The Watchtower — May 1, 1984

1914​—It Changed Your Life

ALMOST 70 years ago, on Monday morning, June 29, 1914, the newspapers carried a shocking headline: “HEIR TO AUSTRIA’S THRONE IS SLAIN.” Perhaps that item of news seems very old to you now​—almost like something out of ancient history. Nevertheless, it startled those who were alive at the time. And it set in motion a chain of events that still affects you.

These events, moreover, were evidence of other far more momentous happenings that will soon affect your life very profoundly indeed. Let us see how all of this is true.

Its Effects Are Still Felt

First, how is your life today, in the 1980’s, affected by that assassination of long ago? Well, that was the event that triggered the first world war. That war, along with the peace agreement that followed, shaped the world we know.

Before that war, the world scene was dominated by empires, most of them built up by formidable European powers. The war led to the breakup of these empires, and today the stability of the world is no longer maintained by a few powerful European countries. Instead we see something that threatens even the survival of mankind: a relentless contest for superiority between two superpowers, communist Russia and capitalist America. This situation, too, finds its roots in the first world war.

Before that war, Russia was a vast, backward country dominated by the Russian Orthodox Church and ruled by the czar. America, though strong, was in no way viewed as a rival of the European powers. The first world war changed all of that. According to historian René Albrecht-Carrié, “the [first world] war marked the coming of age of America in the community of states.” He adds: “The power of the United States at the end of the war in all respects far outdistanced all others.” The vast wealth of America, in comparison with the economic exhaustion of the European powers, led to her present world dominance.

In Russia, rumblings of rebellion had been heard before the war. During the war Russia took the field against Germany, so Germany sent the Russian revolutionary Lenin from his exile in Switzerland back to his native land, in the hope of increasing the internal unrest there. The strategy was successful, and Russia left the war. Lenin’s party, the Bolsheviks, took control of the Russian revolution, and the direct result of that event is the Russia we see today.

Apart from the rivalry between the superpowers, there is today unprecedented agitation and instability among and within nations. This is also a part of what historian Charles L. Mee, Jr., calls the “terribly mixed legacy” of the first world war and the peace treaty that followed. As part of that legacy, he enumerates “the rise of Hitler, the Second World War, the riots and revolutions that plague a world without political order.” You still read about that bloodshed and suffering in your morning newspapers. And remember, the second world war spurred the development of nuclear bombs, which cast a threatening shadow over the very existence of life on earth.

Author Mee adds, however, “at the same time, the collapse of the old order was a necessary prelude to the spread of self-rule, the liberation of new nations and classes, the release of new freedom and independence.” Before 1914, most nations were ruled by a privileged, hereditary aristocracy. Class structures were rigid. The first world war accelerated the breakup of that system. As historian René Albrecht-Carrié says: “It was the First World War that broke the dyke of the nineteenth-century social structure; the claims of the Common Man for recognition could no longer be denied.” Today, it is difficult to imagine the power the old ruling classes once had.

Yes, the world that we know today started to be formed when that assassin’s bullet cut down the heir to the throne of Austria 70 years ago. Your life would be very different if that tragedy, and the war it triggered, had never happened. But other things were happening during the early years of this century. Most people were completely unaware of their significance. Yet these things touch your life even more profoundly.

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Archduke Ferdinand and his wife, five minutes before being slain

What 1914 Could Mean to You

THE first world war was by far the widest and most destructive human conflict up to that time. The second world war​—really just a continuation of the first—​was far worse. In these two wars, more than 25 million military men, besides civilians, were slaughtered.

A third world war using the nuclear arsenals of the superpowers, if it should ever happen, could be international suicide. Authorities assure us that it would mean at least the end of civilization as we know it and possibly the destruction of the human race. Some of the generation that witnessed the death of the heir to the throne of Austria in 1914 have lived long enough to witness this potential climax in human warfare.

However, our times are important for other than political reasons. Bible prophecy tells us of things that have been happening during the past 70 years that were invisible to human eyes. They were events that place a great opportunity before YOU. Let us consider the most important of them.

Jesus and 1914

Once when Jesus was alone with four of his followers, they asked him: “What will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?” Jesus did not give them a date. Rather, he described a series of world events and trends that would enable his followers to know that his spiritual “presence” had begun. His prophecy says: “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes in one place after another.” He then added: “All these things are a beginning of pangs of distress.”​—Matthew 24:3, 7, 8.

Can you see now the real reason why the great wars of this century are so important? They fulfill Jesus’ prophecy. No other wars of history measure up to the two world wars. Only a suicidal third world war could be greater, but Jesus was not prophesying that, since the wars he spoke about were part of “a beginning of pangs of distress.” Troubles were to continue and even intensify after their outbreak. Without a doubt, his prophecy has had fulfillment in the world wars that began in 1914.

This conclusion is confirmed when we consider all the other features of the ‘sign of his presence’ that Jesus gave in Matthew 24 and other parts of the Bible. Read them for yourself. Other issues of the Watchtower magazine have fully discussed them, and the fulfillment of all these features taken together undeniably proves that our century has indeed been experiencing the “presence” of Jesus. What does that mean in practical terms?

Jesus’ “presence” means nothing less than the beginning of his rule as King of God’s Kingdom. It is not something we can see with our literal eyes because God’s Kingdom is heavenly, not earthly. (John 18:36) Hence the need for a “sign” so that we would know it had happened. Nevertheless, it is a vitally important truth that in the early days of this century, when world empires were crumbling and new powers were taking shape, the greatest world power of all​—God’s Kingdom—​was born.

Satan and 1914

If, though, the “presence” of Jesus is invisible, why is it so important? Because of its effect on mankind. Other prophecies help us to understand this. For example, in the book of Revelation, the apostle John records a vision of what would happen when Jesus began to rule as Messianic King: “War broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels battled with the dragon, and the dragon and its angels battled but it did not prevail, neither was a place found for them any longer in heaven. So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.”​—Revelation 12:7-9.

Thus, the first world war was not the only war that broke out in 1914. There was a greater war fought, although unseen by human eyes. But the results were felt here on earth: “I heard a loud voice in heaven say: ‘Now have come to pass the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ . . . On this account be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them! Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.’”​—Revelation 12:10, 12.

Here is a new dimension to the problems of mankind in the 20th century. Satan and his demons are confined to the vicinity of the earth. Is it any wonder that some of the most evil men in history have lived and prospered in our time? Satan’s activities will continue for only “a short period of time.” But as long as that time lasts, things will not improve. No wonder Jesus said that the first world war and related events were only the “beginning of pangs of distress”!

However, that distress would not last forever. Jesus showed, in fact, that it would last for only a short time. He foretold concerning those living in 1914 who would see the fulfillment of the ‘sign of his presence’: “Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.” (Matthew 24:34) Among the things due to occur in the lifetime of this generation is the fulfillment of a prophecy from an older part of the Bible.

1914 and World Government

Hundreds of years before Jesus’ time, a Hebrew prophet named Daniel gave us a preview of the march of world powers from his own day down to ours. At the end of the prophecy, pointing to the powers ruling in our day, he said: “In the days of those kings 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. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite.”​—Daniel 2:44.

Thus, the birth of God’s Kingdom in 1914 is something of pivotal importance in world history. It is truly a world government. Soon it will take over the day-by-day ruling of this earth.

Its effects will be literally epoch making. The year 1914 ushered in an age of confusion and violence. After Armageddon, the Kingdom of God will bring in an age of peace and tranquillity. In a beautiful picture of the world unity that will soon exist under Jesus’ rule, an ancient prophecy says: “In his days the righteous one will sprout, and the abundance of peace until the moon is no more. And he will have subjects from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.”​—Psalm 72:7, 8.

Thus, the international turmoil that the earth has witnessed since 1914 is seen to be striking evidence of “the conclusion of the system of things.” It is proof of the anger Satan has because he knows his time has nearly run out. It is a demonstration of the fact that a new and better system of things is at hand.

1914 and Christians

Why has not Jesus already brought that peace and unity to mankind? Because there is an important task to be accomplished first. It was foretold by Jesus when he was giving ‘the sign of his presence.’ He said: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) The end will not come before mankind has been told what is happening. Are they being told?

Yes. From the early days after World War I, Jehovah’s Witnesses have zealously and fearlessly preached about the newborn Kingdom of God. In more than 200 lands today, they continue to visit people in their homes and explain to them the real reason for this century’s problems. They tell them of the new system that will soon exist under God’s Kingdom, and thus they share with them their hope for the future. The end will not come before that preaching work is completed.

