Jehovah's Witnesses

While Jehovah’s Witnesses continue to represent themselves as a charitable religion, their latest Watchtower magazine strongly reminds its followers that any assistance given to refugees be limited to Witnesses only, and that non-Jehovah’s Witnesses be given no material support.

As stated by the May 2017 Watchtower, page 7:

“The best way to [help suffering people] is by sharing the good news with them. “It is important to make clear right away that we are Jehovah’s Witnesses and that our primary mission is to help them spiritually, not materially,” notes an elder who has helped many refugees. “Otherwise, some may associate with us only for personal advantage.” [bold ours]

Meanwhile, faith-based groups from around the world, together with numerous governments, have facilitated meaningful assistance for victims of civil war and other conflicts, providing such persons with food, clothing and shelter, and doing so without expectations of religious conversion or reimbursement. These very organizations are the ones which Jehovah’s Witnesses declare are doomed for complete destruction during the impending apocalypse of Armageddon.

It is of interest that the Watchtower article cited above follows the story of a refugee from Burundi named Lije, who fled civil war in his country and found himself in a Malawian refugee camp. The article stated:

“Most of Lije’s family eventually spent years in United Nations refugee camps.”

According to Jehovah’s Witnesses, the United Nations is a Satanic organization that is depicted in the book of Revelation as the scarlet-colored wild beast with seven heads and ten horns, which dishonors God and will very soon be completely destroyed.  Clearly this is bad news for those refugees like Lije, whose family was cared for by this evil organization.  The Watchtower described this UN refugee sanctuary by saying:

Yet, they were not safe there. Lije, now a circuit overseer, comments: “Most people had no work. They gossiped, drank, gambled, stole, and were immoral.”

While refugee camps can hardly be expected to be luxurious Club-Med style resorts, the portrayal of such places as an immoral den of alcohol and gambling seems disrespectfully dismissive of such humanitarian missions.

Witnesses [only] Helping Witnesses

Given the insular nature of Jehovah’s Witnesses, it is no surprise that their expectation of lending a meaningful helping hand to refugees is strictly limited to those who are baptized Witnesses in “good standing” within the Witness organization. Good standing means that the person is not breaking any doctrinal rules, obeys the elders, and remits a monthly count of hours spent in the public preaching activity, including knocking on doors and tending to public literature display carts. If such conditions are met, a Witness may be permitted to give or receive assistance to a JW refugee. These instructions are laid out rather clearly in the latest Watchtower.

JW Vvetting prodecdure for their own immigrants
JW vetting procedure for their own immigrants

Strict procedures put in place by Watchtower’s Governing Body guarantee that aid will only be extended to a Jehovah’s Witness who is approved, and not attempting to impersonate or misrepresent his “standing” in the organization. As mentioned in the Watchtower article, the term “basic needs” is immediately followed by a footnote (see above) which reminds congregation elders that their internal branch-to-branch communications protocol must be followed to decide if the refugee is in fact an approved baptized Witness. Once contacted, the branch from which the refugee is fleeing attempts to reach the person’s original congregation elders, where they maintain his “publisher record card” – a private document kept by every congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the world. This document contains extensive personal information, including the person’s date of baptism and recent records of public ministry activity.

If the jw.org elder-to-branch communication system breaks down, elders are instructed to ask “discreet questions” about the refugee in a covert manner, to establish the refugee’s “spiritual condition.”  The net result of this entire procedure is to guarantee that assistance is provided ONLY to those who are genuine, door-knocking, watchtower-studying, rule-obeying Jehovah’s Witnesses. If you are not, no charity for you.

Editors Note: In referring to refugee “aid” or “assistance” I would like to clarify that this help comes from individual Jehovah’s Witnesses and NOT the organization itself or any of its congregations.

Watchtower Imposes Harsh Limits on JW Refugees

As if it were not difficult enough for Jehovah’s Witness refugees to assimilate into another culture, they are warned against accepting jobs which might interfere with Witness meetings. The same July Watchtower says:

“Further, authorities have at times made it difficult for our brothers who are refugees to contact the congregation. Some agencies have threatened to cut off assistance or deny our brothers asylum if they refuse to accept employment that requires them to miss meetings. Frightened and vulnerable, a few brothers have given in to such pressures. Therefore, it is urgent to meet our refugee brothers as soon as possible after their arrival. [Bold ours]  – Watchtower May 2017, study edition, page 5

Loyalty to Watchtower’s indoctrination meetings is paramount. Yet the JW organization takes matters one step further by reminding their followers that they should not associate with their own blood relatives, or other non-Witness refugees who would normally lend support and aid. Watchtower continues:

“Many refugees have been torn away from their tight-knit extended families, communities, and congregations. They need to sense Jehovah’s love and compassion among their fellow Christians. Otherwise, they may be drawn to unbelieving relatives or compatriots who can relate to their culture and experiences.” [Bold ours] – Watchtower May 2017, study edition, page 6

Job restrictions, isolation from family, isolation from fellow compatriots; Is this organization running a charity, or a cult?

Jehovah’s Witnesses: Not a Charity

This same self-serving policy of Jehovah’s Witnesses applies to every aspect of any work which they consider humanitarian. For example, Jehovah’s Witnesses claim to engage in disaster relief work for the benefit of victims of hurricanes and other tragedies. Having been a JW who was intimately involved with this work for decades, I can assure you that none of this work is directed to anyone outside of the Jehovah’s Witness organization. The only exceptions to this are when rendering assistance or building and repairing are done with the intent of receiving something in trade.

