When it comes the the Governing Body's travel arrangements, only the best is good enough
When it comes the the Governing Body’s travel arrangements, only the best is good enough

Earlier today, JWsurvey was contacted by an airline employee based at a major European airport who was willing to give a remarkable insight into the lavish lifestyle of Governing Body members.

Though this won’t come as a surprise to many, it turns out GB members DO travel business class at the expense of ordinary Witnesses.

Our contact, who I will call Paula, is a recently-awakened Jehovah’s Witness. For the purpose of protecting her identity and shielding her from punitive action we are withholding a number of key details. However, I can confirm JWsurvey has received proof corroborating Paula’s story.

Paula had an unexpected encounter with a Governing Body member while he was on a stop-over to a destination in Africa. She immediately recognised the GB member when he asked her when boarding would commence.

Noticing that the GB member was flying business class, Paula couldn’t resist checking his flight details on the airport system to see how much his ticket had cost. It turns out he and his wife were flying for approximately $4,500 each for a combined cost of $9,000 – all of which will have come straight out of contributions for the “worldwide work.”

Paula has disclosed the destination the GB member was flying to, and suggested an economy ticket on the same route with the same airline would cost around $1000. I have checked the airline’s website when preparing this article and, indeed, a single economy ticket to the same location from New York (flying in September) can cost as little as $930.92.

It would be fair to conclude from this story that, for the sake of their own comfort, Governing Body members are routinely travelling at quadruple what the cost would be if they were to demonstrate the humility and self-sacrifice they demand of rank and file Witnesses.

And you can be sure that, when it comes to deciding on whether the “faithful and discreet slave” should fly business class rather than economy, even if this means dipping deeper into dedicated funds, the final decision rests with the very ones who stand to benefit from the more lavish, exorbitant option.

Watchtower released a cartoon encouraging children to part with their ice cream money to bolster organization funds
Watchtower released a cartoon encouraging children to part with their ice cream money to bolster organization funds

 

So far there have been two instances of a Governing Body member, i.e. Stephen Lett, pleading for more contributions on JW Broadcasting to assist with Watchtower’s “projicks.” A Caleb-and-Sophia cartoon has even been produced encouraging young children to part with their ice cream money for the sake of “kingdom interests.”

Hard-working Witnesses the world over are, it seems, being taken for fools. They would do well to contemplate whether they really want to keep sending donations when these are being so readily squandered by a group of men who are happy to pick the pockets of children (and people who they have mostly deprived of a decent education) just so they can stretch their legs at 30,000 feet.

 

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Further reading…

272 thoughts on “No expense spared: Governing Body members DO fly business class

  • July 16, 2016 at 12:11 pm
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    This is really a great info to inform the JW families, but did she took any pic? it would be great to talk with the evidence or it dont have any value to talk with the spiritually blinded JW’s.

    • July 16, 2016 at 12:17 pm
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      We can’t give evidence without the person jeopardising their job I’m afraid.

      • July 16, 2016 at 12:39 pm
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        I wish you could provide proof of this, so I can slap some JW’s faces. Sadly, without proof nobody will believe it.

        • July 16, 2016 at 12:41 pm
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          It would indeed be nice to make proof public, but I don’t see that this is an unbelievable story – at least for most JWsurvey readers.

          • July 17, 2016 at 5:51 am
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            There’s plenty of other anecdotal evidence also. Notwithstanding the bling the seven dwarves were wearing in their initial broadcasts, when we had the international convention here in Melbourne (Australia) in 2014, I know for a fact that Stephen Lett and his helper (Liciadelo I think his name is?) and their wives were staying at the Crown Resort, which (despite being a casino) is luxury accommodation. I know this because one of our local elders and his wife were bragging that they met up with them for a meal one evening, along with others. I wonder who paid for the meals, because they aren’t cheap either. Maybe the brown nosers took care of them that night, but ALL their travel costs are all covered by the brotherhood either way. It’s not like these guys hold down regular jobs.

      • July 16, 2016 at 7:29 pm
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        I’d she this to my wife shed call it apostate propaganda. No solid proof.

      • July 16, 2016 at 10:42 pm
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        John in all fairness we had to beg our Circuit to donate enough money to pay our basic bills. JWs have no problem spending large amounts of money on their personal luxuries but when it came to giving to the Organization very few would would donate funds. Watch John Oliver’s sickening Expose on Televangelist and realize the Governing Body are not Crooks and do not rip their members off for one or two $100 Million Dollar Jets.

