Of course, the reason for the alias was that at the time I wanted to hide my identity because the Organization does not look kindly on those who do their own Bible research. My goal back then was to find other like-minded brothers around the world who, like myself, were troubled by the obvious fabrication of the "overlapping generations" doctrine and who thus were motivated to do deeper Bible research. At the time, I believed that the Organization of Jehovah's Witnesses was the only true religion. It wasn't until sometime in 2012-2013 that I finally resolved the growing cognitive dissonance I'd been laboring under for years by acknowledging that we were very much like all other false religion. What did it for me was the realization that the "other sheep" of John 10:16 were not a separate class of Christian with a different hope. When I realized that all my life they had been messing with my salvation hope, it was the final deal breaker. Of course, the presumptuous claim made at the 2012 annual meeting that the Governing Body was the faithful and discreet slave of Matthew 24:45-47 did nothing to mitigate my awakening to the true nature of the Organization.
Our goal here and on the other BP websites has been to rise above the anger and recriminations that are a natural reaction to the realization that one has spent one's life in a misguided attempt to please God. So many sites on the internet are full of vituperative mocking. So many have turned away from God and Christ, stumbled by these men who have claimed to be God's channel. I never doubted the love of God and through study I have come to appreciate the love of the Christ, despite the Organization's best attempts to relegate him to observer status. Yes, we have been travelling in the wrong direction as Jehovah's Witnesses, but that's no reason to drive the car off a cliff. Jehovah and his Christ have never changed, so our goal is to help our fellow Witnesses—and anyone else who will listen for that matter—to turn the car around and head in the right direction: toward God and salvation.
While the use of an alias has its place, there comes a time when it can become a hindrance. One does not seek persecution, nor to become some sort of martyr. However, things are changing rapidly in the land of JW.org. There are more and more brothers and sisters who are what is known as PIMOs (Physically In, Mentally Out). These are ones who go to meetings and out in service to maintain a facade that allows them to continue to associate with family and friends. (I am in no way criticizing such ones. I did the same for some time. Each must travel his or her own path and at a pace that is sensitive to individual needs.) All I'm saying is that it is my hope that by coming out of the theological closet, I can perhaps help others who are not as far down the path as I am to find comfort and a means to resolve their own conflicts. These may be ripples now, but soon I believe we will be seeing waves that will sweep through this moribund organization.
Should that happen, it will only bring more glory to the Christ and what could be wrong with that?
To this end, I have started a series of videos which I believe—in this day of sound bites, social media, and instant gratification—will appeal to a wider audience. Of course, I can no longer hide behind my alias, though I intend to continue using it for my Bible ministry. I've grown fond of it as it represents my awakened self. However, for the record, my name is Eric Wilson and I live in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Here is the first of the videos:
[embed]https://youtu.be/UNzIFzSnzTQ[/embed]
Video Script
(What follows is the script of the video for those who prefer to read. I will continue to do this in future video releases.)
Hello everyone. This video is mainly for my friends, but for those who chance upon it and don't know me, my name is Eric Wilson. I live in Canada in Hamilton which is near Toronto.
Now the reason for the video is to address an issue that's very important in the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses. As a people, we are failing to obey a command of Jehovah God. That command is found at Psalm 146:3. It says 'Do not put your trust in Princes nor in the son of man who cannot bring salvation.'
What am I talking about?
Well, to explain that I need to give you a little background on myself. I was baptized in 1963 at the age of 14. In 1968, I went to Colombia with my family. My dad took early retirement, took my sister out of high school without graduating and off we went to Colombia. Why did he do that? Why did I go along? Well, I went along mainly because I was 19; it was a great adventure; but there I learned to really value the truth, to really start to study the Bible. I pioneered, I became an elder, but the reason we went was because we believed the end was coming in 1975.
Now why did we believe that? Well, if you go by what you heard at the district or should I say the regional convention last year, on Friday afternoon there was a video that implied that it was because the brothers around the world got a little carried away. It was our fault for getting carried away. That's not true and it's not really nice to even suggest such a thing but that's what was put forward. I was there. I lived it.
What actually happened was this. In 1967 at the book study we studied a new book, Life Everlasting and the Freedom of Sons of God. And in this book we studied the following, (this is from page 29 paragraph 41):
“According to this trustworthy Bible chronology, 6,000 years from man's creation will end in 1975, and the seventh period of a thousand years of human history will begin in the fall of 1975.”
