Yeah Steve2, you see them pulling back to a cruising altitude. I wondered if after the sale of the NY properties and the hundreds of millions coming in, if they would back off the pushing for money and free labor. Well they certainly have not. Multiple letters have been issued and read to the congregations asking for money and volunteers. This tells you they intend on sitting on that pile, making interest off of it, investing it, and so forth.
Interesting also that they are closing branches all over the world at the peak of their wealth. Very telling. I don't buy the "we don't need them now because we don't print as much literature" bit either. If they were focused on growth and expansion of the preaching work with the end of the system of things in sight, they would be full steam ahead. They would be using the branch offices for training and teaching and preparing for growth. Not happening.
They are consolidating and liquidating assets for a long cozy winter.