Is Warwick already becoming a new Mecca prized by the Governing Body above all else?
Is Warwick already becoming a new Mecca prized by the Governing Body above all else?

The Watch Tower Society is continuing to hemorrhage information. Hot on the heels of the leak of the annual meeting announcements, yet more details have emerged hinting at growing resentment among bethelites as downsizing intensifies.

JWsurvey has been contacted again by someone inside bethel who this time confirmed earlier rumors of a letter that was read to bethelites at morning worship last Wednesday warning of substantial changes.

Taken as a whole, a picture is emerging of an organization in crisis, increasingly running out of funds, led by a group of greedy, deluded men obsessed with seeing their Warwick fantasy come to fruition at the expense of everything else – including, perhaps, the health of their volunteer work force.

As with all bethel informants I have promised to strictly guard the anonymity of my source. With the annual meeting leak I was able to reproduce an entire letter, but this informant has asked that I merely convey information in my own words (rather than verbatim) so as to minimize the risk of discovery. What follows will, therefore, be my own wording based on what I have been told.

An incriminating image

Those of you who follow JW.org will be aware that Watchtower has been posting updates on the progress at Warwick in the form of “photo galleries.” The latest gallery covered work from January through April 2015 and came under the heading “Warwick Photo Gallery 3.”

My source brought it to my attention that this page has since been removed from JW.org, which indeed it has – although a Google cached page is still available on this link.

This raises the question, why was this photo gallery removed? The answer is – embarrassment over THIS picture…

diver-warwick-small

The picture seems fairly innocuous at first. Some guy, presumably a brother, is working in the lake – probably putting up nets to stop debris contaminating the lake, or to stop wildlife getting harmed.

But if you scroll down the cached page, the caption sheds more light…

A hired diver in Blue Lake replaces an old valve with a new one. With the push of a button, the level of the lake can now be lowered to prevent flooding in the event of a hurricane.

Two things now become apparent. Firstly, this is NOT a brother. It’s a “hired diver” – a so-called “worldly” contractor for Watchtower – presumably being paid handsomely due to the skilled nature of his work and the expensive equipment he’s using.

The second thing to notice is the job he’s doing. This is not an effort at preserving the environment or saving wildlife. The diver is “replacing an old valve with a new one” so that “the level of the lake can now be lowered to prevent flooding in the event of a hurricane” with “the push of a button.”

You might be thinking, so what? Why would Watchtower want this image pulled? Basically, it all falls into context once you read on and learn of the reasons for growing disgruntlement among bethelites. They are seeing branches closed, construction work halted, and face lay-offs on an unprecedented scale in the interests of cutting costs, while the Governing Body is lavishing dedicated funds on outside contractors just so they can have their own remote-controlled lake.

Living on borrowed time

The lay-offs rumored to be in the pipeline are official, and will commence from the winter of 2016, conveniently coinciding with the new Warwick headquarters becoming operational.

Certain bethels WILL be shutting down their laundry, kitchen and housekeeping services to cut costs. The total number of those being shown the door is not yet known, but it is expected to be into the thousands.

Not all Brooklyn bethelites will be following Splane, Morris and Co. to Warwick
Not all Brooklyn bethelites will be following Splane, Morris and Co. to Warwick

Hence, as the Governing Body members begin moving into their plush lakeside retreat, many of their “fellow worker” bethelites will be sent packing into the cold of winter – the majority of whom have forsaken higher education to serve the organization.

Many, my source says, are in their 40s and 50s, with nowhere to stay outside bethel, and precious few qualifications or employment prospects. There are fears that this displaced army will place further strain on congregations as frustrated, let-down, childless and homeless former-bethelites struggle to integrate themselves into the less glamorous fringes of Witness life.

There had previously been an unspoken rule that if a brother or sister accrued more than 15 years of bethel service, they were guaranteed to be cared for by Watchtower for life – deep into their old age. But this rule is out of the window, at least for those who will be axed. Despite many years of loyal service, they will have to fend for themselves – turning to the kindness of wealthy non-bethelite brothers and sisters in their new congregations (who they would have once looked down on to some extent for not “putting kingdom interests first”).

Having announced this hammer-blow news that so many bethelites are on borrowed time, the letter concludes by assuring those who will be forced to leave that Jehovah will care for them. According to my new source, the tone of the letter is eerily evocative of the words found at James 2:15-17:

“If a brother or a sister is lacking clothing and enough food for the day, yet one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but you do not give them what they need for their body, of what benefit is it? So, too, faith by itself, without works, is dead.”

The financial crisis deepens

The letter announcing the lay-offs was read at morning worship on Wednesday 23rd, not just in the United States, but at bethels all over the world. A similar letter was also sent to those in special pioneer service, and construction servants.

The letter speaks of a need to save money, and specifically mentions the May JW Broadcasting episode in which Stephen Lett admitted a shortfall between income and expenditure. (See below)

This is interesting, because comments made by Sam Herd in the August episode seemed to imply the desired funds had since been received, but it is becoming increasingly obvious that this was not so – at least not to the extent needed.

But rather than admitting these drastic changes are being forced on Watchtower simply due to a lack of money, the letter describes the need to speed up the preaching work as being a factor. Thus, laid-off bethel workers are now expected to enter regular pioneer service soon after being tossed out to fend for themselves.

The argument that these changes are inspired by the need to advance the preaching work soon unravels, however, when you consider that special pioneers are ALSO being laid off by these changes. (Special pioneers were receiving a monthly stipend from the organization in exchange for their extra preaching hours.) And it has not gone unnoticed by bethelites that laying-off special pioneers is not a way of speeding up the preaching work, despite Watchtower’s spin. This is purely about saving money by whatever means possible.

An ivory tower on poisoned land

It is becoming increasingly apparent that, despite recent JW Broadcasting episodes heralding its grand building projects all over the world, Watchtower has now frozen virtually all its building programs worldwide so that it can focus on getting Warwick over the finish line.