Jehovah’s Witness home damaged by hurricane Luis, 1995. Photo by John Redwood

As an example, when hurricane Luis struck the Leeward Islands in 1995, Jehovah’s Witnesses organized efforts to help fellow Witnesses in several islands, including Antigua. I remember discussing our project plans with the construction overseer. He said “We will be repairing the home of an official here in Antigua.” [the official was not a Witness] – He then explained that this official was responsible for the freight coming into and out of the primary port of Antigua, and if one of our crews repaired his home, he would release the shipment of supplies we needed, which were being detained by customs. In other words, we made a shady deal to repair this man’s home in exchange for his power to release our containers. Our construction overseer declared that this was God’s direction, proving that Jehovah was backing our work, while apparently overlooking the relief work of all non-Witness humanitarian agencies.

There is simply nothing Watchtower will do for charity on behalf of mankind without strings attached. While individual Jehovah’s Witnesses have personally engaged in charitable giving, the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses gives nothing back to society. Even their latest efforts in Warwick, New York to repair a dam, improve a greenway and construct a little league press box were all the result of satisfying an agreement made with a town which otherwise has lost all tax revenue from the new World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Watchtower coordinated the repairs to hundreds of homes using free Witness labor, but demanded that Jehovah’s Witness victims turn over their insurance checks, netting the JW organization a tidy profit from the sweat of their own volunteers.

Witnesses as an organization operate no refugee camps, no homeless shelters, give nothing to charity, yet have amassed billions of dollars in real estate, much of which they have flipped for profit at the expense of taxpaying citizens in the United States and around the world. They have exploited every possible means to  acquire money, including multiple pleas for funds on their JW Broadcasting televangelist studios, as well as an extensive list of ways to collect dollars as documented on their jw.org website – yet are unable to write even the smallest of checks to charity.

Jehovah's Witness leaders solicit funds regularly, as seen in this 2015 Watchtower article, but gives nothing back to charity
Jehovah’s Witness leaders solicit funds regularly, as seen in this 2015 Watchtower article, but give nothing back to charity

One can’t help but think of the seven obese Jehovah’s Witness Governing Body members in Warwick New York, perched atop billion dollar bank accounts, flying across the globe in business class seats, while poverty-stricken Jehovah’s Witnesses in third world countries are stripped of their ability to obtain higher education, yet are still expected to donate money generously.

In times of crisis we should reflect on the generosity of the countries who have opened their borders to immigrants, regardless of race or religion. Many are welcomed by charitable organizations staffed by volunteers with no ulterior motives, but whose sole desire is to lend a helping hand, expecting nothing in return. Charities are usually granted tax-exempt status by governments to help them fulfill their honorable work. As a religion, Jehovah’s Witnesses are granted this exemption in numerous lands.

If you believe in miracles, perhaps the greatest miracle of all is the fact that Jehovah’s Witnesses have redefined what it means to be a charity.

John Redwood

Mark O'Donnell

Mark O'Donnell is a former Jehovah's Witness turned whistleblower after discovering the disturbing child abuse epidemic within the religion. His story, along with the revelation of a secret database of child molesters were featured in the March 2019 online issue of the Atlantic Magazine: https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2019/03/the-secret-jehovahs-witness-database-of-child-molesters/584311/ O'Donnell continues to investigate allegations of child abuse within the Witness organization, and works with law enforcement, attorneys, and survivors of abuse, writing about his findings on jwsurvey.org and other outlets.

209 thoughts on “News Bulletin: Will Jehovah’s Witnesses Provide Charity for Non-JW Refugees? Latest Watchtower Says NO!

  • January 30, 2017 at 7:44 pm
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    The longer I’m out of WT the more I’m sickened by it and rue the day they ever knocked on my parents door!

    • January 31, 2017 at 1:17 am
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      I agree wholeheartedly Pat, my Mother fell victim to these life suckers in 1957 and dragged our entire family and extended family in, I often think what life could have been like for all our family members without 60 years of emotional trauma and mind games from a US based corporation.

      • January 31, 2017 at 5:56 am
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        You’re not kidding!
        We could have had a normal family with sports, visits and celebrations with relatives, possibly even a cottage. We didn’t have to live like outcasts from society!
        I absolutely detest those two old and crotchidy ‘Sepecial’ pioneers, who preached piss and vinegar to my parents in the early 1970’s. Where are they and their big promises? Long dead and forgotten now.

      • February 1, 2017 at 3:18 pm
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        WOULD someone be kind enough to contact Stephenie H and ask her to Email Me Personally..My name is Daniel I live in the UK and my email address is: d.ball7373@gmail.com Many thanks

      • February 11, 2017 at 9:30 am
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        This is my first post here. I love all your posts. It makes me feel that I am not so quite so alone. Our eyes have been opened for a reason to perhaps give comfort to each other.

        • February 11, 2017 at 9:41 am
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          Welcome, tangledroots. You certainly chose an unusual place to make your first post.

          Yes, please give us your comfort, and please enjoy the jwsurvey site. I think it is wonderful. Do you know John Cedars also has a lot of videos on Youtube?

          Feel free to share your wisdom with us. The more the merrier.

    • February 1, 2017 at 3:14 pm
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      This is to Stephenie H.. get away from me you worker of lawlessness..you’ve singned your own death certificate anyway because what you’ve done is the unforgivable sin..but it is still up to Jehovah God..I’ll pray for you

      • February 1, 2017 at 3:17 pm
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        WOULD someone be kind enough to contact Stephenie H and ask her to Email Me Personally..My name is Daniel I live in the UK and my email address is: d.ball7373@gmail.com Many thanks

        • February 1, 2017 at 6:19 pm
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          No Stephenies here, sorry. Unless you’re speaking prophetically; there may be a Stephenie here one day. But not for long, apparently, cos she’s going to be destroyed due to her unforgivable sin.

