For me ROA was also my 'woodstock'. I looked forward to it each and every year, except for the year I got de-railed (married the wrong guy).
For Me ROA was an exciting road trip, and a wonderful adventure. I loved the camping out, the WOW burgers, the fellowship. Hookin back up with folks you met the year before and those you missed from your home town.
The most healing of events for me was sitting on a blanket and listening to the MUSIC. I also loved going to the different places and listening to other talented musicians play their instruments.
I will never forget the 1979 Live Class Dance. I was with 'the love of my life'.
I am wondering, how can 'believers' get togther again in a similar Camping - Music Festival of sorts again? Where would it be? I think if we could somehow organize a big Reunion and have this kind of fun and fellowship again, it might do all our hearts, minds, and bodies a world of good? Without of course all the TWI legalism and emotionalism.
The last ROA I attended I remember VPW starting to talk about 'those in the world' who were threatening Him, and of course Us. Started sounding like Jim Jones to me.
Long Live the Great Memories of the ROA in our hearts Forever!!
jetc57...Not to promote a splinter group, but I think Shroyer's ministry has something like that...it's like twi of old without the legalism...and they meet every year for something similar to the roa...
Excuse my ignorance, but are 'splinter groups' something to be shunned?
If they are fashioning their 'fellowships n teaching' after the great points from what they learned in TWI, but without all the 'BS' , 'Disgraceful Behavior', and are truly ministering to the needs of others, then I would think that could be a wonderful thing?
I don't really know much about these 'splinter' groups. I've looked at a few that were links from Peter Wade's sight. I was thrilled to have found that Peter Wade was still serving God. (I have long admired his genuine Christ-likeness.) He, his wife and family are 'Down to earth' and don't think of themselves 'higher than others'.. I really have grown to love them, and hey, they actually write me wonderful letters., and they've never asked for money.
Anyway, I know some people who are still serving God outside of TWI. Like Houk Hitchcock and George St.G, and Ray Skotak. I'm still lookin for others who are taking a stand and serving God, and doing it outside the 'confines' of TWI.
I never thought of TWI as being Legalistic - although I know now they must of been for some.
It always baffled me how VPW could teach 'God's rightly divided Word' - and not Realize that his 'smoking' would destroy the 'temple'. I thought he was a bad example with that one. If he had been really legalistic, I suppose he would have banned 'smoking'. After all it is toxic poison to the temple of God? I think he wanted to send the message that 'grace is a license to do whatever we want', without any cause n effect. Its a shame his 'freedom' cost him his life in the end.
Anyway, I am to the conclusion in my life now, I need to fellowship with other 'Saints', however I do refuse to return to serve a ministry that has destroyed others lives, is in denial, and continues to 'think more highly of themselves than they ought to'. They look down upon others. The very people whom are running that shell of an organization now are the ones that Should be 'sent packing'.
I serve a loving God, who is no respector of persons. I am craving some quality fellowship of like-minded believers. Splinter group or otherwise, I bet it would be spiritually rewarding?
I dunno.. offshoots may be more doctrinally "comfortable".. and I have enjoyed talking with/ fellowshipping a LITTLE bit with some folks around here..
But why be comfortable?
I have found "saints", in other very, very unusual circumstances.. doctrinally, does not even closely resemble the old ministry I was involved with.. and the joy is almost undescribable.
quote..."Excuse my ignorance, but are 'splinter groups' something to be shunned?"
jetc57...That depends on the individual. The subject of 'splinter groups' has been discussed extensively on numerous threads. For some, they provide a source of fellowship and bible teachings, an opprotunity to get together with old friends and a legitimate source of spiritual food...
...For others, they represent something less than that..."same cult, different name"...
."Excuse my ignorance, but are 'splinter groups' something to be shunned?"
Groucho said it better than I can, but some people really did like TWI and the people and the doctrine. Others are not ready to make the jump from TWI-like worship to typical "church" worship, so an "offshoot" is more comfortable for them. Some just like the people and have a myriad of other reasons why they like continuing along a path similar to TWI.
Others disagree with TWI doctrine, hate all things TWI, have had bad experiences in an "offshoot" or have decided to see "what else is out there" since we were told that there was nothing better "out there" but never got a chance to see for ourselves. And some have gone back to their roots and the religion/belief system that they were brought up in.
To each his own. :) We're all different and have different needs and wants. That's what's so cool about this place....ALL are welcome as long as they treat others with respect and even then some get to stay despite the fact that they stalk and bully others on the board.
