Ex-Jehovah’s Witness Elder explaining why my family and I left the Watchtower Organization
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- Опубликовано: 9 июн 2019
- I’m Matt. A former Jehovah’s Witness Elder, Regular Pioneer, Service Overseer, Convention Speaker, Convention Department Overseer, etc.
I list all of those JW titles not to brag, but to emphasize that I did plenty for the WT organization and I have specific, first-hand knowledge of how it generally works on a local, circuit and convention level.
But even after working toward all of those goals, my family and I decided to leave the organization. I had specific doubts, that when I finally investigated them, proved what I had feared...I wasn’t in “The Truth”.
My four big issues that lead me personally (seperate from my wife’s doubts and issues with JW’s) to leave were:
1. No longer believing in a “holy spirit”, or that it guides the organization. Based on personal experiences, the stories and experiences of others, and general critical thinking.
2. The systemic child sexual abuse in the organization, and the impotent response and safeguards of the organization to prevent it. Along with the refusal at times to work with authorities, and the refusal to submit the information gathered on the pedophiles in the organization.
3. The rampant sexism and misogyny in the bible and in the organization.
4. The scientific inaccuracies in the bible. Chief among them, the fallacy of humans only existing for a little over 6,000 years.
My goal is not to bash rank & file JW’s, nor to bash Christians or those who are Theists in general. I’m just here to tell my story and give my personal thoughts. I hope that those who are active Jehovah’s Witnesses, and those who formerly considered me a friend when I was in the organization view this video, and do so with an open mind and an open heart.
But I truly want to be a voice for those who maybe are also ex-witnesses, or those who might be PIMO (physically in, mentally out), and want to hear about someone else who had doubts, and realized that they weren’t part of an honest organization.
Please, do not fear the men making decisions for the Watchtower Organization. They have no proof, and cannot prove they have any divine insight. So I recommend strongly that you do unbiased and objective research on the Jehovah’s Witness religion. Do not be afraid to read or view information outside of their tyrannical hold. Free your mind, and search for real truths, ones that can be proven and stand up to scrutiny.
Thank you for taking the time to watch.
First comment🥰 Im proud of you. It takes courage to speak up after leaving the borg.
Thanks babe 😘
The “borg” lol! I see what you did there. Yes, it is the BORG!
Wow! Y’all left! Here I thought you deleted me on FB cause you saw I was tripping... Wow! To see that y’all was right at Hillside wondering the same thing I was is crazy!! Del from Jamaica!
Solidified Star heyyyy!!! Yep we had to get outta that mess. How have you been!?
I’m good J! I plan to watch the video later tonight! Someone else we all know who left as well sent me the video!
“Hopefully I didn’t bore you too much” -
Don’t worry about that. I’m well rested from all the years of sleep I got at the assemblies (when my mother wasn’t pinching me awake)
lol, love your comment, so true, its like waking up from a coma..
I can’t think of anything. I think watching paint dry is more amusing!
Toure Malone. lmbo 😂😂😂😂
Toure Malone 🤣
😅😂🙃😄
I'm about 20 minutes in and need to finish this a bit later, but I need to say that you are one of the most articulate public speakers I've ever listened to. I have not heard a single filler word and you've got a very soothing tone of voice
Lance Milliken
YES he sounds so sincere.Angela in ireland
Yes just what I wanted to say a very pleasant voice and great content .had to have a wee break on your mother's story .
Yeah, I’m enjoying this a lot!
Yes he should become a radio DJ. Especially late night when you need that soothing, calming voice. Or doing guided imagery, mindfulness type stuff LoL
You all took the words right out of my mouth!! 🤪
I’m so glad I came across this video. I disassociated 3 months ago and left my husband of 27 years (an elder). It has been very difficult but hearing your story has helped a lot. Thank you for sharing.
Wow, is all I can say.
You are Survivor from the most Religious Diabolical cult. It’s a man un holy spirited guided organization.
@Seeker forGod'sKingdom Thank you for that but I no longer believe in God or the Bible
@@sinnerssanctuary8388 Dear sis, you are Brave (with a capital B).. not a lot of people who can do that, in my mind you did (just like I did & many others) exactly what we've been told to do => seek the truth , seek the kingdom of God and where is it INSIDE... Okido byeeeeee imma outta here, watch me disappeare 👻
@@sinnerssanctuary8388 What makes you no longer believe in God? I knew a JW Young lady that killed herself in 2019
My ex-wife was recently disfellowshipped at the time I met her. I witnessed the psychological games JWs play and it disgusted me. Glad she never fully committed to going back and that her and I have been able to raise our kids cooperatively and amicably. I seriously doubt this would have been possible if she had gone back. What I've seen from JWs are not healthy relationships with their children.
Matt. you've got a home in Italy any time you and your family want for your calm, logical explanatian. If a short holiday would help you out just reply and we can chill and compare notes. I was an elder for over 23 years and suffer a lot from shunning. You would be a welcome guest and I'm sure a real friend.
You are a beast! Good for you. I was an elder for 30+ years. Last 5 I was PIMO. Just bailed in April. Wife is still in. Love to talk
Sell me your elders book
I’d like to chat with you Wendell.
Noops89 anytime, just let me know
Don't worry Brother man , She'll be joining you shortly! :):)
@@wfsmithiv51 glad your out trust in Jesus and holy bible. My wife is still in too
Your voice is so relaxing, you're an eloquent speaker.
Bryant Ardila eh. I know plenty elders who gave terrible talks and had no speech quality. Most of my speaking ability comes from learning from my Mom. She was a teacher.
@@theirregularpioneerchannel1804 hello ,i love God ,a little example at church which i do not attend anymore has i have a lot of common sence ,i cant understand the bible as was written by interpretation by men years after ,speaking in tounges i would think thats as Jesus walk through the differance lands it was language, i struggle, will you be telling us more on reasons why the bible is so contradicting,?ive studied with jw for 4yeasrs in past ,past that,seven day advent a frw years past that ,istuggle ,anyway goodluck watching for your next utube,
cartoons All apostates are controlled by Satan their god.
