Dearest Lisa... peace to you!
And yes, it is true:
The publishers donate money the KH Building Fund, which is 'donated' per congregation to the WTBTS. When a congregation wishes to build a hall, it applies for a loan from the WTBTS, which monies are taken from this fund... and loaned... with interest.
That is why there are Halls in more affluent lands, those that can PAY BACK loans, WITH INTEREST... versus those lands which can't. IT would unscriptural to even charge the less affluent lands interest... so they just don't make them the loans. Sad, isn't it?
I know this because, although a woman, I had the 'privilege' of handling the paperwork, books and accounts for two (2) congregations. (Oh, yes I did, naysayers!) They asked me to do it because they 'trusted' me as a business person; and, although a woman, I gave them no reason not to and accepted the request with rejoicing. It was a privilege, I thought.
But I know my Lord's 'hand' in it, in that it was quite unusual a request AND it was then that I found out that although congregations are said to hold title to the Halls, title is IN FACT held by the P.O., Secretary and one other brother, as 'directors' of a 'corporation' which is the congregation, and who, as such, are not only personally liable, but can make certain decisions without consulting the congregation at all. The corporations are set up that way.
That is why when a publisher is in NEED... they are not given 'congregational' assistance as the excuse is that the congregation, in its entirety, must be asked and a resolution passed (which is untrue, as the directors CAN make a decision to start a fund for this very purpose, with the approval of the congregation). However, the current setup DISCOURAGES ones from seeking assistance, as they may not want their entire business put out there under everyone else's scrutiny. It is unloving... and it works: no one asks due to the risk of great exposure, embarrassment... and humiliation.
No one really owns anything except the WTBTS, which takes money 'donated' to it, and makes more money FROM it, and then buys real estate to increase ITS wealth and holdings. The Halls, then, because they are MORTGAGED by the WTBTS... are therefore OWNED by it, as well.
Why does the Government allow it, if they are a non-profit? Honey, the Government (kings of the earth), Religion/WTBTS (false prophet and Wild Beast), and False Christs/Anointed (Harlot)... need one another:
The Government needs religion to keep the people relatively peaceful so it can exert its 'power', and 'dominate man'; the Wild Beast needs the Harlot to mislead even the chosen ones, so that they can consume the 'houses of widow(ers)' and increase its influence; the Harlot needs the wild beast to make HER rich, to take CARE of her, and in order to receive this care and wealth, she gives them the 'blood' of her brothers, the holy ones, in exchange. They're all in bed together, dear one. As it was prophesied they would be.
Too bad... too bad...
A slave of Christ,
SJ
