Russian Bethel of the Jehovah's Witnesses 

This is a link to the areal fotage of bethel in Solnetjnoje. Its an Nice compound. www.bing.com/maps?osid=d10de006-c238-4ba6-a347-465f0225795a&cp=60.158362~29.927795&lvl=16&style=h&v=2&sV=2&form=S00027

I'm moved by your show of emotion! You're a great storyteller and your stories are very deep and powerful. Keep sharing them Brother Goatlike 😃

"We don't have blood [in our veins], we have Watchtower Ink" ROFL!!!

Outstanding. Your honesty and humility come through to anyone who has a heart. I am seeing you and your channel mentioned widely among the community and rightly so. We are a community of people who are honest of heart but have been ostracized and abused for not conforming to false and misinformed doctrine behaviour and practice That's an easy statement for the org to counter because they have a pool of indoctrinated and fearful followers who have no other source of information or resource to refer to and acknowledge reality without fear of retribution . You put a face to Truth that is unique and inspiring for any honest hearted person. Thank you for that. I would go so far as to say ...and I'm sure others will agree ...that your Humility goes beyond most and that you will inspire beyond boundaries that most could ever achieve. You are a gift in men.

I send you love from USA. Free from WBTS bondage. I find this organization reckless, you were probably too genuine for them. Thank you for you! Subscribed😊

It's horrible that this organization has hurt so many they strain the gnat and swallow the camel I appreciate you sharing your experiences with us

#1; The three pieces of advice from your older uncle are gold; thank you for sharing. #2; NO child dreams of working for no pay for the benefit of people they don't know nor ever will know. With the one exception of tremendous brainwashing and indoctrination from the time of a very young child. I feel such sorrow for your missed childhood. #3; You are a "bethel crasher." I'm so proud of you and your cleverness to get "in." #4; Phrases I think are great from this video: "Bully others before they bully you." "It's all about appearance." "Bottles every day, but trash once a month." "This is a place with no love." "Why are you buying chocolate (that's not healthy)?" These could be the beginnings of many, many MEMES. #5; There are many things by which I measure what a "real" man is. No brown nosing here, sir, but you tick ALL the boxes. Not because you don't cry, but rather the reasons why you do. #6: My lovely brother, NONE of the that was your fault. I think you believe that, but I'm not sure if you FEEL that. NONE of that was YOUR fault. #7; Pavlov's sheep waiting for their meal, didn't know which way to pass after the bell. (Do you think he shunned them all after that? LOL ) #8; Would have loved an English translation for your amazing song (Dude, you can REALLY sing well.) 😊

Jonas, you share a name with my dad, so I already feel a connection just for that fact🙂 I love how passionate you are about injustice. I’ve recently left Jehovah’s Witnesses and the damage they caused in my life is insurmountable. Your videos have given me reason to keep moving forward. I love that you are happy in most of your videos, but I also love that you let your emotions show in this video.

You are a very good person. I appreciate all that you bring to the table. You are very sympathetic to others issues. Keep doing what you are doing

You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it. Remember everything you have faced, all the battles you have won, and all the fears you have overcome.hope is the only thing stronger than fear. You continue to amaze me! I love you brother!

A very touching story about your time in the Russian Bethel, and how things got weird for you. Sending warm hugs for the treatment of those young sisters who were only doing their menial job. I would have gotten mad, crashed the cart clanking those bottles, then walked out!

Im so sorry that they hurt you like that. I can relate completely. They hurt me like that too. The lack of love was what woke me up. It was soul killing. The pain of other JW's hurt worse than my own pain. I read a book by a wildlife biologist who did a very in depth study of mule deer. He witnessed their struggle to survive up close & personal. He said that you could see the pain, hurt & betrayal in their eyes. My eyes had that same look & I was baffled that no one saw it, or cared. Not even my family. I HAD to leave! Humm...funny, it was my fault, just as you say... Thank you for taking the time to make your videos.

You have such a good heart.I am so sorry to hear what you went through. But when ever the Watchtower is involved fear,guilt, depression and death will occur. Thanks for your video exjw’s need your optimism. 🙂

I was deeply moved by this account, Jonas. You are a star :) So glad you escaped.

I love that "Never ask permission."

That was a very nice but sad story about the abuses that this organization does to the youngsters! I cried watching it, but loved the song even when I didn’t understand it! Thank you for your videos, I know it will help many!

