by dgp 12 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
I am under the impression that English-language congregations outside of the United States must serve a purpose, other than just being the place where the missionaries can hang out and catch the occasional English speaker. I think it's also a way to find the smarter guys in other countries and teach them the language and the jargon they will need if they ever climb up the Watchtower corporate ladder.
What do people think?
Thanks
"I am under the impression that English-language congregations outside of the United States..."
I assume all the JWs living in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and of course the birthplace of English, the UK have English language congregations because that's their mother tongue...:)
As for their existence in other countries where English is not the 1st language - English is the de-facto world language, and is used to bring together JWs from various other countries living there, since most can understand some English.
I don't think there is any effort to find smarter ones.
I assume all the JWs living in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and of course the birthplace of English, the UK have English language congregations because that's their mother tongue...:)
LOL @ shepherd, although the title does specify "non-English speaking countries"
It's an interesting theory, dgp, but it's not the main reason they exist. I've attended English congs in a non-English-speaking country, and the congs are primarily for those living in the country who want to, well, attend meetings where the English language is spoken. Most were foreigners whose first language was English or, it was easier to learn in English than the language of the country.
Sometimes a few locals would be overseeing the congregation, but I think that was just the local Bethel's way of keeping an eye on things.
I attended congregation in foreign non-english speaking country, most attendees were not from a English speaking country, it was definitely a way to unite. the brothers and sisters were more congenial, loving and caring, it was a place where a non-entity like myself was called upon by one of the elders who was courageously trying to learn english to help with his talk and pronunciation. Me of slangly riddled environment that I grew up in was glad to be of help, can u imagine a korean who speaks with a southern accent? wasvery amusing, but he loved god and was among those who truly cared about others as evidenced by his continuing to help whereever needed outside the cong. he and his acqired southern accent was called upon to go to hongkong by his company and i can just imagine the delight that would be caused by his accent.
The problem with them that many of the 'locals' move in to learn English. They are looked upon favourably as they have moved where the need is great yet there is a bigger need within their local language territory.
Then the local brothers get used on assemblies and conventions because of their zeal yet those who speak English as their mother toungue can hardly understand their accent and broken English.
In Mexico & Central America, English-language congregations primarily exist to "give a witness" to the large numbers of ex-pat American retirees living there, and to a smaller extent, to American workers living there. There are thousands & thousands of American retirees living in Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras, etc., as the cost of living is far less than in the US, and someone with even a small pension paid is US dollars can live almost like a king.
In Europe, English-language congregations exist in areas where large numbers of British retirees live, such as the south of Spain.
I see. Many thanks to all.
I've seen this happen and it happened fast.
It can be a fast track for a not so respected or used brother to move up.
From the US, move to an area were they like Americans. A beautiful area were your money goes far.
Boom, next thing you know you're a loved and respected Cordinator, giving Memorial Talks and walking down the isle with a beautiful sister over half your age.
Not a bad retirement gig. LOL
It seemed to me when I heard of ones going to a foreign country (Mexico), that they would toot their horn that they were doing some grand thing for "the work" "going to where the need was greater." Yet, they stayed in English congregations there because of some English speaking communities. Seemed like quite a joke to me. The masses were Spanish speaking and I couldn't think they were really blending in to a foreign culture really. I am sure they learned some Spanish but how effective they were was questionable to me.
English speaking congregations will normally only be formed when there is enough english speaking territory (means: people to preach to). English speaking territory is not limited to people with english as their native language though. As many africans and asians speak english, due to immigration, you will find English congregations in all European cities larger than +/-200.000 inhabitants. If there are US or UK military bases, big chances there will be an english congo too.