@@theirregularpioneerchannel1804 hi Matt hows your side of world going ? You and family stay safe .
@@johncolage1651 The problem is there's no evidence for either Satan or God.
First, I would like to extend my most sincere condolences for your loss.
Then I want to thank you for the most compassionate, loving and completely devoid of hate testimony you just gave the world.
You see yourself as an atheist, I see a human, a brother on the true path of enlightenment, selflessness for the better of humanity.
From my entire heart, thank you.
I never heard him say Jesus. He said he believed what he was told. He never search else where . seek you will find.
The icing on the cake was when you said "So Jehovah's holy spirit can work when it comes to building Kingdomhalls but when children are being molested by elders in the organization Jehovah's holy spirit can't intervene then? Make that make sense"👏
Yaaas! Yaaas! Yaaas! I hollered when he said that! I was not JW but came from the traditional Baptist church. They used to say things like "Gawd showed up in service today!". Well wait a minute...I was taught that the spirit of god dwells within us and his spirit is everywhere. So how can he "show up" if he is already there? 😂
@@iamvickie9145 Exactly lol.
Keith ✅
@@meritofapproval Hey bro!
jay Shetty
Welcome brother! It gets better being out every day , I served 35 years pioneer min svt and elder , got out 2017 , disfellowshipped March 2019 apostasy ! they are paranoid !your story is so encouraging, not boring, hope to speak to you, it’s worth the pain to be free
Where's your video?
You became a critical observer. Good for you.
You are free from a corporations
So do I thank to jesus
Please, I need help. I just left the organisation and I need all the support and help I can get. No one to talk to over here. I am in Nigeria. I will highly appreciate your support. Thankyou in advance
@@bintaibrahim7485 u you need to put your trust in the name of jesus talk to him about everything talk to people open conversation read your bible look for in other translations.go to the movies do some exercise u will get through this with jesus u are not alone be careful with alcohol anything who can hurt u
Remember you are not alone
Enjoyed your vlog. Your story is not over-not by any means! I was nearly raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, but through divine intervention, I became a Christian and am experiencing unspeakable joy and peace through life in Christ. I have a family member who is a Jehovah’s Witness. I have been witnessing to her, despite my knowing that she has been brainwashed due to her being indoctrinated with false teaching. Yours is among the many videos I have watched/plan to watch to see how people like you have left this organization. Thanks for sharing your story.
Some black people are easily led and they always fall into the cults just like drinking Kool-Aid who would ever think believe to believe those people to drink poison Kool-Aid because their brainwashed
I was finished when they told me I did not have a birthday. This makes absolutely no sense at all. There's no where in the Bible that says anything wrong about having a birthday
JWs are Christian. A Christian is someone that believes in Christ, which they do. If you mean someone that believes Christ is the most high… that’s a different story.
@@pocahontas4583JW call themselves Cristian but they are not.
They don't believe that they need to be born again.
Being born again means being a Christian. Being born of God.
A Christian is not just a name you use, but a miracle/transformation made only by God within a person.
So no, they are not Christian. Jesus Christ is not sufficient for them.
Amen Jesus Christ is the only way there is freedom in him amen it's a relationship not a religion 🙌🏾 praise the the Lord Jesus Christ who was and who is to come 🎉
I love and appreciate your story! I was in the organization for seven years and was recently disfellowshipped in June of 2020. I left intentionally after doing my own research and "waking up". I hope you and your family are well and safe!
Matt,
Just listened to your story. Well done man. You will help many people I believe, in and out. Thank you.
Please don't give up on Jehovah. Pray and he will give you the answer. Don't question the bible or Jehovah. Just put all of you all of your faith in him and in the bible.
He is the answer, the only answer.
White Caesar Borgia has never been anybody's solution. Not For the oppressed here in America. That White Jesus You Pray to That Hippie You Bow To Is Not the messiah. Jesus Is Not A White Man And that cult is white supremacy.
The most important thing is you left with your wife. You be good.
How about his child?
Horses4life1001 my daughter is almost 2 years old, so thankfully she wont even remember her time in the cult.
The Irregular Pioneer Channel You gave your daughter a gift!
That warmed my heart🥰
I'm so happy that my husband was never a jw. He didn't wake me up but he was there to help me pick up the pieces.
@@theirregularpioneerchannel1804
That is a very good thing.
Stay strong! There is life outside the Kingdom Hall. You will make more and more friends and find that truth, no matter how hard, is always better than lies. Good luck for the future.
What lies you talkin about?
Great video! Learned so much about what you’ve been thru! Live even more the fact that this video was in my suggested list😃
Thanks for sharing dude...I totally agree...me and my children are out I have not dis-associated but I feel I don't have to explain myself to the organization...I love the people but we don't miss the lies and brain washing...
Peace.
Hey Matt!!! Welcome to the community. We're happy that you all got out as a family. SUBBED!!!
Ex Satan was the first apostate. John 6:67:71. How can you live with yourself?
Welcome Home an Introduction to Righteousness Paperback - June 21, 2015
by Nathanyel Ben Israel (Author)
@@johncolage1651 very easy.. he just rewire his brain. Rejects watchtower false teachings and move on with his life. I'M sure JEHOVAH HIMSELF WILL BE HAPPY AND AGREE WITH HIM.
FYI: WATCHTOWER IS NOT JEHOVAH AND NO WAY JEHOVAH'S ORGANISATION.
@@johncolage1651 he lives with a clean conscious & a heart light as a feather... Take your negative evil energy somewhere else please. Byeeeeeeee
@@MGB36913 We all are endowed with free will. Either we choose to stay with Jehovah and Jesus family of witnesses or join the first apostate and his followers of angels whom assumed the title demons.---- John 6:67-71.
