The Watchtower — July 1, 2005

The Search for Inner Peace

ALBERT was a happily married man with two delightful children. But he felt that something was missing in his life. During a time when he had to struggle to find work, he became involved in politics and adopted socialism. He even became an active member of the local Communist party.

Before long, however, Albert became disillusioned with Communism. He severed his ties with politics and devoted himself wholly to his family. Seeing to their happiness became his purpose in life. Nevertheless, Albert still felt a nagging void inside; true inner peace continued to elude him.

Albert’s story is by no means unique. In order to find a meaningful purpose in life, millions have experimented with various ideologies, philosophies, and religions. In the Western world, the hippie movement of the 1960’s was a rebellion against traditional moral and social values. Young people in particular searched for happiness and the meaning of life through mind-altering drugs and the philosophies of the movement’s so-called gurus and high priests. Nevertheless, the hippie movement failed to bring genuine happiness. Instead, it helped to produce drug addicts and promiscuous youths, accelerating society’s downward slide into moral confusion.

For centuries, many have sought happiness through wealth, power, or education. These paths ultimately lead to disappointment. “Even when a person has an abundance,” Jesus said, “his life does not result from the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15) Rather, the determined pursuit of wealth usually brings unhappiness. The Bible says: “Those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some . . . have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.”​—1 Timothy 6:9, 10.

How, then, can one find inner peace and a purpose in life? Is it a matter of trial and error, like shooting an arrow at an elusive target in the dark? Thankfully, no. As we shall see in the following article, the solution lies in satisfying a very important and, indeed, uniquely human need.

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Will pursuing wealth, power, or education help you to find inner peace?

“Happy Are Those Conscious of Their Spiritual Need”

WHEN birds wake up in the morning, they often chirp for a while and then fly off in search of food. In the evening, they return to their roosts, chirp a little more, and go to sleep. In certain seasons they mate, lay eggs, and raise their young. Other animals follow a similarly predictable pattern.

We humans are different. True, we eat, sleep, and reproduce, but most of us are not content with just those things. We want to know why we are here. We seek meaning in our lives. We also desire a hope for the future. These deeper needs point to a quality that is unique to humankind​—spirituality, or the need and capacity for spiritual things.

Made in God’s Image

The Bible explains the reason for the spiritual side of man’s nature, saying: “God proceeded to create the man in his image, in God’s image he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27) Our being formed “in God’s image” means that even though we have been tarnished by sin and imperfection, we have the ability to mirror certain qualities of God. (Romans 5:12) For example, we can be creative. We also have a measure of wisdom, a sense of justice, and the ability to show self-sacrificing love for one another. Furthermore, we can reflect on the past and plan for the future.​—Proverbs 4:7; Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11; Micah 6:8; John 13:34; 1 John 4:8.

Our spiritual capacity is most clearly demonstrated in our innate desire to worship God. Unless we properly satisfy the need to be in touch with our Creator, we cannot find true and lasting happiness. “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need,” Jesus said. (Matthew 5:3) We must be careful, however, to satisfy that need with spiritual truth​—facts about God, his standards, and his purpose for mankind. Where can we find spiritual truth? In the Bible.

“Your Word Is Truth”

The apostle Paul wrote: “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight.” (2 Timothy 3:16) Paul’s words harmonize with those of Jesus, who said in prayer to God: “Your word is truth.” Today, we know that Word as the Holy Bible, and we are wise to check that our beliefs and standards measure up to it.​—John 17:17.

By comparing our beliefs with God’s Word, we imitate the people of ancient Beroea, who made sure that Paul’s teachings harmonized with the Scriptures. Rather than criticize the Beroeans, Luke commended them for their attitude. They “received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind,” he wrote, “carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11) In view of the contradictory religious and moral teachings that abound today, it is important that we imitate the example of the noble-minded Beroeans.

Another way to identify spiritual truth is to see how it influences people’s lives. (Matthew 7:17) For example, living according to Bible truth should make one a better husband, a better father, a better wife, or a better mother, thus adding to family happiness and enhancing one’s contentment. “Happy are those hearing the word of God and keeping it,” said Jesus.​—Luke 11:28.

Jesus’ words remind us of those of his heavenly Father, who said to the ancient Israelites: “I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself, the One causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk. O if only you would actually pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” (Isaiah 48:17, 18) All who love goodness and righteousness would surely be moved by such a warm appeal!

Some Prefer to Have Their “Ears Tickled”

God made that heartfelt appeal to the Israelites because they were being misled by religious lies. (Psalm 106:35-40) We too must be on guard against falsehoods. Concerning professed Christians, Paul wrote: “There will be a period of time when they will not put up with the healthful teaching, but, in accord with their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves to have their ears tickled; and they will turn their ears away from the truth.”​—2 Timothy 4:3, 4.

Religious leaders tickle people’s ears by condoning practices that appeal to wrong desires, such as sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, and drunkenness. The Bible clearly states that those who approve of such things and those who practice them “will not inherit God’s kingdom.”​—1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Romans 1:24-32.

To be sure, it takes courage to live by Bible standards, especially in the face of ridicule, but it can be done. Among Jehovah’s Witnesses are many individuals who used to be drug addicts, drunkards, fornicators, street fighters, thieves, and liars. Yet, they took God’s Word to heart and with the help of holy spirit made changes in their lives so as to “walk worthily of Jehovah.” (Colossians 1:9, 10; 1 Corinthians 6:11) Having made peace with God, they also gained inner peace and, as we shall see, a genuine hope for the future.

The Kingdom Hope

The Bible hope of lasting peace for obedient humans will be fulfilled through the Kingdom of God. “Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth,” said Jesus in his model prayer. (Matthew 6:10) Yes, only God’s Kingdom can ensure that God’s will is done on earth. Why? Because that heavenly Kingdom​—a government in the hands of Jesus Christ—​is God’s means of expressing His rightful sovereignty over the earth.​—Psalm 2:7-12; Daniel 7:13, 14.

As King of that heavenly Kingdom, Jesus Christ will liberate obedient humans from every form of bondage, including the viselike grip of Adamic sin and its legacy of sickness and death. Says Revelation 21:3, 4: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind . . . And he [Jehovah God] will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

Lasting peace will prevail earth wide. Why can we be sure of that? The reason is revealed at Isaiah 11:9, which says: “They [the Kingdom’s subjects] will not do any harm or cause any ruin in all my holy mountain; because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea.” Yes, every human on earth will have accurate knowledge of God and be obedient to him. Does that prospect warm your heart? If so, now is the time to begin taking in the precious “knowledge of Jehovah.”

Will You Listen to the Kingdom Message?

By means of the Kingdom, God will undo all the works of Satan and educate people in His righteous ways. Hence, it comes as no surprise that the Kingdom was the focus of Jesus’ teaching. “I must declare the good news of the kingdom of God,” he said, “because for this I was sent forth.” (Luke 4:43) Christ commanded his disciples to share that same message with others. (Matthew 28:19, 20) “This good news of the kingdom,” he foretold, “will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) That end is fast approaching. How important, then, that honesthearted people listen to the lifesaving good news!

Albert, mentioned in the preceding article, heard the Kingdom message when his wife and son began to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. At first, Albert was skeptical. He even asked a local clergyman to visit his wife and son in order to expose the Witnesses. But the clergyman did not want to get involved. So Albert decided to listen in on a Bible discussion to point out any errors. After just one session, he joined in the study, eager to learn more. He later explained why his attitude had changed. “This was what I had always been looking for,” he said.

At last, Albert began to satisfy his spiritual need, and he never looked back. Bible truth gave him what he had been searching for all his life​—the solution to the injustice and corruption that permeate society and a hope for the future. Bible truth gave him inner peace. Is your spiritual need being satisfied? Why not take a moment to read through the questions listed in the box on page 6? If you desire additional information, Jehovah’s Witnesses will be delighted to help you.

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IS YOUR SPIRITUAL NEED BEING SATISFIED?

Are you satisfied with the spiritual food you are receiving? We invite you to read the following questions and check those you can answer correctly.

□ Who is God, and what is his name?

□ Who is Jesus Christ? Why did he have to die? How can his death benefit you?

□ Is there a Devil? If so, where did he come from?

□ What happens to us when we die?

□ What is God’s purpose for the earth and for mankind?

□ What is the Kingdom of God?

□ What are God’s standards of morality?

