Srecko Sostar

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2021/february/jordan-christians-evangelicals-courts-archbishop-atallah.html
I thought this was strangely interesting 
 
Long-simmering suspicions between Orthodox and evangelical Christians have blown up recently over the refusal of the Jordanian government to allow evangelical churches full legal standing under the country’s religiously divided judicial system.
In Jordan, the legal system is divided into civil courts, where commercial and criminal cases are heard, and separate religious courts that settle matters of marriage, divorce, and child custody according to canon law for the majority-Muslim population and for the 11 recognized Christian communities.
But now this bit 
While United Pentecostal and Jehovah’s Witnesses members are allowed their own ecclesiastical courts, legal matters for members of nearly 60 other Protestant churches are heard in civil court, or, for minor matters, work through the court of the Anglican Church, one of the 11 approved denominations.
But on February 5, in response to Atallah’s letter, Judge Mohammad Al Ghazo, who heads Jordan’s Judicial Council, issued a memo disqualifying any Christian without an approved ecclesiastical court from using the civilian courts. Cases would instead be referred to the Council of Church Leaders, a government advisory body.

But ho

I've just started reading Revelation. This time I'm trying to concentrate on every word. 
An old, wise, Elder once said to me, "Every thing in the Bible is there for a reson. It's not just to take up space". 
Revelation chapter One. v5 & 6
To him who loves us and who set us free from our sins by means of his own blood— 6  and he made us to be a kingdom, priests to his God and Father—yes, to him be the glory and the might forever. Amen.
So this is to the Anointed ones.
v 7 & 8....  Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, and those who pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in grief because of him.  Yes, Amen.8  “I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga,” says Jehovah God, “the One who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty.”
Now this confuses me a bit. Verse 7 is talking about Jesus. It says He is coming with the clouds. 
But verse 8 is talking about GOD, and it says 'and who is coming'.    
So, are they both coming ? If so how ?
Also verse 8 says, “I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga,” says Jehovah God" which is fully understandable as Almighty God has always existed and always will. 
But verse 17 says, "And he laid his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, 
And this is Jesus speaking 
So God is the Alpha and the Omega, and Jesus is the First and the Last.  This will need some explaining. 
I've said that i understand the bit about God, but I'm not sure about the bit concerning Jesus
Jesus was of course God's First creation.....   But in what way is Jesus the Last ? 

We can be part of collectively adhering to the truth of Christ, (which is determined by God and Jesus) or collectively adhering to the lies of men.  But, all of us stand as individuals before Christ at the end.   If accused of tolerating and favoring lies, we cannot say, “but our leaders told us to abide by their teachings!”  Matt 7:21-23
Do JWs realize that as a collective, they are not saved?  Individuals who defied God’s direction in the wilderness during the days of Moses, were not saved because they were part of Israel.
“They have contradicted the Lord
and insisted, “It won’t happen.
Harm won’t come to us;
we won’t see sword or famine.”
13 The prophets become only wind,
for the Lord’s word is not in them.
This will in fact happen to them.”  Jer 5:12,13
The Lord said:  “These people approach me with their speeches
to honor me with lip-service,
yet their hearts are far from me,
and human rules direct their worship of me.” Isa 29:13 
 
@Srecko Sostar, you brought out the simple scripture not long ago, that tells us to stay away from establishing “organization”; and all religious organizations have a centralized authority. We cannot claim that any religion organized by men on this earth, will lead us to eternal life. 
“A dispute also arose among them, which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 He said to them, “The kings of the nations (“Gentiles”/elders)  lord it over them, and those who have authority over them (the “Gentiles”) are called ‘benefactors.’ (“friends of the people” – the GB) 26 But not so with you. But one who is the greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves.”  Luke 22:24-26
He reiterated this plea in John 4, saying God is seeking those who only worship Him in “spirit and truth”. John 4:21-24  For 2,000 years, the only religious organizations during that time period have proven to be false.  Yet, true believers outside of these organizations, still worshiped in spirit and truth. They put their trust in God only. And who can say otherwise, the WT?
If the need for an earthly organization to worship God is found necessary, that person is unable to take confidence in God and Christ, to lead them into truth. 
 