If you want to read some of the other threads about the splinter/offshoot groups just do a search on each one of those words and you'll find 'em. The discussions got pretty heated as I recall, but since I never got involved with one and have no desire to, I didn't really follow those threads.
It always baffled me how VPW could teach 'God's rightly divided Word' - and not Realize that his 'smoking' would destroy the 'temple'. I thought he was a bad example with that one. If he had been really legalistic, I suppose he would have banned 'smoking'. After all it is toxic poison to the temple of God? I think he wanted to send the message that 'grace is a license to do whatever we want', without any cause n effect. Its a shame his 'freedom' cost him his life in the end.
His SMOKING??? Toxic poison to the body???...this is your idea of a *bad example*?????
Whew...I`d say a more deadly poison ...a more damning example introduced by vp would be his defiling the temple of our young sisters bodies ....he gave a whole new meaning to the phrase *introduction of toxins into the body*...ugh.....I`d say that THIS toxicity makes effects of his smoking and drinking....a realativly minor consequence...
His *freedom* cost more than his life....it robbed others of theirs.
I totally agree, as I said "I use to think" that way when I FIRST got into TWI, and I talked to him one on one, His excuse for 'smoking' was Grace and God's divine protection for him. I expressed my dismay and disagreed with him in that his 'smoking' also effected others lives too. See I grew up in a home full of SMOKERS, my sister and I both had asthma, her worse than mine. Now she is battling cancer. Anyway....... I will post MY Story on that in the proper place.,
But, see back then, I was young -- and I had NEVER heard of anyone harming children. I led a pretty sheltered life. I was raised going to the local Baptist Church, had my first "born again experience" There, Then, my Dad decided to become a Jehovah's witness, and that EVERYONE in the house would go that route, OR THEY WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE HOME. I was forced (like most Cult children) to STUDY their Dogma. While I did learn to agree with some similar teachings (the Way has), I was told that if I ever entered a Pagan Church, I would not get to live one day in Perfect Paradise.
I had the better sense after just three years of the BS in the JW organization to know that I did NOT want to be motivated by FEAR and ANGER, as my father was venomous all the time trying to FORCE his opinions and will on others. (One irony for me in TWI, was VPW looked almost just like MY DAD).
It was at a live Advanced Class in Ohio where I got to speak with VPW up on a balcony.
But it wasn't until GREASESPOTS that I learned of those Horrible things he did to others, and how he not only polluted but he (sinned against many). I SEE IT NOW, and I can't help but BELIEVE that if I had of asked him about This other stuff -- He would probably have given me the same Answers.
(All about how we are forgiven for all the things we have done in the past, and WILL do in the future., how by Christ's stripes we are healed, and that his smoking wouldn't kill him, cause God promised.)
Even Then I believed "Grace is no license to Sin".
Anyway, what I said before in no way LIGHTENS the fact VPW used his authority to Consciously and with Malice and forethough -- Harm innocent people who put their Trust in HIM.
I did not have respect for VPW from that 'smoking' discussion, and I sure respect him EVEN LESS after knowing about all the other horrific things he accomplished - in the name of TWI. Still people loved HIM, and looked to HIM rather than God and their own thinking. So many who still remain I'm convinced are Not capable of 'trusting their own Godly wisdom and discernment'.
It wasn't long for me after that Live Class, and so many others I know as well. He grew more and more paranoid of the 'threat others posed to him and TWI'. I now know why. It wasn't any enemy that lurked outside of TWI, but the very Founder and his Thought Life.
Anyway, I know, and I agree -- I didn't mean to make light of any greater evil he got away with ----
He did reap what he sowed...... I'm sure he will be held accountable for it ALL...
For me, I was first a "Baptist", then forced to get involved with the JW cult, so to me TWI was a breath of fresh air, the Freedom I needed. I could learn about the Bible, Serve God, love others, and a Building from Pagandom wouldn't fall on my head. To this day, I have trouble visiting churches, and have had some pretty uncomfortable moments. Like how do you not stand up and protest - when some preacher is saying that Jesus is the Alpha and Omega? It took both my husband and son to keep me from Standing up and Voicing my Opinion..... I might have gone to a Unitarian church but there doesn't seem to be any of those around these parts....
For me, I'm probably one like you describe Belle, someone uncomfortable with the 'Church, Denomination Scene'. TWI was never my FIRST LOVE, tho., it was a stepping stone, a safe place to Grow up. I learned a wonderful trade, met some awesome people who were genuine, and I also learned not to look to Others as my example, but to be an example. I learned that being Human meant many imperfections. I am more accepting of others and myself because of what I learned from the People of TWI.. Oh, and through the years the second main book on my bookshelf is "Life is Tremendous". Still read it whenever I get depressed.
