Posts by Brother Jeramy

160

"The organisation is imperfect, but it doesn't affect my relationship with Jehovah"

by Alive! in

i've noted active, devoted jw's state the above.. and, it's not a problem for me to remain trusting of god, i just don't trust religions or men.. recently, a member of this forum stated that he remains an active jw, in the family of god's people, wanting to encourage and do good - whilst recognising that the pastoral leaders (the gb) have shipwrecked the faith of many, being unsound scripturally etc, etc.. stop and think about this - the bible says to not follow after those who lie and hurt the faith of "little ones".. the pharisees were accused of traversing over lands and expending much energy to make a single convert - only for that convert to end up worse of than he started off with.. it's one thing to not believe this is the 'truth' and feeling the awful pressure of managing ones life, trying not to lose ones family.. it's quite another thing to declare oneself to be a christian believer of god's jw household, and somehow believe the god of love would use corrupt liars to parade as jesus' brothers in the urgency of last days.

really?

and, to then visibly promote faith in corrupt men, and try to bring converts into a place where the rulership is wrong.. some of us are dying from hurt here.......give me a break..

Brother Jeramy

There's a tremendous amount of vitriol in the comments, both generally and in some cases toward me directly, that I find quite curious and immensely telling. I'm not certain what motivates some to such negativity and animus.

No one on here knows me. No one on here knows my story, nor my journey of the past thirty years. Also, I have not insisted that anyone here see things my way, nor have I criticized, berated, or insulted anyone who doesn't accept the things I've expressed.

And yet a number on here have cast harsh criticisms and insults at me for where I stand and for the position I have chosen to maintain in my life and faith.

Why is this, I must wonder?

Have I somehow done something to these folks who have thrown insults and harsh criticisms at me?

No.

So again, I wonder at the motivations to such unprovoked negativity. What is it to them that I make a choice that has nothing to do with them? What do such people want, ultimately, that they feel so motivated to negativity and insults?

What I find telling is how some have referred to me, both explicitly and by insinuation, as "deluded" due to my remaining active -- and happily active, I might add -- among the brothers and sisters who are Jehovah's Witnesses. It is telling because this form of casting of aspersions is the same tactic the Governing Body employs, namely they call people deluded, either by inference or at times directly, who do not see things their way or who do things contrary to their will.

So, then, what's the difference if the Governing Body does this or if former Jehovah's Witnesses do it?

Same tactics, different side of the same coin.

Beyond this brief reflection, I'm content to pay no attention to any negativity or those who foment it. I'll keep my responses to those who can be reasonable, balanced, and respectful. And positive.

160

"The organisation is imperfect, but it doesn't affect my relationship with Jehovah"

by Alive! in

i've noted active, devoted jw's state the above.. and, it's not a problem for me to remain trusting of god, i just don't trust religions or men.. recently, a member of this forum stated that he remains an active jw, in the family of god's people, wanting to encourage and do good - whilst recognising that the pastoral leaders (the gb) have shipwrecked the faith of many, being unsound scripturally etc, etc.. stop and think about this - the bible says to not follow after those who lie and hurt the faith of "little ones".. the pharisees were accused of traversing over lands and expending much energy to make a single convert - only for that convert to end up worse of than he started off with.. it's one thing to not believe this is the 'truth' and feeling the awful pressure of managing ones life, trying not to lose ones family.. it's quite another thing to declare oneself to be a christian believer of god's jw household, and somehow believe the god of love would use corrupt liars to parade as jesus' brothers in the urgency of last days.

really?

and, to then visibly promote faith in corrupt men, and try to bring converts into a place where the rulership is wrong.. some of us are dying from hurt here.......give me a break..

Brother Jeramy

Alive, you asked . . .

Have you also had an alternative baptism since coming to recognise the issues with being baptised to an organisation? ... Do you reject your initial baptism as a member of the JW org?

No, I did not seek any kind of rebaptism. There is only "one baptism," and inasmuch as I ended up coming to reject the Watchtower Society's baptismal formula that I originally affirmed at my own baptism, I also know that Jehovah is not bound by human formulas. He knows each person's heart, including their intentions when they repent and are baptized. In my case, I prayed about the matter with faith that Jehovah is merciful and understanding, and with the confidence that my baptism, per the intentions of my dedication, remains valid before him.

