Hell, increasing numbers of JWs don't go to meetings when they're home. Why should they go when they're on vacation?!
As for the tendency to feed off the bad things in the world to promote "commitment" to a religion: at least the JWs have this penchant in common with the media. TV viewing and newspaper sales increase during disasters. There ain't nothin' like a bit of pain and misery to keep church and kingdom hall seats warm!