DB - good catch! I had not seen that!
What-A-Coincidence
JoinedPosts by What-A-Coincidence
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Calling all BETHELITES
by YoursChelbie inif you have previously served at bethel, can you post word for word the "vow of poverty" that you are asked to take?
is this a written document that you keep?
has the wording of it changed a lot or always the same?
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JWs and voting??
by Super_Becka ini was talking to my jw boyfriend on the phone earlier today, just chatting about anything and everything, just like always, and we managed to drift to the topic of politics.
given that i'm in canada, that's not a hard thing to do, we had a federal election last week and we're about to swear in a new prime minister, so it's all anyone here can talk about right now.. as we chatted, i mentioned that i was very glad that i'd voted, though i'd had some trouble at my polling station, because i like exercising my democratic right to vote and now i have the right to complain about my government, and of course, he mentioned that he's never voted.
i wasn't at all surprised, i've always thought that jws weren't allowed to vote.
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What-A-Coincidence
Hi Becka ... here is some info.
w99 11/1 pg. 28
Questions
From ReadersHow
do Jehovah’s Witnesses view voting?There are clear principles set out in the Bible that enable servants of God to take a proper view of this matter. However, there appears to be no principle against the practice of voting itself. For example, there is no reason why a board of directors should not take a vote in order to arrive at decisions affecting their corporation. Congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses often make decisions about meeting times and the use of congregation funds by voting with a show of hands.
What, though, of voting in political elections? Of course, in some democratic lands, as many as 50 percent of the population do not turn out to vote on election day. As for Jehovah’s Witnesses, they do not interfere with the right of others to vote; neither do they in any way campaign against political elections. They respect and cooperate with the authorities who are duly elected in such elections. (Romans 13:1-7) As to whether they will personally vote for someone running in an election, each one of Jehovah’s Witnesses makes a decision based on his Bible-trained conscience and an understanding of his responsibility to God and to the State. (Matthew 22:21; 1 Peter 3:16) In making this personal decision, the Witnesses consider a number of factors.
First, Jesus Christ said of his followers: "They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world." (John 17:14) Jehovah’s Witnesses take this principle seriously. Being "no part of the world," they are neutral in the political affairs of the world.—John 18:36.
Second, the apostle Paul referred to himself as an "ambassador" representing Christ to the people of his day. (Ephesians 6:20; 2 Corinthians 5:20) Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Christ Jesus is now the enthroned King of God’s heavenly Kingdom, and they, like ambassadors, must announce this to the nations. (Matthew 24:14; Revelation 11:15) Ambassadors are expected to be neutral and not to interfere in the internal affairs of the countries to which they are sent. As representatives of God’s heavenly Kingdom, Jehovah’s Witnesses feel a similar obligation not to interfere in the politics of the countries where they reside.
A third factor to consider is that those who have a part in voting a person into office may become responsible for what he does. (Compare 1 Timothy 5:22, The New English Bible.) Christians have to consider carefully whether they want to shoulder that responsibility.
Fourth, Jehovah’s Witnesses greatly value their Christian unity. (Colossians 3:14) When religions get involved in politics, the result is often division among their members. In imitation of Jesus Christ, Jehovah’s Witnesses avoid becoming involved in politics and thus maintain their Christian unity.—Matthew 12:25; John 6:15; 18:36, 37.
Fifth and finally, their keeping out of politics gives Jehovah’s Witnesses freeness of speech to approach people of all political persuasions with the important message of the Kingdom.—Hebrews 10:35.
In view of the Scriptural principles outlined above, in many lands Jehovah’s Witnesses make a personal decision not to vote in political elections, and their freedom to make that decision is supported by the law of the land. What, though, if the law requires citizens to vote? In such a case, each Witness is responsible to make a conscientious, Bible-based decision about how to handle the situation. If someone decides to go to the polling booth, that is his decision. What he does in the polling booth is between him and his Creator.
