Efrain's Journey from Jehovah's Witness to Freedom
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- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024
- #exjw #JehovahWitness #exjwcriticalthinker
La Verdad al Descubierto: Efrain Revela Por Qué Dejó los Testigos de Jehová - Charla Íntima con JT y Lady Cee
English Only Version - However be sure to visit Efrain's show on six screens of Watchtower - see details below:
🔹 Video Description:
In this eye-opening episode of EXJW Critical Thinker, join your host, Lady Cee, as she delves into the captivating and courageous story of Efrain. Once a devout Jehovah's Witness, Efrain embarked on a daring quest for personal freedom, challenging the beliefs he was raised with and facing the daunting task of starting anew.
🔹 About This Episode:
Efrain shares his deeply personal experiences - from his initial faith in the Jehovah's Witnesses to the pivotal moments that led him to seek a life beyond the religion. His story is not just about leaving a faith; it's about the resilience and strength it takes to redefine one's identity and purpose.
🔹 Efrain's Activism:
Beyond his personal journey, Efrain is a beacon of hope and support for others navigating similar paths. His activism work is a source of inspiration and guidance for many who find themselves in the crossroads of faith and personal freedom.
🔹 Connect with Efrain:
Discover more about Efrain's inspiring journey and his impactful activism by visiting his RUclips channel, OASIS Ex Testigos, at [ / @araretreat ]( / @araretreat . On his channel, Efrain not only shares his personal insights and stories but also features interviews with members of the Spanish-speaking community. These interviews shed light on the diverse experiences of those who have been part of or have left the Jehovah's Witness community. Efrain's channel is a rich resource for understanding, support, and solidarity, especially for Spanish-speaking individuals navigating similar paths.
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2 Saturday's/Month @ 4:00 P.M. Central Daylight Time
🔹 Stay Engaged:
If Efrain's story resonates with you, or if you're seeking support and community, don't hesitate to reach out and connect with him. Remember, you're not alone in this journey.
🔹 Support Our Channel:
If you found this episode enlightening and empowering, please like, share, and subscribe to EXJW Critical Thinker. Your support helps us continue to bring these important stories and voices to the forefront.
Thank you for watching, and remember, keep thinking critically and stay strong.
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Hey Efrain, I'm 71 and just a few months away from getting my doctorate in psychology. I didn't go to college until AFTER I had 4 children. I got my first BA degree just before I turned 40. If you really want a college degree, don't let that cult stop that dream!!!
I'm working on doing it. Thanks for your comment. It's very encouraging.
😉👍👍
@@EfrainRiveraJunior Embrace your dreams. I got my first degree as a single mother raising 4 children in my late 30s. Then my Master's Degree in '96 and started working as a therapist which was my dream job. You only have this life. Embrace it, even if you have to take classes part time. It's all okay because it is your dream. JW is a high control cult. Be FREE!
Hi Efrain, I have been seeing your comments on different ex- jw matters over the years. I’m so glad to see you are still very active in exposing this terrible cult. Keep up your good work. You are one of the REAL ONES, along with lady C & JT. You guys are just the greatest 👍🏽
@@cassandrasmith3613 - Thanks! I've toned it down a bit, though. 🤣 Hopefully, I don't sound as angry as I did five years ago.
I was raised as a witness but my mom, stressed it was important to get an education.
Later in life, I asked why she went against what the GB stated about secular education. She said "How were you going to take care of yourself and family without an education, we have to use common sense".
I agree with you but when you believe the gb speaks from God. Reasoning can quickly go out the window.
good on your mom. I was told the same thing back in 80's when I was on my teens talking about the end. now I am 55 and I have a degree. I'm glad I got my degree. because the end didn't come, and life took me down another path. if I had listened, I would be screwed.
the GB is not God's mouth piece nor representative. that would be Jesus.
My parents were the same way. I never thought to ask them why though. Just seemed like common sense. I cringe when I hear comments putting down education. It’s just not realistic. It always went in one ear and out the other for me. Didn’t even stress about it.
Your mom would have been booted by the organization if they knew what she told you; wow! Good for you getting the education.
My kids are out now! They were like how was you sucked in? I said there was no internet.
The youngsters cannot visualise how different the 🌍 was then! Just as Efrain said the internet will be their undoing. They foresaw the danger which is why initially they dissuaded members from using it.
Had the Internet existed back then, I know that I would have *never* got involved with that group.
@@EfrainRiveraJunior 💯. Have a good week, regards to your wife. From 🇬🇧 UK
@@broncosbest6441 - Thanks!
If any religion tells you u can't have a relationship with god without them run as hard as u can.
Facts.
THANK YOU CRITICAL THINKER.SENDING LOVE FROM AFRICA
One thing I did not mention was that of the $30 a week I made, I had to give $20 to my father to help pay the bills. The remaining $10 were preaching gas money.
Muy linda tu entrevista. Me encantó y me ayudó bastante. ¡Echa pa’ lante! 👍🏼
@@philomelodia - Muchas gracias por tu apoyo.
