Interview With Fellow Former Bethelite - Ex JW Story

(Also check out my music video: "Cost of Doin' Business" • FIFTH - Cost of Doin' ... )
An interview with a fellow former bethelite and long-time friend, Apollo. He shares his history with Jehovah's Witnesses, the "privileges" that he had within the organization, and the events leading to his departure.
/ exjwfifth

[@melarnold9665]

Both my wife & I woke up to the truth some 15 years ago. I was a Ministerial Servant, having regular pioneered for 7 years & also worked as a volunteer at Bethel full time on construction in Australia. My wife & I were very strong in our faith & active in the congregation when a few doubts regarding the Governing Body started to play upon our minds. Having 2 young children at the time we really struggled to know the right course of action to take. Do we potentially risk our children's everlasting lives or do we continue to hypocritically do what we have always done despite our well founded doubts? We felt all alone with these questions & struggles as there was no easy access to knowledge & info back then, unlike today. Hence this process took years of back & forth, research and conversations, just hoping the penny would drop again. The elders eventually did come around to see where our thinking was at. At this stage we had well & truly worked out many truths & after presenting these facts to them they could see where we were coming from. We received the same admonition as Apollo to just keep it to ourselves & nothing need be done. Because of this technicality we have fortunately been able to keep our extended families, who are still Witnesses, close even though they know where our thinking is. At the time we wouldn't have even thought to look at so-called apostate material, but funnily enough were directed to jw org a year ago by some brothers who were trying to encourage us with some recent programs. That's when we discovered the ex-JW online community. Wow!! We no longer felt alone, our same doubts & reasonings were being expressed by many sincere ones over & over again! We now have 5 children & truly believe we have saved their lives as all are happy & well adjusted kids. What's nice for us is that only recently a few extended family members have also woken up or are in the process of awakening. We just wanted to thank you for your personal experience & your interview with Apollo as we could relate to them. We have never really commented much before but if these types of well balanced experiences were available to us 15 years ago they would have helped immeasurably. Thanks again, these are so encouraging, keep up the great work!

[@exjwfifth9838]

Mel Arnold thanks for your experience. You were faced with a difficult choice and that's great that you were able to see the truth. I must say I truly feel that with all of the resources available nowadays, it is a lot easier for so many to wake up.

[@carolwrinkles6204]

Mel, the way you explained your your experience is very encouraging. Thank you for sharing.

[@vusimngomezulu2500]

​@@exjwfifth9838Which church are preaching the gospel of the kingdom around the world to all nations as Jesus Christ said? Matthew 10:16, 24:14, 28:19-20, Mark 13:10, if not only only only the Jehovah's witnesses..

[@vusimngomezulu2500]

Which church are preaching the gospel of the kingdom around the world to all nations as Jesus Christ said? Matthew 10:16, 24:14, 28:19-20, Mark 13:10, if not only only only the Jehovah's witnesses..

[@dillygently]

Not a trace of bitterness or malice from either of you. What gentlemen you both are. Watchtower is evil and hates people who leave their cult. Loved this video so much.

[@exjwfifth9838]

dillygently thank you so much

[@apollogee8092]

Thank you!

[@dr.richmann4477]

Good point about not trying to change people at the 39 min. mark. Basically it boils down to this saying: "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear."

[@outandfullyawake4751]

it was the guilt tripping that woke me up. I knew I'd never be good enough whatever I did so why bother I walked away but it took me another 15 years to "wake up and be free"

[@exjwfifth9838]

Outand Fullyawake that's understandable that it took so long. It's extremely difficult to learn to think in another way but that's great that you made it out!

[@valeriewarner676]

Just woke up fully last year. This video really helped. I was a 3rd generation JW. It's been a long road. I was df'd for 7 yrs. Decided to come back but after returning nothing made sense anymore. My husband ( non jw) would always say " you act as if you cant think for yourself " ...well i love all of the videos, they actually do help. Thank you!

[@lindachilds2227]

I woke this year 2019 also 3 generations in stop going to meetings can't go back after researching a lot on my own

[@ShoNuffSoulBro1]

Linda Childs : It’s just so crazy tho’ , huh. My head is still in a spin after having been raised in this religion and fully believing and having a very narrow view of the world for decades. For me, what smacked me in the face and really got me researching and waking up was in 2017 looking at the new teaching of the ‘Overlapping Generations’.

[@pocahontas4583]

It is interesting going back after being gone. I was inactive for over a decade. Finally decided to try to go back, always felt kind of guilty about it but was going through so much in an abusive marriage I couldn’t focus on spiritual things at all in that situation. When I first separated from my husband I wasn’t comfortable yet to go into meetings. I have JW family but since my mom passed nobody’s that close anymore. I started researching other religions and found lots of sermons on KZbin, live streams, etc. but noticed it was hard to find any JW info live. You have to already be in the organization and have passwords. So I ended up with a regular routine live streaming a particular church that I enjoyed. When I finally went back into a Kingdom Hall the meetings seemed very dry, basic and robotic. The sermons from pastors I’d heard were very moving and I’d learned some deep things about the Old Testament I’d never thought about/been presented with and ever since it’s been really hard to get into the meetings. When I go to the meetings it seems like the talks are more about how bad all other religions are than they are actually about teaching the Bible and applying it to our lives. The Watchtower study seems very basic and almost like it’s watered down to elementary level. Other meetings just focus on how you need to do more for the organization.

