In a melody lauding the Creator, King David of ancient Israel sang: “To do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is deep within me.” (Ps. 40:8) In spite of the hardships and pressures he faced in life, David genuinely delighted in doing the divine will. Of course, David was not the only worshipper of Jehovah who took pleasure in serving the true God.

Applying the words of Psalm 40:8 to the Messiah, or Christ, the apostle Paul wrote: “When he [Jesus] comes into the world, he says: ‘“Sacrifice and offering you did not want, but you prepared a body for me. You did not approve of whole burnt offerings and sin offerings.” Then I said: “Look! I have come (in the scroll it is written about me) to do your will, O God.”’”​—Heb. 10:5-7.

While on earth, Jesus enjoyed observing creation, being with friends, and sharing in meals. (Matt. 6:26-29; John 2:1, 2; 12:1, 2) Yet, his paramount interest and greatest delight was doing his heavenly Father’s will. In fact, Jesus said: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:34; 6:38) From their Master, Jesus’ disciples learned the secret of genuine happiness. With great joy, they willingly and eagerly shared the Kingdom message with others.​—Luke 10:1, 8, 9, 17.

‘GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES’

Jesus commanded his followers: “Go . . . and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matt. 28:19, 20) Carrying out this commission involves calling on people wherever they can be found, making return visits on those showing interest, and conducting Bible studies with such individuals. Doing this work can be a source of great delight.

Whether people show interest in our message or not, our attitude plays a key role in our finding delight in the ministry. Why do we continue to declare the good news even though we may encounter some apathy or indifference? Because we realize that sharing in the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work is a demonstration of our love for God and for our neighbor. Indeed, lives are at stake​—both our own and that of our neighbors. (Ezek. 3:17-21; 1 Tim. 4:16) Let us consider some points that have helped many of our fellow workers to maintain or renew their zeal for the ministry in challenging territories.

USE EVERY OPPORTUNITY

Using appropriate questions in our ministry often leads to good results. One morning, Amalia saw a man reading the newspaper in a park. She approached him and asked if he had read any good news. When he replied that he had not, Amalia said, “I bring you good news about God’s Kingdom.” This aroused the man’s interest, and he accepted a Bible study. In fact, Amalia was able to start three Bible studies in that park.

Janice has made her place of employment a preaching territory. When a security guard and his workmate showed interest in an article published in The Watchtower, Janice offered to bring them the magazines regularly. She did the same for another coworker, who was fascinated by the variety of subjects discussed in The Watchtower and Awake! This led to yet another worker asking for the magazines. “What a blessing from Jehovah!” says Janice. She eventually had 11 people on her magazine route at work.

BE POSITIVE

A traveling overseer recommended that in the house-to-house ministry, publishers should not conclude their conversation with a householder simply by saying that they would come again another day. Instead, they could ask the person: “Would you like to have me show you how a Bible study is conducted?” or, “What day and hour would you like me to return to continue our discussion?” The traveling overseer reported that by using this approach, the brothers and sisters in one congregation he was serving started 44 home Bible studies in one week.

Making return visits promptly​—even within a few days of the initial call—​can be quite effective. Why? Because doing so shows that we have real interest in helping honesthearted individuals to understand the Bible. When asked why she accepted a Bible study with Jehovah’s Witnesses, one woman said, “I began to study because they showed me sincere interest and love.”

Within a short time after attending the Pioneer Service School, Madaí was conducting 15 Bible studies and had turned over 5 more to other publishers. Several of her Bible students began attending our meetings regularly. What helped Madaí to start so many studies? The school had impressed on her the need to keep on returning until she found those who had originally shown interest. Another Witness who has helped many to learn Bible truths says, “I have learned that perseverance in making return visits is the key to helping people who want to know Jehovah.”

Making return visits and conducting Bible studies requires diligent effort. However, the rewards far exceed all the effort required. By applying ourselves in the Kingdom-preaching work, we can help others to “come to an accurate knowledge of truth,” and that can mean salvation for them. (1 Tim. 2:3, 4) For us, it can result in satisfaction and delight beyond compare.

1, 2. (a) Relate an experience that shows the value of asking well-chosen questions. (See opening image.) (b) Why do we not need to feel intimidated by challenging topics?

A NUMBER of years ago, a Christian sister was discussing the Bible with her unbelieving husband. In the past, he had been a nominal member of one of Christendom’s churches. During their discussion, her husband said that he believed in the Trinity. Discerning that he might not have realized what the Trinity teaching is all about, she tactfully asked, “Do you believe that God is God, that Jesus is God, and that the holy spirit is God; yet, there are not three Gods but one God?” Surprised, the husband said, “No, I don’t believe that!” A lively conversation about the true nature of God then ensued.

² That experience illustrates the value of asking tactful, well-chosen questions. It also highlights an important point: We do not need to feel intimidated by challenging topics, such as the Trinity, hellfire, or the existence of a Creator. If we rely on Jehovah and on the training he provides, we can often give a persuasive answer, one that may reach the heart of our listeners. (Col. 4:6) Let us now examine what effective ministers do when discussing such topics. We will consider how to (1) ask questions that draw the person out, (2) reason on what the Scriptures say, and (3) use illustrations to drive home our point.

ASK QUESTIONS TO DRAW OUT YOUR LISTENERS

3, 4. Why is it important to use questions to help us to determine what a person believes? Give an example.

³ Questions can help us to determine what a person believes. Why is that important? “When anyone replies to a matter before he hears the facts, it is foolish and humiliating,” states Proverbs 18:13. Indeed, before delving into a discussion of the Bible’s viewpoint on a certain topic, we do well to try to determine what our listener really believes. Otherwise, we might spend a lot of time refuting an idea that he never believed in the first place!​—1 Cor. 9:26.

⁴ Suppose we are discussing the topic of hell with someone. Not everyone believes that hell is a literal place of fiery torment. Many believe that it is a condition of conscious separation from God. Hence, we could say something like this: “Since people have different ideas about hell, may I ask what your thoughts are?” After hearing the person’s answer, we will be in a better position to help him understand what the Bible says on the subject.

5. How can questions help us learn why a person believes as he does?

⁵ Tactful questions can also help us to learn why a person believes what he does. For instance, what if someone we meet in the ministry says that he does not believe in God? It might be easy to assume that the person has been influenced by secular views, such as the theory of evolution. (Ps. 10:4) However, some people have lost faith in God because of the intense suffering they have personally seen or experienced. They may find it hard to reconcile such suffering with the existence of a loving Creator. Therefore, if a householder expresses doubts about God’s existence, we could ask, “Have you always felt that way?” If the person says no, we might ask whether something in particular has caused him to doubt that God exists. His answer may help us to determine the best way to assist him spiritually.​—Read Proverbs 20:5.

6. What should we do after asking a question?

⁶ After asking a question, we really need to listen to the person’s answer and acknowledge his feelings. For example, someone may reveal that a tragedy has caused him to doubt the existence of a loving Creator. Before offering proof that God exists, we do well to sympathize with the person and let him know that it is not wrong to wonder why we suffer. (Hab. 1:2, 3) Our patient and loving approach may move him to want to learn more.a

REASON ON WHAT THE SCRIPTURES SAY

7. On what does much of our effectiveness in the ministry depend?

⁷ Let us now consider how to reason on what the Scriptures say. The Bible is, of course, our primary tool in the ministry. It enables us to be “fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) Much of our effectiveness in the ministry depends, not on the number of scriptures we read, but on the way we reason on and explain those we do read. (Read Acts 17:2, 3.) To illustrate, consider the following three scenarios.

