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00:01 Welcome to our program. 00:03 Here’s a preview of what we can look forward to. 00:06 This brother began his ministry in the Congo 00:10 when his fellow Witnesses were few in number. 00:13 How did Jehovah bless his hard work 00:16 to preach and shepherd? 00:19 It’s a joy when we come together at Assembly Halls for spiritual programs. 00:24 But how much work goes into caring for these places of pure worship? 00:29 We also work to maintain peaceful relationships 00:31 with our brothers and sisters. 00:33 What lesson does this sister learn 00:35 that lets her see the beautiful qualities in others? 00:40 And we’ll consider the privilege we have to be fellow workers with God. 00:45 You’re watching the October 2017 edition of JW Broadcasting. 01:10 We begin with a report from the United States branch 01:13 in Wallkill, New York. 01:15 Any Bethel assignment is a joy and sometimes a challenge. 01:20 Proper training is therefore an important part of every job. 01:26 How does the Maintenance Department 01:28 train hundreds of volunteers to work efficiently and safely? 01:33 And how do the students feel about the practical training they receive? 01:43 There were a few factors 01:45 that created the need at Bethel 01:48 for a more structured training program. 01:50 One of those factors included the regular changeover in personnel. 01:55 The brothers have to be more versatile 01:57 in their assignments. 01:58 They may have to do tasks they 02:00 previously weren’t trained on. 02:01 Printing equipment became more technologically advanced; 02:05 our building systems became more complicated; 02:09 computer systems were now starting 02:11 to be used to control virtually everything. 02:13 Well, I feel like Bethel has definitely always been good about training, 02:17 but especially now. 02:19 I think everyone sees the need to continue investing 02:22 in the brothers and sisters that are currently at Bethel. 02:26 I don’t think it’s possible for someone 02:28 to know less about the trades 02:30 than I did when I started. 02:31 I remember my first reaction 02:33 when I was invited to help 02:34 in electrical was fear. 02:37 So when I received my assignment, 02:39 I found out that it involved 02:41 running the heavy equipment. 02:43 So I called my parents. 02:45 I was really excited about it. 02:47 I said, “Mom and Dad, guess what I get to do?” 02:49 And Dad said, “OK, Son. 02:51 Well, did you tell them that you don’t know how to drive?” 02:56 It was decided to pull a group 02:58 of highly experienced, highly skilled brothers 03:01 to concentrate on developing and teaching 03:05 repeatable, consistent classes 03:07 that could bring people’s skill levels up to what was needed. 03:12 We teach well over 100 different classes 03:14 in 12 major categories. 03:16 Here at Bethel, I’ve probably been 03:18 a part of over 30 different classes, 03:20 so it’s been a variety, depending on 03:23 the needs at the time of the assignment. 03:25 I would estimate that I’ve taken about 15 03:28 or 20 different courses from safety and training 03:31 over the course of my 13 years in learning a trade. 03:33 I’ve become certified 03:35 in at least these seven different licensed requirements. 03:39 We teach people technical skills, 03:40 but that’s not the sole purpose 03:42 of the training. 03:43 If you aren’t skilled in safety, 03:44 you can’t be skilled in your trade and vice versa. 03:46 The objective in all of our safety courses 03:49 is to get them to view safety the same way Jehovah views it 03:53 —as a reflection of their spirituality. 03:56 So training in safety is essential. 03:59 So our goal is to take them 04:00 into the classroom 04:01 and give them some time 04:02 to consider the theoretical. 04:04 And then we take them out 04:05 where there is a lab set up, and we have them do some tests on it. 04:08 Typically, they will tell us 04:10 that they’ve been able to learn more in a week 04:13 than what they have learned in a year of trade school. 04:16 We’ve done over 60,000 instances of training. 04:20 And so now receiving this training, 04:22 it provides an area or an aspect 04:25 in which I can give my 100 percent to Jehovah. 04:28 You see it in their eyes. 04:30 They’re just so happy 04:31 that they now have maybe a new skill 04:34 or a new understanding that they can use to benefit Jehovah. 04:38 I love the fact that I came into Bethel with virtually no experience. 04:42 And not only did I receive a trade that I could use 04:46 to carry out a work that glorifies Jehovah 04:50 but I was trained well enough that I can share that with others, 04:53 and they can be trained too. 04:54 Helping someone else to go from that feeling 04:58 of not knowing anything to feeling productive 05:01 and feeling like they’re contributing is a real joy for me. 05:04 And they can take what they learn 05:06 wherever they go. 05:07 The confidence that people leave with once they’ve received 05:11 that investment —it’s confidence that they can carry out 05:14 whatever assignment Jehovah has given them, 05:16 and the confidence that Jehovah is going to train them 05:18 for whatever is being asked of them. 05:21 I think if younger brothers and sisters 05:23 are trying to learn a skill so that they can come to Bethel, 05:26 that’s commendable, but more important is spirituality. 05:30 Let Jehovah “finish your training.” 05:32 In regard to training, we’re really only getting started. 05:34 The training that we are getting in this system of things by Jehovah, 05:38 and especially related to safety, 05:41 is absolutely going to be vital in the new world. 05:44 I can imagine the idea 05:46 of being able to use some of the things I’ve learned 05:48 to figure out how 05:50 we can use the natural resources in a way without using them up. 05:53 We know that we serve a God who is known as the “Grand Instructor.” 05:56 So the things that we’re teaching and training right now, 05:59 it can only expand in the future. 06:02 And as long as you let him train you, you’re going to be all right. 06:09 Good training gives us confidence to do our best for Jehovah. 06:14 That’s true at Bethel but also true in the field. 06:19 Have you, though, ever felt alone in your assignment, 06:22 even if for just a few hours in the ministry? 06:26 Brother Pontien Mukanga may have felt that way early in his assignment. 06:31 He was the first circuit overseer for all of what is now 06:35 the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo. 06:40 He traveled great distances to visit the few brothers throughout the territory. 06:46 Listen to what encouraged him the most to keep going. 06:52 In 1960, 06:54 I was made a circuit overseer for the whole of Congo. 06:59 I was so happy to receive this privilege. 07:03 But I was shocked and scared. 07:06 The assignment was huge. 07:09 Congo is a vast country. 07:12 I was afraid to go to places I didn’t know. 07:17 I felt overwhelmed, so I turned to Jehovah. 07:22 Sometimes I had to go through savannahs and across the jungle. 07:27 There were wild animals. 07:29 One day, I climbed up a tree to find a place to sleep. 07:34 I tied myself to a branch with my belt. 07:37 I was afraid I would be taken by a boa snake. 07:42 I was afraid of getting lost in the forest. 07:46 Visiting the brothers was very difficult. 07:49 Sometimes the journey took many days. 07:53 I remember one day, I left my house 07:55 to visit the brothers to encourage them. 08:01 I left at 5:30 in the morning, 08:04 and I arrived at 7:30 that night. 08:08 I had to push my bicycle through sand 08:10 for up to 13 miles (21 km) or even more. 08:14 Other times, we traveled by truck. 08:16 That was not easy. 08:18 You had to climb on top of the truck. 08:23 I had to hold on tight so as not to fall. 08:27 Congregations, isolated groups were far away from one another. 08:33 There were no phones at that time either. 08:36 Even though they did not know I was coming, 08:39 they made me feel so welcome. 08:44 The brothers were really very hospitable. 08:48 When I arrived, 08:50 I was exhausted but so happy to see the brothers. 08:58 The Kitawala was a religion. 09:02 They sent many letters to the Belgium branch 09:04 asking to be recognized as Jehovah’s Witnesses. 09:09 These people used 09:10 our publications and used the name Watch Tower. 09:17 It created a lot of confusion. 09:21 To clarify the matter, 09:23 the organization prepared a booklet. 09:28 My mission was to check whether 09:30 there were any genuine Jehovah’s Witnesses in Kisangani. 09:36 We found out that these people were 09:39 not Jehovah’s Witnesses. 09:43 In all the confusion, people even tried to kill me 09:47 during the trip. 09:49 Fortunately, I managed to escape. 09:54 Since it was Jehovah who assigned me this privilege, 09:59 I was confident that he would always help me. 10:07 And today, I am very happy 10:09 to have at my side my children, my grandchildren, 10:13 and my great-grandchildren —all Jehovah’s Witnesses. 10:19 Jehovah has given me many blessings. 10:22 I am truly grateful. 10:25 What a joy to be used by Almighty God. 10:30 Through all these years, I have never lacked anything. 10:36 Jehovah has given me the strength 10:38 to serve him up until now—to the age of 86. 10:43 In everything and for everything, 10:47 my trust really is in Jehovah. 10:51 There were 46 publishers 10:53 in the whole of Congo. 10:55 Today, I hear there are more than 10:58 223,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses 11:00 in the Congo. 11:05 Today, when I see 11:08 the increase of Jehovah’s people, 11:14 to me it is like a miracle. 11:19 I thank Jehovah for allowing me to see 11:23 ‘the little one become a thousand’ 11:25 here in the Congo. 11:36 Brother Mukanga continues to serve as an elder at nearly 88 years old. 11:43 Can you imagine yourself experiencing both the joys 11:46 and difficulties he had as a circuit overseer? 11:50 He courageously visited the Kitawala religious groups 11:54 who claimed to serve Jehovah, 11:56 only to find some were violent and practiced immorality. 12:01 But it was his reliance on Jehovah 12:04 and watching Him turn the small group of brothers 12:07 into more than 200,000 that has kept him going. 12:13 He personally experienced our theme for this program: 12:16 “The Privilege and Blessing of Being God’s Fellow Worker.” 12:22 As Jehovah’s people, 12:24 we enjoy many undeserved 12:26 and precious privileges. 12:28 Among them, we bear Jehovah’s name 12:32 and render him sacred service. 12:34 As we carry out his will, 12:37 he dignifies us in a very special way. 12:41 At 1 Corinthians 3:9, the apostle Paul under inspiration 12:46 stated that “we are God’s fellow workers.” 12:51 What an honor to be a fellow worker with the Universal Sovereign, 12:55 our loving heavenly Father! 12:58 To build appreciation for the privilege of working with Jehovah, 13:02 we’re going to review events in the life of Jonathan, a son of King Saul. 13:08 First Samuel 14:45 describes Jonathan when it says: 13:12 “For it was with God that he acted this day.” 13:17 What was the background that led to this statement? 13:20 How did Jonathan act, or work, with Jehovah on that day? 13:25 What lessons can we learn from their working relationship? 13:30 And what blessings result from being a fellow worker with God? 13:35 Let us begin with some background. 13:39 First Samuel 12:20 13:43 records the encouraging words 13:45 spoken by the prophet Samuel to the nation of Israel: 13:48 “Do not be afraid. . . . 13:50 “Only do not turn away from following Jehovah, 13:54 and serve Jehovah with all your heart.” 13:56 Verse 22 adds: 13:59 “For the sake of his great name, 14:01 Jehovah will not abandon his people.” 