June 8

Page Two

Auto Pollution—What’s the Answer? 3-9

Some say, get rid of automobiles to reduce air pollution. But most prefer a less radical solution. Is a solution in sight?

Carnival Celebrations—Right or Wrong? 14

Are such celebrations for Christians? What does the Bible say?

Coping With Panic Attacks 20

Such attacks can be a cause of deep anxiety and depression. How can they be controlled?

[Picture Credit Line on page 2]

Victorian Pictorial Borders/Dover Publications, Inc.

A World Without Automobiles?

CAN you imagine a world without motor vehicles? Or can you name an invention that over the past century has changed the life-styles and behavior of people as fundamentally as they have? Without automobiles, there would be no motels, no drive-in restaurants, and no drive-in theaters. More important, without buses, taxis, cars, or trucks, how would you get to work? to school? How would farmers and manufacturers get their wares to market?

“One of every six U.S. businesses is dependent on the manufacture, distribution, servicing, or use of motor vehicles,” notes The New Encyclopædia Britannica, adding: “Sales and receipts of automotive firms represent more than one-fifth of the country’s wholesale business and more than one-fourth of its retail trade. For other countries these proportions are somewhat smaller, but Japan and the countries of western Europe have been rapidly approaching the U.S. level.”

Nevertheless, some people say a world without motor vehicles would be a better place. This they say for basically two reasons.

Worldwide Gridlock

If you have ever circled endlessly looking for a parking space, you need no one to tell you that even if cars are good, having too many in a crowded area is not. Or if you have ever been caught in a horrendous traffic jam, you know how frustrating it is to be trapped in a vehicle that is designed to move but that has been forced to a standstill.

In 1950, the United States was alone in having 1 car for every 4 persons. By 1974, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden had caught up. But by then the U.S. figure had risen to almost 1 car for every 2 persons. Now Germany and Luxembourg have about 1 motor vehicle for every 2 inhabitants. Belgium, France, Great Britain, Italy, and the Netherlands are not far behind.

Most large cities—no matter where they may be in the world—are degenerating into giant parking lots. For example, in India at the time of independence in 1947, New Delhi, its capital, boasted 11,000 cars and trucks. By 1993 the figure exceeded 2,200,000! An astronomical increase—but “a number that is expected to double by the end of the century,” according to Time magazine.

Meanwhile, in Eastern Europe, with only one fourth as many autos per capita as Western Europe, there are some 400 million potential customers. Within a few years, the situation in China, until now known for its 400 million bicycles, will have changed. As reported in 1994, “the government is laying plans for a rapid increase in auto production,” going from an annual 1.3 million cars to 3 million by the end of the century.

The Pollution Threat

“Britain has run out of fresh air,” said The Daily Telegraph of October 28, 1994. This is perhaps exaggerated but nevertheless true enough to cause concern. Professor Stuart Penkett, of the University of East Anglia, warned: “Motor cars are changing the chemistry of the whole of our background atmosphere.”

A high concentration of carbon monoxide pollution, says the book 5000 Days to Save the Planet, “deprives the body of oxygen, impairs perception and thinking, slows reflexes and causes drowsiness.” And the World Health Organization says: “Around a half of all city dwellers in Europe and North America are exposed to unacceptably high levels of carbon monoxide.”

It is estimated that in some places automobile emissions annually kill many people—in addition to causing billions of dollars in environmental damage. In July 1995 a television news report said that some 11,000 Britons die annually from car-induced air pollution.

In 1995 the United Nations Climate Conference was held in Berlin. Representatives from 116 countries agreed that something needed to be done. But to the disappointment of many, the task of adopting specific targets and setting down definite rules or of outlining precise programs was postponed.

In the light of what the book 5000 Days to Save the Planet said back in 1990, this lack of progress was probably to be expected. “The nature of political and economic power in modern industrial society,” it pointed out, “dictates that measures to combat environmental destruction are only acceptable if they do not interfere with the workings of the economy.”

Thus, Time recently warned of “the possibility that the buildup of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will gradually warm the globe. The result, according to many scientists, could be droughts, melting ice caps, rising sea levels, coastal flooding, more severe storms and other climatic calamities.”

The seriousness of the pollution problem demands that something be done. But what?

In Search of Acceptable Solutions

MOTOR VEHICLES are not alone in creating pollution. Private households, industrial plants, and power stations must also share responsibility. Still, the part that motor vehicles play in creating global pollution is considerable.

In fact, 5000 Days to Save the Planet ventures to say: “If all these costs had to be accounted for—especially the cost to our climate of emitting carbon dioxide—then cars would probably never be built.” Nevertheless, it concedes: “But that is an option which neither car manufacturers, nor the road industry, nor government agencies, nor indeed the general public, whose lives increasingly depend on private transport, are prepared to contemplate.”

Should not the technology that put man on the moon be able to produce a pollution-free car? Doing is never as easy as saying, so until the obstacles to developing a pollution-free car can be overcome, the search for other acceptable solutions continues.

Cutting Back on Pollutants

In the 1960’s the United States passed legislation requiring the installation of controls on motor vehicles to restrict the emission of pollutants. Other countries and governments have since done the same.

Catalytic converters, which require the use of unleaded gasoline, are now widely used to filter out harmful pollutants. Between 1976 and 1980, after motorists in large numbers began using unleaded gas, the lead level in the blood of Americans fell by one third. And well it did, for an excess of lead can affect the nervous system and hinder learning ability. Sad to say, however, while a drop in lead levels has taken place in many countries of the developed world, the same cannot be said of less-developed lands.

The success of catalytic converters is gratifying, but their use remains controversial. Because of loss of performance that resulted when lead was no longer added, the hydrocarbon composition of gasoline was changed. This has resulted in an increase in the emissions of other carcinogens, such as benzene and toluene, whose emission levels catalytic converters do not reduce.

Besides, catalytic converters require the use of platinum. According to Professor Iain Thornton, of Imperial College in Britain, one of their side effects has been a rise in platinum deposited in roadside dust. He warned of the possibility that “soluble forms of platinum could enter the food chain.”

Despite any success of “catalytic converters in North America, Japan, South Korea and several European countries,” 5000 Days to Save the Planet realistically admits, “the massive growth in numbers of cars around the world has completely wiped out the benefits to air quality.”

Slowing Down

Another method of cutting down on car emissions is to drive slower. But in the United States, some states have recently increased the speed limit. In Germany imposing restrictions is unpopular. Car manufacturers whose selling point is the ability to build powerful motors that easily permit cruising speeds in excess of 100 miles an hour [150 km/hr] are naturally opposed, as are a great number of drivers. It appears now, however, that more and more Germans are willing to accept speed restrictions not simply for environmental reasons but also for the sake of safety.

In some countries drivers are required to slow down when pollution reaches unacceptable levels—or perhaps to stop driving altogether. A 1995 poll revealed that 80 percent of Germans would agree to the introduction of speed limits if ozone levels became too high. Numerous cities throughout the world, including Athens and Rome, have already taken steps to restrict driving under certain circumstances. Others are considering doing the same.

Using Bicycles

To reduce traffic, some cities have introduced special rates for bus travel. Others provide free bus transportation for drivers who pay a nominal fee to park their cars in available lots. Other cities have reserved lanes just for buses and taxis in order to speed up these forms of transportation.

A novel way of combating the problem was recently noted in The European: “Inspired by a campaign in the Netherlands in the late 1960s, the resourceful Danes have come up with a plan to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion by persuading people to use two wheels instead of four.” Bicycles are placed at various locations throughout Copenhagen streets. Popping a coin into a device releases a bicycle for use. The deposit can be reclaimed when the bicycle is later returned to a convenient location. Time will tell whether this scheme will prove practical and will catch on.

To encourage the use of bicycles in place of cars, some German cities permit riders to cycle through one-way streets the wrong way! Since about one third of all trips in the city and more than one third of those in the rurals are shorter than two miles [3 km], many citizens could easily make most of them either on foot or by bicycle. This would help reduce pollution; at the same time, riders would be getting needed exercise.

Redesigning

Work continues on designing pollution-free automobiles. Electric cars that run on batteries have been produced, but they are limited as to speed and operating time. The same is true of solar-powered cars.

Another possibility being investigated is using hydrogen as fuel. Hydrogen burns with almost no emission of pollutants, but its cost is prohibitive.

Recognizing a need for reinventing the automobile, U.S. president Clinton announced in 1993 that the government and the U.S. auto industry would cooperate in designing the car of the future. He said: “We are going to try to launch a technological adventure as ambitious as any our nation has ever attempted.” Whether it will be possible “to create the perfectly efficient and ecologically friendly vehicle for the 21st century,” about which he spoke, remains to be seen. Plans call for producing a prototype within a decade—however, at enormous cost.

Some car manufacturers are working on models that run on a combination of gasoline and electricity. Already available in Germany—for a price—is an electric sports car capable of accelerating within nine seconds from a standing position to 60 miles per hour [100 km/hr], well on its way to a top speed of 110 [180]. But after 120 miles [200 km], it sputters to a stop until its batteries can be recharged for at least three hours. Research continues, and further progress is expected.

Only Part of the Problem

How to get rid of poisonous emissions is only part of the problem. Cars also cause noise pollution, something that anyone living near a crowded road well knows. Since continuous traffic noise can adversely affect health, this too is an elementary part of the problem that needs solving.

Nature lovers will also point out that many a countryside of natural beauty is blighted by miles of ugly highways, together with the unsightly business places and billboards that may border them. But as the number of cars increases, so does the need for more roads.

Some automobiles, after years of polluting in the service of their owners, continue their polluting ways even “after death.” Abandoned castoffs, serving only as eyesores, have become such a problem that legislation has had to be passed in some places to avoid their unduly cluttering the countryside. Will the ideal automobile, one made of easy-to-recycle materials, ever be built? Such a vehicle is nowhere in sight.

“Most Germans are greatly concerned about the environment,” notes a recent newspaper, adding, “but few act accordingly.” A government official is quoted as saying: “No one thinks of himself as the culprit, nor is anyone willing to be called to account.” Yes, problems are hard to solve in a world characterized by people who are “lovers of themselves” and “not open to any agreement.”—2 Timothy 3:1-3.

