IMPORTANT: EVERYONE READ.

[toj.cc]WildBillKickoff

[toj.cc]WildBillKickoff

New Member
Job 33:32-33 said:
If you have anything to say, answer me; speak up, for I want you to be cleared. But if not, then listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom.
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Satan wants this guild because it is making an impact. We have to band together under Christ if we are to survive during this transition period.

During the past two weeks, I have had my mouse over the "submit" button to post my resignation as guild leader on three separate occasions. I couldn't bring myself to do it because even though it has become more and more trying each day to effectively lead this guild, though it is becoming painful to see my friends turn on each other like a pack of dogs, and though each day I log on to see that 4-5 people have been waiting for me to complain about how one or more of you has acted, I am trying to persevere because it is obvious we are doing some good or else we would be attacked so ferociously by the Enemy.

I darn near broke down in tears when I heard about Rubber Ducky using our guild as a tool to tell one of his friends about Christ, and that person then accepting Christ and joining our guild. THAT IS WHY WE ARE HERE. THAT IS WHY I AM STILL HERE. Compared to that, I don't give a flying flip about farming, PvP builds, what the rules are for the cape contest, what one of our allies said to you about the way you play, or what you said back.

So, from here on out, I want EVERYONE to refocus on Christ and how He would handle situations. Jesus would not care about how a contest is run, or what role He is asked to play in PvP. He would care about how many people are hearing about Him as a result of our efforts, and what kind of environment we provide for the nurturing and growth of believers. We have done a lousy job in both of those areas lately. That has to change.

I say this as your brother: if this post rubs you the wrong way, chances are you need to change your outlook on what is important in life. If the majority think I am wrong, then maybe hitting that submit button I mentioned earlier wasn't such a bad idea.
 
[toj.cc]WildBillKickoff said:
Satan wants this guild because it is making an impact. We have to band together under Christ if we are to survive during this transition period.

During the past two weeks, I have had my mouse over the "submit" button to post my resignation as guild leader on three separate occasions. I couldn't bring myself to do it because even though it has become more and more trying each day to effectively lead this guild, though it is becoming painful to see my friends turn on each other like a pack of dogs, and though each day I log on to see that 4-5 people have been waiting for me to complain about how one or more of you has acted, I am trying to persevere because it is obvious we are doing some good or else we would be attacked so ferociously by the Enemy.

I darn near broke down in tears when I heard about Rubber Ducky using our guild as a tool to tell one of his friends about Christ, and that person then accepting Christ and joining our guild. THAT IS WHY WE ARE HERE. THAT IS WHY I AM STILL HERE. Compared to that, I don't give a flying flip about farming, PvP builds, what the rules are for the cape contest, what one of our allies said to you about the way you play, or what you said back.

So, from here on out, I want EVERYONE to refocus on Christ and how He would handle situations. Jesus would not care about how a contest is run, or what role He is asked to play in PvP. He would care about how many people are hearing about Him as a result of our efforts, and what kind of environment we provide for the nurturing and growth of believers. We have done a lousy job in both of those areas lately. That has to change.

I say this as your brother: if this post rubs you the wrong way, chances are you need to change your outlook on what is important in life. If the majority think I am wrong, then maybe hitting that submit button I mentioned earlier wasn't such a bad idea.
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Agreed.
 
I wholeheartedly agree. Our guild and our brothers and sisters in the WoW guild are under attack right now from within. We can't let the Enemy come in and plant seeds of destruction. Do a google search for 'christian guild wars guild' and you'll see that SoE is the very first one. That is why we are being attacked. We are the brightest light in the lands of Tyria and Cantha. Let's keep that light burning.
 
Pastori, you're doing a great job as guild leader; we forget to tell you that. One reason our guild has grown so much is the heart and effort so many have put into it, especially you and our other longtime officers. Thanks for not giving up on us!
 
Amen I have been feeling the same way Bill. I know we have talked before and I am no understanding why I have been feeling down about the whole guild and almost resigning a few times myself. But as you said I see all the good we do and the life changing that God can do through us! You do a great job and I hope not to see you resigning for a very LONG time.

