Posts by Gayle

Bethel may be laying off unproductive or unneeded Bethelites; but their staff at branches is increasing. 2011 Service year, worldwide, was a total of 20,595, but 2012, worldwide showed a total of 21,612 staff at branch facilities. ???

29

How can anyone who is truly spiritual-minded attend Bethel and not realize it's all a scam

by sosoconfused in

not that i was any better(lol - but as i sat back and thought about the time i spent there, and the things i saw i feel disgusted.. i could literally write a thousand stories about the discrimination, favortism and all out dishonest that took place but i doubt anyone would actually care.

the one thing however that really sticks out in my mind is when i was in a nice room with my roommate that he kind of inherited after his previous roommate left.

it actually had a bathroom and we both had space for real beds(not those dang trundle beds like we had in standish).. .

Gayle

Most were only about 19 yrs old that went into Bethel, raised in. Most are boys with very active parents in JWdom. Back in the late '60s and early '70s, how many could pioneer and get a 4D classification to avoid military draft during Vietnam war. Many finding pioneering not very stimulating nor fulfilling could go on to Bethel, signing up for 4 yrs. and maintain their 4D classification. To break that 'vow' then was critical, a negative judgement; certainly putting much shame on them to leave Bethel early. Families and congregations wouldn't understand. Many did leave before their 4 years though anyway.

Bethel activity and Primary classes kept many from being able to think independently early on. Then, after a while there is even pressure to stay longer and make it a 'career.' Actually, it is an odd minority that just 'loved' Bethel life. Then, for others, it's for the 'cause' and an uncertainty of where would they go, especially the longer you are there.

I remember when I got called to Bethel was my happiest day, in '69. They called in several special pioneer gals. My brother was already there. So surprisingly, though I was only a reg. pio., they accepted me. After 4 yrs (completing my vow), I married a Bethelite there. Many couples (at least some wives for sure) were waiting for the new world for children. Thankfully, after another additional year, we left, starting a family. Leaving Bethel for family life which was bottomline what I ever really wanted. I shudder at the thought of still being there after all these years.

Actually, for some of us, it took even awhile to gradually phase through things. But after Bethel, I no longer had an "idealism" about Bethel, nor the organization as there it was clear who was "controlling" things. I had to turn over and over many "dominos" many times to create my "track" to freedom.

20

local memorial attendance

by outsmartthesystem in

jw
friends

so i have a friend that is still "in" because of his elderly parents.

he attended the memorial and reported back to me what i thought was encouraging.

we have two congregations in the city i live in.

Gayle

hopefully this shows through,,from jwfacts.com - Paul Grundy, master of facts & statistics.

His charts show a few decreases at scattered times/years, but mostly increases.

14

Governing Body Making Plans For Semimonthly Loyalty Oath Pledge Mandatory For All Bethlites To Avoid Further Leaks Of Watchtower Information Embarrassment....

by frankiespeakin in

jw
friends

on april fools day..

Gayle

'Fool's Day' is 'every' day for all JWs! Their 'Loyalty' oath is done on their baptism day.

20

local memorial attendance

by outsmartthesystem in

jw
friends

so i have a friend that is still "in" because of his elderly parents.

he attended the memorial and reported back to me what i thought was encouraging.

we have two congregations in the city i live in.

Gayle

U.S. (2010) 2,485,231 (2011) 2,563,518 (2012) 2,502,055

Worldwide 18,706,895 19,374,737 19,013,343

****************************************************************

Both U.S. and WW showed 'increase' in Memorial attendance from 2010 to 2011. Both showed decrease from 2011 to 2012. Little decreases or increases don't necessarily indicate much in itself. Generally, we will have to watch over more years, like maybe 5 yrs. at least. But hearing reports like noted above is an interesting observance.

20

local memorial attendance

by outsmartthesystem in

jw
friends

so i have a friend that is still "in" because of his elderly parents.

he attended the memorial and reported back to me what i thought was encouraging.

we have two congregations in the city i live in.

Gayle

interesting,,for 'U.S.' last year (2012) there was 2.4% less than the previous year (2011). If there is that decrease again for this year, there would have to be aprx. 4 or 5 less per avg. congregation attending. Could happen again at that rate shown by your friend's cong.

26

I went to Pioneer School, three times...so there

by Quarterback in

jw
friends

don't you just hate it.

a school that strokes the egos of r-pioneers.

there is no school for publishers.

Gayle

When did Pioneer School start? Didn't have that in the 60s when I r. pio'd for 5 yrs., thankfully..

85

WTS action on Conti's case 3/27/2013

by mind blown in

as most suspected, the wts filed their brief, at least it looks that way..... http://appellatecases.courtinfo.ca.gov/search/case/dockets.cfm?dist=1&doc_id=2025979&doc_no=a136641.

it also notes aob in excess of word count limit.. wonder if they did that to buy more time?.

Gayle

Even if the WTS' goal to extend this issue, even having to pay additonal interest (1.6M, appx?), gives them more time to collect plenty more money (or hide the money) and at least holds back for awhile a tsunami of additional pedophile lawsuits (who are waiting to see the result of this case). then.