What's the deal with not needing Bethelites?

by blacksheep 33 Replies latest social current

• 

  blacksheep

  As a disclaimer, I am an ex-jw (da'd) for about 15+ years, so I really haven't kept up on what's going on in Bethel (come to think of it I wasn't really interested in it when I was a JW!)

  Recently, however, one of my relatives (current JW) commented that, although my nephew had applied to Bethel (oh what a privilege!), he was basically told he wasn't needed at this time because they aren't "mailing out the publications" there like they used to. I surmized that this was the reason the "free labor" wasn't needed. I didn't pry too much, for a couple of reasons: my interest would probably raise suspicion in my relative that I was an "apostate," and I really didn't trust my relative to give me (or even KNOW) the real story, just the WTS's condensed, sugar-coated explanation (if there was one); and I was so blasted relieved that my nephew WASN'T going to get the "sacred privilege" of providing free-WTS labor. He's already got several major strikes against him living a productive, fulfilling life as a JW, at least I can cross THAT dead-end experience of my list of concerns for his possible future. I confess, it really bugged me when I learned he had applied. May even college be in his future?? Dare I hope?

  Anyway, anyone have the scoop on what's really going on? Were they just giving him a line? Maybe they just didn't like the cut of his jib (sp??)? (Note, two of his uncles were "bethelites," his dad's an elder, he's smart, able-bodied, looks like good "slave material", lol. Anyone have a clue as to the REAL story?

  Thanks for any input.
• 

  2SYN

  Like a lot of major corporations today, the Society is downsizing. Suprisingly enough, recent research has uncovered the fact that it is actually cheaper for the Society to outsource it's printing business to other companies, so apparently they will soon be letting Bethelites go in droves. There will be carnage when 10,000 "mature" Bethelites who've never known anything else are released onto the scene of the world.
• 

  abbagail

  2syn: Is that for real? Or are you kidding? Is the WTS really going to let someone ELSE do their publishing? How would that be cheaper? And to blacksheep: All I knew is they were discontinuing the subscriptions by mail, but have heard several versions of WHY, i.e., save money, postage going up end of June, etc. etc. This is the first I'd heard, however, of them needing No More Bethelites. Hmmmm.... Interesting. Have you tried posting your query on other forums and/or xJW sites and email lists? You could call WT-HQ directly, as a concerned relative, and ask WHY your nephew is not needed. (play dumb). The problem with being "out" is no longer getting the scoop at the School/Service Mtgs. ;) If you give your permission, I could post portions of your post here on another email group I belong to, and see if anyone's heard...

  GRITS
• 

  Pathofthorns

  This cutback thing has been going on for a while now. I can't figure out why they still are promoting Bethel service as a goal when they know full-well that they aren't accepting people... Talk about playing mind games...lol

  Path
• 

  metatron

  Many presses and bindery lines are being shut down - some will be shipped

  to other countries . Bethel has been suffering from a hidden brain drain for

  years. They can't get or retain enough skilled people to maintain the levels

  of productivity they need. "Spiritually strong f**kups" was the best phrase

  on it I've heard. Outsourcing of some printing has already been done, smallscale.

  Inviting brothers to Bethel, when they don't need them is dishonest but ethics

  never stopped them before. They never advertised the fact that they don't want

  sisters either!
• 

  2SYN

  I think a better person to ask about this would be AlanF or Farkel, considering the fact that I am on another continent Guys, speak up!
• 

  teejay

  Path,

  Imagine the thought-process of a young man who always dreamed of serving at Bethel:

  All his life he was told to set Bethel as a goal, and he did (has). Then he applies and is told he's "not needed at this time." Rather than be told the truth (folks don't want that bullshit like they used to; besides, it's cheaper to outsource the work), he thinks and maybe is even told that the problem is HIM, that he doesn't meet the qualifications just yet.

  So, he hunkers down and works to become an even better pioneer / congregation member / company man. "Maybe when I apply NEXT year," he thinks, "Jehovah will see that I have the right stuff!"

  What a joke.
• 

  Pathofthorns

  Good point TJ.

  Of course, if he was a doctor or a lawyer putting in 5 hours a month, he'd have all the right qualifications. What a bunch of hypocrites.

  Path
• 

  LoyalLeon

  There have always been ups and downs and the hire & fire mentality has always been used.

  "You have been appointed to serve again as regular pioneer in your home congregation."

  "Thank you very much for this unique privilege."

  LL
• 

  Lady Lee

  Just thinking

  What if...

  the r&f are not placing all the magazines and books in the US they used to?

  what if the r&f are not turning in the double $$$ they are supposed to?

  what if the borg are thinking the harvest work is done in North America and are moving to greerer $$$ pastures?

  what if North Americans are just too smart to buy the crap er rags er mags that the borg puts out?

  what if it really does cost too much to pay for room and board and the farms to feed all the free labor?

  what if the borg sees the lawsuits coming and is thinking of moving someplace they can't be touched?

  just thinking

  Edited by - Lady Lee on 17 June 2002 9:13:4