Congregations will be ordered to pledge a fixed monthly amount to the organization
Congregations will be ordered to pledge a fixed monthly amount to the organization

A leaked letter dated March 29, 2014, has been circulated to all elders advising of a huge shake-up in financing arrangements for kingdom hall and assembly hall construction.

The letter is four pages long, but only the first page is to be read out to publishers. The three-page postscript, containing further details of how the new arrangement is to be implemented, includes the sentence (in bold): “This postscript should not be read to the congregation, and this letter should not be posted on the information board.”

The first page is due to be read out at congregation service meetings for the week of May 5, 2014.

“Having sufficient, adequate places of worship is vital, as Jehovah continues to ‘speed up’ the gathering of ‘a mighty nation,'” it reads. “In order to meet these ever increasing needs, the Governing Body has directed that an adjustment be made in the way Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction projects are financed.”

Congregations now have the "opportunity" to commit to sending a monthly amount to Watchtower
Congregations now have the “opportunity” to commit to sending a monthly amount to Watchtower

What is this adjustment? “In harmony with 2 Corinthians 8:12-14, congregations will now be asked to pool their resources worldwide to support the construction of theocratic facilities wherever they are needed.”

What will this “pooling” of resources involve? “…all congregations will have the opportunity to support Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction work worldwide by resolving to make a monthly donation from congregation funds.”

Once the letter has been read, congregations will have just four weeks (with a final deadline of May 31) to agree on a monthly figure to be sent to Watchtower, ostensibly for the construction of kingdom halls and assembly halls worldwide.

Figures that don’t add up

“The need for Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls is greater than ever before,” the letter insists. “At this time, over 13,000 Kingdom Hall projects and 35 Assembly Hall projects are needed worldwide.”

After listening to the above statement, publishers would be forgiven for assuming that more than 13,000 new Kingdom Halls are needed each year to keep pace with publisher growth.

However, when you compare the number of congregations in 2013 (113,823) with the number of congregations the year before (111,719), you note that there has been an increase of only 2,104 congregations worldwide – some of which will be sharing existing kingdom hall infrastructure. The 13,000 figure is therefore either a gross exaggeration, or kingdom halls are being refurbished and rebuilt at an astonishing rate – faster than is actually required.

Never-ending loan repayments

According to the leaked letter, “Congregation and Assembly Halls will no longer be asked to repay a loan.” However, in the elders-only part of the letter, congregations are instructed that their new monthly pledge must be “at least the same amount as the current monthly loan repayment” for congregations repaying loans for building work.

In other words, if your congregation is paying off a kingdom hall build or refurbishment, your loan repayments must effectively continue indefinitely.

If a congregation isn’t already making loan repayments, then a confidential survey is to be taken by passing out slips of paper to determine how much local brothers are willing to pledge.

Room for maneuver

Congregation elders will have at least some flexibility to alter the congregation’s monthly pledge in the future according to circumstances, but this works both ways.

“Elders should review this resolution annually in May to ensure the amount is what the congregation is realistically able to donate on a monthly basis. For example, there may be a significant increase or decrease in the number of publishers in the congregation, or the local economic conditions may appreciably improve or deteriorate, thus affecting the amount that the congregation can reasonably contribute. If necessary, the elders may take a new financial survey, as described above, to determine whether the resolved monthly contribution to Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide should be adjusted for the coming year.” – March 29, 2014 BOE letter, page 2

The monthly pledge can thus be adjusted downwards or upwards at the elders’ discretion on an annual basis.

But who actually owns a kingdom hall, and thus bears responsibility for paying for it?

Who owns a kingdom hall?

Most congregations now have arrangements in place where kingdom halls are under the legal ownership of a board of trustees made up of local elders. But this doesn’t give elders the freedom to do what they want, even if they are all in agreement. Watchtower ultimately holds all the aces.

The Menlo Park scandal exposed that Watchtower effectively owns kingdom halls, not the local congregation
The Menlo Park scandal exposed that Watchtower effectively owns kingdom halls

You see, elders can only BE elders if they are approved by Watchtower. Elders who are removed by Watchtower are automatically no longer trustees, and will have no say in how their kingdom hall is run.

This state of affairs was recently highlighted by the Menlo Park scandal, in which an entire body of elders in California was removed by the organization for failing to comply with the circuit overseer’s insistence that their kingdom hall be refurbished, even though a refurbishment wasn’t deemed necessary.

A lengthy legal battle ensued in which some of the ousted elders argued for their reappointment, but they proved to be ill-prepared. They assumed they were victims of one or two rogue individuals in the organization, and thus failed to grasp that the problems they were trying to address were systemic.

Their true foe was Watchtower itself.

Perhaps the most poignant moment from the Menlo Park case came when Watchtower’s legal representative, Calvin Rouse, made the following declaration in court…

“Ordinarily I wouldn’t be here, but this is one of our 13,000 congregations in the United States. We are a hierarchical religion structured just like the Catholic Church. And when the order from the Pope comes down in the church defrocking a priest and kicking him out, he no longer has any say in any matter in the local parish priest – in the parish. The same situation as here. In his complaint he brings one claim. He claims that he wants to be reinstated as a director and an officer in the Menlo Park Congregation. This is contrary to our church rules and regulations and bylaws. We brought our organizational bylaws book, our rule book here, and we are prepared to present witnesses that this is a hierarchical organization.”

The court transcript featuring the above statement is available on this link.

Hence the organization, which is a self-confessed hierarchy, has an over-riding controlling interest respecting kingdom hall buildings, but congregation members are still expected to pick up the tab.

No more “surplus funds”

The final undermining of any vestiges of financial autonomy at congregation level is accomplished on page 4 of this new letter, where a section headed “Surplus funds” effectively ends any possibility of the existence of wealthy, self-reliant congregations.

surplus-fundsCongregations are thus to financially surrender themselves to the organization. There is no longer any excuse for the amassing of funds for a rainy day. Only “minor renovations or repairs” are to be cared for locally. If there are surplus funds, elders must discuss sending these to Watchtower.

Such reliance on ‘big brother’ may seem refreshing in the eyes of many Witnesses, but it has its risks. If Watchtower is ever declared bankrupt, individual congregations will be on their own, and without any nest egg to fall back on when their kingdom halls start to deteriorate.

An “opportunity” taken under compulsion?

The idea that congregations should become perpetually indebted to Watchtower in this manner by means of a monthly pledge, which they are being ordered to agree to within a four-week window, is a strange one – at least by bible standards.

According to the bible, Jesus Christ encouraged the forgiving of debts (Matt. 6:12; 18:23-35), and the Apostle Paul counseled that Christians should not have to give “under compulsion.” – 2 Cor 9:7

For the Governing Body to be so forthright in pursuing congregations for funding under whatever pretext will be curious to some, especially after it has been revealed that the organization is set to pocket a staggering 1 billion dollars in proceeds from the sale of its Brooklyn property.