The November 15, 1950, issue of The Watchtower, on pages 445 and 446, said: "Where Caesar makes it compulsory for citizens to vote . . . [Witnesses] can go to the polls and enter the voting booths. It is here that they are called upon to mark the ballot or write in what they stand for. The voters do what they will with their ballots. So here in the presence of God is where his witnesses must act in harmony with his commandments and in accordance with their faith. It is not our responsibility to instruct them what to do with the ballot."
What if a Christian woman’s unbelieving husband insists that she present herself to vote? Well, she is subject to her husband, just as Christians are subject to the superior authorities. (Ephesians 5:22; 1 Peter 2:13-17) If she obeys her husband and goes to the polling booth, that is her personal decision. No one should criticize her.—Compare Romans 14:4.
What of a country where voting is not mandated by law but feelings run high against those who do not go to the voting booth—perhaps they are exposed to physical danger? Or what if individuals, while not legally obliged to vote, are severely penalized in some way if they do not go to the polling booth? In these and similar situations, a Christian has to make his own decision. "Each one will carry his own load."—Galatians 6:5.
There may be people who are stumbled when they observe that during an election in their country, some Witnesses of Jehovah go to the polling booth and others do not. They may say, ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses are not consistent.’ People should recognize, though, that in matters of individual conscience such as this, each Christian has to make his own decision before Jehovah God.—Romans 14:12.
Whatever personal decisions Jehovah’s Witnesses make in the face of different situations, they take care to preserve their Christian neutrality and freeness of speech. In all things, they rely on Jehovah God to strengthen them, give them wisdom, and help them avoid compromising their faith in any way. Thus they show confidence in the words of the psalmist: "You are my crag and my stronghold; and for the sake of your name you will lead me and conduct me."—Psalm 31:3.
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Bethel "Vow of Poverty" documents scanned.
by What-A-Coincidence invow of poverty scanned from 2002 documents.
i believe these are the latest ones unless someone has a newer one.
i posted these in another thread but i thought it deserved its own.. ocrd with 98% accuracy.... initial cover page 1 of 4. vow of obedience and povertyto the.
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What-A-Coincidence
Vow of Poverty scanned from 2002 documents. I believe these are the latest ones unless someone has a newer one. I posted these in another thread but I thought it deserved its own.
OCRd with 98% accuracy...
Initial Cover Page 1 of 4
VOW OF OBEDIENCE AND POVERTYto the
ORDER OF SPECIAL FULL-TIME SERVANTS OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSESAs an ordained minister, wholly dedicated to Jehovah God. I hereby express my solemn desire to be recognized as a member of the worldwide Order of Special Full-Time Servants of Jehovah's Witnesses ("the Order"). I vow as follows:
1. While a member of the Order, to live the simple, nonmaterialistic life-style that has traditionally existed for members of the Order;
2. In the spirit of the inspired words of the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8) and the prophetic expression of the psalmist (Psalm 110:3), to volunteer my services to do whatever is assigned to me in the advancement of Kingdom interests wherever I am assigned by the Order;
3. To be submissive to the theocratic arrangement for members of the Order (Hebrews 13:17);
4. To devote my best full-time efforts to my assignment;
5. To abstain from secular employment without permission from the Order;
6. To turn over to the local organization of the Order all income received from any work or personal efforts in excess of my necessary living expenses, unless released from this vow by the Order;
7. To accept such provisions for members of the Order (be they meals, lodging, expense reimbursements, or others) as are made in the country where I serve. regardless of the level of my responsibility or the value of my services;
8. To be content and satisfied with the modest support that I receive from the Order as long as I am privileged to serve in the Order and not to expect any further remuneration should I choose to leave the Order or should the Order determine that I no longer qualify to serve in the Order (Matthew 6:30-33: 1 Timothy 6:6-8; Hebrews 13:5);
9. To abide by the principles set out in God's inspired Word, the Bible. in publications of Jehovah's Witnesses. and in policies dispensed by the Order, and to follow the directions of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses; and