8, 9. (a) What is one way to reason with someone who believes that Jesus is equal to God? (b) What other lines of reasoning on this subject have you found to be effective?

⁸ Scenario 1: In our ministry, we meet someone who believes that Jesus is equal to God. What scriptures could we use to reason on the matter? We might invite the person to read John 6:38, where Jesus is quoted as saying: “I have come down from heaven to do, not my own will, but the will of him who sent me.” After considering that verse, we could ask the person: “If Jesus is God, who sent him down from heaven? Would that One not be greater than Jesus? After all, the sender is superior to the one who is sent.”

⁹ Along similar lines, we could read Philippians 2:9, where the apostle Paul describes what God did after Jesus died and was resurrected. The verse says: “God exalted him [Jesus] to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name.” To help the person reason on that scripture, we might ask: “If Jesus was equal to God before he died and God later exalted him to a higher position, would that not put Jesus above God? Yet, how could anyone become superior to God?” If the person respects God’s Word and is honesthearted, such reasoning may move him to examine the subject further.​—Acts 17:11.

10. (a) How might we reason with someone who believes in hellfire? (b) What reasoning have you found to be effective when discussing hellfire?

¹⁰ Scenario 2: A deeply religious householder finds it hard to believe that bad people will not be tormented forever in hellfire. His belief in hellfire may be rooted in a desire to see wicked people pay a penalty for their bad deeds. How might we reason with an individual who feels that way? First, we could assure him that the wicked will be punished. (2 Thess. 1:9) Then, we could have him read Genesis 2:16, 17, which shows that the penalty for sin is death. We might explain that by his sin, Adam caused the entire human race to be born as sinners. (Rom. 5:12) But we can point out that God said nothing about being punished in hellfire. We could then ask, “If Adam and Eve were in danger of being tormented forever, would it not have been fair to warn them of that?” We could then read Genesis 3:19, where sentence was pronounced after their sin but nothing was said about hellfire. Instead, Adam was told that he would return to the dust. We might ask, “Would it have been fair to tell Adam that he would go back to the ground if he was really going to a fiery hell?” If the person is open-minded, such a question may cause him to think more deeply on this subject.

11. (a) What is one way to reason with someone who believes that all good people go to heaven? (b) What reasoning have you found to be effective on the subject of going to heaven?

¹¹ Scenario 3: In our ministry, we meet someone who believes that all good people go to heaven. Such a belief may affect the way the householder interprets the Bible. For example, suppose we were to consider with him Revelation 21:4. (Read.) The person might assume that the blessings described in that verse apply to life in heaven. How could we reason with him? Rather than using additional proof texts, we could focus on a detail right in that scripture. It says that “death will be no more.” We could ask the person if he agrees that in order for something to be no more, it had to exist in the first place. Likely, he will say yes. Then we could point out that there has never been death in heaven; people die only here on earth. Logically, then, Revelation 21:4 must be referring to future blessings here on earth.​—Ps. 37:29.

USE ILLUSTRATIONS TO DRIVE HOME THE POINT

12. Why did Jesus use illustrations?

¹² In addition to questions, Jesus used illustrations during his preaching work. (Read Matthew 13:34, 35.) Jesus’ illustrations helped to reveal the motives of those who heard him speak. (Matt. 13:10-15) Illustrations also made Jesus’ teaching appealing and memorable. How can we use illustrations in our own teaching?

13. How might we illustrate that God is superior to Jesus?

¹³ Simple illustrations are often the best kind to use. For example, when explaining that God is superior to Jesus, perhaps we can try the following approach. We can mention that both God and Jesus used a family reference when describing their relationship. God referred to Jesus as his Son, and Jesus spoke of God as his Father. (Luke 3:21, 22; John 14:28) Next, we might ask the householder: “If you wanted to teach me that two people are equal, what type of family relationship would you use to illustrate the point?” The person may mention siblings​—even twins. If he does, we could point out how natural that comparison seems to be. Then we might ask: “If you and I could come up with this illustration so readily, would not Jesus​—the Great Teacher—​have thought of the same comparison? Instead, he spoke of God as being his Father. Jesus thus portrayed God as being older and having more authority than he had.”

14. What illustration shows that it would be illogical for God to have the Devil torment people in hellfire?

¹⁴ Consider another example. Some believe that Satan is “in charge” of hellfire. An illustration may help a parent to see how illogical it would be for God to have the Devil torment people in hellfire. We could say something like this: “Imagine that your child has become very rebellious and is doing many bad things. How would you react?” Likely, the parent would say that he would correct his child. He might repeatedly try to help the child stop doing what is bad. (Prov. 22:15) At this point, we might ask the parent what he would do if the child rejected all efforts to help him. Most parents would say that eventually they would have no choice but to punish the child. We could then ask, “What if you found out that an evil person had influenced your child to become so rebellious?” No doubt, the parent would be angry with such a person. Driving home the point of the illustration, we might ask the parent, “Knowing that an evil individual had influenced your child, would you ask that person to punish your child for you?” The answer, of course, would be no. Clearly, then, God would not use Satan to punish the very same people who have been influenced by the Devil himself to do bad things!

MAINTAIN A BALANCED VIEW

15, 16. (a) Why should we not expect that everyone we preach to will accept the Kingdom message? (b) Do we have to be especially gifted in order to teach effectively? Explain. (See also the box “A Tool to Help Us Give an Answer.”)

¹⁵ We realize that not everyone we preach to will accept the Kingdom message. (Matt. 10:11-14) That would be true even if we were to ask just the right questions, use the best reasoning, and come up with the finest illustrations. After all, relatively few responded to Jesus’ teaching​—and he was the greatest Teacher ever to walk the earth!​—John 6:66; 7:45-48.

¹⁶ On the other hand, even if we feel that we are not especially gifted, we can be effective in our ministry. (Read Acts 4:13.) God’s Word gives us sound reason for believing that “all those . . . rightly disposed for everlasting life” will accept the good news. (Acts 13:48) So let us develop and maintain a balanced view of ourselves and those with whom we seek to share the good news of the Kingdom. May we take full advantage of the training Jehovah provides, confident that it will benefit both us and those who listen to us. (1 Tim. 4:16) Jehovah can help us to see how we should “answer each person.” As we will next see, one way to succeed in our ministry is to follow what is often called the Golden Rule.

1. Does the way we treat people in the ministry make a difference? Give an example. (See opening image.)

A FEW years ago, a Christian couple in Fiji were sharing in a campaign to invite people to the Memorial of Christ’s death. It began to rain as they were speaking to a woman outside her home. The brother handed the woman an umbrella while he shared one with his wife. The couple were delighted to see the woman present on the night of the Memorial. She admitted that she did not recall much of what the Witnesses said during their visit. But she was so impressed by the way they treated her that she just had to attend the Memorial. What contributed to such a fine reaction? The couple had followed what is often called the Golden Rule.