But when you consider Watchtower’s apparent financial woes as evidenced by the unprecedented organizational downsizing, not to mention the increasing threat posed by child abuse lawsuits, the Governing Body’s assault on congregation coffers for extra cash is all too predictable.

 

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To protect the anonymity of my source, a scan of the letter will not be made available. However, you can read the text from the full letter below…

***PAGE ONE***

March 29, 2014

TO ALL CONGREGATIONS

Re: Adjustment to financing Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide

Dear Brothers:

On September 1, 1983, the Kingdom Hall Fund was created to help finance the increasing need for Kingdom Halls. For more than 30 years, this arrangement has served to expand the construction of Kingdom Halls worldwide in a tremendous way by means of Regional Building Committees and the program for lands with limited resources. Having sufficient, adequate places of worship is vital, as Jehovah continues to ‘speed up’ the gathering of “a mighty nation.” (Isa. 60:22) In order to meet these ever-increasing needs, the Governing Body has directed that an adjustment be made in the way Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction projects are financed.

In harmony with the principle at 2 Corinthians 8:12-14, congregations will now be asked to pool their resources worldwide to support the construction of theocratic facilities wherever they are needed. Congregations and Assembly Halls will no longer be asked to repay a loan, and use of the separate contribution box labeled “Kingdom Hall Construction Worldwide” has been discontinued. Instead, all congregations will have the opportunity to support Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide by resolving to make a monthly donation from congregation funds. If individual publishers wish to donate specifically to support Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide, such donations will be accepted gladly and used wisely by the branch office. From now on, all funding for approved projects will be provided by the branch office from the funds that have been donated by you dear brothers and sisters.

The need for Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls is greater than ever before. At this time, over 13,000 Kingdom Hall projects and 35 Assembly Hall projects are needed worldwide. Much of this need is in parts of the world where the cost of property and building materials is high. A tremendous amount of funds is needed to care for this work. However, we are confident that Jehovah will provide what is needed by your generous support. Time and again we have seen this take place. For example, it has been 24 years since we began offering literature under the donation arrangement, yet Jehovah’s blessing on this adjustment has been obvious. We are confident that by means of Jehovah’s continued blessing and the generosity of the worldwide brotherhood, the new arrangement for financing Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction will be a success as well.—1 Chron. 29:11-14; Ps. 127:1.

May Jehovah continue to richly bless your hard work and loyal service as you generously support Kingdom interests.

Your brothers,

Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses

***PAGE TWO***

Re: Adjustment to financing Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide March 29, 2014 Page 2

PS to body of elders:

At the Service Meeting for the week of April 28, 2014, the congregation should be informed that use of the contribution box labeled “Kingdom Hall Construction Worldwide” will be discontinued on May 1, 2014. and that further information will be provided at the following Service Meeting. This letter should be read to the congregation during the local needs part on the Service Meeting for the week of May 5, 2014. (Congregations having an assembly the week of May 5 should have the letter read the following week.) This postscript should not be read to the congregation, and this letter should not be posted on the information board. After the reading of the letter, either a resolution should be presented to the congregation or the survey described below should be taken. The December 7, 2009, letter to all congregations should be removed from the congregation permanent file of policy letters and be destroyed. Updated congregation accounting instructions and forms will begin to be provided in May 2014.

Resolved donations: All congregations are asked to establish a monthly resolved donation to support Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide by no later than May 31, 2014.

•    What amount should be used for this new resolved monthly donation?
The elders in congregations currently making loan repayments would likely propose a resolution that is at least the same amount as the current monthly loan repayment, keeping in mind that donations will no longer be received from the “Kingdom Hall Construction Worldwide” contribution box. The elders in congregations without loans or those having standing resolutions to support Kingdom Hall construction worldwide should take a confidential survey of all publishers to determine the amount of the new resolution. This can be done by passing out slips of paper to be filled out anonymously by the publishers indicating how much they are able to contribute monthly toward local congregation expenses, including the resolution to support Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide. At the time the survey is taken, it may be helpful to also review with the congregation the average monthly operating expenses that need to be covered.

Elders should review this resolution annually in May to ensure the amount is what the congregation is realistically able to donate on a monthly basis. For example, there may be a significant increase or decrease in the number of publishers in the congregation, or the local economic conditions may appreciably improve or deteriorate, thus affecting the amount that the congregation can reasonably contribute. If necessary, the elders may take a new financial survey, as described above, to determine whether the resolved monthly contribution to Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide should be adjusted for the coming year.

•    What should be done with other existing resolutions?
Any previous resolution to support Kingdom Hall construction should be discontinued. All other resolutions, such as those for contributing to the worldwide work, the Convention Fund, the Traveling Overseer Assistance Arrangement, and the Kingdom Hall Assistance Arrangement, should continue to be honored. Where more than one congregation shares a Kingdom Hall, resolutions to contribute to a shared Kingdom

***PAGE THREE***

Re: Adjustment to financing Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide March 29,2014 Page 3

Hall operating account to cover the operating costs, minor renovations, and repairs may be adjusted as needed.

•    How should this new resolved amount be submitted to the branch office?
Each congregation should establish its own resolution to contribute to Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide and submit the resolved amount with its monthly remittance to the branch office. These resolved amounts should not be submitted through Kingdom Hall operating accounts. If revised forms for congregation accounting are not yet available in the language of the congregation, the resolved donation amount for Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide may be recorded on the line “Kingdom Hall Construction Worldwide (Resolution)” that appears on the form(s) currently being used.

•    What should be done if congregation funds are not sufficient to cover resolved donations?
If sufficient funds are not available for all resolved donations in a particular month, additional funds should not be solicited. The elders should determine what amounts from the congregation funds that are available at the end of the month will be applied toward the resolved monthly donation(s) and whether the shortfall should be made up in future months. However, it would be appropriate for the elders to remind the congregation of the resolved monthly commitments. If the congregation can no long¬er contribute the amount(s) they resolved on a regular basis, the elders may consider the situation at the next annual review of the resolution for Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide.

Contribution boxes: As noted above, on May 1, 2014, each Kingdom Hall should have only two types of contribution boxes, one labeled “Local Congregation Expenses” and one labeled “Worldwide Work.”
•    What should be done with existing “Kingdom Hall Construction Worldwide” boxes or boxes set up to accept donations for a local building project?
These boxes will no longer be used for accepting donations in support of Kingdom Hall or Assembly Hall construction. They should be removed or relabeled to accept donations for the worldwide work on May 1, 2014.
•    What type of expenses can be paid from funds received in the “Local Congregation Expenses” box?
These funds should be used to pay approved congregation expenses, including Kingdom Hall operating expenses, minor renovations, and repairs (through the operating committee, if applicable), as well as for all monthly resolved donations that are sent to the branch office.
•    Are there any changes to the existing “Worldwide Work” box?
No. Funds received in the “Worldwide Work” box will continue to be forwarded to the branch office each month. No congregation expenses or monthly resolutions should be paid from these funds.

