Reddit thread about Bethel Reducing Headcount

by LongHairGal 72 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  ThomasMore

  Left Bethel on my own - no escort out the door. Many old friends have been "re-assigned" in their late 50's. Most had no marketable skills and little to no savings. A few had family to lean back on but most had to hit the ground running - they have stumbled along trying to make a new life at the end of their life. It is all very sad and there is no hope that WTC will soften their landing.

  A few are "awake" to WTC tactics, but many continue to trudge along hopeful that the rank n' file will help carry them - they just cannot cut the cord. This is the saddest thing I can imagine. Like a dog that is put out, kicked, screamed at and not fed, they stay at the door, unable to understand what they did wrong to deserve this.

  Most were good people who deserved better and could have been successful without the mind-corrosive influence of WTC. But others were highly critical that I would dare to leave the throne of Kings. Their mental distress is deserved, but others are just tragically sad as they try to care for a wife, living from table scraps that they get from local JWs. I can only imagine how emasculating it must be for the men who cannot confidently provide for the wife they love.

  I actually cried while I wrote this.
• 

  liam

  In this age of free information everywhere, I don't understand why young 18 year old and above are still reaching out to be ministerial servants and elders?

  There's no excuse. And if they volunteer to go to Bethel to work for free, it's on them.
  
• 

  Journeyman

  But is it all the Organization's fault? Not really, as no promises were made and for them, its just a business decision. And besides, those Bethelites have had their kudos ... enjoying the title and privileges of being one.

  I know what you mean, and up to a point I agree, but as some have pointed out, these ones bought into the idea that there were only a few years left of this "system" and they would never see old age in it - something constantly promoted from the top of the Org. So in that sense, the Org was making them promises.

  Also, from a spiritual viewpoint, the Org can't get away from culpability that easily. From "the one to whom much is given, much will be expected" and all that. If Bethel is supposed to be the 'top of the tree' in God's service on earth, then His eye would particularly be on how it treats its 'household'.

  The principle at 1 Timothy 5:8 - "if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith" - should be a warning to the Bethel head honchos and GB, but of course they've got their own priorities. Like counting the money, and drawing up more rules.

  I always thought Bethel was a fake, unscriptural environment, just as convents and monasteries are. Jesus never recommended his disciples shut themselves away from everyone else into closed communities, and the reasons why are clear when you see what happens in those kind of places: exploitation, bullying, sexual offences, egotism, jostling for rank and status, etc, etc.
• 

  LongHairGal

  THOMAS MORE:

  I am glad for you and others who left bethel on your own. You are lucky, along with those who never went there in the first place.

  You say about some who were let-go that ‘they are hopeful the rank n file will carry them’,👎 Well, I take offense to this commonly held mistaken attitude.. My answer would be NO to anybody who came up to me with an envelope asking for money.

  This is one reason I’m Glad I’m Out of this religion…The very idiots who hated me for working - would hate me for not giving money.

  I was criticized/shunned for having a full time job back then. I would not be retired if I had listened to the religion and did the ‘approved’ housecleaning and pioneering.. So they don’t GET to come up to me asking for $$. Nope. It doesn’t work that way.. By the way, I make it a point to tell this to any older Witnesses I run into who knew me back when I was working and viewed negatively in the congregation!

  It is the religion who owes these ex-bethelites. That’s who they were working for!
• 

  andr

  I remember when I was 18 and the advice to go to the Italian Bethel after a short vacation with a visit (the first and the last) when the COs invited me to the ultimate spiritual experience! THE SERVICE AT BETHEL

  they never appreciated my always extremely witty answer,

  if I have to go to prison they should arrest me first!

  it must have been one of the reasons why they never even let me be a doorman or little more

  the Bethelites always made me laugh their behavior was a mix of the Lord's chosen one and a drunken saint

  always a lot of whitewashed tomb
• 

  Dagney

  I'm sure many on here have listened through the years to the anguish of those older folks in full time service, DO's, CO's, SP's, missionaries etc. who have been sent home or assigned to a congregation with a meager stipend to live out their years. The receiving congregations were to attend to the needs and make up the shortfall of funds, provide living quarters etc. Talk about swinging without a net...no SS was paid into a fund for them for all their years of service.

  There was talk years ago of creating a type of retirement home here on the west coast where these folks could live with dignity. Of course, there would be no income from such a caring provision, so that didn't happen. They discovered what a diamond mine they had with real estate and the stock market.

  Of course, everybody thought they would be eating grapes from their own vine and petting a panda by now.

  I have a faithful relative facing end of life most likely. I heard he mentioned in retrospect that there was so much he didn't do in his life...but looking forward to the "perfect life Jehovah promised". How they can maintain such faith in a ridiculous promise is so sad.

  I hope these ones being let go can grab some enjoyment and freedom with the years they have left. Quit giving loyalty to a corporation that doesn't give a f**k about them.

  LHG - thanks for posting this. I don't go to Reddit often and it's good to hear about trouble at HQ. xx
• 

  LV101

  Thus the reason the real estate maggot-magnates are 'begging for accommodations' -- their aged heavies need a cot and 3 squares a day?! WTH are the ethical journalists/reporters to investigate this corporation!!
• 

  Beth Sarim

  Do you think the governing body are let go with no place to land running? With no accommodations?

  Actually they are. Tony Morris was sent to a luxurious newer home. Adequate space,,,garage,,,etc.
• 

  LV101

  I don't think the high rung echelon nor those below top tier are expected to live in ordinary digs but the minions with connections might need aid. Others might do well to find a heavy-duty tent or tarp - quite a growing populace in the country.

  Beth S -- that ole thug should be grateful and giving thanks to adherents of a religion promoting/allowing lowest educations of all.

  Think I'll check out stocks selling heavy canvas for tents.
• 

  Beth Sarim

  They're being sent away unceremoniously.

  To the homes of their families. To their mercy. Who these days are already cash strapped. Inflation is brutal & the cost of living crisis.

  Now,,, north of 50 years old they gotta find a job. Likely with no job experience.

  The Borg is really cruel and heartless. At times I really wonder.