articles on donationg to needy

[Bamahrt]

   Does anyone know where the articles are that tell why we don't have a fund at the KH to help the needy in the neighborhood?    

       I'm sure from time to time if you have an answering machine at the KH then you've heard some people leave a message asking for money to buy food, pay their electric or gas or what ever the situation is. 

       I've recently had someone ask for money to pay their electric bill, then ask for money for food.    I'd like the articles to show them.  I've already said that we work, and have our own bills and the KH doesn't have a fund for this that we use our money to teach people about Jehovah. 

   

[Beggar for the Spirit]

Hi Sister Margie,

 

The issue of helping the poor and needy in our local community can be a very sensitive subject with some people.

Some wonder why we do not do more to help the poor and needy in our communities.

But that is because they do not understand the issue fully.

Here are a variety of answers and reasons that hopefully can help you to provide answers to those who ask, plus

some articles below as you have asked for.

 

Why don't Jehovah's Witnesses do more to help the poor and needy in our communities?

 

We actually do take up collections for the poor and needy in our communities, for those

who are "our family"(our brothers/sisters) who we are responsible for!

But some people may say to this,

"That's not helping the community, that is just helping your own people".

But are not "our own people" just as much a part of the community as any other people?

And do not people in the community first help their own family before helping others?

Nobody criticizes them when they help their sister or daughter or cousin.

And by caring for their family, they in turn help the community.

 

So the same with us, when we help out brothers/sisters who are needy locally,

in turn we helped the community. Now no one in the community is burdened of

having to help these citizens because Jehovah's Witnesses have already done so!
 

We will often take up a collection of food, clothing, even money when

someone in the community who is our "family" is in need. Often the elders make

arrangements to help but even some families on their own help.

 

We also donate money into a "collection" that gets sent to the Branch to help

other communities all over the world!

And some of those communities actually need more help

because they have just been devastated by an earthquake or hurricane or some disaster.

And some of those funds help those in that community who are not Jehovah's Witnesses.

Plus volunteers will help them with first aid or even help rebuild their homes.

Now that is a beautiful way of helping the needy!

*** w90 12/1 p. 22 How Jehovah Prospers His Work ***
Among Christians, giving is motivated by love, not law. The apostle Paul explained the principle when organizing a collection for needy Christians in Judea. He said: “Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) This Scriptural method of voluntary giving is practiced by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

 

It's also ironic that while some people ask or even accuse us of not helping our community,

yet many literally do nothing at all to help others locally. Some do not even help their own families or relatives,

so the burden is placed on others.

 

But do we actually help the needy and poor in our communities of people who are not Jehovah's Witnesses?

While most people in the community only help if there is some special drive, carnival or emergency fund

being collected, we actually help the poor and needy directly in our own community

For example, how many times have we heard in our local congregations over the years where

brothers/sisters have gone to a Return Visit or knocked on the door and after talking

with the person discover that the person is in need and so the brothers/sisters leave and

come back with some food or supplies! 

 

I have heard many examples of this, I also have done this many times and likely

many brothers/sisters here on JWtalk have done this.

Likely none of these people who have been directly helped like this would

ever accuse JWs of not helping the poor and needy in their communities.

*** w90 12/1 p. 22 How Jehovah Prospers His Work ***
Do you resort to fund-raising dinners, collection envelopes, canvassing for funds, and similar ways of raising money?
No, true Christians do not have to be coerced or bribed into giving by having prizes dangled in front of them. Religious groups that resort to bingo, bazaars, raffles, carnivals, the renting of pews, or the passing of collection plates reveal that they have not given their people spiritual food, and so God’s spirit does not move their parishioners freely to contribute funds. The same could be said of those who resort to the outdated practice of tithing.—Matthew 10:8.

 

Is there a better way to help the needy than taking up a small collection or giving them some money or food for the day?

People may remember the saying,

"“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”
 

On occasions we have given people in our community "a fish for a day" to help them.

But much better and more importantly we have helped a person feed themselves and their family "for a lifetime"!