        I stand by my statements because after helping with the books I know how hard we had to beg and plead just to make our Annual payments. One area the majority of Witnesses are not guilty of is being generous with their monies to help the Watchtower Society. How come TV Preachers can get 100 Times the Donations JWs give?

        JWs are marketing their product to the lowest demographics of Society, when you preach a message most educated people dismiss as nonsense your left with a large group of Minimum Wage Religious Zealots who can’t pay their own bills lest the Organization’s.

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y1xJAVZxXg&noredirect=1

  • July 16, 2016 at 12:20 pm
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    Always thought they flew first class. I guess they are making a sacrifice flying business class. But remember if they ever get their asses kicked out they leave with nothing.
    I got a higher education and never really donated more then $200 a year in the years past. For the past 10 to 15 years or so I have given nothing. I figured they didn’t want money from a dude with advanced degrees. Doing you think it is possible they got upgrades from frequent flyer miles?

    • July 16, 2016 at 12:21 pm
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      On this occasion, the price of the ticket was directly verified on the airline system.

      • July 16, 2016 at 12:32 pm
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        I usually don’t post here but I had to comment on this one. I don’t know how many gb have a wife or not but let’s say that all 7 have a wife each traveling business class for $4,500 each. That would be a total of $126,000 for one trip if all 14 people traveled together. Now let’s say that they make an average of 10 trips per year flying business class. That’s a total of $1,260,000 per year just on traveling business class. And my mom just gave the org $10 during our # worst convention ever. Kids please keep your ice cream money. I know I will.

      • July 16, 2016 at 12:51 pm
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        But think of all the spiritual food they are going to share with those poor African brothers. When you think of it that way $9,000 is not a lot. Yes of course it could probably feed a whole village for a year but with out the fine spiritual fest provided by our dear GB member feeding them would only provide a short term benefit. Imagine if he couldn’t impress upon them the importance of relying on Jehovah.

        • July 16, 2016 at 12:55 pm
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          Love you!

        • July 16, 2016 at 1:10 pm
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          You mean the spiritual JUNK food?.. Yes all JW like that junk food not aware of losing their spiritual health.. Poor brothers

        • July 17, 2016 at 7:41 am
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          I am pretty sure that these communites in Africa would rather have real food Markie than imaginary food.

          Wake up!

          They are using your money for themselves. If they truly were following in the footsteps of Christ, then they would be taking a vow of poverty, and would fly at economic rates.

          They are wolves in sheeps clothing. Be careful.

          • July 17, 2016 at 9:59 am
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            I guess you didn’t understand the sarcasm in my post.

          • July 17, 2016 at 11:23 am
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            I’m pretty sure Markie was being sarcastic…

          • July 18, 2016 at 3:21 am
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            Doh!….. I missed the sarcasm oops sorry.

            When you have been dealing with comments on youtube and other forums it’s hard to distinguish between the sarcasm and an actual JW talking. I am sure my comment will help someone else though, maybe? I don’t know, let Lloyd decide.

  • July 16, 2016 at 12:23 pm
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    Ugh! Just ugh! I wish I could tell everyone I know and love who’s still in. And be believed. And have it matter and/or make a difference to them.

    Many of those with blinders on would see this as apostate lies or make up some reason in their own minds why it is a justifiable expenditure.

    Some would probably even see it as evidence of Jehovah’so blessing, rewarding them for their years of faithful service and self-sacrifice, I’m afraid.

    • July 16, 2016 at 12:25 pm
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      Yes, it’s by no means a deal-breaker for the sufficiently indoctrinated, but it helps paint a picture of just how hypocritical the Governing Body really are.

      • July 16, 2016 at 1:37 pm
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        @Lloyd,

        Yeah…for those still in a coma, it will mean nothing….as stated, they’ll say, “at least they’re not taking first class”…of course they’re not googling the cost of these flights…economy vs business class….I would love to see the looks on a few faces, if they were able to see the price difference, while watching the ice cream money moment cartoon….I think I see cognitive dissonance flair up’s within the rank and file, if they would come across this info.

      • July 17, 2016 at 7:59 am
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        Sure, anyone still drinking the kool-aid would just say, “It’s photoshopped!” or “It’s a lie from Satan!”

