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00:00:01 Welcome, brothers and sisters, to JW Broadcasting. 00:00:05 In this month’s program, 00:00:07 we’ll learn ways to deal with worry and anxiety. 00:00:10 Here are some highlights. 00:00:12 From childhood, this brother found it a challenge 00:00:15 to attend meetings, go to school, hold a job, 00:00:19 and even leave his home each morning. 00:00:22 What can we learn from his experience 00:00:25 to help us cope with our anxieties 00:00:28 one day at a time? 00:00:31 These two sisters have worked shoulder to shoulder in full-time service 00:00:34 for more than 60 years. 00:00:37 We’ll learn what has helped them to remain joyful 00:00:40 despite everyday struggles and unexpected trials. 00:00:45 Have you ever wondered what motivates 00:00:47 our brothers and sisters to make themselves available for Bethel service? 00:00:51 We’ll hear from ones who are serving at Bethel, 00:00:54 and we’ll learn how to prepare and qualify 00:00:57 for this special form of full-time service. 00:01:01 There’s much to enjoy in this May 2019 edition 00:01:05 of JW Broadcasting. 00:01:26 Do you sometimes feel completely overwhelmed 00:01:29 when life’s problems cause you anxiety? 00:01:32 Just trying to provide the necessities 00:01:35 for one’s family can lead to anxiety. 00:01:38 At the same time, 00:01:40 you might be dealing with a chronic or life-threatening illness, 00:01:44 caring for a sick or elderly relative, 00:01:47 grieving the death of a loved one, 00:01:50 loneliness, a natural disaster, 00:01:54 or maybe you’re struggling with the devastating effects 00:01:58 of past or present abuse. 00:02:02 Now, you firmly believe that God’s Kingdom will fix these problems, 00:02:06 but that’s in the future. 00:02:09 What about today? 00:02:12 Perhaps you feel like David, 00:02:14 who prayed at Psalm 13:2: 00:02:17 “How long will I have anxious concern, 00:02:20 with grief in my heart each day?” 00:02:24 A sister who has struggled with anxiety for many years wrote this: 00:02:30 “Anxiety robs me of sleep, impacts my health, 00:02:35 affects the way I treat others, and makes me want to give up.” 00:02:40 She added: “Anxiety is like a monster 00:02:45 “that lives in my body somewhere between my heart and my belly. 00:02:49 “I cannot wait for Jehovah to kill that monster in the new world. 00:02:53 “But until then, the monster snarls and tears at my insides 00:02:59 and tries to take over my life.” 00:03:02 Can you identify with her feelings? 00:03:06 We often hear a person say concerning anxiety: 00:03:09 “I’m just trying to take it one day at a time.” 00:03:13 But one brother put it this way: 00:03:15 “I try to take it one day at a time, 00:03:18 but sometimes several days attack me at once.” 00:03:23 For so many of us, anxiety is a daily struggle. 00:03:29 If you battle with anxiety, 00:03:31 please know this: You are not alone. 00:03:35 Do not give up the fight. 00:03:38 Jehovah and Jesus are aware of the anxieties 00:03:42 that weigh on your mind and that are deep in your heart. 00:03:46 The Governing Body knows that living in this system of things 00:03:51 is especially “hard to deal with.” 00:03:53 So the theme chosen for this program is 00:03:57 “Deal With Anxiety One Day at a Time.” 00:04:02 First, what is anxiety? 00:04:06 In the Christian Greek Scriptures, 00:04:08 the word “anxious” occurs 19 times. 00:04:12 The first occurrence is in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. 00:04:16 Now, Jesus knew that people worried about how to provide for their family. 00:04:20 So at Matthew 6:25, 00:04:24 he gave this wise counsel: 00:04:27 “On this account I say to you: 00:04:30 “Stop being anxious about your lives 00:04:33 “as to what you will eat or what you will drink, 00:04:36 “or about your bodies as to what you will wear. 00:04:39 “Does not life mean more than food 00:04:42 and the body than clothing?” 