Unrighteous Riches: How Watchtower Is Making Millions By Merging Jehovah's Witness Congregations

(Cedars' vlog no. 218) In 2014, congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses were made to agree to a new arrangement whereby Watchtower would receive regular monthly payments in exchange for guarantees that future building and renovation costs would be paid for. Fast forward to 2017/2018, and it is now clear that Watchtower has a new "masterplan" that involves scrapping its commitment to building new kingdom halls in favor of merging Witness congregations, thereby netting the organization millions of dollars in "savings."
Links to 2014 elder/congregation letters:
(March 29) faithleaks.org/wiki/documents...
(May 12) faithleaks.org/wiki/documents...
Please also check out my articles on "stealth tithing" on the following link... jwsurvey.org/category/stealth-...
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[@starshinewatchdog8058]

It's just astounding I know so much more about the Jehovah's witnesses now that I'm not a Jehovah's Witness anymore. They're just brazen what they do brazen

[@jazzbassf]

Stashine Watchd... the only thing is that you say you see....that's what Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees...John 9:41, NIV: "Jesus said, 'If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains."

[@greghinkle6138]

Absolutely incredible, my wife and I disassociated ourselves a week ago today. We had several issues with some doctrines. Also, just physically exhausting. She Pioneered in 2017, I was a Ministerial Servant for 10 yrs. I had been a Witness for 18 1/2 years, and my wife 16 years. There were several things as I said, it feels like such a weight has been taken off our shoulders. Thanks

[@RealDukeOfEarl]

Congratulations on 3 weeks out!

[@jephtaniejoseph643]

Congrats

[@Margrtgold]

God's blessings ♡

[@greghinkle6138]

@@Caracaraorangeberry I hear ya, thanks for the comment.

[@katie6384]

I hope you're still doing well and you've had support throughout it all :)

[@fasteddy]

Was a member for almost 40 years, I was exposed to so many condescending, unkind, hypocritical and just plain mean people. All in their own cliques. The elders, the pioneers, the 10 hour bunch. All the time spouting love your enemies but snubbing and being cruel to those who weren't on the inside of the organization. Watch out for the ones on the edge of the organization. If you don't do what you're expected to then you aren't worthy, just the opposite. You will be considered spiritually questionable. We are warned that we must be careful in the congregation who we socialize with.

[@mrgordy1980]

Yes, love your neighbor as yourself. But anyone not deemed spiritual enough, avoid them. No matter what I did, it wasn’t enough. And the day I, at 40 years of age, left… they came after me trying to convince me to come back. They never gave a shit about me until they noticed they were one down on their internal report.

[@darh3375]

Same story with my wife and I, 40 something years and the same experience, unkind cliquish behavior, elders huddled in exclusive conversations, etc , I could go on but you have pretty much said it all, thank you !

[@Ladybhive71]

So beautifully said❤

[@bethjones4951]

Hi John, I was a JW for 14 years here in the UK. My husband also came into the organization, and we brought up our three Sons in the (truth). We left after seeing so much hypocrisy within the congregation, and brothers and sisters leading double lives that we felt we could no longer be part of such a charade ... subsequently we were dissfelowshiped. Watching and listening to you has given me such a good feeling, knowing that my family made the right decision in leaving such a corrupt and wicked organisation. Thank you for exposing all their deceiful and misleading lies, I only hope that many more brothers and sisters will see the Watchtower for what they are,

Well they not waiting for the Paradise Earth where they say they will build houses and live in them. They Building KH. to live in them is.what they preaching a Joke. It seems so to me.

[@theresefournier3269]

oh wow, after two years, why do I get all these 33s?! even for giving you wonderful ex JW a simple thumb up. Well, I did it anyway. Love and much affection to you all me beloved children of the true El and living TRUTH of all things, visie and otherwise. Ah mein

[@melis6294]

Who's John? His name is Lloyd.

[@Aging_Casually_Late_Gamer]

@@trkstatrksta8410 yes, you absolutly can. Again, that's in JWs own books.

[@Chris-zh1ff]

Do not judge yuor brother s

[@ollale711]

I work in special education with children with profound disabilities and if I ever spoke to them the way Stephen Lett speaks to his audience my supervisors would immediately remove me for being way too condescending

[@honeyholly001]

ollale711 someone told me it's because he has tourettes

[@T120RT]

Nonsense. It's deliberate condescension and he's actually as deluded as he seems.

[@janedope2303]

Omgnesss I was thinking exactly the same thing!

[@johnmoney6229]

ollale711 He talks like a puppet and has mannerisms of a toddler. 😆

[@QueenBoadicea]

Maybe Stephen Lett has a speech disorder that requires him to speak so slowly. In any case, I prefer it over listening to orators who clearly need lessons in public speaking. You know the ones I mean: folks who stand up at a podium and interject "um" and "ah" and "uh" in every sentence and even between syllables of words. You can ignore Mr. Lett. (in fact, you probably can fall asleep in the pauses between each of his sentences.) But listening to those stumbling babblers is like having an aural drill going through your head. What infuriates me, however, is watching how much money and time is going into building these so-called Kingdom Halls. When I think of the schools, hospitals, roads, parks, public swimming pools or job centers that could have been built with this kind of money, I could shriek with rage. Instead of buildings that could benefit human beings, they build shelters so that people can talk to their invisible friend? What a waste of years, dollars and effort!

[@nickarrington1629]

I left the "truth" at 16 when my local Kingdom HALL was sold to another denomination church.

[@robmullin1128]

Also how does Watchtower expect an increase in donations when they encourage members to avoid college and instead to work minuscule jobs.

[@michaeljames5275]

Tips add up

[@DianaSBakke]

Like back in Noah’s days, This world is passing away and so is its desires!

[@barbarahedges8876]

Like my daughter does gives money to them but can’t fix her auto air conditioning. She does with out a lot. Yards a mess, no one helps her like cutting it and she can’t afford to pay anyone. Once in awhile worldly people go cut it. The Watchtower had them take a vow of poverty a few years back . They don’t know about all the law suits they lost world wide for protecting pedophiles in the organization for raping children or molesting them .

