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Jim Jones Jr. (Yes, THAT Jim Jones)

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hillsbororiver:
Thanks for the responses.

What a unique journey this man has had, not only having experienced Jim Jones and the "People's Temple" first hand but to have been adopted by him (at a few weeks old) seeing him first as a benefactor as a loving father, as a leader of a compassionate congregation who helped the poor in their community, then the slow but steady descent into obsession, paranoia, inflated ego, delusional persecution complex, iron fisted control, etc.

The guilt this young man must have carried knowing he sent his pregnant wife back to the camp as he went into the city to play basketball for a few days, ironically basketball had been his escape to normalcy as he watched his father sink deeper and deeper into the abyss of lies, self justification, self glory and actually believing he knew better than what God's Word has revealed. His own "revelations" carried more weight than the scriptures, dangerous waters for anyone and everyone who comes under this delusion.

How about when his own son (at about 3 or 4) first heard the word "Jonestown" on a Waco anniversary TV program and told his father (Jim Jr.) "wow" there is a town named after us? I want to go there!" The child had no idea that the town being spoken of was actually named for his family and even less of an idea the notoriety this name has.

Like you Susan my eyes were wide open as I read this  :o trying to imagine what it could have been like and gaining a lot of empathy for Jim Jones Jr. and his family.

It just underlines the danger of straying from His Word into the darkness of human logic and reasoning.

His Peace and Wisdom to you,

Joe

Samson:
Good morning Joe,

                         Yes, I also read that article about Jim Jones Jr. in Sports illustrated about a week ago, Basketball being my favorite sport and all, its a real blessing to see this individual seem to turn out to be a decent person, considering his heritage and all. His father apparently did a good job with him. Thanks for making this post. Respectfully yours, Samson.

hillsbororiver:
Hi Sampson,

Yes, that is where I first saw it as I was going through the latest issue of SI, I was happy to find it available online so I could share the story. What this man went through (to me) is almost unimaginable, that he kept his sanity and has been a good example to others shows me God has a very unique plan for him (as He does for each and every one of us).

I enjoyed all the sports as a youth and even as an adult, I played baseball, football and basketball in high school and some Industrial League basketball (and softball) when I worked at Stromberg Carlson in Orlando years ago. It was a very fast league chock full of former high school and college players.

In my old neighborhood back in Rochester N.Y. the only thing that kept many of us out of reform school was being active in sports year round, we even played hockey in the winter, it was a great time.

His Peace to you,

Joe
 

Samson:
Hey Joe,

              I hope your favorite professional basketball team isn't the N.Y. Knicks, like me (although they beat the pistons, the other night), because it looks like were in for a long season. Maybe I'll have to wait for baseball season, at least theirs' The Mets.
                                            Have a good one, Samson(Brad)

hillsbororiver:
Hi Brad,

No, thankfully I do not have to suffer along with you Knick fans, it is looking rather hopeless for them. My favorite NBA team is the Orlando Magic, I really enjoy seeing Dwight Howard in action, he is really turning into a complete player.

As far as baseball goes hometown loyalty has me as a Tampa Bay Rays fan, they have been pretty awful so far but as we approach Spring Training there is always hope for a better year, they actually could be a lot more competetive this year, really.  :-\

Take care Brother,

Joe
 

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