The Insight Volume says this about Bethel: "...Bethel, once prominent as a place of revelation by the true God, now became renowned as a center of false worship....Bethel became a symbol of rank apostasy from true worship.." How appropriate for the org to use the name Bethel!

Thank you for your story, what a loving person you are! I hope life treats you well from now on, much love to you.

I love listening to your videos. It is so sad that people get treated so badly. It makes me want to vomit that these people are so heartless. This happens in a lot of institutions. Not only in JW. I feel it is better to avoid all institutions and just follow your heart

You have a lot of heart...and a lot of passion. Your account was entertaining and moving. I dont have interesting or dramatic experiences, but I can relate to "feeling like shit". This was especially true when I became a mother and was struggling with babies and small children at meetings, assemblies and conventions. I would come away feeling not refreshed, but an utter failure. It was then I recognized for the first time the lack of love in the organisation.

"Somethings wrong with this organisation but it's probably me?" Very profound words! This is how all us Apostates felt for a long time, The real truth is that WT was and still is the problem, Very powerful and interesting video that will help those ones who are waking up,

"He would deny everything and I had no second Witness! ... This is powerful shit." 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

My mother was Russian! And she had the heart of a lion in standing by her kids when we 'floated away' from JW's at some point of our lives. She never completely shunned me when my dad (100% agnostic) passed away. She allowed me to live with her until her last breath May 19, 2016.

I loved the song!!! I couldn’t understand it but enjoyed hearing and watching you play! It was hard to see the pain that experience caused you but at least you can now do something positive with it. Thank you for sharing!

HELLO THERE GOAT ! I'm proud of you! Love from the USA!

"We have to hide our wrongdoing and bad behaviour from the eyes of men so we don't bring reproach on Jehovahs name". But it isn't hidden from God's eyes. "God is not one to be mocked"...who do they think they are kidding?

Nice Video, you put everything into this one! They say us Ex-JWs have no heart, however you demonstrated your care by mentioning the Russian Sisters.

Thank you for saying the truth. The testimony was so sad it at put tears in my eyes, traumatize me to know about this. So sad to hear about our Brothers and sisters, suffering in silence.

Wow! I can see the emotion in your face when talking about the Russians. It is indeed wrong to make fun of depression. It hit me like a ton of bricks when you said "They sent him home so he could kill himself in his own congregation."

I am crying like a baby. Their goal is to hurt people. What a selfish organization. They just wanted control. It’s so crazy, once you’re out and you start to look back and reflect on your experiences you realize just how wonky the organization really is. You have to stop and ask yourself what was I thinking. Why didn’t I just walk away For some reason we’re so brainwashed we stay. I’m so happy to be free of this cult. You have a strong voice. I couldn’t understand a word but I like the sound of it.

Loved your heartfelt expressions and honesty. These are emotions sadly lacking in the JW Corp.

You are awesome :) Just keep doing what your doing and don't let anyone get in your way. Love the song.

😨😰😔🤗🤗🤗 you are a good person. You are still spreading joy

I grew up a JW in the U.S. and was active for many years. I left the organization due to a lack of love. Although I am out now, I just recently discovered the Ex JW community on you tube. I cried with you watching this video. Thank you for sharing your honest experiences with us all. They are a helpful and enlightening.

I have said this more than once, watchtower threw away and is continuing to throw away their most talented and big hearted people they have. You are among them. Shame on this wicked organization and it’s disgusting leaders.

Thank you for your story, it moved me so much. What a lovely person you are. I'm so sorry for your experience as a young man. I'm 49 and have just realised I'm I've been in a cult. Please keep your videos coming and I wish you well for a happy future

So happy you had the insight to know something was wrong and your here sharing your story to uplift people like me who also wanted to end my life after being disfellowshiped. Keeping spreading joy. I loved your song.

thank you so much for sharing so frankly, what a genuine person you are. Glad you didn´t edit out your tears ...... Sending much love from a fellow ex jw German , never been on a Bethel build but KH quick builds many in the 90s while pioneering. Hi from Jakarta.

I can't stop listening to you! Thank you for what you're doing, please continue!

I also heard stories of Bethelites committing suicide. I was in total shock by the end of your story. It’s both heartbreaking and infuriating to hear about this brother who was sent home. I’m glad you are still with us, I really am. I have a JW friend who is constantly fighting suicidal thoughts. In one of our conversations I told him “Don’t you dare kill yourself! If you do, I’ll resurrect you just to beat the crap outta you!” It seemed to work, LOL!

Wonderful! I so remember that time! I was not in the Russian Bethel, but I know everyone went there as if it was a Mecca or something and I was in the St. Petersburg convention and the JWs were so racist and they would not touch Russian food, because it was contaminated. I ate it and it was good and tasty and never got anything from it. I was also a convert, so I can relate to all of this finding out that it was not a spiritual paradise. More like spiritual hell.

Wow! ,, "please don't laugh, this is Bethel", "Help me, something's wrong"!

One day I hope to be able to meet you. May you and your beautiful goats have a wonderful and safe weekend. Take care of yourself.

Let me show you the song of my people, Hahaha! Best part. Great video and stories. Wishes that you get everything you need from life.

Thank you so much for sharing this. I love all your videos :-)

We have just started our own RU-vid channel - Paul & Joy Quilter - so that we can add our voices to the global “apostate” effort.

I am so deeply moved by your honesty and expression of emotion, something that watch tower does not approve apparently being human, showing concern and express feelings is " lack of self control" and brings reproach to their god. You are amazing, great video and what a decent human being you are.

Such a powerful, touching video. Thanx for sharing this with us.

First time viewer! What a handsome, caring, & compassionate individual you are! Brought me to tears 😢. However, despite all the $#*% you endured, as we all did, you still sing! 🎶. ( been out 1 whole year now!). Loved the song, you sing well. Will definitely subscribe. Thank you for just being YOU! 🇨🇦

Wow. Amazing story. Thank you so very much for sharing what is obviously so painful for you.

You are a beautiful Soul and I love your laugh!!!

Thank you for this ❤️ I feel very saddened thinking of all of the people still in who are so very unhappy. I wish I could help them all.

GP you are one of a kind! Amazing personality that is so kind and yet so strong. Thanks for revealing the real truth in your neck of the woods, a bit different in Canada where I live, but the watchtower lies are the same! Never lose your funny sense of humour. Cheers!

Wow, you are such a gifted story teller! (and muscician) Thank you for sharing! Love from Canada!

I grew up in South Dakota, USA, got married, had babies, got depressed, became a JW, which, after initial ecstasy, led to more depression. My brain was starving! Since I left--some 20 years ago--I've traveled, studied languages--including Russian--and joined a band that plays at nursing homes. I feel appreciated, and I'm now content.

Beautiful voice and song. I just kept listening to your song over and over again.

So talented. you were to good for them. So glad you escaped. Stay strong. Derek

I don't understand the words but I like the rhythm, it's nice. You have a great voice. Stay bless.

Oh Dear Brother,. Your heart is so pure and humble I am so happy that you survived that place. I have heard many bethel stories but your story made me see so clearly that the w.t is in fact a cult. I can't believe that they made you leave for trying to be happy. I am so grateful that they did not destroy your joyful spirit, at least not permanently.. Keep laughing Brother your Joy is infectious! I Love watching your videos and when you laugh I can't help but laugh too 😄😄

You are a very cool human being. I really appreciate how you did not let your ego get in the way of exposing yourself to all of us in a very deep emotional way. I was not planning on watching the whole 40 minutes but your story was so gripping I could not turn it off. Thank you. The type of highly charged and tense environment you were in which was also married with the superficial appearance that everything is actually calm and not tense at all would be emotionally very draining I'm sure. This is why a drinking culture seems to be in vogue with many bethelites and of course, we know now even with the governing body themselves. This is like being on a train going full speed down a steep grade but the brakes are being applied! It's not long before all the passengers inside start to feel very tense, reactive and fearful as the terrible sound of metal screeching, sparks flying, rumbling vibration is evident but meanwhile, there is soft relaxing music playing over the speakers. But you were so right in your one sentence summation..."There is no love". This is so true. The love is simply gone from the organization on every level top to bottom. It might have all been an illusion that there ever was real love from the beginning. Best wishes to you. You have an exceptional singing voice by the way! Wow!!

Stumbled across your channel looking at other former JW videos. I wish you the best in life and your endeavors. You have an extremely candid, honest and well-meaning personality that shows a REAL heart. 👏👍💪

About placing literature. I did never place that much literature in St. Petersburg area, they were like "I would not read it". I did not look like mafia, though. However, up in the same oblast and before Bethel, I placed many tracts and people just tore the crapts out of my hand. Then I went to Vyborg and there were beggars selling the tracts I had just placed, making cross signs and saying, I am a Christian, spare some change.