You have to account for yourself. I have to account for myself. If you know how to do what is right and don't do it, that's a sin for you. The same for me. If you fail to listen to your conscience that's a sin for you as it is for me. People have to defend their beliefs (if these have beliefs) which are attached nominally to an organization. I have beliefs which are attached nominally to an organization, and yet those beliefs are not owned by the organization. As the old saw goes, "I make the truth my own". Those who argue for the Catholic Church and it's sliding scale of beliefs as being in perpetuity the unadulterated voice of Christ or any other organization including the WTBS have to deal with that. I don't. Yes there are company men. I am not. There are interpretations of prophesy which seem forced in my view. I see that there was diversity of opinion on the meanings of prophesy among the faithful in the 1st century and I believe there is the same latitude today among JW's. Yes, there are some for whom any wondering is considered disloyal. I don't. I'm focused on what I can know and what I do know. I do know that there is greater textual and historical testimony for the gospel accounts from a strictly historical perspective which, in combination with my understanding of the mathematical obstacles inherent in every evolutionary non-theistic scenario lead me to believe both that there is a Creator, that Jehovah is God, and that Jesus is is Son and that he both lived, died and was resurrected. I also believe that he will return and that this foretold kingdom will address all these issues. Exactly how and when I don't know. I'm not sure any do, however the more I read on this matter, the more I'm convinced that no one knows exactly how this will play out.
On the other hand I'm reminded of Jaron Lanier and his feelings about the internet. ("You Are Not A Gadget") This thing has made it so that no one can forget the past. No one does anything creative w/o first looking to see if it's been done before, or done better. He argues that this inability to forget has killed creativity in the music business. There was a time when you could identify an era by the music which was played, as each group got creative. Creativity is shot now. No truly new music. It's remixes and retro and dub-step (sounds like a fax machine getting  molested).
This thing, this recreation of the tower of babel has created a kind of totalitarian thought control, so any subtlety which might come from holy spirit isn't going to regenerate a world wide organization of Christians anywhere on this planet. Not without Jesus-like miracles, like raising people from the dead and splitting the waters of the red sea or like Moses and the plagues on Egypt.
If we see anything happening is a degradation of spirituality everywhere.
The Good News of The Kingdom has been preached. General revelation is available to all, even the illiterate Sentinelese living like proto-hominids on Sentinel Island have the general revelation.
No. The end will come when the world is just like it is right now. Or possibly worse.
I wonder that it isn't over now. So do many JW's.

To some extent, we have established the fact that all people are equal, and that everyone is capable of doing good and doing evil.
What is the common theology of the Catholic Church and WTJWorg? Love God and love your neighbor. In fact, it is the only important thread of Jesus' teaching. The practice of these principles in life is colorful. Catholics prove they are able to be at opposite ends, but JW members prove the same. Some commit “greater” sins and some “minor” sins. By the same Law, the Law does not recognize lesser and /or bigger sins, but only whether or not you have done something. Perhaps majority of JW members will never participate in murdering, but if they not give "glass of water" to someone, they can also be judged as "guilty for sin" and be punished with same sentences as murderer. In such scenario JW ideology/theology is very much irrelevant.
Vectors in WTJWorg theology proves nothing, but decades of failed teachings and expectations, human instructions.
It is nice to have some, few or many ideals, for sure, maybe one day we will get to that place.  
 

JW members, perhaps not knowing or because they are not fully aware, generally, with whole hearth supports "collective responsibility idea" and by that shares "guilty" for their GB "sins" (false teachings, wrong instructions, disobeying secular laws in many cases).
On other hand, Bible gave examples how looks "collective responsibility" and "collective punishment" and in some cases "individual responsibility" and "collective guilt and punishment".

JW members, perhaps not knowing or because they are not fully aware, generally, with whole hearth supports "collective responsibility idea" and by that shares "guilty" for their GB "sins" (false teachings, wrong instructions, disobeying secular laws in many cases).
On other hand, Bible gave examples how looks "collective responsibility" and "collective punishment" and in some cases "individual responsibility" and "collective guilt and punishment".

