Living without (my own) money

How it works and why I do it
*****
About Me
I'm a young mom living in an intentional community called the Bruderhof, and vlogging about what that's like.
If you want to know more, subscribe and ring the bell so you don't miss any new videos:
→ / @laurafromthebruderhof
I used to vlog on the Bruderhof channel. See all my old videos in this playlist:
→ • Meet My Mom - Laura fr...
*****
What is the Bruderhof?
The Bruderhof is an intentional Christian community of people living in radical discipleship in the spirit of the first church in Jerusalem. We gladly renounce private property and share everything in common. Our vocation is a life of service to God, each other, and you. Learn more at the Bruderhof KZbin channel: ► kzbin.info...
More info is at:
► Website: www.bruderhof.com
► Instagram: www.bruderhof.com/instagram
► Twitter: www.bruderhof.com/twitter
► Facebook: www.bruderhof.com/facebook

[@amberlawrence8906]

Laura, you are such a sweetheart! You make me laugh all the time. You're a wonderful face to Bruderhof life!

[@jaynepreston1737]

I love all your positivity Laura. Your vlogs are so inspiring

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thank you so much!!

[@suzannepeck5610]

Laura, your conversations always hold the best, yet the most simple of wisdoms, and the most gently said.

[@katharineharrison9091]

I admire your way of life Laura. Thank you for sharing your lifestyle with us and simplifying in intelligent and passionate words how you live.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thank you Katharine

[@mollystreeter5438]

Laura You are such a joy when you have a chat with us, and you always explain things so clearly. I love your videos you are always smiling, and I have a fee!ing you are a little mischievous sometimes, you have that twinkle in your eyes. I think that your way of life would appeal to a lot of people who are finding the world a difficult place and feel alone. Take care my darling and keep safe. God bless 👵

[@JesusChristisKingandLord]

Watching from the Philippines. I love your way of life Laura. Thank you for your videos.

[@planecrazyish]

Really enjoy your videos and getting an insight into your way of life. It’s so interesting. You seem really happy , you smile a lot and you clearly enjoy a good laugh 😆 👏👏👏👏👏👏 .

[@lisashibata6356]

Words I needed to hear today.

[@jeansaben9954]

I needed to hear "Don't worry" today/thank you for your videos

[@kalakakku7749]

I think you made some really good points about not being weighed down by money etc. I feel that a community of goods is a really good way to care for others.

[@jenfrills3214]

Thank you 😊

[@michaelgibbs3147]

Community meeting this evening, "Laura helped herself to 23 bars of chocolate again! ;-)

[@soniariley8821]

Ok so she had some chocolate but what about the other questions pls

[@planecrazyish]

😃😃😃👏👏👏👏

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

lol

[@GDMHificationranpitc]

Haha she is a Jordan fan... Do the Bruderhof watch sports?

[@jacksoldano5752]

Oh Laura, thanks for sharing thy life, thy ministry, with us.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

You are so welcome!

[@annahopp]

Free food!!! I love this place. 😀

[@lisahooper7578]

Sooo interesting and convicting as a Christian! I wish I could see where you can choose your groceries and clothes, etc. And what it looks like for the people who purchase items for the Bruderhof.

[@jamiesarverburger]

This sounds like an ideal life.

[@jamiesarverburger]

How are disability or extensive medical needs handled?

[@bekind2239]

Thank you for sharing

[@safehaven2763]

What brings greater peace...relying on self and being disconnected or relying on each other and thus being super connected? I would think the second option. You are very blessed there at the bruderhof.

[@taraburke826]

Oh I love this! It is one of the fights I have with myself, how much money to save, to give? I love chocolate too, LOL! 😊 I can testify that not only does the Bruderhof appear to share with great example inside the community but also in your mission gifts outside the community. As a neighbor of the Rifton community we experience your great generosity in your dinners that you open to the community (pre-pandemic), you also where a tremendous benefactor to the children's programs in the Town of Rosendale supporting the pool, parks, and our food pantries could not thrive as they do without you. My words are not adequate in expressing our gratitude to you all at the Bruderhof. Thank you so very much! Speaking of a "beautiful summer" did you view the eclipse from the mountain top this morning? We saw it from the Rosendale Rail Road Tressle. It was a spectacular view. To the glory of God! Blessings and thank you so very much for all you share! A true blessing to us all!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Hi Tara - so happy to be neighbors!