160

"The organisation is imperfect, but it doesn't affect my relationship with Jehovah"

by Alive! in

i've noted active, devoted jw's state the above.. and, it's not a problem for me to remain trusting of god, i just don't trust religions or men.. recently, a member of this forum stated that he remains an active jw, in the family of god's people, wanting to encourage and do good - whilst recognising that the pastoral leaders (the gb) have shipwrecked the faith of many, being unsound scripturally etc, etc.. stop and think about this - the bible says to not follow after those who lie and hurt the faith of "little ones".. the pharisees were accused of traversing over lands and expending much energy to make a single convert - only for that convert to end up worse of than he started off with.. it's one thing to not believe this is the 'truth' and feeling the awful pressure of managing ones life, trying not to lose ones family.. it's quite another thing to declare oneself to be a christian believer of god's jw household, and somehow believe the god of love would use corrupt liars to parade as jesus' brothers in the urgency of last days.

really?

and, to then visibly promote faith in corrupt men, and try to bring converts into a place where the rulership is wrong.. some of us are dying from hurt here.......give me a break..

Brother Jeramy

GoneAwol, you asked . . .

How did the new bro. get on with his questions prior to baptism with the elders? Did he feel the need to be untruthful? (A form of spiritual warfare against the org perhaps?)

On this I cannot go into detail except to say that in my congregation this was not an issue.

160

"The organisation is imperfect, but it doesn't affect my relationship with Jehovah"

by Alive! in

i've noted active, devoted jw's state the above.. and, it's not a problem for me to remain trusting of god, i just don't trust religions or men.. recently, a member of this forum stated that he remains an active jw, in the family of god's people, wanting to encourage and do good - whilst recognising that the pastoral leaders (the gb) have shipwrecked the faith of many, being unsound scripturally etc, etc.. stop and think about this - the bible says to not follow after those who lie and hurt the faith of "little ones".. the pharisees were accused of traversing over lands and expending much energy to make a single convert - only for that convert to end up worse of than he started off with.. it's one thing to not believe this is the 'truth' and feeling the awful pressure of managing ones life, trying not to lose ones family.. it's quite another thing to declare oneself to be a christian believer of god's jw household, and somehow believe the god of love would use corrupt liars to parade as jesus' brothers in the urgency of last days.

really?

and, to then visibly promote faith in corrupt men, and try to bring converts into a place where the rulership is wrong.. some of us are dying from hurt here.......give me a break..

Brother Jeramy

GoneAwol, you asked . . .

Can I ask you why, although you direct people to serve God and Christ alone and not an organisation or man, you will allow them to be baptized into an organisation that has the following oaths at point of baptism?

The short answer is, I don't.

There is only one recent example I can refer to (this comes with the acknowledgment that the majority of my studies have not progressed to baptism; this is typical though for studies). A young man I studied with wanted to get baptized. We had studied for about a year, and he was aware of the issues with the Society, the Governing Body, etc. He completely embraced the distinction between the Family of brothers and sisters versus the Watchtower Society. To his credit also, he was very self-informed not only about Jehovah's Witnesses but also about the many traditions within Christendom. It also helps that my congregation is filled with incredible brothers and sisters, a number of whom are fellow dissidents, who are wonderful demonstrations of balanced faith in the midst of stormy times.

And so the time came for me to discuss with him what his baptism at the Circuit Assembly would look like. This included examining the problem of the current baptism formula imposed by the Watchtower Society. It is a formula I reject. He did as well. And then he of all people came up with an idea that I hadn't ever considered: baptize him privately before the C.A. While I wasn't immediately convinced this was entirely necessary (since Jehovah isn't bound by man-made formulas, but instead knows the heart of the one being baptized), I agreed to do it (and largely because, per Acts 8:36-38, it was not my place to prevent him).

And so after much prayer, and in the presence of an older brother and sister (a dissident couple), I baptized him privately in the name of the Father, Son, and holy spirit. The four of us later celebrated with a meal together.