10. To accept readily any decision made by the Order regarding my membership status.
Date____________________ Signature__________________
Name (please print legibly)__________________
PAGE 2 OF 4
RELIGIOUS ORDER
OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
25 Columbia Heights • Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483 • U.S.A. • Phone: (718) 560-7000
BA January 1,2002
TO ALL SPECIAL FULL-TIME SERVANTS IN THE UNITED STATES
Re: Vow of Obedience and Poverty
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
Under the care and direction of the "faithful and discreet slave" (Matthew 24:45-47),
those in special full-time service have always led a life wholly devoted to Kingdom interests.
Your desire to serve in this capacity calls to mind the example of the Nazirites of old who
separated themselves from the day-to-day concerns of the dedicated Jewish nation in general and,
by taking a vow, undertook special service to Jehovah.—Genesis 49:26 footnote; Numbers 6:1-8;
Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2, pp. 477-8.
Similarly, special full-time servants are known worldwide, by the brotherhood and even
by those who do not serve Jehovah, for living lives dedicated full time to supporting and
spearheading the all-important Kingdom proclamation work and in caring for the needs of the
congregation. This is in contrast with most of our brothers and sisters who are required to
balance Kingdom interests with necessary secular employment of one kind or another. Although
the work of those in special full-time service began in the late 1800's, for some time now those
serving in this manner have been known as members of the Order of Special Full-Time Servants
(the "Order").
You have previously signed a "Vow of Poverty," which is on file with the branch office.
However, as you know, our religious order was recently incorporated as a separate legal entity in
the United States. The name of the corporation is the Religious Order of Jehovah's Witnesses,
and the name that will be used for the order is Order of Special Full-Time Servants of Jehovah's
Witnesses. Because of the formation of this new legal entity and for several other reasons, the
Governing Body has directed that everyone currently in the Order should take and sign a revised
Vow of Obedience and Poverty ("Vow"). Enclosed are two copies of the revised Vow. You
should prayerfully consider each portion of the Vow. If you are in agreement with it, then you
should sign and date both copies and return one to the branch office by January 31, 2002. You
should retain the other signed copy for your file.
Why is it appropriate for all in the Order to take and sign this Vow? Doing so
demonstrates willingness on the part of every member of the Order to serve under the direction of
the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses in an arrangement through which they can devote
their full-time efforts to advancing Kingdom interests. (Isaiah 6:8) It documents the
understanding through which each member of the Order provides his services, something thatPage 3 of 4
assists governmental agencies to understand better the self-sacrificing rather than pecuniary
motivation of those who serve in special full-time service. Reading prayerfully and signing the
enclosed Vow demonstrates that members of the Order are committed to live simple,
nonmaterialistic lives of service to Jehovah and our brothers. Having all members of the Order
sign the Vow helps to avoid misunderstandings and confusion that might occur if some have
signed the Vow and others have not.
All in the Order, members of the worldwide Bethel family, missionaries, special pioneers,
traveling overseers and their wives, Assembly Hall overseers and their wives, international
servants, and Kingdom Hall construction servants, are subject to the provisions set forth in the
Vow. Although the enclosed Vow contains some changes to the document you previously
signed, the Governing Body has made no change in the structure of your work nor has it
mandated a change in the life-style of those in special full-time service. However, some
expressions in the revised Vow may be new to some of you and therefore should be explained.
A religious order is an arrangement to accomplish a common religious, rather than profit-
motivated, goal. Members of the order agree to work toward its accomplishment, often under a
segregated arrangement. In the case of members of the Order of Special Full-Time Servants of
Jehovah's Witnesses, membership requirements include a whole-souled desire to devote all of
one's energies to the advancement of Kingdom interests, following the principles set out in
God's Word, the Bible, and the directions of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses. All
live in unity of religious purpose and adhere to a common set of rules.