***PAGE FOUR***

[as shown above, see “Surplus funds”]

Further reading…

287 thoughts on “Governing Body instructs congregations to pledge fixed monthly donations

  • April 15, 2014 at 5:37 am
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    The last part was supposed to say BOOT!!

    I do understand what you’re saying. I agree the system is flawed. However, the emactment of a flawed system does not automatically mean ‘evil.’

    It is not a democratic system at all. Disfellowshipping is an evil act, one that they give to the elders to execute.

    Follow Hanlon’s razor: Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.

    • April 15, 2014 at 6:24 am
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      Elders are complicit in participating in the destruction of evidence. All the moreso when they’ve had the concept of change control explained to them. I’m not saying they don’t have their reasons, just like Hitler’s henchmen, but try as you may, you cannot remove yourself from that. Even a lowly secretary or office clerk who makes literally no “organizational” decisions, bears some responsibility if she stupidly participates in destroying evidence rather than speaking up or finding a better master.

      You are lying to suggest that their lack of power is absolute. By virtue of sitting on judicial committees and Deciding who gets the axe and who doesn’t and then reporting this back to the society rather than the society dictating it to them, yes, they are placed as uneducated investigators, judge, jury, and executioners and not merely the hitmen you wish you paint them as, though even as hitmen, they are still responsible for their own piece of the damage and still complicit in the evil-doing so long as they refuse to stand up to it or to step down and go in search of another master.

      Stupidity does not absolve them of their crimes.

  • April 15, 2014 at 1:04 pm
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    Two things:

    First, you are missing the point. This is not about the act of disfellowshipping, but about organizational procedures. Although they do wield the disfellowshipping hammer, they have no say in organizational matters. They are not hitmen, they are cogs in a wheel.

    I have studied genocide, and the motivations and responsibilities. I agree, they are complicit for the actions they take against individual members, just like the cogs in the nazi wheel were also responsible. However, that is not what this discussion is about.

    Secondly, you claim they are complicit in a crime. With regards to this letter, you first have to establish that a crime was committed before you can name accomplices.

    • April 16, 2014 at 12:22 am
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      Firstly, you are missing the point. They are complicit in ditching letters in a fashion that allows the organization dictatorship status, even though in the scriptures when the israelites clamored for things the israelites got what they clamored for.

      Secondly, i’ll get right on that because I live to bring down the tower. (sarcasm lol). But seriously. It would be far from the first crime they’ve committed, with the complicity of the elder cogs. As has already been established. :)

      Thirdly, I only called them hitmen because you claimed that they simply do as the organization instructs.

      Fourthly, yes it does have to do with judicial committees because things written in letters often have a direct bearing on judicial matters, do they not? Or are we back to the elders thinking for themselves when making judicial decisions? Or do you just want it both ways in your favour? Lol

  • April 15, 2014 at 1:51 pm
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    Growth has definitely slowed in the organization. I would think that many kingdom halls built in the past during much higher growth periods have been paid in full or close to being paid off. How, do you continue getting funds from these halls? Have the congregation build a new or bigger Kingdom Hall? It would be totally unnecessary. It is not surprising that you would now change the theme for adherents paying off previously purchased property to a donation “requirement” for future projects. A perpetual ubiquitous arrangement for obtaining funds. Kingdom Halls built 30 years ago being paid off – “oh no”. The organization can poll the congregation to see how much funds they can continue to pay in perpetually.

    • April 16, 2014 at 12:02 am
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      I was thinking the same thing. What if you’re one of the several congregations that is just a few months away or less from being paid off and now it’s pay that amount or more for at least the next year or whatever it was. Pfft.

  • April 16, 2014 at 1:19 am
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    WTS je u svojoj lazi o napretku i iznudjivanju novca za navodni napredak otisao predaleko .

  • April 16, 2014 at 8:43 pm
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    Hey SDL,

    First point: their management style is governed by opacity. So yes, they use the elders to do this. However, simply because this is the way they run things doesn’t automatically mean there is something to hide in this instance.

    2: I agree that crimes have been committed, such as te child molesting issue. However, previous crimes do not mean future crimes. That is a tenet of our justice system.

    3: in a way the elders ARE hitmen. They are also fall guys. The fill many roles lol

    4: while true in the case of other letters, it doesn’t mean that the elders do their actions based on ‘old’ information. Source valid information, and follow their directives. They are just cogs.

    All this being said, let’s look at the example set by the secret elders book. They asked the elders to hand write information word for word in the margins. The sole purpose for that is plausible deniability. THAT is very shady and designed to hang elders out to dry.

    However, the complaint about destroying copies of outdated letters is a very weak attack.

    • April 16, 2014 at 11:24 pm
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      Rather than being a “weak attack”, it is a strong assertion of emotional honesty, that it raises flags for me personally, having worked for many a respectable organization that includes appropriate document change control measures. I think the watchtower corporation finding loophole ways of hiding their lies in the many ways that they do is at the crux of their con game. Perhaps they’re drunk on thoughts of world domination but that’s not how leaders I would consider respectable, do business. If I were to actually attack them, I assure you, it wouldn’t be by dancing around in circles online. :)

  • April 17, 2014 at 1:44 am
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    In light of the above comments on Watchtowers openness and honesty (or lack of), I have just watched Marc Latham’s latest U-tube clip exposing the WTBTS treatment of anyone unfortunate enough to have an infectious diseases and who is thinking of being baptised.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVD_qUNo9_0&list=UUSsOZeFc4R6WPif7SJQroHg

    Not only is this totally and shockingly discriminatory (surely against the law?) and very unloving to pry into people’s personal and private affairs, (we all know what the gossipy JW grapevine is like!) but it is yet another example of the disgusting hypocrisy of Watchtower, who demand complete transparency – wanting to know and control everything about the R&F JWs, whilst hiding their own dubious affairs and dealings behind a shroud of secrecy.

  • April 19, 2014 at 1:12 am
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    Hi Rosie,
    I understand that one can be really mad at this treatment but when I saw the video I have to say I assume they are rather talking about highly infectious diseases. So I assume that no one would like to be baptised in the same water and risk their health as well. The confidentiality of course should be kept better. Many things are not going well in that org but do we have to try to draw a negative point out of every line they have ever printed? Doing so makes jw who try to inform themselves think that this is just a revenge matter of criticizing everything they can find on the org so that keeps them away from the points that really matter. That was the matter with me at a point. I was a bit drawn back by the shitstorm (sorry for this word) at the org on minor issues so that it took me a while to investigate again.
    However, no offense intended

  • April 19, 2014 at 2:02 am
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    Joe Doe,

    Jesus said that he wgo is faithful in what is least, will be faithful in all things, and vice versa.