When the time came for the Circuit Assembly, he underwent the immersion into water, but he did so having never said "Yes" to the two questions asked of the baptism candidates from the platform. This he did at his own insistence, for his own reasons, and under no pressure or influence from me.

Private baptisms are not new. It has been happening for decades in lands where the preaching work is banned. But this was the first (and so far only) "dual immersion" I had ever known of or been part of, though I suspect this is not the first time something like this has been done.

160

"The organisation is imperfect, but it doesn't affect my relationship with Jehovah"

by Alive! in

i've noted active, devoted jw's state the above.. and, it's not a problem for me to remain trusting of god, i just don't trust religions or men.. recently, a member of this forum stated that he remains an active jw, in the family of god's people, wanting to encourage and do good - whilst recognising that the pastoral leaders (the gb) have shipwrecked the faith of many, being unsound scripturally etc, etc.. stop and think about this - the bible says to not follow after those who lie and hurt the faith of "little ones".. the pharisees were accused of traversing over lands and expending much energy to make a single convert - only for that convert to end up worse of than he started off with.. it's one thing to not believe this is the 'truth' and feeling the awful pressure of managing ones life, trying not to lose ones family.. it's quite another thing to declare oneself to be a christian believer of god's jw household, and somehow believe the god of love would use corrupt liars to parade as jesus' brothers in the urgency of last days.

really?

and, to then visibly promote faith in corrupt men, and try to bring converts into a place where the rulership is wrong.. some of us are dying from hurt here.......give me a break..

Brother Jeramy

GoneAwol, you asked . . .

What do you hope to change as you work patiently from within?

The best answer I can give is this: I have absolutely no interest in trying to reform "the Society" or to engage in any type of reform movement. My goal is, very simply, to share the Good News truthfully, to live a dedicated Christian life truthfully, to encourage my brothers and sisters truthfully, and in all of it to trust Jehovah to accomplish his will as he sees fit.

160

"The organisation is imperfect, but it doesn't affect my relationship with Jehovah"

by Alive! in

i've noted active, devoted jw's state the above.. and, it's not a problem for me to remain trusting of god, i just don't trust religions or men.. recently, a member of this forum stated that he remains an active jw, in the family of god's people, wanting to encourage and do good - whilst recognising that the pastoral leaders (the gb) have shipwrecked the faith of many, being unsound scripturally etc, etc.. stop and think about this - the bible says to not follow after those who lie and hurt the faith of "little ones".. the pharisees were accused of traversing over lands and expending much energy to make a single convert - only for that convert to end up worse of than he started off with.. it's one thing to not believe this is the 'truth' and feeling the awful pressure of managing ones life, trying not to lose ones family.. it's quite another thing to declare oneself to be a christian believer of god's jw household, and somehow believe the god of love would use corrupt liars to parade as jesus' brothers in the urgency of last days.

really?

and, to then visibly promote faith in corrupt men, and try to bring converts into a place where the rulership is wrong.. some of us are dying from hurt here.......give me a break..

Brother Jeramy

Alive, you asked . . .

Does it bother you to go on the ministry and invite others to join a family which is under the control of a GB which you don't seem to trust?

When I go out in field service, I never push Society literature. I use a Bible (not always the NWT), I share the Good News. This has only a handful of times ever raised the curiosity of some brothers and sisters, though never with any adverse fallout. I have by and large over many years made this a successful method, and it is one that many in my region have taken to.

As for folks I have studied with, especially in most recent years, I use Society literature sparingly and judiciously. Not all of it is bad. Much of it, in fact, is excellent and useful as a tool for examining Scripture, especially on issues of Christian morality, spirituality, and ethics. But it is not the foundation of my studies. The Bible and reason are my foundation.

One of the first things I always share with new studies is Mark 12:29-31:

Jesus answered: “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel, Jehovah our God is one Jehovah, and you must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength.’ The second is this, ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

I specifically emphasize "with your whole mind," as opposed to believing with just a portion of it. I give the added encouragement to "trust but verify," just as the Bereans did (Acts 17:11). To this, I encourage everyone I study with that "the Truth" does not reside in any group, nor is "the Truth" the property of any organization. Instead I emphasize that Jesus alone is "the truth."