Soooo proud of you! Happiness is the most important thing and no one can tell you any different.
I grew up JWs Im starting to have my doubts I'm glad I found this video also there false prophecies saying the world would end in 1975 LoL I'm done with this religion
Awesome! Check out Kim Mikey’s YT channel as well!! They are well informed on the all the false prophecies and “New Light”.
Run brother
Man I totally relate to your story, I resigned from being an elder last year October, after serving for more than 5 years. But there is a twist to my story, my wife is fully in and there are no prospects of me converting her. But I love her dearly I realize that I have made a huge mistake of joining a stupid cult but through that mistake I have managed to meet the love of my life.
I am sorry to hear about your mom. I appreciate this vid greatly. Love from South Africa.
Happy that you are from South Africa ooop ooop
So happy
@@ayandatholwana528 I have seen some SAs on some of Exjw channels. But I have never seen any who's making any videos.
So good to see another Saffa on a ExJW page, I really hope yr wife comes around, life is great when you not a JW. My family’s all JWs but luckily I’m not shunned and have a good relationship with them.
@@dangerboy8023 If she comes around, that will be great, but I have also realized there's other people who cannot survive without a cult. More especially born ins, because that is the only life they are used to.
Great Job , great story! You’ve made the right decision for your daughter, I know you will raise her to be a strong woman ! Congratulations to your family for leaving a cult! ♥️
One of many great Dads
I wanted to come back to say thank you. I listened all the way through your story bc I have lots of friends in JW. I appreciate your candor and the arduous struggle it has been for you to get out. So happy for you and your wife to be able to do it together. And I’m sorry for the mistreatment I’d shunning this group does. This is not the love of Christ. I am praying for you and yours. I hope you can take another look at the scriptures. I know it was rewritten for JW and not correct to the original languages. There are many inconsistencies in what was done. I am sorry for the loss of years and energies you gave there. Thank you for sharing.
Sending you love from Los Angeles. I’m a former witness and had a very similar experience. Wishing you the best of luck❤️
The cool part is you sound like you’re giving a “talk”. It’s so organized. Great job! You’re a great speaker.
Yeah he does you can tell he used to give talks as a JW
Alina Mitchelson Totally!
Lol he even has that Elder energy thing going on 😅(like "the cool one").. I have a few in the family, thank God they're not a pain in the 🍑
Stay Bless beautiful fam
After being Jehovah witnesses they all become atheists I don't know why
@@Johnnypensful nope not at all
Great story, you’re a great guy. Best wishes to you and your family. Cheers!
Wow! Just got to the part about staying in for your Mum's happiness before her death. That's so beautiful. What a beautiful son you are. Blessed ❤️
Thank you for share your experience
I am have alot experience to i am so proud of you and your wife
Thank you very much for sharing! Ex-witness myself, I'm glad to see you're using your gifts for good, take care!
I'm so thankful that you've left that organization. I am rejected of my JW family. I have found Jesus Christ as my saviour. It has given me freedom I never knew possible. I am encouraged by several videos of former JWs leaving this cult. It saddens me that some become bitter, that some commit suicide...it breaks my heart that so many devote their lives to a group that has nothing to do with the love of God. Their love is conditional and they use it to control their members. I pray you all continue your journey as one family, United. Such a blessing that you're family was able to stay together. My mother, sister etc, don't include me or my husband, children in their lives. They teach my 2yr old niece to reject me and when you have to teach your child not to love, something is wrong
Rosie Rich Amen Sister Amen praise the Lord. Same boat here
Be encouraged. We must know how blessed we are to be free from the bondage of this man made cult. I have with a JW co worker and she even said herself that this organization is NOT happy.I refuse to become bitter or shun ANYONE. I've got too much love. I told my mother, I will always love them, my door is open, my hands are clean. They are missing out and to choose to be distant, cold...is to much work. I've got joy and wish them well. Bless you all.
@@andaway1 I'm sorry to hear this but not surprised. The books of Psalms have given me great encouragement. We must put our confidence in Him only because people are.. people. They fall short. Pray, pray. May your family humble themselves in order to know true love that is only in Jesus Christ. Psalm 150...is GOLD!!!!!!!!
So true Rosie. You said it well
Good for you😊 You have beautiful days ahead
Welcome to your freedom, thanks so much for being another voice out there. Liked n subbed 💛
god evening!
So did I.
Hello Matt, you are a lovely speaker and have a wonderful personality. I was a Mormon and went through the same stages you went through when I left. I think it was easier for me to leave when I left because I had no family ties when I was a Mormon but had friends. Or my whole life was Mormonism so I felt lost when I left. When you spoke about crying on the couch when you couldn't live the lie anymore I remember feeling tormented when I was about to leave.
On one occasion I was going to church but I didn't want to go. It was a windy day and the wind was blowing in the opposite direction and at 90 degrees to my body ( which may have been a sign of something) and as I was walking I shouted, 'OK, t I am going but I don't want to go and don't expect me to enjoy it' The wind was blowing my coat, bag and hair in the opposite direction. As I came to the bus stop I continued shouting at God, ok I going but I don't want to. People were at t the bus stop & may have thought I was mad but I didn't care.
I tried leaving a couple of times but came back because I didn't believe I could make it in the world and I would be dammed in the world. I decided to leave because my goodbyes were confusing my friends in the Mormon church. It must have been difficult and maybe still difficult letting go of family members.
When I left I felt I was a real sinner. I remember feeling isolated from God but I decided to pray. Something like 'I m not going back so, say what you want to say, damn me if you want'. That may give you an idea of my mentality. Anyway, I was so scared of God's response that I put on the radio very loud as I' waited' for an answer. Then suddenly the radio went dead, I looked over at it - it was still plugged into the mains the other lights and equipment around the room were on and were still working so that got my attention.
