I left a great career of 12 years to serve at Bethel. Meet Steve exJW
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 26 сен 2024
- Steven was a third generation Jehovah’s Witness on both sides of his family. He grew up with his dad serving as an elder, his siblings, mom and him all serving as regular pioneers at some point.
Follow his story as he shares his way out of the organization.
Appreciate the comments and support from everyone. The transition to post JW life is a journey that not everyone fully understands. We deal with the pain associated with being removed from the only world we may have ever known. We deal with our own constant internal criticism too. There are many of us that have done or are doing the hard work on ourselves to be able to move on from the past. Our goal is to prove it to ourselves that we can thrive and live a happy new life.
Why the hell were you diss fellowshipped????
@@bitcoinpirate3905, great question. I made some decisions that are contrary to living in accordance to Jehovah’s requirements. I also had a very rebellious attitude.
Thank you for interview. And you are totally right, there are skills and good things that the org have us. But I believe it’s a 25% of it the rest is ourselves!!
The reason I say that is that some leaders are born and done are made.
If you noticed my name I’m a woman and there aren’t that much opportunities in the Watchtower Business to develop those leadership skills.
And I’m proud to say today that eventhough I was criticized many times by brothers and sisters because I travelled and dedicated time to a career that I enjoyed, I should say I got to the IT director position I really enjoyed. And as of today Im retiring and I have a good life pension and retirement plan!!
My question to you is that you left the organization (not Jehovah) because of that particular situation. But are you thinking in returning to the org?
In my case, I can tell you that my 38 year marriage is still sting- went thru alot too. But now we have seen that the away is another business and it’s not the Truth anymore! I’m not being negative here I’m just being truthful. So after 3 years us being out, we understand this is not the Truth, and that it is a cult and we will not support an org any that doesn’t help people in need, people that not only need words but to help them and show your love no matter the religion or thoughts and yes: lead by a ample as Jesuschrist did and taught us.
Again thank you for your interview.
But the question is still out there, bro Lopez: do you believe this is the a true religion? Are you planning to return to the organization (not to Jehovah - because we didn’t leave Jehovah- we left an organization)
Wish you the best in your new path!
Thank you for sharing
Great interview and welcome to the post JW life and the beginning of the rest of your life. Consider yourself lucky
Hey there Vevian. Your channel is growing by leaps! Amazing! Thanks for this video with Steve. Welcome to your freedom man😊
Thanks for watching 🤗
Thank you! It’s full speed ahead living life to the fullest.
Good Interview. I really appreciate your honesty Steve. I can express some of the same sentiments. I too don't believe that "time heals all things" in every situation. This has been quite a journey for me. Difficult at times. I have quite a story as well. Again,thank you both for sharing.
Just know that you’re not alone in this journey. Keep pushing forward.
Feel free to reach out if I can be of any help to you.
Good positive interview
It’s sad that people get hurt,I appreciated the honestly in the way people haven’t ranted on.
Wish the shunning would stop.
Thank you, @Robin Bean. Glad you enjoyed it. Going negative literally gets you nothing. But, going positive opens the door to so many great things. 😊
It can't stop..it fulfills prophecy..
It s such a disgusting thing..demon inspired..that referred to @ rev 16(13&14)..with the purpose of getting the attentionof KINGS/ authorities..to GATHER opposition....against Gods representatives ..in readiness for Armageddon
Thank you both so much! Love to you both❤
Love to you too! ❤
Thanks for sharing. I'm starting therapy in a few weeks and indef need it. I'm a born in baptized 30 years and I'm 44 years old.
Glad you enjoyed the interview, @Jay.
I’m happy to hear that you are starting therapy. My personal experience has been that therapy opened the door to moving forward in my life.
Thank you for your hard work your doing to help innocent Victims of the cult
Vevian is doing an amazing job of raising awareness of a thriving community of us!
My husband and I were baptized together in 98 but we are fading
Thanks for reaching out. Do what makes you happy and whatever gives you the path to a full life.
Me & my husband-also. He is 4 generation in.
My husband and I woke up in 2019 of all the situations and the things that we learned in the org that did not make sense or didn’t have truth behind it (one of them: 607bce among other teachings
We are happy now. For us the therapy after being in for 38+ years was to talk and talk between us, our daily frustrations, open our doubts and look for answers.
Today we are stronger everyday, we pray to our creator and hope that many can see and open their eyes.
Take care all!
Hugs from Puerto Rico!
