September 22

Prayers That God Answers

A THIRTY-NINE-YEAR-OLD physician, after undergoing an exploratory operation, learned that he had a rare form of cancer. He tried desperately to stay alive. He left no avenue in the field of medicine unexplored. He even sought miracles. One of a number of professional and lay clergymen who regularly visited him prayed that he might be healed. But this physician died, leaving behind his wife and two young children.

In view of cases of this nature and others, one may wonder why many prayers, though offered in great earnest, seemingly go unanswered. Does God really answer prayers?

Consider this illustration used by Jesus Christ: “Who is the man among you whom his son asks for bread​—he will not hand him a stone, will he? Or, perhaps, he will ask for a fish​—he will not hand him a serpent, will he? Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will your Father who is in the heavens give good things to those asking him?”​—Matt. 7:9-11.

But does a human father usually give his children every single thing for which they ask? What if the children are demanding, even arrogant, in asking for things? What if they have disgraced the family by bad conduct, or their requests are unreasonable, selfish or run counter to their father’s standards? Should any of these or like factors enter the picture, likely the father will refuse his children’s requests. In principle, this is also true regarding the heavenly Father, Jehovah God.

Persons who want to be heard by God must approach him in true humility, doing so through his Son Jesus Christ. That this is now the only means of approach is evident from Jesus’ words to his disciples: “Whatever it is that you ask in my name, I will do this, in order that the Father may be glorified in connection with the Son.” “No one comes to the Father except through me.”​—John 14:13, 6.

Furthermore, the individual praying to God must be rightly motivated. He cannot be practicing what God condemns and expect to receive God’s help and favor.​—Isa. 1:15-17.

Another vital requirement for being heard by God is that we pray in harmony with his will. Even Jesus Christ said: “Let, not my will, but yours take place.” (Luke 22:42) Like Jesus, the person who has an approved standing before God and prays in harmony with His will can rest assured of being answered. Writing to fellow Christians, the apostle John noted: “This is the confidence that we have toward him, that, no matter what it is that we ask according to his will, he hears us.”​—1 John 5:14.

One reason that many prayers, including those for miraculous healing, remain unanswered is that they are out of harmony with God’s will for the time. But someone might object, pointing out that the Bible mentions people who experienced miraculous cures. This is, of course, true. However, an examination of the record about those miracles indicates that these had a special purpose. Often the miracles served as proof that those empowered to perform them had God’s backing.

When the Christian congregation began in the first century C.E. miracles were part of the evidence that God approved that congregation and was no longer using the natural Israelites as his exclusive name people. Those who recognized this fact embraced Christianity. At Lydda, for example, the apostle Peter healed the paralytic Aeneas. Regarding the effect of this miraculous cure, the Bible reports: “All those who inhabited Lydda and the plain of Sharon saw him, and these turned to the Lord.”​—Acts 9:35.

Those empowered to perform such miracles did not try miraculous means to relieve their own ailments nor those of fellow believers.​—1 Tim. 5:23.

First-century Christians evidently recognized that it was not God’s will for them to seek miraculous healing for themselves. Had that been the case, Christians could have prolonged their lives indefinitely. Whenever anyone in their midst got sick, they could simply have prayed him back to health. Not even death would have been an obstacle to their continuing to live indefinitely on earth. As the apostle Peter was empowered to raise Dorcas from the dead, so he could have prayed for other Christians to be restored to life. Then, whenever a Christian died, Peter and others could have prayed for that one to be resurrected time and again.

The Bible, however, shows that the thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ is God’s means for bringing sickness, old age and death to their end. (Rev. 20:6; 21:4) Regardless of what arguments anyone may advance about miraculous healing today, this is not now God’s way for restoring people to health. No one today can maintain perfect health. Even those who claim to have been healed miraculously get sick again, continue to grow old and eventually die.

Nevertheless, prayer can accomplish much today. Hundreds of thousands can testify to the fact that God has answered their prayers. He has sustained them in times of adversity. By means of his spirit, he has given them needed wisdom and endurance to cope with problems and trials. In their own case, they have experienced the fulfillment of what the disciple James wrote: “If any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep on asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching.” (Jas. 1:5) When ill, God’s servants have been strengthened to maintain a wholesome outlook. It has been as the psalmist observed regarding one who is sick: “Jehovah himself will sustain him upon a divan of illness.”​—Ps. 41:3.

If you want your prayers to be answered, make sure that you have an acceptable standing before God and that your petitions are in harmony with his will. This requires having accurate knowledge of his Word, the Bible, and applying it to your life. If you are not now studying the Bible, we encourage you to do so. Jehovah’s Christian witnesses in your area will be happy to assist you in this. Why not find out for yourself what grand blessings come from praying in full accord with God’s will as revealed in the Bible?

Alaska​—The Changing Giant Speaks Out

By “Awake!” correspondent in Alaska

HOW would you feel if someone called you a useless “white elephant”? What if they called you a “frozen waste” and “utterly worthless”? Well, I was the victim of such name-calling several years ago. When I was sold to the United States by the Russian government in 1867 for $7,200,000 in coin, there was quite a controversy. The New York World of April 1, 1867, commented: “Russia has sold us a sucked orange.” That really hurt, let me tell you. When W. H. Seward, the then Secretary of State, negotiated for me, opponents of the purchase of Alaska spoke of me as “Seward’s Folly.”

Some persons, however, expressed high hopes for my future, even though I was sold for only two cents an acre. They felt that my bulk, stretching over 586,000 square miles, might someday bring enormous benefits. Let me assure you, I did not disappoint them.

Yes, I have changed. Things are beginning to look different. Rather than a “white elephant,” people now speak of me as a giant with vast resources. Just a glance will reveal an abundance of fish in my streams, lumber in my forests, and invaluable fur throughout my snow-covered wilderness. And practically everyone has heard of the gold rush of the 1800’s that made so many people rich. Did you know that even today I am supposed to have thirty-two of the thirty-four major metals known to exist in the world? Yes, I still have great quantities of valuable ore in my pockets.

As far as nickel is concerned, the largest United States reserve is said to be in my southeast panhandle region. Experts claim that I have billions of tons of coal to be mined, perhaps a trillion tons. A recent checkup that I had revealed what some claim as the world’s largest reserves of fluorides and tungsten hidden in my earthen vaults. Now, does that sound “utterly worthless” to you?

Since the recent emphasis on the energy crisis the whole world is really taking notice of my huge oil reserves. One estimate says that there is no less than ten billion barrels. Another estimate puts the figure at fifty billion barrels in the North Slope and Prudhoe Bay area! So now that I have started to flex my muscles, plans are under way to tap the energy source. Oil should start flowing to market by July 1977.

Finding oil is one thing. Getting it out and to the market is quite another matter. It will be a tremendous operation and one that is bound to affect me for life, since the changes will be irreversible. Let me tell you more about this.

Largest Private Construction Project in History

Plans are under way to transport two million barrels of crude oil per day. It could take upward of twenty years to extract the oil now located. Can you imagine spending more than six billion dollars to complete the project for moving oil through a pipe forty-eight inches in diameter, almost eight hundred miles long? No wonder they call it the biggest construction project in the history of private enterprise. I am somewhat nervous about the whole thing, for, in spite of my size, I have a very tender surface. I need to be treated delicately, due to a permafrost condition over much of my body.

Oil pushes out of the ground at a temperature of 145 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Since about three fourths of the distance from Prudhoe Bay in the north to the Valdez terminal in the south is over permafrost (frozen subsoil, subject to thawing and sinking), you can realize that keeping the pipeline from twisting and breaking is an immense challenge. If the pipe is buried, the heat will melt the permafrost, causing slides. If it is built on stilts, a barrier above ground will be created that will block the thousands of caribou and other migrating animals.

Think of what might result if oil spills out due to a broken pipe. I have been assured, however, that ecologists and scientists will work together to protect my wildlife, riverbeds and tundra. But whether this agreement will be lived up to I will have to wait and see.

Such an intricate piping system would also require a service road. Already work crews have completed this major engineering task​—the construction of a 360-mile “haul road,” which involved moving about eighty million cubic yards of gravel.

Can you picture a city 800 miles long, and about 50 feet wide? Well, that is what the project amounts to, with about 17,000 workers assigned to twenty-nine construction camps scattered across my abdomen. Not a formal city, of course, but an organized society of individuals gathered for a common purpose.

Not only will the road service the oil pipeline, but plans are under way to transport daily three to four billion cubic feet of natural gas from Prudhoe Bay to market. There are proved reserves of twenty-six trillion cubic feet of gas that I have available for your use, on a come-and-get-it basis. That project, which is also a gigantic undertaking, is still under study, and if it materializes, that will be another story.

So you can see that, as man begins to exploit my treasures, my population and popularity have grown immensely. I seem to have more friends than ever before. My physical changes are not the only thing, however, for there are emotional stresses that are bound to leave their marks.

Effects in a “Boomtown”

Imagine how you would react if you suddenly had more guests in your home than you planned for! Your main concern would be that you had sufficient provisions to accommodate everyone satisfactorily. Well, that is how I felt when I saw so many construction workers and their families converging on Fairbanks.