Still, the search for acceptable solutions goes on. Can an ideal solution to pollution and the automobile ever be found?

[Picture on page 7]

Could pollution be reduced by our using public transportation, car pooling, or riding a bicycle?

Finding the Ideal Solution

GOD’S WORD, the Bible, speaks of a time when God’s heavenly government will have solved all of mankind’s problems, which now include the problem of pollution by automobiles. Will this Messianic Kingdom, for which many have been taught to pray, provide the ideal solution by producing a completely pollution-free automobile? Or will the ideal solution be achieved by ridding the earth of all motor vehicles? Since the Bible gives us no definite answer, we can do nothing more than just wait and see.—Matthew 6:9, 10.

But of this we can be sure: God’s government will not allow pollution to mar the beauties of creation in the restored Paradise that the Kingdom will bring about.—Isaiah 35:1, 2, 7; 65:17-25.

Since those who adhere to God’s Word are already being trained for life in a pollution-free new world, how should they feel about the use of automobiles today? The Awake! of June 22, 1987, dealt with the subject “What Is Happening to Our Forests?” It reported that some scientists think there is a link between the air pollutants contained in vehicle exhaust and dying forests. This caused one concerned reader to write the Watchtower Society asking whether in view of this fact it would be proper for Christians to drive cars. He wondered if doing so would show disrespect for Jehovah’s creation.

His letter was answered, in part, as follows: “Jehovah’s Witnesses faithfully obey environmental regulations enacted by government authorities to reduce pollution. (Romans 13:1, 7; Titus 3:1) Taking measures beyond what the government requires is up to the discretion of the individual. If someone decides to no longer drive a car, that is his own private affair. The Awake! article showed how some people feel, however, by saying on page 8: ‘Many are taking practical steps to cut down on air pollution to the extent reasonably possible. They are driving slower, traveling less, joining car pools, using unleaded gasoline, and obeying antipollution regulations laid down by the government.’”

Christian Balance

This answer manifested Christian balance. It must be remembered that automobiles are not alone in polluting. Airplanes and trains—in fact, most modern means of transportation—do so. But these modes of transportation were not developed with the express purpose of polluting. The resultant pollution is a side effect, regrettable but due to limited knowledge and imperfect attitudes.

The Watchtower of January 1, 1993, page 31, discussed this matter, saying: “As Jehovah’s Witnesses, we are deeply concerned with the many ecological problems now affecting our earthly home. More than most people, we appreciate that the earth was created to be a pure, healthful home for a perfect human family. (Genesis 1:31; 2:15-17; Isaiah 45:18) . . . It is thus right to make balanced, reasonable efforts to avoid needlessly adding to man’s ongoing spoiling of our globe. Note, though, the word ‘reasonable.’ . . . God’s people should not be oblivious of ecological matters. Jehovah required his ancient people to take steps to dispose of wastes, steps that had ecological as well as sanitary import. (Deuteronomy 23:9-14) And since we know his view of those who are ruining the earth, we certainly should not ignore things that we can do to keep the environment clean. . . . The extent to which a Christian will go in this direction, however, is a personal matter unless required by law. . . . Imperfect humans easily fall into the trap of being extremists. . . . Human efforts to rid the earth of its major ecological problems, including pollution, will not fully succeed. There may be some progress here and there, but the only lasting solution requires God’s intervention. For this reason we concentrate our efforts and resources on the divine solution, rather than trying to relieve superficial symptoms.”

Christians are balanced as they observe Bible principles, keeping in mind the divine commission they have received to preach the message of God’s Kingdom throughout the world. (Matthew 24:14) Nothing is more important or of greater urgency! If modern means of transportation and communication can help Christians fulfill this obligation, they have every reason to make use of them. At the same time, they avoid unduly or purposely polluting. They thus keep a good conscience before both man and God.

So although we today do not really know how the problem of pollution and the automobile will finally be solved, we do know that it will be. In fact, the ideal solution is just over the horizon.

[Box on page 9]

Combating Pollution

• Walking or cycling when possible

• Participating in car pools

• Having motor vehicles serviced regularly

• Being clean-fuel conscious

• Avoiding unnecessary travel

• Driving at moderate but steady speeds

• Using public transportation when possible and feasible

• Switching the engine off instead of idling when the vehicle stands for any length of time

How Are Your Telephone Manners?

“Next to family affection, health, and the love of work, does anything contribute so much to the pleasantness of life, restoring and raising our self-esteem, as the traffic in kind speeches?”

IN ASKING that question, the late American author and educator Lucy Elliot Keeler was placing high value on the personal pleasure and fulfillment that can be derived from an interchange of oral communication, an ability lovingly given man at the time of his creation.—Exodus 4:11, 12.

Contributing greatly to the increase in the flow of human speech over the past 12 decades has been Alexander Graham Bell’s invention of the telephone. Today, for billions of earth’s inhabitants, the telephone, whether used for business or pleasure, provides a vital link between humans.

The Telephone and You

To what degree does telephone use enhance the quality of your life? Would you not agree that your answer to that question depends more on the people involved than on the instrument itself? Indeed, it is timely that we ask the question, How are your telephone manners?

Telephone manners cover such areas as mental attitude, speech quality, and listening ability. Pertinent, too, would be the mechanics of using a telephone and ways of dealing with nuisance calls.

Thoughtful Consideration of Others

As is true in all human interchange, good telephone manners stem from fellow feeling. The apostle Paul wrote: “Look to each other’s interest and not merely to your own.”—Philippians 2:4, The New English Bible.

When asked the question, “What have you found to be the most common examples of poor telephone manners?,” an experienced telephone switchboard operator replied that high on her list was “the caller who says, ‘Mary here’ (How many Marys do you know?) or, worse still, ‘Me here,’ or ‘Guess who this is.’” Such thoughtless, perhaps well-meaning, approaches can cause embarrassment and impatience. The operator continued: “Why not get the call off to a happy start by clearly identifying yourself and additionally, out of consideration for the one called, asking if it is a convenient time to talk?”

Remember, although your facial expression cannot be seen, your attitude will be evident. How so? Through your tone of voice. Impatience, boredom, anger, indifference, sincerity, cheerfulness, helpfulness, and warmth—all are revealed. True, annoyance can be a natural reaction when one is interrupted. In the interest of good manners, in this situation try to pause and inject a “smile” into your voice before answering. It is possible to disagree without using a disagreeable tone.

A combination of thoughtful consideration and a pleasing tone of voice can make for sayings that are “good for building up as the need may be” and the imparting of “what is favorable to the hearers.”—Ephesians 4:29.

Speech Quality

Yes, the kind of speech we use is important. Do you agree with and observe the following rules? Speak naturally, clearly, and distinctly. Don’t mumble. Don’t shout—even on a long-distance call. Don’t slur your words. Avoid slovenly speech that telescopes or skips syllables; also avoid “word whiskers” and regressions, which can be disconcerting and cause irritation. Shun the use of a dull monotone. Proper sense stress and modulation make speech meaningful, colorful, and refreshing. Keep in mind, too, that eating while engaged in a telephone conversation doesn’t enhance speech quality or reflect good manners.

Word choice is also worthy of consideration. Discernment is called for. Use plain, simple words that are readily understood. Words have connotations. They can be kind or cruel, soothing or harsh, encouraging or disheartening. Furthermore, one can be witty without being abrasive, candid without being blunt or rude, and tactful without being evasive. Courteous expressions like “please” and “thank you” are always welcome. Words that are kind, considerate, and tasteful are what the apostle Paul had in mind when he wrote: “Let your utterance be always with graciousness, seasoned with salt, so as to know how you ought to give an answer to each one.”—Colossians 4:6.

Be a Good Listener

There is the story of a young man who asked his father to tell him the secret of being a good conversationalist. “Listen, my son,” was the reply. “I am listening,” said the youth. “Tell me more.” “There’s no more to tell,” replied the father. Indeed, being an interested, sympathetic listener is a vital ingredient in the recipe for good telephone manners.

Failure to observe a simple rule can result in your being viewed as a telephone bore. What is it? Don’t monopolize the conversation. Don’t get bogged down, for example, in an unending, word-for-word account of some trivial exchange you were involved in or a long-winded personal history of minor aches and pains. Once again, we have an applicable, concise Bible rule, this time from the disciple James. “Be quick to listen but slow to speak.”—James 1:19, Jerusalem Bible.

Concluding Considerations

Let us now address two final questions that come within the context of telephone manners. What can be said of the mechanics of telephone use? Are there some suggested guidelines in handling unwelcome calls?

While on the telephone, have you ever found the voice at the other end of the line intermittently fading into the distance? This should remind you to speak into the mouthpiece, keeping it about an inch [2 cm] from your lips. In addition, it is courteous to control background noise. When you make a call, dial carefully to avoid getting a wrong number; and when you conclude your call, place the receiver into its cradle gently.

Have you been a victim of nuisance calls? Sadly, such appear to be on the increase. Indecent, suggestive, or obscene language merits only one response—termination of the call. (Compare Ephesians 5:3, 4.) The same would be true when a caller refuses to identify himself. Should you have reason to be suspicious of a call, the publication How to Write and Speak Better recommends that you “do not answer if a strange voice asks, ‘Who is speaking?’” and that you don’t discuss your plans with a stranger.

How good it is to know that in the final analysis, the exercise of good telephone manners does not require a long list of rules or regulations! As in all dealings among people, pleasant and rewarding relationships come from application of what is commonly called the Golden Rule. Said Jesus Christ: “All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them.” (Matthew 7:12) For the Christian, there is also the desire to please the One who endowed man with the gift of speech. Prayed the psalmist: “Let the sayings of my mouth and the meditation of my heart become pleasurable before you, O Jehovah my Rock and my Redeemer.”—Psalm 19:14.

