Ex-Bethelites Tell All - Part Two

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  • čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
  • In the second installment, Kevin and Brandon, two recent members of Watchtower's "bethelite" workforce from the Patterson and Wallkill facilities, lift the lid on what life is like serving at the epicenter of the Jehovah's Witness organization.
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Komentáře • 401

  • @byhisstripes2713
    @byhisstripes2713 Před 5 lety +66

    I have a copy of the KS10 I downloaded and printed off.
    A JW elder used to shop with his wife in the store I worked in. One day I asked them about the elders book and he told me directly that he had no idea what I was talking about. So the following week I brought mine in and asked if he wanted mine, I said I'd just print another one off. His face was priceless 😂

    • @raakillya
      @raakillya Před 4 lety +3

      What is this KS10 book and how can I find it?

    • @jeoffwalden4492
      @jeoffwalden4492 Před 3 lety +3

      @@raakillya
      Shepherd. Of the flock
      Type SK 10 book on the internet
      All will Revealed

  • @sundance8862
    @sundance8862 Před 5 lety +139

    The term used at the beginning of the interview, that Bethel is “a cult within a cult”. Best. Description. Ever.

  • @exjwfifth9838
    @exjwfifth9838 Před 5 lety +83

    “Cliff you were nasty with those napkins” lol Kevin you’re killing me! Great to see you here man. Very proud of you! We need more voices like yours

    • @kamdenpine1024
      @kamdenpine1024 Před 5 lety +6

      Haha Called you straight out for being a "naaaaasssty cat"...

    • @thedemysticist6730
      @thedemysticist6730 Před 3 lety +3

      ​@@kamdenpine1024 Pick Loooooop! Yaddidimean? You both have more courage than me. I can't say too much as I need to stay in for now. Don't ask. It's complicated. But you were both great friends to me out at WKL. It's obvious that neither of you are evil, selfish, or bitter. Love you guys.

    • @kamdenpine1024
      @kamdenpine1024 Před 3 lety +1

      @@thedemysticist6730 Pick Loop, eh? You’re a classic then! Reach out when you’re ready. You can count on my extreme discretion.

    • @thedemysticist6730
      @thedemysticist6730 Před 3 lety +1

      @@kamdenpine1024 I can't seem to find an email for you as I've switched phones, computers, etc in the past decade. Mine is in my YT profile if you feel like sending me something. But no pressure. I don't want to make anything difficult for you either.

  • @clandestine73647
    @clandestine73647 Před 5 lety +71

    Wow. I’m floored by Kevin’s kindness, emotional intelligence, vocabulary, and deep spirituality. 🥰 Great video Lloyd!

  • @AbitbolAvital
    @AbitbolAvital Před 4 lety +13

    “There’s nobody here that can help me”, commenting on the lack of scrutiny of the gov body. What a powerful statement

  • @mandyw.3679
    @mandyw.3679 Před 5 lety +40

    Thank you both for giving such a compassionate, nuanced interview. As an ex-Witness who still dearly loves her Witness family and has so many good memories of childhood friends and mentors - but just couldn't believe the theology and deplored many of the cultish practices - this was very healing for me. I could so relate to many of the things you said. I wish you both the very best.

  • @keishatackett4879
    @keishatackett4879 Před 5 lety +31

    What a great video, coming from a place of love and even offering love to the ones who are shunning you because you realize their minds are not their own. I think Kevin’s quote was amazing and beautiful when he said “It feels good to call all of humanity my brothers and sisters not just a select few.” This is one of my biggest problems with the Watchtower society, well that and the misogyny that so heavily influences the culture. Thank you so much you guys, I really hope some witnesses can see this and understand where those that have left are coming from!

  • @exjwfifth9838
    @exjwfifth9838 Před 5 lety +86

    I definitely remember Jehovah can bless a bad decision. Terrible reasoning. Thanks Brandon

  • @susancurrie9246
    @susancurrie9246 Před 5 lety +18

    I like the fact this young man is thinking with human compassion well said Kevin

  • @BuckAken0319
    @BuckAken0319 Před 5 lety +6

    In all honesty, Lloyd Evan's has consistently been the number one person responsible for me saying, "Wow" on multiple occasions in my entire life. Thank you very much for helping me wake up.

  • @nayjameela953
    @nayjameela953 Před 5 lety +235

    You should do female ex-bethelites.

    • @tb3528
      @tb3528 Před 5 lety +27

      Most woman are only there because of their husbands so chances are she not leaving unless he does.

