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00:02 Hello, and welcome to this month’s broadcast! 00:05 With me I have a good friend as my cohost, Leon Weaver. 00:10 Leon, what do we have to look forward to this time? 00:13 Thanks, Brother Lösch. 00:15 We’ll see a young brother who must choose 00:17 between his loyalty to Jehovah 00:19 or to a close friend. 00:21 Which will he choose? 00:25 Then we’ll hear the story of Rafika Morris, 00:27 a young woman who desperately fought for racial equality 00:32 but eventually discovers the real path to peace. 00:38 And we’ll also enjoy a new music video 00:40 that beautifully highlights the importance 00:43 of putting our confidence in Jehovah. 00:47 We have much to look forward to 00:49 in this March 2018 edition 00:52 of JW Broadcasting! 01:13 The theme for this month is 01:16 “In Whom Do You Trust?” 01:18 Do you trust me? 01:20 I hope so. 01:21 All of us want to be trusted. 01:23 Trust is a basic element of everyday life. 01:27 To trust others is a normal reaction. 01:30 Many of us have traveled on a train or a bus. 01:34 Did we worry whether the conductor or driver 01:37 would bring us safely to our destination? 01:39 Normally, we do not worry. 01:42 We trust an airplane captain to take us safely to our destination. 01:47 We trust that when we enter an elevator, 01:49 it will not crash at the bottom of the shaft, 01:52 but safely take us to the desired floor. 01:56 When we marry, we trust that our partner will remain faithful. 02:00 In many situations in life we need trust. 02:05 What is trust? 02:06 Trust is the “firm belief in the reliability, 02:10 truth, or ability of someone or something.” 02:15 Webster’s dictionary says that it is “confidence”; 02:18 a “reliance [or] resting of the mind on the integrity, 02:22 “veracity, justice, friendship, 02:25 or other sound principle, of another person.” 02:29 Trust is related to confidence, 02:32 belief, faith, and assurance. 02:36 Experiments conducted by Professor Dr. Michael Kosfeld, 02:41 a professor at a university in Frankfurt, Germany, 02:45 led him to the conclusion that trust 02:47 is “a biologically-based part of human nature.” 02:53 Kosfeld discovered that when there is interaction between two people, 02:58 the human brain releases a hormone that stimulates trust. 03:03 “It is, in fact, one of the distinguishing features 03:06 of the human species,” Kosfeld states. 03:11 In everyday life, how discouraged some are if they are not trusted. 03:16 The phrase “Don’t you trust me?” 03:18 is frequently heard with an undertone of sadness or complaint. 03:24 Sometimes children or teenagers ask their parents 03:27 “Don’t you trust me?” when the parents place some restrictions on them, 03:32 perhaps in connection with leisure-time activities. 03:35 Parents do that because they love you young ones 03:39 and want to prevent any spiritual or physical harm befalling you. 03:44 If you cooperate, you will see that parents 03:47 will gradually trust you ever more 03:50 and grant more liberty to you. 03:53 You can prove to them that you are trustworthy. 03:58 In the world, many people are not trustworthy. 04:01 Since we are living in the time of the end 04:03 and the demons are desperate and have influenced many people, 04:08 we have to admit that trusting in everybody is not wise. 04:13 Many trusted in religion and were disappointed. 04:17 Others trusted in governments or the United Nations, 04:20 but they were disappointed. 04:22 They trusted political leaders that made all kinds of promises 04:26 but did not keep all of them. 04:28 Some politicians were even exposed as being liars. 04:33 Proverbs 14:15 says: 04:36 “The naive person believes every word, 04:39 but the shrewd one ponders each step.” 04:43 If somebody, even in the truth, promises us big monetary returns 04:48 if we give him money for his planned investment, 04:51 we need to be careful and not believe every word. 04:55 Some that spent their money were in for a disappointment 04:59 when they learned that everything was lost. 05:03 We also should not trust everything we read 05:06 in newspapers or see on television. 05:10 There is another thing we should not trust in—riches. 05:14 Psalm 49:6 speaks about “those who are trusting in their wealth 05:19 and who boast about their great riches.” 05:23 Trusting in riches often leads to disappointment. 05:27 “The one trusting in his riches will fall,” 05:30 says Proverbs 11:28. 05:34 It is not wrong to be rich; just do not trust in riches. 05:39 Riches are a risk factor. 05:43 Many people today are dishonest and cheat. 05:46 Some business owners have installed 05:48 cameras at the workplace, 05:50 since they do not trust their employees to put in a full day of work. 05:55 They know that some would play video games during work hours. 06:00 But Jehovah created us with the inclination to trust. 06:05 We can especially trust our spiritual brothers. 06:08 True, once in a while such trust is misplaced. 06:12 A few commit serious sins and have to be disfellowshipped. 06:16 But that is rare. 06:19 Jehovah himself is the best example of trusting in others. 06:24 He trusted the Logos to faithfully cooperate 06:27 with him as the “master worker” in creating the universe, 06:32 the earth, and all the living things on earth, including mankind. 