□ In the family, what are the God-assigned roles of the husband and of the wife? What are some Bible principles that promote family happiness?

If you are unsure of the answers to any of these questions, you may request a copy of the brochure What Does God Require of Us? Published by Jehovah’s Witnesses in nearly 300 languages, this brochure discusses 16 basic Bible topics and provides a Scriptural answer to all the questions listed above.

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Unlike animals, humans have a spiritual need

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“They will accumulate teachers for themselves to have their ears tickled.”​—2 Timothy 4:3

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Lasting peace will be brought about through the Messianic Kingdom of God

Life Story

Happy for My Share in Global Bible Education

AS TOLD BY ANNA MATHEAKIS

The ferryboat was on fire. If it sank, the 561-foot-long [171 meters] hulk would drag me into a watery grave. I frantically swam to safety, fighting violent waves. The only way to stay afloat was to hold tight to a life jacket worn by another woman. I prayed to God for strength and courage. It was all I could do.

THE year was 1971, and I was returning to my third missionary assignment, Italy. In that shipwreck, I lost almost everything I owned. But I did not lose the most important things​—my life, the loving Christian brotherhood, and the privilege of serving Jehovah. That service had already taken me to three continents, and the shipwreck was just one incident in an eventful life.

I was born in 1922. My family lived in Rām Allāh, about ten miles [16 km] north of Jerusalem. My parents were both from the island of Crete, but my father was raised in Nazareth. I was the youngest of three boys and two girls. Our family was shattered by the death of my second-eldest brother, who drowned in the Jordan River while on a school excursion. After this tragedy my mother refused to stay in Rām Allāh, and we moved to Athens, Greece, when I was three years old.

Bible Truth Reaches Our Family

Shortly after we arrived in Greece, my eldest brother, Nikos, who at the time was 22 years old, came in contact with the Bible Students, as Jehovah’s Witnesses were then known. Taking in Bible knowledge gave him great joy and a burning zeal for the Christian ministry. This enraged my father, and he put Nikos out of the house. However, when my father would travel to Palestine, my mother, my sister, and I would accompany Nikos to Christian meetings. I can still hear my mother speaking enthusiastically about the things she heard at those meetings. But shortly thereafter, she succumbed to cancer and died at age 42. During that difficult time, my sister, Ariadne, lovingly took charge of our family. Despite her youth, she was like a mother to me for years to come.

My father always took me to the Orthodox Church when he was in Athens, and after he died, I continued going to church, though less frequently. Since I saw no sign of godly devotion being practiced at church, I eventually stopped attending.

After my father died, I was able to get a secure job with the ministry of finance. My brother, however, had devoted his life to the Kingdom-preaching work, serving for many years in Greece. In 1934 he moved to Cyprus. At the time, there were no baptized Witnesses of Jehovah on that island, so he had the privilege of advancing the preaching work there. After he married, his wife, Galatia, also served as a full-time minister for many years.a Nikos frequently sent us Bible-based books and magazines, but we hardly ever opened them. He remained in Cyprus until his death.

Making Bible Truth My Own

In 1940, George Douras, a zealous Witness in Athens and a friend of Nikos, visited us and invited us to join a small group for a Bible study in his home. We gladly accepted the invitation. Soon we started sharing with others what we were learning. Taking in knowledge from the Bible led my sister and me to dedicate our lives to Jehovah. Ariadne was baptized in 1942, and I, in 1943.

When World War II ended, Nikos invited us to come to Cyprus, so in 1945 we moved to Nicosia. Unlike in Greece, in Cyprus the preaching work was unhindered. We shared not only in the house-to-house ministry but also in street witnessing.

Two years later, Ariadne had to return to Greece. There she met her future husband, a fellow worshipper of Jehovah, so she remained in Athens. Soon my brother-in-law and my sister encouraged me to return to Greece and take up the full-time ministry in the capital. Since pioneering had always been my goal, I returned to Athens, where the need was greater.

New Doors of Opportunity Are Opened

On November 1, 1947, I started pioneering, spending 150 hours every month in the preaching work. Our congregation territory was vast, and I had to walk a lot. Still, I enjoyed many blessings. The police often arrested any Witnesses they found engaging in the preaching work or attending Christian meetings, so it was not long before I was arrested.

I was charged with proselytism, a serious offense at the time. I was sentenced to two months in the Averof Women’s Prison in Athens. Another female Witness was already there, and the two of us enjoyed delightful and upbuilding Christian fellowship despite being locked up. After I had served my sentence, I happily continued pioneering. Many of those with whom I then studied the Bible are still faithful servants of Jehovah, and that gives me great joy.

In 1949, I received an invitation to attend the 16th class of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead in the United States, where full-time servants are trained for missionary work. My relatives and I were thrilled. I planned to attend an international convention in New York City in the summer of 1950 and then to enter Gilead.

After arriving in the United States, I had the privilege of serving for a few months as a housekeeper at the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses in New York City. The environment there was clean, pleasant, and upbuilding, and I was surrounded by smiling brothers and sisters. I will always remember with fondness the six months I spent there. Then it was time to attend Gilead School, where five months of intensive study and instruction flew by. We students came to realize how rich and beautiful Scriptural knowledge is, and that increased our joy and our desire to share with others the life-giving knowledge of the truth.

My First Missionary Assignment

At Gilead School, we were allowed to choose our future partners before receiving our missionary assignments. Ruth Hemmig (now Bosshard), an exceptional sister, was my partner. Ruth and I were overjoyed when we received our assignment to Istanbul, Turkey​—a crossroads between Asia and Europe! We knew that the preaching work was not yet recognized in that country, but we had no doubt that Jehovah would support us.

Istanbul is a beautiful cosmopolitan city. There we found overflowing bazaars, a blend of the world’s finest cuisines, interesting museums, charming neighborhoods, and an always fascinating waterfront. More important, we found sincere people who wanted to learn about God. The small group of Witnesses in Istanbul consisted mainly of Armenians, Greeks, and Jews. However, there were many other nationalities, and it was useful to be conversant with a variety of languages, including Turkish. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting people of different nationalities who were thirsting for the truth. Many of these continue to serve Jehovah faithfully.

Unfortunately, it was impossible for Ruth to renew her residence permit, and she was obliged to leave the country. She continues in the full-time service in Switzerland. After all these years, I still miss her pleasant, upbuilding companionship.

Moving to Another Hemisphere

In 1963 my residence permit in Turkey was not renewed. It was difficult to leave behind fellow Christians whom I had seen progressing spiritually while they struggled to overcome many hardships. In order to cheer me up, my relatives graciously paid my way to New York City so that I could attend a convention there. I had not yet received my next assignment.

After the convention, I was assigned to Lima, Peru. Along with a young sister who was to be my partner, I went straight from New York to my new assignment. I learned Spanish and lived in the missionary home that was situated above the branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It was very pleasant to preach there and get to know the local brothers and sisters.

Another Assignment, Another Language

In time, my relatives back in Greece began to experience the effects of old age and deteriorating health. They never encouraged me to discontinue my full-time service and return to a so-called normal life in order to assist them. However, after much thought and prayer, I realized that it would be better for me to serve closer to my family. The responsible brothers lovingly agreed and assigned me to Italy, and my relatives offered to cover the expenses for the transfer. As it turned out, there was a great need for evangelizers in Italy.

Once again, I had to learn a new language​—Italian. My first assignment was in the city of Foggia. Later, I was transferred to Naples, where the need was greater. My territory was Posilipo, one of the most beautiful parts of Naples. It covered a large area, and there was only one Kingdom publisher. I enjoyed the work very much, and Jehovah helped me to start many Bible studies. In time, a large congregation developed in that area.

Among the first local people with whom I studied the Bible were a mother and her four children. She and her two daughters are still Witnesses of Jehovah. I also studied with a married couple who had a little girl. The whole family progressed in the truth and symbolized their dedication by water baptism. Now the daughter is married to a faithful servant of Jehovah, and together they are serving God zealously. While studying the Bible with one large family, I was impressed with the power of God’s Word. When we read several scriptures that show that God does not approve of worship through images, the mother did not even wait for the study to finish. Right then and there, she disposed of all the images in her house!