@@philomelodia - ¿Eres Ex-Testigo?
@@EfrainRiveraJunior oficialmente soy inactivo. Estoy bastante alejado. Siempre me quieren pescar pero me les escapo a cada rato. No escribo la carta porque tienen a mi familia como rehenes como tú sabes que hacen.
@@philomelodia - Tengo amistades que están pasando por lo mismo. Es triste lo cruel que es esa secta. ¿Has podido hablar con algunos de tus familiares a ver quién se te une?
Love your interviews. Efrain’s experience is similar to mine. I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of family and friends. Goes to show you how their love is conditional. As far as college, it’s never too late to get your education. I’m 51 and will be taking the Florida bar in February 2024. Being an adult learner wasn’t easy, my life was full of responsibilities, but at the same time being a mature adult helped me to organize my studies and get to the other side of law school.
👏👏👏
I'm really much impressed with your profile and personality. I also admire your good sense of humor here. I don't normally write in the comment section, but I think you deserve this complement..I'll like to be your friend
Where are you from
@@Ava2969ny do it only if: 1. You have the right support system because you will need it, 2. You don’t mind being under constant pressure and stress for three years and 3. You want it badly enough that you’re willing to sacrifice time with your friends and family. Law school is very hard!! Mentally and emotionally. You need to consider that going in. If you still want to go after all the considerations then do it! Maybe you can be an advocate for other ex jws. It is a great opportunity to help others using the law.
Glad you are free Efrain. Enjoy your life and freedom. I saw a man who teaches college every day at 96 years old. You have time boost self up
Thanks.
I'm really much impressed with your profile and personality. I also admire your good sense of humor here. I don't normally write in the comment section, but I think you deserve this complement..I'll like to be your friend
I have tomorrow off and I just finished Sunday Night Football and so I was just watching music videos and funny stuff and then I got this notification and I was like YES!!! I'm always hungry for EXJW Critical Thinker videos so here I am only seconds in and already a Thumbs UP and shared. I love watching Efrain on your show as well as Collin from the C.O. Visit as well. Love you guys so I'll now sit back and enjoy the show. Ahhh... A+++++ Love you guys! Thank You.
Thank you for having me, JT, and Lady C. I am happy to do my part in helping wake up those trapped inside the Watchtower organization.
Can you share where the information about JWs no longer engaging in prophecy?
@@ashleyweems996 - The Watchtower speaks out of both sides of their mouth. They have called themselves prophets, and they have mentioned many times that they are not prophets. They say they are not inspired, yet you must follow their doctrines as if spoken directly by God. The Overlapping Generations is a current Watchtower false prophecy. This shows that they do engage in prophecy even if they say they do not.
Thanks Efrain. Awesome story. The smiles say it all
Thanks.
Greetings from Chile!!!
Alright Efrain!!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 now you are free!! No more rules by an organization!
Thanks!!! Freedom!!!
I'm blown away by Efrain's testimony, wow. I'm literally choking back tears listening to this interview. Everything he talked about all sounded too familiar. I understand him too coming from the Latino culture people are super, ultra fanatical about belief in God and religion and in general reject anything about non belief. You might as well be dead because they will never change their minds. Growing the ex JW community in the Latino community is very difficult because belief in God is so indoctrinated in their culture. Powerful interview JT and Lady Cee!
So true.
I'm from central Europe, but I was as same as he. 😢
@@veronikj.4231 - It's sad, but eye-opening to learn this it does not matter where you live, everyone who goes through this cult, has the same experience.
And your experience is really helpfull and inspirating for me and my family. Thank you very much.
Efraim, thank you for your story. What an incredible experience. And yes. I understand the horrors of disfellowshipping and shunning. My husband reported me to elders. I lost everyone too. It’s so very sad. Despite PTSD, you’re doing so well. I am too. All of us “apostates” have come a long, long way!
That is so sad. I would have never reported my wife the elders. Never!
The PTSD is real.
I was a born in and when I can relate to Efrain! When I had to be interviewed at a district assembly I was told what to say and what not to say and I felt like Lady Cee, I felt like I was marketing for the organization to bring more "worldly people" into the organization! Sad so sad but sooo true!
And no JW would believe us if we said what happened.
I'm really much impressed with your profile and personality. I also admire your good sense of humor here. I don't normally write in the comment section, but I think you deserve this complement..I'll like to be your friend
Just wanted to say that I really appreciate these videos!
So much of what Efrain says hits me hard. I was 10 in 1975 and had 4 older sisters. One of those sisters (who was 16) had gotten pregnant out of wedlock and was terrified that Armageddon was coming while she was pregnant and she would be destroyed. Her little boy was born in August 1975. Mother and son are both alive and well. There was an older couple in our hall who never had children because the end was near and they had dedicated their life to the ministry. For the org to say it was all in our mind is such a slap in the face. I hope I live to see justice.
My wife and I never had children because the End was so near.