Crossword Puzzle

Clues Across

1. Also known as Pentecost, it was celebrated the 50th day from Nisan 16 [3 words] (Exodus 34:22)

8. A Judean site (1 Chronicles 4:12)

9. This city given to the Merarite Levites was also known as Dimnah (1 Chronicles 6:77)

10. Because of differences in size and strength, it was not to be yoked together with a bull (Deuteronomy 22:10)

12. She did not get along with her Christian sister Syntyche for a while (Philippians 4:2)

14. Paul likened the hope set before his spiritual brothers to this (Hebrews 6:19)

16. Tubal-cain, of the fourth millennium B.C.E., was the first person known to make items from this metal (Genesis 4:22)

18. A census taken in the second year of Israel’s wilderness journey found only 46,500 men from it who were fit for military service [3 words] (Numbers 1:21)

21. “Poison of — is behind their lips” (Romans 3:13)

23. The great-grandson of Saul’s son Jonathan (1 Chronicles 9:41)

26. Gemstone placed last in the second row of stones on Aaron’s “breastpiece of judgment” (Exodus 28:15-18)

28. Disgusting practices, such as the worship of this, brought Jerusalem to ruin in 607 B.C.E. (Ezekiel 8:16)

30. A grandson of Japheth who is listed among those from whom all nations and peoples spread about in the earth following the Flood (Genesis 10:3)

31. A Judean site in the Shephelah (Joshua 15:43)

32. Though advanced in age, they had a son [3 words] (Genesis 18:11)

Clues Down

1. A state of agitation (Lamentations 1:20)

2. One of the mighty men of David’s military forces (1 Chronicles 11:31)

3. In the Bible this term refers to a Roman province, not a continent (Acts 16:6)

4. Used for steering a ship (Acts 27:40)

5. By calling his mother this, Jesus was not showing disrespect (John 2:4)

6. Methuselah’s father (Genesis 5:21)

7. A severe punishment inflicted upon Jesus (Mark 10:34)

11. A respectful form of address (Luke 7:6)

13. To depart from an established course (Psalm 44:18)

14. God’s is based on principle and is always justified (Nahum 1:3)

15. Percussion instruments (Ezra 3:10)

17. First-named son of Abraham’s brother Nahor by his concubine Reumah (Genesis 22:24)

19. Jesus had to pass through this Roman district to get from Judea to Galilee (John 4:3, 4)

20. Moses and Aaron lost their privilege of entering into the Promised Land because they failed to sanctify Jehovah at this place (Numbers 20:12, 13)

22. The place where King Hadar of Edom had his royal residence (Genesis 36:39)

24. Moved with pity by his humble entreaty, Jesus cleansed the one who approached him (Mark 1:40)

25. What pride often leads to (Proverbs 16:18)

27. One of the foremost opponents of Jesus’ apostles (Acts 4:6)

28. He and his brother Japheth showed proper respect for their father (Genesis 9:23)

29. Midday (Genesis 43:16)

Crossword Solutions Page 19

Solutions Across

1. FESTIVAL OF WEEKS

8. RECAH

9. RIMMONO

10. ASS

12. EUODIA

14. ANCHOR

16. IRON

18. TRIBE OF REUBEN

21. ASPS

23. MELECH

26. JASPER

28. SUN

30. RIPHATH

31. NEZIB

32. ABRAHAM AND SARAH

Solutions Down

1. FERMENT

2. ITHAI

3. ASIA

4. OARS

5. WOMAN

6. ENOCH

7. SCOURGE

11. SIR

13. DEVIATE

14. ANGER

15. CYMBALS

17. TEBAH

19. SAMARIA

20. MERIBAH

22. PAU

24. LEPER

25. CRASH

27. ANNAS

28. SHEM

29. NOON

The Bible’s Viewpoint

Carnival Celebrations—Right or Wrong?

“YOU just can’t resist it,” says Michael. “The music tears you from your chair, moves your feet, flushes your head—you’ve got carnival fever!” Indeed, each year carnival raises the heartbeat of millions around the world, but nowhere is the fever as hot as in the country where Michael lives, Brazil. During the week before Ash Wednesday, Brazil puts on its most splendid dress, throws away its clocks and calendars, and plunges into a spectacle that rocks the country from the Amazon forest to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. It’s a time to sing, to samba, and to forget.

“That’s one reason why it’s so popular,” explains Michael, who was an ardent carnival celebrator for years. “Carnival gives people a chance to forget their misery.” And especially for millions of poor—living without enough water, without electricity, without employment, and without hope—there is plenty to forget. To them carnival is like an aspirin: it may not cure the problems, but at least it numbs the pain. Add to this the view of carnival held by some of the Roman Catholic clergy—one bishop said that carnival is “very useful for people’s psychological balance.” So it is easy to see why many feel that carnival is a helpful and sanctioned distraction. What, though, is the Bible’s view of carnival celebrations?

Merrymaking or Revelry?

God’s Word says that there is “a time to laugh . . . and a time to skip about.” (Ecclesiastes 3:4) Since the Hebrew word for “laugh” may also be translated “celebrate,” it is clear that as far as our Creator is concerned, there is nothing wrong with our having a wholesome, good time. (See 1 Samuel 18:6, 7.) In fact, God’s Word tells us to be glad and rejoice. (Ecclesiastes 3:22; 9:7) So the Bible approves of appropriate merrymaking.

The Bible, however, does not embrace all sorts of merrymaking. The apostle Paul states that revelry, or boisterous merrymaking, belongs to “the works of the flesh” and that practicers of revelry will “not inherit God’s kingdom.” (Galatians 5:19-21) Paul admonished Christians, therefore, to “walk decently, not in revelries.” (Romans 13:13) So the question is, In which category does carnival belong—innocent merrymaking or licentious revelry? To answer, first let us further explain what the Bible views as revelry.

The word “revelry,” or koʹmos in Greek, occurs three times in the Christian Greek Scriptures, always in an unfavorable sense. (Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:21; 1 Peter 4:3) And no wonder because koʹmos sprouts from infamous celebrations well-known to Greek-speaking early Christians. Which ones?

Historian Will Durant explains: “A company of people carrying sacred phalli [symbol of the male sex organ] and singing dithyrambs [chants] to Dionysus . . . constituted, in Greek terminology, a komos, or revel.” Dionysus, the god of wine in Greek mythology, was later adopted by the Romans, who renamed him Bacchus. Yet, the koʹmos connection survived the name change. Bible scholar Dr. James Macknight writes: ‘The word koʹmois [a plural form of koʹmos] comes from Comus, the god of feasting and reveling. These revelings were performed in honor of Bacchus, who on that account was named Comastes.’ Yes, celebrations for Dionysus and Bacchus were the very embodiments of revelry. What were the features of these feasts?

Revelry Portrayed

During the Greek festivities honoring Dionysus, according to Durant, crowds of celebrators “drank without restraint, and . . . considered him witless who would not lose his wits. They marched in wild procession, . . . and as they drank and danced they fell into a frenzy in which all bonds were loosed.” In a similar vein, Roman festivals honoring Bacchus (called the Bacchanalia) featured drinking and lascivious songs and music and were the scenes of “very dishonourable actions,” writes Macknight. Thus frenzied crowds, heavy drinking, lustful dancing and music, and immoral sex formed the basic ingredients of Greek-Roman revelries.

Do today’s carnivals contain these revelry-producing ingredients? Consider a few quotes from news reports on carnival celebrations: “Extremely raucous crowds.” “A four-day spree of drinking and all-night partying.” “Carnival hang-over can last several days for some revellers.” The “near-deafening sounds at close quarters make the shows of ‘heavy metal’ groups . . . pale by comparison.” “Today, any carnival celebration without gays is like a steak au poivre without pepper.” “Carnival has become a synonym for complete nudity.” Carnival dances featured “scenes of masturbation . . . and various forms of sex[ual] intercourse.”

Indeed, the similarities between today’s carnivals and those ancient feasts are so striking that a Bacchus reveler would hardly miss a beat if he were to wake up in the midst of a modern-day carnival party. And that should not surprise us, comments Brazilian television producer Cláudio Petraglia, for he says that today’s carnival “originates from the feasts of Dionysus and Bacchus and that, really, is the nature of carnival.” The New Encyclopædia Britannica states that the carnival may be linked to the pagan Saturnalia festival of ancient Rome. So the carnival, while belonging to a different era, belongs to the same family as its predecessors. The family’s name? Revelry.

What effect should this knowledge have on Christians today? The same effect as it had on early Christians living in the Greek-influenced provinces in Asia Minor. Before becoming Christians they used to indulge “in deeds of loose conduct, lusts, excesses with wine, revelries [koʹmois], drinking matches, and illegal idolatries.” (1 Peter 1:1; 4:3, 4) However, after learning that God views revelries as “works belonging to darkness,” they ceased participating in carnivallike celebrations.—Romans 13:12-14.

Michael, mentioned before, did the same. He explains why: “As my Bible knowledge grew, I saw that carnival celebrations and Bible principles are like oil and water—they simply don’t mix.” In 1979, Michael made up his mind. He quit carnival celebrations for good. What choice will you make?

[Picture on page 14]

Pre-Christian Greek amphora depicting Dionysus (left figure)

[Credit Line]

Courtesy of The British Museum

A Testimony to Their Faith

THE year 1995 saw the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps. Throughout Europe, Nazi victims commemorated this occasion with large gatherings attended by heads of State at Auschwitz, Bergen-Belsen, Buchenwald, Dachau, Ravensbrück, Sachsenhausen, and other camps. One thought that came repeatedly to the fore was, “May we never forget!”

For this reason Jehovah’s Witnesses presented exhibitions in Europe during the anniversary year. Many of the Witnesses had been interned by Hitler’s government for their refusal to give the Hitler salute and to support the war effort. From 1933 onward, thousands of them were imprisoned, and many died as a result of the treatment they received.

Their experiences are, however, generally unknown by the public. This has given rise to the expression “history’s forgotten victims.” A group of Witness survivors expressed the desire to preserve the memory of their families and companions who were persecuted, imprisoned, tortured, or murdered and to make known the testimony of faith and courage left by these Bibelforscher, the name by which Jehovah’s Witnesses were identified in the concentration camps.

