Unless you’re a robot, the tragedy in Haiti can’t help but pull at your heartstrings. Unfortunately, there are people out there who are as soulless as robots, who will use your emotions to rip you off. Here are some recommendations from various watchdog organizations on giving.
• Avoid giving food, clothing or other in-kind gifts unless they are specifically requested, and you know the group has a way to quickly and efficiently distribute them.
• Find out if the group you're planning to donate to already has an on-the-ground presence in Haiti. Transportation in and out was poor at first, but it is getting better, so if a group doesn’t already have a significant presence there, what are they waiting for?
• Giving online is dangerous. Make sure you know who is operating the site. Spammers have hijacked what look very much like legitimate sites.
• Be highly suspicious of claims that 100 percent of your donation will go to victims. Every legitimate charity involves some operating costs. A claim of 60% to 85% of money raised actually reaching Haiti is considered reasonable. (Not by me, but it's considered reasonable by watchdog organizations. I'd set the bar a lot higher.) Legitimate costs are salaries for workers and executives, advertising the charity, etc. The problem is that since charities are non-profits, they are mostly unaccountable for what they take in and how they spend it. Do your homework. Google the officers of the charity, see if you can find out how high on the hog they are living.
• Don’t text your donation! I know, it’s convenient, but the money won’t likely get to the charity right away. Why not? (I know you would never do this but) some of your friends may have called a 900 number at some time. Does “900-meet-asian-chicks” get the money right away? No. First, your phone company has to bill you. Then you have to pay the bill. Then the phone company has to forward the portion collected to the 900 company. Same thing is true of texting money to charity. It could be a few months before your money is doing any good in Haiti, and in the meantime, the phone company is making money off the billing fees and the interest.
What about donating through your church? I don't mean the Pat Robertson/Jimmy Swaggert type of televangelist/con-men, I mean your corner church.
Last week, I selected 30 churches at random from the Phoenix phone book, and emailed them some questions about Haiti donations. Not surprisingly, most churches are reluctant to talk about the tons of loot they are raking in. Below is the text of my email, and the very few replies I got.
Dear Sir:
I write a column for examiner.com. I’m currently working on a column about donations for Haiti. I’m sending this email to a couple dozen churches in the Phoenix area. I would like your answers to the following questions:
• How many different services do you have in a week?
• What is your average attendance?
• Do you pass a collection plate at each service?
• Do you pass it more than once?
• Do you suggest/require a donation amount? How much?
• Do you communicate by letter, email, or phone call with your members regarding amounts they are suggested/required to donate?
• Besides the upkeep of your facility, what are the donations used for?
• Do you have salaried ministers or other local employees of the church?
• Are you asking your members to give something extra for Haiti?
• If so, are you taking that money from the regular donations, or do you have some special arrangement? (Passing a collection plate again, sending out request letters, etc.)
• If you are making special donation arrangements for Haiti, do you have a target figure?
• What percentage of the funds earmarked for Haiti do you expect to reach Haiti? (For example, the American Red Cross gets less than stellar reviews in several places on the web for spending too much on administrative costs.)
• Where are you sending the Haiti funds? (your organization’s upper management, CARE, United Way, etc.)
• What arrangement do you have for informing members of what they are contributing and how their money is being used?
I look forward to hearing from you.