2. What is the Golden Rule, and how can we apply it?

² What is the Golden Rule? It is the counsel Jesus gave when he said: “All things . . . that you want men to do to you, you also must do to them.” (Matt. 7:12) How can we apply that rule? Basically, by taking two steps. First, we should ask ourselves, ‘If I were in the other person’s shoes, how would I want to be treated?’ Then, we need to follow through, accommodating the other person to the extent possible.​—1 Cor. 10:24.

3, 4. (a) Explain why the Golden Rule does not apply only when we deal with fellow believers. (b) What will we discuss in this article?

³ We often apply the Golden Rule in our dealings with fellow believers. But Jesus did not indicate that we should extend this consideration only to those related to us in the faith. He actually mentioned the Golden Rule when he was discussing how we are to treat people in general and even our enemies. (Read Luke 6:27, 28, 31, 35.) If we are to apply the Golden Rule toward our enemies, how much more should we follow it when witnessing to people​—many of whom may be “rightly disposed for everlasting life”!​—Acts 13:48.

⁴ We will now discuss four questions that we can keep in mind when we engage in the ministry: Who are the individuals I am approaching? Where am I approaching them? When is the best time to approach people? How should I approach them? As we shall see, these questions can help us consider the feelings of those to whom we preach and adapt our approach accordingly.​—1 Cor. 9:19-23.

WHOM AM I APPROACHING?

5. What questions could we ask ourselves?

⁵ In our ministry, we usually speak to individuals. Each person has his or her unique background and problems. (2 Chron. 6:29) When trying to share the good news with someone, ask yourself: ‘If our roles were reversed, how would I want this person to view me? Would I be pleased if he viewed me only as a nondescript resident of the neighborhood? Or would I prefer that he get to know me as a person?’ Considering such questions can remind us to treat each householder as an individual.

6, 7. What should we do if someone we meet in the ministry seems to be belligerent?

⁶ No one likes to be labeled “a negative person.” To illustrate: As Christians, we do our best to apply the Bible’s counsel to ‘let our words always be gracious.’ (Col. 4:6) Being imperfect, however, we sometimes say things that we later regret. (Jas. 3:2) If we were to speak unkindly to someone​—perhaps because we were having a bad day—​we would not want to be labeled “rude” or “inconsiderate.” We would hope that the other person would be understanding. Should we not show others the same consideration?

⁷ If someone you meet in the ministry seems to be belligerent, would it not be good to give him the benefit of the doubt? Could it be that he is under pressure at work or at school? Is he dealing with a serious health problem? In many cases, householders who initially were upset have responded favorably when Jehovah’s people treated them with mildness and respect.​—Prov. 15:1; 1 Pet. 3:15.

8. Why should we not hold back from sharing the Kingdom message with “people of all sorts”?

⁸ Our ministry reaches individuals from all walks of life. In just the past few years, for instance, over 60 experiences have been published in the Watchtower series “The Bible Changes Lives.” Some of the people featured in these articles were formerly thieves, drunkards, gang members, or drug addicts. Others were politicians, religious leaders, or career-focused individuals. Some were pursuing an immoral lifestyle. Yet, all of them heard the good news, accepted a Bible study, made changes in their lives, and came into the truth. Therefore, we should never assume that certain people are beyond the reach of the Kingdom message. (Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.) Instead, we recognize that “people of all sorts” can respond to the good news.​—1 Cor. 9:22.

WHERE AM I APPROACHING PEOPLE?

9. Why should we show respect for the homes of others?

⁹ Where do we approach people in our ministry? Often, we do so at their home. (Matt. 10:11-13) We appreciate it when others show respect for our home and personal property. After all, our home is important to us. We want it to be a place where we have privacy and security. We should show our neighbors the same respect. In our house-to-house ministry, therefore, we do well to think about how we treat their home.​—Acts 5:42.

10. How can we avoid disturbing others in our ministry?

¹⁰ In today’s crime-filled world, many householders are suspicious of strangers. (2 Tim. 3:1-5) We should avoid adding to such suspicion. For example, suppose we approach a house and knock on the front door. If no one answers, we could be tempted to look through the window or walk around the property, searching for the householder. In your area, would that most likely disturb the householder? What might his neighbors think? True, we should be thorough in our preaching work. (Acts 10:42) We are eager to spread a positive message, and our motives are good. (Rom. 1:14, 15) Nevertheless, we wisely avoid doing anything that could unduly disturb people in our witnessing territory. The apostle Paul wrote: “In no way are we giving any cause for stumbling, so that no fault may be found with our ministry.” (2 Cor. 6:3) When we show respect for the home and property of those in our territory, our conduct may attract some individuals to the truth.​—Read 1 Peter 2:12.

WHEN AM I APPROACHING PEOPLE?

11. Why do we appreciate it when others respect our time?

¹¹ As Christians, most of us lead busy lives. In order to meet our obligations, we set priorities and plan our schedule carefully. (Eph. 5:16; Phil. 1:10) If something interrupts our schedule, we may feel frustrated. We therefore appreciate it when others respect our time, showing reasonableness when they approach us and in the amount of our time that they take. Bearing in mind the Golden Rule, how can we show that we respect those to whom we preach?

12. How can we determine the best time to approach the people in our territory?

¹² We should try to determine the best time to approach householders. In our territory, when are people usually at home? When are they likely to be receptive? We do well to look for ways to adjust our schedule accordingly. In some parts of the world, our house-to-house work is most productive in the late afternoon or early evening. If that is true in your witnessing area, could you arrange to do at least some of your house-to-house preaching during those hours of the day? (Read 1 Corinthians 10:24.) We can be sure that Jehovah will bless any sacrifices we make in order to share in the ministry at times that are best for those in the territory.

13. How can we show respect for a householder?

¹³ How can we further show respect for an individual? When we find someone who is receptive, we should give a good witness but we should not overstay our welcome. The householder may have set this time aside to do something else that he views as important. If he says he is busy, we can state that we will be brief​—and we should keep our promise. (Matt. 5:37) When ending a conversation, we do well to ask the person when it would be convenient for him to see us again. Some publishers have found it effective to say: “I would enjoy visiting you again. Would it be best if I were to call or send a text message before I stop by?” When we adapt to the schedule of those in the territory, we are following the example of Paul, who ‘was not seeking his own advantage, but that of the many, so that they might be saved.’​—1 Cor. 10:33.

HOW SHOULD I APPROACH PEOPLE?

14-16. (a) Why should we make the purpose of our visit clear to the householder? Illustrate. (b) What approach has one traveling overseer found to be effective?

¹⁴ Imagine that one day we receive a phone call but do not recognize the caller’s voice. He is a stranger, but he asks a question about the types of food we prefer. We wonder who the caller is and what he really wants. Out of politeness, perhaps we might briefly converse with him, but then we would likely indicate that we prefer to end the conversation. On the other hand, imagine that the caller identifies himself, lets us know that he works in the field of nutrition, and kindly tells us that he has some helpful information. We would probably be more receptive. After all, we appreciate it when people are straightforward yet tactful when approaching us. How can we extend the same courtesy to those we meet in our ministry?

