June 8

Page Two

The End of Poverty Nears 3-11

The time is nearing when poverty will forever be eliminated earth wide. How?

Is Celibacy a Requirement for Christian Ministers? 16

What is the Bible’s viewpoint?

My Choice Between Two Fathers 18

What led a young man to make this difficult choice?

[Picture Credit Line on page 2]

Life

A Child Named Poor

IN A small African village, a man named Okot and his wife, Matina, rejoiced at the birth of their first child, a daughter. Relatives and friends traveled to the village to bring gifts and to express their hope that the child would have a long and happy life.

The couple lived a hard and humble existence. They farmed a small plot of land, and their home, where Matina gave birth, was a mud-block structure with a thatched roof. They were determined to work hard to make things easier for their firstborn than it had been for them. To remind themselves of this goal, they named their daughter Acan, meaning “I Am Poor.”

What does the future hold for Acan? If her life follows the pattern of many in her country, she may never learn to read and write. When she becomes an adult, if she can find work, she may earn little more than $190 per year. And in her country, life expectancy is only 42 years.

Acan’s plight is not unique. Of the nearly 6 billion people on earth, some 1.3 billion make less than $370 a year. The average in rich nations is $21,598. Each day, 67,000 more join the legions of the poor, about 25 million every year. Most live in the developing world—in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. But even in rich nations, there are pockets of poverty. And 7 in 10 of the world’s poor are female.

Most people never escape abject poverty. It denies them their most basic needs—food, clothing, and shelter. It can rob them of freedom, dignity, education, and good health. The World Health Organization says: “Poverty wields its destructive influence at every stage of human life, from the moment of conception to the grave. It conspires with the most deadly and painful diseases to bring a wretched existence to all who suffer from it.”

But is not the standard of living in developing nations improving? In some, yes. In many others, no. The human development magazine Choices describes the notion that “the poor are catching up” as ‘a dangerous myth.’ Instead, it states: “We live in a world that has in fact become more polarized economically, both among countries and within them.”

Will poverty continue to plague humankind forever? In the next two articles, Awake! examines this complex subject and shows what the solution will be.

Prisoners of Poverty

IN THE year 33 C.E., Jesus Christ said to his disciples: “You always have the poor with you.” (Matthew 26:11) Just what did he mean? Was he saying that poverty would never be overcome?

James Speth, administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, stated: “We cannot accept that [poverty] will always be with us. The modern world has the resources, the know-how and the expertise to relegate poverty to the pages of history.” But can the modern world eradicate poverty?

The United Nations General Assembly evidently hopes that human efforts can eliminate poverty, as it proclaimed the years 1997 through 2006 as the first “United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty.” The UN proposed to work alongside governments, peoples, and institutions to foster economic development, improve access to basic services, improve the status of women, and generate income and employment.

Lofty goals! But will the world community ever achieve them? Consider some of the obstacles that block the eradication of poverty by human efforts.

Hunger and Malnutrition

Ayembe, who lives in Zaire, has 15 family members who depend on her. Sometimes the family can afford to eat once a day—maize porridge flavored with cassava leaves, salt, and sugar. Sometimes they have nothing to eat for two or three days. “I wait till the children are crying for food before I cook,” says Ayembe.

Their case is not unusual. In the developing world, 1 person in 5 goes to bed hungry every night. Worldwide, about 800 million people—200 million of them children—are chronically malnourished. These children do not grow normally; they become sick often. Their performance at school is poor. As adults, they suffer the consequences of these things. Thus, poverty often leads to malnutrition, which in turn contributes to poverty.

Poverty, hunger, and malnutrition exist on such a huge scale that they defy political, economic, and social efforts to eliminate them. Indeed, the situation is not improving but worsening.

Poor Health

According to the World Health Organization, poverty is “the world’s deadliest disease” and “the biggest single underlying cause of death, disease and suffering.”

The book An Urbanizing World: Global Report on Human Settlements, 1996 noted that at least 600 million people in Latin America, Asia, and Africa were living in such poor housing—lacking adequate water, sanitation, and drainage—that their lives and health were under continual threat. Worldwide, over a billion people have no clean water. Hundreds of millions cannot afford a balanced diet. All these factors make it difficult for poor people to prevent disease.

Often poor people are also unable to treat disease. When the poor become sick, they may not be able to afford proper medicine or medical treatment. The poor die young; those who survive may live with chronic sicknesses.

Says Zahida, a market vendor in the Maldives: “Poverty means ill-health, which prevents you from working.” Lack of work, of course, generates deepening poverty. The result is a cruel and deadly cycle in which poverty and illness fuel each other.

Unemployment and Low Pay

Another face of poverty is unemployment. Globally, some 120 million people who can work are unable to find jobs. Meanwhile, about 700 million other people often work long hours for pay too meager to meet their basic needs.

Rudeen is a cyclo driver in Cambodia. He says: “Poverty to me means working for more than 18 hours per day, but still not earning enough to feed myself, my wife and two children.”

Destruction of the Environment

Intertwined with poverty is environmental degradation. Observed Elsa, a researcher in Guyana, South America: “Poverty is the destruction of nature: the forest, land, animals, rivers and lakes.” Here is another tragic cycle—poverty leads to environmental destruction, which perpetuates increasing poverty.

Cultivating cropland until it is exhausted or used for another purpose is an age-old practice. So is deforestation—cutting down forests for wood or fuel or for planting crops. Because of the growing numbers of people on earth, the situation has reached critical proportions.

According to the International Fund for Agricultural Development, during the past 30 years, almost 20 percent of the world’s topsoil from croplands has been lost, mostly because of a lack of both the money and the technology needed to carry out conservation measures. During the same period, millions of acres have become wasteland as a result of poorly constructed and maintained irrigation systems. And millions of acres of forests are being cut down every year to clear land for crops or to obtain wood for lumber or fuel.

This destruction is linked to poverty in two ways. First, the poor are often forced to exploit the environment because of their need for food and fuel. How can one talk about sustainable development or the welfare of future generations to those who are hungry and poor and who are forced to degrade natural resources to survive right now? Second, the rich often exploit the environmental resources of the poor for profit. So the destruction of natural resources by rich and poor increases poverty.

Education

Alicia, an urban social worker in the Philippines, stated: “Poverty is a woman sending her children out to beg in traffic rather than to school because otherwise there will be nothing to eat. The mother knows she is repeating a cycle that trapped her, but there is no way out that she can see.”

Some 500 million children have no school to attend. One billion adults are functionally illiterate. Without an education, it is difficult to get a good job. So poverty leads to a lack of education, which leads to more poverty.

Housing

A lack of housing exists in poor nations, and even in some wealthy ones. One report says that nearly a quarter of a million of the inhabitants of New York City have stayed in shelters for the homeless at some time during the past five years. Europe too has its poor people. In London about 400,000 are registered as homeless. In France a half million people have no home.

Throughout the developing world, the situation is worse. People stream to towns and cities, lured by dreams of food, jobs, and a better life. In some cities, more than 60 percent of the population live in shantytowns or slums. Rural poverty thus fuels urban poverty.

Population

Intensifying all these problems is population growth. World population has more than doubled in the past 45 years. The United Nations estimates that the figure will soar to 6.2 billion by the year 2000 and to 9.8 billion by 2050. The poorest areas of the world have the highest population growth rates. Of the roughly 90 million babies born in 1995, 85 million were born in countries least able to provide for them.

Do you believe that humankind will suddenly cooperate to eradicate poverty forever by solving the problems of hunger, sickness, unemployment, destruction of the environment, lack of education, poor housing, and war? Probably you do not.

Does that mean that the situation is hopeless? No, because the solution is in sight and will come with certainty. But not by human efforts. How then? And what about the words of Jesus when he said: “You always have the poor with you”?

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The Poorest of the Poor

In 1971 the phrase “least developed countries” was coined by the United Nations to describe the “poorest and most economically weak of the developing countries.” Then, there were 21 such countries. Now, there are 48 of them, 33 in Africa.

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Millions work long hours with little pay

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Godo-Foto

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Luxury and poverty exist side by side

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Millions live in substandard dwellings

The End of Poverty Nears

WHAT did Jesus mean when he said: “You always have the poor with you”? (Matthew 26:11) Did he mean that poverty would exist forever, without any solution?

