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00:01 Welcome to another edition 00:05 of JW Broadcasting! 00:08 This month we will see examples 00:11 of what young ones 00:14 around the world have done to seek 00:17 the Kingdom first. 00:19 Also, 00:21 you will meet a brother who got into a lot of trouble 00:25 early in his life. 00:27 But how did the truth help him 00:30 to straighten out his life? 00:33 We look forward to his story. 00:36 We will also visit a language course in Ecuador. 00:40 What is it like to learn a new language 00:43 to expand our ministry? 00:45 We will find out. 00:48 This is the March program 00:51 of JW Broadcasting! 01:12 My theme for this month’s broadcast is 01:16 “Young Ones —Build Your Future With Jehovah!” 01:23 If you do, 1 Timothy 6:19 assures 01:27 that you will ‘safely treasure up for yourself 01:31 a fine foundation for the future,’ 01:34 and you will “get a firm hold on the real life.” 01:40 Obviously, we will be directing many of our comments 01:44 directly to you dear young ones 01:47 in Jehovah’s organization. 01:50 Yet, if we think about it, 01:52 all of us figuratively 01:55 are very young ones 01:57 compared to eternity 02:00 —how long we hope to live. 02:02 So, in a sense, our comments during this broadcast 02:07 have application to all of us. 02:11 Personally, I am so thankful to Jehovah 02:15 that positive peer pressure was put on me 02:19 to enter the pioneer ministry right out of high school. 02:23 What a blessing and a protection 02:27 it was to enter the regular pioneer work 02:31 at age 17 02:33 and to be able to go to Bethel at 18. 02:36 Even though there was considerable worldly pressure put on me 02:41 to pursue university education, 02:44 I am so happy that with Jehovah’s help, 02:49 I decided to build my future 02:52 with Jehovah. 02:54 Truly, I have no regrets. 02:59 And this is always true of young ones 03:03 who serve Jehovah from their hearts 03:06 —they have no regrets. 03:09 In fact, you will enjoy these expressions from young ones 03:13 who are building their future with Jehovah. 03:22 Before I started pioneering, 03:24 I was really nervous that I wouldn’t be able to get my time in every month. 03:27 It was a bit hard when I started pioneering because I didn’t have a car. 03:31 My boss, he didn’t give me part-time work. 03:35 I found it really hard to balance schoolwork 03:37 and pioneering at the same time. 03:39 My biggest struggle was fear of man, so that really hindered me 03:43 because I wasn’t very good at talking to people. 03:45 Having a good routine was a struggle. 03:48 My brother and I are the only ones in the truth. 03:51 My family didn’t understand 03:54 why we wanted to go preaching. 03:57 I didn’t think that I’d make a good pioneer. 03:59 I’ve had Type 1 diabetes since I was five. 04:02 So I was always worried about whether or not 04:05 I could balance that health condition with pioneering. 04:07 The challenges don’t seem that big now, 04:11 but back at that time they were a really big deal. 04:13 But the coolest thing was how Jehovah helped me. 04:16 Prayer to Jehovah helped me overcome my fears. 04:19 My family was a massive help from Jehovah. 04:22 Because my dad was the one who first encouraged me to pioneer, 04:25 when I did start pioneering, he promised that I would have 04:28 the full support of my family. 04:30 When I spoke to brothers and sisters who spent their youth 04:34 in the full-time service that really helped me 04:37 because it was really encouraging, and it really motivated me 04:40 to want to make my own memories and my own experiences 04:43 in the full-time service. 04:45 So there were practical things I could do. 04:47 I didn’t have a car; I just walked or I caught the bus. 04:50 I had to work out what my priorities were first. 04:53 So I had to find out how many hours would I have to go witnessing every week. 04:57 So then I just sat down and I looked at every day 04:59 and planned out which days I could go witnessing, 05:01 which days I had to go to school, 05:03 and also allocated time so that I could do my homework and study. 05:06 Having a schedule was really good 05:08 because I could see it all out in front of me, 05:10 and I could see that the hour requirement 05:12 was actually attainable, so that made it a lot less daunting. 05:15 I first set short-term goals of pioneering in the special months of activity. 05:19 Then I was able to begin continuous auxiliary, 05:23 and then eventually I started regular pioneering. 05:26 One of the best things I did to prepare myself for pioneering 05:29 was to auxiliary pioneer beforehand. 05:31 It really set me up to be able to overcome 05:34 any challenges that I faced while I was pioneering. 05:37 I thought about Malachi 3:10. 05:39 I knew I trusted in Jehovah, 05:41 but this was my chance to test him out. 05:44 I prayed, put my trust in Jehovah, 05:46 and put my application in. 05:48 After my form was in for pioneering, 05:51 a brother, with time, a brother called me and offered me work. 05:54 I had unemployment for three months, 05:58 which wasn’t a good time. 06:01 But during that time, I had Jehovah as my main focus. 06:04 And so he supported me, and he didn’t let me down. 06:07 Asking brothers and sisters to come 06:09 and work with me, maybe on days that I knew 06:11 that I wouldn’t get as much support, really helped. 06:14 That helped me to organize my hours a little bit more, 06:17 and also I’d get to know my brothers and sisters more as well. 06:20 One of the greatest joys of pioneering has been to pioneer with Mum. 06:24 And we had the privilege of going 06:26 to the pioneer school together, which was really special. 06:29 Psalm 16:8 reminds me 06:32 that Jehovah is right beside me. 06:35 When I’m preaching, it’s like Jehovah is holding my hand. 06:39 So with full-time service, I love making Jehovah happy. 06:44 With everything that he has given me, I’m finally able to give something back. 06:47 Looking back —pioneering— 06:49 it was the best decision I’ve ever made. 06:51 It’s opened up so many different avenues 06:53 of service to Jehovah, 06:55 and it helped me also to have that real desire 06:57 to want to stay in full-time service. 06:59 Helping someone on the road to everlasting life, 07:03 it’s the best feeling ever; and it’s really irreplaceable. 07:09 The only thing I can say, 07:11 “As a young person, start pioneering!” 07:18 What a fine attitude those young ones have! 07:23 They are clearly following in Jesus’ footsteps. 07:28 Jesus was the wisest man 07:32 who ever walked the earth. 07:34 He could’ve pursued any career 07:37 and truly excelled at it. 07:40 He could’ve been the greatest carpenter who ever lived. 07:44 Think about it, 07:46 he helped his Father build the physical universe. 07:50 Can you imagine what kind of houses he could’ve built? 07:54 Or what if he had pursued being an inventor? 07:59 With his perfect brain, 08:01 he probably could’ve invented the telephone, 08:05 automobile, or computer 08:08 in the first century. 08:10 Or what about becoming a businessman? 08:13 With perfect intelligence, 08:16 he likely could’ve come out on top 08:19 of every business transaction that he entered, 08:22 becoming the richest businessman who ever lived. 08:28 Or have you ever thought about 08:31 if he had pursued becoming an athlete? 08:35 And excelling in athletic contests 08:38 was a huge endeavor in Jesus’ day. 08:41 With a little training, 08:43 it is likely that his perfect body 08:46 would have outperformed all people 08:50 with imperfect bodies, 08:52 enabling him to become 08:55 the most famous athlete who ever lived. 08:58 Or one more example, 09:01 what if he had decided to become a doctor? 09:04 He could cure sick people 09:07 —even raise the dead. 09:10 Can you imagine how much he could’ve charged rich people 09:14 to raise their dead loved ones? 09:18 But Jesus pursued none of these careers. 09:21 Why? 09:23 Because he knew that any of such endeavors 09:28 would have only very limited 09:31 and temporary benefits. 09:33 Instead, he pursued something 09:37 he knew would bring far-reaching and everlasting benefits: 09:42 the full-time ministry. 09:46 If this is how the wisest man who ever walked the earth— 09:50 If this is how he reasoned, 09:52 we are wise if we strive to think the same way. 09:58 That makes me think of the comments 10:01 of a well-adjusted teenage brother 10:04 whom we served while in the circuit work many years ago. 10:08 This young brother went straight into the regular pioneer work 10:12 out of high school, 10:14 and I asked him why he did so. 10:18 He explained that he knew 10:21 he could’ve gotten a full-time secular job 10:24 and bought a new car for himself, 10:27 but he reasoned that in a few years 10:32 that car would rust out and break down, 10:36 and he would have nothing. 10:39 But he knew that he could go into the pioneer work 10:43 and build a close relationship with Jehovah 10:46 and perhaps even find an honest-hearted person 10:50 and be able to teach that one the truth. 10:53 And he knew that would last forever. 10:58 Now, that is some wise thinking 11:00 on the part of that young brother. 11:03 And today, that brother has a beautiful Christian wife 11:07 and several spiritual children, 11:10 and he is serving as a fine elder. 11:15 But if you young ones are going to think this way 11:18 and continue to pursue spiritual goals, 11:22 it is vital that you wisely choose 11:26 your associates. 11:29 In a sense, our associates 11:32 can be likened to an elevator. 11:36 What do we mean? 11:38 Well, they can take you up 11:40 or they can take you down. 11:43 If you choose wisely, 11:45 they will take you up 11:48 —elevate your good qualities 11:50 and make you a better person. 11:52 But if you choose poorly, 11:55 they will take you down. 11:58 Depending on how badly you choose, 12:01 they can take you way down 12:03 —to the basement, 12:06 even the subbasement. 12:10 At Proverbs 13:20, 12:12 our loving heavenly Father, 12:15 who made us, explains how it works. 12:19 Jehovah tells us there: 12:21 “The one walking with the wise 12:25 “will become wise, 12:28 “but the one who has dealings with the stupid 12:32 will fare badly.” 12:35 “Walking with” 12:37 and “having dealings with” 12:40 mean “associating with.” 12:42 And who are the “stupid” ones? 12:45 Well, this scripture contrasts such a person 12:49 with those who are wise. 12:51 It is not talking about someone who lacks mental intellect. 12:55 It is talking about someone 12:58 who does not make wise decisions spiritually 13:01 from Jehovah’s standpoint. 13:04 And if we think about it, 13:06 anyone who is not really serving Jehovah 13:10 —at least right now— 13:12 that one is unwise indeed. 13:17 And if we associate closely with such ones, 13:21 Jehovah says that we “will fare badly.” 13:26 We could use another illustration. 13:28 Think about someone who is physically sick 13:32 and is running a high fever. 13:35 If we spend a lot of time with that person, 13:38 we will probably catch the same sickness. 