The late Guy Pierce admitted doubts over Jehovah's direction concerning Warwick
The late Guy Pierce admitted doubts over Jehovah’s direction concerning Warwick

Warwick will be Watchtower’s new Mecca, and its completion is now the Governing Body’s top priority even as finances dwindle.

Since its inception, the Warwick project has had more than a hint of controversy.

When announcing the plans at the 2011 Annual Meeting, the late Guy Pierce made the frank admission that the Governing Body were “not yet certain of Jehovah’s will regarding Warwick,” but irrespective of this were “proceeding to develop the site with the intention of relocating the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses there.”

Since then the Governing Body has made no secret of its lofty aspirations for their new residence, even telling those who wish to volunteer in its construction that they will be involved in a work akin to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah.

“Similar to the call that Nehemiah made to his fellow Israelites, there is a need to call upon the ‘strengthened hands’ of skilled volunteers to complete the Warwick project,” said one service meeting outline attached to a Watchtower letter dated August 21, 2013.

Have Warwick workers been warned to take precautions against dangerous pollutants?
Have Warwick workers been warned to take precautions against dangerous pollutants?

But far from being an unblemished utopia, ordinary bethelites are aware of a media report that circulated back in June to the effect that the Warwick site was contaminated with dangerous chemicals by its previous owners – International Nickel.

Watchtower never responded to requests for comment by Hema Easley of the Times Herald-Record, but it seems there are concerns at bethel that the Governing Body may have been less-than-transparent with Warwick workers about the contaminated nature of the environment in which they are working.

Easley’s article reports that, according to Watchtower’s suit against International Nickel, the organization knew about the problem as far back as 2012/2013 and have been “cleaning the property under the direction of the DEC.”

But given Watchtower’s own dubious track-record with handling pollution, concerned bethelites would be forgiven for wondering whether the Governing Body have really taken all necessary precautions to stop Warwick workers coming into contact with polychlorinated byphenyls – or PCBs – banned in the United States as probable human carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) as far back as 1979.

Thinking Witnesses would do well to question how the Governing Body could be considered “faithful and discreet” by forging ahead with a project while admitting uncertainty over God’s backing. And if they DID have God’s backing all along, why has Jehovah guided his organization to build its new headquarters despite having a shortage of funds, and on land drenched in potentially life-threatening pollutants?

Another scripture will no doubt come to mind for thinking Witnesses, this time in Luke 14:28…

“For example, who of you wanting to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense to see if he has enough to complete it?”

Exciting times

We are now entering a fascinating phase in Watchtower’s history. Over the next couple of years we will all have front row seats to a bizarre spectacle – a cult running out of money, but desperately trying to preserve credibility regardless.

Previously Watchtower could at least count on its army of die-hard bethel workers to rally to its side and hold the fort, but even this alliance is not as solid as it once was, as these new leaks demonstrate.

The recently-announced lay-offs are, I am told, destroying trust in the Governing Body’s leadership among those at bethel – as well they should. These brutal measures bring to the fore the increasingly-noticeable greed and narcissism of the Governing Body – a deluded group of men who shamelessly put their own needs and comfort ahead of those who serve them.

Not satisfied with lavish accommodation and all-expenses-paid trips around the world to attend zone visits and receive adulation at international conventions, these men are now pouring everything into their lakeside retirement retreat – complete with infirmary and adjustable lake.

The Warwick headquarters continue to take shape
The Warwick headquarters continues to take shape

 

Those they have cut loose to help rescue their dream of a potentially cancer-causing cult compound face a more uncertain future. With few prospects, many soon-to-be ex-bethelites will be forced to rely on the already over-stretched resources and generosity of the congregations.

Some ex-Witnesses watching these events unfold remain skeptical that Watchtower truly can be running out of money. Watchtower is, in their minds, too worthy an adversary to ever be vanquished. But I am told my recent speculation regarding possible bankruptcy isn’t that far-fetched. Regardless of how much money an organization may start out with, if income fails to catch up with expenditure consistently year-on-year something will eventually have to give.

And while commercial organizations are usually able to adjust their scope of operations almost on a whim, it is virtually impossible for Watchtower to downsize to a scale corresponding to its income gracefully and seamlessly without people noticing and starting to question its religious claims. In short, the threat of the organization collapsing suddenly under its own weight is very real, and the Governing Body knows it – hence its recent desperate attempts to steady the ship.

This of course does not mean an end to Jehovah’s Witnesses. It simply means that the organization that Jehovah’s Witnesses look to as God’s sole channel with mankind could, in our lifetimes, become a shadow of its former self. And the downsizing has long since started, with Watchtower already well beyond the zenith it reached around 2005 (the last year of full magazine-printing) and 2010, when branch numbers started plummeting.

What lies in store?

The end game is far from certain, but given what we are witnessing, I fully expect Watchtower to eventually be reduced to little more than a cult-compound in upstate New York where dwindling numbers of devout followers flock on occasional pilgrimages for a photo opportunity with their dear leaders.

Nothing will be printed. Everything will be accessed online, with Governing Body members addressing their devotees through videos, assuring them that Armageddon is surely just around the corner because Jehovah’s organization is under attack as never before.

A Scientology Ideal Org in Hamburg
A Scientology Ideal Org in Hamburg

We may live to see the day when Watchtower becomes similar in size and set-up to Scientology, with its 50,000 (or less) followers and a highly-insulated leadership.

There would be no real congregations to speak of, because the vast majority of kingdom halls, having already surrendered their autonomy, would be among the first assets to be sold off. Perhaps a few “ideal orgs” (along the Scientology model) spread out across major city locations might spring up as local focal points for Witness activity. But, as the organization’s woes become more apparent, what were once millions of Witnesses will be reduced to perhaps hundreds of thousands of oblivious, hardcore cult followers who steadfastly refuse to look at objective information on the internet despite the clear evidence that their beloved organization has long since crumbled.

Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself, but now that I’m no longer a Witness I’m allowed to speculate. It may not happen overnight, or to quite that extent. But it is becoming increasingly difficult to deny that something is happening in the bowels of this fiercely proud organization, and I for one feel privileged to witness it.