Then I heard a voice (in my head) say 'I am not the God you know' and I said 'What?' then the music came back on.
After that, I started searching for the real God in different churches for quite a while but He wasn't there totally - there were shadows of Him. I remember one church I visited for weeks and the first thing I said aggressively to the church representative when he came up and asked if he could visit me was, OK but what are the rules? (Meaning the church rules). He said there are no rules and I was silenced.
Matt, my advice to you is to find the true God and the true Jesus. I am getting to know 'them' more and more every day. It has been over 20 years since I left. I am not tied to a church organisation now but I can and have visit churches and see my old self in the congregations and in the sermons if I pray beforehand I can sift 'the wheat from the tares'.
I know when you are ready you will decide to know the true God and the true Jesus because I believe that is our ONLY purpose while we live here in this world
Thank you again
What are the RULES‼️‼️‼️that may be a good idea! Sad though
Your gentleness is beautiful. Your wisdom, especially your spot-on decision regarding telling your mom, is amazing. Keep up what you're doing; this is a great video and I'll be sure to subscribe to your channel.
Fantastic video! Love that your whole family got out at the same time. You're right, our stories are very similar lol. Can't wait to hear more from you in the future.
Don't worry about people in the "world" as they are far better than people you'll meet in the cult. We recently have seen this in amazing ways with our current situation.
Best of luck to you and your family.
Off the cuff? It was perfect 😇... Your daughter is going to have a great upbringing with parents like you.... looking forward to your next videos, maybe 'Off the cuff again'!!! You got a great style already, keep to it... Subscribed 👍🏼
Claire Sutton thanks!!!
Thank you for this video! I left a year ago this August. Its been a raw but beautiful journey! There have been moments of doubt so watching videos like yours is very therapeutic for me.
Thanks for speaking out.Forget the misinterpretation of scripture and the breaking up of the family but the most horrific thing is the child abuse.We must protect our children ,the most vulnerable among us.Your videos may give others blinded by the organization the courage to speak out and get out.
Loved it. Thanks so much for sharing your story. Enjoy the real world, it's beautiful. Looking forward to your future videos!
Welcome to your freedom! Thank you for your sharing your journey. Well done for your first video! I look forward to seeing more. The channels that you mentioned that helped you are my favorites. After decades with the borg, I've faded. Looking forward to a new chapter. All the best to you and your family!
I was a “company man” too for 22 years as a baptized JW and 38 years under their influence. Now I’m out for five years. And I’m super happy! I’m still a Christian although I went thru an atheist phase. Good job on this video! God bless you and help you along in your journey thru this life.
Sorry that you don't believe in God any more. But you need to read and understand a regular kjv bible no Jw bible. Not only that God is bigger than any organization. You should alow God to shape form your image and Christianity, not the organization. So please don't give on God because he want give on you. The devil also put bad person places to pray on since Christian people. Please research God's word all together. The organization is not were anybody's faith should come from because man will always fall you.
Maximus Octavius CHRISTIAN-- A God-given name for the followers of Jesus Christ (Ac 11:26; 26:28) You are the Bible's enemy. The angel Satan was the first witness to leave Jehovah's family.---John 6:67-71. We are all accountable to Jehovah.
really the KJV was that the one God gave Moses the KJV is not the be-all and end-all just saying
What is that like, atheist phase?
Monica Merino yes but all Christians are
Thank you so very much for sharing your honest heartfelt story. I wish you and yours all the very best in this world.
Matt thank you for sharing. I am sorry for your recent loss. It was so good to hear that you & your wife came out together. You both are in good company among the Ex JW Community. Enjoy your life.
YOU ARE DOING....GREAT....Very glad to hear your story.....My husband and I left twenty years ago.....I will write again......THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STORY.......
3 years later & your story is still helping others. Thank you for sharing 💕
Just finished the whole video. So happy you and your wife got out together. Your new world is about to begin. Simply wonderful!🌹💖
Jehovah's witnesses sure do create a lot of athiest
Lolololol for real. 😏🤔
They really do and it’s sad
Dorant Gist JWs is similar to Islam there is lots of ex muslim becoming atheist or agnostic, like ex jws , both of this religions sucking people belief to dry left nothing , so when they left the religion they have nothing more to believe in any other, since Islam and JW org the proclaim strongly and consistently there is NO ANY OTHER TRUE RELIGION OUT SIDE OF THEIR GROUP, its repeatedly announce by their religious leaders, out of Islam everybody will going to hell no matter how kind and good person they are, out of jw org all will be dead in armageddon stuff like that,
But there is also lots of ex Islam converting to Christianity, quiet number of ex jws turn to JESUS,
Some ex jws becoming Islam , i knew few of them ,,
This religion is evil, just taking all faith of peoples sucking people spirit like vampire,,, . They kept people far from TRUE GOD ,,, Watch Tower God is not Heavenly Father of Christ, Jesus of jw org is not JESUS in Bible, 2 Cor 11: 12-15, Matthew 24: 4-5,11 ,,,,
@RealTrice i dont mean its a bad thing cuz JWs also made me athiest
FALSE RELIGION'S ( ALL RELIGION IS FALSE!) JOB is to LEAD YOU AWAY FROM THE MOST HIGH YAH! There is not ONE religion listed in the Bible NOT ONE ,BUT THE BOOK IS TRUE ! Read it for yourself FROM THE BEGINNING I PROMISE you will get a different understanding than you have had in all of your years of attending the hall!