Apart from informing mankind in general about the Kingdom, the preaching work has served another purpose: It has given men the opportunity to become subjects of God’s Kingdom. Jehovah God encourages both the nations and their rulers: “Serve Jehovah with fear and be joyful with trembling. Kiss the son, that He may not become incensed and you may not perish.” (Psalm 2:11, 12) The nations as a whole have not responded to this invitation, but many individuals have. This has not made them revolutionary opponents of the present rulers on earth. (Romans 13:1-7) But it has made them want to learn the laws of God’s Kingdom and obey these.

The result has been a remarkable phenomenon, fulfilling yet another prophecy for our times: “Many peoples will certainly go and say: ‘Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.’ . . . And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.”​—Isaiah 2:2-4.

Individuals are now fulfilling that prophecy. From all nations and languages, literally millions have begun to live by the laws of God’s Kingdom, and they are at peace with one another. Centuries-old tribal and religious conflicts are being resolved between individuals. Thus, a group of people is being separated from the world to be a nucleus of the new world system that will exist under God’s Kingdom.​—Revelation 7:9-17.

1914 and You

Can you now see the importance of the date 1914 and the effect it can have on you? In that year, events were set in motion that will result in a complete change in the world scene. The key to the changes is God’s Kingdom. When Jesus began to rule in that Kingdom, things could never be the same again. Satan was cast out of heaven. A world order crumbled, and men have found nothing solid to put in its place. But God’s Kingdom will finally “crush” the human ruling systems and supplant them forever.

Thus the date 1914 introduced a time of great urgency but also of great opportunity. There is still time to “kiss the son” in demonstration of your subjection to him. Those who do will survive the coming end of this system of things and be part of a human race united in peace and harmony under just one King, Jesus Christ.

This future can be the real meaning of 1914 to you.

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In the early days of this century, the greatest world power of all​—God’s Kingdom—​was born

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All things prophesied by Jesus will occur during the lifetime of at least some of the generation of 1914

Why Hesitate? Listen and Obey!

“HE WHO hesitates is lost,” says a popular maxim. This is certainly true where it concerns doing what our Creator, Jehovah God, asks us to do.

The Bible contains many pointed examples of those who hesitated to obey God, or who chose a course of action independent from him. The lessons they teach us are vital for our day.

Lot and His Wife

One case in point was that of Lot and his wife, some 3,900 years ago. Lot and his uncle Abram were nomadic alien residents in the land of Canaan. Crowded pasturage caused conflicts between their respective herdsmen. To avoid further problems Abram and Lot agreed to go their separate ways. Unselfishly Abram gave Lot the first choice of land. His nephew chose the well-watered region of the lower Jordan and Salt Sea. He finally settled his tents near the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. From a material standpoint it seemed a wise choice. From the spiritual one it could hardly have been worse.

Lot’s neighbors in Sodom “were gross sinners against Jehovah.” They were depraved homosexuals, “from boy to old man.” (Genesis 13:13; 19:4) How did Lot view the situation? The apostle Peter answers: “That righteous man by what he saw and heard while dwelling among them from day to day was tormenting his righteous soul by reason of their lawless deeds.” Their depravity, however, was not to go unpunished. The Bible account explains: “Consequently Jehovah said: ‘The cry of complaint about Sodom and Gomorrah, yes, it is loud, and their sin, yes, it is very heavy.’” So heavy in fact that Jehovah determined to destroy those cities together with their perverted inhabitants. Lot’s well-watered region was no longer such a rosy prospect.​—2 Peter 2:6-8; Genesis 18:20, 21.

How were Lot and his family to escape the impending destruction? The very angels who were to act as executioners of the cities’ inhabitants were sent to Lot to give him life-saving instructions. What were he and his family to do? Abandon the city without delay!

Indecision Does Not Pay

How did Lot and his family react to those clear instructions? After being rebuffed by his sons-in-law, who considered the threat of destruction to be a joke, Lot kept lingering around the place. Rather than obeying immediately God’s command to flee, he delayed. But the angels did not. They had their instructions and obeyed them. “In the compassion of Jehovah upon him, the men [materialized angels] seized hold of his hand and of the hand of his wife and of the hands of his two daughters and they proceeded to bring him out and to station him outside the city.”​—Genesis 19:15, 16.

Did Lot and his family then flee to the mountainous region as instructed? Not at once. Whether he was influenced by his wife or not we do not know, but he implored Jehovah’s angel to let him seek refuge in a nearby city. This was granted and they fled to Zoar. (Genesis 19:18-22) How did Lot’s wife react to this uprooting and sudden change of home? Apparently she did not trust Jehovah’s judgment in the matter. Like her husband, she was indecisive, but with the difference that he eventually obeyed. She did not. She “began to look around from behind him [Lot], and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26) She hesitated and lost.

Did the Early Christians Obey?

Just as Lot and his family were instructed to flee without delay from their wicked neighbors, so Jesus gave a similar warning to those of his generation. He told them that in time Jerusalem would be surrounded by encamped armies and that the only escape would be flight to the mountains. (Luke 21:20, 21) He warned of the danger of hesitation or delay: “Let the man on the housetop not come down to take the goods out of his house; and let the man in the field not return to the house to pick up his outer garment.”​—Matthew 24:17, 18.

When the Roman armies temporarily withdrew their siege of Jerusalem in the year 66 C.E., alert Christians remembered Jesus’ instructions. They listened and obeyed. They got out of Judea without delay and fled to the mountains to the east of the river Jordan. The unbelieving Jews and any Christians who doubted stayed behind in what appeared to be a divinely protected holy city. Four years later the Romans came back with a vengeance and wiped out over a million of Jerusalem’s inhabitants. They left the city in ruins. How happy and relieved were those obedient Christians up in the mountains when they heard the news of Jerusalem’s destruction! Their unhesitating obedience had been blessed.

Is There a Modern Application?

What can we learn from these vivid pictures of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and of Jerusalem? Jesus Christ used the annihilation of those cities as a parallel for the time “when the Son of man is to be revealed.” (Luke 17:28-30; 21:5-36) For earnest Bible students the events since 1914 indicate that we are rapidly approaching that time for execution of judgment. Soon Jehovah and Christ will act to rid the earth of all gross sinners.​—Revelation 19:11-21.

How should this knowledge affect you? For example, if you are contemplating Christian baptism in water, should you hesitate about this vital step? Should the decision seem like a mountain to you? Not if you listen to Jesus’ command and obey him. (Matthew 28:19, 20) Having taken in knowledge of Jehovah and the Kingdom, you can show that you value a relationship with Jehovah through Christ by undergoing water baptism. This would be an open confession of your unequivocal dedication to God.​—Matthew 10:32, 33.

Christians who are already baptized should also analyze their situation. How? By reflecting on the attitude of Lot’s wife. She lost out because she did not wholeheartedly trust in God. She did not move forward with confidence. (Luke 17:31, 32) Maybe some today hold back from a fuller participation in Christian service, even though their circumstances allow for it. For example, some may be in a position to serve as auxiliary or regular pioneers. Think of the blessings that could result! Many today who acted on their opportunities are now joyfully serving as Gilead missionaries or are in Bethel, special pioneer, circuit or district service. They are glad they entered this open door of service.​—Revelation 3:8.

For Christians today this is no time for hesitation. This corrupt system of things is doomed. Why, then, look back in doubt? Be ready, always, to listen and obey. Look forward and trust in Jehovah. Be like Abraham, who obeyed without hesitating, even as the apostle Paul states: “Because of the promise of God he did not waver in a lack of faith, but became powerful by his faith, giving God glory and being fully convinced that what he had promised he was also able to do.”​—Romans 4:20, 21.

Removing “the Folly of Man”

Former U.S. Secretary of State Dean Rusk was quoted recently as saying: “Before we pollute the wondrous heavens with the folly of man, surely we should put our heads together to try to find some way to avoid this dismal prospect.” But can humans solve the problem? Actually we today are witnessing the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy of “signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth anguish of nations,” showing “that the kingdom of God is near.” That Kingdom alone will remove “the folly of man.”​—Luke 21:25, 31; Daniel 2:44.

Insight on the News

What Is Success?

For many people today, getting to the top of the career ladder and attaining wealth and fame spell success and happiness. But does it? Not according to the U.S.News & World Report. It says that this “love affair with success​—when pursued with single-minded purpose—​could exact a big toll in the form of sickness, career problems, neglected children and broken families.” Dr. Paul Rosch, president of the American Institute of Stress, is quoted as stating that “the pressure to excel is greater than it has ever been,” and many people feel that they must succeed “even if it means crawling over the bodies of co-workers or sacrificing what they really want.” While admitting that not all successful people are thus guilty, the article asserts that many have emotional problems and are not happy. “Authorities agree, true success in life is determined not on the basis of fancy titles or six-figure salaries,” the article concludes.

