I Should Have Just Kept Avoiding Their Videos (page 2)

Zoos

Philippine Authority: "Why didn't you evacuate?"

Philippine Elders: "We could have, but we didn't."

The video says at 2:40 "Before the storm hit, the Philippines Branch office began coordinating the evacuation and relief efforts.'We are preparing for the typhoon because the news said that we need to prepare, so I text everybody, every elder...' (- Rodnie Barcenas Circuit Overseer)."

So yes, the branch knew the typhoon was coming, they planned the evacuations (to kingdom halls?), instructed the CO's, and made sure all elders and congregations were informed of what to do.

Cedars covered this very well at the time. He calculates some figures:
"According to the 2014 Yearbook, the population of the Philippines is 97,701,745. And according to this new video (and official figures), Typhoon Haiyan claimed the lives of 6,200. That is a mortality rate of 0.0063% for the country.

By comparison, Watchtower claims to have 185,000 Witnesses in the Philippines. When we include all those presumed dead with the confirmed figures, this gives us a mortality rate of 0.024% among Witnesses for Typhoon Haiyan – nearly four times the previously stated figure."

If you're interested in this topic it is worth reading.
jwsurvey - Philippines video

OnTheWayOut

Page 1:
runForever, I wonder if saying that they texted people with the need to evacuate was only the tiniest bit true. Someone was texted or many were texted with a slightly different message about getting to the Kingdom Hall. They wouldn't deliberately leave people in harm's way, but maybe they didn't expect the absolute worst and didn't want to put themselves out or use funds to help people beforehand if this typhoon wasn't as bad as it turned out. But maybe they told partial truths afterwards to make it seem they did what they were supposed to do.

CrazyGuy, it is just shameful that their PR video doesn't mention how 22 were killed at the Kingdom Hall and actually makes you think that the people who went to their Kingdom Halls all survived, so it must have been those that stayed at home that perished.

OnTheWayOut

Zoos, thanks for that. Is that a quote I missed or just a thought of yours?

Splash, we are getting into the honesty/dishonesty of the branch and the organization here. My point in posting was that their PR video is misleading, if not downright dishonest. Any group could have a higher mortality rate if they were in one place (like a building) that was devastated. A group of circus performers could have died being in one spot and the mortality rate for circus performers could have been nearly 100%. But such information is very valuable to show JW's that "Jehovah protects HIS people" is a crock. Thanks for that.

flipper

OTWO- Wow. I just saw the you tube - it is SO pushing WT marketing it's ridiculous. As always they only emphasize the " good " that the " brothers and sisters " or WT Society is doing, typical.

But I found these quotes interesting - The young girl walking through the kitchen saying, " we put the literature in the refrigerator " And there it was literature stuffed into a refrigerator. A priority in life saving times ? And the 13 year old survivor who lost her family stating, " the brothers tell me that in the last days we cannot avoid calamities like this. " Like any supposed time period has any bearing on when a 250 mile per hour typhoon hits. And she stated, " the elders told me it was O.K. to cry " ( I'm glad she got permission ) and they reminded me to " read scriptures that reminded me of the resurrection. " Like that should soften the blow of losing her family ? Sick .

And then the well fed Mark Sanderson stating, " Sometimes you feel overwhelmed , Jehovah will help you out through what you're experiencing. " As he can easily go back to his fat cat Bethel apartment with being well provided for by the WT Society as he advises the homeless Phillipine brothers what to do. WT Society always pats itself on the back like nobody else on the planet cares. Pretty weird. I can see why this upset you, me too

blondie

When I read articles about jw survival, I know that is another "out of both sides of their mouth" article. Here are some scriptures from the 50's till now where they speak both ways about individual and group survival.