13:42 Or worse, 13:44 if we spend a lot of time near a dead body—a corpse— 13:49 we will probably pick up a disease. 13:53 Well, it is similar 13:55 with spending time with a person 13:58 who is spiritually sick, 14:00 or worse, spiritually dead. 14:04 On the other hand, 14:06 if we choose as our associates 14:10 those who love Jehovah 14:12 and who are building their everlasting future with Jehovah, 14:17 we will benefit greatly. 14:21 Please observe carefully this variety of young ones 14:26 who are busy storing up treasures in heaven 14:30 with Jehovah. 16:27 How heartwarming it is to us 16:31 —and we know it is to Jehovah— 16:33 to see these beautiful young people 16:37 doing what Jesus encourages 16:40 at Matthew 6:20, 21. 16:45 There, Jesus encourages: 16:48 “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, 16:53 “where neither moth nor rust consumes, 16:57 “and where thieves do not break in and steal. 17:01 “For where your treasure is, 17:04 there your heart will be also.” 17:08 And if we think about it, 17:10 in the final analysis, 17:13 after all is said and done, 17:16 whether we are younger or older, 17:18 our net worth will be 17:21 what we have stored up in heaven with Jehovah. 17:25 We will not be able to take material treasures with us 17:29 through the great tribulation. 17:31 And if we die, 17:33 we certainly will not be able to take material treasures with us, 17:38 but we can take spiritual treasures 17:41 with us through the great tribulation 17:44 and even through death and resurrection. 17:48 It is true with all of Jehovah’s people, 17:51 as it is with the anointed, 17:54 what is stated at Revelation 14:13. 17:58 It says there: 18:00 “The things they did go right with them.” 18:06 And how encouraging it is 18:08 to see young ones getting baptized 18:13 —publicly demonstrating 18:15 that they are giving their lives to Jehovah. 18:19 And we sincerely hope 18:21 that you young ones who are not yet baptized 18:24 will not hold back from getting baptized 18:27 as soon as you qualify. 18:30 The sooner you can get baptized, 18:33 the sooner you will receive greater protection 18:38 and blessings from Jehovah. 18:41 Not long ago, it made me very happy 18:45 to observe a little ten-year-old brother 18:48 get baptized! 18:51 And young ones, 18:53 never be afraid to identify yourselves 18:58 as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. 19:01 Never allow the fear of what others may think 19:05 to cause you to hesitate to do so. 19:08 Jehovah tells us 19:10 at Proverbs 29:25: 19:14 “Trembling at men is a snare, 19:19 “but the one trusting in Jehovah 19:22 will be protected.” 19:26 Many years ago when I was in school, 19:29 I can remember being at times somewhat worried 19:34 about how my fellow classmates would view me. 19:39 But then a little while later, 19:42 I got out of school 19:44 and never ever again even saw 19:47 most of those former classmates. 19:50 Then it dawned on me 19:53 that it doesn’t really matter what people think about us. 19:57 It is Jehovah’s rating of us 20:00 that truly counts. 20:02 Humans cannot add 20:06 even five seconds to our lifespan, 20:09 but Jehovah can add 20:12 or subtract eternity. 20:16 And he alone can also give us true happiness. 20:20 And as Proverbs 29:25 indicates, 20:24 what a protection 20:27 it is to courageously identify ourselves 20:31 as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 20:34 fully trusting Jehovah 20:37 and taking our stand solidly with him. 20:42 Never be ashamed of who you are. 20:47 You are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. 20:53 And please, dear young ones, 20:56 we warmly encourage you 20:59 to listen to those who love you. 21:02 Jehovah loves you very much; 21:05 the Governing Body loves you very much; 21:08 the elders love you very much; 21:11 your Christian parents love you very much. 21:15 And these ones will tell you the truth, 21:19 even though at times 21:21 it may not be what you want to hear. 21:23 They will not ‘tickle your ears,’ 21:27 perhaps like ones at school 21:29 or in the neighborhood 21:31 who don’t really love you 21:34 or have your best interests at heart. 21:37 But please believe those 21:40 who will tell you the truth 21:43 because they love you. 21:45 And never view Jehovah’s laws and principles 21:50 as depriving you of something good. 21:54 View them as protecting you 21:58 from what will hurt you. 22:00 If you recall, 22:02 Satan convinced Eve 22:05 that she was being deprived by Jehovah 22:08 and was missing out on something good. 22:12 Now, it is true that Eve was missing out on something. 22:16 But what was she really missing out on? 22:20 A tormented conscience, 22:23 her beautiful hair turning gray, 22:26 her teeth falling out, 22:28 her perfect skin wrinkling up like a prune, 22:33 being bent over from old age, 22:37 hobbling around on a cane, 22:40 and finally dying! 22:44 But Satan convinced her 22:47 that Jehovah was depriving her, 22:50 so foolishly she reached out to get 22:55 what she thought she was missing out on. 22:58 Well, Satan will try to use 23:01 the same kind of strategy on you, 23:05 but please don’t let him do it! 23:11 This also makes me think of an experience a brother once related. 23:16 He said that he was visiting an animal observatory, 23:21 and a large lion lunged toward him 23:25 but was prevented from reaching him 23:27 by a thick glass pane 23:30 separating the animals from the observers. 23:35 As the lion stood on his hind legs, 23:38 clawing the glass 23:40 and baring his massive teeth, 23:45 the brother came to realize in a special way 23:48 the protective value of that barrier. 23:53 Previously, he said that he somewhat viewed the glass pane 23:58 as a restriction 24:00 because the smudges on it 24:03 partially blurred his view, 24:06 but now he viewed it 24:09 as a real protection. 24:12 Well, in a similar way, 24:14 Jehovah doesn’t want Satan, 24:18 who is described as ‘a roaring, devouring lion’ 24:22 at 1 Peter 5:8— 24:24 He doesn’t want him to gobble down you young ones. 24:30 And His laws and principles 24:33 are designed to keep that from happening to you. 24:37 So please listen to Jehovah. 24:41 He loves you! 24:45 You would probably agree that having good friends 24:50 is of great encouragement in your service to Jehovah. 24:56 You may also recognize 24:58 that there is more to being a friend 25:01 than simply clicking links on a computer screen 25:05 or a smartphone. 25:07 But where can you find good friends 25:11 when there seems to be no one to choose from? 25:14 In this dramatization, 25:17 consider the example of this young brother 25:20 who struggled with this very question. 25:29 My name is Akil. 25:31 When I was 18, my family moved to a new city. 25:37 It was bad enough leaving my friends behind. 25:40 But now, 25:42 I wasn’t sure if I could make new ones. 25:50 My parents seemed really happy. 25:54 I didn’t want to make them feel bad 25:57 by telling them how I really felt. 26:02 The new school wasn’t much better 26:11 until I met Cameron. 26:15 He seemed like a pretty cool guy. 26:22 Soon, his friends became my friends. 26:29 . . . something that David believed was true, 26:31 he actually proved it by the association that he kept. 26:35 We think about one of the closest friendships 26:37 recorded in the Scriptures, 26:38 and it was that of David and Jonathan. 26:42 What was it that David and Jonathan shared in common? 26:44 It wasn’t their age. 26:47 Akil, you were texting in the meeting. 26:49 I shouldn’t have sent the text. 26:51 I’m sorry. 26:53 But Cameron is a good person. 26:56 He might even study one day. 26:59 I understand that, Akil. 27:00 But we all have to be careful with how much time 27:03 we spend with people that don’t love Jehovah. 27:06 See, their values are just different. 27:08 You know what Proverbs 13:20 says: 27:11 ‘Walk with those who are wise.’ 27:13 So why don’t you seek out friends who love Jehovah? 27:16 And you will make friends that last a lifetime. 27:19 How am I supposed to do that? 27:21 There’s no one my age in the congregation. 27:24 Akil, good friends can come from unexpected places. 27:27 Mom, I had good friends 27:31 —back home. 27:38 We all felt bad that night. 27:49 The next day, 27:51 Cameron posted pictures of a party he had. 27:55 My parents were right. 28:00 I broke off my association with Cameron 28:04 and his friends, 28:05 but I still felt 28:07 lost. 28:10 Hi, Akil? 28:12 Do you have field service plans for Saturday? 28:15 Ah, no. 28:17 Good. Now you do. 28:18 I’ll see you at the 9:30 a.m. meeting, OK? 28:40 After service, 28:42 Max had the group over for refreshments. 28:47 Did you take these? 28:50 Do you like them? 28:51 Yeah. 28:52 My wife, she was always the photographer. 28:55 She loved photography. 28:57 And then one anniversary she went out and bought me a camera, 28:59 and from that moment on, I was hooked too. 29:04 Time flies so quickly. 29:06 It’s hard to believe she passed away 12 years ago now. 29:11 I’m sorry. 29:12 It’s OK. 29:13 But you still take pictures? 29:15 I do. I really enjoy photography. 29:18 There’s something about being close 29:20 to Jehovah’s creation. 29:22 It reminds me 29:24 that we’re never really alone, you know? 29:33 Good friends can come from unexpected places 29:37 and unexpected ages. 29:39 As I spent more time with Max, 29:42 I realized it was just like David and Jonathan. 29:48 Their friendship was based, 29:50 not on age, but on their love for Jehovah. 29:55 And they helped each other. 30:03 And with Max’s help, 30:05 I was able to keep a good spiritual routine 30:07 without interruption. 30:09 Although we weren’t the same age, 30:12 Max became my good friend. 30:15 I just needed to see what was right 30:18 in front of me. 30:23 Yes, friends can come in various ages. 30:28 And the best kind of friend 30:31 is one who encourages us in our service to Jehovah. 30:37 We all need to work hard on making spiritual progress 30:40 —learning new things about Jehovah and his qualities. 30:45 So we want friends who will help us do that. 30:50 There is a saying 30:52 that experience is the best teacher, 30:55 but that is not really accurate. 30:58 Experience is often the hard way to learn. 31:04 Brother Fernando Casillas was born in Mexico, 31:08 but when he was a baby, 31:11 his family moved to the United States. 31:15 The neighborhood he grew up in 31:18 had a lot of gang influence. 31:21 This had a very negative impact on him. 31:25 But despite these circumstances, 31:28 notice how the truth attracted him. 31:36 I used to love violence; I dreamed of violence. 31:39 My gang was my religion. 31:42 I got into the prison system at a young age. 31:45 At first, they sent me to a juvenile facility, 31:48 but I got kicked out of there for a riot. 31:50 Basically, they deemed me a threat to the safety and security 31:55 of the institution, the guards, and other inmates. 31:58 And I was sent to solitary confinement 32:00 to finish off my prison term. 32:02 Me thinking I was violent back then 32:04 was nothing compared to what I came out with. 32:08 Basically, what you try to come out to be 32:10 is the best killer out of all. 32:14 After my incarceration, 32:17 I was deported to Mexico. 