Justice..Well.. not much of that in this world..is there?
Its part of Gods purpose..
With blood spilled between brothers in Ukraine and Gaza..they may end up bringing each other to ruin.
Job 38:22,23 uses the phrase battle and war along with reference to global warming.
Rev 19:17&18 , s mention of birds consuming flesh..reference to corona virus consuming needed resources as well as our DNA.
Horses and those riding them, also a reference to cars or vehicles transporting people..
When you take time to analyse ..with the spread of the virus halted by isolation ..factories making components for vehicles shut down..
So there was a shortage of new vehicles..a long waiting list..
Flesh of Those who ride them :
Examination centres and driving schools also had to close ..
It was a worldwide pandemic..
Military had to be called in to drive ambulances ..so the flesh of Military commanders symbolically was also used up.. diverting their essential resources too.
A round shaped virus..named in latin corona..Crown in English.
In pain from plagues ( Rev 11:6; rev 16:8- 11; rev 16: 13&14)
These go out..to secular rulers.
A 2000 year old prophecy..
Impressive .
God s instructions have brought those pains about.
Strategy for all mankind ..not just us who are alive..will benefit as earth is restored to paradise.
The heat the governing body experience..as many make accusations and vent hatefilled words..serves Gods will as by means of those accusations , their resolve to adhere to Gods standards is tested... BEFORE Armageddon .
Two witnesses are representatives God is using.
Perhaps God is providing two witnesses to reassure us in fulfillment of prophecy..a literal and symbolic fulfillment .
That's the case with covid..our DNA was consumed as well as much needed resources were stretched.. as government subsidised incomes with lockdown imposed to halt the spread of the airborne virus..bird flu..
Rev 19:17&18.
Worldwide pandemic
A great evening meal..to which God invited the birds ..
The next day (after the evening meal.. ).. a new dawn.
May it be the long awaited kingdom blessings through which true justice will come.
@@EfrainRiveraJunior
Governments want us to have children so we can sacrifice them in wars ...fighting for resources.
Breaking up families is part of the course that Jesus spoke he came to do.
Matt 10:34-39
@@compositioncompilation - Hello, Vernell Senior. I see that you changed your handle.
Wow this interview was a doozy! I’m lost for words.
Thank You for sharing the "Real Truth" of this evil organization!
The organization is not evil, just misguided. I pray for them to all wake up. Most are sincere and if ever given an opportunity to really examine the scriptures they would wake up.
Thanks! I agree that this organization is evil.
I'm really much impressed with your profile and personality. I also admire your good sense of humor here. I don't normally write in the comment section, but I think you deserve this complement..I'll like to be your friend
Thank you critical Thinker great interview
Thank God I never abandoned my family or relatives while being a JW. And neither did they with me. We always respected each other’s opinions about faith/religion. I was only in 5 years.
Sadly, my mother burned many bridges when she went into the cult.
I'm really much impressed with your profile and personality. I also admire your good sense of humor here. I don't normally write in the comment section, but I think you deserve this complement..I'll like to be your friend
Wow what an experience
I'm really much impressed with your profile and personality. I also admire your good sense of humor here. I don't normally write in the comment section, but I think you deserve this complement..I'll like to be your friend
Yes, there are thousands of us in this case and the number only increases every year.
More and more of us are leaving this apocalyptic cult, often with the same “traumas”. The psychological and emotional influence that the Watchtower had on us will still stay with us long after we leave. Former followers of Jehovism or Mormonism encounter the same difficulties in “returning” to real life. I suppose that these more or less painful psychological scars will remain the legacy of our indoctrination. Today this pain has become my strength and this strength strengthens my EXJW activism.
I Understand that the 👉 Church of SCIENTOLOGY . . .
ain't no Prize either !!! 😏 😱
I concur
Hey Efrian, I got my BS in international relations this past spring - at 51 years old. The time wasted on JW cult was a huge inspiration and fuel to finally finish. Working on my masters in public health now. This is an excellent discussion.
I'm 52, and you guys have motivated me to go for it.
I am enrolling next fall for my BA in computer science. I will be 44.
I need to do the same thing. Reading your comments is pushing me to not waste time.
God given emotions one of them is freedom. Enjoy your freedom humans this is a gift by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Prince of Peace was my best book I loved. It even stated that “even if there are planets with human beings that we do not know of, the earth is the only speacial planet that Jehovah sent his son to die for us…” (paraphrased) 😂😂😂😂
This was a very interesting program. It was very informative and educational. Thank you very much.
Was a highly enjoyed and much needed positive highlight to my night at work
This was one of the most interesting and insightful discussions I’ve heard. I like how you all explained how the JW organization changes and twists the history over time, even contradicts itself. 20 years ago when I was “studying “ the Bible with them I asked about 1975 and other past events. They brushed it off saying things like that it wasn’t the organization it was some people who were extreme and sold their homes, etc. never acknowledged the reality of what happened.
This is one of the many reasons I didn’t join and can’t accept the teachings of the JW.
