Post by sacerdotal on Jan 3, 2014 19:38:26 GMT -5
I have a feeling that the "costs" are that you have a lovely large house and a extra car for the workers to drive and quite a bit of money to spread around amongst the workers & pay for improvements at convention grounds etc., etc.
You have read enough of my posts to realize that I am straightforward, not only this board, but also with the workers. I have addressed the phenomenon, that does exist with some workers, of the rich in the fellowship being treated differently (better) than the poor in the fellowship. Of course, James wrote of the shame of this practice and why it shouldn't be a part of being a Christian.
But, now having said all of that....
I give nothing to the workers. Zip. Nada. And haven't for 3 years. I haven't been moved to the Spirit to do so. My not giving coincides with learning about the Codicil to the Will that the workers have drawn up to accept money from the estates saints that have died- and in the case of the Codicil drawn up in California- the funds are the overseer's sole and uncontrolled use. (Actually verbiage from the codicil.) Now, couple that knowledge with the irrationality of how I was being treated by a couple of overseer's, it became clear to me- the workers do not need the friends any longer for financial support. That have a war chest or treasure test stored up.
I do not go to convention. I do not go to gospel meeting. I won't, until my special needs daughter is grown. I appreciate the workers, therefore, taking the time to visit us when they can. It is appreciated. I am thankful that the new overseer and other workers do not try and coerce me into going against my conscience in matters pertaining to the system. The past overseers both tried to bully me into their way of thinking, which I couldn't do as I felt that there was nothing of God in their policy of shunning and gossip against us. The new overseer appear to be trying to make amends and have some of the other former, non overseers, who have visited with us and we had great visits as they are no longer forced to carry weird or idiotic messages from the overseer to us.