In Dangers at Sea

When shuttling between Italy and Greece, I always traveled by ship. The voyage was usually very pleasant. But one trip, in the summer of 1971, was different. I was traveling back to Italy on the ferryboat Heleanna. Early on the morning of August 28, a fire broke out in the ship’s kitchen. The fire spread and so did panic among the passengers. Women were fainting, children were crying, and men were protesting and shouting threats. People ran to the lifeboats on each side of the deck. However, there were too few life jackets, and the mechanism that lowers the lifeboats into the sea did not work properly. I had no life jacket, but the flames were rising higher, so the only sensible thing to do was to jump into the sea.

As soon as I found myself in the water, I saw floating near me a woman who was wearing a life jacket. It seemed that she could not swim, so I grabbed her by the arm to pull her away from the sinking ship. The sea was getting rougher, and the fight to stay afloat made me very tired. The situation seemed hopeless, but I kept beseeching Jehovah for courage, and this gave me strength. I could not help but remember the shipwreck experienced by the apostle Paul.​—Acts, chapter 27.

Holding on to my companion, I struggled with the waves for four hours, swimming when I had the strength for it and calling on Jehovah for help. Finally, I spotted a dinghy approaching. I was rescued, but my companion had already died. When we reached the town of Bari, Italy, I was taken to a hospital, where I received first aid. I had to stay in the hospital for a few days, and many Witnesses visited me, kindly providing all that I needed. The Christian love they showed deeply impressed others who were in the hospital ward.b

After I had recuperated fully, I was assigned to Rome. I was asked to work the business territory in the center of the city, which I did for five years, with Jehovah’s help. For a total of 20 years, I enjoyed the ministry in Italy, and I came to love the Italian people.

Back to Where I Started

In time, the health of Ariadne and her husband took a turn for the worse. I realized that if I lived closer to them, I would be able to repay in some measure all that they had so lovingly done for me. I must admit that it was heartbreaking to leave Italy. However, the responsible brothers gave their permission, and since the summer of 1985, I have been pioneering in Athens, where I began the full-time service back in 1947.

I preached in the territory assigned to my own congregation, and I asked the brothers at the branch office if I could also preach in the business territory in the city center. This I did for three years with a pioneer partner. We were able to give a thorough witness to people who are rarely found at home.

As time passes, though, my desire to serve is constantly being renewed but my physical strength is not. Now my brother-in-law has fallen asleep in death. Ariadne, who has been like a mother to me, has lost her eyesight. As for me, my health was good during the years I spent in full-time service. Recently, however, I tumbled down a marble staircase and broke my right arm. Then I fell and broke my pelvis. I had to undergo surgery and was in bed for a long time. Now I can no longer move about freely. I use a walking stick and can go out only if someone accompanies me. Still, I do my best, hoping that my physical condition will improve. Sharing in the Bible education work, even in a limited way, continues to be my main source of happiness and satisfaction.

When I recall the happy years that I have spent in the full-time ministry, my heart overflows with gratitude to Jehovah. He and the earthly part of his organization have consistently provided sound direction and precious assistance, enabling me to reach my full potential as I have spent my life serving him. My heartfelt desire is that Jehovah strengthen me to continue in his service. I am happy for my modest share in the global Bible education work that he directs.​—Malachi 3:10.

[Footnotes]

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With my sister, Ariadne, and her husband, Michalis, as I was leaving for Gilead

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Ruth Hemmig and I were assigned to Istanbul, Turkey

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In Italy, early 1970’s

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Today, with my sister, Ariadne

They Are Making Themselves Available

“YOUR people will offer themselves willingly.” (Psalm 110:3) Those words have special meaning for the 46 students of the 118th class of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead. How did they prepare themselves to attend this school, which trains prospective missionaries to serve the spiritual needs of people in foreign lands? Mike and Stacie, members of the 118th class, explained: “Our decision to live a simple life helped us to minimize distractions and to keep our spiritual focus. We were determined not to allow our success in the business world to push aside spiritual goals.” Like Mike and Stacie, the other students of this class willingly made themselves available and now serve as Kingdom proclaimers on four different continents.

On Saturday, March 12, 2005, an audience of 6,843 listened with obvious delight to the graduation program. Theodore Jaracz, a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, served as chairman. After giving a warm welcome to the guests, present from 28 different lands, he focused attention on the value of Bible education. Quoting William Lyon Phelps, an American educator, the speaker declared: “Everyone who has a thorough knowledge of the Bible may truly be called educated.” As useful as secular education may be, Bible education is superior. It helps people to take in knowledge of God, which leads to everlasting life. (John 17:3) Brother Jaracz commended the graduates for their willingness to have a greater share in the global Bible educational program that is carried out in over 98,000 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide.

Timely Encouragement for the Graduates

After the chairman’s opening remarks, William Samuelson spoke on the subject “How You Can Be Like a Luxuriant Olive Tree in God’s House,” based on Psalm 52:8. He pointed out that the olive tree is figuratively used in the Bible as a symbol of fruitfulness, beauty, and dignity. (Jeremiah 11:16) Comparing the students to olive trees, the speaker said: “Jehovah will credit you with beauty and dignity as you faithfully carry out your work of Kingdom preaching in your missionary assignments.” Just as the olive tree needs extensive roots to survive a period of drought, the students need to fortify their spiritual roots in order to endure indifference, opposition, or other trials that they may encounter in their foreign service.​—Matthew 13:21; Colossians 2:6, 7.

John E. Barr, one of the three members of the Governing Body who shared in the program, spoke on the theme “You Are the Salt of the Earth.” (Matthew 5:13) He pointed out that just as literal salt preserves food from decay, so the missionaries’ preaching about God’s Kingdom will have a lifesaving effect on those who listen, protecting them from moral and spiritual decay. Then in a fatherly tone, Brother Barr urged the graduates to “keep peace” with others. (Mark 9:50) “Cultivate the fruitage of the spirit, and make sure that your conduct and speech are always gracious and considerate,” admonished the speaker.

“Stay on Board in Deep Waters” was the theme highlighted by Wallace Liverance, one of the Gilead instructors. Just as a ship sailing in deep waters can move in the right direction, so an understanding of “the deep things of God”​—truths concerning God’s purpose and how it will be carried out—​can help one to make spiritual progress. (1 Corinthians 2:10) Simply staying in shallow spiritual waters by being content with “the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God” hinders our advancement and may even invite “shipwreck concerning [our] faith.” (Hebrews 5:12, 13; 1 Timothy 1:19) “Let ‘the depth of God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge’ sustain you in your missionary assignments,” concluded Brother Liverance.​—Romans 11:33.

Mark Noumair, another Gilead instructor, spoke on the subject “Will You Live Up to Your Heritage?” For over 60 years, the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead has acquired credibility and a sterling reputation because of the ‘heap of good witness’ given by the school’s graduates. (Genesis 31:48) This Gilead heritage has been passed on to the students of the 118th class. Brother Noumair encouraged the students to imitate the ancient Tekoites of Nehemiah’s day and humbly cooperate with the local congregation and fellow missionaries. They were admonished to avoid the attitude of the proud “majestic ones” spoken of by Nehemiah and instead be willing to work quietly in the background.​—Nehemiah 3:5.

Instructive Experiences and Interviews

The next part on the program was entitled “The Word of God Went On Growing.” (Acts 6:7) Under the direction of Gilead instructor Lawrence Bowen, the students reenacted experiences that they had enjoyed in the field ministry while attending school. The experiences demonstrated that the students had proclaimed God’s Word with zeal and that Jehovah had richly blessed their efforts.

Richard Ashe conducted interviews with Bethel family members who work closely with the school. Their comments gave insight into the support the Bethel family gives to help Gilead students to get the most out of their schooling. Then, Geoffrey Jackson spoke with some past graduates of Gilead. They highlighted the numerous opportunities that missionary life offers to bring praise and honor to Jehovah. One commented: “People observe everything you do as a missionary. They listen, they watch, and they remember.” Hence, the students were encouraged to be conscious of setting a good example at all times. This sound advice will no doubt prove invaluable in the days to come.

Stephen Lett, a member of the Governing Body, gave the concluding talk, entitled “Go Forth as Bearers of ‘Living Water.’” (John 7:38) He noted that for the past five months, the students benefited immeasurably by drinking deeply from God’s Word of truth. But what will the new missionaries do with the information they have taken in? Brother Lett urged the graduates to share these spiritual waters unselfishly so that others will come to have within themselves “a fountain of water bubbling up to impart everlasting life.” (John 4:14) The speaker added: “Never forget to give Jehovah, ‘the source of living water,’ the honor and glory that he deserves. Be patient when teaching those who have come out of drought-stricken Babylon the Great.” (Jeremiah 2:13) Brother Lett concluded by encouraging the graduates to imitate enthusiastically the spirit and the bride and keep on saying: “‘Come!’ And let anyone thirsting come; let anyone that wishes take life’s water free.”​—Revelation 22:17.