Key words:

"interior rooms" Isaiah 26:20

"as a group"

'individual protection"

*** w60 9/15 pp. 562-563 par. 15 Congregating All Nations at Jehovah’s House ***

When Satan launches his expected attack on the Christian congregation just prior to Jehovah’s war of Armageddon, Isaiah assures us that the congregation will not be taken over and destroyed: “No more will there come again into you the uncircumcised and unclean one.” (Isa. 52:1) In defense of his congregation Jehovah God will unleash a decisive counterattack that will utterly destroy the congregation of evildoers. (Ps. 26:4, 5) The Christian congregation may well call to mind Jehovah’s instruction: “Go, my people, enter into your interior rooms, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for but a moment until the denunciation passes over. For, look! Jehovah is coming forth from his place to call to account the error of the inhabitant of the land against him.”—Isa. 26:20, 21.

Armageddon over, (only) Jehovah’s people will emerge into his clean, righteous new world, there to take up the peaceful work of landscaping the earth and welcoming back those worthy of a resurrection (not everyone who died will be resurrected) including Jehovah’s witness Isaiah.

*** w68 4/15 pp. 228-229 What the Future Holds for You ***

As a reward for their faithfulness, Jehovah God will see that his servants have a place of security during the destruction of the wicked world of mankind. This is indicated by his prophetic invitation: “Go, my people, enter into your interior rooms, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for but a moment until the denunciation passes over. For, look! Jehovah is coming forth from his place to call to account the error of the inhabitant of the land against him.”—Isa. 26:20, 21.

*** w78 1/15 pp. 23-24 pars. 45-46 How God’s Kingdom Can Benefit You ***

Does this mean that Jehovah’s Witnesses will always have physical protection, under all circumstances? Not necessarily so. At least two of Jehovah’s Witnesses were killed by sniper fire in Lebanon, and there have been times, too, when they have died in disasters such as earthquakes. But, in general, their prayerful reliance on Jehovah, their togetherness as a congregation and their calmness under pressure have worked to their benefit. (Phil. 4:5-7) Often this has served as a foretaste of the protection that God promises his people during the “great tribulation,” when the Kingdom goes into action to destroy the opposing nations.—Matt. 24:21, 22; Dan. 2:44.

46 How the Kingdom will perform that miracle of protection, we do not yet know. But God’s prophets assure his obedient people that their complete trust in Jehovah will be to their everlasting benefit. Thus, through his prophet Isaiah, Jehovah extends the invitation: “Go, my people, enter into your interior rooms, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for but a moment until the denunciation passes over. For, look! Jehovah is coming forth from his place to call to account the error of the inhabitant of the land against him, and the land will certainly expose her bloodshed and will no longer cover over her killed ones.” (Isa. 26:20, 21) Jehovah’s righteous judgments are certain of execution, and his salvation is sure.—Ps. 119:155, 156.

*** w88 1/15 p. 17 par. 8 Trust in Jah Jehovah! ***

As Kingdom expansion moves to a climax, Jehovah’s call at Isaiah 26:20 rings forth: “Go, my people, enter into your interior rooms, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for but a moment until the denunciation passes over.” No doubt the “interior rooms” of this prophecy are linked closely with the more than 54,000 citylike congregations that serve Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout the earth today.

*** w98 8/15 p. 19 par. 14 Strengthening Our Confidence in God’s Righteousness ***

In the near future, the greatest time of tribulation ever to strike the human race will break forth suddenly. (Matthew 24:21) When it does, servants of God will need as never before to display confidence in Jehovah’s righteousness and in the direction provided by his organization. In a symbolic way, they will then confidently obey God’s injunction: “Go, my people, enter into your interior rooms, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for but a moment until the denunciation passes over.” (Isaiah 26:20) Already they have entered into the protective atmosphere of over 85,000 congregations in 232 lands. Whatever may additionally be included in the injunction “enter into your interior rooms,” we can be confident that Jehovah will help us to carry it out.

