WATCHTOWER
BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF NEW YORK, INC::.
25 COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11201-2483, U.SA

PHONE (718) 625-3600

SDL:SSI July 1, 1999

BODY OF ELDERS
MCALESTER CONGREGATION OF
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, OK
C/0 WENDELL G MARLEY
3150 COUNTRY AIRE EST
MCALESTER OK 74501-8121

We are in receipt of the report from your circuit overseer following his visit with your
congregation. Obviously, a fine week of spiritual activity was mutually shared. (Romans 1: 11,
12) As encouraged by Brother Smith, we trust that you brothers, by means of word and example,
will prayerfully work hard to spiritually assist some who have apparently developed the
"custom" of missing congregation meetings. (Hebrews 10:25) Each Congregation Book Study
conductor should especially strive to help those in his group who have a weakness in this regard.
It was encouraging to learn that 10 auxiliary pioneered since the last circuit overseer's visit and
that many of the younger ones in your congregation are displaying fine zeal for pure worship.
On the back of the S-303 form, the circuit overseer asks in your behalf as to whether it is
always necessary for an appeal committee to rehear all of the evidence previously presented to
the original judicial committee. On page 125 of the Kingdom Ministry School textbook, the
comment is made: "It may be necessary to rehear ail the evidence relevant to the case." The
implication is that such is not always necessary. According to page 126 of the Kingdom
Ministry School textbook, the basic responsibility of the appeal connnittee is to determine if
"there was a Scriptural basis for the original action taken and whether the individual was
repentant at the time of the hearing by the original judicial committee." The appeal connnittee
should rehear enough of the case in order to make a definite determination regarding these two
areas of concern.
In a supplementary letter dated June 20, 1999, the circuit overseer provides information
concerning Ronald Lawrence who was recently disfellowshipped for child molestation. The
elders remember several other young people who spent considerable time at the Lawrence home
at the approximate time that it has been established that Ronald Lawrence molested tlrree young
persons. These individuals are no longer associated with Jehovah's people, with some simply
having drifted away and others having adopted immoral lifestyles. The elders wonder if they
should pursue and question these individuals to ascertain if they were also victims of Mr.
Lav,Tence. In view of all the circumstances involved, and especially since the elders have no
substantiation that any of these persons were in fact molested by Mr. Lawrence, it does not seem
that it would be the course of wisdom for t.h.eelders to take the initiative to approach these
possible victims concerning this matter.

 MCALESTER CONGREGATION, OK
JULY l, 1999
PAGE2

Our desire is that these comments will prove helpful. \Vith this Jetter, we send warm
Christian love and best wishes and pray for Jehovah's rich blessings to be with you dear brothers
as you enthusiastically lead, tenderly feed, and courageous protect the flock of God entrusted
into your care.-1 Peter 5 :2, 3.

Your broth.ers,

cc:

Craig Smith, OK-6