Hello, BritBoy
You write:
“I wonder what is happening to Bethel's around the world.”
Following is a transcription of a letter from the India Bethel office from 2000. It demonstrates the basic approach the governing body takes with its downsizing. Can anyone say “Unemotional and traumatic”?
The Watch Tower
Bible and Tract Society of India
AB:BA December 15, 2000
To All Congregations in India
Dear Brothers:
We are writing to inform you of a change in the way the work is being funded in India. Most will be aware that until now, much of the finding for the work being done in the India Branch has been provided by the generous spirit, which ahs moved the hearts of our international brotherhood for all these years. In this country, we truly have seen many benefits as a result of this international support.
However, the situation has now changed for the India Branch. We are no longer able to received funds from overseas in order to support the work in India. Now the responsibility to care for all the work in this land must be cared for exclusively by our own voluntary contributions. Naturally, this will have some immediate impact on the way we do the work that Our Lord Jesus has entrusted to us.—Matt. 24:14, 28:19-20
In order to meet the challenges that we now face, the Branch committee, working under close direction from the Governing Body, has found it necessary to reduce the number of those serving at Bethel. More than half of the Bethel family will be returning to the field. The Kingdom Hall program will be postponed until further notice. Additionally, all those who until now have served as special pioneers will no longer be able to continue in their cherished privilege of service. For those who have spent many years of their life in these special aspects of full-time service, this will mean a major adjustment for them. We are sure that you brothers and sisters will do what you can to help these dear ones to settle into their changed circumstances.
What will this mean for the work? Firstly, with regard to the field ministry and disciple making work, we have a commission from Jehovah God and it is not dependent on money. The congregations will continue to help all those who are ‘rightly disposed for everlasting life’ to hear the Bible’s message. (Acts 13:48) Our Bible study and return visit work in in obedience to Jesus command to ‘go and make disciples, teaching them to observe all the things he commanded.’ (Matt. 28: 19-20) As in the first century, difficult financial circumstances will not stop God’s people from carrying out this divine commission. You are encouraged to regularly support the preaching activity more zealously than ever before.
How can we support other necessary aspects of Branch organization, such as the printing and distribution of literature as well as caring for the needs of those working in Bethel and the traveling work?
It seems that the time has come for each one of us to assume a much greater personal responsibility to ‘honor Jehovah with our valuable things.’—Proverbs 3:9
From this time forward, providing financial contributions required for the work in India rests completely with you brothers and sisters. All the expenses to keep the organization functioning can only be cared for by the donations that the Society receives from the congregations. This is provided by donations make through the contribution boxes marked “Contributions for the Society’s Worldwide Work.” Many already are regular and generous in making full use of this arrangement. How deeply we appreciate all of the fine support you dear brothers and sisters have provided until now. However, in view of this changed situation, each one of us may need to reevaluate if we might be able to do even more, knowing that this is the only means that funds can be obtained for Jehovah’s service.
No doubt, the changed circumstances that we now find before us, will allow each of us extended opportunities to show the Devil that this system does not determine whether or not we will do everything within our power to support the ministry. We look to you too, to continue to support Jehovah’s work in India. Here at Bethel, we are making a number of changes to minimize the use of contributed funds. Those who will continue serving at Bethel will themselves be asked to make a number of sacrifices in order to keep the work going. As each one of us demonstrates appreciation for Jehovah’s service, many he in turn bless our united efforts to continue with his work, until he says it is finished!
Thank you for giving this matter your prayerful consideration. May Jehovah continue to bless your faithful efforts to do what you are able I the field ministry and in the way of supporting his work through the contribution arrangement. We close with an expression of our sincere appreciation for your loving support and extend our warmest Christian love.
Your brothers,
The Watch Tower B&T Society
of India