Hello there dear sir! I just left in April 2019 after being in for 25 years! And no your videos are not too long! Just subed😁👍
people are fading away because Satan is working hard to keep as many people he can to be cast down i am not a Jehovah's witnesses but that is Satan work that is a LIE WHEN JEHOVAH DESTROY HE WILL BEGG THAT IS NOT TRUE ITS WHAT HE JUST WANT TO DO DESTRUCTION IS COMING AND HE WILL BEG WATCH
@@denisebullockpate I have no idea what you just said! Can I ask how old you are and what relationship you have with Jehovah's witnesses?
@@latonyasmith683 63 i was raised up but never got baptist but i know a lot if i ever decide to get religious that would be my route i have been to many church's just seeking
the only place where i find the real truth is J W I HAVE SEEN A MANY THINGS IN A LOT OF CHURCH'S BUT NEVER SEEN I J W
@@denisebullockpate jwfacts.com,is what I would suggest! The reason is that it is neutral in documents,watchtower publications,and letters about who and what the leaders of the watchtower society is and its true history kept hidden from their members! There are a lot of doctrinal errors and false prophecy as to when the end would come! I would also suggest two books-( combating the cult mind by Steven Hassan, and THOUGHT REFORM AND THE PSYCHOLOGY of TOTALISM,BY Robert Jay Lifton! Robert points out 8 major criteria of a high control thought reform group! There are 70+,but 8 major ones! The Watchtower society meets all 8 criteria! The problem with most people is generally we don't think about studying about high control thought reform groups/cults! So when we fall into,born into,raised in to a cult we let the leaders tell us the definition of what a cult is so we often do not go look for our selves! But that is changing as 100,000+ Jehovah's witnesses are waking up and leaving every year,but now there much more than hat! May I ask if you would give yourself time to do the research before you join this group! Even if you study nothing about the watchtowers dark history and what has brought the governing body as defendants in courts all over the world regarding how they have been instructing elders to not report child pedophiles to police,and the fact that they have been disfellowshipping the victims in order to silence them! And the fact that they have been destroying evidence to obstruct justice!They're involved with a lot of criminal activity! If you don't want to investigate that,just take a period of time and study how cults work and the min control methods they use to force their members to stay in the group! And or you and I can continue to converse about high control groups!
Who is Satan? I still have yet to find out who the figment that people have beaten into to slaves all these years is.
Hi, I just watched your video and I had to tell you to say, I'm so sorry about your Mother. It was very awesome of you to stay in the Watchtower org for her! Take care! I subscribed to your channel.
I love how you speak. It's easy to listen to you. You chose well as your daughter was.the true catalyst for change. I pray you will continue searching the scriptures and God will reveal Himself to you
Thank you Matt for sharing, as a ex-elder, pioneer and regular circuit and district speaker this is the first time in 14 years that I reached out with a comment. You remind me of myself and all I can say is continue to make the steps in your life and your families life that make obvious common sense. I know that had to be hard.
14 years for myself, too. Guilt drove me back; was reinstated in June, and the extreme culture shock, soft shunning and doctrinal changes drove me right back out. It's a crazy life :).
As a ex JW my family is still there elders and I just left the guilt and shame for leaving is unbearable at times
I loved this video! I never EVER comment but I had to this time. I am sorry to hear about your mom. Mine passed from cancer as well and my heart ached when you talked about what you and your family experienced. Sending a virtual hug y'all way. Thank you for sharing your story. I can't wait for your videos.
Dee Hightower thank you so much Dee!
I am also an ex- Jehovah Witness!! It has been quite a journey! I’m so proud of you for following. God and not a man made cult religion!!! ❤🎉
Praise. God.
Your voice is extremely soothing. I wanted to fall asleep but your story was so interesting that I just couldn’t possibly.
Thanks for your story. So glad that your young family got out at a young age! We only awoke later in life, our late 50s/early 60s. I once naively wondered to a friend who is 'annointed': "I wonder how many witnesses would remain if the organization allowed them to leave without consequences?" I now realize how it's like the regimes that were behind the Iron Curtain.
I'm happy that you got out. Still plenty of life left to live! I hope you're enjoying every second of freedom.
Mark Johns us too, well aged 45 that was a decade ago but enjoying our older years together free and love watching all these newbies waking up, we don't feel jealous of the younger ones just happy that they have a chance of a whole lifetime ahead of them, my kids are free and grandkids never had that inflicted upon them, they do attend a church school in our village tho 😁 but the education is superior x
very good question. Because the family shunning is the worst, and not even af biblical demand; that's how they keep people in iron chains.
The United Nations thing was what started my awakening .
5 local elders, 2 CO’s and an elder from London bethel defending another elder who gave talks at both circuit assemblies and conventions while also being an expert adviser for the UN, and telling me that my stumbling was “my problem and that I should do more studying and pray more” .
I did both, and got the hell out of that disgusting cult !
All the best to you and your family bro.
The UN stuff REALLY pissed me off. In the future im going to be doing a talk specifically on that topic. I had a public talk that spoke about the UN being a world power, and knowing what i know now about the WT organization’s relationship with the UN, it makes me so angry to know i gave that talk so many times.
The Irregular Pioneer Channel
Professor Michale Stocking was working for the UN at the same time being an elder!
He was doing the abbreviated WT at the local Circuit Assembly on the subject of staying neutral and being no part of the world, I was so angry it was all I could do not to stand up in front of the 500+ JW’s and shout ‘Hypocrite’ !!!!!!!!!!!!
Tim Walthew Such hypocrites! How is it that he’s a professor? Was he one before becoming a JW. He loves power.
It’s all about POWER. They love it
Tim Walthew 😱
@@timpgpilot2530 Total hypocrisy..do you know what was his role in working for them?
I'm watching you now & I definitely understand what you have been thru. The way you Express yourself is just raw, honest, & you have this self confidence I WISH I had confidence. I enjoyed this thank you 4 sharing your story. It hit home 4 me. Being authentic is the best person YOU can be.