[@ruthlaurie-hopper3489]

Laura it sounds perfect to me. Have your needs met not your wants. But still enjoy nice things. Mainly to make room to help others less fortunate makes sense.

[@Noone-rt6pw]

On spending, I bought my first set of Reeboks around 1985 for $60. Which compared to Walmart Specials, these were so comfortable. Then it seemed they'd never wear out. They became discolored and such but last, excellent shoes. Where Walmart shoes were much more expensive over time.

[@suebillingham8181]

Thanks Laura, money & materialism is a real temptation I face every day. My husband & 8 seek to use our money wisely & invest money in the Kingdom in our giving & use of money. We remind ourselves all we have is from the Lord. Xx

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thanks Sue.

[@jasonporterfield9169]

As always, thanks for the articulate reflection. On the old podcast and in past videos, I've heard other Bruderhof members share similar thoughts on why they live without money. It's always good food for thought. Sometime, I'd love to hear you share what sort of conversations the Bruderhof has had and what safeguards y'all have in place to avoid corporate wealth. Scott Bessenecker, Director of Missions for InterVarsity, shares in one of his books about visiting the Franciscan monastery in Assisi and being shocked at how much wealth they had accumulated, yet the brothers spoke passionately with him of their vow of poverty and how they each personally owned nothing. The Bruderhof I visited (Woodcrest) was pleasantly simple / modest. Yet I suspect, with Bruderhof businesses doing well, accruing corporate wealth is an ever-present temptation, and one I trust y'all have put considerable thought into avoiding.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

That's a really good question which I'm going to think about and get back to you on in a video

[@swampophelia2098]

Yes there was a bit of scandal years ago about the founders sons having a private aeroplane and flashy cars etc whilst the members were living on basic foods and shamed if they asked for anything extra

[@laineyga]

Thanks, Laura, for another interesting and provocative video. Your thoughts prompt me to examine how my life aligns to Jesus’s way of love in my own context. This one was particularly helpful in that regard. Best wishes for lots of opportunities to enjoy all that summer offers. 🌞

[@lynnebunning7273]

Another thought-provoking video, but then all your videos do that. Your smile is like a breath of fresh air, it's genuine. Where does the money go, you receive from Utube? Blessings from Australia 🇦🇺🐨🙏🏼🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

The account doesn't make any money (although someone told me recently that because of a change KZbin made there are sometimes ads on my videos? not my intention!)

[@paulschryba4029]

Great thoughts! From a human perspective, work is the sharing of gifts and talents to meet human needs - when material wealth beyond need, then to some extent desires. To work to "make money" and get the most material possessions beyond need that you can, is idolatrous and greed. That idolatry and greed is threatening human existence on this planet, because our creating humanly usable material wealth comes with the destruction of the environment that also keeps us in existence. Blessings to you!

[@crystalsmith4670]

Hello Laura and thank you. I enjoy your videos so much. I have a question out of curiosity. Is there a certain brand or store that your community uses? For example, Does everyone get the same brand of soap, shampoo, lotion, like basic needs type items?

[@hondafreedom9329]

I can understand the concept but to give up all the things that my parents gave me like photographs, etc. I don't think I could do, but I do, understand "where you are coming from." Perhaps, growing up in the Bruderhof, it would be more natural or easy. I agree that what you need, not what you don't, is an advantageous and essential way to live. Take what you need only. Unfortunately, money is people's "God." I often ponder living within the Bruderhof; there is so much good and purpose in it.

[@may.theresia975]

I don’t think the Bruderhof would make you give away personal mementos. If you have boxes over boxes it might be difficult to move around (I have a feeling that the Bruderhof has archives, where you can store letters, diaries and possibly photographs, but I am not sure)

[@hondafreedom9329]

@@may.theresia975 Oh wow! Thanks, that might be hopeful.

[@may.theresia975]

Most people will habe photo albums at the Bruderhof, I think... I have like a million diaries and letters, so the question was very important to me, too... 😂 If you live somewhere near a Bhof you might have the chance to visit at some point (depending on the state of the pandemic 😊) - I am sure you’ll find lots of personal mementos in peoples houses... Bruderhof-friends of mine moved a bucket full of shells from Florida to England for personal memory of the beach...

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

@@may.theresia975 This is basically accurate! Thanks May Theresia!

[@ullishw8098]

What about phones and cameras and such? Like if someone likes to photograph? Or makes videos like you?