Brother Jaracz concluded the program by sharing greetings received from various lands. This was followed by the reading of a letter of gratitude by a member of the graduating class.

Can you make yourself available to serve where the need is greater? If so, then pursue spiritual goals, as these graduating students have done. Reap the joy and satisfaction that are found when a person cheerfully offers himself willingly in God’s service​—whether as a missionary in a foreign country or as a minister closer to home.

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CLASS STATISTICS

Number of countries represented: 8

Number of countries assigned to: 19

Number of students: 46

Average age: 33.0

Average years in truth: 16.5

Average years in full-time ministry: 12.9

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118th Graduating Class of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead

In the list below, rows are numbered from front to back, and names are listed from left to right in each row.

(1) Brockmeyer, A.; Moloney, S.; Symonds, N.; Lopez, Y.; Howard, C. (2) Jastrzebski, T.; Brown, D.; Hernandez, H.; Malagón, I.; Jones, A.; Connell, L. (3) Howard, J.; Lareau, E.; Shams, B.; Hayes, S.; Brown, O. (4) Burrell, J.; Hammer, M.; Mayer, A.; Kim, K.; Stanley, R.; Rainey, R. (5) Jastrzebski, P.; Zilavetz, K.; Ferris, S.; Torres, B.; Torres, F. (6) Connell, J.; Hernandez, R.; Moloney, M.; Malagón, J.; Shams, R.; Hayes, J. (7) Ferris, A.; Hammer, J.; Stanley, G.; Kim, C.; Symonds, S.; Lopez, D.; Burrell, D. (8) Brockmeyer, D.; Mayer, J.; Rainey, S.; Zilavetz, S.; Jones, R.; Lareau, J.

“Bringing Good News of Something Better”

“How comely upon the mountains are the feet of the one . . . bringing good news of something better.”​—ISAIAH 52:7.

1, 2. (a) What dreadful things are happening every day? (b) How do many people react to hearing bad news constantly?

TODAY people the world over feel that they are drowning in bad news. They turn on the radio and hear frightening reports about deadly diseases stalking the earth. They watch the news on television and see haunting images of starving children crying for help. They pick up a newspaper and read about bomb blasts that rip through buildings, killing scores of innocent people.

² Yes, dreadful things are happening every day. The scene of this world is definitely changing​—for the worse. (1 Corinthians 7:31) A newsmagazine in Western Europe noted that at times it seems as though the entire world were “about to go up in flames.” No wonder that a growing number of people are distressed! One person who was quoted in a survey about television news in the United States no doubt echoed the feelings of millions when he said: ‘After I watch the news, I’m thoroughly depressed. It’s all bad news. It’s overwhelming.’

News That Everyone Needs to Hear

3. (a) What good news does the Bible proclaim? (b) Why do you value the good news of the Kingdom?

³ In such a gloomy world, can better news be found? Indeed it can! It is comforting to know that the Bible proclaims good news. It is the news that sickness, hunger, crime, war, and all sorts of oppression will be brought to an end by God’s Kingdom. (Psalm 46:9; 72:12) Is that not news that everyone needs to hear? Jehovah’s Witnesses certainly think so. Therefore, they are known everywhere for their ongoing effort to share the good news of God’s Kingdom with people of all nations.​—Matthew 24:14.

4. Which aspects of our ministry will we consider in this and the following article?

⁴ What, though, can we do in order to continue to have a satisfying and meaningful share in the preaching of this good news​—even in less responsive territories? (Luke 8:15) A brief review of three important aspects of our preaching work will no doubt help. We can examine (1) our motives, or why we preach; (2) our message, or what we preach; and (3) our methods, or how we preach. By keeping our motives pure, our message clear, and our methods effective, we will give to a wide range of people the opportunity to hear the best of good news​—the good news of God’s Kingdom.a

Why We Share in Preaching the Good News

5. (a) Above all, what motivates us to share in the ministry? (b) Why can it be said that our obedience to the Biblical command to preach is an expression of love for God?

⁵ Let us consider the first aspect​—our motives. Why do we preach the good news? For the same reason Jesus did. He said: “I love the Father.” (John 14:31; Psalm 40:8) Above all, we are motivated by our love for God. (Matthew 22:37, 38) The Bible makes a connection between love for God and the ministry, for it states: “This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments.” (1 John 5:3; John 14:21) Do God’s commandments include the one to ‘go and make disciples’? (Matthew 28:19) Yes. True, those words were spoken by Jesus, but ultimately they originated with Jehovah. How so? Jesus explained: “I do nothing of my own initiative; but just as the Father taught me I speak these things.” (John 8:28; Matthew 17:5) Hence, by observing the command to preach, we show Jehovah that we love him.

6. In what ways does love for God motivate us to preach?

⁶ In addition, love for Jehovah motivates us to preach because we want to counteract the lies that Satan is promoting against him. (2 Corinthians 4:4) Satan has brought into question the righteousness of God’s rule. (Genesis 3:1-5) As Jehovah’s Witnesses, we yearn to share in exposing Satan’s slanders and in sanctifying God’s name before mankind. (Isaiah 43:10-12) Moreover, we share in the ministry because we have come to know Jehovah’s qualities and ways. We feel close to him and feel a strong desire to tell others about our God. In fact, Jehovah’s goodness and his righteous ways bring us such joy that we cannot stop talking about him. (Psalm 145:7-12) We feel impelled to tell forth his praise and speak about his “excellencies” to those who will listen.​—1 Peter 2:9; Isaiah 43:21.

7. Besides love for God, for what other important reason do we share in the preaching work?

⁷ There is another important reason for continuing to share in the ministry: We sincerely want to bring relief to individuals who are overwhelmed by the relentless onslaught of bad news and to those who suffer for one reason or another. In this, we strive to imitate Jesus. Look, for example, at what is described in Mark chapter 6.

8. What does the account in Mark chapter 6 show about Jesus’ feelings for people?

⁸ The apostles return from a preaching campaign and relate to Jesus all that they have done and taught. Jesus notices that the apostles are tired, and he tells them to come with him to “rest up a bit.” So they get into a boat and travel to a quiet place. People follow them, running along the shoreline, and soon catch up with them. What does Jesus do? “He saw a great crowd,” the record says, “but he was moved with pity for them, because they were as sheep without a shepherd. And he started to teach them many things.” (Mark 6:31-34) Pity moves Jesus to continue sharing the good news in spite of his tiredness. Clearly, Jesus’ heart goes out to these people. He feels compassion for them.

9. What do we learn from the account in Mark chapter 6 regarding the right motive for preaching?

⁹ What do we learn from this account? As Christians, we feel an obligation to preach the good news and to make disciples. We recognize our responsibility to declare the good news, since it is God’s will that “all sorts of men should be saved.” (1 Timothy 2:4) However, we perform our ministry not only out of a sense of duty but also out of compassion. If we feel deeply for people as Jesus did, our heart will move us to do all we can to continue sharing the good news with them. (Matthew 22:39) Having such fine motives for engaging in the ministry will move us to preach the good news without letup.

Our Message​—The Good News of God’s Kingdom

10, 11. (a) How does Isaiah describe the message that we preach? (b) How did Jesus bring good news of something better, and how have God’s servants in modern times followed Jesus’ example?

¹⁰ What of the second aspect of our ministry​—our message? What do we preach? The prophet Isaiah gave this beautiful description of the message we publish: “How comely upon the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news, the one publishing peace, the one bringing good news of something better, the one publishing salvation, the one saying to Zion: ‘Your God has become king!’”​—Isaiah 52:7.

¹¹ The key expression in that scripture, “your God has become king,” reminds us of the message that we must proclaim, namely, the good news of God’s Kingdom. (Mark 13:10) Note, too, that this verse reveals the positive tenor of our message. Isaiah uses such terms as “salvation,” “good news,” “peace,” and “something better.” Centuries after Isaiah, in the first century C.E., Jesus Christ fulfilled this prophecy in an outstanding way by setting a zealous example in publishing news of something better​—the coming Kingdom of God. (Luke 4:43) In modern times, especially since 1919, Jehovah’s Witnesses have followed Jesus’ example by zealously proclaiming the good news of God’s established Kingdom and the blessings it will bring.