06:37 What tremendous trust Jehovah showed in Jesus when He sent him to the earth. 06:43 Jehovah trusted that Jesus would remain faithful 06:46 and redeem mankind so that His will and purpose with mankind 06:51 and the earth could be accomplished. 06:53 Jehovah trusted him so much that he arranged for prophecies 06:58 to be written that foretold that he would die faithfully. 07:02 This trust on the part of Jehovah was not a risk. 07:06 It was based on the collaboration between the two for aeons of time. 07:13 Think of the prophecy at Psalm 16:10: 07:16 “For you will not leave me in the Grave.” 07:21 Jesus had free will. 07:23 This means that theoretically he could have sinned. 07:26 If he could not have sinned, 07:29 Satan probably would not have tried three times to tempt Jesus to sin. 07:35 If Jesus could not have sinned, 07:37 why would he be so heavily distressed 07:39 in the garden of Gethsemane that he was sweating blood? 07:43 Why send an angel to comfort and strengthen him 07:46 if he could not sin or fail anyway? 07:51 No question that Jesus felt the unfathomable load 07:55 on his shoulders to remain faithful, 07:59 since not only the salvation of mankind depended on him 08:03 but also the vindication of Jehovah’s sovereignty. 08:07 He did not want to disappoint Jehovah. 08:10 Jesus used his own free will 08:13 and was determined to stay loyal. 08:16 How glad we are that he did! 08:20 On the other hand, Jesus also trusted Jehovah completely. 08:25 He trusted Jehovah that he would resurrect him if he would die faithfully. 08:31 Actually, Jesus was publicly known to trust in Jehovah. 08:35 People that passed by when he was on the torture stake were saying: 08:40 “He has put his trust in God; 08:43 “let Him now rescue him if He wants him, 08:46 for he said, ‘I am God’s Son.’” 08:49 Another example of trust was Abraham. 08:52 When God told him to kill his beloved son Isaac, 08:55 Abraham was willing to do so. 08:58 He trusted that Jehovah could resurrect him. 09:03 Hebrews 11:19 says: 09:05 “He reasoned that God was able to raise him up even from the dead, 09:10 and he did receive him from there in an illustrative way.” 09:14 First Corinthians 13:7 says that 09:17 love “believes all things.” 09:21 Love trusts that prophecies will come true. 09:24 It also believes what our brothers tell us. 09:28 It also helps to grant others the benefit of the doubt 09:31 if a matter could be interpreted in different ways. 09:36 Yes, trusting others is an expression of love. 09:40 If you love somebody, you only assume and think the best of him. 09:46 Another example of trust in Jehovah was Moses. 09:50 He led the nation of Israel out of Egypt into the desert 09:55 —a nation upwards of three million people. 09:58 And they had flocks of cattle and sheep with them. 10:03 When he left Egypt, did he know how to provide 10:06 these great crowds with water in the desert? 10:09 Did he know what they would be eating 10:11 after the initial foodstuffs that they took out of Egypt ran out? 10:16 Did he know in advance that Jehovah would miraculously provide the manna? 10:21 It doesn’t seem so. 10:23 But he trusted that Jehovah would take care of the people. 10:30 The three friends of Daniel were another fine example of trust. 10:34 They did not bow and worship in front of an idol 10:37 that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 10:41 They were told they would be thrown into a fiery furnace if they disobeyed. 10:47 They remained firm and were protected by an angel, 10:51 so that the fire did not do any harm to them. 10:54 After that 10:56 “Nebuchadnezzar then declared: 10:59 “‘Praised be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, 11:03 “‘who sent his angel and rescued his servants. 11:06 “‘They trusted in him and went against the command of the king 11:11 “‘and were willing to die rather than serve 11:13 or worship any god except their own God.’” 11:17 As we are getting ever closer to the great tribulation, 11:21 we might be confronted with scary challenges 11:24 and tests related to nationalism. 11:27 Will we keep trusting Jehovah? 11:30 We trust we will. 11:32 Jehovah will miraculously save his people throughout the great tribulation 11:37 and arrange for their survival. 11:40 Today, the faithful slave is put in charge of providing spiritual food for God’s people, 11:45 who number into the millions. 11:49 The slave also shows complete trust in Jehovah 11:52 that he will guide them with his holy spirit. 11:56 What makes it possible for the “faithful and discreet slave” 11:59 to provide precious spiritual food? 12:03 “I will give you insight and instruct you in the way you should go,” 12:08 says Jehovah at Psalm 32:8. 12:13 Today, Jehovah provides direction to the slave through Jesus. 12:17 Jesus, in turn, provides direction for his people 12:21 through “the faithful and discreet slave.” 12:24 We can therefore have full confidence 12:27 in the Scriptural insight, understanding, and guidance. 12:33 Satan tries to sow mistrust. 12:36 Under Communist dictatorship in Romania, 12:39 secret police officers forced a responsible brother 12:42 to walk with them on a heavily frequented street 12:45 hoping that other brothers would see this 12:48 and wrongly conclude that this brother works with the secret police. 12:53 Did the scheme work out? 12:55 No, it failed. 