It wasn't Barnacle Bill the sailor, that's for sure!
There were two older, well dressed women there and I knew right away they were going around knocking on doors. I didn't know if they were LDS (Latter Day Saints) or Jehovah's Witnesses or Baptists or what but they were certainly very friendly and very nice. They were not pushy. They just wanted to leave one of those little booklets after reading a promise from the Bible--that God would end wars everywhere on earth.
As they turned to go, I asked, "Where are you from?" I have felt a pull back toward church. I am Presbyterian but have been to Methodist and Lutheran churches and so I know the messages are basically the same...usually. I have had good friends (in MD) who were Mormons.
But this lady said, "We're from the Kingdom Hall" and I knew there was no way no how I'd go to their place nor would I want to learn more about being Jehovah's Witness.
In the 1980s, I was an interpreter for a school district in Maryland. One of my interpreter friends was a young single mother, Tammy, who had a very engaging spirit. She was fun to be with and had a dry wit. We never talked about religion. I knew she'd had breast cancer and had already had a double mastectomy by the tender age of 29. She had two little boys and loved their father but never married him because he was like a child himself.
Before the end of that school year, Tammy's cancer came back. She was going through all sorts of painful treatments. She did not lose her smile even though her eyes were clouded with pain and she walked with first one and then two canes. There were only two times I saw her let her guard down. Once, she was angry because her HMO wouldn't approve a new treatment for cancer--they said it was "experimental". The other time, she was afraid for her sons...what would happen to them when she was gone? Their father loved them but would not be able to support them. It was heartbreaking.
Tammy died about six months later. A group of us interpreters wanted to go to the service and we were very surprised to learn that she was a Jehovah's Witness. Usually they are always trying to convert you but Tammy never said a word about her faith. Well, it's no wonder because one of the first things the minister (or whoever he was) said at the service was that Tammy died because she didn't believe hard enough. And there were her two little boys in the front seat! When he went on to say we'd never see her again, her body is mouldering in the grave, I was about ready to get up and walk out. I was sickened.
Now, I realize that the "culture" of a church in the same religion can be completely different from others in the community. Maybe the Kingdom Hall Tammy belonged to was just one of those flukey places. But it sure left a very bad taste in my mouth. I get the impression that they are like other fundamental Christian faiths and that is just not for me.
Knock at someone else's door.
Posted by Cassie at March 14, 2007 12:50 PM | TrackBackWhat is a real shame is that Joe Vreeland wasn't there, OBVIOUSLY, and that he is slandering you Cassie.
I guess his religion doesn't understand God's commandment of thou shalt not bear false witness. I wasn't there either but after my own experiences with Jehovah Witnesses (which I won't retell, I don't want to called a slanderer either) I have to believe what Cassie posted.
I too know some so-called pastors who have stated to my first wife dying from P.P.H. that the reason she is sick is that she had no faith. I wanted to physically throw the man out of my house for insulting my sick wife and insulting the Word of God. Fortunately I am a born again Christian and the Holy Spirit restrained me. Who is your controlling spirit Joe?
The Bible talks about wolves in sheep's clothing, there is no doubt that so called men of God of every faith have invaded our churches, temples, and synagogues. They are few and sometimes not so easy to spot. But if you look at the genuine article close enough you will be able to spot the counterfits.
II Corinthians 11:14-15 - "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."
Posted by: TB at May 11, 2007 07:03 PMI don't know what "Kingdom Hall" you went to...but that statement is so totally untrue. There is never any thought of not being "good enough" or "righteous enough" for salvation.
Maybe you heard things wrong...but that is NOT anything ANY WITNESS would EVER say! The unity of the teachings and brotherhood are what the faith evidences as they are all of one spiritual learning...that unity is what amazes the so-called "christian churches".
What you have said is slanderous..and I don't believe you even heard what was said..if you went to her memorial at all. Somehow you have stated things that are just not in the faith or ever was or ever will be something that is known or practiced.
Perhaps someone just told you about the memorial and you are writing in first person what you received as second person. That's not good writing style.
Perhaps you were at some pagan ritual and forgot to check the name on the door. You might get that sort of rhetoric at a Catholic funeral..but not at a Witness memorial...it just ain't so!
Your vitriol is disgusting and just another blatant slam at a faith that you don't have any knowledge of or interest in learning what it's all about.
Yellow journalism (and blogs and diaries) are a sign of insult without fact and I challenge you to retract what you said.
Get your information straight next time and pay attention to what you hear...it might be an eye- and ear-opener for you.
Posted by: Joe Vreeland at May 11, 2007 02:23 AM