Andrew
 
As a side note to this, let me take this time to remind all Guild Members of what they agreed to upon joining ToJ:

ToJ Charter said:

Article III: Rules of Conduct
Section 1: Cheating
cheat 1. v.t. to trick or deceive. v.i. to play a game not according to the rules
Cheating, in any form, will not be tolerated. Use of hacks, use of dummy accounts to promote oneself on any ladder system, or any other method of cheating is grounds for immediate dismissal from the chapter.
​
Section 2: Profanity & Obscenity
profane v.t. to treat (something sacred) with irreverence
obscene adj. that which morally corrupts
Members who use profane and/or obscene language will receive reprimands. If the conduct continues, the member will be dismissed from the chapter.
​
Section 3: Hostility
hostility adj. unfriendliness
Members who display open hostility (i.e. "trash talking") towards other members or non-members will be reprimanded. If the hostile behavior continues, the member will be dismissed. This law also encompasses gossip. This law does NOT apply to playful competitive language.
​
Section 4: False Accusations
Any member found to purposely bring false accusations of conduct stated above will be immediately dismissed from the group.
​
Section 5: Witnessing & Encouragement
encourage v.t. to give courage or confident to; to raise the hopes of; to help on by sympathetic advice and interest; to advise and make it easy for (someone to do something); to promote, stimulate; to strengthen (a belief or idea)
All members are encouraged to witness to non-Christians, whether through open conversation or by the example of their conduct. All members should also encourage and uplift their fellow members.
​
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EDIT: I'm stickying this for a few days.
 
[toj.cc]WildBillKickoff said:
Satan wants this guild because it is making an impact. We have to band together under Christ if we are to survive during this transition period.

Compared to that, I don't give a flying flip about farming, PvP builds, what the rules are for the cape contest, what one of our allies said to you about the way you play, or what you said back.

So, from here on out, I want EVERYONE to refocus on Christ and how He would handle situations. Jesus would not care about how a contest is run, or what role He is asked to play in PvP. He would care about how many people are hearing about Him as a result of our efforts, and what kind of environment we provide for the nurturing and growth of believers. We have done a lousy job in both of those areas lately. That has to change.
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AMEN!
You guys do wonderful things with this guild and i am Honored and Proud that we have leaders such as yourselves.
 
Bill,

I was a guild leader for about two weeks in WoW, a few months back. While I don't claim to have a full understanding of how stressful the job can be, I believe I have a vague notion.

I know I don't post in here often, and I know that I spend most of my game time these days in WoW. But I think what you, the officers, and the members have done with this guild is just amazing.

You will most definitely run into troubles. There will be suffering involved in leadership. Jesus basically guaranteed that in the Gospels. But pick good people to help out (which you've already done), keep your focus on Christ (something I still have to fight myself to do every day), and know that your work does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

As I'm going through a difficult time in my own life, I've had to rely even more on other people to sustain, develop, and improve ToJ. Your contribution has been invaluable.

I know I've been a slacker and should have said something like this before, but I'm sayin' it now, and I pray it encourages you.
 
I AGREE! many more times than twice i have considered leaving the guild. almost did too! but then i remembered who was telling me to, and i said "Get behind me satan for you think not of the will of God but of the will of my flesh, i will hear you no longer!" and signed off before i did leave. This guild is awesome, with an AMAZING leader. SoE has been a safe refuge for me. It has kept in check in while playing GW and given me A HUGE group of people to run to in times of prayer or trouble. THANK YOU ALL!
 
Bill, I haven't known you for long but I just can't believe I've managed to remain so blatantly blind and ignorant about the kinds of struggles you've been going through as our guild leader. Mostly I've just taken your efforts for granted and I've rarely ever turned a word of encouragement your way from the time I joined. I'm guilty of woefully neglecting the person in our guild who bears the greatest burdens and needs the greatest measure of encouragement and support. You are a mentor and a role model to me and I greatly value your leadership Bill. I learn something every time I see you handle a situation, and my respect and admiration for you has grown in leaps and bounds since I've become and officer and seen these things a little more first-hand. You are a great leader and you have my utmost admiration and respect.

The next time you pull up the guild list and hold your mouse above the resign button, please let me encourage you to scroll down the membership list first. Look at it and see it for what it is. You too Andrew, Derk, Kidan, Randy, Joey, Talon, all of you. Look at that list guys and don't let the adversary blind you to its significance in God's kingdom and its great, great beauty. Don't let him rob you of the joy you deserve as leaders, mentors and caretakers of one of the strongest and most vibrant communities of believers anywhere in the online world.

Paul
 
Well said.

The leadership here (from Dredd, to Pastori, all the way up to Tek7) has always impressed me. Much closer to the leadership in the bible than what I've found in personal experience.

dorkelf said:
Bill, I haven't known you for long but I just can't believe I've managed to remain so blatantly blind and ignorant about the kinds of struggles you've been going through as our guild leader. Mostly I've just taken your efforts for granted and I've rarely ever turned a word of encouragement your way from the time I joined. I'm guilty of woefully neglecting the person in our guild who bears the greatest burdens and needs the greatest measure of encouragement and support. You are a mentor and a role model to me and I greatly value your leadership Bill. I learn something every time I see you handle a situation, and my respect and admiration for you has grown in leaps and bounds since I've become and officer and seen these things a little more first-hand. You are a great leader and you have my utmost admiration and respect.