    • @elasticmachinery
      @elasticmachinery Před 5 lety +30

      Ill do them.

    • @personalvideos213
      @personalvideos213 Před 5 lety +9

      Heck yez

    • @lfrancis8980
      @lfrancis8980 Před 5 lety +33

      Yes! That would be fantastic. So many ex-JW voices are men and women have totally different experiences.

    • @megantoro2
      @megantoro2 Před 5 lety +13

      Wow I love this video. I am ex jehovah and was born and raised in it. Makes me more not want to go back to Jehovah.

  • @cindyarnold7322
    @cindyarnold7322 Před 5 lety +30

    I love the definition of spiritual being a fully conscious human being. I aspire to this kind of spirituality. So nice to hear those words. Great interview! Thanks to all!

  • @darthfader7876
    @darthfader7876 Před 5 lety +24

    I loved the whole discussion! The comment that kevin made about pillowgate really was needed awareness! Although we can laugh and kid around with this, a more serious watchtower control in personal lives really does affect us! When you think about how restrictive you are made to be and your thoughts that a pillow will solve this issue of masterbation then the watchtower still says thats a sin! Wow ! I remember as a kid pre teens kissing a girl and was in major trouble, i did resort to pretending with a pillow after that until my later teens! What a cruel cult this was!

  • @jessicamarsh400
    @jessicamarsh400 Před 5 lety +47

    It totally amazes me the love these men still have for people that have shunned them. Good qualities we could learn from them ❤

    • @Aiken47
      @Aiken47 Před 3 lety +4

      Part of the gaslighting, give it some years.

    • @bluefidle
      @bluefidle Před 2 lety +2

      Because they know the most are good people.

  • @davidwicklin9943
    @davidwicklin9943 Před 5 lety +54

    Excellent way to start the week with an interview of two quite long time Bethelites. Eight to nine years a piece is a LONG time. Loving the insights from these awoken young men and it's great to hear they are not embittered when they easily could be after a TTATT wake-up call and subsequent shunning for walking away.

  • @huejazz6939
    @huejazz6939 Před 3 lety +5

    Awesome speech at the end Kevin. Really hits home to someone who’s never experienced sexual repression.

  • @marie-clairedelongchamp1330

    Yes, thank you for your HUMANITY & COMPASSION! Wonderful words of wisdom! I also applaud you! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
    Great interview!!!!

  • @timpgpilot2530
    @timpgpilot2530 Před 5 lety +22

    Thank you, all three of you!

  • @dawnatsea4076
    @dawnatsea4076 Před 4 lety +12

    I can’t believe there are 39👎 This was such an honest , loving & truthful interview !!! Goes to show that some JW
    “cannot handle the truth “

  • @SusanGaskin
    @SusanGaskin Před 5 lety +119

    That was so interesting! The argument with that elder's wife over shipping a sealed box of elder manuals completely underscores the Pharisaical nature of the organization. Once again we see wonderful human beings who leave the organization because they saw firsthand, in the Bethel headquarters, that it was just another man made organization.

    • @blitzblutz
      @blitzblutz Před 5 lety +19

      Susan Gaskin I found that so many ‘stellar’ JWs would go to Bethel, and then end up leaving the JWs. Like Andrea! That always shocked me because I figured it would be the other way ‘round. So something bad is happening at The Big House.

    • @simplelvn
      @simplelvn Před 5 lety +11

      Susan I laughed so much about that. It is like a superstition. Do not touch. Secrets are nearly always power plays.

  • @taylorcrowshaw6384
    @taylorcrowshaw6384 Před 6 měsíci

    How brilliant to hear Kevin and Brandon's experiences.
    So thoughtful and kind.

  • @ozie4779
    @ozie4779 Před 5 lety +14

    What Kevin says near the end is such a powerful statement. I also believe we in the X community (that's a great name) can show each other the genuine love which was promised by the cult but was never delivered. I love you all!

    • @xanderlazerda4351
      @xanderlazerda4351 Před 3 lety

      I'm not an active witness nowadayS ,I really regreated of stepping away from the organization....the joy the genuine love of brothers and sisters.....the world's has a lot to offer but loving Jehovah & following his commandments was the best things to do.....

    • @ozie4779
      @ozie4779 Před 3 lety

      @@xanderlazerda4351 What's great about this forum is you can share your opinion without being judged. Even though most of us don't share that opinion. However, something must have made you leave. If it was all a great experience you would still be there. You may just be focusing on the good thoughts and ignoring what you saw or experienced which caused you to leave.