    All these “little points” therefore add up to and contribute to a bigger picture.

    Joe, your opinion is one that is often encountered on this site and others. “Stop picking on the little things, and concentrate on the bigger issues”

    It’s a valid point, and I am not criticising you for holding it. However, in my opinion, concentrating on little things can be a better strategy. Getting a struggling JW to acknowledge a tiny flaw opens that one up to seeing more in the future.

    I found this YouTube video interesting. Guess what? You can’t catch HIV from sharing a baptism pool! There are many deseases that can’t be caught in a baptismal pool!

    The more one investigates this cult, the more one is repulsed by their lack of Christian charity and support.

    Great find, Rosie!

    Peace be with you

    Excelsior!

  • April 19, 2014 at 12:38 pm
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    “To avoid transmitting an infectious or a potential fatal disease to others, why should an infected person … (b) attend the Congregation Book Study at the Kingdom Hall if at all possible?”

    …at the Kingdom Hall instead of in people’s houses, or what are they going at, actually?

    What diseases are there that could be transmitted via water (a pool); and I assume they’re using chlorine anyway?

    The “not react negatively when some choose not to invite such ones” is also strange btw…. so we must not condemn discrimination?

  • April 19, 2014 at 4:54 pm
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    The poor honest hearted JW’s will be putting in their extra donations ‘for Jehovah’. Elderly witnesses are the most vulnerable. They are so obedient to the GB. It saddens me to think of one really lovely old sister, now sadly deceased, who would deprive herself of any niceties in life so as to give her widow’s mite.
    Perhaps the GB should re-assess their position as faithful slave, they could just be fulfilling Luke 12:45 “should start to beat the menservants and the maidservants, etc.”

  • April 20, 2014 at 8:58 pm
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    If you create an account on JW.org and login with it you will see where you can create a recurring monthly donation to the society. So what you said is already all set up and waiting.

  • April 20, 2014 at 9:29 pm
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    (Matthew 6:3, 4) . . .But you, when making gifts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, 4 that your gifts of mercy may be in secret; then your Father who is looking on in secret will repay you.

    Doesn’t go along with committing to a certain amount or completing a survey of what we will donate; Does it?

    • April 21, 2014 at 1:21 am
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      The idea of that text is to not brag about (or publicly show) how much you’re giving… If such a survey is held confidentially then it doesn’t have to contradict this verse. When donating via bank account for example, then the servant in charge of administering the congregation’s bank account knows about who’s donating how much anyway.

  • April 22, 2014 at 8:12 pm
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    Thanks for this update Cedars.

    I think the 13,000 additional halls is an exaggeration, but could be partially true as some existing congregations needs a completely new hall instead of just refurbishment.

    The congregation I’m associated at the moment (from Philippines) badly needs a new Kingdom hall. They are renting a small house. The place is very small and can accomodate about 100 plus people, yet they have an attendance double of that. They even had 400 in attendance for the memorial.

  • April 23, 2014 at 11:50 am
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    Mark,

    With the WTBTS set to earn about a billion US Dollars from Brooklyn property sales, it irks me that these folks have to meet in such inappropriate conditions.

    Surely that many people in such a small space is a fire hazard? It would not be allowed in the West, that’s for sure.

    With the memory of the “perfect storm” still fresh in their minds, I am appalled that the Witnesses in the Philipines are still meeting in such potentially dangerous conditions.

    The bible clearly states that the provision of necessities to the poor is a requirement for acceptable worship.

    Is there any aid given to these folks? Did they suffer casualties from the storm?

    What do you think of the WTBTS’ reaction to the storm?

    Have you read Cedars’ article about it?

    Peace be with you

    Excelsior!

  • April 25, 2014 at 9:54 pm
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    As someone that works closely with a large agency’s Document Control (and an author of a lot of safety management system documentation and revisions) I can say, unarguably, that document control does completely and permanently expunge outdated policies and procedures.

    However, when a policy, procedure, or document is superceded, there is a detailed revision history and the obsolete documents are readily available as part of the system history. They are not summarily purged and rendered unavailable.

    The question that needs to be asked is if they are applying this process of procedural elimination to all outmoded documents, or, only the embarrassing or legally risky.

    The selection of documents and methods applied would be very telling and speak directly to the motives.

  • April 28, 2014 at 5:03 pm
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    I have found a letter dated 12/11/2009 on a blogspot named ” Letters from the governing body”. It refers to asking for a congregation loan and also the costs of refurbishment being estimated. Maybe Cedars can have a nosey and see if this is the letter to be destroyed by congregation elders?

  • April 28, 2014 at 5:13 pm
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    It appears in the ‘Fraud alert’ article, under the heading ‘The scam; phase 2a’ . It wont let me copy-paste the letter, and the http link I tried to share doesnt work, sorry I cant help anymore than this. Hope it is useful and of interest to those who wondered as I did why it must be destroyed.

  • April 30, 2014 at 12:20 pm
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    Most disturbing! With all of the real estate transactions and now this, it makes one wonder what they are really going to do with all of this money. Excuse me if this is an ignorant question, but, could it be that with some of these lawsuits, has resulted in large pay outs, and this is a way they are replacing lost funds?

  • May 3, 2014 at 7:31 am
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    My apologies to Gareth for not replying sooner to his question on my 4/8/14 post.

    While it is true that many organizations, including hospitals, health insurers, quasi-religious (e.g. Scientology), and religious bodies are largely protected from taxation, they are not truly tax exempt. In many jurisdictions they are limited to a certain amount of property that surrounds their center of operations that is exempt from property taxes. Often they are subject to “usage fees” that cover public services such as police and fire protection. If they have paid employees, they must pay their half of the federal government’s Social Security tax.
    As this and other websites have clearly demonstrated, the WTBTS has implemented policy changes that have effectively converted it into a gigantic real estate holding company and investment bank. Inserting confiscation clauses into the corporate bylaws of all congregations that formerly had sole ownership of their Kingdom Halls results in the loss of the building at the whim of a C.O., as happened to the congregation that was merged into Menlo Park. The new donation arrangement places every congregation in the position of being a perpetual borrower of WT Bank & Trust. RBC’s that used to serve in an advisory capacity, now can insist on grandiose renovation or new construction projects, whether or not a congregation favors it. C.O.’s now have full control over who gets to be an elder. Surplus building funds for renovation or new building projects are no longer permissible. And as was seen in the various Mexico scandals, money on deposit at WT B & T is gone for good.
    But all law is subject to change, even constitutional law. And although the disposition of properties acquired by WT, has actually benefited taxing authorities by returning those properties to the tax rolls, the other side of the transaction — the capital gains realized by WT — has remained tax exempt. A politically ambitious California attorney-general who comes to realize the enormity of the potential tax monies lost to his insolvent state might mount a challenge to the tax-exempt status of an unpopular and politically powerless religious body. A New York legislator who learns of the tax-free sale of over a billion dollars of Brooklyn real estate might start a similar campaign. A politico in any state could challenge the donation scheme as being a banking operation. Or a federal prosecutor could decide that the whole thing smacks of being a RICO operation.
    OK, these are far-fetched imaginings in today’s world. But the clever attorneys and accountants who actually run WT’s business operations have done their best to prevent having to give up any more money to taxing authorities than they have to. “For the sons of this system of things are wiser in a practical way toward their own generation than the sons of the light are.” (Luke 16:8)

    • May 3, 2014 at 10:17 am
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      And he who has the money, makes the rules. It’s universal; In God They Trust.