12. What effect does the Kingdom good news have on those who accept it?

¹² What effect does the Kingdom good news have on those who respond to it? Today as in Jesus’ day, the good news gives hope and comfort. (Romans 12:12; 15:4) It gives honesthearted ones hope because they learn that there are solid reasons for believing that better times are ahead. (Matthew 6:9, 10; 2 Peter 3:13) Such hope greatly helps God-fearing ones to maintain a positive outlook. The psalmist states that they “will not be afraid even of bad news.”​—Psalm 112:1, 7.

A Message That Will “Bind Up the Brokenhearted”

13. How does the prophet Isaiah describe the immediate blessings that come to those who accept the good news?

¹³ In addition, the good news we preach brings immediate relief and blessings to those who listen to it. How? Some of the blessings were indicated by the prophet Isaiah when he foretold: “The spirit of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah is upon me, for the reason that Jehovah has anointed me to tell good news to the meek ones. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to those taken captive and the wide opening of the eyes even to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of goodwill on the part of Jehovah and the day of vengeance on the part of our God; to comfort all the mourning ones.”​—Isaiah 61:1, 2; Luke 4:16-21.

14. (a) What does the expression “bind up the brokenhearted” indicate about the Kingdom message? (b) How do we reflect Jehovah’s concern for brokenhearted ones?

¹⁴ According to that prophecy, by preaching the good news, Jesus would “bind up the brokenhearted.” What a telling word picture Isaiah used! According to one Bible dictionary, the Hebrew word translated “bind up” “is often used of ‘binding’ on a bandage, and thus of medicating and healing the wounded.” A caring nurse may wrap a bandage or a compress around a victim’s injured body part to give it support. In the same way, when preaching the Kingdom message, caring publishers give support to all responsive ones who are suffering in some way. And by supporting those in need, they reflect Jehovah’s concern. (Ezekiel 34:15, 16) The psalmist states concerning God: “He is healing the brokenhearted ones, and is binding up their painful spots.”​—Psalm 147:3.

How the Kingdom Message Makes a Difference

15, 16. What real-life examples illustrate how the Kingdom message gives support and strength to those in need?

¹⁵ Numerous real-life examples illustrate how the Kingdom message does indeed support and strengthen those who are brokenhearted. Consider Oreanna, an elderly woman in South America, who had given up on life. A Witness of Jehovah began visiting Oreanna and reading to her the Bible and the publication My Book of Bible Stories.b At first, the depressed woman listened to the reading while lying in bed with her eyes closed, from time to time heaving sighs. Before long, though, she began to make an effort to sit up in her bed during the reading. Some time later, she was sitting in a chair in the living room, waiting for her Bible teacher to come. Next, the woman began attending Christian meetings at the Kingdom Hall. Encouraged by what she learned at those gatherings, she began to offer Bible literature to anyone passing by her house. Then, at age 93, Oreanna was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Kingdom message had renewed her desire to live.​—Proverbs 15:30; 16:24.

¹⁶ The Kingdom message gives crucial support even to those who know that their life is about to be cut short by illness. Take as an example Maria from Western Europe. She was suffering from a terminal disease and had lost all hope. She was deeply depressed when she was contacted by Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, when she learned about God’s purposes, her life became meaningful again. She was baptized and became very active in the preaching work. During the final two years of her life, her eyes radiated hope and joy. Maria died with a firm hope in the resurrection.​—Romans 8:38, 39.

17. (a) How is the Kingdom message making a difference in the lives of those who accept it? (b) In what ways have you personally experienced that Jehovah is “raising up all who are bowed down”?

¹⁷ Such reports testify to the difference the Kingdom message can make in the lives of ones who long for Bible truths. Individuals who mourn the death of a loved one gain new strength when they learn about the resurrection hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13) People who live in poverty and struggle to feed their family find new dignity and courage when they learn that Jehovah will never forsake them if they are loyal to him. (Psalm 37:28) With Jehovah’s help, many who are overwhelmed by depression gradually develop the strength needed to cope and in some cases are even enabled to overcome that illness. (Psalm 40:1, 2) Indeed, by means of the power supplied through his Word, Jehovah is right now “raising up all who are bowed down.” (Psalm 145:14) By observing how the Kingdom good news brings comfort to brokenhearted ones in our territory and in the Christian congregation, we are time and again reminded that we have the best news available today!​—Psalm 51:17.

“My Supplication to God for Them”

18. How was Paul affected by the Jews’ rejection of the good news, and why?

¹⁸ Although our message contains the best news, many reject it. How might this affect us? In the same way that it did the apostle Paul. He often preached to Jews, but most of them rejected the message of salvation. Their refusal affected Paul deeply. He admitted: “I have great grief and unceasing pain in my heart.” (Romans 9:2) Paul felt compassion for the Jews to whom he preached. It saddened him that they rejected the good news.

19. (a) Why is it understandable that we may feel discouraged at times? (b) What helped Paul to continue in his preaching work?

¹⁹ We too preach the good news out of compassion. Hence, it is understandable that we may feel discouraged when many people reject the Kingdom message. Such a reaction shows that we have genuine concern for the spiritual welfare of those to whom we preach. However, we do well to remember the example of the apostle Paul. What helped him to continue in his preaching work? Although the Jews’ refusal to accept the good news caused him grief and pain, Paul did not give up on all Jews, thinking that they were beyond help. His hope was that there were still some who would accept Christ. Hence, concerning his feelings toward individual Jews, Paul wrote: “The goodwill of my heart and my supplication to God for them are, indeed, for their salvation.”​—Romans 10:1.

20, 21. (a) Regarding our ministry, how can we follow Paul’s example? (b) What aspect of our ministry will be considered in the following article?

²⁰ Notice the two things that Paul highlighted. It was his heart’s desire that some individuals would find salvation, and he supplicated God to that end. Today, we follow Paul’s example. We maintain a heartfelt desire to locate any who might still be rightly disposed toward the good news. We keep on praying to Jehovah that we may find such individuals so that we may help them to follow the course that will lead to their salvation.​—Proverbs 11:30; Ezekiel 33:11; John 6:44.

²¹ However, to reach as many individuals as possible with the Kingdom message, we need to pay attention not only to why and what we preach but also to how we preach. This subject will be considered in the following article.

[Footnotes]

What Have You Learned?

• For what reasons do we share in the ministry?

• What is the main message that we preach?

• What blessings are experienced by those who accept the Kingdom message?

• What will help us to continue in our ministry?

[Pictures on page 18]

The Kingdom message gives strength to the brokenhearted

[Pictures on page 20]

Prayer helps us to endure in our ministry

Good News for People of All Nations

“You will be witnesses of me . . . to the most distant part of the earth.”​—ACTS 1:8.

1. As Bible teachers, to what do we pay attention, and why?

CAPABLE teachers pay attention not only to what they tell their students but also to how they tell it. As teachers of Bible truth, we do the same. We give attention to both the message we preach and the methods we use. Our message, the good news of God’s Kingdom, does not change, but we do adapt our methods. Why? To reach as many people as possible.

2. When we adapt our preaching methods, whom are we imitating?

² By adapting our preaching methods, we imitate God’s servants of old. Consider, for example, the apostle Paul. He said: “To the Jews I became as a Jew . . . To those without law I became as without law . . . To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to people of all sorts, that I might by all means save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:19-23) Paul’s adaptable approach was effective. We too will be effective if we considerately adjust our presentations to fit the individuals we are talking to.

To “the Ends of the Earth”

3. (a) What challenge do we face in our preaching work? (b) How are the words of Isaiah 45:22 being fulfilled today?

³ A major challenge faced by those preaching the good news is the extent of the territory​—“all the inhabited earth.” (Matthew 24:14) During the last century, many servants of Jehovah worked hard to reach new lands in order to spread the good news. What was the result? Breathtaking worldwide expansion. At the dawn of the 20th century, preaching was reported in only a few lands, but at present, Jehovah’s Witnesses are active in 235 lands! Truly, the Kingdom good news is being proclaimed even to “the ends of the earth.”​—Isaiah 45:22.

4, 5. (a) Who have played a significant role in spreading the good news? (b) What did some branch offices say about those from abroad who serve in the branch territory?