A Baptist church replied: “We have 3 Sunday Worship Celebrations. And then a Wednesday evening Service that is a little different than Sunday's. Our total Sunday worship attendance is slightly more than 200, and we have Sunday small groups for all ages with attendance of about 150. Yes, we pass a collection plate at each service. No, we do not pass it more than once. We do not require a donation amount.” However, he followed that up with, “We do believe that a Christ Follower will be generous in giving and that the biblical minimum standard goal is the tithe, which is 10 percent of their income.” (For the record, tithing was a Jewish arrangement to support the Levites, who were not allowed to own land. It is not and never has been a Christian requirement. If it were, Jesus would not have died with no possessions other than the clothes on his back.) The minister hedged a bit on the question about sending collection letters. “To date 'no' to the suggested donations, and we do not 'require' donations.” His reply to how the money is used was also a bit vague: “Ministry, Missions, Personnel.” As to salaries, “1 full time pastor, and other part time staff.” Yes to the question of asking for something extra for Haiti. As to the question of special collections for Haiti: “Last Sunday all of our undesignated offerings (normal offerings not marked for a specific purpose) went to the Haitian Disaster Relief efforts. And now we will encourage our people to give if they wish to give more. We will have information in the Sunday bulletin and on our website that direct people to a trusted site for supporting the work.” On the question of what percentage of funds earmarked Haiti will be put to that use, he replied, “100%.” But the next question, where are you sending the Haiti funds, he answered, “It is going through our Arizona Southern Baptist Convention or through the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.” But he already acknowledged that “pastors” and “staff” collect salaries, so how could “100%” be reaching Haiti? On the question of advising members about how the money is used: “We keep confidential records of all contributions that come through [our] Church, and give a report back to individuals who contribute. Regarding the Haitian Relief efforts the agencies through which we contribute will have various measures of reporting.”
Next reply was from a Lutheran church:
“This time of year we average 3000 [in attendance], average weekly for the whole year 1350. We pass the plate once each service. We do not suggest or require a donation amount. No requirements, all strictly voluntary.” His reply to how the money is used was also a bit vague. “Salaries of staff, program costs, mission trips and outreach, community service.” He also acknowledged that the ministers receive a salary. (I keep mentioning that because, as previously noted, Jesus died poor, Paul made tents to support himself, and Jesus told his followers, ‘You received free, give free.’ Since none of us have paid Jesus for our biblical education, how can anyone justify charging parishioners for his services?) To the question of asking members to give something extra for Haiti he answered, “Absolutely.” The next question about how they were collecting the ‘something extra’ for Haiti he answered vaguely, “special donations.” How? He already said they only pass the plate once, and that they don’t send dunning letters. As to a target figure, he said they have no target, but that when the tsunami hit southeast Asia, they raised over $30,000. As to the percent of the funds for Haiti he expected to reach Haiti, he too replied, “100%.” On the question of where the funds are going he answered, “We send them through our national church office, to a related organization set up to handle disaster relief around the world: Lutheran Disaster Relief. No overhead, all to direct aid.” That sounds great! However, I searched for “Lutheran Disaster Relief” and found no such organization. I did find an organization called Lutheran Disaster Response, probably what he meant. When I clicked on that, it took me to the website of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, where asking for money for Haiti is clearly their top agenda at the moment. At the bottom of the page, in really tiny letters was this caveat: “Any funds not needed for this relief effort will be used for other disaster purposes as determined by LCMS World Relief and Human Care.” As with the Baptists, if their ministers and staff are salaried, they are not sending 100% to Haiti.
The next reply I got was also from a Lutheran church. "We have 3 services per week with an average attendance of a little under 500. We do pass collection plates in each service and that offering supports the overall ministry of [our church.] We have some staff people including myself (Senior Pastor), an office staff, and we operate a pre-school.” (Wait a minute, I’m just guessing here, but isn’t it likely that parents who make use of the preschool are required to pay for that service, rather than it being supported by the collection plate? Hmmm.) “We continue to encourage our members to contribute financially for the aid of the people of Haiti by supporting LC-MS World Relief and Human Care. This organization has had workers on the ground in Haiti from very early on after the disaster helping with food, water and medical needs, emergency housing and spiritual needs in many ways.” I finally got an honest answer regarding the percentage of donations that would actually reach Haiti. “I don’t know the exact percentage of administrative costs verses dollars directly to services and resources but you can likely find such information through their website.” No, actually, you can’t. What I did find, in addition to the warning already noted about how they can use your funds however they see fit, was some salary information.
