Posts by Voyager

Dominic A. Truelove, 18, who shared a South New Street apartment in Hatboro with Staley before their arrests, was captured in early September speeding down I-95 in North Carolina on a motorcycle. He's still being held there but faces extradition soon.

Abdul Al-Tayeh, 18, of Upper Southampton remains at large.

Authorities caught up with all three after Staley used red-stained bills to pay for parts at a Hatboro motorcycle shop.

They're accused of robbing four banks of a combined $63,000 and attempting to rob two others, all with a pellet gun.

Banks were hit in Lansdale, Riegelsville, plus visits twice each to Horsham and North Brunswick, N.J., all between July 26 and Sept. 23 of last year.

If convicted, Truelove and Al-Tayeh face 150 years in prison and $1.5 million worth of fines. Staley, who the indictment alleges was only involved after the third bank, faces up to 100 years and a $1 million fine.

As court proceedings get under way, more details are emerging about the three teenagers.

The boys got around on motorcycles; Staley and Truelove came and went from their duplex on motorcycles often, said neighbors Chris and Lynn Gable.

"They had parties a lot, were in and out all hours of the night," said Chris Gable, whose son was friends with Al-Tayeh.

Lynn Gable added, "They were trouble. You could tell."

(They) reportedly told the landlord they were Jehovah's Witnesses before moving in.

Neighbors learned last fall of the boys' possible involvement in criminal activity when the FBI showed up and surrounded the duplex one Friday morning, they said. Authorities converged on the place after receiving a tip about the red-stained money and then finding acetone cans, receipts and money wrappers from other banks in the young men's trash.

After a while, agents knocked the door in, searched the apartment, pulled back and staked the place out until the next night.

But by 2003, he moved out of his mother's home and in with his grandfather in Hatboro. That summer, Nonemaker says Staley drove off with his grandfather's pickup truck to Florida without permission.

Staley dropped out of school, got a job and moved into the apartment with Truelove.

Staley has told family that his only involvement was taking $300 from one of the robberies to go buy motorcycle parts, according to Nonemaker.

After his arrest, Staley was released on bail to his mother's custody in Treichlers, Northampton County. But court records show he was permitted a change in residence when he and his mother were "having difficulty living together." She also had lost her lease on the home.

Staley and his grandfather wouldn't talk when reached by phone, aside from saying that prior published reports have been false.

"He acts like it's no big deal. I asked him, 'Are you going to go to a jail or what?' And he says he's going to a boot camp, and he's not that worried."

Like Staley, Al-Tayeh had some academic success, earning a spot on William Tennent High School honor rolls several times, as recently as this spring.

But he was in trouble with the law April 27 when he was charged with bringing a small amount of marijuana and paraphernalia to the Johnsville Alternative School. According to court records, he was seen handing a cigarette box that contained two baggies of the substance to another student.

Al-Tayeh failed to show for his Sept. 14 trial, and a bench warrant was issued. He later showed and posted 10 percent of $5,000 bail but didn't make his rescheduled trial Oct. 26.

By this time, Al-Tayeh had been interviewed by police once in relation to the bank robbery investigation, pinning the blame on Truelove and then fleeing.

The FBI has been to the family home on numerous occasions to conduct interviews. Al-Tayeh's parents declined to answer a reporter's questions this week outside their Spring Flower Court home.

Truelove's attorney, Louis R. Busico of Newtown, and Staley's public defender, Edson A. Bostic of Philadelphia, did not return phone calls seeking comment on their clients' cases. Court records say Al-Tayeh, who is still at large, has not retained an attorney.

Horsham police, who assisted on the investigation, said there was no immediately obvious motive for the robberies.

"There wasn't anything that we came across indicating exactly what they needed the money for," said Detective Dave Bussenger, though noting that some of it was spent on motorcycle parts.

Police say a reward may be in the offing for the cycle shop clerk who provided the all-important tip.

An FBI spokeswoman would not confirm or deny the report.

6

CVB Books Largest Convention Ever for Toledo!

by Voyager in

jw
friends

http://www.wtol.com/global/story.asp?s=2866429 .

toledo -- the greater toledo convention and visitors bureau has booked the largest convention in toledo's history.

