Watchtower selling luxury real-estate

[Berean]

I have a question for the Jehovah's Witnesses on this forum. Why is your organization selling real-estate?

I'm not discussing selling Kingdom Halls or branch offices (Brooklyn Heights). I'm talking about selling luxury real-estate.

IBSA PROPERTIES

 

[Nancy]

I guess it depends on what they "do" with their real-estate money taken in?

 

[Berean]

I guess it depends on what they "do" with their real-estate money taken in?

Just wondering if the rank-and-file members know that their donations go to buying real estate that is flipped for a profit. Makes you wonder what else they do with the donations given to them.

 

[Nancy]

J wondering if the rank-and-file members know that their donations go to buying real estate that is flipped for a profit. Makes you wonder what else they do with the donations given to them.

True, I've no idea what they use that money for, at least the Mormons use their money for things like water wells and such. Can't cost anything for the door to door folks so, what else DO they do. Hmmm.

 

[Berean]

True, I've no idea what they use that money for, at least the Mormons use their money for things like water wells and such. Can't cost anything for the door to door folks so, what else DO they do. Hmmm.

The Governing Body can do what they want, there's nothing illegal with buying and flipping property for a profit. That said, they should be honest with their members, letting g them know where their donation go and for what. Because God only knows what else do they with their donations. And whether it's ethical.

 

[Aunty Jane]

True, I've no idea what they use that money for, at least the Mormons use their money for things like water wells and such. Can't cost anything for the door to door folks so, what else DO they do. Hmmm.

We have a central fund that any JW can contribute to of their own free will…the funds are used in a variety of ways, first and foremost to print Bibles and Bible literature, which we give to interested ones for free…..and secondly to fund disaster relief for our brothers and sisters who have lost their homes and possessions in any kind of natural disaster. They occur all over the world and our brothers can rely on their spiritual family to assist them with accommodation, food and clothing until they can either be resettled or their homes rebuilt. Teams of Jehovah’s Witness tradesmen have assisted others as well when they saw a need.…at no cost for labor.
The fund also provides electronic equipment for those in poorer nations to have access to the internet as we conduct many of our Bible studies via the internet. We also have studios where our videos are made for the benefit of our entire brotherhood. All who work at our facilities are volunteers and we also fund missionaries who cannot find work in their assigned locations.
Our elders receive no salary and full time ministers are self funded.

I for one would find no dishonesty in money invested for a return…it is not illegal or unethical…and if the money is put to good use.…what is the problem? Or is the poster just a fault finder?
It’s amazing the level some people will go in the character assassination of others. Why would someone even post something like that? Shows their motive, doesn’t it?

 

[Nancy]

We have a central fund that any JW can contribute to of their own free will…the funds are used in a variety of ways, first and foremost to print Bibles and Bible literature, which we give to interested ones for free…..and secondly to fund disaster relief for our brothers and sisters who have lost their homes and possessions in any kind of natural disaster. They occur all over the world and our brothers can rely on their spiritual family to assist them with accommodation, food and clothing until they can either be resettled or their homes rebuilt. Teams of Jehovah’s Witness tradesmen have assisted others as well when they saw a need.…at no cost for labor.
The fund also provides electronic equipment for those in poorer nations to have access to the internet as we conduct many of our Bible studies via the internet. We also have studios where our videos are made for the benefit of our entire brotherhood. All who work at our facilities are volunteers and we also fund missionaries who cannot find work in their assigned locations.
Our elders receive no salary and full time ministers are self funded.

I for one would find no dishonesty in money invested for a return…it is not illegal or unethical…and if the money is put to good use.…what is the problem? Or is the poster just a fault finder?
It’s amazing the level some people will go in the character assassination of others. Why would someone even post something like that? Shows their motive, doesn’t it?

Thank you for the info. And no, there is nothing wrong with having a business outside of the church/hall.