  • @LAWoman323213
    @LAWoman323213 Před 5 lety +21

    This is one of the best videos I’ve watched in awhile on this channel. I love their objectivity. Both have a very balance view of their experiences. This attitude is helpful because it’s so easy to dwell on the negativity from being a JW. Both gentlemen seem emotionally healthy. Great job! 👏

  • @shonaford9032
    @shonaford9032 Před 5 lety +15

    This interview I needed to listen to more than once. Many levels - the humanity is palpable from all. The rush to lock down the IT pulls at many emotions. The disclosure of the levels of secrecy is disturbing considering it is supposed to be the channel of truth to all humanity. Lloyd your point on the amount of monies needed is in direct amount of monies contributed is one of the boxes I ticked as a study not a born in. A very well rounded interview and the point made about ‘pillowgate’ really spoke to the love and understanding of you men to those we have left behind - for now! By your love you will know them speaks volumes here even though I now identify as agnostic although humanistic - love is love (as adults it is not unconditional as that belongs to our children ) but love that embraces differences as it does not diminish self. Thankyou once again Lloyd your time and effort appreciated.

  • @freecardoso
    @freecardoso Před 5 lety +10

    What a great couple of guys.. touching closing comments. I too love being able to see all breathing humans as brothers or connected divinely. Whereas when I was a JW, I saw the worldly person was lessor. So I really appreciate those closing comments he gave to his old friends at bethel. Also remember though that the watchtower love to take credit for the good qualities that people possess in the .org. That is something that was said to me from people , just before my waking up. But it’s un true . Iron sharpens iron to some degree, but what you do in life is a choice and what sort of thoughts you think is what your life will manifest. There is a lot of good out there and what ever you learn is how you took it in and used it. It could have came from anywhere, never give the org the credit.

  • @blitzblutz
    @blitzblutz Před 5 lety +16

    I feel that these are the most effective videos that you do, Lloyd. Not that any of your videos or podcasts are bad in any way, or ineffective. Just that I think real life experiences of exJW members are the best thing that active members could find! I know that the fake Watchtower “experiences” were what brainwashed me and kept me locked in that cult. If I could’ve heard these real experiences, then I would’ve easily extracted myself from that cult.

  • @margaritaorozco4663
    @margaritaorozco4663 Před 5 lety +7

    Great video Kevin and Brandon. Welcome to freedom. It hurst to learn the truth about the (truth)but it’s a relieve to be free from the cult. Thanks for sharing all that information . Thank you Lloyd ❤️❤️ as always, great video.

  • @studyaccount2132
    @studyaccount2132 Před 5 lety +7

    Really enjoyed this episode. Very insightful look into the life of Bethelites.
    The closing comments from Kevin and Brandon were excellent. I wholeheartedly support the premise that activism should be done from a loving stance.
    Well done to all three of you!
    Marco 👏👌❤

  • @houstonhandsome1
    @houstonhandsome1 Před 3 lety +3

    Almost two years and I still come back to watch this like it’s the first time. Kevin is so so so sincere and articulate with his words wise young man with full of genuineness this is no slight on Brandon but Kevin seemingly had that feeling of pillow gate on his chest for sometime and felt this was the time to get it off of his chest. Oddly though I feel he was centering it towards Cedars.... at least slightly being he did seem to find it very amusing in his rebuttal. All in all though this is in my opinion the best interview I’ve saw from Lloyd 🙌🏾

  • @kerenngonga350
    @kerenngonga350 Před 5 lety +8

    Lloyd Lloyd. There you go making my face rainy again. Kevin's message was just so touching. Keep up the work, just don't make us cry too often.

  • @jrojala
    @jrojala Před 4 lety +6

    I (a woman) first learned of the Shepherd book when I was in my mid 20’s when I came across the book while I was helping my friend Chelle clean her new house after she’d gotten married. I said, “When did this book come out? I haven’t seen it.”
    She had this halting, nervous tone when she said, “It’s the elder’s book, you can’t read it.” Her nervousness was probably because she knew I would defiantly crack it open, which I attempted to do. She leapt over the coffee table between us to snatch it out of my hands. Her reaction really shook me up- why couldn’t I read it? Wasn’t it spiritual food? We had an hour long discussion about this and afterwards I still could not understand why she wasn’t bothered by this secret book. I was determined to get my hands on a copy, to find out what was being hidden from me.

    • @Beachbum3579
      @Beachbum3579 Před 3 lety

      So did you find a copy? The latest updates are quite interesting...