[@rochellemarchionda3666]

Great video explaining acquiring possessions. Question regarding wants. I know crafts are a want, I see that you paint how do you get your supplies. Are members allowed to acquire books, knitting, crocheting, sewing supplies? Are they allowed?

[@rebekahbridges-tervydis5054]

I’ve asked this question repeatedly. I just want to know, if I like photography, but cameras are expensive.

[@suemoravec422]

She requests them and they give her the supplies.

[@may.theresia975]

From what I figured it’s a combination of „there is a stock of things, where you can get things“ (say, sewing stuff etc.), handing down things to people who need it (say, an instrument you don’t play yourself) and requesting stuff (say a special dutch crochet hook...)

[@kalakakku7749]

Good question!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

People enjoy all kinds of different activities - fishing, various sports, crafts etc., and within reason you can request what you need for that.

[@swampophelia2098]

Once the clothes have been allocated to you are you then the only person who wears them or do you just get anything back in the laundry so long as it’s the right size etc

[@pittschapelfarm2844]

I always felt sorry for the rich man and what he was asked to give up. Of course he felt distraught after what he was told. Maybe he had people he was taking care of with his riches. What if that's asked of the people who take care of your money? Can they give that away without taking care of you first? Or would they rely on their faith that you would be taken care of? It's a difficult decision. Your description of money and how it's spent is really like mine and most everyone's. I take care of necessities too, and people I care for. And I don't buy things I don't need. About like everybody. Just on a smaller scale.

[@D.N..]

You have a wonderful life🌷

[@Eliza-anisiltireach]

Super interesting. I have three questions after this video: 1. Do you have any choice in what you get regarding clothes? Like colour/ style? 2. If you want to read a specific book that you’ve read about online and the Bruderhof doesn’t already own it, will they order it for you? 3. How do you decide for yourself whether you need something or not? I’m sure you still suffer from materialistic urges, as you’re human. Thanks for making this video, and all your videos, anyway! X

[@CandyCinema]

I visited the Bruderhof in Platte Clove and asked the question about the books. They have a library in their school, and it is connected to the inter loan system of other local libraries in the network, so many/most books would be available through that. If your specific book is not available there, it would be like another item that Laura describes here, or you could entice the librarian to purchase it for the collection. The editors at the Plough are extremely well-read and I think there is a great love for books at the Bruderhof.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Hi Eliza, great questions and I'll put try to get to them in an FAQ soon.

[@Eliza-anisiltireach]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Thanks! I look forward to them. Another question I have frequently had but never asked is: how does mental health care work at the Bruderhof? Do you have psychologists in the community or does it work better to go outside? What's the attitude towards it like, considering many of the older generations are still often quite bad at talking about mental health etc.? Thanks again, I learn so much from your videos, which I try to apply in my own life, always!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

I talked about this in a video once kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH3ZgGh7jLRgbrM

[@Eliza-anisiltireach]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Aaah thanks so much, I must have missed that video in the midst of the business that is life! Will watch now!

[@rrjohn5]

Laura, I so much appreciate how you express life on the Bruderhoff. You present your convictions in a way that doesn't express my-way-or-the-highway. This gives validity to your lifestyle, and dispells any thought of the C word😉. I love how you validate how others live life pleasing to God, that is different from how you do live life pleasing to God.

[@chazchillings3019]

I have a question. Your church has a vast amount of music. Both handed down and made from generations of the community members. The question is if you all sing modern Christian music too when you worship. Either way is fine. I was curious.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

You're right, we love music of all kinds. In our worship meetings we sing hymns for the most part.

[@traceylouisebooth1810]

BRILLIANT ID LOVE TO LIVE WITHOUT MONEY.

[@brianmurphy7962]

Hi Laura, interesting video. I know both these stories well. This is how I see it. Jesus does not say that possessions are bad .. what He does say is that one should not be "tied down" by one's possessions/passions. Nothing must come between us and God. So, a simple example, if one has a passion for baseball, and baseball practice is taking precedence over your Sunday obligation, well, that's a problem. Regarding money, it is not bad to have it, if used for the greater glory of God.. feeding the poor, education, supporting one's family and the common good.. if one makes/hoards money out of the a love of money, that is certainly sinful. Jesus asks the rich man to give away his possessions and follow Him. He can't, he goes away sad. Some ARE called to live a life of poverty, chastity and obedience... , to live in community, but not all. Some are called to do God's work "in the world."