14:05 As long as they remained faithful, 14:07 Jehovah would always be there to guide, protect, and rescue them. 14:13 These words no doubt strengthened Jonathan to carry out Jehovah’s directive 14:17 to subdue the enemy nations 14:19 and take possession of the Promised Land. 14:23 At 1 Samuel chapter 13, 14:26 we read that Jonathan was assigned 1,000 men 14:29 to attack a Philistine garrison at Geba. 14:33 Although poorly equipped, Jonathan and his men succeeded. 14:38 This victory strengthened Jonathan’s confidence in Jehovah 14:42 and provides a valuable lesson for us: 14:46 While we gain strength and courage 14:48 from Jehovah’s reassuring words of the Scriptures, 14:51 our confidence in Jehovah’s support becomes even stronger 14:55 when we successfully carry out our assignments 14:58 that may seem overwhelming. 15:02 The account then relates how the Philistines 15:04 were infuriated over their defeat and mounted a massive counterattack. 15:10 They sent out raiding parties 15:12 from their camp at Michmash near Jerusalem. 15:15 Many Israelite men hid out of fear, 15:17 and some even fled to the other side of the Jordan River. 15:22 In contrast, Jonathan remained courageous. 15:27 Determined to put a stop to the raids, 15:29 he confronted the Philistine outpost 15:32 at the ravine pass of Michmash. 15:35 The approach was by way of a deep gorge with nearly vertical cliffs. 15:41 This would have seemed next to impossible to someone unfamiliar with the area, 15:46 but Jonathan grew up in this territory and apparently knew it well. 15:52 His knowledge of the surroundings provides another practical lesson: 15:57 Whatever theocratic assignment we may be given, 16:00 putting forth time and effort to get to know the terrain, 16:04 so to speak, will contribute to our effectiveness. 16:08 When we show interest in our assigned work, 16:10 we become even more effective fellow workers of Jehovah. 16:15 Let’s read as Jonathan prepares to take action against the Philistines. 16:21 First Samuel 14:6 states: 16:24 “So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer: 16:26 “‘Come and let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. 16:31 “‘Perhaps Jehovah will act in our behalf, 16:34 for nothing can hinder Jehovah from saving by many or by few.’” 16:40 What contributed to his confidence in Jehovah? 16:44 Recall that he put faith in Jehovah’s reassuring words 16:47 through the prophet Samuel: “Do not be afraid. . . . 16:51 For the sake of his great name, Jehovah will not abandon his people.” 16:57 He experienced Jehovah’s support 16:59 when he struck down the Philistine garrison at Geba. 17:04 Jonathan could also think back on Israel’s history. 17:08 He could reflect on how Gideon and his 300 men 17:11 were victorious over 135,000 Midianites. 17:16 He could meditate on Samson killing 1,000 Philistines 17:20 with the jawbone of a donkey. 17:24 Such examples would bolster his confidence 17:27 that he was working with the Almighty God, Jehovah. 17:33 We too can meditate on fellow workers of God recorded in the Scriptures 17:37 as well as published life stories of modern-day faithful servants. 17:42 Such examples reinforce our faith in Jehovah 17:45 as we rely on him for success. 17:50 Another lesson comes from the response of Jonathan’s armor-bearer 17:54 at 1 Samuel 14:7: 17:56 “At this his armor-bearer said to him: 17:59 “‘Do whatever your heart impels you to do. 18:02 “‘Turn wherever you wish, 18:05 and I will follow you wherever your heart impels you.’” 18:09 It is unlikely that the attendant 18:11 would have initiated this challenging mission on his own. 18:15 Jonathan’s confident lead was a positive, motivating influence on the man. 18:22 What happens today when elders and overseers 18:25 take the lead and display zeal in Jehovah’s work like Jonathan? 18:30 Others in the congregation are also motivated to action by their fine example. 18:37 Let us now read verses 8-10: 18:40 “Then Jonathan said: 18:42 “‘We will cross over to those men and reveal our presence to them. 18:47 “‘If they say to us, “Stand still until we come to you!” 18:51 “‘we will stand where we are and not go up to them. 18:55 “‘But if they say, “Come up against us!” 18:58 “‘we will go up, because Jehovah will give them into our hand. 19:03 This will be our sign.’” 19:06 Jonathan once again demonstrated humble reliance on Jehovah. 19:11 Later in Second Samuel, 19:13 Jonathan is described as “swifter than the eagles” 19:16 and “mightier than the lions.” 19:19 However, these qualities and abilities did not cause him 19:23 to be self-reliant or overconfident. 19:27 He sought Jehovah’s direction by means of a sign. 19:32 What a powerful reminder for us! 19:35 Regardless of any natural abilities, 19:38 acquired skills, or experience we may have, 19:41 the key to success is seeking Jehovah’s guidance and support. 19:46 We seek his direction through specific prayers, 19:50 Bible reading and meditation, 19:52 and applying direction from “the faithful and discreet slave.” 19:58 We also consult with longtime faithful brothers and sisters 20:01 who can share their rich experience as God’s fellow workers. 20:07 One such example was Sister Joey Orrom, 20:11 who served in the Britain branch. 20:14 She shared her experiences in an archived interview 20:18 some time before finishing her earthly course in 2011. 20:24 Listen also to the comments of her fellow workers in Britain 20:28 who benefited from their time together. 20:35 I had the privilege for two years 20:37 of sitting at the same table as Sister Orrom for morning worship. 20:40 She expected nothing and appreciated 20:42 everything that you did for her. 20:44 Sister Orrom was affectionately known as Joey. 20:48 And if you take the “e” out of Joey, 20:50 you’re left with the English word “joy,” 20:53 and that summed her up. 20:55 My impression of Joey when I first met her 20:57 was here is this frail old lady. 21:00 But then when you started to speak to Joey, 21:03 you were tapping into a tremendous depth. 21:06 About the age of 20, 21:08 round about that time, 21:09 I had the heavenly calling. 21:11 That was a big battle. 21:12 I couldn’t understand why Jehovah would use a person like me. 21:16 And when I was 21, 21:19 I got into pioneering, in 1939. 21:21 But the police were after me 21:23 because I wouldn’t join the armed forces, and I was tried under a new act. 21:27 And they kept taking me into a side room and saying, 21:30 “If you will say you are not connected with Jehovah’s Witnesses, 21:32 not connected with the Watch Tower, you’ll have a walk away.” 21:36 I said: “I am connected with the Watch Tower. 21:38 I’m proud to be connected with the Watch Tower.” 21:40 And they said, “Then they are directing you.” 21:44 I said, “No, my stand of not doing as you wish is my own personal stand.” 21:49 So this went on. 21:50 In the end, they sent me to prison just for two months 21:52 and then let me out. 21:54 I partnered with another sister, 21:56 and she and I went to Northern Ireland 21:59 and pioneered there for 18 months. 22:01 And it was in Northern Ireland that we had our call to Gilead. 22:03 In 1948, Joey was invited to Gilead, 22:06 and that was the 11th class. 22:08 It left an impression on me, which I will never ever, ever forget. 22:12 You pick up that spirit of good behavior, of love. 22:16 It’s something that leaves its mark, or it should. 22:18 It has left its mark on me —very, very much so. 22:22 One thing Brother Knorr impressed on us: 22:24 “You’ll be three years on your assignment before you really love it.” 22:28 And it was true because it was a hard assignment. 22:31 After Gilead, she was assigned to be a missionary 22:35 in Dublin, in the Irish Republic. 22:37 That was the time when Catholic priests 22:39 used to organize mobs against the pioneers. 22:42 She was full of joy, but that didn’t mean to say 22:44 that she’d had an easy life. 22:46 We never went out from door to door without being mobbed 22:49 and attacked and beaten up and thrown around. 22:52 And you could only do a few houses in a row, 22:54 and you’d have to get away very quickly. 22:57 But we made a very good name. 22:58 People got to know we were completely neutral. 23:01 They chose four of us to work the business property, 23:04 and I got some studies going in their offices. 23:06 But one place I went into, I walked the length of this draper shop, 23:10 and I asked if I could go into the manager’s office. 23:14 As I went in, I didn’t say a word. 23:16 I didn’t open my mouth and even say good morning, 23:19 but this man stood up, and he said, “Russellite!” 23:22 And he took hold of me by the scruff of my neck 23:25 and the seat of my pants, and he lifted me up 23:27 and he carried me the length of the store. 23:30 Well, like a silly one, I should’ve gone heavy on him, you see. 23:35 But instead of that, I let my legs paddle 23:37 and I was hanging onto my book bag, not wanting to lose it. 23:40 And when he got to the front door, the staff, 23:42 their eyes were absolutely aghast at what was happening. 23:45 He opened his front door and threw me out, literally. 23:48 And I went zoom! just managed to go zoom! 23:51 And one of the brothers was passing, 23:54 and he caught me —caught me steady— 23:56 and said, “Whatever is going on?” 23:58 And I couldn’t stop laughing. 24:00 To me it was very, very funny. 24:02 The rest were so cross about it, but I wasn’t at all cross. 24:05 I thought it was quite hilarious. 24:07 I could see myself being carried through this shop sky-high. 24:10 Things like that happened. 24:12 These experiences did not dampen her zeal. 24:15 She always retained that missionary spirit. 24:18 I first met Joey 24:20 when I was commuting to Bethel 24:21 in the infirmary. 24:23 She was sitting on that old-fashioned chair with this huge Bible, 24:27 and she stayed there hours reading the Bible, 24:31 praying to Jehovah. 24:32 Often, when you came in, she’d be in the middle of Bible reading. 24:35 And she’d be saying something like, 24:37 “Daniel has just been thrown into the lion’s den!” 24:39 or “Oh, Jehovah is really angry. 24:41 He’s thundering from the heavens!” 24:43 And it made me think, ‘Wow! 24:44 ‘She must have read the Bible so many times, 24:46 but every time it was as if it was happening right in front of her.’ 24:49 Right up until she became incapacitated, 24:53 she was conducting Bible studies 24:55 and helping people to come to know Jehovah. 24:57 She was looking forward to her heavenly reward. 25:01 And for her that was the culmination 25:04 of a life of joy in Jehovah’s service 25:06 and that she was just transferring to her next assignment. 25:10 I’m very, very grateful for work. 25:12 In fact, often in my prayers, 25:14 I’ll pray to Jehovah that I’ll have some good work to do today. 25:16 I’m very grateful to have work to do. 25:26 Similar to what we learned about Jonathan, 25:29 Sister Orrom demonstrated humble reliance on Jehovah. 25:33 So sure was her trust in God 25:36 that she could face even fearful situations 25:39 with a sense of humor. 25:41 We may not be able to laugh when enduring persecution, 25:44 but we can imitate Joey’s faith and firm resolve. 25:50 What else can we learn from Jonathan’s account? 25:54 Picking up at 1 Samuel 14:12, 25:58 Jonathan and his armor-bearer advance toward the Philistines. 26:04 From their elevated location, the Philistines shout to them: 26:08 “‘Come up to us, and we will teach you a lesson!’ 26:12 “At once Jonathan said to his armor-bearer: 26:15 “‘Follow me, for Jehovah will give them into the hand of Israel.’” 26:21 Jonathan had requested a specific sign, and he got it. 26:25 But it meant advancing up a steep and treacherous incline 26:30 right into enemy hands. 26:33 Someone lacking complete trust in Jehovah might have said, 26:36 “Before proceeding, perhaps we should ask for another sign,” 26:41 but not Jonathan. 