I thought the WTBTS never solicited donations???
Economic Woes Strike the Churches: Awake 9/8/75
Money Emphasis
Then, too, there is the emphasis on money in the churches. Church raffles and gambling have flourished as they endeavor to raise funds. Contrary to Bible teaching, the churches have given much attention to soliciting funds, and this has turned away many people.For instance, tithing is prominent in some churches. It is true that in the past, as under the Mosaic law given to the ancient nation of Israel, God required that his people give to the Levites, who served at the sanctuary, at least one tenth of what they earned. But that requirement terminated with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Col. 2:14) In the true Christian congregation, the Bible shows, monetary contributions are to be made as each one "has resolved in his heart," and not "under compulsion,"-2 Cor. 9:6, 7.However, Robert Schuller, pastor of the Garden Grove Community Church in California, is reported to have advised: "We do believe that sincere tithers will receive unique financial blessings . . . for faithfully contributing to God's work." And John Durkee, who teaches "effective management" seminars to church groups, says that "the solution to abundant living in times like these is to tithe your way to prosperity." He adds: "Those who do give and commit themselves never have a problem about adversity or economic reversals."
Meeting the Challenge of Inflation: 12/80 KM
1 When the disciples were sent out in the first century to preach the electrifying message, "The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near," they were given some specific instructions concerning financial support of their work. "Do not procure gold or silver or copper for your girdle purses," Jesus said, "or a food pouch for the trip, or two undergarments, or sandals or a staff." (Matt. 10:7-10) Their undistracted attention was to focus on spiritual matters, the giving of a thorough witness concerning God's kingdom. If they put Kingdom interests first in their lives, their material needs would be provided. "The worker is worthy of his wages."-Matt. 6:32, 33; Luke 10:4, 7.
2 In modern times it has been the same with Jehovah's people, as the history of the last 100 years shows. Rather than soliciting funds or sponsoring money-making schemes for the building of great cathedrals and ornate palaces for a clergy class, Jehovah's people have put the emphasis on comforting depressed mankind with the glorious message of God's kingdom by Christ Jesus-the only hope of the world. (Matt. 12:21)
This Scriptural viewpoint of priorities was clearly set out in the second issue (August 1879) of the Society's official publication. There it was stated: "'Zion's Watch Tower' has, we believe, JEHOVAH for its backer, and while this is the case it will never beg nor petition men for support. When He who says: 'All the gold and silver of the mountains are mine,' fails to provide necessary funds, we will understand it to be time to suspend the publication."
3 This policy has served well as our guideline ever since. "Seats Free-No Collections" has always been the slogan wherever we have held our meetings, and Jehovah has added his blessing. In modern times, as in the first century, our preaching work has been supported in large measure by unsolicited and wholly voluntary contributions. (Rom. 15:26; 2 Cor. 9:13) In this respect Brother Russell himself took the lead. He closed out his partnership with his father and spent his personal fortune of a quarter-million dollars in the Kingdom work. Many other faithful ones with similar devotion to Jehovah followed this example.
WAYS IN WHICH SOME CHOOSE TO GIVECONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WORLDWIDE WORK
Many set aside, or budget, an amount that they place in the contribution boxes labeled "Worldwide Work." Each month, congregations forward these amounts to the office of Jehovah's Witnesses that serves their respective countries. Voluntary donations of money may also be sent directly to Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., Attention Treasurer's Office, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York 11201-2483, or to the branch office of Jehovah's Witnesses that serves your country. (Voluntary donations specified in the sections below can also be sent to the branch office of Jehovah's Witnesses that serves your country.) Checks sent to the above address should be made payable to "Watchtower." Jewelry or other valuables may be donated as well. A brief letter stating that such items are an outright gift should accompany these contributions.
CONDITIONAL-DONATION TRUST ARRANGEMENT Money may be placed in trust with Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania for use worldwide. However, upon request the funds will be returned. For more information, please contact the Treasurer's Office by writing to the address noted above or by telephoning (718) 560-7500.
CHARITABLE PLANNING In addition to outright gifts of money, there are other methods of giving to benefit Kingdom service worldwide. These include:Insurance: Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania may be named as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or a retirement/pension plan.Bank Accounts: Bank accounts, certificates of deposit, or individual retirement accounts may be placed in trust for or made payable on death to Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, in accord with local bank requirements.Stocks and Bonds: Stocks and bonds may be donated to Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania as an outright gift or Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania may be named as a Transfer on Death beneficiary.Real Estate: Salable real estate may be donated either by making an outright gift or, in the case of residential property, by reserving a life estate to the donor, who can continue to live therein during his or her lifetime. Contact the branch office in your country before deeding any real estate.Gift Annuity: A gift annuity is an arrangement whereby one transfers money or securities to a designated corporation that is used by Jehovah's Witnesses. In exchange, the donor, or someone designated by the donor, receives a specified annuity payment every year for life. The donor receives an income-tax deduction for the year in which the gift annuity is established.Wills and Trusts: Property or money may be bequeathed to Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania by means of a legally executed will, or Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania may be named as beneficiary of a trust agreement. A trust benefiting a religious organization may provide certain tax advantages. As the term "charitable planning" implies, these types of donations typically require some planning on the part of the donor. To assist individuals desiring to benefit the worldwide work of Jehovah's Witnesses through some form of charitable planning, a brochure has been prepared in English and Spanish entitled Charitable Planning to Benefit Kingdom Service Worldwide. The brochure was written to provide information on a variety of ways that gifts may be made either now or through a bequest at death. After reading the brochure and conferring with their own legal or tax advisers, many have been able to help support our religious and humanitarian activities worldwide and maximize their tax benefits while doing so. This brochure may be obtained by requesting a copy directly from the Charitable Planning Office.
For more information, you may contact the Charitable Planning Office, either in writing or by telephone, at the address listed below, or you may contact the branch office that serves your country.Charitable Planning OfficeWatch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania100 Watchtower DrivePatterson, New York 12563-9204Telephone: (845) 306-0707
Definition of SOLICIT
transitive verb1a : to make petition to : entreat
b : to approach with a request or plea <solicited Congress for funding> 2: to urge (as one's cause) strongly
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