[@LivingNow]

Great interview that should help a lot of JWs doubting and half awake still.

[@apollogee8092]

Thank you!

[@KT-dp6vq]

Apollo Gee Apollo what do you do now? I'm having a hard time starting over since leaving the organization. How have you renewed your faith since leaving?

[@apollogee8092]

+K Yashal I sincerely apologize about the lack of response. I use faith to fill in gaps, but I don't use it to establish core beliefs. I'm still in the process of learning, though I'd consider myself a strong agnostic.

[@Aquaseventytree]

Love your interview. Bear in mind as jws we NEVER got to know the true Saviour Jesus. Watchtower keeps him hidden so that even those who do leave easily slot into agnosticism. Anything but them discovering and putting faith in the Lord. All due to watchtower being 'antichrist'. Peace to you and hope you find him one day as we did after decades of loyalty to 7 men in America.

[@pinkhoody]

Apollo Gee I love your take on that! "To fill in gaps."

[@sable1wolf1]

This interview was not influenced by anger, bitterness or a sense of revenge. A very logical and reasonable disscusion based on honest humanity. Solid testimony. If I were a honest JW watching this, at a minimum, I would say " To think is not a sin, but a gift from GOD" think PLEASE ! Outstanding work!!

[@exjwfifth9838]

David Pope thanks a lot. I'm very happy that you enjoyed it

[@apollogee8092]

+David Pope, Thank you.

[@burbingberries6917]

Aw man!!! The day you get that acceptance letter in the mail. Talk about being high on happiness. I still have my letter and remember it like it was yesterday. And my father was the coordinator so we got letters from Watchtower all the time with his name on it. But when I saw my name, I was like finally after 8 years of pioneering I'm in.

[@apollogee8092]

+Burbing Berries I still have my letter as well! It was surreal

[@jeffreyeugene3636]

Had the same experience like apollo, served as elder, after Tony Morris talk about the right pants and his rant.... And found about jwfact that was my last meeting and I told the elders how I felt and doesn't believe god is directing any organization on earth and not planning on ever coming to the meetings, and if they want to talk to me about coming it has to be bible only no watchtower that was the last I heard from them, but my wife still goes and told me they had given a warning talk about me but I can tell the awkwardness from some of them when they see me....but I'm convinced from the bottom of my heart that God is not behind this organization.

[@No1YanniLover]

Excellent interview! I'm enjoying your channel -- your testimony and your guests tonight...two very interesting stories. Thanks to both of you for sharing. I'm an xjw myself and love to hear how others came to the conclusion that this is nothing more than a cult. I also agree with your guest about learning that you were deceived is only the beginning. There are so many things afterwards that you have to face and be an adult about i.e what your going to do with your life now, what do you believe now, what kind of person are you without an organization mandating your every decision. I have concluded that we all have our own paths so its up to us to choose -- it is not the right of anyone or any organization to force that upon anyone. I wish you both well and hope to see more vids from you. Oh... and that last remark was hilarious "song and prayer" ha ha ha ha

[@exjwfifth9838]

Dee D thank you for your kind words and yes Apollo is hilarious lol

[@apollogee8092]

+Dee D Yes, I'm sure you have a story as well. We could all sit and discuss our journey for days and still have much to discuss.

[@viciousfiction1012]

Thank you soooo much for putting videos like this together! Really helps. I'm 2 years out.

[@exjwfifth9838]

Vicious Fiction 101 thanks a lot and congrats

[@apollogee8092]

+Vicious I'm glad

[@MrUNIVERSALSPORTS]

From Cali !

[@Rupunzelsawake]

I really enjoyed listening to this interview and could relate to so much of it! Thankyou!

[@apollogee8092]

+Rupunzelsawake Thank you!

[@kristyannwebster]

So many great points in this video, especially the use of fear and guilt...Thank you so much.

[@apollogee8092]

The pleasure has been ours

[@naterobinson5141]

Apollo has the most well-balanced perspective I have had the opportunity to listen to. I don't want to hear from people that are currently bitter, we grow getting past our anger.

[@jushaup426]

Thanks so much for sharing your JW experience here Apollo, it was a powerful interview, I hope we hear from you again. Great job!

[@apollogee8092]

+Belle Very much appreciated!

[@kittylove2975]

Oh,... it was very difficult to find out that JW's love is very CONDITIONAL! That was a very sad part of my experience with the "FRIENDS".🍀.

[@CNomis]

I really appreciate this interview. I felt the same in a lot of ways. I've struggled with wanting to get my mother and sister to see the truth about this cult, but in the end I know that it will have to be because they want to. Anything I say (or have said) will just make them cling harder to what they have been fed to believe. I appreciate the calm demeanor and thoughtfulness you both displayed. Thanks so much for sharing. I've been out for 5 years but it's still nice to realize that I'm not alone in this.

[@exjwfifth9838]

AndieLeigh thank you so much for your kind words and I sincerely hope that your mother and sister eventually come around

[@apollogee8092]

Definitely not alone!