Fairbanks is at the midway point of the pipeline corridor, an ideal spot to stage the construction project, but not an ideal spot for living conditions, in view of the overload on the schools, the roads, the need for housing, and the extra demand for energy. Officials estimate that more than 10,000 newcomers have arrived since April of 1974. I can remember when this town was a cozy, calm, quiet place in which nearly everyone knew the others. Things changed very little from year to year. Now I can hardly believe the difference. Rents have skyrocketed. A two-bedroom apartment was renting for $300 a few months ago. Now it goes for $450. One apartment house reported a waiting list of seventy persons; another, sixty. Traffic is bumper to bumper. Telephones are jammed. People are locking their doors for the first time in years. Anchorage too is experiencing a similar impact, as the cost of living rapidly increases.

Smaller communities such as Valdez, where the pipeline’s southern terminal is located, have been greatly affected. I remember that about a year ago a thousand residents lived in that fishing village. Now the work on the pipeline will bring an influx of 3,500 workers, a big increase in the population! The community must gear up for police and fire protection, and to handle the transportation and traffic problems, the housing problems for those who bring their families, and the problems created by the overloading of the schools.

While some residents are unhappy about the changes, others see in the economic boom increased business opportunities and an improved standard of living. “Why do I want the pipeline?” says one housewife. “Well, after nine o’clock where could you go for a cup of coffee here in winter? Nowhere. Could you get a soft ice-cream cone? Heavens, no! No way. Well, maybe now we’ll be able to get a soft ice-cream cone. Already you can get a cup of coffee after nine o’clock.”

Nevertheless, I must admit, I have mixed emotions. For as long as I can recall I have been pleasurably identified with the native people of Alaska​—the Eskimo, Indian and Aleut, that now reach a combined population of a little more than 50,000. From the Aleut tongue I got my name Alaska, meaning “the great land.” I feel that these people have experienced what is sometimes called “culture shock,” a term used to describe what happens when people are forced to adopt the strange ways and customs of a culture unfamiliar to them.

I often reminisce about the days of long ago when the native culture was a distinct one. The Eskimo, the Indian and the Aleut each enjoyed separate ways of life. They were a rather independent people. They were satisfied to live off this land of majestic beauty that I provided for them. Today, the white man and his ways prevail, and the natives are in the minority. The largest portion of the native population is crowded into villages and is forced to depend on new and different food, fuel and shelter. In spite of the recommendation to make progress toward “modernization,” there are few or no jobs in the little villages. Often the breadwinner must leave his family for a larger city. Then he must find a job to earn the money to buy the goods that the white man has taught him he needs in order to have a more “civilized” life. Of course, there are many, especially the educated youths, who have accepted the new culture and seem to be satisfied with the change to a technological way of life. They have become excellent mechanics, carpenters, radio operators, businessmen, artists, writers, legislators and teachers. But those who cling to the old patterns of life remain in some two hundred villages, most of which must be reached by airplane.

Recently, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act was passed by Congress, providing forty million acres of land to be distributed to the natives of Alaska. That means that any United States citizen of one quarter or more Alaskan Indian, Eskimo or Aleut blood can benefit. Additionally, the oil pipeline will bring $500 million in oil revenues to the Alaskan natives. It sort of makes me feel good to know that I can be of such assistance. However, I do not think that these changes in themselves really provide people what is needed most. Let me explain what I mean.

Holding On to True Values

The hope of getting rich quick often causes one to lose sight of the basic values that bring true happiness. I am thinking of the gold rush of ninety years ago. At the time everyone was excited about striking it rich. Many sacrificed homelife, personal care of children, and the normal joys of family life. Some paid dearly in the loss of health and shortened lives. Today it is still possible to suffer from the same “get-rich-quick” fever.

For instance, a man may be tempted to leave home for high-paying employment that will take him away from his family for months at a time. But before he does he should consider the cost​—the sacrifice of valuable communication and attention that his wife and children need. Can he afford to deny his family the headship that can supply needed guidance in manners, morality, language, as well as counsel in other matters? True, a mother is an indispensable influence in caring for children. But she cannot supply the discipline and attention of a father.

Children may change for the worse if the father is not around to prevent it. I have seen more than one father leave his family to pursue material security only to have the family disintegrate due to lack of attention. In such cases the financial gain was not worth the sacrifice of a happy and united family. The “good life” is not always the “quality life.”

So you can see what I mean when I say that sudden wealth can produce negative changes in people’s lives and personalities. If the changes are bad ones, then the more important values are lost. This is why I am so concerned that everyone caught up in this current economic prosperity should proceed with caution, so that it does not destroy the more enduring values of life.

While we are on the subject, may I inform you of another treasure of great value that is now making many in this land very rich. It is a resource called spirituality.

A Spiritual Boom in Alaska

If getting rich has an influence on people’s lives, it surely applies to the spiritual riches that they get from a knowledge of God’s Word, the Bible. In this regard I observe that Jehovah’s witnesses are most active, encouraging people to store up spiritual treasure in heaven, where, as Jesus assured, “neither moth nor rust consumes.” (Matt. 6:20) I often notice these Witnesses in their preaching and teaching work, calling on the homes of the people throughout this vast expanse of territory. Looking back, I can still see that zealous group of 587 individuals who were witnessing in January of 1968. But things have certainly changed in their activity. Seven years later they have more than doubled. Actually, they reached a peak of 1,310 in May of this year.

They did not forget the native villages either. During one effort five airplanes were used to visit forty-five villages. Within one year at least 180 isolated villages had an opportunity to hear of God’s promise to make the whole earth a land of beauty. Jehovah’s witnesses are experiencing a boom of solid spiritual growth, not only in numbers, but in their effectiveness in helping people to adjust their way of life to Bible standards. In all of this I can see that helping people to benefit from Christian living will only increase my value as a whole.

Indeed, great changes are being made in Alaska, “the great land.” Some are harmful, others are beneficial. I am truly happy when the changes benefit people in a genuine way. I also feel good because I no longer hear anyone name-calling​—except, maybe, “Alaska—​you certainly are a changing giant!” I don’t mind that at all.

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(For fully formatted text, see publication)

PRUDHOE BAY

TRANS-ALASKA PIPELINE

FAIRBANKS

ANCHORAGE

VALDEZ

CANADA

Finding Work That Affords Greater Freedom

IN RECENT years the ranks of the unemployed have grown at an alarming rate world wide. Finding suitable employment has become a major challenge for millions of persons.

At the same time an interesting situation has developed. According to Changing Times of January 1974, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that 13,200,000 workers, some 16 percent of the total United States labor force, had gone on part-time work schedules. Of these, only a fifth were looking for full-time jobs; the remaining 10,600,000 preferred a work schedule that affords greater freedom.

Some persons, in fact, have given up lucrative, responsible positions to work part time at menial jobs. Many testify that they are much happier, even though reduced income has called for adjustments in their life-style.

Could work that affords greater freedom benefit you? How can you locate suitable part-time employment?

Many persons have concluded that working at a secular job five or more full days a week creates pressures and frustrations that even a large income does not offset. A man from the eastern United States, who left a high-paying job and now maintains a comfortable living for himself and his family by doing a variety of odd jobs and seasonal work, explains: “I could work more each day. I could work all of my summers. But I do not want to. I personally do not feel that I want to spend all of my days working for money.”

Many have found that working full time does not allow enough time to enjoy family life. A former engineer from Omaha, Nebraska, explains: “My job consisted of overseeing projects that were located hundreds of miles away from home​—seven days a week—​on call twenty-four hours a day. I would be away from home for days, weeks, and sometimes months. I could not carry out my family responsibilities because I was a ‘work-a-holic.’”

This man, therefore, gave up his demanding position and eventually went to work part time as a painter. How does he feel about making this move? “I have no regrets,” he replies. “I only wish that I had done it sooner.”

Jehovah’s witnesses are among those who wish to gain as much free time as possible. They want to share vital Bible truths with their neighbors, and many elders in congregations desire more time to care for the spiritual and other needs of fellow Christians.

One of Jehovah’s witnesses in California who gave up working six days a week, in favor of part-time janitorial work, points to the benefits he received: “I have been able to grow spiritually by having more time for personal Bible study. I now have the needed time to care properly for my responsibilities as a family head. This has brought about a close bond between myself, my wife and my two children.”

Could working fewer hours result in greater happiness for you? What type of part-time work could you find?

What Type of Work?

You may feel that finding a part-time job would be nearly impossible in these days of economic crisis. But some have found it surprisingly easy. “All signs indicate that part-time jobs are a large and growing sector of the employment market,” notes Changing Times, adding: “As evidenced by special training programs set up by businesses for part-timers and the liberalization of fringe benefits offered regular part-timers, the trend is to make part-time employees a full-fledged part of a firm’s work force, not just a floating reserve labor pool.” The article further remarks that “some businessmen say the odds have never been better that you can find a part-time job merely by walking into a store and asking for work, particularly in suburban locations.” Did you know that?

Cleaning and janitorial work have been especially good for part timers. A man who now works an average of fourteen hours a week in this field explains:

“One good thing about maintenance work is that you can get started without investing a large amount of capital or time. In larger cities it is possible to pick up used equipment, such as a floor machine or vacuum cleaner, through newspaper ads. One does not need new equipment to get started. The average life of a floor machine, for example, is more than 10 years. Nor is it necessary to have a van or station wagon to work out of. A car and its trunk will often provide all the space you need for your equipment.”

Another person who found that working at cleaning afforded him greater freedom observed: “There are many varieties of this work, such as chimney and flue cleaning, steam cleaning of restaurant grill heads, window cleaning, carpet cleaning, wall washing and allergenic cleaning (for persons with allergies). Fire insurance companies can assist in getting jobs in flue cleaning and grill cleaning; real estate companies may help in finding carpet cleaning and general cleaning jobs.”