  • January 30, 2017 at 9:24 pm
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    OUCH!

    The “TRUTH” hurts.

    Nice work. You got right down to business. Keep it up!

    Shoot em’ again they ain’t dead yet.

    • January 30, 2017 at 10:11 pm
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      Good one, JM. Yeah, the ol’ “Zombie Double Tap” from “Zombieland” (2009). Hilarious movie.

  • January 30, 2017 at 10:47 pm
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    If individual JWs were allowed to donate a chunk of their time/energy/$$ to actual physical charities, then it would not ALL end up in the WT Corporation’s coffers! Watchtower WANTS IT ALL!!!

    • February 19, 2017 at 12:47 am
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      “Jehovah’s Witnesses and that our primary mission is to help them spiritually, not materially,” notes an elder who has helped many refugees. “Otherwise, some may associate with us only for personal advantage.”

      Maybe the worst part of this despicable and incredibly selfish statement is the cynicism for people in general. If an organization follows the examples of Christ, it’s not our job to insure that our gift is used properly, that owness is on the receiver. “Some may associate with us for personal gain”, so that’s justification to not feed the starving or giving formula and diapers to a mother who is so undernourished that she can’t produce milk. And that’s the best reason to not provide child vaccinations in areas where more than 70% of the babies will never reach 5 before they are struck down by communicable diseases we in the west no longer have to deal with.
      I think it’s time for the JW’s to move away from twisting Matthew 24 out of context, and read Matthew 22 line by line until it sinks in. Christ couldn’t have been clearer, it doesn’t matter if those in need are poorly dressed, if they depend on a cane due to the loss of a leg, what you do for people needing your help is in effect helping Jesus himself.

  • January 31, 2017 at 1:45 am
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    I speak from first-hand experience, my dear uncle committed suicide after years of suffering from Alheizheimers, he was a full-time construction worker for JW.org and an Elder in his congregation. There was a major uproar when he was given a “witness” funeral.

    The one aspect missing in this whole “Charitable” status of the JW.org equation is the total lack of support and even abandonment of people in emotional and mental health need.

    Yes, I get it – JW.org doesn’t want to share its ill-gotten gains with all and sundry and if you teach a man to fish spiritually he will never be spiritually hungry …blah blah blah.

    But what about the millions of people who need emotional support and the building of personal resilience in to deal with the day to day problems that all of us encounter?

    Even worse who cleans up the emotional mess left behind by JW.org – expectations that are set but never fulfilled, disfellowshipping, shunning and fear mongering?

    JW.org has never advocated seeking mental and emotional help from professionals.

    In my humble opinion, there is nowhere to go for those that are thrown away by JW.org or have the unfortunate circumstance of suffering from an emotional or mental disorder besides the “worldly” mental health profession or caring groups of people that are real charities like samaritans.org.

    We need to get these crooks off the Charity Register in the UK!

    • January 31, 2017 at 2:17 am
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      Rodger you say what I see all the time now my eyes are open. I have an elderly friend who has been thrown away, no one comes to visit she even payed for her son to come home but he spent the money on other things. Unless you have a house to “donate” to the society or money to pay the pioneers who condescend to visit , you will be discarded. Everything has an ulterior motive and that is money.It has taken many decades to get to this point where we see how conniving and selfish this org makes people and promotes a callous lack of compassion. Whatever happened to sell everything and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven. I suppose that is pie in the sky. The want fluffy towels and new suits rather than white robes and jam tomorrow. The role of the GB as kings and priests is rather called into question if they cannot extend a hand of love to the abandoned right now . How will we entrust them in their future role? Give a needy brother a necktie so long as his record card is up to date but don’t feed him he might stay too long.I have a lot to say today but this post too long. just to say I agree with what you said. Here in Britain we have some great charities bit Jehovah’s witnesses is not one of them . Cheers Ruthlee

      • January 31, 2017 at 2:44 am
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        That’s good to know Ruthlee, I know that there are many out there like us that see this! As a full framed, 200-pound man I am brought to tears when I think of the many old Brothers and Sisters including my 81-year-old Mother who have given their lives to this corporation and then discarded when they are too much of an emotional load for the “congregation”. This is not Love as you say.

      • January 31, 2017 at 8:05 am
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        You nailed it ruthlee, how could we trust them as kings and priests ruling from heaven? Their actions and attitudes show they don’t have the godly qualities needed for that office. Even the qualifications for an elder says they should be free from accusation. That is absolutely not the case with the GB. These are not charitable men. Their charitable status is worthy of the scrutiny it is getting. Enough has been made public, it shouldn’t be that difficult for the authorities to get a clear picture. Now will the authorities do something about it? Perhaps dealing with the witnesses seems like something that would drain time and energy from bigger issues at hand, but governments have a responsibility toward the welfare of their citizens. While the witness teachings in some cases have helped some to lead happier and healthier lives, the org leaves a trail of disaster in its wake. Should the org go away? That would be nice, but I’d be happy with a complete expose of the org, huge losses in court made public, loss of charitable status and so on. No more hiding the facts. And no more treachery toward those that know the facts and choose to leave.

        Regards

    • February 15, 2017 at 10:04 pm
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      Bertha- Are Jehovah Witnesses really Brainwashed?
      Aren’t you being a bit overdramatic? I refuse to think that one can live in an open society and yet be brain washed.