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Listening to the different ones from other countries helps me see the borg treats, or rather mistreats, everyone pretty much the same at the various bethel branches. Unfortunately. You have such a kind, humble and friendly manner about you. I’ve watched your videos for quite a while, but being pimo I haven’t really commented much. Sending greetings and agape from the USA.

You are AWESOME. I love your humor. I too was born into the org and all your stories make me laugh and cringe simultaneously. Your stories are sad but true! The realness of your stories come through so clearly. I wish I could meet you. I appreciate your information. Keep it coming.

I enjoyed this video Goatie, even as I cried with you 35:00 I too try to spread joy and find humor to ease the pain. I was very touched by your story of the Reverse Tower of Babel and the Russian sisters. How typical for that abusive bunch to put the blame on them for clinking bottles. You are correct, the man who cleaned his brother was a true Christian. You bring a spirit of love and a smile to many, many people. Please know that you are a powerful force of kindness to us who know sadness. 😻

OK, I'm commenting as I go along. It's heartbreaking to hear you lived in your car while pioneering. I've had friends suffering with homelessness - always really done the best I could to help (though never enough). Really. We worked it out the best we could. It's never been enough but very important that we all try and contribute. You'll know that so many little things about providing baths, laundry facilities, an electricity charge-up for phones, etc, are so important and helpful. Unconditional help. If you're pioneering in a congregation then you had the absolute right to be supported in order to live with dignity and quality of life. I may have further comments as you speak but...dammit...there could be NO way you would be left alone without the basics.

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! This was very eye-opening 😱

Thank you for sharing your unique experience.

You have such a great delivery of your message, Very enjoyable. All new insight about Russia and your experience. I do so hope you are happy now.

I'm glad to hear a little about your backstory. :)

Nostrovia!------for your articulate, sincere presentation

I am sorry but, this whole table arrangement with the elder directing traffic was about control. I am so over this it’s unreal. I really appreciate listening to you today. I needed this. TY.🌎

Love the music and singing!!

Bravo! Loved your song!! (I already commented but had to add that. You might want to do more music videos!)

Jonas, thank you so much for this video. It helps me understand a lot about what happened while I was in Greece at the Bethel home construction. I was married at the time. He was a very abusive man. So being at the Bethel construction and the abuses that came with that and from my husband it lead me to a nervous breakdown. He had been at Bethel - Watchtower Farms before we were married. We first went to Argentina for a year, and that was hard but no where near as bad as it was in Greece. We were in Greece for 2 years. There were many from Germany, England, and a few other countries in Europe and Scandinavia with just a handful of Americans. Many of the things you mentioned here happened there and I remember feeling as if I let Jehovah and his organization down. Also 2 brothers died there. One brother from England in a car accident and the other was a young German brother who fell through a whole in the floor on the site. It was so terrible. Your video helped me have a better understanding of some of the things that happened there that I never understood while I was there. Thank you so much for sharing.

Your Videos make me chuckle :)

This video is legendary! I'm not sure I can believe your story about eating beetles but the rest of it is very believable unfortunately. Great song! Hälsningar från Finland. Tack så mycket.

I think you are the best guy I have never met!! Greetings from the sunny Italy!!

I wondered if you'd been in Finland. That's where all my relatives live. My father's side are mostly JW. One that left, was shunned, and subsequently drank himself to death :( You are a really great person. Thanks for sharing your stories xx greetings from a fellow Nord in Australia

I always love hearing about the dxperiences of those that served in full time service. I myself served as a regular pioneer, construction worker building Kingdom halls all over in Southern Africa and of vourss Special Pioneering whilst being an Elder. Your uncle sounded just like my mum who gave the advice to adjust to "low expectations" because witnesses and "worldly people" are both as imperfect as each other, the only difference is that the witnesses had the Kingdom hope (?).....and such like advice. Very intetesting observations though....thanks for sharing!

Du måste sjunga mer :) Really good performance. I laughed and cried. Being from Norway I understand Swedish

Ooh, just started on this video and I'm finding it heartbreaking. I wanted to serve at HQs etc but there was no place for someone as sick and disabled as myself (thinking of your wife). It would all have been so different had we had access to the Elders' Handbook. Such a lack of care. I was learning about 'da troof' while living and working in Sweden/Norway/Finland so I REALLY appreciate your insights. Thank you - it helps so much.

