The article found on page 26 gives some biblical examples of why one should cultivate a giving spirit. Then it has a subheading entitled 'Jehovah - The Greatest Giver' which leads to the final OBVIOUS subheading 'Showing Gratitude to Jehovah', which really translates to: 'Give Us (the WTS) Your Money'.
So, what ways do you think the Society encourages one to give? And, to whom can you give your money to? Charities such as the United Way? AIDS research? Breast Cancer research? The fight against Lukemia?
Or, when one dies, to whom should they leave their money? Their children? Grandchildren? Parents? Siblings?
The WT speaks clearly in the gray box that spans from page 28 to 29. There is a picture of a black brother with a BIG ol' smile sticking in some of his hard-earned money into the contribution box.
The gray box reads:
"CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WORLDWIDE WORK - Many set aside, or budget, an amount that they place in the contribution boxes labeled 'Contributions for the Worldwide Work - Matthew 24:14.' Each month, congregations forward these amounts to the office of Jehovah's Witnesses that serves their respective countries. Voluntary donations of money may also be sent directly to (then they list their Brooklyn mailing address), or to the branch office that serves your country. Checks should be made payable to 'Watch Tower.' Jewelry or other valuables may be donated as well. A brief letter stating that such is an outright gift shouls accompany these contributions.
CONDITIONAL-DONATION ARRANGEMENT - Money may be donated under a special arrangement in which, should the donor request it, the donation may be returned to him. For more information, please contact the Office of the Secretary and Treasurer at the address noted above.
CHARITABLE PLANNING - In addition to outright gifts of money, there are other methods of giving to benefit Kingdom service worldwide. These inclued:
>Insurance: The Watch Tower Society may be named as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or a retirement/pension plan.
>Bank Accounts: Bank accounts, CD's, or IRA's may be placed in trust for or made payable on death to the WTS, in accord with local bank requirements.
>Stocks and Bonds: Stocks and bonds may be donated to the WTS as an outright gift.
>Real Estate: Salable real estate may be donated either by making an outright gift or, in the case of residential property, by reserving a life estate to the donor, who can continue to live therein during his or her lifetime. Contact the branch office in your country before deeding any real estate.
>Gift Annuity: A gift annuity is an arrangement whereby one transfers money or securities to the WTS. In exchange, the donor, or someone designated by the donor, receives a specified annuity payment every year for life. The donor receives an income-tax deduction the year the gift annuity is established.
>Wills and Trusts: Property or money may be bequeathed to the WTS by means of a legally executed will, or the WTS may be named as beneficiary of a trust agreement. A trust benefiting a religious organization may provide certain tax advantages.
As the term 'charitable planning' implies, these types of donations typically require some planning on the part of the donor. To assist individuals desiring to benefit the worldwide work of Jehovah's Witnesses through some form of charitable planning, a brochure has been prepared in English and Spanish entitled Charitable Planning to Benefit Kingdom Service Worldwide. The brochure was written in response to the many inquiries received regarding gifts, wills, and trusts. It also contains additional useful information on estate, financial, and tax planning. It informs individuals of a variety of ways that gifts may be made either now or through a bequest at death. After reading the brochure and conferring with their own legal or tax advisers and the Charitable Planning Office, many have been able to assist JW's worldwide and, at the same time, maximize their tax benefits of doing so. This brochure may be obtained by requesting a copy directly from the Charitable Planning Office. (Then they list the address and phone #)."
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It seems that the spin the WT places in this article is that they kept stressing how this is all a big tax advantage for the donor.("Hey! WE'LL make some money! YOU'LL make some money! It's a win-win situation.")
Also, here's a quote from the actual article outside of the gray box: "Giving was also not to be done for the purpose of making an outward show. Ananias and Sapphira made that pretense and paid dearly for it."
I will try to remember that quote the next time I read in a WT magazine how the JWs were the first at the scene after a disaster to build new homes or to offer comfort. Or, the next time at the District Convention (not that I'll be there...LOL!) they talk about how they benefitted the community.