12:57 Brothers did see him but kept trusting him. 13:01 We learn that we should not quickly lose trust in our brothers. 13:08 Satan also has the scheme to spread rumors about faithful brothers, 13:12 including the faithful slave. 13:16 The method of spreading rumors is not new. 13:19 When Jesus was resurrected and the tomb was empty, 13:22 the soldiers who reported it were told to spread the rumor 13:26 that the disciples came and stole the body at night. 13:30 Matthew 28:15 relates: 13:35 “So they took the silver pieces and did as they were instructed, 13:39 and this story has been spread abroad among the Jews up to this very day.” 13:45 Another rumor in the first century was that Christians 13:48 were responsible for the great fire of Rome. 13:52 Could such an accusation be true? 13:55 Historians say that it was Nero, 13:58 the emperor, who set fire to the city. 14:03 Today, rumors are occasionally being spread in electronic form about the faithful slave. 14:08 This has caused some concern on the part of some brothers, 14:11 especially when the reports are commenting on court cases 14:16 where some in the organization were accused. 14:20 Sometimes reference is made to certain quotes and then readers think, 14:25 ‘How can a quote be a rumor?’ 14:27 A quote can be taken out of context. 14:31 Critical reports often give only part of a matter 14:35 and leave out other aspects. 14:38 Often, such rumors play on the emotions. 14:43 Ask yourself: ‘Am I prone to believe rumors? 14:47 ‘And even if I am, should I spread it 14:51 ‘and undermine the trust that others have in the slave 14:54 or in representatives of the branch office?’ 14:59 Avoid sensationalism by not saying something like 15:03 “Can you believe what I heard about this matter or that matter 15:06 or this person or that person?” referring to a statement 15:11 that may have appeared on Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter. 15:16 The spread of rumors is like wildfire that is hard to control. 15:21 It spreads distrust and can undermine someone’s faith. 15:26 This is not to say that the slave is perfect and never makes mistakes. 15:31 But Jehovah and Jesus trust the imperfect slave 15:35 who cares for things to the best of his ability 15:38 and with the best of motives. 15:40 Shouldn’t we then trust the imperfect slave as well? 15:46 To appreciate the extent of Jehovah and Jesus’ trust in the faithful slave, 15:51 reflect on what he has promised its members. 15:55 He has promised them immortality and incorruption. 16:01 Soon, just before Armageddon, 16:03 the remaining members of the slave will be taken to heaven. 16:07 Since 1919 of our Common Era, 16:10 the slave has been put in charge of some belongings of Christ. 16:14 According to Matthew 24:47, 16:18 when the anointed are taken to heaven, Jesus will at that point entrust 16:23 “all his belongings” to them. 16:27 Does this not reveal immense trust? 16:32 Revelation 4:4 describes these resurrected anointed 16:36 as corulers with Christ. 16:39 Revelation 22:5 says they will rule, 16:43 not only for a thousand years 16:45 but “forever and ever.” 16:50 What immense trust Jesus shows toward them! 16:55 Since Jehovah God and Jesus Christ 16:58 completely trust “the faithful and discreet slave,” 17:01 should we not do the same? 17:06 Many servants of Jehovah in the past showed trust in Jehovah 17:09 when confronted with obstacles or opposition. 17:13 We can trust that Jehovah will not let us be tested beyond what we can bear 17:18 but will provide a “way out” 17:21 so we can remain faithful under trials. 17:25 So whom do you trust? 17:28 You fully trust in Jehovah, Jesus, and the faithful slave. 17:34 To a reasonable degree, you also trust all your fellow brothers and sisters. 17:40 The writer of Psalm 119:42 mentioned something else we need to trust in 17:45 —God’s Word. 17:47 He wrote: 17:49 “For I put my trust in your word.” 17:53 The prophecies in God’s Word have always come true at the proper time. 17:58 Based on that, we can fully trust that the remaining prophecies 18:02 pointing to the survival of the great tribulation 18:06 and to the Paradise to follow will also come true, 18:11 without the slightest possibility of failure. 18:15 Of course, we should trust not only Jehovah, Jesus, 18:19 the faithful slave, and the Bible but also our fellow brothers. 18:24 The apostle Paul is a fine example of this. 18:27 He wrote to Philemon 18:30 asking him to kindly receive back 18:33 the runaway slave Onesimus who had become a brother. 18:38 Paul wrote at Philemon 21: 18:42 “I am confident that you will comply, 18:45 so I am writing you, knowing that you will do even more than what I say.” 18:50 When we speak of trust, 18:52 we sometimes think of a little child 18:55 walking hand in hand with his father. 18:59 The child does not question where the father will take him. 19:03 The child trusts the father. 19:05 All throughout the last days, 19:08 true Christians have faced hostility of so many in the world. 19:13 How strengthening Jehovah’s promise is 19:15 in view of the impending attack by Satan’s hordes! 19:19 When they attack, Jehovah’s people will seem as defenseless. 