[@emmib1388]

agreed. The rich young ruler had money as his god -- that is what Jesus was saying to give up --whether it is money, social media, sports, etc.

[@swampophelia2098]

Why should you only worship in a Sunday

[@emmib1388]

@@swampophelia2098 who said you should only worship God on a Sunday? We should be doing that every day :-)

[@kaykalda9674]

How do you tithe and give to the church, missions and the spreading of the gospel. The promise you quoted is we don't worry because we put our trust in Jesus.

[@mckue54]

I think I would have less problems with the sharing of goods and property than the idea of lack of personal privacy, By that I mean having to ask someone for something I need and would normally just walk into a shop or chemist and purchase I think I would struggle with someone other than my family knowing my personal needs

[@michellehochstedler7809]

Me too. I am more of a private person anyways, to me that is between me and my husband not head leaders seems a little controlling. But each to there own.

[@airbenderXX19]

Money is really important

[@lenaannis8787]

Yes it is,but dont worry the brand Bruderhof is a mutlimillion brand...so there is money !!!

[@airbenderXX19]

@@lenaannis8787 a lot of money to carry in are pockets 👍👍

[@swampophelia2098]

@@airbenderXX19 hmm from what I read the top leaders had a private jet etc whilst the people live in the most basic apartments with basic amenities

[@airbenderXX19]

@@swampophelia2098 is that a good thing

[@swampophelia2098]

@@airbenderXX19 which one ? I don’t think either are the best thing

[@MomtoZnE]

What if you need something that you have to go shop for on your own - like a bra (for instance), if none of the bras available at the community fit you properly and you want to go shopping for one on your own? Is that allowed?

[@emmib1388]

the person in charge of clothing would be familiar with her needs and either have some available already or would order them for her :-)

[@natl2042]

I love that you are living as you believe god intended you to but still respect others decisions on how to live. Karen’s use religion and the Bible to justify their bigotry and hatred, which is not in the Bible if interpreted correctly. You’re such an inspiration! Can you please interview different members of the bruferhof and ask them how they came to the decision to live communally i. The bruderhof?

[@jackienaiditch7965]

I'm wondering how medical costs are covered. Not the minor ones, but big-ticket stuff, like hospital stays, chemo treatment. That can be hugely expensive. Also--and this goes for any intentional community--what happens if you eventually realize you no longer want to live there. You've given up all your possessions. You may have given up a career to, say, work in a Bhof manufacturing business. So you're faced with rejoining secular life with no money, no career, and perhaps few skills. Is the only answer to be very very sure you can commit to living there forever?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Medical costs are different in every country of course - but here in the US we have insurance thankfully that covers bigger expenses. As far as people leaving the community, that does happen and we we do our best to make sure they are taken care of. But anyone who makes the commitment to stay here knows it is a lifelong commitment and it is not undertaken lightly.

[@rainyblain]

it had absolutely nothing to do with crypto, but some interesting ideas around a micro-economy made up of individuals, considering the lower costs involved when purchasing at volume as opposed to singular, even the car reference, if you could only purchase say 6 electric cars for a population of 30 individuals it would make remarkable economic sense to do so. The same would be true of housing, food, cleaning material, energy, computers... not really your thing I know, but I look for ideas in the strangest of places.

[@irenelim2140]

Hi Laura, Always a joy to listen to you. What suddenly crossed my mind was tithes and offering. Is this also only those who are working and earning from your community that contribute? God bless and thanks again

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Other people can certainly contribute!

[@debbimeyersbrant5752]

I understand the premises of what you're talking about I would like to ask let's say you make a painting and you hang it on your wall you painted it you got the stuff you painted it is that painting yours it doesn't belong to everyone. I know you said before if you needed to move to a different apartment you showed a little suitcase everything packed up in that what about the furniture in your home that piece that that Chris made I think that was the couch is that yours or doesn't belong to the bruderhof and if you leave that apartment it stays there just something I've been thinking about blessings to you and yours.

[@jeannieleasa1579]

Very good question Debbi Meyers Brant.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Hi Debbie - none of us owns anything, but of course we do have household items we use, or pictures we enjoy - and if I moved to another apartment I'd take the things that are personal, and leave the furniture for the next family. Thanks for your question!

[@debbimeyersbrant5752]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof thank you for getting back to me, I was going to ask this question before but never got around to it I believe a lot of people was thinking of the same question we just didn't know how to ask again thank you for answering and blessings to you and yours

[@salt1956]

How do you explain Luke 16:9 '...make friends with earthly mammon...' ?