So now if we move on to the next page, page 30 paragraph 43, it draws a conclusion that set us all off.
“How appropriate it would be for Jehovah God to make of this coming seventh period of a thousand years a Sabbath period of rest and release, a great jubilee sabbath for the proclaiming of liberty throughout the earth to all its inhabitants. This would be most timely for mankind. It would also be most fitting on God's part, for, remember mankind has yet ahead of it what the last book of the Holy Bible speaks of as the reign of Jesus Christ over earth for a thousand years, the millennial reign of Christ….It would not be by mere chance or accident but would be according to the loving purpose of Jehovah God for the reign of Jesus Christ the Lord of the Sabbath to run parallel with the seventh millennium of man's existence.”
Now you're an obedient Jehovah's Witness at this time, you're believing that the faithful and discreet slave is telling you something. The faithful and discreet slave by the way at that time were all the anointed on earth, and we used to believe that they would write in their findings as Jehovah gave them truth through the Holy Spirit and that those letters would then be gathered together and the Society would see the direction the spirit's leading and publish articles or books; so we felt this was Jehovah speaking through the faithful and discreet slave telling us that the end was going to come in 1975.
It made perfect sense and we believed it and of course the Society continued to promote 1975. If you don't believe me, pull out your Watchtower library on CDROM, type in “1975”, and starting in 1966 move forward through all the Watchtowers and other publications that you find with that search, and see how often “1975” comes up and is promoted as the date in which the Millennium will begin. It was also promoted at district conventions and circuit assemblies—at all of them.
So anybody who says different didn't live through that period. Mark Sanderson... well he was in diapers when I was in Colombia and Anthony Morris the Third was still serving in the Army in Vietnam…but I lived it. I know it and anyone who is my age has lived it too. Now, am I complaining about that? No! Why not? Why am I still serving all these years afterwards? Why do I still believe in Jehovah God and Jesus Christ? Because my faith was always in God and not in men, so when this went south I thought 'Oh, okay we were stupid, we did something silly', but that's what men do. I’ve made many mistakes in life, silly mistakes, and I know that the men at all levels of the organization are no better nor worse than I am. We're just humans. We have our imperfections. It didn't bother me because I know it was the result of human imperfection. It wasn't Jehovah, and that's fine. So what's the problem?
Something has changed. In 2013 I was removed. I don't know if I've mentioned that yet but I was removed as an elder. Now that's okay because I was having doubts about a number of things and I was very conflicted so I was quite happy that I was removed, it kind of gave me an escape from that responsibility and there was a certain amount of cognitive dissonance that I was undergoing, so it helped resolve that. That's fine but it was the reason I was removed that's troubling. The reason was that I was asked a question. Now this question never came up before, but is coming up all the time now. The question was 'Will you obey the Governing Body?'
My answer was, “Yes, I always have as an elder and the brothers around the table can attest to that and I always will”. But then I added “…but I will obey God as ruler rather than men.”
I added that because I knew which direction it was going and my past tells me that these men make mistakes, so there's no way I can giving them absolute, unconditional, unquestioning obedience. I have to look at everything they tell me to do and evaluate it in the light of the Scriptures and if they are not conflicting with the Scriptures, I can obey; but if they do conflict, I cannot obey as I have to obey God as ruler rather than men. Acts 5:29—it's right there in the Bible.
Okay, so why is that a problem? The Circuit Overseer said to me “It's evident that you are not fully committed to the Governing Body.” So unconditional obedience or unquestioning obedience is now a requirement for elders and as such I couldn't in good conscience continue to serve, so I didn't appeal the decision. Is that an isolated case? Is that one circuit overseer getting a little carried away? I wish it were the so but that's not the case.
Allow me to illustrate—there have been many incidents in my life since then that I could point to but I'll just pick one as indicative of all the rest—a friend of 50 years with whom we talked about everything and anything…if we had doubts or questions on Bible issues, we could freely talk because we knew that it didn't mean that we had lost our faith in God. I wanted to talk to him about the overlapping generations because to me it seemed like a doctrine that had no scriptural basis. But before he'd even talk about it, he wanted me to affirm my belief in the Governing Body, and he sent me an email. He said, (this is just part of it):
“In short we believe this to be Jehovah's organization. We are trying our very best to stay close to it and the direction it is giving us. We feel this is a matter of life and death. I can well imagine that a moment will come when we will be staking our very lives upon the following of direction that Jehovah gives through the organization, we will be willing to do that.”