On September 29, 1994, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, in Washington, D.C., held a seminar concerning Jehovah’s Witnesses in the concentration camps. Two large commemorative reunions were held in France by camp survivors, on March 28, 1995, in Strasbourg and on March 30, in Paris. It was very moving to hear these now aged men and women, still faithful to God 50 years later, relate their experiences. On April 27, a similar meeting was held near Berlin, in Brandenburg, Germany, where many Witnesses were executed by being beheaded. On the following day, a number of the survivors attended the ceremonies organized by the State of Brandenburg and made visits to various camps.

The French Exhibition

At these reunions, an exhibition with the theme “Mémoire de Témoins” (Witness Testimony) was presented. From May 1995 to April 1996, it toured 42 cities in France and various cities in Belgium and French-speaking Switzerland. Above all, the men and women in the exhibition are Witnesses of Jehovah God. But they are also witnesses of the suffering that they and others endured in the concentration camps. They are living proof of an ideology of intolerance that caused the suffering and death of millions of people because of their race or religion. The testimony of the Witnesses, furthermore, exposes how so-called Christians preferred a pseudomessiah, Hitler, to Jesus Christ; hate to love of neighbor; and violence to peace.

The exhibition consisted of some 70 panels, starting with a timetable of events—the opening of the camps in Dachau and Oranienburg, in March 1933; the Nuremberg Laws to “protect German blood,” in September 1935; the Anschluss, or annexation of Austria to Germany, in March 1938; Kristallnacht (Crystal Night), in November of the same year, during which thousands of Jewish shops were ransacked and more than 30,000 people were arrested and deported; the gradual ban on Jehovah’s Witnesses; the invasion of the Soviet Union, in June 1941; and the euthanasia of the mentally sick, from 1939 to 1941.

Several panels highlighted the indoctrination of the young in the Hitler Youth and the fascination that the huge Nazi rallies in Nuremberg held for the masses. Photos called to mind Jehovah’s Witnesses’ refusal to pledge allegiance to the führer and to give the Hitler salute. Other panels showed how Jehovah’s Witnesses were the victims of disinformation and how, as of 1935, they distributed magazines and tracts exposing Nazi excesses.

Personal Experiences

About 40 panels recounted the experiences of ordinary men and women from all over Europe who were persecuted and even killed because of their faith. Survivors supported the exhibition by their presence, and visitors listened to them attentively. Children were enthralled as Louis Arzt told his story. Originally from Mulhouse in France, he was taken from his parents and sent to Germany for refusing to say “Heil Hitler!” at school. “An SS soldier beat me for refusing to salute Hitler. He gave me 30 strokes. Two days later he took me by the shoulder and tried to play on my feelings. ‘Think of your mother. She would be so happy to see you. All you need to do is to say “Heil Hitler!” and you can get on the train.’ It was hard for a child of 12,” he added. Many were touched by the experiences of Joseph Hisiger who exchanged his week’s ration of bread for the Bible of his Protestant cell mate.

Videotaped interviews with former deportees were another feature of the exhibition. Some interviews were done at the camp locations themselves—for instance, at Ebensee in Austria and at Buchenwald and Sachsenhausen in Germany. Other interviews recorded various aspects of camp life or the memories of Witnesses deported as children.

The Inauguration

A short ceremony opened each presentation of the exhibition, during which a representative of the former deportees explained the spiritual resistance of Jehovah’s Witnesses to Nazism. Non-Witness deportees as well as several historians and officials, including a former French government minister, also kindly accepted invitations to speak.

A former deportee who knew Jehovah’s Witnesses in Buchenwald said regarding them: “I am unaware of any category of deportees, apart from the Jews, who were treated as ignominiously: beaten, humiliated, insulted, given the vilest tasks. Without their faith, they could not have withstood. I have the greatest respect and admiration for them.”

Reactions

Over 100,000 people visited the exhibition. In some locations hundreds of people, among them many youngsters, queued up to get into the exhibition hall. Many visitors expressed their feelings with a few words in the visitors’ book. For example, one youngster wrote: “My name is Sabrina. I am ten years old and would like to be as brave as Ruth to please Jehovah.”a

The media also spoke about the exhibition. In general, in each town one or two articles appeared in the local press. Additionally, local radio stations often publicized the exhibition and broadcast programs featuring interviews with former deportees. Regional television presented brief reports. One televised news report spoke of the exhibition as “a simple yet terrible story that looks into the heart of the unspeakable. A ‘Witness Testimony’ that pays respect to dignity that can never be taken away.”

For the survivors the 50th anniversary of the liberation will long remain engraved in their minds. While evoking painful memories was not always easy, by sharing them with others and by bringing the memories out of oblivion, the Witnesses were able to strengthen the faith of others. They considered it a privilege to participate in this exhibition and to dispel some of the prejudice and the ignorance that still linger after 50 years. Most of all, they derived satisfaction from knowing that their testimony brings honor to their God, Jehovah, and ensures that others will never forget what they endured as his Witnesses.

[Footnote]

[Picture on page 16]

Articles in “The Golden Age” denounced the excesses of Nazism

[Picture on page 16]

Some 70 panels told the story of the Nazi persecution of men, women, and children who refused to deny their faith

[Picture on page 16, 17]

Some of Jehovah’s Witnesses who had been deported and interned by Hitler’s government told their story

Coping With Panic Attacks

Robert was sitting comfortably in his office. Suddenly, his heart began to pound. He bolted upright as his forehead broke out in sweat. Robert was sure that he was having a heart attack! He grabbed the phone. “Something awful is happening to me,” he gasped. “I feel as if I’m going to black out!”

THIS was Robert’s first experience with a panic attack. Sadly, it was not his last. The same feeling later overtook him at a restaurant and at a shopping mall. The panic even returned while he was visiting friends. Before long, the only “safe” place for Robert was home. Gradually, he became depressed. “I had even contemplated suicide,” he admits.

Six months later Robert came upon a newspaper article about panic attacks and agoraphobia. What he learned saved his life.

Why Panic?

Panic is the body’s normal response to danger. Imagine yourself walking across a highway. You suddenly notice a car speeding directly toward you. Instant physical and chemical changes in your body enable you to sprint to safety.

But now imagine this same feeling of panic with no apparent cause. Dr. R. Reid Wilson says: “Panic attacks are produced when panic deceives the brain into thinking there is imminent danger. Here you are, standing in the aisle of the grocery store, not bothering a soul. Flip. On goes the Emergency switch. ‘Red alert! All systems prepare for battle!’”

Only those who have experienced such attacks can fully grasp their intensity. American Health magazine describes it as “an adrenaline rush that screams through your body for five minutes or an hour or a day and then departs as quickly and mysteriously as it came, leaving you limp, exhausted and dreading the next one.”

The Roots of Panic

Panic attacks usually begin in young adulthood and affect more women than men. What causes them? There is no clear answer. Some say that sufferers are biologically predisposed because of an abnormality in the brain’s limbic system. Many feel that this condition can be inherited, while others claim that the brain’s chemistry is altered by stress-inducing factors.

In some cases the attacks are induced by memories of traumatic experiences, such as war, rape, or child abuse. One survey revealed the percentage of incest survivors with panic disorder to be 13 times higher than that of the general population. Indeed, while panic attacks and other syndromes are full-fledged problems in themselves, they can also be what writer E. Sue Blume calls “spokes with incest at the hub.”

Of course, not all panic attacks are induced by trauma. But Dr. Wayne Kritsberg cautions that when such is the case, “treating the secondary consequences of the abuse—rather than healing the original trauma—will not solve the problem permanently. It would be like taking cough syrup to cure a case of pneumonia.”

Can It Be Cured?

Panic attacks can be brought under control. Many whose fear of panic keeps them housebound have been helped by exposure therapy. In this treatment a patient is exposed to the situation he fears and is helped to stay there until panic diminishes. Those with heart trouble, asthma, peptic ulcer, colitis, or similar illnesses should consult a doctor before attempting this treatment.

Relaxation techniques can be employed to alleviate the buildup of anxiety.a Some of these are discussed in the accompanying box “Calming Skills.” But do not wait for the onset of panic. These skills are best practiced during low-anxiety periods. When mastered, they can diminish or even prevent future attacks.

Panic thrives on perfectionism and low self-esteem. “While I was having anxiety attacks, Mr. Negative ruled my life,” says one sufferer. “I told myself that because I had anxiety, I was inferior to others and therefore unlovable.” Reversing such attitudes can reduce anxieties that lead to panic.b

There is great value in confiding anxieties to a trusted friend. Talking them out can help the sufferer to distinguish problems that must be endured from problems that can be solved. Not to be overlooked is prayer. Psalm 55:22 says: “Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself, and he himself will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to totter.”

Rather than a single, mountainous problem, it is often the accumulation of small, seemingly insignificant distresses that induces panic—much like the way running too many individual electrical appliances on the same circuit can blow a fuse. One solution is to write down each problem on an index card and arrange them from the simplest problem to the most difficult. Tackle them one at a time. Writing out your distresses changes their makeup from what you fear and avoid to what you can see and resolve.

Some are aided by taking prescribed tranquilizers or antidepressants. However, a caution is in order. “I do not feel that medication alone is the answer,” says counselor Melvin Green. “It should be used as an adjunct while seeking the answer. . . . Drugs may allow you to be more functional, and that can give you the opportunity to seek other help to deal with the causes of agoraphobia and work toward your recovery.”

A Spiritual Problem?

“I thought Christians weren’t supposed to experience anxiety attacks,” says Brenda, “because Jesus said ‘never be anxious.’ I concluded that I must not be relying on God enough.” Yet, the context of Jesus’ words at Matthew 6:34 shows that he was not discussing panic disorders. Rather, he was emphasizing the danger of being more concerned with material needs than spiritual ones.

Indeed, even those who put spiritual interests first may be afflicted with this disorder, as the following experience of a woman from Finland shows.

“My partner and I, both Jehovah’s Witnesses, were engaged in door-to-door preaching. Suddenly, I felt dizzy. My thoughts were blocked. Nothing seemed real, and I feared I would lose my balance. At the next door, I completely lost my grip on the conversation.

“This terrifying experience took place in 1970. It was the first in a series of strange spells that would plague me over the next two decades. Repeatedly, I would find myself in a misty world, unable to think clearly. I would feel dizzy, and my heart would pound. I would stumble over my words or lose them altogether.