Yes. This is why no Israelites crossed the Jordan River. Moses got himself disqualified, so everyone else climbed atop the mountain to die with him.

vendetta a blood feud in which the family of a murdered person seeks vengeance on the murderer or the murderer's family. a prolonged bitter quarrel with or campaign against someone.   TTH cannot back down on HIS own vendetta against ex-JWs.  Even though he pretends to give a little praise.     

Apologize, you get it wrong. @Anna used Holly Folk research, who said ARC was wrong by putting  WTJWorg in this category of "institutional abuse" instead in "family abuse" category. And as i understand Anna agree with HF. Holy Folk is, it seems, first person who made such sort of ("ridiculous") comparison and triggered discussion and agreement/disagreement on her statement. :))

No, it's Empathy 
I've answered this many times but you and others don't like my answer.  The Watchtower / JW Org is not supposed to be like any other group. It is suposed to be 'God's chosen Org'.  It would be like me, if I wanted to compare myself, to make myself feel good. I'd compare myself to a drug addict, an alcoholic or a murderer. I could then say, Well I'm better than them. You and other JWs are doing just that with the Org. You are comparing it to things that you know are worse. Of course the JW Org is better than a whorehouse. now try comparing the JW Org to God's standards. You will find it fails miserably. 
Physically in - spiritually out.   BUT that creates a problem. What will you preach or teach to others ? Will you teach GB speak, or will you teach truth ?  That was one of the problems i faced because the GB / Watchtower goes beyond the things written. 
This breaks down into a couple of things. Firstly I have NO interest in politics and NO interest in this idea of pigeonholing  / name calling. "zeitgest of marxist-post-modernism"
Secondly. Lumping all JW's together as if they had a collective responsibility over actions others have taken (etc)
All JWs do have the responsibility because they follow the insrtutions of the GB, through the Watchtower and through the Elders.  They are taught to no longer BE individuals. As an example, when I've asked an Elder about a certain point in scripture, he has said to me, I'll have to look at how the organisation sees this. He would not give me HIS individual opinion. And when there is action to be taken it is done inline with GB / Watchtower insructions.  Everything preached is by order of the GB / Watchtower.  There is not supposed to be any individuals in the JW org. There are only sheep. The problem is that their shepherds are not serving God.
You try to be clever and to mix so much up in one ortwo sentances. You fail. 
Lets start here.  quote :
" I see a Satanic hand in all this as the nullification of the individual and individual responsibility and the denial of free will and truth. "
Same answer as above.  JWs are not suppoaed to have free will. They are supposed to do exactly as they are told.  The misuse of scripture such as 'Be obedient to those taking the lead anomg you'. Hebrews 13 :17
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1989685
Quote "Paul made use of his status as a Roman citizen without being guilty of the abuses of the Roman state."
Are you suggesting that a JW could make use of their JW 'citizenship' whilst acting, teaching and preaching, something completely different ?  Instant d/fed I would think.  
Not so easy is it ?  Congregation run by Elders, Elders in subjection to Circuit Overseer, in subjection to and in subjection to, right up to their HQ Bethel, then up to GB.  The ordinary congregant has two chioce, as i found. Stay in and put up with it, or, leave. 
As for you, you are one Elder, so I wish you well in sorting out your own congregation. But you'll probs not be looking to see where the problems are, as you say you just let things go by. 

So what are we to make of this comment from Srecko? He yields on his ridiculous comparison of institutional abuse in various religions to abuse in families that happen to be religious. He yields on it because it is ridiculous and he can no longer support it.
So what does he do? He takes a “heads I win/tails you lose “ new argument. “Well, since other organizations have people who sin, and you do too, there is no reason to say you are any different.”
Will he say it of the hospital? “Well, since there are plenty of sick people in the world and also plenty in the hospital, there is no reason to go there.”

From this it could justifiably be concluded that all organizations are similar and that none meet the “divine” criteria.
Differences in theology become irrelevant if members cannot curb their negative urges/impulses and if cultivate prejudices toward members of other religions and toward former members. Out of a desire to please God, Cain and Abel forgot that they should love one another first, and only then love God.