Now he's probably thinking about the article that came out right after they declared themselves the faithful and discreet slave in 2013. An article came out in November of that year called “Seven Shepherds Eight Dukes, What They Mean For Us Today”, and it said:
“At that time the life-saving direction that we receive from Jehovah's organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not.”
We have to make a life-and-death decision based on what the Governing Body tells us?! The same Governing Body that told me about 1975; the same Governing Body that this year, this past year in February, wrote on page 26 paragraph 12 of the Watchtower:
“The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction.”
So here's the question. I have to make a life-and-death decision based on something that I believe is coming from God, through people who tell me they don't speak for God?! They can make mistakes?!
Because, if you are speaking for God you cannot make a mistake. When Moses spoke, he spoke in God's name. He said: ‘Jehovah has said you must do this, you must do that…’ He took them to the Red Sea which was strategically unsound, but they followed because he had just performed 10 plagues. Obviously Jehovah was working through him, so when he took them to the Red Sea they knew that it would come true—or maybe they didn't…they were actually quite a faithless people…but nevertheless he performed—he struck the Sea with the staff, it divided, and they walked through. He spoke under inspiration. If the Governing Body is claiming that they will be telling us something that will be life or death for us, then they are claiming they're speaking under inspiration. There's no other way, otherwise they're just saying this is our best guess, but it's still a life-or-death situation. That doesn't make sense, and yet all of us are buying into this. We're believing in the Governing Body as virtually infallible and anyone who questions anything is called an apostate. If you doubt something you're an apostate and you get thrown out of the religion; you get shunned by everyone; even though your goal is truth.
So let's put it this way: you're a Catholic and you go to a Jehovah's Witness and you say “Oh! We're the same. Our Pope will tell us what to do when Jesus comes.”
What would you say as a Jehovah's Witness to that Catholic? Would you want to say, “No, no, because you're not God's organization.”
“Well why am I not God's organization?”, the Catholic will say.
“Because you're a false religion. We're a true religion; but you're a false religion and so he wouldn't work through you but he will work through us because we teach the truth.”
Okay, well that's a valid point. If we are the true religion, which I've always believed, then Jehovah will work through us. Why don't we put that to the test? Or are we afraid to do so? In 1968, when I was in Colombia, we had The Truth that leads to Eternal Life. Chapter 14 of that book was “How to Identify the True Religion”, and in it there were five points. The first point was:
- Believers would love one another as Christ loved us; so love—but not just any kind of love, the love of the Christ—would permeate the congregation and it would be visible to people outside. The true religion would adhere to God's Word, the Bible.
- It wouldn't deviate, it wouldn't teach falsehoods—hellfire for example….wouldn’t teach falsehood.
- They would sanctify God's name. Now that's more than simply using it. Anybody can say 'Jehovah'. Sanctifying his name goes beyond that.
- Proclaiming the good news is another facet; it would have to be a preacher of the good news.
- Finally it would maintain political neutrality, it would be separate from the world.
These are so important that the Truth book said, at the end of that chapter:
“The question at issue is not whether a certain religious group appears to meet one or two of these requirements nor whether some of its doctrines conform to the Bible. Far more than that. The true religion must measure up in all these respects and its teachings must be in full harmony with God's Word.”
So it's not good enough to have two of them, or three of them, or four of them. You have to meet all of them. That's what it said, and I agree; and every book we've published since the Truth book that replaced it as our main teaching aid has had the same chapter with the same five points. (I think they've added a sixth now, but let's just stick with the original five for now.)
So I'm proposing, in a series of videos, to publish research to see if we meet each and every one of these qualifications; but remember even if we fail to meet one of them, we fail as the true religion and therefore the claim that Jehovah is speaking through the Governing Body falls flat, because it depends on us being Jehovah's organization.
Now if you're still watching, I'm kind of amazed because we're so conditioned to not listen that most people will have probably shut this down long ago; but if you're still listening, that means you love truth, and I welcome that but I know that you're facing a lot of obstacles—let’s call them elephants in the room. They'll get in the way of our research. I know this because I've been researching for the last eight years now. I've been through it; I've been through all these emotions. For example:
- “We're Jehovah's true organization so where else would we go?”