Those seeking true success and happiness are finding them today, not by trying to get to the top of the career ladder at any price, but by searching for the true God and finding him. As Psalm 144:15 states, “Happy is the people whose God is Jehovah!” The apostle Paul warned against competition, and Jesus said that “there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” (Acts 20:35; Galatians 5:26) Seeking to be successful in God’s eyes by knowing and doing his will, rather than trying to get to the top of this world’s materialistic ladder, brings true and lasting happiness.

‘Forget Doom Warnings’

Jesus said that the people of Noah’s day were destroyed in the Flood because “they took no note” of God’s warning message. Jesus’ famous prophecy on what we could expect to happen at his “presence” and the conclusion of Satan’s system of things (found in Matthew, chapter 24) is an apt description of what we see every day in the world around us. (See also 2 Timothy 3:1-5.) Yet, in spite of these distressing conditions some shut their eyes to the meaning of such events.

For example, in The Hopeful Future, a recent book by G. Harry Stine, he speaks of a bright future where atomic war, pollution and shortages of food or fuel are not to be feared. Mr. Stine apparently looks upon the doomsayer’s scenarios as highly improbable. He confidently holds to such a bright outlook because man has survived previous crises and somehow will survive the present ones.

The Bible shows that there will come a time when there will be no wars, pollution or shortage of food and fuel. But this will not come by man’s efforts for “it does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.” However, Jehovah can and will bring about a peaceful world where Paradise will never end. (Jeremiah 10:23; Isaiah 65:17, 18) The gaining of eternal life in that Paradise amounts to real success and happiness.

“Church Accepts Living in Sin”

That was the headline of a report in London’s Daily Express on a 30-page booklet, Foreword to Marriage, put out by the Church of England. On the subject of premarital sex, the booklet says of many newlyweds at the time of marriage: “There will have been full and free experimentation for some time. Others will have been living together already, and so this experience is nothing new. Or is it?” The newspaper article comments: “That final query is the only suggestion in the 30-page booklet, that sex before marriage may not be an ideal start.” In an interview, the author of the booklet pointed out that the Church neither approves nor disapproves of sexual relations before marriage, and he added: “What we hope is that in relations before marriage there are deep and lasting links being forged rather than just superficial relations.”

How different are God’s moral standards! His Word plainly states: “Flee from fornication.” (1 Corinthians 6:18) It is little wonder that the world’s moral standards are decaying when religious leaders fail to tell the people what God’s requirements are. The Bible clearly says at 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 that those who practice fornication and adultery “will not inherit God’s kingdom.” It is encouraging to know that Jehovah’s Witnesses do not compromise in teaching God’s moral standards and do their best in living up to them.

Pray for One Another

“Carry on prayer for us.”​—2 THESSALONIANS 3:1.

1-3. (a) Why can Jehovah’s people confidently approach him in prayer? (b) Why should Jehovah’s Witnesses be prayerful people?

JEHOVAH is the great “Hearer of prayer.” (Psalm 65:2) Hence, his loyal servants can confidently approach him with their humble petitions and words of thanksgiving. Indeed, Jehovah’s Witnesses have many reasons to be people of prayer.

² For one thing, Jesus Christ taught his followers to pray. He told them: “Whenever you pray, say, ‘Father, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Give us our bread for the day according to the day’s requirement. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone that is in debt to us; and do not bring us into temptation.’” (Luke 11:2-4) That prayer rightly put God first and included personal requests. This Model Prayer also showed that our prayers should not ignore other people.

³ Jesus’ apostles also urged fellow believers to be people of prayer. For instance, the apostle Paul said, “Persevere in prayer” and, “Pray incessantly.” (Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17) And the apostle Peter stated: “But the end of all things has drawn close. Be sound in mind, therefore, and be vigilant with a view to prayers.” (1 Peter 4:7) What excellent counsel!

What Prayer Can Do for Us

4. What is required if the prayers of God’s dedicated servants are to be heard?

⁴ The noted poet Alfred Tennyson wrote: “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.” How true! But if God’s dedicated servants are to be heard, their prayers must be directed to Jehovah through Jesus Christ in faith, must be in harmony with the divine will and must be expressed in the right manner. (John 14:6; 1 John 5:13-15) Interestingly, it has been said: “God looks not at the oratory of your prayers, how elegant they may be; nor at the geometry of your prayers, how long they may be; nor at the arithmetic of your prayers, how many they may be; not at logic of your prayers, how methodical they may be; but the sincerity of them he looks at.”​—17th-century English Puritan minister Thomas Brooks.

5. (a) What can prayer do for us? (b) Concerning prayer, what question will we consider?

⁵ Praying regularly, with sincerity of heart, draws us closer to Jehovah. Humble, earnest prayer helps us to fulfill our preaching commission. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20; 2 Corinthians 2:17) It assists us in making decisions that please our heavenly Father. Prayer also helps us to endure persecution and maintain integrity to God. (Psalm 109:3, 4; 119:86) It gives us opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude to Jehovah. And there is also prayer for one another. But concerning the latter, how can such prayers benefit us and our fellow believers?

Why Pray for One Another?

6. For whom did Jesus pray, and for whom can we therefore pray?

⁶ Jesus, our Exemplar, prayed in behalf of his disciples. Earnestly, he petitioned Jehovah: “I make request concerning them; I make request, not concerning the world, but concerning those you have given me; because they are yours.” Although Jesus died for the world of mankind, he did not pray for the “world” in the sense of human society alienated from God. Nevertheless, Jesus did pray for those who came out of that world and put faith in him. (John 3:16, 17; 17:8, 9; compare 2 Peter 2:5; 3:6.) In view of Jesus’ example, then, we properly pray for such godly individuals.

7. What apostolic example moves Jehovah’s people to pray for one another?

⁷ The apostle Paul prayed concerning fellow believers. For example, he told Christians in Ephesus: “I also, since I have heard of the faith you have in the Lord Jesus and toward all the holy ones, do not cease giving thanks for you. I continue mentioning you in my prayers.” (Ephesians 1:15, 16) Moreover, Paul did not hesitate to encourage prayer for himself and others. After urging the Ephesians to ‘put on the complete suit of spiritual armor’ and accept ‘the sword of the spirit, God’s word,’ he added: “While with every form of prayer and supplication you carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit. And to that end keep awake with all constancy and with supplication in behalf of all the holy ones, also for me, that ability to speak may be given me with the opening of my mouth, with freeness of speech to make known the sacred secret of the good news.” (Ephesians 6:11-19) This apostolic example, too, prompts Jehovah’s people to pray for one another.

8. Why is it fitting that anointed Christians and those of the “great crowd” pray for one another?

⁸ Jehovah’s Witnesses make up a worldwide brotherhood. The spirit-begotten followers of Christ among them have a “sharing,” or “fellowship,” with God, his Son and fellow anointed Christians. (1 John 1:3, 7; compare An American Translation.) However, Jesus indicated that all his disciples would have love among themselves, and the apostle Peter said: “Have love for the whole association of brothers.” (1 Peter 2:17; John 13:34, 35) How fitting, then, that anointed Christians and their companions, the “great crowd,” pray for one another! (Revelation 7:9) But what might well be the content of such prayers?

For Unity, Guidance and Wisdom

9. Why should we pray for the unity of our Christian brotherhood?

⁹ We should pray for loving unity in our Christian brotherhood. Jesus prayed that his followers might be in union with him and his Father, and Paul exhorted fellow worshipers of Jehovah to be ‘fitly united in the same mind and line of thought.’ (1 Corinthians 1:10; John 17:20, 21) A genuine spirit of brotherhood has always been the hallmark of those devoted to Jehovah. ‘How good it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!’ (Psalm 133:1-3) And one way to contribute to that unity is by praying for it.

10. Why pray for guidance and support by holy spirit?

¹⁰ We should pray that by his spirit Jehovah will guide and support the activities of his people. Some may have very difficult assignments in God’s service​—things that could never be accomplished in mere human strength. So these loyal Christians, and we ourselves, need Jehovah’s help by means of his holy spirit.​—Zechariah 4:6; compare Luke 11:13; Acts 8:14, 15.

11. As regards wisdom, how can we fittingly pray?

¹¹ We can pray that our brothers will be granted wisdom from God. Paul prayed that Christians in Colossae might “be filled with the accurate knowledge of [God’s] will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him.” (Colossians 1:9, 10) It is also appropriate to pray that those directing the preaching work and preparing our publications may have “a spirit of wisdom.” (Ephesians 1:15-17) Do you pray in behalf of those supervising the Kingdom-preaching work and the preparation of the publications that provide spiritual “food at the proper time”?​—Matthew 24:45-47.

