Christian faith, I truly appreciate the wonderful thoughts in the May 1, 1996, issue of The Watchtower...This was a wonderful gift from Jehovah."

If I have understood this correctly, this Witness is thanking the governing body for changing their minds; instead, he should be questioning why he had to spend nine years in jail over an incorrect understanding of the relation between the state and the "kingdom". If the governing body had understood Russell and their earlier policies [as your Summer edition of Comments points out], countless numbers of Witnesses would not have needed to spend years of their life in jail.

How can someone who has lost nine years over a shadowy interpretation from the governing body now turn and thank them [and Jehovah] for their watchful care??

The fact that they printed this kind of response reveals how desperate they are to have the "new light" recognized as legitimate by those who suffered the most under it. I wonder if everyone who spent time in prison because of the old rulings feels the same?

God bless you and your work.

Terry L. Cross,Ph.D.

TO THE EDITOR:

...your book ...really touched home for me. At age 29 after a divorce and a difficult childhood my mother became a JW; I was 7. This event changed my life forever. I could no longer see my family, celebrate holidays, salute the flag or have friends. I am an only child. Needless to say it was a very lonely existence. I was miserable and I hated it.

I left home the day I turned 18. I was given every picture my mother owned of me. This was also the beginning of the yo-yo can-talk/can't-talk time in my life.

By 1986, I was given the ultimatum, either return to the religion by a certain date or I'd be forever disassociated. I decided to put my feet down. I told her no more yo-yo, no more roller coaster; if she wanted to disassociate me, make it for good.The emotional loss of a mother during the time I was raising two young sons (ages 6 and 9 at that time) was devastating. I could not understand how she could disown her only child and two grandsons. ...

Last week at the hairdresserÌs I saw a copy of your book lying on the table. I asked to borrow it and have not been able to put it down since.

name withheld
New Bedford, Mass.

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