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00:01 Welcome to JW Broadcasting! 00:04 Here is what we can look forward to on the program this month. 00:07 Why do we need to be quick to address problems when they arise? 00:11 We will highlight the benefits. 00:14 And our music video will encourage us to reach out to expand our ministry. 00:20 We will also find out how our brothers and sisters reached out to the visitors 00:24 that came to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, last year. 00:28 This is the September program of JW Broadcasting! 00:50 The theme selected for my comments this month 00:53 is “Punctuality—A Godly Quality.” 00:56 You might remember the opening paragraph 00:59 in a 1990 Watchtower article on the subject of punctuality. 01:04 It said that an elder’s closest friends 01:07 jokingly called him Armageddon. 01:10 Why? 01:11 They replied: “We know he’s coming, but only God knows when!” 01:16 The elder had a problem with punctuality. 01:19 Punctuality has nothing in common with procrastination. 01:24 To procrastinate means 01:26 “to intentionally put off the doing of something 01:30 that should be done.” 01:32 The saying, “Tomorrow is the busiest day of the year” 01:36 reflects the human tendency to procrastinate. 01:40 How appropriate then is the inspired encouragement 01:43 concerning the present —today. 01:46 Galatians 6:10 says: 01:48 “As long as we have the opportunity, 01:51 let us work what is good toward all.” 01:54 “As long as we have the opportunity” 01:57 does not sound like procrastination to me. 02:00 No, the Bible encourages just the opposite —punctuality. 02:05 Punctuality refers to the characteristic 02:08 of being prompt in keeping appointments. 02:11 Punctuality is a godly quality. 02:13 In fact, Matthew 6:33 02:17 prioritizes our pursuit of Kingdom interests. 02:21 It says: 02:22 “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, 02:26 and all these other things will be added to you.” 02:30 It said to ‘seek the Kingdom first,’ 02:34 not second, not third or fourth —first. 02:39 When we put the Kingdom first in our life, 02:42 we do not put it off 02:45 in favor of some trivial pursuit. 02:49 If it is time for a Christian meeting, 02:51 we are there well before it starts. 02:55 Perhaps you have heard some say: 02:58 “At least I made it to the meeting. 03:00 Better late than never!” 03:03 But the godly way is: “Better never late!” 03:07 Jehovah is a punctual God. 03:09 He sets the example for us. 03:12 When Jehovah decided to destroy the ungodly world in a deluge, 03:17 he said to Noah at Genesis 6:14: 03:21 “Make for yourself an ark.” 03:24 Then, at Genesis 7:4, 03:26 Jehovah told Noah to enter into the ark and informed him: 03:31 “For in just seven days, 03:33 I will make it rain on the earth for 40 days and 40 nights.” 03:38 What happened? 03:40 A “better late than never” attitude? 03:42 No, that is not acceptable to Jehovah. 03:46 Instead, Genesis 7:10 says: 03:49 “And seven days later 03:52 the floodwaters came upon the earth.” 03:55 Right on time. 03:57 Punctuality is a godly quality. 04:00 By means of a prophecy in Daniel chapter 9, 04:04 Jehovah indicated hundreds of years in advance 04:07 when Jesus would fulfill his role as Messiah and Savior. 04:12 When did Jesus present himself for that role? 04:15 “Better late than never?” 04:17 No, precisely on time in 29 C.E., 04:22 Jesus was anointed as Christ. 04:25 In fact, Romans 5:6 says: 04:28 “Christ died for ungodly men 04:31 at the appointed time.” 04:34 Jehovah is punctual. 04:37 What about in our time? 04:39 The Bible tells us to keep in expectation 04:41 of Jehovah’s future day of judgment. 04:44 When will it happen? 04:46 Well, to us it may seem that it has delayed. 04:51 But what do we know about Jehovah? 04:53 He is punctual. 04:55 And so it is that Habakkuk 2:3 tells us: 05:01 “For the vision is yet for its appointed time, 05:06 “and it is rushing toward its end, 05:09 “and it will not lie. 05:11 “Even if it should delay, keep in expectation of it! 05:15 “For it will without fail come true. 05:19 It will not be late!” 05:21 Punctuality is Jehovah’s way. 05:24 Unlike the elder cited earlier, 05:27 this Armageddon will be on time. 05:31 The apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 14 05:34 was specifically discussing what happens 05:37 at Christian gatherings. 05:39 In verse 26, he said: 05:41 “When you come together, . . . 05:43 Let all things take place for building up.” 05:47 Then, at 1 Corinthians 14:40, 05:51 he concludes by saying: 05:53 “But let all things take place decently 05:57 and by arrangement.” 05:59 Look at the words again. 06:01 When speaking about Christian meetings, 06:03 he said: ‘Let things take place decently.’ 06:06 In Greek, it literally means “well-behavedly.” 06:10 Paul also used a Greek word translated here “by arrangement.” 06:15 The literal meaning of the Greek word is “according to order.” 06:20 If we are to be well-behaved, according to order at our meetings, 06:25 what would be one aspect of that? 06:28 Being punctual —on time— 06:30 for the start of the meeting. 06:32 While the lack of punctuality affects all cultures 06:36 to one degree or another, 06:38 it is true that some cultures 06:40 are more punctual than others as a whole. 06:43 A missionary reported that in one town where he served, 06:48 his wife would be the only person in the audience 06:52 when he announced the opening song at the beginning of the meeting. 06:56 But when he announced the closing song, 06:59 70 people would be there. 07:02 On the other hand, in a Western European country, 07:06 about a thousand people were asked: 07:08 “If you were invited to dinner at 7:00 p.m., 07:13 “should you arrive five or ten minutes early, 07:17 or five or ten minutes late, or exactly on time?” 07:21 The majority responded 07:23 that “courtesy requires scrupulous respect for the host 07:27 and arriving at the exact minute.” 07:31 Each culture would likely think that the other is extreme. 07:36 However, being punctual is more than a matter of regional preference. 07:41 It is a godly quality 07:43 that true Christians of every culture 07:46 want to cultivate. 07:48 Punctuality must become a habit —a way of life. 07:52 It is similar to some countries 07:55 that do not have a habit of good hygiene, or cleanliness. 08:00 That may be true, but it is expected that Jehovah’s people 08:04 in those lands will excel in good hygiene and clean habits. 08:09 In the same way, no matter what our background, 08:13 culture, or upbringing, 08:15 it is expected that we as imitators of our God 08:19 will develop the godly habit of being punctual. 08:24 What helps us to be punctual? 08:27 The Bible encourages advance planning. 08:30 Proverbs 21:5 says: 08:32 “The plans of the diligent surely lead to success, 08:36 but all who are hasty surely head for poverty.” 08:41 So being punctual is not just a matter 08:44 of hastily fulfilling an obligation or an appointment. 08:49 It involves thinking in advance about our responsibilities. 08:54 Yes, planning to be prepared for them 08:56 and to be prompt in carrying them out. 09:00 Well, what are some activities 09:02 that we would want to be punctual in fulfilling? 09:07 It can be the everyday things in life, 09:10 such as arriving at work or at school on time; 09:15 being punctual for appointments, such as a visit to the doctor or dentist; 09:21 arriving at the designated time when invited to another’s home for a meal. 09:27 What is our habit like when it comes to these areas of life? 09:33 Even more important is punctuality 09:35 when attending our Christian meetings and assemblies. 09:38 This means being present 09:40 before the opening song and prayer. 09:44 The apostle Paul quoted from Psalm 22 09:47 when he wrote Hebrews 2:12. 09:50 Of Jesus he said: 09:53 “I will declare your name to my brothers; 09:56 in the midst of the congregation I will praise you with song.” 10:01 If that was true of Jesus, 10:03 it is a great incentive for us to participate 10:08 in singing the first song with our congregation. 10:12 And the opening prayer is important for us. 10:15 In ancient times, Jehovah called the temple 10:19 his “house of prayer.” 10:21 It’s true that the opening prayer 10:24 requests Jehovah’s guidance and holy spirit on the program, 10:28 however, it also prepares 10:31 our minds and hearts 10:33 to receive the information to be considered. 10:37 Of course, there may be times when one 10:40 is unavoidably late in arriving at a meeting. 10:43 Public transportation may be delayed 10:46 or our car may break down. 10:49 That’s understandable on occasion. 10:52 But what is our habit? 10:56 In the past, it was suggested that we consider 10:59 arriving 15 or 20 minutes before a meeting started. 11:03 One brother with six siblings 11:06 said his father made a goal of being at the Kingdom Hall 11:10 20 minutes before the program began. 11:13 That certainly took advance planning. 11:16 His father’s byline for meeting attendance was: 11:21 “If you’re 5 minutes early, 11:24 then your 15 minutes late.” 11:27 In most cases, the whole family arrived 11:30 20 minutes before the meeting 11:35 for wholesome association. 