By Sheryl Bogolin Email sbogolin@hotmail.comThe first congregational meeting of Jehovah's Witnesses that I attended with my family was held in the basement of a home filled with many, many chairs. Although I was only 10 years old, I found it to be rather intriguing. The young woman I sat next to raised her hand and answered a question from the Watchtower magazine. I whispered to her, “Do it again.” She did. Thus began my complete immersion into the religion known as Jehovah's Witnesses.
My father was the first one in our family to pursue an interest in the religion, probably because his older brother was already one of Jehovah's Witnesses. My mother agreed to a home Bible study only to prove the Witnesses wrong. We four kids were dragged in from our playtime outside and reluctantly sat in on the weekly study, although the discussions were often beyond our understanding and sometimes we nodded off.
But I must have gotten something out of those studies. Because I began talking with my friends about Bible topics on a regular basis. In fact, I wrote a term paper in 8th grade entitled: “Are You Afraid of Hell?” That caused quite a stir among my classmates.
It was also when I was about 13 years old that I got into a debate with a householder, who obviously knew more about the Bible than I did. Finally, in frustration, I said: “Well, we might not get everything right, but at least we're out here preaching!”
All six of us in the family were baptized within a couple years of each other. My baptism date was April 26, 1958. I was not quite 13 years of age. As my whole family was quite outgoing and gregarious, it was almost easy for us to knock on doors and start up conversations with people about the Bible.
My sister and I both started regular pioneering as soon as we graduated from High School in the early '60s. In view of the fact that I would have made the eighth regular pioneer in our home congregation, we decided to go where the “need was greater”. The Circuit Servant recommended that we assist a congregation in Illinois about 30 miles away from our childhood home.
We initially lived with a dear Witness family of five, which soon became six. So we found an apartment and invited two sisters from our original congregation to live and pioneer with us. And help us with expenses! We jokingly called ourselves 'Jephthah's Daughters'. (Because we figured we might all remain single.) We had good times together. Though it was necessary to count our pennies, I never felt like we were poor.
Back in the early '60's, I think about 75% of the householders in our territory actually were at home and would answer their door. Most were religious and willing to talk to us. Many were anxious to defend their own religious beliefs. As were we! We took our ministry very seriously. We each had a few regular Bible studies. We used either the “Good News” booklet or the “Let God Be True” book. In addition, I tried to include a 5-10 minute segment at the end of each study which was nicknamed “DITTO”.--.Direct Interest To The Organization.
Within the congregation, we were also busy. Since our new congregation was small with a limited number of qualified brothers, both my sister and I were assigned to fill positions of “servants”, such as the “Territory Servant”. We even had to conduct the Congregation Book Study sometimes although a baptized brother was present. That was a little uncomfortable.
In 1966, my sister and I applied for the special pioneer work and were assigned to a small congregation in Wisconsin. About that same time my parents sold their house and bakery and moved to Minnesota as pioneers. Later they entered the Circuit work. With the last name of Sovereign. they fit right in.
Our congregation in Wisconsin was also small, about 35 publishers. As special pioneers, we spent 150 hours a month in the field service and each received $50 a month from the Society, which had to cover rent, food, transportation and basic necessities. We also found that it was necessary to clean houses half a day each week to supplement our income.
At times I reported 8 or 9 Bible studies each month. That was both a privilege and quite a challenge. I can remember that during one stretch of my ministry several of my students were victims of domestic violence. Years later, the majority of my students were older women with onset dementia. It was during that latter period that five of my Bible students agreed one year to come to our observance of the Lord's Evening Meal at the Kingdom Hall. As I was not able to have all five of the ladies sit near me, I asked one of our older sisters to befriend and assist one of the students. Imagine my dismay when someone whispered in my ear that my student had partaken of the bread and our elderly sister was all in a dither.
As the years passed, I was used on several assembly parts and interviewed as to my pioneering experiences and long life as a Witness. These parts were special privileges and I enjoyed them. I look back now and realize that they are an effective means of reinforcing one's desire to 'stay the course'. Even if that means neglecting family obligations like cooking nutritious meals, attending to necessary household maintenance, and paying careful attention to what is going on in your marriage, the lives of your children, or even one's own health.
As an example, not too long ago, I was rushing out the door to get to the Kingdom Hall in time. As I was backing down the driveway, I felt a thump. Although I was running late, I decided I better check if any obstacle was in the driveway. There was. My husband! He had been bending over to pick up a newspaper. (I had no idea that he had even come out of the house.) After I helped him up off of the cement, apologizing profusely, I questioned him about how he felt. He didn't say a word. I was at a loss as to what I should do next. Go in service? Comfort him? He just kept saying, “Go. Go.” So I left him hobbling into the house and hurried off. Pathetic, wasn't I?