I was shocked when I first heard about 1975. But they can't hide their history any more.
@@EfrainRiveraJunior thanks to the internet, the information is easily available. I met them in 2002 after 9/11 when I was young with the assumption that they study and follow the Bible. Luckily I had college and critical thinking and saw that they use the Bible to teach watchtower beliefs. I met some very nice, smart and interesting people there I liked them personally but they were only interested in talking to me in that JW sphere, not personally. Thanks for sharing your story I only learned much later about the reality of this organization and how it holds people back from careers and reaching their potential.
I met a lot of world war 2 veterans and holocaust survivors as a child. They said that in Europe, the witnesses were honorable and stood up for their beliefs and pacifism and i thought they were true to their beliefs and not hypocrites.
It’s not the same people and organization as it was back then. I still can’t believe the hypocrisy people are sharing online nowadays
👏👏👏👏👏👏🔥🔥💥💥 They paint a perfect picture!! ; of the organization!!
When I was a Pentecostal teenager, one of the Pioneers used to try to convert me and tease me about the Holy Spirit being a person and I would try to convince him that 1975 and the prophecy calculations were not true: It was like talking to a brick wall. I went to the Kingdom Hall with him one Wednesday night and they tried to love bomb me after the service. A person asked me what religious organization I came from and I told them, Wicked Christendom. They grimaced! LOL 😂
How FUN! 😂😂😂Good on you for attending a meeting. I always wanted to do one but my husband will not allow it lol.
Lady cee JT in the face/name reveal video Warwick pimo made, the video that video I MADE him make for me, I made him say my real name for watch tower in that video, (Peter Richard). So they know who I am, they hear my name a lot these days. ask eric wilson or his handler Paula P who I just exposed, I just pointed out that the main office for their corporation "Good News Association Inc" is a post office building in new city NEW YORK. Look into this and I will tell you how to get a copy of that Warwick face/name reveal video.
That was such a neat interview!
I'm really much impressed with your profile and personality. I also admire your good sense of humor here. I don't normally write in the comment section, but I think you deserve this complement..I'll like to be your friend
@@Bryan-cc7nq aww thank you Brian, but this one is about you!...done (friends)
@@janicemorton7581 Can you send me your email address so we can talk more about our self
Great point Lady Cee, on point about using our upbringing against us in urban areas. Efraín your party description was so true. It was always going down at family parties!
The last festivities we participated in weren't the best. That made it easier to transition into the cult. Yet, overall, my childhood memories are wonderful. As we go down Memory Lane, I have innumerable fantastic memories before our cult days, and very little good memories while inside the Jehovah's Witnesses organization. It was more pretending to be happy than being happy.
I'm really much impressed with your profile and personality. I also admire your good sense of humor here. I don't normally write in the comment section, but I think you deserve this complement..I'll like to be your friend
Thank you both for having Efrain on the show and to Efrain for sharing your story.
Thanks for watching. 😀
The Society has sent individuals to college, law school, etc.
thank you lady Cee and j.t for for your great and wonderful videos I always love watching the both of you keep up the great work❤❤❤
I was awake since being a baby. I remember my diehard jw mom draging me the kingdom hall and i would hide my shoes not to go. I never joined as an adult and it was one of the best decisions i have ever made.
👋 I unwitnessed a Lady from Work. Saw Her at the meeting on a Sunday and exchanged pleasantries. Then, with a co-worker I sent Her a message... "Run, run, and keep on running without looking back. Soon, they'll have You doubting yourself and will take full control of all your time, money and resources. Ruuunnn! Haven't seen Her at meetings again...👍👍👍
That was awesome!
Efrain, I remember for Couple School graduation they edit our watchtower comments. That was the beginning of my waking up
Back then I was such an apologist. I would play mental gymnastics to justify their changes. So silly was I!
Great video !
@ 6:36 the question arises when de the JWS drop their antiypical interpretations of Bible prophesy and scriptures? It was after 1992. 1992 was when Watchtower President and long time watchtower theologian, Fred franz died.
Franz died at the age of 99. He joined Charles Taze Russel's Bible's Students in 1914,the year of Russell's first major failed prophetic fiasco which was reinvented as a 'new truth' after Russell's death ( 1916).
While fanatical middle aged Bible student cultist epitomized by John Adams Bohnet jr led the charge to embrace Rutherford's new teachings as 'new light' a,including a new spin on antiypical interpretations of Bible prophesy and scriptures, it was youths like Fred Franz who would take up the ball as they died off.
Thus by the end of J F Rutherford's term as Watchtower President ( 1942) Franz was accepted as the unstated 'oracle' and 'brain' of the watchtower society. Franz was the one behind all the prophetical 'types, archetypes and anti types' that the watchtower society spewed from the 1940s to the 1980s. That all came to an end after Franz's death and none of his successors or former followers have the skill or the nerve to re-posit Pastor Russel's and or President Rutherford's anti typical speculations after Franz death.