Jesus knew that as long as the present system of human rule lasted, there would be poverty. He knew that it could not be permanently eradicated by any form of human government or any economic or social system. And the record of history bears this out.

Throughout the thousands of years of human history, every type of government and every type of economic and social system has been tried, yet poverty is still with us. Indeed, in spite of progress in such areas as science, industry, and medicine, the hard fact is that worldwide the numbers of people trapped by poverty keep increasing.

Jesus was well aware of the many factors that produce poverty, such as famine, drought, invasions by enemy armies, bad government, mismanaged economies, oppression of the poor and the weak by the rich and the powerful, accidents and sickness, and the death of husbands who leave behind impoverished orphans and widows. Moreover, he knew that people could bring poverty upon themselves and their families through such bad habits as laziness, drunkenness, gambling, and drug addiction.

So when Jesus said that “you always have the poor with you,” he meant that it was beyond any of this world’s agencies to eradicate poverty. He meant that as long as the present system of human rule existed, there would be poor people.

Though the problem of poverty is an ancient one, we should not conclude that either Jesus or his heavenly Father were insensitive to the poor. Nor should we conclude from the words of Jesus that poverty will never end. This is clear from what the Bible says about the matter.

Poverty and the Mosaic Law

For example, consider the Law that God gave to the ancient nation of Israel through Moses. One provision of the Law was that every Israelite family was given an inheritance of land in Canaan. (Deuteronomy 11:8-15; 19:14) The only exceptions were the Levites, who received no allotment. Instead, in view of their special work at the temple, they were sustained by receiving a tenth of the produce of the land.—Numbers 18:20, 21, 24.

Moreover, the laws of inheritance under the Mosaic Law ensured that the land would continue to be held by the family or tribe to whom it had been given. (Numbers 27:8-11) Even if a man sold his land, it could belong to the new owner only temporarily. In time the land would be restored to the family of the one who sold it.

For those who became poor for various reasons, such as mismanaging their land or squandering their resources, the Law guaranteed the right to glean food in the fields, orchards, and vineyards of others. (Leviticus 23:22) Furthermore, a needy Israelite could borrow money without having to pay interest. Indeed, a spirit of generosity was to be shown toward the poor.—Exodus 22:25.

Jesus Cared About the Poor

Centuries later when Jesus came to the earth, he continued to display the spirit of generosity that he had learned from his Father, Jehovah. Jesus took a personal interest in those who were materially poor. He and his disciples had a common fund from which they gave to needy Israelites.—John 12:5-8.

After Jesus was put to death, the same concern for the poor was shown by Christians when they provided material assistance especially to their poorer spiritual brothers and sisters. (Romans 15:26) True Christians today show the same loving care for one another.

Of course, the Bible, while expressing compassion for victims of oppressive conditions, reproves those who, in effect, ‘eat their own flesh’ because of laziness. (Ecclesiastes 4:1, 5) The apostle Paul wrote: “If anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10) Similarly, those who squander funds on such habits as drug, tobacco, or alcohol addiction can find themselves in poverty. This is a result of their own bad actions; they are actually ‘reaping what they have sown.’—Galatians 6:7.

Security Now

The Bible shows that God takes a special interest in the condition of those who endeavor to do his will. For instance, at Psalm 37:25, David states: “A young man I used to be, I have also grown old, and yet I have not seen anyone righteous left entirely, nor his offspring looking for bread.” Those who are righteously disposed are not promised riches, but the indication here is that God would see to it that they have enough material provisions to survive. And verse 28 of that same psalm states: “Jehovah is a lover of justice, and he will not leave his loyal ones.”

Jesus did more than show concern for the poor by helping them materially during his life on earth. He assured them that as long as they were trying to do God’s will, God would see to it that at least their minimum needs would be provided for, both present and future. Jesus said the following:

“Observe intently the birds of heaven, because they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses; still your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth more than they are? . . . Also, on the matter of clothing, why are you anxious? Take a lesson from the lilies of the field, how they are growing; they do not toil, nor do they spin; but I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. If, now, God thus clothes the vegetation of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much rather clothe you, you with little faith? So never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to put on?’ . . . For your heavenly Father knows you need all these things.”—Matthew 6:26-32.

Jesus concluded by urging his followers: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) What fine encouragement this is for those who are poor but who are seeking to do God’s will! Note, too, that Jesus showed that the Kingdom of God was to be the most important thing in the lives of his followers. Jesus knew that when God’s heavenly Kingdom would take complete control over the entire earth, then—and only then—would poverty be eliminated.

Not With Us Forever

Thus, Jesus gave a marvelous hope for the future. So when he said “you always have the poor with you,” he was referring to life under the present system of human rule. He was not referring to life in the future under the rule of God’s heavenly Kingdom. The Bible foretells: “Not always will the poor one be forgotten, nor will the hope of the meek ones ever perish.” (Psalm 9:18) And as King of God’s Kingdom, Christ Jesus will not tolerate any who try to exploit and oppress others.

Jesus made the rulership of God’s heavenly Kingdom the central theme of his teaching. (Matthew 4:17) Under Kingdom rule, conditions on earth will mirror, or reflect, conditions in heaven. That is why he taught his followers to pray to God: “Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.”—Matthew 6:10.

How will that happen? It is God’s purpose to eliminate the entire present system of human rule from the earth and to replace it with the rule of his heavenly Kingdom. The prophecy at Daniel 2:44 states: “In the days of those kings [now existing] the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people [no more human rule]. It will crush and put an end to all these [present] kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite.”

Then, in a new world under the rule of God’s Kingdom, the entire earth will be transformed into a paradise of plenty, without any trace of poverty. Note some Bible prophecies regarding the conditions that will exist at that time:

“Jehovah of armies will certainly make for all the peoples . . . a banquet of wine kept on the dregs, of well-oiled dishes filled with marrow.” (Isaiah 25:6) “There will come to be plenty of grain on the earth; on the top of the mountains there will be an overflow.” (Psalm 72:16) “Pouring rains of blessing there will prove to be. And the tree of the field must give its fruitage, and the land itself will give its yield, and they will actually prove to be on their soil in security.” (Ezekiel 34:26, 27) “The earth itself will certainly give its produce; God, our God, will bless us.” (Psalm 67:6) “The wilderness and the waterless region will exult, and the desert plain will be joyful and blossom as the saffron.”—Isaiah 35:1.

Furthermore, Micah 4:4 promises: “They will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making them tremble.” All will have their own homes: “They will certainly build houses and have occupancy . . . They will not build and someone else have occupancy.” (Isaiah 65:21, 22) No wonder Jesus could promise those who believed his teachings: “You will be with me in Paradise”!—Luke 23:43.

Yes, God’s own inspired Word clearly teaches that there will be a complete end to poverty. And that time is nearing, for Bible prophecies show that this world is now in its “last days,” experiencing “critical times hard to deal with.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13) Soon the present system of things will be removed forever and poverty will be stamped out permanently—not by human efforts but through divine intervention. The King Jesus Christ “will deliver the poor one crying for help, also the afflicted one and whoever has no helper. He will feel sorry for the lowly one and the poor one, and the souls of the poor ones he will save.”—Psalm 72:12, 13.