⁴ What accounts for such progress? Many things. Missionaries trained at the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead and, more recently, upwards of 20,000 graduates of the Ministerial Training School have made a huge contribution. So have the many Witnesses who at their own expense have moved to lands where the need for Kingdom publishers is greater. Such self-sacrificing Christians​—men and women, young and old, single and married—​play a significant role in preaching the Kingdom message throughout the earth. (Psalm 110:3; Romans 10:18) They are greatly appreciated. Note what some branch offices wrote about those from abroad who serve where the need is greater in the branch territory.

⁵ “These dear Witnesses take the lead in preaching in isolated areas, help to form new congregations, and contribute to the spiritual growth of the local brothers and sisters.” (Ecuador) “If the hundreds of foreigners who serve here were to leave, the stability of the congregations would be affected. It is a blessing to have them with us.” (Dominican Republic) “In many of our congregations, there is a high percentage of sisters, at times up to 70 percent. (Psalm 68:11) Most of them are new in the truth, but single pioneer sisters who have come from other lands provide invaluable assistance by training such new ones. These sisters from abroad are a true gift to us!” (An Eastern European land) Have you ever considered serving in another country?a​—Acts 16:9, 10.

“Ten Men Out of All the Languages”

6. How does Zechariah 8:23 point to the linguistic challenge in our preaching work?

⁶ Another major challenge is the great diversity of languages spoken on earth. God’s Word foretold: “It will be in those days that ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew, saying: ‘We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.’” (Zechariah 8:23) In the modern fulfillment of this prophecy, the ten men represent the great crowd, prophesied about at Revelation 7:9. Note, however, that according to Zechariah’s prophecy, the “ten men” would come not only out of all nations but also “out of all the languages of the nations.” Have we seen a fulfillment of this important detail of the prophecy? Yes, indeed.

7. What statistics show that people “out of all the languages” are being reached with the good news?

⁷ Consider some statistics. Fifty years ago our literature was published in 90 languages. Today, that number has risen to over 400. “The faithful and discreet slave” has spared no effort in providing literature even for some whose language is spoken by relatively few people. (Matthew 24:45) For example, Bible literature is now available in Greenlandic (spoken by 47,000 people), Palauan (spoken by 15,000), and Yapese (spoken by fewer than 7,000 people).

“A Large Door” Leading to New Opportunities

8, 9. What development has opened “a large door” for us, and how have thousands of Witnesses responded?

⁸ Nowadays, though, we may not need to go abroad to share the good news with people of all tongues. In recent years, the arrival of millions of immigrants and refugees in economically developed lands has created numerous immigrant communities speaking many tongues. For instance, in Paris, France, some 100 different languages are spoken. In Toronto, Canada, the number is 125; and in London, England, more than 300 foreign languages are spoken! This presence of people from other lands in many congregation territories opens “a large door” leading to new opportunities to share the good news with people of all nations.​—1 Corinthians 16:9.

⁹ Thousands of Witnesses are responding to the challenge by learning another language. For most of them, it is difficult; yet the struggle is more than balanced by the joy of helping immigrants and refugees to learn the truth found in God’s Word. In a recent year, nearly 40 percent of all those baptized at the district conventions in one Western European country had come from another land.

10. How have you used the booklet Good News for People of All Nations? (See the box “Features of the Booklet Good News for People of All Nations,” on page 26.)

¹⁰ True, most of us are not in a position to learn a foreign language. Even so, we can have a share in helping immigrants by making good use of the newly released booklet Good News for People of All Nations,b which contains an appealing Bible message in many different languages. (John 4:37) Are you using this booklet in the ministry?

When People Are Unresponsive

11. What additional challenge is faced in some territories?

¹¹ As Satan’s influence grows in the earth, another challenge is more frequently faced​—there is little response in some territories. Of course, this situation does not surprise us, since Jesus foretold that such a condition would exist. Speaking about our day, he said: “The love of the greater number will cool off.” (Matthew 24:12) Indeed, belief in God and respect for the Bible have waned among many. (2 Peter 3:3, 4) Consequently, in some parts of the world, relatively few individuals become new disciples of Christ. That does not mean, however, that the labors of our dear Christian brothers and sisters who faithfully preach in such unresponsive territories are in vain. (Hebrews 6:10) Why not? Consider the following.

12. What are two objectives of our preaching work?

¹² The Gospel of Matthew highlights two main objectives of our preaching activities. One is that we “make disciples of people of all the nations.” (Matthew 28:19) The other is that the Kingdom message serves as “a witness.” (Matthew 24:14) Both objectives are important, but the latter is especially significant. Why?

13, 14. (a) What is an outstanding feature of the sign of Christ’s presence? (b) What should we keep in mind, especially when preaching in less responsive territories?

¹³ Bible writer Matthew recorded that the apostles asked Jesus: “What will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?” (Matthew 24:3) In response, Jesus said that one outstanding feature of that sign would be a global preaching work. Was he speaking about disciple making? No. He said: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations.” (Matthew 24:14) Thus Jesus showed that the Kingdom-preaching work itself would be an important feature of the sign.

¹⁴ Hence, as we preach the good news of the Kingdom, we remember that even if we do not always succeed in making disciples, we do succeed in giving “a witness.” Regardless of how people respond, they know what we are doing, and thus we share in fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy. (Isaiah 52:7; Revelation 14:6, 7) Jordy, a young Witness in Western Europe, noted: “To know that I am used by Jehovah to play a part in fulfilling Matthew 24:14 makes me very happy.” (2 Corinthians 2:15-17) No doubt you feel the same way.

When Our Message Is Opposed

15. (a) About what did Jesus forewarn his followers? (b) What enables us to preach despite opposition?

¹⁵ Adverse circumstances pose another challenge to preaching the Kingdom good news. Jesus forewarned his followers: “You will be objects of hatred by all the nations on account of my name.” (Matthew 24:9) Like the early Christians, Jesus’ followers today have been hated, opposed, and persecuted. (Acts 5:17, 18, 40; 2 Timothy 3:12; Revelation 12:12, 17) In some lands, they are at present the target of governmental bans. Still, in obedience to God, true Christians in such lands continue preaching the Kingdom good news. (Amos 3:8; Acts 5:29; 1 Peter 2:21) What enables them, as well as all other Witnesses worldwide, to do so? Jehovah empowers them by means of his holy spirit.​—Zechariah 4:6; Ephesians 3:16; 2 Timothy 4:17.

16. How did Jesus show the link between the preaching work and God’s spirit?

¹⁶ Jesus underlined the close link between God’s spirit and the preaching work when he told his followers: “You will receive power when the holy spirit arrives upon you, and you will be witnesses of me . . . to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8; Revelation 22:17) The order of events in this scripture is significant. First, the disciples received the holy spirit, and then they undertook the global witnessing work. Only with the support of God’s spirit would they have the strength to endure in giving “a witness to all the nations.” (Matthew 24:13, 14; Isaiah 61:1, 2) Appropriately, therefore, Jesus referred to the holy spirit as “the helper.” (John 15:26) He said that God’s spirit would teach and guide his disciples.​—John 14:16, 26; 16:13.

17. When we are faced with fierce opposition, how does the holy spirit help us?

¹⁷ In what ways does God’s spirit help us today when we are faced with fierce opposition to the preaching of the good news? God’s spirit strengthens us, and it opposes those who persecute us. To illustrate this, consider an event in the life of King Saul.

Confronted by God’s Spirit

18. (a) What dramatic change for the worse did Saul undergo? (b) What methods did Saul use to persecute David?

¹⁸ Saul had a good start as Israel’s first king, but later he became disobedient to Jehovah. (1 Samuel 10:1, 24; 11:14, 15; 15:17-23) As a result, God’s spirit no longer supported the king. Saul became violently angry at David, who had been anointed as the next king and now enjoyed the support of God’s spirit. (1 Samuel 16:1, 13, 14) David seemed to be easy prey. After all, he held only a harp, whereas Saul wielded a spear. So one day while David was playing the harp, “Saul proceeded to hurl the spear and say: ‘I will pin David even to the wall!’ but David turned aside from before him, twice.” (1 Samuel 18:10, 11) Afterward, Saul listened to his son Jonathan, David’s friend, and swore: “As Jehovah is living, [David] will not be put to death.” But then, Saul again “sought to pin David to the wall with the spear.” However, David “dodged from before Saul, so that he struck the spear into the wall.” David fled, but Saul came after him. At that critical time, God’s spirit became Saul’s opposer. In what way?​—1 Samuel 19:6, 10.