ROA 1976-79 represented quite a transition...from Sidney to HQ, from motel to tent on grounds to the corps tent, from Way Chorale Internationale to the C of E choir, from walking around and sitting down to working in the mess tent to mess tent shift coordinator, etc.
At my last ROA I had a run in which is still interesting to me today; someone I knew of but had never talked to personally came up to me and struck up a talk. It wasnt what was said, but the soon to be common experience we had that made this meeting later stick in my mind.
How about the people who really needed to be in an institution somewhere, not at ROA??
They'd be wandering about tent city and 24 hr WOW burger tent, mumbling about all sorts of things. One night while working the WOW burgers, around 2am, a guy wanders in and say's "Hi!!! I'm Dan Dan the Radio man!!!". I ask him what is his real name, so he tells me his real name is Dan, but everyone calls him Dan Dan the Radio Man, because he loves radios. He then goes on for 45 minutes explaining to me the intricacies of the radio and how some girl loves him, which is why he's even there, because she witnessed to him, and she kissed him the first night he went to twig, and he's gonna ask her to marry him, and he's thinking about goin' WOW but he doesn't know what WOW is, and how about a free hamburger since she has his wallet and he hasn't eaten for a day because he's so in love he rarely gets hungry, and do I know one of his friends in his special ed class, and asks what my name is while grabbing my hand and not letting go, and do I know this doctor w person, he must be a huge man because everyone in twig talks about him, where does he live so I can go visit him, and do I think it will be as hot tomorrow because the showers are hot and he sweats while showering, but he did get a peek at some girls in the girls shower when one girl walked in, and do I know where he is from, and where am I from, and do I like twigs, and who are the people with the hats walking aroung, they sure are friendly and helpful, and say, have I taken the PLAF course yet ...
Gee it's been along time hey speaking of radios did you know that I have collected 23,456 radios since I last saw you.
The story of radio began with a Cambridge professor called James Clerk Maxwell. Though he had never seen or experienced radio waves, Maxwell successfully forecast most of the laws that govern their propagation, calculating their speed and noting their resemblance to light waves.
Maxwell showed how radio waves could be reflected, absorbed and focused like the beam from a torch - and could change the very nature of the object on which they were focused.
Hardly anybody believed Maxwell in 1864; however, the theories were later quantified by Oliver Heaviside into two equations, and in 1879, Prof. David Hughes walked up Portland Place with a device that caught the sound of radio waves.
In 1887, German scientist Heinrich Hertz carried out a famous set of experiments that proved Maxwell had been right all along - and in 1894, the British scientist Oliver Lodge succeeded in transmitting wireless signals over 150 yards.
Wireless and radio : when is 'wireless' called 'radio'?
Wireless is the generic term for any transmission that is made without using wires between points, although it frequently is used to describe radio it also covers photophone, induction and broken wire systems.
Radio is the term used first in the USA, derived from radiation - the principle that governs radio waves.
It's a characteristic of all electromagnetic waves that both the electric signal and the magnetic field that accompanies it cycle many times a second. Think of a cork on a pond - as waves pass it, it goes up and down.
The frequency of the wave is simply the number of times per second the cork goes up and down as the peaks and troughs of the wave pass it. Electromagnetic waves cycle a lot faster than this, and are measured in Hertz, where 1Hz is one cycle per second.
The wavelength is the distance between each consecutive peak or trough, so if you multiply the wavelength by the frequency, you get the speed of the wave. A 100Hz wave with a wavelength of 1 metre travels at 100 metres per second.
I don't like that girl anymore by the way, she would not marry me after we kissed and all. I graduated Special Ed with honors since we last met. And can I still have a WOW burger please I get hungry now. I have money now to pay cause I won the lottery. Is 23 million dollars enough to get two burgers? If so I will buy you one.
Damn Tom Tuttle! Talk about "polysyndeton" (many ands)! But, your narrative clearly showed the picture as it must have been! Too funny, as well as sad...