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In God’s new world, there will be good housing and abundant food for all

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In the new world, there will never be hungry children

Crossword Puzzle

Clues Across

2. They ‘shouted in applause’ when God ‘laid the cornerstone’ of the earth [3 words] (Job 38:4-7)

6. A son of Jonathan and a descendant of Jerahmeel of the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 2:33)

7. What God’s Kingdom will never be brought to (Daniel 2:44)

8. Spoil (2 Kings 3:19)

10. A son of Jether of the tribe of Asher (1 Chronicles 7:38)

11. By comparing himself to this, David told Saul that it was hardly worthwhile for Saul to chase after him (1 Samuel 24:14)

12. Upon this the seventh angel poured out his bowl of God’s anger (Revelation 16:17)

13. In contrast with Jehovah, all these are valueless (Psalm 96:5)

14. A descendant of Jacob (Romans 11:1)

16. A plan for action (Job 42:2)

17. Implement (Genesis 4:22)

18. Modern name for the saltiest body of water on the earth [2 words] (See Genesis 14:3.)

21. Peaceful (1 Timothy 2:2)

23. Fair (Matthew 20:4)

24. Semitic expression that Jesus used when healing a deaf man with a speech impediment (Mark 7:34)

27. The place where Jesus performed his first miracle (John 2:11)

28. One of the southernmost cities assigned to the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:32)

29. The byname given to Esau (Genesis 36:1)

30. Animal used by Jesus in an illustration showing his desire to gather unresponsive Jerusalem (Luke 13:34)

31. One of the celestial constellations mentioned in the Bible (Job 9:9)

32. One of the precious stones that decorated the “covering” of the king of Tyre (Ezekiel 28:13)

33. A metal used to sharpen objects made of the same metal (Proverbs 27:17)

34. The location where the Lamb and the 144,000 are seen standing [2 words] (Revelation 14:1)

Clues Down

1. They took the burning question of circumcision of non-Jews to the governing body in Jerusalem [3 words] (Acts 15:2)

2. The capital city of the ten-tribe northern kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 16:29)

3. That of the wild beast is 666 (Revelation 13:18)

4. One of the things to which Jesus likened “the kingdom of the heavens” (Matthew 13:47)

5. The queen of Sheba traveled to Jerusalem to hear this [3 words] (1 Kings 10:4)

9. To gather (Isaiah 30:14)

10. Descendant of Ham through Canaan, and one of the 70 post-Flood families (Genesis 10:17)

15. Judean king so zealous for pure worship that he removed his grandmother from her position in the realm because she made “a horrible idol” (1 Kings 15:13)

19. A son of the Horite sheikh Dishon (Genesis 36:26)

20. Into this the second angel poured out his bowl of God’s anger (Revelation 16:3)

22. A wicked king of Israel who meted out harsh treatment to Tiphsah (2 Kings 15:16)

23. A weapon that was usually thrown (Joshua 8:18)

25. A city conquered by the Assyrians (2 Kings 19:13)

26. Name given the lunar month of Ethanim following the Babylonian exile

Crossword Solutions Page 24

Solutions Across

2. SONS OF GOD

6. ZAZA

7. RUIN

8. MAR

10. ARA

11. FLEA

12. AIR

13. GODS

14. ISRAELITE

16. IDEA

17. TOOL

18. DEAD SEA

21. CALM

23. JUST

24. EPHPHATHA

27. CANA

28. AIN

29. EDOM

30. HEN

31. ASH

32. JADE

33. IRON

34. MOUNT ZION

Solutions Down

1. PAUL AND BARNABAS

2. SAMARIA

3. NUMBER

4. DRAGNET

5. WISDOM OF SOLOMON

9. RAKE

10. ARKITE

15. ASA

19. ESHBAN

20. SEA

22. MENAHEM

23. JAVELIN

25. HENA

26. TISHRI

Metamorphosis—Is Seeing Believing?

BY AWAKE! CORRESPONDENT IN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

THE witch doctor was dead. But to many in the crowd gathered outside his home, he had merely been transformed. For at the moment of his death, a huge python could be seen slithering out the door of his house! To some, this was just a coincidence. But to others, it was convincing proof that the witch doctor had been changed into a python—metamorphosed!

In many parts of Africa, the idea that a human can change or be changed into an animal is deep-rooted. Sorcerers are often believed to have the power to assume the shape of leopards and pythons. Fear that a sorcerer can transform others into animals is likewise widespread. In western Africa it is held that witches can send out the spirits of humans through birds and other animals in order to inflict harm. In central Africa some will not kill an elephant or a serpent, out of fear that a dead relative may have been changed into one of these animals.

While beliefs like these may seem strange to some readers, many Africans feel that such metamorphoses have been verified by eyewitnesses. They argue that the numerous stories recounted by rational people could hardly be chance happenings.

It is also a fact that similar beliefs can be found throughout the world. In Japan, for example, the belief exists that humans can become possessed by foxes, dogs, and badgers. European folklore likewise contains tales of men who are transformed at night into murderous werewolves. In other parts of the world, there are tales of tigers, boars, crocodiles, and even cats that can switch between human and animal form.

Supported by the Scriptures?

Some even claim that the Scriptures themselves endorse belief in supernatural metamorphosis. Four Bible accounts are often cited as proof. In the first, Jesus expelled demons from two men, and after they were expelled, the demons entered a herd of swine. (Matthew 8:28-33) In the second, recorded at Numbers 22:26-35, Balaam’s ass spoke to him. In the third, perhaps the most well-known of these accounts, a serpent spoke to Eve in the garden of Eden.—Genesis 3:1-5.

A close look at these accounts, however, reveals that they are definitely not examples of metamorphosis. Take the case of the demon-possessed swine. The Bible does not say that these swine were people who had been transformed into animals. No, the account says that before their possession the “herd of many swine was at pasture.” (Matthew 8:30) Satan’s demons, not the spirits of humans, entered the swine.

What about Balaam’s ass and the serpent in Eden? In the former case, the Bible specifically says that “Jehovah opened the mouth of the ass” so that it could speak. (Numbers 22:28) It was no metamorphosed human. And as for the serpent in Eden, the Bible identifies the wicked spirit named Satan the Devil as “the original serpent.” (Revelation 12:9) It was Satan who spoke through the serpent and “seduced Eve by its cunning.” (2 Corinthians 11:3) Yes, both Balaam’s ass and the serpent were animals—before, while, and after they spoke.

A fourth account is often cited regarding the haughty king of Babylon Nebuchadnezzar. The Bible says that God humbled Nebuchadnezzar. His “very heart was made like that of a beast, and with the wild asses his dwelling was. Vegetation they would give him to eat just like bulls, and with the dew of the heavens his own body got to be wet, until he knew that the Most High God is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind.” (Daniel 5:21) During his seven years of insanity, Nebuchadnezzar looked and behaved like a beast. According to Daniel 4:33, “his very hair grew long just like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws.” Even so, the king never really sprouted feathers or claws. He remained human!

The idea of supernatural metamorphosis goes directly against Bible teachings. For one thing, the Bible shows that man does not have a separate soul that could inhabit an animal. Rather, man himself is “a living soul”! (Genesis 2:7) Metamorphosis also works against the natural order of things that was put in place by Jehovah God. Animals were made to reproduce “according to their kinds.” (Genesis 1:24, 25) Because of the genetic boundaries God has set in place, it is not possible for different kinds, or major groupings, of animals to mate and reproduce. An even greater gulf exists between animals and man, who was made ‘in God’s image.’ (Genesis 1:26) Certainly, God would not make a mockery of his own laws by granting men the power to transform themselves into unreasoning animals.

True, metamorphosis can be observed in nature. Caterpillars become butterflies, and tadpoles become frogs. Close observation shows, however, that these examples of metamorphosis do not involve a change of “kinds” but are simply stages of development within the same “kind.” When the adult stage has been reached, they will reproduce “according to their kinds.”

Seeing Is Not Always Believing

How, then, are we to account for the eyewitnesses who claim that they have witnessed supernatural metamorphosis? Clearly, this is just another example of “the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and portents and with every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing.”—2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10.

Like all bullies, the demons want people to believe that they have more power than they actually possess. They perform convincing “signs” that are nothing more than the trickery of thieves and con men.

We are reminded of the card sharks that haunt many African marketplaces. They shamelessly entice some housewives into losing their hard-earned money in rigged card games. They will show a woman three playing cards—two red and one black—and tell her that she can double her money simply by picking out the black card. She is hesitant to play—until she sees someone else seemingly win at this easy game. Little does she realize that the so-called winner is collaborating in the scam. She places her bet, keeping her eye on the black card as the cards are turned over and shuffled around. But to her shame and horror, the card she picks proves to be red. She has spent her family’s food money—a victim of her own greed and of a clever trickster’s sleight of hand! Too late, she has learned that seeing is not always believing.

In a similar way, Satan and his demons delight in deceiving people into thinking that humans can change into animals. Satan is a master of deception. After all, it was he who told the first lie, saying to Eve: “You positively will not die. . . . You are bound to be like God.” (Genesis 3:4, 5) This lie has spawned a variety of teachings that keep people in fear, such as the immortality of the soul, hellfire, and metamorphosis. Thus, in Africa people will pay an exorbitant price to be “vaccinated” because they think this can protect them from being turned into an animal. In reality, such ones are enslaved to the “teachings of demons” and are hindered from doing the will of God.—1 Timothy 4:1; James 4:7.