“I was a young, energetic, and happy full-time minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses. How I loved helping others to understand the Bible! But these attacks were a constant torment to me. I wondered, ‘What is wrong with me?’ A neurologist diagnosed my condition as temporal epilepsy. For the next ten years, I took the medication he prescribed. Still, I wondered why it had such little effect. I came to accept my condition as something I would simply have to endure.

“After some time I came to realize that my illness wasn’t epilepsy, and my prescription wasn’t working. Even routine walks were an insurmountable task. I dreaded encountering anyone along my route. It took all my strength to attend Christian meetings. I often sat sweating and dizzy with my hand on my temples, my heart pounding, and my mind blank. Sometimes my whole body felt tense and cramped. At one point I was sure that I would die.

“My ministry helped to sustain me, although it was no small miracle that I could continue it at all. Conducting a Bible study was at times so overwhelming that my companion had to take over. Truly, our preaching is a team effort, and in the end it is God who keeps making it grow. (1 Corinthians 3:6, 7) Sheeplike ones hear and respond despite the limitations of the teacher.

“One day in March 1991, my husband showed me a booklet about panic disorder. The symptoms described were just like mine! I read more on the subject, attended lectures, and made an appointment to see a specialist. After two decades, my problem was finally identified. I was on the road to recovery!

“The majority of those with panic disorder can be helped with the right treatment. Friends can be a great support when they are sympathetic. Rather than heap guilt on an already troubled soul, a discerning companion will realize that the person with panic disorder is not purposely antisocial.—Compare 1 Thessalonians 5:14.

“As I review the past 20 years, I am grateful that through it all I have been able to remain in the full-time ministry. It has been a blessing well worth the struggle. At the same time, I realize that, like Epaphroditus, some must relinquish privileges of service because of poor health. Jehovah is not disappointed with such ones. He does not expect more than a person can reasonably give.

“Living with this disorder has taught me not to take myself too seriously. It has enabled me to sympathize with others who have limitations. But above all, it has helped me to get close to Jehovah. Throughout my ordeal I have repeatedly seen him to be a genuine source of strength and comfort.”

[Footnotes]

[Box on page 22]

Calming Skills

Calm breathing. Panic attacks are frequently accompanied by hyperventilation. To relax your breathing, try this exercise: Lie on your stomach. Count to six as you inhale; count to six as you exhale. Next, try the same deep breathing while sitting down. Then, try it standing up. Breathe deeply from the diaphragm, and practice this daily until it becomes natural. Some benefit by imagining beautiful surroundings while doing this exercise.

Calm thinking. ‘What if I collapse?’ ‘What if no one is there to help me?’ ‘What if my heart gives out?’ Catastrophic thoughts fuel panic. Since these thoughts are usually of future disasters or past attacks, try concentrating on the present situation. “To focus on the immediate is instantly calming,” says Dr. Alan Goldstein. Some suggest that you wear a rubber band around your wrist. When catastrophic thoughts arise, snap it and tell yourself: “Stop!” Interrupt anxiety before it has a chance to escalate into panic.

Calm reacting. If panic befalls you, don’t fight it. It’s just a feeling, and feelings need not harm you. Imagine that you are at the ocean watching the waves. They rise, they peak, and then they dissipate. Panic flows in the same fashion. Instead of fighting the wave, ride it out. It will pass. When it is over, do not overreact or overanalyze. It is gone, like a sneezing spell or a headache.

Panic is like a bully. Provoke him, and he will attack; do not provoke him, and he may go away. Dr. R. Reid Wilson explains that calming skills “are not designed so that you can better ‘fight’ panic or ‘banish’ panic at that moment. Instead, consider them ways of passing the time while panic tries to pick a fight with you.”

[Box on page 23]

Agoraphobia, a Fear of Fear

Many who suffer panic attacks develop agoraphobia. While it has been defined as a fear of public places, agoraphobia can more accurately be called a fear of fear. Agoraphobics fear panic so much that they avoid all places where previous attacks occurred. Soon, only one “safe” place remains—usually home.

“Imagine that you are leaving your house,” says writer Melvin Green. “Suddenly, from out of nowhere, appears the biggest man you ever saw. He has a baseball bat and, for no reason, hits you on the head. You stagger back into the house, not believing what just happened. When you are feeling better, you peek out the door and everything seems normal. You start down the path again. Suddenly he is there, and again you are struck. You get back into the house where you are safe. You look out the back door . . . He is there. You look out the windows . . . He is there. You know that if you leave the safety of your home, you will be hit again. Question: Would you leave?”

Many agoraphobics liken their feelings to that illustration and feel that their condition is hopeless. But Dr. Alan Goldstein gives this reassurance: “You are not unique, you are not alone. . . . You can help yourselves.”

“Waltzing Matilda”

BY AWAKE! CORRESPONDENT IN AUSTRALIA

AUSTRALIA’S song “Waltzing Matilda” is widely known around the world. A sudden burst of interest in the song came about last year on the hundredth anniversary of its first public performance on April 6, 1895.

How did a simple ballad with somewhat cryptic lyrics become so popular, not only throughout Australia but in many countries of the world? There are conflicting accounts of the exact origin of the song. However, the consensus is that the original author of the lyrics was A. B. (Banjo) Paterson, whose poems became best-sellers in Australia during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.

The wording of “Waltzing Matilda” varies, but the story about a swagman comes through clearly. A swag is a packet of personal belongings, and the swagman is the one who carries the swag when traveling. In this tune the swagman has set up his camp alongside a small tributary of a river, known as a billabong in outback Australia. As he boiled his billy, or metal pot, over the campfire, a well-fed sheep, known as a jumbuck, came down to drink at the same billabong. The swagman caught the sheep, killed it, and put the carcass into his tucker-bag, a bag used for carrying food supplies. No sooner had he done this than the squatter who owned the property rode up on his horse. (Squatters were farmers who had earned the right of possession by “squatting” on the land. Later, they were able to have their vast land holdings registered.) This squatter was accompanied by three troopers, mounted police. When the hapless swagman is accused of stealing the sheep, and no doubt is faced with imprisonment or worse, he leaps up, jumps into the billabong, and drowns.

Why does this improbable tale have such appeal? One explanation is that of Bruce Elder in his introduction to Rex Newell’s book Favourite Poems of Banjo Paterson. He suggests that the song is a statement of the way Australians want to see themselves: “It is much more than just the tale of a swaggie who steals a sheep. It is an expression of our dislike of bullying and authority figures. The swaggie is every Australian who ever wanted to laugh in the face of a petty official . . . Better to jump into the billabong than to let these people rule our lives.” But whatever the reason for its popularity, “Waltzing Matilda” has become an Australian symbol-in-song for more than 100 years.

What Does “Waltzing Matilda” Mean?

The song has four verses, or short stanzas. After each verse a chorus follows, beginning with the lines:

Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda,

You’ll come a-waltzing Matilda with me.

These are followed by two lines repeating what had been described in the preceding verse. The song takes its name from this chorus.

Uncertainty, even controversy, has developed as to what exactly a “matilda” is and who does the “waltzing.” The simple explanation offered by some researchers seems to be the most satisfactory. Says one writer: “Paterson was . . . fascinated by the swagmen who tramped from property to property with all their belongings lumped together in a rolled-up swag slung over the shoulder. He liked the colloquial language these swagmen used. Carrying a swag was known as ‘humping the bluey’, ‘shouldering the knot’, ‘carrying the curse’ or ‘waltzing Matilda.’”

The succinct definition of the waltzing matilda by Sydney May, in his book The Story of “Waltzing Matilda,” reads: “The clothes and personal belongings were rolled compactly and then wrapped in the unfolded blanket. The blanket was then tied at each end of the compact centre roll, and carried round the neck with the loose ends falling down each side in front and one arm usually appeared to be clasping one end.”

“Matilda’s” Fame Spreads

Sydney May concludes that it was the sailing of Australian troops to other lands during the first and second world wars that brought the song “Waltzing Matilda” into such popularity outside the country of its origin. He gives these examples: “In 1941 at Tel Aviv the cafe orchestras played it the moment an Australian crossed the cafe entrance; the Ninth Division sang it as they entered Bardia after its recapture by them; an Australian war vessel joining a British Fleet, as early as 1917, was welcomed by the Flag Ship band playing ‘Waltzing Matilda’ and an Australian about to speak on the air overseas is introduced by this theme tune.” Among the most prestigious occasions where the song was played were the ceremonial parades of the Coronation Contingent of Australian troops at Buckingham Palace, London, during the week prior to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

An interesting press report also gives some idea of the popularity of “Waltzing Matilda” with those in many walks of life. The newspaper report reads: “One evening after [Australia’s prime minister] Mr. Menzies had dined at The Chequers with [Britain’s prime minister] Mr. Churchill and Fighting French leader General de Gaulle, they adjourned to one of the other rooms. Sir Winston gave a sign and a record of ‘Waltzing Matilda’ was played. Singing lustily and almost dancing around the room, he stopped to tell the General: ‘That’s one of the finest songs in the world.’”

Further attesting to “Matilda’s” popularity, Richard Magoffin in his book Waltzing Matilda—The Story Behind the Legend states: “During the Second World War, the song of the billabongs was taken still further across the world, wherever Australian diggers [soldiers] went. It was a song that easily evoked memories of home and was easily identified as Australian.” He also quotes film producer Kramer, who selected “Waltzing Matilda” to feature prominently in the film On the Beach. Kramer said: “This is a remarkably versatile song. It can be played as a folk tune, a march, a ballad or in any other musical form, and we have used it in a dozen different ways in the score for ‘On the Beach’. I decided, almost on the spur of the moment, that ‘Waltzing Matilda’ should be the feature tune of the film’s musical score.”

Does It Have a Message?