So there it is: over 61 years of handing in a report every single month; 20 years in the regular and special pioneer work; as well as many, many months of vacation/auxiliary pioneering. I was able to assist about three dozen people to dedicate their lives to Jehovah. I felt very privileged to guide them in their spiritual growth. But in recent years, I came to wonder if I had misdirected them.
The Awakening
I believe that the majority of Jehovah's Witnesses are devout, loving, and self-sacrificing people. I admire and love them. I did NOT come to my decision to separate from the organization lightly or casually; nor simply because my daughter and husband were already “inactive”. No, I anguished over leaving my former life behind for quite a long time. But after a great deal of study, investigation and prayer, that is what I have done. But why have I decided to make my choice public?
The reason is that truth is so very important. Jesus said at John 4:23 that “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth”. I believe strongly that truth can withstand scrutiny.
One teaching that turned out to be shockingly false was the Watchtower prediction that Armageddon would wipe out all the wicked in 1975. Did I actually believe that teaching at the time? Oh yes! I did. I remember a Circuit Servant telling us from the platform that there was only 90 months left until 1975. My mother and I rejoiced over the certainty that we would never have to buy another car; or even another slip! I also recall that in 1968, we received the book, The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. We were instructed to zip through the whole book in six months with our Bible students. If any failed to keep pace, we were to drop them and go on to the next person. Often it was I who failed to keep pace!
As we all know, the wicked system of things did not end in 1975. It wasn't until much later that I was honest and asked myself: Was the description of a false prophet in Deuteronomy 18:20-22 to be taken seriously, or not?
Although I reassured myself that I was not serving Jehovah only up to a certain date, I see that my world view did change as 1975 ended. In January of 1976, I stopped pioneering. My reason at the time was some health issues. Also, I wanted to have children before I was too old. In September of 1979, our first child was born after 11 years of marriage. I was 34 and my husband was 42.
My first real confrontation with my beliefs came in the year 1986. My JW husband brought the book Crisis of Conscience into the house. I was very upset with him. We knew that the author, Raymond Franz, was a known apostate. Although he had been a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses for nine years.
I was actually afraid to read the book. But my curiosity got the best of me. I only read one chapter. It was entitled, “Double Standards”. It recounted the horrific persecution that the brothers suffered in the country of Malawi. It made me cry. All due to the fact that the Governing Body directed the Malawian brothers to stand firm, remain politically neutral and refuse to buy a $1 political party card.
Then the same chapter in the Franz book gives documented proof, including photocopies of Watchtower letters that the Headquarters in New York sent to Branch Office in Mexico, about this same subject of political neutrality. They wrote that the brothers in Mexico could “follow their consciences” if they wanted to follow the common practice of bribing Mexican officials to provide them with “proof” that the brothers had fulfilled the requirements necessary to obtain an Identity Certificate (Cartilla) for Military Service. The Cartilla made it possible for them to obtain better-paying jobs and passports. These letters were dated in the '60s also.
My world turned upside down in 1986. I went into a mild depression for several weeks. I kept thinking, “This is not right. This can't be true. But the documentation is there. Does this mean I should leave my religion??!!” At the time, I was a middle-aged mother of a baby and a 5-year old. I'm sure that this contributed to my pushing this revelation to the back of my mind and stumbling on once again in my established routine.
[caption id="attachment_16992" align="alignleft" width="300"]
Bogolins with Ali[/caption]Time marched on. Our children grew up and married and were also serving Jehovah with their mates. As my husband had been inactive for decades, I decided to learn Spanish at age 59 and change to a Spanish congregation. It was invigorating. People were patient with my limited new vocabulary, and I loved the culture. I loved the congregation. I made progress as I learned the language, and once again took up the pioneer work. But a bumpy road lay ahead of me.
In the year 2015, I returned home from a mid-week evening meeting and was surprised to see my husband watching Brother Geoffrey Jackson on the TV. The Australian Royal Commission was investigating the handling/mishandling by various religious institutions of the sexual abuse cases within their ranks. The ARC had subpoenaed Brother Jackson to testify in behalf of the Watchtower Society. Naturally, I sat down and listened. Initially I was impressed with Brother Jackson's composure. But when asked by the Solicitor, Angus Stewart, if the Watchtower's Governing Body was the only channel God was using in our day to direct mankind, Brother Jackson became less composed. After trying to dodge the question a bit, he finally said: “I think that would be presumptuous of me to say that.” I was stunned! Presumptuous?! Were we the one true religion, or not?