19. How did God’s spirit protect David?

¹⁹ David fled to the prophet Samuel, but Saul sent his men to seize David. When they arrived at David’s hiding place, however, “the spirit of God came to be upon Saul’s messengers, and they began behaving like prophets.” They were so overwhelmed by God’s spirit that they completely forgot the purpose of their mission. Two more times Saul sent men to bring David back, and the same thing happened each time. Finally, King Saul himself went to David, but Saul too was unable to withstand God’s spirit. In fact, the holy spirit immobilized him “all that day and all that night”​—giving David sufficient time to flee.​—1 Samuel 19:20-24.

20. What lesson can we learn from the account of Saul’s persecution of David?

²⁰ This account of Saul and David contains a strengthening lesson: Persecutors of God’s servants cannot succeed when opposed by God’s spirit. (Psalm 46:11; 125:2) Jehovah purposed that David would be king over Israel. No one could change that. For our day, Jehovah has determined that the “good news of the kingdom will be preached.” No one can stop that from taking place.​—Acts 5:40, 42.

21. (a) How do some opposers today act? (b) Of what are we confident?

²¹ Some religious and political leaders use lies and even violence to try to hinder us. However, just as Jehovah protected David spiritually, so He will protect His people today. (Malachi 3:6) Therefore, like David, we say with confidence: “In God I have put my trust. I shall not be afraid. What can earthling man do to me?” (Psalm 56:11; 121:1-8; Romans 8:31) With Jehovah’s help, may we continue to meet all challenges as we carry out the God-given commission to preach the good news of the Kingdom to people of all nations.

[Footnotes]

Can You Recall?

• Why do we adapt our methods of preaching?

• “A large door” leading to what new opportunities has been opened?

• What is accomplished by our preaching work, even in less responsive territories?

• Why can no opposer stop the preaching of the Kingdom good news?

[Box on page 22]

A Deep Sense of Fulfillment

“Happy and enjoying their united service to Jehovah.” That describes a family who moved from Spain to Bolivia. A son of the family had gone there to support an isolated group. His evident joy so impressed his parents that soon the whole family​—including four boys from 14 to 25 years of age—​was serving there. Three of the boys are now pioneering, and the one who led the way recently attended Ministerial Training School.

“The challenges are many,” says Angelica, aged 30 from Canada, who serves in Eastern Europe, “but I get satisfaction from helping people in the ministry. I am also touched by the many expressions of gratitude from local Witnesses who often thank me for coming to help them.”

“There were so many different customs to get used to,” say two fleshly sisters in their late 20’s from the United States, who serve in the Dominican Republic. “However, we persevered in our assignment, and seven of our Bible students now attend the meetings.” These two sisters were instrumental in organizing a group of Kingdom publishers in a town where there is no congregation.

Laura, a sister in her late 20’s, has been serving abroad for over four years. She says: “I deliberately keep my life simple. This helps the publishers to see that modest living is a matter of choice and of soundness of mind, not of poverty. Being able to help others, especially youths, has been a source of joy for me that offsets the real hardships of serving in a foreign field. I would not trade my service here for any other life, and I will stay as long as Jehovah permits.”

[Box/Picture on page 26]

Features of the Booklet Good News for People of All Nations

The booklet Good News for People of All Nations contains a one-page message presented in up to 92 different languages. The message is written in the first person. So when the householder reads the message, it sounds as if you were talking to him.

The inside cover features a world map. Use this map as a means to establish a rapport with the householder. Perhaps you can point to the country where you are living and indicate that you would like to know where he is from. In that way, you may draw him out and create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

The foreword of the booklet lists several steps that we should take in order to give effective help to those who speak a language that we do not understand. Please read these steps carefully and apply them conscientiously.

The table of contents lists not only the languages but also the corresponding language symbols. This feature helps you to identify the language symbols printed on our tracts and other publications in different languages.

[Picture]

Are you using this booklet in the ministry?

[Pictures on page 23]

Our Bible publications are now available in over 400 languages

GHANA

LAPLAND (SWEDEN)

PHILIPPINES

[Pictures on page 24, 25]

Can you serve where there is a greater need for Kingdom proclaimers?

ECUADOR

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Questions From Readers

Deuteronomy 14:21 reads: “You must not eat any body already dead.” Does that contradict Leviticus 11:40, which reads: “He who eats any of its dead body will wash his garments, and he must be unclean until the evening”?

There is no contradiction between these two verses. The first text repeats the prohibition against eating an animal found dead, perhaps one that was killed by wild beasts. (Exodus 22:31; Leviticus 22:8) The second explains what an Israelite might have done if he violated that prohibition, possibly by accident.

The fact that something was prohibited by the Law did not mean that the prohibition would not at some time be ignored. For example, there were laws against stealing, murder, bearing false witness, and so forth. At the same time, there were penalties for breaking those divinely given laws. Such penalties gave force to the laws and showed how serious they were.

A person who transgressed the prohibition against eating the flesh of an animal found dead would be unclean in Jehovah’s eyes and would have to undergo the proper procedure for cleansing. If he failed to cleanse himself properly, he would have to “answer for his error.”​—Leviticus 17:15, 16.

Jehovah’s Word Is Alive

Highlights From the Book of First Kings

“WHEN the righteous become many, the people rejoice; but when anyone wicked bears rule, the people sigh.” (Proverbs 29:2) The Bible book of First Kings vividly demonstrates the truth of this proverb. It relates the life story of Solomon, during whose kingship ancient Israel enjoys a time of security and great prosperity. First Kings also includes an account of the dividing of the nation after Solomon’s death and of 14 kings who followed him, some in Israel and some in Judah. Only two of these kings were consistently faithful to Jehovah. In addition, the book recounts the activities of six prophets, including Elijah.

Written in Jerusalem and Judah by the prophet Jeremiah, the narrative covers a period of some 129 years​—from 1040 B.C.E. to 911 B.C.E. While compiling the book, Jeremiah evidently consulted such ancient records as “the book of the affairs of Solomon.” Those separate records are no longer extant.​—1 Kings 11:41; 14:19; 15:7.

A WISE KING PROMOTES PEACE AND PROSPERITY

(1 Kings 1:1–11:43)

First Kings begins with an intriguing account of an attempt by King David’s son Adonijah to usurp his father’s kingship. The prophet Nathan’s prompt action foils the plan, and David’s son Solomon is made king. Jehovah is pleased with the request of the newly enthroned king and gives him “a wise and understanding heart” along with “riches and glory.” (1 Kings 3:12, 13) The king’s wisdom is without equal, his wealth beyond compare. Israel enjoys a period of peace and prosperity.

Among the building projects Solomon completes are Jehovah’s temple and various government buildings. Jehovah assures Solomon: “I [will] establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel to time indefinite,” provided the king remains obedient. (1 Kings 9:4, 5) The true God also warns him of the consequences of disobedience. Solomon, though, comes to have many foreign wives. Under their influence, he turns to false worship in his old age. Jehovah foretells that his kingdom will be divided. In 997 B.C.E., Solomon dies, bringing an end to his 40-year reign. His son Rehoboam ascends the throne.

Scriptural Questions Answered:

1:5​—Why did Adonijah try to seize the throne while David was still alive? The Bible does not say. However, it is reasonable to conclude that since Adonijah’s older brothers Amnon and Absalom were already dead, as was probably David’s son Chileab, Adonijah thought that he had the right to the throne as the eldest of David’s remaining sons. (2 Samuel 3:2-4; 13:28, 29; 18:14-17) Having elicited the support of the powerful army chief Joab and the influential high priest Abiathar, Adonijah likely felt confident that his attempt would succeed. The Bible does not say whether he knew of David’s intent to have Solomon inherit the throne. However, Adonijah did not invite Solomon and others loyal to David to “a sacrifice.” (1 Kings 1:9, 10) This suggests that he viewed Solomon as a rival.

1:49-53; 2:13-25​—Why did Solomon put Adonijah to death after granting him a pardon? Even though Bath-sheba had failed to recognize it, Solomon discerned the true intention behind Adonijah’s request that she ask the king to give him Abishag as a wife. Though David had not had relations with her, beautiful Abishag was considered David’s concubine. According to the custom of the times, she would become the property only of David’s legal heir. Adonijah might have thought that by taking Abishag as his wife, he could again make a bid for the throne. Interpreting Adonijah’s request as a manifestation of ambition for the kingship, Solomon revoked the pardon.

