What an outstanding report, as a Mormon I have heard nothing but negativity about JW's. This article puts many of these stereotypes to rest. While LDS builds elaborate Temples and shows some intolerance, the JW's organize to help instead of curry favor with the world and it's governments.

Heartwarming story. However, JW's are not unique. The Mormon church has been out there helping both members and non-members from the tsunami to the hurricanes. Service to others is a very integral part of their church.

I can state from experience that whatever the witnesses do they do without any thought of renumeration. They don't even pass a plate during service. Anyone can donate anything or nothing and noone will ever say a word about it.

Witnesses do a great job of helping their own who are in good standing, but don't look for any real concern if you are not one of their own. That is not to say they have not helped others but is by happenstance than by design. They have no charitable dept. set up to help anyone outside the organization. They do not represent the scripture about the good Samiritan, unless you would depict them as the Jew who crossed the street.

i think we should stop looking at whose helping and who they re helping. At least they're doing something. i did not hear anything about chuck doing anything to help someone. i'm just glad someone is doing something.

For Stephen Accomando if you felt that your family in some way been hurt that is very unfortunante and I apologize for that. However, remember that imperfect men not are only made up of JW's but also Catholics, Protestant, etc. The majority of JW's are compassionante and loving. Sorry that impression made upon you had made you bitter and unforgiving.

I am 24 years old and I am one of the volunteers who worked on this roof plus many other roofs this weekend, along with hundreds of other JW's. I worked on disaster relief for four months straight last year after Ivan hit as well as thousands of my other brothers and sisters. I can say that I personally worked on dozens of homes, some of which were of ones who were not dedicated servants of Jehovah. It is hard to read some of the outright false remarks being made by ones regarding this article. I can honestly say that I have a world wide loving brotherhood, a loving Heavenly Father, and that I share that same love for any of my neighbors (in the faith or not). Say what you want, but I am acting on my faith, my love for others, and most of all following the loving example of Jehovah and his dear son Jesus. It was a joy to be of help to those who are going through such difficult times, especially since I live in an area that was directly hit by Ivan. When I needed help, there were no questions asked, just like when others needed help...I didn’t ask questions I just did what was needed to HELP. As for the negative comments, you don’t take away the joy and love that I walked away with this weekend, I’ll be back in two more weeks and continue on until the work is finished. I wish you all could feel as happy as I do right now. My love goes to all my brothers and sisters through out the world, you are in my prayers.

After reading all of these posts I feel I must share my personal experiences while helping the citizens of Bay Saint Louis and Waveland in their time of need. I saw several denominational and non-denominational groups doing great things for their fellow man, most notably the Scientologists. I find their beliefs quite odd, if not down right weird, and their yellow t-shirts sure were bright, however they provided an incredible amount of manpower and supplies for the entire 3 weeks I was there, great job at the 2nd street Elementary School Scientologists! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (commonly known as Mormons) had a huge operation providing tree cutting, home cleaning and restoration; whatever assistance anyone needed they got 24/7 (curfew permitting). There were many other religious groups that ran the gamut (Christian and Non-Christian) doing great things daily. I saw a waitress run a shelter for 3 weeks for 150 people with no assistance from FEMA or Red Cross (they actually tried to shut her down). I saw a team of third year Medical Students and 3 D.O.s run a mobile medical clinic the entire time. It a true blessing for all having these non-government agencies providing selfless compassionate, self-funded care to our human brothers and sisters when they needed it most. The point I am trying to get at is this story is the first time a saw any Jehovah’s Witness’ in the area, great job taking care of 1 home and the Kingdom Hall though.

It is nice to see the variety of responses to this article. I am 22 years old, I have been raised around the faith and baptized for 2 1/2 years. Just in the responses it is easy for me to tell which of these people are fellow believers and which ones are not, and therefore I ask the rest of you, can you identify by the responses of the opposers the current beliefs of the rest. Hate can be found everywhere, but love, and by this I mean unconditional love, is trully unique, yet it radiates from the deeds of the Wittnesses.

It is great to see recognition for my fellow brothers and sisters for doing what Jehovah commanded, showing love and taking care of the ones in need. If any of you are seeing this take to heart the fact that you are giving a great witness to the masses, and continue in your hard work. Remember, some may be won over without a word. By your actions, you are bring God praise. I love you all, and wish I was there with you.

Come on people, This was a good thing these people have done. Your nothing but critics. it's no wonder the world is messed up. People like you who keep picking apart those that do good. Let's face it the witnesses are unique they excel in living up to what the Bible says. How can anyone expect them to be able to help everyone in the world of course they would help their own. If they did not that would be like a father not helping his own family first before he helps a stranger. That would be a shame. The witnesses are limited in resources and manpower to overload themselves helping everyone would not be a good thing. Hey all who claim to follow Christ IS responsible to help their fellowman as well, if they do not then it is their failing and it reflects poorly on their belief. Now if the Catholics had a concern about their fellow Catholics to where they did this would not many, many people in this world be helped? But that is simply not the case rather JW's are expected to help the Catholics the very ones they would probaly diss at their doors. Lets be real here. Although yes the witnesses do extend help to non witnesses when they can. They are a small group of people compared to all religions in the world and they do their best let's be kind and at least be fair.

The facts speak for themselves. Jehovah's Witnesses help people. Yes, they may start primarily with their own (wouldn't that be nice if ALL organizations did that) and then expand to others, and their relief work is well known. Ask FEMA about Jehovah's Witnesses' relief work. FEMA regularly directs donated supplies to JW Relief Centers because they know they will be used properly and for the good of the community. And JWs NEVER demand nor expect insurance money to be donated back to the organization. As to other religious organizations, their own members are the best ones to address how much help they get from them.