Wow! Thank you so much for posting this, I’d never usually listen to a video this long but your story was fascinating and your voice sounds so kind and reasoned. I was very fortunate to have been raised atheist so watching these sorts of videos helps me understand how it is for people such as yourself to come to the realisation that there is no god yourself. I am glad you and your wife are still together and together with your daughter I wish you all the happiness in this world!
When jesus was on earth his disciples were men.women played a part but the men were the leaders.if someone was breaking into your home would you send your wife to confront them and you stay behind her.A lot of God's words is there to protect us dont let the devil win. Why it has to be about genitalia when the scripture said men should take the lead.
Hi Matt, thanks for sharing your story. I too am an ex-elder. I too could tell stories about the body I served on. I went to the CBOE school at Patterson Bethel when they were doing the elder school for a week, and found that about 1/3 of the CBOEs there had stories of severely dysfunctional bodies. Anyway, an important thing after waking up is to understand the psychological impact that being in a high control group has on you. It can leave some problems behind that need to be worked through. Looking into that might be helpful, or it might not. It helped me quite a bit, so I thought I would share. If you'd ever like to swap crazy elder stories, let me know. Welcome to your freedom, and thank you again for having the courage to share your story. It will definitely help others.
I was born n raised a JW, left the organization in 1995 at 25yo. I usually do not pay attn to other ex-JW stories or videos. But for some reason i watched yours, had no intention of watching the WHOLE thing. But i had time today. And i watched. And i am better for it. Thank you. Your story rang SO many bells to me, and was so very relatable. Your manner of speaking and explaining is genuine and i can see your sincerity. The story of your family, wife, child, mother moved me. I look fwd to hearing more of your"wordly" journey post JW life. Thanks again for the enlightenment. Be well.
Organized religions and political systems are both the same but act on separate fronts.
Came back to leave this comment as yours was the very FIRST ex jw video I watched that started me down this path. So I wanted to say thank you for sharing your story
Thanks my brother. Great job for the Kingdom. God is going to use you tremendously. I will commit to pray for you. Keep going brother. Blessings.
I find it very interesting that when a jw wakes up it's not because of apostate lies. They wake up because of the lies in the watchtower literature and everything that it stands for..
I only saw lies in an awake magazine. It was MIS informstion about the history of vaccines. Vaccines are mankind's (most recent by laat 200years) greatest scam next to some other things we have all been scamed by. They need to change that info and not use the corrupt CDC as their source.
#ResistBlueISIS AikenCountySC is corrupt! So glad you're out. You are another brick coming off from the tower that's going to collapse on top of the gb!!!
Exactly friend, that's how it happened for me
Maria Cervantes. Problematic watchtower literature abuti. Find the truth about God.
THIS! When they VIOLATED the bible by CHANGING THE BIBLE in 2013, I started waking up because they were wrong and they knew it! I attended the meeting for the Bible change, and the GB member who spoke was so arrogant about it.
Great video. Thanks for sharing and standing up for what is REALLY true.
Thank you for watching. And i would totally expect someone with the name George Orwell to know what is the real truth lol
@@theirregularpioneerchannel1804 Well isnt that the truth!
I was raised in a evangelical cult. Took me years to set myself free. Thanks for speaking out with your story.
So enjoyed (if that's the right word) your story. I've been out a long time now and most of my jw wounds have healed, but I do remember just how much stress and anxiety accompany those doubts through one's last months in the organisation before breaking point is reached. There is relief in the decision, but it takes a great deal to accept the huge, inevitable loss you know will be the result. So glad you took the time to tell your story in such relatable detail. The jws are masters of gaslighting. If your faith is shaken it is always your own damn fault for not studying hard enough, praying hard enough, entertaining apostate thoughts, etc. So I think it is always really helpful and validating for people to hear from others who have been through a similar experience. So proud of your family's courage and your commitment to activism. I wish you very much happiness and success as you make your way into this new chapter of your life. I have a feeling you will realise both in abundance.
I'm an ex-mormon and proud of it. Plus................I'm free. Congratulations Matt and nice to have you aboard.
Matt, sooooo enjoyed your experience. I disassociated June/18, have never felt better about my decision! I’ve subscribed & looking forward to further videos. Anxious to meet your wife, & smiled when I could hear your daughter in the background! Thank you for sharing! Takes courage! 😌🇨🇦
“Wait on a divine being in the sky” means “shut up and stay passive”.
i could not accept that God would only save His witnesses. i had to leave.
Yeah that’s a tough one
Same
I will say that most religions teach the same thing, only "they" will make it, however when I studied with jw 30 years ago, I was taught that 1. Not all witnesses would make it and that God would read people's hearts on an individual basis for all alive during the end.
@@crystaltelf288 True. but we must be baptized in the same congregation [religion] as Christ Jesus to have the opportunity of receiving the free gift of eternal life.
julie When we break the Law we go to jail. There is no resurrection for Adam and Eve for their disobedience. Satan was the first apostate.
Great video. I was introduced to "the truth" by my grandmother and raised as a JW and baptized at 14. I had a personal goal to go to Bethel and I Was an auxiliary pioneer. I always had doubts but I never expressed because I didn't want to be labeled as "spiritually weak." By the time I was 19, I had been publicly reproved unfairly, for something that was blown out of proportion. I accepted it at the time but an elder in another congregation later explained how I had been treated wrongly. This was somewhat common in my congregation. I stayed and worked my way back to being in good standing and became a regular pioneer. By the time I was 21 I had enough and I expressed that I no longer wanted to be a part of the organization. That was 1985. I never regretted the decision to leave and I have had a great life.
I left after I came out and still was able to keep my relationship with my family. I was fortunate, I know many who have been shunned. My family just wants me to be happy and some are starting to have doubts because they see me so happy and healthy. We were raised to believe if you leave the organization, we can't have real happiness and healthy relationships with people in the world.
Came out?
Deborah Matthew 10:35-37: Please read.
