Richteresa

(Orignally posted in 2014 in the jw-archive.org)   Introduction This alert involves a particular form of fraud known as affinity fraud that has been perpetrated upon multiple congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Northern California (USA), specifically Circuit 13*, by persons professing to be servants of Jehovah God.
Affinity fraud is defined as a scam that preys upon the trust and friendship that exist in associations, such as religious groups. Those who utilize affinity scams typically are - or pretend to be - members of the group and often use respected religious leaders within the group to promote the scheme by convincing the members that a fraudulent investment is legitimate and worthwhile (See g02 5/22 p. 29 under the heading Theft in the Name of God; also g97 9/22 pp. 9-10).
Sadly, an affinity fraud scam manifested during my congregation’s engagement with Regional Building Committee #7 (2009 – 2011).
Having observed this firsthand as a participant in the RBC engagement and as an officer for the congregation’s non-profit religious corporation, I am shedding light on this situation since the wrongdoers, including some overseers within the English - Menlo Park Congregation, Regional Building Committee No. 7 and Circuit 13*, continue to cover up their misconduct. They have done so to avoid scrutiny from persons in the organization with greater responsibility, unsuspecting congregation members as well as the secular authorities.
Understandably, the following information may be difficult for some to believe. As a lifelong servant of Jehovah, I find this situation hard to believe myself. Nevertheless, it has occurred.
In Matthew Chapter 13, Jesus warned of false Christians when providing the illustration of the Wheat and the Weeds. At 2 Timothy 2:20, 21, Paul speaks of vessels “for an honorable purpose” and other vessels “for a purpose lacking honor” within the same house. At Acts 20:29 Paul spoke of “oppressive wolves” entering in among true Christians that would not treat the flock with tenderness.
This alert is intended to provide a general overview of the problem.
In the spirit of Leviticus 5:1, the goal is to overcome the current cover-up of this situation so that brothers in positions of organizational oversight can become aware of this problem and take the appropriate action.
The scam involves theft by false pretense (1, 2), private benefit, excess benefit transactionsand self-dealing - in short: white collar crime (1, 2).
It appears that the participants in this scam occupy strategic positions of responsibility at varying levels of the organization. All requests to the Service Department for a special committee to be formed to investigate and resolve this situation have gone unanswered.
Jehovah’s organization itself is not perpetrating this scam, rather a group of deviant, self-willed individuals therein are doing so. Such persons insidiously exploit the arrangements, procedures and infrastructure of the organization to execute their schemes - to their own benefit.
The Scam: Phase 1
The scam often targets Kingdom Hall properties that are fully paid for. A “trigger man” is required to set the plan in motion. This may be the circuit overseer, an RBC representative and/or members of a local body of elders. The trigger man may be complicit in the scam or may simply be directed by complicit persons above him to unknowingly set the stage for the scheme.
The trigger man then initiates a discussion of maintenance needs invariably steering the flow of the conversation toward completely remodeling the Kingdom Hall and/or selling it to purchase new land and build a new one.
If the existing body of elders agree, all is well. If they do not then non-conformists may be arbitrarily deleted as elders and/or diluted by new elders  predisposed to proceed with the desired building project that are directed to move into the congregation. This dilution can also occur under the premise of merging congregations.
The newer elders typically become the officers in the congregation’s non-profit religious corporation. In doing so, they amend the articles of incorporation changing the name of the corporation and the by-laws ensuring that the local branch office is named as the recipient of all assets, including the Kingdom Hall property and proceeds from the sale of such, upon dissolution of the corporation. This enables the schemers to acquire operational control of the corporation and thereby assume effective ownership of the Kingdom Hall property.
The Scam: Phase 2a
Next, complicit RBC representatives provide a proposal for a complete remodel of the Hall when, in reality, a more modest project would suffice in-line with organizational directives (Policy letters dated 4/2/2009, 4/6/2009 & 12/11/2009). This proposal is approved by the body of elders as a matter of course regardless of the undue financial burden that is placed on congregation members.
The costs of the building project are inflated with specific intent to exceed the congregation’s available funds thus manufacturing the need for the congregation to obtain an interest free loan from the Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Inc.
For example, the actual costs of a modest remodeling project for Kingdom Hall “A” is $35,000. However, complicit RBC members unnecessarily recommend a complete remodel that, in actuality, should cost no more than $100,000. Yet, the RBC representatives specify a project cost of $250,000. This amount exceeds the congregation’s available funds and so they are then directed to obtain an interest free loan from the local branch.
The project proceeds and the work is done for the actual cost of $100,000 – or less. However, the congregation is now responsible for a loan of $250,000 due to the misrepresented project costs.
By inflating construction costs for a project that the congregation doesn’t actually need and then finalizing a loan that will be paid monthly for the next 10 – 25 years, the scam fraudulently creates a revenue stream that constitutes a surreptitious form of tithing, something that Jehovah God and his organization do not approve of.
Based on what occurred during the English - Menlo Park Congregation’s RBC engagement, sham building projects have also been used as a means to reposition liquid assets specifically to obscure their source and/or final destination. Such transactions can enable tax evasion especially when performed under the guise of religious non-profit activity, something else that Jehovah God and his organization do not approve of. (See w11 9/1 pp. 21-23)
The Scam: Phase 2b
Alternatively, once the perpetrators of the scam acquire operational control of a congregation’s corporation, thus assuming effective ownership of the Kingdom Hall property, the congregation is directed to finance upgrades to the Kingdom Hall and then sell the property for a substantial profit, anywhere from 200 – 300%. With the original congregation and corporation dissolved at the direction of complicit branch personnel, the publishers are then merged with a neighboring congregation and the perpetrators move on to the next “building” project.
Conclusion
Thus far, all efforts to report this problem through standard organizational channels have been met with stiff opposition in the form of retaliation. In my case, my family has been insidiously undermined and attacked by the perpetrators of this scam. These attacks have included false accusations intended to destroy my reputation and credibility (See g90 5/22 p. 12 - Fallacy Number 1). Nevertheless, the import of James 1: 2, 3 remains.
While others in Circuit 13 have the basis to do so, at present, a total of seven persons can and will bear witness to the authenticity of this problem. (John 8:17) All that is required now is someone in a position of responsibility within Jehovah’s organization, whose fear of God exceeds his fear of men, who will listen and take the appropriate action to investigate matters. (Matthew 10:28; w01 12/1 p. 23 pars. 17-18)
If such corruption can manifest in this one cited area, there may be cause for concern in other regards. A special committee under the direction of the Governing Body, would be able to investigate these matters and determine the actual extent of the problem to the end of fully resolving this situation. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
The old saying “Sunshine is the best disinfectant” emphasizes that a good way to impede underhanded activity is to shed light on it.
In being created in Jehovah God’s image, each person has the fundamental basis and inherent potential to be a force for good.
If anyone has knowledge of this situation, or others, please notify your congregation elders, circuit overseer, district overseer, local branch, and anyone else who may be positioned to help. If you have the basis to communicate directly with any member of the Governing Body, PLEASE do so as their involvement will be needed to solve this problem. (Leviticus 5:1)
Jehovah God sees what is taking place and he will soon act for the sake of his own name. (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
- C.J. 
* Circuit 13 is located on the San Francisco Peninsula and consists of English congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City, San Mateo and Burlingame.
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If everything you say is true, I am sure a member of the Governing Body at the United States Branch Office, would be more than willing to listen to you.
Best Regards,
The Librarian