[@jwanon1841]

great job cliff!! those of us who were born into the borg and gave them our 100% can definitely relate. Thank you for sharing

[@exjwfifth9838]

JW anon thanks! I'm happy you can relate

[@geeemale3502]

Awesome interview. Apollo's story about how devoted & into the cult he once was then out of nowhere...bam! Months go by and he does a complete 180° & is now an agnostic. That's pretty much where I find myself. There have got to be TENS of thousands if not into the HUNDREDS of thousands of other 'Apollo-like' ministerial servants, elders, pioneers etc who are indeed in the early stages of saying goodridens to 'Mother'!

[@HR3464]

Great job gentlemen, very accurate and insightful. As a former Bethelite (1995-2006) I can relate to your experiences. Also, as a former elder in Apollo's congregation, before he went to Bethel, I can attest to his sincerity and character. He's the real deal. I must say it is nice to see he was able to break free and now enjoys a life rooted in reality.

[@apollogee8092]

Thank you brother! It was excellent to be able to reconnect with you!

[@thedemysticist6730]

@@apollogee8092 Hey bud. You and Cliff were like brothers to me out at Bethel. We had so many good memories. I miss y’all. Not sure if I ever met Howie. But replying to this comment seemed the best way to say something to you. I can’t say who I am. Not safe. My mind is free, but I need to stay in for the time being. It’s complicated. In the meantime I just try to be loving and kind to all living creatures. But I’m sorry that I believed people who branded either of you as angry, crazy apostates. It’s obvious that both of you are still good people, in fact it seems that you are more empathetic, more loving, and open-minded. Honestly I can’t believe I even went down this road but I couldn’t suppress my doubts any longer. Especially now that we've been encouraged to "face our doubts." It’s just so insane that literally 4 people in our group of friends were on this and Lloyd Evans’ channel. Glad you’re both ok. Love you guys.

[@gregfoor1586]

I was born in brainwashed to believe then when I was leaving feard for my life lost entire family nothing would surprise me I live in fear.

[@geeemale3502]

Blondie! Apollo mentions a contributor on the 'Jehovah's Witnesses Discussion Forum' who helped him wise up to the cult. She goes by the name ...Blondie! For the longest time Blondie has been a thorn in Mother's side as she critiques the Watchtower study articles. She does an amazing job!

[@rebeccalogan8446]

What a great interview. Thank you so much for discussing your experiences. Much love.

[@rhondafisher9827]

Appreciate this interview so much. When I left after 13 years I was completely isolated and alone. Now there is so much support and it is so good to see people reaching out to understand and help others going through similar circumstances. These lessons can give us the courage to learn to think our own thoughts and act on them confidently. Cult thinking can be found in all areas of life I have found. This interview was so helpful in my journey of trusting myself and loving and valuing myself, to listen to that inner voice. Growing from the experience is challenging and a bit scary. I now know I needed that experience to grow as I prayed so many times to understand. Thank you so much for being a light for so many people.

[@AV-th7uy]

I always compared Bethelites to Athletes. Men idolized them, women wanted to be with them. And when they came to town, it was like the groupies came out...all to impress the 'elite of the org'! So it is interesting, from my point of view, to hear a Bethelites side of the story. What we on the outside viewed as 'the life', we get to hear now how it really wasnt...that it was flawed, and fake. Thank you for sharing this experience - both of you.

[@daisyjune5135]

Amanda Vaughn yes what you said is true but personally I could never understand it maybe because I wasn't raised in this religion. I was a young adult when I got baptized. Anyway the brothers and especially the bethelites seemed to have something missing. It was like a role reversal. the sisters were the aggressors and the brothers were so involved with each other. I used to think they went the other way.

[@AV-th7uy]

Daisy Mae I personally never was impressed with Bethel/Bethelites. My cousin was one, and he and his friends would come stay at my place to visit...but I always got the feeling they were 'opportunists' in a way. The sisters would fawn all over them, and I would smh, knowing not one of them was educated, all of them were spoiled and used to being catered to, and none of them had any aspirations outside of Bethel service (job, home, etc). That was NOT the life I wanted to lead at all... Mind you, a gf of mine dated and married a Bethelite - and they were looked at as this 'spiritual couple'. What people didnt know was that they would use my house to have sex - before they were married - as she lived with me for a short while and this Bethelite would stay over with her in her room. All of those examples just made me look down on the stigma JWs gave Bethelites. The highly exulted ones - hahahaha. The brothers always seemed to have it easy, their pick of females, and just all the attention they could stand. So seeing and hearing examples of the opposite is eye opening. As Bethelites had it just as hard as the rest of us JW minions...

[@apollogee8092]

+Amanda Vaughn Stop hating. We were gifts to the friends. I'm just kidding, I get exactly what you're saying. From the outside, they were the supposed prestige. From the inside, nothing different from any large congregation of people.

[@AV-th7uy]

Apollo Gee No hate my brotha! - hahaha. Thats the ACT the Bethelites I knew carried "Gods gift" type personas. lol. My cousin being the worst...literally always had his hand out, expecting people to support him, or give to him. Made me sick. But these females ate it up! Im a basketball fan, so where I was drooling over players - these sisters would be drooling over Bethelites. Always made me laugh!! 😊

[@fatherhomie9210]

Amanda Vaughn It's so annoying honestly

[@danielle91286]

This was really good! Keep 'em coming!

[@apollogee8092]

+DanielleA Thank you!