For Successful Preaching Despite Persecution

12. How is 2 Thessalonians 3:1 related to praying for others?

¹² We should also pray that fellow believers will have success in spreading the Kingdom message. Paul urged: “Brothers, carry on prayer for us, that the word of Jehovah may keep moving speedily and being glorified just as it is in fact with you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:1; compare Ephesians 6:18, 19.) Yes, Paul asked fellow believers to pray that he and his companions might be successful in declaring “the word of Jehovah.” We, too, should pray for the rapid spreading of God’s Word and the advancement of Kingdom interests. Of course, such prayers involve others​—all those zealously doing Jehovah’s will in these “last days.”​—2 Timothy 3:1-5.

13. (a) What does 1 Timothy 2:1, 2 indicate respecting prayer for worldly officials? (b) For what can we pray if we are persecuted as Kingdom proclaimers?

¹³ Jehovah’s people can properly pray respecting worldly officials. Paul said: “I therefore exhort, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, offerings of thanks, be made concerning all sorts of men, concerning kings and all those who are in high station.” Paul’s further words indicate that these prayers ultimately are in behalf of God’s people, that is, “in order that we may go on leading a calm and quiet life with full godly devotion and seriousness.” (1 Timothy 2:1, 2) Interestingly, Jewish exiles in Babylon were told to pray for the peace of that city, ‘for in its peace there would be peace for them.’ (Jeremiah 29:7) Therefore, as Jehovah’s Witnesses, we appropriately pray respecting worldly officials so that we and our spiritual brothers may lead a calm, quiet life that enables us to carry out our commission as Kingdom proclaimers. But if we are persecuted, we can confidently pray that we and our fellow Witnesses may be granted the divine help needed to speak God’s word boldly under such circumstances. And we may be certain that those prayers will be answered.​—Acts 4:29-31; 5:29.

14. What Scriptural basis do we have for praying that our persecuted brothers will receive God’s help and comfort?

¹⁴ It certainly is proper to pray that our brothers suffering persecution will receive Jehovah’s comfort and help. In the district of Asia, where the city of Ephesus was situated, the apostle Paul was ‘under extreme pressure, even being uncertain of life.’ Why, he may have fought wild beasts in an arena at Ephesus! In any case, Paul told Christians at Corinth: “You also can help along by your supplication for us, in order that thanks may be given by many in our behalf for what is kindly given to us due to many prayerful faces.” (2 Corinthians 1:8-11; Acts 19:23-41; 1 Corinthians 15:32) Unquestionably, then, we should pray that our suffering brothers and sisters may have Jehovah’s help and comfort today.​—2 Corinthians 1:3-7.

15. What can we do for our persecuted fellow believers even if we ourselves are imprisoned?

¹⁵ Fellow servants of Jehovah surely need our prayers when facing persecution, distress or dangers. At such times, we may be separated from them and may be unable to help them in any other way. Why, we ourselves may be imprisoned! Yet, we can do much good by praying for our fellow believers. As long as we are alive, our foes cannot prevent such prayer. It may even be silent, but it definitely is effective.​—Compare Nehemiah 2:4-6.

For Fine Spiritual Health

16. In harmony with 2 Corinthians 13:7, how can we pray for fellow Christians?

¹⁶ We can also fittingly pray that fellow Christians ‘do nothing wrong, but do what is fine.’ (2 Corinthians 13:7) Such a loving, unselfish prayer shows that we really want them to continue living in divine favor. The apostle Paul wrote: “We always pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling and perform completely all he pleases of goodness and the work of faith with power.” (2 Thessalonians 1:11) Epaphras prayed that Colossian Christians might “finally stand complete and with firm conviction in all the will of God.” (Colossians 4:12) Although such words were directed to anointed Christians, our prayers today can rightly express similar sentiments in behalf of all those devoted to Jehovah.

17. What prayers are appropriate as regards our brothers’ spiritual health?

¹⁷ We can pray concerning our fellow worshipers’ spiritual health. If some become spiritually sick, the appointed elders properly pray for them and with them, seeking to bring about their recovery. The disciple James wrote: “The prayer of faith will make the indisposed one well, and Jehovah will raise him up.” (James 5:13-16; 1 Samuel 12:18-25) In our private prayers we can mention fellow believers by name and express the wish that they remain “healthy in the faith.” (Titus 1:13; 2:1, 2) Of course, it is wrong to pray for those who willfully reject God’s atonement provision.​—Hebrews 10:26-29.

Benefits of Praying for One Another

18, 19. What are some personal benefits of praying for one another?

¹⁸ We may be assured that many benefits will be realized if we pray for one another. For instance, our prayers will thereby become richer. Praying for fellow believers will undoubtedly improve our attitude toward them. Indeed, such prayers are likely to make us more patient, more unselfish, more loving, more concerned about others. Moreover, prayers for our spiritual brothers and sisters will show Jehovah that we are interested in his organization, its activities and its welfare.

¹⁹ There is great comfort in knowing that our spiritual brothers and sisters are praying for us, even as we pray for them. How wonderful to realize that our prayers for fellow witnesses of Jehovah are being heard by the “Hearer of prayer”! Therefore, to further Kingdom interests while promoting love and unity in our ranks, let us pray for one another.

What Is Your Reply?

□ Why should Jehovah’s Witnesses be people of prayer?

□ What can prayer do for us?

□ Why pray for one another?

□ Concerning fellow believers, for what matters can we pray?

□ What are some benefits of praying for one another?

[Picture on page 14]

Do you pray that fellow witnesses of Jehovah will have success in spreading the Kingdom message?

[Picture on page 15]

How often do you pray in behalf of persecuted Christians?

Make Yourself Available!

“Your people will offer themselves willingly . . . You have your company of young men just like dewdrops.”​—PSALM 110:3.

1, 2. In keeping with Psalm 110:3, what are Jehovah’s Witnesses now doing?

JEHOVAH’S King, Jesus Christ, now reigns! Since 1914 he has been poised for action and has already begun ‘subduing in the midst of his enemies.’ (Psalm 110:2) In these dramatic final days of this dying system, let all willing volunteers present themselves for the King’s service, and let them do so without hesitation.

² This is exactly what Jehovah’s Witnesses are doing. Their ranks are swelling with hard workers, glistening like dewdrops. Right now these inspired words of the psalmist are undergoing fulfillment: “Your people will offer themselves willingly on the day of your military force. In the splendors of holiness, from the womb of the dawn, you have your company of young men just like dewdrops.” (Psalm 110:3) What a day in which to be living!

3. As regards service, what spirit has always been evident among Jehovah’s servants? Prove this Scripturally.

³ A self-sacrificing spirit of willing service has always been evident among Jehovah’s loyal servants. Thus when presented with an opportunity to serve as God’s message bearer, the prophet Isaiah promptly responded: “Here I am! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8) Early in Jesus’ Galilean ministry, he went to certain God-fearing Jews and extended the invitation: ‘Come, be my follower.’ They responded without hesitation, leaving tax-office employment and fishing businesses. (Matthew 4:18-22; Luke 5:27, 28) Willinghearted women contributed time, effort and material resources to supply the needs of Jesus and his disciples. (Mark 15:40, 41; Luke 8:1-3) Yes, when opportunities for sacred service arose, these people all made themselves available.

They Offered Themselves Willingly

4. How did Paul and his associates view a ‘Macedonian call’?

⁴ The Christian apostle Paul also made himself available for service to Jehovah’s praise. On one occasion he had a vision of a certain man whose entreaty was: “Step over into Macedonia and help us.” Did the apostle and his associates respond? Indeed they did, for we read: “Now as soon as he had seen the vision, we sought to go forth into Macedonia, drawing the conclusion that God had summoned us to declare the good news to them.” They made themselves available, and Jehovah crowned their willing service with success.​—Acts 16:8-40.

5. What have some said about the service of the early Christians?

⁵ Willing service was a mark of early Christianity. It has been said: “The Early Church did not alone support missionaries; it was missionary. It [did not feel] that its own part was fulfilled if it paid the bills and listened with languid interest to the stories the missionaries told of their successes. These little churches were themselves missionary beehives. Everybody felt called to tell the Good News.” (The Preaching Value of Missions, containing lectures by Helen Barrett Montgomery) Jesus’ followers were active evangelizers. “The record of the early church in Acts is evidence that they took evangelism as seriously as they did literally. Evangelism was primary.” (The Idea of the Laity, by David Haney) And what resulted from this self-sacrificing work of Jesus’ followers? “They were soon traveling Roman roads to distant cities and provinces. In time, the whole Empire became a seedbed of the new religion.” (Imperial Rome, by Moses Hadas) Yes, the good news ‘was preached in all creation under heaven’ because those early Christian witnesses made themselves available!​—Colossians 1:23; Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 1:6-8.