BIOGRAFÍA, GB. Hermano  SAMUEL F. HERD  (video)

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Mary . . . kept listening to what [Jesus] was saying.—Luke 10:39.
Martha is busy preparing a special meal for Jesus, and she becomes irritated with Mary. Jesus notices that Martha is trying to do too much, so he kindly says: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and disturbed about many things.” He then suggests that just one dish of food would be sufficient. Jesus now turns his attention to Mary and clears her of any negligence, saying: “For her part, Mary chose the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42) Mary may soon have forgotten what she ate on that special occasion, but she would never forget the commendation and fine spiritual food she received by giving Jesus her undivided attention. More than 60 years later, the apostle John wrote: “Jesus loved Martha and her sister.” (John 11:5) These inspired words surely indicate that Martha took to heart Jesus’ loving correction and that she strove to serve Jehovah faithfully for the rest of her life. w15 10/15 3:3, 4
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2017/12/19

Construction of a new hall of the Kingdom of several halls in Belgium, in which 17 groups of different languages come together....  WOW  -  Thank  you  JEHOVAH

New feature of the Mid-Week Meeting
From January 2018, the Weekly Meeting will include study notes and media of the online edition of the study of the translation of the new world of the Holy Scriptures (Nwtsty), even if the study edition is not yet Available in your language. This information will undoubtedly enrich the preparation of its meeting. More importantly, get closer to our loving father, Jehovah!
The study edition will be added to the application of the jw library after this year's annual meeting. There was an announcement at jw broadcasting, during the interview that Geoffrey Jackson had with the three brothers of meps programming on the inclusion of nwtsty at jw library as one of the future improvements in the application.
Since we will begin the Christian Greek Scriptures in our weekly reading of the bible next year, this will encourage the brothers to make more use of this useful tool.

Another reason I store publications, news, photos etc on this forum with all of you is because it is easy for me to go back and find stuff in my Library.
This website has a strong search feature in the box on the upper right hand side.
You can search a topic, forum or even the entire website for anything we all have posted.
Enjoy!
- And please share your "Library" of neat stuff with me as well.

I  can  give  you  3  Bible - scriptures....    Ezec. 38:10, 18   and  Isahia, 26:20    -   Thank  you ! 