11:37 Another opportunity for punctuality 11:40 is arriving on time for a meeting for service. 11:43 This is challenging for some. 11:45 However, with a little advanced planning, 11:48 we can be successful. 11:50 Punctuality is particularly important 11:53 since the actual meeting is only about ten minutes long. 11:58 If we’re late, not only is it disruptive 12:02 but it could force the one taking the lead 12:05 to redo the arrangements made for the group. 12:10 And speaking of our ministry, 12:12 what is an opportunity to be punctual every month? 12:16 Yes, you guessed it, 12:18 turning in our field service report at the end of the month. 12:22 Do you have a way of reminding yourself of this? 12:27 In some lands, it is almost as if it is a custom 12:30 for the start of a wedding talk to be delayed. 12:34 Often this is because of mistakenly gauging how much time 12:39 the bride needs to get dressed and made up 12:43 for her grand appearance. 12:45 However, being considerate of those invited 12:49 should move those involved to allow extra time 12:53 to complete the task of preparation. 12:57 A 1990 Watchtower commented on being punctual 13:01 in starting a wedding. 13:03 The very next sentence stated: 13:07 “You may like to have your egg boiled 13:11 for just so many minutes.” 13:13 I am not sure exactly how that applies to a wedding, 13:17 but I think we get the point, don’t we? 13:21 We should have calculated the timing in advance 13:26 so that the ceremony begins on time. 13:31 Do we have yet another example of being punctual, 13:35 not procrastinating? 13:38 How about when there is a difference 13:40 between you and a fellow believer 13:43 or a family member? 13:45 Of course, if it is simply a minor issue 13:50 because of imperfection, 13:52 often the best thing to do is forgive and forget. 13:57 But if it was more serious 14:00 or we cannot simply let it go, 14:04 what should we do? 14:06 We need to settle the matter and restore the peace. 14:10 When should we take this step? 14:12 Do not procrastinate. 14:15 If we do, the problem may fester and get worse. 14:20 What kind of a priority did Jesus establish 14:24 for restoring peace between fellow believers? 14:27 At Matthew 5:23, 24, 14:31 note his clear indication of punctuality: 14:35 “If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar 14:39 “and there you remember that your brother has something against you, 14:43 “leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away. 14:47 “First make your peace with your brother, 14:50 and then come back and offer your gift.” 14:52 Did you pick up on the timing 14:55 that Jesus recommended for reconciliation? 15:00 He said: 15:02 “[First] First make your peace with your brother.” 15:06 It is a high priority and should be treated as such. 15:11 But remember the scripture we shared earlier, 15:14 Proverbs 21:5? 15:16 This principle should be implemented. 15:20 The last part of the verse 15:23 warns us not to be “hasty.” 15:26 Hasty is not synonymous with punctuality. 15:31 Instead, the first part of the verse indicates 15:34 we should prepare or plan the visit first. 15:39 Then follow through without procrastinating. 15:43 It said this approach will “lead to success.” 15:48 What is the success we are seeking? 15:52 Jesus did not say to justify our position 15:56 or to point out the flaw 15:59 in the other person’s words or actions. 16:02 No, he said you would be successful 16:06 if you “make your peace with your brother.” 16:10 Punctuality is a godly quality 16:13 that we should strive to cultivate. 16:16 Another aspect of punctuality 16:19 is ending an assignment on time. 16:22 In the interest of punctuality, 16:24 let’s move on to the next segment of our program. 16:28 Thank you, Brother Herd. 16:30 You are teaching by example —we appreciate that! 16:34 And— On the subject of punctuality, 16:36 we wanted to share an example 16:38 of how ingrained a problem can become 16:41 if we let it fester. 16:43 Meet Brother Peter Zak. 16:45 As he relates his story, 16:48 look for ways punctuality, 16:50 or promptly addressing matters, 16:53 could have helped him to minimize 16:55 the effects of the problem. 17:00 I was born in Poland, and when I was about five years old, 17:04 my family immigrated to Canada. 17:06 I feel that from a young age I really loved Jehovah. 17:10 I had a good relationship with him. 17:12 I enjoyed going in field service; I enjoyed the congregation. 17:17 But like all youths, I had my distractions, you could say. 17:22 And for me, in particular, it was video games. 17:25 I remember in the beginning even my parents would set some rules. 17:29 But as I kept progressing in that game 17:32 and I started participating in tournaments, 17:34 I started getting recognized and admired. 17:36 It started becoming a temptation. 17:41 People would go to download my previously played games 17:44 to study my techniques and my strategies. 17:47 I was interviewed by different websites. 17:49 People wanted to be on my team. 17:51 I could see that this world was slowly dragging me in. 17:56 For example, there was a huge tournament that I participated in. 18:00 I finished very well —received many prizes. 18:04 And then after that tournament, there was another tournament, 18:07 even bigger, with huge prizes —cash prizes— 18:10 a competition for all the best players in the world. 18:12 At this time, also, the website was growing. 18:15 We were just sponsored to produce our own tournament 18:18 with cash prizes for the players. 18:20 So I really thought that this would be an opportunity for me 18:23 to maybe have a career and maybe to support myself 18:26 in the future if I wanted to pioneer. 18:28 And I thought that this was a realistic goal. 18:32 But as the website also kept progressing and as I got more involved with it, 18:37 I realized that what I was exposed to 18:39 was very, very, dangerous —very harmful. 18:43 They were immoral, wicked, improper things. 18:50 I was going to the meetings, and I was going in service; 18:52 but at the same time, all my other time was spent on this video game. 18:56 But it was only slowly, over time, I started realizing 18:59 that it was having a very negative effect on my spirituality. 19:03 I noticed that when I was in service, 19:05 I would think only about the video game. 19:08 When the service was over, I would rush home to play the video game. 19:12 Even at meetings— I would attend all my meetings, 19:14 but I would sit there and nothing was coming in. 19:16 I went there in person, but my mind wasn’t there. 19:19 So that also started bothering me. 19:23 And at this time, my older brothers 19:27 —who were always a good example to me— 19:29 they quit playing games. 19:32 They were making improvement in the congregation; 19:35 they were having privileges, 19:37 working hard for the brothers and sisters in our congregation. 19:40 I could see they were so happy. 19:42 They had the real joy and satisfaction. 19:45 But for me, I didn’t; 19:48 I was always feeling empty inside. 19:51 I needed to change. 19:53 And I remember, in particular, one day at the back of the Kingdom Hall, 19:56 the brother—an elder—who studied with me and my two brothers 19:58 approached me; 20:00 and he very reasonably talked to me 20:03 about my future. 20:06 He also helped me see my brothers 20:10 and how they stopped, and they were so happy. 20:12 And I could see the difference. 20:14 I was serving two masters at the same time, 20:16 but I was really losing out with Jehovah. 20:24 So I knew I had to make drastic changes in my life. 20:29 Up until then, I did try a few times to stop playing video games. 20:33 And it worked for a couple of days, but I got right back into it. 20:36 I lacked self-control. 20:43 So I realized that for me— If I wanted to stop this, 20:46 I needed to make a complete stop of everything. 20:50 So I prayed about it. 20:52 I asked Jehovah for help and for strength 20:54 to give me the courage to take this action. 20:56 We took down the website, deleted the games, 21:00 stopped playing the games, and just made 21:02 a clean sweep—clean stop. 21:05 And I knew I needed that. 21:07 Right after, I felt like a load was lifted. 21:14 I had all this time now I could spend, 21:17 and I was spending it more in the ministry 21:19 and in the congregation. 21:21 So, soon after, I started auxiliary pioneering 21:23 and then regular pioneering. 21:25 I started doing a lot more in the congregation. 21:27 I could see how happy I was. 21:29 It was bringing me real joy 21:31 —satisfaction. 21:33 So I remember after pioneering for a few years, 21:35 I started learning a foreign language. 21:38 It was challenging, but it was exciting. 21:40 I moved to another city to expand my ministry; 21:44 then I moved to another country. 21:46 And I remember just studying with people 21:48 as a need-greater and just seeing them 21:51 progress and seeing how they made changes in their lives 21:54 and how they started having a relationship with Jehovah. 