When new studies begin attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall, I reinforce to them that they are associating with a people of faith, not a religious corporation (i.e., an "organization"). In each case they easily understand the distinction. I then show them paragraph 24 on page 183 of the Bible Teach book (chapter 18) that reads, in part:

Remember, too, that you have made a dedication to Jehovah God himself, not to a work, a cause, other humans, or an organization.

I use the Society's own literature to drive home the true emphasis of who we are truly associating with and Who we are truly dedicated to.

So far my preaching and teaching methods discussed above have, with Jehovah's help, been successful.

160

"The organisation is imperfect, but it doesn't affect my relationship with Jehovah"

by Alive! in

i've noted active, devoted jw's state the above.. and, it's not a problem for me to remain trusting of god, i just don't trust religions or men.. recently, a member of this forum stated that he remains an active jw, in the family of god's people, wanting to encourage and do good - whilst recognising that the pastoral leaders (the gb) have shipwrecked the faith of many, being unsound scripturally etc, etc.. stop and think about this - the bible says to not follow after those who lie and hurt the faith of "little ones".. the pharisees were accused of traversing over lands and expending much energy to make a single convert - only for that convert to end up worse of than he started off with.. it's one thing to not believe this is the 'truth' and feeling the awful pressure of managing ones life, trying not to lose ones family.. it's quite another thing to declare oneself to be a christian believer of god's jw household, and somehow believe the god of love would use corrupt liars to parade as jesus' brothers in the urgency of last days.

really?

and, to then visibly promote faith in corrupt men, and try to bring converts into a place where the rulership is wrong.. some of us are dying from hurt here.......give me a break..

Brother Jeramy

I'm getting the distinct impression that certain details of what I wrote have either been missed or are being deliberately ignored by a number of commenters here.

So, before I offer any responses to some of the comments made, allow me to recap some key phrases from my post yesterday so as to reinforce the points I was making. I wrote . . .

The abusive "shepherd" is not the "flock."

The control [the Governing Body] exerts over the brothers and sisters is reprehensible, and several of its key theological doctrines are false and have misled and continue to mislead millions.

The Governing Body and its Watchtower Society is not our "religion."

The Family has been infected by a number of false teachings and has been wounded by the harmful control of the "wolf in sheep's clothing."

Remaining with the Family is not the same as endorsing the Watchtower Society, just as remaining in solidarity with abused siblings (though they may suffer Stockholm Syndrome) is not the same as endorsing the abuser who abused them.

I've noticed many here do not see (or perhaps refuse to see) a difference between the Watchtower Society and the people who collectively are the faith Family known as Jehovah's Witnesses. There is, in fact, a huge difference. By way of analogy, one (the Governing Body) is the "wolf in sheep's clothing," the other (the Family of brothers and sisters) is the "flock." They are not one and the same (any more than the Russian people under the tight control of the Kremlin during the Soviet era were one and the same; one was a "sheep" the other was the "wolf")..

I've noticed that the term "organization" is employed by many here to refer to the "wolf" and the "flock" as a single entity, as if mutual partners in the commission of a crime. I reject that characterization outright, and for reasons that I already explained in my comments yesterday. It is why I rarely ever use the term "organization." Instead, I use the term "Family" to refer to the brothers and sisters as separate from the Governing Body and its Watchtower Society that has taken control over a large part of the Family (though not all of it, to be certain). It's vitally important to make a distinction between the two.

Allow me to offer another analogy. We can liken the situation of the Witnesses under the control of the Governing Body to the Soviet Union era: the Russian people under the tight control of the Kremlin were not in willing collusion (at least not the vast majority of them) with the fascism under which they themselves were suffering. They were, in a very real way, captives. The Russian people are analogous to Christian witnesses of Jehovah as a faith Family. There was the Soviet Union, which is analogous to the Watchtower Society. It was operated by the Kremlin, which is analogous to the Governing Body. The population captive within the Soviet sphere of influence as a politically controlled group is analogous to "Jehovah's Witnesses." The communist/fascist ideology under which the people were politically controlled is analogous to the appellation "the Truth." Yet as a culture, the people were Russians, not Soviets. Their home was Russia, both historically and geographically. "Soviet" was an imposed political designation. When the Soviet Union fell, the people as Russians, though greatly wounded, remained.