A full-time publisher of Jehovah’s witnesses found a convenient work schedule in a different field. He relates:

“My main secular employment is as a men’s clothing salesman for a large department store. Stores of this type are very much interested in part-time employees. I work on a straight commission basis and only get paid for what I do. My schedule is variable, usually 12-9 on Wednesdays and 3-9 on Saturdays. Thus, there is never a day in which I do not have some free time. Last summer I took four weeks off for a Christian assembly and another 2 weeks for my honeymoon. This caused no problem with my employer, for that is the slow season at work. During the busy season I work more and earn enough to counterbalance the slow periods.

“I feel that commission sales is an excellent way for persons to support themselves and their families in a limited number of work hours.”

What, though, if you feel that you ‘just never could be a salesperson’? The man mentioned above suggests: “Don’t be afraid to try it, even if you feel that this type of work is not for you. I never considered myself a salesman, nor did I think that it would pay enough. But everything worked out just the opposite. You never know unless you try.”

There are many types of work that can furnish adequate part-time employment. For example, women often find suitable work schedules as hairdressers or secretaries. There is always a need for good painters, bank tellers, construction laborers and persons who do gardening and landscaping. In some areas, drivers are in demand for school buses, various small trucking jobs and to deliver newspapers. A man who gave up a full-time job and began delivering newspapers four hours a day, six days a week, explains:

“When I left my high-paying full-time job, felt a tremendous burden lifted from me. Without the pressure of that job, I can think more clearly. Now I have both mornings and evenings free, which gives me time to concentrate on spiritual matters. I recognize my responsibilities as a husband and father more and am trying to help my family spiritually.”

If you would like to switch to a form of work that affords greater freedom, how should you go about it?

Finding That Part-Time Job

Have you considered the possibility of gaining more freedom on your present job? Would your employer consent to your working the same number of hours in fewer days? You might be able to do that simply by reporting to work earlier or by staying later on certain days. And what about switching to part-time work at your present job? You may think that your employer would never consent to this. But have you asked him?

Some individuals have found that the current economic pinch has made it easier to obtain more time off from work. A man from Pennsylvania comments: “Due to a gas shortage, the tire store where I worked was about to lay off a man. I asked the boss if I could help by switching to part-time work. He was glad to have me do that, and I was delighted.” Might something similar succeed for you?

If you decide to go into a different field of work, you may need to get some training. Is there a school nearby that provides classes in the type of work that interests you? What about learning a line of work by offering your services without pay for a while, in return for expert instruction? And did you know that some janitorial supply firms provide books about building maintenance procedure, floor care and how to select equipment? It could be that simply a few phone calls, or a trip to a bookstore or a public library is all that is necessary to get you started in an occupation that can provide much freedom.

When approaching an employer, be specific. Tell him what your plans are, and how many hours you wish to work each week. This will give him an idea of where he can fit you in, if a part-time position is available.

But what if there is no one in your area hiring persons to do the type of work that you have chosen?

When No One Is Hiring

If you cannot find a suitable job working for someone else, you may find it beneficial to become self-employed. A check of local laws may reveal that starting a small business is quite simple. And working for yourself can bring less pressure than working for others. A man who found this true in his case says: “I feel that I have benefited by not having the problems of layoffs and pressures related to the high-volume demand placed on employees in inflationary times. I can adjust my work to fit my own circumstances.”

If you decide to become self-employed, how can you go about getting customers for the product or service that you offer?

Approaching Prospective Customers

It has often been found that placing a small ad in one or several newspapers can bring good results. Face-to-face contact, however, is evidently the best way to convince individuals and representatives of firms that they need what you have to offer. When seeking out customers, it will prove helpful to keep the following in mind:

(1) Can you offer the same service as others at a reduced price? A man who does odd jobs as a painter and handyman observes: “Many householders cannot afford to pay the high prices charged by most painters, plumbers, and so forth. There is plenty of this kind of work for one who makes a reasonable offer and does good work.”

(2) Can you charge the same price as others, but do more or better work? Adding a few “extras” usually costs you little, but can do much to enhance your business reputation.

(3) Can you supply a product or perform a service that no one else offers? One man whose business was to rent out a rug-cleaning machine together with selling a special type of rug-cleaning fluid found that competition was stiff. Then he hit on the idea of offering use of the machine free when his customers bought a certain number of gallons of rug cleaner. This succeeded, as no one else had made such an offer.

An important thing to keep in mind when approaching prospective customers is the need to be businesslike. A young man who, together with a partner, developed a successful part-time gardening service remarks:

“I find that use of business cards gives a more professional appearance than scratching my name on a piece of paper. I had stationery and envelopes made up so that I could type up letter bids for interested persons, stating my price and exactly what they could expect. from me. People appreciate this, as it gives them a copy in writing of what they are paying for. I also find that wearing uniforms on the job provides a neat appearance that favorably impresses customers. This, together with the good quality work that we try to provide, leads our customers to recommend our service to others.”

Of course, the reduced income that comes from working part time may call for some changes in your standard of living. However, the changes may not be as big as you expect if you cut back on nonessentials. Consider the experience of a police officer who gave up his job to engage more fully in sharing Bible truth with his neighbors: “My wife and I made a list of our debts and concentrated on the smaller ones first. Within a short time the number of debts decreased, leaving us extra money to make a noticeable dent in our larger debts. By focusing on our needs rather than our wants, within 12 months we were able to cut $300 off of our monthly living expenses.” Could a similar procedure open up more free time for you?

Finding work that affords greater freedom requires initiative and determination. At times it takes weeks, even months to locate the desired work schedule. Is your wish to have more time for worthwhile pursuits strong enough for you to make the needed adjustments? If so, probably you too can find work that affords greater freedom.

Sea Gypsies of Mindanao

By “Awake!” correspondent in the Philippines

WHEN we hear of gypsies, the first to come to mind may be the wandering, dark-skinned, dark-eyed people of continental Europe with their exotic customs and colorful costumes. But have you ever heard of their marine counterparts, the sea gypsies of the Orient?

You can catch a glimpse of them here in the Philippines in beautiful Zamboanga, or deeper to the south among the sunlit islands of the Sulu Archipelago. Here they are, the Bajaus, one of the eighty-one or so ethnic groups in this country. They are romantically called sea gypsies because of their floating, nomadic way of life. For centuries their only dwellings have been houseboats and stilt-balanced homes along sandy beaches and coral reefs.

Sea gypsies are also found in Malaysia, Indonesia and Burma, and those here in the Philippines are also considered to be of Indo-Malay origin. Anthropologists believe that their ancestors migrated from the coastal plains of Borneo. A typical Bajau has a weathered look. Long and constant exposure to the sun has bleached his hair to an auburn. His face is thin, with high cheekbones and a high-bridged nose.

It is said that in 1521 Ferdinand Magellan, in search for new routes to the Far East, sighted floating villages between Borneo and our islands. But even before this time the Bajaus had been moving from anchorage to anchorage, rowing ashore only to sell or barter fish and pearls and to procure their simple needs: cassava, rice, sugarcane, coconut or some tropical fruit like durian, marang, rambutan and mangosteen. Some of them stay on dry ground for just a few hours; others, for weeks or months, in which cases a temporary community develops.

The Bajau Community

Built in shallow waters, their stork-legged shacks are connected to one another by frail, makeshift bridges, often made of a single plank or bamboo without railings. Stairs are uncommon​—a single log slanting toward the doorway from the communal bridge or up from the watery ground suffices. Around and under these shacks are canoes, known locally as lipalipa, as well as outriggers, dugouts and other boats that are houses in themselves. The Bajaus are a closely knit people. One shack or a single houseboat may hold an entire clan, including the parents, married children and grandchildren.

Children, often nude, swim and romp in the low tide. The women wash clothing and themselves, cook or while away time at doorways amid animated light talk. Others are caring for the children, mending the fishnets or weaving mats. Some are off hunting seashells, seaweed, sea urchins and other marine edibles. On the other hand, the men are busy building and repairing boats or readying their fishing gear. Work on a dugout may take three months to finish, and perhaps three years later it needs to be replaced. Their implements are rudimentary​—wood chisels, hatchetlike tools and others of primitive design. At times the men may go group fishing. Some ten boats will form a horizontal line and when a school of fish is sighted, sounds are made to drive them to a rocky reef or other convenient site for easy spearing. Their catch often includes shark, ray fish, octopus and tuna.

As for their temperament, the Bajaus are a peaceable people and would rather be left alone. At the first sign of any trouble or interference from land folk they simply put out to sea. To them the sea is a haven, a friend. When they leave, the whole community disappears.

Children of the Sea

Most of the Bajaus are born at home. “Home” is a boat, perhaps one made from one big log procured from Borneo or snagged from the sea, and patiently hand-carved, chiseled and then roofed with palm fronds. Pontoons of bamboo, like runners on a sled, are arched from the sides to reduce the possibility of capsizing.

Stories tell how Bajau children, at a very tender age, are tossed into the water. If they float, they are considered true children of the sea. Their swimming ability makes them the best pearl divers in the area. They can outdive other natives, and can stay underwater for minutes without the aid of diving equipment.

