Posts by avaddohn94

"las obligaciones que este nuevo regimen fiscal nos pide: llevar de manera electronica un registro de todas sus operaciones de ingresos y egresos; tener documentacion comprobatoria de cada operacion, acto o actividad; enviar informe contable mensual a traves de la pagina del sat; expedir comprobante fiscal digital por internet (cfdi).".

http://www.elsiglodedurango.com.mx/noticia/535395.con-el-nuevo-regimen-fiscal-la-iglesia-catolica-pagara-impuestos-.html.

roughly traslated: the requirements of the new fiscal system require: to record electronically a ledge of all income and expenses; to record and document all operations, acts or activities, to send a registed monthly report through sat's (kind of like the irs in the us) website, submit comprobante fiscal digidtal por internet (cfdi) (sort of tax form) .

avaddohn94

We know the organization JW.ORG loves top ‘pay back Caesar’s things to Caesar’ (Matt. 22:21)!

France’s case comes to mind and also a legal claim the Watchtower recently made in Mexico to recover VAT appealing to their “religious status”. I presume they are already planning the respective modifications to prevent incurring income taxes on their literature, assets or personnel.

The official communication by the Mexican authorities (http://www.asociacionesreligiosas.gob.mx/work/models/AsociacionesReligiosas/pdf/Varios/Resolucion_Fiscal.pdf) states that “all religious organizations are subject to IT payment under applicable regulations for revenue obtained from the sale for profit purposes of assets other than their fixed assets such as religious books or objects as well as revenue obtained from interest and premiums”.

I’m no expert on these topics (neither a native speaker so I apologize in advance if I’m not conveying the right ideas but I’m doing my best here) but who knows if these laws are behind the recent changes in their donations arrangements in several countries (including Mexico).

The letter dated March 26, 2014 (BOE) (you can view a copy in Spanish in Hildebrando's blog: http://hildeydesa.blogspot.mx/2014/04/carta-260314-uso-de-la-propiedad-de-la.html) regarding the use of the property owned by the congregation clearly states that “if a kingdom hall is used for housing or commercial purposes, the tax exemption granted to a congregation could be in jeopardy”.

So, there you have it. The Watchtower in Central America will surely fight back any attempt made by the authorities to regulate their finances (I’m sure the Catholic Church and other mainstream religions in that country will do the same. In the end, it’s their business and they won’t easily surrender their tax-exempt status). Let’s just hope Mexican authorities are firm enough to take these religious organizations in hand. In Mexico, they already did it when they forced the “Torre del Vigía A.C.” to turn into the “Torre del Vigía A.R.” (i.e. to abandon their “cultural veil” and accept all the obligations and duties expected from a religion).

Time will tell,

Regards,

Avaddohn94

47

BOE 2014-07-13 Appointment and deletion of elders and ministerial servants

by WatchTower87 in

2014-07-13 appointment and deletion of elders and ministerial servantsto all bodies of elders.

the link removed by request is also available at the forms link.

the congregation secretary should arrange for this letter to be retained in the congregation permanent file of policy letters.

avaddohn94

After reading all the elaborate and recherché instructions sent by the Watchtower/ jw.org on this matter and comparing it to what the Bible says on the matter (Titus 1:5-9), one can clearly see how this organization is becoming more and more legalistic, judgmental and pharisaical.

So sad...

77

What is this new Announcement to take place in August?

by Quarterback in

just heard from an elder.

he told me that there is another change to be announced in august.

he didn't know more about it.. any other info?.

avaddohn94

I have no idea what this "announcement" will be, but in all honesty, it scares me to think most of my loved ones will buy it (whatever it is). My fear grows when I remember this crazy statement that was recently made by the Watchtower: "At that time, the life-saving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not" (The Watchtower - Study Edition, November 15, 2013).

49

Misappropriation of funds (Project for an Assembly Hall in Guadalajara)

by avaddohn94 in

at the extj.com forum, a very serious scandal is being discussed regarding a potential misappropriation of funds by mexico's branch.. http://www.extj.com/showthread.php?24740-denuncia--quot-proyecto-fantasma-quot-salon-de-asambleas-de-guadalajara-o-robo-de-fondos.

though the situation may not be quite uncommon, below you will find an overview:.

a member of mexico's branch committee went to guadalajara to inform the brothers that a plot of land had been donated for the construction of an assembly hall.

avaddohn94

Regarding the "fondo guardado", I'm not sure how it works at a circuit level but at least at a congregation level, whenever you hear "fondo guardado" it means excess money the congregations send to the branch so that it keeps it for them. In other words, it is placed in deposit with the branch office and you can withdraw from that fund if you ever need cash (don't ever expect any interest). Now, if that expression in Spanish means it will be send back to the Circuit Fund, I still think it is a misappropriation of funds because those brothers who sent their donations with the express purpose of building an assembly hall will never see their money being used accordingly. Besides, if it is returned to the circuit fund, I think most of us know who are the ones who will actually benefit from that money (repairs at the CO's apartment, new laptop or new IPad for the CO, expensive restaurants to take the Bethel speaker or some other big shots from the branch that pay a visit etc). Either way, the poor friends lose and "mother" wins...