I remember a guy whom we nick named "Wolf" that was finally apprehended and placed in the Rock Of Ages "Pat Lynn's Twig". I gues "Pat Lynn's Twig" specialized in ROA "weirdo cases". "Big Daddy Bob Darnell" was part of that too. This guy "Wolf" had been walking around the ROA grounds with a kitchen knife, tucked up along his forearm so no one could see it. And then, whenever the "spirit grabbed him", he'd pull the knife out and stick it in some unsuspecting individuals face only inches away, and say "Hi. This is Wolf! And Wolf is hungry!" And then he would cackle and then walk off to do it all over again. When I finally met Wolf, he was already in "Pat Lynn's Twig" at the third aid tent. He was sittng there with a number of people questioning him, and his eyes were moving rhythmically from left to right, and his tongue was doing the same. He was truly crazed, and he really did need to be controlled. Thank God "Wolf" never got fed! Turns out the questioning had to do with "Who brought you here, where are you from, what state, city, twig", etc...
Personally, I am glad "Wolf" was apprehended. Anybody else remember "Wolf"?
I ran into a guy named "Stretch" one year. He wasn't crazy or scary, just weird in a funny way. Said he was from Philadelphia. I worked in Camping that year and he was just one of those people that likes to give you the 'lowdown' on stuff. He'd be talking away, then pause and say "C'mere" so I'd get maybe 2 feet away from him, then he'd talk some more and pause again and say softer, "C'mere" and so I'd get right next to him and he'd finish up with something "really shocking". Can't remember anything he talked about, but he was interesting. Sort of.
And then there was one year at the Rock, '85 maybe when I was working "Camping" as usual. I parked, hooked up, and trouble shot problems in the RV camping section. One day, after the Rock was over and people began to head on out and clean up began, I overheard a conversation from the other end of a two way radio. Somebody with a radio was talking to the Camping Headquarters tent over near the showers, and I heard a voice come over and saying; "Yeah, over here in Tent City we found another whorehouse. Yeah, you should see the place! Beer and whiskey bottles and condom wrappers all over the place!" And so, I couldn't resist. I had to go and see it. So, I left my partner over by Wierwille Road, and walked over to where there was a group of Camping "officionados" standing outside of this little pup tent with people taking turns looking in. And so, sure enough, it was as described over the radio. Apparently, whoever was using it for such activities simply walked away from it, leaving the "leavings" as well as a couple of decent sleeping bags and a foam mattress. Glad I didn't have to clean it up. I went back to my RV Camping post. But it was so funny to hera them say it that way as if it were annual occurrance: "Yeah, found another whorehouse..."
Most of my ROA experiences were pleasant, even in the 90's, but I remember becoming aware in '91 or '92 that tent city was becoming "sin city". Many of the adults were no longer enamored of tent camping and had upgraded to RV's or motel rooms. Quite a number of them allowed their teenagers to pitch tents for the week. I actually liked being "on grounds", so decided to pass up on a hotel, and just couldn't afford an RV rental, so I was in tent city.
I lost count of how many teens were having sex out in the tents, and how much beer was being smuggled in. I made sure that I knew where my own two teenage boys were at all times, and checked on them frequently; I pretty much kept them on a short leash.
Back home I made my concerns known to local leadership and was literally laughed at. I was asked to take another family's teenage boy with me the next year. I agreed, with the condition that he be on a "short leash", like my own kids. The parents insisted that their son was mature and refused, sending him with our twig coordinators, who were already "overseeing" another teenage boy. During the ROA he was caught with beer and a naked girl in his tent; a number of other teens were also found to be engaging in drinking, smoking pot and sex in tent city.
Martindale made a big to-do about it. Of course, now that the MOG was upset about it, everybody else was too.
My only ROAs were 1976 through 1979. Aside from a quick but heavy downpour in 76, the weather was pretty good. Were there any ROAs in later years where the weather played havoc?
I can't remember a Rock where weather wasn't a factor. To this day, I can't smell wet canvas without an instant flashback of tent city.
Just getting to Rock was always a trial. I remember my interim Corp year as a WOW in West Virginia when our only transporation, my 74 Pontaic Catalina, died a bitter death. The last month was then a process of finding another car that we could afford, 'cause without one we were in a pickle. We went through three clunkers-you know the ones you could get for $200.00. We settled on a station wagon that we had to nurse along every step to Ohio: thankfully not that far.
I loved the Rocks-getting to see people you hadn't seen for a while-meeting new people-eating WOW burgers-the nightly music-the slimy showers (ok, that wasn't so hot)-the Arts & Crafts. I hated the mud-it just seemed to be everywhere-all the time.
Remember Lionel Ritchie's "Three times a Lady?" One of my memories is a rock where I spent time with my outgoing WOW family, and one of my WOW bro's sang that which he had re-written as "Three times my WOW sister." It was pretty hookie, but at the time it was very sweet and moved us to tears.
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jetc57
For me ROA was also my 'woodstock'. I looked forward to it each and every year, except for the year I got de-railed (married the wrong guy).