As of 2006, the President of the LCMS received a salary of $158,870. The First Vice President, $129,160. The Secretary: $147,263. Vice President/Treasurer: $147,263. Chief Administrative Officer: $129,160. Executive officers of major legal entities (Corporate Synod, CPH, CHI, Church Extension Fund, Foundation) received an average annual salary of $133,864. Executive directors of Corporate Synod, WBP, other boards, commissions and departments including LCEF and LCMS Foundation) and CPH VP and other officers received an average salary of $122,350. The Lutheran minister continued: “We have published [the website] information for our members and encouraged them to give personal donations in addition to what we do collectively as a congregation.” (You might want to be careful about that… if your members start poking around like I did and discover where their money is going your donations might dry up.) “We do not require specific amounts of donations but we do know many of our members are quite generous in giving for a number of needs.” Let’s do some math, shall we? 1500 visitors a week. Since I’ve never been to a Lutheran church service, I have no idea what a ‘generous’ contribution is, but If each one drops $5 in the collection plate, that’s $18,000 a month, $216,000 a year! I hope someone from the tax office reads this column. Taxing churches could quickly balance the budget.
The next reply I got was from the executive assistant to the pastor of City of Grace Church, who declined to answer the questions herself, and advised me that the pastor was unable to do so as he was in Haiti with the City of Grace Disaster Relief team.
The last reply I got was from an elder at a Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall. He wrote: “Our kingdom hall is used by four congregations to avoid crowding and to allow us to get to know each other better. Each congregation meets twice a week, attendance averages 110 per meeting. No collections are ever taken in any kingdom hall anywhere in the world. No plate is passed, no dunning letters are sent out. We do not tithe. We have no paid ministers or staff. Each congregation is presided over by an unpaid body of elders, none superior to any other. We have a box at the back of the hall with a slot in the top where people can anonymously contribute what they can, if they wish, to pay for the utilities and maintenance of the building. We keep costs down by all of us – elders and publishers – jointly working together on cleaning and maintenance projects. We have another box where people can drop a contribution, if they wish, to the worldwide work of Jehovah’s Witnesses. That money supports the printing of millions of copies of The Watchtower and Awake magazines, Bibles, and other study aids. These publications are not sold; they are given freely to any who agree to read them. The brothers and sisters who live and work at the world headquarters in New York and in branch offices around the world are all volunteers. None – from the newest laborer to the members of the governing body of Jehovah’s Witnesses – receive a salary. The funds sent in for the worldwide work also support thousands of missionaries in other lands. Our missionaries are not school teachers or social workers. They devote their full time to teaching people the Bible. As all our meetings are about studying the Bible, money is not mentioned. Occasionally a letter is read thanking the congregation for contributions received. Every penny contributed is scrupulously accounted for, and any member of the congregation is free to ask any of the elders for an accounting of what the money was spent on. There is no special collection for Haiti; there is no need. Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide consider ourselves a brotherhood, and the problems of our brothers in Haiti are the same as if they happened to our literal family members, so there is no need to urge anyone to contribute. Jehovah’s Witnesses in Dominican Republic were on the road to Haiti with relief supplies within hours after the quake hit. Several Witness doctors from Dominican Republic and elsewhere have been working almost nonstop since the quake. Money and other supplies from the Watchtower Society headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, were sent immediately to Haiti and Dominican Republic, and supplies and money are still pouring in. Of course, no repayment will ever be asked for or expected… we know they would do the same for us.”
Well, that was refreshing. I went to watchtower.org and searched it for references to money, donations, charity. All I found were Watchtower articles such as “Is money your master or your servant?” and “Is pursuit of money making you sick?” Try as I might, there was no way to donate any money to the organization, nor any request for donations. The only mention of money I found, in connection with Haiti, was in a public news release at jw-media.org entitled “Witnesses’ relief efforts well under way for victims of earthquake in Haiti.” A single line at the bottom read, “The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses is caring for these expenses by utilizing funds donated to the Witnesses’ worldwide work.”
For more information on safe giving, Check out charitynavigator.org.
Comments
eye opening article. good work!
Interesting that Jehovah's Witnesses spend their time knocking on your door on Saturaday's and not these money grubbing schemes
like the others you mentioned.
Interesting that JWs also dont get paid. A lot of expense has to go into driving around, house to house, just even locally. they must pay for that individually. Maybe I will listen next time...
