![]() ![]() This went on for about 5 years with us worrying about how he was doing, me wondering where I went wrong, being angry at Jehovah and really hating to hear Proverbs 22:6. He was not baptized and so technically was not to be treated as disfellowshipped. ![]() I resigned as an elder to spend more time at home but by then it really was too late and my son moved out on his own. It was a very emotionally stressful time. As a result, at about age 17, my son declared he no longer felt he could continue in the religion just to please us. Studying the Bible, spending time in the ministry and at meetings, simply cannot replace just being a dad. What I couldn’t see, however, was that although I could handle the responsibilities and assignments I was taking on, my family, in particular my son, was feeling neglected. But, although I saw the wisdom in modestly not taking on too much, I felt I could handle it with Jehovah’s help. Sometimes, the friends would express concern that I might “burn out”. Of course, every now and then it was mentioned that our first priority was to our family, but looking back, since much emphasis was placed on men reaching out for more responsibility, it appears to me that this was just so that you would make sure our family was towing the line so as not to reflect unfavorably on our qualifications. ![]() It came to the attention of one visiting Circuit Overseer and he asked for a copy. Feeling compassion for those suffering from depression, I remember compiling an indexed book of Watchtower articles on the subject. In those days there were many articles focusing on the responsibilities of elders to care for the flock and I really took them seriously. Often, this led to my spending long hours late into the night with those experiencing distress. I remember trying hard to be there for everyone to be genuine and not just share a couple of scriptures and wish them well. Being an elder with all the responsibility that goes with it, such as giving public talks, preparing meeting parts, going on shepherding calls, long hours at elder’s meetings, et cetera, left me little time to spend with my family. We had one child that we raised together to love Jehovah. In 1977, I met a very zealous young woman who later became my wife. As a result, I truly felt like a shepherd. It really afforded me the opportunity to work closely with and get to know more intimately those in my group. For those of you who remember the Congregation Bookstudy arrangement, I really enjoyed conducting one in my home. I served as an elder for about 25 years and over the course of time served as secretary, Theocratic Ministry School Overseer and Watchtower Study Conductor in my congregation. In 1974 I began an intense study of the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses and was baptized in May of 1976. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |