Daughter wants to leave for FTTA

[aron]

Originally Posted by ZNPaaneah

If this was my daughter I would tell her that I was very much encouraged by her burden to "be a doer of the word and not a hearer only" and that I would look forward to any fellowship she has while at the FTTA. I want to hear about all the things she is doing and how she is no longer just a hearer of the word like so many others.

Ex-member here. I strongly agree with ZNP. Stay connected, stay positive, don't express alarm/dismay. A 23-year old is free to choose whatever. (and 23 year-olds have done lots of dumb things. You have to let them. That is the 'growing up' process).

Then, when you are having 'positive' fellowship, (remember, they want to recruit others inc. family), you have the option to plant seeds. Maybe the daughter brushed them off, but she won't forever. Just keep planting thought-seeds. It is a thought-suppression system. Members survive by repeating mantras from the publisher. You break the cycle by putting in questions from outside, which the mantra-system can't overcome.

Example: Hey, why is this group only run by men, when Watchman Nee got all his training from women? What gives, here? Let her think about it...point out the dozen or so women Nee drew on heavily; where are their counterparts today? If women can't teach, why did Miss Barber teach Nee? In the LSM, you have: A) women can't teach; and B) women taught Nee. They try not to think about this stuff. Your questions make her think about it.

It seems like a small thing, but it's not. It's an opportunity for her to think logically, rationally, critically. We're designed to do this, and happiest when we can. The "absence of choice" and "surrender" paradigm lures many, but it's temporary. She'll escape its pull, eventually, and be better for the experience.

Just stay positive, pray constantly, stay connected to God and your daughter, and plant seeds. God will water them and they'll grow. You see, God made us to think. She's comfortable now in a thought-suppression system (it has its comforts), but eventually God will prompt her and she'll think. She'll begin to question. It's only a matter of time. Your words will sprout and grow.

Look at ZNP's question on care for the widows and orphans. Very telling. This is a notably non-Christian group in its deeds; it has some theology on love, but no action corresponding to the words. Just keep pointing out this kind of disparity, gently and politely, even as you affirm the common faith. (Don't burn the bridges!!) She'll come back. It's only a matter of time. Stay positive. Praise and bless the Lord. She's seeking him, and will keep seeking, even through this. Just keep seeking after God yourself, and go before. She'll follow eventually.

Lastly, the more you know about this group the better. The more you have knowledge and awareness of what subtle and hidden forces lie behind it, and the more you stay resolutely positive and hopeful, your speaking to her will have great power. God will use you to help her and (perhaps) many more. God will use this experience for blessing. God is good, and powerful, and wise.