32:21 I used to carry a weapon with me everywhere I went. 32:23 After a while, we started getting involved with bad people. 32:27 Eventually, my girlfriend got in trouble. 32:30 Once that was over, 32:32 she saw a Kingdom Hall. 32:34 My girlfriend had been to meetings as a child, 32:36 so she basically dragged me to the Kingdom Hall. 32:39 They treated me nice. 32:41 And that’s when I started to get to know Omar. 32:44 So I started hanging around with him and his wife 32:46 —me and my girlfriend at the time— and going to meetings. 32:50 But it wasn’t till I found out this guy 32:52 used to be one of my rivals 32:54 —I was very, very upset. 32:56 I felt betrayed because he never told me. 32:58 Everything that was going through my head was, 33:01 ‘I’ve got to find a way to get him over here, 33:03 so I can hurt him.’ 33:05 After thinking about all the things that I wanted to do to him that night 33:08 —I’d been running it through my head over and over again— 33:12 I decided to just stay friends with him. 33:16 And eventually, we decided to start studying together. 33:20 Being the way I was, I thought that there’s 33:23 no way a God can forgive me. 33:25 The scripture at Isaiah 55:7 really helped me, 33:29 where it says: 33:30 “Let the wicked man leave his way and the evil man his thoughts; 33:34 let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy on him.” 33:38 As time went by, I started understanding clearly 33:41 that Jehovah does forgive. 33:43 By that time, I had already kind of made a decision 33:47 that I was done with doing time in prison. 33:49 I just decided to cut all ties with everybody 33:51 that had anything to do with anything illegal. 33:54 I felt like a free person. 33:56 And after progressing 33:58 and quitting the habits that I had of smoking and drinking a lot, 34:02 I became an unbaptized publisher. 34:04 But my father passed away; 34:07 I started hanging around with bad association again, 34:10 and eventually I had my privileges removed. 34:12 And as that was happening, Satan attacked me again. 34:16 So one day, my wife was crossing the border 34:19 to go take care of some paperwork for the kids 34:22 and was surprised by the border patrol 34:24 telling her that there were drugs in the vehicle. 34:27 We did not know that the previous owner 34:29 had stashed drugs in the truck. 34:31 Even though later they proved 34:34 that the drugs were not my wife’s and she was released, 34:36 they still decided to keep my kids. 34:41 What I was thinking of doing was going back to my old ways 34:44 —organizing a plot with my old friends 34:47 to bring my kids back to Mexico to me. 34:51 But I decided to rely 34:53 on Jehovah instead and on the brothers 34:55 coming to visit me on a regular basis 34:58 and giving me encouraging thoughts 34:59 of how Jehovah will take care of everything. 35:02 Eventually, our kids were returned to us, 35:04 with Jehovah’s help. 35:06 After a little struggle, of course, I had my privileges back. 35:10 A few months later, I was baptized. 35:13 I’m a lot happier now than what I was back then. 35:18 One day as I was preaching in the rehab centers, 35:21 I ran into a person I once knew before, growing up. 35:25 Once he found out who I was, he said: 35:28 “You’re the reason why I left town. 35:30 Every time you would see me, you would shoot at me.” 35:33 So after a while, I was able to convince him 35:36 that actually my purpose there 35:39 was not to hurt him anymore 35:41 but to teach him the truth 35:44 and how to gain everlasting life. 35:46 I’m no longer a violent person. 35:49 I enjoy the privileges that Jehovah now gives me. 35:52 I have now been serving as a ministerial servant 35:55 for the past two years. 35:56 I’m in charge of the accounting 35:58 for the Kingdom Hall, 36:00 instead of stealing money as I used to do before. 36:04 What I do for a living is I do gardening work. 36:06 Now I don’t carry around knives, 36:09 but I carry around my tools. 36:11 You could say that I did beat 36:13 my pistols into plowshares now 36:16 —or weed whacker or lawn mower. 36:20 I’m glad that I’m now serving a great God 36:23 who is loving, caring, and forgiving. 36:31 Fernando and his family are serving 36:35 in an English congregation in Mexico. 36:38 With everything Brother Casillas went through, 36:42 he could see 36:44 that Jehovah is the best teacher. 36:47 If you listen to Jehovah, 36:50 you won’t have to learn the hard way. 36:53 Jehovah is 36:55 “the One teaching you to benefit yourself.” 37:01 Jeremiah 17:13 conveys the thought 37:06 that those who do not serve Jehovah 37:10 will have their names “written in the dust.” 37:14 But by building your future with Jehovah, 37:18 you young ones are ensuring 37:20 that Jehovah will keep your individual names 37:25 written in his “book of life” 37:28 that is mentioned at Philippians 4:3 37:32 and Revelation 3:5. 37:35 Earlier in the program, 37:38 we saw some examples of how young ones 37:41 are building a future with Jehovah. 37:45 But what impact are such efforts having on the organization? 37:51 Let’s look at one example: 37:53 the construction of the new world headquarters 37:57 at Warwick, New York. 38:02 Jehovah’s Witnesses built 1.6 million square feet (149,000 sq m) 38:06 in less than four years. 38:10 Of the 27,035 volunteers, 38:13 3,247 were between the ages of 19 and 25. 38:19 I thought this was a project 38:21 that was going to strictly need 38:23 very experienced brothers and sisters. 38:27 Early on, I realized I was wrong. 38:29 It was also going to take youthful energy 38:32 because of the volume of work. 38:35 The mix of older and younger ones 38:37 was really a helpful thing on the Warwick project. 38:39 The older ones brought skill and experience. 38:42 The younger ones brought the energy, the muscle, 38:46 and the diligence to stay with hard physical tasks 38:48 all the way through the project. 38:49 Whether it was in the kitchen or night watch 38:54 or the early 5:00 a.m. start with the concrete crew 38:56 at 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12°C), 38:57 their joy and their humility was outstanding 39:00 to accept any work that needed to be done. 39:03 And a lot of young ones, brothers and sisters, 39:05 moved into the area so they could commute. 39:08 And they would work day after day tirelessly, 39:10 into the evenings even, to have the project ready for the next day. 39:14 Their energy was just astonishing. 39:18 Jehovah loves young ones, and he’s willing to invest in them 39:21 and train them and make them a part of his organization. 39:26 And I saw that so much. 39:29 We had a lot of young people who offered themselves 39:31 with technical skills. 39:32 But if the humility of these very technically-skilled young people 39:37 didn’t match or exceed their abilities, 39:40 then, really, Jehovah couldn’t use them. 39:42 And they were willing to adjust, and we really saw the benefit. 39:46 We knew and they knew 39:49 that they were building 39:51 not just a project at Warwick 39:54 —they were building a spiritual project for Jehovah. 39:57 You could see Jehovah’s spirit operating on them. 40:00 You could see them mature so quickly. 40:04 These young brothers are the next generation 40:06 of elders and traveling overseers. 40:08 They’re to be commended and highly respected 40:11 for the contribution they made as young men. 40:13 They all talk about the effect 40:15 that their Bethel service has had on their outlook 40:18 and how they don’t want to get caught up 40:21 in this world and its daily pursuits. 40:24 Use the skills you’ve learned 40:27 here on this project and in Bethel. 40:30 You are needed. 40:33 Continue to keep your spirituality up 40:36 and to keep your association at a high level. 40:40 The highest quality of life is when, 40:43 as clay, we put ourselves in the hands of the Great Potter, Jehovah, 40:48 and we say: “Here I am! Send me!”. 40:51 And I’m fully confident they will have no regrets 40:55 building their future with Jehovah. 41:02 Yes, young ones truly had a beautiful impact 41:07 on the construction project of world headquarters! 41:13 By the way, you may find it interesting to know 41:17 that the Warwick and Wallkill construction projects 41:21 were not funded by the donations 41:24 that you have made to the worldwide work. 41:27 Your donations are being used to support the work 41:31 in the worldwide field. 41:34 The massive construction projects at Warwick and Wallkill 41:39 were funded by the sale of properties in Brooklyn. 41:44 In effect, we just traded locations. 41:48 We traded the value of the properties in Brooklyn 41:51 for the beautiful facilities at Warwick and Wallkill. 41:57 And I must say, 41:59 the Governing Body is truly enjoying 42:02 the new facility at Warwick, 42:05 thanks to the hard work, 42:08 both of the young and the older ones 42:12 who labored in our behalf, 42:15 and we truly appreciate it. 42:20 The apostle Paul said of Timothy 42:23 as recorded at Philippians 2:20-23: 42:29 “For I have no one else of a disposition like his 42:34 “who will genuinely care for your concerns. 42:38 “For all the others are seeking their own interests, 42:41 “not those of Jesus Christ. 42:44 “But you know the proof he gave of himself, 42:48 “that like a child with a father 42:51 “he slaved with me to advance the good news. 42:55 Therefore, he is the one I am hoping to send.” 43:00 It is obvious that Paul 43:02 loved the young man Timothy very much 43:06 because of his unselfish hard work 43:09 in behalf of Kingdom interests. 43:12 Well, the Governing Body feels exactly the same way 43:17 about you dear young ones who are working hard 43:22 in your various theocratic assignments. 43:27 In addition to the many avenues of full-time service 43:31 we mentioned earlier in the program, 43:34 making yourself available when a need arises locally 43:39 is a fine way to seek the Kingdom first. 43:44 For example, in San Antonio, in the state of Texas, 43:49 in the United States, 43:51 a large convention 43:54 with over 20,000 in attendance was planned. 43:59 However, the venue could only provide 44:02 about one third of the chairs needed for the convention. 44:07 Where would our brothers find the needed chairs? 44:11 Well, Jehovah provided, 44:14 and many young ones were eager to help. 44:22 When I heard that this needed to happen, 44:25 I was thinking, ‘How are we going to do this?’ 44:27 I thought, ‘It’s a big job!’ 44:30 It was amazing! 44:32 The first thing I was asked to do 44:35 was try to find a storage place that we could use 44:37 for six to eight thousand chairs. 44:40 A sister manages a storage place, 44:42 and we saw Jehovah’s blessing 44:44 because the owner said, “You can have this stall 44:47 “at no charge for a year as long as you sign a contract 44:50 that it’s for Jehovah’s Witnesses’ organization.” 44:52 Truckload after truckload after truckload came in. 44:55 We had to unload the trucks. 