The Jehovah's Witnesses "Secret Book" - Part 2

Loving Overseers Working with the Congregation

As overseers work with the congregation, they should make it their goal always to imitate the loving ways of the Supreme Overseer, Jehovah. In the same manner as Jehovah as shown consideration for the disadvantaged and needy, so also overseers should be sensitive to the needs of the aged, the sick, the new ones, the young, and those who need material assistance. Even as our heavenly Father has shown interest in the spiritual growth and advancement of all of his intelligent creatures, so overseers today ought to demonstrate a constant interest in the spiritual well-being and advancement of all in the congregation. (Ps. 146:7-9) No doubt you would like to be of even greater assistance to your brothers in these matters.

What Kind of Overseer Are You?

Very likely you are a busy person, leading a full life with many responsibilities.

If you are married, you have a wife and most likely children to care for spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Caring for this primary responsibility requires time and thought. (w8611/1 p. 22) Your secular employment can be very demanding of your energy, time, and emotions. Other important matters involving Kingdom interests, such as personal study, preparation for meetings, field service, and helping and encouraging publishers in many ways, tax your time.

Maintenance and cleaning of' the Kingdom Hall need to be scheduled and carried out, and at imes your help may be needed when new Kingdom Halls are built. You also need rest and relaxation. Elders can learn to become proficient and to keep balance so that all necessary matters receive proper attention.

You, as a loving overseer, feel a similar concern for all the brothers and sisters in your congregation.

Paul wrote to Timothy: "I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who imparted power to me, because he considered me faithful by assigning me to a ministry." (I Tim.
1.12).

Appreciation for the loving-kindness and mercy shown us by Jehovah and his Son, as well as our love for them and for our brothers, moves us to serve the congregation as fully as possible, despite other responsibilities. Therefore, do not rely on your own wisdom and strength. Always petition Jehovah for his wisdom to direct you in doing his work, especially when problems or
circumstances arise that you have never experienced or handled before. (Jas. 1:5 )   Pray for holy spirit. It can provide power beyond that is normal. (Luke 11:13; 2 Cor. 4:7, 8, 16)   The congregation prays that Jehovah will bless your efforts to serve him and his people as a loving overseer.

Working With Individuals Who Have Special Needs

At I Peter 2:17, we are encouraged not only to "honor men of all sorts," including secular rulers (vs. 13), but also to have "love for the whole association of brothers."

By taking personal interest in your brothers and sisters, you stay awake to their needs and are in a position to show them appropriate love and honor. All the flock of God need to feel the loving shepherding of the elders.

The aged and the sickly often need special attention. ( w87 6/1 pp. 10-12)

These may need assistance in practical ways.

"Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock"

They may need someone to cook for them, wash and iron their clothes, clean their homes, run errands. They often need encouragement and reassurance that the elders cane about them and are interested in them. (1 Thess. 5:14) They may need someone to help them get to the meetings,
read to them, or in other ways help them to stay spiritually strong. Consider ways that you can provide such practical assistance. Other brothers and sisters can help you carry the load. Invite them to volunteer. Make definite arrangements as to how they can help.

It is important to check periodically to see that someone as following through on arrangements made to give assistance.  Your being alert to such needs and providing the appropriate assistance will mark you as a loving overseer. You may be sure that this is well pleasing to Jehovah. (Heb. 13:1, 16)

********** Inserted Comment **********

The following is an excerpt of a letter that the Watchtower wrote to the Czech government... The title of the letter is: "Registration of the religious community of Jehovah Witnesses" and it can be found in its entirety at this location. A GIF image of the letter is also available at this location!

Question 1: Does the Society of JWs teach that a parent, member of the Society, is to defend his child which has not yet come of age from being given blood transfusions in such a case when, in opinion to doctors, the refusal of blood transfusions can cause health damage or death?

The answer: No, the Society does not teach that.

********** End of Inserted Comment **********



Individuals with medical problems who are facing the  blood issue need special assistance.

Even before they enter the hospital, some may need help in making sure that medical and legal papers are fitting and that the necessary medical personnel have been spoken to in order to avoid a transfusion (g91 3/8 pp 3-8; km 11/90 pp 3.-6 )  Visit the patient in the hospital.   Pray with, strengthen, and comfort the patient, also relatives, such as the parents of a sick child. (Jas. 5:13 )   If the patient is faced with the blood issue, elders can do much to keep the situation calm and to reason with doctors and unbelieving relatives.  On rare occasions a situation requires a 24-hour watch.

********** Inserted Comment **********

So, if the Watchtower doesn't forbid blood transfusions, then why would there be a need for "a 24-hour watch"? And why is there a need for making sure that "the necessary medical personnel have been spoken to in order to avoid a transfusion ??? This would be almost comical if weren't for the fact that innocent children die because of this Watchtower law!

