Jehovas Witnesses,are you/they involved in charitable work?

Question

I respect the beliefs and faith of JWs and dont mind them trying to spread their faith by calling at doors.
What interests me is despite holding holy and moral values dear,I have never heard of any charitable work or donations on their /your behalf.Unlike the christian church involved in help for drug abuse/poverty/famine etc.Please let me know.

Also,JWs response to an earlier Q made it clear that the congregation is not tithed and that all donations are voluntary.I accept your word,but are ppl made to feel comfortable with this and is there an unwritten "understanding" that one must donate?
You said that elders are not paid.Yet i live near one who is not involved in secular work yet seems well to do.Does he get "expenses",for in house work?

Please do not respond with extracts from the bible.
Please only answers from those who have some knowledge.

I am not judging,just very interested.

Please dont be offended by the avatar,I know the Nazis didnt do you any favours but I just have it for the mistique.

Answer 1

JW do not really follow the example Jesus set in the Bible about helping the good Samaritan. The Samaritan symbolised someone who has a different faith from you (ie non-JW). JWs do not support organisations or people who are not themselves JWs. All that talk of JWs helping out during hurricanes etc were JWs helping out OTHER JWs. So where is the neighbourliness of that? Money is also kept well within the society's own hands and generally not given to any groups outside of their own faith. Greah, eh?

Answer 2

That's because they don't brag about it. My brother has spent time down in New Orleans rebuilding the homes of JWs that were displaced. If they have a neighbor trying to rebuild their home, they will do that one also. Before the storm hit, they drove the streets in trucks, helping to evac people. The only way you knew who they were was the big JW painted on the side.

They also ship food to other countries, but they don't advertise it. They also don't ask for donations, but there isn't any need to, as people donate freely through their congregations. There's a small box for this purpose. They don't pass the plate or require tithing. Food is usually bought, through organic farmers who are not JWs. Many farming communities in upper New York State benefit from their purchases.

Witnesses are not compensated for doing the field work, or positions in the congregations, but like anyone, some have been successful in business and/or the stock market. They may retire early to do the field work full time.

It would be impossible to compensate people, as congregations never get larger than 200 people. At this point they split and create a new congregation. Since everyone is taught the same, it is simple to start a new congregation with its own set of elders. In this manner, the Kingdom Halls never get so large as to overwhelm their neighborhoods. Overseers remain so only a short time, so it is not a job.

Answer 3

In disasters like hurricane Katrina sometimes congregations of JWs will take up donations of food, clothing, maybe money, and send them to other congregations of JWs, but, not to so called worldly organizations. An indiviual member could make personal donations directly, and perhaps through an organization IF that organization does not conflict with his scriptural beliefs.
Elders receive no pay, there are however traveling overseers that travel and serve a number of congregations who while not being paid, have expenses taken care of by the congregations.

Answer 4

As an organization we do not give to charities as we are a not for profit religion ourselves. We offer Bible studies a very valuable service. Many who study the Bible have stopped smoking, being abusive, being abused, etcetera.

No. I never feel forced to donate. I do not like being pushed. We have boxes in one or two spots in the Hall. Often I have to look for a while as they are very discreet. I myself have not made a donation in some time. It is a matter of want. Due to the placement of the boxes it is often hard to even notice if someone has contributed, and inversely to know who has not contributed.

No, his expenses are not comped by the society. IT could be if he had finance problems some in the congregation may give him money to help him though if he is well off this is doubtful. It could be he seems well to do but is really just doing fine and gives the impression he is well off because of something about him. Unless you have lived in his household you never know. Right now my finances are kinda tight. Others do not know. Just as when I had a bit of money earlier this year no one knew unless I needed to tell them.

Answer 5

There isn't an unwritten standard, Jehovah wants a cheerful giver, and gifts must be from the heart.

Jehovah's Witnesses have save many from drugs, repaired and saved marriages, helped homeless one become responsible individuals in the community.

These are not done by "setting up" agencies, but by helping individuals and their families.

I knew on elder who owned his own business prior to learning the truth. Upon learning what God required he sold his business and lived comfortably the rest of his life in the full time ministry.

I know others who because they don't waste money on Alochol, cigarettes, etc live very well on limited incomes.

Answer 6

I was a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses for 20+ years. I feel the same way you do, I respect their right to their own beliefs.

That said, all the years I was member, there was never any money given to charitable organizations outside the Watchtower and Bible Tract Society. JWs consider this being "part of the world" and that is something they avoid at all cost.

Elders that are higher up in the hierarchy, called Overseers, do not hold secular positions and are supported monetarily by the donations of the congregation.

While tithing is not required, it is "suggested" that members give no less than ten percent of their income.

I am not judging either. Just giving facts of my life for more than 20 years.

Answer 7

We should praise the JWs and the Mormons because they are the only faith to take to the streets to evangelise.
So next time they knock on your door give them the respect they deserve and don't send them away with a sour word..

Answer 8

we don't go around telling people when we help others when there is trouble. we are always one of the first ones there to help. we help people all year round. the only one that has to know what we do is Jehovah and Jesus Christ is son. elders are not paid any money and neither are we. many of the elders work on a job. they have to eat and pay bills just like anyone else. Jesus told us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves and the world is our neighbor. people who go to church make a big deal when it is thanksgiving or Xmas and mention it on TV. we as Jehovah Witnesses don't brag about it. many newspapers have pictures of Jehovah Witnesses helping others.

Answer 9

I am not a Jehovah's Witness...
When there is a tornado, hurricane or any disaster usually they are one of the first ones there to help, first to help their people, then to others.
You can check out the news paper in the past, or you can call on your neighbor J. W. and ask the other questions you related here.
He will be glad to answer your questions.
They are very kind and friendly people.
Peace......

Answer 10

88