Aren't there still some countries that exist in which the society makes the "brothers" pay for literature? (like it was up until 2 decades ago) If so....does anyone have a list of them?
Paying for the magazines
by outsmartthesystem 9 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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blondie
*** yb01 p. 18 Highlights of the Past Year *** Another factor in reaching more people with the good news has been the simplified literature distribution arrangement. Jehovah has blessed the faith shown by his servants in this matter. The voluntary donation arrangement is explained to people, but no charge is made for the literature. As of January 2000, that arrangement was extended to all lands where it was not already in operation.
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james_woods
OK - (this voluntary donation thing was long after my time) - so what do they do when they "explain" it?
Are there "suggested donations" for various literature items?
Do you get the evil eye if you do not meet the expected donation?
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Phizzy
What happens when it all goes on-line ? a "Donate now" button, how will the ensure they get their $$$ ?
Also, when they get to rely on the web-site, what happens when we all, along with any we can persuade to join us, have a pop at it ? won't the resultant crash of the site prove that the Internet is in the hands of Satan and they shouldn't be on it anyway ?
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ex360shipper
They will be like the file-sharing sites that give you a SLOOOOOOW download for free or a much faster download if you pony up and donate.
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WTWizard
Or, maybe you get a worm. It consists of spyware to inform Brother Hounder if you try to visit another web site, and it blocks access to any apostate web site or content that bashes Christianity or the whole Bible. I wouldn't trust that site--make sure you have good antivirus, and are ready for a fake hard drive crash and real OS failure.
Also, I wouldn't donate anything. If you do, you are supporting Babylon the Great, supporting pedophiles that silence their victims, and supporting the ruining of more lives. You will also be wasting your money, just when you need it to prepare for the coming financial Armageddon (which will come when they run out of games to play). You are getting half as much as before, and you will be asked to waste more of your badly needed money. If you wish to donate to a religion, there are plenty of other Christian sites that could use donations, as well as some non-Christian boards. Or, do what I do--put whatever you would have donated to the witlesses into silver (and keep the silver).
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outsmartthesystem
Thanks Blondie
When it all goes on line.......the society will send out a letter to all congregations explaining how high the cost is of web site development, maintenance, security, etc etc. Congregations will read between the lines and assume that it is somehow MORE expensive for the society to operate in this manner and proceed to make even more donations than before.
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NOLAW
I am sure that now they will turn on producing theocratic software:
"Theocratic Guard!"
All baptized publishers will be forced to purchase it and install it on their PCs. And yes it will run only in Windoze. Linux? Linux has demons and you will be directed to the back room if heard that you use it.
Theocratic guard will block all porno, apostate and whatever page disagrees with the Organization of Jehovah GB.
NOLAW
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Bangalore
Bangalore
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Bangalore
Here is the 1990 letters regarding the donations arrangement.
February 9, 1990
TO ALL CONGREGATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES AND ITS TERRITORIES
Dear Brothers:
Our reigning King, Jesus, completed a remarkable ministry during the final three-and-a-half years of his earthly life. As the apostle John wrote, "the world itself could not contain the scrolls written" if all of what Jesus accomplished while on earth were recorded. (John 21:25) He was able to do so much because he gave theocratic interests the primary importance they deserved. As he said to his followers, "My food is for me to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work."-John 4:34.
Putting theocratic interests first meant that Jesus had to set priorities. While visiting in the house of Mary and Martha, he counseled Martha because she gave undue attention to matters other than the spiritual food Jesus was dispensing. He told her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and disturbed about many things. A few things, though, are needed, or just one." - Luke 10:41, 42.
First century Christians followed Jesus' lead in this matter. The apostle Paul wrote, "And this is what I continue praying, that your love may abound yet more and more with accurate knowledge and full discernment; that you may make sure of the more important things,... and may be filled with righteous fruit, which is through Jesus Christ, to God's glory and praise."-Philippians 1:9-11.
In our day the ‘faithful slave' is equally concerned with giving theocratic interests their rightful primary importance. So that This may be accomplished, the "slave" class has directed the implementation of many programs aimed at simplification For example, in 1978 the Society standardized and simplified the district convention arrangements. This simplification did away with many job assignments and significantly reduced many of those that remained. As a result, all are now able to give primary attention to the rich spiritual food provided each year.
The August 1986 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry announced a simplification regarding the field service report of our regular pioneers. In September of 1987 further simplification led to adjustments for the circuit assembly programs, and special assembly days were inaugurated.
Jehovah has richly blessed these efforts to simplify. The work is continuing to grow worldwide at a rapid pace. (Isaiah 60:22) Additionally, many have noted that secular authorities are increasingly viewing certain religious activities as commercial. As in the past, the Society continues to see the need to highlight the spiritual nature of our theocratic organization and to clearly distinguish our activities from those of Babylon the Great. To this end, the Society is pleased to announce that starting March 1, 1990, literature distribution procedures in the United States will be adjusted. From that date, all the Society's literature will be made available to publishers and to the interested public on a complete donation basis. This will emphasize our reliance on Jehovah's spirit while also simplifying certain operations both for the Society and for the congregations. Some may have questions regarding this new arrangement which we would now like to consider.