ALSO: Another manual that the average Witness does not get to see (and of course, the majority of non-witness's) is called "Preparing for Child Custody Cases" (PCCC), and it was designed by the Watchtower for use by JWs and their attorneys involved in child custody cases. Lets take an interesting look at a quote out of this manual:

Show that you are a loving and caring parent who wants the best medical care possible for your child. ...You do not want to give the impression that your religion requires you to allow your child to die should a medical emergency arise. (PCCC pp. 5, 55)

Maybe the Watchtower doesn't know that this is known as PERJURY in the United States of America!

********** End of Inserted Comment **********

The Hospital Liaison Committee should be called only when the patient needs a cooperative doctor, when a confrontation develops, or when a threat to force blood on the patient is unresolved.  All elders should have a copy of the list showing names and telephone numbers of committee members. Keep it in an accessible file with appropriate references, such as
"Questions From Readers" in The Watchtower, June 1, 1990, pages 30-1, and March 1, 1989, pages 30-1; the brochure How Can Blood Save Your Life?; the booklet Jehovah's Witnesses and the Question of Blood; and Our Kingdom Ministry, November 1990, pages 3-6.

Committee members can help by: Finding cooperative doctors, hospitals, and so forth. Reasoning with physicians on alternatives to blood. Discretion should be used in determining what, if any, assistance might be given on a humanitarian basis to those not having a good standing in the congregation. For example, if a Disfellowshipped one takes a firm stand on the blood issue, local elders or the Hospital Liaison Committee could share information with the
family out of consideration for those faithful ones.

In major cities some elders are especially assigned as members of Patient Visitation Groups to visit hospitals regularly to assist Witness patients. This arrangement does not relieve local elders of their responsibility to visit the sick at home and in the hospital.

********** Inserted Comment **********
Pay special attention to this section coming up. This section deals with what is known in anti-cult circles as "LOVEBOMBING"! This well researched tactic is one of the identifying traits of cults!

********* End of Inserted Comment **********

Newly associated ones are especially in need of attention.

When they first come to the Kingdom Hall, new ones may feel like strangers; we want to change that feeling to one of warm friendship.  If you notice a new one standing by himself or talking only with the one who studies with him, take the initiative to approach and greet him and introduce him to others.  Teach attendants to greet new ones, and occasionally remind them to do this.

"Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock"

Train all the brothers and sisters to take the initiative in approaching new ones and getting acquainted with them.  So that you may encourage and help others, be sure to arrive at the meetings early and stay for a while after the program.  You can associate with new ones at other times also, perhaps visiting with them in their home or yours.

Such personal interest lets them see that genuine love exists among Jehovah's people. (John 13:35)   It also fills the void created when they cut off former associations and worldly entertainment.

Young members of the congregation need to be strengthened to resist "the desires incidental to youth." (2 Tim. 2:22)

Parents have the primary responsibility to care for the needs of their children. (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21 )   However, the young ones are a part of the congregation, and elders have a responsibility toward them also and should show genuine interest in them.  Why is knowing the full names of all the youth in your congregation helpful?

Many youths do not have a father or a mother in the truth, and some have no relatives in the truth.  They deserve the consideration that is to be shown to "the fatherless boy." (Job 29:12; Jas. 1:27 EXPERIENCE: One teenager was given attention by an elder. He would pick the boy up every time he was going to help with the building of the Kingdom Hall. Each day after they finished their work on the hall, they would go to get  some refreshments and take time to converse. The boy grew up and became a circuit overseer. He remembered this elder's concern as a major factor in his spiritual development.

Take note of ways that you and others can assist and encourage young ones in the congregation, and continually assure them of your interest.

Seek them out to engage them in conversation at the Kingdom Hall and elsewhere.   Encourage them to express themselves.  Eagerly listen to their viewpoints and their problems; be slow to criticize, quick to commend.  Help young ones build confidence in Jehovah, and help them to esteem highly the privilege of being Jehovah's Witnesses. (w85 8/15 pp. 11-21)

Develop helpful interest in their schooling.  Show a keen concern for youth who have difficulty
adjusting to adulthood.  Make them feel wanted and needed in the congregation.   Help them to see how they can be helpful and encouraging to others by their presence and participation at the meetings and in the field service.

Use ingenuity in devising assignments for exemplary ones, such as using them to assist with roving microphones, tidy up the restrooms after each meeting, and straighten up the chairs.  List some responsibilities appropriate to your congregation.  Suggest attainable goals for them, such as weekly participation in field service or commenting at every meeting.