The True Transformation

Perhaps you have always believed in or possibly even feared metamorphosis. If so, give heed to the Bible’s words at Romans 12:2. There in the original text, a form of the Greek word me·ta·mor·phoʹo is used. We read: “Be transformed [me·ta·mor·phouʹsthe] by making your mind over.” This refers to a metamorphosis that can happen—a complete change in personality!

Those who want to please God must make such a change, for the Bible urges: “Strip off the old personality with its practices, and clothe yourselves with the new personality, which through accurate knowledge is being made new according to the image of the One who created it.”—Colossians 3:9, 10.

How can you be transformed? By taking in accurate knowledge from the Bible. That knowledge may lead to your giving up cherished ideas and notions. But, as Jesus said, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) Yes, you can be set free from the falsehoods and fears of metamorphosis.

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What our eyes “see” is not always the reality

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Witch doctor: Courtesy Africana Museum, Johannesburg

The Bible’s Viewpoint

Is Celibacy a Requirement for Christian Ministers?

CELIBACY is, strictly speaking, the state of being unmarried. However, according to The New Encyclopædia Britannica, the term “is usually used in connection with the celibate individual’s role as a religious official, specialist, or devotee.” The term “celibate” designates “those for whom the unmarried state is the result of a sacred vow or act of renunciation or of a belief that it is preferable for a person because of his religious position or his degree of religious seriousness.”

At one time or another, certain prominent religions have adopted celibacy as a requirement for their ministers. Yet, in no other religion of Christendom has celibacy become more of a hallmark than in Catholicism. Today, there is quite a controversy over Catholic celibacy. The Wilson Quarterly noted that “study after study in recent decades has concluded that mandatory celibacy, a requirement for Catholic priests since the 12th century, is at the root of the church’s problems in recruiting and retaining priests.” According to sociologist Richard A. Schoenherr, “the full weight of history and social change is turning against male celibate exclusivity in the Catholic priesthood.” What is the Bible’s view of celibacy?

Marriage or Singleness?

Throughout history countless devout men and women, in many different religions, have chosen to be celibate. Why? In many cases it was because they believed that fleshly, material things were “the seat of evil.” This engendered the philosophy that spiritual purity was only possible through abstaining from all sexual activity. This, however, is not the Bible’s view. In the Bible, marriage is seen as a clean, holy gift from God. The Genesis account of creation clearly portrays marriage as “good” in God’s eyes and obviously not as a barrier to a spiritually pure relationship with God.—Genesis 1:26-28, 31; 2:18, 22-24; see also Proverbs 5:15-19.

The apostle Peter and other approved servants of God holding positions of authority in the early Christian congregation were married men. (Matthew 8:14; Acts 18:2; 21:8, 9; 1 Corinthians 9:5) The apostle Paul’s directions to Timothy on the appointment of congregation overseers, or “bishops,” make this clear. He writes: “A bishop must be above reproach, the husband of one wife.” (Italics ours; 1 Timothy 3:2, Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition) Notice that there is no suggestion at all that it was unfitting in any way for “a bishop” to be married. Paul simply indicated that “a bishop” should not be a polygamist; if married, he should have only one wife. In fact, the Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature, by McClintock and Strong, concludes: “No passage in the N[ew] T[estament] can be interpreted into a prohibition against the marriage of the clergy under the Gospel dispensation.”

While highly esteeming marriage, the Bible certainly does not condemn singleness if it is freely chosen. The Bible recommends it as a desirable course for some. (1 Corinthians 7:7, 8) Jesus Christ said that some men and women deliberately choose a course of singleness. (Matthew 19:12) Why? Not because there is something inherently impure about marriage that would hinder their spiritual development. They choose this course simply to focus their efforts on doing God’s will in what they perceived to be urgent times.

The Road to Compulsory Celibacy

Things changed, however, in the centuries following the time of Christ. During the first three centuries of our Common Era, “there were both married and unmarried ministers,” explains David Rice, a Dominican who left the priesthood to marry. Then, professed Christians began to be influenced by what one religious writer described as an “amalgam of Greek and biblical ideas” that produced a distorted view of sex and marriage.

Some, of course, still pursued singleness simply “to attain complete freedom to devote [themselves] to the work of the kingdom of God.” Others, however, were motivated more by the pagan philosophies that they had absorbed. Says The New Encyclopædia Britannica: “A belief that sexual intercourse was defiling and incompatible with holiness emerged [in the professed Christian church] as the dominant motivation for the practice of celibacy.”

In the fourth century, says Rice, the church “forbade a married priest from having sexual intercourse the night before celebrating the Eucharist.” When the church introduced the daily Eucharist, it meant that priests had to abstain from sexual intercourse permanently. In time, marriages of priests were forbidden completely. Celibacy thus became compulsory for anyone who would be a minister in the church.

The apostle Paul warned of just such a development. He wrote: “The Spirit has explicitly said that during the last times there will be some who will desert the faith and choose to listen to deceitful spirits and doctrines that come from the devils . . . They will say marriage is forbidden.”—1 Timothy 4:1, 3, Jerusalem Bible.

“Wisdom is proved righteous by its works,” said Jesus Christ. (Matthew 11:19) The foolishness of deviating from God’s standards has been proved by its works or consequences. Author David Rice interviewed many priests around the world on the subject of compulsory celibacy. Some that he talked to said: “You stay in the priesthood, do whatever good you can, and discreetly avail yourself of the readiness of devoted, admiring women to make themselves sexually available.”

Quoting Matthew 7:20, Rice states: “‘By their fruits you shall know them,’ Jesus said.” He then comments on the tragedy that has resulted from enforced celibacy: “The fruits of compulsory celibacy are those thousands of men leading double lives, thousands of women leading destroyed lives, thousands of children spurned by their ordained fathers, to say nothing of the priestly walking wounded.”

Honorable marriage is a blessing from God. Enforced celibacy has turned out to be spiritually damaging. Freely chosen singleness, on the other hand, while not essential for holiness or salvation, has proved to be a rewarding and spiritually satisfying way of life for some.—Matthew 19:12.

[Picture Credit Line on page 16]

Life

My Choice Between Two Fathers

“You’re not my son anymore! Leave this house immediately, and don’t come back until you give up that religion!”

WITH just the clothes I had on, I left. Shells were exploding around the neighborhood that night, and I had no idea where to go. More than six years passed before I returned home.

What could make a father so furious that he would throw his own son out? Well, let me explain how it all started.

Growing Up in a Hate-Filled World

My parents live in Beirut, Lebanon, a country once famous as a tourist attraction. From 1975 to 1990, however, the city was the center of a destructive war. I was born in 1969, the firstborn in an Armenian family of three children. Thus, my early memories are of times of peace.

My parents belonged to the Armenian Apostolic Church, but Mother used to take us to church only twice a year—at Easter and Christmas. So our family was really not very religious. Nevertheless, I was sent to an Evangelical high school, where I received religious instruction. At the time, religion did not interest me either.

One thing many Armenians learned in childhood was to hate Turks. During World War I, Turks had slaughtered hundreds of thousands of Armenians and had taken over most of the country of Armenia. In 1920 the eastern part that remained became a republic of the Soviet Union. As a youth, I was determined to fight to see that justice was realized.

Change of Thinking

However, in the 1980’s, when I was in my mid-teens, things that my maternal uncle told me began to change my thinking. He said that Almighty God would soon correct all injustices. He explained that by means of the Kingdom for which Jesus Christ had taught his followers to pray, even those slaughtered in massacres would be resurrected to life on earth.—Matthew 6:9, 10; Acts 24:15; Revelation 21:3, 4.

I was thrilled. Wanting to hear more, I continued to ask him questions. This led to a Bible study, which was held in the home of another Witness.

As I learned about my heavenly Father, Jehovah, and came to love him more and more, I began to fear that I would one day face a difficult decision—that of choosing between my family and Jehovah God.—Psalm 83:18.