- “Jehovah has always had an organization so if we're not the true one what is?”
- “There isn't any other one that seems to qualify.”
- “What about apostasy? Aren't we acting like apostates by rejecting, by not being loyal to the organization, by examining its teachings?”
- “Shouldn't we just wait for Jehovah to fix things; He'll fix things in his own time.”
These are all questions and thoughts that come up and they're valid. And we need to deal with them so we'll deal with them first in subsequent videos, and then we'll get down to our research. How does that sound? My name is Eric Wilson. I'm going to put up some links at the end of this video so that you can get to the next videos. There's several already done, and we'll go from there. Thank you for watching.
Archived Comments
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Comment by Pekanman on 2018-02-15 18:19:07
Wow I live not too far away, just north of Toronto. So nice to meet you. It takes a lot of courage to do what you are doing. May Jehovah continue to bless your efforts. Please know you have helped me, and my family so much in coming to know what is really in the Bible, not just what the organization wants. Thank you Eric
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-02-16 09:18:28
I would love to get together if you're interested. If so, email me at Meleti.vivlon@gmail.com
I used to live in Alliston. Served as the COBE there for 9 years.
Comment by MarthaMartha on 2018-02-15 18:19:43
Hello Eric,
You will forever be interchangeably Meleti and Eric to me. Your efforts have helped me through my cognitive dissonance to a clarity that gives me much joy.
May Jehovah's blessing be on you and may our Lord Jesus guide you as you embark on this new venture.
Whatever happens, you have all of us here as friends and support whenever and however we can provide it.
Take care dear brother.
Love
MarthaReply by eve04 on 2018-02-15 22:05:48
AMEN, AMEN!!
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-02-16 09:17:21
Hi MarthaMartha,
We know that Jesus' prophetic words can never fail to come true, but it is so very gratifying to live the fulfillment, as we all are. I'm referring to this passage:
“. . .Jesus said: “Truly I say to YOU men, No one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news 30 who will not get a hundredfold now in this period of time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, with persecutions, and in the coming system of things everlasting life.” (Mr 10:29, 30)Reply by mailman on 2018-02-16 23:13:30
Hi Bro. Meleti (Eric), it says "for my (Jesus) sake and for the sake of the good news" NOT for the sake of a man-made, imperfect, uninspired organization. ;-)
Comment by Warp Speed on 2018-02-15 18:20:08
Well done Eric! This is certainly a milestone for you and for all us who love truth. Your kind and loving approach helped me to finally wake up and come to really know our Lord Jesus.
May your fine example continue to motivate all of us here to be able to assist our many dear brothers and sisters still in the Organization to come to a more accurate understanding of truth!
Keep up the good work brother, it is much appreciated,
WSReply by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-02-16 09:15:44
Thanks Warp Speed. (I love your alias!) I'm truly overwhelmed by such an outpouring of appreciation.
Comment by Psalmbee on 2018-02-15 18:34:58
Hi Eric/ Meleti, I must say I admire the way you have manned up to the mic! I enjoyed your video and did watch it till the end because like you and the others here I love truth. Those stepping stones, are getting less and less, and now that you have put a face on those feet that have been walking them, I'm sure you will never lose your direction.
Thank you brother, for all you have done, do, and will do! (Jn 3:3)
PsalmbeeReply by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-02-16 09:14:05
I pray I will never lose it. The greatest tragedy would be to run the race, then leave the course before the finish line. Thanks, Psalmbee.
Comment by Phelps on 2018-02-15 21:45:50
Traducción de Google:
Brother and dear Eric ... I have to recognize and give thanks to Christ for having men like you. But I am not the only one in Colombia who is in the process of awakening. ... I would feel alone. ... That jehova and his son bless him alwaysReply by Jabez on 2018-02-15 22:36:57
Howdy Eric nice to meet you may Jehovah and his Son Bless your new efforts to assist others as they try to free themselves from those who would hinder Salvation and mess with the true hope of being accepted as Sons.May The Spirit guide you
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-02-16 09:12:39
Hear, hear!