This is how I see the situation. Yes, many have escaped, and no doubt for good reasons. I do not blame them for this, nor do I disparage them for it. Yes, many of those escapees (though certainly not all) have become driven by a bitterness that blinds them to reason. Yet many, like myself, remain. In my case, it is by deliberate choice. Because the Family is my home and my culture; it is my "Russia." I do not support the Watchtower Society (the "Soviet Union") or its policies ("the Truth") under the control of the Governing Body (the "Kremlin"). As a dissident I work patiently from within, with my brothers and sisters. I will not abandon them, nor will I unfairly categorize them as being in collusion with the Watchtower Society as one "organization" willfully fomenting a crime of religious fascism.

So, having recapped and reinforced my key points on this particular matter, I'll be back later to respond to some of the responses to my remarks from yesterday.

BROTHER JERAMY

160

"The organisation is imperfect, but it doesn't affect my relationship with Jehovah"

by Alive! in

i've noted active, devoted jw's state the above.. and, it's not a problem for me to remain trusting of god, i just don't trust religions or men.. recently, a member of this forum stated that he remains an active jw, in the family of god's people, wanting to encourage and do good - whilst recognising that the pastoral leaders (the gb) have shipwrecked the faith of many, being unsound scripturally etc, etc.. stop and think about this - the bible says to not follow after those who lie and hurt the faith of "little ones".. the pharisees were accused of traversing over lands and expending much energy to make a single convert - only for that convert to end up worse of than he started off with.. it's one thing to not believe this is the 'truth' and feeling the awful pressure of managing ones life, trying not to lose ones family.. it's quite another thing to declare oneself to be a christian believer of god's jw household, and somehow believe the god of love would use corrupt liars to parade as jesus' brothers in the urgency of last days.

really?

and, to then visibly promote faith in corrupt men, and try to bring converts into a place where the rulership is wrong.. some of us are dying from hurt here.......give me a break..

Brother Jeramy

The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years before Jehovah redeemed them.

The Israelites often fell under the rule of wicked kings whose evil influences at times misled the nation into false worship. But Jehovah still saw them as his people.

Yes, Jehovah's Witnesses are imperfect, both as individuals and as a global Family. Yes, we're going to stumble and get things wrong. And yes, millions have become prey to the persuasive words and teachings of the abusive "shepherd" that exerts control over the Family.

But the abusive "shepherd" is not the "flock."

I have always remained convinced that, as a Family of faith -- the "flock" of Christ's disciples -- Jehovah's Witnesses as a people, notwithstanding their human imperfections, have a sincere love for Jehovah, a desire for truth (as best as we can grasp it), and a grasp of what it means to be wholeheartedly devoted disciples of Christ with a mission to proclaim the Good News in word and in deeds. I have encountered no other people on earth who as a community so singularly exhibit the qualities that Christ said would identify his people.

On the other hand, the Watchtower Society (which ultimately means the Governing Body, the "abusive shepherd") is a different story. To be fair, there are a number of things it does that are praiseworthy, particularly when it writes articles that encourage us to maintain our spiritual, moral, and ethical integrity as Christians. But the control it exerts over the brothers and sisters is reprehensible, and several of its key theological doctrines are false and have misled and continue to mislead millions. In those ways, it is a bad shepherd, an "evil slave." (see Matthew 24:48-51)

Yet the Governing Body is not Jehovah. The Governing Body is not Christ. The Governing Body and its Watchtower Society is not our "religion," nor the foundation of the faith of the Family of brothers and sisters. This very clear distinction seems to be lost on quite a number of people, particularly those who have become so heavily invested in bitterness.