21:58 And that I was being used to help them to get to that point 22:00 was such an amazing feeling. 22:06 Now I have the privilege of serving at Bethel. 22:09 And I can see Jehovah’s hand in my life, 22:11 and also I’m able to give every day to him. 22:28 This is the joy that I was looking for. 22:31 So I would definitely encourage all young ones 22:35 to really test out Jehovah. 22:38 It’s like Ecclesiastes 12:1, 22:40 my favorite scripture growing up. 22:42 Just give to Jehovah; test him out; give him your everything. 22:45 And you will see that you’ll have no regrets. 22:48 You’ll have true satisfaction from serving him. 22:56 When should Peter have considered limiting 22:58 his preoccupation with video games? 23:01 Video and computer games in themselves are not wrong 23:04 unless they are about things Jehovah hates. 23:07 But did you notice that Peter explained that there was a point 23:11 when the games became a temptation? 23:13 That is, the games were no longer merely occasional entertainment 23:18 but started to become the center of his life. 23:21 That was the warning for him to sit down 23:24 and review how much time and effort he should be spending on video games. 23:29 But he didn’t. 23:31 He did not address the matter promptly. 23:33 As a result, he later had to admit that all he thought of, 23:38 even at the meetings or in the ministry, was video games. 23:42 Despite the mistake, 23:44 Peter wisely applied the words of Matthew 5:30: 23:48 “Also, if your right hand is making you stumble, 23:52 cut it off and throw it away from you.” 23:54 While he did not need to literally cut off his mouse-clicking right hand, 23:59 he got rid of anything that caused the temptation in the first place. 24:05 If you are a parent, you have a responsibility 24:09 to help your children address any concerns that may arise. 24:13 You need to know what they are doing, 24:15 and then lovingly guide them based on Biblical principles. 24:21 Acting promptly when you sense a problem is building up 24:24 is equally important in other aspects of life. 24:28 This dramatization highlights how we can do so when married. 24:41 We do have good friends in our congregation, 24:46 but there is so much work! 24:59 Why is Jessica so upset? 25:03 OK, maybe I should’ve asked before turning down that dinner invite, 25:08 but she knows how busy I am. 25:11 I’ve got elder’s meetings, work, 25:14 pioneering. 25:20 But she just says we never do anything fun anymore. 25:30 Maybe she’s right. 25:33 Sometimes even when we’re together, 25:38 we’re not really together. 25:58 Our lives are filled with spiritual activities 26:08 but our family worship hasn’t exactly been regular. 26:24 Maybe I fooled myself into thinking 26:26 that because we’re busy doing things for Jehovah, 26:29 it’s OK to skip it sometimes. 26:42 We argued again tonight 26:47 and then went to bed angry 26:50 —something we said we’d never do. 27:14 The next morning I told Jessica how sorry I was, 27:18 and she admitted that she felt bad too. 27:22 We decided to research Ephesians chapter 4 27:25 that night for family worship. 27:27 One article mentioned: 27:29 “How sad it would be if marriage mates spoke to each other 27:33 with less respect than . . . total strangers!” 27:35 That really struck us. 27:39 Then we read Ephesians 4:31, 32: 27:44 “Put away from yourselves every kind of malicious bitterness, 27:48 “anger, wrath, screaming, and abusive speech, 27:51 “as well as everything injurious. 27:53 “But become kind to one another, 27:56 “tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another 28:00 just as God also by Christ freely forgave you.” 28:05 We both promised to work on making our words and tone 28:09 more loving and kind. 28:13 We also studied the Bible accounts of Aquila and Priscilla, 28:17 who were a beautiful example of what it means 28:19 for a married couple to be “one flesh.” 28:21 They were together at home, at work, 28:25 and in the ministry. 28:37 That’s when we realized we needed to draw closer as a couple. 28:51 Since then, we do as much as we can together. 29:03 We’re still busy in spiritual activities, 29:08 but they’re never an excuse to neglect our relationship. 29:14 And now we aren’t just marriage mates; 29:19 we’re once again best friends. 29:25 As this dramatization and the example of Peter Zak showed, 29:30 whenever you sense a problem, address it! 29:33 Do not procrastinate. 29:35 Be punctual. 29:37 At times, world events may highlight 29:39 the importance of being punctual. 29:41 In May of last year, a wildfire overtook 29:45 the Canadian city of Fort McMurray, in the province of Alberta. 29:49 The brothers and sisters there benefited from promptly 29:53 following the direction they had received 29:55 from their local congregations. 30:06 There was a local needs part, 30:08 and we try to do it every year, 30:10 and this year it was at the perfect time 30:12 because the next week we had the fire. 30:14 And when the brother was reviewing, 30:16 he was saying it was a high fire-hazard year, 30:19 so be prepared. 30:21 And it was nice that the brothers were so obedient 30:23 and took that to heart and were ready. 30:27 It happened so quickly, 30:30 from being fine and safe to ‘We got to get out of here.’ 30:32 We started to hear the municipality saying 30:35 there are mandatory evacuations 30:37 for different neighborhoods. 30:39 So within noon, two o’clock, four o’clock, 30:43 90,000 people are in motion. 30:46 When you were standing outside, you could hear the helicopters going, 30:48 the sirens going. 30:49 The smoke was so thick and intense. 30:51 Both the left and the right were all in flames; 30:54 it was totally in flames. 30:57 Ugh, it was chaotic. 30:59 People running to their cars, seeing and looking 31:01 at the big cloud of smoke approaching them 31:04 and just the fright in their eyes. 31:07 It just came to mind: 31:09 During the local needs, the brothers said, 31:12 “If in case of an emergency, you have to follow directions. 31:14 “Listen to the local authorities 31:16 and listen to your local elders.” 31:20 Each elder for the field service groups 31:23 had to care for a small amount of people. 31:27 I was calling all the brothers and sisters 31:29 that I could to find out 31:31 where they were and if they were safe. 31:33 Every group overseer knew exactly 31:36 where everybody in his group was at all times. 31:38 One brother came to help my wife and the kids 31:41 to evacuate while I was at work. 31:44 So I felt very indebted to this brother 31:48 —that he acted in my behalf to get my family to a safe place. 31:51 To see the brothers OK and calm, it makes me calm. 31:59 It’s all gone, 32:01 and it went away overnight. 32:04 If we are to put our trust in such things— 32:07 Where are they now? 32:12 Although we’ve lost all this, 32:15 our relationship with Jehovah —we haven’t lost that. 32:22 We can’t salvage nothing . 32:25 Yeah. 32:26 Everything is gone. Gone—everything is gone. 32:29 Yeah, this is our basement. 32:31 People are always asking us, like, “Did you lose your home?” 32:36 And we’re like, “Yeah, we did.” 32:37 Seeing how quickly things can go, how things can disappear, 32:43 it helps you appreciate the things that are most important. 32:47 And not only do we have our own lives 32:49 but we still have our brothers and sisters 32:51 there with us. 32:56 When we escaped 32:58 and moved to Edmonton, 33:01 which is about a four-and-a-half-hour drive from here, 33:04 the friends opened their homes to us 33:07 in the middle of the night —2:30 a.m.— 33:09 and welcomed us. 33:10 They gave us food; they gave us clothing; 33:12 they gave us a place to stay. 33:15 That kind of hospitality really touched our heart. 33:17 We realized that we hadn’t missed anything. 33:32 Some of the friends, we haven’t seen them 33:34 since the disaster occurred 33:36 and to meet the friends again 33:38 —you know, about a month and a half after the disaster— 33:41 at the convention was really, really encouraging. 33:45 We see brothers that are working with different departments 33:47 here at the convention and also with the disaster relief committee 33:51 who have no home to go back to. 33:53 Yet, they’re so concerned about someone else 33:55 that they don’t even think about what they’ve really lost. 33:59 Although we’ve lost everything materially, 34:02 we have everything spiritually. 34:05 What is gone is gone. 34:08 What is important is our lives and our relationship with Jehovah. 34:31 The local needs part proved very helpful 34:34 for our brothers and sisters in Fort McMurray. 34:37 The part included direction about having a “go bag” 34:40 and keeping the gas tanks of their vehicles full. 34:44 Because of the distance to the nearest town 34:46 and the heavy traffic during the evacuation, 34:49 having a full tank of gas proved to be very timely advice. 34:53 Instead of procrastinating, 34:55 our brothers and sisters in Alberta followed the direction, 34:59 to their benefit. 