  • @candiceyoung8244
    @candiceyoung8244 Před 5 lety +13

    Wow great interview, love these ex bethelites interviews, thank u all❤

  • @greatdayn4651
    @greatdayn4651 Před 5 lety +10

    Always topping yourself, Mr. Evans. Great interview and thank the guests for their bravery, fortitude and humanity.

  • @andreadiamond7115
    @andreadiamond7115 Před 5 lety +20

    What goodhearted young men.....they still consider many of the conditional love friends to be friends. It’s so sad.

    • @jiggyone868
      @jiggyone868 Před 4 lety +7

      And they are right to feel that way. Their friends are also victims Of The cult.

  • @logicalreasoning4019
    @logicalreasoning4019 Před 5 lety +7

    I am thankful for once again seeing logical, reasonable, level headed, factual information and experiences being shared to bring light to the true inner workings of this organization! Thank you to both interviewed for your insightful and heartfelt testimonies. And as always, thank you Lloyd for all you do! So much I could say about the things said but that would take up an entire page here lol, I wont bore you with a novel of commentary.

  • @michaelbigelow412
    @michaelbigelow412 Před 5 lety +6

    Great interview. These guys are heroes. Thanks to them for their courage and to Lloyd for keeping our advocacy current. I used to think for neighbors I'd want a Mormon family on one side and JW's on the other. That's changed. Now I'll take a Mormon family on one side and loving former JW's like so many I've come to know. Strong, human, compassionate. Great people.

  • @1chadmon
    @1chadmon Před 5 lety +26

    Thanks for a fascinating interview. When I was in, Bethel seemed almost mystical, like the closest to paradise one could be on this side of Armageddon. Hearing these experiences is so interesting. It reinforces just how “man made” the organization truly is. I would think being at Bethel would cause a person to wake up quicker than just being in a congregation. I think most witnesses have a very romanticized view of Bethel. Very sad that so many honest hearted people are so disillusioned.

    • @stephaniebeecham-smythe5912
      @stephaniebeecham-smythe5912 Před 5 lety +6

      I visited HQ and walkhill in 98 and it was an eye opener, evasive answers, generic statements scripted answers when I asked if the Bethelites were expected to keep high service hours the head of the dept wanted my name and Kh I attended .....I faded soon after

  • @clarity2478
    @clarity2478 Před 5 lety +6

    Lloyd thank you so much for another great interview. Kevin and Brandon thank you both for standing up and being counted.
    Helping someone wake-up is really a difficult proposition isn't it? Wow I have made my mistakes!
    It is like engaging in an intricate dance, and learning to move with the music and trying to keep from stepping on toes. Welcome to this huge and wonderful world, who knows what mankind will accomplish in the centuries ahead! (I miss Hitch)

  • @cwoodswalker4646
    @cwoodswalker4646 Před 5 lety +5

    Thanks for sharing this great interview. Steve and David are both very brave for coming forward and sharing their stories. The interview really shows how unloving the organization is and the detrimental effects it can have on those trapped in it. Keep up the great work!

  • @brbljemachme6
    @brbljemachme6 Před 5 lety +5

    So many are leaving this cult. I left after I met a Christian woman when coming to her house in my Door to Door work: she shared 1st John 2:26, 27 with me and then said she would Pray for me. I read it and it changed my life forever....her Prayer worked. I remember being in High School when my older Brother left Bethel and was very disappointed with what He saw and experienced there. I felt so bad for him because my Parents were so ashamed of him for quitting....all they could think of was what the others at the Kingdom Hall would think of our family. You said it right about image obsession....it was always that way. I have gained so many Brothers and Sisters since I became a Born Again Believer in Jesus Christ. There is a BIG difference in Knowing Jesus Christ Vs. just knowing about Him. Ask Him to show you HIS TRUTH remember Jeremiah 29:13....he will not deny you. God Bless you Brothers!

  • @marshajanulis6092
    @marshajanulis6092 Před 5 lety +6

    i went to visit bethel brooklyn and the farm in the late 60's as a young teen...congregations used to come together and charter a plane, think it was a 3 day trip...my most vivid memory was going to the united nations
    Anyone remember the kelly green bibles?

  • @robmullin1128
    @robmullin1128 Před 4 lety +5

    Loved listening to Brandon and Kevin’s stories.

  • @JillyC5
    @JillyC5 Před 5 lety +5

    Brilliant, I'd love to hear their wake up stories if they are willing to be interviewed about that!