[@barbarahedges8876]

High educated people are more than likely to see through watchtower BS

[@williamlevy6964]

@@barbarahedges8876 College as you Americans call it is not higher education. It's higher indoctrination. If you weren't corrupted by arrogance and disciplined your weak mind you could see the future. "Minuscule jobs". PRIDE IS A SIN. You will perish in Armageddon fool.

[@TheVelvetteButterfly]

Every active JW must be so impressed with how Watchtower has gone from soliciting funds to a few short years later has financially managed through donations not only to get their budget under control but have enough funds to build a multi million media production facility.

[@koridevereaux]

I left in 2016, I started really doubting when they began pushing the money thing. It seemed like every broadcast starting January 2016 and then the articles were all about giving them money. It was only after I left and found your channel and others that I learned about all this money going into the child sexual abuse cases. I was shook. So angry too.

[@dovestone_]

Stephen Lett is so unbelievably creepy

[@cheekygingerdoesstuff7223]

@@TheFugitive2 lolololol ... Somebody in another video said it was like being preached to by a Muppet and I about died.

[@CristinaDavalos1127]

Right??? He's the anti Mr Rodgers!

[@MarcoAntonio-gm9ts]

No doubt talking to his flock like they're morons, slow, repetitive, kind of telling the listener, you're too slow to understand me. So here it is, he is slow and facially demonstrative because the listener is mentally disabled...

[@alastairwest5200]

PSYCHO..........................................................

[@abrahamrodriguez5102]

I think the pope is creepy.

[@deletedauto6542]

Waking up from this insanity was the best thing I ever did for my family

[@jessiehermit9503]

Congrats! I'm happy for you. I wish more people would wake up. This religion is so dangerous, in my opinion, especially where it comes to blood transfusions.

[@paulinehughes3007]

@@jessiehermit9503 no by

[@kirstenornelas881]

I'm grateful that I woke up, just wish I had done so while dad was still fighting to live and fought to get him platelets he needed instead of standing by thinking I had no way to try to intervene. I'm also grateful both my brothers left for their own reasons as well . I feel horribly that the rest of my family, to include my own mom are still so deep in that I can't imagine ever being able to reach her sadly

[@Tomsnothere295]

From California lloyd but man you pull the covers on this issue lol 100 % right on the money !!!

[@blindedbythelight1630]

"We are not like the religions of Babylon the Great who fleece the flock. No! we would never do that! But we can do it underhandedly and they will never know their fleece is missing"

[@victoriagolmehdi8506]

It is what shepherds do isn't it> tHey fleece the sheep and in the end, they send them off for slaughter.

[@classickruzer1]

It's called FINANCIAL PLANNING .. Every organization regardless it's size has to have some knowledge of what it's potential income is going to be in order to pursue the proper course of accomplishing it's mission. Don't you people even have a clue??? Are you even educated? You all come up with the most ridiculous ways to bash and condemn the J W's.. Good grief.. Every church does this in some fashion or another. My in-laws had to sign a freaking pledge every year and meet that financial donation or lose their membership in their Church of Christ ..Yet you BASHERS dare not say a word about them. .Not even a whisper.. The only thing good about your bashing is that Jesus forewarned his followers about the hatred his true worshippers would encounter, so you all are fulfilling his prophecy, which deepens the belief in Christ.

[@Aging_Casually_Late_Gamer]

@@classickruzer1 not every organization or church does what JWs do. Nor do they demand the free labor or income if its congregants.

[@classickruzer1]

@@Aging_Casually_Late_Gamer Apparently you're parrotting the same ignorance as all the other J W BASHERS do. You haven't a clue about the bible or Jesus. Why don't you go to Luke 10: 1 thru 4. It's quite explicit what Jesus is saying. It disproves every word you posted except the fact that other churches don't do what the J W's do. That is 100% correct and the reason they don't is because they have no desire to follow Jesus' direction. They TWIST SCRIPTURE to satisfy themselves. Since your ignorance of the J W's is so astounding, let me educate you. The J W's DO NOT pass a plate as other churches do. J W's have a Donation Box where those who can afford to give do so. No one keeps up with who gives what. As well, Jesus said it is better to GIVE than to RECEIVE. Any work involved in spreading the Good News of God's Kingdom is given from the heart and by those who VOLUNTEER to do so. I hope you feel good about BASHING others while at the same time doing it out of ignorance. And you'll never read the above scriptures because you know they will prove you are lying as well. Tell me when and where have you gone door to door spreading the Good News of God's Kingdom? Matthew 24:14 .. That's another of Jesus' requirements. J W's are the ONLY CHRISTIAN RELIGION to follow Jesus' direction. J W 's go door to door in 240 countries all over the earth spreading the Good News of God's Kingdom. How many has YOUR CHURCH witnessed to? .

[@Chris-zh1ff]

I don’t get yuor ccomment😊😊

[@luis-og2qu]

I remember that slip being handed to our congregation. we had to write down how much we were able to contribute per month. I felt something wasn't right and that it self was one of the first things to wake me up. ( As well as other things ). And they got a nerve to criticise other religions.

[@dr.richmann4477]

I remember the slips too. I thought 'What is this??? Its just like my old Church sending out annual donation letters requesting a pledge. Same exact thing. Glad John exposes the tricky Watchtower.

[@kellifielder3405]

Wow I forgot that. We would tally how much we made selling the literature door to door then put our contributions on the forms too. Half my pocket money each month

[@grandmasterpanda8283]

I remember saying "Y'all can take this back. I'm not participating" My parents were pissed! "You can spend all this money on games and clothes, but not to Jehovah?" My response? "Isn't this supposed to be voluntary? And Jehovah has no need for money" Glad I'm finally done with this hive mind

[@wtstudies3805]

I remember it as well. I left it blank. Even while being PIMI, I was always very careful when it comes to donating money to WT. However I vividly remember managing to see how much money the brother next to me wrote on his paper. 100GBP a month. He was on welfare at the time.

[@JG-ik4wu]

I’m PIMO I haven’t donated in YEARSSSS 😂😂

[@abeward1265]

Thanks again Lloyd. You do it best and I truly appreciate your style and your tenacity. You have been with me through my entire waking up as a constant reminder that I'm doing the right thing!