6. How have modern-day witnesses of Jehovah always felt about the Kingdom-preaching work?

⁶ A similar spirit prevails among modern-day witnesses of Jehovah. Fittingly, the Watch Tower issue of July and August 1881 stated: “Are you preaching? We believe that none will be of the little flock except preachers. . . . We were not called, nor anointed to receive honor and amass wealth, but to spend and be spent, and to preach the good news.” The same viewpoint was evident years later. During a thrilling convention at Cedar Point, Ohio, in 1922, assembled Kingdom advocates were urged: “Back to the field, O ye sons of the most high God! Gird on your armor! Be sober, be vigilant, be active, be brave. Be faithful and true witnesses for the Lord. Go forward in the fight until every vestige of Babylon lies desolate. Herald the message far and wide. The world must know that Jehovah is God and that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. This is the day of all days. Behold, the King reigns! You are his publicity agents. Therefore advertise, advertise, advertise, the King and his kingdom.” For such Kingdom proclamation, Jehovah’s Witnesses joyfully, zealously, continue making themselves available.

A Great Need Is Met

7. What was the experience of full-time preachers of earlier times, and how did they feel about their service to Jehovah?

⁷ Many of Jehovah’s servants have made themselves available for full-time preaching activity. Years ago, some served as colporteurs (now called pioneers), and their life was not an easy one. “Yes,” said one elderly Witness, “we had colporteurs cover the towns and rurals in those early days. Sometimes they would trade [Bible literature] for farm produce, chickens, soap and what-not, which they would use or sell to others. At times, in a sparsely settled area, they stayed with farmers and ranchers overnight, and at times even slept in haystacks . . . These faithful ones kept on for years and years until age overtook them.” Some were young when they began such full-time service. True, their work was taxing, but they had made themselves available and were glad to serve. As one of them put it: “We were young and happy in the service, delighted to expend our strength in serving Jah.”

8. For what service have many of Jehovah’s people made themselves available?

⁸ Through the years and in the face of unparalleled wars, famines, earthquakes and other developments constituting the “sign” of Christ’s “presence” in Kingdom power since 1914, Jehovah’s people have been undaunted in declaring the good news. (Matthew 24:3-14) Happily, many have made themselves available for full-time service, and how fine that they have done so!

9. (a) On February 1, 1943, what notable step was taken in the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses? (b) How was it possible to institute Gilead School and meet the need for international expansion of the Kingdom-preaching work?

⁹ World War II was raging in all its fury on February 1, 1943. But on that cold, wintry day at Kingdom Farm near South Lansing, New York, a notable step was taken in the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Forty-nine men and 51 women​—all pioneers—​then began a five-month course of study at the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead. This training would make them available for missionary work in other lands. Since wartime conditions made it virtually impossible to send missionaries to Europe and Asia, graduates of the earliest classes of Gilead School were assigned to Cuba, Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Canada and Alaska. Meeting the need for international expansion of the Kingdom-preaching work was possible because hardworking pioneers had made themselves available.

Accomplishments of Gilead School

10. What examples of Kingdom increase are cited since Gilead-trained missionaries first arrived in certain lands?

¹⁰ Upwards of 6,000 students have graduated from 76 classes of Gilead School, now situated at the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Brooklyn, New York. The school’s effectiveness is unmistakable. For example, when the first Gilead-trained missionaries arrived in Brazil in 1945, only 394 individuals were sharing in the Kingdom-preaching work in that country. Today the number is over 148,000. Back in 1949 when the first Gilead graduates arrived in Japan, only three local Kingdom publishers reported service in that Oriental land. Now there are over 86,000!

11. Since the opening of Gilead School in 1943, what has happened as regards Kingdom increase the world over?

¹¹ But what about Kingdom increase the world over? Well, when the first class of Gilead School received training in 1943, only 126,329 Kingdom proclaimers were active in 54 lands worldwide. Today, a peak of 2,652,323 publishers of the good news are preaching in 205 lands. In large measure, this tremendous increase has been due to the fine work of Gilead graduates.

12. How is Zechariah 8:23 being fulfilled?

¹² In many lands to which these graduates were sent as ambassadors and envoys substituting for Christ, they found fields ripe for the harvest. (Matthew 9:37, 38; 2 Corinthians 5:20) From a mere handful in some lands, today hundreds, thousands, even tens of thousands, have joined Jesus’ anointed followers and have said, in effect: “We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.” (Zechariah 8:23) Yes, and to further the progress of earth-wide Kingdom proclamation, this increasing “great crowd” is making itself available.​—Revelation 7:9.

Glad They Made Themselves Available

13. (a) What statement was made by one missionary who made herself available for increased service to Jehovah? (b) What question merits consideration?

¹³ Jehovah surely blesses those who manifest willingness and the spirit of self-sacrifice, and they are happy indeed that they have made themselves available for increased activity to God’s praise. For instance, one missionary sister wrote: “I resigned my position, burned the bridges behind me, and in September, 1930, right in the midst of a great economic depression, started really running on life’s race-course [as a pioneer]. I have always been so glad that I did that . . . It has meant tasting of Jehovah’s goodness and singing his praises every day, thereby resulting in peace of mind to face whatever comes.” (Psalm 34:8) Can you make yourself available for the privilege of pioneer or missionary service?

14. How has one member of the Governing Body expressed himself concerning full-time service?

¹⁴ After his first 21 years in full-time service, one of the early Gilead missionaries in Japan wrote in 1960: “They are years packed full of joys and experiences that a hundred ordinary lifetimes could not start to contain!” Today, some 24 years later, this brother’s joy remains great as a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

15. (a) After many years of Bethel service, what have some said? (b) What thought-provoking question does this raise?

¹⁵ After many years of service as a single man at the Watchtower Society’s headquarters, one brother said: “I have no regrets as to the course I chose back there in my early adulthood. . . . The joy of seeing millions of magazines and other publications bearing the message of God’s Word spreading to the ends of the earth has been a marvelous reward in itself.” A sister who has served at Brooklyn Bethel since the 1920’s once remarked: “Words are inadequate to express the satisfaction and joy I have experienced.” And after spending many years in Bethel service, one brother said: “I have indeed enjoyed a happy, rewarding and blessed way of life.” Could you, too, make yourself available for joyful service at Bethel?

Respond With Faith in Jehovah

16. What have two elderly brothers said about accepting assignments from Jehovah’s organization?

¹⁶ An elderly brother now serving in Papua New Guinea once wrote: “These [years of full-time service] have been the best years, the happiest years . . . How wise it was to heed the Lord’s promise at Matthew 6:33! How sensible to follow the Lord’s lead as made manifest through his organization!” A brother from Britain, who has been a full-time servant in India since the 1920’s, has well stated: “The whole world is now only a relatively small place. There are [servants of Jehovah] in every land and they are as lovable in one country as in another. One soon gets accustomed to the conditions in foreign lands. It is just a matter of making up one’s mind to do it, and then seeking Jehovah’s spirit to enable him to overcome the obstacles. My advice is, Always accept an assignment from Jehovah’s organization and joyfully make up the mind to make a go of it.”

17. (a) For congregation publishers, what opportunities exist for improved or increased service to Jehovah? (b) How did Paul respond when he became aware of ‘a large door leading to activity’?

¹⁷ As a congregation publisher with a family and various Scriptural responsibilities, you may wonder, ‘How much can I do?’ No one else can tell you. But you can pray to Jehovah, asking that he use you to the greatest extent possible in his sacred service. Perhaps you can increase the amount of time you regularly devote to the field ministry. If you are not yet conducting a home Bible study with an interested person, you may be able to arrange for one. And all of us can improve the quality of our service to Jehovah if we apply the advice of his Word and organization. Then, too, if you are an appointed elder, your spiritual assistance may be needed to a greater extent in another congregation. If your family moves to where the need truly is great, you, your wife and your children may have increased delight in finding and helping sheeplike ones. In time, you may have the joy of helping to establish a new congregation, or there may be many other blessings far beyond your expectations. When the apostle Paul became aware of ‘a large door leading to activity,’ he was eager to increase his service to Jehovah’s praise. (1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:2-4) Do you feel the same way?

18. (a) What is recommended if a door to increased Christian activity opens for you? (b) What will result if you make yourself available?