  • @andromedav.884
    @andromedav.884 Před 5 lety +4

    Wow, great show, John! I’m a new subscriber. I am not an Ex JW but I am an ex evangelical Christian. I have had many JW’s come to my doors over the years. They are always very kind but I always sort of felt sorry for them. I now direct them to yours and other ex JW websites if they seem open to it. I am always kind when planting the seed of freedom. 😜
    I have to say that I am really impressed with the spiritual advancement of your two guests. Fine young men, indeed. I am challenged by them to have compassion for some of my hyper religious friends who annoy the crap out of me now but whom I still love Lol 😂 👍

  • @searcheroftruth7308
    @searcheroftruth7308 Před 5 lety +7

    Really great guy's who are genuinely willing to help both active and ex JW community. All the best for the future and keep up the good work. 😊

  • @Shailas.Darkleigh
    @Shailas.Darkleigh Před 5 lety +13

    Tony Morris in a hot tub? Thanks, Lloyd, it cannot be unseen.

  • @maryannlockwood3961
    @maryannlockwood3961 Před 5 lety +58

    Great interviews as usual, Lloyd. Have you ever interviewed female former Bethelites? If not I think that would be a wonderful interview.

    • @LloydEvans
      @LloydEvans  Před 5 lety +36

      I'm anxious to speak to bethelites of any gender. Obviously the majority of bethelites are male but I hope to arrange some women who have been through the experience for future episodes. :)

    • @lifesaparty67
      @lifesaparty67 Před 5 lety +9

      was thinking the exact same thing. I wonder what the ratio of women v men (bethelites) leaving would be? Perhaps women are used to being more subservient and less likely to leave willingly... just a thought

    • @maryannlockwood3961
      @maryannlockwood3961 Před 5 lety +5

      Also it could have a lot to do with the fact that they don’t get the higher up jobs like the men do so I don’t know how interesting it would sound. But who knows maybe the women would have some good tidbits to tell us.

    • @maryannlockwood3961
      @maryannlockwood3961 Před 5 lety +3

      Thanks, Lloyd.

    • @diarradunlap9337
      @diarradunlap9337 Před 5 lety +6

      I Think EX-JW Critical Thinkers CZcams channel may have an interview or two of female ex-Bethelites

  • @leopoldtheseconed8526
    @leopoldtheseconed8526 Před 5 lety +8

    Awesome video. We are all victims and need help. Thanks to these two for there fine comments. Great guys.

  • @rodywithers3536
    @rodywithers3536 Před 5 lety +16

    Nicely handled, even-handed interview, Lloyd. Brandon and Kevin come across as regular guys who took seriously their service at Bethel and who still can see very positive aspects of their service. Full of helpful observations and insights.

  • @sfboo007
    @sfboo007 Před 5 lety +2

    This was a very emotional interview for these ex-bethelites 💔 the pain of loss is there❤️ thank you, this “Is Absolutely hitting home.”

  • @bellaesther9319
    @bellaesther9319 Před 5 lety +4

    Loved this interview. The attitudes of gratitude, love for their former family and just overall positivity in light of giving years to this cult was quite surprising.
    I'd like to see Fifth interview these gentlemen and focus more of themselves and of their story and why they left.

  • @dantoinettetaylor1663
    @dantoinettetaylor1663 Před 5 lety +9

    Wow! This is such a revealing video. My impression of Bethel is that it's a regimented way of life. Thanks for sharing

    • @houstonhandsome1
      @houstonhandsome1 Před 4 lety

      wannabe freespirit it is!!! It’s not merely bethel being a witness period is all about regimen

  • @lanieschatz
    @lanieschatz Před 3 lety +2

    I love the commentary about Pillowgate at the end. Such wisdom.

  • @bobwilly3220
    @bobwilly3220 Před 5 lety +3

    Another great episode and thanks to Kevin and Brandon for having the courage and conviction to participate. I think most who support and truly appreciate the John Cedars channel can relate to and concur with the closing sentiments of the former Bethelites in keeping a healthy perspective of activism and how our actions determine who are targetted so to speak. We see those lines crossed/blurred all too often and of course, emotions and deep feelings play a role here understandably. Just another great video and reinforces the value of supporting this channel.

  • @caliwacan
    @caliwacan Před 5 lety +2

    Another excellent video! I have been out since 2006. I can't believe how much has changed from the organization that I grew up in. Until watching these videos, I thought it would be easy to pretend to be a JW again anytime I wanted, but I was so wrong. I left before I had read or watched anything anti JW on the internet. I faded and just left and never came back. I agree it is never a good idea to force feed this information to current witnesses, I just hope your kind , understanding and factual delivery of this message will wake up those questioning and help them get past their fear and really look into the religion they have chosen or have had chosen for them. I am in the process of reading your books now and just want to say a big Thank You!