What is involved in serving under the simple Vow? It means that those in special full-
time service have formally entered into an arrangement in which they agree to expend their full-
time efforts toward the advancement of a religious goal. It also means that they are doing so
without any expectation of being paid, as one would be in a secular setting. Members can enter
into this arrangement because the Order sees to it that each member's basic necessities of life are
cared for. Although the term "poverty" is used in the Vow, this does not mean that the
Governing Body is asking you to relinquish ownership in property that you now possess or that
you may acquire in the future. Rather, this expression means that you agree to forego the
expectation of being paid for your endeavors while serving in the Order and that you also agree
to not seek gainful employment while serving in the Order. As those of you who have devoted
many years to special full-time service can verify, this is the arrangement under which special
full-time servants have been living for many years, even prior to the time when this arrangement
was formally documented through the signing of a previous vow.
Concerning point six of the Vow, sources of income other than work are not affected by
being under this Vow. It does not pertain to income such as interest from bank accounts or
bonds, dividends from stocks, rent received from property owned by the member, and otherPage 4 of 4
income unrelated to present personal efforts. It does not apply to gifts, inheritances, or
other
unsolicited benefits, which a member of the Order may receive from time to time. Any of you
who are receiving income from possessions arenot required to turn these monies over to the
Order, although you should be aware that (his income is no doubt subject to taxation.
In summary, reading prayerfully and signing the Vow does not mean that you cannot own
property or that you have determined to donate all your material possesions to the Order. Rather,
it documents that you have agreed to serve Jehovah as a special full-time servant, serving in
cooperation with others in the Order, without expectation of financial gain. and that you have
determined to refrain from any gainful activity while in Jehovah's special full-time service.
We are pleased to present you with this direction from the Governing Body and trust that
this letter answers anv questions you may have. However, please feel free to write to the branch
office if you have any remaining inquiries.
Please be assured of our warm Christian love and best wishes in your service. -
24
Life in Bethel & Ex-Bethelites know if the GB prayed together?
by Sheepish ini have always wondered how seriously they took this dispensing doctrine thing.
do they all get together and actually pray or just have meetings?
ex- bethelites say they wrote doctrinal articles for the watchtower or awake.
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What-A-Coincidence
More to life in Bethel:
Things that are HATED amongst ALL Bethelites
Dish Duties - hello! You have a big enough kitchen staff to handle this!!! The sisters up until a few years back were not required to assist but Branch Comm. decided to standardize this for all the branches. Since others were, now we had to. I did not complain
Watchman Duties - The worst of them all!!! Especially all-night ones.
Those are the ones I did. Hated them!!!
These I HATED
Fam. Watchtower Study - good lord!!! WHY???
I understand a prayer to start your meal but to finish it? WHY???
Why the heck have a separate bible reading apart from the TMS??? Why?
Work on Saturday??? WTF??? give me a break. The reason? I heard (not sure if true) that bethelites were taking long trips - fri after work and coming to work on monday am and being exhausted and for fear that they might get into an accident - so they decided to shorten the weekend by making you work mostly all the saturdays of a month. Makes no stupid sense! Besides, no none really works on saturday. For awhile you could skip your sat. work day and if anyone asked just say you were sick. I guess they caught on and now you have to call the infirmry + your overseer takes roll call early sat morning. You can't be late ... another thing we got counseled on. WE WERE THEFAITHFUL AND DISCREETSLAVES. WAC -
15
Calling all BETHELITES
by YoursChelbie inif you have previously served at bethel, can you post word for word the "vow of poverty" that you are asked to take?
is this a written document that you keep?
has the wording of it changed a lot or always the same?
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What-A-Coincidence
Prepare for a gag fest
The following was OCRd ... 98% accuracy.