 

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Click here for a Spanish translation

Further reading…

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259 thoughts on “Watchtower in crisis: Frustration grows at bethel as Governing Body focuses everything on Warwick

  • September 29, 2015 at 6:04 pm
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    So will Tony 3 be doing his own laundry and cooking? My guess is that Mrs. 3 will be down at the shore slapping those clothes against the polluted rocks, and figuring out how to use the microwave. Hints: When it’s time for the final rinse, just pull that “Raise the water” switch, and don’t put any metal in that oven!

    • September 30, 2015 at 12:51 am
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      @Bearwoody . I REALLY LIKE your FORWARD ‘VISION’ …Perhaps I can add to it … I hear the Warwick site is Contaminated with TOXIC METALS such as MERCURY !! I hear Mercury can DAMAGE BRAIN CELLS??? … Hmmmm….. Can TONY 3 get any more Damaged Brain Cells ???… HARD to IMAGINE!!!!

      • September 30, 2015 at 8:49 am
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        I don’t understand your use of capital letters. “HARD to IMAGINE!” Like no one speaks that way. Scream ‘hard,’ whisper ‘to,’ and yell ‘imagine.”

        • September 30, 2015 at 12:32 pm
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          Have you not worked out PB’s cleverly hidden messages within those capitalised words? Take all the capitalised words, take the second letter from each of them, read it all backwards…no, I can’t work it out either, though I will admit I’ve tried really hard! I had a bit of a meltdown when JB Reezner dipped his toe in the style!

          • September 30, 2015 at 2:51 pm
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            @Outlookingin .., AH I am GLAD my GOOD FRIEND … JB Reezner got a MENTION !!

          • October 2, 2015 at 8:55 pm
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            Yes Outlookingin, it’s true. Not content to merely watch the hind parts of Pickled Brain’s glory pass by me as a mere spectator to his truly inspired comments, I leapt up and briefly dwelt in the rarefied air that has been exclusively the domain of His Brain, lol. It was more than I could handle! Honestly, that day, my hair turned white and I got a goofy look on my face that WILL NOT go away (okay, maybe that last part was already an issue)…

        • September 30, 2015 at 2:49 pm
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          @Jason . PARDON !…., I must THANK MY STYLE of COMMENTING to my ExCeLLent ThEOCRATIC SCHOOL OVERSEER !! Praise the LORD!!

          • October 2, 2015 at 2:03 am
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            Ha ha, you blokes always make me laugh.

          • October 13, 2015 at 6:28 pm
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            Was Nicholas Cage your school overseer? I could definitely see him being a cong elder, so makes sense.

        • October 6, 2015 at 10:15 pm
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          but this is why he is OUR pickled brain :) and we love him.

  • September 29, 2015 at 8:40 pm
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    It is sad they are casting off the older ones who gave their youth are are all spent. They are no different from the Catholic.

    • October 2, 2015 at 2:06 am
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      No, Judy Leith. The Catholics look after their nuns and priests when they are too old to be of any service. The Watchtower is a lot worse. It’s now become “Thanks for all you’ve done. See ya later.”

  • September 29, 2015 at 11:30 pm
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    It will occur “overnight” so to speak, and it will be WORSE than you expect.

    That’s my speculation, you are being too kind.

  • September 30, 2015 at 6:49 am
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    Just think of all the money JW ORG could save if members were told to just use the Bible. There would be no need for compounds, no need for expensive building projects and a publishing empire. And all those donations could go to actually help people.

    But, we all know, that scenario would do nothing to support the leaders who don’t have to work at an outside job for a living, nor earn their daily bread.

    How far have they strayed from the simple method laid out in the Bible.

    • September 30, 2015 at 2:42 pm
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      @M Rhodes. SUCCINCTLY PUT My Friend & Never a TRUER WORD SPOKEN !!

    • October 1, 2015 at 12:39 am
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      On that point, I’d like to add that for certainty there are several Bethelites (I slaved there for 5 years in Rome during the mid 80’s) who enter Bethel as spiritual men and leave dead (after commiting suicide), utter disgusted about the Org (witnessing class disticntion and hipocrisy) or stay there as long as thay manage to avoid becoming homelss. i feel sorry for some of them and honestly I feel it is not the right place for several young ones. The GB are far removed form reality and although I am in the Org, because I feel there are no other churches which are closer to Bible teachings than JWs, I am sad to see how many adore the GB instead of looking at Jesus and Jehovah primarily for the Bible and its message which ultimately is true!

      • October 1, 2015 at 1:15 am
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        @Giac .. I Find that VERY SAD that you know of 5 Former BETHELITES who Committed SUICIDE!! ..you seem a CARING & KIND Person.. I would like you to Read MARK 9v.38-40 & you will see we DON’T NEED an ORGANISATION to be a CHRISTIAN

        • April 14, 2017 at 4:52 am
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          I understand this Giac, I Know that there are great folks with good hearts that worship there and I go to worship Jehovah. I don’t understand the trinity and don’t believe it. There are some non-denominational churches that don’t believe in the trinity and I have gone to a church that I enjoyed but then the church became corrupted and one of the money backers was a real nut job and had folks running around with sashes and blowing horns and stuff. So I moved and felt lost so now I’m just going back.

          • April 14, 2017 at 7:53 am
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            @Rachel,
            May I suggest what a friend of mine does, and which I try to copy. He goes along to the meetings to receive whatever points he finds to help him be a better Christian. He differentiates what is Christian and what is Witness and just concentrates on the Christian side of things. This friend never puts in a report, and whenever the secretary asks him his report by sms he answers: 5h. He hasn’t put in a report for years, and now the elders don’t even bother to send an sms.

            I attend meetings, but I also answer up and encourage the cong to not just be good witnesses but more importantly to be good Christians.

            I go preaching too, but I don’t direct people to this organization that has made me suffer so much. I just direct them to the Bible. So I am able to carry out the responsibility Jesus gave Christians.