Hard Choice for a 17-Year-Old

Eventually, Mother heard about my involvement with Jehovah’s Witnesses. She was very upset and ordered me to stop my Bible study. When she realized that I was serious about my convictions, she threatened to tell Father. At the time, I didn’t care because I thought that I would be able to handle the situation and stand my ground against Father. But I was mistaken.

When Father learned that I was associating with Jehovah’s Witnesses, he became furious. He threatened to throw me out of the house if I didn’t stop my Bible study. I told him that I was not going to give it up because what I was learning was the truth. After his shouting, yelling, and swearing ended, he started to cry like a child. He literally begged me to stop associating with the Witnesses.

I was torn apart emotionally, torn between two fathers—Jehovah and him. I knew that both of them loved me very much, and I wanted to satisfy both of them; but it seemed impossible. The pressure was more than I could bear. I told Father that I would do what he wanted, reasoning that I could resume my studies and become a Witness when I grew older. I was only 17 then.

During the days that followed, I felt ashamed of what I had done. I felt that Jehovah was not happy and that I had not trusted in the words of the psalmist David, who said: “In case my own father and my own mother did leave me, even Jehovah himself would take me up.” (Psalm 27:10) But I was still in high school, and my parents were covering the expenses of my education.

A Firmer Stand

For more than two years, I did not visit my uncle or have any contact with the Witnesses, since I knew my parents were watching my every move. One day in 1989, at the age of 20, I came across a Witness I knew. Very kindly he asked if I would like to visit him. Since he did not mention anything about studying the Bible, I did eventually go to see him.

In time, I began to study the Bible and attend meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses at the Kingdom Hall. I studied at my workplace, where nobody could disturb me. As a result, I came to a better appreciation of Jehovah’s loving personality as well as a better understanding of the value of having and keeping a close relationship with him under any circumstances. In August of that same year, I even began sharing with others what I had learned.

Till then my family knew nothing. A few days later, however, my father and I were again standing face-to-face, but this time I was better prepared for the confrontation. He tried calmly to ask: “Son, is it true that you are still associating with Jehovah’s Witnesses?” Tears were in his eyes as he awaited my answer. My mother and sister were crying silently.

I explained that I had only lately been associating with the Witnesses and that I was determined to become one of them. At that, things happened very quickly. Father yelled those words that are found in the introduction of this article. Then he grabbed me and shouted that he was not going to let me get out of the house alive. I was able to free myself, and as I ran down the stairs, I heard my younger brother trying to calm Father down. “From now on you are my Father,” I prayed to Jehovah. “I have chosen you, so please take care of me.”

Reprisals

A few days later, Father went to my uncle’s house, thinking he would find me there. He attacked him and wanted to kill him, but some Witnesses who were visiting intervened. Father left, promising to return. Shortly he did, accompanied by militiamen armed with guns. They took the Witnesses and my uncle, who was very ill, to their military headquarters.

Afterward a search was launched for other Witnesses in the area. The house of one of them was also invaded. Books, including Bibles, were piled in the street and burned. But that was not all. Six Witnesses were arrested as well as some people who were only studying with them. All were put in a small room, interrogated, and then beaten. Some were burned with cigarettes. News about these events spread like wildfire in the neighborhood. Militiamen were looking for me everywhere. My father asked them to find me and make me change my mind, no matter what methods they used.

A few days later, militiamen broke into the Kingdom Hall, where one of the congregations was holding a meeting. They made the whole congregation—men, women, and children—evacuate the hall. They confiscated their Bibles and made them walk to the militia headquarters, where they were interrogated.

Escape to Greece

All this time, I was being taken care of by a family of Witnesses far from the scene of unrest. A month later I left the country for Greece. On arriving there, I dedicated my life to Jehovah God and was baptized in symbol of my dedication.

In Greece I felt the loving care of a spiritual brotherhood that included people from a number of nationalities—including Turks. I experienced the truth of Jesus’ words: “No one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news who will not get a hundredfold now in this period of time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, with persecutions, and in the coming system of things everlasting life.”—Mark 10:29, 30.

For the next three years, I stayed in Greece. Although I wrote Father several times, he never replied. I was later told that whenever friends dropped by and asked him about me, he would say: “I have no son by that name.”

Reunion After Six Years

I returned to live in Beirut in 1992, after the war ended. Through a friend I informed my father of my desire to return home. He replied that I would be welcome—but only if I had given up my faith. So I lived in a rented apartment for the next three years. Then, in November 1995, Father suddenly walked into my workplace and asked to see me. I was not present then, so he left a message that he wanted me to come home. At first I found it difficult to believe. So, very hesitantly, I went to see him. It was an emotional reunion. He said that he no longer minded my being a Witness and that he wanted me to come home!

Today I serve as a Christian elder and a full-time minister in an Armenian-speaking congregation. I often come across people like my father who oppose family members because these want to serve Jehovah. I realize that Father sincerely believed he was doing the right thing by opposing my worship. The Bible even prepares Christians by saying that they can expect family opposition.—Matthew 10:34-37; 2 Timothy 3:12.

I hope one day my father and the rest of my family will share my Bible hope of a coming better world. Then there will be no more wars or massacres, and people will no longer be driven from their lands or persecuted for the sake of righteousness. (2 Peter 3:13) And then people will not have to make a choice between two things so very dear to their hearts.—Contributed.

Understanding and Living With Fibromyalgia

DO YOU hurt all over? Are you extremely fatigued? On awakening in the morning, are you stiff and exhausted? Is your memory impeded at times? These may be a few of the signs of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).

“I’ll always remember that morning in 1989 when I woke up paralyzed for 45 minutes,” says Ted.a Thus began Ted’s fight with fibromyalgia, which basically means “pain in the tendons, ligaments, and muscles.”

Perhaps a friend or a family member has FMS. How can you help? Or if you have it, what can be done? Being well-informed is a big step toward understanding and living with this problem. However, not everyone having the above symptoms necessarily has FMS.

Defining Fibromyalgia

According to the American College of Rheumatology, “the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is based on the person’s history of chronic widespread pain and the finding of tender points by the physician in specific locations.” There are also other symptoms, some similar to those of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Indeed, many people who have FMS also have CFS and other illnesses. Depression and abnormal anxiety are common among FMS sufferers, and it appears that FMS is generally the cause of these problems and not the result. FMS can be aggravated by such external conditions as too much or too little physical activity, a cold front moving in, a sleepless night, or extra stress.

Previously known by different names including fibrositis, FMS is not deforming or crippling, nor is it life threatening in itself. While it cannot be said with certainty that FMS is hereditary, it has been found in more than one member of some families. It affects millions of people and occurs in adults of all ages, with more women being affected than men.

The Cause of FMS

Various theories have been set forth as to the cause of FMS. It could be a virus or an imbalance of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which affects sleep, and an imbalance of such chemicals as endorphins, the body’s natural pain fighters. Research into these theories as well as others is ongoing.

Under a microscope the muscles of those with FMS appear healthy, but the energy-producing parts of the cells may not be functioning normally. Both the cause and the cure are unknown. In many cases the individual relates a particular physically or emotionally traumatic event to the onset of his or her symptoms, while for others the onset was more subtle.

Problems in Diagnosing FMS

Since most of its symptoms can be found in other conditions, Dr. Carla Ockley, from Canada, says: “FMS is not always the first thing looked for when a patient walks through the door with pain in his joints. If problems persist after several visits, then we probe deeper. When FMS is the diagnosis, I usually send the patient to a rheumatologist for confirmation.”

Until recently, however, there was no criterion for diagnosing FMS, so the problem was subjective—that is, perceptible only to the patient—and test results were normal. Thus, many doctors were unfamiliar with it. A woman named Rachel laments: “I went to different doctors for 25 years and spent thousands of dollars before my FMS was correctly diagnosed.”

Where, then, can help be found if you think you have fibromyalgia? In her book When Muscle Pain Won’t Go Away, Gayle Backstrom suggests contacting the local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation or a rheumatologist.

Treatment

Thus far, no proven cure has been found for FMS, so treatment usually focuses on the symptoms. One of the main aspects is pain, which, like the other symptoms, differs from person to person and fluctuates from day to day even in the same person.

Adding to the problem, painkilling medication and some forms of treatment seem to lose their effectiveness over time. Gayle Backstrom suggests: “Often if you try them again later, you will once more experience a period of positive results.” Of course, your doctor should be consulted first. There is also the danger of side effects or addiction. Thus, “strong pain relievers should be avoided,” recommends the American College of Rheumatology.