I learned from that Commission's investigation that there were 1006 cases of perpetrators of child sexual abuse in Australia alone among Jehovah's Witnesses. But that not ONE had been reported to the authorities, and that the vast majority of the accused perpetrators were not even disciplined by the congregations. That meant that other Witnesses and innocent children were at grave risk.
Something else that seemed incredible that came to my attention was an article on-line, in a London newspaper called “The Guardian”, about the Watchtower's affiliation with the United Nations for 10 years as a NGO member! (Non-Government Organization) Whatever happened to our unyielding stance on remaining politically neutral?!
It was in 2017 that I finally gave myself permission to read Crisis of Conscience by Raymond Franz. The whole thing. And also his book, In Search of Christian Freedom.
Meanwhile, our daughter Ali had been doing her own deep investigation of the Bible. She often came charging into the house with questions of her own. I usually had a well-rehearsed Watchtower response that held her at bay—for awhile.
There is so much that could be mentioned about other Watchtower teachings. Like: the “Overlapping /Anointed! Generation”, or the confusion I still feel about rejecting a blood transfusion at all costs—even one's life—yet, 'blood fractions' are okay?
It makes me angry that Kingdom Halls are being sold out from under the feet of various congregations and Circuit Assembly account reports are not transparent as to where the funds go. Really? It costs $10,000 or more to cover expenses for a 1-day assembly in a building that is already paid for??! But the worst was yet to be revealed.
Is Jesus Christ the Mediator for only the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation 14:1,3? That is what the Watchtower teaches. On the basis of this teaching, the Society argues that only the 144,000 should partake of the emblems during the celebration of the Lord's Evening Meal. However, this teaching goes directly against Jesus' words in John 6:53 where he says: “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.”
It was this realization and accepting Jesus' words at face value that made it unconscionable for me in the spring of 2019 to invite people to the Memorial. I thought, 'Why would we want to invite them to come and then discourage them from accepting Jesus' invitation?'
I just couldn't do it any longer. That was the end of my personal house-to-house field service. In humility and gratitude, I also began partaking of the emblems.
One more of the saddest directives from the Governing Body is the set of rules that is part of the congregational judicial system. Even if a person confesses their sin to an elder for help and relief, three or more elders must sit in judgment of that person. If they conclude that the “sinner” (aren't we all??) is not repentant, they are directed—by a very private, closely guarded book that only elders receive—to expel the person from the congregation. This is called 'disfellowshipping'. Then a cryptic announcement is made to the congregation that “So-and-so is no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses.” Wild speculation and gossip understandably follows as the congregation in general understands nothing about the announcement except that they are no longer to have any contact with the person who was announced. The sinner must be SHUNNED.
This cruel and unloving treatment is what my daughter went through—is going through. One can hear the entire meeting of her “(non) Judicial Meeting with 4 Jehovah's Witness Elders” on her YouTube site entitled “Ali's Big Toe”.
Do we find this system spelled out in the Scriptures? Is this how Jesus treated the sheep? Did Jesus ever shun anyone?? One must decide for oneself.
So it is that there is a huge credibility gap between the things the Governing Body is presenting publicly and what the Bible says. A Governing Body of eight men who appointed themselves to that position in 2012. Wasn't Jesus appointed head of the congregation 2000 years ago?
Does it even matter to Jehovah's Witnesses that the expression “Governing Body” doesn't even appear in the Bible? Does it matter that the well-worn phrase in WT publications, “faithful and discreet slave”, appears only once in the Bible? And that it appears as the first of four parables that Jesus gives in the 24th chapter of Matthew? Does it matter that from only one Bible text has sprung the self-serving explanation that a small group of men are God's hand-picked instruments who expect obedience and loyalty from the worldwide flock?
All of the above issues are not small matters. These are issues on which a corporate-like headquarters makes decisions, print those edicts in their literature, and expects members to follow them to the letter. Millions of people, whose lives are profoundly affected in many negative ways, because they think they are doing what God wants them to do.
These are some of the issues that have forced me to question many teachings and policies that I had for decades accepted and taught as “the truth”. However, after investigation and profound Bible study and prayer, I decided to walk away from the organization that I had loved and in which I enthusiastically served God for 61 years. So where do I find myself today?
Life certainly does take strange turns. Where am I today? “Ever Learning”. And therefore, I am closer to my Lord Jesus Christ, my Father, and the Scriptures than ever in my life; Scriptures which have opened up to me in surprising and wonderful ways.