¹⁸ Then, what will you do when a privilege of service to Jehovah is set before you? Will you be self-sparing, or will you manifest the spirit of self-sacrifice? Of course, you should count the cost. (Luke 14:27-30) But if a door to increased Christian activity opens for you, pray to Jehovah. Be specific in such prayers and look for his guidance. (Psalm 37:5; Philippians 4:6, 7) Then, if his holy spirit impels you to accept a certain privilege, yield to that leading and act with faith in your heavenly Father. For a self-sacrificing course in advancing Kingdom interests you surely will be blessed. And remember, “The blessing of Jehovah​—that is what makes rich, and he adds no pain with it.” (Proverbs 10:22; Malachi 3:10) Yes, indeed, grand and unexpected blessings will be yours if you make yourself available!

How Would You Answer?

□ In harmony with Psalm 110:3, what are Jehovah’s Witnesses now doing?

□ How have Jehovah’s modern-day servants evaluated the Kingdom-preaching work?

□ Since Gilead School opened in 1943, what has happened to worldwide Kingdom increase?

□ What opportunities exist for improved or increased service to Jehovah?

□ If a door to increased Kingdom service opens for you, how should you react?

[Picture on page 18]

When Paul received the ‘Macedonian call,’ he and his associates made themselves available for service to Jehovah’s praise

[Picture on page 20]

Gilead School’s first graduating class, July 1943. These hardworking pioneers had made themselves available for increased Kingdom service

Making Use of the World but Not to the Full

As told by Harold L. Zimmerman

SOMEDAY the decision would have to be made​—that I knew. But fear of man, what people might think, and the desire to be popular caused me to keep putting it off.

To tell the story from the beginning: When I was just three years of age, my grandfather taught me to stand on my head. I loved it! When the circus came to town, the tumbling on the ground and somersaults on trampolines enthralled me. It became my heart’s desire to do those things. As a child, walking on my hands and practicing fancy diving for hours on end every summer was an all-absorbing interest.

At the age of 12, I was introduced to what came to be my first love​—tumbling and gymnastics. Soon our local team was winning Pennsylvania regional and state high-school championships. My name along with the names of my teammates appeared frequently in the newspapers. I enjoyed every minute of it! But whenever I stopped to think seriously, it came home to me: I was running away from something​—putting off the decision of my life.

You see, my grandparents on both sides from the early 1900’s were Bible Students (as Jehovah’s Witnesses were then known) and were active in talking about God’s Kingdom to others. My mother used to tell my older brother and me about that Kingdom and how it will put an end to wickedness and cause God’s will to be done upon this earth.

For years I prayed nightly to Jehovah, telling him that “someday” I would serve him “but not yet.” I frequently prayed, “When I get to be 19, then I’ll serve you”​—but I didn’t. Tumbling and gymnastics were my life.

The Big Decision

In 1942 I was 20 years old and in my second year of college at Pennsylvania State. That spring I won the eastern intercollegiate and national collegiate gymnastic championships and tied for first place in the national A.A.U. (Amateur Athletic Union) meet. My hope was one day to enter the Olympic Games. As you can see, the world was most appealing to me, and I was involved in it to the full.

At that time the United States was at war and the spirit of patriotism was running high. The movies glamorized serving in the armed forces, and catchy tunes and lyrics stirred the emotions with sentiments of romance, duty and glory. Who would not want to be part of this noble effort to free the world of Nazi tyranny and guarantee freedom and peace for all peoples?

I could understand why many felt that the only thing to do was to pitch in and help clean this whole thing up. Yet why all the song and glory? War is an unspeakably horrible business! Why not admit it? All of this disturbed me tremendously.

In September of 1942 I returned to Cleveland, Ohio, to attend the New World Theocratic Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The main talk “Peace​—Can It Last?” deeply impressed me. The speaker considered Revelation chapter 17, explaining that the beast that ‘was, but is not, and yet will be present,’ was the League of Nations, which would be revived after the war. This arrangement, too, the speaker said, was destined to fail and go off into destruction. God’s Kingdom would then take over the rulership of the earth to bring lasting peace. This vital information was to play a big part in helping me to make my decision.

Although I returned to college that fall, I began to study the Bible seriously, but in secret, in the fraternity house where I lived. How crystal clear it became to me now! God’s Kingdom alone can put an end to wars and bring lasting peace on earth. How foolish it would be to pin my hopes on a world doomed to failure! Convinced beyond all doubt, the question was: Would my faith be strong enough to cause me to act​—to make my decision?

Soon thereafter, one night I just could not get to sleep. The campus clock struck one, then two, o’clock. All the other lads in the dormitory were fast asleep. Climbing down from the second tier of the bunk bed, I walked over to the window that was open on the third floor of the fraternity house. It was a crisp autumn night. I prayed to Jehovah God and confessed to him how afraid I was. Nevertheless, right then and there my long postponed decision was made. A few weeks later I left college for good, determined to serve Jehovah to the fullest extent possible.

Now, however, the question was: Could I convince the draft board to exempt me from military service, since I could not conscientiously go to war? The Selective Service law made provision for special classification and exemption from military service for ministers of religion and those studying for the ministry.

Old friends, acquaintances and important men about town tried to talk me out of my decision.

“But what if everyone did as Jehovah’s Witnesses do?” some asked.

“If everybody took that stand, as Jehovah’s Witnesses do all over the world, there would be no war,” I answered. No one could change my mind. My decision had been made, based on John 15:19.

Some three months later my trial came up in a Federal courtroom. After a brief hearing in which I explained why I felt I should be considered a minister of religion, the judge instructed the 12-man jury: “The question is not whether this young man is sincere in his beliefs or not, or whether he is a minister of religion or not. The question is, Did he or did he not obey government order to report for induction into the armed forces? The fact that he is here in court today is proof that he is guilty!” He warned the jury members that they dare not come back with a verdict of “not guilty”!

The verdict? “Guilty, but we recommend clemency,” the jury stated. Still the judge delivered the maximum sentence: Five years incarceration in a federal institution to be designated by the attorney general. I was sent to Chillicothe, Ohio.

Time Well Spent

A regular highlight for the imprisoned Witnesses was the visit of Brother A. H. Macmillan, of the headquarters staff of the Watchtower Society. He would tell us: “You are a good deal like a man seated backward on a train. He can’t see things outside the window until they have gone by.” He assured us that in years to come we would appreciate more fully the value of the time we were spending there. How true those words were!

We soon organized a nightly study course patterned after the Gilead School for training missionaries. We studied through the Bible several times and read all the Watchtower Society’s Bible study aids. The knowledge acquired during those three years, eight months and five days of confinement provided a firm basis for continuing the career I chose that autumn evening at college​—now some 40 years ago.

As soon as I was released, I enrolled as a regular pioneer (a full-time Kingdom proclaimer), joining my mother in a pioneer assignment in Washington, D.C. There I met a pioneer sister who was to become my wife. Together Anne and I continued in various pioneer assignments that eventually led to our going to the 18th class of Gilead School in 1951. Our missionary assignment: Ethiopia, East Africa.

Missionary and Part-Time Paymaster

In order to send missionaries there, the Society had to agree to open schools in Ethiopia. So my wife and I went in as schoolteachers. Activity in the field service was limited, but, nevertheless, good progress was made in what was then the land of Haile Selassie.

During our second year there, our first child, Ronald, was born. What would we do now? Return to the States? No, we had no intention of leaving our assignment. I found work as Disbursement Officer with the Ethiopian Department of Highways. Part of my job was to pay the laborers in cash in the various road camps around the country.

Soon I saw that I could handle the payrolls in just 15 days out of the month. So I made the proposal to the Administrative Officer that he let me work just part time, leaving me the rest of the month free for preaching activity. He accepted. Thus I was able to return to the regular-pioneer ranks.

While we were back home on vacation in 1955, our second child, Donna, arrived. We fully intended to return to Ethiopia, but because of visa complications and finally the expulsion of the other missionaries, we never did. I had to work full time in the States for several years, devoting evenings and weekends to Kingdom service. We always, though, felt unsettled for some reason.

“Set the Date and Then Go!”

In 1957 we attended an assembly in Los Angeles, when Sheri, our number three, was just 12 days old. One look at the program and we found what we had been waiting for. It was the talk entitled “Serving Where the Need Is Great.” We thought, “There’s where we fit in. A place for us at last!”

We chose Colombia, South America, as the country where we wanted to serve, but we decided to wait until after the big international assembly in New York the next year, 1958. We thought April of 1959 would be the best time for me to make the journey to look things over. The cross-country trip to the New York assembly and then hospital bills with the arrival of David, our number four, exhausted all our funds. What now?

Just two weeks before my planned departure, at a semiannual circuit assembly, a few brothers approached us and said that they heard that we were planning to go to South America to serve where the need was greater. I did not know what to say, since by that time we had been able to lay aside only $100 (U.S.) for the trip. However, something very interesting happened.