Expert Navigators

To the Bajaus the watery lanes of the Sulu Archipelago are as familiar as the lines in the palm of their hands. Distance and darkness are no barriers to these navigators. Position can be gauged at any time. No compass or similar navigational instruments are used. They simply follow the stars, dip their hand in the sea and taste its water. How does this help? Well, it is explained that the salt content of the water varies from place to place and by knowing its tang their location can be determined. Then, by calculating the speed of the current in the channel, they can figure out the distance from land and can estimate arrival time.

Their remarkable knowledge of the sea is based on accumulated facts, on familiarity with the waves, winds and swells, which are transmitted from one generation to another. With this knowledge they are said to know of brewing storms days in advance. So even when the sky is fair, the wind calm, and the water smooth, their streaming into harbor for shelter is taken by the land dwellers as a storm signal.

Religious Beliefs

The Bajaus are neither “Christian” nor Moslem and do not subscribe to any particular belief or traditional way of worship. Some elderly ones profess some knowledge of the Bible and a little of the Koran and are of the consensus that both are fine. Varied are their answers to questions concerning God, his purposes and the like. Some local islanders believe that the Bajaus unqualifiedly reverence the sea, and, hence, are irresistibly attracted to it.

Jehovah’s witnesses in Mindanao and Sulu are glad to share with the Bajaus “this good news of the kingdom.” (Matt. 24:14) At times, when they drop anchor in Jolo or at the port of Zamboanga, young Witnesses take this rare opportunity to talk to them. They leap from one houseboat to another, speaking in halting Tausog and offering literature in Arabic. Often the language barrier is bridged by signs and smiles, and literature is accepted.

Marriage Customs

Sponsored by the University of the East Research Center for Sciences, Humanities and Culture, Abdul Mari Imao made a study of this minority tribe. His report, as published in the Chronicle Magazine, September 28, 1968, is a graphic account on marriage and other rituals. He tells that marriage is an early affair among the Bajaus, as early as thirteen or fourteen years of age. Or a girl may marry earlier, but sex is not permitted by the family until the age of puberty. A marriage partner is prearranged and of parental choice.

Marriages are always held at the headman’s residence, occurring heavily during the “altar months” of October and November and especially on full moons. Pre-wedding activities include the traditional marriage bath or “bridal shower.” The imam, or native priest, performs the bridal shower rites assisted by a girl who carries a tasseled umbrella over the bride’s head. Prayers are recited, water is poured and ritual dancers perform.

As the groom approaches the entryway of the bride’s house on the wedding day, firecrackers are lit to salute the pair. Amid burning incense, the initial rites take place. Then the imam blesses the groom and asks for the ring. A go-between then rushes to the bride and asks her if she accepts the man as her lawful wedded husband. If the answer is Yes, the groom’s ring is placed on her finger. The information is then relayed to the groom, who, in turn, is asked if he accepts the full responsibilities of a husband. If he does, the imam leads the groom and guides his hand to the forehead of the bride. This pronounces them man and wife.

Weddings are inexpensive. Thriftiness, not lavishness, makes them unusual. No panulong, or gift money, is given to the bride. There is no food served and invitations are sent out, not for a reception, but for participation in a fluvial parade. This parade takes place before the wedding ceremony. Around the village goes the boat amid the sounds of a kulintanga to herald the affair. Guests are picked up along the way. Its success is measured in terms of attendance of people ranking high in the village’s social strata, as well as from neighboring and far-off villages.

Divorce is common. Some girls, only sixteen or seventeen years old, may have married thirteen times. Marriages sometimes hit the rocks in as little as two weeks; others last a month or two. The causes of the breakup are varied: laziness and inability of the husband to provide for his wife, taking advantage of the wife’s wealth, mental and physical cruelty and others.

Uncertain Future

Despite twentieth-century progress and more attention from the government, the Bajaus are a vanishing breed. The harsh realities of ignorance, disease and malnutrition continue to plague these people, exacting heavy tolls. Even in Tawitawi and Si Tangkay, the last bastions of this unique, floating way of life, this elusive ethnic culture is slowly breaking down and the ramparts of resistance to the outside world, which have preserved their customs and traditions for centuries, are crumbling. The younger generation of Bajaus are getting civilized. Their world of the sea, gorgeous sunsets, flying seabirds and the seemingly endless blue of the horizon may still stay, but the beauty of their simple, unhurried and unassuming way of life at sea may soon disappear forever.

[Footnotes]

Something Better than Big-Time Football

Two professional football players tell what they found to be much better.

THERE was a time when sports were more important to me than eating or sleeping. They were my whole life. Developing physically to about six feet three inches and two hundred pounds, I became well known in high-school athletics.

In college I concentrated on football, playing offensive end at the University of California at Berkeley. I was voted “All Pacific Coast” three years, and in my senior year made the Pro-Grid All America team, a selection made by professional football people.

Then in 1973 I was drafted by the Oakland Raiders, one of the best teams in professional football. I had a successful first season. But last year when I quit it was front-page news on local sports pages. The San Francisco Chronicle reported:

“A ‘persuasion party’ of two Raider representatives has so far failed to change [his] mind. . . . The fact that he is now considered an outstanding player is attested by the urgency of the Raiders’ scouts in attempting to convince him to come back.”​—June 21, 1974.

Many have asked, “Why did you quit? Why did you give up such a bright football future?”

Attitude Toward the Game

It is not because I did not enjoy professional football. I did. I relished playing with the best players in the nation, matching my skills against theirs.

True, it is a rough game, and every year scores of professional players are seriously hurt. In fact, each year one out of every eight players is said to require knee surgery. But the fear of injury had nothing to do with my quitting. Frankly, I enjoyed the physical contact.

Financially, I made more money in one year in professional football than I could make in several years at my present job as a carpenter. And I had the prospect of earning much more in the years to come.

Bothersome Aspects

Yet there were things connected with football that began bothering me; no doubt earlier training influenced my feelings. My mother started studying the Bible with Jehovah’s witnesses when I was ten, but I was too interested in sports to pay much attention. However, later, when associates would pressure me to use drugs, I vigorously objected. But after about a year and a half at Berkeley I gave in and started using amphetamine drugs before the games.

Amphetamines make a player more active during the game. They dispel any tiredness, and keep him playing fast all the time, making him superfast. Many professional players take them because their job, their livelihood, depends on being at peak alertness and speed during the game. But they stay keyed up for hours or even days afterward. Often I was unable to sleep for a whole day after a game. So players may use other drugs after a game to relax.

In time I was also smoking marijuana and sniffing cocaine. I knew it was wrong, and it would bother me. But the players I associated with used them, so I did too. Another thing that began troubling me was the immoral living that is such a part of professional sports.

Girls were always hanging around to see if they could be picked up by the players. Married players often went out with girls other than their wives. The attitude of people seemed to be, ‘Well, he’s a pro football player, so it’s okay.’ And they would just kind of excuse it as the expected thing, because a football player is “somebody special.”

As a rookie, I looked up to a lot of people on the team. But the things they said​—it just completely blew all feelings and the respect that I had for them. For example, they would say: “Hey, I made it with five girls last week, not including my wife.” And I looked at the person and thought to myself: ‘So this is the guy I idolized. I hope I never become like that.’

But, in a time, I began doing the same type of things, except that I was single. If people knew the scene behind pro football​—it’s really bad, high living and very immoral. I am not saying that everyone is involved in such conduct, but it’s very common among players.

Effect on Personality

Receiving all kinds of adulation does things to a person. A man came hundreds of miles to shake a teammate’s hand before a game​—a well-known player who did TV commercials. “I would just like to shake your hand because I think you’re a marvelous player,” the man said as he extended his hand, adding, “although I’ll be rooting for Kansas City.” At this the player grabbed back his hand, yelling, “Get the . . . out of here. I don’t want to . . .” And he started cursing him.

That disgusted me​—the arrogance and pride. Because a player is famous he feels entitled to treat people like that. Not all do, of course, but it is a tendency. I know. Although I did not reach stardom in professional ball, I did in college and it affected me.

It is hard to be humble when you are a campus hero, and people are always telling you how great you are. When I would go home to visit, my mother and friends would try to show me the Bible’s viewpoint. But I was only interested in my career, and would snicker at the thought of being a humble Christian. I felt that they should be proud of my achievements.

Serious Reflection

I had what I thought I wanted, but still I was not really happy; my life just had no purpose to it. So I decided to make some changes, to clean up my life. I stopped smoking hashish and sniffing cocaine.

Then one night early last year some associates said: “Let’s go see The Exorcist.” It was the most sadistic, evil movie I have ever seen. Leaving the theater afterward, I had a very uncomfortable feeling. I had remembered as a youngster studying in the Bible about the existence of invisible wicked forces.

I called my sister and her husband in Modesto who are Jehovah’s witnesses. They confirmed that demons can really exercise adverse influence on humans and earthly affairs. (Eph. 6:12; Acts 16:16-18; 19:11-17) Concerned, I jumped into my car and headed for Modesto.

From our Bible discussions I became convinced that there really is a spirit world. But if that is so, there must really be a true God. That means my energies were being wasted if my life was not being used in harmony with His purpose. At this point I came to a crossroads in my life.

I could see that there were no real satisfaction and happiness on the road I had been traveling, just an empty and shallow feeling of uselessness. This was the road with all the material frills​—big money, worldly fame, immorality, drugs, and so forth. But there was another road, one involving Bible study, Christian meetings, service to God​—a simple and uncomplicated life, but one full of true meaning. This is the road I now chose to take.