35:01 Although our circumstances may not be as extreme, 35:05 we all experience challenging situations every now and then. 35:09 The need to be punctual always applies. 35:13 For example, 35:15 there is no need to wait for perfect circumstances 35:18 before expanding our ministry. 35:20 For some, expanding our ministry 35:23 could mean taking the leap into full-time service. 35:27 Two families did just that 35:29 in this music video entitled Let’s Take the Leap. 35:45 To serve full-time, That’s been our goal. 35:52 It opens up More ways to serve whole-souled. 35:58 So if not now And if not here, 36:05 This chance might slip away And disappear. 36:11 Let’s take the leap; Let’s not hold back. 36:17 Let’s not give in to doubt; Let’s not miss out. 36:24 We’ll go in faith, Not looking back, not behind. 36:30 Let’s look ahead With peace of mind. 36:50 Jehovah knows; Jehovah sees. 36:56 Before we ask, He knows the needs of each. 37:03 Though it might seem Beyond our reach, 37:09 Let’s put our trust in him And take the leap. 37:15 Let’s take the leap; Let’s not hold back. 37:22 Let’s not give in to doubt; Let’s not miss out. 37:28 We’ll go in faith, Not looking back, not behind. 37:35 Let’s look ahead With peace of mind. 37:48 So let’s go through This open door. 37:54 Things left behind Will be replaced and more, 38:01 Not only now But all that God has in store— 38:08 The life to come Forevermore. 38:13 Let’s take the leap; Let’s not hold back. 38:19 Let’s not give in to doubt; Let’s not miss out. 38:26 We’ll go in faith, Not looking back and not behind. 38:33 Let’s look ahead With peace of mind. 38:46 Let’s take the leap; Let’s not hold back. 38:52 Let’s not give in to doubt; Let’s not miss out. 38:59 We’ll go in faith, Not looking back and not behind. 39:05 Let’s look ahead With peace of mind. 39:24 Let’s take the leap. 39:34 Expanding our ministry in whatever form 39:37 can bring us great joy as servants of Jehovah. 39:41 Even if your circumstances today 39:43 do not allow you to enter the full-time service, 39:45 there is plenty to do. 39:48 Our brothers and sisters in Brazil experienced an opportunity 39:52 to make special efforts in their preaching work 39:55 when the Olympic and Paralympic Games were held there 39:59 in August and September of 2016. 40:02 Close to 15,000 athletes 40:05 from approximately 205 countries 40:08 were present along with many visitors. 40:20 More than one million tourists 40:22 were present at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, 40:24 and among them were around 410,000 foreigners. 40:30 In an effort to teach these ones about the Bible, 40:33 Jehovah’s Witnesses engaged in a special public witnessing campaign. 40:39 To reach as many people as possible, we set up 268 carts, 40:44 not only where the games were held 40:46 but also throughout the city of Rio de Janeiro. 40:49 That way, we were able to reach people 40:51 from even faraway islands like Vanuatu, 40:54 which is one of the islands of the Pacific. 40:57 Delegates from that island picked up publications from our witnessing carts. 41:10 We made efforts to put the stands and carts 41:12 as close as possible to the places where the brothers would work. 41:16 Thanks to Jehovah, we were able to get a strategic location near the entrance 41:20 to the arenas, which we didn’t think would be possible. 41:27 We planned to have 1,500 volunteers, 41:30 but we got 4,000 volunteers. 41:33 We asked for help from other cities, 41:35 other states, and also from foreign-language congregations. 41:39 So for us, this was beyond our expectations. 41:45 During the Olympics, more than one million people 41:47 passed through the harbor here. 41:49 And thanks to Jehovah, we were able to set up 41:52 more than 40 carts in the immediate harbor area 41:55 and placed almost 20,000 pieces of literature. 41:58 To refill the carts, we used a quadricycle 42:00 that picked up the publications at the support hub 42:03 and took them to the brothers at the carts. 42:09 The media provided extensive coverage 42:11 with more than 26,000 press professionals involved, 42:14 and security was also reinforced 42:16 with more than 22,000 military personnel. 42:19 The work of our brothers certainly did not go unnoticed. 42:27 We were at the cart when suddenly a police car 42:30 full of officers stopped in front of us. 42:32 I was worried they were going to ask us questions or make us leave. 42:35 But then they got out of the car and came towards us. 42:39 And one of them picked up the Bible Teach book, 42:41 and without saying anything to us, he told the others: 42:44 “Didn’t I tell you I was going to find them here? 42:47 “You can take these publications; they’re free. 42:50 These books will teach you amazing things!” 43:00 This campaign helped to overcome prejudices, 43:03 both with the authorities and people in general, 43:06 because they were able to see the international scope of our work. 43:09 And this became especially clear when it came to the officials 43:12 because they allowed the brothers to put the carts 43:15 as close as possible to the arenas 43:16 where the games were being held. 43:20 In all, more than 85,000 publications 43:24 in more than ten languages were distributed by means of the 268 carts 43:29 scattered throughout the city. 43:31 Over a year of planning went into preparing for this event, 43:34 and it produced excellent results. 43:37 Our international preaching work was made known 43:39 to thousands present at the Olympic Games, 43:41 and most important, 43:43 it gave a great shout of praise to our God, Jehovah. 43:56 We wanted to share a portrayal of life 43:58 as a Witness back in the early 1900’s. 44:01 This unique dramatization 44:04 about the endurance needed as a Kingdom proclaimer 44:07 was previously shown to delegates at some international conventions 44:11 held in one city in 2014. 44:14 This is a gift video that we received. 44:16 The title is Knock! Knock! 50:30 Where are the dead? 50:32 Would you wish that question answered according to man’s theory 50:36 or to have the answer as pointed out in the Bible? 50:38 You will say that man’s answer would be only a guess. 50:42 And yet there is no truth more clearly taught in the Bible 50:46 than that of the resurrection of the dead. 50:49 If the dead are to live again, 50:52 then they must be resurrected, 50:54 and God has provided that there shall be a resurrection. 50:57 The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a guarantee 51:01 that all who have died must be awakened out of death 51:04 and given a knowledge of the truth. 51:08 All mankind were born in sin, 51:11 and the death of the perfect man Jesus 51:13 provided the purchase price for the right of man to live again, 51:16 and in due time Jesus will awaken them out of death. 51:20 All of the dead in God’s due time shall be awakened out of death. 51:26 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; 51:28 “and there shall be no more death, 51:30 “neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: 51:33 for the former things are passed away.” 51:37 The resurrection will bring boundless joy to those 51:41 who obey God under Christ’s Kingdom. 51:43 The obedient ones on earth during the reign of Christ 51:47 will be given everlasting life on the earth in complete happiness and joy. 51:53 Jehovah’s way is always right and true. 51:56 Learn that way and live. 52:04 The word “resurrection” means “a standing up again” to life. 52:08 If, as claimed by the clergy, 52:10 the dead are alive in purgatory or some other place, 52:13 then it follows that there could be no resurrection; 52:16 and yet there is no truth more clearly taught in the Bible than that of the . . . 53:05 The brother was blessed for his perseverance in the ministry. 53:09 His attitude showed that he felt the urgency of the message. 53:13 As God’s people, we do not procrastinate. 53:17 Instead, we are prompt; we are punctual! 53:21 Yes, being punctual is a godly quality. 53:25 We would like to conclude the broadcast with greetings 53:28 from Uganda 53:30 —specifically the town of Fort Portal, in western Uganda. 53:35 The 120 publishers there preach to almost 60,000 people 53:39 who live in Fort Portal. 53:41 They conduct approximately 300 Bible studies. 53:46 There are two congregations —one English and one Rutoro— 53:51 and also two rural groups 53:53 some 60 kilometers, or approximately 37 miles, away. 53:58 Brothers are taking turns visiting the two groups 54:01 and supporting them in the field ministry. 54:05 In the past, the main challenge 54:07 was the lack of literature in the Rutoro language. 54:10 However, thanks to increased translation efforts, 54:13 the number of publishers has increased dramatically. 54:17 As a result, a Rutoro congregation was formed in 2014. 54:22 Next, a remote translation office was established in 2015. 54:27 And as of February of this year, 54:29 the publishers receive the study edition of The Watchtower in Rutoro. 54:35 We love our brothers and sisters in Fort Portal very much. 54:39 And they send their love to all of God’s people worldwide. 54:44 This is JW Broadcasting 54:46 from the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