Beloved! Loved your music. Would be great to have it to look forward to.

dear brother , i left in 1972 but have never lost my faith in jehovah or his son christ jesus.

Jonas, thank you for sharing your stories. Thank you for being kind. Don't change 👍

Love your personality... better laugh then cry. Your videos are awesome

I am an X JW . I really enjoyed your Bethel stories, and you are a true brother of Love, ALL THAT IS. When I was an active JW, I knew something was not right. I always loved the brothers and sisters. Most were sincere seekers of truth. You are certainly one of them 💓 I visualize the time when all sincere JWs and X -JWs gladly say their “farewells” to this misguided organization as its walls go tumbling down with the rest of the world’s religions. I can visualize the sincere ones reuniting in the name of LOVE, at all of the abandoned kingdom halls, renaming them “The Gathering Place”where they are Free from fear, free to share, and free to laugh.

Fantastic video. You are a very good man Jonas. My baseline is also jovial and I can so relate. Great closing song ... oh those Russians.

This video was really insightful, realistic and very sad. I too was a happy cheerful person believing that Jehovah was best served by facing life with good humour, honesty and true Christian love. All I ever got was being gossiped about because I also was “ easy on the eyes”as the saying goes. Found out that the sisters in my hall hated me for all of what I was. Thought I wasn’t good enough, so I tried harder. Then it slowly dawned on me “there’s something wrong about this religion and these people”. I now believe without a doubt that it’s not simply human imperfections that’s to blame... that’s how the Watchtower excuses vile and unchristian behaviour. I now view most of the JWs I knew as the vilest people I’ve ever known. Only a tiny minority were decent but these too stick to the org’s tyranny. If you are a caring, sensitive and honest hearted person you are going to suffer in that cult. In fact those very qualities will drive you out because you can’t take the abuse any longer. Your story is very moving and you are a powerful testament to the saying: ”When you’re going through hell, kept going!” I left decades ago, but the sense of righteous anger against this poisonous atrocity of a cult has never dimmed. Watching this video had me choked up. I share your grief because I was, like you, too good for my own good. It was all wasted and offered to swine. So glad I walked away from it, went to collage and had a career. Thanks for all you do. Your raw honest humanity is a gift! And BTW... powerful singing voice! 😮👍

Love you thank you for you help! God bless you! Hope you can find the truth that really sets us free

Sending love from Tanzania, thanks for sharing your story it keeps the movement strong

I'm an expat living in Finland. I was born and raised as a JW, but I luckily never got baptized. I can totally see why that place was a bit of a cultural powderkeg. Finns really don't like Russians, either, also because of historical reasons, same as with the Swedes, I guess. But about the alcohol, it's a bit of an universal problem, my dad, an ex elder, had and still has massive drinking problems. It's how people cope, because they aren't really allowed any other outlet or professional help. I had to carry away the bottles to the collection spot in our family, and it was several ikea bags full of wine and beer bottles *every week*. I once neglected to clear the empties, and my dad called me a lazy sack of ****. This really damaged me, to this day I am an overachiever at work and burnout is a real risk for me, because I need to constantly prove to myself that I am not what I was called by my dad. He was an elder for a couple of years, until his issues probably caught up with him. I wouldn't know, because I escaped the cult and anything about it as soon I could. It was so easy to emigrate from my homecountry, because I had nothing to lose.

Uncle Goatlike’s Bethel Advice: 1. Never ask for permission because you might get a note. 2. Learn to work the system to your benefit. 3. Never *EVER* trust Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.

I'm so happy you're free! Me too. You break my heart ❤. I'm tenderhearted as well.

Goatlike Personality your personality is beautiful to see your emotions , your tears talking about the misstreatment of the russians by the so called ''gods organisation'' makes me truly see that you are a good person! keep doing what your doing many benefit from this videos that talk about the JW organisation.

Hi I came back, I forgot to sub, there are not many men like you , I’ll be watching, thank you for the honesty , very appreciated

Ukulele playing and singing. I LOVED THIS VIDEO. thanks for sharing.

Goats, humor, drama and now beautiful singing. You are full of surprises.

We (me and my wife) where there for almost all of our life. Good for You, that You are out alredy. We wish You the best! (Sorry for my english, I'm from Poland)

I hope your baby goat is well.