[@suea.swlondon7799]

Thanks for this Lloyd, I grew up as Witness from three years old until I was in my fifties. I'm now sixty seven and have never felt such freedom! Very 'courageous and strong' of you.

[@theoracle56]

Dissension is not allowed in the Borg. These people have been trained by the infamous "New Light" doctrine. The Borg aka Watchtower Bible and Tract Society can make false promises, misspeak, flat out completely renege on promises, but the congregation will accept it no matter what because they are the voice of Jehovah. Bravo for anyone that wakes up. The rabbit hole is deep with this organization.

[@lindalawton5399]

I VIVIDLY remember, in the early 90's, where the push was for all to attend the kingdom hall they were assigned to, as was closest to their homes, and would create a bond with those who will go through Armageddon with them, and "What a loving provision from Jehovah this is" -(not to mention the publishers will save on gasoline and time by not traveling far, and can better serve). Many in my area were affected, but made the change. Fast forward - and gb has zero problem "compressing" khalls, requiring many to travel farther and spin it yet again to fit their agenda! UGH!!!

[@sparklecanada0112]

Linda Lawton . Exactly!👍👍That was true in my case, back in the 1980's-1990.

[@MrJwebb123]

@Rebekah Oates Sounds like you need Jehovah

[@theshadow532]

@Candi Chadwick So, they can't visit each other? They just not at the same hall they can still visit and spend time with each other. If your dad is a MS then your mother should be mature enough to understand that. You sound young. I think you don't want to leave your friends. Placing the blame on the org/CO This is not kindergarten, this is real life.

[@jaredbrown1580]

James Webb wrong!!! She is not a sheep that wants to be sacrificed to the 8 wolves

[@killerjones1]

That '14 letter was posted on our congregation announcement board. I credit this mistake to the start of my waking up.

[@mrswonderful4880]

Jim Reaugh The full letter was posted?

[@darlenerothenay6251]

Ms. Purple Queen. I would also like to know as well

[@gillgallagher722]

I can honestly say that this organisation and the Elders who dis fellow shipped me when I reported the assault to the police sent me into a severe depression. After having my children then going to university, studying and gaining an hours degree I finally let go of everything this scam of an organisation did to me. I am starting a help group for others who have left.

[@juancarlosplacencia]

You did the right thing.

[@juancarlosplacencia]

You did the right thing.

[@georginaclinton2511]

So if this is not the truth, what is the hope for mankind, and what does Jehovah have in store for those who have served him faithfully. Is there just no hope for mankind at All.??

[@matthewmbonu3159]

Are u serious Dfed for reporting sexual abuse to the police? That's not even the policy that's messed up

[@delphinawhiles6235]

4yrs later you'd have your degree now, hopefully working at a job your happy in n putting the horrible past behind u. I was so sad to read what happened to u n the depression it caused.

[@katew.9402]

The bean-counting with regard to the seats in the congregation really stood out to me. "There's 100 seats, but the average attendance is only 60, so there's 40 unused seats." Aren't they hoping to grow the congregation by converting people in door-to-door ministry? Won't those new converts need those 40 seats? I found it the most blatant and strangely open admission that the congregations are not growing because the publishers aren't converting anyone. I can't imagine that WT meant to send that message. It must have slipped through.

[@jaybusternl6530]

They are merging 2 halls in my former area that we built in the 80s (when they were called 2 day kingdom halls) and I remember when they paid our hall off back in the 90s. I was informed by my parents that they are now being told that the mergers are happening because the WTBTS needs the money to support "the brothers [...and sisters]" who are being impacted by natural disasters around the world (due to climate change is what my mom extrapolated). I asked them if the org was using any of these disaster funds to help non-JWs and they gave the anticipated line that they help the bros and sisters first and then whatever is left (none?) may go to help other non-JW disaster victims. How very ungenerous of them. Even their cover stories make them look bad. The truth is they're going to need every penny they can steal {from those who literally built the churches from the ground up} in order to pay all the lawsuits that are coming down the pike.

[@pup1008]

The guy contradicted himself. In one passage he says - *_"We need new facilities because of over crowding..."_* & yet, in another, *_"We need to consolidate halls because of under attendance!"_* 😂

[@huggysh]

I remember now you said it. The lying bastards.

[@bugsbunny5507]

They are living contradictions.

[@greg27zz]

Excellent work Lloyd! To think I used to completely trust this organisation. And was told to feel proud to be one of it's representatives. What a shameful scam. It's all about survival of the cult. No one else matters, not even the members. Hopefully this cult will soon go bankrupt.

[@LoveJoyPeace4612]

I'm 2 years late in watching this video, lol. Anyway, when I was a JW, our congregation was in a territory that had *no* kingdom hall, despite being in a rapidly growing small city in California. We all had some return visits and sometimes Bible studies that were interested in attending meetings. But it was difficult to get people to attend meetings all the way in another city. Especially when there were churches everywhere within the territory. To meet this need, the local witnesses saved up money for well over a decade to buy property and build a kingdom hall in that city. Anyway, our local congregations had saved over 800,000 US dollars toward this cause. Then the headquarters requested that we send all that massive amount of money to New York for an indefinite loan. Then later it was announced that we would not be buying property or building a new kingdom hall after all. That, along with their change to a commercial kingdom hall design, really raised my alarm bells. It was just one of many things that added up on top of each other that eventually caused me to wake up.

[@missk7001]

Unbelievable!!!

[@moxfox]

The last 3 day assembly I went to was sooo RIDICULOUSLY crowded. They joined 3 circuits together into one. No where to find a seat. They even started sitting people in the lunch area.

[@purplejay8115]

Methinks designer watches, expensive jewellery and shopping carts full of McCallans whisky is the tip of the ice berg. The money trail if gained will be the best exposure EVER!

[@1etira01]

As someone who grew up in the religion, I always gave them the benefit of doubt. I was like, meh, they are not so bad. But damn, these videos are like a healing patch for me. I can finally look at the religion and say that it´s just wrong and I won´t want to ever get back to it again. Thank you for that :)

[@joshsatterly2952]

I'm going to start calling kingdom halls "franchises". That's effectively what they are! Hey we'll build you a brand new Hall but you have to pay us back for it and once it's paid off we own the property and we're gonna sell it. Honestly, that's a brilliant business model.