      Art Fern- OK that’s a fair question. How could a Christian read the New Testament and yet think it’s OK to not preform any charitable acts? No food, no clothes, housing or motor cars for anybody.
      How could a “serious thinking” Christian read Matt 22 and 1st Cor 13 and not be ashamed and embarrassed knowing they are part of a church that does nothing to help people in trouble anywhere in the world?
      The JW’s in fact claim to be the ONLY Christians, they preach that everyone but a JW with die horrible deaths and have their bodies eaten by animals their eyes poked out by birds. I don’t know how animals survived when 99.9% of the earth’s inhabitants will not. Believing that everyone is worldly but them, everyone is influenced by demons but them, finally at the end of the world, they will be the only ones standing. Sadly, their Governing Body and many members take pleasure in those beliefs.
      Most if not all Christians are repulsed by those such teachings, they aren’t, combined with refusals to be involved in acts of charity, an insulation from the ideas of other faiths, delight in the destruction of everyone else, one would never claim to be a Christian, even exclusively Christian without having surrendered their will to think. They are not allowed to read or see anything about the faith other than what they themselves publish, they will lose their family and friends to be shunned if they don’t surrender their ability to think for themselves. That is Brainwashing.

  • January 31, 2017 at 1:59 am
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    It’s obvious that JWs are not focussed on helping people who aren’t members (or at least prospective members). But they didn’t *actually* say that non-members would be given *no* material support. They only said their *primary* mission is not to provide materially.

  • January 31, 2017 at 2:03 am
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    Jesus new command…..Send all refugees to warwick and see the love’s identifying,all encompassing expression. Those portly old tennis players will open the gates wide to all the poor African jw’s and warchildren , widows, needy disabled and anyone suffering with fibromyalgia. A bunch of rich deluded charitable bros have charted a few planes (business class)to get all these unfortunates to warwick. If there is not enough beds ,they will turn up the heated driveway so the people can camp.All will be welcome and all the smiling stepford wives will stop cleaning toilets and open up the soup kitchen. So charity will begin at home . But as you well know the old adage. When poverty walks through the door, love flies out the window. I have an answer to that. Let them organise a wall of window washers to push love back through the window. I’m in a sarcastic mood today. yours Ruthee.

    • January 31, 2017 at 2:15 am
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      Oh ruthlee…so love your comments. Gotta keep smiling :) Don’t let the bu*gers get you down. But there is a painful truth behind the humour, a pain that the Warwick elite are oblivious to. I always look forward to your perspective on matters.

      • January 31, 2017 at 9:02 am
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        bless you my child from the new popess teehee only kidding RL

        • February 1, 2017 at 2:44 pm
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          Get away from me you worker of lawlessness…remember

          • February 1, 2017 at 6:22 pm
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            @Daniel, were you expressing the words said by the witness to the refugee who doesn’t qualify to get our help?

  • January 31, 2017 at 2:16 am
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    The Watchtower mantra is, “Teach them how to fish, then you can make a killing selling them fishing rods, bait, lines, and all kinds of pretty, colorful lures.”
    What Rodger said just proves what we’ve known all along. That is that Watchtower ‘does not know how to direct its step’, let alone anyone else’s, because they are CLUELESS. Not only do they not know how to handle emotional/mental issues, but most of the time, they are the CAUSE. This is their so-called “Bible-based wisdom”.
    WHAT A FLAMING FARCE!!!
    Their basic “strategy” is to HIDE from the real world.
    I heard a great quote: “One can ignore reality. But one cannot ignore the consequences of ignoring reality.”
    Their ancient desert god Jehovah demands more than just time, energy, and $$$. He wants to suck out the souls of his unwitting followers. He wants to destroy their minds and very psyches.
    It’s high time the Watchtower Harlot of Revelation is thrown from the Beast she’s been riding for so long, and be “devastated and made naked”.
    It’s high time the insatiable bloodthirsty Demon-God Yahweh, who has plagued mankind since the beginning of recorded history, is exorcised from Planet Earth FOREVER.

  • January 31, 2017 at 2:40 am
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    We need a Spiritual Florence Nightingale… Religion is built on sex and sex stories. They are building the “Kingdom of Jehovah” in the ruins of the humanity.

    “Pornography is about profits, pure and simple,” write researchers Steven Hill and Nina Silver. “And in this marketplace gone amok, anything is considered an exploitable and expendable resource, particularly women’s bodies and human sexual relations.” (g03 7/22 pp. 5-6).

  • January 31, 2017 at 6:36 am
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    I think that the most heinous excerpt from this Watchtower article is the section where the refugee is commanded to remain quiet, not letting others know of his/her needs and be graciously thankful for whatever meager donations come their way. Was this the same instruction that the thousands of ex-Bethelite refugees received this past year when they were exiled from their rent-free, cable-ready apartments? I think you will find that the majority of ousted Bethelites quickly glom on to the wealthier members of the congregation who have empty bedrooms, or perhaps garage apartments which they can have rent-free for indeterminate amounts of time and then find jobs within the congregation even though their skill set is woefully unsuited for any real-world application. I speak as an ex-Bethelite who went into congregations expecting to be treated like a king, and often did. Although, I can see this welcome wearing thin after the honeymoon is over and the host has realized that their guest has bestowed no special “spiritual gift” upon their household and the prestige of housing an ex-Bethelite wears off and becomes more common place.

  • January 31, 2017 at 9:10 am
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    JWdom is indeed a strange land. So glad that I no longer reside there.