            I suggest you attend meetings, but strain out and pay attention to the information for Christians. Don’t answer. Don’t get involved with anything. And if you ever go preaching, just direct people to the Bible.

      • February 9, 2016 at 2:57 pm
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        Am wondering why you think that only JW have the closer “Bible”teachings.When you teach the “good news”of 1914(false dogmatic) worldwide are you normal comparing the first century true Christians?
        It looks good to help people social and give attention, information and go nice dressed.But where are the Calebs ? never saw them among JW and EX-JW too

      • November 30, 2016 at 6:29 pm
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        I came across your comment via all of the negative comments above yours and you seem to have hit a nerve with me, a good one mind you. I was raised a jw from birth both mother and father baptised and I left when I was a teen. I’m now 32 and my daughter has also had the benefit of blessed teachings from jah through kingdom hall and was an unbaptized publisher until recent when she left due to finding her way I guess through teen years, I dare say she will return once her rebellious stage is outgrown, anyways, I started up a Bible study but feel so conflicted with everything I read and hear and I draw my own opinion of the bethel and witnesses practice methods it puts me off containing my education of bible teachings and genuine relationship I can only dream of building with Jehovah. I do believe no other faith can give bible teachings and fact than jws but I’m turned away from other faiths based on the “not wanting to be part of a group(mass) of people that have wrong practices” I find myself a hypocrite by saying this about Catholicism but yet find my path always leads back to jw. I guess my question is ” how do you stay faithful to Jehovah through jw teachings without being labelled as their cult shadow? ”
        PS, sorry for the rant. Not been able to talk to anyone about this so its a mouth opener for me :)

        • November 30, 2016 at 7:11 pm
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          Dear Jen Jen

          There are many opinions on the subject – and the best we can do is tell the truth of what we know of the organization and let people decide for themselves. We love our former JW friends, in a way that no imaginary God could ever love a person. I am bringing this up because you need to understand that what you are feeling is very genuine, but it is a conflict which falls under numerous categories – one of them is cognitive dissonance. (look that up on the internet). I am only speaking from my opinion and not speaking for JW Survey, but the concept of having a personal relationship with God is a false concept, a false home, and a premise based on religious belief rather than fact. Most religious persons believe God answers prayers – but I am sorry to say that he does not answer prayers. It is merely a perception by those who WANT to believe this. We all want to believe in something positive, but for every prayer issued by a person which has a happy outcome, a thousand more end in tragedy – someone dies, becomes seriously ill, or otherwise. We believe what we want to believe, and much of our belief structure is based on what our parents and others taught us, or influenced us to believe. But in the end, none of it is true. We have to be humble enough to accept this. There are simply no personal relationships with God or any spirit creature – there is only the mind and the complexities which create alternate realities in a similar way that our subconscious reveals dreams to us at night. They often seem incredibly real, but when we wake up – we know that they are the result of our imagination going wild while we sleep.

          I do not wish to crush anyone’s conception of God or faith – but at some point we must all face reality. Witnesses thrive on pointing out the hypocrisy of other churches, while failing to mention that they are no different – it’s just a different story-line with a different ending. If it were not for the extreme danger of undue influence and how it deeply affects peoples lives, this website would not be necessary. Unfortunately people die from lack of blood transfusion, or they fail to get a proper education because the end is around the corner, or they are abused, and the evidence is covered up by elders, and so forth. Every religion has its dangers – and the JWs are one of the worst. While I do not support any religion, I can at least say that (as and example) the Catholic religion tries to feed the hungry and provide programs and shelters for the poor – whereas Jehovah’s Witnesses do nothing at all to help these persons. Everything they teach is about the future “kingdom” which gives them the ability to bypass all philanthropy. It’s a sad state of affairs, and it is the reason we work so hard to educate people.

          We wish you the best, and hope that you find a way to help us make this world a better place. Right now is the time to do it, not after the make-believe Armageddon

          Sincerely

          JR

    • June 6, 2016 at 9:53 pm
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      Alguém para ser membro do corpo governante, ou outro tipo de atividade de responsabilidade, não é devido as suas habilidades vocacionais, mais sim seu trabalho zeloso com publicador do reino, são anos nessa atividade preciosa que é a divulgação do reino, ninguém esta na mamata como você quer dizer. Quando alguém é trienado em Betel, geralmente quando deixa esse serviço, facilmente vai encontrar um trabalho digno devido ao seu alto teor de treinamento, e muitos são bem vindos na iniciativa privada, justamente por isso estão preparados para quaisquer serviço de especie técnica como lavandeira, cozinha, jardinagem, construção em geral, serviços gráficos, informática etc. Betel é uma escola de vida pratica, profissional e vivência, durante os meus 53 anos na organização pude assistir somente progresso. Ago os que saem si são uma lástima, ficam como cães ladrando, ladrando, ladrando e não chegar a lugar nenhum. O corpo governante esta fazendo o certo, mudar a sede mundial para Warwick sim, construção em top de modernidade e tecnologia, menor custo futuro e já está quase pronto. Outro detalhe mesmo que o Armagedom leve mais 50 anos pra chegar, ser TJ é um modo de vida, ético, correto, e faz bem para a consciência quanto aos que se opõem só lhes trás mais pressão cardíaca e sem duvida desgaste para os osso como disse Davi.

  • September 30, 2015 at 8:09 pm
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    Thank you for the continuing information Cedar.
    What would we do without you.
    You’re right, this could collapse sudden. Maybe a charity status reversal/tax backlog, pedo verdict/compensatory damages and the uncertainty of Jehovah’s support will be clear for all to see. “I never knew you!” (Mat. 6&7)

    BTW, the link to the photo gallery is inoperable.
    But it’s still here with original commentary:
    https://picasaweb.google.com/110145248941734623281/WarwickConstructionProgressNewWatchtowerWorldHeadquarters?authkey=GDnRrEF74xM

    (or search on: “jehovahs-witnesses/activities/construction/warwick-photo-gallery-january-april-2015”)

  • October 1, 2015 at 12:18 pm
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    “Not satisfied with lavish accommodation and all-expenses-paid trips around the world to attend zone visits and receive adulation at international conventions, these men are now pouring everything into their lakeside retirement retreat – complete with infirmary and adjustable lake.”