How many brothers/sisters have helped Return Visits, Bible Studies and neighbors by

teaching them to develop better morals which then helps them develop a better work ethic, helps them to fight

addictions so they can function and work, helps them see the need to provide and help their own family which

they may not have been doing previously.

 

There may a few who just want a handout for the day, but most people want to improve their lives, find good jobs and

be able to help provide for their own family.  A person feels better about himself/herself when they can provide for their own

family. And so our spending time with them in their own home helping them learn better values and morals has

made MUCH MORE of an impact than any small collection.

PLUS, now not only is this person able to care for his family,

but now he will teach these values to his son/daughter and others who need help.

*** km 10/07 p. 1 par. 4 Offer Hope to the Poor ***
Help Now:

Our teaching Bible principles to poor ones in the territory also helps them to mitigate the effects of poverty right now. For example, the Bible condemns drunkenness, gambling, laziness, the use of tobacco, and other practices that contribute to poverty. (Prov. 6:10, 11; 23:21; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 5:5) The Scriptures encourage honesty and working “whole-souled,” qualities looked for in employees. (Col. 3:22, 23; Heb. 13:18) In fact, in one survey the majority of employers ranked honesty and integrity as qualities that impress them most in job candidates.

 

 

 

Here are some other excellent points below that can help explain this issue to others

______________________________________________________________________________________

 

*** g 2/13 p. 14 The Needy ***
In some lands, the government provides welfare for the needy.

Where this is not available, the responsibility falls primarily on the needy ones’ relatives.—1 Timothy 5:3, 4, 16.
 

*** w01 6/15 pp. 10-11 Look After Orphans and Widows in Their Tribulation ***
During the early days of the Christian congregation, caring for those afflicted and truly needy as a result of the loss of parents or of a husband was a distinctive feature of true worship. With keen interest in the welfare of such ones, the disciple James wrote: “The form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world.”—James 1:27.
Besides mentioning orphans and widows, James also showed deep concern for others who were poor and destitute. (James 2:5, 6, 15, 16) The apostle Paul displayed the same thoughtfulness. When he and Barnabas were given their preaching assignment,

‘keeping the poor in mind’ was among the instructions they received. “This very thing I have also earnestly endeavored to do,” Paul could say in good conscience. (Galatians 2:9, 10)

The account of the activities of the Christian congregation shortly after its establishment noted:

“There was not one in need among them . . . In turn distribution would be made to each one, just as he would have the need.” (Acts 4:34, 35) Yes, the arrangement established in ancient Israel of caring for orphans, widows, and the destitute was carried over into the Christian congregation.
Of course, the aid provided was moderate and in harmony with the means of the individual congregations. Money was not wasted, and those assisted were really in need. No Christian was to take unfair advantage of this arrangement, and no unnecessary burden was to be placed upon the congregation.
 

*** g88 12/22 p. 6 Solving the Problem of the Poor ***
Those who would imitate Jesus must therefore have great compassion for the poor and must seek to help them. But how? Since Jesus acknowledged that the present world is under the control of Satan the Devil, he did not attempt to reform it. (Luke 4:5-8; John 12:31; 14:30; 18:36) But he did help the poor by providing them instruction that would help them cope with the problems of life.
 

*** w90 12/1 pp. 23-24 How Jehovah Prospers His Work ***
Why do you not operate hospitals or clinics and engage in relief work and other social services as many religious groups do?
Jehovah’s Witnesses quickly respond to emergencies in the aftermath of war or natural disaster when they can.

In fact, usually they are among the first on the scene with food, clothing, and volunteers to help with rebuilding.

However, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not operate hospitals or clinics, any more than they run fire departments or police forces, which are also for the preservation of life.
They are dedicated ministers of the gospel, and their assignment is to preach and teach the good news of God’s Kingdom in all the world for a witness before the end comes. (Matthew 24:14) As Jesus said, the harvest is great and the workers are few. It would be unforgivable to neglect this all-important work in order to take up other activities, however praiseworthy.—Matthew 9:37, 38.
As it happens, a number of Jehovah’s Witnesses are doctors, nurses, and hospital aides. But they view this work as additional to their primary vocation, the Christian ministry.
 