19:24 But we do not need to quake with fear. 19:27 We trust that Jehovah, Jesus, and the angels 19:30 will fight to deliver us. 19:33 We will not shrink back in fear. 19:37 At Hebrews 10:39, Paul wrote: 19:39 “Now we are not the sort who shrink back to destruction, 19:43 but the sort who have faith for the preserving of our lives.” 19:47 Today and after Armageddon, all can say, 19:50 according to Psalm 26:1 and 52:8: 19:54 “I have trusted [in Jehovah] without wavering.” 19:58 “My trust is in God’s loyal love, forever and ever.” 20:04 Therefore, keep trusting in Jehovah and those who are proving loyal to him. 20:09 Back to you, Leon. 20:11 Thank you, Brother Lösch. 20:14 In line with that, 20:15 we all want 20:16 good friends 20:17 we can trust 20:19 —the type 20:20 mentioned at Proverbs 18:24, where it says: 20:24 “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” 20:28 But at times, we may find that a close friend 20:32 needs spiritual help. 20:34 Do we fear losing that friendship if we speak up? 20:39 What does Jehovah want us to do? 20:42 In the following dramatization, 20:45 the young man Danny faces these same questions. 21:04 I had a secret. 21:07 Only it wasn’t mine to tell. 21:12 It was my best friend’s, Julian. 21:28 This was not the Julian I knew. 21:46 At the end of the meeting, 21:48 Brother Max wanted to know if I was OK. 21:52 I shrugged it off. 21:54 I just didn’t know who to talk to at that point. 22:06 A few years ago, 22:09 when my parents stopped attending meetings, 22:21 Julian was there for me. 22:44 I didn’t want to lose my friend. 22:49 But did I really know him? 23:06 I decided to ask Julian about the pictures he posted. 23:13 I told him it wasn’t right. 23:15 He needed to talk to the elders. 23:19 Then he got really defensive about it. 23:27 I knew I did the right thing. 23:31 When was I supposed to take care of this bill? 23:33 I’ve been telling you for the past month! 23:34 I just needed someone to talk to. 23:36 When did you tell me? 23:37 I’ve been working for the past couple of weeks. 23:39 Well, as if I don’t work? 23:41 Oh! Now you’re going to blame everything on me. 23:52 Brother Max wanted to know how I was really doing. 23:56 He could tell something was wrong. 23:59 So I opened up. 24:13 I told him everything. 24:15 I didn’t want to get my friend in trouble. 24:17 Max understood. 24:20 He asked me to read James 5:14, 15: 24:28 “Is there anyone sick among you? 24:32 “Let him call the elders of the congregation to him, 24:36 “and let them pray over him, 24:39 “applying oil to him in the name of Jehovah. 24:44 “And the prayer of faith 24:46 “will make the sick one well, 24:49 and Jehovah will raise him up.” 24:56 Max showed me that the elders can encourage and strengthen 24:59 a spiritually weak person. 25:03 Covering up a friend’s wrongdoing 25:05 prevents him from getting the spiritual help he needs. 25:10 All this time, I was focused on Julian and his deception, 25:15 and I didn’t speak up. 25:20 I’m glad I was honest with Brother Max. 25:24 The elders are like our spiritual doctors, 25:27 and even more, they’re our friends. 25:30 They want to help us. 25:32 Julian might receive discipline, 25:35 but that’s an expression of Jehovah’s love. 25:38 It could save his spiritual life. 25:46 Julian got the spiritual help he needed. 25:59 And I kept my best friend. 26:14 Did you notice how our young brother 26:17 put trust in the Bible and acted accordingly? 26:21 How can we do the same? 26:25 Brother Ron Curzan’s morning worship comments share some thoughts 26:30 on specific ways we can continue to make spiritual adjustments 26:35 as we encounter a variety of life’s challenges. 26:40 These were very practical comments. 26:42 And they all tie in well 26:43 with what the apostle Paul was trying to tell 26:46 those in the Ephesian congregation 26:49 about examining themselves. 26:51 The same way we have to do today 26:53 —examining ourselves so that we please Jehovah. 26:56 If you’d like, please open up to Ephesians chapter 5, 26:59 and we’ll read verse 10, which is our theme scripture. 27:04 Ephesians 5:10, it says: 27:08 “Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord.” 27:11 And then it goes on in verse 11: 27:13 “And stop sharing in the unfruitful works that belong to the darkness; 27:18 rather, expose them for what they are.” 27:23 So it’s very clear to us, in this chapter of Ephesians chapter 5, 27:28 that there are things that Jehovah views as acceptable 27:32 and things he views as unacceptable. 27:35 Jehovah’s standard of what is unacceptable 27:38 is outlined in quite a few of the verses in chapter 5 here. 27:41 If you would just scan through verses 3, 4, and 5, 27:46 we’ll see that unwholesome talk about sex, 27:49 shameful conduct, obscene jesting 27:52 —and then verse 18, drunkenness— 27:55 well, these are things that will bar us from God’s Kingdom. 28:00 When you think about entertainment today, 28:02 it’s nearly impossible to try to find something 28:05 that is acceptable to Jehovah 28:07 that does not have immoral sex, pornography, 28:10 spiritism, and violence. 28:13 Satan has thoroughly saturated all forms of the media. 28:17 So thoroughly, that it’s in our literature, 28:19 it’s in movies, it’s in electronic games, 28:22 and everything that we can think of Satan has infiltrated. 28:26 Yes, he knows that Jehovah hates these things, 28:29 and he doesn’t mind if part of our heart hates these things 28:33 as long as part of our heart loves these things. 