The Watchtower — January 1, 1994

When East Meets West

“OH, EAST is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet.” These words of British poet Rudyard Kipling remind us of the deep cultural differences that divide mankind, which contribute to the tribal, racial, and nationalistic hatreds that are exploding all around us today. Many ask, Cannot God do something about this situation? Yes, he can! And he is even now doing something! The next line of Kipling’s poem referred to this. How long would East and West be divided? The poet said: “Till Earth and Sky stand presently at God’s great Judgment Seat.”

God has delegated the responsibility of judging to his Son, Jesus Christ. (John 5:22-24, 30) But when does that time of judgment start? Who are judged, and with what outcome? It was Jesus who described in prophecy the world wars and accompanying distresses that began to afflict mankind in the year 1914. He stated that these mark “the sign” of his invisible “presence and of the conclusion of the system of things.”​—Matthew 24:3-8.

At the climax of this great prophecy, Jesus identifies our present time as one of judgment, saying of himself: “When the Son of man arrives in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne. And all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will put the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left.” Figuratively, all peoples of earth are now gathered before the Judge and are accountable for the way they respond to his message of salvation. When judgment is executed soon at the great tribulation, the disobedient goatlike people “will depart into everlasting cutting-off, but the righteous ones [the obedient sheeplike ones] into everlasting life.”​—Matthew 25:31-33, 46; Revelation 16:14-16.

‘From the Sunrising and From the Sunset’

The judgment of this world actually got under way during the tempestuous years of World War I. At that time, Christendom’s clergy gave wholehearted support to the warring factions. This identified them as part of a corrupt world that merits “the wrath of God.” (John 3:36) Yet what of peace-loving Christians who exercised faith in God? Starting in the year 1919, these began to be gathered to the side of the King, Christ Jesus.

From all parts of the globe they have come, first the remaining ones of the 144,000 anointed ones, selected throughout the centuries of the Christian era. These are to be “joint heirs with Christ” in his heavenly Kingdom. (Romans 8:17) To these God’s prophet says: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. From the sunrising I shall bring your seed, and from the sunset I shall collect you together. I shall say to the north, ‘Give up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not keep back. Bring my sons from far off, and my daughters from the extremity of the earth, everyone that is called by my name and that I have created for my own glory, that I have formed, yes, that I have made.’”​—Isaiah 43:5-7.

But that is not all! Particularly from the 1930’s, a great crowd, now running into the millions, began to be gathered. These are “the sheep” that Jesus referred to at Matthew 25:31-46. Like the anointed remnant before them, these come to “have faith” in the One who declares: ‘You are my witnesses, and I am God.’ (Isaiah 43:10-12) The gathering of this great crowd is also proceeding ‘from sunrising and sunset, from north and south, and from the extremities of the earth.’

These peace-loving sheep are being welded into one international brotherhood. They speak the many different languages of the 231 lands in which they live. Yet they are united spiritually in learning the “pure language” of the Bible’s Kingdom message, “in order for them all to call upon the name of Jehovah, in order to serve him shoulder to shoulder.” (Zephaniah 3:9) Their unity of belief, purpose, and action provides marvelous testimony that East has indeed met West, and peoples from all other points of the compass, to the service and the praise of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.

In some lands this gathering is taking place under the most remarkable circumstances, as the following reports will show.

East and West, Jehovah Strengthens His People

IN TERRITORIES where the preaching work is banned, in lands ripped apart by violence, and in countries where bans have recently been lifted​—indeed, throughout the worldwide field—​Jehovah continues to provide his Witnesses with “power beyond what is normal.”​—2 Corinthians 4:7.

Prosperity Under Ban

In an archipelago of the Far East, the preaching work has been under ban now for 17 years. Are the Witnesses discouraged? Not at all! This past May, they reached a new peak of 10,756 publishers, of whom 1,297 were serving as full-time ministers. As world conditions deteriorate, the island people are ever more inclined to listen to the truth. So they have been reporting 15,654 Bible studies conducted in the homes of interested persons. Earlier, 25,397 attended meetings that were held quietly to commemorate Jesus’ death.

When the “Divine Teaching” District Conventions took place​—again discreetly according to local circumstances—​the brothers were delighted to receive, in the local language, their copies of the same releases that had been made in the United States. The translators, proofreaders, and others had volunteered to work extra hours so that they could prepare the principal release, with its hundreds of pages, in time. And a cooperative outside printing plant was happy to do a beautiful job of the printing and binding. Conventioners were delighted to receive the publication, with its colorful array of more than a thousand pictures. Many government officials respect Jehovah’s Witnesses, and opposition comes mainly from Christendom’s clergy. It is hoped that soon the ban will be lifted.

What of the Americas?

Jehovah’s Witnesses in these Western countries are united with their brothers in the East in courageously tackling their problems, and Jehovah’s holy spirit helps them to overcome difficult situations. Take, for example, the following report from a Latin-American land where drug cartels ply the jungles.

A group of Witnesses took a bus to an isolated territory. As they got off the bus, they noticed a small side road leading off from the village. So the five brothers went off to see where the little dirt road led, assigning sisters and children to work in the village. One of the brothers relates:

“Two hours of walking along the road presented very few houses. Then, eight armed men with hoods over their heads suddenly came out of the woods. Some had machine guns, and some had machetes. What had we run into? We started to ask what they wanted, but we were told to be quiet and not talk​—just march ahead. We did! Two more hours of walking through thick jungle bush brought us to a clearing that was obviously an armed camp. Guards with guns were everywhere. In the center was a decently built house to which we were directed.

“Once seated we were addressed by one who was apparently the head man of the camp. He was neatly dressed, well educated, and quite dignified. He pointed to one of our group of brothers and told him to stand up. He then asked him: ‘What do you think of [our] group?’ Fully realizing where we were, the brother replied: ‘Well, we know about your group, but we have no interest in it or in any other political group. The only reason we are here is to preach about Jehovah God’s Kingdom by Christ Jesus. It will soon destroy all political governments of this system of things and bring marvelous blessings to people on this earth under Paradise conditions​—something that no man or group of men can do.’

“The man’s attitude changed. He began to ask questions. ‘Where did you learn all of this? How were you prepared to talk like that?’ For an hour and a half, we were able to give a good witness about world conditions and show that the Bible identifies the only hope for mankind. We also explained Romans chapter 13​—that we obey the authorities in power, but when there is a conflict between Jehovah’s Word and theirs, we obey our God, Jehovah, first. Finally, we offered him the books we had. He took three of them and a Bible and, much to our surprise, gave us a contribution for them. He said he would read them.

“Next, the leader motioned to one of the men to take us out of the camp. Soon we were on our way back, thanking Jehovah for the victory we had in another field of witnessing.”

In Strife-Torn Africa

Midway between the Far East and the far West lies the African continent. Tribal warfare has turned some countries there into maelstroms of violence. In Liberia, Jehovah’s people have again been deeply affected by an upsurge in the civil war. First there was fighting in and around the capital city during October and November 1992. Then, as the war spread up-country, whole congregations were disbanded as the brothers fled into the bush with the rest of the population. However, their zeal has remained undiminished. As they fled, they preached, and this has resulted in a grand witness being given in the remotest parts of the interior.

One congregation of displaced brothers built a temporary Kingdom Hall in the middle of a rubber plantation. In a town near the front lines, during the daytime the civilian population would flee into the surrounding rubber plantation to escape bombing from the air. The local brothers (including many displaced publishers from the capital, Monrovia) organized field ministry and could regularly be seen preaching to the thousands sheltering under the rubber trees! Whenever a plane approached, the brothers and sisters would jump into a nearby ditch and then, when the danger had passed, continue on with their calls.