44:57 The brothers had to unstack the chairs, 44:59 repair the chairs, clean the chairs, put them back on pallets, 45:02 restack them, 45:04 load them onto trucks, and that was half of it. 45:06 Those were the ones in the warehouse. 45:08 On the other side, we got permission to ask 45:11 the San Antonio congregations if we could use their chairs 45:14 for the convention. 45:15 We were hoping to get three thousand chairs. 45:17 And then the numbers grew for the audience, 45:20 so we had to increase our numbers. 45:22 So we were able to gather six thousand chairs 45:24 from the willing volunteers of congregations around San Antonio. 45:29 So we prayed about it and the brothers started asking for volunteers, 45:32 and it was a great cooperation right at the beginning. 45:35 As soon as we let the friends know 45:37 that this was going to be the case, 45:40 all of them— all of them said, 45:41 “We’re going to get off of work early.” 45:43 We immediately wanted to clear our schedules 45:45 so that we could be available to help in any way that we could. 45:49 It was a privilege to know 45:52 that our congregation was going to be part of it. 45:54 We are so grateful to Jehovah that he has given us 45:58 this privilege to do. 46:00 We had thousands of chairs 46:01 of every color —green, red, brown, blue. 46:05 We even had some bright orange ones left out of the ‘70’s, 46:08 and we’re putting those in the back. 46:10 But it was not just the colors but the sizes. 46:13 They were all different sizes. 46:15 And so how do you make sections with straight rows 46:17 when the chairs are all different sizes? 46:19 But I knew somehow, as Jehovah’s people, we’d get it done. 46:22 And we definitely— As you see, a lot of volunteers, 46:26 and we’re here getting it done. 46:27 And it’s made for a beautiful experience 46:30 because the friends have gotten to know each other as never before. 46:32 And they’re willingly working together, 46:34 and the excitement is there. 46:36 It doesn’t matter whose venue it is, it’s all for Jehovah, 46:40 and that’s been the attitude everybody has had. 46:42 It just tells you that Jehovah is a God of order. 46:45 It’s good to feel that you’re doing your best for Jehovah. 46:48 Well, it reminds me of Psalm 127:1, where it mentions 46:53 that ‘unless Jehovah builds the house, 46:56 it’s in vain that his workers even work hard.’ 46:58 So it’s because of Jehovah’s hand and his blessing 47:01 —that is why everything runs so smoothly. 47:03 What other organization! 47:04 No one else can do that except Jehovah’s people. 47:12 It truly is a fine witness when our young ones 47:16 wholeheartedly give of their time. 47:21 Proverbs 20:29 says: 47:24 “The glory of young men is their strength.” 47:29 And commendably, you young men and women 47:33 are using your strength 47:36 to make a name with Jehovah. 47:40 Have you ever considered helping out in a foreign-language field? 47:45 Perhaps there is a need in your local circuit. 47:49 All over the earth, 47:51 the organization provides language courses 47:55 with the goal of reaching every nation, tribe, tongue, and people 48:00 with the good news of God’s Word. 48:03 Brother Juan Carlos Chacón 48:07 serves as a special pioneer 48:10 in the rapidly growing Shuar language field 48:14 in Ecuador. 48:16 He was recently asked to attend 48:19 a course at the local branch 48:21 to become a language teacher 48:24 so that he could help willing publishers 48:27 learn the language. 48:32 [Speaking Shuar] 48:42 It has been said before, 48:46 “This is a language of the Devil” 48:49 —that it should be forgotten. 48:52 It serves no purpose. 48:58 But to Jehovah, 49:02 no nation is insignificant. 49:09 I grew up in an area of the Ecuadorian jungle 49:11 where there is a large community 49:13 of Shuar people. 49:19 Like many native languages, 49:21 Shuar is very complex. 49:29 We need many, many workers in the field. 49:31 But if we don’t give them a foundation, 49:34 if we don’t help them or give them a little push, 49:37 it’s difficult for them to enter this field. 49:42 I received an invitation to attend 49:45 a seminar for language instructors. 49:53 There were 58 students in the class, 49:56 representing 16 different languages or language groups. 50:11 We are learning fantastic teaching techniques, 50:13 real techniques that work. 50:21 The instructor told us how humor helps our minds to create a world of connections, 50:24 which stimulates our brain. 50:36 Yeah, I’m like a small child 50:39 when it comes to drawing. 50:41 I never learned to draw well. 50:44 We draw a scene, 50:46 and starting with our native language 50:48 along with large gestures, 50:51 we act out a dialogue. 50:54 Little by little, 50:56 we convert the scene into the new language. 51:18 What scares me? 51:20 That I’ve never done this before. 51:23 This will be my first time. 51:28 I don’t have any experience teaching languages. 51:44 Although I felt intimidated by this, 51:47 I knew that with Jehovah all things are possible. 51:56 Welcome to the first day of the Shuar language course. 52:17 The techniques they offered us in the course were like a box of tools 52:21 that we need to study more carefully and see how to apply them 52:25 in each circumstance. 52:31 When we are in the territory, 52:33 we see how people’s eyes light up when they learn 52:37 the name of God. 52:39 Just seeing that there is so much need for them to learn the truth, 52:44 that has motivated us to come here 52:46 and continue serving here. 52:55 Since God has created us, 52:57 we know that he will never abandon us. 52:59 He thinks about us all the time, 53:01 and he loves us very much. 53:04 I didn’t know that before. 53:06 I feel so happy now 53:08 because I can really understand the Word of God. 53:14 Being in an isolated group far from other congregations, 53:18 my wife and I have felt every day 53:20 how real Jehovah is. 53:23 Jehovah is now looking 53:25 and giving his attention to these small places, 53:28 no matter how small they are. 53:31 If people have a good heart and want to serve Jehovah, 53:35 he will send workers to give the help that is needed. 53:40 And in reality, this moves us to say to him with all of our heart, 53:44 “Thank you, Jehovah.” 53:55 There is a lot to do in Jehovah’s organization 53:59 regardless of our age. 54:02 Even if our circumstances may restrict us, 54:06 Jehovah sees and values 54:11 all of our efforts to expand our ministry 54:15 and to build an everlasting future with him. 54:21 Our music video for this month 54:24 is appropriately entitled 54:27 Building My Future With Jehovah. 54:41 At times, I wish I could see exactly what my future will be 54:48 And how my life will turn out and which road is the right one for me. 54:58 But one thing’s for sure, no matter what comes along, 55:06 I live for Jehovah, to him I belong. 55:14 Of all the people and things my life could be filled with, 55:20 The best one of all, the best one to build with, 55:24 Is pleasing Jehovah each day with the choices I make. 55:32 He gave me all that I have; I’ll never forget it. 55:37 I’m safe in his hands; I’ll never regret it. 55:42 I’m building my future with him ev’ry step that I take. 55:50 At times, the chance comes along to take a path I know to be wrong, 55:58 A path that leads me away from the place that I know I belong. 56:08 But keeping in mind the dedication I made 56:17 Can give me the firmness and faith that won’t fade. 56:25 Of all the people and things my life could be filled with, 56:29 The best one of all, the best one to build with, 56:34 Is pleasing Jehovah each day with the choices I make. 56:42 He gave me all that I have; I’ll never forget it. 56:47 I’m safe in his hands; I’ll never regret it. 56:51 I’m building my future with him ev’ry step that I take. 57:00 I’m building a future that never will end 57:04 If I build it with help from Jehovah, my Friend. 57:09 The happiest moments, the best life can give, 57:13 Come from pleasing Jehovah each day that I live. 57:38 Of all the people and things my life could be filled with, 57:43 The best one of all, the best one to build with, 57:47 Is pleasing Jehovah each day with the choices I make. 57:55 He gave me all that I have; I’ll never forget it. 58:00 I’m safe in his hands; I’ll never regret it. 58:05 I’m building my future with him ev’ry step that I take. 58:18 I’m building my future with him ev’ry step that I take. 58:29 An encouraging song indeed! 58:34 We encourage all young ones 58:37 to take the message of this program 58:40 —to build a future with Jehovah— 58:43 to heart. 58:45 Prayerfully consider what you can do 58:49 to expand your ministry. 58:52 Always safeguard your most valuable possession 58:57 —your precious relationship with Jehovah. 59:02 Never forget that there are more with you 59:06 than there are against you. 59:09 It is true that Satan, the demons, 59:13 and this world are against you. 59:16 But your brothers and sisters, 59:18 including the Governing Body, are with you; 59:23 the angels are with you; 59:27 the resurrected immortal anointed ones are with you; 59:33 Jesus is with you; 59:35 and most important, Jehovah is with you. 59:41 You are never alone! 59:46 To conclude, 59:48 we have greetings to share with you 59:51 from the special convention that was held 59:53 in July of last year 59:56 in Paris, France. 59:58 I had the privilege of attending this convention 1:00:01 with Brother Kenneth Flodin, 1:00:03 a helper to the Teaching Committee. 1:00:05 While most of the convention program was in French, 1:00:09 it was simultaneously interpreted 1:00:11 into Croatian, English, 1:00:15 and Polish for the benefit 1:00:17 of the international delegates. 1:00:20 You will be happy to know 1:00:22 that 71 new sisters 1:00:24 and 41 new brothers 1:00:26 symbolized their dedication through water baptism. 1:00:32 The oldest baptismal candidate was an 80-year-old sister 1:00:35 and the youngest was a 10-year-old. 1:00:39 The young candidates had to overcome 1:00:41 various challenges in order to reach their goal 1:00:44 of baptism. 1:00:46 Four of them took this step 1:00:48 even though their parents 1:00:50 are not Jehovah’s Witnesses. 1:00:52 Many of these dear young ones had to overcome 1:00:54 peer pressure at school 1:00:56 —pressure to do things 1:00:59 Jehovah does not like. 1:01:01 Two of the young brothers, also fleshly brothers, 1:01:04 used to play violent video games. 1:01:07 Through their personal Bible study 1:01:09 and the personal interest shown in them, 1:01:12 they came to understand Jehovah’s viewpoint on violence 1:01:16 and made the necessary changes to progress spiritually. 1:01:20 By taking this first step 1:01:22 of getting baptized, these brothers and sisters have shown 1:01:26 that they want to build a future 1:01:29 with Jehovah. 1:01:31 Let us all do everything 1:01:33 we can to continue making spiritual progress, 1:01:37 which will bring Jehovah’s smile of approval. 1:01:42 Brothers and sisters, we love you very much. 1:01:48 This is JW Broadcasting 1:01:51 from the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