¹⁵ In many territories, we need to make the purpose of our visit clear to the householder. True, we have valuable information the householder does not have, but suppose we did not really introduce ourselves and merely began our presentation abruptly with a question like this: “If you could solve any problem in the world, what would it be?” We know that the purpose behind such a question is to find out what is on the person’s mind and then direct the conversation to the Bible. However, the householder might wonder: ‘Who is this stranger, and why is he asking me this question? What is this all about?’ So we should try to put the householder at ease. (Phil. 2:3, 4) How can we do so?

¹⁶ One traveling overseer has found the following approach to be effective. After exchanging greetings, he hands the householder a copy of the tract Would You Like to Know the Truth? and says: “We’re giving one of these to everyone in the area today. It discusses six questions that many people ask. Here is your copy.” The brother reports that most people seem to relax a bit once they know the purpose of the visit. At that point, it is often easier to get a conversation under way. The traveling overseer next asks the person: “Have you ever thought about any of these questions?” If the householder chooses one, the brother opens the tract and discusses what the Bible says about that question. Otherwise, he selects a question and continues the discussion without putting the householder on the spot. Of course, there are many ways to start a conversation. In some areas, householders may expect more formalities before we get to the point of our visit. The key is to adjust our presentation to the way that people in our area likely want to be approached.

KEEP ON FOLLOWING THE GOLDEN RULE IN YOUR MINISTRY

17. As considered in this article, what are some ways in which we can follow the Golden Rule?

¹⁷ What, then, are some ways in which we follow the Golden Rule in our ministry? We treat each householder as an individual. We show respect for the householder’s home and other property. We endeavor to participate in the ministry at times when householders are most likely to be at home and receptive. And we introduce our message in a way that is well-received in the local territory.

18. What benefits come from treating those in our territory as we would like to be treated?

¹⁸ Many benefits come from treating those in our territory as we would like to be treated. By acting in a kind and considerate manner, we are letting our light shine, are underscoring the value of Scriptural principles, and are giving glory to our heavenly Father. (Matt. 5:16) We may attract more people to the truth by the way we approach them. (1 Tim. 4:16) Whether those to whom we preach accept the Kingdom message or not, we have the satisfaction of knowing that we are doing our best to accomplish our ministry. (2 Tim. 4:5) May each of us imitate the apostle Paul, who wrote: “I do all things for the sake of the good news, in order to share it with others.” (1 Cor. 9:23) To that end, let us always follow the Golden Rule in our ministry.

ACTUALLY, that small audience for my talk in 1957 did not bother me. You see, I have always been extremely shy. In fact, when I was young, I used to hide when guests came to our home, even if I knew them.

Understandably, you might be surprised to learn that most of my assignments in Jehovah’s organization have compelled me to interact with many other people​—both friends and strangers. Yet, I have continued to struggle with shyness and lack of confidence, so I cannot take credit for any success I have had in those assignments. Instead, I have seen the truth of Jehovah’s promise: “I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.” (Isa. 41:10) One of the foremost ways that Jehovah has helped me is by means of the support of fellow Christians. Let me tell you about some of them, starting with when I was a child.

SHE USED A BIBLE AND A LITTLE BLACK BOOK

On a sunny Sunday morning in the 1940’s, Elsie Huntingford called at our family farm in southwestern Ontario. My mother answered the door while my father​—who was shy like me—​sat inside with me and listened. Thinking that Sister Huntingford was a saleswoman and that Mom would buy something we didn’t need, Dad finally went to the door to say that we were not interested. “Are you people not interested in a Bible study?” Sister Huntingford asked. “Of course we’re interested in that,” my dad replied.

Sister Huntingford could not have visited us at a better time. My parents had been very active members of the United Church of Canada but had recently decided to leave it. Why? Because in the church foyer, the minister posted a list of all donors in the order of the amount they had given. My parents, who were of modest means, were usually near the bottom of the list, and the church elders pressured them to give more. Because he wanted to keep his job, another minister admitted that he did not teach the things he really believed. Therefore, we left the church but still sought a way to satisfy our spiritual need.

Since the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses was then under ban in Canada, Sister Huntingford conducted a study with our family, using only the Bible and some notes she had in a little black book. When she later realized that we would not betray her to the authorities, she introduced us to Bible literature. We carefully hid the publications after each study was over.a

Despite opposition and other obstacles, Sister Huntingford zealously preached the good news. Her zeal impressed me and moved me to take my stand for the truth. One year after my parents were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses, I symbolized my dedication to God. My baptism took place on February 27, 1949, in a metal trough that farmers used to water livestock. I was 17 years old. After that, I was determined to enter the full-time ministry.

JEHOVAH HELPED ME TO BE COURAGEOUS

I hesitated to pioneer right away. For a while, I worked at a bank and in an office because I had convinced myself that I needed to earn some money to support my pioneering. As an inexperienced youth, however, I spent my money as fast as I made it. So a brother named Ted Sargent urged me to be courageous and put faith in Jehovah. (1 Chron. 28:10) With that gentle nudge, I began pioneering in November 1951. I had only 40 dollars, a used bicycle, and a new briefcase. But Jehovah always made sure that I had what I needed. How grateful I am that Ted encouraged me to take up the pioneer service! That led to further blessings.

One evening in late August 1952, I received a phone call from Toronto. The Canada branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses invited me to begin Bethel service in September. Although I was shy and had never visited the branch, I was excited because other pioneers had told me wonderful things about Bethel. I felt at home right away.

“SHOW THE BROTHERS THAT YOU CARE ABOUT THEM”

Not long after I arrived at Bethel, I succeeded Bill Yacos as company servant (now known as the coordinator of the body of elders) of the Shaw Unit in Toronto.b At only 23 years of age, I felt like a naive farm boy. But Brother Yacos humbly and lovingly showed me what to do. And Jehovah really helped me.

Brother Yacos​—a stocky brother with a ready smile—​was interested in people. He loved the brothers, and they loved him. He regularly visited them in their homes but not just when they had problems. Bill Yacos encouraged me to do the same and to work along with the brothers and sisters in the field ministry. “Ken,” he said, “show the brothers that you care about them. That will cover a multitude of shortcomings.”

MY WIFE DISPLAYS LOYAL LOVE

Jehovah has helped me in a special way since January 1957. That month I married Evelyn, a graduate of the 14th class of Gilead School. Before we got married, she had been serving in the French-speaking province of Quebec. In those days Quebec was largely controlled by the Roman Catholic Church. So Evelyn had a very difficult assignment, but she loyally stuck to it and to Jehovah.

Evelyn has also loyally stuck to me. (Eph. 5:31) In fact, her loyalty was tested right after we got married! We had planned to take a trip to Florida, U.S.A., but the day after our wedding, the branch asked me to attend a week-long meeting at Canada Bethel. Of course, this meeting interfered with our plans, but Evelyn and I wanted to do whatever Jehovah asked us to do. Hence, we canceled our honeymoon. During that week, she worked in field service near the branch. Although the territory was far different from Quebec, she persevered.

At the end of that week, I received a surprise​—I was assigned as a circuit overseer in northern Ontario. I was a new husband, only 25 years old and very inexperienced, but off we went with confidence in Jehovah. In the heart of a Canadian winter, we boarded an overnight train with a number of experienced traveling overseers who were returning to their assignments. They encouraged us so much! One brother even insisted that we take the sleeping car accommodations he had reserved for himself, so that we would not have to sit up all night in a coach. The next morning, just 15 days after our wedding, we found ourselves visiting the small group in Hornepayne, as I related earlier.