Amazingly, the thousand-and-more congregation publishers who are able to get reports through to the Society have averaged, despite these civil war conditions, 18.1 hours in the field ministry and are conducting 3,111 Bible studies monthly.

In Africa during the past four years, restrictions on the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses have been lifted in 18 countries. And joy of joys! On August 12, the ban on the Witnesses in Malawi that had been imposed in October 1967, was lifted. The underground preaching of the good news had always prospered, but now the Witnesses are able to move ahead in freedom, though they will have to await the resurrection to greet again their many dear companions who were murdered by the oppressors.

In Mozambique a peace accord went into effect on October 4, 1992. Territories formerly inaccessible because of the devastating war of the past 16 years are being reached. In the area of Carioco, communication was reestablished with 375 brothers and sisters who had lost all contact with the organization for the past seven years. A special one-day assembly was held in Milange, capital of the district formerly known as the site of a concentration camp and center for “reeducation” of Jehovah’s Witnesses, many of whom were refugees from Malawi. A surprising total of 2,915 persons attended, including the town administrator, who welcomed Jehovah’s Witnesses. So the former “reeducation” center became a center for divine teaching for the day.

A missionary writes: “Concerning our brothers who found themselves in refugee camps in Tete Province, an interesting observation was made by a representative of UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.) He said that Jehovah’s Witnesses had organized their own camps, separate from other groups. ‘Their camp,’ he said, ‘was the only one that was properly run,’ adding, ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses are clean, organized, and educated.’ He then offered to take me by plane across the bush to see for myself. From the air, the pilot pointed out two camps. One was shabby and dirty, with mud houses built on top of one another without any planning. The other was well laid out, with houses separated into rows by roads. The houses had a neat appearance, with swept courtyards. Some were even painted with homemade paint. ‘Guess which one belongs to you people?’ the pilot said. It was a great joy for me to meet the brothers in this camp. There are now eight congregations in this Witness village.”

In “the Land of the Eagle”

No, this is not the U.S. eagle! Between East and West lies a European country, Albania, its name in the official language, Shqipëria, meaning “The Land of the Eagle.” Recently, a cruel 50-year ban on Jehovah’s Witnesses in this land has been lifted, and they are able to unite with their brothers from East and from West in their enjoyment of freedom of worship. They are truly “buying out the opportune time.” (Ephesians 5:16) The first assembly in the history of Albania, a one-day assembly, was held at the National Theater, in the capital, Tiranë, on Sunday, March 21. On Saturday afternoon a crew of 75 Witness volunteers had transformed a dilapidated meeting place into a bright, clean assembly hall. The management was left speechless. And it is to be noted that of the 75 volunteers, only about 20 had been baptized!

The weather could not have been better. As overseas delegates arrived, greetings​—largely by gestures and hugging—​made that special assembly day very special. With palms extended heavenward, Brother Nasho Dori gave the opening prayer. He was baptized in 1930 and is now legally blind. The program was presented in Albanian, the greater part by the foreign special pioneers. The 585 in attendance sang the song “Christian Dedication”​—one of six that had been translated into Albanian for the occasion—​as 41 new brothers and sisters marched out toward a pool that visiting Greek brothers had kindly set up in the local Kingdom Hall. What a change! Formerly, possessing a Bible meant going off to labor camps, and meetings were limited to groups of two or three persons.

The day following the assembly, the Watch Tower office received a phone call from the director of the theater. Normally he takes little interest in who uses the theater. That is the assistant director’s job. But he said: “I just had to call to thank you. I have never seen this place so clean. If I had to describe it, I’d say that an air from heaven descended on our theater yesterday. Any time you would like to use our facilities, please come back, and we will put you first in line. You know, we really should have you come every three months rent free.”

The Witnesses returned to their towns strengthened and thankful and began preparing for the Memorial of Jesus’ death. Just 15 days later, on Tuesday, April 6, the first open Memorial was held in seven places.

In the town of Berat, meeting attendance has swelled to about 170, and the local priest is furious. Of the 33 Kingdom publishers in Berat, 21 were baptized at the assembly. Berat reported 472 attending the Memorial. Other Memorial attendances were also outstanding, largely as a result of the fine lead given by special pioneers.

In the most Catholic town of Albania, Shkodër, where there is a basilica, the church began printing a monthly newsletter, and each issue has dealt with “How to Avoid Jehovah’s Witnesses.” The last issue said: “Jehovah’s Witnesses have taken over Shkodër”! The large army of two Witnesses there gathered 74 well-behaved and serious-minded people to the Memorial. After hearing the Memorial talk, 15 families asked for home Bible studies. In another town, Durres, where there is an army of four Witnesses, attendance was a splendid 79.

Because of opposition by Catholic youths, who threatened to drive the Witnesses away with stones, the Memorial meeting in the mountain village of Kalmeti i Vogel was moved to a local brother’s home, where 22 attended peacefully. There are five publishers in this group, of whom three were baptized at the assembly in Tiranë.

In Vlorë two young men received a copy of The Watchtower, read it, and wrote the Society: “We now call ourselves Jehovah’s Witnesses because of the truth we have learned in The Watchtower. Please send us help.” Two special pioneers were assigned there, and one of these young men quickly became qualified as a publisher. He was happy to be among the 64 attending the Memorial in Vlorë.

An Albanian brother who learned the truth in the United States returned in the 1950’s to his native town of Gjirokastër, where he served to the extent possible until his death. He sowed the seeds of truth in his son’s heart. When the ban was lifted, this son asked the Watch Tower Society for help. Another interested person living in a village just to the north had also written for help, so four special pioneers were sent there. On the Wednesday morning following the Memorial, one of them phoned the Society’s Tiranë office: “I couldn’t hold back from telling you how much Jehovah’s spirit has done. We are so happy. The Memorial was a success.” Attendance was 106, including their band of seven Kingdom publishers.

What of the total Memorial attendance? In 1992, when there were just 30 Kingdom publishers, the attendance was 325. In 1993, the 131 publishers had gathered in 1,318 attenders. In both years, attendance has been ten times the number of publishers. How exciting to see “the little one . . . become a thousand” in such a short period of time!​—Isaiah 60:22.

“Lengthen Out Your Tent Cords”

As the preaching work of Jehovah’s Witnesses expands into all corners of the globe, the call goes forth: “Make the place of your tent more spacious. And let them stretch out the tent cloths of your grand tabernacle. Do not hold back. Lengthen out your tent cords, and make those tent pins of yours strong. For to the right and to the left you will break forth.” (Isaiah 54:2, 3) This breaking forth in God’s “grand tabernacle”​—represented in the worldwide congregation of his worshipers—​has indeed been apparent in Eastern Europe, especially in the lands of the former Soviet Union. After sustaining his servants during decades of repression, Jehovah is now providing his Witnesses with the dynamic energy needed to expand and strengthen the organization.

In Moscow, Russia, at Locomotive Stadium, on July 22-25, a peak of 23,743 attended a landmark international convention of last year’s “Divine Teaching” series. Who would have thought this possible, even two years ago? But there they were! More than 1,000 came from Japan and Korea, almost 4,000 came from the United States and Canada, and other thousands came from more than 30 lands in the South Pacific, Africa, Europe, and other areas​—truly a meeting of East and West. How encouraging for all of these to mingle freely with more than 15,000 of their Russian brothers and sisters! Joy knew no bounds.

An amazing total of 1,489 new Witnesses were baptized. The baptism was given great publicity by the media around the world, including a fine picture on the front page of The New York Times. As thunderous as was the applause during the baptism, it was exceeded during the final talk when, after the speaker thanked the 4,752 volunteers and officials who had helped make such a success of the convention, he said: “Above all, we thank Jehovah!” Yes, Jehovah’s spirit had held back strong opposition from the Orthodox religionists and provided the vital energy that made the convention a thrilling reality.