    • May 4, 2014 at 2:43 pm
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      Thank you for replying to my question. It clarifies many things; but still I wonder what you meant with “[…] they will have a large sum they have to launder, or else give it over to taxing authorities.” I mean, donations (iso loan repayments) are tax exempt, but this doesn’t create higher tax deductions, right? So how would that “launder” the Brooklyn property (sale?) tax? Thanks again.

  • May 4, 2014 at 5:26 am
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    The letter dated 12/07/09 is under the “Accounts” section of the 2011 Index of letters to BOE’s. The 3 descriptive references:
    1) Annual review of Kingdom Hall financial support
    2) Kingdom Hall construction and renovation projects
    3) Kingdom Hall Operating Committee
    Sorry, no success in finding the actual letter.
    (Source: JWLeaks.org)

    • May 4, 2014 at 1:48 pm
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      Paul Drake – Thank you for that much!!

    • May 4, 2014 at 2:32 pm
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      Indeed! On page 601 of the big download (for those who like to verify like me :-)).

  • May 8, 2014 at 3:24 am
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    time, i have very same situation too.

  • May 8, 2014 at 7:36 am
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    Under present law, it is true that WT is exempt from any ordinary income or capital gains taxes that would apply to a for-profit corporation. But what if they were exposed as being the real estate holding company and investment banker that they are? Their confiscatory realty grabs; their fraudulent bait-and-switch donation schemes, as in Mexico, and now with the March 29, 2014 letter, worldwide; their misappropriations of funds (from which of the two boxes does the money come to pay for sex abuse claims or court fights over property ownership?); all could mount enough outrage to revoke their non-profit religious-based status.
    The lawyers in charge are being pro-active. They know things could collapse quickly. Without financial transparency, nobody but they know how much of the money is hidden in the some 50-odd tax havens worldwide, all of which are included in the “235 lands”!

  • May 8, 2014 at 4:03 pm
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    you jw haters better be glad theres no burning hell all you want to do is put down Jehovahs organization and his people. if you would bother to learn to readmight help. the letter didnt state there are 13000 new kingdom halls needed each year it said there is a need for 13000 at this time all that means is there are 13000 halls needed rigth now meaning theres a back log for new halls .. in my area theres a back log of 20 or 30 halls needing to be built, that doesnt mean we need 20 or 30 each year. your filled with so much hate you cant see the nose on your face..whats ashame is your lies and misleading info will probalily miss lead a few poor friends and that will be on your heads. thankfully you begetted promoters of lies won’t beat Jehovahs will. you never hgive any hope to anyone you have no desire to help anyone your just interested in hate and lies.

    • May 8, 2014 at 11:12 pm
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      Don, I’m still a person who would be definitely interested in True Knowledge, find out what it is and live accordingly. I didn’t exclude JW’s – I did attend the meetings for several months after longtime being DF’ed.

      After I saw enough, I left again, this time by myself.

      I won’t be talking on behalf of the owner of this blog. But if you are using “you” in plural, no, I’m not filled with hatred. For anyone I come across in the real or “connected” world, everyone is my “brother/sister” unless they reject me. Also JW’s are my fellow brothers and sisters. I don’t know if Cedars is filled with hatred, or the others who comment. The only thing I know is that what they witness about what happened with them as well as the arguments and proofs they advance are utterly disturbing the credibility of your movement.

      Added to this, I have been around enough within the congregation to find out that it’s the influence on this organisation that has lost love (and sometimes, “filled with hatred” as you said). There is no genuine love there, or if there is, you, in plural, failed to show this.

      The reason I still read Cedars blog is because he also writes with his brain and gives me substantial FACTS for me to have an idea on things, which I often find out elsewhere too, which allows me to doublecheck (and I never was disappointed by him). Any other element written here with emotions are also important to me, because it’s their emotions, but about my own “analysis” of things, it’s secundary. Facts count.

      So please, do show facts against the hatred you see on these sites, and PROVE them wrong. Or start your own blog where you can provide your evidence for JW’s being the True Religion against all the points raised here and elsewhere. So far all pro-JW sites left me disappointed, starting with jw.org

      I assure you I’m totally neutral. I’d sure give time to read blogs in support for JW, so that I see the both sides of an argument. If you have substantial elements, go ahead and write them for the whole world, answer to any arguments against your post successfully, and … save me !!!

      If not, I think it’s better you remain silent. If JW’s follow the Truth and a way to avoid destruction in Armaguedon, your weak comments make this organization sink deeper, you won’t convince anyone reading these blogs with your points so they’ll all be destroyed.

    • May 9, 2014 at 10:31 am
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      I love JW TRUTH, Don. Which is your favourite TRUTH? I like the pre 1914 rapture and Russell’s Pyramid measurements for working out the date for Armageddon. My favourite Armageddon, though, is 1975. As for blood, I don’t care for the latterday, blood fractions business or the pre 1945, ‘who cares?’. I believe any body receiving blood should be executed at Armageddon.

      JWs, as we know, are full of love. We look forward to the mega execution of billions for the capital crime of not turning up to the Kingdom Hall regularly and not knocking on doors with a bag of mags.

      Some of these haters, Don, do not even believe that the WT Gov. Bod. is Jehovah’s exclusive earthly rep!!

      We know better, don’t we Don. They must be appointed by God because they say they are and as God’s appointees their every statement is THE TRUTH.

      Bring on JW love. We cannot wait for Jehovah to lovingly execute most of the human race!

    • May 10, 2014 at 4:52 am
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      Don’t worry, Don; we know that Jehovah will do enough Armageddons to wipe out all the JW haters as well as all the world’s non JW doorknockers.

      As soon as Kingdom Halls have covered the earth, and everyone has had the chance to hear THE TRUTH, then Jehovah can let rip with an Armageddon.

