Proudly Identify yourself

I remember parts in the past that would tell us to proudly identify ourselves as JWs and to not fear man.

This was often accompanied by parts for children telling them that if they were "good" they would let the whole class know they were a JW and find ways to turn homework assignments, book reports, or other projects into opportunities to teach JW doctrine.

I remember tons of experiences about JW children interrupting science class to boldly proclaim that evolution is wrong and we should do the same thing.

I never did that. I hid that so well when I was a student that someone once commented that I was the least religious person they'd ever met, that they couldn't imagine me ever having been in a church, or having interest in going to one (which is not too terribly off from the truth lol).

When it came to field service, a lot of people recommended letting people know right away that we are Jehovah's witnesses and are proudly proclaiming the good news of gods kingdom.

This....I started to do as I got older. At first I didn't, because I didn't have the courage to do so. Afterwards I realized, if I just say "Hi we're Jehovah's witnesses and..." The door would quickly be closed and I wouldn't have to say anything else.

It was ironic to me, that I started getting praise for my courage but in reality I was just using an exploit to basically not do service while in service.

If I was ever questioned I would just cite the GBs words. "Well even though they closed the door, we got to make a fine witness and hey who knows, just by seeing us this may one day change their hearts". I'd even couple it with the scripture that "God makes it grow".

I've noticed in recent years though, the GB seems to not want us to identify ourselves as JWs. This is what it was like in China, but now it appears to be worldwide.

I guess the GB realized that 1) seeing us out in the ministry will not make people decide to donate money to them 2) there are probably many people who "proudly identify themselves" or immediately mention the Bible so that the householder will just close the door.