@@migdaliafuentes1618 hi there thank you for your comment..my husband and I have also started to fade about 7 months ago..we talk to each other about this every single day..I've had a hard time dealing with all of this..but he is the stronger one..we also are trying to pray and asking jesus to lead the way..hope your doing better..best wishes from Australia. 😊
That’s intense giving so much of your life to the organization. I could only imagine..
It’s intense for sure. Living my best life now though. Thanks for watching.
I remember those days. Tuesday bookstudy, Wednesday service school, Saturday field service, Sunday Watchtower study,
Monday family study ,and Thursday personal study. 😕
Thanks for watching 🤗
We were extremely busy, Reece. Now we have the opportunity to take that time and do things that we want to do. Hope you’re doing well!
It was a hampster wheel designed to stop us from having time to actually think.
I was in a congregation in Oklahoma City and for various reasons they didn't like me that much. To be honest I didn't care much for most of them either. I did make friends with an elder that finally had enough after 38 years and left, which was depressing. I was a MS and given "privilege's" which really is funny to think of it that way now. I knew these were uneducated hillbillies and I grew up around them as a kid so I was ok with the low IQ mentality (most of the time). I was asked to give my first public talk and I prepared and did the best I could. Well after I finished the talk, they didn't clap, they just sat there with the stupid look on their faces and it was a wakeup call right then and there. I spent the rest of the meeting sitting on the back of my pickup and that was the last time I set foot in a Kingdom Hall. I was POMI and felt I was being petty sometimes and thought about going back from time to time. After seeing G Jackson's ARC testimony, Richard Ash's CA testimony "JW's only provide a spiritual protection" and Stephen "lamb chops" Lett recently "look at those little enemies of god" its clear it's just another fraud religion. That KM now has a cross on top so it was sold to "false religion".
Thank you for sharing your experience, @Jeffrey! I hope that you are doing well.
@@steee_lo_ Steven the longer you are out the easier it gets and the better live is
What does POMI mean? I've been gone for 22 years the beginning was difficult for me, my sister's shunned me it was painful but now I've got used to being gone and I won't ever return. I did a lot of research and found out they were part of the U.N a lot of things I learned that I disassociated myself.
@@se_day_lcmor4114, I believe it might be PIMO. It stands for Physically In Mentally Out.
@@se_day_lcmor4114 Physically Out / Mentally In (POMI). The UN stuff didn't bother me that much, I left because of the people in my congregation. I always thought I would find a Watchtower and I would read it and it would bring me back in. The first one I found when I opened it up said "well prayer can't help some things in this system, we will have to wait for the new system". I was so angry at that since I was raised on trusting the org and not reaching out to mental health professionals. The second Watchtower was where they said "the governing body is neither infallible or inspired by god". Strange that was the first sentence I read when opening it up. I rationalized it for a few months but the more I thought about it the more angry I got. That means "holy spirit" is the only thing they get I thought to myself, the same holy spirit that appointed my ex-wife's step-father to be an elder while he was sexually abusing her as a child. The third piece was a track and when I read it it sounded like they were talking to half-wits. Years went by and I didn't find much on the internet (Robert King and some stuff like that). One day I decided to research the child abuses cases and I was expecting it to be blown out of proportion because I still believed Jehovah's org aka Bethel was the only spiritually clean organization. I found the US cases, then the UK, then AU, the New Zealand, and the list was shocking. I then thought I would watch some of the court video's expecting they where singled out and picked on. I found Richard Ash state under oath "JW's only provide a spiritual protection", IT was stunned to hear these frauds say they didn't think sexual abuse as important and they have a database and they have been covering it up from the beginning. That was it for me. To watch these so called holy spirit appointed elders look like utter fools, like children caught stealing candy was sickening. Soon I found Mike and Kimmy, John Ceders, Susan G etc. and found so many people have seen it as a fraud. To listen to G Jackson answer when asked if the GB is the only path to salvation made me sick. To see Stephen "lame chops" Lett make a fool of himself in front of the camera, to see Tony "the drunk" Morris and the rest showed me the org is a joke. The old guard did a better job but 1914 was still in play and they didn't have the research to contend with available on the internet like we do now. Ray Franz in his book showed me 1975 and how it played out and my mother bought into that. To see they just sweep it all under the rug and shunned good people for speaking out is a shame. The God I believe in doesn't give a dam about how the org looks. They are frauds. Like Voltaire said "more people are fool by hope than by deceit".
Great Job Strong Minds Critical Thinkers
Thanks Todd!
Love the positivity!
Thanks! It’s how I choose to roll! 😁
So he left because he was not accepted at Watchtower HQ? Not because he realized that Watchtower is just a lot of lies, made up “beliefs” and fairytales? Not because he realized how harmful Watchtower has been and is in the lives of many, many people? Also, without going into any personal and/or creepy details, why was he disfellowshipped?