I am stepping out of the shadows of my fear of an organization that, in effect, discourages people to develop their own consciences. Worse yet, an organization where that eight men are substituting themselves for the headship of Christ Jesus. It is my hope to comfort and encourage others who are suffering because they fear to ask questions. I am reminding people that JESUS is "the way, the truth, and the life”, not an organization.
Thoughts of my old life are still with me. I miss my friends in the organization. Very few have reached out to me, and even then, only briefly.
I do not blame them. Only recently did the words in Acts 3:14-17 really shock me at the import of Peter's words to the Jews. In verse 15 Peter bluntly said: “You killed the Chief Agent of life.” But then in verse 17 he continued, “And now, brothers, I know you acted in ignorance.” Wow! How kind was that?! Peter had real empathy for his fellow Jews.
I, too, acted in ignorance. More than 40 years ago, I shunned a sister I truly loved in the congregation. She was smart, funny, and a very capable defender of the Bible. Then, suddenly, she packed up ALL her Watchtower literature and left it behind; including her New World Translation of the Bible. I don't know why she left. I never asked her.
Sadly, I shunned another good friend twenty years ago. She was one of the three other “Jepthah's Daughters” with whom I pioneered many years earlier. She went on to special pioneer for five years in Iowa, and we had a lively and fun correspondence for years. Then I learned that she was no longer attending the meetings. She wrote to tell me some of her issues with Watchtower teachings. I read them. But I dismissed them without too much thought, and cut off my correspondence with her. In other words, I shunned her. :-(
As I was awakening to so many new thoughts, I searched for her letter of explanation to me. Upon finding it, I was determined to apologize to her. With some effort, I got her phone number and called her. She readily and graciously accepted my apology. We have since had endless hours of deep Bible conversations and laughs over great memories of our years together. By the way, neither of these two friends were expelled from the congregation or disciplined in any way. But I took it upon myself to cut them off.
Worse yet, and most painful of all, I shunned my own daughter 17 years ago. Her wedding day was one of the saddest days of my life. Because I couldn't be with her. The pain and cognitive dissonance that goes with accepting that policy haunted me for a very long time. But that is long behind us now. I am so proud of her. And we have the greatest relationship now.
Something else that brings me great joy are two weekly on-line Bible study groups with attendees from Canada, UK, Australia, Italy and various states in the U.S. In one we are reading Acts verse by verse. In the other, Romans, verse by verse. We compare Bible translations and commentaries. We don't agree on everything. And there is no one who says we must. These participants have become my brothers and sisters, and my good friends.
I have also learned so very much from a YouTube site called Beroean Pickets. The documentation of what Jehovah's Witnesses teach compared to what the Bible says is outstanding.
Finally, I am happily spending much more time with my husband. He came to many of the conclusions 40 years ago that I have only recently accepted. He has been inactive for those same 40 years, but he didn't share much with me at the time about his discoveries. Probably out of respect for my continued zealous association with the organization; or perhaps because I told him many years ago while I had tears running down my cheeks that I didn't think he would make it through Armageddon. Now it is a joy to “pick his brain” and have our own deep Bible conversations. I believe it is due to his Christian qualities more than mine that we have stayed married for 51 years.I sincerely pray for my family and the friends who are still devoted to the “slave”. Please, everyone, do your own research and investigation. TRUTH CAN WITHSTAND SCRUTINY. It takes time, I know. However, I myself must heed the warning found in Psalms 146:3 “Do not put your trust in princes Nor in a son of man, who cannot bring salvation.” (NWT)
Archived Comments
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Comment by CW117 on 2020-04-20 11:54:57
Hi Sheryl, what an incredible display of courage to share all of these awakening moments in your life as a JW slave,aka WT slave,THANKYOU so much for this there are so many parts in your true story that I can relate to and feel good that I left when I did even though it was only 10 years out of my life that I was in as a senior citizen,God bless you.
Comment by truthrooster on 2020-04-20 16:06:16
Thank you for sharing this. It really helps to remind me of how intelligent and heartfelt people can be deceived for so long. You were a far more zealous Christian than I and would no doubt consider you a pillar in the congregation. Hearing stories like yours and Eric’s makes me less bitter for wasted years. They are not wasted and I am in fantastic company. It also reminds me to not fight unawakened ones.
Reply by Sheryl Bogolin on 2020-04-21 07:25:45
TY. I agree. From all those years I have been taught to be more patient with others now.. And I'm working on removing the very negative quality of being judgmental.
