Are they really closing down branches in Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guyana ?

by aligot ripounsous 25 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

• 

  aligot ripounsous

  I just got this information on the phone, from a local JW family member : The society is definitely downsizing its worldwide institutional network and they intend to disband their bethels in the three French overseas départements of Martinique, Guadeloupe an French Guyana. I've not heard about the fourth département La Réunion in the Indian ocean but I gather that they might go the same way there.

  I wonder , what about the decent amount of money I donated to them in order to build one of those bethels , is it bound to be siphoned off to Brooklyn ? Objection, that was not included in the deal.
• 

  Bangalore

  I guess the recession is affecting them too.

  Bangalore
• 

  Desilusionnee

  Hi Aligot!

  Are you sure they are closing those branches? They are definitly closing the branch in the Dominican Republic. My sister is leaving Guadeloupe in 2 weeks in order to "serve in the creole field" in the DM. I'll give my mother a call to check this information.
  If they really do it, I've got one more argument to provide to my hubby. Hope we will leave as a family.

  Desi
• 

  Gayle

  These branches seem to be closing in quick succession. Italy, Spain, Czech, Central American countries (6?) and now these four. In 2009 Annual Report showed 118 branches. With these closing, I am curious what the 2010 Annual Report will show. Will the WTS still count these countries as branches even though they will basically handled in another branch/country elsewhere? Can only guess what other branches will be closing through 2011? The WTS must be hurting.

  I wonder if there will be any report about these at their Annual Meeting (usually around Oct. 1)?
• 

  St George of England

  what about the decent amount of money I donated to them in order to build one of those bethels

  Just comfort yourself in the thought that it will contribute to the new cult HQ in Warwick were the GB and cronies can live out their lives in absolute luxury!

  George
• 

  Desilusionnee

  @Gayle, you forgot Austria and Switzerland...they read a letter 1 month ago announcing they are going to close and everything will be done in Germany...
• 

  cantleave

  don't forget Ireland!
• 

  designs

  Gayle, funny you should mention Italy, in 1970 I visited the 'Bethel' home in Italy, it was a shared duplex with the National Geographic Society. They should have stayed in the old place, less overhead.
• 

  jamiebowers

  The society is definitely downsizing its worldwide institutional network and they intend to disband their bethels in the three French overseas départements of Martinique, Guadeloupe an French Guyana.

  I wonder if this has to do nwith the French government eliminating the Watchtower's tax exempt status.
• 

  Desilusionnee

  Hi all!

  I just got the confirmation today. My mother still lives in Guadeloupe and confirmed the closing of the branches in Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guyana. The official reason is: Jehovah is accelerating his work because the end is SOOOO ClOSE.

  Sigh...and even more sighs as I cannot tell them anything. As I told you, my sister gave up her job as a teacher to "serve where the need is great". She's leaving Guadeloupe this Saturday. I'm so sorry for her.

  Desi