And while the Family has been infected by a number of false teachings and has been wounded by the harmful control of the "wolf in sheep's clothing," that doesn't make us a "false religion" or a "cult." It just means Jesus and Peter were right:

"There will also be false teachers among you." (2 Peter 2:1)

This mirrors Jesus' words:

"Be on the watch for the false prophets who come to you in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they? Likewise, every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit. A good tree cannot bear worthless fruit, nor can a rotten tree produce fine fruit. Every tree not producing fine fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Really, then, by their fruits you will recognize those men." (Matthew 7:15-20)
"Many false prophets will arise and mislead many." (Matthew 24:11)

I understand why so many have left, and why so many others remain quietly inactive at "the city's edge." I cannot blame them, nor will I presume to judge the weight of the burdens and/or pains they carry from their own unique experiences. As for such ones, I can only hope that inasmuch as I do not judge their decisions to remain separated from the Family, they likewise not judge my decision to remain with the Family.

Ultimately, remaining with the Family is not the same as endorsing the Watchtower Society, just as remaining in solidarity with abused siblings (though they may suffer Stockholm Syndrome) is not the same as endorsing the abuser who abused them.

And so, though a dissident, I remain. Because I love the brothers and sisters. Because I love Jehovah. And because I choose faith over bitterness in the face of tribulation; because I choose to trust that Jehovah will correct matters in his own time, rather than surrender to the angry discomposure that attends despair.

35

New on here

by Tony Stark in

hey so i'm new on here.

just wanted to introduce myself.

in my 20's and was rasied one, and very popular among the jw community.

Brother Jeramy

Welcome Tony.

You will find on this forum many ex-Witnesses and a number of current Witnesses who are still "in," as some here refer to it. I myself am "in" and remain active in my local congregation.

All here have their own stories, their own feelings, and their own paths, as obviously you do as well. Some here are very bitter due to their experiences, and not without reason. On the other hand, others here, such as myself, still love the brothers and sisters and remain "in the fold" because we recognize that the Watchtower Society under the ecclesiastical control of the Governing Body is not our "religion." To remain a "Jehovah's Witness" is not the same thing as being a member of the Watchtower Society.

I, along with many others, still remain convinced that Jehovah loves the brothers and sisters as a united family of faith, that this family of faith is still God's people, and that Christ will hold the Governing Body members and their key associates accountable for a number of ways they have, like bad shepherds, misled, mistreated, and shipwrecked the faith of so many of the brothers and sisters throughout the years and down to the present day.

Your situation is tough. I definitely feel for you and will continue to pray for you. You must make up your own mind about what you believe and how you feel, and about what steps you need to make regarding your faith. I would encourage you to use the independent mind Jehovah gave you to do your own research, weigh the value of whatever information you find, and make fully self-informed conclusions.

And while I've found the vast majority of folks on here to be decent and balanced, I'd encourage you not to let the bitterness of some here overly influence you. Some of us, in spite of the things we have seen happening to the brothers and sisters worldwide for many years at the hands of the Governing Body, still love the Family (as I refer to the brothers and sisters collectively as distinct from the Watchtower Society that exerts control over them). And some of us, like myself, remain "in the fold" as silently active dissidents who are striving under the current circumstances in our local congregations to increase a more abundant spirit of love, compassion, and mercy -- and truth. And we do this while also trusting that Jehovah is aware of what's going on with his people, and will shake things up in his own due time.

Once again, welcome. And know that you are NOT alone, and that you ARE loved. By Jehovah and many of us who still consider you our brother.

172

May tv.jw.org program

by zophar in

jw
friends

the may broadcast on tv.jw.org.

we need money!.

http://tv.jw.org/#video/vodstudio/pub-jwb_201505_1_video.

Brother Jeramy

This was a major fundraising push.

Around the 10:45 mark it starts:

Millions of dollars are required each month to finance the collosal Kingdom work that is being supported by this organization in some 239 lands. Where does all the financial support come from? Largely from you dear brothers and sisters.

Most funds come from what you voluntarily put in the contribution box in your Kingdom Hall. Yes, that little box, with a slot, that is labeled "Worldwide Work" is primarily what finances all of the theocratic initiatives that have been implemnted. Of course there are many other ways to contribute as explained usually in the November issue of the Watchtower each year.

Sometimes we may feel a little shy to talk about the financial needs of the organization. That is understandable. Because we in no way do we want to be categorized with other organizations, religious and otherwise, that coerce their supporters to donate.