28:37 So we do well to ask ourselves: 28:39 ‘Does the entertainment that I choose help me 28:43 ‘in my being acceptable to Jehovah? 28:46 ‘Does it help me to have the qualities 28:49 ‘that Jehovah endears in me, 28:51 and will he draw closer to me?’ 28:54 Well, the spirit of the world reflects rebellion of the Bible, 28:58 which outlines Jehovah’s qualities and his standards. 29:02 We want to show respect for the Bible, 29:04 which teaches us to love what Jehovah loves 29:07 and hate what he hates. 29:10 And what will help us to do this and resist the spirit of the world 29:14 and draw closer to Jehovah and be acceptable to him? 29:17 Let’s notice verse 17, 29:19 chapter 5 and verse 17, it says: 29:24 “On this account stop being unreasonable, 29:26 but keep perceiving what the will of Jehovah is.” 29:31 We need to constantly think: 29:33 ‘What would Jehovah want me to do?’ 29:36 Well, verse 1 and verse 2 help us to appreciate this, it says: 29:39 “Become imitators of God, as beloved children, 29:42 “and go on walking in love, just as the Christ also loved us 29:47 “and [he] gave himself [up] for us as an offering 29:50 and a sacrifice, a sweet fragrance to God.” 29:54 So, bottom line, we need to imitate Jehovah and Jesus. 29:58 Our sacrifices need to be acceptable to Jehovah 30:01 as was Jesus’. 30:04 What made Jesus so pleasing? 30:06 Well, he did everything the way Jehovah wanted him to do. 30:10 In fact, he said something that we want to say one day: 30:14 “I always do the things pleasing to him.” 30:17 And one day in perfection, we will be able to say that. 30:19 Jesus was pleasing in his word, in his deed, in his actions. 30:24 Well, how can we imitate Jesus and thus imitate Jehovah? 30:28 Well, let’s briefly discuss three ways. 30:31 First: Pray for God’s holy spirit. 30:34 When confronted with trials, what did Jesus do? 30:37 He did not rely on himself; he petitioned Jehovah for help. 30:41 So if we’re struggling with a temptation 30:44 —a certain fleshly weakness— 30:46 it’s vital that we do the same. 30:49 We can also talk to the elders —our loving shepherds— 30:51 who will pray with us, and they will definitely help us 30:55 to remain faithful with words of encouragement. 30:58 Number two: Obey Jehovah completely. 31:03 Jesus always did things that were pleasing to his Father. 31:06 Luke 22:42 says: 31:08 “Let, not my will, but yours take place.” 31:12 Remember, there is no substitute for obedience. 31:15 We cannot be acceptable without obedience. 31:19 Number three: Know the Scriptures well. 31:22 Jesus used God’s Word as his authority. 31:25 His whole life revolved around knowing 31:28 and obeying and encouraging others about God’s laws. 31:32 We all have busy schedules. 31:34 We have work to do —busy in the congregation. 31:37 It’s more than just trying to find time to dig deep into God’s Word; 31:41 we must make the time. 31:43 So, what do our schedules tell us 31:46 about our love for Jehovah? 31:49 our love for his Word? 31:51 Do we read the Bible daily? 31:54 And if we do, how much time do we take 31:56 to let it sink into our mind and our heart and to meditate? 32:02 Are we content with just looking 32:04 at the basics —the surface— 32:06 or digging deeper and deeper below the surface? 32:10 It’s vital that we train our minds and our hearts, 32:13 but it takes time and it takes effort, 32:16 just as a marathon runner must devote much time and effort 32:20 to his training to run a race. 32:22 In fact, as we know, Christians are likened 32:25 to running a race, and it’s a race for life. 32:27 Let’s see what the apostle Paul had to tell us. 32:29 If we go over to 1 Corinthians, 32:33 1 Corinthians chapter 9, 32:36 a scripture we know very well, and we’ll start in verse 24. 32:40 And there are a few key elements 32:42 that we would like to extract as we’re reading these verses. 32:44 Here Paul said: 32:46 “Do you not know that the runners in a race all run, 32:49 “but only one receives the prize? 32:52 “Run in such a way that you may win it. 32:55 “Now everyone competing in a contest 32:58 “exercises self-control in all things [there’s a key]. 33:02 “Of course, they do it to receive a crown that can perish, 33:05 “but we, one that does not perish. 33:07 “Therefore, the way I am running is not aimlessly; 33:11 “the way I am aiming my blows 33:13 “is so as not to be striking the air; 33:16 “but I pummel my body 33:18 “[and the footnote says, “punish; strictly discipline”] 33:22 “and lead it as a slave, so that after I have preached to others, 33:26 “I myself should not become disapproved 33:29 [or the footnote says, “disqualified”] somehow.” 33:34 So we definitely want to have self-control like a runner. 33:38 We need to say no to Satan’s world 33:40 and yes to things that are acceptable to Jehovah. 33:43 And we definitely want to make sure that we are acceptable 33:47 and never to be disapproved. 33:50 Perhaps we can illustrate this. 33:52 In the 1994 New York City Marathon, 33:55 there was a young man named German Silva, 33:58 and he ran an outstanding race. 34:00 In fact, there was only half a mile to the finish line in Central Park, 34:05 and somehow he got distracted. 34:07 He took the wrong path. 34:09 Did he lose the race? 34:10 Well, the lead runner took over. 34:12 Well, he got redirected; he went back on the path; 34:16 he began to run faster and faster. 