Comment by safeguardyourheart on 2020-04-20 16:13:13
Page 453 of ISOCF...............“July 15, 1957, issue of the Watchtower. An article titled “The Holy Spirit—Third Person of Trinity or God’s Active Force?” contains this expression (page 431):
If the holy spirit is equal with Jehovah God, as claimed by the Athanasian Creed, and if the trinity is the central teaching of the Christian religion, as claimed by The Catholic Encyclopedia, should we not expect these things to be plainly stated in so many words in the Bible? And should this not especially be the case in view of the fact that it is stated that the trinity teaching is “of all revealed truths” “the most impenetrable to reason,” and yet salvation depends upon its acceptance? The fact that the Word of God does not explicitly mention, explain or teach a trinity is in itself strong proof that the trinity teaching is false.
There is an appeal to logic in the argument presented. Consistently, however, one could rephrase this Watchtower statement as follows:
If the kind of highly structured organization found among Jehovah’s Witnesses today is produced by Jehovah God, as claimed by the Governing Body, and if it is God’s sole channel on earth, as claimed by the Watchtower, should we not expect these things to be plainly stated in so many words in the Bible? And should this not especially be the case in view of the fact that it is stated that to reject the organization’s directives or its teachings is to rebel
against God, and that salvation depends upon adherence and submission to that organization? The fact that the Word of God does not explicitly mention, explain or teach such kind of organization is in itself strong proof that the teaching about such an organization is false”
The quotation above is a HUGE Eye-opener for me.
What made me read the two books of Brother Ray Franz? It was the NICKNAME or MONICKER(Christian freedo) by someone I challenged repeatedly over many things concerning JWs on a religious forum. He made so many reference from the book up till the extent that I took it upon myself to read and REFUTE whatever is written there in order to counter HIS claims, I don't think I got to chapter 3 of CoC before I throw in the TOWEL. It all began with getting to know that ONE of the resourceful MATERIAL the organization had "insight on the scriptures" got its many REFERENCE and SOURCE from the works of BIBLE SCHOLARS the org tag FALSE CHRISTIANS. Brother Ray confirmed extensive use of these bible commentaries and how this materials are displayed in the open at the headquarters many of them in the watchtower library right there at the headquarters.
Another point for me is that I am reading a book of one of principal writers of the INSIGHT BOOK. To refute his word recorded in CoC and ISoCF will be a huge task considering the kind of work they did on the INSIGHT BOOK. He had been to the PINNACLE of the ORG and back. I am an ordinary RANK and FILE. Reading ISoCF was the nail on the coffin. I know my time was up in the ORGANIZATION. I am still in PIMO but all position handed down to me since then I have turned. From eldership to assistant to the secretary, I turned down. I even told the overseer in my group I no longer see the spiritual significance of FIELD SERVICE REPORTING. Which they could not defend.
Watchtower July 1943 with topic "RIGHTEOUS REQUIREMENTS" is one article I intend to use whenever they question me on Field service. I see it as a very good way of telling them its JUST A COMMAND of a MAN. No more no less. It has nothing to do with anything SPIRITUAL.
Thanks Sheryl, the queue keeps moving gradually, we are not all leaving the ORG at same time but its clear those of us at the back of the queue are moving TOWARDS the exit. It might be slow and painful to wait long on this queue but its for the LOVE of God and Christ and others and the FREEDOM they offer and the readiness to abide with us personally John 8:31,32 and John 14:23
Comment by Chet on 2020-04-20 01:42:29
Sheryl, thank you so much for sharing this.
When I was still under the influence of the Organization, I tended to think that “apostates” must be libertines whom sought to rebel and sought to make up their own rules, rejecting the moral guidance of the scriptures. That may even be true in some cases, but I have met any number of former Jehovah’s Witnesses that were devout, and lived exemplary lives as Christians. On Beroean Pickets, I’ve read the words of many such people, sincere Witnesses that quit associating because they sought truth and were not swayed by the doctrines of men.
The Organization has some problems which reach back for many years, but in recent years, they have become much more defensive. Instead of admitting that they were in error and missed the boat completely on the matter of 1914, they have doubled down and used ridiculous explanations, such as their overlapping generations teaching, as a way to try to maintain their grip on their adherents and to bolster their claim of having been chosen by Jesus as the Faithful and Discreet Slave. It appears, at this point, that they have inflicted a serious wound upon themselves, because the overlapping generations teaching seems to have been too much of a stretch for many faithful Witnesses.
This teaching, and their self declaration that the members of the Governing Body comprise the entirety of the Faithful and Discreet Slave have not helped. The JW Broadcasting programs have probably played a role as well. These programs expose the pedantic nature of the GB members as they talk down to the JW membership as if they were small children. JW Broadcasting may price to work against them, because now members and non-members alike can see exactly what these people are all about.