🤔🇨🇺🇺🇸
Great video Sister!
Vevian is amazing! 👏
I believe that one should not be penalized for making a life choice different from that imposed upon us by our parents. By that same token, I would not condone overtly nor passively, the inhuman and un-natural practice of shunning. Once we realize the danger and extreme toxicity of shunning, we should expose its bigoted and bullying nature, not tacitly excuse it. We should help others to see how manipulative this attempt to blackmail is being used by a high control group/cult. Interesting journey, thanks for sharing.
We should not be penalized for making this life choice but it happened.
Now, I can choose to fight something I can’t change or control or I can live a free life the way I want to. I’ve chosen to take the latter option.
Hope you’re doing well!
@@steee_lo_ Well said! True, our life's paths are different, however, it is only activism that is catalytic in changing the system. Historical and local changes are mostly accelerated by social movement groups, examples, slavery, gay and lesbian rights and even USA social security system. Please do not take this response in a negative way. I really like brainstorming and challenges in discussion groups. Thanks for your informative response.
There's too many um you know, um you know. I had to skip get to the point. Sorry
@@se_day_lcmor4114 hope you’ve had a good day.
I hadn't realised shunning has another side to it.
It keeps spiritual provisions away from the Governing body !!
They know ezekiels temple vision requires that in its fulfillment there must be a big distance from the centre of true worship ..and the shunning helps accomplish that.
See lsa 66:5
I can resonate with much of this experience... So many similarities...But we will get through...
Being a Born-in JW (Disassociate) have taught me to Focus and be Discipline using that Same Drive to be successful in the Real World making a living creating a Happy life for me and my family today without the WT ORG (Cult) BS false Doctrines... that's the Truth !!! 👍😊👍
Thanks for sharing, @Jessica! Absolutely agree with you to use that same drive to create the life you want and can have! Hope you’re doing well.
👏👏👏
I really appreciated this interview. I do feel sorry for people who had dysfunctional parents. But the principles of the Bible have saved people from what could be horrible consequences. And principles that will still work in our lives (especially since this world 🌎 has really gone insane. Who would think people can't explain what a woman is?) I'm especially grateful for the Bible Prophecy. It helps keep me sane seeing what is taking place.
Blessings to you and your ex wife.
Thank you! Happy that you enjoyed the interview.
@@steee_lo_ 😊🤩❤
The prophecy l see being fulfilled encourages me immensely..@ ezek 38.
Gog in his FINAL ATTACK..Jah placing hooks in his jaws.. Russia has been drawn into Gods peoples land without intending to..because of the families he saw being broken apart.
Psalm 2 also refers to that destructive effect ..as does matt 10:36.
It's repeated @ rev 2:27 & rev 19:15..
Corona@ rev 19:17&18 a definite possibility
If you factor in the inherited mindset of Destruction giving that 'consuming by birds 'as being AFTER ARMAGEDDON..
( sons of destruction..the man of lawlessness..the governing body)
Thank you for this positive story. Steven deserves to be heard and it would be very interesting to flesh out his story. Unrelated Bethel is misspelled in the description.
Being positive is a mindset. It’s how I choose to live every day. Thanks for watching, @James Walberg.
Another outstanding interview. I a enjoying your content greatly Vevian. A,l of your interviews bring new ideas and veiws to the front and allow for great connection with the watcher. I will say on a personal level I gain a great d3al of depth and knowledge from your and other experiences, I will admit the beast inside looks over the trench topnas well when you here some of the negligence that this toxic organisation has been a part of. But then he usually pops his head back down as each person conveys how much they are thriving and are so much better off, I look at my own Wife and son and see this on a daily basis and it is truly an amazing thing to see. Thank you again for another great presentation.
Good bless all of you
Bless you too! ❤
Interesting interview not being negative about your jw upbringing. Just curious, do you still think WT have the truth, as you don't touch on the doctrines, and beliefs?
Great question. While I feel there are good things about the JW’s, I do not believe that their teachings are “the truth.”
🤣 all religions aren't from God stay out of religion
Very interesting point
STAUROS there's always Google..
Prince did a song on youtube.
It's a stake not a cross..its true.
Think of the millions the church has lied to..
Prophecy HAD to be fulfilled..
Had he died on a cross
Prophecy could not have been fulfilled .
Accursed it says in galatians..
Is every man jung on a stake..
It was part of the Mosaic law
A prophecy ..one of 400 Jesus played his part in fulfilling.
