asleif, the people in their congregations take them out. There are families with marriageable daughters and non Bethel couples who want contacts at Bethel, their families come to see them as well as people from their congregations who take them out. People have to take care of the poor Bethelites (I'm not demeanng the honest work many on this board did at Bethel). I even saw a few Bethelites make "suggestions" as to what they needed materially. Actually, ordering out pizza was a big thing when I was out there. (and of course the underage Bethel boys managed to get beer too). Not every restaurant is Lutece in NYC. There are many local family restaurants that are reasonable. Believe me, if you want to find a restaurant with good food, low prices, and large servings, Bethelites know where to go. Want to get tickets to a show on Broadway and not sign away your car, ask a Bethelite. If there is something free to do culturally, they will know.
Bethelites as many extra sources of money, family and friends "help out," some sold all their beloings, cars, homes, etc. and squirrled it away in a savings account. Some have side jobs (g jobbing I heard it called on here) that they conceal. Some rent out the house they had. The demographics at Bethel consists of young Bethel boys that stay less than 5 years and did have a pot to xxxx in and continue to be subsidized by mommy and daddy. Then there are married couples, some that were somewhat established financially when the Bethel bug bit. Some of these are old enough to have parents they may die and leave them a nice estate. When I lived out by Bethel, Bethelites were always going out to eat. I wondered how they did it because it was a challenge for me on a part-time salary.
The inner workings of Bethel on all levels is an eye-opener for many. It could be why so many Bethelites that leave (on good terms) eventually leave altogether.
Blondie