A second major aspect is lack of vital sleep because of pain and other disturbances. Melanie uses a body pillow for the pain and the hum of a humidifier to offset outside noise. Other aids may include earplugs and a foam pad or a so-called eggcrate mattress topper.b Dr. Dwayne Ayers of North Carolina says: “Once I help improve their sleep, my patients respond better to the other treatments.”

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, “fibromyalgia patients may benefit from a combination of exercise, medication, physical therapy, and relaxation.” Other treatments could include massage therapy, stress management, and stretching exercises. Still, for someone experiencing constant pain or fatigue, exercising might seem impossible. So some recommend starting very slowly. And be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

In its issue of July 1997, the newsletter Fibromyalgia Network quotes Sharon Clark, an exercise physiologist and researcher in Portland, Oregon, as saying that if you cannot exercise for 20 or 30 minutes, “you can do six 5-minute walks per day and it will produce beneficial effects.” Moderate aerobic-type exercise increases the production of endorphins, improves sleep, and oxygenates the system and muscles.

Yet people differ, and they may be at various levels with their FMS. Elaine tells us: “A major accomplishment for me is to walk up and down my driveway once, while my good friend who also has FMS walks a mile.” This is not a case of “no pain, no gain,” but it clearly is a “do not give up” situation. Ted, who has CFS as well as FMS, says: “At first I could only use my exercise bike once a week for two or three minutes. Now I exercise for over 20 minutes three or four times a week. But it took me over four years to get there.”

The question of alternative approaches, such as acupuncture, chiropractic, and other kinds of treatment or the use of herbs or other diet supplements, has come up. While many assert that they have improved by using some of the above, others have not. Researchers are studying a number of these, but the results are still inconclusive.

Sometimes medications bring on hunger pains, or eating becomes a way of dealing with anxiety. However, more weight puts more stress on the muscles, which results in more pain. So in some cases, a doctor will recommend losing a few pounds.

A diagnosis of FMS may cause panic and anger. Yet, there are ways to deal with normal feelings like these so that no one is hurt. Grief is another common response. It is natural to grieve if we lose something as dear to us as our health.

When It Affects Your Work

Those with FMS may experience problems at work. Li had worked at her job for years, but doing so became more difficult because of her health. After talking with her employers, she was able to obtain a part-time job with the same company, and this lessened her stress. Also, to her surprise, she was given an hourly pay raise.

An occupational or physical therapist can help you look for ways to do your job with less stress on your body. Lisa found that using a desk chair with arms was helpful. It was recommended that Yvonne get not only a different chair but also another desk. But if a job change becomes necessary, there are agencies that can assist you.

How You Can Help

Each family member, even little ones, can learn about FMS and come to appreciate that even though the FMS sufferer looks healthy, he or she has a chronic illness that causes pain and fatigue. Good communication is also vital. Jennie states: “We have family discussions from time to time to see how each one can help.” A big part of successfully living with FMS is for the sufferer to learn to conserve energy while still getting things done. This might take some imagination, along with cooperation from others. Here again, an occupational therapist may prove helpful.

You can help a friend with FMS by being a nonjudgmental “hearing ear.” Try to keep discussions on a positive level, not letting fibromyalgia dominate the entire conversation. What should be said or not said? For suggestions, see the box on page 23. If you have FMS, try having more than one “hearing ear” so the same “ear” will not be worn out. And remember, not everyone will always want to hear about your FMS.

Adjusting to the Changes

In some cases we tend to chafe at changes, especially forced ones. But a physical therapist who has assisted about a hundred FMS sufferers tells us: “I try to get them to understand that they need to accept their situation. They also need to make some changes in their life and not let themselves get discouraged by temporary setbacks or flare-ups. Through self-management, knowledge, understanding, and exercise, they can control their FMS instead of letting it control them.”

Dave, who has FMS, says: “While the tendency is to do more on one of your better days, it might be wiser to bank your energy for the next day so that you do not end up spending the rest of the week in bed.” Still, at times you may feel that going to an event or a special affair is worth suffering for later. It is not always judicious to try to hide your FMS, especially from those who really care. And try to keep a sense of humor too. “I find that I usually sleep better after a good laugh or after watching a good comedy,” comments André.

Remember, too, that Jehovah does not compare your level of activity with that of others but appreciates the faith and deep love you demonstrate. (Mark 12:41-44) The important thing is to learn to live according to your limitations, being neither overprotective nor reckless. Count on Jehovah God to give you the wisdom and the strength to do the best you can. (2 Corinthians 4:16) And keep close to your heart the promise of a time soon to come when this earth will be a paradise where “no resident will say: ‘I am sick.’” (Isaiah 33:24) Yes, one day you will be healthy again!

[Footnotes]

[Box on page 22]

Comfort From the Bible

• Jehovah saves those crushed in spirit.—Psalm 34:18.

• Jehovah will sustain you.—Psalm 41:3.

• Throw all your burdens upon Jehovah; he cares for you.—Psalm 55:22; 1 Peter 5:7.

• Jehovah is pleased with your whole-souled efforts to serve him, however limited that service may be.—Matthew 13:8; Galatians 6:4; Colossians 3:23, 24.

• We do not give up.—2 Corinthians 4:16-18.

[Box on page 23]

What to Say

• It’s good to see you.

• It must have taken great effort for you to get here.

• I am here to help. I care about you.

• I appreciate what you are able to do.

What Not to Say

• I understand what you are going through.

• You look great. How can you be sick?

• Call me if you need anything.

[Diagram on page 21]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

The black dots are some of the tender points looked for in diagnosing fibromyalgia

[Picture on page 24]

Good communication and family discussions are essential

The Return of London’s Globe

BY AWAKE! CORRESPONDENT IN BRITAIN

THE Globe, the theater that was the home of William Shakespeare’s plays, has been reconstructed near its former site at Southwark, on the south bank of London’s River Thames. Based on the 1599 original, this O-shaped, 20-sided building is a top tourist attraction.

Before the advent of London’s theaters, a popular form of entertainment was bearbaiting or bullbaiting. Dogs, egged on by shouting onlookers, tormented an animal chained to a stake. This took place in circular arenas with tiered seating, precursors of the theater. The animals were tethered in the central area, which later accommodated the theater stage.

Then plays became popular, and new theaters sprang up around London. Thousands attended them daily. The lord mayors tried to ban the plays on the grounds that they were profane and ungodly. Employers complained that they took workmen away from their jobs, since plays started at two o’clock in the afternoon. But support came from Queen Elizabeth I, a patron of the theater. Her Privy Council protected them to ensure that experienced actors were available to entertain her. Shakespeare’s company was selected for royal court performances more often than any other.

Henry V was written by Shakespeare the year the original Globe opened. It was therefore a logical choice for the first season of this new Shakespeare theater.

Inside the New Globe

Before we enter for the three-hour play, we glance up at the clouds and hope it will not rain, as umbrellas are prohibited and the center is open to the sky. The stage protrudes into a 100-foot-wide [30 m] circle, around which are three tiers of seating, accommodating about 1,000 people. But we are among the groundlings, the 500 who pay to stand and watch the play in the center area. The original theater held 3,000, crammed in tight. But modern safety standards prohibit that.

The roof above the ring of the seating area is chemically treated to resist fire. Fire board and a sprinkler system give added protection. The original Globe was destroyed in 1613 when a spark from a stage cannon ignited its roof.

Groundlings are permitted to move around and even rest their arms on the edge of the stage. Four hundred years ago, unruly crowds ate and drank throughout performances, and fights often broke out among them. Sharply critical, they interrupted at will, hissing or clapping. They were “glewed together in crowdes,” as a writer of that time described them, dubbing them “stinkards.”

The modern Globe’s basic framework is made of oak. Some six thousand tapered oak pegs hold the mortised joints together. Oak was readily available after a hurricane uprooted thousands of trees in October 1987. The most difficult piece to locate was the 44-foot-long [13 m] beam that forms the front of the stage canopy. After much searching, a suitable tree, over 70 feet [20 m] high, was found some 100 miles [150 km] west of London.