More changes were in store for Evelyn and me. While we were serving in district work in late 1960, I received an invitation to attend the 36th class of Gilead School, a ten-month course to commence early in February 1961 in Brooklyn, New York. Of course, I was thrilled, but my delight was tempered by the fact that Evelyn was not included in the invitation. Instead, like other wives in a similar position, Evelyn was asked to write a letter stating that she was willing for us to be separated for at least ten months. Evelyn shed tears, but we agreed that I should attend the school, and she was happy that I would enjoy valuable training at Gilead.

In the interim, Evelyn served at the Canada branch. She had the special privilege of sharing a room with a dear anointed sister, Margaret Lovell. Of course, Evelyn and I missed each other very much. With Jehovah’s help, though, we settled into our temporary assignments. Her willingness to sacrifice our time together so that we could be more useful to Jehovah and his organization touched me deeply.

After I had been at Gilead for about three months, Brother Nathan Knorr, who was then taking the lead in the worldwide work, presented me with an extraordinary invitation. He asked me if I would leave Gilead School at that point and return to Canada to serve temporarily as Kingdom Ministry School instructor at the branch. Brother Knorr told me that I did not have to accept the invitation. I could complete the Gilead School course if I wished and then perhaps be assigned to missionary work. He also stated that if I did decide to return to Canada, I might never be invited to Gilead again and that in time, I would probably be assigned back to the field in Canada. He left it up to me to decide after I talked to my wife about it.

Since Evelyn had already told me how she viewed theocratic assignments, I immediately told Brother Knorr, “Whatever Jehovah’s organization wants us to do, we are happy to do.” We have always felt that regardless of our preferences, we should go wherever Jehovah’s organization assigned us to go.

Thus, in April 1961, I left Brooklyn and returned to Canada to teach Kingdom Ministry School. Later, we began serving as members of the Bethel family. Then, to my surprise, I received an invitation to attend the 40th class of Gilead, which would start in 1965. Once again, Evelyn had to write a letter agreeing to our separation. But a few weeks later, to our mutual delight, she received her own invitation to attend the school with me.

After we arrived at Gilead School, Brother Knorr told us that students enrolled in French-language classes, as we were, would be sent to Africa. At our graduation program, however, we were reassigned to Canada! I was appointed as the new branch overseer (now Branch Committee coordinator). Only 34 years of age, I reminded Brother Knorr, “I’m pretty young.” But he reassured me. And right from the beginning, I tried to consult older, more experienced brothers at Bethel before making weighty decisions.

BETHEL​—A PLACE TO LEARN AND TO TEACH

Bethel service has given me marvelous opportunities to learn from others. I respect and greatly admire the other members of the Branch Committee. I have also been influenced in good ways by the hundreds of fine Christian men and women​—young and old—​who have passed through our lives here at the branch and in the various congregations where we have served.

Bethel service has also allowed me to teach others and strengthen their faith. The apostle Paul told Timothy: “Continue in the things that you learned.” He also stated: “The things you heard from me that were supported by many witnesses, these things entrust to faithful men, who, in turn, will be adequately qualified to teach others.” (2 Tim. 2:2; 3:14) Sometimes fellow Christians ask me what lessons I have learned during my 57 years of Bethel service. My simple response is, “Willingly and promptly do what Jehovah’s organization wants you to do, relying on Jehovah to help you.”

It seems like only yesterday that I first arrived at Bethel as a shy, inexperienced young man. All these years, though, Jehovah has been ‘grasping my right hand.’ Especially through the kindness and timely assistance of fellow believers, he continues to assure me: “Do not be afraid. I will help you.”​—Isa. 41:13.

1, 2. (a) Who was God’s first creation, and how did Jehovah use him? (b) What indicates that the angelic creation is organized?

JEHOVAH, the Creator of the universe, does things in an organized manner. His first creation was his only-begotten spirit Son, who is called “the Word” because he is God’s principal spokesman. The Word has served Jehovah for ages, for the Bible states: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.” We are also told: “All things came into existence through him [the Word], and apart from him not even one thing came into existence.” A little over 2,000 years ago, God sent the Word to the earth, where he faithfully did his Father’s will as the perfect man Jesus Christ.​—John 1:1-3, 14.

² During his prehuman existence, God’s Son served loyally as His “master worker.” (Prov. 8:30) By means of him, Jehovah brought into existence many millions of other spirit creatures in heaven. (Col. 1:16) Regarding such angels, one Bible account informs us: “A thousand thousands kept ministering to [Jehovah], and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.” (Dan. 7:10) God’s numerous spirit creatures are referred to as the well-organized “armies” of Jehovah.​—Ps. 103:21.

3. How great is the number of stars and planets, and how are they organized?

³ What can be said about material creation, such as the countless stars and planets? Regarding stars, the Houston, Texas, Chronicle reports on a recent study suggesting that there are “300 sextillion of them, or three times as many as scientists previously calculated.” The report adds: “That is a 3 followed by 23 zeros. Or 3 trillion times 100 billion.” The stars are organized into galaxies, each containing billions or even trillions of stars, as well as many planets. Most galaxies are further organized into groups called clusters and into larger superclusters.

4. Why is it reasonable to conclude that God’s servants on earth would be organized?

⁴ Like the righteous spirit creatures in heaven, the physical heavens are superbly organized. (Isa. 40:26) Therefore, it is logical to conclude that Jehovah would organize his servants on earth. He wants them to maintain good order, and that is vitally important because they have so much important work to do. The splendid record of faithful service established by Jehovah’s worshippers past and present provides powerful evidence that he has been with them and that he is “a God not of disorder but of peace.”​—Read 1 Corinthians 14:33, 40.

GOD’S ORGANIZED PEOPLE IN ANCIENT TIMES

5. How was the orderly arrangement for the human family to fill the earth interrupted?

⁵ When Jehovah created the first humans, he told them: “Be fruitful and become many, fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving on the earth.” (Gen. 1:28) The human family was to grow in an organized way so as to populate the earth and extend Paradise until it covered the entire globe. The outworking of that orderly arrangement was temporarily interrupted by the disobedience of Adam and Eve. (Gen. 3:1-6) In time, “Jehovah saw that man’s wickedness was great on the earth and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only bad all the time.” As a result, “the earth had become ruined in the sight of the true God, and the earth was filled with violence.” Therefore, God purposed to bring about a global flood that would destroy the ungodly.​—Gen. 6:5, 11-13, 17.

6, 7. (a) Why did Noah find favor with Jehovah? (See opening image.) (b) What happened to all the unfaithful people in Noah’s time?

⁶ However, “Noah found favor in the eyes of Jehovah” because he “was a righteous man” who “proved himself faultless among his contemporaries.” Because “Noah walked with the true God,” Jehovah instructed him to build a huge ark. (Gen. 6:8, 9, 14-16) Its design was well-suited for the preservation of human and animal life. Obediently, “Noah did everything that Jehovah had commanded him,” and with the cooperation of his family, he completed the building work in an organized way. After living things were brought into the ark, “Jehovah shut the door.”​—Gen. 7:5, 16.