Voyager

http://www.wtol.com/Global/story.asp?S=2866429

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TOLEDO -- The Greater Toledo Convention and Visitors Bureau has booked the largest convention in Toledo's history. For eight weekends this summer, nearly 7,000 visitors will descend upon the SeaGate Convention Centre for the annual convention of the Christian Congregation of Jehovah?s Witnesses.

Toledo?s selection to host the event was announced Thursday. While the convention proceedings will take place at the SeaGate Convention Centre, the impact of the visitors will be felt throughout the community, as guests enjoy the region?s attractions, hotels, restaurants and festivals and spend their money here.

The direct economic impact from this event is expected to be more than $8 million and generate nearly 30,000 room nights over the event?s eight weeks. Thursday?s announcement was the culmination of more than a year of work for the Greater Toledo Convention and Visitors Bureau, which worked with the SeaGate Convention Centre, the Christian Congregation of Jehovah?s Witnesses and a wide variety of agencies and downtown landowners to ensure that everything was in place to make the event a success.

"This is a huge economic development success and a perfect example of the SeaGate Convention Centre functioning as an economic magnet," said Jim Donnelly, president and CEO of the Greater Toledo Convention and Visitor Bureau. "Bringing the event to the SeaGate Convention Centre at break even costs generates opportunities for the local economy and accomplishes exactly the kind of thing the Greater Toledo Convention and Visitors Bureau and the SeaGate Convention Centre were set up to do."

The Greater Toledo Convention and Visitors Bureau is the umbrella organization that works with hotels, convention centers and other area agencies to draw events like this to the area. In 2003, the CVB confirmed 378 conventions with more than 84,000 room nights in Greater Toledo. Overall, tourism makes an approximately $1 billion annual impact on the local economy.

"We were thrilled at the reception we received from the people we have worked with in Toledo. Both the SeaGate Convention Centre and the Greater Toledo Convention and Visitors Bureau worked long and hard to help us have a successful event in Toledo. All our members look forward to a great summer in Lucas County," said David Dunn, of the Christian Congregation of Jehovah?s Witnesses. "It is our desire that each weekend, 7,000 Jehovah?s Witnesses leave Toledo spiritually refreshed, and return to their home cities to assist the local residents in their communities."

Donnelly said that much of the credit for the convention choosing the SeaGate Convention belongs to the people of the community. "Perhaps it is most important to note that this organization has visited Toledo before, and chose to come back again. I believe that speaks volumes about the hospitality of our people and the quality of our community as a destination," Donnelly said.

The convention will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of eight weekends in June, July and August. Visitors from the Ohio, Indiana and Michigan tri-state area are expected to attend the conference this summer, which is typically a downtime in the convention calendar.

25

To All Bodies Of Elders!-----(About Researchers)

by Voyager in

this letter was posted over on (channel c) and (ex-jw california).

thanks stan for posting it!.

christian congregation of jehovah?s witnesses.

Voyager

144001:

That was well said! Good point. As if these "publishers" are really "publishing" something on their own, or of their own "opinion"! Wouldn't the words "DECEIVED SLAVES" be more accurate?

Thanks!

25

To All Bodies Of Elders!-----(About Researchers)

by Voyager in

this letter was posted over on (channel c) and (ex-jw california).

thanks stan for posting it!.

christian congregation of jehovah?s witnesses.

Voyager

Kenneson:

Yep! None of that independent thinking! Tell researchers what our (outline) says, or you'll pay the price if you don't.

Thanks!

25

To All Bodies Of Elders!-----(About Researchers)

by Voyager in

this letter was posted over on (channel c) and (ex-jw california).

thanks stan for posting it!.

christian congregation of jehovah?s witnesses.

Voyager

Valis:

Thanks Valis. Your right on target as usual! I noticed that little tidbit myself. In-other-words, if your contacted by a researcher, then tell them (what we want you to tell them) and nothing more.

Thanks!