More was to come, however, in the Ukrainian city of Kiev, August 5-8. Again, willing volunteers completely refurbished the stadium, and this mammoth Kingdom Hall accommodated 64,714 as the peak attendance. Once more, the Witnesses came from East and West and all places in between. Principal talks were interpreted into 12 languages. Some 53,000 delegates, who arrived by mass transport, had to be met at stations and airports and transported to their accommodations in hotels, schools, and private homes, as well as on ships. All of this was accomplished at minimal expense with a smoothness and efficiency of organization that brought expressions of amazement and praise from the city’s police.

The high point of the thrilling convention program was the baptism, which occupied all of two-and-a-half hours. A total of 7,402 new brothers and sisters symbolized their dedication to Jehovah, while the applause echoed and reechoed around the vast stadium. This was more than the previous all-time baptism peak of 7,136 recorded when 253,922 conventioners assembled in New York City in 1958.

As this judgment period now proceeds toward its finale, sheeplike people from East, West, and even “the most distant part of the earth” are being gathered into a unity unparalleled in all human history. Indeed, a “great crowd . . . out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues” are joining spiritual Israel in declaring their faith in Jesus’ precious ransom sacrifice, the foundation of all that is being accomplished in vindication of Jehovah’s sovereign rule.​—Acts 1:8; Revelation 7:4, 9, 10.

[Pictures on page 8, 9]

East meets West in Moscow and Kiev

Take Refuge in Jehovah

“In you, O Jehovah, have I taken refuge.”​—PSALM 31:1.

1. How does Psalm 31 express confidence in Jehovah’s ability to provide refuge?

A MELODIOUS voice sings of a man who, though worn out in mind and body, casts himself upon Jehovah. Faith triumphs, say the lyrics of that sacred song. In the waiting arms of the Almighty, this man finds shelter from hounding persecutors. “In you, O Jehovah, have I taken refuge,” goes his psalm. “O may I never be ashamed. In your righteousness provide escape for me.”​—Psalm 31:1.

2. (a) We can put trust in Jehovah as our stronghold based on what two pillars? (b) What kind of God is Jehovah?

² The psalmist has one refuge​—the best one! Let other things be in doubt, yet this fact remains: Jehovah is his stronghold, his fortress. His confidence rests on two sure pillars. One, his faith, which Jehovah will not put to shame, and two, Jehovah’s righteousness, which means He will never permanently abandon His servant. Jehovah is not a God who shames his faithful servants; he is no promise breaker. Rather, he is a God of truth and a rewarder of those earnestly putting trust in him. In the end, faith will be rewarded! Escape will come!​—Psalm 31:5, 6.

3. How does the psalmist magnify Jehovah?

³ Composing his music with undulating strains that rise from depths of grief and woe to peaks of confidence, the psalmist finds inward strength. He magnifies Jehovah for His loyal love. “Blessed be Jehovah,” he sings, “for he has rendered wonderful loving-kindness to me in a city under stress.”​—Psalm 31:21.

Mighty Chorus of Kingdom Proclaimers

4, 5. (a) What mighty chorus is praising Jehovah today, and how have they done that during this past service year? (See chart on pages 12-15.) (b) In what way does the Memorial attendance indicate that there are more individuals willing to join the chorus of Kingdom proclaimers? (See chart.) (c) What group in your congregation may be in line to join the chorus?

⁴ Today, the words of that psalm have again come to life. Songs of praise to Jehovah cannot be stifled by any evil opposer, by any natural disaster, or by any economic woe; truly, Jehovah’s loving-kindness has become wonderful to his people. Around the world last service year, a mighty chorus, peaking at 4,709,889 in 231 lands, sang the message of God’s Kingdom. Jehovah’s heavenly government by Christ Jesus is a refuge that will not disappoint them. Last year, these Kingdom proclaimers from 73,070 congregations spent a total of 1,057,341,972 hours in the evangelizing work. This has resulted in 296,004 persons symbolizing their dedication to God by water baptism. And what a wonderful surprise was enjoyed by all the attendees at the Divine Teaching International Convention held in Kiev, Ukraine, this past August. They saw history made, witnessing the largest recorded mass baptism of true Christians ever! As prophesied at Isaiah 54:2, 3, God’s people are breaking forth in unprecedented numbers.

⁵ However, additional willing subjects of God’s Kingdom are standing in line to join the chorus. Last year, the Memorial of Jesus’ death was attended by an astounding total of 11,865,765 people. Hopefully, many of these will qualify to sing the Kingdom song from door to door during this service year. How that prospect must fill the enemy of truth, Satan the Devil, with rage!​—Revelation 12:12, 17.

6, 7. Explain how an interested man overcame demon harassment with the help of Jehovah.

⁶ Satan will try to block others from adding their voices to that mighty chorus. For example, publishers in Thailand find an increasing number of people plagued by demon harassment. Many sincere ones, however, have been set free with the help of Jehovah. After visiting a witch doctor out of curiosity, one man was under the power of the demons for ten years. He endeavored to break free from their power with the help of a clergyman, but he experienced no real improvement. A full-time minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses started a Bible study with the man and taught him from the Bible the only way to get free from demon power​—take in accurate knowledge of the truth, put faith in Jehovah God, and supplicate him in prayer.​—1 Corinthians 2:5; Philippians 4:6, 7; 1 Timothy 2:3, 4.

⁷ The night after this discussion, the man had a dream in which his dead father threatened him if he did not return to being a spiritistic medium. His family began to suffer. Unwilling to be swayed, the man continued his Bible lessons and began attending meetings. During one of those studies, the pioneer explained that sometimes objects used in spiritistic rituals can give the demons an opening to harass people who are trying to get free from their power. The man remembered that he had some oil that he had used as a charm. He now realized that he had to throw it away. Since disposing of it, he has not been bothered again by the wicked spirits. (Compare Ephesians 6:13; James 4:7, 8.) He and his wife are progressing well with their study and regularly attend the meetings for Bible instruction.

8, 9. What other obstacles have some Kingdom proclaimers overcome?

⁸ Other obstacles may muffle the sound of the good news. Because of a very oppressive economic situation in Ghana, workers have been laid off. The cost of living has skyrocketed, which makes it a real problem to obtain the bare necessities of life. How have Jehovah’s people been coping? By trusting, not in themselves, but in Jehovah. For example, one day a man left a sealed envelope at the reception desk of the branch office. In the envelope was $200, or three months’ minimum wage. The envelope came from an anonymous gift giver, but on the wrapper was this inscription: “I lost my job, but Jehovah has provided me with another one. I am grateful to him and his Son, Christ Jesus. To assist in the spreading of the good news of the Kingdom before the end comes, I am enclosing a modest contribution.”​—Compare 2 Corinthians 9:11.

⁹ Meeting attendance helps train those who join in the mighty chorus of praise to Jehovah. (Compare Psalm 22:22.) Thus, in the southern part of Honduras, there is a congregation called El Jordán. What is so special about this small group? It is their faithful meeting attendance. Of the 19 publishers, 12 have to cross a wide river to attend the meetings each week. This is not a big problem in the dry season, since they can cross the river by using rocks as stepping-stones. However, during the rainy season, conditions change. What was once an unimposing stretch of water becomes a torrent washing away everything in its path. To surmount this obstacle, the brothers and sisters have to be good swimmers. Before crossing, they put their meeting clothes in a tina (metal tub) and then cover it with a plastic bag. The strongest swimmer uses the tina as a buoy and leads the group across. Safe on the other side, they dry themselves, get dressed, and arrive at the Kingdom Hall cheerful and sparkling clean!​—Psalm 40:9.