⁷ In 2370 B.C.E. when the Flood came, Jehovah “wiped every living thing from the surface of the earth,” but he kept faithful Noah and his family safe in the ark. (Gen. 7:23) Everyone on earth today is a descendant of Noah, his sons, and their wives. But all the faithless people outside the ark perished because they had refused to listen to Noah, “a preacher of righteousness.”​—2 Pet. 2:5.

8. What evidence of good organization existed in Israel when God instructed his people to enter the Promised Land?

⁸ More than eight centuries after the Deluge, God organized the Israelites into a nation. Good organization was to involve all aspects of their life and especially their worship. In addition to Israel’s numerous priests and Levites, for example, there were “women who were organized to serve at the entrance of the tent of meeting.” (Ex. 38:8) When Jehovah God instructed the people of Israel to enter Canaan, however, that generation proved unfaithful, and he told them: “None of you will enter into the land that I swore to have you reside in except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun” because they brought back a good report after spying out the Promised Land. (Num. 14:30, 37, 38) In harmony with God’s direction, Moses later commissioned Joshua to be his successor. (Num. 27:18-23) When Joshua was about to lead the Israelites into Canaan, he was told: “Be courageous and strong. Do not be struck with terror or fear, for Jehovah your God is with you wherever you go.”​—Josh. 1:9.

9. How did Rahab feel about Jehovah and his people?

⁹ Jehovah God really was with Joshua wherever he went. For instance, consider what happened as the Israelites were encamped near the Canaanite city of Jericho. In 1473 B.C.E., Joshua sent two men to spy out Jericho, and there they met the prostitute Rahab. She hid them on the roof of her house, concealing them from potential captors sent out by Jericho’s king. Rahab told the Israelite spies: “I do know that Jehovah will give you the land . . . , for we heard how Jehovah dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you . . . and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites.” She added: “Jehovah your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.” (Josh. 2:9-11) Because Rahab aligned herself with Jehovah’s organization of that time, God saw to it that she and her household were spared when the Israelites conquered Jericho. (Josh. 6:25) Rahab exercised faith, had reverence for Jehovah, and showed respect for his people.

A DYNAMIC FIRST-CENTURY ORGANIZATION

10. What did Jesus tell the Jewish religious leaders of his day, and why did he make such a statement?

¹⁰ Under Joshua’s leadership, the people of Israel conquered city after city and occupied the land of Canaan. But what happened in later times? Over the centuries, the Israelites repeatedly violated God’s laws. By the time Jehovah sent his Son to the earth, their failure to obey God and listen to his spokesmen was so pronounced that Jesus called Jerusalem “the killer of the prophets.” (Read Matthew 23:37, 38.) God rejected the Jewish religious leaders because of their unfaithfulness to him. Jesus therefore told them: “The Kingdom of God will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits.”​—Matt. 21:43.

11, 12. (a) What proves that in the first century, Jehovah transferred his blessing from the Jewish nation to another organization? (b) The new God-approved organization consisted of whom?

¹¹ In the first century C.E., Jehovah cast off the unfaithful nation of Israel. However, that did not mean that he would be without an organization of loyal servants on earth. Jehovah transferred his blessing to a dynamic new organization centered on Jesus Christ and his teachings. It had its start on the day of Pentecost 33 C.E. At that time, about 120 disciples of Jesus were gathered at a place in Jerusalem when “suddenly there was a noise from heaven, just like that of a rushing, stiff breeze, and it filled the whole house.” Then “tongues as if of fire became visible to them and were distributed, and one came to rest on each one of them, and they all became filled with holy spirit and started to speak in different languages, just as the spirit enabled them to speak.” (Acts 2:1-4) This amazing event furnished undeniable evidence that Jehovah was backing the new organization, the one consisting of Christ’s disciples.

¹² On that thrilling day, “about 3,000 people were added” to the number of Jesus’ followers. Furthermore, “Jehovah continued to add to them daily those being saved.” (Acts 2:41, 47) So effective was the activity of those first-century preachers that “the word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples kept multiplying very much in Jerusalem.” Even “a large crowd of priests began to be obedient to the faith.” (Acts 6:7) Many sincere individuals thus accepted the truths proclaimed by members of this new organization. Later, Jehovah gave similar evidence of his backing when he started to bring “people of the nations” into the Christian congregation.​—Read Acts 10:44, 45.

13. What was the work of God’s new organization?

¹³ There was no doubt about the God-given work of Christ’s followers. Jesus himself had set the example for them, for soon after his baptism, he began preaching about “the Kingdom of the heavens.” (Matt. 4:17) Jesus taught his disciples to do the same work. He told them: “You will be witnesses of me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) The early followers of Christ definitely understood what was required of them. At Antioch in Pisidia, for example, Paul and Barnabas boldly told their Jewish opposers: “It was necessary for the word of God to be spoken first to you. Since you are rejecting it and do not judge yourselves worthy of everlasting life, look! we turn to the nations. For Jehovah has commanded us in these words: ‘I have appointed you as a light of nations, for you to be a salvation to the ends of the earth.’” (Acts 13:14, 45-47) Since the first century, the earthly part of God’s organization has been making known his provision for salvation.

MANY PERISH, BUT GOD’S SERVANTS SURVIVE

14. What happened to first-century Jerusalem, but who survived?

¹⁴ The Jews in general did not accept the good news, and calamity was to befall them, for Jesus had warned his disciples: “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies, then know that the desolating of her has drawn near. Then let those in Judea begin fleeing to the mountains, let those in the midst of her leave, and let those in the countryside not enter into her.” (Luke 21:20, 21) What Jesus foretold took place. Because of a Jewish revolt, Roman armies led by Cestius Gallus surrounded Jerusalem in 66 C.E. Those forces suddenly withdrew, however, and that gave Jesus’ followers an opportunity to leave Jerusalem and Judea. According to the historian Eusebius, many fled across the Jordan River to Pella in Perea. In 70 C.E., Roman armies under General Titus returned and devastated Jerusalem. However, faithful Christians survived because they heeded Jesus’ warning.

15. Despite what did Christianity flourish?

¹⁵ Despite the hardships, persecution, and other tests of faith experienced by Christ’s followers, Christianity flourished in the first century. (Acts 11:19-21; 19:1, 19, 20) Those early Christians prospered spiritually because they had God’s blessing.​—Prov. 10:22.

16. To fare well spiritually, what was required of each Christian?

¹⁶ To fare well spiritually, each Christian had to put forth personal effort. Diligent study of the Scriptures, regular attendance at meetings for worship, and zealous activity in the Kingdom-preaching work were essential. Such activities contributed to the spiritual health and unity of Jehovah’s people at that time, even as they do today. Those associated with the well-organized early congregations benefited greatly from the willing and helpful efforts of overseers and ministerial servants. (Phil. 1:1; 1 Pet. 5:1-4) And what a delight it must have been when traveling elders, such as Paul, visited the congregations! (Acts 15:36, 40, 41) The similarities between our worship and that of the first-century Christians are remarkable. How grateful we are that Jehovah organized his servants then as well as now!a

17. What will be discussed in the next article?

¹⁷ As Satan’s world nears its end in these last days, the earthly part of Jehovah’s universal organization is moving ahead at an ever-increasing speed. Are you keeping pace with it? Have you been making spiritual progress? The next article will show how you can do so.