One of the speakers on the program, directing his words to prospective pioneers, stated that they should not wait until they had a car, a trailer and money in the bank before starting pioneer service. “Set the date and then go!” he emphasized. We applied that counsel and decided to go ahead with our plans.

A week before my planned trip, I told Anne to phone the airline and make a reservation for me the following Friday for Barranquilla, Colombia. We didn’t even have enough money for a one-way ticket for me, let alone for the rest of the family. And time was growing very short!

Well, Anne made the reservation and had scarcely hung up the phone when the doorbell rang. It was the mailman with an envelope from the Internal Revenue Service​—a check for $265—​reimbursement for excess income tax withheld from my salary during 1958! That is not all. The following day, Saturday, three congregations with which we had associated during our stay in Los Angeles had a barbecue for us. Imagine our surprise when the brothers assembled there gave us a contribution of $350 to help us with our plans!

A Bible Example Helps Me Decide

The following Friday night, leaving Anne and the children in Los Angeles, I headed southeastward for Colombia, South America, the next two weeks to be spent in looking for work.

Shortly after my arriving, something really disturbing came up. I read in the daily papers about mass killings in the interior of the country. An undeclared civil war was in progress between two rival political factions, with senseless massacring of whole communities. This had been going on for ten years! Why had I not heard about this before? Did I really want to bring my family down to live in conditions like these?

When making decisions, my wife and I had made a practice of looking first in the Bible for guiding principles and examples. The most pertinent passage I could think of in this case was Numbers chapter 13, where Moses had sent 12 scouts to spy out the Promised Land. All but two came back with negative reports. The people then complained that Moses had brought them out into the wilderness to perish, along with their wives and little ones. Jehovah’s answer was: Their own bodies would fall during 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. But their children, whom they claimed they were worried about, would live to enter the land of Canaan.

There was the answer! At that I phoned Anne in Los Angeles and asked her to sell out, pack up and come on down. Our limited budget did not allow for another trip back to California for me. With the help of our brothers in Los Angeles, Anne sold the car and household furnishings and packed up our remaining belongings for the trip. Soon she and the little ones, from five years down to five months of age, were winging toward Colombia and a happy family reunion.

It was not until six weeks later, when our funds had dwindled to just three dollars, that I finally started working for an international firm, in the internal auditing department.

Soon the political scene changed, bringing about a more stable government. For the past 24 years now there has been freedom of worship, making it possible for the Kingdom-preaching work to be extended widely throughout the land.

Making Use of the World but Not to the Full

Down through the years, we have ever striven to keep in mind the apostle Paul’s counsel that “those making use of the world [be] as those not using it to the full.” (1 Corinthians 7:31) It is not always easy to keep proper balance​—trying to do a good job for your employer and at the same time putting Kingdom interests first in your mind and heart.​—Matthew 6:33.

I worked full time secularly for the first two years in Colombia, while we served with a small congregation in Cali. Then we decided to move out to a smaller city nearby to serve where the need was even greater.

I proposed part-time work to the finance manager, assuring him that I could handle the job while working just half a day. He accepted. I worked under this arrangement for the next seven years until the cost of living and the growing needs of the family made it advisable for me to go back to work full time. Those seven years were well spent, allowing me time for the pioneer ministry and rewarding family association.

During the past eight years I have been working under a special contract arrangement with a flexible schedule. This allows me to take time off as needed. Thus, I have been able to substitute as circuit overseer and on occasion as district overseer, in addition to serving as an instructor in the Society’s schools for training Christian elders and regular pioneers.

The children are grown now. Both boys are ministerial servants and the two older children are married. How gratifying it is to see them following the same routine they learned in early childhood, taking their little ones regularly to congregation meetings and out in the field ministry! Our hope and constant prayer is that our grandchildren will become fifth-generation Witnesses.

Now, all things considered, I can sincerely say that I did not ruin my life when I made my decision that night in college over 40 years ago. Our life has been meaningful, and Jehovah has never let us down, as we have endeavored to make decisions in harmony with his principles​—‘making use of the world,’ yes, ‘but not to the full.’

[Picture on page 26]

Preaching in Colombia with my wife Anne

Gilead Graduates​—“Letters of Recommendation”

ON THE Sunday morning of March 4, 1,995 gathered at the Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the New York City borough of Queens. It was graduation day for the 40 students of the 76th class of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead. Prior to graduation day, on Friday, 1,040 gathered at the Watchtower Society’s farm, about a hundred miles north of New York City, got to preview some of the graduation program. They also heard talks by Leo Greenlees and Theodore Jaracz, both members of the Governing Body.

Waving a white baton, Karl Klein began the Sunday graduation program by leading the audience in singing Song 155 from the Watchtower Society’s new songbook. (The rest of the songs were also from the new songbook and greatly enjoyed.) After prayer by Daniel Sydlik, the chairman, Carey Barber, drew on Peter’s question to Jesus: “We have left all things and followed you; what actually will there be for us?” He applied Jesus’ answer to the missionaries: “Everyone that has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive many times more and will inherit everlasting life.”​—Matthew 19:27, 29.

Former missionary in Japan, Lloyd Barry, encouraged the students to apply themselves to learning a new language. “At first,” he said, “the new words would be swimming in your head, guruguru (round and round) as the Japanese say, as you learn it botsubotsu (little by little). But your eyes could start to pikapika (sparkle) as you begin to speak it, and finally being able to do so perapera (fluently).”

Milton G. Henschel revealed the “real secret for success” and for increased happiness. “It is simple,” he said. “Go and share the good news with somebody. You will be following Jesus’ advice that ‘there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’” Charles Woody then exhorted the missionaries to view unreceptive territory “as a challenge of your skillfullness.”

Since part of their missionary schooling entails working two and one half hours almost every afternoon, Monday through Friday, Vernon Wisegarver thanked them for the work done in the Society’s 14 different offices or departments, and encouraged them to “keep holding to the pattern of healthful words.”

The two Gilead instructors, Jack Redford and Ulysses Glass also spoke. Redford, a former missionary in Vietnam, reminded the missionaries of the importance of wisdom. He asked them: “Will you put your knowledge to work in a good way? Be determined to learn all through your life; learn by bearing life’s indignities with dignity.” Then, Glass, pulling a replica of a gold bar from a brown paper bag, said: “The tested quality of our faith can be of value greater than gold. Although our flesh, like a paper bag, may crumble from wear, age, sickness, it can still carry the gold​—our faith.”

A Bethel family member for over 63 years gave the morning’s concluding talk​—Frederick W. Franz, the president of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead. He reminded the missionaries that their authority to preach the good news will be challenged by the clergy. “Jesus Christ was challenged,” he said. “The apostle Paul was too. Paul pointed to those he taught and who became disciples of Christ as his living letters of recommendation.” Franz said that the missionaries can point to similar letters and that “Jehovah will be glad to display your letters to the whole universe and have them be Jehovah’s letter of recommendation to the resurrected dead.”

The morning was capped with the handing out of the diplomas. The graduates will be going to assignments including Africa, Central and South America, and the islands of the sea​—to 16 different countries in all.

In the afternoon, following the Watchtower study supervised by David Olson, the students presented a musical review that helped all to get a taste of missionary life. Then came a stage drama highlighting the need to reach out for special privileges in sacred service.

The program ended with a warm prayer by John Booth for Jehovah’s rich blessings upon the missionary work of each graduate.

Come to the 1984 “Kingdom Increase” District Conventions!

NO ONE understands better than Jehovah God himself the need for his servants on earth to meet in large assemblies. That is why he arranged for his ancient people Israel to meet three times each year in the place that he had chosen, Jerusalem. There they heard the law of Jehovah God read, received exhortation and doubtless enjoyed relating to one another how Jehovah God had blessed them.​—Exodus 23:14-17; 34:23; Deuteronomy 16:16, 17; 2 Chronicles 8:13.

The Israelites, however, came together not only for these festivals but also on special occasions, as at the dedication of King Solomon’s temple, the festivities of which lasted 14 days, and for the inauguration of Jerusalem’s rebuilt walls in the time of Nehemiah.​—1 Kings 8:65, 66; Nehemiah 12:27-43.

So it has been with good Scriptural precedent that the modern witnesses of Jehovah have been holding conventions for over a hundred years, actually ever since 1879. For at least 37 years now, we have, like the Israelites of old, been meeting three times a year, twice for our circuit assemblies and once for our district, national or international convention.