Father and Daughter preaching in KHABAROVSK RUSSIA #JW
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Animated  DAILY TEXT  Tuesday, July 25,  2017   Enjoy   

Animated  DAILY TEXT  Tuesday,  July 25,  2017   Enjoy !

Have a gaggle of grand and great-grand children going to school that now am in better touch with. Would like this hand on material for me that I could use with them. Is there a PDF or how could I come to have copies of this material. It seem so professionally put together.
If there are fees and such let me know. Thank you for you time.

Hi   Librarian,  
   My name is Teresa and I  would like know  if you  have any of the  information  for  this  year's Pioneer  Schools new text book  (  Fully  Accomplish  Your  Ministry " 2 Timothy  4: 5) I will  be  going  to  Pioneer  School  in August, and  I  feel  that  if I  start  to  study  before  I  receive my book  I could  be  a little  ahead. Along  with  all of  my  other  studies  I'm just  trying  to stay  on top of it  all. So if you  have  this information  please  send  it to me.  Thanks 

“Show Yourselves Thankful”
“Let the peace of the Christ control in your hearts . . . And show yourselves thankful.”—COLOSSIANS 3:15.
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"Show yourselves thankful."—Col. 3:15.
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2003884?q=thankful&p=par

Thought this might be the best spot for this since other convention downloads are here
My FB group asked me to make some Caleb & Sophia badges for kids! 
Thought I would share here also. 

I am working on activity notebooks for the convention also. Will upload when they are finished!
Kids17RCb1.pdf
Kids17RCb2.pdf
Kids17RCb3.pdf

I know it's been said before, but, each year the Regional Conventions just keep on getting better than before. "That was the best ever!" has often been said by appreciative brothers and sisters after the conventions end. Without a doubt, we will be saying the same again after this upcoming series of sessions. So many spiritual riches are being given from our "Grand Instructor" (Isaiah 30:20) Jehovah! The Governing Body of brothers do great work in dispensing Jehovah's "banquet of rich dishes." (Isaiah 25:6)All of these reasons and more, explain why Jehovah's Witnesses are happy! (Isaiah 65:14) 

Hello Librarian, 
      My name is Teresa Richardson and I would like to know if you can  email me the  weekly audio files. I  really  appreciate  them  and find  that  they are  quite  useful  for  my study. Thanks  for  your time and  hard work.

Hello Librarian, 
      My name is Teresa Richardson and I would like to know if you can  email me the  weekly audio files. I  really  appreciate  them  and find  that  they are  quite  useful  for  my study. Thanks  for  your time and  hard work.

Hello Librarian, 
      My name is Teresa Richardson and I would like to know if you can  email me the  weekly audio files. I  really  appreciate  them  and find  that  they are  quite  useful  for  my study. Thanks  for  your time and  hard work.

Thank  you  for  the  wonderful  words,  my  Brother !  Yes,  Jehovah  has  ALL  under  control   NO  fear !

I am really touched by this development.  Active preaching helps to refine our individual faith.  I believe Jehovah will make a way for our dear brothers and sisters.  As we ALL pray, may HIS will be done!

Yes,  its  now  sad  for  our  many  Brothers  &  Sisters   But  Jehovah  will  soon  find  a  good  way  out !  I  am  sure,  bec.  HE  always  did  in  the  past  ;-))  I  trust  HIM ❤   Jehovah  saw  the  ton's  of  letter's....   it  will  be  NOT  in  vain,  NO !!!!

Is current International Law the most sovereign body of law *?
Are all the nations of the world in the Power of the Wicked one?
What validates one set of laws over another ?
Note that I am asking questions for simple non-contentious answers.
* If in a future point in time International Law validates something which violates current international law what then ?
Sometimes as Christians one may just have to suck up the "punishment" / "persecution" and rely on God/

@Bible Speaks    Our  countdown  is  running  since  many  many  years.....  The  great  tribulation  is  coming  BEFORE  Armageddon, we  should  be  tight  to  our  Brothers  and  congregation !  Our  Brother's  will  get  their  informations  from  the  Bethel.  The  Bible  says,  maybe  NOT  all  JW  can  survive  during  the  great  tribulation,  bec. persecution,  death  etc.  -  The  end-time  is  coming  just  nearer,  but  nobody  can  say  the  year  or  month,  forget  the  day  or  hour,  its  ONLY  Jehovah's !  And  when  you  write,  *soon*  Jehovah  will  fight  his  enemies,  when  is  soon ?  Nobody  knows  it.  Lets  have  more  patience  and  keep  on  the  watch !  I  wrote  that  already  more  times. We  must  be  ready  for  Jehovah's  *day*  -  thats  importend.  Lets  be  loyal  until  to  the  end,  thats  it   AGAPE  Love ❤   to  all  my  Brothers  and  Sisters !

Hello  Librarian, 
    If it is  possible  can   you please email me the  transcript for  the  A Song That Inspired laborer?
 I  would  really  appreciate it if you are  willing and able to  get  this. Thank you