[@exenrontexas]

Are you aware of the Mondragon corporation in Spain. Started years ago by a Catholic priest. Could you research and have a discussion about the similarities and contrasts with Bruderhof? It seems to me there are correlations.

[@Itiswrittenkjv1611]

Miss Melinda.. :'-(

[@vanessarenda1393]

I have a question. If no one works where does the homes and property, clothes and food and money you are given? Someone has to earn money somewhere? I love the idea of the life style.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Our communities run several businesses that earn the money we use for food, housing etc - the proceeds are pooled and used to take care of all of us.

[@lensandyarn]

Very interesting :) Are you allowed to ask for yarn/fabric and knit or sew clothes for your family? Also can you ask for books, or do you have some kind of library with modern stuff? I once watched a video by a girl who was raised in a religious family, I am not sure which type of Christian, but she was not allowed to read Harry Potter and that was very surprising to hear. If I can ask for yarn, fabric and I have access to books, I think I can live this way :))

[@traceylouisebooth1810]

IAM ON BENEFITS UNIVERAL CREDIT AND PIP, DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE CAPITAL /SAVINGS TO JOIN?

[@joetrester3139]

I totally understand the concept of “no money” being liberating. The problem with the story of the Rich Man is that Jesus knew his problem was one of who was his God. He couldn’t let go of the money so his ultimate trust was in material things. The other thing your system promotes is seeing things through the eyes of your neighbor. If you, Laura, eat all the chocolate, what will your neighbor eat? If you take five pairs of tennis shoes, what will be left for your neighbor? A very counterculture idea for sure but clearly in line with the Gospel! Thank you for your video as always!

[@arielstokes1930]

I wonder, it seems you can live a very fulfilling life in your community without money. I'd love to learn how you support those who wish to leave though. If you could do a video on that, I think it would be very interesting. My fear is not having money of your own can easily lead down the road of financial abuse, as a way to keep people in the community.

[@blessedrthosesermount99]

I'd like to join you all! 😊🙏✨💖💒

[@Bibliobelle_]

What if you’re coming in as an adult and have sentimental things such as a stuffed animal from your youth, family photos, things that are passed down from grandparents etc? Could you bring like one box of your own stuff? Is the idea more about willingness to share what you have?

[@GiftSparks]

Does the community have to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on the amounts the residents “earn” from their jobs at the Bruderhof? I know the residents of the community don’t pocket earnings. But they do perform work and there is a monetary value to their services.

[@emmib1388]

they don't get paid so they don't have a salary but the business would pay business related taxes. Just like you don't pay taxes for when you do work around your home

[@estellesmith6418]

Do you have people that smoke at the Bruderhof?

[@georgiaamanatides4207]

KZbin is not notifying me about your videos

[@kemaribell7218]

Where does the communal money come from? What outside work brings money in?

[@junipermeisje6300]

KZbin video's :P But seriously: they make furniture and such.

[@cecectconnecticut344]

Can you take your family on a trip?

[@Greeneyedkitty82]

Do you all teach the kids personal finance so that if they do not want to remain, they have the skills needed to make it in the world?

[@swampophelia2098]

From what I have read from kids who have left the bruderhof they all said that they had no idea about how to manage money and in fact had little skill in navigating the world

[@cecectconnecticut344]

That’s an interesting question. If someone has lived there for their whole life and wants to leave at say 25 years old, would they be given some start up money to help make this transition? If not then it seems like slavery.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes, in the Mount Academy which is our high school there are classes on personal finance and other life skills that all the seniors take.

[@swampophelia2098]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof that’s a really good development Laura, it must be very very hard for those who leave to not only lose all their community but to have very limited life skills that they need in the outside world.

[@Louise-os8xc]

Does Bruderhof pay taxes or are you exempt?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

We pay taxes

[@cecectconnecticut344]

Can we see the store of free goods?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Come visit!

[@lindiasanders3948]

Where is this place? I'm just wondering.Your channel just popped up.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Hi Lindia! There are Bruderhof communities in the northeastern US, Tennessee, England, Germany, Austria, South Korea, and Australia.

[@dhrubamaharjan8732]

I am interested in studying Christianity because of the way it has been practised by Bruderhof. What shall I do?

[@kaykalda9674]

I would think the view would be that all the money belongs to everyone. Everyone contributes what they have or all they have so that everyone has what they need.