*** w01 11/15 p. 11 par. 6 Jehovah Shows Us How to Count Our Days ***

We enjoy spiritual security because, figuratively speaking, Jehovah is “a real dwelling” for us. He also provides “interior rooms”—likely linked closely with the congregations of his people—as spiritual havens, where loving shepherds contribute greatly to our sense of security. (Isaiah 26:20; 32:1, 2; Acts 20:28, 29)

*** w01 3/1 pp. 20-21 pars. 16-17 Salvation for Those Who Choose the Light ***

Jehovah’s servants always need his protection. Soon, though, he will stretch out his hand for the last time against Satan’s world, and his worshipers will need his help as never before. (1 John 5:19) Regarding that dangerous time, Jehovah warns us: “Go, my people, enter into your interior rooms, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for but a moment until the denunciation passes over. For, look! Jehovah is coming forth from his place to call to account the error of the inhabitant of the land against him, and the land will certainly expose her bloodshed and will no longer cover over her killed ones.” (Isaiah 26:20, 21; Zephaniah 1:14) This warning showed the Jews how to survive the fall of Babylon in 539 B.C.E. Those who heeded it would have stayed in their houses, safe from the conquering soldiers out in the streets.

17 Today, the “interior rooms” of the prophecy likely have to do with the tens of thousands of congregations of Jehovah’s people around the world. Such congregations are a protection even now, a place where Christians find safety among their brothers, under the loving care of the elders. (Isaiah 32:1, 2; Hebrews 10:24, 25

*** w09 5/15 p. 8 Where Should You Be When the End Comes? ***

enter into your interior rooms, and shut your doors behind you,” states Isaiah 26:20. “Hide yourself for but a moment until the denunciation passes over.” This prophecy may have had its first fulfillment in 539 B.C.E. when the Medes and the Persians conquered Babylon. Upon entering Babylon, Cyrus the Persian apparently commanded everyone to stay indoors because his soldiers were ordered to execute any found out-of-doors.

In our day, the “interior rooms” of this prophecy could be closely associated with the more than 100,000 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world. Such congregations play an important role in our lives. They will continue to do so through “the great tribulation.” (Rev. 7:14) God’s people are commanded to go into their “interior rooms” and hide themselves “until the denunciation passes over.” It is vital that we develop and maintain a wholesome attitude toward the congregation and be firmly resolved to stay in close association with it. We can take to heart Paul’s exhortation: “Let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as [we] behold the day drawing near.”—Heb. 10:24, 25.

*** ip-1 chap. 21 pp. 282-283 par. 24 Jehovah’s Hand Becomes High ***

This passage may have an initial fulfillment when the Medes and the Persians, led by King Cyrus, conquer Babylon in 539 B.C.E. According to the Greek historian Xenophon, when Cyrus enters Babylon, he commands everyone to stay in their homes because his cavalry has “orders to cut down all whom they found out of doors.” Today, the “interior rooms” of this prophecy could be closely linked with the tens of thousands of congregations of Jehovah’s people around the world. Such congregations will continue to play a key role in our lives, even through “the great tribulation.” (Revelation 7:14) How vital that we maintain a wholesome attitude toward the congregation and regularly associate with it!—Hebrews 10:24, 25.

*** w08 4/15 p. 20 par. 17 Marriage and Parenthood in This Time of the End ***

Nevertheless, we should not be unduly fearful about the future. Parents who are faithful to Jehovah can hope to be protected along with their young children. (Read Isaiah 26:20, 21; Zeph. 2:2, 3; 1 Cor. 7:14)

*** w03 6/1 p. 16 par. 17 “Do Not Be Afraid or Be Terrified” ***

Until then—and even after Gog’s attack has begun—Jehovah’s Witnesses will continue in their support of God’s Kingdom. They will continue to find strength and protection in association with the more than 94,600 congregations around the world. (Isaiah 26:20) What an opportune time to praise Jehovah courageously! No, living in expectation of Gog’s imminent attack does not cause them to shrink back in fear. Rather, it spurs them on to increase their sacrifice of praise to the extent that they reasonably can.—Psalm 146:2.