1. What organization replaced apostate Israel as the people for Jehovah’s name? (See opening image.)

JEHOVAH is rightly credited with the establishment of the Christian congregation in the first century and with the restoration of true worship in recent times. As noted in the preceding article, the organization consisting of Christ’s early followers replaced the apostate nation of Israel as the people for Jehovah’s name. The new organization, so highly favored by God, survived the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. (Luke 21:20, 21) Those first-century events were a precursor of developments involving Jehovah’s present-day servants. Satan’s system of things will soon come to its end, but God’s organization will survive the last days. (2 Tim. 3:1) How can we be sure about this?

2. What did Jesus say about the “great tribulation,” and how will it start?

² Regarding his invisible presence and the conclusion of the system of things, Jesus said: “There will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again.” (Matt. 24:3, 21) This unparalleled tribulation will start when Jehovah brings destruction on “Babylon the Great,” the world empire of false religion, by using the political powers. (Rev. 17:3-5, 16) What will come next?

SATANIC ACTION LEADS TO ARMAGEDDON

3. After false religion is destroyed, what assault on Jehovah’s people will be attempted?

³ After false religion is destroyed, Satan and various elements of his world will attack Jehovah’s servants. Concerning “Gog of the land of Magog,” for example, the Scriptures foretell: “You will come against them like a storm, and you will cover the land like clouds, you and all your troops and many peoples with you.” Because Jehovah’s Witnesses have no armed forces and are the most peaceful people on earth, they will appear to be easy targets. But what a mistake attacking them will prove to be!​—Ezek. 38:1, 2, 9-12.

4, 5. How will Jehovah respond to satanic attempts to destroy his servants?

⁴ How will God respond to satanic efforts to destroy his people? Jehovah will intervene in their behalf, exercising his right as Universal Sovereign. Jehovah considers an assault on his servants to be an attack on him. (Read Zechariah 2:8.) Therefore, our heavenly Father will take prompt action in order to rescue us. That deliverance will come to its climax with the destruction of Satan’s world at Armageddon, “the war of the great day of God the Almighty.”​—Rev. 16:14, 16.

⁵ Regarding Armageddon, Bible prophecy states: “‘Jehovah has a controversy with the nations. He will personally pass judgment on all humans. And he will put the wicked to the sword,’ declares Jehovah. This is what Jehovah of armies says: ‘Look! A calamity is spreading from nation to nation, and a great tempest will be unleashed from the remotest parts of the earth. And those slain by Jehovah in that day will be from one end of the earth clear to the other end of the earth. They will not be mourned, nor will they be gathered up or buried. They will become like manure on the surface of the ground.’” (Jer. 25:31-33) Armageddon will bring this wicked system of things to an end. Satan’s world will be out of the way, but the earthly part of Jehovah’s organization will survive.

WHY JEHOVAH’S ORGANIZATION FLOURISHES TODAY

6, 7. (a) Where do those making up the “great crowd” come from? (b) What increases have there been in recent years?

⁶ God’s organization survives and flourishes on earth because the people who are part of it have his approval. The Bible assures us: “The eyes of Jehovah are on the righteous, and his ears listen to their supplication.” (1 Pet. 3:12) The righteous include “a great crowd” who “come out of the great tribulation.” (Rev. 7:9, 14) These survivors are not just “a crowd.” They are “a great crowd”​—a very large number of people. Do you see yourself among them as a survivor of “the great tribulation”?

⁷ Where do those making up the great crowd come from? They are being brought together because of what Jesus foretold as part of the sign of his presence. He said: “This good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matt. 24:14) In these last days, this is the chief work of God’s organization. Because of the global preaching and teaching activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses, millions of people have learned to worship God “with spirit and truth.” (John 4:23, 24) For example, in a recent ten-year period​—during the service years of 2003 through 2012—​more than 2,707,000 individuals were baptized in symbol of their dedication to God. Worldwide, there are now well over 7,900,000 Witnesses, with millions more associating with them, especially during the annual observance of the Memorial. We do not boast in numbers, for it is ‘God who keeps making things grow.’ (1 Cor. 3:5-7) Nevertheless, it is evident that the great crowd is growing and becoming greater with each passing year.

8. What accounts for the remarkable growth in Jehovah’s modern-day organization?

⁸ There has been remarkable growth in the number of God’s servants because Jehovah himself is backing his Witnesses. (Read Isaiah 43:10-12.) This increase was foretold in these prophetic words: “The little one will become a thousand and the small one a mighty nation. I myself, Jehovah, will speed it up in its own time.” (Isa. 60:22) At one time, the anointed remnant were like “the little one,” but their number grew as other spiritual Israelites were brought into God’s organization. (Gal. 6:16) Because of Jehovah’s blessing over the years, the increase continues with the gathering of the great crowd.

WHAT JEHOVAH REQUIRES OF US

9. What must we do if we expect to experience the bright future promised in God’s Word?

⁹ Whether we are anointed Christians or we are members of the great crowd, we can experience the bright future promised in God’s Word. To do so, however, we must comply with Jehovah’s requirements. (Isa. 48:17, 18) Consider the Israelites under the Mosaic Law. One purpose of the Law was to protect the people of Israel by giving them wholesome statutes regulating sexual conduct, business dealings, child care, proper treatment of fellow humans, and so forth. (Ex. 20:14; Lev. 19:18, 35-37; Deut. 6:6-9) Complying with God’s requirements benefits us in similar ways​—and we certainly do not find it burdensome to do his will. (Read 1 John 5:3.) In fact, as the Israelites were safeguarded by the Law, our compliance with Jehovah God’s laws and principles not only protects us but also keeps us “healthy in the faith.”​—Titus 1:13.

10. Why should we set aside time for Bible study and a weekly Family Worship evening?

¹⁰ The earthly part of Jehovah’s organization is moving ahead in various ways. For instance, our understanding of Bible truth is constantly becoming clearer. This is to be expected, for “the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light that grows brighter and brighter until full daylight.” (Prov. 4:18) But we might well ask: ‘Am I keeping pace with refinements in our understanding of Scriptural truth? Is it my custom to read the Bible daily? Am I an avid reader of our publications? Do I and my loved ones have a weekly Family Worship evening?’ Most of us will agree that it is not too hard to do these things. Often it is just a matter of setting aside time to do them. And how important it is to take in accurate Scriptural knowledge, apply it, and make spiritual progress​—especially now that the great tribulation is drawing so close!

11. In what ways have ancient festivals and modern-day meetings, assemblies, and conventions been beneficial?

¹¹ Jehovah’s organization is acting in our best interests when it urges us to heed the apostle Paul’s counsel: “Let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking our meeting together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you see the day drawing near.” (Heb. 10:24, 25) Annual festivals and other gatherings for worship built the Israelites up spiritually. Moreover, such events as the special Festival of Booths in Nehemiah’s day were joyful occasions. (Ex. 23:15, 16; Neh. 8:9-18) We derive similar benefits from our meetings, assemblies, and conventions. Let us take full advantage of these provisions for our spiritual health and happiness.​—Titus 2:2.