  • January 31, 2017 at 9:31 am
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    These freeloaders are living well, off the charity of their
    devoted followers. People who have been kept poor by
    obeying dictates to take menial jobs. Jobs that wouldn’t
    interfere with “Kingdom” interests. Working overtime
    would often draw comments from elders and indeed from
    the cong, generally.

    Does anyone ever get to question these guys as to their
    worthiness to receive this charity? What about their
    spirituality? Do they turn in a field service report? How
    many Bible studies do they have?

    Are they using these donations from the poor, responsibly?
    when using air travel do they choose economy ( which by
    necessity would be the choice of the needy donators).
    Or do they fly executive class. ( usually reserved for the high
    salary earners ).

    The answers to these questions and other extravagances
    are well known and clearly demonstrate their abuse of
    the charity and of the of the people. Who out of their need
    provide it.

    • January 31, 2017 at 11:54 am
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      Great comment Ted, you are so right, the internet and modern technology is a great thing, the poor rural African village that has access to this site via a $5 old smart phone and a $5 pay as you go data package, will soon realize that the “farm” that their meager donations support and the hard earned cotton that they grew to build the hall that is now the property of JW.org is run by a bunch of old men in the US with a healthy appetite for food, travel and narcissistic adoration sitting on a picture perfect property with NONE of the daily challenges that these poor people face every day. As mentioned by Ruthlee – Charity begins at home. Please do not outsource your personal humanity and fellow human feeling to this US Corporation!

  • January 31, 2017 at 2:53 pm
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    WT, 14, 12/15, The article, “Jehovah Richly Blesses a Willing
    Spirit” Above that title is the picture of a contribution box and
    a mans hand depositing a banknote. (No coins, I guess those
    are only accepted if it’s the kids ice cream money).

    It reminded me of some tele evangelists, who con people out
    of their cash by saying donations are like planting seeds
    the bigger the seed (donation ) the more you’ll get back
    in return.

    Included in the article were numerous ways we could
    demonstrate our willing spirit, such as, life insurance
    policies, wills, stocks and bonds, jewellery, and much more.

    OK, maybe they’re not as schmaltzy and histrionic as
    those other “Scamgelists” but they have all their emotional
    tricks. Give till it hurts and prove you have a willing spirit.
    And they’re probably richer than all the others put together.
    And boy, do they hang on to it.

    • January 31, 2017 at 3:46 pm
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      There’s definitely a market for these scammers, Ted. Always has been.

      It’s interesting how a couple of guy’s can turn up at a JW’s, a Mormons, or anybody’s house and offer a free appraisal of ones roof and then come down and say it needs replacing for forty grand, the householder will most likely see through the scam and tell them to take a hike. ‘We’re not dumb, man’!, and rightly so.

      But then these same people get sucked into a Cult and get fleeced of their money and time and are thankful for it.

      It’s to do with our inbuilt belief that the world will end. We’re fascinated with it and we fear it. Cults have worked that one out and they also know how, using the very versatile bible which comes complete with everything they need to tap into that fascination and fear for their own advantage.

      That’s why we have all these televangelists. They can see where the money is and want a piece of the pie. All except the WT……yeahrrrrrright!!!!!

      Hi, Dee. You’re wondering who’s right about whether the world will end or not. Everybody is right because the world will surely end and when it does all groups will exclaim in unison ‘see!, we were right!’.

      Some people see it as a natural event and some see it as supernatural. If people want to go the God way, that’s fine by me but when those people have undue influence put onto them by Cults and can’t see it because they’re all messed up on ‘The Lord’, that’s when decent minded people speak up. That’s when atheists come to the rescue.

      Atheists Rule! – the graveyard. But hey!, we’re tough and we get through life without the use of that anaesthetic.

      • January 31, 2017 at 5:02 pm
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        Tele- evangelists (and religion in general) will always make money.

        They know that people are frightened, terrified, afraid to question the authenticity of the Bible and the truthfulness of what they are told that the Bible says about God because people are frightened, terrified and afraid that God will do something bad to them, they will lose God’s protection and blessing if they do.

        They know that people are frightened, terrified and dreadfully afraid that they might anger and displease God if they were to question, scrutinize, examine the Bible critically.

        God will poor out his wrath and anger on them, bad blessings will follow them, they will lose God’s guidance and protection if they were to question, scrutinize, examine the Bible critically and not believe that the Bible is God’s word.

        They know that people believe in God because God is their talisman, their good luck charm, who will bring blessings and good luck in their lives. God will protect them, God will guide them. To believe otherwise would be to anger and displease God and invite bad luck, God’s wrath and punishment, lose God’s protection, guidance and blessing.

        As long people believe these things Tele-evangelists and religion will prosper.

        • January 31, 2017 at 7:36 pm
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          Right, Dee. So I guess what you’re saying is that people of a religious persuasion are kept in line by fear of a loving? God.
          I wonder if they realise that being forced to love someone they fear is the essence of sado-masochism.
          I wonder if they realise that they believe they have been born sick then commanded to get well.
          Doesn’t sound very healthy to me but obviously, some people need this sort of thing. As long as nobody gets hurt, that’s ok by me and good luck to them. If a persons last thought is that they’re going somewhere nice, no harm done. But down with controlling abusive Cults!!

          • February 1, 2017 at 8:41 am
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            Tele-evangelists (and religion in general) will always prosper as long as people believe that:

            – God and demons influence everything in the world around them.

            – Death is not a natural part of life but is punishment while everlasting life is a reward.