26:44 Without hesitation, he told his attendant to follow him 26:47 because Jehovah would give the enemy into their hand. 26:51 When we receive Jehovah’s direction, 26:54 we should without hesitation put our hearts into the work, 26:57 confident of Jehovah’s backing. 27:01 What happened next? 27:03 First Samuel 14:13, 14 reports: 27:08 “And Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, 27:12 “and his armor-bearer was behind him; 27:15 “and the Philistines began to fall before Jonathan, 27:19 “and his armor-bearer was putting them to death behind him. 27:22 “In the first attack that Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, 27:26 they struck down about 20 men.” 27:29 Even after receiving a clear sign from Jehovah, 27:32 it took great effort. 27:34 They had to ‘climb up on their hands and feet,’ 27:38 exerting themselves vigorously over rugged terrain. 27:42 The lesson? 27:44 Even when we receive clear direction and are ready to obey, 27:49 carrying out our assignments will not always be easy. 27:54 We have to exert ourselves vigorously, 27:56 being willing to work hard with all of our mind, heart, and strength. 28:03 How did the Philistines react to seeing Jehovah’s support for his people? 28:08 First Samuel 14:15 reads: 28:10 “Then terror spread in the field camp 28:13 “and among all the people of the outpost, 28:16 “and even the raiding parties were terrified. 28:19 The earth began quaking, and a terror from God ensued.” 28:25 The earthquake Jehovah caused melted the Philistines’ hearts. 28:29 Soon, the Israelites, even those who had previously fled in fear, 28:33 joined the victory battle over the Philistines. 28:38 Likewise, when we put our hearts into theocratic assignments, 28:42 Jehovah, our best Fellow Worker, 28:46 will always come through with whatever we need to accomplish his will. 28:52 But there is another lesson to be learned from this exciting Bible account. 28:56 During the height of the battle, 28:58 King Saul gave an unwise order saying: 29:03 “Cursed is the man who eats any food before the evening 29:06 and until I have taken vengeance on my enemies!” 29:11 Jonathan, however, was not aware of his father’s order 29:15 and ate some wild honey that he had found. 29:19 How did Saul react when he discovered that his own son had disobeyed him? 29:25 First Samuel 14:43, 44 tells us: 29:30 “Then Saul said to Jonathan: 29:33 “‘Tell me, what have you done?’ 29:36 “So Jonathan told him: 29:38 “‘I merely tasted a little honey on the tip of the staff in my hand. 29:44 “Here I am! I am ready to die!’ 29:47 “At this Saul said: 29:49 “‘Thus may God do and may he add to it 29:52 if you do not die, Jonathan.’” 29:56 Imagine, after all that Jonathan had done 29:59 in risking his life in behalf of his people 30:02 and seeing Jehovah grant so much success, 30:05 he is now being condemned to death by his own father. 30:11 How his heart must have sank in disbelief, 30:14 disappointment, and sadness! 30:19 Would Jehovah now abandon his loyal fellow worker? 30:23 First Samuel 14:45 reads: 30:26 “But the people said to Saul: 30:29 “‘Should Jonathan die 30:32 “‘—the one who brought this great victory to Israel? 30:34 “‘It is unthinkable! 30:36 “‘As surely as Jehovah is alive, 30:39 “‘not even a single hair of his head should fall to the ground, 30:42 “for it was with God that he acted this day.’ 30:47 With that the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die.” 30:53 Jonathan’s success provided undeniable evidence 30:56 that he was truly Jehovah’s fellow worker. 31:00 Jehovah, who had been at Jonathan’s side the whole time, 31:04 saw everything that had happened 31:06 and would not allow his loyal worker to die at Saul’s hands. 31:12 How comforting to know that when we faithfully carry out our assignments, 31:16 he will never forget our zealous efforts! 31:20 If someone as close as a father 31:23 fails to see and appreciate the work we do in Jehovah’s service 31:27 or even turns against us, Jehovah will never forget our work. 31:32 He will always be there to guide, 31:35 support, protect, and bless us. 31:40 What a faith-building account 31:42 we’ve considered in 1 Samuel chapters 13 and 14! 31:46 Why not take the time to read these chapters for yourself? 31:50 You’ll be moved to imitate Jonathan’s excellent example of loyalty, 31:54 courage, and obedience. 31:58 We want to be described just as Jonathan was at 1 Samuel 14:45: 32:03 “For it was with God that he acted this day.” 32:08 By continuing as industrious fellow workers with Jehovah, 32:11 we are assured that ‘through faith and patience 32:14 we will inherit the promised reward.’ 32:20 Let’s look at another example of modern-day fellow workers with God. 32:25 Assembly Hall servants care for the cleaning 32:28 and maintenance of these places of worship, 32:31 but they don’t do this work alone. 32:34 In this report from the United States, 32:37 we’ll see how the work is organized, 32:40 and we’ll hear how our brothers and sisters 32:42 feel about being able to help with the work. 32:47 The Assembly Hall is an educational center. 32:50 This is a center of pure worship for all the congregations that come. 32:57 Taking care of Jehovah’s house 32:59 is part of sacred service. 33:01 Even going back to the temple, 33:03 everyone had an assignment. 33:05 They had someone to open the doors. 33:07 So, of course, they also had somebody maintaining things. 33:13 As of December 2016, 33:16 there are 773 Assembly Halls worldwide. 33:19 There are so many details at an Assembly Hall; 33:21 you can’t do it all yourself. 33:23 To be overseer of an Assembly Hall— 33:26 We were excited to do it, but it seemed real heavy at the time. 33:35 It does take, 33:36 in our particular case, a couple of hundred. 33:38 There are about 200 or so volunteers 33:41 each and every week 33:44 that really are necessary 33:46 to care for the Assembly Hall —the grounds, 33:49 the accounting, the purchasing, 33:51 the maintenance, 33:53 and the cleaning. 33:55 Each and every one of these chairs —the seating— 33:58 all have moving parts and have to be maintained. 34:01 And with 4,050 seats in here, 34:05 we can say that every single one of them has been maintained. 34:12 John 2:17 says: “The zeal for your house will consume me.” 34:16 And I think we have an opportunity to show Jehovah that 34:19 —that we have zeal, we have an eagerness, a fire for his house, 34:24 and for caring for it. 34:26 So we appreciate all those who want to work at the Assembly Hall. 34:30 So many of the dear friends, after they just spent a whole day 34:33 doing some terribly dirty job, they thank you for the privilege. 34:38 Well, that’s zeal for Jehovah’s house. 34:40 Nowhere else does that happen. 34:42 And if we tried to do it ourselves or if we hired somebody, 34:45 it wouldn’t be as good as the work that the friends do when they come in. 34:50 When the friends come on the weekend, 34:52 this is an educational facility. 34:54 So they come here 34:55 to be educated about Jehovah. 34:57 And new ones come, 34:59 and it needs to be dignified 35:01 and reflect Jehovah’s qualities. 35:05 So the cleaning that goes on and the maintenance that goes on 35:09 —that’s what the purpose is. 35:14 At lunchtime, we do a spiritual program. 35:17 It could be a talk; it could be a discussion. 35:21 And we, really, generally try to cover a topic 35:25 that helps the volunteers see the connection 35:27 between their work at the Assembly Hall 35:30 and the Kingdom preaching work. 35:33 We are preachers. 35:34 That’s number one —to spread the good news. 35:37 And we see the results of that here. 35:40 We’re filling this place up. 35:51 It’s a real privilege. 35:53 You learn so much from the sacrifices that the friends make 35:57 in order to serve Jehovah 36:00 that it makes us feel very small, and we realize 36:03 what a blessing it is for us to be in that environment all the time. 36:08 The goal of any work in Jehovah’s service 36:10 is to help as many people as you can 36:12 to come to know him 36:13 and to take care of his interests 36:15 here on the earth. 36:16 And we all have the same goal 36:18 —trying to please him and doing what we can. 36:25 Our goal, really, as Assembly Hall servants 36:29 is to take care of the place in such a way 36:34 —take care of the Assembly Hall in such a way— 36:37 that not only saves and makes wise use 36:40 of dedicated funds and resources 36:43 but also makes things ready in such a way 36:46 that on Saturday morning when the brothers and sisters walk in 36:48 and the attendants and the sound 36:51 and the stage brothers are getting ready, 36:53 all they really have to do is come on in and flip the switches 36:56 —lights come on, air conditioning, heat. 36:59 Everything is functioning. 37:00 All they have to do is just focus on the program 37:03 and listen and take in instruction. 37:06 That’s what we’re asked to do —listen and take in instruction. 37:09 And we can do that when we’re not distracted by anything else. 37:12 So if everything 37:14 works well on an assembly day, 37:16 we know we’ve done our job. 37:23 We can remember these hard-working brothers and sisters 37:26 in our prayers, 37:28 and we can do our part to help them. 37:31 If possible, volunteer to assist 37:33 with your congregation’s cleaning assignment 37:35 at your next assembly. 37:37 Or ask about the arrangement for maintaining Assembly Halls in your area. 37:42 A few are needed to take the lead, 37:45 but they need our help to get the work done. 37:50 The same is true with the great amount of work in the congregation. 37:54 In our discussion about Jonathan, 37:56 we mentioned the zealous example of our elders. 38:01 Are the elders “leaders” 38:03 or do they “take the lead”? 38:05 What’s the difference? 38:07 Brother Geoffrey Jackson explains in this Bethel morning worship. 38:12 While meditating on the text this morning, 38:15 I was reminded of an experience 38:17 I had many years ago as a missionary. 38:20 At the time, 38:20 I was studying with a young man 38:23 who was training to be a pastor 38:25 in his church. 38:26 This man had got to the point where he started to attend all our meetings 38:31 while at the same time still attending his church gatherings. 38:36 The church, obviously, was very disturbed 38:38 about the fact that he was coming to the meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 38:42 and their headquarters sent in a missionary from overseas 38:45 to try and rectify the situation. 38:47 The young man told me what happened. 38:50 He said the missionary asked him, 38:52 “What is it that impresses you about Jehovah’s Witnesses?” 38:55 He said, “Well, one of the things is that they do the preaching work.” 39:00 The missionary replied, “Well, our church can do that too.” 39:04 So the next time they had a service, 39:08 the missionary conducted the service and with great zeal and enthusiasm 39:12 demanded that everyone in the church take part in the preaching work. 39:17 He announced the time that they would have the group to go preaching. 39:21 The young man told me quite a number of people came along. 39:24 But there was just one thing missing, you guessed it, the missionary. 39:28 He felt that it was enough 39:30 just to encourage everybody else to do it without engaging in it himself. 39:36 How different was the example of Jesus and of our hard-working elders 39:41 who do take the lead with regard to the preaching work. 39:45 Now let’s take our Bibles and turn to a very interesting scripture 39:49 in Hebrews 13:7, 17. 39:54 Now, I’d like to highlight the beauty of the New World Translation 39:58 in these two verses. 40:00 You see at the beginning of verse 7: 40:02 “Remember those who are taking the lead among you.” 40:05 And then verse 17: 40:07 “Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you.” 40:12 If you look at other Bibles, whether new or old, 40:16 most of them say “your leaders.” 