I can't beleive what 'church officers' get paid!!? Over 100k to do what Jesus did for free? Jehovah's Witnesses have it right. The difference is striking. I thank them for their hard work and example.
If a minister is are already on salary, then no amount of donation money for Haiti needs to go to pay his salary - it's a done deal regardless of what money, if any, is taken in for this unexpected event.
Dear Mr. Underhill:
I read your excellent article. Congratulations on your accuracy and objectivity. I might suggest that you follow up with Jehovah's Witnesses and go to any kingdom hall in your area for any public meeting and confirm what that elder told you regarding finances. You will be warmly welcomed and any questions you may have will be answered.
BTW, if you want to know more about what Jehovah's people are doing in Haiti, please access John and Marie Goode's excellent website.
I just wanted to say this is such an excellent article. I am a Jehovah's witness, and it makes my heart rejoice to see how for once, our religion has been exposed in a good light. Certainly contrary to these other religions whose motives aren't pure. How selfish can one be? There is a disaster going on in Haiti, yet the money that is being donated to these churches, are not being properly utilized to better Haiti. Excellent article
This article is well written and truthful. Excellent!! I am one of Jehovah's Witness and my heart is over bubbling with joy to know that there is one true religion that is honest. At times Jehovah's Witnesses are critized about our charity/disaster contribution, but this article brings light on really what Jehovah's Witnesses stand for. Jehovah's Witnesses is all about spreading Jehovah's(God's Name) love to all mankind. Again, thumbs up on your research.
I just wanted to say this is such an excellent article. I am a Jehovah's witness, and it makes my heart rejoice to see how for once, our religion has been exposed in a good light. Certainly contrary to these other religions whose motives aren't pure. How selfish can one be? There is a disaster going on in Haiti, yet the money that is being donated to these churches, are not being properly utilized to better Haiti. Excellent article
Fantastic article! Right on the money! (All puns intended.) My family and I are also Jehovah's Witnesses. My daughter and her husband spend at least 70 hours in the ministry work every week at their expense. He works as a carpenter and she as a window cleaner to support their volunteer ministry. I have a son who does volunteer work full time printing Bibles and Bible literature. We believe in working to support ourselves in the greater work of preaching the good news of God's Kingdom. We also do what we can in relief missions as your article aptly stated. Again, FANTASTIC ARTICLE!
Dear Mr. Underwood,
I'm very thankful for your honest and forthright article. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses I can say that you did your homework well and said it like it is. We follow Jesus' example. It's simple and motivated by love. Thank-you again.
I was so happy to read this article. I feel confident that whatever I contribute to the worldwide work of Jehovah's Witnesses is being directed to further His purposes. What a blessing it is to be a part of such an honest hearted organization.
wonderful article.we too are Jehovah's Witnesses working on an assembly hall project.voluntary, no pay,for going on six months.along with thousands of other Jehovah's Witnesses.We pray for our brothers and sisters in Haiti and support them any way we can. Thank you for your article.
Interesting article, Mr. Underwood. I think it's obscene the way ministers of some churches are taking money from people who are barely making ends meet, while these ministers are living in the lap of luxury. I've noticed that they're being exposed more and more in the news lately, so I guess others are as offended as I am. I know many Jehovah's Witness ministers, and I know they all work secularly, and that they donate much of their time and their money to help other people of all religions. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone in the world cared about, and helped, their neighbors? Also, if anyone wants to help out the people in Haiti, if you give a donation to Jehovah's Witnesses and tell them that you want the money to go to help people in Haiti, one hundred percent of your money will be used wisely to help those in need in Haiti. In fact Jehovah's Witnesses delivered hundereds of tons of food, water, clothing, blankets and other supplies to Haiti the day after the earthquake.
Wow. jehovah witnesses dont get paid for their work? i dont see how they do it. i know they were just at my complex, and i hear so much crap talked about them, but they were all very respectful and kind. it seems that other 'christians' talk a big game, but they dont show it. it seems like they actually practice what they preach. well, next time i see them in my complex, im gonna talk to them and see how they do it.
Thanks for your honest, well researched, article..I have been one of Jehovah's Witnesses since 1971. I can personally vouch for the truthfulness of your article...