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-02-16 09:12:10
Hola Phelps. Es bueno oir de ti. ¿Me estás diciendo que hay más en Colombia que conoces que están despertando a la verdad?
Reply by Phelps on 2018-02-16 17:40:03
I say that I believe that I am the only one in Colombia ... I hope to be mistaken as the prophet Elias. Although I write a little, I do not stop reading the information that you always publish. that jehova protect you with love from Colombia
Comment by Yehorakam on 2018-02-16 00:09:29
Well done. Previously, I've almost called you Eric in my comments. Glad I didn't...it would of spilled the beans for you. Welcome to the world of being known publicly as an "apostate" among Witnesses. It's not as bad as it might seem. Theirs is a small world and they are the only ones in it. More importantly, the reproach of the Christ isn't at all hard to bear for a heart full of love for him. 'Happy may you be when they lying say every sort of wicked things about you for his sake...for great your reward will be in the Kingdom!'
Much love,
Comment by River on 2018-02-16 02:28:25
Enjoyed your video. In fact I knew you name in advance but for my work telling the truth, it's nice to have you come forward. Thanks for your sincerely effort.
For your private life, consider looking into distilled water http://aquariusthewaterbearer.com/doctors-and-experts/. I hope to have you around for many years. Love from Denmark.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-02-16 09:06:27
Hi River, funny you should bring that up. I use distilled water for my daily coffee and hot chocolate. An old man needs some delights!
Comment by Candace on 2018-02-16 04:07:54
Hi Meleti/Eric I am one of the many that you have helped and needless to say I am super thankful that brothers like you still exist in this day and age where everything seems to be full of lies and propaganda. I think of myself as a meetings PIMO for the exact reasons that you mention (yes there are many elephants in the room ^_^). Right now I can't see what other option I have. I feel like if I really did leave for real then it won't be long before I join another group or religion - like buddhism or philosophy for instance which I am tempted to read sometimes while I am meant to be doing uni assignments. I don't know why but I feel like I need to belong somewhere, life is overwhelming as it is without it to me.
I really appreciate the effort you go to help us lost sheep pick ourselves back up from the mess that this organisation has left us in. And to learn how to follow Christ the way we should have been doing all along!
Much christian love from Oz. <3Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-02-16 09:05:24
So good to hear from you Candace. I understand the need to belong to something. Indeed, we are meant to congregate. There are many in your country who have also awakened. The threat of disfellowshipping forces us to go underground for the moment, but that time will soon pass, I'm sure of it. Soon you will have the support you crave from real Christians. In the meantime, keep joining us here as your words are an encouragement to all.
Reply by Yehorakam on 2018-02-16 15:25:40
Hi Candace. Certainly distancing ourselves from a religion that has so many community activities leaves a great void. It can result in boredom, anxiousness because you're "not doing anything" compared to what you used to do, and loneliness because pretty no one will be there for you. I have seen some fill those voids by shifting into other groups that don't have our Creator's approval either...out of frying pan and into the fire!
I have had similar feelings from time to time, but knowing I belonged to CHRIST was the most important thing to focus on when I was looking to "belong somewhere." Personal Bible reading, meditation, prayer and discerning the love of the Christ was what I drew comfort from in those moments. It filled the void as I slowly made new acquaintances and found other activities to keep me busy. I'm still working on it after 4 years. It was hard to get used to not actively teach others about God and Christ, but would Christ really want me to try and teach others if I was still in a process of discerning what was true? Besides, the preaching work Jesus talked about in Matt 24:14 is not happening now. It will happen right before the end. What JW's and most other groups are doing right now isn't what Jesus was talking about. So, I feel right now, time is better spent studying the scriptures, learning from the direction of the HS and trying to find fellow Christians, enjoying their company. Then when Jesus time comes for us to do something with the accurate knowledge we acquire, we won't be guilty of misinforming anyone like we did when we were Witnesses.
It can be a hard road, waiting in loneliness or boredom, but I think that's better than joining another group that might only serve to distance us from God and Christ. That's my feelings anyways. You'll have to decide for yourself what you want to do. Hope you hang in there.
Comment by huang on 2018-02-16 04:11:45
Meleti, it is very brave of you to go public. An elder in my cong has been lookin for you.
Sometime May 2016, I was sparring with this elder when he suddenly found out about you. He sent this e-mail:
Elder: Do you know Meleti Vivlon personally?. Your “IMHO”s clearly indicate that you share his biased opinions.