25

To All Bodies Of Elders!-----(About Researchers)

by Voyager in

this letter was posted over on (channel c) and (ex-jw california).

thanks stan for posting it!.

christian congregation of jehovah?s witnesses.

Voyager

This letter was posted over on (Channel C) and (Ex-JW California). Thanks Stan for posting it!

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

Christian Congregation of Jehovah?s Witnesses
2821 Route 22, Patterson, NY 12563-2237
Phone: (845) 306-1100
April 25, 2001

TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS IN THE UNITED STATES

Dear Brothers:

Recently, academic researchers who say that they are interested in conducting surveys of religious community activities have contacted the elders of a number of congregations. Since there is a need to be careful about the nature of surveys and how such information will be used, we are providing direction for a qualified elder representing the congregation to follow, provided your congregation is asked to participate. Some of the points to have in mind are as follows.

When approached by researchers, the elder should treat them kindly, and he may listen to what they have to say. It would be well to find out what university or group the researchers represent and determine just what information they would like to have. If there are survey forms, it might be kindly explained that Jehovah?s Witnesses have considerable information in their publications that would no doubt answer some of the questions they are asking. The elder could provide such researchers with a copy of the brochure Jehovah?s Witnesses?Who Are They? What Do They Believe? On page 13 of the brochure, the basic beliefs of Jehovah?s Witnesses are listed together with the Scriptural reasons for those beliefs. We accept the Bible as the inspired Word of God. It is the basis for all our beliefs and teachings. It is reliable, whereas tradition is not.

Inquiry might be made about such matters as having a paid clergy class, the racial makeup and diversity of the congregation, the volunteer nature of our ministry, and the unity of our congregations. On page 13, column 2, of the above-named brochure, we have listed our belief that a clergy class and special titles are improper. If a topic is raised that is not specifically covered in the brochure, reference can be made to the Reasoning book, such as the portion on "Races of Mankind," starting on page 300. On page 304, reference is made to Acts 10:34, 35 showing that God is not partial. So Jehovah?s Witnesses do not discriminate against individuals because of race, language, or social standing. On page 305 the first paragraph points out that the oneness and unity of early Christians was a reality, and so it is today within the organization of Jehovah?s Witnesses.

If a question comes up on the subject f neutrality, that is also covered in the Reasoning book. And if an inquiry is made about how we view marriage, not only are there Scriptural references in the Reasoning book but the book The Secret of Family Happiness can be offered to the researcher.

The benefits to the community of our Bible educational ministry are also highlighted in other publications as well as in certain videos. The global scope of our activities is highlighted in the annual Yearbook, which includes a chart that sets out what is being accomplished in over 230 different lands. In addition, reference can be made to the Watchtower Society?s Web site so that the researcher may have access to a wide array of information, all of which explains the Scriptural basis for the position that Jehovah?s Witnesses take on vital issues.

This approach is far more advantageous in giving a witness and providing information than having various members of the congregation taking the time needed to fill out survey forms carefully and accurately. While in some instances we can cooperate with research projects?including surveys?we certainly want to avoid having publishers expressing personal viewpoints that may not be in line with the Bible principles that really govern each Christian?s conduct and the united efforts of the brotherhood to carry out Jehovah?s will.

If researchers or others approach elders seeking information and some issues come up about which the elders are not certain, they should not make any comments. Rather, these inquiries should be referred to the Service Department, at the address above, for attention.

We are confident that this direction will be sufficient for you to provide an appropriate response to anyone who approaches the congregation with an inquiry or survey about the work we do in the community and worldwide. May Jehovah?s spirit be your guide in caring for this matter as well as in all that you do in his sacred service.

Your brothers,
Christian Congregation of Jehovah?s Witnesses

12

Watchtower Observer Website Gone!

by VM44 in

went to the watchtower observer site and got this message:.

the server is currently disabled.. i thought kent said that we had until the end of the month before the site was removed?.

now how are we going to save the files we wanted to save?.

Voyager

Try this link and see if you can still get onto the site. Once you get there, then you can click on the subjects over on the left hand side of the page. I hope this thread still works.

http://watchtower.observer.org/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20030801/SECRETBOOKS/208004

It might still work!