    • January 31, 2017 at 4:37 pm
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      Will they accept my stock certificates from arms manufacturers?

      • January 31, 2017 at 7:40 pm
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        Are you kidding???! They’d accept a dodgy cheque from the devil.
        But I suspect you already know, BL, that they have their own stocks in arms manufacture.
        Boeing don’t just manufacture 747’s

  • January 31, 2017 at 4:36 pm
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    Stripped…

    Let the UK Charity Commission strip the status… [putting needle on record]

    https://youtu.be/qU8UfYdKHvs
    *official channel so no copyright violations

  • January 31, 2017 at 9:26 pm
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    Luke 10:35,36:
    36 Who of these three seems to you to have made himself neighbor to the man who fell victim to the robbers?” 37 He said: “The one who acted mercifully toward him.” Jesus then said to him: “Go and do the same yourself.”
    This scripture never seems to have weight. Not really. I’ve seen this for 30 years even in and out of Bethel. Yet these are Jesus’ brothers?
    I think we are seeing the beginnings of the ship going down. Give it time. Their own accusations against Christendom are boomeranging back on themselves. The child abuse policies which still don’t help the victims, present or future will drain them financially & publicly!
    Average JW’s want to do good. It’s the headship that have become Pharisees. Same old stuff since the Apostasy described by the Apostle Paul.

    • February 1, 2017 at 6:10 pm
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      I’ve been in over 40 years. They’ve always been Pharisees….maybe just easier to see that now, because now they are televised. Before the hi behind someone else’s (writers) rhetoric, delivered in a somewhat pleasant tone. Forty years ago district and circuit overseers spoke like Tony Morris III, or worse, at circuit assemblies (never district ones), in the black neighborhoods of LA, CA. As an example:during a district overseer’s talk he began to commend the circuit for not letting their children go back to the restrooms during the service. But then he stopped his talk and started yelling, and pointing his finger, “there goes one now, stop him, stop him attendant.” When the attendant didn’t stop the kid, he said, “the attendant is asleep.” At every circuit assembly he referred to homosexuals as fags, and told us not to hang out in the front of the building during the lunch break, because he said, “fags are out there.” It seemed to me the people, including elder, at the assemblies were afraid of those guys (circuit and district overseers in South Central LA).

      In the mixed race or White areas I never saw circuit or district overseers speak so harshly. I hadn’t seen anything like those guys until I saw the famous Tony Morris talk, about tight pants, spanks, and brothers that are not appointed not proper marriage material. So I believe with the broadcast we now see who the gb are a lot better.

      Plus most of WT rules are unbiblical, as well as a lot of their opinions which they present as facts, that are treated as laws.

      • February 1, 2017 at 7:11 pm
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        “In the mixed race or White areas I never saw circuit or district overseers speak so harshly.”

        The org has not been separate/ different from the world as they claim, when it comes to the treatment of blacks.

        According to the following sources:

        Blacks and whites could both attend Pastor Russell’s public speeches/sermons but they had to sit in separate sections, not side by side. This was considered dangerous and inflammatory at the time.

        Pentecostal Preacher Joshua Sykes practiced racial and gender “integration” as early as 1908 – having both African-American and female assistant preachers, staffers, and members. The Watchtower Society, however, was not fully integrated until the 1970s.

        https://issuu.com/charismata/docs/apostolic_faith_and_pentecostal_tim

        http://www.apostolicarchives.com/Joshua_W_Sykes.html

        https://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/5071852602916864/two-men-who-changed-watchtower-history-but-you-never-heard-them

      • February 1, 2017 at 7:14 pm
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        “In the mixed race or White areas I never saw circuit or district overseers speak so harshly.”

        The org has not been separate and different from the world as they claim, when it comes to racial discrimination.

        According to the following sources:

        Blacks and whites could both attend Pastor Russell’s public speeches/sermons but they had to sit in separate sections, not side by side. This was considered dangerous and inflammatory at the time.

        Pentecostal Preacher Joshua Sykes practiced racial and gender “integration” as early as 1908 – having both African-American and female assistant preachers, staffers, and members. The Watchtower Society, however, was not fully integrated until the 1970s.

    • February 13, 2017 at 9:25 pm
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      The ship is not going down! It’s being reequipped with new personnel and new crew members. If you’re not on board it’s cruising without you.Out with the old in with the new so to speak.

      • February 15, 2017 at 7:18 pm
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        @MT,
        The ship is not going down? Have you seen the Yearbook figures lately? Have you seen the figures for Europe? Take a look at Poland? Can you see how the figures drop by 2,000? Well, that is the pattern for most of Europe in the next decade. That is already happening in Australia, New Zealand and Canada as well.

        So, get ready for the decade of overall worldwide decrease.

        Morally, our GB is dragging our God through the mud by refusing to change their arrangements, arrangements that are not based on scripture.

        Many of our best brothers and sisters are leaving due to not wanting to be hypocrites.

        Millions of dollars are being paid out to child abuse victims due to elder incompetence.

        The GB is saving money, for cases of further abuse, by slashing branches, special pioneers, sizes and editions of Awake! and Watchtower magazines, as well as encouraging people to go online.

        Hardly the look of a successful organization.

        No matter what crew, what personnel you put in, it still seems to be a directionless ship, having lost relevance by the stubborn continuation of the imminently ending system.