John Colage whatchu mean with those verses
Anyone who loves any one less or more does not truly understand happiness. The love that you have for your fellow man does not depend upon religious denomination.
@@grimmjowjeaguerjaquez5065 Matt 10:34-38----Is the Scriptural message to be blamed for family rifts? Not at all. Rather, rifts are caused by the position taken by unbelieving family members. They may choose to reject or oppose Christianity, bringing about divisions in the family.---Luke 12:51-53; John 6:67-71
My mother was disfellowshipped for having a child out of wedlock. My grandmother had to beg the church to accept my mother again, and my mother tried to be good for them. They later told her that a majority of our family were sinful and would lead her down a path of self destruction. They demanded that she never speak to them. She refused and they disfellowshipped her again. She wept, feeling unworthy of god for choosing family over her faith.
My grandmother took me to the Kingdom Hall for every meeting after my mother left. Me and my Aunt, who is like a sister to me. There was such blatant favoritism between the virtuous child of two married witnesses, versus me, the bastard child of a disgraced and disfellowshipped woman.
My aunt and I moved away from our old home. Our old congregation. My family never found a new one where we are now. Along with our old home we moved away from religion altogether. We will never go back to the congregation.
Freedom from religion is liberating and peaceful. So glad your family got away!
😂😂😂😂😂I would have never looked back.
Thank you for sharing this. it is so important to me to hear your account. I left at 16, I'm 51 now. I'm just now working with the trauma and seeking resources. I appreciate your words. Thank you.
The stories of people leaving the BORGanization are 1,000 times more interesting than how they got in. Glad you made it out. ;)
Jim C im glad i made it out of the bOrg too!
Also interesting how the Watchtower does not consider such exit stories worth their time :)
Just finished listening and I’m subscribed. Very articulate and easy to listen. I have been out for years but just recently started to wake up too. Look forward to more from you.
Amazing and courageous testimony, Matt! Thanks so much for sharing your story. Welcome to the real world!
Hello Matt, first and foremost, I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I lost my mom in 2010 due to cancer as well. I’m so proud of you and your wife for leaving behind that cult and staying true to your beliefs. I too, was raised as a JW since age 2, and left all together at 20. I was baptized at 10, became a auxiliary pioneer at 13, regular pioneer at 14. Subsequently, disfellowshipped and reinstated at 15, public reproof at 16, disfellowshipped again at 19, then realized it was a man made religion and cult at 20. I applaud any JW who awakens to the truth and decides to leave. Blessings to you and your family.
Thank you.
You said that so well
I wonder why she got disfellowshipped so many times?
@@tierracharnea Lol
Subscribed. Thank you for sharing your journey. Looking forward to more videos.
me too, subd
Enjoyed listening to your waking up story. It mirrors my own in many ways. Thanks
So impressed that you took this stand against child abuse. Abuse is a crime and hiding it under the word sin is another crime. It's just SOOOOOO WRONG. Children's safty comes first always!!!!!
I love this video. I liked and subscribed. I did see the deconversions facts and truth until I was in my 60's. What a waste of my time, energy, and money. Although I was Southern Baptist the deconversion process is the same. Now I take great comfort in listening to other people's stories and THIS STORY IS GREAT!!! I am truly happy for you. Most all of my family is still deep in it (including a number ordained ministers). Let us know how your story effects your family in future videos. three thumbs up!
Keep going! Keep posting videos! Just keep going with your family. I’m with you. I’m disfellowshipped at the moment. Have been for a year. And it’s difficult because I live with my believing JW family. They love me & talk to me like normal, which I am so thankful for, they see me no different. But they want me to come back, they express it repeatedly. And not being able to express that I don’t believe in it anymore is what is difficult because I want to be able to have a relationship with them once I move out in a few months to be with my worldly boyfriend. I’m stressed, constantly stressed.
anorexicEMO1 that sounds like my story. Eventually I moved out to live with my worldly boyfriend and everything went downhill from there with my family. 12 years later my mothers still doesn’t want anything to do with me. My father still occasionally calls me but not to ask how I am doing, he only calls to tell me that the end is right around the corner. Every year he invites me to the conventions and memorials and tells me that I must attend because he is certain it would be the last one.
Just Kidding
I’m scared of that happening to me with my parents & siblings.
I anticipate it already. I just hope that they see I can be happy, that their child could be happy, without being surrounded by religion.
I’m sorry it has been 12 years. I can only imagine what that’s like. It fills me with sadness not to have my family. I’m sorry. Hopefully one day they change their mind or simply soften their grip, & remember what it means to truly have love.
anorexicEMO1 8 years later after that my BF and I broke up. My mom reached out when she found out and told me that it was because I left jehova I was paying the price and that only more hurt would come if I don’t go back. She took that opportunity to tell me that it was time and jehova was waiting. That was one of the first times I thought something about this religion was just not right. I wish I had good advice but I’ve been waking up lately I’ve seen so many things that I can’t believe and I still feel very guilty for it. Have you seen the assembly hall in Denmark? And if so what your opinion on it?
Excellent video my brother. Keep up the great work. The TRUTH is within.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I appreciate you being so candid. I grew up in Pencostal Church, then in Baptist, then studied Hebrew Names of Yahweh & Yahshua. I realize that when all is said & done I wanted to have a personal relationship with my Creator thru my Savior. Not to be in organize religion. So my prayer for you is that you & your lovely wife will get to know Yahshua Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. You can’t throw the baby out with the bath water! May Abba Father Bless you with wisdom & guidance to His truth🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 Not man’s!
My classmate who is one of Jehovah’s witnesses and he told me he was going joke to be a pioneer, I thought he was going to go in a chuck wagon and live off the land somewhere in the wilderness like Alaska
😂😂😂😂😂
Nice to hear another perspective, its always welcomed..