        It’s amazing that an indoctrinated person will accept the flimsiest evidence that confirms their beliefs while rejecting substantial evidence that refutes them.

        Confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance at their bets.

  • July 16, 2016 at 12:29 pm
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    Executives of large multi national corporations like watchtower commonly travel business class for business purposes, however if their spouse travels with them they normally pay for that ticket themselves not the corporation. The watchtower is really no different than any other business with the exception of being a pseudo religious 19th century mind control doomsday death cult.

    • July 17, 2016 at 10:59 am
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      I have much the same problem with any executives who live fabulously and extravagantly while cutting jobs and refusing to pay a living wage to the majority of their employees. However most of them do have the ‘decency’ to do it in the name of capitalism and not in the name of God.

  • July 16, 2016 at 12:30 pm
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    Interesting but really not surprising at all.
    I served in a Bethel in an East African country and know for a fact that the American Branch Office coordinator always flies business class. ..but he and his wife say they are upgraded from their frequent flyer miles.
    He also serves as a Headquarter’s Representative aka Zone Overseer and therefore flies often.

  • July 16, 2016 at 12:33 pm
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    I guess the question is how it was funded. I know it’s quite common for circuit overseers to be given ‘gifts’ when they visit congregations, would it be similar for the governing body to be given them too? Could the tickets have been upgraded as a gift from a wealthy witness?

    • July 16, 2016 at 12:36 pm
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      The tickets weren’t “upgraded.” They were bought.

      • July 17, 2016 at 8:23 am
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        This is an important fact!

  • July 16, 2016 at 12:34 pm
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    Ha!

    I keep posting the same lame comment.

    “It’s only July and I’ve used up my allotment of ‘appalling” for the whole year.

    At this point in time, it appears as though I have more “appallings” going out than coming in. :)

    In fairness, at least Joel Osteen preaches a gospel of prosperity, takes no salary, and is rich because of the books he’s written and put out into the marketplace where people are free to buy, or not buy, them. (not to be construed with me endorsing Pastor J.O.)

    • July 17, 2016 at 11:03 am
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      I agree. I do not endorse him either, but he’s pretty up front and unapologetic about it being a money-making business. He also does not claim that what he’s selling is the only true path to God or salvation. I respect that.

  • July 16, 2016 at 12:37 pm
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    Why does this not come as a surprise?

    I have previously said “Follow the $$$$$$$”.

    Hide your wallets, purses, arms, legs, first-borns, etc.

  • July 16, 2016 at 12:47 pm
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    Of course. Surprised?

  • July 16, 2016 at 1:19 pm
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    Wow! unbelievable you would think that information like this would cause outrage, but we will just be called fault finders and they will say I’m sure there was a good reason for it. The question is, is this the norm? If so I can’t imagine the rank and file being a little upset by this waste of funds.

  • July 16, 2016 at 1:57 pm
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    Not surprised at all. The GB members had lavish accommodations at Bethel (based on what I saw some years ago) so first class travel fits in nicely. It must be exhausting serving up all that spiritual food so I am sure it is deserved ;)

    • July 16, 2016 at 2:52 pm
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      Can you tell us something more about the accommodations they have at Bethel? My brother says they have the exact same room as the regular workers.

      • July 16, 2016 at 7:22 pm
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        I was there over 30 years ago. From the glimpse I was provided I saw spectacular views of the New York skyline, larger rooms, and much nicer furniture than the newbies had. A decent apt in Brooklyn Heights with a view of NYC was not cheap then or now.

      • July 16, 2016 at 7:28 pm
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        I can tell you about the rooms that those with 30 years of full time service had while I was in Brooklyn. Top floor, Manhattan skyline views from their triple sized rooms complere with sunken living areas and antique furniture. They were a far cry from the dormitories with communal bathrooms that the rest of the new boys shared. At least the group showers were done away with after the “outbreak” of homosexuality in the 1980’s. Ha!

      • July 17, 2016 at 7:01 am
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        Before it used to be by senority. They had better rooms, much better ones.
        Now it’s JOB before seniority.
        Their executive appointment trumps any seniority. Some in the GB have less seniority than many at Bethel. Yet they get the best of everything. Like it should be in a corporation, which it is!