6:37–8:2​—When was the temple inaugurated? The temple was completed in the eighth month of 1027 B.C.E., the 11th year of Solomon’s reign. It seems that bringing in the furnishings and making other preparations took 11 months. The inauguration must have taken place in the seventh month of the year 1026 B.C.E. The narrative describes other construction projects after the temple’s completion and before mentioning its inauguration, evidently to round out the discussion about the building operations.​—2 Chronicles 5:1-3.

9:10-13​—Was Solomon’s gift of 20 cities in the land of Galilee to King Hiram of Tyre in harmony with the Mosaic Law? The Law as stated at Leviticus 25:23, 24 could have been regarded as applying only to an area occupied by the Israelites. It is possible that the cities Solomon gave to Hiram were inhabited by non-Israelites, although lying within the boundary of the Promised Land. (Exodus 23:31) Solomon’s action could also have been an indication of his failure to comply completely with the Law, as when he ‘increased horses for himself’ and took many wives. (Deuteronomy 17:16, 17) Whatever the case, Hiram was dissatisfied with the gift. Perhaps the cities were not well-kept by their pagan inhabitants, or it may be that they were not ideally located.

11:4​—Did senility cause Solomon to become unfaithful in his old age? This does not seem to be the case. Solomon was quite young when he began ruling, and although he reigned for 40 years, he did not reach an advanced old age. Moreover, he did not completely leave off following Jehovah. He apparently tried to practice some form of interfaith.

Lessons for Us:

2:26, 27, 35. What Jehovah foretells always comes true. The removal of Abiathar, a descendant of Eli, fulfilled “Jehovah’s word that he had spoken against the house of Eli.” Replacing Abiathar with Zadok from the line of Phinehas was in fulfillment of Numbers 25:10-13.​—Exodus 6:25; 1 Samuel 2:31; 3:12; 1 Chronicles 24:3.

2:37, 41-46. How dangerous it is to think that one can step out of bounds with impunity! Those who deliberately deviate from following ‘the cramped road leading off into life’ will suffer the consequences of that unwise decision.​—Matthew 7:14.

3:9, 12-14. Jehovah answers his servants’ sincere prayers for wisdom, understanding, and guidance in carrying out his service.​—James 1:5.

8:22-53. What heartfelt appreciation Solomon expressed for Jehovah​—a God of loving-kindness, the Fulfiller of promises, and the Hearer of prayer! Meditating on the words of Solomon’s inauguration prayer will enhance our appreciation for these and other aspects of God’s personality.

11:9-14, 23, 26. When Solomon became disobedient in his later years, Jehovah raised up resisters. “God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones,” says the apostle Peter.​—1 Peter 5:5.

11:30-40. King Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam because of what Ahijah had prophesied concerning Jeroboam. How different the king’s response was some 40 years earlier when he refused to seek revenge against Adonijah and other conspirators! (1 Kings 1:50-53) This change of attitude was a result of his drawing away from Jehovah.

A UNITED KINGDOM IS RIPPED APART

(1 Kings 12:1–22:53)

Jeroboam and the people come to King Rehoboam and ask him to lighten the burden imposed by his father, Solomon. Instead of granting their request, Rehoboam threatens to place an even heavier load on them. Ten tribes revolt and make Jeroboam king over them. The kingdom stands divided. Rehoboam rules over the southern kingdom, made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, and Jeroboam reigns over the northern ten-tribe kingdom of Israel.

To discourage the people from going to Jerusalem to worship, Jeroboam sets up two golden calves​—one at Dan and the other at Bethel. Among the kings who rule in Israel after Jeroboam are Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Tibni, Omri, Ahab, and Ahaziah. Abijam, Asa, Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram succeed Rehoboam in Judah. Prophets active in the days of these kings include Ahijah, Shemaiah, and an unnamed man of God, as well as Jehu, Elijah, and Micaiah.

Scriptural Questions Answered:

18:21​—Why were the people silent when Elijah asked them to follow either Jehovah or Baal? It could be that they recognized their failure to give Jehovah the exclusive devotion that he exacts and therefore felt guilty. Or perhaps their consciences were hardened to the extent that they saw nothing wrong with worshipping Baal while claiming to be worshippers of Jehovah. It was only after Jehovah demonstrated his power that they said: “Jehovah is the true God! Jehovah is the true God!”​—1 Kings 18:39.

20:34​—After Jehovah gave Ahab victory over the Syrians, why did Ahab spare their king, Ben-hadad? Instead of striking Ben-hadad down, Ahab concluded a covenant with him by which streets in the Syrian capital, Damascus, would be assigned to Ahab, evidently for the establishment of bazaars, or markets. Earlier, Ben-hadad’s father had similarly assigned himself streets in Samaria for commercial purposes. Hence, Ben-hadad was released so that Ahab could establish commercial interests in Damascus.

Lessons for Us:

12:13, 14. When making vital decisions in life, we should seek the advice of wise and mature individuals who are knowledgeable in the Scriptures and have high regard for godly principles.

13:11-24. Advice or a suggestion that seems questionable, even if it comes from a well-meaning fellow believer, should be measured against the sound guidance of God’s Word.​—1 John 4:1.

14:13. Jehovah searches through us to look for the good in us. Regardless of how insignificant that good may be, he can make it grow as we do our best to serve him.

15:10-13. We must courageously reject apostasy and instead promote true worship.

17:10-16. The widow of Zarephath recognized Elijah as a prophet and received him as such, and Jehovah blessed her acts of faith. Today, Jehovah also notices our acts of faith, and he rewards those who support the Kingdom work in various ways.​—Matthew 6:33; 10:41, 42; Hebrews 6:10.

19:1-8. When facing intense opposition, we can be confident of Jehovah’s support.​—2 Corinthians 4:7-9.

19:10, 14, 18. True worshippers are never alone. They have Jehovah and their worldwide brotherhood.

19:11-13. Jehovah is not a nature god or a mere personification of natural forces.

20:11. When Ben-hadad bragged about destroying Samaria, Israel’s king answered: “Do not let one girding on [his armor in preparation for battle] boast about himself like one unfastening” his armor after returning victorious from battle. When faced with a new task, we must avoid the overconfidence of a braggart.​—Proverbs 27:1; James 4:13-16.

Of Great Value to Us

When recounting the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, Moses told the sons of Israel: “See, I am putting before you today blessing and malediction: the blessing, provided you will obey the commandments of Jehovah your God that I am commanding you today; and the malediction, if you will not obey the commandments of Jehovah your God and you do turn aside from the way about which I am commanding you today.”​—Deuteronomy 11:26-28.

How clearly this vital truth is brought to our attention in the book of First Kings! As we have seen, this book also teaches other valuable lessons. Its message is indeed alive and exerts power.​—Hebrews 4:12.

[Picture on page 29]

The temple and other buildings constructed by Solomon

[Picture on page 30, 31]

After Jehovah demonstrated his power, the people exclaimed: “Jehovah is the true God!”

“It Is Finished”

IN THE year 2002, Jehovah’s Witnesses held a district convention in the city of Mbandaka, in the northwestern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. When the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures in Lingala was released at the convention, those in the audience literally jumped for joy, and some shed tears. Later, people rushed to the platform to have a closer look at the new Bible, crying: “Basuki, Basambwe,” which means: “It is finished! They are confounded!”

Why were the audience so excited, and what did they mean by those words? In some parts of Mbandaka, Jehovah’s Witnesses had been unable to obtain Lingala Bibles. Why? Because the churches refused to sell them to Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Witnesses had to ask a third party to obtain copies. Now they were extremely happy because the churches could no longer prevent them from getting Bibles.

The new translation will benefit not only Jehovah’s Witnesses but also the general public. A man who could hear the program in his home over the loudspeakers from the assembly site wrote to the branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses: “I am very happy about the release of this Bible. It will enlighten us about many things. I am not one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, but I am eagerly awaiting this Bible that you have just published.”

The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is now available in its entirety in 33 languages, and the Christian Greek Scriptures, in 19 additional languages, including Lingala. Why not ask one of Jehovah’s Witnesses how you can obtain a copy of this excellent translation?

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 at your home to conduct a free Bible study with you, please write to Jehovah’s Witnesses, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483, or to the appropriate address listed on page 2.