[@lacylove3713]

Raised in the truth (Elder's daughter) and later became a reg aux pioneer I always wondered what bethel was like. Everyone made it seem like it was a secret place and only the best of the best of the Very Best Jws were allowed to visit or go. I have been DFed for a few years but I think sisters really have it the worst and need to be strong to deal with a variety of issues ranging from jealousy, double checking your dress and grooming so as not to be "distracting" , not being invited to gatherings because you were not popular ect.. LOL.. The interesting thing is had I not became DF I would not have read the proclaimers book which really shed light on a lot of information never taught from the platform.. Then the questioning begun.. I just found your channel. Thanks

[@exjwfifth9838]

Lacy Love thank you so much for sharing that. I definitely agree, it's definitely difficult for women in the organization

[@exjwfifth9838]

Lacy Love and I'm very happy you like my channel. Having people on like Apollo who clearly made a very informed decision to walk away really helps to put things into perspective

[@padussia]

You are so right about the jealousy part. Not only were a lot of other women jealous of me, but the ladies that I actually invited into my home to study with were too.

[@lacylove3713]

Yes. Please let Apollo know I was in tears at the end ... concluding in song and prayer.... LOLLLL

[@lacylove3713]

Hi Padussia, Yes. I can truly relate. It was a lot of jealously on all sides of the fence. SMH who was in who's car group LOL, who had the most RVs, even down to what school the talks were given in :-/ They were always talking about being encouraging but it was the very persons constantly saying be "up building" that were the ones stumbling folks... but hey, I digress LOL ;-)

[@roseofsharon853]

i really enjoyed this interview, Thank you for sharing your experience with us, i absolutely resonate with what you said about going from fully blown dedicated JW to becoming agnostic within a few months. I can't believe that for 40+ years i believed it all and now i don't believe any of it, it amazes me! The elders were very fair with which is also amazing!

[@apollogee8092]

Thanks!

[@fixbent]

That point he made about not being able to compete with everlasting life, allowing people to find the ugly truth for themselves... very deep

[@tracheledward7227]

Great video born into a third generation of them jw's came out 12 years ago.Due too just looking on line with my new computer.I wasn't thinking about leaving the so called truth,because this was all that.I was taught ....I just moved and stop going too all 5 meeting.I cried because living on paradise earth was all that.I had too look forward too and seeing my dead love one's would be resurrected someday. And these armageddon fears, this cult religion really destroyed my life.I would have died for this so called truth. Now after being deprogrammed from this sect.I just live my life.I don't have any faith or belief.Thanks for the upload guy's.

[@daisyjune5135]

Trachel edward A lot of JWs would die for this religion and a lot did but you don't see any of the Governing Body die for this religion. They ALL died of old age that should say something right there. How are they being persecuted? They never go out in service and they have everyone protecting them including teams of lawyers to keep them out of jail.

[@apollogee8092]

+Trachel edward Precisely! I think that's why I didn't want to give up so easily. I wanted paradise to be real. Certainly heartbreaking.

[@Becky4100]

Fifth, how wonderful you have friends now that you are out of the organization. I have no friends to talk to about anything. I however was not born to parents already in. I came in from outside. My family was involved here and there, though, I noticed on hindsight. My grandfather on my mom's side used to receive the Watchtower & Awake magazines in the mail. He died when I was about 4 or 5 years old but my grandmother kept receiving them and I think she actually had a home study but I don't remember her ever going or talking about going to any meetings at the Kingdom Hall. It was in hindsight that I learned all this. Fast forward my eldest sister went to the Kingdom Hall where she lived after she got married. She got married and left the house when I was 6 yrs old. We never talked much about anything but when I was going to the Hall she told me a little bit about how she attended the Hall in her town and even went door to door. I guess I thought that it was the right thing that I was doing and I stuck with it. My mom had been dead at this point so she was no longer an influence on me like she'd been most of my young life. So it was then that that information was brought out in the open. I never got baptized in the JW Org. even though I attended for about 20 years on and off. The elders in my charge never thought I was ready. I'm so glad of that now, however, I don't have any friends now at all. I did everything that they told me to do like not celebrating the holidays nor associating with my family and the few friends that I did have before I attended the KH. I see how some of the sisters that befriended me and those that I studied with are still living here and hold good jobs and are upstanding citizens in my community but I'm not. I'm still ostracized and I continue to be as I am trying to get involved in my childhood church only to be cut off by mind games yet again. Hense, no friends. I'm 66yrs old and I stopped going to the Hall back in 1998. It was before that that I started, in the 1980's, to go to the KH. I'd love to close with a song and prayer, too, but I have nothing to sing about socially at all. I realized that it's not just the WTB&T society to blame for my misfortunes but they sure took advantage of me and used me as an example of what not to do or how not to live while I attended back then,I'm afraid. I just felt the need to tell you this because I do believe the people at my childhood church don't want to hear it and they wouldn't understand anyway(I'm finding out), even though the pastor has placed a cult chart on the wall and talks about the different cults sometimes in his sermons. Now it's like I'm just supposed to forgive and forget about my past but, it is very hard to do that when my past so shaped my present and is continuing to shape what future I have left. I do thank you for your KZbin contributions of how it really was when you attended and I'm so glad you are free of that binding life now.