A Fortress Where We May Dwell

10. Why can we turn to Jehovah during times of stress?

¹⁰ Whether you are under outright demon attack or feeling stress from other sources, Jehovah can be your stronghold. Call out to him in prayer. He listens attentively even to the faintest moanings of his people. The psalmist found that to be true and wrote: “Incline to me your ear. Deliver me speedily. Become for me a rocky stronghold, a house of strongholds to save me. For you are my crag and my stronghold; and for the sake of your name you will lead me and conduct me. You will bring me out of the net that they have hidden for me, for you are my fortress.”​—Psalm 31:2-4.

11. Explain why Jehovah’s fortress is not a temporary place.

¹¹ Jehovah provides not just a temporary refuge but an unassailable fortress where we may dwell in security. His lead and guidance have not failed his people. Divine power will render useless all the crafty acts of Satan and his brood. (Ephesians 6:10, 11) As we trust wholeheartedly in Jehovah, he will draw us away from Satan’s snares. (2 Peter 2:9) During the past four years, the preaching work of Jehovah’s Witnesses has opened up in some 35 countries. Also, in areas of the world where the social, economic, or political conditions hinder the preaching of the good news, some sheeplike people have moved to where they can be reached more freely. Japan is one such place.

12. How did a pioneer in Japan make Jehovah his stronghold?

¹² In Japan there has been an influx of guest workers from overseas, and many foreign-language congregations have been established. The experience of a brother in a Japanese congregation illustrates how productive this foreign-language field is. He wanted to go to serve where the need was greater. However, he was already conducting ten Bible studies where he was. One of his friends jokingly said: “If you go where the need is greater, you will have to conduct 20 Bible studies there!” He received an assignment and went to Hiroshima. After four months, however, he had just one Bible study. One day he called on a man from Brazil who spoke only Portuguese. Since the brother could not communicate with the man, he bought a textbook on Portuguese. After learning some simple conversational expressions, he again visited the man. When the brother greeted him in the Portuguese language, the man was amazed and, with a big smile, opened the door wide and invited him in. A Bible study was started. Soon the brother was conducting a total of 22 studies, 14 in Portuguese, 6 in Spanish, and 2 in Japanese!

Preaching With Confidence

13. Why should no one try to shame us into serving Jehovah?

¹³ Jehovah’s people confidently sing the Kingdom song with full faith that Jehovah is their refuge. (Psalm 31:14) They will not be ashamed​—Jehovah will not humiliate them, for he will fulfill his word. (Psalm 31:17) The Devil and his demonic cohorts will be ashamed. Since Jehovah’s people are commissioned to preach a message that is free of shame, they are not shamed by other people into preaching. That is not the way Jehovah, or his Son, incites people to worship Him. When people’s hearts are full of faith and appreciation for Jehovah’s goodness and loving-kindness, it is the good condition of their hearts that impels their mouths to speak. (Luke 6:45) Thus, whatever time we spend in service each month, especially if that time represents the best that we can do, is good, not shameful. Was not the widow’s mite fully appreciated by Jesus and his Father?​—Luke 21:1-4.

14. What comments can you make regarding the pioneer work? (See also the chart.)

¹⁴ For a growing number of publishers, being whole-souled in their worship includes serving as pioneers​—890,231 the peak last year! If the previous year’s progress is maintained, this figure will likely exceed 1,000,000. The following experience shows how a sister in Nigeria entered the pioneer ranks. She writes: “When I was about to finish secondary school, I went to help with the cooking for those attending the pioneer school of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I met two sisters there who were older than my grandmother. When I found out that they were pioneers attending the school, I thought to myself, ‘If those two can pioneer, why can’t I?’ So after I finished school, I too became a regular pioneer.”

15. In what way can informal witnessing pave the way for others to take refuge in Jehovah?

¹⁵ Not all can pioneer, but they can witness. In Belgium an 82-year-old sister went shopping for meat. She noted that the butcher’s wife was quite disturbed over recent political upheavals. So the sister slipped the tract What Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe? in with the money when she paid her bill. When the sister returned to the shop, the butcher’s wife, without a moment’s hesitation, asked what the Bible says about a possible third world war. The sister brought her the book True Peace and Security​—How Can You Find It? A few days later, as the elderly sister stepped into the store, the butcher’s wife had more questions for her. The sister’s heart went out to this woman; she simply had to offer her a Bible study, and this was accepted. Now, the butcher’s wife wants to be baptized. What about the butcher? He read the tract and is now studying the Bible too.

‘A Treasure of Goodness’

16. How has Jehovah set aside a treasure of goodness for his people?

¹⁶ During these stressful last days, has not Jehovah “rendered wonderful loving-kindness” to those who have taken refuge in him? Like a loving, protective father, Jehovah has set aside a treasure of goodness for his earthly children. He has been showering happiness upon them before all onlookers, just as the psalmist says: “How abundant your goodness is, which you have treasured up for those fearing you! Which you have rendered to those taking refuge in you, in front of the sons of men.”​—Psalm 31:19, 21.

17-19. In Ghana, what good resulted from an aged man’s legalizing his marriage?

¹⁷ Therefore, worldly people become eyewitnesses of the honesty of those worshiping Jehovah, and they marvel. For example, in Ghana a 96-year-old man went to the office of the marriage registrar and requested that his common-law marriage of 70 years now be registered. The marriage officer was shocked and asked: “Are you sure that is what you want to do? At your age?”

¹⁸ The man explained: “I want to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and share in the most important work before the end of the world​—the work of preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom. This work leads to everlasting life. Jehovah’s Witnesses obey the civil law, including the law on marriage registration. So please do the registration for me.” The officer was dumbfounded. He went ahead with the registration, and the elderly man left happy that he now had a legal marriage.​—Compare Romans 12:2.

¹⁹ After that, the marriage registrar pondered over the things he had heard. “Jehovah’s Witnesses . . . the most important work . . . the end of the world . . . God’s Kingdom . . . everlasting life.” Puzzled as to what all of this meant in the life of a 96-year-old man, he decided to search for the Witnesses to look into the matter further. He accepted a home Bible study and made rapid progress. Today, this marriage registrar is a baptized Witness. Thus, when we obey Jehovah even in what others may consider to be small matters, it may result in untold good for us and for those who are eyewitnesses of our conduct.​—Compare 1 Peter 2:12.

20. In Myanmar, how did one young sister’s honesty lead to a good witness?

²⁰ Older ones who have let the truth mold them into honest people set a good example for young ones in this dishonest world. In Myanmar lives such a young sister. She comes from a poor and humble family of ten children. The father, a pensioner, is a regular pioneer. One day in school, the sister found a diamond ring, which she promptly took to her teacher. As the class convened the next day, the teacher told the class how the ring was found and handed in for return to the owner. Then she asked the young sister to stand before the entire class and explain why she had done this, knowing that other children might have chosen to keep it. The sister explained that she was a Witness of Jehovah and that her God does not like stealing or any kind of dishonesty. The whole school heard about it, giving our young sister a good opportunity to witness to teachers and students alike.

21. As young people trust in Jehovah, how does their conduct reflect on him?

²¹ In Belgium a teacher made an interesting remark in class about Jehovah’s Witnesses. He had observed the conduct of one of his pupils, who was also a young sister, and said: “I now have another opinion of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Prejudice had led me to think that they would be the least tolerant people. They proved to be the most tolerant, while not compromising their principles.” Each year an award is given by the teachers to their best pupils. Among others is an award for the course in ethics. For three consecutive years, the awards for the three superior grades were given by this teacher to children of Jehovah’s Witnesses. So it often goes with those whose loyal trust is in Jehovah.​—Psalm 31:23.

22. What is the triumphant conclusion to Psalm 31, and how does that help us during the closing days of this system of things?