The one at psalm 22:18
His Father joined in with him.
That must have given him Courage
It's like Jehovahs witnesses today
Seeing prophecy being fulfilled
Right in front of their eyes
The hope in their heart
Makes their eyes shine..
Though some of what's foretold isn't all that nice..
THESE THINGS MUST TAKE PLACE
jah says..
Like the plagues for instance
Negative in consequence
Not only Moses..
This time it's the two witnesses
At rev 11:6
Some bibles it seems have this verse missing
He learned the hard way - NEVER gamble your money or career betting on Watchtower to take are of you for doing it. It looks out only for #1. Even active witnesses are realizing this.
36:10
“Because I can knock on doors.”
Attitude is everything
ACTUALLY 2 minutes in and I can't listen any further. This poor guy says actually every 8 seconds 😢
Actually
Him saying Actually to many times is MORE IMPORTANT THAN HIS STORY? How old are you? C'mon people. At least he didn't say: Babies are ENEMIES OF GOD. SMH. WOW. !!!! I am glad, ACTUALLY, he was courageous and bold enough to tell his story. The criticism like watchtower is STILL IN SO MANY, even individuals who have left. UNFORTUNATELY.
I've never been a Jehovah's Witness, and I have never done drugs in my entire life. I'm not sure what being a Jehovah's Witness has to do with never doing drugs.
It has nothing to do with it @Robin Robyn.
Drug use IS something though that some get involved with during their transition out of the religion. Same with alcohol abuse. It can be a very dark journey.
@@steee_lo_ Oh. I thought you said that because you were a JW, you didn't get involved with drugs and alcohol. Sorry
@@robinrobyn1714, appreciate your response.
@@steee_lo_ That goofy looking, Howdy Doody imbecile, Stephen Lett says that if you are a Jehovah's Witness, you won't get involved with drugs ( unlike the people who are not Jehovah's Witnesses)
Do we have an email for this brother? My husband was born in and 4 generations and he has left. He would love some type of contact, he has lost his family.
So he is definitely at the beginning of his journey. Makes me feel bad for him that he still believes he would be making his family choose between him and Jehovah. No. your family has chosen the Governing body over you. There is no Jehovah in this situation. That’s the saddest thing most of us come to realize. I pray that he comes to really Know God and that this journey will open his eyes to the realities of the organization that has held so many captive mentally and emotionally.
Appreciate his gratitude for certain things - that's my takeaway from the JW experience as well, the good and bad are all opportunities for growth. (I was at NY Bethel too in Brooklyn).
Thanks for watching 🤗😊
Thanks for watching 🤗
Thank you Gary! I’ve chosen to see the positive in everything. Hope you’re doing well.
@@steee_lo_ it is a choice for us to make
My dad was killed in an aircraft accident when I was 18 months old...
Im sorry for you..
I am youngest of 7
So sorry Steve, this was your experience. After your good upbringing, this has become the reality and disappointment for many JW's. You must be honest with yourself and others. Yes don't be afraid to ask for help.
take a shot everytime he says "actually" 😂
I have to work on that @Divine K. Thanks for pointing that out. Keep trolling!
I went to the Hall in N Richland Hills on Willis. I helped build it. I lived off of John Autry Rd.
Hello 👋 everyone I have a question. What kind of career did Mr Steve left?
Hello Simphiwe, it was a sales career in the coffee industry. As they say though, one door closes and another door opens. Grateful to be where i’m currently at. Hope you’re doing well!!
@Steven Paul Lopez Steve, so glad that you left the organization. I wish you success and continued happiness. Please safeguard your heart. I find that so many leave one dangerous CULT just to jump back into another one. Please Please be careful. Thank you for your story
I did 30 ->80 hours.Listening to distressesd onesfrom 11pm to 3 am
I hope you are ok...honestly...from Sydney 😊
Can somebody tell me what happened to Tony Morris? I need answers.. I'm so pissed off at this revelation. Im a PIMO and I see how everyone is so oh he has "health issues". Like, c'mon.. he's old its expected but let's be real!! I want to know because I have questions
He removed the tinfoil from under his hat and returned to the mother ship
@@jeffbrown423😂😂😂 Hell, I'll take that 🤷🏾♀️ It's better than hearing he's probably sick blah blah... YET, removed from EVERYTHING...SMH
Jesus said
I will be with you always
Mt 28
JWs skipped 1900yrs
Roman Catholicism haven’t missed a day.
2000yrs and still going
Omg i can hear the word actually anymore…
That was a bit painful. He doesn’t seem well…
This guy, way over use of the word "actually". unbearable to listen to.