From this it could justifiably be concluded that all organizations are similar and that none meet the “divine” criteria.
Differences in theology become irrelevant if members cannot curb their negative urges/impulses and if cultivate prejudices toward members of other religions and toward former members. Out of a desire to please God, Cain and Abel forgot that they should love one another first, and only then love God.

HF aka Holly Folk from Cesnur (strange organization indeed) speaking about "family abuse" inside JW organization/congregations as something that is real problem in WTJWorg. She explained/stated how cases of CSA in WTJWorg are not "institutional". Let see. 
How many parents / guardians have committed CSA to their children? When this became known, then the "institution" through WTJWorg elders, took "institutional measures" in this regard.
How many JW members regardless of status (rank and file, MS, elders) have committed CSA over other people's children? When this became known, then the "institution" through WTJWorg elders, took "institutional measures" in this regard.
In both cases, the WTJWorg institution became involved in "family" relations or "private" relations between members and decided that such a case was within the jurisdiction of WTJWorg, a "religious-business institution". Moreover, WTJWorg has over time established a “procedure” or “policy” on how such matters should be dealt WITHOUT involving “secular institutions”.
So please, who wants to tell stories here and blur the eyes of others? HF and Cesnur for sure. Who else?
On the other hand, if WTJWorg has had a problem with “domestic violence and family abuse” to such an extent throughout all these decades, than we need to seriously ask - where has the “WTJWorg institution” failed?

What are you downvoting, Allen?  The fact that the GB member was exposed for his stupidity?  I remember watching him create his drawing, thinking how confusing his account seemed. What was his point, I thought.  But, I didn’t investigate it, and moved on.  I appreciate how the maker of the video drew my attention to Jackson’s melding of two Bible accounts, into his own.  After realizing this mistake, I thought to myself how many people were used in filming just his part of the meeting, and no one questioned his demonstration of this account about Jesus, as inaccurate. 
So, what are you downvoting?  Are you downvoting Jackson – that he should have done better research, even pray about his demonstration to be in harmony with scriptures?  Or, are you downvoting someone who isn’t a JW, but found the error? 
What concerns you more?

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/15/frances-controversial-separatism-bill-explained
Critics say the so-called “separatism law” is discriminatory and targets France’s 5.7 million-strong Muslim community, the largest in Europe.
This month, French MPs staged two weeks of heated debates in the National Assembly, discussing some 1,700 proposed amendments to the bill’s 51 articles.
While France’s left lambasted an attack on civil liberties, the right criticised the government for failing to overtly tackle “Islamist extremism”, which is not mentioned in the text.
With debates in the lower house now completed and 313 amendments accepted, a vote will take place on Tuesday and the bill is expected to receive the green light at the Senate, before passing into law within months.
Any association in France that receives public funding will have to sign a “republican contract of engagement” which, if breached, can result in the removal of that funding. (Does JW Org receive funding in France ? )
The grounds for dissolving an association are also no longer limited to court orders – they would be extended to include administrative decisions.
 
Aimed at ending so-called clandestine schools with their own agenda, all homeschooling will need to be authorised by the state rather than be self-declared, starting from the 2024/2025 school year.... This will affect an estimated 62,000 home-schooled children in France, though exemptions include health and disability reasons, as well as geographic distance from school.  ( I wonder how many JWs home school thier children in France ? )
Foreign funding of religious organisations
Stricter financial controls would be put in place on foreign money sent to religious organisations in France, and so-called “anti-putsch” rules for religious associations are designed to allow the government to prevent takeovers by “extremists”.
Those that receive foreign financing will need to declare any income of more than 10,000 euros ($12,000) from abroad and to publish annual accounts that the government can access. ( As far as i am aware the Watchtower / JW Org has all monies from all congregations sent to America HQ. Now this may mean that money sent to France from America might be classed as 'foreign funding' ) 
It seems to be aimed at Islam although Islam is not mentioned in it. BUT could it affect the Watchtower / JW Org ? 
In honesty I can see some practical reasons for bringing in tighter restrictions, but of course it is worrying that it might be misused. 