40:19 Now, obviously, the New World Translation Committee 40:23 had in mind Jesus’ comments with regard 40:26 to no one being a leader among us, 40:29 and although it’s a different word in the Greek text, 40:32 still in English we can’t help but be sensitive to that matter. 40:36 And so this accurate translation of saying “taking the lead” 40:40 really summarizes, doesn’t it, what the role is of an elder. 40:45 We’re not leaders, but we set the right example. 40:49 Now, this accurate translation is also portrayed 40:53 in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ as recorded in Luke chapter 22, 40:58 and you’ll be interested to note 41:01 that this is part of the revision of the New World Translation text. 41:05 Luke 22:26, it now portrays accurately 41:10 the fact that both expressions in Hebrew 41:13 and this one here are the same word. 41:17 So, Luke 22:26, 41:21 it says: “You, though, are not to be that way. 41:25 But let the one who is the greatest among you become as the youngest.” 41:29 And then notice: “and the one taking the lead,” 41:33 now this is the same expression as in the Hebrews, 41:36 “as the one ministering.” 41:39 So, obviously, to take the lead means to do the work, 41:44 to be a minister, to be a servant, to serve others. 41:48 This also reminds me, many years ago, 41:50 when I worked with the translation team in the Pacific nation of Samoa. 41:55 At that point, we were trying to select an accurate expression 41:59 to convey this thought of “taking the lead.” 42:02 And there were two words eventually that the brothers 42:05 were trying to select between, or choose between. 42:08 One was the word ta’ita’i and the other ta’imua. 42:11 Now, you don’t have to remember those words, 42:14 but as a foreigner, I didn’t really understand 42:18 the subtleties between the difference of the two words. 42:20 So I asked the brothers, “How can you explain to me 42:23 what these two words mean?” 42:25 So one of the brothers was very eloquent. 42:28 He said: “Well, just imagine a procession, a parade. 42:32 “So a ta’ita’i is the old man who sits 42:36 “on the side of the road barking out the orders: 42:39 “‘You should do it this way; you should do it that way.’ 42:41 “The ta’imua, on the other hand, is the one right in the front of the parade 42:46 taking the lead and everyone’s following him.” 42:49 Which word do you think we selected? 42:52 Doesn’t that summarize nicely just exactly what’s involved with being an elder? 42:57 It’s not a matter of sitting on the sidelines barking out orders 43:01 but getting involved, 43:03 setting the right example, and then others following. 43:06 And this is in harmony with one Greek lexicon 43:09 that describes this expression this way, it says, 43:12 “The concept of leading can be expressed 43:15 “by showing how to do something, 43:18 “demonstrating how we ought to do it, 43:20 and going ahead showing the way.” 43:23 Of course, on the other hand, some religions even view 43:27 the expression “elder” as a title. 43:30 You’ve probably heard of them introducing themselves, 43:33 “Good morning, I’m Elder Jackson.” 43:36 Well, of course, none of us would want to view 43:38 being an elder as a title in the sense of a position 43:43 that lords it over others. 43:45 And with that in mind, another subtlety to the revision 43:48 is seen in 1 Timothy chapter 3, 43:51 so please turn there with me, 43:54 1 Timothy 3:1. 43:58 These are well-known words 44:01 —particularly when brothers are considering the qualifications for elders— 44:06 but you may or may not have seen 44:09 the subtleties of the change here in this revision. 44:12 It says now: “This statement is trustworthy: 44:17 “If a man is reaching out to be an overseer, 44:20 he is desirous of a fine work.” 44:24 Do you remember before the original New World Translation said: 44:29 ‘If someone is reaching out for the office of being an overseer?’ 44:34 And that reflected and no doubt was influenced 44:37 by the King James and many of the older translations 44:41 that translated it that way. 44:44 But when we look at the rest of the verse, 44:46 we see that it’s not the office, or the position, 44:50 of being an overseer that someone reaches out for; 44:54 rather, it’s the work. 44:56 Yes, the hard work that needs to be done by an overseer. 45:00 An overseer recognizes 45:04 that he needs to work hard at setting the right example, 45:08 and then others will follow 45:10 —rather than just telling everyone what they should do. 45:14 So when we look at these subtleties in the New World Translation, 45:18 it only helps us to appreciate it even more, doesn’t it? 45:21 So with this in mind, 45:22 what does our text this morning help us to keep in mind? 45:26 Well, as elders, what do we need to do? 45:30 Not sit on the sidelines barking out orders but, rather, 45:35 to take the lead, be in the forefront, do the work, 45:39 and then others will follow our example, 45:41 just as we follow the example of Jesus. 45:45 The Bible gives us a clear understanding 45:48 of what Jehovah wants us to do in the congregation. 45:51 Elders take the lead by doing the work, 45:54 and we follow their good example. 45:58 Applying God’s Word contributes to our being fellow workers 46:01 under peaceful conditions. 46:04 But we could be distracted 46:06 even when our brothers and sisters are right there with us. 46:10 What are these distractions? 46:12 Let’s see in this music video. 46:24 Think—think outside the box. Be someone who talks. 46:30 Don’t waste away behind that tiny screen 46:33 ’Cause you know that there’s much more to life 46:37 Than friend requests and likes. Think of all the things we haven’t seen. 46:43 Well, you— 46:44 You’ll never see them if you’re focused on the superficial. 46:48 You need real friends, if you know what I mean. 46:52 Look at me. Can you see 46:56 What I see? Around the world, this happy family. 47:01 Look at me. Do you know 47:05 What I know? That you belong. 47:10 Put down the phone, and look at me. 47:17 Take—take the time to see. See what others see. 47:22 Don’t trade that plastic box for all your friends. 47:25 You can make friends you know are true, Who love Jehovah too, 47:32 Who’ll stand right by your side until the end. 47:35 But, you— 47:36 You’ll never meet them if you’re focused on the superficial. 47:40 You need real friends, if you know what I mean. 47:44 Look at me. Can you see 47:48 What I see? Around the world, this happy family. 47:54 Look at me. Do you know 47:58 What I know? That you belong. 48:02 Put down the phone, and look at me. 48:23 Don’t let it play you for a fool. 48:29 What you’re getting could be fact or could be fiction. 48:33 Life in the cloud can be so cruel. 48:38 Why don’t you come back down to earth, converse, and reverse the addiction? 49:04 Put—put down your device ’Cause if you don’t think twice, 49:10 The best in life will surely pass you by. 49:13 Look, listen, taste, and touch— The things we love so much 49:19 Have been here all along. All you need to do is 49:24 Realize what’s in your hand is only superficial. 49:28 You’ve got real friends, if you know what I mean. 49:32 Look at me. Can you see 49:36 What I see? Around the world, this happy family. 49:42 Look at me. Do you know 49:46 What I know? That you belong. 49:50 Put down the phone, and look at me. 49:53 Can you see What I see? 49:58 Around the world, this happy family. 50:01 Look at me. Do you know 50:05 What I know? That you belong. 50:09 Put down the phone, and look at me. 50:14 Time spent with our brothers and sisters is precious. 50:18 Make the most of it by setting aside anything 50:22 that could distract from the interchange of encouragement. 50:26 Sometimes, though, our viewpoint of ones in the congregation 50:30 hides their true beauty that Jehovah sees. 50:34 How does the sister in this dramatization learn that lesson and, 50:39 in turn, become more beautiful herself? 51:04 My name is Miki. 51:06 I moved here one year ago. 51:09 Everyone was so nice and friendly. 51:20 Well, that’s how I felt in the beginning. 51:38 I am not your babysitter! 51:48 Didn’t you see we were talking? 52:02 Come on! This is not a park! 52:07 And the elders are always busy. 52:10 I’m not sure if they really want me here. 52:24 Yoko, a pioneer sister from my former congregation, visited me. 52:30 She asked me how I was doing. 52:34 I told her how I felt about my congregation. 52:39 Then she told me that she had a similar experience. 52:43 And she shared with me a Watchtower article that helped her. 52:49 I made this my next personal study project. 52:55 “What do you see when you look at others? 52:59 “Do you have the tendency to view what they say or do 53:02 “as either black or white, 53:04 as if no other colors or shades existed?” 53:10 “Having that viewpoint 53:11 “would be like a photographer who ignores the large variety 53:15 “of brilliant hues and shades in an autumn landscape, 53:19 as if only black and white images existed.” 53:29 Maybe I’ve been viewing the congregation as “black and white.” 53:35 The article then turned my attention to Jesus’ example. 53:41 “The spirit, of course, is eager, 53:45 but the flesh is weak.” 53:51 Why was Jesus able to say such kind words 53:54 to his disciples? 54:06 Insight is the ability to put yourself 54:08 in the other’s place. 54:10 Jesus did that with his disciples. 54:13 OK, I need to do the same. 54:17 She always looks after the children at home. 54:19 She also needs time to be refreshed 54:22 by association with friends at the Kingdom Hall. 54:25 She probably didn’t mean to be rude. 54:29 Since we looked like we were having an enjoyable conversation, 54:32 she may have just wanted to join us. 54:36 The elders are so busy caring for the needs 54:39 of the congregation. 54:41 I know they’re doing the best they can. 54:43 I want to do what I can to make their job easier. 55:13 Miki, 55:14 you are such a beautiful Christian. 55:17 We’re so glad to have you in our congregation. 55:27 “The insight of a man certainly 55:29 “slows down his anger, and it is beauty on his part 55:34 to overlook an offense.” 55:46 If you’d like to make this lesson a topic 55:48 for your personal study or family worship, 55:51 you can review the March 15, 2008, Watchtower article 55:56 beginning on page 25. 55:58 The title asks the question: 56:01 “Do You View Others as Jehovah Does?” 56:04 When we share Jehovah’s view of others, 56:07 we’re better equipped to be fellow workers with God 56:10 and with our brothers and sisters. 56:14 Finally, this month’s report from fellow workers 56:16 comes to us from the country of Georgia. 56:20 Forests, streams, and lush valleys 56:24 adorn this mountainous region on the border of Europe and Asia. 56:28 Georgia’s capital, 56:29 Tbilisi, is a bustling city 56:32 where modern buildings mix with historic architecture. 56:36 The Georgian people are known 56:39 for their strong family ties and warm hospitality. 56:44 Folk music and dances are a rich part of their culture. 56:48 Visitors are offered to try a variety of delicious local foods, 56:52 such as this candy made from walnuts and grape juice. 56:56 Old town Sighnaghi is a unique place 56:59 to enjoy the beautiful landscape and culture. 57:04 The congregation here has 50 publishers 57:06 who keep busy in the preaching work. 57:08 Despite being a small congregation, 57:11 they represent almost 3 percent of the town’s population. 57:17 Remote towns and villages create opportunities to preach 57:20 in unassigned territories throughout the year. 57:24 We thank the congregation in Sighnaghi 57:26 and the more than 18,000 brothers and sisters in Georgia 57:30 for this encouraging visit with them. 57:32 And we send them and all of you 57:35 our warm Christian love and greetings. 57:39 From the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 57:42 this is JW Broadcasting.