Juan: I am glad you found beroean.net. It is not biased as you say. I think they are quite "beroean" in their examination of scriptures.
Elder: Not biased? Don't fool yourself about Meleti Vivlon! (Matt 7:15-20; 1Timothy 5:24,25)
Juan: As to M Vivlon who is he but a "Beroean" messenger bearing an alternative viewpoint? If you think he is biased, you are entitled to your opinion.
As you can imagine, things went south with this warning:
"There is still time for you to recover spiritually, but to accomplish it, you need to change completely your mindset yourself, something no one else can force on you ( Heb 10:26-31)"
Again, very brave, Eric. I am not going public just yet, just the tip of the cap.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-02-16 08:48:53
An interesting exchange and one that bears witness to the now-cult-like nature of the organization. In a cult the only right it the right of the cult and the only wrong it to leave the cult. There is no middle ground and no call to reason. Hang in there. The Christ is our rock.
Comment by Leonardo Josephus on 2018-02-16 04:13:59
Great video Eric. Most encouraging. I am still working my way out as I have stated before. It is a long process, but you put heart into those of us with family still in. Look forward to all you do. I have many relatives in your country, most of whom probably are totally unaware of my existence.
If you were not so far away, I would be coming over to give you a hug. But it may happen when and if you visit the UK. Meanwhile please have a spiritual hug and would everyone else here deem themselves to have one too. But the biggest one is reserved for you, Eric.
Comment by Maria on 2018-02-16 05:12:51
After panicstrukken by what I did encounter about JW, after being a JW for fourty years, your Meleti name popped up at several websites, and they spoke positive about what you wrote. Then all became a rollercoaterride, reading lots of hours until my eyes almost hurt. Learning about being adopted children of God instead of just a friend hit me like such a gorgeous truth. So the panic subsided.
So thank you for your time, must be day and night. You helped me and my husband more then I can express. Praying for you to keep up this assignment of God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank you our brother in Christ Meleti/Eric.
Warm regards,
Maria and hubbyReply by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-02-16 09:01:59
Many hours indeed, but all well spent when I receive such encouraging words. Thank you.
Comment by rick on 2018-02-16 05:15:49
Your discussion about 1975 was right on the money. I too was there. The society's representation last year of the events leading up to 1975 was extremely disingenuous. Some would say it was an out and out lie.
Coming forward with your story will help many others do the same. Good for you! I'm looking forward to the video presentations.
May the God and Father of our Lord continue to bless your efforts to serve those who are being oppressed by jw.org (whether they know it or not). Too many have thrown the baby out with the bath water when they've learned they truth about the Watchtower Society.
There is so much for us to discuss and to learn.
God Bless!Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-02-16 09:00:48
After years of boring meetings in which I keep hearing only "reminders", it is indeed a delight, Rick, to share nourishing spiritual food with such an inspiring community of brothers and sisters, all in the Christ!
Comment by John of ARC on 2018-02-16 05:52:25
You are a brave and spiritual man, Eric. A good example for for all of us. All the best!
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-02-16 08:59:17
Thank you John.
Comment by Dove on 2018-02-16 07:43:46
We are neighbours!! I have family in Hamilton (not jw) and lived in stoney Creek for a while. We are in Barrie now. Lovely to meet a fellow Canadian. Your site has been very informative and helpful.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-02-16 08:58:48
There is another family of "awakened ones" in Barrie. We should all meet up. Please send me your contact info to Meleti.vivlon@gmail.com
Reply by Yehorakam on 2018-02-16 12:01:34
Hey Dove. My wife and I have been in Barrie for the last 4 months, but are moving this weekend to Markham. We would have so much liked to have you over at our place in Barrie. But, we're not that far away, and besides, we found an awesome Korean/Japanese restaurant in Barrie, so we'll be driving from Markham to Barrie once a month to have supper there. In fact, we're going there tonight for a "Last Supper" in Barrie. Our names are Paul & Suki Anlauf. Ask Meleti for our number and give us a shout. We'd be happy to get together anytime!