My holy than thou sister in law that’s only ever a “witnesses” when it suits them. - Anyway my brother had a heart attack and I was called to visit him at the hospital- I had been disfellowshipped for a year and my brother told me on the hospital bed - he pointed to a man who was in the bed next to him the man was about 90 and said “see this is the generation!! We are in the last days!!”
My reply - have you not heard of the overlapping generation? I have years left!
Bearing in mind the overlapping generation had been a teaching for over 2 years! I’ve not spoke to them in over 7 years - the last I heard I’m delusional and he never had a heart attack. ( he was in a heart specialist hospital in the UK).
You can’t make this sh!t up..
great video as always. Thank you
Wow!
Aww Efrain great job! I think we were waking up around the same time because I could relate and we were commenting under exjwCriticalThinkers videos at the time all the time! Great job for getting out and we love your story!
Thanks.
Yet to say, when I started to express my thoughts about the so called, TRUTH. They dropped me like a hot potato. I didn’t, fortunately burn the bridges behind. I was very fortunate. Again; I was only in for 5 years. My heart goes out to those born in.
I say the same thing. Born-ins have it the worst.
Yup
The way they depicted they knew about prophecy also intrigued me, at 1st
Back in the 70’s we thought we could not be more highly educated than being a “Minister” of Jehovah with the “Truth”! Wow. We had books, we had the Theocratic Ministry School! Gee! How much higher could you get than THAT?!?
Facts.
Nice fresh interview. Just when I thought I knew everything about you, Efrain!
Hi!
PTSD is so real when you are not allowed to think. Many may not understand allowed to think, but when you are told work for them is a blessing, you're working for God. You keep drinking the koolaid. Modern day Jim Jones, killing your purpose and if you want to leave they kill your representation many have gave up their life sadly through suicide, because of it. If leaving you develop PTSD.
Yes, religious trauma is very real. Sadly, I know of at least three people that couldn't handle it and took their own lives.
Another great interview. Thank you for your efforts.
Absolutely right about the absence of empathy!
EXCELLENT!
I'm really much impressed with your profile and personality. I also admire your good sense of humor here. I don't normally write in the comment section, but I think you deserve this complement..I'll like to be your friend
Another great episode, keep rocking
Excellent interview. I would put it in your top 5.
23:40 omg i lol so hard at this. Unbelievable! Spot on about that elder who graduated from college then goes on stage and telling everyone else "brothers, divine education is from Jehovah, college is from Satan!" 😅😅
🤣
An Elder told me that our records are always at Patterson
JT and Lady C. I have been a follower of your channel since it came on. This was a Monumental video to help people who have left at all stages of their lives. I'm going through Cancer treatment and facing life-ending decisions and I was born in/and left at age 50! I have family still in and through my Cancer treatments and all I have been through I can appreciate the peace of having woken up to this Cult. I still live the shunning from certain family members and it has been an eye-opener. I really loved how Efrain can articulate his experiences and they resonate with me. I got a bit of time left thanks to the medical professionals who got an education and bought me some time. I love you guy's and appreciate all the effort you put into your channel and how it protects people from a dangerous life choice.
I'm sorry to hear about your health issues. My wife is going through breast cancer, and her JW parents don't even talk to her.
That’s awful. I’m so sorry to hear about your wife’s illness and the lack of support from her parents😢
@@JA9-fx7sg - The Witnesses are a horrible cult. That's why I don't agree with those who say that the J-Dubs are good people.
@willyb933 - So sorry to hear about your health. What was the deciding factor that sealed your decision to leave? -- asking because I imagine that being born-in and having your entire life shaped by the teachings left you feeling unmoored in every area of your life.
I originally faded about 20 years ago as a result of being appointed an MS and it was a "peek behind the curtain" to the hypocrisy and dishonesty at the congregation levels. It has been in recent years that the opportunity to use the internet truly woke me to the depravity and abuse at the Governing level of this organisation.@@Ava2969ny
💰JW💵CULT💰
I love these type of interviews. Thanks!❤️👍
Thanks for sharing.
What about when we would have the offer of the on the old books get rid of the old books they were cheaper and I remember thinking back then a lot of these teachings are old light so why are we giving the public old teachings that we no longer believe aren't we suppose to be spreading the truth.
Very interesting program. Thanks JT and Dee and your quest for this great program
wow! 100,000 in the year 2000, he was set, yes they are elders and their family who runs a successful business and have higher education who did everyone look up to them and sadly everyone in the hall was struggling, they tell people not to go to college because they just following guidelines, I have family members like that luckily my mom went to school, her brother, myself and sister, I wish I took up a better career but other than that a good career can get you far.
52:12 this interview is PHENOMENAL!! Do y’all remember “advertise, advertise, advertise the kingdom!” 🤣🙄. Efrian is calling out all the holes!!! And I remember that book!! 54:47
I remember. 😂
Great interview! Thank you Lady Cee, JT and Efrain. Were you guys foreshadowing what's going to happen to WT? Or is that not allowed anymore?