Having been out for nearly 20 years, now, I take joy in seeing that sincere Witnesses are waking up and leaving. It’s obvious that “good standing” with the Organization is no longer important to many people and I hope that soon, such “standing” will become completely meaningless for everyone.Reply by Sheryl Bogolin on 2020-04-21 07:30:01
It is a joy to see, isn't it? It's a joy to EXPERIENCE. Why didn't I join my husband in fading 40 years ago! ….Because he didn't tell me his plan! Ha.
Comment by Leonardo Josephus on 2020-04-20 05:25:34
Hi Sheryl. by my calculations you were 71 in or around 2015-6. So you are a similar age to me. I guess that having more time later in life allows us to stop, think, and research. 2015 is about the time that began to wake up, and have been on this site ever since. All the things you raise, I have considered, including Ray's two books. I would add the lies over Bulgaria in connection with the "friendly settlement" alluded to on page 152 of the Kingdom Rules book, and I find the increasing number of deliberate mistranslations in the NWT, purely done in support of JW doctrine. I am listing these as I find them, and always appreciate any more being pointed out to me.
There is a new letter out, putting all the Kingdom Halls under the ownership of one charity in the UK. You might think they had already done this, or at least I did, and it remains to be seen what the effects of this will be.
My best wishes to you, and thanks for the experience.Reply by Sheryl Bogolin on 2020-04-21 07:26:47
Hmmmm. More shenanigans?
Comment by LVReyes on 2020-04-20 19:51:07
Thank you Sheryl, thank you so much my sister in Christ, for sharing this testimony of your faith and your love for our Heavenly Father and His dear Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Your faith and dedication is to God not to an enslaving 0rganization that sits itself on the seat of Moses while denying believers their freedom in Christ and holds their family and friends hostage through fear.
May Jehovah bless you and keep you, may he bless the love you show for others, and the strong faith you demonstrate, dear sister. Thank you for your witness experience and testimony of strong faith in the True God.
Stay strong! Happy 75th in advance!Reply by Judá Ben-Hur on 2020-04-21 10:31:19
LV Reyes! Un caballero no menciona la edad de una dama! =)
Comment by Carlisle on 2020-04-21 03:05:34
Thank you for sharing. Keep going in your true liberty in Christ.
Comment by katrina on 2020-04-21 04:57:40
So encouraging, took me nearly 40yrs also and what started to wake me up was also the Malawii and Mexico hypocrisy, how I felt for those Malawii brothers and sisters, that is when I started my research thank you dear sister for you heartfelt story so very much appreciated and helpful.
Comment by Sheryl Bogolin on 2020-04-21 07:18:14
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Your comments have encouraged me so very much. I knew you were out there. But I didn't know how many of you there are! But for the policy of shunning, I feel certain many more would be coming forward. We were shut down. Pero , ¡no más!
Comment by Judá Ben-Hur on 2020-04-21 10:27:11
Muy alentadora experiencia y gran testimonio de vida. La “organización” ha maltratado bastante a nuestras hermanas. Ahora, tenemos los varones, la responsabilidad de hacerlas sentir libres, respetadas y protegidas. Las hermanas son las flores del jardín de Dios y con tal ternura deben ser cuidadas. Hermana Sheryl, mi admiración y respeto por su valentía, ojalá y hubiera más hermanas y hermanos como Usted. El ejemplo de su esposo es bastante significativo: de forma silenciosa la respetó a Usted sin interferir... una gran muestra de amor, sin duda alguna, tuvo la paciencia de esperarla a Usted. Ese el amor del que nunca falla verdaderamente.
Reply by Sheryl Bogolin on 2020-04-21 19:15:58
Me encanta la expression "las flores del jardín de Dios". Qué amable, hermano mio. Eres un pastor genuino. Y Gracias por las palabras muy alentadoras sobre mi esposo.
Comment by marielle on 2020-04-21 10:30:20
Désolée pour la répétition.
Mauvaise manipulation !
Comment by Stille Getuigen on 2020-04-21 16:20:07
Dear Sheryl, Thanks for sharing you story. My wive and I where touched by it. We admire you for your courage and it shows clearly that it is never to late for a person to come to the truth. The one and only truth from the Bible which is so refreshing and clear. It shows that we are able to leave out the man made doctrines and build our faith on the Christ.