Reply by Dove on 2018-02-28 11:59:55
Hello, I've just contacted Meleti :)
Comment by Joseph Anton on 2018-02-16 08:26:08
If there is retaliation - and I expect that you expect that there will be - please log it in. How many times have we heard the stories about Catholics who went to their priests with questions those priests couldn't answer? Only to find those answers delivered to them by God to their front door by way of Jehovah's Witnesses? These brothers should be more than equipped to handle any arguments you've made, answer any questions you've developed, and be absolutely willing to recover you, as Christ would the one sheep in a hundred who wandered away, and all this because this is what they profess they do publicly - but they won't. Which is why you need to make a record of it. You are a very brave man Eric. And as sharp as I've ever seen. And with all you've been through recently it says much about your character that instead of living out your life in "quiet desperation" (as I do at this moment) you have instead went on offense. The wonderful side effect of the program of conditional love in the organization is that for someone like yourself, over the course of a few years, they've made sure that you have nothing really to lose. Your friends here love you unconditionally, and will always do so. For me it's because you've shown me that there is life outside the Org that isn't secular and vindictive - that the prospect of a very real, and much more enlightening scriptural education is very much a reality once you've walked away from the Kingdom Hall for good. Keep up this good work. I'm sure we all are in your corner, and have you in our prayers.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-02-16 08:57:42
Thank you so much Joseph. I will definitely follow that advice.
The one thing the Organization fears is the light. This is no longer a surprise to me.
“Now this is the basis for judgment: that the light has come into the world, but men have loved the darkness rather than the light, for their works were wicked.” (Joh 3:19)
This is why they have committee meetings where all observers are disallowed and recordings are prohibited. They love the darkness.
What they fear is public exposure.
“Watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 But there is nothing carefully concealed that will not be revealed, and secret that will not become known. 3 Wherefore what things YOU say in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what YOU whisper in private rooms will be preached from the housetops. (Luke 12:1-3)
It does seem that their time for hiding is over.
Comment by dionys on 2018-02-16 08:45:31
Thank you for sharing.
Comment by Devora on 2018-02-16 09:44:44
I cannot express all the gratitude,for everything you've done here.May Jah+Christ continue to bless you,and,all on here,in their journeys to more and more intimate understandings about our Savior.In turn may many more benefit by our own sharings,on all these lifesaving matters being discussed.We are then like ripples in a pond-affecting the next ones to freely move,affecting the next...all emanating from the stone thrown in,Christ our Rockmass as the center...Thank You brother!!
Comment by lazarus on 2018-02-16 15:04:13
Nice Eric, each journey is a individual walk, and timing, well only the individual can make that determination.
Your Journey started in 2011, So minus 2018, equals 7 years. What’s interesting about the number 7. It is identified with something being finished or complete. Itis often found in contexts involving completeness or divine perfection. Haha coincidence:) it’s seems your journey is now beginning as a freeman.
Courage, faith, joy, endurance keep walking in the light! Along with the comments, I appreciate your time and efforts in maintaining this website, along with others. It’s been very helpful in my awakening process. Peace to you.
Comment by Leonardo Josephus on 2018-02-16 16:18:35
Any in the Uk wish to talk or meet up , please send an E mail to Meliti, therefore not on the main site, and let him know where you are in the UK. We can work from there.
Hope that is OK, Eric.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-02-16 21:40:04
Absolutely okay
Comment by Bjfox1 on 2018-02-16 16:43:48
Hi Eric,
When I first saw your picture I was thinking: he looks familiar. Then I thought, right, right, right, that's Eric (I was on the next video and had somehow missed this one). Good for you. . .coming out! Can't wait to see the video.
Bettie
Comment by Ludavid on 2018-02-16 21:29:30
Hi Eric. Just want to say hello and thank you for your disclosure. You are always on the forefront of ours path to live cristian freedom.