2 Timothy 3:12 - "In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ will be persecuted."

Thank you for the wonderful package on the building efforts.

It is interesting and sad to see the reaction of some. WHy do people turn a clean pure act of love into something bad. These JW roofers paid there own way and willingly donate there time to help some one.
That does not sound bad to me. And really the love that these ones show is an identifying mark of Christs followers. ref John 13:35 ". 35 By this all will know that YOU are my disciples, if YOU have love among yourselves.” There is bad everywhere in the world today. Don't make an act of kindness into something bad.

You have no idea this positive information makes me feel. I too have submitted an application to volunteer my time and energy to assist my brothers and sisters in this much needed repair work. I can hardly wait to receive my invitation!

I am looking forward to receiving my invitation to assist in the rebuilding efforts for the sake of Kingdom interests.

Jehovah's Witnesses took a huge step in the right direction when they associated as a Non Governmental Organization with the United Unations. This helped the organization and JWs in general to appreciate that more than simply helping their own members is part of a Christian's responsibility. By associating with the UN the organization was able to expand it's "good works" and "outreach" proragms beyon simple evangelizing to include practical help such as described here.

More on this can be found here:

http://www.e-watchman.com/essays/watchtower-united-nations-strange-bedfellows.html

To P. Arthur- I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses and USED to be Catholic. One of the things that convinced me to study the bible with the Witnesses was the intense love they showed not only for others of their faith but the concern they showed for neighbor; something which was seriously lacking in the faith I grew up with.

Stephen this from a newspaper article: The Savannah Evening Press carried the headline “Jehovah’s Witnesses Find They Are Welcome in South Florida,” and The Miami Herald declared: “Witnesses Care for Their Own—and Others.” It stated: “No one in Homestead is slamming doors on the Jehovah’s Witnesses this week—even if they still have doors to slam. About 3,000 Witness volunteers from across the country have converged on the disaster area, first to help their own, then to help others. . . . Any military organization might envy the Witnesses’ precision, discipline and efficiency.”

Unfortunately, many people seek to find fault with one another instead of seeking what is best for all, as stated at Prov.18:24 - "There exists companions disposed to break one anther to pieces, but there exists a friend sticking closer than a brother". One day soon, all people will live by these standards.

I had the pleasure of helping in some of these "roffing jobs" as we call them (in Fl). I didnt help so much because im only 14, but i will never forget those experiences, such joy and i was a amazed how fast we finished the roofs...and we dont only help "our own" as some ppl say.

The Tennessean Friday sept. 16 edition had a front page story on some Witnesses that helped others not of their faith at no charge. I think some who posted here want to attack others rather than appreciate true Christian actions.

"About 3,000 Witness volunteers from across the country have converged on the disaster area, first to help their own, then to help others," said an article in The Miami Herald.
Galatians 6:10 says: "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." (King James version) Paul was referring to those who were of his own faith, the Christians of the first century.

I am a JW and live in Florida. I was 13 years old during hurricane andrew and remember collecting packing and shipping supplies to those who needed them. I remember reading of the relief effort made in central america, after hurrican mitch. Last year I participated in the relief effort after the busy hurricane season, and traveled to 6 cities across FL helping those who needed. The items that were donated went to the needy, not just the needy JWs. We worked on the houses of our fellow JWs, and on their neighbors as well. Next week I will be traveling to the florida keys and will spend my weekend working on rooftops. You know it's funny. I work in an office Mon-Fri, and I jokingly say that I wouldn't ever want to be a roofer for a living, but I like thousands of other JWs find it in their hearts to be roofers free of charge. Have you ever endured 100+ degree sun on a rooftop (for free)? We hapily do so. We are no better than anyone else, but we serve a loving and happy God, and He reflects His greatness on us. All praise for this work should be attributed to Him.
So judge us if you like, it's merely a fullfillment of 1 Peter 2:12 "Maintain YOUR conduct fine among the nations, that, in the thing in which they are speaking against YOU as evildoers, they may as a result of YOUR fine works of which they are eyewitnesses glorify God in the day for [his] inspection." (New World Translation)

yes , they do help others in other disasters , hurricanes etc ., in the past they have rebuilt , reroofed and so on their own and then moved on to their neighbors houses to help them also.
Seems some folks have sour grapes about not living up to standards themselves and can only bad mouth the good. What a sad life that is.
Wonder how much they are doing themselves, to help others? probably too busy tearing down...
We'll see much more work being done by JW's for their own and others. After all they go from Dooor to door to help others EVERY DAY around the world to talk about the Bible, giving of thier time , gas etc.and it is a completely volunteer activity.

As one of the guys that works regularly on the Regional Building Commette, I can assure anyone who is suggesting that we do not help our neighbors that you should investigate before you write. I am pasteing a link to a letter by a non-witness. This is long, but it is very interesting...

http://www.thegaryhalbertletter.com/Newsletters/2005/09-02-05.htm

copy and paste this into your browser and understand how many non witnesses feel.
Mike

In regards to Katrina, there have been several news articles of Witnesses helping others than those of their faith. One I read was of Jehovah's Witnesses who removed a tree from a roof of a couple that had no place to sleep otherwise. The tree removal would have cost them $900 plus would have resulted in further damage to their roof but the Witnesses did it for free and did not damage the roof any farther than the storm had already done. Google the news article and read it for yourself ... I've given you enough info you should be able to find it.