00:01 Welcome to JW Broadcasting! 00:04 Here is what we can look forward to on the program this month. 00:07 Why do we need to be quick to address problems when they arise? 00:11 We will highlight the benefits. 00:14 And our music video will encourage us to reach out to expand our ministry. 00:20 We will also find out how our brothers and sisters reached out to the visitors 00:24 that came to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, last year. 00:28 This is the September program of JW Broadcasting! 00:50 The theme selected for my comments this month 00:53 is “Punctuality—A Godly Quality.” 00:56 You might remember the opening paragraph 00:59 in a 1990 Watchtower article on the subject of punctuality. 01:04 It said that an elder’s closest friends 01:07 jokingly called him Armageddon. 01:10 Why? 01:11 They replied: “We know he’s coming, but only God knows when!” 01:16 The elder had a problem with punctuality. 01:19 Punctuality has nothing in common with procrastination. 01:24 To procrastinate means 01:26 “to intentionally put off the doing of something 01:30 that should be done.” 01:32 The saying, “Tomorrow is the busiest day of the year” 01:36 reflects the human tendency to procrastinate. 01:40 How appropriate then is the inspired encouragement 01:43 concerning the present —today. 01:46 Galatians 6:10 says: 01:48 “As long as we have the opportunity, 01:51 let us work what is good toward all.” 01:54 “As long as we have the opportunity” 01:57 does not sound like procrastination to me. 02:00 No, the Bible encourages just the opposite —punctuality. 02:05 Punctuality refers to the characteristic 02:08 of being prompt in keeping appointments. 02:11 Punctuality is a godly quality. 02:13 In fact, Matthew 6:33 02:17 prioritizes our pursuit of Kingdom interests. 02:21 It says: 02:22 “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, 02:26 and all these other things will be added to you.” 02:30 It said to ‘seek the Kingdom first,’ 02:34 not second, not third or fourth —first. 02:39 When we put the Kingdom first in our life, 02:42 we do not put it off 02:45 in favor of some trivial pursuit. 02:49 If it is time for a Christian meeting, 02:51 we are there well before it starts. 02:55 Perhaps you have heard some say: 02:58 “At least I made it to the meeting. 03:00 Better late than never!” 03:03 But the godly way is: “Better never late!” 03:07 Jehovah is a punctual God. 03:09 He sets the example for us. 03:12 When Jehovah decided to destroy the ungodly world in a deluge, 03:17 he said to Noah at Genesis 6:14: 03:21 “Make for yourself an ark.” 03:24 Then, at Genesis 7:4, 03:26 Jehovah told Noah to enter into the ark and informed him: 03:31 “For in just seven days, 03:33 I will make it rain on the earth for 40 days and 40 nights.” 03:38 What happened? 03:40 A “better late than never” attitude? 03:42 No, that is not acceptable to Jehovah. 03:46 Instead, Genesis 7:10 says: 03:49 “And seven days later 03:52 the floodwaters came upon the earth.” 03:55 Right on time. 03:57 Punctuality is a godly quality. 04:00 By means of a prophecy in Daniel chapter 9, 04:04 Jehovah indicated hundreds of years in advance 04:07 when Jesus would fulfill his role as Messiah and Savior. 04:12 When did Jesus present himself for that role? 04:15 “Better late than never?” 04:17 No, precisely on time in 29 C.E., 04:22 Jesus was anointed as Christ. 04:25 In fact, Romans 5:6 says: 04:28 “Christ died for ungodly men 04:31 at the appointed time.” 04:34 Jehovah is punctual. 04:37 What about in our time? 04:39 The Bible tells us to keep in expectation 04:41 of Jehovah’s future day of judgment. 04:44 When will it happen? 04:46 Well, to us it may seem that it has delayed. 04:51 But what do we know about Jehovah? 04:53 He is punctual. 04:55 And so it is that Habakkuk 2:3 tells us: 05:01 “For the vision is yet for its appointed time, 05:06 “and it is rushing toward its end, 05:09 “and it will not lie. 05:11 “Even if it should delay, keep in expectation of it! 05:15 “For it will without fail come true. 05:19 It will not be late!” 05:21 Punctuality is Jehovah’s way. 05:24 Unlike the elder cited earlier, 05:27 this Armageddon will be on time. 05:31 The apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 14 05:34 was specifically discussing what happens 05:37 at Christian gatherings. 05:39 In verse 26, he said: 05:41 “When you come together, . . . 05:43 Let all things take place for building up.” 05:47 Then, at 1 Corinthians 14:40, 05:51 he concludes by saying: 05:53 “But let all things take place decently 05:57 and by arrangement.” 05:59 Look at the words again. 06:01 When speaking about Christian meetings, 06:03 he said: ‘Let things take place decently.’ 06:06 In Greek, it literally means “well-behavedly.” 06:10 Paul also used a Greek word translated here “by arrangement.” 06:15 The literal meaning of the Greek word is “according to order.” 06:20 If we are to be well-behaved, according to order at our meetings, 06:25 what would be one aspect of that? 06:28 Being punctual —on time— 06:30 for the start of the meeting. 06:32 While the lack of punctuality affects all cultures 06:36 to one degree or another, 06:38 it is true that some cultures 06:40 are more punctual than others as a whole. 06:43 A missionary reported that in one town where he served, 06:48 his wife would be the only person in the audience 06:52 when he announced the opening song at the beginning of the meeting. 06:56 But when he announced the closing song, 06:59 70 people would be there. 07:02 On the other hand, in a Western European country, 07:06 about a thousand people were asked: 07:08 “If you were invited to dinner at 7:00 p.m., 07:13 “should you arrive five or ten minutes early, 07:17 or five or ten minutes late, or exactly on time?” 07:21 The majority responded 07:23 that “courtesy requires scrupulous respect for the host 07:27 and arriving at the exact minute.” 07:31 Each culture would likely think that the other is extreme. 07:36 However, being punctual is more than a matter of regional preference. 07:41 It is a godly quality 07:43 that true Christians of every culture 07:46 want to cultivate. 07:48 Punctuality must become a habit —a way of life. 07:52 It is similar to some countries 07:55 that do not have a habit of good hygiene, or cleanliness. 08:00 That may be true, but it is expected that Jehovah’s people 08:04 in those lands will excel in good hygiene and clean habits. 08:09 In the same way, no matter what our background, 08:13 culture, or upbringing, 08:15 it is expected that we as imitators of our God 08:19 will develop the godly habit of being punctual. 08:24 What helps us to be punctual? 08:27 The Bible encourages advance planning. 08:30 Proverbs 21:5 says: 08:32 “The plans of the diligent surely lead to success, 08:36 but all who are hasty surely head for poverty.” 08:41 So being punctual is not just a matter 08:44 of hastily fulfilling an obligation or an appointment. 08:49 It involves thinking in advance about our responsibilities. 08:54 Yes, planning to be prepared for them 08:56 and to be prompt in carrying them out. 09:00 Well, what are some activities 09:02 that we would want to be punctual in fulfilling? 09:07 It can be the everyday things in life, 09:10 such as arriving at work or at school on time; 09:15 being punctual for appointments, such as a visit to the doctor or dentist; 09:21 arriving at the designated time when invited to another’s home for a meal. 09:27 What is our habit like when it comes to these areas of life? 09:33 Even more important is punctuality 09:35 when attending our Christian meetings and assemblies. 09:38 This means being present 09:40 before the opening song and prayer. 09:44 The apostle Paul quoted from Psalm 22 09:47 when he wrote Hebrews 2:12. 09:50 Of Jesus he said: 09:53 “I will declare your name to my brothers; 09:56 in the midst of the congregation I will praise you with song.” 10:01 If that was true of Jesus, 10:03 it is a great incentive for us to participate 10:08 in singing the first song with our congregation. 10:12 And the opening prayer is important for us. 10:15 In ancient times, Jehovah called the temple 10:19 his “house of prayer.” 10:21 It’s true that the opening prayer 10:24 requests Jehovah’s guidance and holy spirit on the program, 10:28 however, it also prepares 10:31 our minds and hearts 10:33 to receive the information to be considered. 10:37 Of course, there may be times when one 10:40 is unavoidably late in arriving at a meeting. 10:43 Public transportation may be delayed 10:46 or our car may break down. 10:49 That’s understandable on occasion. 10:52 But what is our habit? 10:56 In the past, it was suggested that we consider 10:59 arriving 15 or 20 minutes before a meeting started. 11:03 One brother with six siblings 11:06 said his father made a goal of being at the Kingdom Hall 11:10 20 minutes before the program began. 11:13 That certainly took advance planning. 11:16 His father’s byline for meeting attendance was: 11:21 “If you’re 5 minutes early, 11:24 then your 15 minutes late.” 11:27 In most cases, the whole family arrived 11:30 20 minutes before the meeting 11:35 for wholesome association. 