Great experience!
Thanks.
I'm really much impressed with your profile and personality. I also admire your good sense of humor here. I don't normally write in the comment section, but I think you deserve this complement..I'll like to be your friend
Death Cult 🛑
My family is also very close, (are not in the religion) but if I’d ever been abandoned by them, I can’t even imagine going through that.
Hello, Cat!
@@EfrainRiveraJunior Meow, Happy to see you w JT & LadyCee. They’re a class act. I have a buddy who was an elder and he’s been calling people to apologize. He left bc he was cut to the heart over past decisions. Stay well 🩵
@@catmeow333 - That is nice to hear. I was never an elder, but I did call a few people to apologize for being an a-hole back then.
Hola Efrain saludos ya me escribi a tu canal gracias por ser la voces que no podemos hablar
¡Gracias!
“…So it looks like nobody lives there “ 👍👍👍👍😂😂😂😂
The PO in my congregation showed me an article that confirmed the 1975 teaching after an old timer sister brushed it off.
Love ladyC Jt ❤
Great Interview
Thanks!
Good job Efrain 🎯
Thanks, my friend!
I had my elders meeting this past Friday. I ask if they would explain John 6:50-56 they refused to open the Bible. They asked if I believe in the governing body, I asked for them too show me in the Bible. The said mathew, I responded 24:45 let's read it and they wouldn't, so I asked them who does the ten virgins represent. I asked them how can I be an apostate if I know more about the Bible then you. I asked if where not going too open the Bible this meeting is pointless. I did get disfellowshed
Didn't get disfellowshed
@@salporcaro4500 - Nice.
That's how you know it's a cult, you have to obey men.
To show how brain dead i was ,they preach the end of the world to me in 1974 when i was not a jw ,and i still got baptize later after knowing they lied about 1975 .but i just faded in 2018 ,after almost 40 years of half believing the nonsense,i just simply left the congregation and i just faded away ,and they never bother me ,because i always stuck strictly to the Bible ,and i was always soft shun any way for stance on the Bible ,also,because i never dance to the elders music and there brown nosers anyway ,and i kelp all of them OUT OF MY BUSINESS, so when i left, it was i guess to them good riddens..Psalms 119:105,Jeremiah 17:5
I can relate.
@@EfrainRiveraJunior Good video ,i would like to see the video you all were discussing,on ex jw analyzer ,but i never caught the name of it and title ,all in all enjoy it keep up the good work.and may God be with you and your wife
@@zip6404 - RUclips continues to delete my comment. If you listen to what I said and read my name here, you might figure out were to watch it.
@@zip6404 - 👆 That's where.
@@EfrainRiveraJunior Got it thxs
The PTSD is awful. I still dream of smiling “brothers” and “sisters”. It’s the advocacy that does help you, yet tonight I felt like I just gave up. Quit. Because these people WON’T listen. No one seems to care. The Governing Body continues to commit crimes (in my opinion the crimes are against human rights, especially abuse of children). I feel they’ll continue to get away with this craziness because people allow it. JWs choose it. So I waver between anger and sadness. Especially because of children. The innocent children.
Very true.
My biggest issue has been how to rebuild community after losing such a close-knit religious community?
WOW
Enjoyed this. It's not too late to go to school, I'm currently doing my thesis after being motivated years ago by fellow comments on RUclips to go back to school. BTW, is this the same guy who comments on videos by the name of Efraim Rivera or something like that?
It will most likely be me. 😂
@@EfrainRiveraJunior I couldn't tell if you're kidding or it's really the same guy. 😁 But Efrain it's not too late to get degree. I assume you're a US citizen. There are many universities in Europe that offer long distance or online studies, tuition is free or cost next to nothing besides a small fee every semester, and you could find part-time degrees if you are a full-time worker. Look up any of these terms I mentioned above, and you'll find them. You won't find medicine or mechanical engineering, but you'll find studies that could serve you well in other fields. And European degrees are accepted in the US, or in some cases may need you to take a written test to prove you actually did a college program to get it. Never too late, man.
My getting this degree is going to be the biggest finger I would be giving to the organisation since leaving; that I didn't let their influence dictate the remaining decades of my life. I went and got a higher education !
@@EfrainRiveraJunior just checked your profile now. Yep, it's you!
Hope you see the comment I wrote just now about getting degree from Europe (sometimes this platform hides comments)
@@takeyouryokeandlearnfromme1771 - Yes, I saw your comment. I had no idea this could be done. Thanks for the information.
Whenever you see Efrain Rivera Junior or Oasis Ex-Testigo, that will be me. 🤣
Yeah, I hate RUclips's algorithm.
@@EfrainRiveraJunior I did some work for you. Search online for "uni app degrees," and enter the first site that comes up. It's a site where you can find universities offering various degrees worldwide. Find the search area, and press the "start" button next to the "view all programs."
Now you can choose Bachelor degree type, English as the language, attendance online, and maximum tuition up to 2500.