²² Psalm 31 rings out with a triumphant conclusion: “Be courageous, and may your heart be strong, all you who are waiting for Jehovah.” (Psalm 31:24) Therefore, as we face the closing days of Satan’s wicked system, far from leaving us, Jehovah will draw very near to us and put his own power into us. Jehovah is faithful and does not fail. He is our refuge; he is our tower.​—Proverbs 18:10.

Do You Remember?

◻ Why can we confidently make Jehovah our refuge?

◻ What evidence is there that a mighty chorus is singing Kingdom praise with courage?

◻ Why can we be confident that Satan’s net will not ensnare Jehovah’s people?

◻ What treasure has Jehovah set aside for those taking refuge in him?

[Chart on page 12-15]

1993 SERVICE YEAR REPORT OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES WORLDWIDE

(See bound volume)

[Pictures on page 16, 17]

Those who take refuge in Jehovah make a mighty chorus of Kingdom proclaimers​—4,709,889 strong!

1. Senegal

2. Brazil

3. Chile

4. Bolivia

The Watchtower and Awake!​—Timely Journals of Truth

“You have redeemed me, O Jehovah the God of truth.”​—PSALM 31:5.

1, 2. (a) How did a sister feel about something she read in The Watchtower? (b) What questions are asked about our journals?

“THANK YOU so much,” wrote a Christian sister, “for the wonderful information in the Watchtower article ‘You Can Find Comfort in Times of Distress.’a So many of the points you brought out were exactly the feelings I have had to deal with; it is as if this article were written directly to me. The first time I read it, I had tears in my eyes. It is so wonderful to realize that someone else knows how I feel! I am very grateful to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Where else can we find promises of everlasting life in Paradise in the near future and, now, balm for our souls! Thank you. A million times thank you.”

² Have you ever felt that way? Did it ever seem that something in The Watchtower or its companion journal, Awake!, was written especially for you? What is it about our magazines that captures the hearts of people? How can we help others to benefit from the life-saving message they contain?​—1 Timothy 4:16.

Magazines That Advocate Truth

3. For what good reason have the Watchtower and Awake! magazines touched the hearts of many readers?

³ Jehovah is “the God of truth.” (Psalm 31:5) His Word, the Bible, is a book of truth. (John 17:17) Honesthearted people respond to truth. (Compare John 4:23, 24.) One reason that The Watchtower and Awake! have touched the hearts of millions of readers is that they are journals of integrity and truth. In fact, it was over the issue of loyalty to Bible truth that The Watchtower began to be published.

4, 5. (a) What were the circumstances that led to C. T. Russell’s publishing the Watch Tower? (b) How is the Watchtower journal used by “the faithful and discreet slave”?

⁴ In 1876, Charles T. Russell became affiliated with Nelson H. Barbour, of Rochester, New York. Russell provided funds to revive the printing of Barbour’s religious periodical Herald of the Morning, with Barbour as the principal editor and Russell as assistant editor. About a year and a half later, however, in the August 1878 issue of the Herald, Barbour wrote an article that denied the redemptive value of Christ’s death. Russell, who was nearly 30 years younger than Barbour, responded with an article in the very next issue that upheld the ransom, which he referred to as “one of the most important teachings of God’s Word.” (Matthew 20:28) After repeated efforts to reason Scripturally with Barbour, Russell finally decided to sever all ties with the Herald. Beginning with the June 1879 issue of that journal, Russell’s name no longer appeared as an assistant editor. A month later, 27-year-old Russell began publishing Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence (now known as The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom), which from the beginning has upheld Scriptural truth, such as the ransom.

⁵ For the past 114 years, The Watchtower, like a skillful lawyer, has established itself as a defender of Bible truth and doctrine. In the process, it has won the confidence of millions of appreciative readers. It still powerfully supports the ransom. (See, for example, the issue of February 15, 1991.) And it continues to be the principal instrument of “the faithful and discreet slave” and its Governing Body for announcing Jehovah’s established Kingdom and dispensing spiritual food “at the proper time.”​—Matthew 24:14, 45.

6, 7. What was the stated objective of The Golden Age, and what shows that thinking people responded to its message?

⁶ What about the Awake! magazine? From its beginning, Awake! too has advocated truth. Originally called The Golden Age, this magazine was designed for public distribution. Regarding its objective, the first issue, dated October 1, 1919, stated: “Its purpose is to explain in the light of Divine wisdom the true meaning of the great phenomena of the present day and to prove to thinking minds by evidence incontrovertible and convincing that the time of a greater blessing of mankind is now at hand.” Thinking people responded to the message of The Golden Age. For a number of years, its circulation was even greater than that of The Watchtower.b

⁷ The appeal of The Watchtower and Awake!, however, goes beyond the fact that they publish doctrinal truth and explain the prophetic significance of world conditions. Especially in the last decade or two, our magazines have captured the hearts of people for another reason also.

Timely Articles That Touch People’s Lives

8. What writing adjustment did Jude make, urging his readers to resist what influences within the congregation?

⁸ About 30 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Bible writer Jude faced a challenging situation. Immoral, animalistic men had slipped in among Christians. Jude had intended to write fellow Christians about a doctrinal subject​—the salvation that anointed Christians hold in common. Instead, directed by holy spirit, he found it necessary to urge his readers to resist corruptive influences inside the congregation. (Jude 3, 4, 19-23) Jude adjusted to the situation and provided timely counsel that met the needs of his Christian brothers.

9. What is involved in providing timely articles for our journals?

⁹ Similarly, preparing timely articles for our journals is a challenging responsibility. Times change, and so do people​—their needs and their interests are not what they were even a decade or two ago. A traveling overseer recently observed: “When I became a Witness back in the 1950’s, our approach in studying the Bible with people was basically doctrinal​—teaching them the truth about the Trinity, hellfire, the soul, and so forth. But now, it seems, there are so many problems and difficulties in people’s lives that we have to teach them how to live.” Why is this so?

10. Why should it not surprise us that there has been a steady degeneration in human affairs since 1914?

¹⁰ Concerning “the last days,” the Bible foretold: “Wicked men and impostors will advance from bad to worse, misleading and being misled.” (2 Timothy 3:1, 13) Therefore, it should not surprise us that there has been a steady degeneration in human affairs since the time of the end began in 1914. Satan, whose remaining time is shorter than ever, is venting his anger on human society as never before. (Revelation 12:9, 12) As a result, morals and family values are a far cry from what they were just 30 or 40 years ago. People in general are not as religiously inclined as in previous decades. Crime is so rampant that people are taking precautions that were unheard of just 20 or 30 years ago.​—Matthew 24:12.

11. (a) What kinds of subjects are on the minds of people, and how has the faithful and discreet slave class responded to the needs? (b) Give an example of a Watchtower or an Awake! article that has touched your life.

¹¹ Little wonder, then, that emotional, social, and family issues are on the minds of many people. The faithful and discreet slave class has courageously responded in The Watchtower and Awake! by publishing timely articles that have come to grips with the real needs of people and that have truly touched their lives. Consider some examples.

12. (a) Why were articles about single-parent families prepared for The Watchtower in 1980? (b) How did one sister express her appreciation for the articles on single-parent families?

¹² Family issues. When worldwide reports showed a rapid increase in the number of single-parent families, ground-breaking articles on the theme “One-Parent Families​—Coping With the Problems” were prepared for the September 15, 1980, issue of The Watchtower. The articles had a twofold purpose: (1) to help single parents cope with the unique problems they face and (2) to help others to be better informed so that they can show “fellow feeling” and genuinely “look after” single-parent families. (1 Peter 3:8; James 1:27) Many readers wrote to express appreciation for the articles. “It truly brought tears to my eyes when I saw the cover,” wrote one single parent, “and when I opened the magazine and read the information, my heart overflowed with gratitude to Jehovah for providing such information at the needed time.”