  • @mrswonderful4880
    @mrswonderful4880 Před 5 lety +3

    Very insightful interview. Compassion can go a long way in this world. Something we should all be more mindful of. Thank you Lloyd for another wonderful video.

  • @greentrees2111
    @greentrees2111 Před 5 lety +4

    Thank you for your last message Kevin. I appreciate you saying those words.

  • @willyb933
    @willyb933 Před 3 lety +1

    I revisit this video occasionally because of the Genuine Honesty of the participants. These Young Men went through these experiences and relate with total honesty. They left and put their own life experience out there for all to observe. They both paid a very life-altering and devastating result for their courage. It's not a matter of disseminating hatred it's not an attempt to tear down. They put forward they're own personal experiences and the observer can see the Genuine and Heartfelt sincerity in the conversation. People who make the effort in life to help others and work toward a goal of making life better for others deserve to be acknowledged.

  • @naterobinson5141
    @naterobinson5141 Před 5 lety +11

    I’ll also add that this was a fascinating interview to hear the good and the bad. It’s interesting how they are so preoccupied with image and not being truthful. Wouldn’t that be considered as an attribute of the “world?”

  • @bugsbunny5507
    @bugsbunny5507 Před 3 lety +2

    WOW. I never thought I’d live to hear the term “Dark Net” associated with Watchtower.

  • @Gkowi
    @Gkowi Před 5 lety +7

    It just blows my mind that the leaders of these kinds of churches are so crazy that they either:
    A)Believe it all so much that they think they are the literal mouthpieces for God
    Or
    B)Know its all lies and continue to push it.
    I feel so bad for everyone still stuck there and everyone who had to break relations with family. Their leaders are failing them, and if there is a God, I can only hope He deals with them accordingly.

  • @alanross2790
    @alanross2790 Před 5 lety +22

    Never meet your heroes(Governing Body Members) because they're sure to disappoint you.

  • @greentrees2111
    @greentrees2111 Před 5 lety +2

    Kevin, beautiful message. Brandon made me tear up. Thank you both

  • @saffronhammer7714
    @saffronhammer7714 Před 5 lety +12

    I love, love, love the parting messages: beautiful

  • @lfrancis8980
    @lfrancis8980 Před 5 lety +4

    43 minutes in: forcing the smile is crazy, reminds me of disneyland where everyone has to smile constantly.

  • @Nina-tf2wy
    @Nina-tf2wy Před 2 lety +5

    I'm a female, African, ex bethelite and my experience was very different.
    Racism, sexism and misogyny was the order of the day.
    Very horrible, abusive experience.

    • @untamedmedia1308
      @untamedmedia1308 Před 2 lety

      I'm so interested in your experience sis

    • @pocahontas4583
      @pocahontas4583 Před 10 měsíci +1

      I can picture that. I think men’s experiences are different because they’re more likely vying for higher up positions. From various stories I’ve heard men seem to get punished harsher than women across the board in the congregations. Maybe seen as more of a threat to the elders/other men? There was even a couple that “got too close” before marriage and the wife got private reproof but husband was disfellowshipped.

  • @juliethomas8748
    @juliethomas8748 Před 5 lety +3

    Awesome interview!!! I would love to share this with my JW friend from college who homeschools her son and dreams of him going to Bethel. But of course she will never watch this or anything else I share with her! I was never a JW but I did study with her for about a year. Little by little I did my own research and would try to share what I had learned. Not once would she open a link. She is now shunning me, her bible student!!! When I learned about how they are required to submit their publisher card, we would laugh that my study once a week added 6 months to her report. Now she won’t even pick up a call from me.

  • @KA-pd2oq
    @KA-pd2oq Před 5 lety +2

    Thank you both for sharing such wonderful insight! Your experiences add to my journey in understanding as an ex JW and dealing with my parents still being “in”. Kevin, so many things you said hit home and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your beautiful words of wisdom!

  • @awake5650
    @awake5650 Před 5 lety +64

    Lol wow thats crazy that bethel is looking at your internet history 😂 i wouldve got kicked out the first day.

  • @anneschleiden4196
    @anneschleiden4196 Před 5 lety +2

    I’m eagerly looking forward to the follow up on Bomb #1! It’s a good time for someone to head to the Bunker.... Thank you to the panel for sharing your insights. Great episode.