We have a story too and it is my wish that we could share it publicly. The cost of losing our children (by means of shunning) is holding us back right now. We pray every day for our children and hope that we are able to reach them. We also enjoy the online Bible study where we study Acts. And we also like the Beroean channel and website very much .There are so many brothers and sisters who are free from WT now and "rebooting" their faith. Real Christian freedom at last ! Greetings from BelgiumReply by Sheryl Bogolin on 2020-04-21 19:10:19
Thank you for supporting me.
Comment by Mike West on 2020-04-22 00:11:50
Sheryl, thanks so much for publicly sharing your story. You have been an encouragement in our on-line Bible discussions, and I know your story published here will help so many others. It is a huge and painful decision after a lifetime of being a very active JW to step away. Your story is one of many that has helped me, and I hope will help other active JW's, to see that true spiritual growth, and association with truly loyal and loving brothers/sisters is the gift we individually receive for following only the Christ (John 14:6). Rejecting the often angry demands of any man or group of men that demand our lock-step obedience truly brings joy and Christian freedom. (Gal. 2:4,5) You are loved!
Reply by Sheryl Bogolin on 2020-04-22 06:27:34
I feel the love of my new brothers and sisters, Mike. Thank you for your kind words. The comments of all in our group and here are also answers to my prayers.
Comment by marielle on 2020-04-22 07:06:26
À Sheryl et Ali
Je vous avais vues dans un témoignage vidéo, toi et ta fille, avant de lire ton récit sur la page des Béréens.
J’ai eu vraiment le cœur serré, principalement à cause de ton âge.
Nous savons tous que nous parlons de l’engagement sincère d’une vie, et tu en témoignes. Ce n’est pas rien !
Émotionnellement, c’est très éprouvant, de supporter une rupture obligatoire et non consentie des liens fraternels avec ceux que nous aimions.
Dictature du GB oblige !
Tu as préféré être maltraitée et dire la vérité, en suivant la voix de Christ.
Jean 18 : 37
« Je suis venu dans le monde : pour rendre témoignage à LA VÉRITÉ. TOUS CEUX QUI SONT DU CÔTÉ DE LA VÉRITÉ ÉCOUTENT MA VOIX.»
Ta foi est intacte, c’est bien là le principal, même si cela n’est facile pour personne d’être rejeté.
Jéhovah ne laisse pas ses serviteurs au bord du chemin.
Psaumes 73 : 23-26.
« Mais maintenant, je suis continuellement avec toi ;
tu m’as saisi la main droite+.
24 Tu me guides par ton conseil+,
puis tu me mèneras à la gloire+.
25 Qui d’autre ai-je dans les cieux ?
Du moment que je t’ai, je ne désire rien sur la terre+.
26 Mon corps et mon cœur peuvent s’épuiser,
mais Dieu est le rocher de mon cœur et ma part pour toujours+.
Nous nous sentons proches de toi et de ta fille Ali.
Amitiés fraternelles.Reply by Leonardo Josephus on 2020-04-22 10:12:31
John 18:37 is an excellent scripture. Thank you for reminding me of it.
Merci beaucoup
Comment by Frankie on 2020-04-22 08:51:38
Dear sister, thank you so for sharing your story. It is a story of God's love and patience. For me, it is encouraging and strengthening my faith. The Lord Jesus will not lose any of His sheep. Neither you, Sheryl. Jesus knows everyone' heart and He knew you loved Him.
God has seen you all this long time, and gradually, step by step, He has led you to real truth, which is Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Five months ago I wrote about patience towards our PIMI JW brothers and sisters, because that's how I feel (https://beroeans.net/2019/11/06/ina-irby-hands-in-her-letters-of-disassociation/#comment-22605).
And I thank God for answering me through you and your story.
I admire your loving husband, who manifested the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16). Our Lord never forced anyone into anything and was always kind and patient. God blessed you with such a husband, but you know best. God bless you both.
Love. Frankie
Comment by Meleti Vivlon on 2020-04-22 18:03:44
Hi Sheryl,
I am so heartened by the response you've gotten to your experience. It is a wonderful account. Very sincere and touching. Most of all, I can't imagine that it has gone unnoticed by your many friends and acquaintances within the organization. It is one thing when a marginal Witness leaves the fold, but quite another when a long-time, very zealous brother or sister leaves for reasons of conscience. It has to have a positive effect on others who also have sincere doubts and who love truth.
The timing is important as well. The social distancing imposed as a result of the Coronavirus is likely going to have far-reaching consequences as many Witnesses spend time away from the power of indoctrination that stems from rubbing shoulders week after week at meetings. Who knows just how great the effect will be.
Your experience can serve to encourage many more to wake up and take a stand for truth and righteousness.