49

Misappropriation of funds (Project for an Assembly Hall in Guadalajara)

by avaddohn94 in

at the extj.com forum, a very serious scandal is being discussed regarding a potential misappropriation of funds by mexico's branch.. http://www.extj.com/showthread.php?24740-denuncia--quot-proyecto-fantasma-quot-salon-de-asambleas-de-guadalajara-o-robo-de-fondos.

though the situation may not be quite uncommon, below you will find an overview:.

a member of mexico's branch committee went to guadalajara to inform the brothers that a plot of land had been donated for the construction of an assembly hall.

avaddohn94

At the extj.com forum, a very serious scandal is being discussed regarding a potential misappropriation of funds by Mexico's Branch.

http://www.extj.com/showthread.php?24740-Denuncia-¿-quot-Proyecto-fantasma-quot-Salón-de-Asambleas-de-Guadalajara-o-robo-de-fondos

Though the situation may not be quite uncommon, below you will find an overview:

A member of Mexico's Branch Committee went to Guadalajara to inform the brothers that a plot of land had been donated for the construction of an assembly hall. They gathered elders from over 20 circuits (even the english congregations were involved) and told them that the governing body had approved the construction PROVIDED IT WERE FINANCED ENTIRELY by the local congregations. They said the construction required contributions for nearly 2.5 million dollars and asked if the elders agreed. Obviously, most of them were enthusiastic on the matter and they returned to their congregations with the goal set: ask the brothers and friends to donate for this project.

That was 4 or 5 years ago. At first, everything seemed to be very transparent with the congregations receiving an account statement every month indicating how much they had contributed for the project, but after a year or so, they stopped receiving such statements and little by little, the information on the project ceased to flow.

Now, the brothers, following the traditional channels, went to the elders from time to time asking what had happened with the construction because according to the initial letters of encouragement, everything was ready to go live from the very beginning and the permits needed were about to be obtained. They only needed money to begin the construction. However, after a year or so, most of the congregations had already reached their goal and that at the expense of hard sacrifices made by the publishers. So they were all wondering, what had happened with the project or, the money, which was supposedly tagged for that purpose.

As the years went by, the elders began asking the circuit overseers about the project and the responses they obtained were that "building an assembly hall and mantaining it is very expensive" (implying a "you should be happy that it was not built") or that "the organization had to use such funds for some emergencies or disasters". Yet, no one seemed to actually care or be prepared to give a real answer to the brothers' demands.

Finally, last year, some brothers decided to send an anonymous letter to the Branch Office (which you can read at Hildebrando's blog (http://hildeydesa.blogspot.mx/2014/04/cartas-4-y-29713-proyecto-salon-de.html) requesting for information.

Their request, though naive, seems to be an honest inquiry. They actually say that after 4 or 5 years, there were rumors that the money had been ripped-off or that some brothers were already saying that the organization usually does that (asking funds for what they describe as "phantom" projects") and that the brothers in another city have been dealing with a similar situation for a long time. So the brothers (apparently elders) said that in view of such serious accusations, they expected the organization would take their demand seriously and respond to their inquiry.

And the organization did reply as you can see in this link: http://s17.postimg.org/xkkjl9kan/CCTJ_290713.png

The letter dated July 29, 2013 reads as follows:

TO THE ELDERS AND TRAVELING OVERSEERS INVOLVED IN THE POTENTIAL CONSTRUCTION OF AN ASSEMBLY HALL IN GUADALAJARA, JALISCO

Re: Analysis of the project for an Assembly Hall

Dear brothers:

We are writing to you regarding the project to build an Assembly Hall in the city of Guadalajara or nearby, on which you have received correspondence in the past, and as you are aware, there is a plot of land that you acquired for that purpose.

In this regard, we wish to inform you that, as per instructions of the Governing Body, a global analysis is currently being made of the entire region that Mexico's branch oversees, regarding the meeting places used by each circuit to hold their assemblies. This analysis is aimed at determining which circuits have the circumstances and the actual need to start a construction project, or if they should continue using rented facilities to hold their assemblies.

Regarding the donations you have made for this project, if the Governing Body decides to approve its construction, they will be used for that purpose. On the other hand, if after the analysis it is determined that this construction will not take place, each circuit can determine if they want that their donations be placed in deposit with the branch office or if they wish to make a donation to the worldwide work. For now, you can continue with the procedure to send donations for this proposed project, taking into account the letter dated July 4, 2013 regarding "Account of the Assembly Hall ," which you will find in the JW web site, which is attached for your reference.