[@apollogee8092]

Rough situation! I'm sorry to hear this

[@nothingbutlove5830]

I really appreciate these type of interviews it truly shows that both men who gave themselves an organization that's constantly lying about in their doctrine. Ray frantz sealed the deal for me. Both of you guys are doing a great job.

[@adventureswiththerobin]

Another great video! I love Apollo's waking up story because it gives hope to all of us with family/friends still in the organization that it is possible that something as innocuous as researching logical fallacies could lead one down the rabbit hole to waking up and seeing the same tactics being used by JW.org. Bravo!

[@exjwfifth9838]

Adventures With Robin thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@apollogee8092]

Thank you!

[@trinikenshin]

"spiritual prodigies" yup....been there I can completely relate to this stuff

[@d.archerofficial]

Omg this guy still calls it "the truth". That's how dangerous this sect is.

[@apollogee8092]

Talking from the JW paradigm. I know better.

[@carolwrinkles6204]

I noticed that too & shrugged 🤷‍♀️

[@sherisilver4639]

Bless you both. I hope God continues to enlighten and encourage you! He really does want us to use our own brains. Much love! ❤️

[@quisthegreat6538]

good interview... "it would be reasonable to conclude" literally made me lol

[@daisyjune5135]

QuisTheGreat Still with the JW mind set.

[@apollogee8092]

Thanks +Quis

[@runfromthetower3547]

Can never watch enough of these interviews. Thank you for sharing. Welcome to your freedom Apollo!

[@apollogee8092]

Thank you!

[@SusanGaskin]

Thank you guys for your excellent interview!

[@exjwfifth9838]

Susan Gaskin thank you so much! Its not often that I get a legend commenting on my videos 😁 glad you enjoyed it

[@SusanGaskin]

LOL Not quite but I have heard some amazing things about you! I'm looking forward to watching your story now!

[@exjwfifth9838]

Susan Gaskin thanks I hope you enjoy it.

[@gg4gb1914]

Merry XMAS. Yes the "Privilege" is having good friends!! Awesome Awesome Awesome

[@exjwfifth9838]

JWCRISIS I agree 1000% and merry Xmas to you as well 😁

[@guruwu1566]

Merry Xmas? So what are your beliefs now? Are you just Agnostic but believe in Jehovah and not the organizational part or do you not believe in God and or religion at all?

[@apollogee8092]

I believe in none of it. Strong agnostic.

[@nkaninyerearchibong2816]

Yes!...truly most JWs were attracted to the org because they want to be young again, see dead loved ones again, climb the mountains, swim across the oceans and toy with wild animals....and they stayed in for these

[@exjwfifth9838]

Nkaninyere Archibong absolutely. That was a sobering thought that Apollo brought up that I had never thought of quite in that way - we cannot compete with everlasting life. So true

[@apollogee8092]

Hope is what keeps people captive.

[@potofclay666]

Thank you so much for joining the ex-jw KZbin family. I've really been thinking about starting my own video's. You don't realize just how much your words can help someone. I'm alone but not alone. I'm not a brother but my story is very similar to yours especially with being in foreign language. I feel like I need to get my story out there. Are you on FB?

[@exjwfifth9838]

PotofClay ! Thank you for those kind words and I'm sure we would all love to hear your story. I am on FB how about you?

[@potofclay666]

I am. You can find me at holls81. I am inactive but slowly coming out of my shell.

[@lovelight8180]

I must tell you fifth. i am truly not only enjoying, but wholeheartedly appreciating your input into yhe exjw community. you are a breathe of fresh air and i must tell you why that is: 1. you deliever your perspective in such a eloquent, practical, logical and succinct way that as a fader who is still in and under cover myself, i truly appreciate that logic and way of thinking. as jws we are taught to analyze so your analysis are always just appealing to a semi indoctrinated wanna be ex jw mind like myself. 2. your story is almost exactly like mine. in the sense that we grew up in the truth as i like to say "thick". family, friends, goals, aspirations, so wrapped up in the organization. I don't know who you believe you're reaching, but know this: you're reaching people who are in. still sitting in halls. thinking it's not true, but struggling to fight what was ingrained. half believing it still could be true. looking at world events, and getting scared that we might be having it wrong. i mean ministerial servants, pioneers, bethelites. yes you are speaking to us. i can say i am and have been all of the above. 3. there's something to say, no offense to any other youtuber. but there's something to say about seeing someone who is african american and raised in yhe truth by black family. in that way. you get me? i relate so exactly to you and even the other afr.amer. people you've interviewed because i feel we too, have a even more intense indoctrination in certain ways. we are trained and we soak it up deeply! some of us, of course not all. it's just i can see and feel what it was like for youn because I feel like you could've been in my hall. lol 3. just thank you man, thank you, thank you. please continue your interviews, please don't fall off like so many. you are doing a great service. and please and i mean please....keep having a+ interviews with bethelites, elders if you can people high up! that's where the real eye opening takes place also. and people like us, who were and are all in, we want and almost need to hear from those who had some prominence to further validate our findings. some may not want to be seen, we luv to wath, but if only audio, go for it fifth. i know this is too long but i just have to convey that my family can't get enugh of what you're showing, its almost unreal. so from the bottom of our hearts thank u.

[@exjwfifth9838]

V Jay wow. I am so humbled by those expressions thank you. To be honest I had no intention of making more videos after telling my story but the outpouring of support was so overwhelming that I felt that I should continue. I am very happy to hear that you and your family are finding these videos beneficial and I your feedback is very valuable. Thanks again!