Truly Better

On learning of my decision, representatives of the Raiders visited me to try to change my mind. To them, giving up such a lucrative career seemed foolish. I explained that I still liked football, but that my relationship with Jehovah God had now become even more important to me.

I told them what my associations in those circles had resulted in​—use of drugs, loose living, an arrogant, proud disposition. That whole life-style connected with professional football, I explained, would interfere with the Christian life I now wanted to lead. Also, I was being idolized by fans, and I did not want to contribute any longer to such idolatry. And, furthermore, I wanted to be freer to devote more time to the urgent work of Kingdom preaching, in imitation of Christ’s example.​—Luke 4:43.

By submitting to water baptism in the summer of 1974, I symbolized my dedication to serve Jehovah God, and have since been blessed spiritually. In my days as a football player I had many thrills, such as being carried off the field as a hero before 70,000 screaming fans at the end of the Stanford game. But recently I had an even greater joy.

While calling from house to house in the preaching work I found a young man who was sincerely interested in God’s Word. I revisited him several times, and he agreed to have me conduct a weekly Bible study in his home. This is the greatest joy I have ever experienced, because it means that I am sharing in the work of ‘making disciples’ that Jesus Christ started and encouraged his true followers to continue.​—Matt. 28:19, 20.

Others who have played professional football feel much as I do. One of them lives nearby in Stockton, California. He spent seven seasons in the National Football League, five of them as a first-string defensive tackle. But I’ll let him tell about it.

Realizing an Ambition

In high school I received a lot of recognition as a lineman on the Edison High football team. Then, upon graduation, a barrage of some forty offers came from various colleges across the country. I decided to stay close to home and go to San Jose State College.

After four years of college football, I was rated one of the best professional prospects in the nation. Practically every team in the National Football League contacted me. I was six feet four inches and 245 pounds, but could run the 40-yard dash in 4.9 seconds.

The Green Bay Packers picked me in the third round of the 1966 college draft. As a bonus for signing a contract, they gave me a new Oldsmobile Toronado and $10,000 in cash. My starting salary was $18,000 a year.

I was twenty-one years old and walking around with over $5,000 in one hundred dollar bills in my pockets. I thought to myself: ‘Now, this is what it’s all about. I’ve got money, new car, prestige, the best clothes, and I am recognized and welcomed at the finest restaurants.’

Training Camp

I reported to the Packers’ training camp in July 1966, already in top physical condition. Conditioning drills were grueling, and this is where my precamp conditioning program paid off. None of the veterans seemed to be in as good condition as I was; some would fall out of drills in agony and throw up.

But before the season started, coach Lombardi took me aside. He had just gotten a call from the St. Louis Cardinals. They had lost a top lineman with a heart murmur that took him out of football, and they needed a good replacement. So the Packers traded me to St. Louis for a high draft choice plus substantial cash.

What the Game Is Like

In St. Louis I continued to improve, eventually becoming a keyman in the defensive line and the team’s top pass rusher. The coaches emphasized the need to be rough, and being exceptionally strong, I became highly skilled at beating my opponent. It is not without reason that interior line play has been called “war”!

I played defensive tackle, and defensive linemen can hit with their open hands. It is legal. I learned to hit an opponent upside the head in the temple area. It’s called the “headslap.” If you slap hard enough, it gives the offensive lineman a headache. So the quicker I could hurt my opponent, and then concentrate on his pain wherever his pain happened to be​—the better advantage I had.

The moment the ball was snapped, I would hit the offensive lineman as hard as possible. This would jar his head and give me a chance to get by him and get to the quarterback. We would use our elbows and forearms too. Once I cracked a guy’s helmet with my arm.

Many of the players I played against in professional ball were the same guys I knew during my college years. But on the day of the game we became mortal enemies, trying to beat one another physically. My good friend and roommate in college later played for the Cleveland Browns. I hit him hard one day when we were playing Cleveland, and he later had to go to the hospital and have an operation. My wife and I felt sick about that.

Game Strategy

I can remember one time when we were playing Cleveland. The coaches told us that their quarterback had a bad neck. They suggested that, if I got a chance, I should try to put him out of the game. So during the game I broke through the line, beat the center and guard, and there he stood. I tried to tear his head off with my arm, and he fumbled the ball.

My teammates were praising me. But watched the quarterback on the ground in obvious pain. I suddenly thought to myself, “Have I turned into some kind of animal? This is a game, but I’m trying to maim somebody.” I also considered that he had a wife and family just as I had. The crowd was giving me an ovation, but I did not feel right about what I had done.

After that it became more difficult for me to try to hurt an opponent deliberately. Of course, at our weekly strategy sessions we discussed the weaknesses and injuries of players on the opposing team. Our strategy was specifically to hit an opponent where he was most vulnerable, where he had suffered previous injury.

When we later played the New York Jets, it was pointed out that their star quarterback had suffered several knee injuries. Therefore, that was the place to hit him. On one play I had the opportunity to hurt his knees badly. The coaches later asked me why I didn’t. I told them that I didn’t think it was necessary. My teammates thought this was strange.

In 1971 we played the Buffalo Bills. Their star running back had suffered an ankle injury and we were supposed to get him out of the game. On one play I grabbed his ankle and, as he went down, I started to roll with it, which is perfectly legal. But I didn’t do it. With this new attitude, each week opposing players would actually thank me for not deliberately hurting them on the playing field.

Factors Influencing Change of Attitude

A back injury suffered during a game in 1969 was one factor that caused me to change my attitude. Most of that season I played with constant pain in my back and legs, even though I was given pain-killing drugs. When they wore off, I’d be in so much pain I’d have to crawl around the house. In April 1970 I had a back operation that seemed to help my condition some. From then on I did not want to be responsible for someone else suffering this way. But more was involved in my growing hesitancy to hurt others deliberately.

About the time of my operation my wife started studying the Bible with one of Jehovah’s witnesses. I didn’t like it. I thought the whole thing was another religious scheme to get money. So I told her: “If you want to study, go ahead. But I’m not getting involved.” And I didn’t.

However, in time my wife began asking me questions, such as: What is God’s name? Why did Christ die? What is God’s kingdom? The questions were not hard. But I didn’t know the answers. This bothered me. I believed in God, and had read some of the Bible. Yet, I found now that I really knew little about what the Bible teaches.

So later I changed my mind and joined my wife in her weekly Bible studies. I enjoyed them, because I received answers right from God’s Word. Then I started going to a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Stockton, California.

Something Better

In time, I was moved to begin calling at people’s homes to share with them the good things I had been learning about God’s purposes. This brought me real satisfaction, because I knew that this information from God’s Word could truly help others, even as its application in our lives has helped me and my family. In February 1972 my wife and I symbolized our dedication to serve Jehovah God by undergoing water baptism at a Christian assembly.

But I was still under a football contract for two more years. So when July came around I felt obligated to report to training camp. This really disturbed me, since I was having a hard time harmonizing professional football’s brutality​—especially its interior line play—​with Christian principles. (Gal. 5:22, 23) Yet living up to one’s word by fulfilling a contract is vital too, even as God’s Word indicates. (Matt. 5:37) I prayed to God many times over what seemed a dilemma.

Then, halfway through the 1972 season, my old back injury flared up, and in October I was in the hospital for another operation. With my future value to the team in doubt, the Cardinals agreed to release me from my contract. I was overjoyed to be free.

It is not that I believe sports such as football are themselves bad. I can enjoy them. But it is indeed sad how the selfishness and win-at-all-cost attitude is bringing professional sports to the edge of ruin. Yet this should not be surprising, since the whole system of things is permeated with this same spirit of selfishness and greed.

Truly it is a joy to know that our Creator has something much better in mind for humans who will serve Him. His Word makes clear that soon now he will completely wipe out this entire system with all its selfishness and greed, replacing it with a new system of things in which righteousness will dwell. (Matt. 24:36-39; 2 Pet. 3:5, 13) A Bible promise regarding that new system warms my heart. It says at Revelation 21:4 that God “will wipe out every tear from [human] eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

Devoting one’s time and efforts to telling others about these grand purposes of God to bless humankind seems to me a much better career than big-time football.​—Contributed.

Action and Reaction in China

HOW often in human affairs it proves true that one’s actions can cause somewhat unexpected reactions at a later time. It is evident that this has proved true in connection with Christendom’s missionaries in China. Despite clear Biblical counsel to the contrary, church missionaries in the past dabbled in politics. And, as a form of leverage in gaining converts, they emphasized material things. Pointing this out, Asia in the European Age 1498-1955, by Michael Edwardes, says:

“Napoleon, in the early nineteenth century, had declared that ‘the religious missions may be very useful to me in Asia, Africa and America, and I shall make them reconnoitre all the lands they visit. The sanctity of their dress will not only protect them but serve to conceal their political and commercial investigations.’ No other Western statesman actually said anything as blunt as this, but it became their policy just the same. . . . As ‘protected persons,’ missionaries frequently became involved in local politics. Some Chinese found it advantageous to become Christian so that they could call upon the protection of a foreign power against their own government. The missionaries were seen as a fifth column, an advance guard of the West and its subjugation of the whole of China.