HF aka Holly Folk from Cesnur (strange organization indeed) speaking about "family abuse" inside JW organization/congregations as something that is real problem in WTJWorg. She explained/stated how cases of CSA in WTJWorg are not "institutional". Let see. 
How many parents / guardians have committed CSA to their children? When this became known, then the "institution" through WTJWorg elders, took "institutional measures" in this regard.
How many JW members regardless of status (rank and file, MS, elders) have committed CSA over other people's children? When this became known, then the "institution" through WTJWorg elders, took "institutional measures" in this regard.
In both cases, the WTJWorg institution became involved in "family" relations or "private" relations between members and decided that such a case was within the jurisdiction of WTJWorg, a "religious-business institution". Moreover, WTJWorg has over time established a “procedure” or “policy” on how such matters should be dealt WITHOUT involving “secular institutions”.
So please, who wants to tell stories here and blur the eyes of others? HF and Cesnur for sure. Who else?
On the other hand, if WTJWorg has had a problem with “domestic violence and family abuse” to such an extent throughout all these decades, than we need to seriously ask - where has the “WTJWorg institution” failed?

I think the general climate (I’m talking about the period between 1970 and 2015) was for the JW family to participate together in all theocratic activities, with young children from an early age to “adapt” to the assembly. It also means participating in the field ministry.
I remember a situation of a married couple who loved pioneering service (general, 90 hours) who traveled many kilometres in a car with a small child (from when she was a baby onward). That little girl was about 4 or five years ( in the middle to the end of 1980) old when a provincial overseer (CO) said to that brother (an informal meeting was at a some brother's house in Rijeka), "And why are you dragging that little kid around with you?" This greatly upset that married couple and these two brothers were often in verbal confrontations on many issues.
So perspectives are different on many things. One thing is said and expected from the podium, another is done in real time and on the "field". :))