I wanted to add for any curious ones that might search for a candid answer. That those who serve at the Branch in the US as well as around the world receive by law a very small compensation for personal expenses i had the joy of serving at the branch. The compensation i believe is now $130 each month $30 of which the branch sets aside as a year end savings this aids in paying for clothing transportation and if you save thrifty enough an occasional visit home to the family. The branch family is provided rooming and 3 meals a day except sunday where only breakfast and dinner are served and very moderately as most are out with their assigned congregations in NY and surrounding areas. With train rides being $2.00 now and food and gas prices rising trust me when i say the allowance is very modest but generous from our friends to help. And every volunteer receives the same from those taking the lead on the Governing Body to those taking out the trash. Thank you for this article.
This was such a truthful & refreshing article. .Jehovah's Witnesses have always been the first to reach the disaster areas. They stand prepared at all times with out ever being noticed or given credit, which is not the reason they are there. There work is done out of love for our God Jehovah & his command to love one another and our neighbor, as our exemplar Jesus did. I am very happy to be a member of this wonderful Organization. I give you my Christian love for this great article. Thank you.
Thank you for your thoughtful and well-researched article. There is certainly more than meets the eye behind many good intentions and you helped decipher the facts.
Thank you, Mr. Underwood, for the research and detail you put into this report. I too am one of Jehovah's Witnesses. You are certainly right that seeing the images of the disaster in Haiti tuggs at your heartstrings. The experiences pouring in about the relief work that JW's are doing in the DR & Haiti are a real testament to the love that we show.
I too am one of Jehovah's Witnesses, just got back from Africa the International Assembly was proof positive that we really are a brother hood regardless of race, the love we show is truly universal visit any meeting you too will see, our Brothers in Haiti will in fact be well taken care of Jesus said at John 13:34,35 By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves I have seen this love for over 50 years I rest my case.
Thank you so much for your honest, God-honoring article about the love and generous, well-organized giving of Jehovah's Witnesses. I was baptized in 1972 as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and now 38 years later I still treasure the privilege of bearing God's name and helping others come to know the True God, Jehovah.
I'm from Canada, and I want to say thank you on your accuracy and objectivity, this i s a excellent article. I'm a Jehovah's Witness and my sister in law, is right there in the Witnesses’ branch office in Haiti , she was lucky, she is alive, her and her husband. They received help early on the morning after the earthquakes.The Witnesses’ branch office in the Dominican Republic quickly sent six tons of food and medical supplies to the branch office in Haiti. These supplies were received the morning after the disaster.So its wonderful to see that our money is wisely use , and yes at 100%. Thank you to all our brothers and sisters around the world.
what a great article. the author really put an effort to tell the truth. i am a jehovah's witness and it is hard to find people who have an open mind. thank you for this article.
Just so pleased that we are portrayed the way it REALLY is! You write with courage and honesty to come to this truth. You are to be commended for your excellent journalism. We are ALL volunteers. Amazing and thought provoking isn't it?
Mr. Underwood:
as one of the JW in Mexico I´ve been "giver" and "receiver" of donations at least once. some years ago my family and I lost some belongings due to a tropical storm, within hours, we were safe and everything we needed we had it at had. some days later there where brothers of our congregation helping us out with the cleaningof our house.
A year later some brothers were in the same situation, this time because a huricane. It was amazin g to see that we were the first (and the only ones) to arrive there even before Gov. or the red cross; we spent 4 days rebuilding houses at our own expenses. some of the local people were asking us: "are you form a political party? are they your relatives?" all of them were amazed to know that we were JW and that we were helping the brothers we didn´t know, and of course, when we finished we helped them too.
John 13:34,35 is clear when reads: "By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves."
What could be better then the SAINTS going to the super bowl?
An honest report on Church "loot"
Its encouraging that you cared enough to do more research an find the TRUTH of the matter of donations, Jehovah's Witnesses world wide stand by and are ready to continue caring for those in need indefinately. We were on the move with in hours of finding out there was a desaster. We do have intense love for all our Brothers and Sisters and take the oppertunity to reach out and help whom ever, where ever with out being ask.
