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The Local Church in the 21st Century Observations and Discussions regarding the Local Church Movement in the Here and Now

 
 
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Old 04-05-2023, 02:51 PM   #1
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Default Lee Family Documents and Results

Hi,

I have searched the forums for historical documents related to Witness Lee's family, but many of the web links no longer seem to be available. I was wondering if anyone had copies so I could see for myself. I am specifically thinking of Philip Lee's excommunication from Anaheim, the letter of apology to Philip Lee, any documents on Timothy Lee dealings, Lee family financial documents... But any documents related to these matters would be interesting to me. I want a better picture of how the Lee dynasty has shaped out

Based on personal experience/second hand account of meeting multiple generation's of descendants of Witness Lee (visiting their personal residencies within the last 10 years), as well as a preliminary financial review of Living Stream (DBA Living Stream Ministry) tax returns, I cannot locate where Witness Lee has funneled his accumulated LSM wealth. It appears LSM makes a substantial amount from donations, but books and training fees are separated clearly in their filings. LSM owns a substantial amount of real estate and it seems to be the predominate use of LSM funds. The directors/managing directors are not overpaid by most means (if you adjust for experience and travel requirements). Highest paid people are under $65 /hour, $130,000 on the year. Directors at similar sized for-profit organizations have compensation packages $300k-600k.

I will list the shortcomings of my research followed by possible theories for wealth placement.
Shortcomings:
1. I only sifted through the financial info of the entities that LSM sent grants to. Most of them also have tax filings available and numbers seem to line up. I don't see any clear skimming of grant money, but for international entities, it is significantly harder to track down information on.
2. I have read that Daystar kept 2 set of books, and my research could all be incorrect due to a separate set of books used for tax filings vs. what actually happens.
3. I have only done a preliminary financial review. I have industry information on book printing, distribution, and sales from experience. Their expenses related to books and media creation seem to be in line with industry standards. Nothing of immediate concern. However, I would need to dig in a bit more to be confident they are not funneling substantial funds through printing vendors.

Theories:
1. International grants to foreign entities are sent to an escrow and a portion is siphoned off before reaching the foreign entity. This would be extremely risky with the non-profit status of the entities as well as on the escrow end.
2. All of the wealth is consolidated under the control of a single line of the Lee dynasty that controls the BB behind the scenes and does not have any desire to help out any of their other family members. Some of the Lee children and grandchildren have lived in the same residencies since his death, and have not exhibited any significant improvement in socioeconomic status.
3. All of the wealth is held overseas, and they can only enjoy it during their trips to Taiwan.
4. Wealthy families in history have squandered all of their wealth within a few generations, could the Lee descendants wasted all of their wealth through more poor investments?
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