How many of you actually "contributed"?

by Garrett 26 Replies latest jw friends

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  OneEyedJoe

  I used to only contribute at conventions/assemblies (but I definitely contributed WAAAAY too much there) and maybe like once a year I'd drop a $20 in the box at the hall. The congregation I was in was always well off and constantly giving money to the branch so I didn't feel like they needed it. I'm ashamed to say I was sucked in by the perpetual deficit at the assemblies though.

  About 4-5 years ago, though, they simultaneously did a huge (unnecessary) reno of the assembly hall and rolled out the credit card machines. Either one of those individually would've been enough to make me stop contributing. Never gave a dime since. I figured if they're just blowing the money on useless crap, I might as well blow it on useless crap for me!
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  rip van winkle

  Yes I regularly contributed while I was working and had named WTS as my I.R.A. beneficiary.
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  Hairtrigger

  In about seven years? about 60 bucks. Never felt comfy giving to these bastards. But I would give the SP 20 bucks now and again-so -in all about 200 bucks.
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  Lifeisfun

  I only gave at conventions and just because I felt it was just fair to pay for the seat and electricity used. But for nothing else, nor at any other time. Just like $25 each time.
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  a watcher

  stuck, in my mind, I'm not donating to an org, but to Jehovah. I truly believe JW's are the people Jehovah is using to spread His name throughout the earth, and I want to help.

  I participate on this forum to get info that I can't get from the JW's.
  

  I have no feelings of guilt.
  
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  Village Idiot

  @ a watcher: "I participate on this forum to get info that I can't get from the JW's."

  So the devil has more to tell you about your religion than Jehovah does?
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  mrquik

  I rarely gave anything. I figured all those hours on the building crews was payment enough.
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  OUTLAW

  I participate on this forum to get info that I can't get from the JW's.
  

  I have no feelings of guilt....awatcher

  .....
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  dubstepped

  I grew up poor and never knew what it felt like to have extra money to give. As an adult I was always in debt and made dumb financial moves because nobody taught me anything about money. So, I had nothing to give. I did eventually get right side up in life financially and gave some, but not much. Giving to an impersonal organization is hard for me. I love to give now that I have the means, but I'd rather find someone and make a gift that I can see impact someone.
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  stillin

  I used to give generously when I had a windfall, like selling a house at a decent profit. I would send directly to WTS. I also gave on a local level, more so when the "contribution basis" literature arrangement came along. Then I began to give in other ways. Like materials for projects at the hall. Or, even better, to individuals who actually needed help. Then I realized that Jesus was right when he said that you always have the poor with you.

  I am much more discerning now.