For Me ROA was an exciting road trip, and a wonderful adventure. I loved the camping out, the WOW burgers, the fellowship. Hookin back up with folks you met the year before and those you missed from your home town.
The most healing of events for me was sitting on a blanket and listening to the MUSIC. I also loved going to the different places and listening to other talented musicians play their instruments.
I will never forget the 1979 Live Class Dance. I was with 'the love of my life'.
I am wondering, how can 'believers' get togther again in a similar Camping - Music Festival of sorts again? Where would it be? I think if we could somehow organize a big Reunion and have this kind of fun and fellowship again, it might do all our hearts, minds, and bodies a world of good? Without of course all the TWI legalism and emotionalism.
The last ROA I attended I remember VPW starting to talk about 'those in the world' who were threatening Him, and of course Us. Started sounding like Jim Jones to me.
Long Live the Great Memories of the ROA in our hearts Forever!!
Jeannette
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GrouchoMarxJr
jetc57...Not to promote a splinter group, but I think Shroyer's ministry has something like that...it's like twi of old without the legalism...and they meet every year for something similar to the roa...
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jetc57
Excuse my ignorance, but are 'splinter groups' something to be shunned?
If they are fashioning their 'fellowships n teaching' after the great points from what they learned in TWI, but without all the 'BS' , 'Disgraceful Behavior', and are truly ministering to the needs of others, then I would think that could be a wonderful thing?
I don't really know much about these 'splinter' groups. I've looked at a few that were links from Peter Wade's sight. I was thrilled to have found that Peter Wade was still serving God. (I have long admired his genuine Christ-likeness.) He, his wife and family are 'Down to earth' and don't think of themselves 'higher than others'.. I really have grown to love them, and hey, they actually write me wonderful letters., and they've never asked for money.
Anyway, I know some people who are still serving God outside of TWI. Like Houk Hitchcock and George St.G, and Ray Skotak. I'm still lookin for others who are taking a stand and serving God, and doing it outside the 'confines' of TWI.
I never thought of TWI as being Legalistic - although I know now they must of been for some.
It always baffled me how VPW could teach 'God's rightly divided Word' - and not Realize that his 'smoking' would destroy the 'temple'. I thought he was a bad example with that one. If he had been really legalistic, I suppose he would have banned 'smoking'. After all it is toxic poison to the temple of God? I think he wanted to send the message that 'grace is a license to do whatever we want', without any cause n effect. Its a shame his 'freedom' cost him his life in the end.
Anyway, I am to the conclusion in my life now, I need to fellowship with other 'Saints', however I do refuse to return to serve a ministry that has destroyed others lives, is in denial, and continues to 'think more highly of themselves than they ought to'. They look down upon others. The very people whom are running that shell of an organization now are the ones that Should be 'sent packing'.
I serve a loving God, who is no respector of persons. I am craving some quality fellowship of like-minded believers. Splinter group or otherwise, I bet it would be spiritually rewarding?
Thanks for letting me know.
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Ham
I dunno.. offshoots may be more doctrinally "comfortable".. and I have enjoyed talking with/ fellowshipping a LITTLE bit with some folks around here..
But why be comfortable?
I have found "saints", in other very, very unusual circumstances.. doctrinally, does not even closely resemble the old ministry I was involved with.. and the joy is almost undescribable.
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GrouchoMarxJr
quote..."Excuse my ignorance, but are 'splinter groups' something to be shunned?"
jetc57...That depends on the individual. The subject of 'splinter groups' has been discussed extensively on numerous threads. For some, they provide a source of fellowship and bible teachings, an opprotunity to get together with old friends and a legitimate source of spiritual food...
...For others, they represent something less than that..."same cult, different name"...
To each his own.
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Belle
Groucho said it better than I can, but some people really did like TWI and the people and the doctrine. Others are not ready to make the jump from TWI-like worship to typical "church" worship, so an "offshoot" is more comfortable for them. Some just like the people and have a myriad of other reasons why they like continuing along a path similar to TWI.
Others disagree with TWI doctrine, hate all things TWI, have had bad experiences in an "offshoot" or have decided to see "what else is out there" since we were told that there was nothing better "out there" but never got a chance to see for ourselves. And some have gone back to their roots and the religion/belief system that they were brought up in.
To each his own. :) We're all different and have different needs and wants. That's what's so cool about this place....ALL are welcome as long as they treat others with respect and even then some get to stay despite the fact that they stalk and bully others on the board.