      • July 17, 2016 at 11:49 am
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        Yes, this is what I was recently told aa well, that friends who were working at Warwick said they had the same rooms as everyone else. I find that hard to believe…

      • July 19, 2016 at 10:32 am
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        Jaak

        The Bethel accommodations vary by building, particularly in Brooklyn. While there have been no reported scandals involving large Trump style luxury suites for the upper level Watchtower officials, there is absolutely a pecking order for rooms. There are very cramped 4 men rooms with no bathroom (shared in the hallway) there are also very nice 2 person rooms, some larger than others, which would cost hundreds of thousands or more if they were sold on the open market. The general manner in which rooms are doled out rests on their seniority system. There is a bidding process each year, and instead of money they use years of “full time service” as the currency by which they bid on rooms. The more years in the pioneer or other full time work, the better the chance at a high quality, larger room. If someone moves into Bethel with many more years of full time service to the organization, a newer resident may lose his or her room.

        As for the interior of the rooms, some of them are simple but breathtaking when you add the views over the East River and the New York Skyline. I have been in many of these rooms, and I can assure you that while some are small, they are very nice. Be assured that members of the Branch Committee, the Governing Body and their helpers, and other senior members do indeed have some of the nicest rooms in Brooklyn. Governing Body members also keep rooms in other locations, such as Patterson, but they allow visiting missionaries to use these rooms when needed. I have personally stayed in one of the Governing Body member’s rooms in Patterson. It was a 2 bedroom suite with a very large walk in closet, with a small bathroom and very very small kitchenette.

        JR

  • July 16, 2016 at 2:04 pm
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    Jesus went on foot or on a borrowed donkey. The GB live a life of luxury that the majority of their members can only dream of.

    This just adds to the already plainly evident hypocrisy of the elitist group who are lording it over their flock, drinking in the adoration and fame as they hop around the world squandering the donations of the mostly poor to middle class followers that they control via their indoctrination sessions.

    Not at all the picture of the humble leader that they claim to follow and be selected by. More proof that they are imposters and con men.

    • July 16, 2016 at 7:33 pm
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      Probably 90% of rank & file even know about the disparity between accommodations.

  • July 16, 2016 at 2:06 pm
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    No surprise here!
    The GB are treated like Gods. Only the best will do. They are the official spokesmen for ‘Jehovah’, the ‘sovereign of the universe’. You would not expect them to travel with ordinary folk would you?
    The irony is that Jesus had nowhere to lay his head. He was humble and kind. He also said there is more happiness in giving than in receiving.
    All I see is hypocrisy from the magnificent seven who have no quarms about spending and wasting the brothers money. No humility here, no real love or empathy. Just take, take, take.
    Surely, they are having their reward in full.

  • July 16, 2016 at 2:28 pm
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    (1Q)I’m just curious if anyone knows but do the lower and middle representatives get the same perks. For example let’s say the borg wanted the expertise of a brother who resided in the German bethel to move to the USA. He was just a new entry ordinary bethelite but had the skills. Would he get the same treatment.
    (2Q)I’m just wondering because of all the flying they do if the get some kind of substantial discount of the retail price. That perhaps the person working at the airport may not be aware of or privey to.

    • July 17, 2016 at 7:07 am
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      Q1: No
      Q2: Each one has their own frequent flyer miles. They are not collective

  • July 16, 2016 at 2:30 pm
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    Oh, and when they come down from the skies in their beautiful silver bird, and they ‘visit’ the poor African brothers who have to choose between mending the hole in their corrugated roof or a meal for the family!
    I ask, how do they sleep at night?

  • July 16, 2016 at 2:38 pm
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    Good to get this eye witness account, but haven’t
    we known for a long time how the R&F have been
    bilked by these hustlers.

    The Godfather, Rutherford, taught them well.
    With his 12 room mansion, well stocked with imported
    booze, not to mention 2, 16 cylinder Cadillacs
    complete with a gun toting chauffeur.

    As has been stated some will never be moved,
    whatever the strength of the evidence, but others
    will, or we wouldn’t be here commenting.

    So it is worthwhile getting the info out there.
    Good work Lloyd.