[@Maverick25ish]

Yeah just imagine the profits, say if i was a landlord and i got my tenants to build their own home and then i charged them for it, damn i would be in the money with hardly any expenses lol

[@jessiehermit9503]

Yeah, it's horrible. What a scam.

[@llpo9627]

All churches are businesses

[@triggawoods6888]

This is really turning into the 700 Club...just a side thought...

[@CS-np2oo]

tim spangler All they need to do is run a 1-800 number to run across a ticker at the bottom of the screen while Lett is talking. Call....donate now....its so obvious it's sickening.

[@spennie353]

It really does sound like a television ministry asking for donations

[@wizner91]

AS ALWAYS !!! SPOT ON LLOYD!!! Pleasure to watch!

[@khanwh74]

I was there in 2013 when they pass out small paper slips asking how much we can donate regularly. The money grab is simply not right. Can’t be God’s doing.

[@pwnshhhop51]

Even when I was mentally in, I suspected that the org was getting strapped for cash once they cut down the magazines and discontinued the yearbook. And that broadcast segment was just disguised begging for more donations. Also, merging congregations just goes to show that the org isn't growing nearly as much as they'd like people to believe. If it were really expanding, they'd want MORE congregations.

[@EricMartinez-dg2lu]

Yearbook would show the decline world wide.

[@Aging_Casually_Late_Gamer]

@@trkstatrksta8410 if the KH weren't important, then there wouldn't be such a emphasis on building and selling them for cash now would it.

[@HatsOnJohn]

The stunted way these governing body members speak is so irritating to me, it's so obviously fake and unnatural. They speak like theyre hiding something, and they are.

[@helenablack746]

HatsOnJohn like they have to watch every single word they say...the mark of a liar

[@diamondunicorn2421]

Omg!! Thought I was the only one that noticed!! It's like hearing his speech brought back night mares 🤣🤣🤣

[@Levikarose79]

It's a really good thing that you break these videos up because holy smokes that guy is SO condescending and I can only take it in small bits! lol

[@sebastiansauve3752]

Also when the Elders start sorting as to who will go to which Kingdom Hall, I can guarantee that they will put all of their personal friends into the Hall that they are going too, and they will have take the best days too. Because make no mistake, cliques are alive and well in congregations. If you aren’t one of Jehovah’s Witness you would not know it, but all JW’s know it for a fact!

[@candice446]

Sebastian Sauve facts. Lol

[@KatBird27]

yep, might be why I'm so well adjusted in my post JW era-- I wasn't a part of the group. I believed the teachings but wasn't liked by my peers.

[@BeautybyJemyjoan]

And use the holy spirit bait to guilt people to comply. It was according to Jehovahs spirit but all their friends will be with them......deceiving people.

[@katiebrent3332]

Thank you John for these videos. I left 20 years ago and I do not recognise this religion anymore - your videos have really shocked me and make me feel blessed to have escaped. Their sneakiness and greed is breathtaking.

[@shonaford910]

Thankyou for your exposure. I have learnt more about the organisation from you and other activists than I knew in all the years as a loyal sister. I can bearly stand listening to the GB and their helpers patronising vitriol. The smoke and mirrors is their art.

[@shilonel2284]

Me too Shona.

[@carlatroke4780]

Myself included along with thousands of others. Thanks to the activists,the news media and the internet.

[@estherday2239]

I think it was around 2013 when I first heard about their plans to "join congregations". This raised red flags for me even then because of how it contradicts with the idea that the "good work" is speeding up.

[@juancarlosplacencia]

True

[@cruzefrank]

In my area Jehovah's Witnesses sold their kingdom hall to a church. Just blew me away since they view the churches as Babylon the Great

[@jamieterrell289]

One older sister in our Hall in U.S. gave several thousand personal dollars just before this change. After the change was read and we merged to another hall she asked for it back. The Elders did give it back. They really had no choice legally. As she was giving to a congregation that was no longer there.

[@maebee23]

Jamie Terrell that's so interesting, I'm surprised they didn't guilt her into leaving that money with them. "You have money to jah and now you want to take it off him??"

[@jamieterrell289]

Im sure they guilted her. She never talked about it and stopped pioneering.

[@iambeing4328]

Haha.. You don't happen to be in MA? I remember the name. Related to Ray?

[@lancemilliken9078]

Hitch Slap where abouts in MA?

[@janheard3826]

Jamie Terrell Oh dear they were responsible for “stumbling her”. I remember they never stopped talking about that when I was a witness.

[@sidmorgan3698]

It's almost over for them, they're collecting money for halls that will never be built getting read to flee a sinking ship... SO THEY THINK!

[@sidmorgan3698]

A COLD HUSTLE! The friends donate ALL THE MONEY AND LABOR to build and maintain the hall including the money for utilities, The "org" kicks them out and sells the property taking ALL PROCEEDS TAX FREE! A COLD HUSTLE!!!

[@ironbar9535]

Sid Morgan yup. Oceans 11 couldn't do it like that.

[@sidmorgan3698]

Anthony Warren unlike oceans 11 they WON'T BE riding off into the sunset saddle bags loaded with gold.

[@byebyewatchtower]

Don't give money or labor to Watchtower. Big mistake!!!

[@dv4441]

Straight up scam

[@lindayeager3126]

Out of money because of all the child abuse cases ,watchtower is going broke because of all the law suits ,research people, this lying cult is going out of business, !

[@kirstenornelas881]

My brother finally left when this was announced. He realized it is nothing more than a money making corporation and wanted nothing to do with it anymore. I had left several years prior after the rules on blood caused my dad to die slowly over 2 days as he had no clotting factor and was told he could not accept the platelets he needed so desperately. They did tell him the "good news on new light" though, he could not use his own conscience to decide if he wanted a bone marrow transplant had he made it that far. Oh, but do remember brother that if you do accept the bone marrow you may stumble your brother and you would then be blood guilty in the eyes of Jehovah. I was so done after he died. I fully woke up at that point and never looked back. It disgusted me that they preach no blood at all whatsoever, then when you are actually in a situation where you might need certain treatments you find out that there are several things you can accept that are just the same cells but broken down a few times and somehow that's OK!?@ why? Did one of the governing body members or their families need that treatment they now decide is a conscience matter? It kind of feels like that's the reason some things have not changed but there is now this huge grey area where it should be black and white by their teachings. It is so disgusting how many families have been shattered, how many have lost their lives needlessly, how many children have been abused then re victimized by their abuser as well as by those who would be protecting them. I would not cry if the whole thing went bankrupt and crumbled apart. I hope everyone wakes up soon.