Have a ball at what degrees you would like to study for. There are degrees that cost only 900 dollars per semester. Choose practical professions, not gender studies. 😁
You can also just type online: "Free tuition degrees in Europe for Americans online." You'll find several pages.
Olá Efrain,sou Vilma de Brasil tengo 82 anos.Fui TJ por 40 anos,como precursora especial y Regular por 40 anos.Salli de alli de la Torre ace ,2 ano.Despues de tanto tiempo enganada , siento Verguenca de mi misma por ser tan crédulos, ingénua Viegas a lá vez.
Camino com baston rompi el fémur mientras predicava y si non fuera por mi hija ,que no és Testigo tendria que ir a um asilo de viejos.
Fijate que force por 40 anos mi hija a ser Testigo,felizmente Ella NUNCA cedio a mi pression.se fuera distinto agora no lê poderia anular, estaria enferma e sola.
Me llamaron lá loca.Poid bien,ahora fijate tenho mi canai Sou una VIEJA A,POSTATA. Soy activista no se do tendre tiempo de ver lá caida de lá Torre. Sigue amigo Dios cuide bem todos NOSSOTROS.sbraco de mi parte.❤
Gracias por tu comentario. Me encantaría escuchar tu historia.
I made it known to my children that they had the opportunity to go to college. A witness Sister wanted me to know all her children has good job & didn't goo to College. I say good for you my children had the choice. That how they really control you by keeping you in poverty. They really don't have Love to cut you off so aboptly. They are such an uncompassionate, Evil people, the Bible say God is the same today as yesterday, the Baptism talk change, the dress code, the time of the end. Also it depend on who you are you can marry an unbaptized person as long as he study SMH
That actually explains so much, why he thought it was ok for him to throw away my stuff and why his family is ok with us not being together even though we have 2 kids together.
Sad, but true.
Before I stepped down, and walked away, I grabbed my file from the file cabinet and burned it.
That was very smart!
My request: Efrain returns. 😄
😊😂
I was baptized in 1973 at the age of 22.
How did you react to the failed 1975 prophecy?
@@oasisex-testigosdejehova6346 For me, it was nothing special because I myself was not of the opinion that there could be an exact date. Nevertheless, it took me another five years to distance myself further from those views. I then read the book by Raymond Franz. I actually don't have very clear memories of the time between 1975 and 1985. However, in 1978, I still visited Bethel in Newark and was generally fully active and indoctrinated. We had two daughters, and I didn't want to abandon my wife. Around 1980, though, I let her know that I would no longer attend meetings. None of my family members did the same as me. I immersed myself in my professional activities to distract myself. I attended the academy and became a teacher for electronics. I was never formally disfellowshipped, and some contacts with other members of the local congregation were maintained through my wife and children. This was likely due in part to the fact that I never openly took a stand against the organization. It's somehow peculiar that hardly anyone talked about the unfulfilled expectations of 1975. Nevertheless, to this day, everyone continues to discuss that Armageddon is imminent. In private meetings, there is a persistent reference to its immediacy. When I bring up the fact that it was clearly stated, it is confirmed by those who experienced it back then, but at the same time, it is often conveniently pushed aside or ignored.
I'm really much impressed with your profile and personality. I also admire your good sense of humor here. I don't normally write in the comment section, but I think you deserve this complement..I'll like to be your friend
Hey JT and Lady C, I started fading in 2018. Listening to this great interview, it sparked a question. How would I be able to get my file from the Org.? Would it have to involve a lawyer? Btw, I live in Canada. Thanks for all your work. You were one of the first channels I started listening to and you helped me tremendously.
Hey Efrain, thanks for being so open and honest about your experience. Take care!
Thanks! I am currently talking to lawyers to get my records from the Watchtower. But that is no guarantee they will release them.
Thanks Efrain!
I’m retired now and don’t feel like spending money just to get something that I feel belongs to me anyway. However, I do understand that each situation is different.
Hope it works out for you! 😊
I'm really much impressed with your profile and personality. I also admire your good sense of humor here. I don't normally write in the comment section, but I think you deserve this complement..I'll like to be your friend
@JT, you are so funny, "not a stamp!" I feel it though, these JW's ruined people's lives, and then they talk about blood on the friend's hands if they don't OBEY! @Lady Cee, you are beautiful and you have an infectious laugh! Glad you can smile after the life you lived being a JW. @Efrain, I am so sorry you went through the things you went through. The shunning is worse than confinement to prisoners!!! Losing a portion of your family is detrimental in itself, but ALL of your family and friends all at once! That is just cruel, unloving and unGodly!! I too suffered when disfellowshipped, but my mother was NOT having it! She was like I am talking to my daughter and all of my children who were disfellowshipped! She did NOT care!!! My brother also said he was NOT giving them the satisfaction of writing a letter, like WHO are YOU to demand a statement from me! You gets NOTHING!!! He was DONE, and my father who is an elder does NOT talk to any of us! I hate it, because I am the only girl and when my daughter passed away in 2020, he was NOT there to comfort me. My ONLY daughter passed away, and he didn't come to see me. Broke my heart in a million pieces!