00:01 Welcome to another edition 00:05 of JW Broadcasting! 00:08 This month we will see examples 00:11 of what young ones 00:14 around the world have done to seek 00:17 the Kingdom first. 00:19 Also, 00:21 you will meet a brother who got into a lot of trouble 00:25 early in his life. 00:27 But how did the truth help him 00:30 to straighten out his life? 00:33 We look forward to his story. 00:36 We will also visit a language course in Ecuador. 00:40 What is it like to learn a new language 00:43 to expand our ministry? 00:45 We will find out. 00:48 This is the March program 00:51 of JW Broadcasting! 01:12 My theme for this month’s broadcast is 01:16 “Young Ones —Build Your Future With Jehovah!” 01:23 If you do, 1 Timothy 6:19 assures 01:27 that you will ‘safely treasure up for yourself 01:31 a fine foundation for the future,’ 01:34 and you will “get a firm hold on the real life.” 01:40 Obviously, we will be directing many of our comments 01:44 directly to you dear young ones 01:47 in Jehovah’s organization. 01:50 Yet, if we think about it, 01:52 all of us figuratively 01:55 are very young ones 01:57 compared to eternity 02:00 —how long we hope to live. 02:02 So, in a sense, our comments during this broadcast 02:07 have application to all of us. 02:11 Personally, I am so thankful to Jehovah 02:15 that positive peer pressure was put on me 02:19 to enter the pioneer ministry right out of high school. 02:23 What a blessing and a protection 02:27 it was to enter the regular pioneer work 02:31 at age 17 02:33 and to be able to go to Bethel at 18. 02:36 Even though there was considerable worldly pressure put on me 02:41 to pursue university education, 02:44 I am so happy that with Jehovah’s help, 02:49 I decided to build my future 02:52 with Jehovah. 02:54 Truly, I have no regrets. 02:59 And this is always true of young ones 03:03 who serve Jehovah from their hearts 03:06 —they have no regrets. 03:09 In fact, you will enjoy these expressions from young ones 03:13 who are building their future with Jehovah. 03:22 Before I started pioneering, 03:24 I was really nervous that I wouldn’t be able to get my time in every month. 03:27 It was a bit hard when I started pioneering because I didn’t have a car. 03:31 My boss, he didn’t give me part-time work. 03:35 I found it really hard to balance schoolwork 03:37 and pioneering at the same time. 03:39 My biggest struggle was fear of man, so that really hindered me 03:43 because I wasn’t very good at talking to people. 03:45 Having a good routine was a struggle. 03:48 My brother and I are the only ones in the truth. 03:51 My family didn’t understand 03:54 why we wanted to go preaching. 03:57 I didn’t think that I’d make a good pioneer. 03:59 I’ve had Type 1 diabetes since I was five. 04:02 So I was always worried about whether or not 04:05 I could balance that health condition with pioneering. 04:07 The challenges don’t seem that big now, 04:11 but back at that time they were a really big deal. 04:13 But the coolest thing was how Jehovah helped me. 04:16 Prayer to Jehovah helped me overcome my fears. 04:19 My family was a massive help from Jehovah. 04:22 Because my dad was the one who first encouraged me to pioneer, 04:25 when I did start pioneering, he promised that I would have 04:28 the full support of my family. 04:30 When I spoke to brothers and sisters who spent their youth 04:34 in the full-time service that really helped me 04:37 because it was really encouraging, and it really motivated me 04:40 to want to make my own memories and my own experiences 04:43 in the full-time service. 04:45 So there were practical things I could do. 04:47 I didn’t have a car; I just walked or I caught the bus. 04:50 I had to work out what my priorities were first. 04:53 So I had to find out how many hours would I have to go witnessing every week. 04:57 So then I just sat down and I looked at every day 04:59 and planned out which days I could go witnessing, 05:01 which days I had to go to school, 05:03 and also allocated time so that I could do my homework and study. 05:06 Having a schedule was really good 05:08 because I could see it all out in front of me, 05:10 and I could see that the hour requirement 05:12 was actually attainable, so that made it a lot less daunting. 05:15 I first set short-term goals of pioneering in the special months of activity. 05:19 Then I was able to begin continuous auxiliary, 05:23 and then eventually I started regular pioneering. 05:26 One of the best things I did to prepare myself for pioneering 05:29 was to auxiliary pioneer beforehand. 05:31 It really set me up to be able to overcome 05:34 any challenges that I faced while I was pioneering. 05:37 I thought about Malachi 3:10. 05:39 I knew I trusted in Jehovah, 05:41 but this was my chance to test him out. 05:44 I prayed, put my trust in Jehovah, 05:46 and put my application in. 05:48 After my form was in for pioneering, 05:51 a brother, with time, a brother called me and offered me work. 05:54 I had unemployment for three months, 05:58 which wasn’t a good time. 06:01 But during that time, I had Jehovah as my main focus. 06:04 And so he supported me, and he didn’t let me down. 06:07 Asking brothers and sisters to come 06:09 and work with me, maybe on days that I knew 06:11 that I wouldn’t get as much support, really helped. 06:14 That helped me to organize my hours a little bit more, 06:17 and also I’d get to know my brothers and sisters more as well. 06:20 One of the greatest joys of pioneering has been to pioneer with Mum. 06:24 And we had the privilege of going 06:26 to the pioneer school together, which was really special. 06:29 Psalm 16:8 reminds me 06:32 that Jehovah is right beside me. 06:35 When I’m preaching, it’s like Jehovah is holding my hand. 06:39 So with full-time service, I love making Jehovah happy. 06:44 With everything that he has given me, I’m finally able to give something back. 06:47 Looking back —pioneering— 06:49 it was the best decision I’ve ever made. 06:51 It’s opened up so many different avenues 06:53 of service to Jehovah, 06:55 and it helped me also to have that real desire 06:57 to want to stay in full-time service. 06:59 Helping someone on the road to everlasting life, 07:03 it’s the best feeling ever; and it’s really irreplaceable. 07:09 The only thing I can say, 07:11 “As a young person, start pioneering!” 07:18 What a fine attitude those young ones have! 07:23 They are clearly following in Jesus’ footsteps. 07:28 Jesus was the wisest man 07:32 who ever walked the earth. 07:34 He could’ve pursued any career 07:37 and truly excelled at it. 07:40 He could’ve been the greatest carpenter who ever lived. 07:44 Think about it, 07:46 he helped his Father build the physical universe. 07:50 Can you imagine what kind of houses he could’ve built? 07:54 Or what if he had pursued being an inventor? 07:59 With his perfect brain, 08:01 he probably could’ve invented the telephone, 08:05 automobile, or computer 08:08 in the first century. 08:10 Or what about becoming a businessman? 08:13 With perfect intelligence, 08:16 he likely could’ve come out on top 08:19 of every business transaction that he entered, 08:22 becoming the richest businessman who ever lived. 08:28 Or have you ever thought about 08:31 if he had pursued becoming an athlete? 08:35 And excelling in athletic contests 08:38 was a huge endeavor in Jesus’ day. 08:41 With a little training, 08:43 it is likely that his perfect body 08:46 would have outperformed all people 08:50 with imperfect bodies, 08:52 enabling him to become 08:55 the most famous athlete who ever lived. 08:58 Or one more example, 09:01 what if he had decided to become a doctor? 09:04 He could cure sick people 09:07 —even raise the dead. 09:10 Can you imagine how much he could’ve charged rich people 09:14 to raise their dead loved ones? 09:18 But Jesus pursued none of these careers. 09:21 Why? 09:23 Because he knew that any of such endeavors 09:28 would have only very limited 09:31 and temporary benefits. 09:33 Instead, he pursued something 09:37 he knew would bring far-reaching and everlasting benefits: 09:42 the full-time ministry. 09:46 If this is how the wisest man who ever walked the earth— 09:50 If this is how he reasoned, 09:52 we are wise if we strive to think the same way. 09:58 That makes me think of the comments 10:01 of a well-adjusted teenage brother 10:04 whom we served while in the circuit work many years ago. 10:08 This young brother went straight into the regular pioneer work 10:12 out of high school, 10:14 and I asked him why he did so. 10:18 He explained that he knew 10:21 he could’ve gotten a full-time secular job 10:24 and bought a new car for himself, 10:27 but he reasoned that in a few years 10:32 that car would rust out and break down, 10:36 and he would have nothing. 10:39 But he knew that he could go into the pioneer work 10:43 and build a close relationship with Jehovah 10:46 and perhaps even find an honest-hearted person 10:50 and be able to teach that one the truth. 10:53 And he knew that would last forever. 10:58 Now, that is some wise thinking 11:00 on the part of that young brother. 11:03 And today, that brother has a beautiful Christian wife 11:07 and several spiritual children, 11:10 and he is serving as a fine elder. 11:15 But if you young ones are going to think this way 11:18 and continue to pursue spiritual goals, 11:22 it is vital that you wisely choose 11:26 your associates. 11:29 In a sense, our associates 11:32 can be likened to an elevator. 11:36 What do we mean? 11:38 Well, they can take you up 11:40 or they can take you down. 11:43 If you choose wisely, 11:45 they will take you up 11:48 —elevate your good qualities 11:50 and make you a better person. 11:52 But if you choose poorly, 11:55 they will take you down. 11:58 Depending on how badly you choose, 12:01 they can take you way down 12:03 —to the basement, 12:06 even the subbasement. 12:10 At Proverbs 13:20, 12:12 our loving heavenly Father, 12:15 who made us, explains how it works. 12:19 Jehovah tells us there: 12:21 “The one walking with the wise 12:25 “will become wise, 12:28 “but the one who has dealings with the stupid 12:32 will fare badly.” 12:35 “Walking with” 12:37 and “having dealings with” 12:40 mean “associating with.” 12:42 And who are the “stupid” ones? 12:45 Well, this scripture contrasts such a person 12:49 with those who are wise. 12:51 It is not talking about someone who lacks mental intellect. 12:55 It is talking about someone 12:58 who does not make wise decisions spiritually 13:01 from Jehovah’s standpoint. 13:04 And if we think about it, 13:06 anyone who is not really serving Jehovah 13:10 —at least right now— 13:12 that one is unwise indeed. 13:17 And if we associate closely with such ones, 13:21 Jehovah says that we “will fare badly.” 13:26 We could use another illustration. 13:28 Think about someone who is physically sick 13:32 and is running a high fever. 13:35 If we spend a lot of time with that person, 13:38 we will probably catch the same sickness. 