I am PIMO, but I am also trying to figure out what is the Lord's will with regards of my relationship with brother and sisters in ORG (and with "worldly" people also)
I will pay close attention to your example not just to follow fellow man but to learn from you, that I can also take some active part in the spiritual awakening that, IMHO is on the play on many level world wide,
Thank you once more for sincerety of your hart that is so evident to me and I wish you, my brother in Christ, many blessings from ours Havenly Father with my favorite scripture:
Romans 8:38 for I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers 39 nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord
Comment by Jerome on 2018-02-16 22:01:07
Eric/Meleti
I have enjoyed so much your balanced scriptural articles on Beroean Pickets. Both you and Apollos have helped me tremendously. To discover, after years of devotion that you have been deceived by people that have claimed to love you and put your interests ahead of their own is such a traumatic experience. Sadly, it causes many to act rashly and even become enraged against Jehovah. It is so valuable to hear a calming voice helping you to put things in perspective and not give up. You have been that calming voice for me during the past very trying 8 months or so of my life. My son and I watched your videos today and couldn't stop talking about the excellent scriptural information you shared. Exegesis not Eisegesis that is so important! I also want to tell you how comforting it is to hear our Lord's words that God has hidden these things from the wise and intellectual ones and revealed them to babes. How empowering! No one need be intimidated into thinking that they need a governing body to interpret God's written word for them, since it is his will and fully in his capability for him to author a book that each of his children can read and understand for themselves. Thank you for your courage in going public. I really hope many people will watch these videos and have the veil lifted from their eyes. May Jehovah bless your efforts!
Jerome
Comment by mailman on 2018-02-16 23:20:49
I was almost speechless the moment I saw the box showing you. We never knew it's coming. But then, we are happy to see you on video and be encouraged more spiritually.
In our CBS, several brothers compared obedience to the Faithful and Discreet Slave (FDS) to the obedience Joseph did when an angel appeared before him in a dream. An elder even commented about the new light coming from Jehovah. I could just shake my head with displeasure. The brothers have been fully programmed. If this is not virtual idolatry, I don't know what it is.
Unable to just sit down quietly, I had to speak and say: "In the future Jehovah or Jesus will speak and utter instructions. We don't know when. But when the time comes, we should be happy to take action based on their instructions." Take note, FDS completely dropped!
Comment by Smoldering Wick on 2018-02-17 02:07:18
Absolutely wonderful, Eric! While feeling somewhat envious of your disclosure, I am also relieved for you as well as proud of the courage it has taken. We can all take your leading example in the balanced approach you've shown, knowing each one can be a brighter light to those surrounding us as we shine cautiously and discretely to all we now serve more closely!
Your Brother in Christ on the west coast (who also spent several years in Toronto)
swReply by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-02-17 08:58:02
You may be smoldering now, but I'm sure that soon you will burst into flame. :)
Reply by Smoldering Wick on 2018-02-17 11:25:09
Ah yes, should I live to see the day! And so unlike those irrational days leading up to 1975 when we, the many were warning the few who had not yet cashed in their pensions and sold their homes while the clouds of Armageddon gathered. I'm still amazed at how proud so many of our veterans are who have forgotten or deliberately avoid talking about it to our new recruits!
To think as well, our new antitypical application of Jesus and the apostles feeding the thousands to us the many being fed today with 'the hands of the few' ?? ?
Comment by socrates1 on 2018-02-17 03:22:13
Hi brother Eric. Such a wonderful presentation. Your courage and love for the truth are appreciated. Thanks for your effort and praying to Jehovah so that you can have his support and continue with your Meleti of Vivlou (or Vivliki or grafiki Meleti as it is in Greek).
I am interested to meet with other brothers from UK but I will send a Pm as Leonardo suggested.
Comment by Lois on 2018-02-17 08:45:41
Eric, Great job on the videos. It reminds me of what Jesus said about his disciples: John 8:32 (CSB) "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." How freeing it is to take a stand for truth as you have done. Thank you so much for all your hard work. You helped me to understand that the other sheep are not a separate class, and after 50 years as a JW, that bit of truth set me free too. Thank you.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-02-17 09:22:58
That was the "big truth" for me as well, Lois.
Comment by yobec on 2018-02-17 17:54:10
LOL. All these years I thought you w'ere from the UK and here you are in the same country as me. I was born and raised in Quebec and now live in BC.I am planning a trip to the east coast this fall. I might stop by for a short visit if it is all right with you.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-02-17 18:22:16
That would be wonderful. Just let me know when and I'll set some time aside to show you around.
Comment by Mowani on 2018-02-19 15:54:08
Hi Eric
It is wonderful to have a face for Meleti. Thank you for your courage. We returned from holiday by car today and listened to all five videos that are on your youtube channel. Nutritious spiritual food indeed. We have to go through it again at home with our bible and taking notes. If we had such talks at our kingdom hall, we would go to the meetings again...
Mowani