13. What in-depth discussion of depression was published in Awake! in 1981, and what did one reader have to say about it?

¹³ Emotional issues. The subject of depression has been discussed in The Watchtower and Awake! since the 1960’s. (1 Thessalonians 5:14) But a fresh and positive look at the subject was taken in the cover series “You Can Fight Depression!” in the September 8, 1981, Awake! Letters of appreciation soon poured into the Watch Tower Society from all over the world. “How can I express on paper the feelings in my heart?” wrote one sister. “I am 24 years old, and over the last ten years, I have had many periods of depression. But now I feel closer to Jehovah and grateful that he responded to the needs of depressed people with these loving articles, and I wanted to tell you so.”

14, 15. (a) How has the subject of child abuse been dealt with in our journals? (b) Which magazine articles impressed a jockey in Australia?

¹⁴ Social issues. The Bible foretold that in “the last days” men would be “lovers of themselves, . . . having no natural affection, . . . without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness.” (2 Timothy 3:1-3) Therefore, it should not surprise us that child abuse is practiced on a large scale today. This subject was given frank treatment in the article “Help for the Victims of Incest” in The Watchtower of October 1, 1983. Eight years later, the cover series “Healing the Wounds of Child Abuse” in the October 8, 1991, Awake! was carefully prepared to provide understanding and hope for victims as well as to enlighten others so that they can offer helpful assistance. This series of articles elicited the greatest reader response in the history of our journals. One reader wrote: “The greatest impact on my recovery has been the comforting thoughts and Scriptural references in these articles. To know that Jehovah did not think any less of me was an overwhelming relief. To know that I was not alone was equally comforting.”

¹⁵ A jockey in Melbourne, Australia, made a long-distance phone call to the Sydney office of the Watch Tower Society, expressing his disgust with the horse-racing environment. He said he had just read the March 8, 1993, Awake! on “Rape​—A Woman’s Nightmare” and could hardly believe that such a valuable magazine existed. He asked questions for some 30 minutes and was delighted to hear the answers given.

16. In what ways can you demonstrate your appreciation for our journals?

¹⁶ What about you? Has your life been touched by a specific article published in The Watchtower or Awake!? If so, no doubt you feel a deep sense of gratitude for our journals. How can you demonstrate your appreciation? Certainly by reading each issue yourself. You can also share in giving these precious journals the widest possible distribution. How can this be done?

Share Them With Others!

17. What can congregations do to increase magazine distribution?

¹⁷ First, there is something that each congregation can do. The October 1952 issue of the Informant (now Our Kingdom Ministry) said: “The most effective means of distributing the magazines is from house to house and store to store. Hence the Society recommends that these avenues of magazine distribution be a regular part of Magazine Day activity.” That advice is still valid today. Congregations may schedule a regular Magazine Day, a day set aside primarily for magazine witnessing. For most congregations, specified Saturdays will no doubt be a good time. Yes, let each congregation set aside special days or evenings for magazine witnessing​—from house to house, from store to store, in street work, and on magazine routes. In addition, what can you, the Kingdom publisher, do to help increase magazine distribution?

18, 19. (a) How can being Watchtower and Awake! conscious help you to place magazines? (b) What is the advantage of a short, to-the-point presentation when offering the magazines? (c) What shows the value of getting the magazines into the homes of people?

¹⁸ Being “Watchtower” and “Awake!” conscious is a first step. Read the magazines ahead of time. As you read each article, ask yourself, ‘To whom would this article be of interest?’ Think of a few words you could say to stimulate interest in the article. Besides supporting the regular Magazine Day, why not carry copies with you so that you can take advantage of every opportunity to share them with others​—when traveling or shopping and when talking to coworkers, neighbors, schoolmates, or teachers?

¹⁹ Keep it simple is a second suggestion. The December 1, 1956, Watchtower stated: “A short, to-the-point presentation is best when offering magazines. The object is to place many copies. They will do their own ‘talking.’” Some publishers have found it effective to pick out one idea from an article, put it into a few words, and present the magazines. Once inside the home, the magazines may “talk” to others in addition to the person who accepted them from you. In Ireland a young university student read the September 1, 1991, issue of The Watchtower, which her father had accepted from a Witness. The articles on communication and other subjects awakened her interest. As soon as she had read the magazine, she telephoned the Witnesses, calling the number listed in the phone book. A Bible study was soon started, and the young woman was baptized at the “Divine Teaching” District Convention in July 1993. By all means, let us get the magazines into the homes, where they can “talk” to people! A traveling overseer offered another simple suggestion: “Get the magazines out of your book bag.” Indeed, if what you say does not catch the householder’s interest, then perhaps their attractive cover illustrations will place the magazines for you.

20, 21. (a) How can you be flexible when sharing in magazine work? (b) What might you do to place more magazines each month?

²⁰ A third suggestion is be flexible. (Compare 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.) Prepare a few brief presentations. Have one article in mind that will appeal to men, another to women. For youths, you might feature a “Young People Ask . . .” article. Be flexible, too, as to when you share in magazine work. In addition to Magazine Day, you may find that evening witnessing affords an excellent opportunity to offer magazines from house to house.

²¹ A fourth suggestion is set a personal goal. The insert “Magazines Point the Way to Life,” which appeared in Our Kingdom Ministry of March 1984, stated: “As a suggestion, publishers may have a goal of, say, 10 magazines per month, depending on their circumstances; pioneers might strive for 90. Of course, some publishers may be able to place more magazines per month and therefore will set a higher personal goal. However, because of poor health, type of territory, or other good reasons, the goal of others may be lower. Yet their service to Jehovah is just as worthy. (Matt. 13:23; Luke 21:3, 4) The important thing is to have a personal goal.”

22. In what way can we show that we are thankful to Jehovah for our timely journals of truth?

²² How thankful we are that Jehovah, “the God of truth,” has used the faithful and discreet slave class and its Governing Body to provide us with these timely journals! (Psalm 31:5) As long as Jehovah wills, these magazines will continue to come to grips with the real needs of people. They will keep on upholding Jehovah’s high standards of morality. They will not cease to promote right doctrine. And they will persist in drawing attention to the fulfillment of prophecy that marks our days as the time when God’s Kingdom is ruling and God’s will is being done on earth as never before by an increasing number of Jehovah’s true worshipers. (Matthew 6:10; Revelation 11:15) What a priceless treasure we have in The Watchtower and Awake! Let us take advantage of every opportunity to share with meek-hearted ones these important journals that touch people’s lives and champion Kingdom truths.

[Footnotes]

What Is Your Answer?

◻ What shows that The Watchtower and Awake! are journals of truth?

◻ How have The Watchtower and Awake! touched people’s lives?

◻ What can congregations do to increase magazine distribution?

◻ What suggestions can help you to place more magazines?

[Box on page 22]

Some Articles That Have Touched People’s Lives

Over the years many readers have written to express appreciation for specific articles published in The Watchtower and Awake! Listed below are just a few of the many subjects that affected our readers. Have these or other articles changed your life?

The Watchtower

“Accept God’s Help to Overcome Secret Faults” (April 15, 1985)

“Practicing Godly Devotion Toward Elderly Parents” (June 1, 1987)

“Education With a Purpose” (November 1, 1992)

Awake!

“You Can Fight Depression!” (September 8, 1981)

“When Someone You Love Dies . . .” (April 22, 1985)

“Protect Your Children!” (October 8, 1993)

[Picture on page 23]

In Canada​—preaching from house to house with magazines

[Picture on page 24]

In Myanmar​—presenting the magazines that point the way to life

Young People Who ‘Trust in Jehovah’

YOUTHS do not have a monopoly on beauty, nor have the elderly cornered the market on wisdom. (Compare Proverbs 11:22; Ecclesiastes 10:1.) Rather, those who possess lasting beauty and genuine wisdom are the ones who trust in Jehovah and wholeheartedly say about him: “You are my God.”​—Psalm 31:14; Proverbs 9:10; 16:31.