[@thomaspomeroy5678]

Curious: Who do choose who gets money and who doesn't? What if you want something odd like "games for your family"?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Hi Thomas, Thanks for asking! At the Bruderhof we don’t have our own money, but all our needs are provided for, which includes games, books and toys for every family, or to share between families. It works! 🙂 More about “Community of Goods” here: www.bruderhof.com/en/life-in-community/community-of-goods My friends Rich and Doreen just made a video about Money & community, if you’re interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2LQpoyChb6YbZI

[@thomaspomeroy5678]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Thank you for the reply.

[@riceae]

Do you have a pharmacy? What do you do if someone needs medication?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

We don't run a pharmacy but if someone needs medication it will be purchased from the local pharmacy.

[@Shibbolet]

Who choose community leaders and how that is done ? Who can become community leader and is it possible to a woman be a leader ? If someone wants to move your community and does not have income, job or profession is it possible ? Can someone move your community if he or she gets welfare benefits ?

[@emmib1388]

I think there was a previous video on the leaders -- regarding joining, you would give up all your possessions so you would not need an income -- and the welfare benefits would stop (because you no longer need them) and they would give you an age-appropriate job to keep you busy once you joined :-)

[@Doesch]

Hi, this is a great video and topic to talk about. So now I am really sorry and will be this annoying person saying that, in a way the community still depends on money. I have thought about this topic many times, the birds dont worry about their food because they get it for free out of nature. Also in genesis 1:29 there is stated what is food for humans too. Things one could find or grow in nature. One could actually live without any money if one could build their own house from trees and other materials around them, take and grow food from nature, and make their own clothes from materials/plants/wool, also found in nature. It's more work but like this there is no money involved. Ofcourse I know in this world things are not always ideal, but with some effort this is possible, to not be dependant on money.

[@ftknmlo]

can u talk about some differences between hutterites and the bruderhof? ive been watching hutterite vloggers recently :)

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH3ZgGh7jLRgbrM

[@ftknmlo]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Thanks laura!!

[@julesfarrell5724]

I’d like to bring a gift to my friend who lives in the Bruderhof. What would be appropriate? I was thinking of bringing her some beautiful material for her to make a new skirt? Is there a standard colour of material for the clothes women wear?

[@vanessarenda1393]

Sorry for all the questions but do you have medical insurance and dental insurance? And how much say does the government have in your lives? Thank you for your videos.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes in the US we get insurance through the state markets. I guess the government has the same amount of say in our lives as most people!

[@vanessarenda1393]

Thank you for explaining.

[@KathyBath]

I am confused about where the people who buy the food, clothing, housing goods etc get the money from to buy the goods. Do some people work outside the community? If you and your husband go to work and don't get paid, and that is what everybody does, then I am confused how bills are met and goods provided. Thank you

[@emmib1388]

If I remember correctly, they have a few businesses that 'supply' the income needed to provide for the community.

[@dianelaude9046]

Where does the community get its funds

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

We have a couple businesses

[@lindiasanders3948]

I have never been around any group of imperfect people to be right and good to me,not even my brothers and a sister.I simply have no total trust in no one human,or organization that do not turn abusive ,selfish and will start mistreating their own church family.I was a part of Jehovah's Wittnesses for 30 some years,I walked away 4 years ago.I never want to be a part of anything if I have choice where another human have or want total control over every aspect of my life.I wish I never met them.But to each his own.We individually can choose to a great degree how we want to live.

[@michellegarneau1790]

Do you have cell phones? How does that work?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

We have a community plan

[@mruggier0]

what do you do with the money you make from you tube?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

I don't make any money off this! :)

[@MrMultitool]

I have Social Security and a pension that I receive monthly. I'm guessing that I would be expected to give this to the community and save nothing for myself?

[@vm80]

I like listening to ideas different to my own and find this topic interesting. To me, I think a lot of this kind of talk is semantics though... no one in the modern world can 'live without money'; someone somewhere is always spending and buying things, if not yourself it's someone on the community's behalf. Same thing I would say for personal items/things inside the home (clothes, household items). As someone who believes in God (but is non practising and critical of organised religion), I don't see the issue with working hard and acquiring money, for instance to buy a home for the family, to save and pass on to your children to make their lives easier etc. In fact that to me is one of the ultimate signs of caring and loving your family. So to me, it's not in any kind of conflict with believing in God. It also doesn't prevent people from sharing/helping others. Everyone has 'things', so to me whether person x or y or community z owns the house, car, furniture (or whatever) doesn't make a difference. Might as well own it yourself. No one owning anything is a kind of dystopian, communistic idea that is not a world I would like to live in. There are always extremes, 'money corrupts' etc. and it can of course be true. I think it all depends. For sure a big topic that can be talked about endlessly.