  • July 16, 2016 at 2:47 pm
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    (3Q)Just saddens me to think of all those people they laid off practically penny less, destitute and at the mercy of the brothers and sisters to care for them. While they fly around the world business class. The below, you tube clip by Marcus Vaughn just upsets me to think these tight bastards they sent him a bill for some extra food he had
    https://youtu.be/Uk1xh1EGJcU

    • July 16, 2016 at 4:35 pm
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      In the early 1970s, before I graduated from high school and started pioneering, a friend and I would attend the meeting for those interested in going to Bethel at the summer conventions–even though we were girls and had no chance of going there. I very clearly remember the “brother” giving the talk at those meetings saying that those who desire to go to Bethel should plan on making it their life’s work. Although they requested a shorter actual commitment, they really wanted people who would plan to go there for the rest of their lives.

      How disloyal of the organization to, sometimes when these people at Bethel had gotten past the age of being able to successfully start over, kick them out!

      • July 17, 2016 at 10:17 am
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        Regarding: “…those who desire to go to Bethel should plan on making it their life’s work.”

        Even after Sammy Herd announced the layoff of around 20% of Bethel slaves, the Governing Body is still actively recruiting replacement slaves. Young ones are encouraged to institutionalize themselves at Bethel:

        After the resent layoff of nearly 5000 older, used up Bethelites, “…about 19,500 individuals now enjoy the privilege of Bethel service.”

        “Because of the nature of the work at Bethel, those accepted for this privilege of service must be physically strong and in good health. If you meet the qualifications that we have mentioned, are 19 years of age or older, and have been baptized for at least one year, we encourage you to consider Bethel service.”

        The prospect of being thrown out on the street in your old age, penniless and with no marketable job skills, is not mentioned in the Bethel recruiting page:

        http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2001205

  • July 16, 2016 at 2:53 pm
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    Thanks Lloyd. Another great example of how the GB live one kind of life while expecting the rank-and-file to keep sacrificing. For example, the couple in one of the convention videos who decided that even though they were pioneering, they were living too nice a lifestyle and downsized. ( And thank you for your great coverage of those, by the way! )

  • July 16, 2016 at 3:04 pm
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    An example from my past, that completely drove me crazy at the time, was a talk given by the circuit overseer at our kingdom hall. He was stressing the importance of going out in field service both Saturday and Sunday, because why would we want to take a day off from Jehovah. Also he said that the organization had to fight hard for the right to go out on Sunday in many places and we should respect that effort by using that day for field service. My thought at the time was, I just worked five days and went to two midweek meetings, preparing for both, sometimes preparing a talk or demonstration, and then went out on field service on Saturday. I also had to prepare for the Watchtower study and attend the meeting on Sunday. Why do I also have to go out in field service that day? I’m exhausted.

    So perhaps you can understand how annoyed I was when I found out that this “brother” routinely took Mondays off to go golfing with the “brothers” at the congregation he would be serving that week.

    • July 16, 2016 at 3:20 pm
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      Kate you say it so well. My family took the loss while I was trying to pay the rent, look after all the ‘Elder’ responsibilities and give spiritual and emotional support to my wife and children. I can honestly say that I contributed less to the WT than I did to Amnesty International. After all Amnesty took cases of ‘freedom of conscience’ more seriously than WT.

    • July 16, 2016 at 5:46 pm
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      Oh Kate, your memories are so like mine…. not exact verbage, but same meaning. Always do more, never, never enough what your doing now. So incredibly glad I don’t have to hear that emotional abuse anymore.

    • July 16, 2016 at 8:16 pm
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      This is so true. I recall a C/O reading prepared material by the GB at the elders meeting regarding Sunday service. This was sometime in the 90’s. The material stated that an elders qualifications could be questioned if he regularly failed to support the Sunday service. This happened to one elder that I know of in the congregation I served in. He wasn’t removed but he was harassed about it. His defense was that he chose Saturday for regular service and reserved Sunday for himself and his family. Certainly nothing wrong with that. Another example of nit-picking by the powers that be.

      • July 17, 2016 at 1:14 am
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        When I was a ministerial servant in the mid 90’s I was threatened a number of times by an elder that firstly my wife’s skirts were too short and on another occasion that I was not in field service often enough on Sunday’s, despite having 3 young children and a wife who suffered from severe depression. On both occasions the threat was that they would remove me as an MS if in the first case, I didn’t get my wife under control and in the second case if I didn’t take the lead in Sunday witnessing. On reflection I should have told him to shove the position. How I would love that opportunity again !!!!