11:37 Another opportunity for punctuality 11:40 is arriving on time for a meeting for service. 11:43 This is challenging for some. 11:45 However, with a little advanced planning, 11:48 we can be successful. 11:50 Punctuality is particularly important 11:53 since the actual meeting is only about ten minutes long. 11:58 If we’re late, not only is it disruptive 12:02 but it could force the one taking the lead 12:05 to redo the arrangements made for the group. 12:10 And speaking of our ministry, 12:12 what is an opportunity to be punctual every month? 12:16 Yes, you guessed it, 12:18 turning in our field service report at the end of the month. 12:22 Do you have a way of reminding yourself of this? 12:27 In some lands, it is almost as if it is a custom 12:30 for the start of a wedding talk to be delayed. 12:34 Often this is because of mistakenly gauging how much time 12:39 the bride needs to get dressed and made up 12:43 for her grand appearance. 12:45 However, being considerate of those invited 12:49 should move those involved to allow extra time 12:53 to complete the task of preparation. 12:57 A 1990 Watchtower commented on being punctual 13:01 in starting a wedding. 13:03 The very next sentence stated: 13:07 “You may like to have your egg boiled 13:11 for just so many minutes.” 13:13 I am not sure exactly how that applies to a wedding, 13:17 but I think we get the point, don’t we? 13:21 We should have calculated the timing in advance 13:26 so that the ceremony begins on time. 13:31 Do we have yet another example of being punctual, 13:35 not procrastinating? 13:38 How about when there is a difference 13:40 between you and a fellow believer 13:43 or a family member? 13:45 Of course, if it is simply a minor issue 13:50 because of imperfection, 13:52 often the best thing to do is forgive and forget. 13:57 But if it was more serious 14:00 or we cannot simply let it go, 14:04 what should we do? 14:06 We need to settle the matter and restore the peace. 14:10 When should we take this step? 14:12 Do not procrastinate. 14:15 If we do, the problem may fester and get worse. 14:20 What kind of a priority did Jesus establish 14:24 for restoring peace between fellow believers? 14:27 At Matthew 5:23, 24, 14:31 note his clear indication of punctuality: 14:35 “If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar 14:39 “and there you remember that your brother has something against you, 14:43 “leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away. 14:47 “First make your peace with your brother, 14:50 and then come back and offer your gift.” 14:52 Did you pick up on the timing 14:55 that Jesus recommended for reconciliation? 15:00 He said: 15:02 “[First] First make your peace with your brother.” 15:06 It is a high priority and should be treated as such. 15:11 But remember the scripture we shared earlier, 15:14 Proverbs 21:5? 15:16 This principle should be implemented. 15:20 The last part of the verse 15:23 warns us not to be “hasty.” 15:26 Hasty is not synonymous with punctuality. 15:31 Instead, the first part of the verse indicates 15:34 we should prepare or plan the visit first. 15:39 Then follow through without procrastinating. 15:43 It said this approach will “lead to success.” 15:48 What is the success we are seeking? 15:52 Jesus did not say to justify our position 15:56 or to point out the flaw 15:59 in the other person’s words or actions. 16:02 No, he said you would be successful 16:06 if you “make your peace with your brother.” 16:10 Punctuality is a godly quality 16:13 that we should strive to cultivate. 16:16 Another aspect of punctuality 16:19 is ending an assignment on time. 16:22 In the interest of punctuality, 16:24 let’s move on to the next segment of our program. 16:28 Thank you, Brother Herd. 16:30 You are teaching by example —we appreciate that! 16:34 And— On the subject of punctuality, 16:36 we wanted to share an example 16:38 of how ingrained a problem can become 16:41 if we let it fester. 16:43 Meet Brother Peter Zak. 16:45 As he relates his story, 16:48 look for ways punctuality, 16:50 or promptly addressing matters, 16:53 could have helped him to minimize 16:55 the effects of the problem. 17:00 I was born in Poland, and when I was about five years old, 17:04 my family immigrated to Canada. 17:06 I feel that from a young age I really loved Jehovah. 17:10 I had a good relationship with him. 17:12 I enjoyed going in field service; I enjoyed the congregation. 17:17 But like all youths, I had my distractions, you could say. 17:22 And for me, in particular, it was video games. 17:25 I remember in the beginning even my parents would set some rules. 17:29 But as I kept progressing in that game 17:32 and I started participating in tournaments, 17:34 I started getting recognized and admired. 17:36 It started becoming a temptation. 17:41 People would go to download my previously played games 17:44 to study my techniques and my strategies. 17:47 I was interviewed by different websites. 17:49 People wanted to be on my team. 17:51 I could see that this world was slowly dragging me in. 17:56 For example, there was a huge tournament that I participated in. 18:00 I finished very well —received many prizes. 18:04 And then after that tournament, there was another tournament, 18:07 even bigger, with huge prizes —cash prizes— 18:10 a competition for all the best players in the world. 18:12 At this time, also, the website was growing. 18:15 We were just sponsored to produce our own tournament 18:18 with cash prizes for the players. 18:20 So I really thought that this would be an opportunity for me 18:23 to maybe have a career and maybe to support myself 18:26 in the future if I wanted to pioneer. 18:28 And I thought that this was a realistic goal. 18:32 But as the website also kept progressing and as I got more involved with it, 18:37 I realized that what I was exposed to 18:39 was very, very, dangerous —very harmful. 18:43 They were immoral, wicked, improper things. 18:50 I was going to the meetings, and I was going in service; 18:52 but at the same time, all my other time was spent on this video game. 18:56 But it was only slowly, over time, I started realizing 18:59 that it was having a very negative effect on my spirituality. 19:03 I noticed that when I was in service, 19:05 I would think only about the video game. 19:08 When the service was over, I would rush home to play the video game. 19:12 Even at meetings— I would attend all my meetings, 19:14 but I would sit there and nothing was coming in. 19:16 I went there in person, but my mind wasn’t there. 19:19 So that also started bothering me. 19:23 And at this time, my older brothers 19:27 —who were always a good example to me— 19:29 they quit playing games. 19:32 They were making improvement in the congregation; 19:35 they were having privileges, 19:37 working hard for the brothers and sisters in our congregation. 19:40 I could see they were so happy. 19:42 They had the real joy and satisfaction. 19:45 But for me, I didn’t; 19:48 I was always feeling empty inside. 19:51 I needed to change. 19:53 And I remember, in particular, one day at the back of the Kingdom Hall, 19:56 the brother—an elder—who studied with me and my two brothers 19:58 approached me; 20:00 and he very reasonably talked to me 20:03 about my future. 20:06 He also helped me see my brothers 20:10 and how they stopped, and they were so happy. 20:12 And I could see the difference. 20:14 I was serving two masters at the same time, 20:16 but I was really losing out with Jehovah. 20:24 So I knew I had to make drastic changes in my life. 20:29 Up until then, I did try a few times to stop playing video games. 20:33 And it worked for a couple of days, but I got right back into it. 20:36 I lacked self-control. 20:43 So I realized that for me— If I wanted to stop this, 20:46 I needed to make a complete stop of everything. 20:50 So I prayed about it. 20:52 I asked Jehovah for help and for strength 20:54 to give me the courage to take this action. 20:56 We took down the website, deleted the games, 21:00 stopped playing the games, and just made 21:02 a clean sweep—clean stop. 21:05 And I knew I needed that. 21:07 Right after, I felt like a load was lifted. 21:14 I had all this time now I could spend, 21:17 and I was spending it more in the ministry 21:19 and in the congregation. 21:21 So, soon after, I started auxiliary pioneering 21:23 and then regular pioneering. 21:25 I started doing a lot more in the congregation. 21:27 I could see how happy I was. 21:29 It was bringing me real joy 21:31 —satisfaction. 21:33 So I remember after pioneering for a few years, 21:35 I started learning a foreign language. 21:38 It was challenging, but it was exciting. 21:40 I moved to another city to expand my ministry; 21:44 then I moved to another country. 21:46 And I remember just studying with people 21:48 as a need-greater and just seeing them 21:51 progress and seeing how they made changes in their lives 21:54 and how they started having a relationship with Jehovah. 