The next time you pull up the guild list and hold your mouse above the resign button, please let me encourage you to scroll down the membership list first. Look at it and see it for what it is. You too Andrew, Derk, Kidan, Randy, Joey, Talon, all of you. Look at that list guys and don't let the adversary blind you to its significance in God's kingdom and its great, great beauty. Don't let him rob you of the joy you deserve as leaders, mentors and caretakers of one of the strongest and most vibrant communities of believers anywhere in the online world.

Paul
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I just wanted to say I apperciate Bill! I think you do an amazing job and you and Derk have kept me going threw the down times here lately and keep me looking positive. When I joineed this Guild Bill you had just became the leader and Derk was promoted shortly thereafter. If you look at the roster and the people who have been touched through this guild is amazing. You are always willing to listen to Ideas! Thank you for doing the Bible study I really wish i could make it but sadly they make me work that night now :(. I know I asked for it but i am glad it has touched many more epople than I thought it would. I know we have had disagreements nothing serious :) but we are Brothers and Sisters in Christ here and this to me is really like having a church family here. I know people here that may not go to church because of past hurts this is there chuch and God willing it opens the doors for them and others to find a real Church home and forget those past hurts. There have been ups and downs but i must say WAY more Ups when you and Derk took over Bill the amount of people active was about how many are inactive! That is amazing more than 70% of the guild is now ACTIVE!! Amazing and I know God Will bless you in all that you do and I pray your Business totally booms and your whole life is amazing and blessed of God! Same goes to You Derk and Kidan we miss you buddy but you helped turn this thing around and We have amazing people From Halonic to C$ and many more I could mention. I have never seen a finer balance between young and old than this guild! I have been any many clans and either they had kids or Adults not both totally Amazing! I look forward to this guild to continue to Grow and I really wish everyone could fit into one guild and not have to be ever so slightly divided! And All you new folks I really wish I could get to know everyone! But there are so Many PEOPLE!! I used to know almost everyone in the guild and tried to spend time with everyone it is Impossible! I have a Challage for everyone. If there is someone you have not played with old or new find them and do a quest or mission together. Reach out and touch someone!



Andrew
 
I'm new to the guild and may not be familiar with some of the history, but I agree wholeheartedly.

One of the things we've been dealing with in our church locally, and is probably a widespread problem, is offense. Offense can be a powerful tool for disrupting what we're called to do.

Thank you for being a leader who is willing to step out and say what you feel is right.
 
janc said:
One of the things we've been dealing with in our church locally, and is probably a widespread problem, is offense. Offense can be a powerful tool for disrupting what we're called to do.
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I was just reading a quote on my box of Celestial Seasonings Tea:

"He who forgives ends the argument." - African Proverb

Paul
 
I have alot going on right now, as does my son, so we don't get to play as often as we'd like. But we both need to tell you Bill what a great thing you have here. I almost yanked all on-line gaming from the house because of the darkness that envelops the gaming community. Then I saw a light ...SoE... Thank you. Your hard work is very much appreciated. You have inspired me and now I feel as if I am stronger spiritually, more than ever. I can focus on Jesus in all aspects of life, including gaming. My son has a great place to go and further his walk with God. I could go on and on. So once again I must say Thank you...To all the leaders of SoE for a job well done. We will not let Satan win this battle. He always attacks things which are good, so it only makes sense he will attack this guild. As long as I have breath, I will fight him. So Bill, next time you feel like it's too much, find me please....I will do my best to encourage you, as will my son.
 
Paul and I first got involved in Guild Wars because my best friend had just gotten the game and let me play; I loved it (which thrilled Paul...) So Paul bought it for me, seeing a sneaky way to further hook his wife on gaming!

However, our reason for getting involved in this guild was more meaningful. First, we knew that our enjoyment of gaming was part of our personality; but we wanted a more enriching and safer environment. (You think it's tough being a GUY online...) More importantly, we saw a way to connect with other Christians looking to be a light in a dark place.

I especially feel for all you teens and college-aged people...the church doesn't see us, and, in many ways, they don't provide for us. You want sports? There's tons of stuff. But there's no place for us "freaks." I've seen too many young people leave the church because they've been told that liking unconventional stuff is wrong. I don't want that to happen to anyone; I want to be part of showing them how to see beyond the surface to the Truth.

And this guild is doing that.
 
Wow the more I read the better I feel. I dunno about Bill sometimes I wonder why we are doing this and it is nice to see that this Guild has touched many people! Makes almost wanna cry :).
 
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