 

[Berean]

We have a central fund that any JW can contribute to of their own free will…the funds are used in a variety of ways, first and foremost to print Bibles and Bible literature, which we give to interested ones for free…..and secondly to fund disaster relief for our brothers and sisters who have lost their homes and possessions in any kind of natural disaster. They occur all over the world and our brothers can rely on their spiritual family to assist them with accommodation, food and clothing until they can either be resettled or their homes rebuilt. Teams of Jehovah’s Witness tradesmen have assisted others as well when they saw a need.…at no cost for labor.
The fund also provides electronic equipment for those in poorer nations to have access to the internet as we conduct many of our Bible studies via the internet. We also have studios where our videos are made for the benefit of our entire brotherhood. All who work at our facilities are volunteers and we also fund missionaries who cannot find work in their assigned locations.
Our elders receive no salary and full time ministers are self funded.

I for one would find no dishonesty in money invested for a return…it is not illegal or unethical…and if the money is put to good use.…what is the problem? Or is the poster just a fault finder?
It’s amazing the level some people will go in the character assassination of others. Why would someone even post something like that? Shows their motive, doesn’t it?

So, how does that work Jane, if I'm a JW and lose my home to a natural disaster. Does the Society send a team of volunteers over and rebuild my home over the weekend, like the Habitat for Humanity organization? Or do they just pat you on the back and say "sorry for your loss, trust in Jehovah, I wish you well; go and keep warm and well fed."?

 

[Aunty Jane]

So, how does that work Jane, if I'm a JW and lose my home to a natural disaster. Does the Society send a team of volunteers over and rebuild my home over the weekend, like the Habitat for Humanity organization? Or do they just pat you on the back and say "sorry for your loss, trust in Jehovah, I wish you well; go and keep warm and well fed."?

This shows how much you know about what you want to complain about….disaster relief is about all the help that our brethren need to get them through a crisis…..it is emotional, spiritual and physical support. The elders try to discern the location of every congregation member and are usually first on scene with all of the above. If any are missing, they will try as best they can to locate these ones.
If homes are destroyed the occupants are rehomed to accommodation provide by non affected congregation members even in other states. Teams of tradesmen are dispatched, each volunteering their time to help those affected to get back on their feet….and yes temporary accommodation can be a tent city where that is appropriate so that there is shelter, food and warm clothing.

What more do you think they should offer?
What do your own brethren offer whilst you are pointing fingers constantly at us……?

 

[Berean]

Thank you for the info. And no, there is nothing wrong with having a business outside of the church/hall.

Would Jesus approve? Is it scriptural?

 

[Berean]

This shows how much you know about what you want to complain about…

I wasn't complaining, just making an observation. Please don't read into my comments emotions and sentiments that are not there

So, you don't have an issue with the Society selling luxury homes in the name of Jehovah? Did you even know? Were you surprised?

Did you know the GB are building a 1.5 million-square-foot audio-visual production center in Upstate New York,just two miles away from the the headquarters in Warwick?

What more do you think they should offer?

You're not so special. Plenty of church organizations and ministries go out of their way to help those in need. Disaster reliefs, helping the homeless, the infirm. They're not just helping those in their church, they're helping anyone who needs a helping hand.

What do your own brethren offer whilst you are pointing fingers constantly at us……?

I wasn't pointing fingers, but since you asked ... we help our brethren, physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially. If there's a need the Bible Students grapevine will let us know, (that's not what's it call, but we have an online service that alerts the brethren worldwide when a need arises. So, if someone is in trouble, they are taken care of by those locally and at times, brethren will travel to where they are to help out. If a home is damaged, if there are brethren who can help with repairs, it's done. If not, there is a legal non-profit corporation, the Bible Students Aid Foundation that will assist financially in getting repairs done. If brethren are financially strapped due to lost of employment, they'll be taken care of. (mortgage, rent, bills, etc.) There's also the Bible Students Retirement Center (we have a website, but it's for members only and one needs the code to assess it), but you can google it. BTW ... no one gets a salary.

 

[Bob Estey]

I have a question for the Jehovah's Witnesses on this forum. Why is your organization selling real-estate?

I'm not discussing selling Kingdom Halls or branch offices (Brooklyn Heights). I'm talking about selling luxury real-estate.