If you want to read some of the other threads about the splinter/offshoot groups just do a search on each one of those words and you'll find 'em. The discussions got pretty heated as I recall, but since I never got involved with one and have no desire to, I didn't really follow those threads.
Glad to have you here, BTW. :)
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rascal
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coolchef1248 @adelphia.net
i may be wrong but i think ole vic"s excuse about smoking was
that the temple was spririt not the body
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jetc57
AMEN
I totally agree, as I said "I use to think" that way when I FIRST got into TWI, and I talked to him one on one, His excuse for 'smoking' was Grace and God's divine protection for him. I expressed my dismay and disagreed with him in that his 'smoking' also effected others lives too. See I grew up in a home full of SMOKERS, my sister and I both had asthma, her worse than mine. Now she is battling cancer. Anyway....... I will post MY Story on that in the proper place.,
But, see back then, I was young -- and I had NEVER heard of anyone harming children. I led a pretty sheltered life. I was raised going to the local Baptist Church, had my first "born again experience" There, Then, my Dad decided to become a Jehovah's witness, and that EVERYONE in the house would go that route, OR THEY WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE HOME. I was forced (like most Cult children) to STUDY their Dogma. While I did learn to agree with some similar teachings (the Way has), I was told that if I ever entered a Pagan Church, I would not get to live one day in Perfect Paradise.
I had the better sense after just three years of the BS in the JW organization to know that I did NOT want to be motivated by FEAR and ANGER, as my father was venomous all the time trying to FORCE his opinions and will on others. (One irony for me in TWI, was VPW looked almost just like MY DAD).
It was at a live Advanced Class in Ohio where I got to speak with VPW up on a balcony.
But it wasn't until GREASESPOTS that I learned of those Horrible things he did to others, and how he not only polluted but he (sinned against many). I SEE IT NOW, and I can't help but BELIEVE that if I had of asked him about This other stuff -- He would probably have given me the same Answers.
(All about how we are forgiven for all the things we have done in the past, and WILL do in the future., how by Christ's stripes we are healed, and that his smoking wouldn't kill him, cause God promised.)
Even Then I believed "Grace is no license to Sin".
Anyway, what I said before in no way LIGHTENS the fact VPW used his authority to Consciously and with Malice and forethough -- Harm innocent people who put their Trust in HIM.
I did not have respect for VPW from that 'smoking' discussion, and I sure respect him EVEN LESS after knowing about all the other horrific things he accomplished - in the name of TWI. Still people loved HIM, and looked to HIM rather than God and their own thinking. So many who still remain I'm convinced are Not capable of 'trusting their own Godly wisdom and discernment'.
It wasn't long for me after that Live Class, and so many others I know as well. He grew more and more paranoid of the 'threat others posed to him and TWI'. I now know why. It wasn't any enemy that lurked outside of TWI, but the very Founder and his Thought Life.
Anyway, I know, and I agree -- I didn't mean to make light of any greater evil he got away with ----
He did reap what he sowed...... I'm sure he will be held accountable for it ALL...
For me, I was first a "Baptist", then forced to get involved with the JW cult, so to me TWI was a breath of fresh air, the Freedom I needed. I could learn about the Bible, Serve God, love others, and a Building from Pagandom wouldn't fall on my head. To this day, I have trouble visiting churches, and have had some pretty uncomfortable moments. Like how do you not stand up and protest - when some preacher is saying that Jesus is the Alpha and Omega? It took both my husband and son to keep me from Standing up and Voicing my Opinion..... I might have gone to a Unitarian church but there doesn't seem to be any of those around these parts....
For me, I'm probably one like you describe Belle, someone uncomfortable with the 'Church, Denomination Scene'. TWI was never my FIRST LOVE, tho., it was a stepping stone, a safe place to Grow up. I learned a wonderful trade, met some awesome people who were genuine, and I also learned not to look to Others as my example, but to be an example. I learned that being Human meant many imperfections. I am more accepting of others and myself because of what I learned from the People of TWI.. Oh, and through the years the second main book on my bookshelf is "Life is Tremendous". Still read it whenever I get depressed.
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Belle
To the top
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Lifted Up
ROA 1976-79 represented quite a transition...from Sidney to HQ, from motel to tent on grounds to the corps tent, from Way Chorale Internationale to the C of E choir, from walking around and sitting down to working in the mess tent to mess tent shift coordinator, etc.
At my last ROA I had a run in which is still interesting to me today; someone I knew of but had never talked to personally came up to me and struck up a talk. It wasnt what was said, but the soon to be common experience we had that made this meeting later stick in my mind.