How have you been? I sure Hope things are progressing with that delicate balancing act of yours
@@dantoinettetaylor1663 Its been good. very slow as I drip feed issues. We're moving, so that will separate the kids from the grandparents which they are a driving indoctrination source. Still teeter tottering on that fine line.
Rr y aay
Hello there!
@VAIO294 Amen through The Ransom Sacrifice of Christ But Not just the Sacrifice its The Sheed Blood That Was Poured Out on Behalf of All Mankind That Saves. Blood
Excellent video! You gained some awesome speaking skills from the borg! So happy that you have a partner who supports you. Together you have the foundation for establishing new relationships to rebuild your network of friends. Peace & Blessings
I really enjoyed listening to your testimony. You have a steady gentle strength man. Thanks for your courage and I am sorry about your mom.
You were not boring. This in fact was exciting to hear you have sought the truth and in that the Living God has put a thirst in you to pursue Him. Amazing testimony!
Thank you so much, I’m ministry assistant from Jehovah witnesses since 15 years but after listening this story I’m gonna leave today. Thanks again
Victorien Beni CONGRATS TO YOU!!! Welcome to FREEDOM!!!
Victorien Beni , Leave but do not become an atheist.
Ffossip Elgoog yes sir I do already. Doesn’t matter what people say. Now I’m free and I can take care of myself. Tired 😓 for all shit
Rocking Robin I believe in God
@@moulibouangua7435 Good! You believe in God. Pray to ask him to guide you to a true Bible-teaching church. I know he will because he answered that prayer for me. He gave me a bonus, aside from the church, he guided me to an excellent 24 hr. Christian radio talk station. I learn a lot from the bible based programs, which are programs helpful for every aspect of your life. I tell people how I almost got caught up in the JW cult because they teach no hell, that was very appealing to me. I'm sure that is why everyone that's a member became a member.
This is therapeutic for you and for many of us. I subscribed and liked your channel. I am so glad you will be doing more on here. Thank you so much. Your story was so insightful, helpful and comforting. Thank you again.
You and your wife make my hearts swell. Well done, my dear, well done.
Thank you for sharing your story. I’ve been out for 23 years and life is sooooooo good!
Thanks for story and unconditional love to you and your family
We dont need religion to have a relationship with GOD
@Greg Jacques Lucifer's Jizz Gargler Without the Supreme God a normal and mentally healthy relationship with anyone isn't possible.
Yes you do. There are many fakes Churches today.
Greg Jacques Lucifer's Jizz Gargler Where does the need for evolved animals to have compassion come from? If there is no God, then why not murder, lie, or cheat on your spouse?
Morality only makes sense in light of a supreme being whose own character demands moral behavior. It is not that non-Christian or atheist people don’t have hearts; rather, there is no logical basis for moral conscience outside the confines of faith. If we are all simply animals on a higher evolutionary plane, then there is no moral code-only the survival of the fittest--the very ideology that gave rise to the likes of Hitler and justified kidnap-slavery in the U.S. and abroad.
Jesus Christ’s message is not a religion. The prob;em comes when people attempt to make it one.
So true.
Well i know that even if people are athiests, my religion believes that god will love everyone and will never turn his back to anyone even if they turn their back on him.
As an avid supporter of John Cedars Channel...kudos...definitely not boring!! I'm PIMO. Wish the very best life has to offer you and your loved ones👊
WOW! Thank you for sharing your story. I'm so, sorry for the things you had to experience. I am also disassociated although I didn't write any letter, I just moved to a different location and congregation. And faded that way. They weren't the most welcoming group of people so it was quite easy to fade away. But your story and your experience was very moving and I do appreciate it. Fortunately, I didn't have any family inside the organization I'm so happy you have your wife and daughter with you. I think I moved because I was growing tired of the organization as well. You're not a part of a cult anymore and that's something to be happy for. I look forward to more videos by you. Thank you😊
Thanks for sharing your interesting story with the community Matt!
Enjoy your freedom! 😎
Elders are really "company men" who act as human resource agents for the Watchtower organization.
Remember, human resource agents act only in the best interests of the company.
Elders search out any who are not loyal to the company, and those who are not actively supporting the policies and mission; as well as, individuals who are not reaching established goals within the corporation.
All of these individuals threaten the profitability and outward reputation of of the company, and may affect others in the organization.
When individuals inside of the organization/corporation have learned of hypocritical actions, deceitful policies, or lies regarding the actions of representatives of corporation, departments or heads of the corporation (Governing Body) and begin exposing these...
Elders (human resource agents of the Watchtower ) are assigned to eliminate or lessen the effects of "whistle blowers" by labeling them "apostates".
Once they identify an individual as a "whistle blower" they follow well established company rules and actively pursue any threat that may expose secretive practices, hypocrisy, or harmful or illegal actions that may impact company's profitability.
Elders follow corporation guidelines set forth in the exclusive manual for elders, entitled: "Shepherd the Flock of God" published by the WTBTS.
1. To become informed as to the level of knowledge and information a potential whistle blower possesses.
2. Have a formal meeting (Judicial Committee hearing) with them to ascertain the level of dissent or waning support for the organization and threat they pose to the corporation.
3. Formally put the whistle blower on notice their actions constitute disloyalty to the corporation and they will be "fired" from the company losing all benefits and any ties to other members of the corporation.
4. During a congregation meeting ( regularly scheduled corporation workshop) announce the "firing" of those who have failed to follow corporate rules.
Very well spoken and very informative. I really wish people would stop taking religious organizations for face value
Great speech, Matt. Thankfully, I have never been a member of any cult. I have watched a lot of videos about ex-members of dangerous cults. It is research for I story I am writing. I admire your bravery in speaking out. Now you are out of this evil organisation, life can only get better. I'm sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I know what you are going through. I lost my mother to ovarian cancer in 2008. I found it very difficult to cope. You are a true gentleman.