21:58 And that I was being used to help them to get to that point 22:00 was such an amazing feeling. 22:06 Now I have the privilege of serving at Bethel. 22:09 And I can see Jehovah’s hand in my life, 22:11 and also I’m able to give every day to him. 22:28 This is the joy that I was looking for. 22:31 So I would definitely encourage all young ones 22:35 to really test out Jehovah. 22:38 It’s like Ecclesiastes 12:1, 22:40 my favorite scripture growing up. 22:42 Just give to Jehovah; test him out; give him your everything. 22:45 And you will see that you’ll have no regrets. 22:48 You’ll have true satisfaction from serving him. 22:56 When should Peter have considered limiting 22:58 his preoccupation with video games? 23:01 Video and computer games in themselves are not wrong 23:04 unless they are about things Jehovah hates. 23:07 But did you notice that Peter explained that there was a point 23:11 when the games became a temptation? 23:13 That is, the games were no longer merely occasional entertainment 23:18 but started to become the center of his life. 23:21 That was the warning for him to sit down 23:24 and review how much time and effort he should be spending on video games. 23:29 But he didn’t. 23:31 He did not address the matter promptly. 23:33 As a result, he later had to admit that all he thought of, 23:38 even at the meetings or in the ministry, was video games. 23:42 Despite the mistake, 23:44 Peter wisely applied the words of Matthew 5:30: 23:48 “Also, if your right hand is making you stumble, 23:52 cut it off and throw it away from you.” 23:54 While he did not need to literally cut off his mouse-clicking right hand, 23:59 he got rid of anything that caused the temptation in the first place. 24:05 If you are a parent, you have a responsibility 24:09 to help your children address any concerns that may arise. 24:13 You need to know what they are doing, 24:15 and then lovingly guide them based on Biblical principles. 24:21 Acting promptly when you sense a problem is building up 24:24 is equally important in other aspects of life. 24:28 This dramatization highlights how we can do so when married. 24:41 We do have good friends in our congregation, 24:46 but there is so much work! 24:59 Why is Jessica so upset? 25:03 OK, maybe I should’ve asked before turning down that dinner invite, 25:08 but she knows how busy I am. 25:11 I’ve got elder’s meetings, work, 25:14 pioneering. 25:20 But she just says we never do anything fun anymore. 25:30 Maybe she’s right. 25:33 Sometimes even when we’re together, 25:38 we’re not really together. 25:58 Our lives are filled with spiritual activities 26:08 but our family worship hasn’t exactly been regular. 26:24 Maybe I fooled myself into thinking 26:26 that because we’re busy doing things for Jehovah, 26:29 it’s OK to skip it sometimes. 26:42 We argued again tonight 26:47 and then went to bed angry 26:50 —something we said we’d never do. 27:14 The next morning I told Jessica how sorry I was, 27:18 and she admitted that she felt bad too. 27:22 We decided to research Ephesians chapter 4 27:25 that night for family worship. 27:27 One article mentioned: 27:29 “How sad it would be if marriage mates spoke to each other 27:33 with less respect than . . . total strangers!” 27:35 That really struck us. 27:39 Then we read Ephesians 4:31, 32: 27:44 “Put away from yourselves every kind of malicious bitterness, 27:48 “anger, wrath, screaming, and abusive speech, 27:51 “as well as everything injurious. 27:53 “But become kind to one another, 27:56 “tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another 28:00 just as God also by Christ freely forgave you.” 28:05 We both promised to work on making our words and tone 28:09 more loving and kind. 28:13 We also studied the Bible accounts of Aquila and Priscilla, 28:17 who were a beautiful example of what it means 28:19 for a married couple to be “one flesh.” 28:21 They were together at home, at work, 28:25 and in the ministry. 28:37 That’s when we realized we needed to draw closer as a couple. 28:51 Since then, we do as much as we can together. 29:03 We’re still busy in spiritual activities, 29:08 but they’re never an excuse to neglect our relationship. 29:14 And now we aren’t just marriage mates; 29:19 we’re once again best friends. 29:25 As this dramatization and the example of Peter Zak showed, 29:30 whenever you sense a problem, address it! 29:33 Do not procrastinate. 29:35 Be punctual. 29:37 At times, world events may highlight 29:39 the importance of being punctual. 29:41 In May of last year, a wildfire overtook 29:45 the Canadian city of Fort McMurray, in the province of Alberta. 29:49 The brothers and sisters there benefited from promptly 29:53 following the direction they had received 29:55 from their local congregations. 30:06 There was a local needs part, 30:08 and we try to do it every year, 30:10 and this year it was at the perfect time 30:12 because the next week we had the fire. 30:14 And when the brother was reviewing, 30:16 he was saying it was a high fire-hazard year, 30:19 so be prepared. 30:21 And it was nice that the brothers were so obedient 30:23 and took that to heart and were ready. 30:27 It happened so quickly, 30:30 from being fine and safe to ‘We got to get out of here.’ 30:32 We started to hear the municipality saying 30:35 there are mandatory evacuations 30:37 for different neighborhoods. 30:39 So within noon, two o’clock, four o’clock, 30:43 90,000 people are in motion. 30:46 When you were standing outside, you could hear the helicopters going, 30:48 the sirens going. 30:49 The smoke was so thick and intense. 30:51 Both the left and the right were all in flames; 30:54 it was totally in flames. 30:57 Ugh, it was chaotic. 30:59 People running to their cars, seeing and looking 31:01 at the big cloud of smoke approaching them 31:04 and just the fright in their eyes. 31:07 It just came to mind: 31:09 During the local needs, the brothers said, 31:12 “If in case of an emergency, you have to follow directions. 31:14 “Listen to the local authorities 31:16 and listen to your local elders.” 31:20 Each elder for the field service groups 31:23 had to care for a small amount of people. 31:27 I was calling all the brothers and sisters 31:29 that I could to find out 31:31 where they were and if they were safe. 31:33 Every group overseer knew exactly 31:36 where everybody in his group was at all times. 31:38 One brother came to help my wife and the kids 31:41 to evacuate while I was at work. 31:44 So I felt very indebted to this brother 31:48 —that he acted in my behalf to get my family to a safe place. 31:51 To see the brothers OK and calm, it makes me calm. 31:59 It’s all gone, 32:01 and it went away overnight. 32:04 If we are to put our trust in such things— 32:07 Where are they now? 32:12 Although we’ve lost all this, 32:15 our relationship with Jehovah —we haven’t lost that. 32:22 We can’t salvage nothing . 32:25 Yeah. 32:26 Everything is gone. Gone—everything is gone. 32:29 Yeah, this is our basement. 32:31 People are always asking us, like, “Did you lose your home?” 32:36 And we’re like, “Yeah, we did.” 32:37 Seeing how quickly things can go, how things can disappear, 32:43 it helps you appreciate the things that are most important. 32:47 And not only do we have our own lives 32:49 but we still have our brothers and sisters 32:51 there with us. 32:56 When we escaped 32:58 and moved to Edmonton, 33:01 which is about a four-and-a-half-hour drive from here, 33:04 the friends opened their homes to us 33:07 in the middle of the night —2:30 a.m.— 33:09 and welcomed us. 33:10 They gave us food; they gave us clothing; 33:12 they gave us a place to stay. 33:15 That kind of hospitality really touched our heart. 33:17 We realized that we hadn’t missed anything. 33:32 Some of the friends, we haven’t seen them 33:34 since the disaster occurred 33:36 and to meet the friends again 33:38 —you know, about a month and a half after the disaster— 33:41 at the convention was really, really encouraging. 33:45 We see brothers that are working with different departments 33:47 here at the convention and also with the disaster relief committee 33:51 who have no home to go back to. 33:53 Yet, they’re so concerned about someone else 33:55 that they don’t even think about what they’ve really lost. 33:59 Although we’ve lost everything materially, 34:02 we have everything spiritually. 34:05 What is gone is gone. 34:08 What is important is our lives and our relationship with Jehovah. 34:31 The local needs part proved very helpful 34:34 for our brothers and sisters in Fort McMurray. 34:37 The part included direction about having a “go bag” 34:40 and keeping the gas tanks of their vehicles full. 34:44 Because of the distance to the nearest town 34:46 and the heavy traffic during the evacuation, 34:49 having a full tank of gas proved to be very timely advice. 34:53 Instead of procrastinating, 34:55 our brothers and sisters in Alberta followed the direction, 34:59 to their benefit. 35:01 Although our circumstances may not be as extreme, 35:05 we all experience challenging situations every now and then. 35:09 The need to be punctual always applies. 