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tomtuttle1
How about the people who really needed to be in an institution somewhere, not at ROA??
They'd be wandering about tent city and 24 hr WOW burger tent, mumbling about all sorts of things. One night while working the WOW burgers, around 2am, a guy wanders in and say's "Hi!!! I'm Dan Dan the Radio man!!!". I ask him what is his real name, so he tells me his real name is Dan, but everyone calls him Dan Dan the Radio Man, because he loves radios. He then goes on for 45 minutes explaining to me the intricacies of the radio and how some girl loves him, which is why he's even there, because she witnessed to him, and she kissed him the first night he went to twig, and he's gonna ask her to marry him, and he's thinking about goin' WOW but he doesn't know what WOW is, and how about a free hamburger since she has his wallet and he hasn't eaten for a day because he's so in love he rarely gets hungry, and do I know one of his friends in his special ed class, and asks what my name is while grabbing my hand and not letting go, and do I know this doctor w person, he must be a huge man because everyone in twig talks about him, where does he live so I can go visit him, and do I think it will be as hot tomorrow because the showers are hot and he sweats while showering, but he did get a peek at some girls in the girls shower when one girl walked in, and do I know where he is from, and where am I from, and do I like twigs, and who are the people with the hats walking aroung, they sure are friendly and helpful, and say, have I taken the PLAF course yet ...
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WhiteDove
Hi Tom
Gee it's been along time hey speaking of radios did you know that I have collected 23,456 radios since I last saw you.
The story of radio began with a Cambridge professor called James Clerk Maxwell. Though he had never seen or experienced radio waves, Maxwell successfully forecast most of the laws that govern their propagation, calculating their speed and noting their resemblance to light waves.
Maxwell showed how radio waves could be reflected, absorbed and focused like the beam from a torch - and could change the very nature of the object on which they were focused.
Hardly anybody believed Maxwell in 1864; however, the theories were later quantified by Oliver Heaviside into two equations, and in 1879, Prof. David Hughes walked up Portland Place with a device that caught the sound of radio waves.
In 1887, German scientist Heinrich Hertz carried out a famous set of experiments that proved Maxwell had been right all along - and in 1894, the British scientist Oliver Lodge succeeded in transmitting wireless signals over 150 yards.
Wireless and radio : when is 'wireless' called 'radio'?
Wireless is the generic term for any transmission that is made without using wires between points, although it frequently is used to describe radio it also covers photophone, induction and broken wire systems.
Radio is the term used first in the USA, derived from radiation - the principle that governs radio waves.
It's a characteristic of all electromagnetic waves that both the electric signal and the magnetic field that accompanies it cycle many times a second. Think of a cork on a pond - as waves pass it, it goes up and down.
The frequency of the wave is simply the number of times per second the cork goes up and down as the peaks and troughs of the wave pass it. Electromagnetic waves cycle a lot faster than this, and are measured in Hertz, where 1Hz is one cycle per second.
The wavelength is the distance between each consecutive peak or trough, so if you multiply the wavelength by the frequency, you get the speed of the wave. A 100Hz wave with a wavelength of 1 metre travels at 100 metres per second.
I don't like that girl anymore by the way, she would not marry me after we kissed and all. I graduated Special Ed with honors since we last met. And can I still have a WOW burger please I get hungry now. I have money now to pay cause I won the lottery. Is 23 million dollars enough to get two burgers? If so I will buy you one.
Love your friend Dan
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moony3424
Just give me the money and get the burgers for you. You don't need change, right?
MoonDove
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topoftheworld
I think we now have a greater appreciation for Bless Patrol.
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J0nny Ling0
Damn Tom Tuttle! Talk about "polysyndeton" (many ands)! But, your narrative clearly showed the picture as it must have been! Too funny, as well as sad...
I remember a guy whom we nick named "Wolf" that was finally apprehended and placed in the Rock Of Ages "Pat Lynn's Twig". I gues "Pat Lynn's Twig" specialized in ROA "weirdo cases". "Big Daddy Bob Darnell" was part of that too. This guy "Wolf" had been walking around the ROA grounds with a kitchen knife, tucked up along his forearm so no one could see it. And then, whenever the "spirit grabbed him", he'd pull the knife out and stick it in some unsuspecting individuals face only inches away, and say "Hi. This is Wolf! And Wolf is hungry!" And then he would cackle and then walk off to do it all over again. When I finally met Wolf, he was already in "Pat Lynn's Twig" at the third aid tent. He was sittng there with a number of people questioning him, and his eyes were moving rhythmically from left to right, and his tongue was doing the same. He was truly crazed, and he really did need to be controlled. Thank God "Wolf" never got fed! Turns out the questioning had to do with "Who brought you here, where are you from, what state, city, twig", etc...
