Yeah, I've mentioned it before...
I went to the District Assembly 'pep' talk, and got one of the applications.
I was... let's see... I was about 21 at the time (last century). I filled in the application, went to one of those photo booths that take your picture - 4 times. I cut out the best looking one, where I didn't look too scary, and attached it to the application.
A bit of back-story. I had just transferred congregations. So, that meant that I had to give the application to my old congregation. They said, "No problem. We'll send it in for you." I didn't trust them, but what was I to do. Well... I waited. And waited. And waited.
I really (at that time) wanted to go to Bethel. I wasn't having much luck with the single ladies, and so figured that I had nothing to lose.
Of course, I wasn't a 'regular pioneer' or anything. I had heard that you had to be 'special' to get to go, but thought 'what the heck', and gave it a try.
I never heard back from them. At the next District Assembly, I met the brother giving the 'pep' talk (I knew him - he was a local - visiting his home state), and told him that I never heard back from them, even if it was a 'No'. He said something like, "Well, you can always apply again." I told him, "No thanks. One rejection is enough."
I'm glad I never heard back from them. Personally, I believe that the fellas in charge in my old congregation 'crap canned' it, and it never made it to the folks at Bethel. (They had to 'approve' you locally, before they sent it in.)
Regards,
Jim TX