        • July 17, 2016 at 7:15 am
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          Many in that position are reading you now! YOU ARE SAYING IT.
          Thanks for repeating it. We are all so angry about all the abuses!!

      • July 17, 2016 at 10:20 pm
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        And please note that Sunday wasn’t truly “a day off” because he undoubtedly went with his family to the Sunday meeting.

    • July 17, 2016 at 10:08 am
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      That sounds like several CO’s Kate but lets name names. Did that circuit overseer happen to be Sylvester Bennett? Free golf games every Monday sponsored by your local brown nosing elders.

      • July 17, 2016 at 1:02 pm
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        Chiafade: I am sorry but it was so long ago that I can’t remember his name.

  • July 16, 2016 at 3:46 pm
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    Sanderson and I assume the others have wifi on every flight. Apparently, as he told in the spot on JWB about Brussells, he has to be in “constant” contact.

    Also does anyone know anything about the new white Acura (Honda luxury car) someone gave him?

    • July 18, 2016 at 6:59 am
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      Whoa, hold on!! I thought he was in constant “prayerful” contact with the Big Guy like Jesus was??

  • July 16, 2016 at 3:56 pm
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    Back in 1996 I have exposed Milton Henschel that when he visited Malta both in 27 – 30th April 1992 and later in 29th April – 3rd May 1996 instead of staying with “brothers” he opted to a 5 star hotel. Durine both visits he never participated in the preaching work but was taken around the Island visiting historical places as a tourist.

    • July 16, 2016 at 4:11 pm
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      Wow, great work and thanks for bringing that up again!
      I could see JWs justifying flying business class, you know, so many trips all over the world to encourage the friends, but how do you justify staying in 5 Star hotels and not going in the field ministry?!?
      What a bunch of religious hypocrites!!! They are the Pharisees that Jesus was warning people about! (Not that I even believe in all that religious stuff anymore. If Jesus was real, and flying around in heaven, they why would this stuff be allowed to continue???)

      • July 16, 2016 at 4:19 pm
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        In 1992 visit I was in the same car that Milton Henschel and his wife were in while going around the island.

        • July 17, 2016 at 10:12 am
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          Haha I remember that! Didn’t he say “oh a local brother paid for that” trying to play off the hypocrisy of his actions.

  • July 16, 2016 at 4:23 pm
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    Do they try to justify it by staying with brothers and sisters at whatever location they end up or do they have a cushy set of accommodations as well? We’ve always wondered about this. People have always tried to say “oh they don’t fly first class,” but how could anyone actually know. Interesting having some confirmation.

  • July 16, 2016 at 4:45 pm
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    Not surprising, but sadly predictable.

    Thank you for sharing this with us, Lloyd. These hypocrites need to be exposed for what they are. Is there any way to substantiate this with incontrovertible, physical evidence without exposing the identity of your source?

    Let’s review: It’s a cult!

    • July 17, 2016 at 1:35 am
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      I’m afraid not. It’s a case of an airport employee seeing the information and passing it on to us.

      • July 17, 2016 at 7:43 am
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        Oh, well, understood! Thanks for the reply!

  • July 16, 2016 at 5:05 pm
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    I can provide details and names of a GB member using a European Bethelite to smuggle a Rolex watch (a ‘gift’) into America to avoid paying USA luxury goods tax. It was in the late nineties.
    Even he was a bit shocked but used the story to explain that the GB are ‘realistic’ about the life we ordinary folks face… as if I ever faced a tax bill for a Rolex!!!!
    Lying, cheating, stealing leaders like some African banana republic that rip off their citizens. They learn more from Africa than they teach them believe me…and I know!!!!!

    • July 16, 2016 at 5:49 pm
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      Please do! We would all be interested.

  • July 16, 2016 at 6:53 pm
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    Is a shame we cant have actual proof of it. It really would be a strong hit against the corruption of the WT. Right now Im trying to find proof of this
    https://jwvictims.org/conventions-kingdom-halls-relief-funds-and-other-financial-scams-and-schemes-of-jehovahs-witnesses/
    They talk about how the WT made an affair with Australia for money and they wrote an article about visiting Australia for vacations, the article I have found it. But if we were able to confirm it from an australia turism people, we could really make the JW think about how they are riding the beast.

  • July 16, 2016 at 8:14 pm
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    This makes me sick–utterly sick. I know sisters with opposed husbands that refrain from purchasing extra groceries so the funds can go to watchtower.
    They are taking food from their children’s mouths to give these elite ones.