00:01 Welcome to our program. 00:03 Here’s a preview of what we can look forward to. 00:06 This brother began his ministry in the Congo 00:10 when his fellow Witnesses were few in number. 00:13 How did Jehovah bless his hard work 00:16 to preach and shepherd? 00:19 It’s a joy when we come together at Assembly Halls for spiritual programs. 00:24 But how much work goes into caring for these places of pure worship? 00:29 We also work to maintain peaceful relationships 00:31 with our brothers and sisters. 00:33 What lesson does this sister learn 00:35 that lets her see the beautiful qualities in others? 00:40 And we’ll consider the privilege we have to be fellow workers with God. 00:45 You’re watching the October 2017 edition of JW Broadcasting. 01:10 We begin with a report from the United States branch 01:13 in Wallkill, New York. 01:15 Any Bethel assignment is a joy and sometimes a challenge. 01:20 Proper training is therefore an important part of every job. 01:26 How does the Maintenance Department 01:28 train hundreds of volunteers to work efficiently and safely? 01:33 And how do the students feel about the practical training they receive? 01:43 There were a few factors 01:45 that created the need at Bethel 01:48 for a more structured training program. 01:50 One of those factors included the regular changeover in personnel. 01:55 The brothers have to be more versatile 01:57 in their assignments. 01:58 They may have to do tasks they 02:00 previously weren’t trained on. 02:01 Printing equipment became more technologically advanced; 02:05 our building systems became more complicated; 02:09 computer systems were now starting 02:11 to be used to control virtually everything. 02:13 Well, I feel like Bethel has definitely always been good about training, 02:17 but especially now. 02:19 I think everyone sees the need to continue investing 02:22 in the brothers and sisters that are currently at Bethel. 02:26 I don’t think it’s possible for someone 02:28 to know less about the trades 02:30 than I did when I started. 02:31 I remember my first reaction 02:33 when I was invited to help 02:34 in electrical was fear. 02:37 So when I received my assignment, 02:39 I found out that it involved 02:41 running the heavy equipment. 02:43 So I called my parents. 02:45 I was really excited about it. 02:47 I said, “Mom and Dad, guess what I get to do?” 02:49 And Dad said, “OK, Son. 02:51 Well, did you tell them that you don’t know how to drive?” 02:56 It was decided to pull a group 02:58 of highly experienced, highly skilled brothers 03:01 to concentrate on developing and teaching 03:05 repeatable, consistent classes 03:07 that could bring people’s skill levels up to what was needed. 03:12 We teach well over 100 different classes 03:14 in 12 major categories. 03:16 Here at Bethel, I’ve probably been 03:18 a part of over 30 different classes, 03:20 so it’s been a variety, depending on 03:23 the needs at the time of the assignment. 03:25 I would estimate that I’ve taken about 15 03:28 or 20 different courses from safety and training 03:31 over the course of my 13 years in learning a trade. 03:33 I’ve become certified 03:35 in at least these seven different licensed requirements. 03:39 We teach people technical skills, 03:40 but that’s not the sole purpose 03:42 of the training. 03:43 If you aren’t skilled in safety, 03:44 you can’t be skilled in your trade and vice versa. 03:46 The objective in all of our safety courses 03:49 is to get them to view safety the same way Jehovah views it 03:53 —as a reflection of their spirituality. 03:56 So training in safety is essential. 03:59 So our goal is to take them 04:00 into the classroom 04:01 and give them some time 04:02 to consider the theoretical. 04:04 And then we take them out 04:05 where there is a lab set up, and we have them do some tests on it. 04:08 Typically, they will tell us 04:10 that they’ve been able to learn more in a week 04:13 than what they have learned in a year of trade school. 04:16 We’ve done over 60,000 instances of training. 04:20 And so now receiving this training, 04:22 it provides an area or an aspect 04:25 in which I can give my 100 percent to Jehovah. 04:28 You see it in their eyes. 04:30 They’re just so happy 04:31 that they now have maybe a new skill 04:34 or a new understanding that they can use to benefit Jehovah. 04:38 I love the fact that I came into Bethel with virtually no experience. 04:42 And not only did I receive a trade that I could use 04:46 to carry out a work that glorifies Jehovah 04:50 but I was trained well enough that I can share that with others, 04:53 and they can be trained too. 04:54 Helping someone else to go from that feeling 04:58 of not knowing anything to feeling productive 05:01 and feeling like they’re contributing is a real joy for me. 05:04 And they can take what they learn 05:06 wherever they go. 05:07 The confidence that people leave with once they’ve received 05:11 that investment —it’s confidence that they can carry out 05:14 whatever assignment Jehovah has given them, 05:16 and the confidence that Jehovah is going to train them 05:18 for whatever is being asked of them. 05:21 I think if younger brothers and sisters 05:23 are trying to learn a skill so that they can come to Bethel, 05:26 that’s commendable, but more important is spirituality. 05:30 Let Jehovah “finish your training.” 05:32 In regard to training, we’re really only getting started. 05:34 The training that we are getting in this system of things by Jehovah, 05:38 and especially related to safety, 05:41 is absolutely going to be vital in the new world. 05:44 I can imagine the idea 05:46 of being able to use some of the things I’ve learned 05:48 to figure out how 05:50 we can use the natural resources in a way without using them up. 05:53 We know that we serve a God who is known as the “Grand Instructor.” 05:56 So the things that we’re teaching and training right now, 05:59 it can only expand in the future. 06:02 And as long as you let him train you, you’re going to be all right. 06:09 Good training gives us confidence to do our best for Jehovah. 06:14 That’s true at Bethel but also true in the field. 06:19 Have you, though, ever felt alone in your assignment, 06:22 even if for just a few hours in the ministry? 06:26 Brother Pontien Mukanga may have felt that way early in his assignment. 06:31 He was the first circuit overseer for all of what is now 06:35 the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo. 06:40 He traveled great distances to visit the few brothers throughout the territory. 06:46 Listen to what encouraged him the most to keep going. 06:52 In 1960, 06:54 I was made a circuit overseer for the whole of Congo. 06:59 I was so happy to receive this privilege. 07:03 But I was shocked and scared. 07:06 The assignment was huge. 07:09 Congo is a vast country. 07:12 I was afraid to go to places I didn’t know. 07:17 I felt overwhelmed, so I turned to Jehovah. 07:22 Sometimes I had to go through savannahs and across the jungle. 07:27 There were wild animals. 07:29 One day, I climbed up a tree to find a place to sleep. 07:34 I tied myself to a branch with my belt. 07:37 I was afraid I would be taken by a boa snake. 07:42 I was afraid of getting lost in the forest. 07:46 Visiting the brothers was very difficult. 07:49 Sometimes the journey took many days. 07:53 I remember one day, I left my house 07:55 to visit the brothers to encourage them. 08:01 I left at 5:30 in the morning, 08:04 and I arrived at 7:30 that night. 08:08 I had to push my bicycle through sand 08:10 for up to 13 miles (21 km) or even more. 08:14 Other times, we traveled by truck. 08:16 That was not easy. 08:18 You had to climb on top of the truck. 08:23 I had to hold on tight so as not to fall. 08:27 Congregations, isolated groups were far away from one another. 08:33 There were no phones at that time either. 08:36 Even though they did not know I was coming, 08:39 they made me feel so welcome. 08:44 The brothers were really very hospitable. 08:48 When I arrived, 08:50 I was exhausted but so happy to see the brothers. 08:58 The Kitawala was a religion. 09:02 They sent many letters to the Belgium branch 09:04 asking to be recognized as Jehovah’s Witnesses. 09:09 These people used 09:10 our publications and used the name Watch Tower. 09:17 It created a lot of confusion. 09:21 To clarify the matter, 09:23 the organization prepared a booklet. 09:28 My mission was to check whether 09:30 there were any genuine Jehovah’s Witnesses in Kisangani. 09:36 We found out that these people were 09:39 not Jehovah’s Witnesses. 09:43 In all the confusion, people even tried to kill me 09:47 during the trip. 09:49 Fortunately, I managed to escape. 09:54 Since it was Jehovah who assigned me this privilege, 09:59 I was confident that he would always help me. 10:07 And today, I am very happy 10:09 to have at my side my children, my grandchildren, 10:13 and my great-grandchildren —all Jehovah’s Witnesses. 10:19 Jehovah has given me many blessings. 10:22 I am truly grateful. 10:25 What a joy to be used by Almighty God. 10:30 Through all these years, I have never lacked anything. 10:36 Jehovah has given me the strength 10:38 to serve him up until now—to the age of 86. 10:43 In everything and for everything, 10:47 my trust really is in Jehovah. 10:51 There were 46 publishers 10:53 in the whole of Congo. 10:55 Today, I hear there are more than 10:58 223,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses 11:00 in the Congo. 11:05 Today, when I see 11:08 the increase of Jehovah’s people, 11:14 to me it is like a miracle. 11:19 I thank Jehovah for allowing me to see 11:23 ‘the little one become a thousand’ 11:25 here in the Congo. 11:36 Brother Mukanga continues to serve as an elder at nearly 88 years old. 11:43 Can you imagine yourself experiencing both the joys 11:46 and difficulties he had as a circuit overseer? 11:50 He courageously visited the Kitawala religious groups 11:54 who claimed to serve Jehovah, 11:56 only to find some were violent and practiced immorality. 12:01 But it was his reliance on Jehovah 12:04 and watching Him turn the small group of brothers 12:07 into more than 200,000 that has kept him going. 12:13 He personally experienced our theme for this program: 12:16 “The Privilege and Blessing of Being God’s Fellow Worker.” 12:22 As Jehovah’s people, 12:24 we enjoy many undeserved 12:26 and precious privileges. 12:28 Among them, we bear Jehovah’s name 12:32 and render him sacred service. 12:34 As we carry out his will, 12:37 he dignifies us in a very special way. 12:41 At 1 Corinthians 3:9, the apostle Paul under inspiration 12:46 stated that “we are God’s fellow workers.” 12:51 What an honor to be a fellow worker with the Universal Sovereign, 12:55 our loving heavenly Father! 12:58 To build appreciation for the privilege of working with Jehovah, 13:02 we’re going to review events in the life of Jonathan, a son of King Saul. 13:08 First Samuel 14:45 describes Jonathan when it says: 13:12 “For it was with God that he acted this day.” 13:17 What was the background that led to this statement? 13:20 How did Jonathan act, or work, with Jehovah on that day? 13:25 What lessons can we learn from their working relationship? 13:30 And what blessings result from being a fellow worker with God? 13:35 Let us begin with some background. 13:39 First Samuel 12:20 13:43 records the encouraging words 13:45 spoken by the prophet Samuel to the nation of Israel: 13:48 “Do not be afraid. . . . 13:50 “Only do not turn away from following Jehovah, 13:54 and serve Jehovah with all your heart.” 13:56 Verse 22 adds: 13:59 “For the sake of his great name, 14:01 Jehovah will not abandon his people.” 