Ps 146:3 - Do not trust in nobles,
in a son of man,who cannot save.
The entire Psalm 146 is relevant to those who decide not to trust “nobles” – the dual rulership of the organization. Their eyes were opened by the grace of God, and they are no longer held spiritually and emotionally captive to false teachings; although they realize this could mean the end to any relationship with family or friends. (2 Pet 2:1-3; Matt 19:27-29) Jesus tells us this loss would happen to those who know that his teachings are far superior to those of men. (Luke 11:46; Matt 15:14)   This spiritual judgment of “death” translates into a victory of freedom, to pursue truth in Christ. (John 16:2; Heb 13:13; Rev 13:15; 11:1-3,7)  A relationship with God and Jesus develops without intervention from “nobles”.   Have you disfellowshipped anyone for rejecting the GB, the organization, or its teachings?  You don’t seem like the type who would go along this regulation. 
“The Lord protects resident aliens
and helps the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.” Ps 146:5
How does He frustrate the ways of the wicked?  The evidence is in Wt’s constant renewing of failed teachings. (Isn’t there now “new light” about the sheep and the goats?)  He can also “send” a lying spirit upon those who refuse to serve Him in truth, preferring to follow their own heart’s desires of gaining material wealth, prominence and power over others. (1 Kings 22:22; 2Thess 2:9-12) (Luke 22:24-27; 4:5-7;1 John 2:15-17)  Failed teachings do not have their source in the Spirit of Christ. Nothing ‘poisonous’ would come from the lips of one speaking Christ’s truths.  (Matt 12:34; Luke 6:43; 1 Cor 10:12; Heb 12:15; Prov 5:3-6; Rev 8:11; 17:15)   God voluntarily removes His Spirit from any anointed who “fall” from His grace. (1 Sam 6:14; 1 Cor 5:1-5)   
Why do JWs trust in the words of men who cannot save even themselves, from their own adulterous tongue? (Ps 5:9; James 1:26)
Two spiritual nations inhabit the organization – “Israel”, the smaller nation, has put its trust in elders/”Gentiles”, and arrogant leaders of “Israel” (if they are all anointed). The elders act as nobles – “princes”; even called such in the magazines. (Jer 23:1,2)  This larger nation has the authority to keep “Israel” in check, according to the regulations of those in charge. (2 Thess 2:3,4) Is this scriptural?  No.  But it has happened numerous times to the physical nation of Israel.  Although this rulership is called “shepherding”, it is an internal force of evil to instill power over God’s people.  The accusatory remarks about the anointed being mentally unsound, that they may be fakes, (I’m not saying it can’t happen), etc.; have their source in the accuser himself.  He demands to sift God’s saints “as wheat”.  (Job 1:10; Zech 3:1,2;  Luke 22:31; Rev 12:10) He did the same to Jesus Christ, through the religious leaders.  (Matt 12:24-28)
You say you love to read and research the scriptures.  You must see this has happened time and again where God has allowed nations to overcome Israel.  And why? They choose false teachings and idolatry over giving God exclusive devotion to Him and His decrees through Jesus Christ.   This organization is not the Israel of old where the prophet Moses led people through the wilderness, but that is exactly what JWs translate the organization as today.  There are sly connections made of the GB to Moses. What blasphemy.   In comments such as, “come to Jehovah’s organization for salvation”, or ‘when the slave passes decrees, these decrees come from Jehovah and must be obeyed’…we see idolatry in its most blasphemous form.  We have God's decrees already written down.  Are we to add to the Bible?  The only “organization” now, is through the Body of Christ – it is not a physical apparition built on a mountain that JWs expect their studies to stream to.  (John 4:21-24; Acts 7:47-51; 17:24-27; 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Eph 2:20-22) 
Satan has one last shot of wiping out God’s holy people. (Rev chapter 12)  It took something “different” to turn "Israel's" hearts from God this time, to lead them into serving an idol that promises salvation.  It has been well manipulated and developed over the years, becoming a sinful inclination to admire and love  - the “Beast” that “makes war with the saints”. (Dan 7:23; 8:10; Rev 11:12; 13:7)  God has allowed this test to fall upon them. (Luke 22:31,32)  This is the essence of the Great Tribulation and the divisive war of Armageddon.  (Joel 3:14)
Have you ever wondered why the leadership repeatedly warns of the GT positioned on the doorstep, but no matter what devastation may occur in the world, they still haven’t laid down that card?  What’s stopping them?  How many JWs have died from covid? How many are in prison, some for many years? How many earthquakes and natural disasters, uprising in the governments, will it take for them to say, “it’s here”?  Do they know something that JWs don’t - that the GT is really about the saints (“kings of the earth” Rev 1:5) conquered by their lies?  (Rev 16:13-16)  And that the "signs" are not literal but spiritual?  (Luke 8:10; 17:20,21)
“Woe to you who long for the day of the Lord!
What will the day of the Lord be for you?
It will be darkness and not light.
19 It will be like a man who flees from a lion
only to have a bear confront him.
He goes home and rests his hand against the wall
only to have a snake bite him.
20 Won’t the day of the Lord
be darkness rather than light,
even gloom without any brightness in it?”  Amos 5:18-20
Darkness represents Satan’s deceit, leading to death.  “Light” represents Christ and his truths, leading to eternal life. 
Matt 4:16; John 1:5; 8:12; Col 1:13; 1 Pet 2:9; 2 Cor 6:14; Eph 5:14…etc.
The true shepherds, chosen by God through anointing, (Isa 43:10; 1 Pet 2:5,9; Eph 2:20-22) have put their trust in nobles instead of Jesus Christ and God to lead them.  They have neglected their role to teach the people His laws.(Mal 2:7; Heb 8:10) “Israel” is oppressed by men – again! (Jer 50:33; Col 2:8; Rev 13:10) They can continue to languish behind Wt’s walls of darkness, allowing men to rule over them; or, as Revelation shows, they turn to Jesus Christ for freedom and truth. (Rev 3:18)  Any JW can and should, do the same.  (Rev 18:4-8; Matt 24:15,16)
“Happy is the one whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord his God”  Ps 146:5
Although elders are believed to be God’s shepherds, they are in fact only herders, hired to keep “Israel” surrounded with the GB’s falsehoods and oppressive rules. (Rev 9:1-5;13:11,12; 20:7-10)   Even dogs can herd sheep, and follow the commands of their master.  (John 10:7-13; Matt 24:48-51; Rev 9:1-5; 13:11,12,8; 17:8; 22:15; Matt 6:24)
You seem to be a kind man, but your position as an elder ruling over/”sitting” in the spiritual Temple of God is a very dangerous one to be in.  (1 Cor 3:16,17; Rev 13:5-7; 22:10-14)  The “man of lawlessness” sitting in the Temple of God, is the exalted heartbeat of the fourth “beast”/organization – and you, as an elder, contribute to that heartbeat.  (Mark 13:14; 2 Thess 2:1-4,8,9-12)
 