Some believe that Banjo Paterson was sending a message to those who read and sang his song. For example, William Power wrote an article in Yale Review in the United States expressing some soul-searching thoughts relative to a possible message in the song. While obviously not all would share his opinions, nevertheless, his comments make a fitting conclusion to this short analysis of “Waltzing Matilda.” He said:

“Australians have had to struggle not only with the forces of nature, but with the shortcomings of human nature. . . . These tensions find expression in ‘Waltzing Matilda’, the antagonists being the two extreme types, squatter and swagman. In such a conflict, most would declare that the squatter deserves to win. The economy of Australia depends largely on his prowess as a sheep or cattle raiser. He is hard-working, responsible, daring; if he lacked any of the qualities which we associate with the pioneer, he would not remain a squatter for long. . . . The swagman, too, is a human being. . . . He, too, is part of society. Some few swagmen rose to become squatters; more achieved a lesser but still satisfactory status as farmers, station hands, mechanics, city workers; others remained landless and homeless to the end of their days, leaving their bones along the inland tracks. Society may require that the squatter shall prevail over the swagman, but the rights of the swagman as a human being must never be forgotten.”

Now, more than 100 years have passed since this simple outback ballad was written. Little did Banjo Paterson realize that his poem put to music would become such a popular Australian song.

From Our Readers

Disabled Full-Time Minister Over the years many articles have touched my heart—but none so deeply as the experience of Gloria Williams, “A Bullet Changed My Life.” (October 22, 1995) My problems pale into insignificance in comparison with hers! Thank you for giving us such rich spiritual food and encouragement.

E. L., Canada

This experience reminded me that whatever conditions we find ourselves in, however bad, we can pray to Jehovah and ask for help. I am having a bad time at school now, and I get disheartened. But reading this article encouraged me very much.

M. S., Japan

As I read Gloria Williams’ story, I had tears in my eyes. It encouraged me to continue giving the best of myself in the field service, despite living in a religiously divided home.

F. C., Italy

The article has encouraged me to continue persevering in my goal of preaching full-time. If Gloria Williams can do so, then why can’t I—when I have all my body members intact?

I. O. A., Nigeria

Wood I am 11 years old, and I really enjoyed the article “Why Build With Wood?” (October 22, 1995) It helped me to appreciate Jehovah’s power and ability. It also drew me closer to him and his Son, Jesus Christ, because I realize how smart and wise they both are.

A. B., United States

Why Still Single? Thanks a lot for the article “Young People Ask . . . Why Is Everyone Getting Married but Me?” (October 22, 1995) A marriage boom has broken out in this area with many getting married at a very young age. Some are worried about me, as I am 18 years old and do not have a boyfriend. The article arrived at just the right time to help me keep a balanced attitude.

S. Z., Germany

Being 19 and single, I often wonder what I am doing so wrong that no one has shown interest in me. Some unbelievers have shown interest, but it is not the kind of attention I want. The article helped me to see that patience is necessary and that what is really important is that I please Jehovah.

J. G., United States

As a single man 38 years of age, I have found myself asking the question posed in the article title. Having endured countless rejections by single Christian sisters, I well know the pain caused by “expectation postponed.” (Proverbs 13:12) It is reassuring to know that Jehovah views the feelings of single Christians in this situation as legitimate and that he appreciates our faithful endurance.

D. T., United States

Greatest Artist After reading the series “In Search of the Greatest Artist” (November 8, 1995), I am moved to express my appreciation. I have seen too many nature programs on television that fail to give credit to the Grand Designer. Awake!, however, consistently gives the credit to our magnificent God, Jehovah.

E. Z., United States

What a wonderful new way to look at Jehovah! The quality of his art is indeed exceptional, as is the unmatched quantity of his work. I would also like to add a bravo for the many talented artists who make Awake! appealing in order to draw people to Jehovah God.

M. Q., United States

Watching the World

Violence Sinks to New Depths

For those who feel that such sports events as boxing matches or martial arts tournaments are not violent enough, promoters in the United States have come up with a new alternative called “extreme fighting,” or “ultimate fighting.” According to a report in The New York Times, the concept is simple: “Two men clobber each other until one surrenders or is knocked unconscious.” They wear no gloves to soften the blows; there are no rounds or time-outs; there are few rules aside from restrictions against biting or eye-gouging. The opponents use techniques from boxing, judo, karate, wrestling, or street brawling—often with very bloody results. The contests are held before wildly cheering crowds of fans, who pay as much as $200 for tickets; the fights are also popular on cable TV and as rented videocassettes. Many states, though, have already banned these events.

Extra Work Load for Women

Do men and women share work equally around the home? Not according to a survey carried out by the German Federal Office of Statistics. Economists Norbert Schwarz and Dieter Schäfer asked 7,200 households to analyze and record the amount of time spent doing work around the home. The survey included such jobs as washing the dishes, shopping, caring for sick relatives, and tinkering with the car. “Irrespective of whether they have a job or not, women spend about twice as much time performing unpaid work as men,” reports the Süddeutsche Zeitung.

Religion in “Cyberspace”

Those who use the computer to explore “cyberspace,” the networks of interconnected computer data bases, have more religious options to choose from these days. The World Wide Web now has The Mary Page, where the curious can find answers to the ten most-asked questions about the Virgin Mary, such as why she is always depicted as wearing light blue. The Amish, who shun such technology as electricity, are represented by a feature called Ask the Amish. A printout of questions is relayed to them, they answer in longhand, and the answers are transmitted by computer—through an intermediary. The Christian Century notes that there is now a “site” on the Internet called The Confession Booth, where a digital priest asks, “And what is it you wish to confess?” The next line is a multiple choice answer. “I committed the following sin: (Murder) (Adultery) (Sloth) (Lust) (Avarice) (Deception) (Gluttony) (Pride) (Anger) (Covetousness) (Misplaced Priorities).”

A Really Big, Really Smelly Flower

The largest flower in the world is a strange creation indeed. Called rafflesia, it is approximately the size of a bus tire and takes as long to bloom as a human takes to grow from conception to birth. And size is not the only reason this flower would make a poor choice for a bouquet. It stinks. To attract the flies it needs to pollinate it, rafflesia smells like rotting flesh. In the past the Malaysian villagers who live in the rain forests where the rafflesia grows have dubbed it the devil’s bowl and have chopped it up on sight. According to the South China Morning Post, however, the Malaysian state park of Kinabalu has moved to protect the rare flower so that scientists may study it further. Local villagers now earn extra money by guiding tourists into the forest to photograph rafflesias. Most, no doubt, keep at a discreet distance.

An Italian Lourdes?

In the Italian city of Civitavecchia, a statue of the Madonna was recently said to have wept blood, resulting in an influx of tens of thousands of curious onlookers and pilgrims. For this reason the mayor, Pietro Tidei, who calls himself an unbeliever, traveled to France with a Catholic prelate. They visited the famous town of Lourdes, renowned for its Catholic sanctuary in which “miracles” are supposed to occur. The visit was not a pilgrimage. Rather, its objective was to study the “economic miracle” of Lourdes, evidently to get ideas as to how to organize and administer Civitavecchia as a similarly lucrative Mecca for tourists and pilgrims.

Brazil’s “Holy War”

A Pentecostal pastor in Brazil recently touched off what the nation’s press has dubbed a holy war. On a national TV broadcast, the pastor, Sergio von Helde, decried the image-worship of the Catholic Church. To make his point, he displayed a ceramic image of Our Lady of Aparecida, a black version of the Virgin Mary, which serves as patron saint for Brazil’s 110,000,000 Catholics. Von Helde called the image a “horrible, disgraceful doll” while slapping and kicking it repeatedly. Thousands of Catholics have protested, carrying images of the patron saint through the streets. Screaming, rock-throwing mobs have surrounded some temples of Von Helde’s Pentecostal sect, called the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God. Von Helde, who has since been suspended from his post by the head of this church, blames the media for repeatedly broadcasting footage of his attack. “TV Globo [the nation’s largest television network] transformed me into a monster,” the pastor claims.

Vigilante Killings

In South Africa a group suspected of being vehicle hijackers were taken from their homes by an angry mob, hacked to death, and covered with paint. The Saturday Star newspaper commented that the increase in such incidents is “a symptom of a society which has lost faith in its police and which is both obsessed by and hysterical about crime.” While not condoning such behavior, criminologists see the act of painting the victims after their murder as significant. It was meant as a warning to other potential criminals. One criminologist commented: “All indications are that the situation is completely out of control and that the public have lost control of their own ability to handle the perception that they are under siege by criminals.”

Trouble With Adolescent Condors

The California condor—a giant carrion-eating bird that has become virtually extinct in this century—is posing special challenges to conservationists trying to release captive-bred condors into the wild. The birds, released as adolescents, are “at their exploratory, teenage, try-everything-out phase,” says one conservationist quoted in New Scientist. Having no fear of humans or of power lines has cost several either life or freedom. So conservationists have devised new tactics in rearing condor chicks. They use mild shocks to teach the bird to avoid power lines. To teach aversion to people, they keep out of the condor’s sight except when, on occasion, several people suddenly rush at the bird, capture it, and hold it down on its back. “Condors hate this,” notes New Scientist, and thus they learn to avoid people. So far the strategy has met with a measure of success.

Tunnel Mystery Hypothesis

Archaeologists have long wondered why Hezekiah’s tunnel, excavated during the eighth century B.C.E. to assure water for Jerusalem when besieged by the Assyrian army, followed such a haphazard, meandering course. A straight, more efficient route would have taken only 1,050 feet [320 m] of digging, instead of the 1,748 feet [533 m] the tunnel took. An inscription, written in ancient Hebrew, was found on the tunnel wall in 1880. It explained how two teams of workers started at opposite ends of the rock-hewn tunnel and met in the middle. This raised the additional question of how they managed to do so, considering the tunnel’s wandering route. Geologists now feel they have the answer. According to Dan Gill of the Geological Survey of Israel, the workers followed and widened natural channels formed by water traversing through the rock where cracks occurred under seismic stresses or where different layers met. Over time, these could become quite broad in places, which may explain why the tunnel height varies from 5.5 feet [1.7 m] to as much as 16 feet [5 m] and also how the workers, using oil lamps, could get enough air. The workers were skillful as well, for the success of the tunnel depended on having a slightly descending slope—a mere 12.5 inches [31.75 cm] over the entire course.

Welcome to the “Messengers of Godly Peace” District Convention

This series of three-day conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses begins on June 7 in the United States, where 198 gatherings are scheduled! Don’t miss the many motivating Bible presentations and practical demonstrations. And enjoy the full-costume drama based on the fearless exploits of Judge Gideon and his small band.—Judges, chapters 6 and 7.