“The results of Christian missionary effort in China were comparatively small. Those who were converted were more often than not assured by the missionaries of the worldly advantages of being known as Christians, under the protection of the missionary and the guns of those who protected him, rather than the spiritual gifts of Christ’s teaching. . . . Furthermore, the fundamental difference between the peaceable message of Christ and the aggressive actions of the ‘Christian’ powers was obvious to everyone.”​—Pp. 190, 191.

What has been the historical reaction to these un-Biblical activities and attitudes of church missionaries? An American Baptist who recently traveled for a month in Communist China reported in a religious magazine: “I asked responsible comrades what Chairman Mao advocated that Jesus Christ did not advocate. I was told there is no comparison between Mao and Christ. . . . They told me that since the land reform program and redistribution of wealth the peasants feel that Mao has given them in this life what God promised in the next. . . . The word ‘missionary’ is a nasty word in China. The people equate missionary work with imperialism. The Chinese are not alone in this; during my visit to 12 African states before going to China I found that Africans were very anti-missionary.”

Giving Youth a Worthwhile Goal in Life

“WE APPRECIATE the invitation to contribute to your youth fund,” Fern told the caller at her Roswell, Georgia, home. “But we have budgeted all of our contributions to our own charitable cause, which includes a youth training program.”

“Congratulations!” the woman caller responded. “What is your organization?”

“Jehovah’s witnesses.”

“Oh—” the fund solicitor paused. “Yes, I know some of your people. You seem to solve your youth problems very well. How do you wake young people out of their apathy?”

“That,” admitted Fern, “can be a challenge. It is sometimes hard to convince them that there is something fine and noble and lasting to live for.”

Her visitor agreed, adding: “We feel that if we maintain a youth center we can at least provide them a place to meet and enjoy fellowship and recreation. That will keep them off the streets and​—we hope—​away from drug parties.”

“That is good,” Fern complimented. “But is it enough?”

“Of course not. Young people need ideals​—something useful and inspiring to do with their lives. This is where we come to the real problem.”

“I know,” Fern sympathized. “We have found that the Bible offers the noblest incentives to young and old alike. For instance, Jesus said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’ (Acts 20:35) That is why our program encourages youths to share with others the heartwarming things they learn from our studies about God and his purposes.”

“But isn’t that simply too much to expect of youth?”

“No,” Fern disagreed. “A noble challenge is what young people need. Especially after learning that God will soon now ‘bring to ruin those ruining the earth,’ and usher in the righteous rule of his Kingdom government.”​—Rev. 11:18; 2 Pet. 3:13.

Her caller shrugged her shoulders. “Well . . . anyone who is convinced that such a thing is for real can get carried away with it, I suppose.”

Need for a Personal Goal

As her caller left, Fern reflected on how vital it is to know God’s purposes and really to believe that he will carry them out. She thought of her husband’s efforts to help teen-agers​—like Jimmy. At the time, he was eighteen years old and had just graduated from high school. One evening in the summer of 1973, she was present when her husband, Marley, asked:

“Have you found anything that wholly absorbs you, Jimmy?”

“Not really. I suppose I like camping. Boating. Swimming.”

Marley tried a new tack: “Do you have any ambition? Say in some worldly business or profession?”

“No.”

“So here you are. A high-school graduate. No career in mind. Apparently no girl friend. Raised in a family of dedicated Christians. Tell me. Did you ever face a problem so big that you spent a long time in prayer about it?”

“No.”

“By the way, do you pray?”

“Sometimes.”

“When you pray, do you feel it is a heart-to-heart, personal talk with your heavenly Father?”

“I suppose so.”

“Jimmy, I have to make a confession. Persons like you represent the hardest challenge I have ever run up against.” “What do you mean by that?”

“I mean the challenge of waking you up to the need for a personal goal in life. For instance,” Marley went on, “do you want to be a success?”

“I suppose so.”

“If you died tonight, would Jehovah God remember you and resurrect you?”

“I hope so.”

“Why should he?”

Appreciate Your Bible Knowledge

It was a hard question. Marley was trying to awaken Jimmy to the seriousness of having a fine relationship with God. He reminded him of his Christian upbringing nurtured on the clear Bible evidence that the end of this system of things will occur within this very generation. (Matt. 24:1-34; 2 Pet. 3:5-12; Rev. 21:1-4) He assured him: “Your appreciation of God’s Word goes deeper than you realize. For instance, read this at Ephesians chapter 4, verses 17 through 19.”

Jimmy took the Bible and read: “This, therefore, I say and bear witness to in the Lord, that you no longer go on walking just as the nations also walk in the unprofitableness of their minds, while they are in darkness mentally, and alienated from the life that belongs to God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the insensibility of their hearts. Having come to be past all moral sense, they gave themselves over to loose conduct to work uncleanness of every sort with greediness.”

“Reflect on some of these points, Jimmy. What does it mean that people of the world are in darkness mentally?”

“They don’t know God’s laws.”

“And why are they alienated from the life that belongs to God?”

“They’re not in line with God’s ways and purposes. They are immoral; they don’t appreciate right from wrong, in the Bible sense.”

“But do you?”

“To some extent.”

“Of course you do. Now, does this make you realize that you possess a very great and precious storehouse of spiritual knowledge? Spiritually, you are a rich young man. If a thousand people in our area had your knowledge of the Bible, how many of them could survive the end of this system, which the Bible warns them about?”

“All of them,” Jimmy replied, “if they acted on that knowledge.”

“Don’t you see the point? You have opportunities to help untold numbers of people to get life by sharing your knowledge with them. You simply have not become fired up enough to appreciate this.”

Indifference Does Matter

Jimmy drew a deep breath. “I know. That’s my problem.”

“How can we stir you to want to be a success?”

“I don’t know.”

Marley closed his eyes and bowed his head. “That’s what baffles me too. You have accepted your Christian training because that is all you have ever known at home. You have come along in the association and activities of Jehovah’s witnesses because your family and friends brought you along with them. Now what if we all dropped you? What would happen to you?”

“I might just drop out of the picture.”

“Do you wonder what Jehovah and his Son think of you?”

“Not much, I guess.”

“They tell you what they think. Read Revelation 3, verse 16.”

Jimmy turned obediently to the text and read: “So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth.”

“What is God’s Son calling you there?”

For the first time Jimmy was shaken. “A mouthful of something worth vomiting out.”

“That’s not complimentary. You must realize that Jehovah God is not going to give everlasting life to an indifferent person, one who does not truly appreciate God’s provisions for us.”​—Heb. 10:28-31.

Nervously Jimmy tugged at a strand of unruly hair. “I never thought it was so serious. I don’t want to be disgusting to Jehovah and Jesus.”

“Well, then,” Marley pursued the point, “you can make their hearts glad.”

“How?”

“By praying to Jehovah to help you to recover from your indifference, and by acting in harmony with your prayers.”

How to Be a True Success

In an attempt to help his young friend to see what it is that really matters in life, Marley asked: “What would you say it means to be a true success?”

Jimmy thought. “Well, the world says success means to gain money, power, fame. To do something big.”

“In how many of those respects would you say that Jesus Christ was a success?”

“Not any,” Jimmy answered. But as he continued to think about it, he realized that Jesus had done the biggest, most important thing ever accomplished. He upheld his Father’s name under the severest tests, and gave his life as a ransom to recover the whole human family from condemnation to death. (Rom. 3:24, 25; John 3:16) And afterward Jesus himself said: “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth.”​—Matt. 28:18.

“So Jesus won everything,” Marley stressed. “Wealth. Fame. Power. He won it all, but not in the world’s way. Now, if you and I want to be a success, to whom should we look? Say, we want to become famous. How would we go about it?”

“As Christ did, by becoming known in a favorable way by Jehovah God.”

“That’s right,” Marley beamed. “You just acknowledged that if a thousand people in our area had your Bible knowledge and acted upon it, they could survive the world’s end. So, what greater work could you do than to reach as many people as you can with the help that can save their lives?”

Jimmy confessed: “It is hard for me to appreciate that this is the way to be a true success in life.”

“Was it hard for Jesus to appreciate the fact when he was a man on earth?”

“No,” Jimmy admitted. “Even though he performed miracles and wonderful works, the main thing he did was teach the people about God.”

Marley tapped the arm of his chair with his knuckles for emphasis. “Reflect, now. When you go to the homes of people to teach them, what key quality of God are you putting into practice?”

“Love. Love of God and love of neighbor.”​—Matt. 22:37-40.

“When you stand up in God’s own personal name and defend truth against error, why does that make Jehovah’s heart glad?”

“It proves that we are like Jesus in that we love righteousness and hate lawlessness.”​—Heb. 1:9; Prov. 27:11.

“You see, all this and more takes place in the act of sharing your Bible knowledge with others.”

Doing What God Approves

The older man had thrown hard questions and the younger man had given sound answers. It proved, they both agreed, that spiritual knowledge had accumulated, but had lain dormant in the younger man’s mind. “But besides stimulating thinking, has this conversation stirred your emotions?” Marley asked.

“That part about being offensive to Jehovah and Jesus,” Jimmy replied quickly. “That bothers me. I’m going to do something about that.”

“What, for instance?”

“I want to dedicate my life to Jehovah.”

“By his water baptism Jesus symbolized the presentation of himself to do God’s will,” Marley reminded Jimmy. “To follow his example means that a Christian should be baptized too. But in dedicating your life to God, Jimmy, it is vitally important to know what his will is for you. That is why a review of the basic Bible teachings is recommended before baptism.”​—Matt. 3:13-17; 28:19, 20.

“Will you review those questions with me?”