[@acerjuglans]

Wow. Just wow. Think of all those Halls that were built on donated land and constructed with "voluntary labor" many years ago. Cha-ching! 🤑 This is definitely a smash and grab.

[@OlgaBailer]

wonderful work - watchtower is imposing so many changes that it's often difficult to see the big picture - but following the money, i'm sorry to say, it's the best way to shed some light on this organisation - this video is an astonishing example of that

[@iambeing4328]

Just wanred to say hello to a beautiful woman! Glad we're safe on the same side... OUTside!

[@JenMakeupDollxo]

Olga Bailer I agree it has changed soooo much and I thought it was for good

[@JenMakeupDollxo]

Hitch Slap lol creepy

And just as how they always making changes that is what they did to the Bible make changes and put in all their Laws Not the Laws of Jesus.

[@Paulohlsson7]

Hello Olga

[@1chadmon]

What angers me almost as much as the shameless televangelist-like fleecing of the flock is the way Lett explains it with the exaggerated hand gestures and slow speech, as if he’s talking to a group of preschoolers. They are doing exactly what they have always boasted that they don’t have to do, and that is not only beg for, but MANDATE “donations “. Why not just pass the collection plate??? Thank you for sharing the rest of the letter. If the GB always have the needs of the flock first and foremost in mind, why the need for the secret pages? Why can’t it all be read at the meeting if it’s all above board? Thank you for another great video. Your work is very much appreciated. ♥️

[@trudyportillo5114]

Spiritual my ass they're stupid and ridiculous this eight men

[@Sera-Marie]

That is just how Lett speaks and particulates. I always think of Forest Gump when I see him :)

[@bobevers7459]

YEP....he should have left with his older cousins Heavens Gate group, Marshall Applegate, when there were still seats available on a Comet ride back in 1997....and then Lett could have avoided this asking for money mess.

[@ironbar9535]

I thought maybe he had suffered a stroke.

[@byebyewatchtower]

Don't worry the plate will come. It's only time. When publishers don't donate and the Bible verses don't work, the plate will cometh. The baby boomers are nearing retirement and the 70's/80's generation are up to bat, you will see the GB passing the plate.

[@carolxmas3331]

I became a witness in 1977 and was so impressed there was no collection like church . There was ONE box at the back of the hall . Over the years there was another box called Worldwide work and a year or 2 before I disassociated myself after seeing the Royal Commission, yet another box appeared . I feel an idiot for wasting 40 years of my life BUT at least I only put small amounts in the KH box for utilities I.e gas and electricity etc .....something didn’t ring right about the other money boxes

[@carolehinkson6570]

You sir are a very wise man and you have truly opened my eyes to the real truth regarding this religion that I once was a part of

[@LloydEvans]

Thanks! I'm so glad to hear my work has helped you in some way. :)

[@charmainemarino4151]

Excellent exposure!~ It really all does tie together when you get the full scope (the elders only section of the letters really provided a lot of insight) along with the leaked reports! Great job once again and thank you for your activism!

[@cheerfulerik]

I used to like science fiction but following JW is much more fun. I've never been or known a JW but I love this channel! So interesting!

[@outofthewoods9119]

You know, I was thinking the same thing. The JW gossip stuff is so addicting. They just keep shooting themselves in the foot. It keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what the next blunder will be. :)

[@joshsatterly2952]

@@joellebrowne5714 same here, which franchise were you from?

[@moomoobootle795]

Same here haha

[@choosewisely616]

I love your humor!

[@carolinevickers4497]

I’m slightly addicted to your videos that even the mundane tasks have your wise voice in the background. I have watched a range of others but you are the best for sure. If I had shown this much interest and enjoyment in the faith I’d have been deeply faithful. I cannot believe how uninspiring and un interesting the speakers are. It’s like all the beautiful humans on the planet and God picks the most boring people as his people

[@c.t8958]

All the empty seats mean that people are walking out the door never to come back!! Therefore no need for more kingdom hall.

[@a.toniboysmith7360]

The Kingdom Hall in Linthicum MD was sold last year. A small amount of people had attended, some had to move to different congragations. There were a lot of empty seats. So why build Kingdom Halls when there is only a few people are not coming anymore or move to other areas.

[@SorinAvelina]

So ready for this "Leave it to Beaver" acid trip to end. Thanks for your tireless advocacy, Lloyd!

[@julianplentii3136]

wow. one of your best video... well researched, perfectly delivered, making it easy to understand the issue

[@hekatejayne2238]

At <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1870">31:10</a>, he says that in paradise, you will get a WORK ASSIGNMENT. Nothing says eternal joy and piece like a work assignment. Die, and you will be resurrected because Jehovah needs a workforce.

[@aileenpeak9108]

Hekate Jane Might as well make the most of what we know is true -the world we have- and we won’t have to put up and feed some of the desperates some witnesses try to save

[@aileenpeak9108]

Save

[@Letts_prey]

“The beautiful master plan. It’s so nice to see how jehovah’s blessing us with over one hundred million already, since implementing this beautiful, beautiful, beautiful master plan. Consider how the elders put up with this. Sorry, put their hands up to this. There’s more to come folks 😇”

[@daretodiffer1090]

When Stephen Lett is not being honest and does not believe what he is saying himself, notice how he shakes his head in a "no" gesture, apparently a sign interrogators look for in an interview.

[@KatBird27]

interesting I'll have to watch for that

[@honeyfly8149]

I noticed that as well. Why do I feel so much pity, for him, though?

