Reddit thread about Bethel Reducing Headcount (page 5)

LongHairGal

I just saw what seems to be a related thread on Reddit. The title: ‘What Happens to the Old Timers at Bethel’.

So, I just thought I would mention it here instead of starting another thread because it’s so similar to this topic.

The OP just clarifies to me that far too many Witnesses have heard urban legends and rumors that circulate in the religion..We all did.. In this case it’s somebody who was told that there is a ‘home’ to take care of old Witnesses and they were led to believe it’s free.. (If there is a residence to take care of anybody it might be old GB members.) Any other such ‘home’ you would have to pay for.

The bottom line is that nobody should expect ANYMORE to be a ‘lifer’ at bethel reaching a ripe old age...This went out the window!.. Any young person who goes there now had better know their time there will be limited.

Beth Sarim

Those at bethel are looked at as rock stars & celebrity status.

Many have aspirations of landing a career there. They look at is lifelong where they can retire.....

I hope these developments make people in the Borg think otherwise,,,,,, that the Borg does NOT have your best interests at heart.

Here they are now knocking on retirement door,,,being sent home to be a burden on probably already a cash strapped family. With probably limited space & high cost of living.

LongHairGal

BETH SARIM:

You’ve got that right about cash-strapped families.

They are in no position to have an older person dumped on them who has poor prospects for bringing in any money! Let’s face it: unless the person has connections they aren’t getting a job tomorrow. This is so awful.

Gorb

In the Proclaimers book we can read the way how Rutherford treated Bethelites.

The culture at the HQ has always be toxic, see the books of Raymund Franz.

Every fairy tale has his dark side.

Gorby, better then ever outside.

Vidiot

LongHairGal - “Apparently, the downsizing is still happening…”

Downsizing all across the board, really.

A couple of those Redditors are seriously comparing it to a “controlled demolition”.

ThomasMore

LHG - I hope my comment didn’t imply that “kicked to the curb Bethelites” deserved handouts from the rank n’ file - they do not - but many have that expectation as they are desperate and might otherwise be living on the street.

i have done my share of trying to soften the landing for the poor souls who mistakenly believed that WTC would always look after them.

Ray Franz received a separation settlement but it was not much, just enough to buy a trailer to live in. He refused to sign an NDA so WTC went after him even after he left. The brother who helped him financially found himself in the crosshairs as well. It was scorched earth treatment by WTC.

These days WTC does not want to hear of the hardships - they usually ignore cong letters describing the needs of those they “received” or even counsel them to be more generous helping them out. In some cases they actually told elders to counsel them to care for themselves. They are heartless.

i have known some and believe me, they were near panic as they tried to get on their feet. Despite bearing some of the blame, it is still heart wrenching to see this played out. WTC must fall.

DisgruntledFool

Excerpt from my Bethel Service Invitation Letter:

"...I hope by Jehovah's undeserved kindness you will remain much longer and become a permanent member of the Bethel family." - N. H . Knorr May 20, 1974

Wait!?...What!? Another unilateral contract from Jehovah and his organization? Let the buyer beware.

Beth Sarim

The WT Borg has once again created a situation that results in undesired unintended consequences,,which they created.

We hear it all the time. About "yang" ones forgoing higher education & serving Jehovah(the Borg) by maybe reaching out for Bethel service.

Years go coursing by.,, and those who were "yang" once get an unceremonial kick in the back side when their best years are behind them.

LongHairGal

THOMAS MORE:

Thanks. Even though you did not mean it, they most certainly DO and will expect handouts from the rank & file…Maybe brothers feel more pity for these kicked out bethelites (as you have described you have tried to ‘soften the landing’ of those let go).

You certainly did not have MY experience in the Witness religion - and maybe not sympathetic to what I went through as a working person.

From how I have described myself (treated like garbage in the congregation, and whose life would have been absolutely ruined if I had listened to the JW religion).. Do you really think that I would throw money at these people - many of whom scorned me for working??? You’ve got to be kidding.

I will bet that many JWs don’t care what I went through and just want somebody ELSE to also contribute… Again, this is another reason why I am Glad to not be in the religion anymore.. You would be hit up for money every step of the way, like an ATM machine.

Also, this is not 30 years ago in the congregations where you would get somebody a bag of groceries until they ‘got on their feet’. NO, with few exceptions these people are NOT getting on their feet again and will be literally expecting handouts until they die. That IS what is going on here!!!

Again, I would not presume to tell other people what they should do. I just know what I will not do.

LV101

Oh, Longy, I have empathy and how you endured as long as you did -- oh my! You were in the wrong WT bunker. The gals worked out in the wild, wild, west, but tried to use the 'acceptable' line 'part-time' instead of full time and plus! They just lied about it! Our situation was same but I didn't work -- ya know, the 'better than ever street' housewife (with a very busy life I might add!) and I clearly did not fit in for many reasons. They knew where I shopped, ate, socialized -- they all work in sales, etc., etc., or at least the ones not on the state till/handout system. The telephone lines were hot with needy con games. Oh, and where I resided those stuffy country clubs. Yup -- many life-long marriages of couples - upstanding citizens (families) of the community and various religions - all evil to JWs.

When I split permanently (my attendance was not good but I read my magazines and looked up every, single, scripture, jotting all down in shorthand - I do not know the Bible so waste of time!). I blocked calls/turned land lines off. My husband laughed said don't waste your time --- they're not going to burn down the lines nor was he putting up with it. I was upfront and let couple of powers that be know -- don't call, invite, waste your time - no handouts and you're not supposed to associate w/non JW -- I'm done!

I feel bad for the ex-Bethelites -- I want no one going hungry or living in tents.

Reddit thread about Bethel Reducing Headcount

Share this