Thanks!
NO TURKY ON THURSDAY, THE DAY THE NATION CELEBRATED THANKSGIVING! HA! I REMEMBER THAT!!!🦃
👏👏👏👏great interview!!!
Thanks!
@@ExJWCriticalThinkerJesus sent all of you to preach about the JW's or satan sent all of you to preach about the JW's????????
Jesus sent all of you to preach about the JW's or satan sent all of you to preach about the JW's????????
@@vusimngomezulu2500 - Hi, Vusi! I'm happy that you came to watch my interview.
@@EfrainRiveraJunior But your ignore my simple question 🤣
So sorry for both your losses. That sure is cold and wicked for none of your relatives to contact you.😢❤❤❤
Thanks!
Great video. If our parents had internet access 50 yes ago I don't think my parents would have became jws. Too much flip flopping in this organization. And now too much begging
Facts.
I'm really much impressed with your profile and personality. I also admire your good sense of humor here. I don't normally write in the comment section, but I think you deserve this complement..I'll like to be your friend
😏 How about the "John Class" ? Or the "Ezekiel Class " 🙄
Or Maybe the "Jeremiah Class" . . . 🤦
WHAT . . . . . HAPPENED TO THEM 🤨🧐🤓. ???🤷???
🤔And the "Jehonadab Class", the "Rechabite Class", and the "Jebusite Class".....✋️🤨 utter nonsense!!!
@@pauletteforman
SMH 🤦
The locusts class.
@@lulubellers
That's right ! 😧 🦗🦗🦗🦗🦗
How did I forget . . THEM !? 🤦
@@lulubellers😂😂😂😂!! Ridiculous !!!!
I notice so many people go from Catholic to JW. Wonder why. I vaguely remember my mom saying that she heard being Catholic was a very strict and difficult life.
WOW!! How evil these people are. They have been tricked into fully disconnecting their NATURAL AFFECTION for family! Exactly what the Jesus character warned about in the Bible!
So true!
1
The Unwitness! That's hysterical.😂
I love that term.
I was thinking make amends.
Like in AA. 😂
I came into the organization going to college, and I was not about to stop. I resented every time they would bring it up at the meeting. I was a single mother of two boys, and I had to pay all the bills, and none of them had Jehovah's Witnesses written on them. I tried to encourage both my sons to go, but they didn't want to. At some point you got to think about what is best for your situation. The organization has no right to tell people not to go to college. I still went out in the ministry and made lots of meetings, because I only went to college part time while working, so it can be done. My fade was easy. No family in the organization..😉
I'm happy to hear you left the cult.
@@Cottonball-gz4cr I realize that now
Efrain looks like Wally.
Yes! 😊
🤣
I'm really much impressed with your profile and personality. I also admire your good sense of humor here. I don't normally write in the comment section, but I think you deserve this complement..I'll like to be your friend
I never knew the war in heaven was supposed to last for years - is that right? i don't remember that at all!
It's in the Revelation book.
This interview was informative and at the same time angered me a little. What he said about the Elders trying to force their way in was ridiculous. That shows how difficult it may be to try and fade when the Elders call relentlessly or visit like that. I used to think "Are they really that stupid that they can't take a hint when you don't return a phone call" but the way he stated "Playing their game" about DA oneself well it looks like it's a tactic. I knew one former sister who almost got fired from her job because the Elder was going to her place of employment and went behind the register while she was trying to check out customers sticking the bible in her face to bring her back to the meetings (But he was always bull headed and arrogant).
Old literature = posable apostate doctrines. I brought up the 1984 WT (still on the JW website) to my mother about the generation that will not pass after a little comment "Maybe there will be another overlapping on top of the overlapping generation" when she asked what I meant by that comment. She interrupted almost immediately when I brought that watchtower up and spun it into the overlapping generation thing. She's a special pioneer so I'm not sure if there's a handbook like the Elders have. If there is she's probably trained to spin and loop things to now of day teachings.
I think I'll try the moving of the congregations like Efrain mentioned when I move out. Something tells me I can move out of the area and leave the old address on their file, but the way the Elders are I wouldn't put it past them if they googled my address and came by even if it's two county's away.
I knew a sister whom the elders cornered at her job. When she refused to talk to them, they disfellowshipped her.
@@EfrainRiveraJunior Not that's ridicules. Goes to show the double standard of these articles that say "Not on company time because that would be the same as stealing from your employer" but the Elders doing that.
Hey J T, Lady C . It’s always a pleasure to watch your videos. This is for your guess. I the Bible it speaks about the world will become cold they were 🧊 ice cold to you and then tell your wife to leave you???? Ice 🧊 they are colder than 🧊! What is your life now ? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? The witness won’t ask you that question because they don’t have salvation. One day and one day sooon! All the covers will be pulled off! God bless you!