I apologize if there are mistakes in scripture
EDITED
 
 
 
 
 

I don't believe I "assume" that nobody else was.  Perhaps if we were in the congregation together, you would understand the picture more fully.  🙂 That was only one of other congregations that I have been in.  Each had their prejudices and hypocrisy.  An elder with a beard in the 80's and 90's may add to your perspective. The burdens put upon him were quite large, while also raising a family; as well as the aspect that he didn't "fit in",  was also a burden.  Can you imagine how visitors who were servants may have criticized the congregation because of my husband's presence?  I witnessed it at a circuit assembly once.  An elder made the point to seek him out, point his finger and say, you will never give a talk in "my hall".  
Men and their power!
This first congregation scaled down to a total of two elders; my husband and one other. I am not sure how many servants there were, but only one was in charge of the week's service meetings.
   
 
 
 
 

Well one big problem is that 'boots on the ground' JWs can do nothing to solve the problems in the JW Org. 
A. The problems start from the very top of the Org, and they are not interested in listening to 'ordinary congregants'. 
I've written to London Bethel. They basically told me to mind my own business and talk to the local Elders if I have problems.
B. It is basically 'forbidden' to express one's concerns within the congregation, as it will be treated as 'Causing a division within the congregation', which is a disfellowshipping offence. 
I was able to discuss a few things privately with a few brothers individually, but not as a group. 
I did exactly that. I had complete control over whether I be in or out of an immoral Organisaton that was/is controlled by dishonest leaders.  And I used my 'energies' to tell people why I was leaving, and then to leave.  
Of course I could have remained in the Org, and 'turned away' / 'walked on the other side of the road', ignored the victims, and of course kept silent. But my Christian trained conscience would not have been happy. 

htt.ps://news.sky.com/story/disaster-declared-in-texas-as-rare-winter-storm-causes-widespread-power-cuts-cancelled-flights-and-temperatures-to-plummet-to-5c-12218691
An Arctic air mass has settled over the southern US bringing some states to a standstill
 
Ice storms, heavy snow and freezing rain knocked out power, closed roads and saw 1,000 cancelled flights in southern Texas.
Bad winter weather is extremely rare as far south as the Gulf Coast. President Joe Biden has declared a federal emergency.
I read that there was a massive vehicle accident / wreck too. 
If you are in that area, try to stay safe. Seems to be one problem on top of another. 

https://news.sky.com/story/guinea-declares-ebola-epidemic-as-it-reports-at-least-three-deaths-12218508
At least three people in Guinea have died from Ebola and an additional four people have been confirmed to be infected, according to the country's health authorities.
The cases announced by the health ministry on Sunday are the first since the deadly Ebola epidemic ravaged the country, alongside Liberia and Sierra Leone, five years ago.
The latest seven positive cases had attended the funeral of a nurse in Goueke on 1 February before later showing Ebola symptoms including a fever, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
The Guinean government has declared an Ebola epidemic as a result and started contact tracing and isolating suspected cases.
"I confirm it's Ebola. The results prove it," health minister Remy Lamah told the Associated Press news agency.
The patients were tested after showing symptoms of hemorrhagic fever. Those who came in contact with them are already in isolation, officials said.
Is it part of 'the sign of the times' or is it just the Devil's world going from bad to worse. Whatever it is, it's a horrible situation. 
 

It happens, it repeats itself periodically to every generation of JW.
Excellent advice!