      That’s why we need the money to cover Saudi Arabia, Iran and Afghanistan with Kingdom Halls; so Jehovah will be even more justified in doing his Armageddon (when he finally gets around to it), than he would have been in 1914, 1925 and 1975.

      So, JW haters: Shut up and cough up!

      • May 10, 2014 at 5:13 am
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        That’s a blatant lie Don, you should know the society wont be spending money on those countries as the governing body have already said that the governments will assume responsibility for their deaths. Any money they receive will only go on countries where they can get a good return on their investment lol

        • October 30, 2014 at 9:55 pm
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          It’s prophecy that they are just for their air. Think about it, every True God organization operated by Jehovah’s Holy Spirit was led by a sinful man and they have all fallen into temptation but God has given them what he has promised anyway. Moses and Aaron stumble and they didn’t get to walk into the promised land but they will be there in paradise later. King David committed adultery and killed another servant and he will be in paradise. King Asa relying on Jehovah to fight 1 million people with only half million soldiers and then in his next battle he signed an agreement with the AsSyrians. Every organization led by sinful man has proved to be sinful but still overall righteous most of their days. Just goes for the watch Tower Bible track society and the book of the Ezekiel explains the prophecy perfectly. The king of Babylon will destroy and take captive the people who are responsible for this probably March 20, 2015 during the black out of the sun. Ezekiel goes into detail because it is a prophecy for our time. The blood moons Mark all of this happening right now. The prophet Jeremiah was born by Jehovah’s Holy Spirit so that he could prophesy against Israel and Judah for doing the same thing that the watch Tower Bible society is doing today. The organization of people really love the governing body and it’s going to cause a lot of people to stumble with the truth needs to be told very soon.

          The W Bible track society governing body has lost Jehovah’s Holy Spirit because they turned his face from him for signing an agreement with the UN in 1992 to 2001. The reason they aren’t telling the people about the prophecy in the blood moons and talking about the wild beast is because they truly don’t know and it’s up to those looking for the truth and reading the Bible daily relying on Jehovah only to arise and teach the congregations the truth.

  • May 8, 2014 at 6:08 pm
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    Don, go away.

    Your negativity is depressing. It reminds me of going to a meeting. I love the people on this site. They have given me truth and hope.

    Go read your Watchtower…the article about engaging apostates.

  • May 10, 2014 at 5:15 am
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    Sorry my last message was meant for Rowland, but Don may well be interested in it

    • May 10, 2014 at 6:26 am
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      That’s an interesting fact, Alan V. So the JW bosses have already invented a TRUTH to deal with the virtual impossibility of ever building a Kingdom Hall in a strict Islamic land.

      So what’s the Jehovah/Gov Bod plan? Will Jehovah execute the Islamist bosses, but resurrect for a millennium all the innocent Muslims who will have had no chance to become JW doorknockers? Is there a Watchtower outlining this particular TRUTH?

      • May 10, 2014 at 9:16 am
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        Hi Rowland, It was last stated at a public talk I believe at a very recent district assembly. I will find it and send you a link in the next day or two. I have heard it said before, that Jehovah would not want his servants to go to a land where they are risking their lives. So therefore the powers of that country are held responsible for any deaths that occur at Armaggeddon.

        • May 10, 2014 at 9:20 am
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          alanv, I’d also be interested if you find that link. It sounds quite crazy to me.

          • May 11, 2014 at 4:17 am
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            Does anyone else recall an incident that was related at DC or CA about 10 years ago regarding two WT emissaries who were sent to Libya? They were immediately arrested and executed within days.

            Lesson learned?

        • May 10, 2014 at 2:52 pm
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          alanv – It seems Jehovah iz really good at passing the buck.

        • May 11, 2014 at 9:50 am
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          Thanks for the info. Seems that JWs are ordered not to follow the example of David when faced with Goliath, or Jesus when faced with Roman bosses or Pharisees. It surely could not be possible that Jehovah might not protect his exclusive servants in the lands where Sharia or other hostile leaders rule.

    • May 10, 2014 at 11:41 am
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      Thanks alanv, very interesting video too, BTW – yes, he says something like “community responsibility” … doesn’t make sense too much really :-)

      I’m also surprized, Jehovah doesn’t send his people to the lands where they would get killed ? They should give it a try otherwise how would they know if they are not like Nineveh people ?

      Or would this mean that Jehovah vs totalitarian governments, Jehovah wouldn’t be able to fulfill His purpose, give up and say “okay, but it’s your responsibility …”. And what about all those who were killed in the past ? … Does this mean Jehovah doesn’t send or GB doesn’t send … :-)))

      What kind of sentence this is to say ??? “Jehovah doesn’t send people to the lands where they would get killed …” – I’m happy to hear this part of the speech and this sentence in particular, this is one of the most revealing for me.

  • May 11, 2014 at 5:28 am
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    Don,

    Your point is correct. It did not state that this figure was for every year.

    However, your way of saying it! Dear, dear me. Would your Heavenly Father speak to people like that? Would your Mediator, Jesus speak like that? Oh, I’m sorry. You are not of the Annointed are you? So Jesus is not your Mediator. Go look it up, Don.

    My point is this. Your frequent spelling and grammatical mistakes really annoy me. You accuse me of being hate filled, and you can’t even be bothered to write properly!

    How many Jehovahs are there, Don? One, I was always told. So why do you write “jehovahs”? Did you mean to write “Jehovah’s”? Notice how I used a capital letter for the proper noun, Jehovah, and I used an apostrophe to denote ownership. I take the time to write correctly. Why didn’t you? Why don’t any of the WTBTS apologists?

    You had better be glad there is no Hell. Because I’ve got to tell you, from what I now know about the religion you so blindly follow, YOU would be going there. Your compliance and obedience to this religion would provide God with the blood guilt needed for such a harsh penalty.

    Why don’t you do us all a favour, Don? Why don’t you read the articles on this site, and write to Cedars to correct the many errors you obviously think are contained within them? Prove him wrong. Prove him a liar.

    But know this. We CAN prove everything we say.

    Peace be with you

    Excelsior!

  • May 12, 2014 at 8:06 am
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    I find it interesting that the GB now has the insight to declare what parts of the earth have no redeeming value. Back during the Cold War the tone was “Let’s wait and see how much of the world’s population will be reached before the end.” Before that, Japan, Korea, and the Far East were reached. And before that RC Europe and Latin America were opened up, always with an attitude of waiting on Jehovah.

    “Pride is before a crash, and a haughty spirit before stumbling” (Prov. 16:18)

  • May 14, 2014 at 10:36 am
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    Hi there, good evening. Glad to learn you are also from the PH. I finally got company. Are there other local brothers lurking and commenting here? Regards brother.