[@angelesmendoza8176]

ExJW Fifth.. You were chosen By God to saved his children from slavery, just like long time ago.... Sorry boy is Not an option, but Jehová's direct commandment.

[@marvelprince9893]

Excellent thanks for sharing!

[@apollogee8092]

Thank you

[@bg-id1uo]

Great video! Thnx for making/sharing it!!

[@southernbawselady7092]

What a powerful powerful interview!!..I did not want it it end!...Please do another interview soon because it is shedding light in to a world of darkness!!...I am glad that I am a Subsciber...I would not want to miss anything on this great and encouraging channel!! I am all ears and cannot wait for the next alert I receive!! 😀... Two thumbs up to my wonderful Brothers!! 👍🏽👍🏽

[@exjwfifth9838]

Annette Davis thanks so much for your support!

[@apollogee8092]

Thank you!

[@observerlink4124]

WOW! Gentlemen, this is powerful! Thank you both for this! It's such a pleasure to hear the two of you recount your experiences.

[@MrBigcnasty]

I’ve watched a lot of ex jw videos and done a lot of reasearch... but this is one of my favorite interviews... the flow of it was smooth and easy to listen to and it was legit... and at the end... he stated one of the realest statements Ever... He said the reason most stay in even though they know better is.... Nothing I say... Can compare to Everlasting Life and the Resurrection hope...NOTHING....that’s why most people stay and say I’ll take my chances as a JW.

[@c_rhynehardt]

I wonder if they call them "publishers" because they work for a publishing company..

[@exjwfifth9838]

c rhynehardt excellent point! I had never thought of that

[@apollogee8092]

This is true, from the inception of the organization.

[@emanuelcolon2680]

like you guys i had a time in the jw movement that was great i had a great time , but then when i became aware of things and i got older and started to see the light, unfortunately had to leave family behind,still believe in GOD and thankful having gone thru that to get where i am today... not lost

[@amazingbibleantiquities7221]

A great interview! God bless....it was edifying and kind. Thank you for it.

[@charliesmith3777]

Thanks for the interview from a former Bethelite. This, though, shows how difficult it is to find the truth and how you have to be very honest with yourself. You must be HONEST. The truly honest people end up leaving. Thanks for sharing this!! Much resonates.

[@christophsaluc1337]

I remember visiting the farm. there was a sister that was our tour guide. I remember her telling us that at the meetings they had there the sisters were not allowed to give comments. I thought that was weird.

[@burbingberries6917]

Christoph Saluc They're allowed to comment during morning worship but not Bethel Watchtower study. And that was nothing to be jealous of. I was a nervous wreck when I had to do it.

[@mq7678]

I’d love to share my story, if ever. Thank you for a great interview again, much appreciated and helpful in this deprogramming journey.

[@carolynstevenson4573]

I'm crying, this is so real. Please help me God.

[@zoemurphy4372]

Thanks for your thoughtful and balanced insights. Great interview

[@user-ns4jl4qg9o]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2299">38:19</a> is probably the most important statement made in any of the hundreds of Ex-JW videos I’ve seen. Fresh out Ex-JWs, take this to heart!

[@pixels2u]

so proud of both of you very courageous young men. sending you blessings and encouragement on your healing path. thank you for bravely telling your story and speaking your truth. your lives will heal and you guys are going to do GREAT things, that is clear. going to be watching for you both. sitting here crying. keep taking good care.

[@JvoxProductions]

thanks to you both. that was very helpful & enlightening.

[@apollogee8092]

Thanks!

[@lovingatlanta]

👍Thank you for sharing your stories.💞 😔 I wish the sound quality of your guest was better like some of your other posted videos. I tried to watch/listen on a couple of different devices but it was too difficult to listen because of the various noises. Just thought you should know. 💞

[@LovinLife-pv7op]

I'm surprised the news/facts of child rape didn't effect more people. I would have thought every person who came into that knowledge would have right then walked away from the "organization".

[@midtown2926]

Loved this thanks guys for sharing

[@rodywithers3536]

A very sensible, grounded conversation, refreshingly free of ego or 'alternate' preaching. Apollo is a good example of how an interest in the framing of arguments ' (in terms of principles of critical thinking) leads to the realization that JW literature is full of logical fallacies and ad hominen arguments, among other manipulative ways of reasoning. Doubting JWs who watch this will experience a sense of validation and recognition in what Apollo has gone through.

[@evacuadrado3125]

Cuando veo estos vídeos me resuenan mis emociones de hace 20 años cuando salí de la secta, veo que a un la llamáis " la verdad" cuando para mi es la mentira, intento no decirlo para no ofender ni separar más a los que están dentro, me ha gustado lo calmado y respetuoso que relata su experiencia , para mi fue tal el desengaño que me costaba mucho hablar con tranquilidad, sobre todo por mis hijas madre y hermana que se quedaron dentro, también pienso que tenía un sentimiento de culpa inmenso al haberme dado cuenta que fui yo quien los llevo a ser testigos ... hasta que una psicóloga me dijo que la primera víctima fui yo , que me sintiera orgullosa de haber sido tan fuerte y valiente de enfrentarme a poner en primer lugar mi dignidad y mi autenticidad... dolió tanto todo... aún duele pero cada vez menos, gracias fifth 🤔🤗👏👏👏

[@annabizaro-doo-dah]

I think this is the best interview, or at least one of them, that I've heard from two exJW'S. I'm so glad, also, you two found each other again and have this friendship...wonderful. Personally I think the one big reason the elders went easy and didn't DF, aside from the brother being obviously well liked, was mainly the fact his wife though a believer could genuinely say " he hasn't even talked about this stuff with me". They know he's hardly likely to go speaking with the cong at that point, therefore.

