eyeslice - Amazing is just telling it like it is (or at least like it was in the USA until recently).
Step 1) Local congos take Bros/Sis $$$ for the 'KH Building Fund'. Congos send $$$ to Brooklyn.
Step 2) Brooklyn invests said $$$ whereever it is that they invest these things. If you don't think that they invest those huge amounts of $$$ you're crazy! So they are now making 3-15% on the $$$ that came right out of Mr Average JW's pocket.
Step 3) COs 'tell' 'encourage' whatever you want to call it, the local congo that it is time to build a new hall. Local Bros take a loan from Brooklyn to pay for land and hall. Proceeds from the old hall's sale go to Brooklyn (and HOW they justify THAT one I'll never know!)
Step 4) Local Bros/Sis are 'reminded' every month that the mortgage on the hall is due, please donate to the local hall's contribution box. $$$ are sent to Brookyln, which are then invested.
Step 5) Rinse and repeat as often as needed!
As an example, I was at a hall a few years ago, it was built in the early 90's or so, remodeled in the mid-90's, and was generally about half full on Sundays. Last I heard about 3/4 years ago, the CO was telling them they needed a NEW hall!??? When it was only half full! But this one was paid for, so no more $$$ were flowing to Brookyln. I don't know what excuse they were using to try and pass it off, but the local avg Jws were NOT happy about it.
I swear, I don't see how those involved in the entire hall building process cannot see through it to the giant $$$ making scheme it is!
This doesn't even touch the building process wherein the Regional Building Commitee dictates everything from where, when and how it's built to the vendors that will be used in buying building materials.
