Rowland C. Croucher wrote:

> > Hello Rowland.  My name is Jim and I'm a pastor.  I have a friend whose
> > mother is a Jehovah's Witness.  She is heading for possible surgery
> > within the next month and (being the "good" JW she is) has said, "NO
> > BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS!!"
> >
> > My friend isn't a JW, but he's not a Christian yet either (I think he's
> > close).  He is in a real dilemma with his mom - WHAT DOES HE SAY TO
> > HER??? Obviously, he can't really discuss/debate the Bible or theology
> > with her.
> >
> > >From what I know of this cult, the only things I've been able to suggest to him so far are to:
> >
> > a)  See if she can donate her own blood for this operation (which I
> > think is still against JW rules).
> >
> > b) Be honest and up front with her and say something like, "Look, I
> > don't just disagree with what you believe about this, I think it's
> > wrong.  If the dr comes to me and says you need this in order to live,
> > then I can't just stand by and do nothing and let you die. You're my
> > mother, and I love you and if this will save your life, then you'll just
> > have to go ahead and be mad at me.......Of course, the REASON YOU'LL BE
> > ABLE TO GET MAD AT ME IS BECAUSE YOU'LL BE ALIVE!!
> >
> >      (Okay.......maybe I won't suggest that last line to him.)
> >
> > I've written some ministries that deal with this sort of thing, but I'd
> > like to hear your input on it.  Any ideas you can give me on this will
> > be appreciated.  Thanks.
> >
> > Pastor Jim

One response I got by email:

Jim, it is very possible that the lady won't need blood.  It is very
rare to need it now when preparations are made in advance.  However, she
does need educating if the necessity does arise.

Go to the web page

http://www.visiworld.com/starter/newlight/index.htm

and print off the pages - a few copies of them.

This is put out by members of the Jehovah;'s Witnesses Hospital Liasion
Committee who are desparately trying to change the WTS's doctrines on
this. Meanwhile, they are educating their own people to make their own
decisions ..... I think when the rubber hits the road she may change her
mind if the right info is given her.  There is also good info there for
the medicos handling her case.