From the mouth of one of the special pioneers assigned tour congregation:
At least 300 have been terminated from the US Bethel branch in the first month of 2008, and she expects the number to increase. Paraphrasing other comments:
-- The first round of layoffs 2 years ago were primarily "the older ones and the ones in poor health. But the ones being let go now are in good health, some have highly specialized skills, but they are being let go anyway." She can't figure out why they are letting this latest batch (herself & her husband included) go.
-- Her understanding is that Bethel is trying to maintain a "younger" work force. The majority (though not all) of the 2008 layoffs have been persons in their 40's & 50's. So, she says, we should still encourage young ones to go to Bethel, since the Society is still accepting applications from young ones.
I have my own comments to make, but I'll wait to see if someone phrases it better (as they probably will).