Initial Cover Page 1 of 4
VOW OF OBEDIENCE AND POVERTYto the
ORDER OF SPECIAL FULL-TIME SERVANTS OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSESAs an ordained minister, wholly dedicated to Jehovah God. I hereby express my solemn desire to be recognized as a member of the worldwide Order of Special Full-Time Servants of Jehovah's Witnesses ("the Order"). I vow as follows:
1. While a member of the Order, to live the simple. nonmaterialistic life-style that has traditionally existed for members of the Order;
2. In the spirit of the inspired words of the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8) and the prophetic expression of the psalmist (Psalm 110:3), to volunteer my services to do whatever is assigned to me in the advancement of Kingdom interests wherever I am assigned by the Order;
3. To be submissive to the theocratic arrangement for members of the Order (Hebrews 13:17);
4. To devote my best full-time efforts to my assignment;
5. To abstain from secular employment without permission from the Order;
6. To turn over to the local organization of the Order all income received from any work or personal efforts in excess of my necessary living expenses, unless released from this vow by the Order;
7. To accept such provisions for members of the Order (be they meals, lodging, expense reimbursements, or others) as are made in the country where I serve. regardless of the level of my responsibility or the value of my services;
8. To be content and satisfied with the modest support that I receive from the Order as long as I am privileged to serve in the Order and not to expect any further remuneration should I choose to leave the Order or should the Order determine that I no longer qualify to serve in the Order (Matthew 6:30-33: 1 Timothy 6:6-8; Hebrews 13:5);
9. To abide by the principles set out in God's inspired Word, the Bible. in publications of Jehovah's Witnesses. and in policies dispensed by the Order, and to follow the directions of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses; and
10. To accept readily any decision made by the Order regarding my membership status.
Date____________________ Signature__________________
Name (please print legibly)__________________
PAGE 2 OF 4
RELIGIOUS ORDER
OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
25 Columbia Heights • Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483 • U.S.A. • Phone: (718) 560-7000
BA January 1,2002
TO ALL SPECIAL FULL-TIME SERVANTS IN THE UNITED STATES
Re: Vow of Obedience and Poverty
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
Under the care and direction of the "faithful and discreet slave" (Matthew 24:45-47),
those in special full-time service have always led a life wholly devoted to Kingdom interests.
Your desire to serve in this capacity calls to mind the example of the Nazirites of old who
separated themselves from the day-to-day concerns of the dedicated Jewish nation in general and,
by taking a vow, undertook special service to Jehovah.—Genesis 49:26 footnote; Numbers 6:1-8;
Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2, pp. 477-8.
Similarly, special full-time servants are known worldwide, by the brotherhood and even
by those who do not serve Jehovah, for living lives dedicated full time to supporting and
spearheading the all-important Kingdom proclamation work and in caring for the needs of the
congregation. This is in contrast with most of our brothers and sisters who are required to
balance Kingdom interests with necessary secular employment of one kind or another. Although
the work of those in special full-time service began in the late 1800's, for some time now those
serving in this manner have been known as members of the Order of Special Full-Time Servants
(the "Order").
You have previously signed a "Vow of Poverty," which is on file with the branch office.
However, as you know, our religious order was recently incorporated as a separate legal entity in
the United States. The name of the corporation is the Religious Order of Jehovah's Witnesses,
and the name that will be used for the order is Order of Special Full-Time Servants of Jehovah's
Witnesses. Because of the formation of this new legal entity and for several other reasons, the
Governing Body has directed that everyone currently in the Order should take and sign a revised
Vow of Obedience and Poverty ("Vow"). Enclosed are two copies of the revised Vow. You
should prayerfully consider each portion of the Vow. If you are in agreement with it, then you
should sign and date both copies and return one to the branch office by January 31, 2002. You
should retain the other signed copy for your file.