[@clementmabunda3131]

(<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2482">41:22</a>) 'The truth of the matter is, I went from hardcore, dedicated, servant of Jehovah, ministerial servant, ehm, this-is-definitely-the-truth, to *agnostic*.' Interesting... interesting interesting interesting...

[@cypher31]

Quite!! It's like he went from the Fast And The Furious to Less Than Zero in a relatively short span of time. Sorry for the movie puns but you get the gist :-)

[@apollogee8092]

+Clement They didn't know how fast they pushed me out haha

[@artistmidnight7730]

Bethel was a lot of fun....I enjoyed it, I was there in the 90’s

[@gabevasq]

Great story, Thank you for sharing!!!

[@apollogee8092]

Thanks!

[@khanwh74]

Nice. Thanks for sharing. We have similar path of waking up.

[@apollogee8092]

Thank you!

[@griseldaescalona3308]

I'm not a Jw, however, I've studied off and on since I was 13 I'm knocking on 40 now. My son is 18 and got baptised at 14 he's been known to put in upwards of 70 hrs, he's devout. He can't help but to have dealings with me, I'm his mother. but I do understand that there will come a day that he won't. It saddens me. It sickens me. That being said, I have instilled in me JW practices; I still don't celebrate "holidays" they just aren't holy to me because of the truth about them, they are pegan. Apollo called JW practices" the truth." sounds like he thinks so too.

[@arrellehnisrael8229]

While you were in there, did you or any other Black JW ever ask about or implicate any discomfort with seeing nothing but Caucasians in heaven in the JWs publication art?

[@lindachilds2227]

Yeah so true and only one black governing body critical thinking points

[@kittylove2975]

Thank you, This was an excellent interview! I'm an ex JW that left the Organization because of all the flip flopping and no longer accepting the Bible stories as literal events. I ALWAYS felt so foolish when trying to defend those issues when questioned by certain family members. After no longer being able to convince MYSELF that this was the truth, (long story short) I faded, and lost all my friends except one (future husband). It's great to no longer be a JW! 🍀

[@exjwfifth9838]

Aka Perez thank you so much for sharing that. It's true, it's hard to lose everyone but it truly refreshing to not have to try to force yourself to believe something that makes no sense. Congratulations on getting out!

[@godislove544]

I was really surprised that the elders didn't disfellowship Apollo - so many others have had a different experience. I read Mel Arnold's experience below and it seems true for him and his wife too - the elders just let them be? But the latest disfellowshipping video doesn't show the son doing anything wrong and the mother only says "he left Jehovah"...it seems arbitrary depending on who the elders are but the JW Org. definitely is making it seem in that last df video that the son is shunned just for leaving.

[@exjwfifth9838]

God Is Love yeah I wondered the same thing. With Mel Arnold and Apollo's experience that makes only two times that I have ever heard that happen. But who knows, maybe it does happen more than we are aware

[@melarnold9665]

Fifth, maybe there a lot of cases where people are told just to shut up about it? They do shut up so, as per the "agreement" we don't hear from them on these forums or anywhere. Individuals may still choose to have nothing to do with us but on a whole we've slipped through the "system". We have seen faders that have had a family member who won't let it go, and these have ended up being disfellowshipped years after the fact, but I think our witness family are glad there's been no formal follow through. Having said this, we are confident in our choices, we tell people when they genuinely ask and we do everything in our power to make life normal for our kids (including holidays) even though our mental Jw conditioning makes some things feel awkward. Unlike witnessing, which in the end we had no confidence sharing with others, we feel completely comfortable to talk with others about our beliefs and questions. We teach our kids they don't have to have all the answers, but researching those questions are the fun part!

[@exjwfifth9838]

Mel Arnold I never even considered that but that makes a lot of sense. Who knows how many cases there are like that

[@Almenatraining]

Somebody tell this dude to buy a webcam with built in microphone, and take off that big ole headset. Thank you.

[@apollogee8092]

No

[@daisyjune5135]

almenaja Maybe the 7 billionaires in NY can buy him one. Doesn't the watchtower tell us to have a simple eye and do we need all the latest gadgets?

[@apollogee8092]

I'm not poor. I like noise canceling and other features haha

[@chloeya.m.9423]

Somebody tell this dude that the bald head + big ol' headset is sexy! lol :D

[@JB-vs4bs]

Dude’s fortnite ready

[@astrids7707]

Great interview! I like the way he came to the conclusion that this is not the "truth" and the way he handled the situation with his wife.

[@jeffreyeugene3636]

Super interview fifth!

[@exjwfifth9838]

Jeffrey Eugene thanks a lot! I enjoyed hearing Apollo tell his story

[@angelachanel5791]

Thank You for the Wake up call!

[@apollogee8092]

Thanks for watching!

[@derekohare1824]

thanks for sharing.