Well done!
Meleti VivlonReply by Sheryl Bogolin on 2020-04-22 21:25:55
<Thank you Eric. The feedback has been beyond wonderful. Some have written short versions of their own stories, and I can feel their love for Jehovah and Jesus and the pain of their journeys.
Many thanks to you and Walter and the translator, who you probably know personally. We have had a few heart-felt exchanges. I'm indebted to you all. Not just for the support you gave me on this project. Warmly, Sheryl... Yay. I actually found out how to make a reply! and found the Spanish page here.
Reply by ajc on 2020-05-09 12:52:14
Melvin, your comment about social distancing is spot-on for me right now. I’ve always had doubts about some JW teachings, which I think prevented me from getting baptized until just last year, even though I was raised as a JW. However, I reasoned that no religion is perfect and that all will have some teachings with which I won’t agree, so as long as I agreed with the majority of JW teachings and could back them up with the Bible, I’d be fine with being a JW.
A recent talk about the condition of the dead prompted me to search the scriptures more deeply, and I also stumbled upom Raymond Franz and his books during my search. I’m now reading “In Search of Christian Freedom,” and plan on reading “Crisis of Conscience,” also. At first, I felt guilty about reading it, as I have felt about doubting JW teachings. However, I am now at peace with my decision because I believe God could not be angry with anyone researching the scriptures for themselves with the proper motive of coming to an accurate knowledge of him and his Son and building a strong relationship with them.
I do believe in the need for associating with others to build each other up in faith & love, as Heb 10: 24, 25 brings out. My challenge will be finding where I can associate & attend Bible study if I don’t return to the KH after social distancing, as most religions seem to have the belief that they are the chosen, one and only true religion and that, if you question & reject this fact, you are questioning and rejecting God himself. I really don’t know what to do, as I feel like the majority of JWs are decent, law-abiding people that really try to live a Christian lifestyle based on the Bible.
I feel like I will end up more confused & conflicted than I was in the beginning...
Comment by tell sackket on 2020-05-08 18:57:18
hi Sheryl
Great to hear your story mine is very much the same
I am in my 50s now and also grew up in the truth worked at bethel , special pioneer, elder, served where the need was greater, etc
My wife was sexauly abused buy her older brother and later in life in her 20s she confronted him and told her parents, it was the same old story dont rock the boat, keep the peace, learn from it , and you did not die etc,
for the first year of our married life i was her personal counsler , l would sit for hours with her and she would pour her heart out to me.
when l was an elder l dealt with 2 cases of child abuse and as a special pioneer read the files of many congerations that we were assinged to and was shocked at the amount of abuse that is covered up, but l just carried on been a good elder and kept quite
After stopping special pioneeering my wife and l were at a family get together and talking to my brother he mentioned a faithfull brother who we grew up with and l respected much that had just died, and in the same breath said did you know that he was sleeping and abusing both his daughters.
You got to be joking
well l started asking around and yes it was true, and in the end l found out that there was another elder that l knew well, did the same with his 2 daughters
l ask myself why does Jehovah allow this to happen for so many years,
Does the 5 year rule now apply, if you dont get caught in 5 years all is fine
Very few JWs know how much of their money is going to pay for lawyers and victims of child abuse cases and when l mention it to other JWs they are so blinded that they just dont want to hear and tell you that you are walking very close to been an apostate, and it is all fake news made up by apostates, how blind can you be
As l have seen the higher up you go the more faults and dirt and double standerds you see
regards TellReply by Sheryl Bogolin on 2020-05-11 12:41:12
Hi tell, I'm just shaking my head after reading your story. Oh, I believe it. I just read the report from Mark O'Donnell (John Redwood) about more Montana cases. It's just too awful. How are you and your wife doing now? When did you leave the org? I'm assuming you left. ?? My email is listed above. My heart aches for all of us who have been abused. Sexually and otherwise.
Comment by Bernabe on 2020-04-24 14:14:00
Hola Sheryl,
Me ha gustado tu experiencia, es muy animadora!
Comentas que participas en un grupo de estudio bíblico en línea en español analizando la Carta de Santiago. Me interesaría verlo y participar ¿Puedes compartir cómo acceder al sitio?
Muchas graciasReply by Sheryl Bogolin on 2020-04-30 10:48:03
No tengo mucha experiencia con tecnología. Pero Hermano Walter puede ayudarte, Hermano.
beroeanmeetings @gmail.com
Comment by new englander on 2020-05-24 22:19:12
Hi, I just wanted to thank you for sharing your experience. It is very encouraging.