People 
| Interview with Tom Cabeen |
| Written by Tom Cabeen |
| Thursday, 05 November 2009 09:45 |
I applied for service at the world headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses (known to Witnesses as "Bethel") in Brooklyn, New York. I was invited to serve there as a volunteer starting November 14, 1968. At Bethel, I worked hard at whatever work I was assigned to do. I was also very dedicated to learning as much as possible about the Watchtower teachings. I was warned to stay away from "bad associates," so I chose as my companions mature Witnesses, many of whom worked in Writing, Service and other departments where the most respected, loyal and mature Witnesses were assigned. I am outgoing and make friends easily, so I became close with many of them. My willingness to work hard and a natural aptitude for the work assigned to me resulted in my being given increasing responsibilities, generally much more than was usual for someone my age....
 Tom at one of Bethel's Harris presses circa 1979  Tom and new grandson Tommy in 2008
My experience with the Witnesses made me see clearly how easy it is to get caught up in organizational activity and lose sight of the true nature of Christianity and the richness of the Christian life and experience. I believe that the Bible tells the story of a living God who created us for a purpose. When we rebelled against Him, He sent his own Son, Jesus Christ, who willingly died as a ransom to rescue us from sin. God raised this Jesus from the dead as a guarantee that He can be trusted to do what He says he will do, no matter how long it seems to take from our perspective. Through Jesus, we can have a personal relationship with God, and all the richness of life associated therewith.
From Arizona to Rome: How I Became a Roman Catholic Hits: 492 Trackback(0)
Comments (3)
  written by Victor F , November 05, 2009 This “getting caught up in organizational activity” is intentional on the part of high-control religious organizations (Cults). e.g. “My years in Peoples Temple are a blur of activity. I know we were ALWAYS BUSY, but I don't remember details connecting season to season or year to year.” - Don Beck, former “Peoples Temple” member report abuse
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 written by Becky Richardson , November 05, 2009 I am an ex. Why am I not surprised? report abuse
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 written by John-Paul , November 05, 2009 Mr. Cabeen: I was raised a JW, and have been inactive for the past 4 years (34 now). I'm one of the few JW kids who got an education, and am now an architect. For the past couple years I have been having good discussions with a Catholic, and have even attended Mass a few times. My wife came with me, even though she is a pioneer (full time). Would you be willing to chat with me over the phone - or do you use skype? Please email. report abuse
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