      • February 15, 2017 at 10:19 pm
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        It’s funny you would make the nautical references. I have long claimed the JWs and Scientologists as as close as twins. The SeaOrg in Scientology is their clergy, they sign Billion year contracts and wear Navy uniforms, they receive no more than $40 a week and work 80-100 a week. Their duties as a clergy person is reading L. Ron Hubbard’s BS and science fiction taught to be history. They take over their members lives telling them of 1000’s of changes they must make and leaving them no time for other activities, friends, family. They both shun, constantly want money, publish book after book….And then we have the Celebities who can do whatever they wish without getting harassed like the unwashed folks.

  • February 1, 2017 at 3:26 am
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    Someone mentioned that it’s possible a group can get charity status just by religious “teaching” activity. So I could start my own religion, recruit one individual, begin indoctrinating them on the tenets of my faith, and, Presto, I qualify as a tax-exempt charity!!! Ain’t Religious Freedom somethin’ else???!!! No wonder the Scientologists adopted the cloak of religion!

    • February 1, 2017 at 11:33 pm
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      Few years back I saw a movie about them. If I recall correctly they owed the United States IRS a billion dollars in back taxes, which included penalties, because L. Ron Hubbard never paid taxes while he ran their organization. Some time after Miscavage took over his organization and possibly individual members filed 2400 lawsuits against the IRS, and against individuals working for the IRS. Because the lawsuits would tie up courts head honchoes at the IRS called him or his people in and cut a deal. The deal was Scientology was given religious status, the debt owed for a billion was retracted, and the 2400 lawsuits filed on behalf of Scientology were dismissed. That’s how Miscavage did it.

    • February 1, 2017 at 11:41 pm
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      Also L. Ron Hubbard initially formulated his teaching as a means to help people psychologically.
      Supposedly he presented his ideas to psychiatrist who didn’t give them any credence. Hubbard was married at the time, and he told his wife he thought it was possible to make money if he used his ideas to form a religion. So, he didn’t pay taxes because his intention from the start was to seek religious standing.

      • February 15, 2017 at 6:23 pm
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        I’m not sure about the accuracy of that movie, messenger. What’s to stop anybody from fleecing the IRS like that, then?

        Just wondering.

  • February 2, 2017 at 12:06 am
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    “Greedy corporations” – let’s review what those entities do in light of the “evil” tint the Watchtower, Inc gives these.

    “Greedy corporations” sponsor foundations and charities which reach down into neighborhoods and build, shape and enliven arts and culture. Many corporations also sponsor education scholarships and charitable religious institutions by “giving” and donating equipment and funds.

    The associates of these entities often add donations of time through their weekend giving to causes that build homes for the less-fortunate, that foster and mentor children, and programs that address issues of standing poverty and environment-driven crises related to weather or geologic events.

    Far from haphazard activities, these are well-organized, and also allow for individual contributions to be acknowledged.

    Just to compare, “evil” with “good”.

  • February 2, 2017 at 10:27 am
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    After looking into that watchtower article, I think it’s a shame that “Lije” made such disparaging remarks about fellow refuges being gamblers, drunks, immoral, etc. The witnesses already have an us versus them mentality and his comments have helped to solidify that thinking. Very prejudiced remarks. CNN has carried a couple articles about the surge in persecution of christians now on every continent. The witnesses have taken their stand with the persecutors. While many witnesses may not feel this way, the mere fact that such remarks are in a study watchtower suggests otherwise.

    Regards

  • February 2, 2017 at 10:07 pm
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    I kinda understand they don’t want to be seen as charity, because is more than clear they’re not, but, I’ve always thought that, helping other people when a dissaster occurs is not about attract new people inside, but to give unconditional help to our neighbors, as Jesus taught in the Bible (I’m not meaning the Bible is the truth, but I’m taking the book they “base on”). They say God gives unconditionally, and so we must do, but they don’t absolutely do it, they’re not showing any love to their neighbors, they showing hate towards them, and that makes them a bad religion. Blame on them. They are more fake than a 13 dollar bill.

    • February 3, 2017 at 1:07 am
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      Adopted twin, we say”bent nine bob note” cheers Ruthlee

    • February 3, 2017 at 3:36 am
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      @TheAdoptedTwin, I have to disagree with you.

      The Witnesses as a whole are not fake and the blame should not go on the rank and file.

      They are so drained of energy and money to support the “world wide work” that they don’t have anything left over to help the “world”.

      I know the whole time I was in the “truth”, I felt very guilty about not helping and volunteering for the “world” but I didn’t have the energy or the money to do anything because of our limited income and time and energy because it all went to Watchtower.

      The Witnesses really feel if they spend all their time and energy an money supporting the “world wide work” that they are saving lives. They are the real charity because of all the money and time it takes out of their lives to support Watchtower and supplying all their free labor to do all their building work.

      They are victims, not the enemy. They have wasted the most precious thing they will ever have and that is their lives. That time and energy and money that they spent on Watchtower can never be repaid. Once your life is used up, it’s gone. Don’t blame them. They and we are to be pitied, not blamed.

      Put the blame where it belongs and that is Watchtower and the Governing Body who have the power to bring that evil, corrupt organization to it’s cruel and evil end but won’t do it because either they close their eyes to the obvious truth about the truth or they are deliberately deceiving 8 million people for money and prestige.

      • February 3, 2017 at 6:02 am
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        Good point Caroline.

        It is the rank & file JWs who are the true charity and not the WT – the rank & file are the givers of their time, money and free labour and the WT are the receivers.