Too much theocratic school..lolling
It's remarkable how easy you gave up....I'm glad you found out that the JWs are a cult but did you ever find the true Savior thru all this? 12 years ago I lost job, home, husband all the same time...not once did I ever blame God, in fact he lets us go through afflictions to bring us closer to Him. I can truthfully say my walk with the Lord has never been sweeter. GOD bless you!
you have to find the good in it or you will remain a very angry person
You are so right @johnnycroat! 👏
This interview was like watching paint dry.. How many times could one person say actually over and over and over again
I definitely need to work on that @Brian Scarborough. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Hope you’re living a great, happy life!
He didn't say that many times that I can recall.
@@jeremiahh.3383, I haven’t gone back to count.
Um um actually I got bored and forward it. Somehow it wasn't interesting to me. I guess he didn't give much detail it was um um actually? I listen to Mark Martin on RUclips he's very smart and had a lot to offer I believe he left the organization JW.
I agree, I couldn't watch but 4 minutes of fast forwarding. It's a, " I lost 12 yrs. Boo-hoo story!"
"Actually" is the operative word.
I wonder did you have to give the organization the money from selling all your belongings? Never mind you answered my question
No, I did not. Thanks for watching!!
Witnesses mean well,I know because my Daughter and Son n law and my grandchildren are from that congregation..My wife and I are Christians and celebrate birthdays and Holidays.We have not spent holidays or birthdays with my Daughter and family in like 10 years and that is ok with us,we respect their beliefs.. However,we worry for them because they believe Jesus is Michael the archangel..Our belief as Christians is Jesus is God in the flesh..and not a created being as an angel..so sad,I have pointed out in many scriptures to them that Jesus is the way to salvation and they look at me like,oh,ok and they just shrug their shoulders and go about their business..We are ok with no birthdays or Holidays but I want them to know who jesus is, God in the flesh,the Almighty..I know some people may say I am wrong,but Jesus is our savior and not Michael the archangel...
Vivian. I think you're great, but there has been a few really ret*red people on your last few interviews. Actually, I think you need a slightly better screening process, Actually! Actually!
Actually, often and always! a winning combo. 🤭
Sorry dont believe in JW.
Thanks for commenting, @Bruce!
I am a ex jw
Lett's try to stay alive till 2075, brought to you by the new light💡of the Jokah's Witlesses, and your local Kingdamn Hell
The two witnesses
Your father..all those pu s h..push...push..
And yet the scriptures say we are taught by the Holy Spirit. CRAZY...
TEACHING people to have a relationship with Father and Yeshua/Jesus. Is that not what matters?? Weird
I was seen as nothing.Thats. ok😊
actually
Actually?😂😂😂
Cult witness??
Actually, actually, actually bla bla bla....boring story
actually.....actually.
Sounds like he grew up in a den of demons.
That’s a little harsh, @Summerbreeze. Wasn’t a bad upbringing. Things change.
@@steee_lo_ Don't you think their teachings; if you're Not a jw , you're serving the Devil & their policy Not to associate with people who are Not jw's & their shunning practices & their 2-witness policy, don't you think, " that's a little harsh"? I know their Demonic teachings & their prejudices & practices, therefore, I'll stand by my "a den of demons." comment.
Mr Actually is very likable
what a spiritual Heritage you have
Hi, it sounds unfair to have to go through all that, and on top of it all getting disfellowship. if you dont mind me asking what was the reason giving for been disfellowship.Just want to say men are imperfect at the end of the day it is bewteen you and God
Hi @Jackie Onate,
My rebellious attitude and other actions were enough for the elders to make the decision to disfellowship. I accepted the decision and consequences.
Most importantly is that I have been able to successfully move forward in my life.
@@steee_lo_ Im a firm believer that God is the only that can judge us. you might have lost the only world you knew but you did not lose God,.
No one deserves to loose their families. The shunning practices of this CULT is mental cruelty. The leadership talk about forgiveness and all are sinners and imperfect. Shunning is being used as a Weapon to control. Falling short of perfection will be something EVERYONE WILL DO. Watchtower knows this. Shunning breaks up families and ABANDONS the individual of no real spiritual help. It's TOTALLY OPPOSITE OF THIS LEADERSHIP CLAIM. THIS ISN'T LOVING. SHUNNING IS UNLOVING. IT HAS COST MANY MEMBERS THEIR LIVES BY SUICIDE. THIS NEEDS TO STOP.
Steve thank you for speaking from the heart ❤!!! We will live to see a new day brother!!!