14:05 As long as they remained faithful, 14:07 Jehovah would always be there to guide, protect, and rescue them. 14:13 These words no doubt strengthened Jonathan to carry out Jehovah’s directive 14:17 to subdue the enemy nations 14:19 and take possession of the Promised Land. 14:23 At 1 Samuel chapter 13, 14:26 we read that Jonathan was assigned 1,000 men 14:29 to attack a Philistine garrison at Geba. 14:33 Although poorly equipped, Jonathan and his men succeeded. 14:38 This victory strengthened Jonathan’s confidence in Jehovah 14:42 and provides a valuable lesson for us: 14:46 While we gain strength and courage 14:48 from Jehovah’s reassuring words of the Scriptures, 14:51 our confidence in Jehovah’s support becomes even stronger 14:55 when we successfully carry out our assignments 14:58 that may seem overwhelming. 15:02 The account then relates how the Philistines 15:04 were infuriated over their defeat and mounted a massive counterattack. 15:10 They sent out raiding parties 15:12 from their camp at Michmash near Jerusalem. 15:15 Many Israelite men hid out of fear, 15:17 and some even fled to the other side of the Jordan River. 15:22 In contrast, Jonathan remained courageous. 15:27 Determined to put a stop to the raids, 15:29 he confronted the Philistine outpost 15:32 at the ravine pass of Michmash. 15:35 The approach was by way of a deep gorge with nearly vertical cliffs. 15:41 This would have seemed next to impossible to someone unfamiliar with the area, 15:46 but Jonathan grew up in this territory and apparently knew it well. 15:52 His knowledge of the surroundings provides another practical lesson: 15:57 Whatever theocratic assignment we may be given, 16:00 putting forth time and effort to get to know the terrain, 16:04 so to speak, will contribute to our effectiveness. 16:08 When we show interest in our assigned work, 16:10 we become even more effective fellow workers of Jehovah. 16:15 Let’s read as Jonathan prepares to take action against the Philistines. 16:21 First Samuel 14:6 states: 16:24 “So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer: 16:26 “‘Come and let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. 16:31 “‘Perhaps Jehovah will act in our behalf, 16:34 for nothing can hinder Jehovah from saving by many or by few.’” 16:40 What contributed to his confidence in Jehovah? 16:44 Recall that he put faith in Jehovah’s reassuring words 16:47 through the prophet Samuel: “Do not be afraid. . . . 16:51 For the sake of his great name, Jehovah will not abandon his people.” 16:57 He experienced Jehovah’s support 16:59 when he struck down the Philistine garrison at Geba. 17:04 Jonathan could also think back on Israel’s history. 17:08 He could reflect on how Gideon and his 300 men 17:11 were victorious over 135,000 Midianites. 17:16 He could meditate on Samson killing 1,000 Philistines 17:20 with the jawbone of a donkey. 17:24 Such examples would bolster his confidence 17:27 that he was working with the Almighty God, Jehovah. 17:33 We too can meditate on fellow workers of God recorded in the Scriptures 17:37 as well as published life stories of modern-day faithful servants. 17:42 Such examples reinforce our faith in Jehovah 17:45 as we rely on him for success. 17:50 Another lesson comes from the response of Jonathan’s armor-bearer 17:54 at 1 Samuel 14:7: 17:56 “At this his armor-bearer said to him: 17:59 “‘Do whatever your heart impels you to do. 18:02 “‘Turn wherever you wish, 18:05 and I will follow you wherever your heart impels you.’” 18:09 It is unlikely that the attendant 18:11 would have initiated this challenging mission on his own. 18:15 Jonathan’s confident lead was a positive, motivating influence on the man. 18:22 What happens today when elders and overseers 18:25 take the lead and display zeal in Jehovah’s work like Jonathan? 18:30 Others in the congregation are also motivated to action by their fine example. 18:37 Let us now read verses 8-10: 18:40 “Then Jonathan said: 18:42 “‘We will cross over to those men and reveal our presence to them. 18:47 “‘If they say to us, “Stand still until we come to you!” 18:51 “‘we will stand where we are and not go up to them. 18:55 “‘But if they say, “Come up against us!” 18:58 “‘we will go up, because Jehovah will give them into our hand. 19:03 This will be our sign.’” 19:06 Jonathan once again demonstrated humble reliance on Jehovah. 19:11 Later in Second Samuel, 19:13 Jonathan is described as “swifter than the eagles” 19:16 and “mightier than the lions.” 19:19 However, these qualities and abilities did not cause him 19:23 to be self-reliant or overconfident. 19:27 He sought Jehovah’s direction by means of a sign. 19:32 What a powerful reminder for us! 19:35 Regardless of any natural abilities, 19:38 acquired skills, or experience we may have, 19:41 the key to success is seeking Jehovah’s guidance and support. 19:46 We seek his direction through specific prayers, 19:50 Bible reading and meditation, 19:52 and applying direction from “the faithful and discreet slave.” 19:58 We also consult with longtime faithful brothers and sisters 20:01 who can share their rich experience as God’s fellow workers. 20:07 One such example was Sister Joey Orrom, 20:11 who served in the Britain branch. 20:14 She shared her experiences in an archived interview 20:18 some time before finishing her earthly course in 2011. 20:24 Listen also to the comments of her fellow workers in Britain 20:28 who benefited from their time together. 20:35 I had the privilege for two years 20:37 of sitting at the same table as Sister Orrom for morning worship. 20:40 She expected nothing and appreciated 20:42 everything that you did for her. 20:44 Sister Orrom was affectionately known as Joey. 20:48 And if you take the “e” out of Joey, 20:50 you’re left with the English word “joy,” 20:53 and that summed her up. 20:55 My impression of Joey when I first met her 20:57 was here is this frail old lady. 21:00 But then when you started to speak to Joey, 21:03 you were tapping into a tremendous depth. 21:06 About the age of 20, 21:08 round about that time, 21:09 I had the heavenly calling. 21:11 That was a big battle. 21:12 I couldn’t understand why Jehovah would use a person like me. 21:16 And when I was 21, 21:19 I got into pioneering, in 1939. 21:21 But the police were after me 21:23 because I wouldn’t join the armed forces, and I was tried under a new act. 21:27 And they kept taking me into a side room and saying, 21:30 “If you will say you are not connected with Jehovah’s Witnesses, 21:32 not connected with the Watch Tower, you’ll have a walk away.” 21:36 I said: “I am connected with the Watch Tower. 21:38 I’m proud to be connected with the Watch Tower.” 21:40 And they said, “Then they are directing you.” 21:44 I said, “No, my stand of not doing as you wish is my own personal stand.” 21:49 So this went on. 21:50 In the end, they sent me to prison just for two months 21:52 and then let me out. 21:54 I partnered with another sister, 21:56 and she and I went to Northern Ireland 21:59 and pioneered there for 18 months. 22:01 And it was in Northern Ireland that we had our call to Gilead. 22:03 In 1948, Joey was invited to Gilead, 22:06 and that was the 11th class. 22:08 It left an impression on me, which I will never ever, ever forget. 22:12 You pick up that spirit of good behavior, of love. 22:16 It’s something that leaves its mark, or it should. 22:18 It has left its mark on me —very, very much so. 22:22 One thing Brother Knorr impressed on us: 22:24 “You’ll be three years on your assignment before you really love it.” 22:28 And it was true because it was a hard assignment. 22:31 After Gilead, she was assigned to be a missionary 22:35 in Dublin, in the Irish Republic. 22:37 That was the time when Catholic priests 22:39 used to organize mobs against the pioneers. 22:42 She was full of joy, but that didn’t mean to say 22:44 that she’d had an easy life. 22:46 We never went out from door to door without being mobbed 22:49 and attacked and beaten up and thrown around. 22:52 And you could only do a few houses in a row, 22:54 and you’d have to get away very quickly. 22:57 But we made a very good name. 22:58 People got to know we were completely neutral. 23:01 They chose four of us to work the business property, 23:04 and I got some studies going in their offices. 23:06 But one place I went into, I walked the length of this draper shop, 23:10 and I asked if I could go into the manager’s office. 23:14 As I went in, I didn’t say a word. 23:16 I didn’t open my mouth and even say good morning, 23:19 but this man stood up, and he said, “Russellite!” 23:22 And he took hold of me by the scruff of my neck 23:25 and the seat of my pants, and he lifted me up 23:27 and he carried me the length of the store. 23:30 Well, like a silly one, I should’ve gone heavy on him, you see. 23:35 But instead of that, I let my legs paddle 23:37 and I was hanging onto my book bag, not wanting to lose it. 23:40 And when he got to the front door, the staff, 23:42 their eyes were absolutely aghast at what was happening. 23:45 He opened his front door and threw me out, literally. 23:48 And I went zoom! just managed to go zoom! 23:51 And one of the brothers was passing, 23:54 and he caught me —caught me steady— 23:56 and said, “Whatever is going on?” 23:58 And I couldn’t stop laughing. 24:00 To me it was very, very funny. 24:02 The rest were so cross about it, but I wasn’t at all cross. 24:05 I thought it was quite hilarious. 24:07 I could see myself being carried through this shop sky-high. 24:10 Things like that happened. 24:12 These experiences did not dampen her zeal. 24:15 She always retained that missionary spirit. 24:18 I first met Joey 24:20 when I was commuting to Bethel 24:21 in the infirmary. 24:23 She was sitting on that old-fashioned chair with this huge Bible, 24:27 and she stayed there hours reading the Bible, 24:31 praying to Jehovah. 24:32 Often, when you came in, she’d be in the middle of Bible reading. 24:35 And she’d be saying something like, 24:37 “Daniel has just been thrown into the lion’s den!” 24:39 or “Oh, Jehovah is really angry. 24:41 He’s thundering from the heavens!” 24:43 And it made me think, ‘Wow! 24:44 ‘She must have read the Bible so many times, 24:46 but every time it was as if it was happening right in front of her.’ 24:49 Right up until she became incapacitated, 24:53 she was conducting Bible studies 24:55 and helping people to come to know Jehovah. 24:57 She was looking forward to her heavenly reward. 25:01 And for her that was the culmination 25:04 of a life of joy in Jehovah’s service 25:06 and that she was just transferring to her next assignment. 25:10 I’m very, very grateful for work. 25:12 In fact, often in my prayers, 25:14 I’ll pray to Jehovah that I’ll have some good work to do today. 25:16 I’m very grateful to have work to do. 25:26 Similar to what we learned about Jonathan, 25:29 Sister Orrom demonstrated humble reliance on Jehovah. 25:33 So sure was her trust in God 25:36 that she could face even fearful situations 25:39 with a sense of humor. 25:41 We may not be able to laugh when enduring persecution, 25:44 but we can imitate Joey’s faith and firm resolve. 25:50 What else can we learn from Jonathan’s account? 25:54 Picking up at 1 Samuel 14:12, 25:58 Jonathan and his armor-bearer advance toward the Philistines. 26:04 From their elevated location, the Philistines shout to them: 26:08 “‘Come up to us, and we will teach you a lesson!’ 26:12 “At once Jonathan said to his armor-bearer: 26:15 “‘Follow me, for Jehovah will give them into the hand of Israel.’” 26:21 Jonathan had requested a specific sign, and he got it. 26:25 But it meant advancing up a steep and treacherous incline 26:30 right into enemy hands. 26:33 Someone lacking complete trust in Jehovah might have said, 26:36 “Before proceeding, perhaps we should ask for another sign,” 26:41 but not Jonathan. 