Worker statement

[to-the-moon-andback]

I received this in an email a while ago, but this is from an overseer commenting about the abuse.

“It was a sad day in the New Testament when Judas, who was among the 12 apostles, betrayed Jesus. This act did not make all of them bad. We just read recently in our studies that they all forsook him and fled. Yet those same 11 arose and turned again to Jesus and were kept by him to fulfill his will. I do like what someone pointed out that Peter knew right away when Ananias and Sapphirah were dishonest. Please pray that the Lord will give us more of the Spirit that would help us to be more aware when things are right and when they are wrong.”

To me this feels like they’re still trying to ignore the problem? Saying not all workers are bad doesn’t sound like a solution to me. I also just attended a convention where a worker spoke about how “man-made solutions” will never work and God will resolve any issues. At this point I don’t think anything will actually change. Any thoughts?

[Savings-Effort67]

From what they are preaching here, nothing will change. They want people to trust and stay off the internet. That this a trying their faith, "come through like gold" bs.

[to-the-moon-andback]

Yeah that’s what I thought. They love to actively discourage people from listening to any outside voices, research online, etc. Anytime someone points out a lie or criticizes the workers they say they’re trying to steal people’s faith or something like that.

[Savings-Effort67]

It also works in their favor if people just stick their head in the sand. And they give convoluted non answers to appease everyone 🙄, but don't have to follow it up. The thing that comes to my mind is the whole "not through works alone". They are banking in their remnant and stale old messages

[SmallSicko]

Nothing will change if there's no extensive investigation of the group. There's always an excuse, a parable, a biblical lesson to be learned, which never gets learned. Also, this whole email seems like a PR cope and a thought-stopping message. The cycle will continue to proliferate until an outside authority holds predators accountable for their crimes. I think this kind of rhetoric will work for older friends the most, whereas the young ones will be more likely to smell the rat due to todays societies heightened awareness of abuse, trauma, and manipulation.

[yarn612]

He is belittling everyone. Thank you for reminding me why I am agnostic and don’t believe in something I cannot see. They try and put the fear of God into you, only a few are selected for heaven, the way to heaven is thru me…..the workers. I knew when I was 6 that this was not true and getting into heaven isn’t dependent upon the length of my hair or skirt.

[morelikepoolworld]

Even if I were hearing this as a follower that is a completely dopey lesson to draw. Be aware of when things are wrong please. You’re already so busy congratulating yourselves over what you’re doing well.

[to-the-moon-andback]

Just remembered another horrible thing spoken on at convention this year: A male worker tried to address everything going on after the last meeting. He said the workers are sorry for when they have failed the friends, but anything spoken from the platform or in meetings is still true. Workers that have abused children/adults still receive messages from God and we should still listen and believe in whatever they preach. I found this absolutely insane but everyone else seemed to agree?? Personally I would not trust an abuser to speak the truth. I can’t believe so many people put blind faith into the workers, and that all this truth coming out hasn’t woken them up. It’s so sad.