  • May 26, 2014 at 9:08 am
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    Hi Mailman,

    I guess I’m the only one you referred to as from the PH.

    I seriously don’t know if there are other JW’s or ex JW’s from PH that lurks in this site. I actually wanted to know them too, as I think there’s very few PH witnesses that dared to question the org’s doctrine.

    Like Cedars before, I am also not open about my questioning of the organization, due to the fear that my family would shun me.

  • May 26, 2014 at 9:25 am
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    True, after all the proceeds of that assetts sale, still we are having a hard time to get approved for a new hall. All the talks about the new hall in our congregation has been going on for a long time now, yet there’s still no sight of it until now.

    To be fair with WTBTS, they have extended help to the casualties of the storm. But it’s not special as there was a lot of help coming from everywhere.

    What really appalled me was how some of the JW’s used the storm video to promote the organization.

    They have reposted this video in Facebook and made comments that only the organization showed support to the casualties, thus making them the only real Christians. It undermines the help extended by other PH citizens that extended help to the casualties, who did so out of love, regardless of their religious views.

  • June 16, 2014 at 6:32 am
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    I am sorry but as the bible says it does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step Jer 10:23. So basically elders are in a position that they should not be in, in the first place. Like Moses found it so difficult to judge the nation of Israel, the elders are in that same position. It belongs to God to judge not man. The elders are in this unfortunate position due to what happened in the Garden of Eden and must work on principles given to them from the scriptures. Rather them than me, I would say.

    • January 5, 2015 at 9:34 am
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      Pedro:
      Elders follow “principles from the scriptures” … ???
      … or the rules sent down to them from men in New York?

      Your explanation contradicts itself.

      Why follow instructions from men, or allow men to judge you?

  • June 16, 2014 at 6:35 am
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    Yes but thats what happens. Individuals do promote things on their own back. This doesnt mean the JWs are officially behind promoting the storm videos. That would happen in any church.

  • September 28, 2014 at 5:20 am
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    Thank you for printing the entire text of the letter. First century Christians beginning with Jesus kept a common box for contributions to poor Christians-remember the first account servant was Judas. All the Apostles do the same and the 12 remind Paul to do that as well -Gal 2:9,10. The Organization does just the opposite; taking funds from the friends and spending them on their pet projects and impoverishing poor Kingdom publishers deprived of job opportunities by “seeking first the kingdom”. The Governing Body are truly repugnant like their spiritual father Judas who diverted funds away from poor believers for his own benefit. What Jehovah’s Witness has ever been benefited from the Governing Body, yet all have been misled and victimized which prompts sites such as this one who merely catch the bad actors in their secret letters. The thieves should be forced to resign.

  • October 30, 2014 at 9:49 pm
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    It’s prophecy that they are just for their air. Think about it, every True God organization operated by Jehovah’s Holy Spirit was led by a sinful man and they have all fallen into temptation but God has given them what he has promised anyway. Moses and Aaron stumble and they didn’t get to walk into the promised land but they will be there in paradise later. King David committed adultery and killed another servant and he will be in paradise. King Asa relying on Jehovah to fight 1 million people with only half million soldiers and then in his next battle he signed an agreement with the AsSyrians. Every organization led by sinful man has proved to be sinful but still overall righteous most of their days. Just goes for the watch Tower Bible track society and the book of the Ezekiel explains the prophecy perfectly. The king of Babylon will destroy and take captive the people who are responsible for this probably March 20, 2015 during the black out of the sun. Ezekiel goes into detail because it is a prophecy for our time. The blood moons Mark all of this happening right now. The prophet Jeremiah was born by Jehovah’s Holy Spirit so that he could prophesy against Israel and Judah for doing the same thing that the watch Tower Bible society is doing today. The organization of people really love the governing body and it’s going to cause a lot of people to stumble with the truth needs to be told very soon.

    • October 30, 2014 at 10:29 pm
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      We await March, 2015, Karl, as the Millerites awaited 1843/4, Russell awaited 1914, the followers of Augustine of Hippo awaited 1658, Harold Camping and crew awaited 2012 and Ronald Weinland 2008.

      You would think that since every Bible based dated Apocalypse, Armageddon, Judgement, Parousia, Rapture or whatever has been wrong, that belief in Bible based dated End Times might fade away.

  • October 30, 2014 at 9:53 pm
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    It’s prophecy that they are just for their air. Think about it, every True God organization operated by Jehovah’s Holy Spirit was led by a sinful man and they have all fallen into temptation but God has given them what he has promised anyway. Moses and Aaron stumble and they didn’t get to walk into the promised land but they will be there in paradise later. King David committed adultery and killed another servant and he will be in paradise. King Asa relying on Jehovah to fight 1 million people with only half million soldiers and then in his next battle he signed an agreement with the AsSyrians. Every organization led by sinful man has proved to be sinful but still overall righteous most of their days. Just goes for the watch Tower Bible track society and the book of the Ezekiel explains the prophecy perfectly. The king of Babylon will destroy and take captive the people who are responsible for this probably March 20, 2015 during the black out of the sun. Ezekiel goes into detail because it is a prophecy for our time. The blood moons Mark all of this happening right now. The prophet Jeremiah was born by Jehovah’s Holy Spirit so that he could prophesy against Israel and Judah for doing the same thing that the watch Tower Bible society is doing today. The organization of people really love the governing body and it’s going to cause a lot of people to stumble with the truth needs to be told very soon.

    The W Bible track society governing body has lost Jehovah’s Holy Spirit because they turned his face from him for signing an agreement with the UN in 1992 to 2001. The reason they aren’t telling the people about the prophecy in the blood moons and talking about the wild beast is because they truly don’t know and it’s up to those looking for the truth and reading the Bible daily relying on Jehovah only to arise and teach the congregations the truth.

  • October 30, 2014 at 10:04 pm
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    It is the truth but they have been dealng badly with Jehovah’s name and his house since 1992. The became a UN NGO.

    It’s prophecy that they are just for their air. Think about it, every True God organization operated by Jehovah’s Holy Spirit was led by a sinful man and they have all fallen into temptation but God has given them what he has promised anyway. Moses and Aaron stumble and they didn’t get to walk into the promised land but they will be there in paradise later. King David committed adultery and killed another servant and he will be in paradise. King Asa relying on Jehovah to fight 1 million people with only half million soldiers and then in his next battle he signed an agreement with the AsSyrians. Every organization led by sinful man has proved to be sinful but still overall righteous most of their days. Just goes for the watch Tower Bible track society and the book of the Ezekiel explains the prophecy perfectly. The king of Babylon will destroy and take captive the people who are responsible for this probably March 20, 2015 during the black out of the sun. Ezekiel goes into detail because it is a prophecy for our time. The blood moons Mark all of this happening right now. The prophet Jeremiah was born by Jehovah’s Holy Spirit so that he could prophesy against Israel and Judah for doing the same thing that the watch Tower Bible society is doing today. The organization of people really love the governing body and it’s going to cause a lot of people to stumble with the truth needs to be told very soon.