12. How should we feel about the Kingdom-preaching work?

¹² As those associated with God’s organization, we have the joy of sharing in “the holy work of the good news of God.” (Rom. 15:16) Engaging in this “holy work” makes us “fellow workers” with Jehovah, “the Holy One.” (1 Cor. 3:9; 1 Pet. 1:15) Preaching the good news contributes to the sanctification of Jehovah’s holy name. And it surely is an inestimable privilege to be entrusted with “the glorious good news of the happy God.”​—1 Tim. 1:11.

13. Good spiritual health and life itself depend on what?

¹³ God wants us to maintain good spiritual health by sticking to him and supporting his organization in its various activities. Moses told the Israelites: “I take the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you today that I have put life and death before you, the blessing and the curse; and you must choose life so that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving Jehovah your God, by listening to his voice, and by sticking to him, for he is your life and by him you will endure a long time in the land that Jehovah swore to give to your forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” (Deut. 30:19, 20) Our life depends on doing Jehovah’s will, loving him, obediently listening to his voice, and sticking to him.

14. How did one brother feel about the visible part of God’s organization?

¹⁴ Brother Pryce Hughes, who resolutely stuck to God and kept in step with His organization, once wrote: “I am so thankful that I have lived in the knowledge of Jehovah’s purposes from those early days just prior to 1914 . . . If one thing has been most important to me, it has been the matter of keeping close to Jehovah’s visible organization. My early experience taught me how unsound it is to rely on human reasoning. Once my mind had been resolved on that point, I determined to stay by the faithful organization. How else can one get Jehovah’s favor and blessing?”

KEEP MOVING AHEAD WITH GOD’S ORGANIZATION

15. Give a Scriptural example indicating how we should view refinements in our understanding of Bible topics.

¹⁵ If we are to have Jehovah’s favor and blessing as individuals, we must support his organization and accept adjustments in our understanding of the Scriptures. Consider this: After Jesus’ death, there were thousands of Jewish Christians who were zealous for the Law and found it hard to break free from it. (Acts 21:17-20) With the help of Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, however, they accepted the fact that they had been sanctified, not by means of sacrifices “offered according to the Law,” but “through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time.” (Heb. 10:5-10) Undoubtedly, most of those Christians of Jewish descent adjusted their thinking and moved ahead spiritually. We too need to study diligently and be open-minded when there are adjustments in the understanding of God’s Word or in our preaching work.

16. (a) What blessings will make life in the new world wonderful? (b) What do you look forward to in the new world?

¹⁶ All who remain loyal to Jehovah and his organization will have his continued blessing. Faithful anointed ones will enjoy grand privileges as joint heirs with Christ in heaven. (Rom. 8:16, 17) If we have an earthly hope, imagine how delightful it will be to live in Paradise. As part of Jehovah’s organization, what joy we now have in telling others about God’s promised new world! (2 Pet. 3:13) “The meek will possess the earth,” says Psalm 37:11, “and they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” People “will build houses and live in them” and will enjoy “the work of their hands.” (Isa. 65:21, 22) There will be no more oppression, poverty, and hunger. (Ps. 72:13-16) Babylon the Great will no longer deceive anyone, for she will not exist. (Rev. 18:8, 21) The dead will be resurrected and given the opportunity to live forever. (Isa. 25:8; Acts 24:15) What thrilling prospects exist for millions who have made a dedication to Jehovah! For such Scriptural promises to become realities for us as individuals, we must continue to make spiritual progress, moving ahead with God’s organization, always keeping pace with it.

17. What should be our attitude toward Jehovah’s worship and his organization?

¹⁷ With this system’s end so near, let us remain firm in faith and show deep gratitude for God’s arrangement for worship. That was the attitude of the psalmist David, who sang: “One thing I have asked from Jehovah​—it is what I will look for—​that I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, to gaze upon the pleasantness of Jehovah and to look with appreciation upon his temple.” (Ps. 27:4) May each of us stick to God, keep pace with his people, and continue to move ahead with Jehovah’s organization.

THE year is 1923. The concert hall at the Drama and Music Conservatory of São Paulo is packed! Can you hear George Young’s steady voice? Sentence by sentence, his talk is being interpreted into Portuguese. All 585 present are listening attentively. Bible texts in Portuguese are being projected onto a screen. As a grand finale, a hundred copies of the booklet Millions Now Living Will Never Die! are distributed, along with some in English, German, and Italian. The lecture is a success! Word spreads. Two evenings later, the hall is packed for another lecture. But what led up to these events?

In 1867, Sarah Bellona Ferguson emigrated with her family from the United States to Brazil. In 1899, Sarah knew that she had found the truth after she read some Bible literature that her younger brother brought to Brazil from the United States. An avid reader, she subscribed to the English Watch Tower. Thrilled with the Bible’s message, she wrote to Brother C. T. Russell, describing herself as “living proof that there are none too far away to be reached.”

Sarah Ferguson did her best to share Bible truth with others, but she often wondered who would further help her and her family, as well as all the good people of Brazil. In 1912, Brooklyn Bethel advised her that someone was coming to São Paulo with thousands of tracts entitled Where Are the Dead? in the Portuguese language. In 1915 she said that she always found it surprising that many Bible Students expected to be taken to heaven soon. Expressing her viewpoint, she wrote: “How about Brazil and all South America? . . . When you consider what a terribly big part of the world South America is, it will be easy to see there is more harvest work to be done.” Yes, much more harvest work would be done!

About 1920, eight young Brazilian sailors attended some congregation meetings in New York City while their battleship was being repaired. On returning to Rio de Janeiro, they shared their newly learned Bible hope with others. Not long thereafter, in March 1923, George Young, who was a pilgrim, or traveling overseer, arrived in Rio de Janeiro, where he found interested ones. He arranged to have several publications translated into Portuguese. Brother Young soon traveled to São Paulo, then a city of some 600,000 inhabitants. There he gave the lecture and distributed the Millions booklets, as mentioned in the introduction of this article. “Being alone,” he reported, “I had to depend entirely upon newspaper advertising.” These were “the first advertised public lectures given under the auspices of the I.B.S.A. in Brazil,” he added.a

In a report on Brazil, the December 15, 1923, Watch Tower commented: “When we consider that the work there began June 1 and that no literature was on hand at the time, it is remarkable how the Lord has blessed the work.” The report went on to say that Brother Young’s public lectures in São Paulo were 2 of the 21 delivered from June 1 to September 30, with a total of 3,600 in attendance. In Rio de Janeiro, the Kingdom message was gradually spreading. And in only a few months’ time, over 7,000 of our publications in Portuguese had been handed out! Moreover, publication of The Watch Tower in Portuguese had begun with the issue of November-December 1923.

George Young called on Sarah Ferguson, and The Watch Tower reported: “The sister came to the parlor, and for a time was speechless. Taking hold of the hand of Brother Young, and looking earnestly into his face, finally she remarked: ‘Are you a really live Pilgrim?’” She and some of her children were soon baptized. In fact, she had been waiting for 25 years to be baptized! The August 1, 1924, Watch Tower mentioned that 50 were baptized in Brazil, mostly in Rio de Janeiro.

Now, some 90 years later, we need not ask: “How about Brazil and all South America?” Over 760,000 Witnesses of Jehovah are preaching the good news in Brazil. And throughout South America the Kingdom message is now being heard in Portuguese, Spanish, and many indigenous languages. In 1915, Sarah Ferguson was right, ‘There was more harvest work to be done.’​—From our archives in Brazil.