    “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness,
    his upper rooms by injustice,
    making his own people work for nothing,
    not paying them for their labor.
    14 He says, ‘I will build myself a great palace
    with spacious upper rooms.’
    So he makes large windows in it,
    panels it with cedar
    and decorates it in red.
    15 “Does it make you a king
    to have more and more cedar?
    Did not your father have food and drink?
    He did what was right and just,
    so all went well with him.
    16 He defended the cause of the poor and needy,
    and so all went well.
    Is that not what it means to know me?”
    declares the Lord.
    17 “But your eyes and your heart
    are set only on dishonest gain,
    on shedding innocent blood
    and on oppression and extortion.” Jer 22:13-17

    • October 1, 2015 at 1:15 pm
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      Wow the Bible speaks so plainly. Thankyou so much peely. This so made my day ruthlee

    • October 1, 2015 at 6:21 pm
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      Excellent application

    • June 6, 2016 at 10:02 pm
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      Porque você não fez o mesmo, quanto você vai deixar uma herança para o próximo, posso te garantir apesar de ser um privilégio, não gostaria de ter uma enorme responsabilidade que têm os que estão na dianteira da obra mundial da TJ, pois tais são muito mais cobrados do que eu atualmente como um publicador ativo com meus 70 anos e 53 de batismo, deixei minhas responsabilidades por questão de não poder dar o máximo, antes mas estou feliz por que a sabedoria adquirida me deu suporte e boa condição espiritual e financeira na minha velhice.

  • October 2, 2015 at 11:22 am
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    I feel mixed emotions. I have family still practicing as they have for over 40 years. While nothing will make me happier than for the Watchtower Society to suffer this possibly humiliating blow, another part of me feels pity for the “long timers” who will suffer from this terrible let down including those “kicked out” of Bethel with no prospects of a comfortable future. As per usual, I’m sure the Governing Body is devising a spin to put on this inevitable implosion. I’m sure it will be a sign of “the end of this system of things” or something of that nature. As a side note: A close friend of my parents who is a very successful contractor an is worth millions of dollars (He was contracted by Walmart to install their simulated wood flooring in hundreds of stores that opened in Florida) is donating is expertise and a lot of money to this Warwick project. He is one of those that is shameful of his wealth. I think there are a large number like him that will remain loyal, thus helping to insulate this body of evil men from ever having their feet on the ground. We all know they will die in luxury and comfort at their palatial estate built on the backs of the hopelessly confused and forever brainwashed believers. I hope for their complete collapse as a cult but realistically this is wishful thinking. As thoroughly as the average JW in brainwashed it will take several generations or more for appreciable effects of even a complete bankruptcy to reduce their numbers by even half (…and don’t forget about Prince!!! lol). If they don’t have Kingdom Halls they will just meet in small numbers in each other’s homes. They are so delusional and convinced in their ways that this rapid decline in organizational structure will only serve to further convince them that the “end” is that much closer. I have faced the fact that my parents are a lost cause:( This is my first time either reading or commenting on this page. I see some of you have a lingo I don’t quite get. I will endeavor to “catch on”, just give me a few months to get up to speed.

    • October 2, 2015 at 8:54 pm
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      Hey Sandman and welcome to our little abode. I feel I have found friendship here among so many who have been hurt and feel betrayed by the Borg. I cannot express in words how comforting it is to speak what is on my mind without feeling intimidated by the elders in my hall. In general they are nice people as are the cong. But because of the conditioning from the GB they become part of the collective and turn into bullies. I look forward to hearing more of your comments and hey if you don’t get the terminology just ask…. most of it goes over my humble minion head too. ;)

    • October 9, 2015 at 11:37 am
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      It’s really sad very sad so many good gullible people realising too late. I have lost my family, my children and grandchildren. Sometimes I wish their end would come for the sake of my children, but I know it won’t happen. If it does happens I really don’t want to be live with self righteous people who think they understand how the world works! Sad really sad. Nice blog!

      • March 6, 2016 at 4:39 am
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        WELL U DESERVE IT BC U HAVE A VERY NEGATIVE VIEW POINT ABOUT JW’S. THEY DON’T EVEN SAY NEGATIVE THINGS ABOUT U BUT WHY U SAY SOMETHING BAD ABOUT THEM?

  • October 2, 2015 at 3:40 pm
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    Sandman 1210 Hi we were all first timers once so no worries. We are all learning and taking comfort from each other and having a jolly good laugh at times.We are always being told the internet is dangerous ooooooh spooky!but here i have found the liberation iv’e needed with no one taking liberties.It’s great . Each day you will get more confident, thoughts will flow.Some of our friends here have made me cry because they get me even though we haven’t met. It’s part of the healing process.Whatever Cedar’s intentions were i don’t think even he could have anticipated how this would grow.We are truly grateful for him and the teams work.A point i want to make on your concern for the old timers i think that cuts deep for a lot of us as they were always sincere .It seems like the unkindest cut of all, but cruel people have no conscience there is always casualties in war, that is why its so wrong.However, if we are in a position to help these ones then most of us would do so in a heartbeat.That is what the org are banking on .But it is not for their benefit, it is because we try to do the right thing. Just being here living free in electric land is the right thing at the moment.I look forward to your comments on the ever increasing topics .ruthlee

  • October 3, 2015 at 4:35 pm
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    ok along the lines of what sandman said about his concern for long timers, I have just found out the branch in the Netherlands are cutting back. We have two female relatives who are both in their mid eighties, who have been full time since young women. Well they have been given a year to move out.. what is that??? how cruel.