Thank you for posting the accurate website www.watchtower.org. S
Mr. Underwood,
First of all, I want to THANK YOU for the well researched article! Jesus said "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32 KJV.
I am from Mississippi. I have personally been part of the disaster relief work of Jehovah's witnesses after Katrina. We help our brothers & sisters, but we also share with other people in need. However, we don't make a big deal about what we do. "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:2-4 NIV. We also strive to live by the words recorded in 1 John 3:17,18
Thank You for your time.
I have been a baptized witness of Jehovah for 22 years and still marvel at the modern miracle of our united brotherhood. I want to thank you for the article, it was so well written. And I also feel, as my brothers and sisters do, that it is a grand privilege to be part of such a wonderful organization. These natural disasters prove how people can come together and show such love to each other.
Thank you for your courage to report some very disturbing facts about religions,and their use of donations.As one of Jehovahs Witnesses, I have heard many times that people enjoy the honest company of Jehovahs Witnesses, but that they dislike the religion itself. However,it is our trust in our gods principles that make us the united brotherhood that we are! We feel it is our privilege to help our brothers,not just a duty. Thank you again!
How Can We Help?
1 The question “How can we help?” is often raised by Jehovah’s Witnesses when they hear of a disaster that has occurred in some part of the world. As the account at Acts 11:27-30 shows, Christians in the first century provided a relief ministration to the brothers dwelling in Judea because of a famine that took place.
2 In modern times, our organizational charters have permitted money to be used for charitable activity and to provide humanitarian assistance to those suffering from natural or man-made disasters and in other times of need.
3 For example, last year many brothers contributed toward helping those affected by the tsunami disaster in South Asia. This heartfelt response in the way of donations to the organization’s relief funds was very much appreciated. However, when donations are earmarked specifically for a certain disaster, it is necessary in some countries to use such funds only for the purpose specified by the donor and within a certain period of time
4 Consequently, it is recommended that donations for humanitarian and relief assistance be made to the worldwide work. This fund is used for relief efforts as well as for advancing the spiritual needs of the Christian brotherhood. If, for some reason, a person wishes to make a relief donation separate from contributions to the worldwide work, it will still be accepted and used wherever there is a need for relief assistance. However, it would be appreciated if such donations are made without restrictions as to where and how the funds may be used.
5 Our directing donations primarily to the worldwide work allows for more funds to be available for use in connection with all features of the Kingdom work rather than being held only for future relief needs. This is in harmony with the spirit of Ephesians 4:16, that we work together to give what is needed “for the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”
For more information regarding such matters, write to the Treasurer’s Office, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York 11201, or to the Society’s local branch office.
Voluntary donations of money may be sent directly to the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York 11201, or to the Society’s local branch office. Jewelry or other valuables may also be donated. A brief letter stating that such is an outright gift should accompany these contributions.
Dear Mr Underwood,
I have just read your article which was forwarded to me by a freind in Arizona and wanted as a JW, to thank you (and your team) for such a balanced report. I am sure that many people will be surprised to learn that we as JW's are involved in any type of releif work work as they know us only as "those people who don't accept blood and wake me up when I am trying to have a lay in at the weekend....!" We may not shout it from the roof tops like some organizations but we can be found at most disaster site offering releif. As our HQ was just accross the bridge from the twin towers when 9/11 happened we were also helping those people then.
Thanks again for such an honest article.
Before ascending to heaven the resurrected Jesus told his faithful eleven apostles as recorded at Matthew 28:16-20 in part,"I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things." The love, unity and organization among Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide clearly demonstrates that Jehovah through his son Jesus is directing the work. Just as Jesus demonstrated on more than one occasion while on earth as a man that he has the authority to provide for the needs of those who love him. While disasters are tragic and humbling, they give us the opportunity to draw ever closer as brothers. But most of all it gives honor and glory to the Sovereign of the Universe, Jehovah God. I have been one of Jehovah's Witnesses for 30 years and as so many others have testified, I too have had the privledge to give and recieve of the brotherly love among us.