13:42 Or worse, 13:44 if we spend a lot of time near a dead body—a corpse— 13:49 we will probably pick up a disease. 13:53 Well, it is similar 13:55 with spending time with a person 13:58 who is spiritually sick, 14:00 or worse, spiritually dead. 14:04 On the other hand, 14:06 if we choose as our associates 14:10 those who love Jehovah 14:12 and who are building their everlasting future with Jehovah, 14:17 we will benefit greatly. 14:21 Please observe carefully this variety of young ones 14:26 who are busy storing up treasures in heaven 14:30 with Jehovah. 16:27 How heartwarming it is to us 16:31 —and we know it is to Jehovah— 16:33 to see these beautiful young people 16:37 doing what Jesus encourages 16:40 at Matthew 6:20, 21. 16:45 There, Jesus encourages: 16:48 “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, 16:53 “where neither moth nor rust consumes, 16:57 “and where thieves do not break in and steal. 17:01 “For where your treasure is, 17:04 there your heart will be also.” 17:08 And if we think about it, 17:10 in the final analysis, 17:13 after all is said and done, 17:16 whether we are younger or older, 17:18 our net worth will be 17:21 what we have stored up in heaven with Jehovah. 17:25 We will not be able to take material treasures with us 17:29 through the great tribulation. 17:31 And if we die, 17:33 we certainly will not be able to take material treasures with us, 17:38 but we can take spiritual treasures 17:41 with us through the great tribulation 17:44 and even through death and resurrection. 17:48 It is true with all of Jehovah’s people, 17:51 as it is with the anointed, 17:54 what is stated at Revelation 14:13. 17:58 It says there: 18:00 “The things they did go right with them.” 18:06 And how encouraging it is 18:08 to see young ones getting baptized 18:13 —publicly demonstrating 18:15 that they are giving their lives to Jehovah. 18:19 And we sincerely hope 18:21 that you young ones who are not yet baptized 18:24 will not hold back from getting baptized 18:27 as soon as you qualify. 18:30 The sooner you can get baptized, 18:33 the sooner you will receive greater protection 18:38 and blessings from Jehovah. 18:41 Not long ago, it made me very happy 18:45 to observe a little ten-year-old brother 18:48 get baptized! 18:51 And young ones, 18:53 never be afraid to identify yourselves 18:58 as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. 19:01 Never allow the fear of what others may think 19:05 to cause you to hesitate to do so. 19:08 Jehovah tells us 19:10 at Proverbs 29:25: 19:14 “Trembling at men is a snare, 19:19 “but the one trusting in Jehovah 19:22 will be protected.” 19:26 Many years ago when I was in school, 19:29 I can remember being at times somewhat worried 19:34 about how my fellow classmates would view me. 19:39 But then a little while later, 19:42 I got out of school 19:44 and never ever again even saw 19:47 most of those former classmates. 19:50 Then it dawned on me 19:53 that it doesn’t really matter what people think about us. 19:57 It is Jehovah’s rating of us 20:00 that truly counts. 20:02 Humans cannot add 20:06 even five seconds to our lifespan, 20:09 but Jehovah can add 20:12 or subtract eternity. 20:16 And he alone can also give us true happiness. 20:20 And as Proverbs 29:25 indicates, 20:24 what a protection 20:27 it is to courageously identify ourselves 20:31 as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 20:34 fully trusting Jehovah 20:37 and taking our stand solidly with him. 20:42 Never be ashamed of who you are. 20:47 You are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. 20:53 And please, dear young ones, 20:56 we warmly encourage you 20:59 to listen to those who love you. 21:02 Jehovah loves you very much; 21:05 the Governing Body loves you very much; 21:08 the elders love you very much; 21:11 your Christian parents love you very much. 21:15 And these ones will tell you the truth, 21:19 even though at times 21:21 it may not be what you want to hear. 21:23 They will not ‘tickle your ears,’ 21:27 perhaps like ones at school 21:29 or in the neighborhood 21:31 who don’t really love you 21:34 or have your best interests at heart. 21:37 But please believe those 21:40 who will tell you the truth 21:43 because they love you. 21:45 And never view Jehovah’s laws and principles 21:50 as depriving you of something good. 21:54 View them as protecting you 21:58 from what will hurt you. 22:00 If you recall, 22:02 Satan convinced Eve 22:05 that she was being deprived by Jehovah 22:08 and was missing out on something good. 22:12 Now, it is true that Eve was missing out on something. 22:16 But what was she really missing out on? 22:20 A tormented conscience, 22:23 her beautiful hair turning gray, 22:26 her teeth falling out, 22:28 her perfect skin wrinkling up like a prune, 22:33 being bent over from old age, 22:37 hobbling around on a cane, 22:40 and finally dying! 22:44 But Satan convinced her 22:47 that Jehovah was depriving her, 22:50 so foolishly she reached out to get 22:55 what she thought she was missing out on. 22:58 Well, Satan will try to use 23:01 the same kind of strategy on you, 23:05 but please don’t let him do it! 23:11 This also makes me think of an experience a brother once related. 23:16 He said that he was visiting an animal observatory, 23:21 and a large lion lunged toward him 23:25 but was prevented from reaching him 23:27 by a thick glass pane 23:30 separating the animals from the observers. 23:35 As the lion stood on his hind legs, 23:38 clawing the glass 23:40 and baring his massive teeth, 23:45 the brother came to realize in a special way 23:48 the protective value of that barrier. 23:53 Previously, he said that he somewhat viewed the glass pane 23:58 as a restriction 24:00 because the smudges on it 24:03 partially blurred his view, 24:06 but now he viewed it 24:09 as a real protection. 24:12 Well, in a similar way, 24:14 Jehovah doesn’t want Satan, 24:18 who is described as ‘a roaring, devouring lion’ 24:22 at 1 Peter 5:8— 24:24 He doesn’t want him to gobble down you young ones. 24:30 And His laws and principles 24:33 are designed to keep that from happening to you. 24:37 So please listen to Jehovah. 24:41 He loves you! 24:45 You would probably agree that having good friends 24:50 is of great encouragement in your service to Jehovah. 24:56 You may also recognize 24:58 that there is more to being a friend 25:01 than simply clicking links on a computer screen 25:05 or a smartphone. 25:07 But where can you find good friends 25:11 when there seems to be no one to choose from? 25:14 In this dramatization, 25:17 consider the example of this young brother 25:20 who struggled with this very question. 25:29 My name is Akil. 25:31 When I was 18, my family moved to a new city. 25:37 It was bad enough leaving my friends behind. 25:40 But now, 25:42 I wasn’t sure if I could make new ones. 25:50 My parents seemed really happy. 25:54 I didn’t want to make them feel bad 25:57 by telling them how I really felt. 26:02 The new school wasn’t much better 26:11 until I met Cameron. 26:15 He seemed like a pretty cool guy. 26:22 Soon, his friends became my friends. 26:29 . . . something that David believed was true, 26:31 he actually proved it by the association that he kept. 26:35 We think about one of the closest friendships 26:37 recorded in the Scriptures, 26:38 and it was that of David and Jonathan. 26:42 What was it that David and Jonathan shared in common? 26:44 It wasn’t their age. 26:47 Akil, you were texting in the meeting. 26:49 I shouldn’t have sent the text. 26:51 I’m sorry. 26:53 But Cameron is a good person. 26:56 He might even study one day. 26:59 I understand that, Akil. 27:00 But we all have to be careful with how much time 27:03 we spend with people that don’t love Jehovah. 27:06 See, their values are just different. 27:08 You know what Proverbs 13:20 says: 27:11 ‘Walk with those who are wise.’ 27:13 So why don’t you seek out friends who love Jehovah? 27:16 And you will make friends that last a lifetime. 27:19 How am I supposed to do that? 27:21 There’s no one my age in the congregation. 27:24 Akil, good friends can come from unexpected places. 27:27 Mom, I had good friends 27:31 —back home. 27:38 We all felt bad that night. 27:49 The next day, 27:51 Cameron posted pictures of a party he had. 27:55 My parents were right. 28:00 I broke off my association with Cameron 28:04 and his friends, 28:05 but I still felt 28:07 lost. 28:10 Hi, Akil? 28:12 Do you have field service plans for Saturday? 28:15 Ah, no. 28:17 Good. Now you do. 28:18 I’ll see you at the 9:30 a.m. meeting, OK? 28:40 After service, 28:42 Max had the group over for refreshments. 28:47 Did you take these? 28:50 Do you like them? 28:51 Yeah. 28:52 My wife, she was always the photographer. 28:55 She loved photography. 28:57 And then one anniversary she went out and bought me a camera, 28:59 and from that moment on, I was hooked too. 29:04 Time flies so quickly. 29:06 It’s hard to believe she passed away 12 years ago now. 29:11 I’m sorry. 29:12 It’s OK. 29:13 But you still take pictures? 29:15 I do. I really enjoy photography. 29:18 There’s something about being close 29:20 to Jehovah’s creation. 29:22 It reminds me 29:24 that we’re never really alone, you know? 29:33 Good friends can come from unexpected places 29:37 and unexpected ages. 29:39 As I spent more time with Max, 29:42 I realized it was just like David and Jonathan. 29:48 Their friendship was based, 29:50 not on age, but on their love for Jehovah. 29:55 And they helped each other. 30:03 And with Max’s help, 30:05 I was able to keep a good spiritual routine 30:07 without interruption. 30:09 Although we weren’t the same age, 30:12 Max became my good friend. 30:15 I just needed to see what was right 30:18 in front of me. 30:23 Yes, friends can come in various ages. 30:28 And the best kind of friend 30:31 is one who encourages us in our service to Jehovah. 30:37 We all need to work hard on making spiritual progress 30:40 —learning new things about Jehovah and his qualities. 30:45 So we want friends who will help us do that. 30:50 There is a saying 30:52 that experience is the best teacher, 30:55 but that is not really accurate. 30:58 Experience is often the hard way to learn. 31:04 Brother Fernando Casillas was born in Mexico, 31:08 but when he was a baby, 31:11 his family moved to the United States. 31:15 The neighborhood he grew up in 31:18 had a lot of gang influence. 31:21 This had a very negative impact on him. 31:25 But despite these circumstances, 31:28 notice how the truth attracted him. 31:36 I used to love violence; I dreamed of violence. 31:39 My gang was my religion. 31:42 I got into the prison system at a young age. 31:45 At first, they sent me to a juvenile facility, 31:48 but I got kicked out of there for a riot. 31:50 Basically, they deemed me a threat to the safety and security 31:55 of the institution, the guards, and other inmates. 31:58 And I was sent to solitary confinement 32:00 to finish off my prison term. 32:02 Me thinking I was violent back then 32:04 was nothing compared to what I came out with. 32:08 Basically, what you try to come out to be 32:10 is the best killer out of all. 32:14 After my incarceration, 32:17 I was deported to Mexico. 