  • @caddams5345
    @caddams5345 Před 3 lety +1

    I would love to see more of this series. Additionally if you make more please add them to a play list. As a complete outsider I tend to binge watch certain section if your videos. Playlists definitely make me watch more. Thanks for what you do for your community!!!

    • @LloydEvans
      @LloydEvans  Před 3 lety +1

      Hi! If you scroll down the channel page you should see the "Tell All" playlist. It alternates between elders and bethelites. :)

  • @VampEdits
    @VampEdits Před 3 lety +2

    These videos are so important. Thanks, guys!

  • @parksmush
    @parksmush Před 5 lety +4

    Wow. Fantastic episode - what a great pair of guys.

  • @RealDukeOfEarl
    @RealDukeOfEarl Před 5 lety +24

    So this is Kevin. No wonder you filmed it before moving to the bunker, wise move, you can't trust him not to give the location away. Theochronic Warfare ftw!

    • @satanicduality7035
      @satanicduality7035 Před 5 lety +3

      Yeah that Kevin seems sketchy..

    • @geminitwix
      @geminitwix Před 5 lety

      WHATTTTT?!?👀

    • @sinematic06
      @sinematic06 Před 5 lety

      Unfree Radical what do you mean? I’m curious lol

    • @kamdenpine1024
      @kamdenpine1024 Před 5 lety +7

      @@sinematic06 He's making a joke referring to "The Bunker Series" where Kevin is the character that doesn't go out in service enough and then forsakes the org and doesn't come to the basement bunker.

    • @RealDukeOfEarl
      @RealDukeOfEarl Před 5 lety +3

      @@sinematic06 the "worst convention ever" bunker videos, Kevin is the name of the guy who "falls away" in the great tribbleation.

  • @carlsands4060
    @carlsands4060 Před 5 lety +2

    Absolutely excellent video...i appreciate these two young men...great comments, thoughts and experiences. Honestly, respectful and definitely informative.

  • @kitkatrn
    @kitkatrn Před 5 lety +2

    Thanks guys, this was interesting. God bless you in your decision and your future. Thanks John Cedars for giving them a venue.

  • @footstepsthroughhistory
    @footstepsthroughhistory Před 5 lety +13

    I'd really like to hear from female ex-Bethelites. With the subjection issue, I bet their stories would be quite different and very eye-opening as well

  • @vevianvoz
    @vevianvoz Před 5 lety +5

    WOW! thank you for sharing! I just posted my video of being a Jehovah's Witness.

  • @upmayo9741
    @upmayo9741 Před 5 lety +3

    This was both illuminating and moving.

  • @rafaelhernandez2397
    @rafaelhernandez2397 Před 3 lety

    Awoke & shunned but also happy to once again consider all people brothers and sisters. Thank you guys.

  • @kipmic1
    @kipmic1 Před 5 lety +1

    Another great video Lloyd! Thank you to the gentlemen for taking the time to share their stories.

  • @brendavirtue1881
    @brendavirtue1881 Před 3 lety +1

    I was very impressed with the maturity your guests displayed. They obviously were very caring in their comments and displayed love and compassion to those they worked with and became friends with while at bethel. Thank you for an outstanding interview. I too don’t have animosity or hatred towards those in the congregations I was apart of in spite of the many hurtful things I experienced over a 50 plus year association in the organization. They do not have “the truth” and continue to mislead people.

  • @Esther-1914
    @Esther-1914 Před 5 lety +15

    "No mention in the bible of a secret manual" yet Watch Tower goes beyond what is written --- without conscience. Hierarchical or what?! :/

  • @albertofernandez9798
    @albertofernandez9798 Před 5 lety +2

    Another great interview. And thank you all for giving us such "insight"

  • @fema_camper
    @fema_camper Před 5 lety

    Another Lloyd classic quote: "pillow feathers everywhere"; reference to married Bethelite couple and internet usage. Thanks for using vivid words to paint a memorable mental picture! Thanks to Brandon & Kevin for sharing their concluding thoughts, well said!

  • @jamesfunderburk9094
    @jamesfunderburk9094 Před 5 lety +1

    Fantastic interview Lloyd!! Thanks again!

  • @1962diamond
    @1962diamond Před 5 lety +4

    i had a friend in bethel, he told me....."theres a right way, a wrong way then the BETHEL WAY" , that is true in all groups.

