I met the WOWs on Friday night and we left for the ROA on Sunday night at midnight or a little after from San Antonio. Annie Whitiker, Jim Perrine, and Julie Smith. The 4th person was sent home earlier in the year. I heard manifestations after we got gas on Austin Hwy on the way out of town. I turned to Jim who was riding with me and asked, "What the hell was that?" That started it. For the rest of the trip to KC Jim was answering all my questions. By the time I got to the ROA, I had almost had most of the class. But then I saw all these people walking by and saying, "God Bless you!" I was overwhelmed.
On the last day, Jim saw me looking a little down. He came and talked. I told him I was in way over my head. He lovingly understood and got me to open up. I admitted to him I was way over my head. I said, "Jim, you answered almost every question I had about God and the Bible on the way here. I'm very thankful, but how do I know any of it's true?" He explained apparent contradictions and I lit up like a Christmas Tree. I never looked back. My wife and I did leave a few months after Craig resigned, but one had nothing to do with the other. The leadership was simply becoming too religious and legalistic. It was an adjustment for the first six months. But I continued witnessing as I had for all those years. But it was weird not having an agenda. I could witness for the first time since I got in the Word just because I was walking in love. It was great. I loved TWI, but I never mistook the leadership as God. It often got me into some kind of trouble because I would speak my mind. I loved the people I met during all those years (like many of you) and I admit it's always tempting to try to live in the past. So, I don't. I'm simply thankful for the Word I learned in spite of the obstacles we endured. Thanks John for the video.
Yeah Bill. Me too. I know we can never go back and live in the past. And I know it was not always rosy. But it's fun to look at the "scrapbook" once in a while and remember some of the greatest people we have ever known. I think anyone would admit it was a rare time and a rare bunch of friends together, all before the Internet, all before cell phones.
Yes. I heard it one morning recently and it reminded me of my many drives to Ohio. Some of the words took on a different meaning for me. So I went home and threw together a slide show.
In the process I spotted our friend Fred Brown who we got in the ministry here in Tampa. Next thing I know he in also going to Ohio and eventually went into the Way Corps where he was killed in Gunnison in a car wreck. I never got to say goodbye really or grieve because he was considered to be "out of fellowship" and thus killed. (Not true)! That is why I focused on Fred in the crowd.
John, this was great! Thanks so much! I think I found myself in the 1974 WOW photo... what a trip! Yes, may our journey of deepening our relationship with our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ continue until the day we see him face to face and know as we are known. Forever it is!
To our friends who have traveled with us to Ohio through the years. May our journey continue forever. Please share if you want. Best viewed in FULL SCREEN.
Comments
I met the WOWs on Friday night and we left for the ROA on Sunday night at midnight or a little after from San Antonio. Annie Whitiker, Jim Perrine, and Julie Smith. The 4th person was sent home earlier in the year. I heard manifestations after we got gas on Austin Hwy on the way out of town. I turned to Jim who was riding with me and asked, "What the hell was that?" That started it. For the rest of the trip to KC Jim was answering all my questions. By the time I got to the ROA, I had almost had most of the class. But then I saw all these people walking by and saying, "God Bless you!" I was overwhelmed.
On the last day, Jim saw me looking a little down. He came and talked. I told him I was in way over my head. He lovingly understood and got me to open up. I admitted to him I was way over my head. I said, "Jim, you answered almost every question I had about God and the Bible on the way here. I'm very thankful, but how do I know any of it's true?" He explained apparent contradictions and I lit up like a Christmas Tree. I never looked back. My wife and I did leave a few months after Craig resigned, but one had nothing to do with the other. The leadership was simply becoming too religious and legalistic. It was an adjustment for the first six months. But I continued witnessing as I had for all those years. But it was weird not having an agenda. I could witness for the first time since I got in the Word just because I was walking in love. It was great. I loved TWI, but I never mistook the leadership as God. It often got me into some kind of trouble because I would speak my mind. I loved the people I met during all those years (like many of you) and I admit it's always tempting to try to live in the past. So, I don't. I'm simply thankful for the Word I learned in spite of the obstacles we endured. Thanks John for the video.
Good job with this. Brings back a lot of good memories. Thanks
Yeah Bill. Me too. I know we can never go back and live in the past. And I know it was not always rosy. But it's fun to look at the "scrapbook" once in a while and remember some of the greatest people we have ever known. I think anyone would admit it was a rare time and a rare bunch of friends together, all before the Internet, all before cell phones.
Say hi to Susan. Best of success with your Alabama Political Reporter venture.
Wonderful video John, bring back a million memories. Being young, wow, that was fun!
Yes. I heard it one morning recently and it reminded me of my many drives to Ohio. Some of the words took on a different meaning for me. So I went home and threw together a slide show.
In the process I spotted our friend Fred Brown who we got in the ministry here in Tampa. Next thing I know he in also going to Ohio and eventually went into the Way Corps where he was killed in Gunnison in a car wreck. I never got to say goodbye really or grieve because he was considered to be "out of fellowship" and thus killed. (Not true)! That is why I focused on Fred in the crowd.
John, this was great! Thanks so much! I think I found myself in the 1974 WOW photo... what a trip! Yes, may our journey of deepening our relationship with our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ continue until the day we see him face to face and know as we are known. Forever it is!
To our friends who have traveled with us to Ohio through the years. May our journey continue forever. Please share if you want. Best viewed in FULL SCREEN.
Journey's to Ohio from John R on Vimeo.