[@DailyDoseofShortsVideos]

Honey Fly hes probably a sheep too :( Tony Morris is the one who mostly does everything he’s the leader who got caught buying 900$ worth of alcohol which. Makes him a huge hypocrite since he judges everyone and fights against tight pants

[@radiomanze1296]

Everything is a privilege Giving money, cleaning bathrooms and the kingdom hall, giving talks etc

[@lancemilliken9078]

radiomanze1 where I come from those are all considered punishments

[@ShoNuffSoulBro1]

I remember as a young teen (unbaptized) looking for every possible opportunity to carry the mikes or work the sound booth just to have something to do and to alleviate the sheer monotony of the meetings 🎤 😆. As a side anecdote: On one occasion however a friend of mine was volunteering at a circuit assembly operating the soft-serve ice-cream machine and was informed he wouldn't be allowed to continue when it was discovered that he wasn't baptized. Being the kid that he was, he was crushed and yet it opened his eyes to the ridiculous religiosity that exists in this religion.

[@Tomsnothere295]

Yesss I remember well they kept giving me #5 talks and I didnt want them right there I knew it was all work no reward .

[@darlenerothenay6251]

Stephen talks down to the publishers, as if they are brain dead. It is insulting seeing the phony hand gestures and “wide bug eyes”. Tony is almost scary. They both really gave me the creeps.

[@professorkaos2781]

yes I grew up in the JW faith through the 1980s and 90's and this was astonishing to me as well...Plus last year when i was returning to meetings, I saw a 40min segment for wednesdays nights meeting which was all about the scriptural support for providing financially to the organization and all the ways including donating your life insurance/estate that you can give to the society....I was shocked it was such a massive change over the 10 or 15 years away

[@searcheroftruth7308]

Very interesting and insightful information to digest! Witnesses really need to know and see videos like these. I hope it reaches a lot who are waking up gradually.

[@staryyouknow171]

they are not aloud to watch these videos (jehowa will be abset)

[@johngum7158]

Brilliant Lloyd- great analysis! What also struck me while watching, is the fact that now congregations have been merged and halls sold, the ratio of donations per remaining halls goes up for the org too. These leaders are so blatant! It makes you wonder what it would take for witnesses to start to realise that they don't have a supreme being as their backer.

[@barbjoz63]

Thanks for putting all the pieces together. Makes so much sense now.

[@reginamccomas4630]

If this program existed to help people in the congregation then I would have been a classic case at the time. A baptized, Christian sister and a single mom who just moved to the area. I had a part time job so I could be in the ministry 60-70 hours a month and was in the process of buying a starter home to provide for my child. Three times the PO gave me that piece of paper and asked me to right the biggest number I can afford to give monthly on it. He stood next to me and waited. After the third time the elders had a meeting with me and asked me to leave the congregation because they felt I would be a “financial burden” on the congregation. I paid for all my families needs, and contributed for literature, assemblies, DO, CO visits, pioneer school meals, I drove in service and contributed to others gas money when they drove(for some this was a form of income)and assisted a pioneer who had a hard time financially. They asked me to leave officially so I would not be a financial burden!

[@spennie353]

Unbelievable!

[@Paulohlsson7]

@@spennie353 hello spennie353

[@rwssel2.052]

Excellent research and comments. They are going DOWN fast whatever they do.Good riddance watchtower..

[@barbarahedges1791]

The netherlands is going after them for hiding pedophiles and refusing to turn names over to the police. The court decided it was a threat to the witness children sitting by pedophiles unprotected because they don't know they are and also the communities that do not know they live among them.They are talking about banning the JW's because they refuse to turn in not only pedophiles but anyone who has committed murder or any other crime to the police.

[@sasukeuchiha8648]

a guest Excellent information!

[@dlbdlb3919]

Rwssel, now you got things like Hope and Change, and the Clinton Foundation. Smile.

[@rwssel2.052]

hhk khk i am not american. Jw?

[@sasukeuchiha8648]

hhk khk Why did you assume that he’s American?

[@vanoramoon674]

I can tell you one thing, my parents get impressed by all this stuff. I can hear them now... Jehovah and the Governing Body always provides. How smart our brothers are.

[@sasukeuchiha8648]

Vanora Moon I disagree. Jehovah and the Governing Body do not provide.

[@vanoramoon674]

You did not read my comment correctly. I speak from my parent's point of view. They are JW's... I am not and they shun me. I'm showing how stupid they are. (I don't agree either) No love lost here. I cannot stand JW's... They are liars and thieves.

[@sasukeuchiha8648]

Vanora Moon I apologize for the misunderstanding. I thought you are praising them. I am sorry to hear your parents shunning you. That is the reason I hated this organization; it breaks families apart.

[@ericaturnerpantoja7843]

Vanora Moon That sounds just like something my mom would say Jehovah will provide

[@whiplash636]

Jehovah _will_ provide... so long as you don't educate yourself and force yourself to believe that everything bad that happens to you is because of Satan, and everything good is because of Jehovah. How convenient.

[@jimmyb3158]

I love the part about the regional convention being closer to peoples homes so as to save them money. I live in the San Francisco area and for decades we had the convention at the Cow Palace which is in San Francisco. This year its in Sacramento about 100 miles away. This means that every JW in the San Francisco bay area now needs to travel 100 miles to Sacramento and get 3 nights in a hotel. Total cost to each JW family in the bay area is minimum of 500 bucks. I know of many who are not going to the convention this year because they cant afford it. Its all smoke and mirrors and most JW's will never know the difference

I went to the Convention. To me it was a Fashion Show. I came back with a sore BS. And. a Swollen Feet. It was poring Rain from where the Cars were Garaged. some patents had Babies in Strollers in the Poring rain Children exhausted crying and I told one of the parents what they call sister if she want my Umbrella for the Child She told is only water the Rain is not going to kill I look at her and I said what B And so ❤ less.

[@Aging_Casually_Late_Gamer]

It's literally beyond my compression to have someone control where you and your family can meet up for worship. Like, i'm not religious, but if I was in any sort of group that said I had to go here every week, but my family had to go there, and we couldn't switch buildings, I would be out of there so fast.

[@Aging_Casually_Late_Gamer]

@@trkstatrksta8410 not without being publicly shamed they wouldn't. They are going against the direct orders of the higher ups if they did stick with thier families. We're literally watching JWs own videos on this. There isn't anything being "made up".