34:18 He passed up the lead runner, 34:20 and he won the New York City Marathon by two seconds. 34:24 What does this tell us? 34:26 It tells us that sometimes we can lose our focus, we can be sidetracked, 34:30 or we could get involved in unacceptable conduct. 34:34 But allow God’s Word and loving shepherds to readjust our course. 34:39 Never give up. 34:41 Just a few years later, after that —1997— 34:43 German began running again in a New York City Marathon. 34:47 He thought he had this one all in the bag; 34:50 he thought he was going to win this race. 34:52 But he started to run slower. 34:54 He began to— He dehydrated. 34:56 Instead of taking just a few seconds to hydrate, 35:00 he skipped that. 35:01 He thought he could do it. 35:02 Well, what could this tell us? 35:04 Well, we cannot afford to take shortcuts. 35:07 We need to have a regular intake of spiritual food 35:10 to keep pace with Jehovah’s organization. 35:12 We do this by what the commenters told us today, 35:15 that is, a regular intake of God’s Word and meditation. 35:19 As we run the Christian course —the race for life— 35:22 remember, it’s not the speed, it’s the direction 35:25 —that’s what matters the most. 35:28 And may we always run in such a way that is acceptable to Jehovah. 35:33 As Brother Curzan mentioned, 35:35 certainly a regular intake of God’s Word 35:39 can have a dramatic effect on our lives. 35:43 Take the example of Rafika Morris. 35:47 Her life led her on a search 35:49 for ways to achieve racial harmony 35:53 through human means. 35:56 But after years of frustration and disappointments, 36:00 how would studying the Bible 36:02 affect her search for answers? 36:08 Growing up in the South 36:10 during the time of segregation 36:14 —blacks and whites— we couldn’t mix. 36:18 And not only that, they had signs 36:20 to keep you knowing where you were supposed to go. 36:23 I couldn’t understand why we couldn’t get along. 36:27 Fifty cents. 36:29 Yes, Sir. 36:31 Thank you, Sir. 36:33 Grandma, he’s just a boy. Why are you saying “Sir”? 36:36 Be quiet. I want you to know your place. 36:41 I told her after we got back on the truck: 36:43 “You know what? I’ll never hold my head down!” 36:47 My grandmother knew I had a love for the Bible 36:49 because I would always read the Bible as a kid. 36:54 But I couldn’t understand it. 37:02 I used to pray, “What makes us so different?” 37:05 You know, “Why can’t we live together?” 37:11 I met a group, 37:14 and this group was like what I really wanted to be in. 37:19 They were about politics. 37:21 They said, “We’re fighting injustice.” 37:23 And when they said that word “injustice,” it was like, 37:26 ‘Yeah, this is what I want to be in, right? 37:30 ‘To be part of something that can change 37:32 and make people united, right?’ 37:35 That was my goal. 37:38 We started protesting about police brutality, 37:41 and I think that’s what a lot of people, 37:43 you know, were focusing on. 37:47 I liked some of the things that they were doing, 37:50 but they trained us every, every day in military training. 37:53 We learned how to use weapons and stuff like that. 37:56 And so I’m thinking: 37:58 ‘This is not what I want to be in. This is not what I joined.’ 38:01 So I started going back to God again —to reading the Bible— 38:05 because it was like I’m not changing anything. 38:08 The Bible that I was reading was the King James Version. 38:11 So I was reading it, reading it, reading it, 38:13 but I couldn’t understand it. 38:16 We went to Jamaica, 38:18 and we saw this Bible, the New World Translation. 38:20 And I started reading it, and it made so much sense! 38:23 And I could understand it, and it wasn’t “thee” and “thou.” 38:26 I was like, ‘Wow!’ 38:28 You know, like, ‘This is the one I want to get.’ 38:31 One day, two women knocked on the door. 38:34 I didn’t know they were Jehovah’s Witnesses. 38:36 All I could see was that Bible. 38:39 And I said, “Where did you get that Bible from?” 38:42 And they said, “OK, we’ll bring you one.” 38:44 And they did. So they brought me the Bible, 38:46 but I didn’t know I was going to have a Bible study that came along with it. 38:51 The first time I went to a convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 38:54 it was like ten thousand people. 38:57 When I went in there and I saw 38:59 all these different faces and different colors, 39:02 it was like Jehovah showing me: 39:04 “Hey, Rafika, remember you were asking me 39:06 “about all different people getting together and being one? 39:10 See, I’m not partial; they do get along; we are unified.” 39:14 And it just made me feel so good inside. 39:17 Yes! 39:19 This is the organization that I want to be in. 39:22 I just see people as people, you know, 39:27 and I can preach and be friends with anybody. 39:32 Now that I know what the Bible really teaches, 39:35 I have a wonderful life 39:37 because I know that only God and his government 39:41 can bring about peace. 39:44 Just like how Jehovah unified everybody, 39:46 I want everybody to be unified 39:49 and come to know Jehovah, just like I know him. 39:53 Jehovah answered my prayer. 40:05 While Rafika faced unique challenges 40:09 early in her spiritual life, 40:11 she learned to trust in Jehovah. 