    • October 5, 2015 at 9:37 am
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      It is a horrible thing and one cannot help but think, who in their right mind expects to be a permanent guest of the Bethel family? These are consequences of the false 1914 prophecies these elderly ones gambled their entire life on. The most pathetic part is that the reset button was hit on that same bs prophecy and these sheeple around the world don’t bat an eye. I’m realizing that many aren’t there for God at all, but for the mind control itself. They are horrified with the thought of having to think and make moral judgements for themselves. Orson Welles was a far greater prophet then any of these liars, at least he didn’t falsely claim to be speaking on Gods behalf. 1984, if you haven’t read it I highly recommend the audiobook available by clicking the audible link on this site. It could be a way of making a monetary contribution to the site. They even offer the first book for free, with no obligation to buy more. If your like me you’ll be hooked and keep going with audible, which is my jogging partner in the mornings, which is the way I deal with all stress relief. It has literally saved my life.

      • October 6, 2015 at 10:21 pm
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        Do people really do that? Jog I mean. I sort of do a zombie shuffle to the coffee pot. pour something into the cat bowl, shuffle back to bed with coffee in hand making strange sounds and then wait for the caffeine to kick in… but jog… wow that’s a novelty I will have to think about… ok done, not happening.

        • October 9, 2015 at 8:46 am
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          Tara that was funny,I read it sipping my coffee & waiting for the caffeine to kick~in kinda new here,but really feel so much better reading,knowing maybe not so alone! Just being able to vent,is helpful!! There’s comfort in knowing your not the only one with an unbelievable story, & it it kinda exciting watching things slowly crumble,I’m hopeful for a snowball~affect!

        • June 8, 2016 at 10:42 am
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          Same here!

      • November 7, 2015 at 10:18 pm
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        I’m confused, Robert. What does Orson Welles have to do with prophesy and 1984???

        • June 8, 2016 at 10:40 am
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          I think that Robert is alluding to not Orson Welles but George Orwell, who wrote the the novel 1984, in which everything and everyone is watched carefully and everything is totally controlled by the state to the last detail!
          The connection with .org is that some of the control methods described in that novel are very similar!

  • October 4, 2015 at 3:10 pm
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    For any building project soil tests are usually required. Is it wise to build on contaminated soil, or disturb the sediment in a lake known to contain contaminates? Measures need to be put in place to prevent overflows and contamination. If the building site is known to be contaminated and the lake also. Why continue to build?

  • October 5, 2015 at 10:02 am
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    Comment on the lake valve and diver. It could be more than just hide lavish spending. This lake is not a private lake. It is a New York state park and maybe they installed a valve without official permission. Also they need US Amry Engineering permits to alter waterways. I know ba out this stuff…its part of my business has an environmental engineer. Also there is condo complex downstream that could be in danger of flooding if Watchtower let flood wAters loose. I plan to inquire with the State Park about the valve and whether an environmental impact assessment news done for this valve.

  • October 5, 2015 at 3:30 pm
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    When the use of land changes from industrial to otherwise. The new owners would have done a due diligence study as a precaution. Re known contamination of soil and water from the previous manufacturing at the site, next to the lake. The previous owners could have put the valve in place to prevent sediment in the lake from being disturbed and contaminates overflowing. There must be records why the valve was put there in the first place? The valve appears to be a measure to prevent overflows.

  • October 6, 2015 at 10:45 am
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    This sounds like a wonderful end to the bOrg, John. So wonderful I’m skeptical. The seem so unassailable. I’d “pray” that you’re right, but “prayer” feels so cliché, when I no longer believe in the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

  • October 8, 2015 at 6:33 am
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    All hail JW.org and Warwick.

  • October 13, 2015 at 6:39 am
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    Do we have anymore information on what is happening at Bethel or on the building work?

  • October 15, 2015 at 1:06 am
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    Power corrupts…
    Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
    By their deeds, you will know them…
    By their lies, you will see them.
    By their victims cries, you will hear them.

    They are building themselves a glass tower.
    They really shouldnt have thrown all those rocks !!!
    The mighty have farther to fall to disgrace. Their holyer than thou self centeredness will be quite the humble pie to eat.

    I do believe, at this rate, they will emplode.

  • October 16, 2015 at 11:07 pm
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    The below extract was in this weekends WT study (paragraph 8)

    8. The privilege of living under Kingdom rule is well worth any effort we make to cooperate with Jehovah’s organization and care for theocratic assignments. Of course, our circumstances may change with the passing of time. For instance, some members of the Bethel family in the United States have been reassigned to the field and are nowenjoying abundant blessings in other forms of the full-time ministry. Because of advancing age or other factors, others who were in the traveling work have now received special pioneer assignments. If we cultivate contentment, pray for God’s help, and do all we can in his service, we will experience joy and will receive many blessings even in these critical last days. (Read Proverbs 10:22.)

    Coincidental timing or simply well planned? I think we all know the answer is the latter…

  • October 20, 2015 at 12:19 pm
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    This is bad, real bad.

    My sister and her husband have been “reassigned” from Brooklyn bethel to the regular pioneer work. Imagine, my brother-in-law has been at bethel since 1974 when he was 19, for 41 years, (read longer than he has been anywhere else in his life). My sister since 1985, 30 years. She is 51, and he is 60.

    Wow! Can you imagine a 60 yr old man having had his clothes washed, meals cooked, room cleaned all of his life, now having to get busy doing all of that and working a secular job as a regular pioneer?

    It will be more than tough, but we know “Jehovah will provide”. smh

  • October 20, 2015 at 3:24 pm
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    He’s sixty years old, spent 41 years working for them for free, and he’s thrown out into the street? OMG, and they claim to be loving. Have they told you how they’re feeling about this?

  • October 22, 2015 at 8:49 am
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    O ye of small faith…….all these point out that they are guided by holy spirit…end is coming..they have seen that

  • December 11, 2015 at 3:05 pm
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    U seem to be only interested in Warwick project, maybe you’ll be watching watchtower grow better whiles u sit behind a computer wid ur potbelly and die of diabetes or cancer before bethelites, get a religion and a life.

    • December 11, 2015 at 4:03 pm
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      Ladies and gentlemen, I give you – a Jehovah’s Witness.