********** Inserted Comment **********

Another 'wonderful' quote out of that 64-page booklet titled "Preparing for Child Custody Cases" (PCCC)

Be careful they (the children) don't get the impression that they are in a demonstration at the circuit assembly, when they would show that the first things in life are service and going to the Kingdom Hall. ...Be careful they don't all say that they are going to be pioneers." (PCCC p. 43)

Contrast that above quote with the following 'guidelines' about what kind of goals the 'appointed elders' should be instilling in the younger Witness's minds...

********** End of Inserted Comment **********

Talk with them about pioneer work, Bethel and missionary service, auxiliary pioneering, and so forth. Work with them in the field service.  Help them to make progress in various features of
this activity, such as in filling out house-to-house record slips, organizing their book bags, and learning how to make return visits and start Bible studies. Examine what is being done to encourage and assist young ones in your congregation.

Pioneers need encouragement and help in many ways.

Make a periodic check to see what encouragement pioneers need, and assist them in practical ways. Are meetings for field service begun and ended on time?

"Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock"

Is sufficient territory available for the pioneers? Have they lost some of their joy? If so, why?

Arrange to work with them in field service on a regular basis.  If some have genuine material needs, others (including elders) may be able to assist.

Assist persons who are in need materially.

It is not enough just to wish them well. (Jas. 2:15-17; 1 John 3:16-18)  They may need advice or actual assistance in getting appropriate secular employment. They may need advice and assistance in making application to receive aid provided by Caesar for the needy. (w66 2/1 pp. 95-6)

Children, grandchildren, or other family members who could help may need reminders or encouragement to do so. (1 Tim. 5:4, 8; w 87 6/1 pp. 13-18)  There may be individuals in the congregation who would readily help if they knew there was a need.  If other assistance is not available, the needy person  may qualify to receive assistance from the congregation. ( 1 Tim. 5:3-10; w 87 6/1 pp. 8-13; om pp. 122-3)

When there are official restrictions on the work, the  brothers are in special need of encouragement and direction. (Isa. 32:1, 2)

Arrangements need to be made so that all members of the congregation will be well fed spiritually on a regular basis.  Do not neglect encouraging the brothers to share regularly in the witnessing activity. (Rom. 10:10)

********** Inserted Comment **********

When you read the following section, please keep in mind that when the word "brother" or "publisher" is used, this does not refer to a NON-Witness. As a little challenge, see if you can spot one reference in here to giving help in critical times also to non-witness's! Let it be stated, that there is no rule that says they cannot help 'non-witness's', and there might be examples of times that they did; HOWEVER, Would you expect to see an omission divided upon religious lines inside of a RED CROSS manual?

********** End of Inserted Comment **********

In case of a natural disaster, arrange to provide comfort spiritually and to assist the brothers physically and materially. (w73 3/1 pp. 134-5; w73 2/1 pp. 95-6)

Determine if any of the brothers were injured or lost their life and what care is being administered. Check to see what government aid may be available. (w66 2/1 pp. 95-6)

Follow through on the emergency measures initiated by local elders.

Quickly assess property damage and the needs of  local publishers.

Establish headquarters, perhaps using a Kingdom Hall

Collect and distribute needed funds, food, supplies, and building materials; coordinate assistance for those having needs.

Do not solicit funds by writing letters or verbally asking for assistance.

After relief has been administered, submit a detailed written report to the Society, including a written record showing all receipts and disbursements of relief funds.

********** Inserted Comment **********

So, please print out the above and show it to some Witness's the next time that they come to your door and hand you an AWAKE! that paints the Watchtower cult out to be "generous, helping people".

You see, if you are not a Witness, are your not interested in becoming a Witness, to their mentality, it doesn't matter whether or not you have food to eat or a place to sleep. Why? Simple. Because they believe you, and all non-witness's, are about to be slaughtered, eternally, in Armageddon. If you do not beleive this, then ask the next Witness's that knock on you door, point-blank, "Will I survive Armageddon if I am not a Witness?"

Furthermore, how many Witness's that you know participate in fund-raising, community improvement programs, or any charity ? Ask yourself why that is. Simple. Because nothing matters to these people because, as it has been for the last century and a quarter, Armageddon is 'right around the corner'!

********** End of Inserted Comment **********

Brothers and sisters witnessing in dangerous territory, such as high-crime areas or war-torn zones (apply locally), also need loving assistance. (Matt. 10:16)

The organization has suggested precautions that would be advisable for publishers who witness in dangerous areas. (km 4/85 p. 8)  Additional precautions may be appropriate for the broth-
ers witnessing in your territory.  

"Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock"

Christian husbands have as their primary God-given responsibility the care and salvation of their families. (w59 9/15 pp. 548-54)   Occasionally, those in the congregation demand time and
attention that an elder should rightfully give to his family.  Shepherding begins at home. (w83 9/1 pp. 234; w66 5/1 pp. 271-2)

Aiding the brothers in these ways takes time and effort.

Elders are understandably limited in what they can do.  Love for the whole association of brothers will prompt us to do what we can to help those in need. (2 Cor. 8:1-12)

Help Your Brothers to Make Progress

Consider areas in which you should endeavor to make progress. (1 Tim. 4:12-15)

Set goals for yourself continually.

Help brothers who have the potential to become ministerial servants make progress in that direction.

Brothers who are regular publishers and demonstrate a desire to be used can be given certain assignments to perform around the Kingdom Hall.  Before being appointed as an elder or a ministerial servant, a brother must be "tested as to fitness first." ( I Tim. 3:10)   Your being alert to give qualified brothers something to do in the congregation will provide an opportunity for
such testing and will give them added training.

Giving due consideration to their exemplary conduct, activity in the ministry, and fine spiritual outlook, the elders can determine what would be best for these brothers.  Keep in mind that not all have the same abilities or circumstances, so be discreet in assigning brothers things to do. (1 Cor. 12:4-7; w68 4/1 p. 209)   According to what is needed and appropriate, encourage reliability, industriousness, modesty, and humility. (Prov. 9:8b, 9 )

Teach them to show interest in their brothers, taking others with them in field service as often as
possible.   They may need to set a better example in encouraging their wife and children in this activity.  Be generous in giving commendation to these brothers when progress is made; it is a powerful force that often motivates persons to continue progressing. (1 Cor. 11:2)   If a brother is lacking certain qualifications needed by a ministerial servant, it would be a kindness to speak with him about the matter and give practical suggestions that might help him to develop the needed qualifications

Train ministeri.al servants who arc reaching out for the office of overseer.

A brother may need experience in shepherding.  Provide training by taking him along on certain shepherding calls.  After a call you might ask him how he would have handled certain things that came up.  This may enable you to see how he reasons.  You may be able to help him improve his ability to exhort.   After he has expressed himself, you might explain to him why you handled the situation as you did.  A brother may need greater discernment in the practical application of Bible principles.

"Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock"

Suggest that he regularly read the Bible and certain Watchtower articles and Society publications.  The body of elders may extend greater teaching privileges to capable ministerial servants who make fine advancement and meet the requirements.  From time to time,  encouragement and counsel should be given to these brothers.

Although our sisters will never be ministerial servants or elders, they need help to make progress also.

Some may be encouraged to share in auxiliary or regular pioneer service.  Adequate field service arrangements should be made for the sisters when you are not able to be with them.  Consider other ways in which you can encourage and help your sisters, including single parents. Urge sisters to become more effective in developing and conducting Bible studies.

Periodically, elders should meet together to consider  what can be done to help others advance.

Since you have many responsibilities, look for occasions when you can combine one activity with another and thus accomplish both at the same time.  An example of this would be arranging to work in the field service with a publisher who needs spiritual encouragement.  Give other examples.

Joyful Results

Congregation members feel secure as they benefit from the concern, assistance, and protection of loving overseers working with them. (Compare Ezekiel 34:11-16. )

Servants of Jehovah are glad to cooperate and exert themselves vigorously in his work. (Rom. 12:11, 12)   Many arc motivated to imitate the faith of loving overseers as they see how the overseers' conduct turns out. (Heb. 13:7)  Jehovah is honored by those who devotedly imitate him.

Conclusion
Well, there you have it, 'straight from the horses mouth'! Did the word hypocrisy come to mind as you read through the Watchtowers 'Secret Book'? It should, because the application of the foregoing in actual practice, only applies to those who are 'in good standing' with the local elders! If you are not living up to their expectations in meeting attendance and field service, the usual consultations take place and if your 'performance' doesn't improve the average JW finds himself in front of the Judicial Committee having to 'explain' why his performance is not up to standard! Should this Committee's counsel/suggests not be instigated quickly, usually practice is then to find reasons why the person is 'spiritually sick' with the very real possibility that the end result will be disfellowshipping, or ex-communication and total shunning by other members. This is done publicly and the 'grounds' for such action are usually announced as the member, if he was baptized by the JW's, as being an 'apostate' (if the person is regarded as 'rebellious'), or for 'conduct unbecoming a Christian'. If the person is not a member (baptized) the action is referred to as being 'disassociated'. The person is cast out and endures, in his own mind, total rejection by "God and His people"! The despondency is increased by the thought that "Armageddon could come while I'm still cut-off". This often leads to total rejection of all need to maintain good morals and  even leads to suicide! What a diabolical organization is The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society!

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