    The W Bible track society governing body has lost Jehovah’s Holy Spirit because they turned his face from him for signing an agreement with the UN in 1992 to 2001. The reason they aren’t telling the people about the prophecy in the blood moons and talking about the wild beast is because they truly don’t know and it’s up to those looking for the truth and reading the Bible daily relying on Jehovah only to arise and teach the congregations the truth.

    The great earthquake the Bible talks about that breaks the great city (modern-day Jerusalem )up in three pieces it’s probably literal about the destruction of Jehovah’s modern-day temple and probably figurativly dividing Jehovah’s people into three different groups. Those Who completely rely on the governing body instead of relying completely on Jehovah and stumble, those who rely on Jehovah even though they do not know what is going on so they continue to pray and those who read the words of Jehovah’s prophecy during the four blood moons while he pours out his Holy Spirit in Jehovah gives them the prophecy to lead his people when the governing body is destroyed (ME!).

    I’ve been studying this my entire life and now moons have become a reality when the watch Tower Bible and tract Society said they were symbolic. I understand most of the books of prophecy and this is the most astounding thing the Bible says will ever happen. But it must happen and just like Moses and Aaron they will not walk into the promised land they will be killed and then Jehovah will resurrect them and give them their anointed position. This is the greatest and final prophecy that nobody knows and I have figured it out through constant prayer and supplication to Jehovah.

  • January 4, 2015 at 9:03 pm
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    This isn’t true. I mean, none of this is acurate. Why write this? I’m certain my comment will be removed. But never, ever has a price been set. The idea of a mandatory or set donation/ or dues payment is not only shunned by the governing body, but is also a base principle not to. These aren’t even the way the letters look.
    One of the rules for posting on this site was religiuos neutrality”. Posting a lie would kind of be choosing opposition,Yes. No? Irresponsible maybe?
    Perhaps visiting jw.org would give visitors a better look at the way they work.

    • January 5, 2015 at 5:13 am
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      “never, ever has a price been set.” <---- This article does not suggest that Watchtower has stipulated fixed amounts for congregations to pay, only that congregations are required to stipulate these monthly amounts themselves. "The idea of a mandatory or set donation/ or dues payment is not only shunned by the governing body, but is also a base principle not to. These aren't even the way the letters look." <---- Only someone who hasn't read the letter, doesn't understand basic English, or is simply in denial could reach such a conclusion. "One of the rules for posting on this site was religiuos neutrality". Posting a lie would kind of be choosing opposition,Yes. No? Irresponsible maybe?" <---- This has nothing to do with religious neutrality, and there are no lies on this website. If something inaccurate has been written, please provide a link to the page, a quote of the alleged inaccuracy, and sources to show why it is inaccurate. Random rants about "lies" based on nothing more than blind loyalty to the organization can only be pitied. "Perhaps visiting jw.org would give visitors a better look at the way they work." <----- JW.org is as much to be trusted on the benefits of being a Jehovah's Witness as Kim Jong Un is to be trusted on the benefits of being a citizen of North Korea.

    • January 5, 2015 at 5:32 am
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      Oh, how I would love to visit jw.org and see some kind of financial transparency…. can you point me to it please?

  • January 5, 2015 at 7:49 am
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    Karl,

    I respect your sincere reading of the Bible, and your manifest zeal for following its guidance.

    You have provided a date of the 20th of March this year for something to happen to the JWs. I hope that you will come back and comment again at that time.

    Blood moons are not supernatural in the slightest. There is no phrophetic significance to them. The moon is simply Earth’s satellite and exhibits certain qualities as viewed from Earth at various times.

    I have to say that I am incredibly sceptical of an earthquake splitting modern Israel in three. I will believe this if it happens, and not before.

    Please, instead of burying your head in the bible, go and do research on seismology and the truly wonderful scientific facts about our satellite.

    I will finish with this. No one knows the day or the hour except God. No amount of bible reading or prayer will reveal to you the time of God’s plans for the Earth, no matter how sincere those studies or prayers undoubtably are.

    Peace be with you,

    Excelsior!

  • January 5, 2015 at 4:48 pm
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    @Jacob. A few months ago, that letter was read in my old Kingdom Hall and the way the elder read the letter, it was exactly as was talked about in this article.

    One week, a letter was read to the congregation telling the congregation that nobody had to replay their loans anymore to the Society, making everyone think that the society was being really nice but then a few weeks later a 2nd letter was read to the congregation where the body of elders has decided that since our congregation had their loan paid off of $750 a month to the Society, the body of elders decided to send $725 a month to the Society to help with the building of Kingdom Halls where the people in other parts of the world were too poor to afford to build a new Kingdom Hall.

    My old congregation had save up $15,000 for a new parking lot, which they desperately needed but the elders decided to give half of that $15,000 to the Society along with that extra $725 a month. So, the congregation wasn’t asked to give that money to the Society but they were just told that that is what they’d have to come up with every month, even though their loan had already been paid off.

    The elders had decided for the congregation.

    The presiding overseer read that 2nd letter and a resolution was put to the congregation and like all good sheeple, they all raised their hands and agreed to it. So, even though they weren’t asked specifically ahead of time to think about it, to donate such and such an amount of money per publisher, they were stupid enough to raise their hands and agreed to keep paying indefinitely the same amount as their loan that they had already paid off!

    Doesn’t that seem underhanded to you, to do it that way??? Why didn’t they say that in the first letter, instead of deceiving the congregation into thinking that they didn’t have to repay any loans and then what they really wanted was for the congregations to pay and pay and pay????

    Also, when you go to assemblies, if you have about 1200 people at that circuit assembly, a letter will be read that they are in the rears of $12,000 and why should it cost $10 per person for toilet paper and electricity? That is because the Society puts a head price on every person attending an assembly and that is $10.00.

    Why should it cost the same for assemblies when they were providing meals and after they no longer provide meals, the cost is the same???? It is because the Society is charging for you to attend assemblies. They are making money off of you, while guilting you into going.

    They may not pass the plate, but that religion owns an awful lot of prime property all over the world and they got it somehow.

    • January 5, 2015 at 7:22 pm
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      That’s basically what they did to us. However, by this time, I was not so blinded, but don’t say good for you because I was now in the religion for 40 years. But they had us build Kingdom Hall, 2 years later they moved us to a far away congregation and at this point I became aware, woke up, or whatever one does when they realize they’ve been had. I did have the sense not to raise my hand when they passed those resolutions and I was talked about by the friends, I’m sure. So, thank you for your comments, they fit my sentiments exactly.

Comments are closed.