FRUGALITY

Re: Critical thinking: Business and personal views: Concerning gifts or provisions to or from staff members, the community-partner acquisition prospect and frugal manner of living:

Donations are a part of our support. However, in case a gratuitous gift does not occur within a particular time limit, I would like to explain some economic trends, and suggest practical, good sense or principles that I would like to follow.

The Hesedken has spent without going into debt more than it has received due to my personal giving. One of the Hesedken's greatest needs is land … a place where we can begin the first community. It should be several acres and that would take at least roughly $200, 000 at $10,000 per person for 20 people or families. Even then, at that low amount per person, we would expect a lot of work and building among ourselves. The Hesedken fund does not have enough at present to purchase the needed land, and it is very difficult to persuade people to help purchase a community property whereas many would live on the property if it were given to them freely. To overcome this Socialist, secular handout-type of expectation that has been induced in America for the last century, we must encourage giving of ourselves: our own time, work and money. Our organization is a giving organization, an organization that helps people implement their giving. It would not be wise to invite land-for-free to people when I am trying to get them to be givers and help them develop as a brotherly, sharing community. It is a good general policy to follow in order for subsequent communities to be built. We must give as we can in order to build and help others to do the same.

You may be surprised how many people will accept something for free but turn away when it demands their giving. Therefore, neither would it surprise me if many would come to get a free portion of land (even if they have the ability to provide) from those who are barely willing or able to give a proportionate amount. Although land sharing may be acceptable under prosperous conditions, it is these kind of people that need to be converted into givers instead of only receivers, if possible. (At least if a person recognizes the need to separate himself from the worldly system, it is commendable!)

To the contrary, sadly, many who have wealth to give do not live by faith nor are able to join us.

So, as staff or community members, we may do well by setting an example and planning to begin to live on a frugal, pilgrim-like basis now, as givers with hope in God. I personally do not want to be extravagant. We may expect to live on a basic need basis at first -- food, clothing and shelter. The community should not consist of high-livers right off the bat unless appropriate funds exist. Unless a person has more than enough to live on, I recommend the following general rule because many of us have struggled merely to get out of debt at one time or another: As the community economic mannerisms are generally expected to be low-cost, self-dependent, and self-providing, likewise, in order to be saving and prevent the need for debt, staff members would be wise to learn to live with as little as possible and make use of what already is in their possession. Although, there may be possible exceptions under certain conditions. At first, let us not buy anything except what we vitally need. This non-necessary-purchasing attitude or concept may extend and apply to all of us (whether desiring or not to live in a community at this time) concerning all our assets, conveniences and even our necessities.

Frankly, as far as I understand, I do not expect to change this frugality policy while the Club is in its infancy and many of its enthusiasts are merely beyond poverty level, if that! Sure, it would seem so much easier if someone were to donate all our needs. However, exemplary Christians are known for surviving hardships and mistreatments, much less being given donations from their surrounding world. The early church exemplified maturity by the giving of its members. So, in case such a miracle of ease doesn't occur, we know God can provide and we must be willing to continue in brotherly love, faith and endurance. By the way, it may not be long before terrible times come. We may start preparing now.

Some of us may not fully agree on this frugality concept.

On the other hand, aside from the general business view, personal friendships are special. Therefore, any of us may be willing to extend ourselves beyond the general Club policy and acquiesce on a higher level from his own personal assets if he so chooses.

The goal is to initiate communities; giving, other spiritual gifts and concepts may be developed and perfected (Heb. 6: 1-3) as we go. Ultimately, I would like to see us become of one heart and of one soul: none of us saying among ourselves that ought of the things which he possesses is his own, so as that we have all things common. (See Acts 4:32.)

Community living is necessary to establish a Godly, homogeneous, survival environment today. We are living in times of governmental persecution whereas the gospel is rejected and mocked by society. The tyranny will not allow people to seek and obtain peaceful, autonomy and civil righteousness through its ill-conceived, fascist, race-and-culture mixing, super-imposed, economic and social infrastructure. This malignant obstruction against pursuit of happiness and ethnic brotherhood was initiated on a grand scale at the beginning of WW II when Churchill attacked Germany, and has spread as a cancer since. Nevertheless, we still have time to make things better by our own, small developments.

Br. Ken

Donations

Seeking first the kingdom of God

Theodemocratic Community Living

Some things to think about:

Inspired Giving