Posts by Alligator Wisdom

29

JAPAN Bethel downsizes with layoffs!

by Alligator Wisdom in

jw
friends

twenty+ year veteran japanese bethelites sent to the field as special pioneers.

i don't have the exact number laid off.

however, there are a total of 550+ members at the ebina branch, so if the trend reflects the same as in the u.s. and europe branches, then we can assume at least between 10% - 20%.. in order to counterbalance the need for a work force but without having to incur expenses by housing and feeding them, japan bethel is considering opening the door to "commuting bethelites".

Alligator Wisdom

Gayle said : the volunteers may have a family supporting them or a part-time job.

This is what seems to be what the Japan Bethel is looking for. Plus, this opens the door for those ambitious type brothers who can now claim "Bethel" status if they can be accepted to go as commuter workers. I assume this volunteer work will be accepted into their pioneer time.

Gregor : LOL!

Ynot : The SP status won't last forever for these newly laid off ones. They were originally hoping to make it a Bethel career, and eventually being cared for when they are old and invalid IF the New System doesn't come in their lifetime. But now, reality bites.

Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)

29

JAPAN Bethel downsizes with layoffs!

by Alligator Wisdom in

jw
friends

twenty+ year veteran japanese bethelites sent to the field as special pioneers.

i don't have the exact number laid off.

however, there are a total of 550+ members at the ebina branch, so if the trend reflects the same as in the u.s. and europe branches, then we can assume at least between 10% - 20%.. in order to counterbalance the need for a work force but without having to incur expenses by housing and feeding them, japan bethel is considering opening the door to "commuting bethelites".

Alligator Wisdom

Twenty+ year veteran Japanese Bethelites sent to the field as Special Pioneers. I don't have the exact number laid off. However, there are a total of 550+ members at the Ebina Branch, so if the trend reflects the same as in the U.S. and Europe branches, then we can assume at least between 10% - 20%.

In order to counterbalance the need for a work force BUT without having to incur expenses by housing and feeding them, Japan Bethel is considering opening the door to "commuting Bethelites". These would be brothers who live outside the "commune" and would be willing to travel/commute to work voluntarily at the Japan branch. Something similiar to volunteer Regional Building Committee workers who do quick builds.

I'll update as I learn more.

Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)

60

The Rise of the Conscious Class

by truthseeker in

jw
friends

"i believe in one god, and no more; and i hope for happiness beyond this life.

i believe the equality of man, and i believe that religious duties consist in doing justice, loving mercy, and endeavoring to make our fellow-creatures happy.

but, lest it should be supposed that i believe many other things in addition to these, i shall, in the progress of this work, declare the things i do not believe, and my reasons for not believing them.

Alligator Wisdom

<--------------------- A conscious class member raises hand.

Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)

56

More evidence that WTS is hurting for $$$ - change to special pioneer mileage reimbursement

by sir82 in

jw
friends

per a letter sent to all special pioneers in the us:.

previously the society reimbursed the special pioneers at a flat rate of x cents per mile, to cover the cost of gasoline and maintenance on their cars.

if i recall correctly, it may even have been the standard irs allowable deduction, something like 40-50 cents per mile.. beginning in 2010, the society will reimburse for mileage only, and strictly follow a mathematical formula, using:.

Alligator Wisdom

In the country that I'm currently living in, only special pioneers who are in foreign language congregations were given mileage reimbursement. For example, this would apply to a special pioneer in a Spanish speaking congregation in Thailand.

However, this discontinued as of the service year starting in 2009. Now, no special pioneers are getting reimbursed.

Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)

24

The moment you know you will die, too

by dgp in

jw
friends

at some point in life, everyone outside of the wtbts realizes that death if a fact of life.

no one gets to accept that fact easily, and the moment when you realize you will die, too, usually comes all of a sudden and takes you by surprise.

when you were a jw, did you have such a moment, even though the society told you you would never die?

Alligator Wisdom

dgp,

Here is a very good/lively/recent thread about this same topic:

http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/186349/1/I-dont-want-to-die

Much thought and perspective on this subject. Click open and read.

Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)

7

I'm back

by stuckinlimbo in

jw
friends

i was breakingfree, but have forgotten my password and no longer have access to the email address that was attached to that account, which i haven't used for over a year (i have just been reading as a guest and not posting).

my new name is probably more appropriate, i don't see myself being able to break completely free for some time.

me and my hubby are out (inactive, successfully faded) but rest of the family in and very devout.

Alligator Wisdom

Unimportant sidepoint:

stuckinlimbo & bohm have avatars that are very similar.

Okay, now back on topic...

Welcome back stuckinlimbo

Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)

22

Memorial invitation 2010

by dozy in

apologies if already posted , but there is to be another invitation campaign next year - running between 13th - 30th march.

it is mentioned in the february 2010 km.. .

Alligator Wisdom

"Does anyone know the date of the M?"

Tuesday, March 30th

Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)

14

Blondie's Comments You Will Not Hear at the 12-20-09 WT Study (MY FRIENDS)

by blondie in

jw
friends

comments you will not hear at the 12-20-09 wt study (october 15, 2009, pages 13-17)(my friends).

review comments will be in red or headed by comments.

wt material from today's wt will be in black.

Alligator Wisdom

Blondie, YOU ROCK!

Thanks for all that you do in contributing to this board.

Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)

29

Did YOU Disturb The Consciences Of Others?

by minimus in

jw
friends

the watchtower is always saying how we have to watch everything we do or say because we just might offend somebody's conscience and lord knows we wouldn't wanna do that!.

did you find yourself offending the consciences of others?.

Alligator Wisdom

I disturbed the conscience of the elder body when I would call on members of the congregation by their first names when I had parts at the meetings or when conducting the book/bible study.

For example, Brother James, Sister Janice, Brother Richard, Sister Samantha... (iso using their family names, Brother Smith, Sister Jackson).

They couldn't use the Bible to any satisfaction for their rebuttal, but only some articles from the Talmud Watchtower as their authority.

Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)

9

Question regarding JW and military service.

by Alligator Wisdom in

does anyone know when the wts started to refused baptism for those who were enlisted as active duty in the armed forces (military)?.

any reference material would be appreciated.. from what i remember hearing, back in the olden days (pre-50's or 60's) anyone wishing to be baptized only had to show up at a convention or assembly to get dunked.

no questions.

Alligator Wisdom

Black Sheep (Chris) : I got your PM. Check yours.

Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)