How enthusiastic were the reports on last year’s “Kingdom Unity” District Conventions!a The brothers sensed as never before their global unity. In many lands attendances soared to new peaks. For example, the African country of Zambia, with 57,034 publishers, reported a total attendance of 417,122 at 24 conventions. This attendance amounted to one person out of every 15 of the country’s population! Do not reports like this stir within us the desire to be present at this year’s “Kingdom Increase” conventions?

Why the Need to Assemble

Why do we need to come together for three and a half days to strengthen ourselves spiritually? Peter reminds us: “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah.”​—2 Peter 3:11, 12.

Year after year the temptations and pressures increase to turn us away from performing these “holy acts of conduct.” It might even be said that daily the world is getting more violent, more wicked, more depraved, more corrupt, more degraded and more immoral. And the media on every hand give proof of it, the newspapers, the magazines, the radio, the movies and the TV. Especially those of us who have to associate with worldlings to earn a living or to get an education find our spirituality continually under attack.

Moreover, what pressures there are to turn us aside from “deeds of godly devotion,” which include the twofold work of preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom and making Christian disciples! The commercial world pressures and tempts us to become materialistic​—to give so much time, energy and means to acquiring the so-called good things of life that little time and energy are left for sacred service. In this regard the entertainment industry appears to pose an even greater threat to God’s people. Well did Jesus warn us about these things, saying: “But pay attention to yourselves, that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare. . . . Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in . . . standing before the Son of man.”​—Luke 21:34-36.

Our “Kingdom Increase” District Convention program has been designed so as to give all of God’s ministers the help they need so that they can indeed live by Jehovah’s righteous principles and so that they will be better equipped than ever to preach the Kingdom and make disciples.

Plan Now to Attend

Particularly do we want to bear in mind that these conventions are three and a half days long, beginning with Thursday afternoon. The field service this year will be on Friday afternoon. Comparing last year’s attendance figures of Thursday with those of Sunday raises the question as to whether some of us could put forth a greater effort so as to be on hand when the convention begins Thursday afternoon. One of the highlights of the convention last year was the talk on Thursday “Music That Praises Jehovah,” during which not only was the thrilling announcement made about a forthcoming new songbook but excerpts of nine beautiful melodies were also played, giving a foretaste of what the new songbook would be like. What a joy it will be for many of us this convention season to blend our voices with those of our brothers as we actually use the new English-language songbook during four days of convention!

Most of us get some vacation each year. Could not more of us plan to include the entire convention in that vacation? Or else, could we not sacrifice two days’ wages for the sake of a great spiritual feast? In Honduras some brothers have lost their jobs simply because of asking time off from work so as to attend a convention. A sister there asked for two days off to attend the “Kingdom Unity” convention and was threatened with being fired. A lawyer, whose wife is a Witness, heard of this and arranged a job for her with better pay following the convention.

The 1984 Yearbook tells of more than 27,000 Spanish and Portuguese brothers traveling all the way to Belgium for a convention, at a time when conventions could not be held in their own countries. It also tells of the hardships Alaskan brothers face to attend conventions. Regarding the efforts put forth by a Samoan brother to attend a convention in Fiji, we read: “He was not young, but old; not strong, but sickly; not sound of limb, but had a clubfoot; not endowed with good vision, but blind in one eye. To get to the convention he needed money, and to obtain it he had to gather coconuts. He carried about 15 of them at a time two miles to where he would husk them, cut out the meat and spread it out to dry, after which he sold the coconut meat, or copra.” It took him well over four weeks to earn enough to pay for his trip. May we be as determined to attend!

We should keep in mind, also, that our conventions not only serve to build us up spiritually but often result in a great witness being given to outsiders. For example, note what a reporter had to say in the November 1983 issue of the Greek magazine Galaxias about our “Kingdom Unity” convention in Athens. After giving quite a thorough coverage of each day’s program, he commented:

“Regardless of whether one accepts the viewpoints of Jehovah’s Christian Witnesses or not, one’s visit to the ‘Apollo’ Stadium during the sessions of Jehovah’s Christian Witnesses was an event that left a deep impression on the visitor. . . . No one can deny that their faith has deeply affected their personal life or, in other words, that they live their faith. Though they have zeal, they are not fanatics. They love God, but they love man too.”

Let every Christian witness of Jehovah, as well as all other lovers of truth and righteousness, put forth every effort to attend the “Kingdom Increase” convention​—and that from beginning to end!

[Footnotes]

Questions From Readers

◼ Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses decline to exchange their Bible study aids for the religious literature of people they meet?

Jehovah’s Witnesses carry on their public ministry in obedience to divine instructions. Jesus said that during this “conclusion of the system of things,” the “good news of the kingdom [must] be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:3, 14) So Witnesses do not go to people’s doors searching for truth or enlightenment. Rather, they already have devoted countless hours learning the truth from God’s Word and, having taken in the “good news,” they are obediently going forth to share it.

Many people who believe that ‘there is good in all religions’ might consider it narrow-minded to think otherwise. (Contrast Jesus’ view expressed at Matthew 7:13, 14, 21-23.) The Greek philosophers in ancient Athens encouraged such an “open-minded” attitude and enjoyed “telling something or listening to something new.” (Acts 17:18-21) But when the apostle Paul appeared before them, it was not to swap philosophies or ideas. He used the occasion to present what he knew to be the truth, whether he was considered narrow-minded or not. While some of those Athenians mocked him, a number responded and became believers.​—Acts 17:32-34; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

Paul obviously was aware of some Greek teachings, and he used such knowledge to give a most effective witness. (Acts 17:28) Similarly, Jehovah’s Witnesses are not ignorant of others’ beliefs. They have gained considerable basic knowledge of the doctrinal beliefs of religions common in their area. Consideration to such teachings has been given in the book What Has Religion Done for Mankind? as well as numerous articles in The Watchtower and Awake! Such information on various religions is presented in the context of its contrast with accurate Biblical teachings.

God’s Word warns Christians that “Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light. It is therefore nothing great if his ministers also keep transforming themselves into ministers of righteousness. But their end shall be according to their works.” (2 Corinthians 11:14, 15) Satan so successfully appeared as “an angel of light” that he was able to deceive even a perfect human, Eve. (1 Timothy 2:14) So it would be foolhardy, as well as a waste of valuable time, for Jehovah’s Witnesses to accept and expose themselves to false religious literature that is designed to deceive. They have no intention of falling into the sad course of the Jews, whom Paul said “exchanged the truth of God for the lie.”​—Romans 1:25, NW; Revised Standard Version.

Furthermore, some of the religious literature that people may urge Jehovah’s Witnesses to read is written by, or contains the thoughts of, individuals who have apostatized. True Christians are commanded to shun such apostates. (2 John 9-11; Titus 3:10, 11) Appropriately, then, The Watchtower of June 15, 1983, counseled:

“In the first century, Hymenaeus and Philetus turned apostate and tried to subvert the faith of others. God’s standard was: ‘Shun such empty speeches that violate what is holy.’ (2 Timothy 2:16-19) Christians holding to that standard would not have been interested in listening to apostates, nor in obtaining any poisonous writings that these might distribute ‘for the sake of dishonest gain.’ Why finance their wickedness by buying their literature? (Titus 1:11) As loyal Christians let us hold to God’s standards, feeding our minds on what is true and righteous, and holding appreciatively and loyally to the channel from which we first learned Bible truth.​—Compare 1 Timothy 4:16.”​—Page 15.

Hence, it is out of wisdom and respect for God’s counsel that Jehovah’s Witnesses do not make a practice of exchanging valuable Bible study aids containing Scriptural truth for religious literature that disseminates error or apostate views.

A Fabulous Teaching Aid

The cassette recordings of My Book of Bible Stories are just that. A grandmother from California, U.S.A., writes:

“When the fabulous tapes came out, my daughter allowed her son Michael to play them on their tape recorder. Michael is now four years old and he knows not just one story but many stories by heart. I am sending with this letter a tape of some of the stories he knows. He pronounces very clearly and correctly words such as Israelites, Philistines, Samson, Delilah, Dagon, Jezebel, Naboth, Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Sisera, Barak and many others.

“Michael said he would tell me the story of Samson and Delilah, so when I was looking for the story in My Book of Bible Stories, he said: ‘Samson was a judge, and the judges come before the kings.’ I was amazed. At age 4 he knows the stories of the Bible and where to find them better than I do. My son-in-law Karl told me: ‘Never underestimate the power of these tapes.’”

Have you overlooked or neglected this fabulous teaching aid? If you haven’t obtained these cassette tapes and begun using them, do not delay! Fill in and mail the accompanying coupon and receive the album with the four cassettes. Only $8; playing time 5 1⁄2 hours.

Please send me, postpaid, the brown vinyl album with the four cassette tapes of My Book of Bible Stories. I enclose $8 (U.S.).