What is meant by complete donation basis?
This means that magazines and literature will be provided to publishers and to the interested public without asking or even suggesting that a specific contribution be made as a precondition to receiving an item. Voluntary contributions or donations will be accepted from publishers and such interested ones to continue the worldwide work of publishing the good news. It is important that all of you and the public understand that making a contribution or donation is not a precondition to receiving a publication. Naturally, this does not mean that literature should be given to those who do not appreciate it and who would not read it. -Compare Matthew 7:6.
How does the complete donation arrangement affect the distribution of literature at the Kingdom Hall?
When a publisher or interested person wishes to pick up literature or magazines at the Kingdom Hall, he may do so without having to ‘pay for' the items requested. The Society will simply give the individual the literature requested. No money will be expected, requested, or collected at the magazine or literature counter. Those motivated to contribute to the publishing and distribution of the literature should put their donations in the boxes marked "Contributions for the Society's Worldwide Work.-Matthew 24:14."
How will literature be offered in the field?
When offering literature in our public ministry, we will give our witness as usual and offer the publications to interested persons to provide them further knowledge on the subject. The recipient should agree that he will read the literature, but we will not suggest a specific donation for it. However, after the person has agreed to read the publication, we may explain how the work is done voluntarily worldwide to help people learn the way to everlasting life. It is all supported by voluntary donations. Then you may ask the person if he would like to help the Society accomplish its work worldwide by making a small donation. If he wishes to make such a donation it will be appreciated.
Any who wish to make a donation to defray the expenses of our educational work may do so, but they may receive the literature whether or not a donation is made. At the next Service Meeting, special information will be presented to demonstrate this method of literature distribution. If you note any publishers not present today, please contact them and let them know of this special Service Meeting. This new field service arrangement will go into effect immediately following that meeting.
What about subscriptions to The Watchtower, Awake!, and cassettes?
Adjustments will take place in this area as well. Subscription service to The Watchtower, Awake!, and cassettes will be discontinued as such. All publishers should immediately turn over to the brother handling subscriptions any one-year or six-month subscriptions that have already been obtained and these should be mailed to the Society this week. As of the reading of this letter, no one should prepare requests for additional new or renewal subscriptions.
The Society will continue for now, however, to honor the subscriptions currently on file. Once your personal subscription expires you should obtain magazines and cassettes for your own personal use, as well as for use in the held ministry, from the local congregation.
For many years- congregation publishers have been encouraged to have a magazine route. A magazine route will care for persons desiring to receive the magazines on a regular basis. These return visits will give publishers the opportunity to further cultivate interest shown by individuals and be a stimulus to starting new home Bible studies. The service overseer will assist publishers in developing such routes.
How will the Society's worldwide work including the printing and distribution of its literature be financed"
Boxes labeled "Contributions for the Society's Worldwide Work.-Matthew 24:14″ will be made available near the magazine and literature counters. The amounts received in these boxes will be sent monthly to the Society. These funds will be used to defray the cost of the Society's overall operations, as well as providing for needed worldwide expansion.
With what spirit should each one view the new arrangement'!
Jehovah is progressively guiding his people through these critical times, giving them the wisdom from above, necessary to keep the preaching work moving speedily in the face of many snares laid by Satan. (Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 30:21) Under the leadership of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we have been conducted into the spiritual paradise in which we now carry on the holy work of the good news. We have tasted the joy of being part of Jehovah's spirit-filled organization. - Psalm 34:8.
To meet changing conditions, Jehovah's spirit guides his theocratic organization. While contributions have always been voluntary, the complete donation arrangement allows for individual initiative and conscientious attention to meet the expenses of Jehovah's spirit-directed organization. Now each of us has an increased moral responsibility and privilege to honor Jehovah with our valuable things. (Proverbs 3:9) How we ‘respond to the leadings of Jehovah's spirit as we make our contributions will reflect our heightened awareness that Jehovah considers us trustworthy.-l Corinthians 4:1, 2.
The Society sincerely appreciates the financial support and cooperation it has received from the worldwide brotherhood. All donations will continue to be used wisely to support Kingdom interests. We ale confident that those who appreciate the priceless truth of God's Word and the value of all the Society's provisions, including the production of Bible-based publications, will continue to be motivated from the heart to contribute generously toward this work right up to the end of this old system. (2 Corinthians 9:6-14) We can place full trust in Jehovah knowing that he can "do more than superabundantly beyond all the things we ask or conceive."-Ephesians 3:20.
Your fellow proclaimers of the Good News,
Watchtower B & T Society of New York, Inc.
THE FOLLOWING WAS ON A SEPARATE SHEET
ANNOUNCEMENT
(To be read at the Service Meeting and Book Studies held during the week of February 19, 1990. If this is received too late to be read before the Watchtower Study held for the week of February 19, 1990, you should let the publishers know informally that a special letter will be considered after the Watchtower Study.)