Marble pillars support the canopy, or so it seems. But no, they too are made of wood, just like those of the first Globe, which, as one admirer put it, were “painted in such excellent imitation of marble that it is able to deceive even the most cunning.”

By now the seats are filled. Some groundlings crowd around the stage while others lean against the timber walls of the arena. The hubbub subsides as music fills the air. In a gallery above the stage, six musicians in medieval dress play instruments of Shakespeare’s time: trumpets, cornets, and percussion instruments.

The Play

As the music reaches a crescendo, actors appear and vigorously thump their staffs upon the stage to the beat of the music. Groundlings join in, stamping their feet. Dramatically the banging ceases. A lone actor and a brief prologue set the scene. Expectation is high. Suddenly, two red-robed characters burst onto the stage—the Archbishop of Canterbury and the bishop of Ely. The play begins, and in the course of the performance, the church’s duplicity and intrigue with England’s King Henry V will eventually culminate in the defeat of France on the blood-stained fields of Agincourt.

Soon the royal throne is erected, and we find King Henry conversing with three of his courtiers. As court officials take the stage, we continue to admire the authenticity of their medieval costumes. Yet there is something strange about the cast that we cannot fathom. We check our program. Yes, of course, all the players are men! Women had no part in Elizabethan drama. As social historian G. M. Trevelyan puts it, boys were “strictly trained from childhood to take the women’s parts with dignity, gaiety and skill.” They have done so today.

The applause is over, and we move out. We turn to take a last look at the Globe, its golden thatch, like its oaken timbers, mellowing into subtle shades of gray. It has been a unique experience to be taken back some 400 years.

Afterward, we wander through the Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition. The name Shakespeare confronts us at every turn. As we contemplate the displays, we ponder the question, Who really was the playwright William Shakespeare? The enigma of William Shakespeare will be the subject of an article in a forthcoming issue of Awake!

[Picture on page 25]

Drawing of the original Globe

[Credit Line]

From the book The Comprehensive History of England, Volume II

[Pictures on page 26]

Today’s Globe

[Credit Line]

John Tramper

Richard Kalina

From Our Readers

Kidneys I want to tell you how moved I was by the article “Your Kidneys—A Filter for Life.” (August 8, 1997) My doctor has informed me that I have a kidney problem. Because of the article, I feel less alone in my sickness now.

V. M., United States

I have a kidney disease for which I was hospitalized for four months. Reading your article helped me realize how ignorant I was of my body. Now I can better explain my condition to others.

S. H., Japan

This article arrived at a time when my wife was told that she had kidney cancer. While the diagnosis was a shock to us, we were able to understand clearly the various functions of the kidney when this was explained to us by the surgeon. My wife had a nephrectomy and is now recuperating from the surgery.

G. S., India

Sculptor’s Story It warmed my heart to read “Something Better Than World Acclaim,” the experience of Celo Pertot. (August 22, 1997) Before becoming a Christian, I was pursuing a career in music and theater. The night before my baptism, I received a call from the writers of a popular television series. When I told them that I was no longer an entertainer, they said, “Are you crazy?” Like Celo Pertot, I feel that Jehovah has blessed my decision in a grand way.

R. F., United States

Russian Theologian Thank you so much for printing the article “Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia.” (August 22, 1997) I have much respect and admiration for Sergei Ivanenko for having the courage and desire to print the truth about Jehovah’s Witnesses.

S. M., United States

Hate The series “Why So Much Hate? Why So Little Love?” (September 8, 1997) had one of the best covers you have ever printed. The articles helped me to see more clearly why people distrust strangers and people from different cultures.

J. M., United States

RSD—Painful Disorder I feel it is my duty to write to you after reading the article “RSD—A Puzzling, Painful Disorder.” (September 8, 1997) In January, I learned that I have RSD. I tried to find some information on it. I was therefore in tears when I saw this article. It was practical, and it answered many of my questions.

W. B., England

I have been suffering from RSD for four years. Thank you for taking the trouble to do thorough research on this subject. It really showed neighborly love on your part.

G. S., Germany

My husband suffers from RSD, and we were finding it very hard to explain the disease to other people. Now that it has been discussed so thoroughly in the article, this has become a lot easier for us. We have also passed this material on to doctors and rehabilitation offices. Reading the account of Karen Orf’s struggle with RSD was like reading my husband’s life! Like Karen, we look forward to the new world, where there will be no more pain.

K. P., Australia

I thank Karen for her story. She is in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope she continues to progress. RSD affects my back and legs down to the soles of my feet. Sitting at meetings and walking in the field ministry cause me great discomfort and pain. However, with Jehovah’s support, this has not deterred me.

C. K., England

Watching the World

Cholera Epidemic Hits East Africa

“An outbreak of cholera has reached epidemic proportions in East Africa,” says an Associated Press dispatch from Nairobi, Kenya. Cholera, an infectious intestinal disorder that causes severe diarrhea, can be fatal if left untreated. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 61,000 people in East Africa contracted the disease in 1997, and 2,687 deaths were reported. Cholera outbreaks are common in countries with poor sanitation and inadequate medical response. The situation is aggravated when seasonal rains wash human waste into drinking water. Dr. Maria Neira, head of a WHO task force on cholera, said that until sewers and clean water are available in all the affected areas, the region probably won’t rid itself entirely of cholera.

Helping the Dead?

In Hong Kong, keeping up appearances doesn’t always stop when a person dies—for some it extends into the Hereafter. That’s because ancestor worship plays a big part in daily life in Chinese culture. Thus, “even in the spirit world they think it is very important to show wealth,” says shop owner Kwan Wing-ho. To help surviving relatives and friends improve the status of their departed loved ones, Mr. Kwan sells paper replicas of an assortment of material goods, including mobile telephones, computers, microwave ovens, and even a full-size Mercedes Benz. “The goods are burned in the first seven days after death, on anniversaries, and if a relative dreams that a dead person needs to shop,” says an Associated Press dispatch. “It’s a good business,” claims Mr. Kwan, “because the customer can’t come back to complain.”

Radioactive Gems

Gemstones sold to a merchant in Bangkok prompted an international trade alert when it was learned that they were radioactive. Sahabudeen Nizamudeen, an experienced gem dealer, knows a good deal when he sees one. So when an Indonesian trader offered him 50 cat’s-eyes priced far below their normal cost, he snapped them up. “Each was in a prized shade of chocolate, bisected by the characteristic light streak resembling a cat’s slit pupil,” reports Asiaweek. However, it turns out that the gems’ luster came from another source. They had been irradiated to enhance their color in order to raise their value. Another stone, found at a jewelry fair in Hong Kong, registered 25 times the Asian radiation safety limit. “So far, the problem has been restricted to cat’s-eye chrysoberyl,” says the magazine.

Reading Habits

On the average, Brazilians read 2.3 books annually, reports Jornal da Tarde. After leaving school, the majority of Brazilians no longer have any contact with books. “The real problem,” says secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Ottaviano de Fiore, “is that 60 percent of the books read in Brazil are obligatory reading” for children in school. “Of the remaining 40 percent, the majority are religious and esoteric books, books about sex, or self-help books,” says the newspaper. Regarding reading habits, De Fiore observes: “Children get together in the family, in school, and around TV. If there are no readers in the family, they will never get any incentive there.” He adds: “Regarding TV, the stimulus to read is the last concern of the major channels.”

“Self-Constructed Religion”

Many Latin Americans practice a “self-constructed religion,” says sociologist Fortunato Mallimaci. People are moving away from churches and creeds, feeling free to take yoga courses, read a book about Oriental mysticism, attend meetings where preachers offer healing, or go to Afro-Brazilian ceremonies. “This doesn’t mean that people have become indifferent to religion. They believe, but they have constructed their own religion,” says Mallimaci. Speaking before the Fourth Encounter of Lay Centres in the South Cone (of Latin America), the sociologist said that “Catholicism was undergoing a restructuring process ‘with deep internal divisions and conflicts,’” reports the ENI Bulletin.

Attend a “God’s Way of Life” Convention Near You!

This three-day convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses begins on May 22 in the United States and will continue into early September. Of the 198 gatherings scheduled in the United States alone, 151 are in English, 36 in Spanish, and 11 in eight other languages, including American Sign Language, Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Tagalog, And Vietnamese.