Around the world there is a growing multitude of beautiful people, both young and old, who show their wisdom by serving God and preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom. For example, consider eight-year-old Sabrina.

Sabrina lives in Germany and is in the second grade. She is the first one of Jehovah’s Witnesses to attend her school. Sadly, she was the target of her schoolmates’ insults until the day the teacher asked the students to bring their favorite book to class. Sabrina decided to bring My Book of Bible Stories. The night before, although nervous, she prepared well for class. Since there were 26 students in her class, she knew that she might not have much time. But she was determined not to let anyone interrupt her presentation and was certain that Jehovah would help her. On the appointed day, the teacher asked who had brought along a book and would like to be the first to show it. Surprisingly, only Sabrina had brought one. She stood before the class and began speaking, reading and showing pictures from the book and explaining that everything was based on the Bible. In closing she asked: “Who would be interested in having this book?” She gave one copy to the teacher, and during the next few days, she gave ten additional books to some of her classmates. The teacher’s only comment on her presentation was: “I have never seen anything like it.” She gave Sabrina an A for her work.

In fact, many young Witnesses are happy publishers of the good news at school. Another example is Erika, an 11-year-old publisher in Mexico. She has been taught from infancy to love Jehovah. Her schoolwork is outstanding. One of her assignments was to prepare material on AIDS and addiction to tobacco and alcohol. She prepared well, using the Awake! magazine, and received the highest marks. Her teacher asked where she got the information and was given the magazines that contained articles on those subjects. Later, the teacher used these magazines to discuss the subjects with the entire class. Because of Erika’s conduct, her respect for her teachers, and her high grades, she has qualified for gifts, diplomas, and partial scholarships. Nevertheless, she feels that her greatest achievements have been that she has identified herself as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, has been able to place Bible literature, and has exalted God’s name.

Then there is Shannon, a ten-year-old boy who lives in New Zealand. He has only one good eye; the other was lost to cancer when he was a baby. When Shannon was seven, his mother began to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, not long after she started her Bible lessons, she began living with a man without the benefit of marriage and decided to stop her studies. Shannon begged that his Bible study continue. His wish was granted. The Witnesses kept calling, and eventually all three members of the household studied the Bible and made spiritual progress. After getting legally married, Shannon’s mother and stepfather were baptized.

One day Shannon and the circuit overseer’s wife were in field service together. A householder asked Shannon: “What happened to your eye?” “I got cancer in it, and it had to be taken out,” he answered. “Soon Jehovah is going to give me a new one in Paradise, and that’s what we are here to tell you about.”

Kingdom Proclaimers Report

Steadfastness Brings Rich Rewards

JESUS foretold that his followers would be persecuted, and so did the apostle Paul, as stated at 2 Timothy 3:12: “In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.” But steadfastness in serving Jehovah God brings rich rewards.

◻ This was true in a town on the northeastern coast of Malaysia. Though he was a staunch Buddhist who lectured his children severely, a father was unable to prevent his three daughters and three sons from studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Even his wife showed interest in the truth. Then one day a neighbor mocked him: “How can you lose control over your children and let them become Jehovah’s Witnesses? All my children stick with me and our ancestral Buddhist religion. You are pitiful!”

The father rushed home threatening to beat up the sister who conducted the studies with his children. However, the children calmed him down and continued studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses and attending meetings with the support of their mother.

Finally, however, the father summoned the whole family before him. “Choose,” he demanded, “between me and staying at home and becoming Christians and leaving the house.” The oldest son, a very soft-spoken boy, immediately began packing to leave. “No!” shouted the father. “Since you are all rebellious children, it’s better for me to die.” He then rushed out of the house, pursued by the family, who begged him not to kill himself. Impressed by their pleas, he went back home.

Time passed. The father began noticing the good effect of Bible truth on his children’s behavior. One day he met his mocking friend, now a rather sad man, who said: “I am very disappointed with my children. They are cheating me and stealing from me.” But the father whose children were studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses said: “Oh, my children are different! They are very kind to me and have even helped me to pay my car loan while I was unemployed.”

Today, three daughters and the mother are baptized. One son is a special pioneer. And the formerly staunch and irate father? He is now friendly and has attended the Memorial.

Jehovah rewarded the son and his three sisters as well as their mother for their steadfastness to Him. They are now zealous Kingdom preachers, making Jehovah’s heart glad.​—Proverbs 27:11.

I Found Treasure of Excelling Value

AS TOLD BY FLORENCE WIDDOWSON

As nightfall approached, we decided to make camp near a lagoon. Not the ideal camping spot for two women, but we thought it would be all right for one night. While I was busy pitching the tent, Marjorie prepared our evening meal.

I HAD just finished hammering in the last tent peg when movement near a black tree stump caught my eye. “Did you see that stump move?” I called to Marjorie.

“No,” she called back, a little bewildered.

“Well, it definitely moved,” I shouted. “Give me the kettle!”

Taking it, along with the ax on my shoulder, I headed toward the lagoon. When I was almost abreast of the stump, a man stepped out from behind it!

“Is the water in the lagoon suitable for drinking?” I managed to splutter.

“No, it isn’t,” he answered gruffly, “but if you want drinking water, I will get you some.”

I hastily declined his offer, and to my great relief, he turned on his heel and walked away. Trembling, I hurried back and told Marjorie what had happened. We quickly pulled down the tent, packed up, and left. Later we were told that the man had just been released from jail.

Although prospectors often camped out there in the gold fields of Australia back in 1937, we were prospectors of a different sort. We were searching for people who were precious to God.

My Family Background

A hundred years ago, my father was the blacksmith in the small village of Porepunkah in the state of Victoria. I was born there in 1895, and I grew up with four brothers near the Ovens River, at the foot of Mount Buffalo. My parents were regular attenders at the Union Church, and I went to Sunday school, where my father was superintendent.

In 1909, Mother suffered a heart attack during a violent storm and died in my father’s arms. Then, early in 1914, one of my brothers left home, and a few hours later, he was brought back to us​—dead. He had committed suicide. Our grief was deepened by the church’s teaching that hell awaited him, since suicide was said to be an unforgivable sin.

Later that year World War I broke out, and two of my brothers enlisted for overseas service. The dreadful news of bloodshed and suffering prompted six of us young women, along with my father, to begin a study of the Bible book of John.

Finding True Treasure

Ellen Hudson had a copy of the book The Time Is at Hand, by Charles Taze Russell. Her enthusiasm for it influenced the rest of us in the group. When she noted that the book was only one of a series of six volumes entitled Studies in the Scriptures, she sent a letter to the International Bible Students Association in Melbourne and requested the rest of the set. Our group agreed to use the first volume, The Divine Plan of the Ages, in our weekly studies.

Imagine Father’s joy and mine to discover that there is no fiery hell. The fear that my brother was confined in hellfire was removed. We learned the truth that the dead are unconscious, as though asleep, and are not living somewhere suffering torment. (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10; John 11:11-14) Some in our Bible study group decided to go to our neighbors to preach the truths we were learning. We walked to nearby houses, but we used bicycles and a two-wheeled one-horse buggy to reach those out of town.

I had my first taste of house-to-house witnessing on Armistice Day, November 11, 1918. Three of us from our study group traveled 50 miles [80 km] to the town of Wangaratta to distribute the tract Peoples Pulpit. Years later, while on a preaching assignment in one of the outback areas, I had the experience mentioned at the outset.