[@richardbruning]

Well spoken video, Lloyd. Appears they have no shame. Again. Fascinating...

[@CanadianLoveKnot]

The irony was the WT was charging the congregations interest on the loans. In harmony with the scriptural principle found at Exodus <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1325">22:5</a> and Luke <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="395">6:35</a>.

[@jen7834]

I am now intrigued about these pinky rings. I watched Pillow gate last night and the members of the GB were wearing pinky rings as well as Steven Lett here.. Freemasons wear pinky rings on opposite hand if married, and I remember reading a lot about the origins of JW and Charles Russell being a Freemason as well as other occult symbolism such as pyramids on early publications.

[@KatBird27]

what gets me is when I was still in but only physically (as I lived at home) they were saying how evil the internet and chat rooms were. now they have idolized a website.

[@texasbaby40]

Thank you for this! How I wish I could share it with my family who are still enslaved! 😢

[@alexschittenden]

Awesome video as always Lloyd. I was fixated from start to finish. This and your recent theocratic warfare videos are hugely important to expose and shine a spotlight on what Watchtower would rather keep hidden.

[@youcrackmeupdude]

One point you left out is that the majority of halls were built by free (slave/donated) labor. So there's more than just a monetary investment in the materials, someone may have an emotional investment such that their blood sweat and tears went into that building, and it's now being sold at market value.

[@sandraschwan358]

Thank you for making all these videos. I left the JW' about 5 years ago and so much has changed. It is shocking! I always had my doubts about certain injustices but this one is the worst!

[@grammawpayton]

Lloyd, thank you so much for another excellent video presenting important info about how WT's schemes become clearer as years pass. Watching this information took me from one sad emotional memory to another. i hope it's okay if i add to this comment as my thoughts get organized. My experiences in congregations that split were not pleasant at all, with sisters choking back tears after a meeting announcing the decision. The first time it happened, my very close friend came crying to hug me and say how much she would miss me. I said, We're not leaving town! She said, But we'll be involved in different congregations. And that turned out true. The reality is for the sisters, they have to be busy in the patch where they're planted. There are talks to prepare and rehearse, events to plan and work for, constant care of clothing for meetings and service, arranging for hospitality/meals - everything has a thousand little time-sucking details. Being in different congregations means being in different lives so you can expect to just wave at each other if you're lucky enough to be assigned to the same convention. I concluded long before I left that mess, that the men in charge really do not intend to allow women to be close friends. That letter with the money-grab scheme was like saying We have good news and we have bad news. We're only telling the Good part!

[@sparklecanada0112]

Marina Payton . Watchtower(like All Cults) works hard to ensure Full Control and Influence upon their members. One of the best way to keep control, is to dictate who and where you are allowed to spend your time and emotions. Keeping focus FULLY on Cult Indoctrination and NOT close Human Relationships,ensures that Watchtower gains the person's devotion and loyalty and not give way to Critical Thinking or Emotionally-Driven Connections.

[@workingman5739]

Women who are close form cliques and a strong influence that affect other women and members. I don't care what church i'm in, too many women grouping together is ALWAYS a bad thing. Women grouping together is dangerous and nothing but trouble. Women dominate each other and form their own hierarchies.

[@ladama3201]

The witnesses are extremely misogynistic, like they low key hate women and womanhood.

[@J4MF]

Stephen Lett missed his calling in life. He should be reading children's books out loud on television, a la Reading Rainbow or similar shows.

[@venice1115]

Rainbow, as in Bungle and Zippy ?

[@J4MF]

It's been a long time since I watched the show, but I don't remember a Bungle and Zippy. What I do remember is that the guy hosting it showed up several years later (at least from my perspective as I went through childhood) as Jordy LaForge in Star Trek: Next Gen. Fond memories of both those shows. Second thought, I retract my previous statement: Stephen Lett should absolutely NOT be allowed near any sort of children's programming, especially not the educational sort. He'd turn kids off reading for life.

[@teammcgowan2013]

I grew up going to the Hall, but never drank the koolaid. I remember hearing his voice on the tapes. I just never had a face and name to put to the voice.

[@theresaakins2317]

Or as a politician

[@Letts_prey]

“We’re just trying to keep up with Jehovah’s fast paced chariot. That now appears to have found a reverse gear. We need to pay for that extra gear 😇”

[@StarletGT2006]

Thank you for your uploads they are all excellent! I was a former witness and I left, the sad thing is I lost friends who really did mean a lot to me and I wish they would wake up but deep down I know that isn't possible. I was stuck and basically attending meetings because I felt I had to to keep my friends. I met a none witness and left and I have never ever in my 29 years been happier. Get out before its too late!!!

[@Aging_Casually_Late_Gamer]

@@trkstatrksta8410 before the sunk cost fallacy gets ahold of people is what.

[@bobbywright3701]

I never thought they would have the balls to do something like this. It's too obvious! But they have been very sly about it. I think they have reached a new level of delusion

[@venice1115]

Bobby Wright I'd put nothing past them, they know the average witness, is held in fear and would not question anything, this control and fear factor of being labelled an apostate will allow them to get away with anything..But judgement begins with the house of God, and they fail to see they are the evil slave..

[@bobbywright3701]

Even if they where right, (which they arnt by any measurement) in there own words, it's not for them to say about another beleiver

[@semordziesinam3138]

People are getting to know their true colors and they have to do everything to amass wealth from innocent people before they loose everyone.

[@TruthHasSpoken]

Just may be the best video I've watched from John yet. How in the world could anyone trust Stephen Lett deciding how to spend their money?

[@millermckayfamily6207]

Great job, Lloyd. That must've been a huge undertaking, the grafting together all those pieces into an orderly sequence. I appreciate you.

[@keeliesterling2630]

Omg I’m so glad I never followed my family... I would’ve been a third gen . Thank you for these videos. Sometime I use to feel so guilty like I was living wrong or worldly but these videos are freeing me from that paranoia .

[@yOuNgDe21]

Bruh me too.

[@teddyrattlesnake2991]

Jehovah needs more $25,000 wristwatches.

[@earlybirdxx]

Who has a 25k watch?