IBSA PROPERTIES

View attachment 46357

I am not a JW, but I'm guessing, for better or worse, lots of churches invest their money in various things.

 

[Berean]

I am not a JW, but I'm guessing, for better or worse,

I'm not a JW either, although we have a connected history. And yes, "lots of churches invest their money in various things," I've seen churches in my area with gift shops and coffee shops. One church has a Starbucks inside. That said, it's out in the open and the congregation can see it.

 

[Bob Estey]

I'm not a JW either, although we have a connected history. And yes, "lots of churches invest their money in various things," I've seen churches in my area with gift shops and coffee shops. One church has a Starbucks inside. That said, it's out in the open and the congregation can see it.

Churches might have investments that include stock in multiple companies, supervised by investment companies.

 

[Cassandra]

We have a central fund that any JW can contribute to of their own free will…the funds are used in a variety of ways, first and foremost to print Bibles and Bible literature, which we give to interested ones for free…..and secondly to fund disaster relief for our brothers and sisters who have lost their homes and possessions in any kind of natural disaster. They occur all over the world and our brothers can rely on their spiritual family to assist them with accommodation, food and clothing until they can either be resettled or their homes rebuilt. Teams of Jehovah’s Witness tradesmen have assisted others as well when they saw a need.…at no cost for labor.
The fund also provides electronic equipment for those in poorer nations to have access to the internet as we conduct many of our Bible studies via the internet. We also have studios where our videos are made for the benefit of our entire brotherhood. All who work at our facilities are volunteers and we also fund missionaries who cannot find work in their assigned locations.
Our elders receive no salary and full time ministers are self funded.

I for one would find no dishonesty in money invested for a return…it is not illegal or unethical…and if the money is put to good use.…what is the problem? Or is the poster just a fault finder?
It’s amazing the level some people will go in the character assassination of others. Why would someone even post something like that? Shows their motive, doesn’t it?

Yes, I have received many books and magazines from Jehovah's Witnesses at no cost.
Thanks for sharing about the disaster relief for your brothers and sisters. That is a wonderful thing.

 

[Berean]

Yes, I have received many books and magazines from Jehovah's Witnesses at no cost.

many Churches give away magazines and books at no cost.

 

[Cassandra]

ok. that doesn't take away from what they do.

 

[Berean]

ok. that doesn't take away from what they do.

And what do they do?

 

[rebuilder 454]

We have a central fund that any JW can contribute to of their own free will…the funds are used in a variety of ways, first and foremost to print Bibles and Bible literature, which we give to interested ones for free…..and secondly to fund disaster relief for our brothers and sisters who have lost their homes and possessions in any kind of natural disaster. They occur all over the world and our brothers can rely on their spiritual family to assist them with accommodation, food and clothing until they can either be resettled or their homes rebuilt. Teams of Jehovah’s Witness tradesmen have assisted others as well when they saw a need.…at no cost for labor.
The fund also provides electronic equipment for those in poorer nations to have access to the internet as we conduct many of our Bible studies via the internet. We also have studios where our videos are made for the benefit of our entire brotherhood. All who work at our facilities are volunteers and we also fund missionaries who cannot find work in their assigned locations.
Our elders receive no salary and full time ministers are self funded.

I for one would find no dishonesty in money invested for a return…it is not illegal or unethical…and if the money is put to good use.…what is the problem? Or is the poster just a fault finder?
It’s amazing the level some people will go in the character assassination of others. Why would someone even post something like that? Shows their motive, doesn’t it?

QUOTE
".... is the poster just a fault finder?
It’s amazing the level some people will go in the character assassination of others. Why would someone even post something like that? Shows their motive, doesn’t it?""

Meanwhile you cultists smear THE ENTIRETY of Christianity as murderers and war mongers.

Oh the irony of watchtower puppets.

 

[rebuilder 454]

Yes, I have received many books and magazines from Jehovah's Witnesses at no cost.
Thanks for sharing about the disaster relief for your brothers and sisters. That is a wonderful thing.

...books that smear Jehovah and declare Jesus as a created being.
Burn them if you have a sliver of discernment