[@RowanBlake]

would it be sad if your children didn't choose to join the community?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

I'd be happy as long as they're living a good life

[@passiflorapassiflora6058]

its easy for someone to chose to join this life but when you have to pay rent for a parent that doesn't aprove of your choise....how can you love everybody in a community when you are not able to provide for your own parent outside of the community....so the some of us are is not allowed by life itself to follow their calling becouse is just not possible ....

[@margaretknowles3060]

I was going to ask, can you ask for a chocolate bar ? 🍫😋

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

I can, and I do!

[@joannthomases9304]

Supposing you don't believe in a pandemic, and don't want any government to take your breath. What do they do ?

[@tired_buthappy]

You show great self discipline in answering some of the snarky comments on your channel! God bless you. I’d love to visit the Bruderhof someday. Can single mothers join? If so, are they given their own “family” space to live in? Are they expected to then marry someone in the Bruderhof? Just curious.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes absolutely anyone can join and are given space to live that makes sense for their family. And no one's expected to marry :)

[@Spillers72]

Communal living can work great on a small level when a people share a common bond like faith. When communist states tried to force it on millions of people and embraced atheism, it didn't work to well. It was to be voluntary too.

[@jeansaben9954]

I think your clothing is nice

[@shijolazarabstransportslim3098]

I like the idea to live without having to think about bringing food on to the table. Pls take my family n me

[@joannthomases9304]

This is new. I took care of 6 people begging the church to help. They could not. Why ? But now, there you are ??? What is going on ? His place here is too crowded for homeless ? I don't get it. There is a homeless, i was 't allowed to house, dying, and none helped him. Where are you all and why aren't homeless there, like him ? What do i look under in my city ?

[@emailjough]

since when was coffee a necessity? ;) (poking fun, no offense intended)

[@Cattygirlful]

Do you miss buying make up and girly things ?

[@candyclews4047]

Your community must make/do something in order to make money for you all? Just like in a family, money is earned in order to pay for the necessities of life (housing, essential clothing, food, heating, insurances etc). My husband and I set aside a small amount each week for ourselves (around $10) which we can spend how we like (chocolate and books in my case!). We can believe in and serve the Lord as long as money does not become an idol we end up pursuing and worshipping.

[@emmib1388]

they have several businesses -- the money earned from these businesses support the community.

[@louisecooper2580]

I'm a Methodist from the UK I like to read my Bible in McDonald's and give to their charity it's very good to be able to do this

[@traceylouisebooth1810]

THE ONLY TWO THINGS I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS MY BIBLE AND MY PHONE, MY PHONE AS I KEEP IN CONTACT WITH MY CHILDREN AND TO ARRANGE MEETING UP 3 TIMES A YEAR.

[@Petra44YT]

Very interesting how your community works. But I think you also need people who have money and invest it. If everybody gave everything to the poor right away, how would there ever be more expensive things, such as buildings, enterprises, all of that? Some needs to build it or it won't be there.

[@eternitywithjesus777]

I just started emptying my bank account to give to the poor this year. It is what God wants me to do. If it comes in, then it goes out to the orphanage noted on my channel. Our treasures are stored up in heaven.

[@acgraphics1139]

How do you survive then without money

[@soniariley8821]

Asking for money for things isn't that like begging. To me it looks that way. What if you need personal things that do with women's health products. I am a private person and l wouldn't want people to know what l need so is there no privacy about such things. What happens if you need to see specialists doctors to help with a pregnancy infertility. So if you ask for money to see a specialist is this kept confidential. What about IVF treatment or you need a lot of tests done, do they keep that confidential. Does the information go to the community to pray for you. Mental health issues or long term medicine. What about depression or suicide and need to see a mental health professional. I understand that some of these things don't happen in the community but surely things like these happen. What about new car or petrol. I know that you have your community to help get you thru some of these issues and you do not need to answer my question as it may be long winded and may not pertain to the video.

[@johnloveday2161]

it sounds a bit like communism !

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Except that it's voluntary!

[@susanxyz5730]

You have electricity and a home that costs money. No matter what, I bet your channel is monetized.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Nope not monetized