“Gladly!” Marley replied.

It was a thrilling moment, Fern recalled. A time was set for the review.

What she had told the lady caller that day is true; Jehovah’s witnesses do contribute their time, energy and resources to a worthy cause. That cause includes helping to give young people a worthwhile goal in life.​—Contributed.

Memorizing​—A Hobby for Christians

AMONG busy people today few are busier than the Christian who is faithfully living up to his dedication to God. With personal Bible study to do, preparing for and attending five congregation meetings each week, sharing in the field service and in other Christian activities, it would seem that he would have no “leisure hours” left. So when would he have time for a hobby? He should, for, after all, everyone needs some recreation.

But even if he did not have time for the usual kind of hobbies, he could, nevertheless, have the hobby of memorizing Scriptural material. How so? In that this hobby makes use of one’s idle moments, when one’s mind is not particularly occupied, as when walking along, when waiting for others, when riding on public transportation, or when lying awake nights.

If you would like to try this kind of hobby, why not begin by memorizing the sixty-six books of the Bible in the order in which they appear​—if you have not already done so? You will find such knowledge helpful time and again. Are you following a public speaker with your Bible and does he cite a certain text? Unless you know the location of the sixty-six books, he may have read the text before you find it. Then in your Christian preaching work at the doorstep, you will save time both for yourself and for your listeners, as well as demonstrate familiarity with your Authority, by being able to turn quickly to a Bible text. While walking along with a companion or your marriage mate, you can make a game of alternating in repeating the names of the Bible books. Especially can experienced ones help beginners by playing this game.a

Then there are quite a few other lists that one might do well to memorize as a hobby. There is the order of the days of creation (Gen. 1:3 to 2:3); the names of the twelve sons of Jacob (1 Chron. 2:1, 2); the ten plagues that came upon ancient Egypt in their order (Ex. 7:19 to 12:30); the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:2-17); the twenty-one kings of the Davidic line from David onward (1 Ki. 2:12; 2 Ki. 24:18; see also Aid to Bible Understanding, pages 340-347); the twelve apostles (Matt. 10:2-4); the nine fruits of the spirit (Gal. 5:22, 23) and the fifteen qualifications of overseers listed at 1 Timothy 3:1-7.

Also, there are ever so many subjects, the Bible chapters on which one should be able to refer to quickly: The Ten Commandments at Exodus chapter 20; the Sermon on the Mount at Matthew chapters 5 through 7 (including the Lord’s Model Prayer in Mt chapter 6); Christ’s commission to his twelve apostles at Matthew chapter 10; his great prophecy at Matthew chapters 24 and 25, Mark 13 and Luke 21; the chapter that tells how love works (1 Cor. 13), and Paul’s fine discussion on the resurrection at 1 Corinthians chapter 15​—to mention just a few of the ones frequently referred to.

And what an asset it would be for the Christian proclaimer of the good news to have an ever-growing mental “index” of leading Scripture subjects, like those related to Jehovah’s name: Ex. 6:3; Ps. 83:18; to Christian preaching activity: Isa. 43:10-12; Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20; the Kingdom hope: Matt. 6:10; Ps. 37:10, 11; Rev. 21:3, 4; the issue of neutrality: Isa. 2:4; John 18:36; Acts 5:29; Jas. 1:27; the blood issue: Gen. 9:4-6; Acts 15:20, 29; the identifying mark of Christians: John 13:34, 35. For more subjects and Scripture citations see “Make Sure of All Things; Hold Fast to What Is Fine.”

Another fruitful field for Christians is the hobby of memorizing the words in the songbook “Singing and Accompanying Yourselves with Music in Your Hearts.” People memorize the words of folk songs, patriotic songs, love songs and popular songs; why should not Christians learn the words of the songs they sing as part of their worship? As a rule, memorizing these songs is easier than memorizing Scripture texts, since the songs have both rhyme and meter. And what fine sentiments are expressed in such songs as “Living Up to Our Name,” “Be Forgiving!”, “We Are Jehovah’s Witnesses,” “Now Is the Time!”, “Walking in Integrity” and “We Thank You, Jehovah.” And the fact that there are melodies to go with these words makes one’s going over them most enjoyable.

Viewed as a hobby, the memorizing of such Scriptural facts, texts and songs can be a pleasure, a game, an education providing you with a most useful tool for your Kingdom service. And what is more, both memorizing these and then calling them to mind, when you have the opportunity to do so, will help to keep your mind occupied with things that strengthen your faith and your love for Jehovah God.​—Ps. 119:97.

[Footnotes]

What Is the Bible’s View?

Does God Care Whom You Marry?

YOU likely have observed that a good marriage can certainly bring a person pleasantness and joy. Hence, you may want to marry so as to find happiness and contentment in life.

Yet you may also know of many married couples who, frankly, are miserable. And we cannot ignore the skyrocketing number of those who have already given up their marriage, having separated or divorced.

It is easy to see that a major reason is that many persons just do not select the right mate. One newspaper recently said: “Marriage counselors maintain that divorces are made during courtship. . . . [Often persons] use less consideration when choosing a mate than they do when betting on a horse.” Thus problems result.

Undoubtedly you are determined that this will not be so in your life. Fine. It is the sensible thing to be concerned about making a proper choice. But on what basis will you choose?

You could get advice from many quarters​—from relatives, from married friends, and even from books by marriage counselors. Yet, how many persons would think of checking the Bible before choosing a marriage mate?

All too often, persons who may sincerely be interested in having a successful marriage ignore the fact that we have a Creator. But since we do, and since he also is the Originator of marriage and One who has observed millions of marriages, is it not reasonable that he should be eminently qualified to advise us? Should he not be in the best position to counsel as to how to choose a mate and find happiness?

For instance, in his Word he outlines desirable qualities to look for in choosing a mate. Note some of these. Husbands are urged “to be loving their wives as their own bodies,” not to “be bitterly angry with them” and ‘to assign them honor.’ (Eph. 5:28; Col. 3:19; 1 Pet. 3:7) Wives are told “to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sound in mind, chaste, workers at home.” (Titus 2:4, 5) And both mates are encouraged to display “love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control.” (Gal. 5:22, 23) Is that not fine counsel? Are those not qualities that you would like to see displayed in your marriage mate?

So you can see that in this sense God does care whom you marry; by his providing that advice in the Bible you can know what to look for in potential mates. Can you not agree that if you choose a mate who manifests these qualities you will be more likely to have a happy, successful marriage?

Consider, too, what the Creator says about the permanence of marriage. The Bible strongly advises against divorce. (Mal. 2:15, 16) It emphasizes that when a man and a woman marry “they are no longer two, but one flesh.” (Matt. 19:4-8) Hence, by selecting a mate who respects God’s counsel, you will have a husband or a wife who will not quickly break up your marriage with little reason. In fact, the Creator’s speaking against divorce has a bearing on who would be a proper mate for you. Jesus explained: “Everyone divorcing his wife, except on account of fornication, makes her a subject for adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” (Matt. 5:32) What does that indicate?

It shows that the Scriptures allow for a person to divorce a mate and to remarry, but only if that mate is guilty of committing sexual immorality. Hence, the Creator’s wise counsel is that you should not view as a potential mate a person who got divorced where there was no Scriptural basis for it, when that person’s mate had not committed sexual immorality. Why not? Because that person, man or woman, is not Scripturally free to marry. Stop and think why this is wise and is for your good. Does it not show that the Creator is interested in your marrying a person who is morally clean and who has a high regard for the permanence of marriage? Thus you are alerted that before you consider someone as a potential mate you should determine whether that person is eligible to marry.

Of course, marriage involves two mates. So your own view comes into the picture, does it not? Since the Creator emphasizes the permanence of marriage, this recommends that both you and your mate have this beneficial outlook. It means that both of you enter marriage with the determination to remain married. If both of you have this outlook, it will help your marriage to be, not just a passing phase in life, but one that is stable and enduring.

Does the Bible offer additional helpful guidance that reflects God’s care about whom you marry? Yes, it does. At 1 Corinthians 7:39 it counsels: “A wife is bound during all the time her husband is alive. But if her husband should fall asleep in death, she is free to be married to whom she wants, only in the Lord.” That, too, is an expression of God’s loving care.

First, those words show that, though God says marriage is to be viewed as permanent, a person whose mate has died is free to remarry. You can appreciate that such a person likely is different from someone who capriciously got a divorce on some whim.

Next, this verse says that God advises a person to marry “only in the Lord.” What does that mean, and is it best for you?

Other translations render this phrase “only, it must be a Christian” and “only (provided that he too is) in the Lord.” (Moffatt; Amplified Bible) Dr. Albert Barnes commented on this: ‘That is, only to one who is a Christian; with a proper sense of her obligation to Christ. The apostle supposed that this could not be done if she married someone of a different religion.’

True, many persons today feel that there is little harm done in marrying someone of a different religion as long as both are broad-minded. But is that what the Bible here says? Is that the view of your Creator, who is interested in your lasting joy?

He knows that a very important element in a happy marriage is unity as to fundamental beliefs and principles. He even included in the Bible a number of examples where persons disregarded such advice and consequently harmed themselves morally and spiritually, to say nothing of the unhappy effects on their offspring. (Ezra 9:13-15; 10:44; Neh. 13:26, 27) Yes, God knows that this is a serious matter. Accordingly, it is also a serious matter to all persons who realize that his care about whom we marry is for our good.