Thank you so much for your fine article about the disaster relief in Haiti and the part Jehovah's Witnesses are playing. It is truly amazing to be part of a world wide brotherhood and seeing Jehovah's hand in the working of it each and every day.
JW Disaster Relief efforts rebuilt over 5000 homes in the Katrina disaster.
I enjoyed reading your well researched and written article. How true it is, about the cruel deception that permeates the world of today. While there are many legitmate organizations providing relief to Haitians, one still needs to be careful of not falling prey to the many deceptive scams. How refreshing it is to have the united brotherhood and the unconditional love shared amongst our brothers and sisters worldwide. ~Continued prayers~
I am NOT one of Jehovah's Witnesses, but I have to say I have a lot of respect for JWs as I know several personally, and I've been well informed about their organization and beliefs.
I'm simply a follower of Christ who uses the Bible as my way of living (that we are dead in sin, but God sent Jesus to redeem us). My hangup (the reason I have not become one of Jehovah's Witnesses) is the JW religion is only 130+ years old (very young for a belief system) and the history of Charles Taze Russel is suspicious.
However, the collection of money to build mammoth chuches and support over-paid staff, is sickening.
When it comes to money, as it relates to "church", the JWs have it right!
Whereas youre article was very nice, and well written I have to call you out on one aspect (lame I know)only because I found this article looking for yours. I felt bad about texting $10 to verizon, now this. Search google for this Verizon Wireless Advances $2.98 Million in Donations From Its Customers to Red Cross and you will find an examiner article that seems to imply the money texted via verizon at least has been shuffled right through.
I enjoyed reading your well researched and written article. How true it is, about the cruel deception that permeates the world of today. While there are many legitmate organizations providing relief to Haitians, one still needs to be careful of not falling prey to the many deceptive scams. How refreshing it is to have the united brotherhood and the unconditional love shared amongst our brothers and sisters worldwide. ~Continued prayers~
Thanks Bill for such a well written and accurate article. I too am one of Jehovah's Witnesses, baptized in 1976. You have no idea what kind of peace of mind we have knowing that our brothers and sisters will be at our homes when disaster strikes, to rebuild, and help us get our lives back together. What a wonderful organization we enjoy, thanks to Jehovah and Jesus Christ.
Thanks for the great article.
Jehovahs Witnesses definetly have it right.
They are always first on the scene in such situations, and give a willing hand to many others, people who may very well have been hostile towards them.
They're the modern day equivalents to the first Christians such as thr apostles, disciples, Paul and others.
True Christians.
I admire them for that.
Note to G Simes:
If you read the book of Jude (short book, really easy), it explains why a new religion could be the true religion. A cleansing needed to be done, and it is very likely that the time for a peaceful, loving and pure organization to emerge and serve God with truth and honor would be right now.
this is the truth and purely the truth what a joy it is to belong to such an wholesome organisation . JWs have alway allowed love for there brothers to come first in there life
DEAR G Simes,
JUST TO INFORM YOU THAT JEHOVAH WITNESSES RELIGION IS MORE THEN A 130 YEAES OLD, CHRIST WAS A WITNESS FOR JEHOVAH,(REV 1:5 3:14)(JOHN 17:6)(ABEL:(HEBREWS 11:4-12)AND MANY OTHER :10-12) IF YOU NEED THE RIGHT INFORMATION ASK ONE OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES.Isa.43:10-12
Note to G Simes:
If you read the book of Jude (short book, really easy), it explains why a new religion could be the true religion. A cleansing needed to be done, and it is very likely that the time for a peaceful, loving and pure organization to emerge and serve God with truth and honor would be right now.
Ive been one of JW for more than 30 years.Ive have done hurricane relief work in south florida.We were the first one to go into south dade for disater relief when hurricane andrew hit miami.We cleared a road of trees and the florida highway patrol followed us.We have repaired over 5000 homes from hurricane damage mine included.Cost to householders nothing.We put on new roofs on many homes.My back hurt for 4 days after one roof and i thought i was in shape but when my turn came again out i went.Why john 13:34,35 LOVE
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