26:44 Without hesitation, he told his attendant to follow him 26:47 because Jehovah would give the enemy into their hand. 26:51 When we receive Jehovah’s direction, 26:54 we should without hesitation put our hearts into the work, 26:57 confident of Jehovah’s backing. 27:01 What happened next? 27:03 First Samuel 14:13, 14 reports: 27:08 “And Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, 27:12 “and his armor-bearer was behind him; 27:15 “and the Philistines began to fall before Jonathan, 27:19 “and his armor-bearer was putting them to death behind him. 27:22 “In the first attack that Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, 27:26 they struck down about 20 men.” 27:29 Even after receiving a clear sign from Jehovah, 27:32 it took great effort. 27:34 They had to ‘climb up on their hands and feet,’ 27:38 exerting themselves vigorously over rugged terrain. 27:42 The lesson? 27:44 Even when we receive clear direction and are ready to obey, 27:49 carrying out our assignments will not always be easy. 27:54 We have to exert ourselves vigorously, 27:56 being willing to work hard with all of our mind, heart, and strength. 28:03 How did the Philistines react to seeing Jehovah’s support for his people? 28:08 First Samuel 14:15 reads: 28:10 “Then terror spread in the field camp 28:13 “and among all the people of the outpost, 28:16 “and even the raiding parties were terrified. 28:19 The earth began quaking, and a terror from God ensued.” 28:25 The earthquake Jehovah caused melted the Philistines’ hearts. 28:29 Soon, the Israelites, even those who had previously fled in fear, 28:33 joined the victory battle over the Philistines. 28:38 Likewise, when we put our hearts into theocratic assignments, 28:42 Jehovah, our best Fellow Worker, 28:46 will always come through with whatever we need to accomplish his will. 28:52 But there is another lesson to be learned from this exciting Bible account. 28:56 During the height of the battle, 28:58 King Saul gave an unwise order saying: 29:03 “Cursed is the man who eats any food before the evening 29:06 and until I have taken vengeance on my enemies!” 29:11 Jonathan, however, was not aware of his father’s order 29:15 and ate some wild honey that he had found. 29:19 How did Saul react when he discovered that his own son had disobeyed him? 29:25 First Samuel 14:43, 44 tells us: 29:30 “Then Saul said to Jonathan: 29:33 “‘Tell me, what have you done?’ 29:36 “So Jonathan told him: 29:38 “‘I merely tasted a little honey on the tip of the staff in my hand. 29:44 “Here I am! I am ready to die!’ 29:47 “At this Saul said: 29:49 “‘Thus may God do and may he add to it 29:52 if you do not die, Jonathan.’” 29:56 Imagine, after all that Jonathan had done 29:59 in risking his life in behalf of his people 30:02 and seeing Jehovah grant so much success, 30:05 he is now being condemned to death by his own father. 30:11 How his heart must have sank in disbelief, 30:14 disappointment, and sadness! 30:19 Would Jehovah now abandon his loyal fellow worker? 30:23 First Samuel 14:45 reads: 30:26 “But the people said to Saul: 30:29 “‘Should Jonathan die 30:32 “‘—the one who brought this great victory to Israel? 30:34 “‘It is unthinkable! 30:36 “‘As surely as Jehovah is alive, 30:39 “‘not even a single hair of his head should fall to the ground, 30:42 “for it was with God that he acted this day.’ 30:47 With that the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die.” 30:53 Jonathan’s success provided undeniable evidence 30:56 that he was truly Jehovah’s fellow worker. 31:00 Jehovah, who had been at Jonathan’s side the whole time, 31:04 saw everything that had happened 31:06 and would not allow his loyal worker to die at Saul’s hands. 31:12 How comforting to know that when we faithfully carry out our assignments, 31:16 he will never forget our zealous efforts! 31:20 If someone as close as a father 31:23 fails to see and appreciate the work we do in Jehovah’s service 31:27 or even turns against us, Jehovah will never forget our work. 31:32 He will always be there to guide, 31:35 support, protect, and bless us. 31:40 What a faith-building account 31:42 we’ve considered in 1 Samuel chapters 13 and 14! 31:46 Why not take the time to read these chapters for yourself? 31:50 You’ll be moved to imitate Jonathan’s excellent example of loyalty, 31:54 courage, and obedience. 31:58 We want to be described just as Jonathan was at 1 Samuel 14:45: 32:03 “For it was with God that he acted this day.” 32:08 By continuing as industrious fellow workers with Jehovah, 32:11 we are assured that ‘through faith and patience 32:14 we will inherit the promised reward.’ 32:20 Let’s look at another example of modern-day fellow workers with God. 32:25 Assembly Hall servants care for the cleaning 32:28 and maintenance of these places of worship, 32:31 but they don’t do this work alone. 32:34 In this report from the United States, 32:37 we’ll see how the work is organized, 32:40 and we’ll hear how our brothers and sisters 32:42 feel about being able to help with the work. 32:47 The Assembly Hall is an educational center. 32:50 This is a center of pure worship for all the congregations that come. 32:57 Taking care of Jehovah’s house 32:59 is part of sacred service. 33:01 Even going back to the temple, 33:03 everyone had an assignment. 33:05 They had someone to open the doors. 33:07 So, of course, they also had somebody maintaining things. 33:13 As of December 2016, 33:16 there are 773 Assembly Halls worldwide. 33:19 There are so many details at an Assembly Hall; 33:21 you can’t do it all yourself. 33:23 To be overseer of an Assembly Hall— 33:26 We were excited to do it, but it seemed real heavy at the time. 33:35 It does take, 33:36 in our particular case, a couple of hundred. 33:38 There are about 200 or so volunteers 33:41 each and every week 33:44 that really are necessary 33:46 to care for the Assembly Hall —the grounds, 33:49 the accounting, the purchasing, 33:51 the maintenance, 33:53 and the cleaning. 33:55 Each and every one of these chairs —the seating— 33:58 all have moving parts and have to be maintained. 34:01 And with 4,050 seats in here, 34:05 we can say that every single one of them has been maintained. 34:12 John 2:17 says: “The zeal for your house will consume me.” 34:16 And I think we have an opportunity to show Jehovah that 34:19 —that we have zeal, we have an eagerness, a fire for his house, 34:24 and for caring for it. 34:26 So we appreciate all those who want to work at the Assembly Hall. 34:30 So many of the dear friends, after they just spent a whole day 34:33 doing some terribly dirty job, they thank you for the privilege. 34:38 Well, that’s zeal for Jehovah’s house. 34:40 Nowhere else does that happen. 34:42 And if we tried to do it ourselves or if we hired somebody, 34:45 it wouldn’t be as good as the work that the friends do when they come in. 34:50 When the friends come on the weekend, 34:52 this is an educational facility. 34:54 So they come here 34:55 to be educated about Jehovah. 34:57 And new ones come, 34:59 and it needs to be dignified 35:01 and reflect Jehovah’s qualities. 35:05 So the cleaning that goes on and the maintenance that goes on 35:09 —that’s what the purpose is. 35:14 At lunchtime, we do a spiritual program. 35:17 It could be a talk; it could be a discussion. 35:21 And we, really, generally try to cover a topic 35:25 that helps the volunteers see the connection 35:27 between their work at the Assembly Hall 35:30 and the Kingdom preaching work. 35:33 We are preachers. 35:34 That’s number one —to spread the good news. 35:37 And we see the results of that here. 35:40 We’re filling this place up. 35:51 It’s a real privilege. 35:53 You learn so much from the sacrifices that the friends make 35:57 in order to serve Jehovah 36:00 that it makes us feel very small, and we realize 36:03 what a blessing it is for us to be in that environment all the time. 36:08 The goal of any work in Jehovah’s service 36:10 is to help as many people as you can 36:12 to come to know him 36:13 and to take care of his interests 36:15 here on the earth. 36:16 And we all have the same goal 36:18 —trying to please him and doing what we can. 36:25 Our goal, really, as Assembly Hall servants 36:29 is to take care of the place in such a way 36:34 —take care of the Assembly Hall in such a way— 36:37 that not only saves and makes wise use 36:40 of dedicated funds and resources 36:43 but also makes things ready in such a way 36:46 that on Saturday morning when the brothers and sisters walk in 36:48 and the attendants and the sound 36:51 and the stage brothers are getting ready, 36:53 all they really have to do is come on in and flip the switches 36:56 —lights come on, air conditioning, heat. 36:59 Everything is functioning. 37:00 All they have to do is just focus on the program 37:03 and listen and take in instruction. 37:06 That’s what we’re asked to do —listen and take in instruction. 37:09 And we can do that when we’re not distracted by anything else. 37:12 So if everything 37:14 works well on an assembly day, 37:16 we know we’ve done our job. 37:23 We can remember these hard-working brothers and sisters 37:26 in our prayers, 37:28 and we can do our part to help them. 37:31 If possible, volunteer to assist 37:33 with your congregation’s cleaning assignment 37:35 at your next assembly. 37:37 Or ask about the arrangement for maintaining Assembly Halls in your area. 37:42 A few are needed to take the lead, 37:45 but they need our help to get the work done. 37:50 The same is true with the great amount of work in the congregation. 37:54 In our discussion about Jonathan, 37:56 we mentioned the zealous example of our elders. 38:01 Are the elders “leaders” 38:03 or do they “take the lead”? 38:05 What’s the difference? 38:07 Brother Geoffrey Jackson explains in this Bethel morning worship. 38:12 While meditating on the text this morning, 38:15 I was reminded of an experience 38:17 I had many years ago as a missionary. 38:20 At the time, 38:20 I was studying with a young man 38:23 who was training to be a pastor 38:25 in his church. 38:26 This man had got to the point where he started to attend all our meetings 38:31 while at the same time still attending his church gatherings. 38:36 The church, obviously, was very disturbed 38:38 about the fact that he was coming to the meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 38:42 and their headquarters sent in a missionary from overseas 38:45 to try and rectify the situation. 38:47 The young man told me what happened. 38:50 He said the missionary asked him, 38:52 “What is it that impresses you about Jehovah’s Witnesses?” 38:55 He said, “Well, one of the things is that they do the preaching work.” 39:00 The missionary replied, “Well, our church can do that too.” 39:04 So the next time they had a service, 39:08 the missionary conducted the service and with great zeal and enthusiasm 39:12 demanded that everyone in the church take part in the preaching work. 39:17 He announced the time that they would have the group to go preaching. 39:21 The young man told me quite a number of people came along. 39:24 But there was just one thing missing, you guessed it, the missionary. 39:28 He felt that it was enough 39:30 just to encourage everybody else to do it without engaging in it himself. 39:36 How different was the example of Jesus and of our hard-working elders 39:41 who do take the lead with regard to the preaching work. 39:45 Now let’s take our Bibles and turn to a very interesting scripture 39:49 in Hebrews 13:7, 17. 39:54 Now, I’d like to highlight the beauty of the New World Translation 39:58 in these two verses. 40:00 You see at the beginning of verse 7: 40:02 “Remember those who are taking the lead among you.” 40:05 And then verse 17: 40:07 “Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you.” 40:12 If you look at other Bibles, whether new or old, 40:16 most of them say “your leaders.” 