Why is it appropriate for all in the Order to take and sign this Vow? Doing so
demonstrates willingness on the part of every member of the Order to serve under the direction of
the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses in an arrangement through which they can devote
their full-time efforts to advancing Kingdom interests. (Isaiah 6:8) It documents the
understanding through which each member of the Order provides his services, something thatPage 3 of 4
assists governmental agencies to understand better the self-sacrificing rather than pecuniary
motivation of those who serve in special full-time service. Reading prayerfully and signing the
enclosed Vow demonstrates that members of the Order are committed to live simple,
nonmaterialistic lives of service to Jehovah and our brothers. Having all members of the Order
sign the Vow helps to avoid misunderstandings and confusion that might occur if some have
signed the Vow and others have not.
All in the Order, members of the worldwide Bethel family, missionaries, special pioneers,
traveling overseers and their wives, Assembly Hall overseers and their wives, international
servants, and Kingdom Hall construction servants, are subject to the provisions set forth in the
Vow. Although the enclosed Vow contains some changes to the document you previously
signed, the Governing Body has made no change in the structure of your work nor has it
mandated a change in the life-style of those in special full-time service. However, some
expressions in the revised Vow may be new to some of you and therefore should be explained.
A religious order is an arrangement to accomplish a common religious, rather than profit-
motivated, goal. Members of the order agree to work toward its accomplishment, often under a
segregated arrangement. In the case of members of the Order of Special Full-Time Servants of
Jehovah's Witnesses, membership requirements include a whole-souled desire to devote all of
one's energies to the advancement of Kingdom interests, following the principles set out in
God's Word, the Bible, and the directions of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses. All
live in unity of religious purpose and adhere to a common set of rules.
What is involved in serving under the simple Vow? It means that those in special full-
time service have formally entered into an arrangement in which they agree to expend their full-
time efforts toward the advancement of a religious goal. It also means that they are doing so
without any expectation of being paid, as one would be in a secular setting. Members can enter
into this arrangement because the Order sees to it that each member's basic necessities of life are
cared for. Although the term "poverty" is used in the Vow, this does not mean that the
Governing Body is asking you to relinquish ownership in property that you now possess or that
you may acquire in the future. Rather, this expression means that you agree to forego the
expectation of being paid for your endeavors while serving in the Order and that you also agree
to not seek gainful employment while serving in the Order. As those of you who have devoted
many years to special full-time service can verify, this is the arrangement under which special
full-time servants have been living for many years, even prior to the time when this arrangement
was formally documented through the signing of a previous vow.
Concerning point six of the Vow, sources of income other than work are not affected by
being under this Vow. It does not pertain to income such as interest from bank accounts or
bonds, dividends from stocks, rent received from property owned by the member, and otherPage 4 of 4
income unrelated to present personal efforts. It does not apply to gifts, inheritances, or
other
unsolicited benefits, which a member of the Order may receive from time to time. Any of you
who are receiving income from possessions arenot required to turn these monies over to the
Order, although you should be aware that (his income is no doubt subject to taxation.
In summary, reading prayerfully and signing the Vow does not mean that you cannot own
property or that you have determined to donate all your material posseions to the Order. Rather,
it documents that you have agreed to serve Jehovah as a special full-time servant, serving in
cooperation with others in the Order, without expectation of financial gain. and that you have
determined to refrain from any gainful activity while in Jehovah's special full-time service.
We are pleased to present you with this direction from the Governing Body and trust that
this letter answers anv questions you may have. However, please feel free to write to t he branch
office if you have any remaining inquiries.
Please be assured of our warm Christian love and best wishes in your service. -
24
Life in Bethel & Ex-Bethelites know if the GB prayed together?
by Sheepish ini have always wondered how seriously they took this dispensing doctrine thing.
do they all get together and actually pray or just have meetings?
ex- bethelites say they wrote doctrinal articles for the watchtower or awake.
-
-
What-A-Coincidence
Life in Bethel "can" be very satisfying as long as you are blinded to the truth about the truth as I was until taking the "Pill".
Satisfying how? Healthy meals, your laundry gets done, a medical staff, no bills except a telephone bill, etc. Those are the positive aspects. Then again it depends on who you associate with, some Bethelites are clowns, some are down to earth, some are Borged out. Some overseers Lord it Over. Some are down to earth. I had both. One was a total jerk and another was like a father.