All sessions are free. Attend a convention near you at any location listed below.

JUNE 7-9

NEW HAVEN, CT, Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 275 S. Orange St.

PONTIAC, MI, Silverdome, 1200 Featherstone Rd.

ROANOKE, VA, Civic Center, 710 Williamson Rd. N.E.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

TOPEKA, KS, Kansas Expocentre, Landon Arena, One Expocentre Drive.

TUCSON, AZ, Convention Center, 260 S. Church St.

JUNE 14-16

ALBANY, NY, Knickerbocker Arena, 51 S. Pearl St.

AMARILLO, TX, Civic Center Coliseum, 3rd & Buchanan Sts.

BILLINGS, MT, MetraPark Arena, Hwy. #10.

CICERO, IL, Hawthorne Race Track, 35th & Cicero Ave.

COLUMBIA, SC, Carolina Coliseum, Assembly & Blossom Sts.

COLUMBUS, OH, Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St.

FORT WORTH, TX, Tarrant County Convention Center, 1111 Houston St.

HOUSTON, TX, Astrodome, Loop 610 at Kirby Dr.

JACKSON, MS, Mississippi Coliseum, 1207 Mississippi St.

LONG BEACH, CA, Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.

LOUISVILLE, KY, Freedom Hall Coliseum, Kentucky Fair & Expo Center, 937 Phillips Lane.

MACON, GA, Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Dr.

MADISON, WI, Dane County Exposition Center, 1881 Expo Mall East.

MEMPHIS, TN, Mid-South Coliseum, Mid-South Fairgrounds.

NEW HAVEN, CT, Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 275 S. Orange St.

PHILADELPHIA, PA, Veterans Stadium, S. Broad & Pattison Ave.

PORTLAND, ME, Cumberland County Civic Center, 1 Civic Center Square.

ROANOKE, VA, Civic Center, 710 Williamson Rd. N.E.

SAN ANTONIO, TX, Freeman Coliseum Arena, East Houston and Coliseum Rd.

SAN DIEGO, CA, Jack Murphy Stadium, 9449 Friars Rd.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

TOPEKA, KS, Kansas Expocentre, Landon Arena, One Expocentre Drive.

TUCSON, AZ, Convention Center, 260 S. Church St.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, Palm Beach Jai Alai, 1415 W. 45th St.

JUNE 21-23

ALBANY, GA, Civic Center, 100 West Oglethorpe Ave.

ALBANY, NY, Knickerbocker Arena, 51 S. Pearl St.

AMARILLO, TX, Civic Center Coliseum, 3rd & Buchanan Sts.

CICERO, IL, Hawthorne Race Track, 35th & Cicero Ave.

COLUMBIA, SC, Carolina Coliseum, Assembly & Blossom Sts.

COLUMBUS, OH, Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St.

CORVALLIS, OR, Gill Coliseum, 600 S.W. 26th St.

JACKSON, MS, Mississippi Coliseum, 1207 Mississippi St.

LONG BEACH, CA, Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.

LOUISVILLE, KY, Freedom Hall Coliseum, Kentucky Fair & Expo Center, 937 Phillips Lane.

MACON, GA, Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Dr.

MADISON, WI, Dane County Exposition Center, 1881 Expo Mall East.

MEMPHIS, TN, Mid-South Coliseum, Mid-South Fairgrounds.

NEW HAVEN, CT (Spanish only), Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 275 S. Orange St.

PORTLAND, ME, Cumberland County Civic Center, 1 Civic Center Square.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL, Bayfront Center, 400 1st St. S.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

SOUTH BEND, IN, Notre Dame University Joyce Athletic Center, Juniper Rd.

TOPEKA, KS, Kansas Expocentre, Landon Arena, One Expocentre Drive.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, Palm Beach Jai Alai, 1415 W. 45th St.

JUNE 28-30

ALBANY, GA, Civic Center, 100 West Oglethorpe Ave.

AMARILLO, TX (Spanish only), Civic Center Coliseum, 3rd & Buchanan Sts.

BEAUMONT, TX (Spanish only), Civic Center Arena, 701 Main St.

BIRMINGHAM, AL, Civic Center Coliseum, One Civic Center Plaza.

CICERO, IL, Hawthorne Race Track, 35th & Cicero Ave.

COLUMBIA, SC, Carolina Coliseum, Assembly & Blossom Sts.

COLUMBUS, OH, Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St.

CORVALLIS, OR, Gill Coliseum, 600 S.W. 26th St.

DAYTON, OH, Ervin J. Nutter Center, Wright State University, Colonel Glen Hwy.

FORT WORTH, TX, Tarrant County Convention Center, 1111 Houston St.

MACON, GA, Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Dr.

MADISON, WI, Dane County Exposition Center, 1881 Expo Mall East.

MEMPHIS, TN, Mid-South Coliseum, Mid-South Fairgrounds.

PROVIDENCE, RI, Civic Center, One LaSalle Sq.

ROANOKE, VA, Civic Center, 710 Williamson Rd. N.E.

ROCHESTER, MN, Mayo Civic Center Arena, 30 2nd Ave. S.E.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL, Bayfront Center, 400 1st St. S.

SAN DIEGO, CA (Spanish only), Jack Murphy Stadium, 9449 Friars Rd.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

SOUTH BEND, IN, Notre Dame University Joyce Athletic Center, Juniper Rd.

SYRACUSE, NY, Onondaga County War Memorial Arena, 515 Montgomery St.

TACOMA, WA, Tacoma Dome, 2727 E. “D” St.

UNIONDALE, NY, Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Tpke.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, Palm Beach Jai Alai, 1415 W. 45th St.

JULY 5-7

BEAUMONT, TX (Spanish only), Civic Center Arena, 701 Main St.

BIRMINGHAM, AL, Civic Center Coliseum, One Civic Center Plaza.

BISMARCK, ND, Civic Center Arena, 601 E. Sweet Ave.

CICERO, IL, Hawthorne Race Track, 35th & Cicero Ave.

CLEVELAND, OH, Cleveland State University Convocation Centre, Prospect & E. 21st Sts.

COLUMBIA, SC, Carolina Coliseum, Assembly & Blossom Sts.

CORVALLIS, OR, Gill Coliseum, 600 S.W. 26th St.

DENVER, CO, McNichols Sports Arena, 1635 Clay St.

FORT WORTH, TX, Tarrant County Convention Center, 1111 Houston St.

JERSEY CITY, NJ (American Sign Language only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2932 Kennedy Blvd.

LAFAYETTE, LA, Cajundome, West Congress.

LINCOLN, NE, Devaney Sports Center, 16th St. & Military Rd.

LONG BEACH, CA, Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.

MACON, GA, Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Dr.

MOBILE, AL, Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Dr.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, Myriad, One Myriad Gardens.

PEORIA, IL, Peoria Civic Center Arena, 201 S.W. Jefferson St.

PROVIDENCE, RI, Civic Center, One LaSalle Sq.

RICHMOND, CA (Korean only), Richmond Memorial Convention Center Arena, 2544 Barrett Ave.

RICHMOND, VA, Coliseum, 601 E. Leigh St.

ROCHESTER, MN, Mayo Civic Center Arena, 30 2nd Ave. S.E.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL, Bayfront Center, 400 1st St. S.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Portuguese sessions also), Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

SOUTH BEND, IN, Notre Dame University Joyce Athletic Center, Juniper Rd.

SPRINGFIELD, IL, Prairie Capital Convention Center, One Convention Center Plaza.

SPRINGFIELD, MA, Civic Center, 1277 Main St.

SYRACUSE, NY, Onondaga County War Memorial Arena, 515 Montgomery St.

TACOMA, WA, Tacoma Dome, 2727 E. “D” St.

UNIONDALE, NY, Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Tpke.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, Palm Beach Jai Alai, 1415 W. 45th St.

WILLOUGHBY, OH (Greek only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 38025 Vine St.

JULY 12-14

BAKERSFIELD, CA, Bakersfield Convention Center Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave.

BEAUMONT, TX (Spanish only), Civic Center Arena, 701 Main St.

CICERO, IL (Spanish only), Hawthorne Race Track, 35th & Cicero Ave.

CLEVELAND, OH, Cleveland State University Convocation Centre, Prospect & E. 21st Sts.

DAYTON, OH, Ervin J. Nutter Center, Wright State University, Colonel Glen Hwy.

DENVER, CO, McNichols Sports Arena, 1635 Clay St.

FORT WORTH, TX (Spanish only), Tarrant County Convention Center, 1111 Houston St.

JACKSONVILLE, FL, Memorial Coliseum, Gator Bowl Sports Complex.

JERSEY CITY, NJ (French only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2932 Kennedy Blvd.

KENNEWICK, WA (Spanish only), Tri-Cities Coliseum, 7100 W. Quinault.

LAFAYETTE, LA, Cajundome, West Congress.

LONG BEACH, CA, Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.

MOBILE, AL, Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Dr.

MONROE, NY (Portuguese only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mountain & Forest Roads.

OGDEN, UT, Dee Events Center, 4600 South 1400 E.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, Myriad, One Myriad Gardens.

RENO, NV, Lawlor Events Center, 15th & Virginia Streets.

RICHMOND, CA (Tagalog only), Richmond Memorial Convention Center Arena, 2544 Barrett Ave.

RICHMOND, VA, Coliseum, 601 E. Leigh St.

ROCHESTER, MN, Mayo Civic Center Arena, 30 2nd Ave. S.E.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL, Bayfront Center, 400 1st St. S.

SAN ANTONIO, TX, Freeman Coliseum Arena, East Houston and Coliseum Rd.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Spanish only), Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

SPRINGFIELD, IL, Prairie Capital Convention Center, One Convention Center Plaza.

SPRINGFIELD, MA, Civic Center, 1277 Main St.

TUCSON, AZ, Convention Center, 260 S. Church St.

UNIONDALE, NY, Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Tpke.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, Palm Beach Jai Alai, 1415 W. 45th St.

JULY 19-21

CICERO, IL (Spanish only), Hawthorne Race Track, 35th & Cicero Ave.