  • July 16, 2016 at 8:33 pm
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    Wow! I don’t think the Pope even does that! Shocking and garish!

  • July 16, 2016 at 11:19 pm
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    Great timely information Lloyd.
    How ironic that we read this the day that The Bunker video’s are being shown at RC’S in my area. Especially the section where the full time Pioneer couple are embarrassed by their previous “comfortable lifestyle “, sell everything so all their possessions fit into a car and move to where the need is greater.
    How immensely hypocritical.
    Thanks again

  • July 16, 2016 at 11:27 pm
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    How many she-goats need to be sold for the couple to take that travel. I guess these pour Africans will afford getting enough she-goats to sell for their spiritual fathers to travel in business class. In one yearbook we can read:

    *** yb02 pp. 44-45 Worldwide Report ***
    A ten-year-old boy in northern Rwanda raised a small goat until she gave birth to three little ones. He recently sent a photo of himself and the she-goat to the branch office. In an accompanying letter, he wrote: “Jehovah has blessed me very much, and that is why I am contributing this she-goat to the worldwide preaching work mentioned at Matthew 24:14.” He gave the goat to the congregation elders with the request to sell it. They did so and forwarded the money to the branch.

    • July 17, 2016 at 10:07 am
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      You forgot one thing. In the new system the little boy will receive 70 she-goats and they will be virgin she-goats.

  • July 17, 2016 at 1:59 am
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    #This is one of the things that drove the final nail in the coffin for my wife and I.When we decided to quit cold turkey in 2014..There were several reasons that gave us pause after I got on the internet and started doing research about the organization.So many negatives that gave pause.Then we observed that while they preach self sacrifice, which kept us subservient , wallowing in poverty and a meager existence for years.The ones at the top lives luxuriously.Then there was an article in one of the magazine’s not only begging for donations.But soliciting for wills and testimonts.Stocks and bonds etc,etc.The atms at the assemblies, and on and on,the monthly pledges.Then it suddenly dawned on us.Omg!!These people are highly materialistic while conditioning us not to be, and has a HUMOUNGUS real estate portfolio worth billions. Selling and making huge profits.Being so greedy and covetious at what little we have.Our eyes popped wide opened.And we said:Omg!Jehovah! Help us! we’ve been hoodwinked.We got back our critical thinking skills and quit.

  • July 17, 2016 at 2:05 am
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    This is not a surprise. About two years ago, I was waking up and telling my then [French] wife the things I was finding out about the Watchtower. She, then, told me that, a few years previously, some of the French brothers had found out that a GB member, when visiting Paris, had stayed in one of the best hotels available, rather than, as they had believed, an ordinary 2* or 3*. Although she was shocked at finding this out, and again when telling me, it, sadly, had no other impact in moving her to wake up.

  • July 17, 2016 at 2:08 am
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    With all due respect guys ‘n dolls…………..these blokes are actually “Angels – in – waiting” ……………..surely you can cut them some slack – they are Very Important Princes – soon to be Kings ! In fact they are the most powerful and important men on Earth right now – One of these days they will be riding alongside the Celestial Uber ! And they will be looking down on you [as they already are] and seeing and hearing you posting here on the site! Wooohoooo !Bad Karma coming to you! [I have had too much coffee – sorry ]

  • July 17, 2016 at 2:08 am
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    With all due respect guys ‘n dolls…………..these blokes are actually “Angels – in – waiting” ……………..surely you can cut them some slack – they are Very Important Princes – soon to be Kings ! In fact they are the most powerful and important men on Earth right now – One of these days they will be riding alongside the Celestial Uber ! And they will be looking down on you [as they already are] and seeing and hearing you posting here on the site! Wooohoooo !Bad Karma coming to you! [I have had too much coffee – sorry ]

  • July 17, 2016 at 3:12 am
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    Disgusting . I was awaken 1 year ago and visiting the US seeing the GB on one of the conventions wearing those expensive suits and rolax watch made me angry.
    I really wanted to ask them if Jesus was wearing the same outfits . Makes me sick . While some of the witnesses are giving all their assets and money giving up their family needs the GB is celebrating behind their back.

