Theme: “How we use our donations: Keeping our Kingdom Halls in good repair”
What expenses do we have to cover to keep our Kingdom Halls in good repair? And why is it important to take care of our halls?
Comment 1:
The article mentions that there are normal Kingdom Hall expenses, such as internet, water, and electricity. Basic supplies are also needed, such as paper towels, gloves, cleaning products, and paint. Although they may seem like small expenses, they all help to keep the hall clean, orderly, and in good condition for the worship of Jehovah.
Comment 2:
We also have to cover the costs of preventive maintenance and small repairs. The article explains that the congregations take care of cleaning regularly and of attending to small problems. That is important because, if they are fixed in time, they are kept from turning into bigger and more costly problems.
Comment 3:
It is important to take care of our halls because they are not just any buildings. There we worship Jehovah and are with our spiritual family. As Nicole said, she loves her hall because there she is with her spiritual family. That idea reminds us that we should value and care for the place where we meet.
Comment 4:
Taking care of the hall also adorns our teaching. David, a pioneer from Colombia, said that the people who visit us are surprised to see how well cared for our halls are. So keeping them clean and in good condition can make a good impression and bring glory to Jehovah.
Comment 5:
Another important reason is that taking good care of the halls helps to save money from the donations. If we all cooperate and attend to problems in time, the funds can be used where they are really needed. In this way we show that we deeply value the donations that the brothers make so generously.
Sometimes there are large maintenance projects. What stands out to you about how they are financed and organized?
Comment 1:
It stands out to me that the work is very well organized. The Local Design/Construction Department appoints maintenance trainers, and each one looks after between six and ten halls. They visit the buildings, train the brothers, and help detect maintenance and safety issues.
Comment 2:
It also stands out to me that the buildings are inspected every three years. That shows that they do not wait until everything is badly deteriorated; rather, the halls are checked ahead of time. Thanks to that organization, problems can be discovered before they become more serious or more expensive.
Comment 3:
It is lovely to see that the expenses are covered thanks to the donations. A portion is used for the normal expenses of the hall, and whatever is left over is donated to the worldwide work. In this way, the donations help not only our hall, but also Kingdom Halls in other places.
Comment 4:
I am impressed that, when a project exceeds what would normally be spent in two or three months, the elders consult with the LDC maintenance trainer. If it is approved, funds from the worldwide work are generally used. That shows there is order, balance, and good administration.
Comment 5:
The scale of the help also stands out. In the 2023 service year, 8,793 major maintenance projects were carried out, at a total cost of $76.6 million. That shows that the donations are used to care for places of worship all over the world.
What can you do to help?
Comment 1:
I can help by sharing in the cleaning of the Kingdom Hall. I do not need to wait to be asked to do something big; I can help with simple tasks and do them with a good attitude. As the article says, taking care of our halls is an outstanding honor, and we can all do our part.
Comment 2:
I can also be alert to small problems and let the elders know if I see something that needs repair. The article highlights the importance of fixing small problems before they become bigger. That can save a lot of money and prevent greater damage to the hall.
Comment 3:
Another way to help is to volunteer for maintenance. The article says that, if we want to help, we can speak with the elders of our congregation. We may not know how to do many things, but with training and a willing attitude we can be useful.
Comment 4:
I can help by taking care of the hall when I use it. For example, by keeping it clean, treating the furniture well, and picking up whatever I see out of place. Although it may seem like little, that attitude shows that I respect the house where we worship Jehovah and that I value the donations of the brothers.
Comment 5:
I can also help with my donations, whether in the contribution boxes at the hall or through donate.jw.org. The article explains that those donations serve to care for our hall and also other halls all over the world. In this way we help many brothers be able to worship Jehovah in dignified places.
