OpenTube

Former JW Elder: 'You MUST take back your life'

stoptheshunning

21,445 views

Jachin was one of Jehovah's Witnesses for almost 50 years. He served in several high-ranking positions, including as an elder, and also a Bethelite, a laborer at the Organization's headquarters. Despite doing everything in his power to "set the example" for his congregation and stay strong for his family, Jachin became more disillusioned with the Jehovah's Witnesses with each passing year, until 2026, when any semblance of belief he may have had in his upbringing officially unraveled.

Jachin's YouTube: @takebackcontrolfreak

BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE: Coping with Toxic Family Dynamics, Estrangement, and Rebuilding Your Life (My Self-Help Book): https://bethanyleger.com/

Join this channel to support my work: @stoptheshunning

#jworg #jehovahswitnesses #exjw #exjwsupport

20 Comments

@ROHM53 2 weeks ago

I had never, NEVER even seen any so-called "apostate" videos or allowed myself to read anything negative leaning about the JW cult. But it was THEM who drove me out. Their regular flip-flopping, their questionable, mercurial "new light," their, mostly, unloving, harsh and unempatheic elder bodies, their cloaked racism, and outright lies and hypocrisy.
Well, they can try and blame their major issues on third parties all they wish. But they, themselves are doing a dandy, bang up job of pushing earnest people out and away.

@keepingitsimple6940 1 day ago

I just had this conversation with my jw husband about the fall of Jerusalem, & 607. Omg he is so blind! He says don't believe everything history etc says. The org has it right. I was in tears. So frustrating!!!

@seangregorian834 2 weeks ago

I just discovered this guy when he and his wife started their videos recently. It's nice to see him be able to tell his story on a well-known good channel like Stop the Shunning.

@alishaschafer3069 2 weeks ago

Wow!!!!! Bethany this is truly one of your BEST interviews ever!!!! Thank you so much to you and Jachin for taking the time. Reunited with your mom Jachin after 30 years! I sat crying just imagining the surge of emotions, the deep embrace that you and your mother must have shared, and all the catching up you will do! Truly warms my heart. Also, I screamed when you learned that your son was awake!!!! Reminded me of my youngest son when we woke up. He told us he always knew “it was all fake,” when we sat him down! 😂Mind you this was a child born in as well. Funny how you just never know what anyone is truly thinking, feeling. The ones you expect to fall into step and wake up with you, are often the very ones who do just the opposite, like our daughter who is still in 11 yrs later. So happy that you were able to leave with your family intact! This video made my day! Blessings to you and your family Jachin! Much love to you and Jon Bethany! ❤

@LAWoman323213 11 days ago

Jachin and I are probably the same age. I’ve been out for 32 years. What those elders didn’t realize when they disfellowshippedme is that they saved my life

@philippalincoln2262 10 days ago

For my own mental well being I have to accept my parents and brother will never leave, but it’s been SO uplifting to hear your experiences. Thank you Bethany, I am so grateful to you for bringing stories of humanity and hope x

@jimmyriddles5555 2 weeks ago (edited)

LOVE THIS👍👍👍👍👋👋👋❤❤❤
I am so so glad this man escaped with his family intact, this is beautiful. Another nail in the watchtower coffin.

@dpeon242 2 weeks ago

Great interview. He is very fortunate his children woke up/left.

@pearlytiger564 1 day ago

Just came from one of Jachin’s most recent videos. Great interview Beth!

@SusanGoforth-c2h 2 weeks ago

I've been watching him and his wife! I'm so glad you guys are talking!

@matthewpillars3016 13 days ago

Omg his mom and siblings have me in tears at work. They showed what love really is

@thatoddballoverthere 2 weeks ago

YES! The collab Ive wanted!

@timjohnson511 11 days ago

Wow! What I really enjoyed in this interview, was his son’s reaction when he told him about what they’ve found and why they were leaving. I honestly believe many, many people stay in because of the reason HE gave as to why he was doing all of this: “I like the people”

@Kandiqueen5 2 weeks ago

Keep an open mind is what witnesses need to learn

@heatherwillson4862 2 weeks ago (edited)

Jachin, the story of your family is SO beautiful! As I have been saying for 25 yrs, being a JW, especially an elder, is a true test of a persons character. If a person can see all that & not be disturbed, there is something wrong with them. I mean that in the kindest way, for victims of this org. There is no way of explaining it away for the others. When I was driven out, I knew something was VERY wrong. I went looking for it. I can promise you that the answer as to how & why this org has gone so wrong is not as simple as it looks on the surface. Its not imperfections of man. There is REASON behind it. Why else has it gone on so long? Why else are they so stubborn about cleaning it up? Why are they driving away good people?

Your family will be blessed by your escape. Enjoy!

@AlishaNguyen1023 2 weeks ago

I love the way this family has wasted no time!

@m1ndphaser 2 weeks ago

getting married quickly is how most end up. just because of what he said, that you cannot interact otherwise. it's the only way to deal with the situation and maintain status. but overall, you end up going from living with mom and dad to married, wife, kids, bills, and also the never ending organizational requirements on top of that. there is zero time to rest at all or spend time looking stuff up, reading, audiobooks. I'll say it again and again, if a JW is watching, take this to heart.