However, because all of us have the privilege to donate funds, we would like to let you know something about our current situation. Then, you can respond as your heart compels you. As you might have sense, I am not shy about this subject. And why not? There are many BIble examples of Jehovah's faithful servants making known the financial needs of the congregation. Only when the supporters of the Kingdom know the needs can they respond accordingly.

For example turn with me, please, to Exodus chapter 35. Now think about this when you're turning there: the Israelites were in Sinai. They were marching through a wilderness. They did not have fields or businesses with money flowing in. They just had what they had brought with them when leaving Egypt. Nevertheless, Jehovah instructed them to build a place of worship. Was Jehovah shy about letting the people know about the material needs? Well read with me Exodus 35 verse 4 and 5: "Moses then said to the entire assembly of the Israelites, 'This is what Jehovah has comanded: '" -- Now it wasn't what Moses commanded, it was what Jehovah has commanded. -- "'Take up a contribution for Jehovah from among yourselves. Let everyone with a willing heart bring a contribution for Jehovah. Gold, silver, copper.'"

You see, the people would not have known this need if Jehovah had not informed them. Very interesting, is it not?

The Governing Body very much feels the urgency of accomplishing as much as we possibly can in behalf of Kingdom interests knowing that the great day of Jehovah is near! So in an effort to keep you informed of the support that is needed for this great work, I have the following information to share:

We have looked forward to this next fiscal year and projected the expenditures for all of the theocratic initiatives we are scheduling. In doing the math, we found that the amount of money flowing out will be much greater than the amount of money we have coming in at this time. Well why is that? Does this represent a lack of appreciation for spiritual things? Nooo! Absolutely not! To the contrary. We are witnessing unprecedented enthusiasm among the brotherhod for all the spiritual bounty that is coming our way. .....

He then engages in a brief discussion of the printing work, the production of JW.org, JW Broadcasting and its dissemination in multiple languages, etc. After assuring the audience that the financial situation has nothing to do with a lack of spirituality, he continues . . .

However, there are some facts that we want to make you aware of. For one thing, the financial needs in the field have accelerated at a pace unlike any time in the recent past. A recent analysis of the need for Kingdom Halls here in the United States shows that some 1,600 new Kingdom Halls or major renovations are needed, not some time in the future, but right now. And worldwide we are in need of more than 14,000 places of worship, not including ongoing future growth. In the past 15 years, 30,000 Kingdom Halls have been built. That averages at about 2,000 Kingdom Halls every year. But in an effort to relieve the serious backlog more quickly, we intend, Jehovah willing, to complete 3,000 Kingdom Hall projects every year going forward. Now that's a 50% increase.

Additionally, adjustments are being made to simplify the Kingdom Hall design in order to accelerate the construction schedule and to save funds. Though the design will be simplified, the sheer number of Kingdom Halls requires considerably more funds in the budget than in times past.

Let's think about this: today, how many publishing companies print publications in the many languages that Jehovah's Witnesses organization currently does? The answer: none. And why is that? It is because they cannot make a financial profit. We, however, are accelerating our method of translating publications into indigenous languages. This involves building or purchasing Regional Translation Offices, or RTOs. These will be strategically located in a part of the country with the highest concentration of native speakers of the language.

He then goes on to say that over the next 2 years, 170 RTOs will be needed. And this is among the many reasons why he mentioned the need to increase finances.

He then said the following:

We also have heard from Circuit Overseers and others than some of the brothers and sisters may have a misconception about some of the recent policy changes that have been instituted.

Gee, one wonders why that would be.

I'm reminded of Luke 14:28:

For example, who of you wanting to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense to see if he has enough to complete it?

Perhaps we should put "Kingdom Hall" or "RTO" or "literature" in place of the word "tower" in that passage. It's something the Society should seriously take to heart.

We don't need more literature. We have Bibles (in several different translations readily available), we have the Good News.

But we also, it would seem, have a "Shepherd" over the brothers and sisters who is edging toward giving us the business in order to continue running the business.

More later. Must go.

BROTHER JERAMY

P.S. ... Considering the length of this fundraising push, and the Scripture quotes and anecdotes strategically shared, this was, in fact, coercive.