The more you examine the Bible, the more you can see that, out of love, God does care whom you marry. So if you are considering marriage, study the Bible. Impress on your mind the qualities you should develop and the qualities to look for in a mate. Your following the Bible’s counsel will mean happiness and peace for you.

Watching the World

They Speak “Peace”

◆ The largest meeting of world leaders to be held in 110 years took place in Helsinki, Finland, from July 30 to August 1. Termed the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, it concluded with ratification of a charter, a statement of principles that are supposed to guide participating countries. Asked on opening day whether the conference would contribute significantly to world peace, Soviet Communist Party leader Leonid Brezhnev said: “I want peace and tranquility to reign in Europe. I want all nations to live in peace and not interfere in each other’s affairs.” When asked again whether he thought the goal of peace would be achieved by the prospective agreement, Brezhnev said: “I think so, yes.” United States President Gerald Ford also said that he believed “over all that peace in the world” would be helped by the agreement. Speaking at the gathering, Brezhnev stated, regarding results of the conference: “There are neither victors nor vanquished . . . It is a gain for all who cherish peace and security on our planet.”

Putting Math to Work

◆ During a recent survey made by the Education Commission of the States, it was found that the majority of United States residents were unable to make proper mathematical calculations in everyday matters. For instance, less than half the 17-year-olds and adults polled could determine by calculation which was the most economical package of rice. Also, a mere 1 percent, of the 17-year-olds and but 16 percent of the adults surveyed were able to balance a checkbook. Being unable to calculate the best buys, many pay more for goods and services than they need to. Why does the problem exist? Project director Roy Forbes holds: “Too many students apparently fail to see the relationship between math courses in school and the use of math in everyday living.”

Space Waste

◆ The recent Apollo-Soyuz space venture, involving men and equipment of both the United States and the Soviet Union, brought one space era to its end. With this venture, America’s Apollo program came to its conclusion. But, according to U.S. News & World Report, “nearly a billion dollars’ worth of rockets and spacecraft are being mothballed and officials say it’s unlikely that any of the equipment will ever fly.”

Over 2,000 Years Old

◆ Archaeologists recently discovered a very well-preserved human body in the ancient town of Chinancheng in central China. The male corpse, immersed in a red fluid inside a series of three caskets, is thought to have been buried in the year 167 B.C.E. More than 500 objects, including utensils, clothing and shoes, were found in the same deep pit. The body, said to have a length of 5 feet 4 inches and a weight of 115 pounds, was so well preserved that its joints were movable and its skin still had elasticity.

Know When to Turn Back

◆ Hiking over mountain trails is enjoyed by many people. Yet each year, even in summer, hundreds develop hypothermia, the uncontrolled lowering of body temperature from exposure to sudden storms, winds and temperature drops. In the past century, dozens of people have been .killed by hypothermia in the White Mountains of New Hampshire alone. Hikers are advised to eat well, to dress for the worst possible weather, and when poor weather conditions develop, to turn back.

Army Ant​—Always a Villain?

◆ Army ants of South America long have been viewed as destructive villains. Columns of them are said to devour creatures and plants alike during their march, supposedly ravaging vast areas. But entomologists doing research in Ecuadorian forests recently found that the staple food of army ants consists of other insects. Ask some villagers in Ecuador and they may tell you that there is a good side to the advance of army ants. These people move out of their houses for a day or more while the ants march through. After the army ants have done away with other insects, the villagers return.

Suicide Attempts Endanger Others

◆ Each year an estimated 12,500 innocent persons are killed or injured by people attempting suicide, according to Maryland physician H. Resnik of the National Institute of Mental Health. For example, those who attempt suicide by running an automobile engine in a closed garage in order to inhale carbon monoxide gas may kill or injure others when the gas seeps into adjoining homes. Persons jumping from buildings kill or cause severe injury to pedestrians below. Some kill or maim by deliberately driving their cars into oncoming traffic. In addition, there is the emotional damage done to family members, especially children, who are left behind by a suicide.

Windmill Power

◆ Years ago windmills accounted for much of the power for pumping water on farms in the United States. There are said to be some 175,000 old-fashioned windmills yet in rural areas, about half of them usable. With energy costs rising, the windmill is getting another look as an alternate power source. Electricity-generating windmills are already in production. Experiments are being made with giant windmills for possible industrial use.

Security-Guard Upsurge

◆ A recent study in New York city revealed that the private security-guard business was growing dramatically. Security consultant Sydney C. Cooper estimated that New York has from 75,000 to 100,000 private security guards. “The figure far exceeds the combined total of the New York City police force of 30,000; transit police, 3200; Port Authority police, 1200, and sanitation police, 240,” reported the New York Post. Private guards are on the job in stores, apartment buildings and factories, and entire communities have uniformed guards for street patrols.

Sterilization Increase

◆ Many United States couples are resorting to sterilization for contraceptive purposes. From 12 percent during 1965, the number had risen to 29 percent by 1973, with another 14 percent saying they planned on sterilization. According to this study undertaken by the National Survey of Family Growth, these operations were divided nearly evenly between males and females.

How High Is Everest?

◆ Mount Everest, in the Himalayas, is well known as the earth’s highest peak. But how high is it? By trigonometrical means its height once was established as 29,140 feet. Basing their figure on measurements undertaken early in the twentieth century, Chinese atlases have given Everest’s height as 8,882 meters (29,191 feet). But both Western and Chinese cartographers recently agreed on a height of 8,848 meters, or 29,031 feet, after Everest was measured by members of a Chinese expedition that reached the mount’s summit on May 27.

Breast-Cancer Toll

◆ A World Health Organization study reveals that more women are dying now from breast cancer than ever before, despite present efforts at early detection and surgery. According to the study, there is a pattern of low death rate for breast cancer in most of Asia, Africa and Latin America. But, on the average, one woman in 25 dies of it in Western Europe and North America. “It is a somber thought,” states the report, “that present methods of treatment​—though evidently effective in many individual cases—​do not seem to be having any over-all impact upon the disease or upon the heavy toll it takes of female lives.” Breast-feeding is not so common in North America and Western Europe. Many feel that this is a factor contributing to the higher breast-cancer rate.

Highest Deficit in 30 Years

◆ For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, the United States government had its highest budget deficit in thirty years​—$44.2 billion. During the preceding twelve months the government had taken in $280.9 billion in the form of income taxes and other revenues, whereas it spent $325.1 billion. Federal government budget deficits have taken place in sixteen of the last eighteen fiscal years, and this year’s deficit is the highest since the war year of 1945.

“Holy” Rats

◆ Deshnouk temple, in India’s state of Rajasthan, is dedicated to the lowly rat. Reportedly, at this location over $3.3 million worth of grain is fed to these “sacred” rodents yearly. Should a pilgrim accidentally trample a “holy” rat to death, he is penalized. The fine? A golden statue of the dead creature given as a gift​—at a cost of some $450. Reflecting on the grain fed to rats at Deshnouk, Indian scientist Narendra Sharma asked: “Isn’t it rather ironic? Ruddy rats going around with their tummies full of all sorts of goodies in a perennially poverty-stricken state where human beings cannot even expect a couple of square meals a day?”

Ancient Statue of Hadrian

◆ During late July, in a field near Beit Shean, Israel, an amateur archaeologist found a life-size bronze statue of Roman Emperor Hadrian. Morton Leventhal, a visiting New York city stockbroker, responded to the beeps of a metal detector he was using and began digging, only to find the head of the second-century statue lying face down. Though the statue was in pieces, reassembly was considered to be no major task. Reportedly, the statue is worth tens of thousands of dollars. It has tentatively been dated between 117 and 138 C.E., when Hadrian ruled.

Howl of the Coyote

◆ To many people the wail of the coyote is quite an eerie sound. But it is particularly unpleasant to sheepmen of the western United States, since the coyote’s jaws yearly reduce their flocks by tens of thousands. Though the predators are trapped and shot, this has little effect on their ranks, now estimated at 2.5 million. In recent times, they have spread to southern Canada, as well as the eastern United States.

Two Official Tongues

◆ Peru now has two official languages​—Spanish and Quechua. Millions of Indians living in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and northern Argentina and Chile speak Quechua, an ancient tongue that spread throughout the Andes in the days of the Incas. In early June it became Peru’s second official tongue. Peru now is the second Latin-American land having two official languages. The other is Paraguay, where both Spanish and Guarani hold sway.

Quake Damages Shrines

◆ When a 30-second earthquake struck central Burma on July 8, it turned many religious temples into rubble. The shock waves did their damage at Pagan (Puh-gahnʹ), southwest of Mandalay, along the Irrawaddy River’s eastern bank. Once a royal capital, Pagan had some 5,000 temples in past centuries, and over 2,200 still are in evidence as mounds of ruins or structures in various states of preservation. The recent tremor reportedly damaged over half of Pagan’s 500 most important religious structures. Included in the rubble is the gigantic seated Buddha of Thandawgya, now headless and with a nearly shattered torso.

Late to Bed?

◆ Individuals vary, but those who customarily go to bed at a late hour may be impairing their health. According to New Orleans Public Service Inc., they may encounter such troubles as visual strain, hearing impairment, greater irritability and mental depression. Last, but not least, complete collapse may be experienced. An old saying is, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Well, that practice may at least make you healthier or help to preserve the health you now enjoy.

God’s Kingdom Is a Government

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Handling Family Problems Successfully

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