Edited March 29, 2015 by Beggar for the Spirit

[Cool Cat]

Either look here:- http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200274838

 

or type in RELIEF (for People in Need) into the CDRom.

 

Prepare yourself to get buried in information showing how we have provided relief for those who are in desperate need including those not related to us in the faith!

 

Hope that helps!

[Bamahrt]

Thank you both so much.      As you probably already guessed yes she is a study.  I replied that I was still working because we can't afford for me to quit, my husband is retired and we have five children that need our help from time to time.  Then she asked about the Kingdom Hall.   I then replied that we do not have funds set up for contributions like this because we spend our monies on going out door to door trying to help people learn about Jehovah.  So far we're still on for her study Wed.  I'll keep you all posted.

[Shawnster]

And keep in mind you personally may donate to whomever is in need as long as your Christian conscience allows and is in harmony with scripture.

[Bamahrt]

Yes thank you Shawn, 

    I have to admit that I DON'T WANT to.   She is living with her brother, and her boyfriend and his cousin.    They have five dogs, and 7 horses.    There really isn't a reason why three of them can't be out working.    I work hard, my husband work(ed) hard and I don't feel like giving it away to those who don't want to work.

[ReadYourBible]

Yes thank you Shawn, 

    I have to admit that I DON'T WANT to.   She is living with her brother, and her boyfriend and his cousin.    They have five dogs, and 7 horses.    There really isn't a reason why three of them can't be out working.    I work hard, my husband work(ed) hard and I don't feel like giving it away to those who don't want to work.

I agree, and we wouldn't want to be creating rice Christians either.

 

We also see a principle in Jesus' own words, that there will always be the poor.  It's better to give them the hope of an eternal future, instead of a hand out.  Though we wouldn't withhold the tender compassion from our brothers and sisters if they were in need though.

 

There's a beautiful sister I know from Vietnam who has been in some really tough spots, and when I worked full-time I could help out and I wanted to by sending her something to tide her over.  She wouldn't take it though.  I really wanted to give it to her though.  

 

I would feel wrong about asking for anything from anyone I don't personally know (i.e I will only borrow money from my Dad if I need to) 

 

You'll note that even though I've undergone and am still undergoing many financial trials, I would never presume to burden my brothers and sisters by asking them, since I trust that Jehovah will manoeuver things to his advantage and I have to patiently wait on him, while I do what I can to get a job.

[MizPeg]

And keep in mind you personally may donate to whomever is in need as long as your Christian conscience allows and is in harmony with scripture.

Gossip is not a bad thing all the time. I've anonymously sent money to someone who I had heard of, needing a hand up, not a handout. You can always get their mailing address from your secretary, and including a nice card, with a strengthening message is a nice touch.   

 

I had clicked on "post", then recalled something my brother had related. Joe passed away from kidney failure, and was without much income for a period of time. He said there were times they needed money for a utility bill, or medicine, and in the mailbox would be an envelope with just the right amount, or so close that it wasn't a struggle proceeding. He knew and believed Jehovah was answering a heartfelt prayer, and never failed to acknowledge the holy spirit's involvement. 

Edited March 30, 2015 by MizPeg

[Qapla]

Years ago I was a regular pioneer and there were times when things got a little tight. I had gotten down to rock bottom when I found an envelope in the mail with a $50 cashier check.

To this day I still have no idea who it was from but it made it so I could continue to pioneer. Yes, Jehovah provides!

[Elijahsmama]

Thank you both so much.      As you probably already guessed yes she is a study.  I replied that I was still working because we can't afford for me to quit, my husband is retired and we have five children that need our help from time to time.  Then she asked about the Kingdom Hall.   I then replied that we do not have funds set up for contributions like this because we spend our monies on going out door to door trying to help people learn about Jehovah.  So far we're still on for her study Wed.  I'll keep you all posted.