There will be a special letter read to all congregations in the United States and its territories following the Watchtower Study during the week of February 19, 1990. All publishers should make every effort to be present when this letter is considered.
CUT ALONG THIS LINE --------------------------
Week Starting February 26
Song 172
5 min: Local announcements Encourage all to obtain an adequate supply of God's Word book and have a full share in offering it in held service this weekend. Introduce next portion of program which will consider February 9, 1990, letter to all congregations.
20 min: Presiding overseer gives two-minute summary of the first six paragraphs of the February 9, 1990, letter to all congregations. Afterwards the congregation secretary asks the presiding overseer each question appearing in the Society's February 9, 1990, letter to all congregations. Presiding overseer reads each answer directly from the letter. They can briefly discuss the meaning of each answer. Stress the fact that the cost of producing literature and magazines remains the same and will no doubt continue to rise as inflation escalates. (Two-minute consideration of essence of material in December 1980 Our Kingdom Service insert, pages 5 and 6, from the subheading "Inflation - Economic Plague on the World.") People who are righteously inclined will voluntarily contribute out of appreciation for the spiritual treasures found in the literature. Presiding overseer concludes with two-minute summary of the concluding paragraphs from the February 9, 1990, letter. How the literature is to be presented in the field will be handled in the following part.
20 min: "Presenting the Good News-With the God's Word Book." Use qualified elder who has read and studied thoroughly the February 9, 1990, letter to all congregations.
(3 min.) CHAIRMAN: Read paragraphs 4 and 5 of February 1990 Our Kingdom Ministry article "Presenting the Good News-With the God's Word Book." Encourage all to use these presentations during the month of March. Emphasize that the presentations to follow will obviously have Jehovah's blessing but will require serious thought and preparation on the part of all. Ask audience to take note of how the offer is made on a donation basis.
(7 min.) Demonstration. Have an experienced pioneer or publisher demonstrate suggested presentation in paragraph 4. After showing the book, the publisher could say: "If you would enjoy reading this fine publication, I would be happy to leave it with you." (Publisher should then hand the book to the householder who will take it and begin looking through it. ) Then the householder will ask: "How much does it cost?" The publisher replies: "We are not engaged in a commercial work. What we are doing in your neighborhood today is being done voluntarily in over 212 nations and lands around the world to help people learn the way to everlasting life. If you would care to make a donation toward this work, I would be glad to accept it. The householder says: "I would like to donate $2.00." Publisher concludes by saying: "Thank you. Many have wondered ‘Does the Bible contradict itself?' If you would like to discuss some interesting facts on this point, I would be happy to stop back when it is convenient for you." The householder responds: "Good. Could you come back next Wednesday?"
CHAIRMAN: Comment on other appropriate questions that can be raised to pave the way for a successful return visit. Then ask rhetorical question: "What if the householder said: ‘I don't think I would read the book'?" Reply that the publisher could take the book back from the householder and say: "I will pass the book on to someone else who will enjoy using it. For the present, perhaps you will find this tract interesting."
(3 min.) Demonstration. Have elder or ministerial servant offer magazine presentation to a man. After raising questions regarding the subject in a special article in The Watchtower, the brother could say: "I would like you to note the details in this article. If you would like to read these two magazines I would be happy to leave them with you." Householder says: "Yes, thank you. That is a subject that is of interest to me." Brother says-. "I am glad to be able to make this information available to you. I think you will find the subject truly informative. In fact, I would like to come back next week and get your viewpoint. You will note that The Watchtower is published in 107 languages and distributed in nearly 14,000,000 copies around the world. This work is all supported by voluntary donations. If you also care to make a small donation toward this educational work, we would be happy to accept it." Householder says: "Well I don't have any change today, but maybe next time. Thanks for the magazines." Brother says: "You are welcome. The next issue of The Watchtower raises the question: ‘What does Jesus' death mean to you?' I will stop by on Saturday with that issue. I know you will appreciate it."
(7 min.) CHAIRMAN: Comment on the fact that the groundwork for a fine magazine route has just been laid. The same presentation could be used in the street work. Entertain comments from audience on how the publishers offered literature without asking for a specific sum. Emphasize that a donation is not a precondition that must be met before people can obtain literature. Point out that the magazines were placed with a person who was willing to read them although he was not able to donate on this occasion. On other occasions individuals who accept literature, like the householder in the first demonstration, may make a willing donation for the Kingdom work. In both instances we can be very gracious. However, literature should not be offered indiscriminately with those not manifesting interest. Those who are generous may be, provided additional literature on the initial call or a return visit. Our purpose is to teach the good news of God's Kingdom and make disciples. All Kingdom publishers will become accustomed to the adjusted presentation and make improvements as time goes by. Stress that "we are not peddlers of the word of God." (2 Cor. 2:17) We look for Jehovah's backing on this arrangement.
Conclude by reminding all that while we are pleased to leave literature with interested persons who, for one reason or another, cannot donate, we still have the moral responsibility to assist the Society with our donations.
Song 14 and concluding prayer.
Bangalore