*** w53 7/15 p. 443 par. 45 Launching the Kingdom Government ***

With the lethal weapons such as the atom bomb and the more powerful hydrogen bomb at his disposal, Satan will suffer complete defeat. All the power he has built up on earth via his dupes will be destroyed with him. The only place of safety will be inside the confines of God’s system of things. He has promised to protect his servants as completely as he did Noah and his family during the flood. (Isa. 26:20, 21)

*** w59 6/1 p. 336 par. 49 “Look! I Am Making All Things New” ***

Only meek persons, who seek Jehovah and righteousness, may survive Armageddon into God’s peaceful new world. (Zeph. 2:3, AS; Isa. 26:20, 21)

*** w79 6/15 p. 18 par. 11 Resurrected—“Each In His Own Proper Place” ***

Even the dead infants and unresponsible young children will be favored with a return to new opportunities for growing up to eternal youth on a paradise earth.

*** w81 5/1 p. 7 Make a Success of Your Life Now ***

Again, do Christians feel the need to make elaborate preparations for some possible future catastrophe? No. They know that a big change is coming soon, but they also know why it is coming, and they realize that Jehovah has promised protection for those who serve him. (Ps. 27:5; Isa. 26:20)

*** w82 5/15 p. 19 par. 7 The Critical Hour Nears! ***

7 Instead of being obstinate and opinionated in the face of all these signs (like so many worldly political and religious leaders), are you meek, teachable and ready to listen eagerly to God’s provision for your safety? Have you tried to live according to the Bible’s standards of righteousness, that is, Jehovah’s “judicial decision”? Are you heartsick at the things you see and hear going on in the earth, yes, even in your own neighborhood? Unlike self-satisfied ones who do not care what happens to others so long as they get what they want out of life, are you not deeply moved by the hardships, oppressions and near-famine conditions under which millions of your helpless fellow humans have to live? If your answer to these questions is Yes, then probably you may prove to be among those to whom Jehovah promises concealment in the day of his wrath.—Isaiah 26:20, 21; Ezekiel 9:4-7.

*** w85 3/1 p. 9 Truth and Faith Prevail ***

However, why would Jehovah permit the murder of these faithful witnesses? In today’s violent world, there have been many cases where Jehovah obviously protected his people. In doing so, he demonstrates how he can bring them safely through the “great tribulation.” (Matthew 24:21; Isaiah 26:20) But, just as Jesus stated at John 16:1-3, there may be occasions when he permits opposers to go to the extent of actually killing individuals among Jehovah’s Witnesses. Their keeping integrity in such situations, as our faithful brothers did in Kivu province, serves as a witness and as proof that God’s servants are determined to keep integrity even to the death.—Job 27:5; Proverbs 27:11.

*** w86 1/1 p. 10 par. 3 Days Like “the Days of Noah” ***

Recently in Mexico, altogether 23 Witnesses and associates were among the more than 5,000 killed by a disastrous earthquake. In Puerto Rico, seven others were numbered among the 300 who lost their lives in floods and landslides. Does this mean that Jehovah failed to provide protection for some of his servants? Not at all. We are not immune to accidents and disasters. And as to persecution, Jesus forewarned his disciples, saying: “They will put some of you to death.” Hundreds of our brothers died at the violent hands of Nazi Hitler. Jehovah will remember all of such in the resurrection. However, when the foretold “great tribulation” sweeps the earth, Jehovah will show that he is able to save those who call upon his name, even as he did in the days of Noah.—Luke 21:16-19; Matthew 24:14, 21, 22, 37-39; Isaiah 26:20, 21; Joel 2:32; Romans 10:13.

*** Lmn p. 26 par. 50 “Look! I Am Making All Things New” ***

In the Bible this destruction of wicked nations is called God’s battle of Armageddon. (Revelation 16:14-16) Only meek persons, those who seek Jehovah and righteousness, may survive Armageddon into God’s peaceful new system. (Zephaniah 2:3; Isaiah 26:20, 21)

*** w11 1/15 p. 4 par. 5 “Take Refuge in the Name of Jehovah” ***

Yet, God’s people as a group will survive because they are taking refuge in Jehovah.—Rev. 7:14; 18:2, 8; 19:19-21.