Don’t miss the many motivating Bible presentations and practical demonstrations. And enjoy the practical, full-costume drama entitled “Families—Make Daily Bible Reading Your Way of Life!” All sessions are free. See the list of dates and locations beginning on page 29.

1998-1999 “GOD’S WAY OF LIFE” Convention Locations

MAY 22-24

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

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

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

MAY 29-31

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

JUNE 5-7

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

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

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

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

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

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

WINSTON-SALEM, NC, Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 2825 University Pkwy.

JUNE 12-14

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

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

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

KANSAS CITY, MO, Kemper Arena, 1800 Genessee St.

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

MADISON, WI, Dane County Memorial Coliseum, 1881 Expo Mall East.

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

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

PONTIAC, MI, Silverdome, 1200 Featherstone Rd.

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

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

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

JUNE 19-21

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

CICERO, IL (Spanish only), 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, Fort Worth (Tarrant County) Convention Center, 1111 Houston St.

KANSAS CITY, MO, Kemper Arena, 1800 Genessee St.

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

MACON, GA, Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Dr.

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

NAMPA, ID, The Idaho Center, 5000 Garrity Blvd.

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

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

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

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

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

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

WINSTON-SALEM, NC, Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 2825 University Pkwy.

JUNE 26-28

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

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

AMHERST, MA, The Mullins Center, University of Massachusetts, Commonwealth Ave.

CICERO, IL (Spanish only), 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, Fort Worth (Tarrant County) Convention Center, 1111 Houston St.

HAMMOND, LA, Southeastern Louisiana University Center, 700 University Ave.

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

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

MACON, GA, Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Dr.

MADISON, WI, Dane County Memorial Coliseum, 1881 Expo Mall East.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

WINSTON-SALEM, NC, Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 2825 University Pkwy.

JULY 3-5

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

ALBUQUERQUE, NM, University of New Mexico - University Arena, 1414 University Blvd. S.E.

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

AMHERST, MA, The Mullins Center, University of Massachusetts, Commonwealth Ave.

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

COLUMBIA, MO, Hearnes Center, 260 Hearnes Ctr.

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

FORT WORTH, TX, Fort Worth (Tarrant County) Convention Center, 1111 Houston St.

HAMMOND, LA, Southeastern Louisiana University Center, 700 University Ave.

JACKSON, MS, Mississippi Coliseum, 1207 Mississippi St.

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

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

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

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

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

LONG BEACH, CA (Japanese only), Long Beach Convention Center Exhibit Hall C, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.

LONG BEACH, CA (Korean only), Long Beach Convention Center Exhbit Hall A, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.

LONG BEACH, CA (Tagalog only), Long Beach Convention Center Exhibit Hall B, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.

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

MACON, GA, Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Dr.

MADISON, WI, Dane County Memorial Coliseum, 1881 Expo Mall East.

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

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, Myriad, One Myriad Gardens.

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

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 (Spanish only), Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

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

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 Tpk.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

JULY 10-12

ALBUQUERQUE, NM, University of New Mexico - University Arena, 1414 University Blvd. S.E.

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

AMHERST, MA, The Mullins Center, University of Massachusetts, Commonwealth Ave.

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

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

HAMMOND, LA, Southeastern Louisiana University Center, 700 University Ave.

HOUSTON, TX (Spanish only), Astrodome, Loop 610 at Kirby Dr.

JACKSON, MS, Mississippi Coliseum, 1207 Mississippi St.

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

KENNEWICK, WA, Tri-Cities Coliseum, 7100 W. Quinault.

MACON, GA, Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Dr.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, Myriad, One Myriad Gardens.

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

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

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

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

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 Tpk.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

JULY 17-19

AMHERST, MA, The Mullins Center, University of Massachusetts, Commonwealth Ave.

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

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

COLUMBUS, GA, South Commons Civic Center, 400 4th St.

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

HAMPTON, VA, Coliseum, 1000 Coliseum Dr.

HUNTSVILLE, AL, Von Braun Civic Center Arena, 700 Monroe St.

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

JOHNSON CITY, TN, Freedom Hall Civic Center Arena, Liberty Bell Blvd.

KENNEWICK, WA, Tri-Cities Coliseum, 7100 W. Quinault.

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

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

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.

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

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (Spanish only), Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

JULY 24-26

AMHERST, MA, The Mullins Center, University of Massachusetts, Commonwealth Ave.

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

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

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

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

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

HAMPTON, VA, Coliseum, 1000 Coliseum Dr.

HUNTSVILLE, AL, Von Braun Civic Center Arena, 700 Monroe St.

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

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

JOHNSON CITY, TN, Freedom Hall Civic Center Arena, Liberty Bell Blvd.

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

ROCHESTER, NY, Community War Memorial, 100 Exchange Blvd.

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

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

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (Spanish only), Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

JULY 31–AUGUST 2

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

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

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

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.

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

KENNEWICK, WA, Tri-Cities Coliseum, 7100 W. Quinault.

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

ROCHESTER, NY, Community War Memorial, 100 Exchange Blvd.

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

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (Spanish only), Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

AUGUST 7-9

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

BATON ROUGE, LA, L.S.U. Assembly Center, Louisiana State University, N. Stadium Dr.

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.

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

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

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (Spanish only), Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

AUGUST 14-16

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

BELTON, TX, Bell County Expo Center Arena, 301 W. Loop 121.

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

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

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

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

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

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (Spanish only), Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

AUGUST 21-23

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

BELTON, TX, Bell County Expo Center Arena, 301 W. Loop 121.

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

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

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

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (Spanish only), Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

AUGUST 28-30

BELTON, TX, Bell County Expo Center Arena, 301 W. Loop 121.

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

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

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

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (French only), Auditorium, 1610 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.

SEPTEMBER 4-6

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

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

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

SEPTEMBER 11-13

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

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

BRITAIN

JULY 24-26

BRISTOL, Bristol City Football Club, Ashton Gate.

DUDLEY (Punjabi only), Assembly Hall, 22 Castle Hill.

EDINBURGH, Murrayfield Rugby Stadium, Murrayfield.

LEEDS, Leeds United Football Club, Elland Rd.

LONDON (TWICKENHAM) (French and Spanish also), Rugby Football Union, Rugby Road, Twickenham, Middx.

MANCHESTER, Manchester Arena, Hunts Bank.

NORWICH, Norwich City Football Club, Carrow Rd.

PLYMOUTH, Plymouth Argyle Football Club, Home Park.

WOLVERHAMPTON, Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, Molineux Stadium, Waterloo Rd.

IRELAND

JULY 3-5

NAVAN, CO. MEATH., Navan Exhibition Centre, Trim Rd.

JULY 10-12

NAVAN, CO. MEATH., Navan Exhibition Centre, Trim Rd.

JULY 17-19

NAVAN, CO. MEATH., Navan Exhibition Centre, Trim Rd.

CANADA

JUNE 12-14

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

MONTREAL, QUE. (French only; sign language also), Stade Olympique, 4141, avenue Pierre-de-Coubertin.

MONTREAL, QUE. (Greek only), Stade Olympique, Hall d’exposition—Grandes hauteurs, 4141, avenue Pierre-de-Coubertin.

MONTREAL, QUE. (Portuguese only), Maurice-Richard Arena, 2800, rue Viau.

JUNE 19-21

MONCTON, N.B., Coliseum Agrena, Killam Dr.

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

JUNE 26-28

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

CALGARY, ALTA., Canadian Airlines Saddledome, 555 Saddledome Rise, S.E.

TORONTO, ONT. (Sign language also), SkyDome, 1 Blue Jays Way.

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

JULY 3-5

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

SELKIRK, MAN., Selkirk Recreation Complex, 55 Easton Dr.

VICTORIA, B.C., Esquimalt’s Archie Browning Sports Centre (Arena), 1151 Esquimalt Rd.

JULY 10-12

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

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

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

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

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

SELKIRK, MAN., Selkirk Recreation Complex, 55 Easton Dr.

JULY 17-19

CALGARY, ALTA. (Spanish only), Calgary Kingdom Hall Centre of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2900 14th Ave. N.E.

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

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

JULY 24-26

CORNWALL, ONT., Ed Lumley Arena, Cornwall Civic Complex, 100 Water St. E.

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