32:21 I used to carry a weapon with me everywhere I went. 32:23 After a while, we started getting involved with bad people. 32:27 Eventually, my girlfriend got in trouble. 32:30 Once that was over, 32:32 she saw a Kingdom Hall. 32:34 My girlfriend had been to meetings as a child, 32:36 so she basically dragged me to the Kingdom Hall. 32:39 They treated me nice. 32:41 And that’s when I started to get to know Omar. 32:44 So I started hanging around with him and his wife 32:46 —me and my girlfriend at the time— and going to meetings. 32:50 But it wasn’t till I found out this guy 32:52 used to be one of my rivals 32:54 —I was very, very upset. 32:56 I felt betrayed because he never told me. 32:58 Everything that was going through my head was, 33:01 ‘I’ve got to find a way to get him over here, 33:03 so I can hurt him.’ 33:05 After thinking about all the things that I wanted to do to him that night 33:08 —I’d been running it through my head over and over again— 33:12 I decided to just stay friends with him. 33:16 And eventually, we decided to start studying together. 33:20 Being the way I was, I thought that there’s 33:23 no way a God can forgive me. 33:25 The scripture at Isaiah 55:7 really helped me, 33:29 where it says: 33:30 “Let the wicked man leave his way and the evil man his thoughts; 33:34 let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy on him.” 33:38 As time went by, I started understanding clearly 33:41 that Jehovah does forgive. 33:43 By that time, I had already kind of made a decision 33:47 that I was done with doing time in prison. 33:49 I just decided to cut all ties with everybody 33:51 that had anything to do with anything illegal. 33:54 I felt like a free person. 33:56 And after progressing 33:58 and quitting the habits that I had of smoking and drinking a lot, 34:02 I became an unbaptized publisher. 34:04 But my father passed away; 34:07 I started hanging around with bad association again, 34:10 and eventually I had my privileges removed. 34:12 And as that was happening, Satan attacked me again. 34:16 So one day, my wife was crossing the border 34:19 to go take care of some paperwork for the kids 34:22 and was surprised by the border patrol 34:24 telling her that there were drugs in the vehicle. 34:27 We did not know that the previous owner 34:29 had stashed drugs in the truck. 34:31 Even though later they proved 34:34 that the drugs were not my wife’s and she was released, 34:36 they still decided to keep my kids. 34:41 What I was thinking of doing was going back to my old ways 34:44 —organizing a plot with my old friends 34:47 to bring my kids back to Mexico to me. 34:51 But I decided to rely 34:53 on Jehovah instead and on the brothers 34:55 coming to visit me on a regular basis 34:58 and giving me encouraging thoughts 34:59 of how Jehovah will take care of everything. 35:02 Eventually, our kids were returned to us, 35:04 with Jehovah’s help. 35:06 After a little struggle, of course, I had my privileges back. 35:10 A few months later, I was baptized. 35:13 I’m a lot happier now than what I was back then. 35:18 One day as I was preaching in the rehab centers, 35:21 I ran into a person I once knew before, growing up. 35:25 Once he found out who I was, he said: 35:28 “You’re the reason why I left town. 35:30 Every time you would see me, you would shoot at me.” 35:33 So after a while, I was able to convince him 35:36 that actually my purpose there 35:39 was not to hurt him anymore 35:41 but to teach him the truth 35:44 and how to gain everlasting life. 35:46 I’m no longer a violent person. 35:49 I enjoy the privileges that Jehovah now gives me. 35:52 I have now been serving as a ministerial servant 35:55 for the past two years. 35:56 I’m in charge of the accounting 35:58 for the Kingdom Hall, 36:00 instead of stealing money as I used to do before. 36:04 What I do for a living is I do gardening work. 36:06 Now I don’t carry around knives, 36:09 but I carry around my tools. 36:11 You could say that I did beat 36:13 my pistols into plowshares now 36:16 —or weed whacker or lawn mower. 36:20 I’m glad that I’m now serving a great God 36:23 who is loving, caring, and forgiving. 36:31 Fernando and his family are serving 36:35 in an English congregation in Mexico. 36:38 With everything Brother Casillas went through, 36:42 he could see 36:44 that Jehovah is the best teacher. 36:47 If you listen to Jehovah, 36:50 you won’t have to learn the hard way. 36:53 Jehovah is 36:55 “the One teaching you to benefit yourself.” 37:01 Jeremiah 17:13 conveys the thought 37:06 that those who do not serve Jehovah 37:10 will have their names “written in the dust.” 37:14 But by building your future with Jehovah, 37:18 you young ones are ensuring 37:20 that Jehovah will keep your individual names 37:25 written in his “book of life” 37:28 that is mentioned at Philippians 4:3 37:32 and Revelation 3:5. 37:35 Earlier in the program, 37:38 we saw some examples of how young ones 37:41 are building a future with Jehovah. 37:45 But what impact are such efforts having on the organization? 37:51 Let’s look at one example: 37:53 the construction of the new world headquarters 37:57 at Warwick, New York. 38:02 Jehovah’s Witnesses built 1.6 million square feet (149,000 sq m) 38:06 in less than four years. 38:10 Of the 27,035 volunteers, 38:13 3,247 were between the ages of 19 and 25. 38:19 I thought this was a project 38:21 that was going to strictly need 38:23 very experienced brothers and sisters. 38:27 Early on, I realized I was wrong. 38:29 It was also going to take youthful energy 38:32 because of the volume of work. 38:35 The mix of older and younger ones 38:37 was really a helpful thing on the Warwick project. 38:39 The older ones brought skill and experience. 38:42 The younger ones brought the energy, the muscle, 38:46 and the diligence to stay with hard physical tasks 38:48 all the way through the project. 38:49 Whether it was in the kitchen or night watch 38:54 or the early 5:00 a.m. start with the concrete crew 38:56 at 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12°C), 38:57 their joy and their humility was outstanding 39:00 to accept any work that needed to be done. 39:03 And a lot of young ones, brothers and sisters, 39:05 moved into the area so they could commute. 39:08 And they would work day after day tirelessly, 39:10 into the evenings even, to have the project ready for the next day. 39:14 Their energy was just astonishing. 39:18 Jehovah loves young ones, and he’s willing to invest in them 39:21 and train them and make them a part of his organization. 39:26 And I saw that so much. 39:29 We had a lot of young people who offered themselves 39:31 with technical skills. 39:32 But if the humility of these very technically-skilled young people 39:37 didn’t match or exceed their abilities, 39:40 then, really, Jehovah couldn’t use them. 39:42 And they were willing to adjust, and we really saw the benefit. 39:46 We knew and they knew 39:49 that they were building 39:51 not just a project at Warwick 39:54 —they were building a spiritual project for Jehovah. 39:57 You could see Jehovah’s spirit operating on them. 40:00 You could see them mature so quickly. 40:04 These young brothers are the next generation 40:06 of elders and traveling overseers. 40:08 They’re to be commended and highly respected 40:11 for the contribution they made as young men. 40:13 They all talk about the effect 40:15 that their Bethel service has had on their outlook 40:18 and how they don’t want to get caught up 40:21 in this world and its daily pursuits. 40:24 Use the skills you’ve learned 40:27 here on this project and in Bethel. 40:30 You are needed. 40:33 Continue to keep your spirituality up 40:36 and to keep your association at a high level. 40:40 The highest quality of life is when, 40:43 as clay, we put ourselves in the hands of the Great Potter, Jehovah, 40:48 and we say: “Here I am! Send me!”. 40:51 And I’m fully confident they will have no regrets 40:55 building their future with Jehovah. 41:02 Yes, young ones truly had a beautiful impact 41:07 on the construction project of world headquarters! 41:13 By the way, you may find it interesting to know 41:17 that the Warwick and Wallkill construction projects 41:21 were not funded by the donations 41:24 that you have made to the worldwide work. 41:27 Your donations are being used to support the work 41:31 in the worldwide field. 41:34 The massive construction projects at Warwick and Wallkill 41:39 were funded by the sale of properties in Brooklyn. 41:44 In effect, we just traded locations. 41:48 We traded the value of the properties in Brooklyn 41:51 for the beautiful facilities at Warwick and Wallkill. 41:57 And I must say, 41:59 the Governing Body is truly enjoying 42:02 the new facility at Warwick, 42:05 thanks to the hard work, 42:08 both of the young and the older ones 42:12 who labored in our behalf, 42:15 and we truly appreciate it. 42:20 The apostle Paul said of Timothy 42:23 as recorded at Philippians 2:20-23: 42:29 “For I have no one else of a disposition like his 42:34 “who will genuinely care for your concerns. 42:38 “For all the others are seeking their own interests, 42:41 “not those of Jesus Christ. 42:44 “But you know the proof he gave of himself, 42:48 “that like a child with a father 42:51 “he slaved with me to advance the good news. 42:55 Therefore, he is the one I am hoping to send.” 43:00 It is obvious that Paul 43:02 loved the young man Timothy very much 43:06 because of his unselfish hard work 43:09 in behalf of Kingdom interests. 43:12 Well, the Governing Body feels exactly the same way 43:17 about you dear young ones who are working hard 43:22 in your various theocratic assignments. 43:27 In addition to the many avenues of full-time service 43:31 we mentioned earlier in the program, 43:34 making yourself available when a need arises locally 43:39 is a fine way to seek the Kingdom first. 43:44 For example, in San Antonio, in the state of Texas, 43:49 in the United States, 43:51 a large convention 43:54 with over 20,000 in attendance was planned. 43:59 However, the venue could only provide 44:02 about one third of the chairs needed for the convention. 44:07 Where would our brothers find the needed chairs? 44:11 Well, Jehovah provided, 44:14 and many young ones were eager to help. 44:22 When I heard that this needed to happen, 44:25 I was thinking, ‘How are we going to do this?’ 44:27 I thought, ‘It’s a big job!’ 44:30 It was amazing! 44:32 The first thing I was asked to do 44:35 was try to find a storage place that we could use 44:37 for six to eight thousand chairs. 44:40 A sister manages a storage place, 44:42 and we saw Jehovah’s blessing 44:44 because the owner said, “You can have this stall 44:47 “at no charge for a year as long as you sign a contract 44:50 that it’s for Jehovah’s Witnesses’ organization.” 44:52 Truckload after truckload after truckload came in. 44:55 We had to unload the trucks. 