Receive our warm greetings and Christian love,

Your brothers,

Congregación Cristiana de los testigos de Jehová

Well, there you have it... the brothers and friends make a huge effort to support a project which construction is QUITE CERTAIN, GUARANTEED by a member of the branch committee himself who went 4 or 5 years ago to even pinpoint its location using Google Maps. As time goes by, nobody knows anything on the matter and when some brave elders decide to question the organization, this is the best explanation they can ever expect to obtain.

You can read at Hildebrando's blog that some of his commenters describe similar situations in Mexico City, Medellin Colombia, Honduras and I imagine that by posting this entry (and making my best to explain the scandal in english), we'll confirm that this is a common practice performed by the organization to obtain funds. For practical matters, a total misappropriation of funds.

79

2013 JW-Wimp Mobile!

by Atlantis in

the jw-wimp-mobile!

this is how they are doing it in mexico..........atlantis

avaddohn94

I know KateWild; however, they did have their stand in Bogota's Book Fair:

http://servicios.corferias.com/stand_virtual/index.cfm?stand=19647

Yet, what calls my attention is the fact that the organization authorized this "mobile truck". I still think they will be parked outside the fair (not sure, but probably it's cheaper to ask for a parking permission to the city's authorities than to pay for an actual space inside the fair).

Like you said, we'll see if it makes it to the 2014 yearbook.

79

2013 JW-Wimp Mobile!

by Atlantis in

the jw-wimp-mobile!

this is how they are doing it in mexico..........atlantis

avaddohn94

Regarding this "mobile truck" in Mexico, OwnAccord posted the following in his "Unconfirmed 2014 Year Book Numbers - Peak Pubs, Baptized, Hrs, Reg Pio & Studies" entry:

"Mexico: It has been approved by the Service Committee to set up enter the International Book fair to be held 11/28 - 12/8 in Guadalajara. 90,000 are expected to attend. A mobile truck with Jw.org on the
outside will be set up.

http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/266020/1/Unconfirmed-2014-Year-Book-Numbers-Peak-Pubs-Baptized-Hrs-Reg-Pio-Studies

I've tried to see whether jehovah's witnesses appear in the exhibitor's floor plan but so far, I've not been successful. I've searched for them using all the possible names such as "watchtower", "jehovah's witnesses", "testigos de jehová", "testigos cristianos de jehová", "congregación cristiana de los testigos de jehová", "jw.org", "la torre del vigía", etc. but it seems to me that either their location remains as "pending" in the pdf chart or they simply will just park their truck outside the fair and thus avoid paying for having a spot inside the book fair. After all, they seem to be happy to be recognized as "peddlers of God's word" (2 Corinthians 2:17).

A link to Guadalajara's International Book Fair: http://www.fil.com.mx/ingles/i_info/i_info_fil.asp

Regards,

Avaddohn94

25

I suspect the WTS mut be feeling pretty good about their own internal security...

by sir82 in

jw
friends

...since it evidently was not confirmed in advance that the agm was going to be exclusively about releasing the rnwt.. i mean, we all kinda sorta expected it, but no one had a "smoking gun", as it were, officially confirming it.. in contrast, there was the leak, posted on this forum, of the july 15 2013 watchtower, a week or 2 before its official posting on jw.org.. .

i'm sure the rnwt was a well-guarded secret - on the other hand, there has been a rnwt translation committee in existence for 5+ years.

absolutely no one in the "apostate community" even hinted at this committee's existence.

avaddohn94

What about this thread posted by "The Searcher"?

http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/beliefs/259454/1/NEW-BIBLE

26

JWFacts, you might want to see this!!

by ILoveTTATT in

jw
friends

i saw this on my fb account... and, wasn't it you who took the pic?

why is this on a jw fb page?

hahahaha... someone's been naughty and coming here or to your site or w/e.... here's the translation:.

avaddohn94

Thanks a lot for the warm welcome. As you might have seen, english is not my primary language but I'm doing my best to be coherent and consistent in my posts. I'll start working on my story in order to share it with you. In the mean time, you may want to have fun watching one of Jimmy Kimmel's latest videos on Youtube. They're asking pedestrians what they think about the US Congress (mainly because of the famous shut-down) but if you look carefully at minute 1:57 of the video, guess who you'll find right there in the middle of Hollywood Blvd? Right you are!!! Two publishers wasting their time looking after one of these racks and my guess is that there are two sisters more who probably just wanted to appear on TV.

You may watch the video on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46RO4TsTmkE

Best!

Publisherswasting