  • July 17, 2016 at 3:44 am
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    Hi Folks THIS IS FOE IRONIC PURPOSES ONLY. Don’t get me started!!!!!! Anger over, now I address the Amharets. You poor foolish fools. Can you not see you darling rank and file and yes you are rank. You are mere mortals of the earth and has been mentioned your beloved GB are sooo close to the mother ship in eager anticipation they get a little too close at times. As for the 5* hotels nothing but the best for the kings in waiting after all they are invited to the wine and bread do in heaven very very shortly. Meet the new boss same as the old boss. God has left the land and let the lunatics take over the asylum. I think the GB can justify every penny, cent, denarius, they spend because you poor earthling fools can pray for manna and quails til they come down your nose. and they can live like kings. You dear rank and file set them up for this luxurious lifestyle all in the name of a little tin god.Not only do they insult our intelligence with their stupid doctrines, they despise the little sheep and fleece them of every penny of course god is on holiday flying first class as we speak so does not give a flying f**k. Real people hate injustice that is natural but I suspect we hate being duped even more so because something is stolen in a more underhand way. When the time comes for justice like that wicked queen the only words left will be “Let her drop” yours rather peeved, Ruthlee

  • July 17, 2016 at 6:10 am
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    Very interesting but quite unusable without solid proof. I believe it fully, but my relatives wont. Just feel really frustrated now.

  • July 17, 2016 at 6:53 am
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    National Assembly, Wembley Stadium around 1968.
    In preparation for arrival of delegates, London Bro’s
    had canvassed the city for accommodation,
    offering h,holders. 7/6d per night ( around a dollar
    and a half )

    The London Press picked up on this. And as well as
    commenting on the paltry amount offered for the
    lodgings, pointed out that none of High rankers from
    N,Y, were using these digs. They were ensconced
    in top London hotels.

    I wondered why they hadn’t stayed at the Mill Hill
    Bethel, which is only about 8 miles from Wembley
    and saved the money they so vitally needed for
    Kingdom preaching. Especially since 1975 was
    fast approaching. ( Silly me )

    So while these long assemblies were a toil for many
    R&F especially with young children. It was a 5 star
    vacation for these autocrats.

    • July 17, 2016 at 12:44 pm
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      How many times were we told experiences of brothers digging through the trash just to find something to eat because of the sacrifices they made to attend assemblies/conventions?

  • July 17, 2016 at 10:35 am
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    Business class — the only way to fly! We are now seeing corporate greed at its worst. Apparently, hijacking Sophia’s ice cream money hasn’t provided enough money to satisfy the Watchtower accountants.

    The Watchtower’s Governing Body sideshow geeks are now literally begging their cult followers to give money so that they can “show appreciation for all that Jehovah and his Son have done” for them.

    This begging has reached a new low now that the Watchtower is specifically targeting bank accounts, stocks and bonds, real estate, wills, donations via electronic bank transfer, debit card, or credit card, cash, jewelry and other valuable personal property.

    https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/ws201512/donations-worldwide-work/#?insight%5Bsearch_id%5D=64d0fc2b-c15d-4df1-a876-2eae74e70fa6&insight%5Bsearch_result_index%5D=2

    In the illustration, the woman swiping her credit card at a Watchtower kiosk is shown wearing a bracelet. Will she soon be expected to put her wedding ring and all her other jewelry in the collection box?

    • July 18, 2016 at 1:54 pm
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      ScotWm,
      I always had a discomfort when we’d have the ‘money’ parts in the meetings. Now, clicking your link to jw.org just brought back the bile taste…

      The November 15, 2010 Watchtower discusses the brochure “Charitable Planning to Benefit Kingdom Service Worldwide” and states: “After reading the brochure and conferring with their own legal or tax advisers, many have been able to help support our religious and humanitarian activities worldwide and maximize their tax benefits while doing so.”

      ‘Humanitarian activities’?

      Yep, definitely bile…

  • July 17, 2016 at 10:58 am
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    That’s why I won’t give them any of my hard earned money anymore… What would be even more interesting would be to find out what branding company the org hired to rebrand itself since 2013 the beginnings of j.w.org..The kids videos, the enhanced website, the broadcast, the mobile carts, the blue jworg blue color, all of that was the idea of a branding company. I would like to find out how much all of that must cost the org on a yearly basis
    ..Trust me it aInt cheap, it runs in the millions… They must keep this info very hush hush..Is their anyway to find out?

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