44:57 The brothers had to unstack the chairs, 44:59 repair the chairs, clean the chairs, put them back on pallets, 45:02 restack them, 45:04 load them onto trucks, and that was half of it. 45:06 Those were the ones in the warehouse. 45:08 On the other side, we got permission to ask 45:11 the San Antonio congregations if we could use their chairs 45:14 for the convention. 45:15 We were hoping to get three thousand chairs. 45:17 And then the numbers grew for the audience, 45:20 so we had to increase our numbers. 45:22 So we were able to gather six thousand chairs 45:24 from the willing volunteers of congregations around San Antonio. 45:29 So we prayed about it and the brothers started asking for volunteers, 45:32 and it was a great cooperation right at the beginning. 45:35 As soon as we let the friends know 45:37 that this was going to be the case, 45:40 all of them— all of them said, 45:41 “We’re going to get off of work early.” 45:43 We immediately wanted to clear our schedules 45:45 so that we could be available to help in any way that we could. 45:49 It was a privilege to know 45:52 that our congregation was going to be part of it. 45:54 We are so grateful to Jehovah that he has given us 45:58 this privilege to do. 46:00 We had thousands of chairs 46:01 of every color —green, red, brown, blue. 46:05 We even had some bright orange ones left out of the ‘70’s, 46:08 and we’re putting those in the back. 46:10 But it was not just the colors but the sizes. 46:13 They were all different sizes. 46:15 And so how do you make sections with straight rows 46:17 when the chairs are all different sizes? 46:19 But I knew somehow, as Jehovah’s people, we’d get it done. 46:22 And we definitely— As you see, a lot of volunteers, 46:26 and we’re here getting it done. 46:27 And it’s made for a beautiful experience 46:30 because the friends have gotten to know each other as never before. 46:32 And they’re willingly working together, 46:34 and the excitement is there. 46:36 It doesn’t matter whose venue it is, it’s all for Jehovah, 46:40 and that’s been the attitude everybody has had. 46:42 It just tells you that Jehovah is a God of order. 46:45 It’s good to feel that you’re doing your best for Jehovah. 46:48 Well, it reminds me of Psalm 127:1, where it mentions 46:53 that ‘unless Jehovah builds the house, 46:56 it’s in vain that his workers even work hard.’ 46:58 So it’s because of Jehovah’s hand and his blessing 47:01 —that is why everything runs so smoothly. 47:03 What other organization! 47:04 No one else can do that except Jehovah’s people. 47:12 It truly is a fine witness when our young ones 47:16 wholeheartedly give of their time. 47:21 Proverbs 20:29 says: 47:24 “The glory of young men is their strength.” 47:29 And commendably, you young men and women 47:33 are using your strength 47:36 to make a name with Jehovah. 47:40 Have you ever considered helping out in a foreign-language field? 47:45 Perhaps there is a need in your local circuit. 47:49 All over the earth, 47:51 the organization provides language courses 47:55 with the goal of reaching every nation, tribe, tongue, and people 48:00 with the good news of God’s Word. 48:03 Brother Juan Carlos Chacón 48:07 serves as a special pioneer 48:10 in the rapidly growing Shuar language field 48:14 in Ecuador. 48:16 He was recently asked to attend 48:19 a course at the local branch 48:21 to become a language teacher 48:24 so that he could help willing publishers 48:27 learn the language. 48:32 [Speaking Shuar] 48:42 It has been said before, 48:46 “This is a language of the Devil” 48:49 —that it should be forgotten. 48:52 It serves no purpose. 48:58 But to Jehovah, 49:02 no nation is insignificant. 49:09 I grew up in an area of the Ecuadorian jungle 49:11 where there is a large community 49:13 of Shuar people. 49:19 Like many native languages, 49:21 Shuar is very complex. 49:29 We need many, many workers in the field. 49:31 But if we don’t give them a foundation, 49:34 if we don’t help them or give them a little push, 49:37 it’s difficult for them to enter this field. 49:42 I received an invitation to attend 49:45 a seminar for language instructors. 49:53 There were 58 students in the class, 49:56 representing 16 different languages or language groups. 50:11 We are learning fantastic teaching techniques, 50:13 real techniques that work. 50:21 The instructor told us how humor helps our minds to create a world of connections, 50:24 which stimulates our brain. 50:36 Yeah, I’m like a small child 50:39 when it comes to drawing. 50:41 I never learned to draw well. 50:44 We draw a scene, 50:46 and starting with our native language 50:48 along with large gestures, 50:51 we act out a dialogue. 50:54 Little by little, 50:56 we convert the scene into the new language. 51:18 What scares me? 51:20 That I’ve never done this before. 51:23 This will be my first time. 51:28 I don’t have any experience teaching languages. 51:44 Although I felt intimidated by this, 51:47 I knew that with Jehovah all things are possible. 51:56 Welcome to the first day of the Shuar language course. 52:17 The techniques they offered us in the course were like a box of tools 52:21 that we need to study more carefully and see how to apply them 52:25 in each circumstance. 52:31 When we are in the territory, 52:33 we see how people’s eyes light up when they learn 52:37 the name of God. 52:39 Just seeing that there is so much need for them to learn the truth, 52:44 that has motivated us to come here 52:46 and continue serving here. 52:55 Since God has created us, 52:57 we know that he will never abandon us. 52:59 He thinks about us all the time, 53:01 and he loves us very much. 53:04 I didn’t know that before. 53:06 I feel so happy now 53:08 because I can really understand the Word of God. 53:14 Being in an isolated group far from other congregations, 53:18 my wife and I have felt every day 53:20 how real Jehovah is. 53:23 Jehovah is now looking 53:25 and giving his attention to these small places, 53:28 no matter how small they are. 53:31 If people have a good heart and want to serve Jehovah, 53:35 he will send workers to give the help that is needed. 53:40 And in reality, this moves us to say to him with all of our heart, 53:44 “Thank you, Jehovah.” 53:55 There is a lot to do in Jehovah’s organization 53:59 regardless of our age. 54:02 Even if our circumstances may restrict us, 54:06 Jehovah sees and values 54:11 all of our efforts to expand our ministry 54:15 and to build an everlasting future with him. 54:21 Our music video for this month 54:24 is appropriately entitled 54:27 Building My Future With Jehovah. 54:41 At times, I wish I could see exactly what my future will be 54:48 And how my life will turn out and which road is the right one for me. 54:58 But one thing’s for sure, no matter what comes along, 55:06 I live for Jehovah, to him I belong. 55:14 Of all the people and things my life could be filled with, 55:20 The best one of all, the best one to build with, 55:24 Is pleasing Jehovah each day with the choices I make. 55:32 He gave me all that I have; I’ll never forget it. 55:37 I’m safe in his hands; I’ll never regret it. 55:42 I’m building my future with him ev’ry step that I take. 55:50 At times, the chance comes along to take a path I know to be wrong, 55:58 A path that leads me away from the place that I know I belong. 56:08 But keeping in mind the dedication I made 56:17 Can give me the firmness and faith that won’t fade. 56:25 Of all the people and things my life could be filled with, 56:29 The best one of all, the best one to build with, 56:34 Is pleasing Jehovah each day with the choices I make. 56:42 He gave me all that I have; I’ll never forget it. 56:47 I’m safe in his hands; I’ll never regret it. 56:51 I’m building my future with him ev’ry step that I take. 57:00 I’m building a future that never will end 57:04 If I build it with help from Jehovah, my Friend. 57:09 The happiest moments, the best life can give, 57:13 Come from pleasing Jehovah each day that I live. 57:38 Of all the people and things my life could be filled with, 57:43 The best one of all, the best one to build with, 57:47 Is pleasing Jehovah each day with the choices I make. 57:55 He gave me all that I have; I’ll never forget it. 58:00 I’m safe in his hands; I’ll never regret it. 58:05 I’m building my future with him ev’ry step that I take. 58:18 I’m building my future with him ev’ry step that I take. 58:29 An encouraging song indeed! 58:34 We encourage all young ones 58:37 to take the message of this program 58:40 —to build a future with Jehovah— 58:43 to heart. 58:45 Prayerfully consider what you can do 58:49 to expand your ministry. 58:52 Always safeguard your most valuable possession 58:57 —your precious relationship with Jehovah. 59:02 Never forget that there are more with you 59:06 than there are against you. 59:09 It is true that Satan, the demons, 59:13 and this world are against you. 59:16 But your brothers and sisters, 59:18 including the Governing Body, are with you; 59:23 the angels are with you; 59:27 the resurrected immortal anointed ones are with you; 59:33 Jesus is with you; 59:35 and most important, Jehovah is with you. 59:41 You are never alone! 59:46 To conclude, 59:48 we have greetings to share with you 59:51 from the special convention that was held 59:53 in July of last year 59:56 in Paris, France. 59:58 I had the privilege of attending this convention 1:00:01 with Brother Kenneth Flodin, 1:00:03 a helper to the Teaching Committee. 1:00:05 While most of the convention program was in French, 1:00:09 it was simultaneously interpreted 1:00:11 into Croatian, English, 1:00:15 and Polish for the benefit 1:00:17 of the international delegates. 1:00:20 You will be happy to know 1:00:22 that 71 new sisters 1:00:24 and 41 new brothers 1:00:26 symbolized their dedication through water baptism. 1:00:32 The oldest baptismal candidate was an 80-year-old sister 1:00:35 and the youngest was a 10-year-old. 1:00:39 The young candidates had to overcome 1:00:41 various challenges in order to reach their goal 1:00:44 of baptism. 1:00:46 Four of them took this step 1:00:48 even though their parents 1:00:50 are not Jehovah’s Witnesses. 1:00:52 Many of these dear young ones had to overcome 1:00:54 peer pressure at school 1:00:56 —pressure to do things 1:00:59 Jehovah does not like. 1:01:01 Two of the young brothers, also fleshly brothers, 1:01:04 used to play violent video games. 1:01:07 Through their personal Bible study 1:01:09 and the personal interest shown in them, 1:01:12 they came to understand Jehovah’s viewpoint on violence 1:01:16 and made the necessary changes to progress spiritually. 1:01:20 By taking this first step 1:01:22 of getting baptized, these brothers and sisters have shown 1:01:26 that they want to build a future 1:01:29 with Jehovah. 1:01:31 Let us all do everything 1:01:33 we can to continue making spiritual progress, 1:01:37 which will bring Jehovah’s smile of approval. 1:01:42 Brothers and sisters, we love you very much. 1:01:48 This is JW Broadcasting 1:01:51 from the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