In 1919, I attended a Bible Students’ convention in Melbourne. There, on April 22, 1919, I symbolized my dedication to Jehovah by water immersion. The spiritual banquet deepened my appreciation for the spiritual treasure of the Kingdom of the heavens and for Jehovah’s earthly organization.​—Matthew 13:44.

I did not return home after the convention but accepted an invitation to join Jane Nicholson, a full-time preacher, for a month of witnessing. Our assignment was the farming and cattle communities along the King River. Just a few years ago, this mountainous area was the setting for the film The Man From Snowy River.

In 1921 we received the fine Bible study aid The Harp of God. When Father began to use it as a textbook for his Sunday-school class, many parents objected and asked him to resign. He promptly did so. Later we received the booklet Hell, with its intriguing cover questions, “What Is It? Who Are There? Can They Get Out?” Father was so thrilled with the clear Bible proof presented on the subject that he immediately began to distribute copies from house to house. He placed hundreds of them in our village and in nearby rurals.

Preaching Expeditions With Father

Eventually, Father invested in an automobile to reach people in other areas with the Kingdom message. As a blacksmith, he was more accustomed to horses, so I became the car driver. To begin with, we stayed overnight at hotels. Soon this proved to be too expensive, and we began to camp out.

Father fixed the car’s front seat so that it lay flat and I could sleep in the car. We set up a small tent for Father to sleep in. After camping out several weeks, we would return to Porepunkah, where Dad would open up his blacksmith’s shop again. We never ceased to marvel that there were always plenty of paying customers to cover the expenses for our next preaching trip.

Many rightly disposed people responded favorably to our visits and eventually accepted home Bible studies. There are now seven congregations with their own Kingdom Halls in the area that was originally served by our small group from Porepunkah. Indeed, who can despise “the day of small things”?​—Zechariah 4:10.

In 1931, Dad and I drove nearly 200 miles [300 km] over atrocious roads to attend a special meeting, where we adopted our new name, “Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Both of us were delighted with this unique, Scriptural name. (Isaiah 43:10-12) It identified us far more clearly than the less distinctive name “International Bible Students,” by which we had been known until then.

One day while witnessing in the town of Bethanga, I met the local minister from the Church of England. He became angry and began to trace our many book placements, demanding that the people hand over their books to him. Afterward he conducted a public book burning in the center of town. But his despicable act backfired.

After I informed the Society’s branch office of what had occurred, an open letter was printed that condemned what the clergyman had done. Also, arrangements were made for carloads of Witnesses to distribute the letter throughout the district. When Father and I later revisited the town, we placed more books than before. The townspeople were curious about what the “forbidden” literature contained!

The first person to embrace Bible truth in northeast Victoria as a result of our preaching was Milton Gibb. Between our visits, he studied thoroughly all the Society’s publications we left with him. On one of our return visits, he surprised us by saying: “I am now one of your disciples.”

Though pleased with his decision, I explained: “No, Milton. You could not be one of my disciples.”

“Well, then, I am one of Rutherford’s [then president of the Watch Tower Society] disciples.”

Again I pointed out: “No, not one of Rutherford’s disciples either, but I hope one of Christ’s disciples.”

Milton Gibb proved to be just one of the many precious treasures for whom I have spent so many years prospecting. He and two of his sons are Christian elders, and other members of his family are active in the congregation.

Meeting Various Trials

Despite the ban placed on the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Australia in January 1941, we continued preaching, using only the Bible. Then my pioneering, or full-time ministry, was interrupted when I was called home to care for my seriously ill father. Later, I also became ill and required a serious operation. My return to health took some time, but I experienced the truth of God’s promise: “I will by no means leave you nor by any means forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) A Christian sister reassured me, saying: “Remember, Flo, you are never alone. And you and Jehovah always make a majority.”

Then came my dear father’s final illness of 13 weeks. On July 26, 1946, he closed his eyes in death. He had enjoyed a full life, and his was a heavenly hope. (Philippians 3:14) So at age 51, I was alone, having been with Dad most of my early years. Then I met my future husband. We were married in 1947 and began pioneering together. But this happy period did not last long, since he suffered a stroke in 1953 and became an invalid.

My husband’s speech was badly affected, and it became almost impossible to converse with him. That was the most difficult part of nursing him. The mental strain of trying to understand what he was struggling to say was very great indeed. Although we were living in an isolated area where there was no nearby congregation, Jehovah did not desert us during those trying years. I kept up-to-date with all the latest organizational information, as well as with the continual supply of spiritual food in the Watchtower and Awake! magazines. On December 29, 1957, my dear husband died.

Ministry in Adelaide

I was alone once more. What was I to do? Would I be accepted again as a full-time minister after a break of nearly five years? I was accepted, so I sold my home and made a fresh start in the pioneer work in Adelaide, capital city of South Australia. Pioneers were needed there at the time, and I was assigned to the Prospect Congregation.

Since I was apprehensive about driving in city traffic, I sold my car and began using a bicycle again. I used it until I was 86 years old, becoming known in the area as “the little lady on the blue bicycle.” In time I became increasingly nervous in the traffic; the front wheel of my bicycle seemed to quiver constantly. The last straw came one afternoon when I fell into a hedge. ‘This is it,’ I said to myself, and so I was back to using my two feet again.

A few years ago, while attending a district convention, my legs started to give out, and subsequently I had two operations on my hip joints. I was doing fine after the operation until a big dog knocked me down. This necessitated further treatment, and since then I have needed a walker to help me get around. My mind is still quite active. It is as one friend put it: “It seems your aging body can’t keep up with your youthful mind.”

Over the years, I have seen the congregations in Adelaide grow, expand, and divide. Then, in 1983, when I was 88, I left Adelaide to live with a family at Kyabram in the state of Victoria, where I have spent ten happy years. I still manage to get out in the field ministry; friends in the congregation drive me around to visit those who regularly obtain magazines from me. These people kindly come out to the car so that I can talk to them.

Reflecting back on my over 98 years of living, I fondly recall the many loyal and faithful ones who have praised Jehovah with me, especially my wonderful dad. I seem to have outlived all the faithful ones who were my partners in the pioneer ministry. But what joy awaits me upon being reunited with those who share the hope of the prize of life in God’s heavenly Kingdom, truly a treasure of excelling value!

[Picture on page 28]

I was baptized April 22, 1919

[Picture on page 31]

Happy still to be serving Jehovah as I approach 100 years

Can They Benefit You?

THE magazine you have in your hand is designed to be a source of encouragement, calling to mind Bible guidelines for stabilizing families and maintaining personal integrity. It shows that today’s troubled times were foretold in the Bible, and it highlights the solution​—God’s Kingdom government. Can you benefit from The Watchtower and from Awake!, its companion magazine?

From the Philippines a woman named Vilma wrote: “If there is any word to describe your publications, I think I would go for ‘marvelous.’ I saw and read for the first time your Awake! and The Watchtower when I was on a bus returning home from Manila. I usually carry newspapers when I travel, but this time I did not take any along.

“Sitting next to me on the trip was a middle-aged man who had your publications. After he read Awake!, he brought out another magazine, The Watchtower. I seized the opportunity to borrow Awake! In all honesty, I really enjoyed reading those magazines because the articles were all interesting, timely, and uplifting.”

The woman concluded: “I do want to receive your magazines. Please let me know how I can receive them.” The branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Philippines was happy to oblige by adding this woman to their mailing list.

Would You Welcome a Visit?

Even in this troubled world, you can gain happiness from accurate Bible knowledge of God, his Kingdom, and his wonderful purpose for mankind. If you would welcome further information or would like to have someone call to conduct a free home Bible study with you, please write to Watchtower, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York 11201, or to the appropriate address listed on page 2.