ESCONDIDO, CA (Japanese only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1873 Iris Ln.

FREMONT, CA (Chinese only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 43400 Osgood Rd.

HAMPTON, VA, Coliseum, 1000 Coliseum Dr.

JACKSONVILLE, FL, Memorial Coliseum, Gator Bowl Sports Complex.

JERSEY CITY, NJ (French only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2932 Kennedy Blvd.

LAFAYETTE, LA, Cajundome, West Congress.

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (Japanese only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 44-17 Greenpoint Ave.

PHILADELPHIA, PA, Veterans Stadium, S. Broad & Pattison Ave.

RENO, NV, Lawlor Events Center, 15th & Virginia Streets.

RICHMOND, VA, Coliseum, 601 E. Leigh St.

ROCHESTER, MN, Mayo Civic Center Arena, 30 2nd Ave. S.E.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL, Bayfront Center, 400 1st St. S.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (Spanish only), Freeman Coliseum Arena, East Houston and Coliseum Rd.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Spanish only), Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

SPOKANE, WA, Spokane Veteran’s Memorial Arena, 720 West Mallon.

SYRACUSE, NY, Onondaga County War Memorial Arena, 515 Montgomery St.

TOLEDO, OH, University of Toledo - Savage Hall, 2801 W. Bancroft.

TUCSON, AZ (Spanish only), Convention Center, 260 S. Church St.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (Spanish only), Palm Beach Jai Alai, 1415 W. 45th St.

JULY 26-28

BAKERSFIELD, CA, Bakersfield Convention Center Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave.

CLEVELAND, OH, Cleveland State University Convocation Centre, Prospect & E. 21st Sts.

DAYTON, OH, Ervin J. Nutter Center, Wright State University, Colonel Glen Hwy.

ESCONDIDO, CA (American Sign Language only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1873 Iris Ln.

HAMPTON, VA, Coliseum, 1000 Coliseum Dr.

JERSEY CITY, NJ (Korean only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2932 Kennedy Blvd.

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (Italian only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 44-17 Greenpoint Ave.

OGDEN, UT, Dee Events Center, 4600 South 1400 E.

RICHMOND, VA, Coliseum, 601 E. Leigh St.

ROCKFORD, IL, Metrocentre Arena, 300 Elm St.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (Spanish only), Bayfront Center, 400 1st St. S.

SPOKANE, WA, Spokane Veteran’s Memorial Arena, 720 West Mallon.

SPRINGFIELD, IL, Prairie Capital Convention Center, One Convention Center Plaza.

SYRACUSE, NY, Onondaga County War Memorial Arena, 515 Montgomery St.

TUCSON, AZ (Spanish only), Convention Center, 260 S. Church St.

UNIONDALE, NY, Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Tpke.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (Spanish only), Palm Beach Jai Alai, 1415 W. 45th St.

AUGUST 2-4

BAKERSFIELD, CA, Bakersfield Convention Center Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave.

CLEVELAND, OH, Cleveland State University Convocation Centre, Prospect & E. 21st Sts.

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX, Memorial Coliseum, 402 S. Shoreline Blvd.

DENVER, CO, McNichols Sports Arena, 1635 Clay St.

LONG BEACH, CA, Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (Spanish only), Bayfront Center, 400 1st St. S.

UNIONDALE, NY, Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Tpke.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (Spanish only), Palm Beach Jai Alai, 1415 W. 45th St.

AUGUST 9-11

BAKERSFIELD, CA, Bakersfield Convention Center Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave.

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX (Spanish only), Memorial Coliseum, 402 S. Shoreline Blvd.

LONG BEACH, CA, Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.

UNIONDALE, NY (Spanish only), Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Tpke.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (Spanish only), Palm Beach Jai Alai, 1415 W. 45th St.

AUGUST 16-18

BAKERSFIELD, CA (Spanish only), Bakersfield Convention Center Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave.

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX (Spanish only), Memorial Coliseum, 402 S. Shoreline Blvd.

LONG BEACH, CA (Spanish only), Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.

LONG BEACH, CA (Vietnamese only), Long Beach Convention Center California Room, Lower Level, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.

UNIONDALE, NY (Spanish only), Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Tpke.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (Spanish only), Palm Beach Jai Alai, 1415 W. 45th St.

AUGUST 23-25

BAKERSFIELD, CA (Spanish only), Bakersfield Convention Center Arena, 1001 Truxtun Ave.

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX (Spanish only), Memorial Coliseum, 402 S. Shoreline Blvd.

LONG BEACH, CA (Spanish only), Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (Spanish only), Palm Beach Jai Alai, 1415 W. 45th St.

AUGUST 30–SEPTEMBER 1

LONG BEACH, CA (Spanish only), Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.

UNIONDALE, NY (Spanish only), Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Tpke.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (French only), Palm Beach Jai Alai, 1415 W. 45th St.

SEPTEMBER 6-8

LONG BEACH, CA (Spanish only), Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.

SEPTEMBER 13-15

LONG BEACH, CA (Spanish only), Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.

Britain

JUNE 13-15

JERSEY, C.I., Fort Regent Leisure Centre, St. Helier.

JUNE 21-23

BOURNEMOUTH, Bournemouth and Boscombe Athletic Football Club, Dean Court.

COVENTRY, Highfield Road Stadium, King Richard Street.

JUNE 28-30

LONDON (Italian only), Surrey Assembly Hall, Brickhouse Lane, South Godstone.

PLYMOUTH, Plymouth Argyle Football Club, Home Park.

SUNDERLAND, Sunderland Football Club, Roker Park, Grantham Road.

WOLVERHAMPTON, Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, Molineux Grounds, Waterloo Road.

JULY 5-7

CARDIFF, Welsh National Rugby Ground, Cardiff Arms Park.

LEEDS, Leeds United Football Club, Elland Road.

JULY 12-14

BRIGHTON, The Brighton Centre, Kings Road.

LONDON (Greek only), North London Assembly Hall, 174 Bowes Road.

MANCHESTER, Manchester Arena, Hunts Bank.

NOTTINGHAM, Nottingham Forest Football Club, City Ground.

PERTH, St. Johnstone Football Club, McDiarmid Park, Crieff Road.

JULY 19-21

NORWICH, Norwich City Football Club, Carrow Road.

JULY 26-28

LONDON, London Arena, Limeharbour.

LONDON (TWICKENHAM), Rugby Union Ground, Whitton Road, Twickenham, Middlesex.

LONDON (Spanish only), Edgware Assembly Hall, Avion Crescent.

AUGUST 2-4

LONDON (CRYSTAL PALACE), National Sports Centre, Norwood.

SEPTEMBER 13-15

MALTA, New Dolman Hotel Conference Centre, Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay.

Ireland

JULY 5-7

NORTHERN IRELAND, Windsor Park Football Ground, Belfast.

JULY 19-21

IRISH REPUBLIC, Green Glens Arena, Millstreet.

Canada

JUNE 21-23

KITCHENER, ONT. (Vietnamese also), Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, 400 East Ave.

SHERBROOKE, QUE., Palais des sports, 360, rue Parc.

VICTORIA, B.C., Victoria Memorial Arena, 1925 Blanshard St.

WINDSOR, ONT., St. Denis Athletic & Community Centre, University of Windsor, College Ave. & Huron Church Rd.

JUNE 28-30

GRANDE PRAIRIE, ALTA., Canada Games Arena, 10017 99 Ave.

HAMILTON, ONT. (Greek sessions also), Copps Coliseum, 101 York Blvd.

KITCHENER, ONT. (Spanish only), Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, 400 East Ave.

LETHBRIDGE, ALTA., Canada Games Sportsplex, 2510 Scenic Dr.

SASKATOON, SASK. (Sign language also), Saskatchewan Place, 3515 Thatcher Ave.

SAULT STE. MARIE, ONT., Sault Memorial Gardens, 269 Queen St. E.

SHERBROOKE, QUE. (French only), Palais des sports, 360, rue Parc.

VANCOUVER, B.C. (Sign language also), Pacific Coliseum, P.N.E. Grounds, Hastings St. E. & Renfrew St.

JULY 5-7

HAMILTON, ONT. (Sign language also; Korean and Portuguese sessions also), Copps Coliseum, 101 York Blvd.

HULL, QUE. (French only), Palais des congrès, 200, promenade du Portage.

KAMLOOPS, B.C., Riverside Coliseum, 300 Lorne St.

NANAIMO, B.C., Frank Crane Arena, Beban Park Recreation Centre, 2300 Bowen Rd.

OTTAWA, ONT. (Arabic also; Greek sessions also), Civic Centre Arena, Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank St.

RED DEER, ALTA., Centrium, Westerner Park, 4900 Delburne Rd.

SHERBROOKE, QUE. (French only), Palais des sports, 360, rue Parc.

WINNIPEG, MAN., Winnipeg Convention Centre, 375 York Ave.

JULY 12-14

BRAMPTON, ONT. (Italian only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hwy. 7, 1 mile W. of Mississauga Rd., Norval.

PENTICTON, B.C., Penticton Trade & Convention Centre, 273 Power St.

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C., Prince George Multi-plex Arena, 2188 Ospika Blvd.

RED DEER, ALTA. (Spanish sessions also), Centrium, Westerner Park, 4900 Delburne Rd.

ST. JOHN, N.B., Harbour Station, 99 Station St.

SHERBROOKE, QUE. (French only; sign language also), Palais des sports, 360, rue Parc.

JULY 19-21

MONTREAL, QUE. (Italian only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 12700, boul. Métropolitain Est, Point-aux-Trembles.

MOUNT PEARL, NFLD., Mount Pearl Glacier, Olympic Dr.

QUEBEC CITY, QUE. (French only), Colisée de Québec, 2205, avenue du Colisée.

SURREY, B.C. (Spanish only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 15577 82nd Ave.

JULY 26-28

BRAMPTON, ONT. (Polish only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hwy. 7, 1 mile W. of Mississauga Rd., Norval.

DARTMOUTH, N.S., Dartmouth Sportsplex, 110 Wyse Rd.

MONTREAL, QUE. (Spanish only), Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 12700, boul. Métropolitain Est, Point-aux-Trembles.