40:14 Trust is also needed 40:17 if we choose to extend ourselves 40:19 in a new form of Kingdom service. 40:21 This is especially true of those who have had the privilege 40:26 to attend the School for Kingdom Evangelizers. 40:29 Their personal experiences confirm this. 40:37 I have an illness that affects my level of energy, 40:39 so I didn’t feel that I could accept just any kind of assignment. 40:44 Since the end of this system is near, 40:47 I want to do whatever I can 40:49 that Jehovah wants down to the very end. 40:52 So I applied. 40:54 Before attending SKE, when I received my invitation, 40:57 all of a sudden I had challenges or worries about myself. 41:01 I felt unworthy, even unqualified. 41:06 Being a single sister, going into the class with so many couples, 41:11 I thought I would be out of place. 41:17 I used all my abilities. 41:21 I felt like my head was swelling up. 41:25 Even so, I felt that I was really being refined 41:28 and ended each day feeling fulfilled. 41:34 Something that I 41:36 really enjoyed about SKE 41:37 was Friday afternoons. 41:39 That’s when we had a talk 41:41 from one of the Governing Body members. 41:43 That was special. 41:45 During the eight weeks of school, 41:47 such an emphasis was placed 41:49 on serving where the need is greater. 41:51 So this way of thinking became more important to us. 41:54 After eight weeks of attending the school, 41:56 you are even ready to be sent to the moon. 41:58 When I was told 42:00 that my next assignment 42:01 would be in Mesa, Arizona, 42:03 I thought, ‘Where is that?’ 42:05 And then I thought, ‘Oh, no, scorpions!’ 42:08 And then I thought, ‘OK, 42:10 this is where Jehovah thinks I should be, so I’m ready to go.’ 42:14 One of the challenges in my new assignment 42:16 was finding suitable accommodations. 42:19 There was a couple in the congregation 42:21 who had two rooms that they rented in the back of their property, 42:25 but it needed some renovations. 42:27 So the brothers very quickly came together, helped sort it out, 42:30 and even built an extra little kitchenette lounge. 42:34 So now we have a beautiful little home 42:36 to go back to after a long, hot day in the ministry. 42:40 I always thought that I’d do much better in the cold than I would in the heat. 42:44 So the brothers and sisters were very helpful 42:47 in making sure that I stayed hydrated, 42:49 making sure I knew how to handle myself in the heat, 42:52 giving me pointers on things to carry, 42:55 and they made sure that I had 42:57 an extra-large water bottle with me. 43:00 We really felt supported by the congregation 43:04 because they found us an apartment. 43:06 This meant that we could concentrate on our ministry. 43:12 One of the things that really helped me was an experienced brother 43:16 who gave an encouraging comment about whether my health 43:19 would permit me to attend the school. 43:21 He said, “If she can pioneer, 43:24 then it’s also possible for her to attend the school.” 43:29 The education that we received at SKE 43:31 especially helped us with our qualities, 43:35 our personality —putting on the new personality. 43:37 That really will help us not only now in our assignment 43:41 but right through into the new world. 43:46 I think there are many who could meet the qualifications 43:48 with just a little more effort. 43:51 Please know that there is a wonderful education program, 43:55 and we were able to experience it in our 60’s. 43:59 We could get through it. 44:02 So if others are thinking of applying, 44:05 I want to tell them that we were able to do it, 44:09 and by all means, 44:11 I want them to taste the same joy that we experienced. 44:17 You could be nervous 44:18 and have performance anxiety and worry about, 44:21 ‘How will I handle answering, 44:23 ‘and how about all of the student assignments 44:26 and the tests?’ —worries like that. 44:28 But for my own part, 44:30 it was two months with an incredible amount of joy. 44:34 And you have to focus on that. 44:37 It is a gift —it is a wonderful gift from Jehovah. 44:41 I wasn’t sure if I was going to put in the application 44:44 because I thought maybe I wanted to do it as a couple 44:47 rather than as a single person. 44:49 But I prayed to Jehovah about it, and I put my application in. 44:53 I wouldn’t be experiencing the happiness 44:55 that I have now if I had waited. 44:57 So I’m happy that I just put my application in 45:00 and let Jehovah do the rest. 45:02 And now, sometimes I’m driving down the freeway, and I think: 45:04 ‘Wow, Jehovah, I am so happy! Thank you!’ 45:09 These experiences remind me 45:13 of Colossians 3:23, 24 which reads: 45:17 “Whatever you are doing, 45:19 “work at it whole-souled as for Jehovah, 45:23 “and not for men, for you know that it is from Jehovah 45:28 “you will receive the inheritance as a reward. 45:31 Slave for the Master, Christ.” 45:34 Certainly, these brothers and sisters are doing just that. 45:38 If you personally find yourself in a position 45:43 to reach out for a privilege, such as attending this school 45:47 or moving to where the need is great, 45:50 give it consideration. 45:54 Now we travel to Costa Rica, 45:56 where we find our brothers and sisters relying on Jehovah 46:01 as they prepare for a very special assembly. 