      • March 17, 2017 at 5:05 am
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        Can you tell by his lack of education shown by his spelling mistakes and lack of proper grammar, together with his superior attitude and lack of compassion?

  • December 11, 2015 at 3:12 pm
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    None of u seem to be interested in jw ideologies so why are u so interested in cut back of bethelites? Do u have a problem if Microsoft cut back workers if u don’t work there? Get a life pls. JEHOVAH WILL PROVIDE, AND SURELY HE DOES. None of jws will knock at ur door and beg for food ever.

    • December 12, 2015 at 4:03 am
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      Actually we are very interested in Watchtower ideologies, you’ll find many articles and comments on this site discussing them.

      The difference between Microsoft and Watchtower is Microsoft pays it’s employees rather well, so when it cuts back on them, those employees rarely end up turfed out with no-where to go.

      Oh, and Microsoft actually gives employees far better holiday and working conditions than “God’s Organisation.”

      Oh, and Microsoft doesn’t order current employees to pretend Employees who moved to Apple or Cisco are dead.

      And Microsoft doesn’t demand it’s employees forego lifesaving medical treatment and die.

      And Microsoft doesn’t systematically refuse to report child abuse to the authorities.

      ….I’m sorry I got a little sidetracked there, what was your point again?

    • December 12, 2015 at 5:23 am
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      @ himself, a lot of those Bethelites who have been kicked out of the Bethels will either have to depend on the generosity of the congregations or government aid especially if they are old and can’t get a job anymore.

      In the United States, there is government housing and welfare and food stamps and if your income is low, the government will provide very cheap rent for you and that is what a lot of pioneers do. Then there are lots of charities that have food pantries and churches and doctors work together to help the poor with doctor bills and dentistry.

      So, what a lot of pioneers do is to live off the labor of workers who pay their fair share in taxes for those freeloaders and the generosity of the “world”.

      Don’t fool yourself. They don’t need to knock on our doors. They have other ways of feeding themselves where they don’t have to work and most of those people who are paying their way for them probably hate Jehovah’s Witnesses. All that stuff is done in secret. It isn’t Jehovah who is taking care of them. It’s tax payers who actually have a conscience and won’t cheat the government into supporting them and charities run by “worldly” people.

      And then you have men who pioneer and live off of their wives working full time and women who are able to pioneer because their husband has a good job and then you have grown kids living with their parents and their parents are supporting them.

      The pioneers are the ones who do the bulk of the Witnessing and it’s the pioneers that the Society needs for the religion to grow but those pioneers could never spend all that time in service and pay for rent and cars and utilities and car repairs and gas and food and health insurance and clothing, working part time with part time jobs unless those part time jobs paid $50 an hour and you will never see the Society paying our one red dime for those pioneers to support them. That charity is only for the Governing Body and it’s members for them to build their up their real estate empire in the name of religion off the backs of the rank and file’s contributions and slave labor, which they can do because they call themselves a “charity”.

      You have been fooled.

    • June 8, 2016 at 10:59 am
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      My argument is not with Jehovah……I still believe in a Supreme Being, I still pray to Him, and the name I know for Him is Jehovah.
      No, what I am questioning is whether or not this is an organisation that He could possibly still be using!
      The putting out of faithful brothers and sisters onto the streets to sink or swim as best they can…..well could you see Jesus Christ doing that?

    • April 23, 2017 at 9:45 am
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      No stranded jws will not knock on your doors. They’ll just go to soup kitchens and food banks and other resources provided free of charge by Christendom while the Governing Body sits back in their lavish palace enjoying all the amenities that hardworking jw’s have paid for!!!! Smh…

  • February 2, 2016 at 3:51 pm
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    Taken as a whole, a picture is emerging of an organization in crisis, its really?

  • February 10, 2016 at 6:57 am
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    So it seems that unfortunately many of you haven’t moved on from your years with the org nor grown in Christian love for those that are sitting in such terrible darkness. I encourage you to use every opportunity available to witness the real truth to them when they come knocking on your door. The truth that leads to eternal life can only be found in Jesus our Lord and Savior as revealed in His word. He is the true channel not the org. I was a pioneer for 11 years before I came to this realization and then went to Bethel and disassociated myself. I now have been serving here in Indonesia for the last 5 years and continue to pray regularly for their courage to turn and serve the Lord as we as Christians are called to do. Praying for your finding real peace in Him.

    • June 21, 2016 at 9:36 pm
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      While I was a Witness, I lived behind the Watchtower mask presented for public consumption. Their true faces are, at best, repulsive and cruel.

      It’s very difficult to forget the many acts of hatred committed against you by the cult who had convinced you–at the beginning, with the friendly, smiling Witness who conducted that first book study [they’re never Bible studies]; and the Witnesses you met at the Kingdom Hell, where you were constantly loved-bombed by all the smiling, friendly people–that they were a people of love and truth.

      By the time you finally see their true faces, it’s already too late. No one joins a cult, you get sucked in and swallowed.

      It’s especially difficult to forget their many acts of hatred caused pain so terrible it seemed there was only one way to end that pain.

      Yes, I feel no love whatsoever for those disgusting people. I shall always hate them, and never forgive them.

      Since I first started hearing about it in the 1980s, I have been very glad to see that the Watchtower False Prophet Society has been having difficulties. Now that they’re actually facing the time when their filthy cult will collapse under its own weight, I’m happier still.

      If their end comes during my life time, I will be ecstatic.

      There’s no need to remind me that the Borg was never Jehovah’s Organization, I already know that.

      Because those who disassociate themselves are treated the same as people who have been disfellowshipped [for example, when the daughter of the Witnesses who started that first book study with me–who was a McDonald’s employee when I first met her–threw my food tray at me after learning that I was once a Witness (she ceased to be a McDonald’s employee after her act of violence; apparently, McDonald’s doesn’t like it when employees throw food at customers)], I don’t get many Witnesses knocking on my door. And I like it like that.