With regards to the spritual instruction in Bethel - Morning Worship (Daily Text consideration, Bible Reading, Bible Highlights), Family Watchtower Study, Special Programs, Gilead Graduation, etc - I mean nothing "great". Many times during a Special Talk for the Bethel fam. a speaker would say something "out of line" but was shrugged off as, "He is gonna get spoken too." We never gave it much thought. Many times a GB would say something with regards to sisters/wives and we would all say damm, he said that? I guess he can because he is GB. WTF?
The GB I spoke too were very cool, down to earth, and sincere. Jaracz is not the friendly type, more business like. R Franz is right on the mark when he speaks about each GB member. As far as them praying together - same as what was mentioned earlier.
WAC
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15
Calling all BETHELITES
by YoursChelbie inif you have previously served at bethel, can you post word for word the "vow of poverty" that you are asked to take?
is this a written document that you keep?
has the wording of it changed a lot or always the same?
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What-A-Coincidence
I might have something by tomorrow. Stay tuned!
What a coincidence - I was thinking about this yesterday!
WAC
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REMEMBER THAT "FREELOADER PIONEER SISTER" I TOLD YOU ABOUT...? KINDA SAD.
by stillAwitness in(here is the link of you don't:)
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/6/104894/1.ashx
...well she came over to stay over for the night like she does every wednesday night after the meeting but this time i noticed she had suitcases and overnight bags filled with clothes with her too.
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What-A-Coincidence
I served at Bethel for many years. When someones' spouse died they were given the option to stay.
More than likely, this "sister" decided to leave as you mentioned, I really don't think that Bethel dismissed her at 50+ years of age. But then again who knows...see below.
But as of now, your Elder Body in Bethel is reviewing your sick days, if you have used more than the alloted sick days ... "It would be in the Society's best interest if you take care of your infirmities on the outside." Out you go! Many older ones were told to leave. I am sure if you really could not make it on the outside (no family) then they would PROBABLY keep you but only after they have tried all avenues to send you elsewhere.
1st it was ... "Too many sick days out you go ." This was never officialy released.
2nd it was ... "Bethelites can apply for Gilead straight out of Bethel."
3rd - "Single Minesterial Servants and Elders can apply for MTS (Ministerial Training School) straight from Bethel."
4th - The new layoffs just announced ... WE WILL APPLY FOR YOU ... MTS, Gilead, Special Pioneering, BIFS (Bethelites in Foreign Service)
This trend started once the new arrangement of the Branch Committee in 2000/2001 took effect. GB asked BC to see where the Society can cut costs. 1st it was reorganizing departments. After that took effect, they noticed many workers with no work. Then they (GB) asked where can we cut more "costs"? See above.
The Focus is not on people but on $$$, as they say - "Kingdom Interests".
I feel bad for her. But as long as she is focused on the "work" she will do allright. We hope.
Not a coincidence.
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46
california
by lola28 in.
i was just wondering how many here are from california, i noticed several and just wanted to see how many of us there are.. .
lola
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What-A-Coincidence
L.A. County
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I stress a lot, do you?
by free2beme ini am a heavy heavy stresser and think about the most small of concerns.
i sometimes sit at night not sleeping, because the price of gas is going up or worrying if my work will be there next year.
always worried about if the bills will be paid and if the gas is on to long, and if we need to think about our diet more.
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What-A-Coincidence
A friend gave me this:
Martin Lloyd Jones Heart Surgeon in
Most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself rather than talking to yourself.
You wake up in the morning and right away there are streams of thoughts coming in to your mind you have not invited them, you did not ask for them, you are not concisouly doing anything to produce them...they just come and they start talking to you.
Listenening is passive and talking is active. What happens when we are discourged we tend become great listeners of our feelings and our emotions instead of talking to them.