46:06 Why was trust in Jehovah essential for this project? 46:28 First, we asked the branch for permission. 46:32 Once they gave us approval, 46:33 we began to make preparations for the assembly, 46:36 though we had absolutely nothing. 46:39 So one brother lent us a property for the assembly site. 46:42 Our brothers have brought many different skills to the project. 46:46 There are metalworkers , 46:48 cabinetmakers, and bricklayers. 46:50 Many brothers 46:52 have given of their resources 46:53 and used their abilities 46:55 so that this project could go ahead. 46:59 This has really made us stand out here. 47:01 People were asking each other: 47:04 “What is happening here?” 47:05 and “Who paid for all of this?” 47:07 They say people are surprised at how many workers are coming to help. 47:12 And I wonder, 47:13 ‘If this is getting attention now, 47:16 what will the assembly be like?’ 47:19 A comfortable, practical, and secure Assembly Hall 47:23 was constructed using materials acquired locally. 47:26 Expectations grew as the special day drew closer, 47:30 and when it finally arrived, those in attendance 47:33 experienced something truly moving. 47:39 With Jehovah’s help, many interested ones, 47:42 along with our brothers and sisters, have come here today 47:46 to celebrate our first assembly in the Bribri language. 47:50 Friends, this is wonderful! 47:57 When the program started in Bribri, I cried. 48:04 I’m so happy 48:06 to have participated in the assembly, 48:08 especially because it’s in my own language. 48:14 It’s what we wanted. 48:16 We hope it continues just like this. 48:18 We walked a long way to invite these people, 48:24 and to see them here, it makes me very happy. 48:34 The information presented in the local language 48:37 touched many hearts. 48:39 This was truly a historic event 48:41 for our indigenous brothers in Costa Rica. 48:44 Jehovah has made it possible 48:46 for more people in this isolated region to enjoy his spiritual blessing. 48:58 Did you note why trust in Jehovah 49:03 was so essential for this project? 49:07 At the start the brothers had nothing. 49:11 But they trusted that Jehovah would assist them, 49:15 and he did through donated land, 49:19 materials, and willing volunteers. 49:22 Yes, we can truly put our confidence in Jehovah 49:26 as he guides us through this system of things. 49:30 Such trust in Jehovah 49:33 is highlighted in this month’s music video entitled 49:38 Confident in You. 49:47 Like a tree planted in the ground, Your words have sunk deep down 49:58 Into my heart and soothed my mind with gentle thoughts of peace. 50:08 ’Cause no matter what may come, With this wisdom from above, 50:19 I always have these truths to keep reminding me to 50:28 Go on; don’t be afraid. Hold on to what Jehovah says. 50:39 Through all the storms, your words have Given me strength to endure. 50:49 And every day I am more confident in you. 51:05 When this world tries to pull me down, To give up on what I’ve found, 51:16 I turn to you and know that you are always there. 51:26 It takes time to meditate— Get the words from off the page 51:36 And in my heart so they can help and guide me to 51:45 Go on; don’t be afraid. Hold on to what Jehovah says. 51:55 Look beyond any adversity. Focus on the things that I can’t see. 52:07 Through all the storms, your words have Given me strength to endure. 52:17 And every day I am more confident in you— 52:29 In you. 52:44 Go on; don’t be afraid. Hold on to what Jehovah says. 52:55 Look beyond any adversity. Focus on the things that I can’t see. 53:06 Through all the storms, your words have Given me strength to endure. 53:16 And every day I am more confident in you. 53:30 This month we have seen how trusting in Jehovah 53:34 and his guidance can assist us in a variety of ways: 53:38 addressing issues with a close friend, 53:41 our choices in entertainment, 53:43 and even coping with a world filled with social injustice. 53:48 Certainly, Jehovah is someone in whom we can trust! 53:52 But we have one last treat for you before we end our program. 53:57 We’ll briefly travel to Cádiz, Spain. 54:01 Cádiz is considered to be one of the oldest cities in Western Europe 54:06 and was founded by the Phoenicians. 54:08 It is situated on a narrow slice of land surrounded by the sea. 54:13 Cádiz has a wealth of vistas 54:16 and well-preserved historical landmarks. 54:20 On the outskirts lies Puerto de Santa María, 54:24 where an English-speaking congregation meets. 54:27 This congregation is made up mainly 54:30 of brothers and sisters serving as need-greaters. 54:33 They have come from other parts of Spain as well as distant lands, 54:37 such as Australia, Britain, Canada, and the United States. 54:42 Cádiz has a high rate of unemployment, 54:46 so finding work is not easy. 54:48 One couple travels nearly 300 miles 54:52 (or 483 km) 54:54 every Thursday to their territory, 54:57 and on Monday morning they make the trip back to where they live and work. 55:01 In spite of these financial challenges, 55:04 many are still serving as construction volunteers, 55:07 remote Bethel workers, and pioneers. 55:11 Our brothers and sisters in Puerto de Santa María 55:14 are thrilled to send their love and greetings to you all. 55:18 This is JW Broadcasting 55:21 from the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.