  • @wizner91
    @wizner91 Před 5 lety +16

    Any woman ex bethelites??? That would be interesting. I think statistically men would easly walk away where woman is more attached emotionally to thr religion. Unless its a couple that left bethel together which again is SUPER RARE... :(

    • @jacquelynn2051
      @jacquelynn2051 Před 5 lety +4

      I know countless so called regular JW sisters who are single and past their child bearing years. Apparently even J Hova's men are not quite cutting the cheese for the JW sister's tastes. They are waiting on Harmageddon followed by Paradise and a truckload of handsome God fearing, wood splitting men who put the toilet seat down and don't dare look at all the other beautiful women in Paradise.

  • @99mrfins
    @99mrfins Před 5 lety +2

    Excellent interview, men! Looking forward to getting my WT cult tee...

  • @markusbrauns4274
    @markusbrauns4274 Před 3 lety +1

    I used to have a green colored JW Bible, and then got a leather bound burgundy color, songbooks were pink.

  • @squiggles5639
    @squiggles5639 Před 2 lety

    Thank you for that last bit especially Kevin. It is utterly heartbreaking

  • @conbonish
    @conbonish Před 5 lety +2

    This is great! Thank you guys!
    Guy Pierce was also my curcuit overseer in the 80's.

  • @peggydoyle7147
    @peggydoyle7147 Před 5 lety +8

    I love you guys, The final comments were awesome. I do not hate any Jw's, I feel so sorry for those held captive to destructive, manipulative policies with in the Bethel home, and every other Jw's life.

  • @scoobykitty
    @scoobykitty Před 5 lety +2

    I believe that one good thing that sometimes comes out of picketing is the curiosity of the public.Until Anonymous started picketing in front of the Scientology organizations,a lot of people weren't aware of all of the abuses within the cult. The protests made people curious and led them to the web.

  • @tamaraheseltine4455
    @tamaraheseltine4455 Před 5 lety +2

    GREAT ... I think those who have had such a close relationship it is even more difficult to deal with the emotional blackmail the shunning policy creates.

  • @jewell92
    @jewell92 Před 5 lety

    I am very happy for you, both. There are many out here that care about you. Thanks, Lloyd.

  • @stasacab
    @stasacab Před 5 lety +6

    I have a Karl Popper complex: if you cannot falsify it, it does not exist. You have to have a criteria of what is persecution and what is not for the word to have a meaning. If we live in the last days and the wars prove we do and peace proves it also, then there is no proof we live in last days. If the JWs are true religion no matter what they commit and the other religions are always false no matter how good they act, then there is no meaing for true religion.

  • @tbryan5437
    @tbryan5437 Před 3 lety +1

    They seem like two terrific, genuinely nice and caring guys.

  • @abilenedent236
    @abilenedent236 Před 3 lety

    This interview touched such a cord,these videos have been the therapy and understanding i needed so badly..i am so grateful for all you do..

  • @EfrainRiveraJunior
    @EfrainRiveraJunior Před 5 lety +26

    "Jehovah can bless a bad decision"... Reeeally?

    • @stephaniebeecham-smythe5912
      @stephaniebeecham-smythe5912 Před 5 lety +10

      Thats the same BS I was shafted with in the first KH I attended when the elders used flawed judgement in the way they treated poorer less educated families, some had little or no money and low paying jobs.....they were constantly in the back room colourfull shirts platform shoes wrinkled suits pray more work harder pioneer so even if you make a bad decision you can still be blessed by pioneering increasing time in serice......when I questioned the treatment these ones received I was told elders can make bad decisions that Jehovah will bless ....was I really that fogged in my head to believe that??????

    • @EfrainRiveraJunior
      @EfrainRiveraJunior Před 5 lety +1

      @@stephaniebeecham-smythe5912 - I don't recall hearing this before. And with the elders we had, I'm glad that they didn't either.

    • @theresaakins2317
      @theresaakins2317 Před 5 lety +3

      @@stephaniebeecham-smythe5912 I came in the truth as an unmarried single young mother on public assistance! Triple whammy. Boy was I looked down on, pitied, and condescended to big time. I felt like the lowest of low for no reason.

    • @elisemarshall4957
      @elisemarshall4957 Před 4 lety +3

      Theresa Akins I feel for you! My mother was a single parent too... and my father was an alcoholic, disfellowshipped former elder who had also tricked a lot of people out of lots of different things. We were scum apparently? Me, my sister and my mum tried our hardest, with no money and no family to help us. No lie, it was really hard. I look back and see some people genuinely cared, but most of the time, others seem to be nasty and pre-judging. It really has affected me to this day. I am married with a child on the way, and I tell my husband how difficult it was, and he keeps telling me it won’t be like that with us, because we sincerely don’t know anyone that nasty anymore. Onwards and upwards 😀