*** w08 1/15 p. 25 par. 4 Counted Worthy to Be Guided to Fountains of Waters of Life ***

Moreover, since the growing great crowd of other sheep are viewed by God as righteous, they can hope to survive the destruction of this system of things at the great tribulation. (Jas. 2:23-26) They can draw close to Jehovah, and as a group, they have the wonderful prospect of surviving Armageddon. (Jas. 4:8; Rev. 7:15) They are not independent but willing to serve under the direction of the heavenly King and his anointed brothers on earth.

*** w07 5/1 p. 30 Questions From Readers ***

In 1935 the “great crowd” of Revelation 7:9-15 was understood to be made up of “other sheep,” Christians with an earthly hope, who would appear on the world scene in “the last days” and who as a group would survive Armageddon.

*** w83 10/15 p. 31 Exodus—From Tyranny to Theocratic Order ***

Jehovah is the incomparable Deliverer. How evident that was at the Red Sea! Accordingly, his present-day witnesses can be confident that they, as a group, will survive the coming “great tribulation” under the almighty hand of this Grand Deliverer.—Matthew 24:20-22; Revelation 7:9, 14.

*** w12 5/15 p. 22 Questions From Readers ***

Psalm 116:15 assures us that Jehovah will not allow his loyal servants as a group to be entirely removed from the earth. In fact, our modern-day history chronicles our endurance of severe trials and persecution, thus furnishing clear evidence that God will never permit us to be exterminated.

Because of his limitless power and unfailing purpose, Jehovah will not allow us to be swept out of existence as a group.

Splash

Even if some crazy person did throw out all their food in order to put books into a fridge, would you even feature that???

That says so much about the unbalanced view they seek to cultivate of WT vs lives.

Finkelstein

" the brothers tell me that in the last days we cannot avoid calamities like this. "

Sorry but typhoons and earthquakes have been occurring on earth for millions of years, including in the Philippines.

Nothing like good old fashion fear mongering ignorance to sustain support from out of people.

Maybe the video should have gone on and showed that due to the fact that the family had put the WTS literature in their fridge, that after the typhoon they had no food to eat and couldn't go out and buy any either because of the devastation.

Oh wait a second, that would be bit too truthful for propaganda purposes.

Never mind

Zoos

OnTheWayOut9 hours agoZoos, thanks for that. Is that a quote I missed or just a thought of yours?

In a recent thread (I cannot find) reporting on the missteps of WT lawyers I read where they were asked by the judge why they failed to file/obtain/pursue something ordered by the court.

The lawyer's response was, "We could have but we didn't."

I was just spoofing that comment.

adjusted knowledge

I wouldn't place much blame on the Witnesses for the deaths. I live in Florida for the last 38 years, and experienced many hurricanes. I also been in the Philippines: Cebu, Manila, and Bohol. There is a huge difference between the two countries. The infrastructure in the Philippines are horrible, mainly from government corruption, but I won't get into that. When a major typhoon hits there really isn't too many evacuation options for the Filipinos. This observation was validated by my wife and her family, who are Filipino.

They can go inland, but if you look at the death tolls many were from mudslides off the mountains, and several died in shelters (school buildings and other government buildings). Remember the Philippines is a collection of islands, and death by Typhoon is a fact of life there. With that being said, I've seen the GB/WT exploit disasters, and this is another example. I just don't place too much blame on them for any of the deaths.

An example of those dying that sought shelter inland.

"The governor of the worst-hit province, Compostela Valley, in Mindanao said waves of water and mud came crashing down mountains and swept through schools, town halls and clinics where huddled residents had sought shelter." - New Bataan, Philippines Erik De Castro December 5th, 2012

I Should Have Just Kept Avoiding Their Videos

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