40:19 Now, obviously, the New World Translation Committee 40:23 had in mind Jesus’ comments with regard 40:26 to no one being a leader among us, 40:29 and although it’s a different word in the Greek text, 40:32 still in English we can’t help but be sensitive to that matter. 40:36 And so this accurate translation of saying “taking the lead” 40:40 really summarizes, doesn’t it, what the role is of an elder. 40:45 We’re not leaders, but we set the right example. 40:49 Now, this accurate translation is also portrayed 40:53 in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ as recorded in Luke chapter 22, 40:58 and you’ll be interested to note 41:01 that this is part of the revision of the New World Translation text. 41:05 Luke 22:26, it now portrays accurately 41:10 the fact that both expressions in Hebrew 41:13 and this one here are the same word. 41:17 So, Luke 22:26, 41:21 it says: “You, though, are not to be that way. 41:25 But let the one who is the greatest among you become as the youngest.” 41:29 And then notice: “and the one taking the lead,” 41:33 now this is the same expression as in the Hebrews, 41:36 “as the one ministering.” 41:39 So, obviously, to take the lead means to do the work, 41:44 to be a minister, to be a servant, to serve others. 41:48 This also reminds me, many years ago, 41:50 when I worked with the translation team in the Pacific nation of Samoa. 41:55 At that point, we were trying to select an accurate expression 41:59 to convey this thought of “taking the lead.” 42:02 And there were two words eventually that the brothers 42:05 were trying to select between, or choose between. 42:08 One was the word ta’ita’i and the other ta’imua. 42:11 Now, you don’t have to remember those words, 42:14 but as a foreigner, I didn’t really understand 42:18 the subtleties between the difference of the two words. 42:20 So I asked the brothers, “How can you explain to me 42:23 what these two words mean?” 42:25 So one of the brothers was very eloquent. 42:28 He said: “Well, just imagine a procession, a parade. 42:32 “So a ta’ita’i is the old man who sits 42:36 “on the side of the road barking out the orders: 42:39 “‘You should do it this way; you should do it that way.’ 42:41 “The ta’imua, on the other hand, is the one right in the front of the parade 42:46 taking the lead and everyone’s following him.” 42:49 Which word do you think we selected? 42:52 Doesn’t that summarize nicely just exactly what’s involved with being an elder? 42:57 It’s not a matter of sitting on the sidelines barking out orders 43:01 but getting involved, 43:03 setting the right example, and then others following. 43:06 And this is in harmony with one Greek lexicon 43:09 that describes this expression this way, it says, 43:12 “The concept of leading can be expressed 43:15 “by showing how to do something, 43:18 “demonstrating how we ought to do it, 43:20 and going ahead showing the way.” 43:23 Of course, on the other hand, some religions even view 43:27 the expression “elder” as a title. 43:30 You’ve probably heard of them introducing themselves, 43:33 “Good morning, I’m Elder Jackson.” 43:36 Well, of course, none of us would want to view 43:38 being an elder as a title in the sense of a position 43:43 that lords it over others. 43:45 And with that in mind, another subtlety to the revision 43:48 is seen in 1 Timothy chapter 3, 43:51 so please turn there with me, 43:54 1 Timothy 3:1. 43:58 These are well-known words 44:01 —particularly when brothers are considering the qualifications for elders— 44:06 but you may or may not have seen 44:09 the subtleties of the change here in this revision. 44:12 It says now: “This statement is trustworthy: 44:17 “If a man is reaching out to be an overseer, 44:20 he is desirous of a fine work.” 44:24 Do you remember before the original New World Translation said: 44:29 ‘If someone is reaching out for the office of being an overseer?’ 44:34 And that reflected and no doubt was influenced 44:37 by the King James and many of the older translations 44:41 that translated it that way. 44:44 But when we look at the rest of the verse, 44:46 we see that it’s not the office, or the position, 44:50 of being an overseer that someone reaches out for; 44:54 rather, it’s the work. 44:56 Yes, the hard work that needs to be done by an overseer. 45:00 An overseer recognizes 45:04 that he needs to work hard at setting the right example, 45:08 and then others will follow 45:10 —rather than just telling everyone what they should do. 45:14 So when we look at these subtleties in the New World Translation, 45:18 it only helps us to appreciate it even more, doesn’t it? 45:21 So with this in mind, 45:22 what does our text this morning help us to keep in mind? 45:26 Well, as elders, what do we need to do? 45:30 Not sit on the sidelines barking out orders but, rather, 45:35 to take the lead, be in the forefront, do the work, 45:39 and then others will follow our example, 45:41 just as we follow the example of Jesus. 45:45 The Bible gives us a clear understanding 45:48 of what Jehovah wants us to do in the congregation. 45:51 Elders take the lead by doing the work, 45:54 and we follow their good example. 45:58 Applying God’s Word contributes to our being fellow workers 46:01 under peaceful conditions. 46:04 But we could be distracted 46:06 even when our brothers and sisters are right there with us. 46:10 What are these distractions? 46:12 Let’s see in this music video. 46:24 Think—think outside the box. Be someone who talks. 46:30 Don’t waste away behind that tiny screen 46:33 ’Cause you know that there’s much more to life 46:37 Than friend requests and likes. Think of all the things we haven’t seen. 46:43 Well, you— 46:44 You’ll never see them if you’re focused on the superficial. 46:48 You need real friends, if you know what I mean. 46:52 Look at me. Can you see 46:56 What I see? Around the world, this happy family. 47:01 Look at me. Do you know 47:05 What I know? That you belong. 47:10 Put down the phone, and look at me. 47:17 Take—take the time to see. See what others see. 47:22 Don’t trade that plastic box for all your friends. 47:25 You can make friends you know are true, Who love Jehovah too, 47:32 Who’ll stand right by your side until the end. 47:35 But, you— 47:36 You’ll never meet them if you’re focused on the superficial. 47:40 You need real friends, if you know what I mean. 47:44 Look at me. Can you see 47:48 What I see? Around the world, this happy family. 47:54 Look at me. Do you know 47:58 What I know? That you belong. 48:02 Put down the phone, and look at me. 48:23 Don’t let it play you for a fool. 48:29 What you’re getting could be fact or could be fiction. 48:33 Life in the cloud can be so cruel. 48:38 Why don’t you come back down to earth, converse, and reverse the addiction? 49:04 Put—put down your device ’Cause if you don’t think twice, 49:10 The best in life will surely pass you by. 49:13 Look, listen, taste, and touch— The things we love so much 49:19 Have been here all along. All you need to do is 49:24 Realize what’s in your hand is only superficial. 49:28 You’ve got real friends, if you know what I mean. 49:32 Look at me. Can you see 49:36 What I see? Around the world, this happy family. 49:42 Look at me. Do you know 49:46 What I know? That you belong. 49:50 Put down the phone, and look at me. 49:53 Can you see What I see? 49:58 Around the world, this happy family. 50:01 Look at me. Do you know 50:05 What I know? That you belong. 50:09 Put down the phone, and look at me. 50:14 Time spent with our brothers and sisters is precious. 50:18 Make the most of it by setting aside anything 50:22 that could distract from the interchange of encouragement. 50:26 Sometimes, though, our viewpoint of ones in the congregation 50:30 hides their true beauty that Jehovah sees. 50:34 How does the sister in this dramatization learn that lesson and, 50:39 in turn, become more beautiful herself? 51:04 My name is Miki. 51:06 I moved here one year ago. 51:09 Everyone was so nice and friendly. 51:20 Well, that’s how I felt in the beginning. 51:38 I am not your babysitter! 51:48 Didn’t you see we were talking? 52:02 Come on! This is not a park! 52:07 And the elders are always busy. 52:10 I’m not sure if they really want me here. 52:24 Yoko, a pioneer sister from my former congregation, visited me. 52:30 She asked me how I was doing. 52:34 I told her how I felt about my congregation. 52:39 Then she told me that she had a similar experience. 52:43 And she shared with me a Watchtower article that helped her. 52:49 I made this my next personal study project. 52:55 “What do you see when you look at others? 52:59 “Do you have the tendency to view what they say or do 53:02 “as either black or white, 53:04 as if no other colors or shades existed?” 53:10 “Having that viewpoint 53:11 “would be like a photographer who ignores the large variety 53:15 “of brilliant hues and shades in an autumn landscape, 53:19 as if only black and white images existed.” 53:29 Maybe I’ve been viewing the congregation as “black and white.” 53:35 The article then turned my attention to Jesus’ example. 53:41 “The spirit, of course, is eager, 53:45 but the flesh is weak.” 53:51 Why was Jesus able to say such kind words 53:54 to his disciples? 54:06 Insight is the ability to put yourself 54:08 in the other’s place. 54:10 Jesus did that with his disciples. 54:13 OK, I need to do the same. 54:17 She always looks after the children at home. 54:19 She also needs time to be refreshed 54:22 by association with friends at the Kingdom Hall. 54:25 She probably didn’t mean to be rude. 54:29 Since we looked like we were having an enjoyable conversation, 54:32 she may have just wanted to join us. 54:36 The elders are so busy caring for the needs 54:39 of the congregation. 54:41 I know they’re doing the best they can. 54:43 I want to do what I can to make their job easier. 55:13 Miki, 55:14 you are such a beautiful Christian. 55:17 We’re so glad to have you in our congregation. 55:27 “The insight of a man certainly 55:29 “slows down his anger, and it is beauty on his part 55:34 to overlook an offense.” 55:46 If you’d like to make this lesson a topic 55:48 for your personal study or family worship, 55:51 you can review the March 15, 2008, Watchtower article 55:56 beginning on page 25. 55:58 The title asks the question: 56:01 “Do You View Others as Jehovah Does?” 56:04 When we share Jehovah’s view of others, 56:07 we’re better equipped to be fellow workers with God 56:10 and with our brothers and sisters. 56:14 Finally, this month’s report from fellow workers 56:16 comes to us from the country of Georgia. 56:20 Forests, streams, and lush valleys 56:24 adorn this mountainous region on the border of Europe and Asia. 56:28 Georgia’s capital, 56:29 Tbilisi, is a bustling city 56:32 where modern buildings mix with historic architecture. 56:36 The Georgian people are known 56:39 for their strong family ties and warm hospitality. 56:44 Folk music and dances are a rich part of their culture. 56:48 Visitors are offered to try a variety of delicious local foods, 56:52 such as this candy made from walnuts and grape juice. 56:56 Old town Sighnaghi is a unique place 56:59 to enjoy the beautiful landscape and culture. 57:04 The congregation here has 50 publishers 57:06 who keep busy in the preaching work. 57:08 Despite being a small congregation, 57:11 they represent almost 3 percent of the town’s population. 57:17 Remote towns and villages create opportunities to preach 57:20 in unassigned territories throughout the year. 57:24 We thank the congregation in Sighnaghi 57:26 and the more than 18,000 brothers and sisters in Georgia 57:30 for this encouraging visit with them. 57:32 And we send them and all of you 57:35 our warm Christian love and greetings. 57:39 From the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 57:42 this is JW Broadcasting.