[@ayandambalenhlekhumalo7910]

And gold pinky rings

[@Kuronosa]

Peasant in France before the French Revolution: "At least this money will be going to help God." Priest: "Right.....God.....I think God wants me to get a new swimming pool this year." *I totally ripped that off of a video about the French Revolution, but I think it's appropriate here*

[@josevaldez1554]

Don't we all Teddy?! :p

[@ta5653]

What about $150,000.00 Mercedes or gold fully diamonds pinky rings...?

[@Paul-nu7pq]

I always wondered what the merge was really about, and now we know. fantastic stuff ! How deep is this rabbit hole.

[@ibrandieshay]

We were ones promised a new hall, plans were ready. Then all of a sudden, our congregation had to leave our hall & merge with 2 other halls. It was so bad. We had to drive further obviously, across the Mississippi River to a new congregation that doesn’t cancel meetings during bad weather. I felt for a long time that our safety was being compromised.

[@andrestorres4715]

I had a good chuckle when I saw a former close friend of mine and his father in the very bottom right corner of the photo of the elders voting!!!

[@awakefromthewatchtower8055]

I have also seen this practice first hand of consolidateding, iam from Pontefract West Yorkshire, theres two congregations that meet at Pontefract nevison kingdom hall, there was a congregation as the neighbouring town Castleford, Castleford rented a building, and where saving up to buy land for their own quick build, I think they had got too about 100 thousand pounds!, the watchtower told them to use the kingdom hall at Pontefract instead, and they took all the money the congregation had saved!

[@outofthewoods9119]

I tell you there is something not quite right with this whole money thing. It's like they are trying to fill a glass of water with a hole in the bottom. Where's all this money going?

[@awakefromthewatchtower8055]

it's getting eaten up by the directors ( governoring body) of the watchtower organisation, all they care about is the big O, and they are trying to keep it alive, they have invested it and have secret bank accounts. They made billions from the sale of the buildings they had in new York, and built that new facility at Warwick for a fraction of the price!

[@Amanda23Priscilla]

I have seen other vids showing how they have spent alot on shares, investments and offshore accounts so they dont have to show how much they actually have (mayb for all the law suits)...

[@MelissaBrownapt215]

That's dodgy. How can that not wake people up? The friends must have been flabbergasted.

[@julianhudson7811]

What is the big O, graham scholes?

[@prettyboyboo6901]

Active Jws be like, " DISLIKE 😠😠" But stay subscribed.

[@grandmasterpanda8283]

Boo R That used to be me 😂

[@johnmoney6229]

Boo R More like they don't subscribe but they keep looking up / searching these types of videos. Lol

[@prettyboyboo6901]

John Money I think that some subscribe because there are usually 3 or 4 dislikes less than an hour after a new video is posted. Theocratic warfare would justify a subscription 😂

[@johnmoney6229]

Boo R well, I look at the views compared to subscribers. There's another ex Jehovah Witness, actually X bethelite who is exposing them and he only has three thousand subs and yet, gets 15,000 per video. 😂 It's almost as if the same persons are watching or looking up his videos. But don't want to subscribe because they're too paranoid that a brother or elder might find out. 😂😂

[@johnmoney6229]

Boo R I don't think it would justify a subscription because they are really serious about people not doing research outside the Watchtower Publications, no matter what the cause is. Lol

[@MrEricirene]

Thank you for putting this together! Truly eye opening!

[@vickifarrar1170]

Everytime I see this Watchtower guy on their video's, I just get the creeps. Does anyone else feel that way?

[@southernbawselady7092]

Thanks for another well put together Masterpiece from you "My Lloyd"!!.😎 You are very Professional and your hard work is thoroughly appreciate!! 👏👏 I figured out the difference in the brothers mannerism... <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2780">46:20</a> "Asleep" Brothers!! <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2787">46:27</a> "Woke" Brothers!! 😆😂😄

[@triggawoods6888]

Funny thing...I've seen how witnesses numbers have been going down by way of their yearbooks...and your videos...yet my cousin recently in the past few months tried to tell me witnesses have been coming back in droves...but then boom...this video surfaces...love ur vids...

[@annep2693]

Right! The way to fill "unused" seats is to shuffle around existing members, not bring in new ones!

[@aileenpeak9108]

I heard on six screens that they just baptised 600 people from the poorest people in the world so I guess it is a way to boost numbers. These poor new people would do anything to try and improve their lives but who’s going to know with the rank and file

[@Wwcantsay]

I used to hear from several brothers and sisters that they were building halls because it would be where we would seek refugee during Armageddon.

[@rodywithers3536]

One of your best videos Lloyd! You have brought together several separate pieces of JW organization's own source material on perhaps the sneakiest ever undertaking the organization has ever planned - and that's saying something because in almost 140 years it's done a number of sneaky things.

[@orpheusuk8762]

Kingdom Hall Trust continued... In addition to my previous post, i can confirm, the Kingdom Hall Trust has successfully acquired property freeholds for 712 Kingdom Halls within the United Kingdom. This number of freeholds will grow until ALL property freeholds are held directly by Watchtower (Kingdom Hall Trust).

[@brandamber]

I love the way WT tells congregations what they should do with their OWN money! Like they will ALLOW them to keep $5000- of their OWN money! (Repetition for emphasis, lol) How big of them! What a RACKET 😡

[@whitewinewiththefish6306]

Thank you for these videos! Never been a Jehovas Whitness, but have a close friend who almost got me interessted. Can‘t thank you enough!

[@darrylthompson7509]

Corinna Reinheimer same here.

[@dlbdlb3919]

So now what Corinna ? Hillary ? The Pope ? Nothing ?

But what does piss me off if you have a sister or Br is a witness and one decided to leave not even disfelowship but decided to leave. You are forbidden not to speak or communicate. With your own siblings that you grew up with and they always talk about family love But is that not dividing one from their Family when Jesus was on earth he had pity with everybody. So what religion that following the Bible. Come up with such a thing.

[@dashfatbastard]

That's absolutely unconscionable! When I was coming up, we were BUILDING halls... I was in on the construction of four before I was 16, three from congregations that had outgrown their facilities. Of course, I turned 16 in 1976...