[@katb945]

Amazing interview, and I agree you can't help any JW to exit they have to come to the crossroads themselves. Its a matter of believing that the GB is the channel God is using, if any honest JW views the broadcasts they will see the dishonesty of these men, and do research its up to them, and fear is what makes many doubters push aside those doubts. thank you for a fantastic video.

[@apollogee8092]

Thank you

[@muntupoetslegacy7760]

People really want to hear what you have to communicate. Please perfect your technical process because there is some serious feedback going on. Keep up the GREAT WORK!

[@exjwfifth9838]

Muntu Poets Legacy thanks for that. I'm brand new so any feedback is appreciated

[@muntupoetslegacy7760]

People really need to hear what you have to say. If you get to the point you want to publish a book, you can contact me at [e-mail]. Peace Brother!

[@exjwfifth9838]

Muntu Poets Legacy I appreciate the offer I will definitely let you know if I end up going that direction

[@gabevasq]

This is my second time watching this.....I'm addicted to watching ExJw videos. I wonder how many ExJw stop believing in the God concept altogether.

[@luna-p]

I did. As soon as I realised my mother could lie(long semi-related story) I instantly dropped the JWs and became an atheist

[@saraabraham5486]

Rupunzel, as more and more people continue to wake up about this Organization; Kingdom Halls around the world even run the risk of being vandalized or even being set on fire. I know I wish I could set them all ablaze.

[@jimmymass1132]

Damn girl

[@netihansen3034]

Wonderful video!

[@apollogee8092]

Thank you!

[@michelleliandro8611]

Apollo Gee, I was wondering if you would like to discuss your new beliefs with me. I would really appreciate it.

[@apollogee8092]

Sorry for late response. Most certainly! Thanks for watching.

[@grhomer2454]

I love your experience and your attitude. one day you may hear my personal experience.

[@apollogee8092]

Hopefully soon!

[@williamchylik7992]

it gets me very emotional about the family,but your right my friend,,,,it's all up to us,,,I couldn't convince my part of my family anything,,,,all we can do, is hope and pray, they'll wake up, and do the little we can to try,,,,etc.

[@saraabraham5486]

Well said. If you have truth, just present it; and those who love truth will let it motivate them-Jesus would have done that!!!

[@apollogee8092]

There is no better way, in my opinion

[@LovinLife-pv7op]

Another thing I've noticed is I was always taught at church not to gossip about people.

[@MrUNIVERSALSPORTS]

I remember Jehovah’s Witness.net ! Helped me out a lot back in the day ( 2010-2011 ).

[@CentsMy10]

They really think people who leave are going to be miserable and lost. I disassociated years ago and been happier, whole and more mentally sound. I still believe in the Most High but I have a greater understanding instead of being indoctrinated with manmade doctrine. This is why they do not want JW to speak with ex-JW. You might become awake for real...the irony...😉

[@christophsaluc1337]

when you ask most diehard JW's how they know it's the truth they will tell you "because of the growth and the witness work that has been carried out all over the world. how do you respond to that?

[@exjwfifth9838]

Christoph Saluc I thought this was a good article on the subject www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/statistics.php

[@exjwfifth9838]

Christoph Saluc here's another one jwsurvey.org/cedars-blog/under-the-microscope-the-watch-tower-societys-claims-to-divine-direction-part-1

[@christophsaluc1337]

Fifth thanks for that info. I would probably never be able to convince a JW that the figures are true. but it tells the story.

[@jesscarolan3315]

I really enjoyed this interview! I'm not sure if I missed it; is his wife still active?

[@pushit8910]

Hello, I just got baptized last year. I have a question about the name of Jehovah, what do you mean about it was wrong? Can somebody explain to me?

[@solismasonry1807]

At minute <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2278">37:58</a> You are doing the right thing because I think that Mt <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1455">24:15</a> is subjective, when each person wakes up and discerns a disgusting thing in a holy place is time to exit, but they must do it on their own, when they have the need for real spiritual food.

[@johnnyruins9025]

great interview just a calm talk saying it like it is do your research find out the truth about the truth

[@apollogee8092]

Precisely

[@lacylove3713]

And LOLLLING at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="946">15:46</a>... good laughs..

[@christophsaluc1337]

Lacy Love Hi Lacy

[@lacylove3713]

hello!

[@denisehill3760]

Love u guy! U have so much sylw and oazaa

[@anahurtarte120]

Wow he’s so right? ❤thank you, really

[@artistmidnight7730]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 minute 42

[@christophsaluc1337]

perhaps some of you explain bethal it's can answer a question for me. wasn't there a time, perhaps 8 to 10 years ago that the orginational arrangement included a anointed group which called itself "the faithful and discreet slave," and there was another group called the governing body?

[@christophsaluc1337]

ex bethalites. can explain

[@exjwfifth9838]

jarrod daniels before the "adjustment in understanding", The governing body used to be referred to as a representative of the faithful and discreet slave which at that time referred to all of the anointed on earth at any given time. The current understanding is that the governing body IS the faithful and discreet slave

[@christophsaluc1337]

Fifth ok. I seem to remember two groups. one being the governing body which could be desolved by governmental authorities in a time of persecution. and above them was another group, the faithful slave which really controlled everything. but they were not a legal body, only a spiritual one that could not be devolved except by god.