35:13 For example, 35:15 there is no need to wait for perfect circumstances 35:18 before expanding our ministry. 35:20 For some, expanding our ministry 35:23 could mean taking the leap into full-time service. 35:27 Two families did just that 35:29 in this music video entitled Let’s Take the Leap. 35:45 To serve full-time, That’s been our goal. 35:52 It opens up More ways to serve whole-souled. 35:58 So if not now And if not here, 36:05 This chance might slip away And disappear. 36:11 Let’s take the leap; Let’s not hold back. 36:17 Let’s not give in to doubt; Let’s not miss out. 36:24 We’ll go in faith, Not looking back, not behind. 36:30 Let’s look ahead With peace of mind. 36:50 Jehovah knows; Jehovah sees. 36:56 Before we ask, He knows the needs of each. 37:03 Though it might seem Beyond our reach, 37:09 Let’s put our trust in him And take the leap. 37:15 Let’s take the leap; Let’s not hold back. 37:22 Let’s not give in to doubt; Let’s not miss out. 37:28 We’ll go in faith, Not looking back, not behind. 37:35 Let’s look ahead With peace of mind. 37:48 So let’s go through This open door. 37:54 Things left behind Will be replaced and more, 38:01 Not only now But all that God has in store— 38:08 The life to come Forevermore. 38:13 Let’s take the leap; Let’s not hold back. 38:19 Let’s not give in to doubt; Let’s not miss out. 38:26 We’ll go in faith, Not looking back and not behind. 38:33 Let’s look ahead With peace of mind. 38:46 Let’s take the leap; Let’s not hold back. 38:52 Let’s not give in to doubt; Let’s not miss out. 38:59 We’ll go in faith, Not looking back and not behind. 39:05 Let’s look ahead With peace of mind. 39:24 Let’s take the leap. 39:34 Expanding our ministry in whatever form 39:37 can bring us great joy as servants of Jehovah. 39:41 Even if your circumstances today 39:43 do not allow you to enter the full-time service, 39:45 there is plenty to do. 39:48 Our brothers and sisters in Brazil experienced an opportunity 39:52 to make special efforts in their preaching work 39:55 when the Olympic and Paralympic Games were held there 39:59 in August and September of 2016. 40:02 Close to 15,000 athletes 40:05 from approximately 205 countries 40:08 were present along with many visitors. 40:20 More than one million tourists 40:22 were present at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, 40:24 and among them were around 410,000 foreigners. 40:30 In an effort to teach these ones about the Bible, 40:33 Jehovah’s Witnesses engaged in a special public witnessing campaign. 40:39 To reach as many people as possible, we set up 268 carts, 40:44 not only where the games were held 40:46 but also throughout the city of Rio de Janeiro. 40:49 That way, we were able to reach people 40:51 from even faraway islands like Vanuatu, 40:54 which is one of the islands of the Pacific. 40:57 Delegates from that island picked up publications from our witnessing carts. 41:10 We made efforts to put the stands and carts 41:12 as close as possible to the places where the brothers would work. 41:16 Thanks to Jehovah, we were able to get a strategic location near the entrance 41:20 to the arenas, which we didn’t think would be possible. 41:27 We planned to have 1,500 volunteers, 41:30 but we got 4,000 volunteers. 41:33 We asked for help from other cities, 41:35 other states, and also from foreign-language congregations. 41:39 So for us, this was beyond our expectations. 41:45 During the Olympics, more than one million people 41:47 passed through the harbor here. 41:49 And thanks to Jehovah, we were able to set up 41:52 more than 40 carts in the immediate harbor area 41:55 and placed almost 20,000 pieces of literature. 41:58 To refill the carts, we used a quadricycle 42:00 that picked up the publications at the support hub 42:03 and took them to the brothers at the carts. 42:09 The media provided extensive coverage 42:11 with more than 26,000 press professionals involved, 42:14 and security was also reinforced 42:16 with more than 22,000 military personnel. 42:19 The work of our brothers certainly did not go unnoticed. 42:27 We were at the cart when suddenly a police car 42:30 full of officers stopped in front of us. 42:32 I was worried they were going to ask us questions or make us leave. 42:35 But then they got out of the car and came towards us. 42:39 And one of them picked up the Bible Teach book, 42:41 and without saying anything to us, he told the others: 42:44 “Didn’t I tell you I was going to find them here? 42:47 “You can take these publications; they’re free. 42:50 These books will teach you amazing things!” 43:00 This campaign helped to overcome prejudices, 43:03 both with the authorities and people in general, 43:06 because they were able to see the international scope of our work. 43:09 And this became especially clear when it came to the officials 43:12 because they allowed the brothers to put the carts 43:15 as close as possible to the arenas 43:16 where the games were being held. 43:20 In all, more than 85,000 publications 43:24 in more than ten languages were distributed by means of the 268 carts 43:29 scattered throughout the city. 43:31 Over a year of planning went into preparing for this event, 43:34 and it produced excellent results. 43:37 Our international preaching work was made known 43:39 to thousands present at the Olympic Games, 43:41 and most important, 43:43 it gave a great shout of praise to our God, Jehovah. 43:56 We wanted to share a portrayal of life 43:58 as a Witness back in the early 1900’s. 44:01 This unique dramatization 44:04 about the endurance needed as a Kingdom proclaimer 44:07 was previously shown to delegates at some international conventions 44:11 held in one city in 2014. 44:14 This is a gift video that we received. 44:16 The title is Knock! Knock! 50:30 Where are the dead? 50:32 Would you wish that question answered according to man’s theory 50:36 or to have the answer as pointed out in the Bible? 50:38 You will say that man’s answer would be only a guess. 50:42 And yet there is no truth more clearly taught in the Bible 50:46 than that of the resurrection of the dead. 50:49 If the dead are to live again, 50:52 then they must be resurrected, 50:54 and God has provided that there shall be a resurrection. 50:57 The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a guarantee 51:01 that all who have died must be awakened out of death 51:04 and given a knowledge of the truth. 51:08 All mankind were born in sin, 51:11 and the death of the perfect man Jesus 51:13 provided the purchase price for the right of man to live again, 51:16 and in due time Jesus will awaken them out of death. 51:20 All of the dead in God’s due time shall be awakened out of death. 51:26 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; 51:28 “and there shall be no more death, 51:30 “neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: 51:33 for the former things are passed away.” 51:37 The resurrection will bring boundless joy to those 51:41 who obey God under Christ’s Kingdom. 51:43 The obedient ones on earth during the reign of Christ 51:47 will be given everlasting life on the earth in complete happiness and joy. 51:53 Jehovah’s way is always right and true. 51:56 Learn that way and live. 52:04 The word “resurrection” means “a standing up again” to life. 52:08 If, as claimed by the clergy, 52:10 the dead are alive in purgatory or some other place, 52:13 then it follows that there could be no resurrection; 52:16 and yet there is no truth more clearly taught in the Bible than that of the . . . 53:05 The brother was blessed for his perseverance in the ministry. 53:09 His attitude showed that he felt the urgency of the message. 53:13 As God’s people, we do not procrastinate. 53:17 Instead, we are prompt; we are punctual! 53:21 Yes, being punctual is a godly quality. 53:25 We would like to conclude the broadcast with greetings 53:28 from Uganda 53:30 —specifically the town of Fort Portal, in western Uganda. 53:35 The 120 publishers there preach to almost 60,000 people 53:39 who live in Fort Portal. 53:41 They conduct approximately 300 Bible studies. 53:46 There are two congregations —one English and one Rutoro— 53:51 and also two rural groups 53:53 some 60 kilometers, or approximately 37 miles, away. 53:58 Brothers are taking turns visiting the two groups 54:01 and supporting them in the field ministry. 54:05 In the past, the main challenge 54:07 was the lack of literature in the Rutoro language. 54:10 However, thanks to increased translation efforts, 54:13 the number of publishers has increased dramatically. 54:17 As a result, a Rutoro congregation was formed in 2014. 54:22 Next, a remote translation office was established in 2015. 54:27 And as of February of this year, 54:29 the publishers receive the study edition of The Watchtower in Rutoro. 54:35 We love our brothers and sisters in Fort Portal very much. 54:39 And they send their love to all of God’s people worldwide. 54:44 This is JW Broadcasting 54:46 from the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