Personally, I am glad "Wolf" was apprehended. Anybody else remember "Wolf"?
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Lifted Up
Yea. I remember the Way Police that showed up in 1979.
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justloafing
No Johnny I don't remember him but it does not surprise me that P@t L*nn was in charge of the short bus.
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johniam
I ran into a guy named "Stretch" one year. He wasn't crazy or scary, just weird in a funny way. Said he was from Philadelphia. I worked in Camping that year and he was just one of those people that likes to give you the 'lowdown' on stuff. He'd be talking away, then pause and say "C'mere" so I'd get maybe 2 feet away from him, then he'd talk some more and pause again and say softer, "C'mere" and so I'd get right next to him and he'd finish up with something "really shocking". Can't remember anything he talked about, but he was interesting. Sort of.
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J0nny Ling0
And then there was one year at the Rock, '85 maybe when I was working "Camping" as usual. I parked, hooked up, and trouble shot problems in the RV camping section. One day, after the Rock was over and people began to head on out and clean up began, I overheard a conversation from the other end of a two way radio. Somebody with a radio was talking to the Camping Headquarters tent over near the showers, and I heard a voice come over and saying; "Yeah, over here in Tent City we found another whorehouse. Yeah, you should see the place! Beer and whiskey bottles and condom wrappers all over the place!" And so, I couldn't resist. I had to go and see it. So, I left my partner over by Wierwille Road, and walked over to where there was a group of Camping "officionados" standing outside of this little pup tent with people taking turns looking in. And so, sure enough, it was as described over the radio. Apparently, whoever was using it for such activities simply walked away from it, leaving the "leavings" as well as a couple of decent sleeping bags and a foam mattress. Glad I didn't have to clean it up. I went back to my RV Camping post. But it was so funny to hera them say it that way as if it were annual occurrance: "Yeah, found another whorehouse..."
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Oakspear
...another whorehouse...
Most of my ROA experiences were pleasant, even in the 90's, but I remember becoming aware in '91 or '92 that tent city was becoming "sin city". Many of the adults were no longer enamored of tent camping and had upgraded to RV's or motel rooms. Quite a number of them allowed their teenagers to pitch tents for the week. I actually liked being "on grounds", so decided to pass up on a hotel, and just couldn't afford an RV rental, so I was in tent city.
I lost count of how many teens were having sex out in the tents, and how much beer was being smuggled in. I made sure that I knew where my own two teenage boys were at all times, and checked on them frequently; I pretty much kept them on a short leash.
Back home I made my concerns known to local leadership and was literally laughed at. I was asked to take another family's teenage boy with me the next year. I agreed, with the condition that he be on a "short leash", like my own kids. The parents insisted that their son was mature and refused, sending him with our twig coordinators, who were already "overseeing" another teenage boy. During the ROA he was caught with beer and a naked girl in his tent; a number of other teens were also found to be engaging in drinking, smoking pot and sex in tent city.
Martindale made a big to-do about it. Of course, now that the MOG was upset about it, everybody else was too.
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Lifted Up
Interesting, Oak.
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Lifted Up
My only ROAs were 1976 through 1979. Aside from a quick but heavy downpour in 76, the weather was pretty good. Were there any ROAs in later years where the weather played havoc?
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topoftheworld
I can't remember a Rock where weather wasn't a factor. To this day, I can't smell wet canvas without an instant flashback of tent city.
Just getting to Rock was always a trial. I remember my interim Corp year as a WOW in West Virginia when our only transporation, my 74 Pontaic Catalina, died a bitter death. The last month was then a process of finding another car that we could afford, 'cause without one we were in a pickle. We went through three clunkers-you know the ones you could get for $200.00. We settled on a station wagon that we had to nurse along every step to Ohio: thankfully not that far.
I loved the Rocks-getting to see people you hadn't seen for a while-meeting new people-eating WOW burgers-the nightly music-the slimy showers (ok, that wasn't so hot)-the Arts & Crafts. I hated the mud-it just seemed to be everywhere-all the time.
Remember Lionel Ritchie's "Three times a Lady?" One of my memories is a rock where I spent time with my outgoing WOW family, and one of my WOW bro's sang that which he had re-written as "Three times my WOW sister." It was pretty hookie, but at the time it was very sweet and moved us to tears.
Yeah, those were the days, my friend.
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