      • February 3, 2017 at 7:24 pm
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        I say if they don’t know for sure they are anointed then they know they’re misleading people, because they would then know they were not put in any special position by Christ, which they claim is their source of authority over others in their church. Why don’t they ever tell us why they believe they’re anointed? Why do they always suggest that JWs not ask anointed ones what happened to them individually to give them the impression they were contacted by holy spirit? From Genesis thru Revelation the Bible describes events of supernatural contact. But with the WT that subject is hush-hush as it pertains to JWs during all historical periods of the sects existence. If we are living in a time which proceeds the second coming of Christ wouldn’t it be important for God to supply proof if only one Christian sect was acceptable to him, and wouldn’t that proof at least be partially associated with the gb if they do head that one Christian sect?

        Instead of making such claims , whether true or false, the WT has always relied on the natural desire in most people to hero- worship, that is idolize other humans because of the elevated positions they hold. The gb/WT never talks about why they believe GOD put them in those positions. Instead their claim is here we are, therefore God must approve our positions because this is his organization….But I want to know where’s the proof God approves their positions? And even if they have proof that only they can testify too individually that was not witnessed by others then why don’t they talk about it? Why do they take the position to cover it up?

        • February 7, 2017 at 12:20 am
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          Yes, why can’t we ask anointed ones about their experience about becoming anointed? I used to always ask them this question, and wow, what explanations I used to hear.

          Are the GB worried that when we hear about their anointing, we may not believe they are really anointed?

  • February 5, 2017 at 8:00 am
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    Watchtower wants money that publishers are giving to refugees. So, Watchtower states that publishers should not assist materially for refugees. More money for Watchtower. Watchtower is a physical man, not a spiritual man.

  • February 11, 2017 at 3:59 pm
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    But who is benefitting from all that donated loot?
    Although it’s being amassed obviously , I don’t see any evidence that the GB are siphoning it off to their personal bank accounts. So what is the motive? Any theories?

    • February 11, 2017 at 4:32 pm
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      Abby

      I would agree, they are not siphoning off the money into any personal accounts, but the organization itself is benefiting by furthering their own cause in a manner which only benefits themselves and does not provide a public service in any charitable way.

      Many would correctly argue that their real estate and very comfortable living accommodations alone are enough evidence to show that they hypocritically do not follow the example of Jesus, who (if you believe the Bible) performed his ministry without owning any property, expensive clothing or other assets. The Jehovah’s Witness Governing Body believe that they can’t accomplish their ministry without millions (or billions) of dollars worth of assets. They provide members with a long list of reasons why they need the money, the property, the television studio, and so forth. After all, it is an organization, right?

      JR

  • February 15, 2017 at 4:36 pm
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    CHURCHES AIDING REFUGEES-By Their Fruits…
    “The best way to [help suffering people] is by sharing the good news with them. “It is important to make clear right away that we are Jehovah’s Witnesses and that our primary mission is to help them spiritually, not materially,” notes an elder who has helped many refugees. “Otherwise, some may associate with us only for personal advantage.”
    ———-
    The Watchtower statement ignores the 153 exhortations found in the New Testament to give alms, clothes, shelter and food. I find the position anti-Christian and a disgusting response to:

    “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22:2, 37-40‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    -“We don’t help people because they are Catholic—many that we help aren’t,” said Callahan. “We help people because we are Catholic.”
    -the Catholic Church is helping many of the two million refugees of Syria’s civil war. Besides physical aid, Church workers offer the Syrians the simple truth that they haven’t been forgotten—that they are loved and will be cared for.
    -Christian Aid Mission, a nonprofit organization that assists over 500 ministries overseas, has said that the ongoing conflict that is tearing apart Syria and creating millions of refugees and displaced people is an opportunity for Christians to show the love of Christ, which is opening the world’s eyes.
    Steve Van Valkenburg, Christian Aid Mission’s area director for the Middle East, told The Christian Post in a phone interview on Thursday that despite the confusion and complexity of the ongoing Syrian civil war, one thing that is clear is that it presents a way for Christians to minister to the suffering people by showing them what the love of Christ is about. He added that when Muslims in Syria see indigenous Christian agencies reaching out to them, they often ask “why are you helping?”
    -As tens of thousands of Syrian refugees flee their war-torn country and seek refuge in Jordan, the Church (LDS-Mormon) has answered a Jordanian charity’s call for additional assistance to the many millions already given—providing more than $1 million in humanitarian aid and supplies with more en route or planned for the near future.
    Working with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, Latter-day Saint Charities has focused relief efforts largely on the needs of women and children, including infant formula, diapers, hygiene supplies, and school kits. The large majority of these supplies have been purchased locally in Jordan.
    In addition, with the approach of the winter months, six containers of blankets, coats, and boots have been shipped to the country.
    Another benefit is local members who have teamed with other religious groups, including members of the Greek Orthodox and Latin Catholic churches, to assemble supplies.  
    -National Council of Churches, reports a 2.9 percent increase in charitable giving among churchgoers in 1999, for a total of nearly $27 billion. Most of that increase was attributable to a surge in giving among theologically conservative groups such as the Assemblies of God (up 1.9 percent) and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (up 1.8 percent).

  • April 28, 2017 at 9:30 am
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    Please, can someone give me anything that proves that Watchtower took the checks after the hurricane Sandy. I told it in one of my videos and now someone is asking for the evidence (that I don’t have). Thank you.

    • April 28, 2017 at 9:40 am
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      Gabrielle, I don’t have proof that the Society asked for the insurance checks but ask the person if they think that when those people got their insurance checks, that it would have been okay for them to cash the checks and keep that money for themselves?

      It is just understood that after a disaster and the brothers and sisters go in and do the repairs (with donated supplies) that the insurance checks would be “donated” to the Society.

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