  • March 17, 2016 at 12:11 pm
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    hoy 16 de marzo puedo afirmar que eres un buen visionario gracias por compartirlo cada dia se hace mas brillante la luz y nada puede ser ocultado o disfrazado feliz 2016 para todos año de jubilaciones y reclamos laborales para los bethelitas jaja

  • April 21, 2016 at 2:38 pm
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    To all the jay du(m)b a.. who read and post here:
    Everybody has the right to believe and think what he/she wants. But for me there is a NO GO, if things happen like with my wife. There is some bloody JW bi***, teaching my wife the JW style bible. Maybe I should tell you, my wife is disabled and in a wheelchair, beside this she has serious mental problems and due to this she can easily be manipulated. But it’s not surprising, that cults like JW prey on people which need assistance (mental & physical).
    That’s what makes me sooo angry about cults. That and the protection and support of pedophiles, lies of the ‘bosses’ who sees themselves as the god choosen, but in fact only cheat on the followers.
    What shall I do that my wife can be ‘freed’? I guess first I’ll give the JW bi*** a reason to go to the hospital for a blood transfusion. And if I see other J du(m)bs, I also will teach them, but not the bible, I’ll teach them how to handle a club or baseball bat.
    What happen with my wife is like a criminal robbing a handicapped person.

    • June 21, 2016 at 9:42 pm
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      JW’s are teaching your wife the bible and you want to harm them.It sounds like your the crazy one. Your saying your wife is disabled and mental, shes a reflection of you, is that how you see your self? If you loved your wife you wouldnt say those things about her, I dont know her but Im sure she deserves better

  • June 8, 2016 at 5:20 pm
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    Dwindling membership, less income to the Controllers. Rutherford pulled the same crap when he built the Prophets Palace in San Diego, CA. – nice retirement mansion in a balmy climate.
    The gent in the video that was begging for donations – is he really as illiterate as he sounds? – I had a hard time watching with a straight face, and if he’s part of the ‘towers leadership, well, let’s just leave it at that :o)
    Members are taught not to question things in any Cult environment – proof this Org. is a CULT.
    The Door-to-Door pamphlet passers are just a recruitment tool – happy-smiley glad-hand come-on. “There’s a sucker born every minute” – P.T. Barnum

  • June 21, 2016 at 9:33 pm
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    You spend a lot of time, speaking negatively of Jehovsh Wirnesses. First, I thought you were to into Prince, now your angry that Jehovah Witnesses are moving out of New York city to the suburbs. Whenever Armagaddon happens it will be worldwide not one place. I really dont see what the big deal is, why are you so consumed with Jehovahs Witnesses. So they rejected you get over it, really why would you want to be part of a cult?

  • July 3, 2016 at 4:23 pm
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    5 years of service at bethel? Guys u shd b worried your bosses may not consider kicking u out of your posts n instead replacing u with honest dedicated exbethelites. I tell u wat. will always prefer he to u guys as an employer. They are mostly trustworthy

  • July 4, 2016 at 10:37 pm
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    If all physical magazine printing does in fact cease and everything is online, then I think it’s only a matter of time before they put a pay wall on the website and proof of membership will be having a paid account. Jehovah will accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover but not American Express – the fees are too high.

    001

    • January 30, 2017 at 6:59 am
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      ..

  • July 31, 2016 at 6:59 am
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    I pity you for your painful comments……you must be hurting too much inside that you wanted it much to blurt it out, but it is your freedom to speak what you want. For whatever reason……..maybe because you were once a Jehovah’s Witness but was disfellowshipped or you disassociated yourself because you wanted a freedom from God’s righteous standards……..well that was your choice in life and nobody is going to prevent you from your choice and also JW’s don’t force someone to go in the organization. So what is your problem with the Warwick project of JW’s – are they asking money from you or from your estate? If it goes bankcrupt or fall as you mentioned, so what is it with you? Aren’t you still happy that you are no longer with that organization because you feel that you don’t belong there? So why the sarcasm? Why do you need to worry about its bankcruptcy, will you be bankcrupt too? Do you have an interest in the organization that it pains you to get bankcrupt? Regarding the contaminated soil or water that you mentioned………leave that matter to the environmentalist and government agencies to handle, unless you are their boss, are you? I don’t get the irony. What is your interest or how much will you earn by blogging such information that not all people be interested with…….what is your point? Do you need to decide for all people?

    • January 30, 2017 at 6:58 am
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      That is totally TRUE….

  • August 20, 2016 at 1:23 pm
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    It looks like this forum is populated by 3 types.

    Ex-JWs like myself,

    Faders from the cult,

    A current brainwashed JW member.

    If you are in the last 2 categories please talk to the people here and get out asap! Your life will improve greatly! Those family who shun you must be let go.

    I got out in the 80’s. I was born in. My mother is completely brainwashed. She is like a robot with pre programmed responses. She has no individual thought. All things not JW are of Satan. It still amazes me how easily people are duped.

  • March 17, 2017 at 1:57 am
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    Dejar Sir
    I am not a Jehovah W. neither part of their organization .However I must say that I Know them to certain extent.
    But what really amazed me that there are people like you that kindly expend a lot of time carefully analizing Jehovah’s Witness activity and making some kind of activist propaganda against them.
    I guess you might have been hurted by them some how as for you to dedicate this energy to perform this web page.
    In my country there is a wise saying wich says, if your enemy run away from you allow them to use a silver bridge to do it.
    Ir you desagree with them or feel hurted by some past circunstances
    It is worth to lose your time and resources un this campaing against them? (Some information you have released in some articles are not accurate,nevertheless I am sure you did not mean it).
    When some people like me reads articles like that and know first
    hand the information you are handeling I wonder who might be benefited from it.
    Of course it is up to you to do it and if this make you feel release go ahead and keep it up with your activity.
    Thanks

    • March 17, 2017 at 2:20 am
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      “I’m not a JW. I’m just some guy who randomly peruses old articles related to a religion he has nothing to do with, and who believes seven blokes in New York who break up families (shunning), kill people (blood transfusions) and cover up child abuse should be beyond any criticism.”

      ;)

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