Sadly I have been in this situation many times. More than a few would not be an exaggeration. Plus several in our congregation have had the same problem. I could tell stories for a really long time of the insane requests we have gotten... Oh and it always starts with "can you give me a ride". And then escalates from there. From I need food to feed my starving children, my kids are cold the electric is cutoff can you help.... To bail out of jail (I was set up). One sister got a call at 1100 at night from a study ... She went Xmas shopping and spent all her money and didn't have cab fair. The woman was begging for money but didn't get enough. My friend went but told her it was the last time.

It's actually a test of someone's interests. If you say no a couple of times but understand and still study that is wonderful. Sadly from personal experience they fade and do so quickly.

Another weird experience.... We were in a congregation and this woman started studying... She had a sad story. The couple helped her big time. Clothes, helped with finding affordable housing and other things. She actually progressed. She wanted to become an unbaptised publisher but couldn't quit smoking. I happened to be at a get together and was talking to a sister from another hall. I was telling her about this woman.... And this sister knew her. The stories were almost identical. Even the part of becoming a publisher but problem with smoking. Sadly for this sister she let her borrow money (not a ton of it). and this woman then went in to the wind. This woman without any notice or warning moved and the couple had no idea where she went.

About a year later we moved into another congregation and lo and behold there she is studyng with another sister. I went up ,to the woman and said hello. She was definitely concerned, tried to tell me she has a falling out with the couple from my previous hall and they wouldn't let her go out in service. I asked her what concerns they had and she admitted smoking. I backed them up. I tried to warn the sister who was studying.. She didn't want to hear it she was going to believe this woman's problems. I even said call the two people from different congregations that studied with her. She wouldn't. This farce lasted almost 1.5 years. And then the woman disappeared.

People think we can be taken advantage of because we are nice but we don't want that to be true.

[Bamahrt]

Thank you all for your comments and advice.   Sharon, Heather and Peggy.   I too have (as the saying goes)  Been there done that !!!  Because of having been there more than a few times myself I do know what it feels like.     

        I guess I might feel different if she had been studying for awhile and coming to the meetings. Regardless I wouldn't ever loan her $3,000.00 for her electric bill.      She has friended several of my friends and (worldly family) on face book.  I think she thought they were witnesses... She has also friended a few dozen of the friends on face book and everyday she's posting a new scripture.

       Either way our study for today was cancelled. She did say that she'd have it on Monday. So we'll see.

  John,    I agree, Jehovah does provide.   He knows better than we do what we need when we need it.   When I have the means (I think) I am a very generous person.   I also think I'm like everyone else, I don't want to be used.  

 

  thank you all again for your comments.. Now my next request... I am doing a demo tonight so I will take all the prayers I can get.  I get sooo nervous. 

[Old]

Gossip is not a bad thing all the time. I've anonymously sent money to someone who I had heard of, needing a hand up, not a handout. You can always get their mailing address from your secretary, and including a nice card, with a strengthening message is a nice touch.   

 

 

I have been under the impression that information on publisher cards (Address, phone numbers, etc.) came under the heading of confidential information, provided as needed to the shepherds in the congregation.

[Cool Cat]

I have been under the impression that information on publisher cards (Address, phone numbers, etc.) came under the heading of confidential information, provided as needed to the shepherds in the congregation.

Yes that's right. Probably best if you ask a friend of theirs in the congregation for their address. Or maybe offer to pick them up for field service one day and get it that way.

[Sheep]

I have been under the impression that information on publisher cards (Address, phone numbers, etc.) came under the heading of confidential information, provided as needed to the shepherds in the congregation.

 

I have heard that too. But I have been in at least one congregation where lists of all the publishers, with addresses and phone numbers, were distributed to everyone. Some would not be comfortable with that arrangement, but I personally don't mind it. I guess the elders need to weigh the feelings of all in the congregation before deciding to give everyone a copy.