00:04:45 The Study Bible note for verse 25 00:04:49 says that “the Greek term for ‘anxious’ 00:04:52 “can refer to worry that divides a person’s mind 00:04:56 and distracts him, robbing him of joy.” 00:04:59 At Luke 12:29, 00:05:03 Jesus says to “stop being in anxious suspense” 00:05:06 or to “stop worrying.” 00:05:08 The study note here says 00:05:11 that the Greek word for “anxious suspense” was used 00:05:14 to refer “to ships being tossed at sea.” 00:05:18 It says that Jesus used it “figuratively 00:05:21 “for being anxious or unsettled, 00:05:24 “as if tossed about or wavering 00:05:27 because of doubt and anxiety.” 00:05:30 By saying “stop being anxious,” 00:05:34 Jesus recognizes that anxiety is already in progress. 00:05:38 He is very aware of our imperfect nature. 00:05:42 He knows that we tend to bring our worries from yesterday 00:05:46 (the would-haves, could-haves, and should-haves) 00:05:49 and our imagined worries about tomorrow 00:05:53 (the what-ifs) to today. 00:05:56 But ask yourself, 00:05:58 ‘How often have I worried myself sick about what might happen tomorrow, 00:06:03 only to find that tomorrow wasn’t nearly as bad as I feared it would be?’ 00:06:09 Jesus also knows that anxiety can have real, 00:06:13 sometimes painful, consequences. 00:06:16 It can stop us from making spiritual progress. 00:06:20 Overthinking and overanalyzing our problems 00:06:24 can literally shut us down. 00:06:27 How, though, can we “stop being anxious”? 00:06:31 What’s the antidote? 00:06:33 Let’s consider four practical things we can do. 00:06:38 First, rely on Jehovah 00:06:40 and take one day at a time. 00:06:44 This is exactly what Jesus prescribed for us 00:06:48 at Matthew 6:33, 34: 00:06:53 “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom 00:06:56 “and his righteousness, 00:06:58 “and all these other things will be added to you. 00:07:01 “So never be anxious about the next day, 00:07:05 “for the next day will have its own anxieties. 00:07:09 Each day has enough of its own troubles.” 00:07:13 Verse 34 has a study note 00:07:16 telling us that “undue anxiety about what may happen in the future 00:07:21 “can adversely affect a person’s relationship with God, 00:07:24 causing him to rely on his own wisdom rather than on God’s.” 00:07:30 So, what’s the lesson? 00:07:32 Instead of relying on ourselves, 00:07:34 rely on Jehovah, and take one day at a time. 00:07:39 A cross-reference to Matthew 6:34 00:07:42 takes us to Exodus 16:4. 00:07:46 In this account, 00:07:47 Jehovah provided the Israelites with enough manna 00:07:51 for every day of their 40-year trek. 00:07:54 Could Jehovah have provided 00:07:56 a week’s worth of manna? a month’s worth? a year’s worth? 00:08:01 Of course. 00:08:03 So why did he only provide enough for each day? 00:08:08 Well, think about it. 00:08:10 When they stepped out of their tents each morning, 00:08:13 there was no question whether there would be manna on the ground or not, 00:08:18 and there was no question where it came from. 00:08:21 Jehovah never failed to provide for their needs, 00:08:25 not even for one day. 00:08:27 They also knew from the past that Jehovah 00:08:31 always provided for those who were loyal to him. 00:08:35 We too can look back at how Jehovah provided for his servants. 00:08:39 We can have complete confidence that Jehovah knows exactly 00:08:43 what we need when we need it 00:08:46 —for today, tomorrow, and for all eternity. 00:08:51 Even if we have such confidence, 00:08:54 why do we sometimes continue to feel anxious? 00:08:58 The simple answer: 00:09:00 We’re imperfect people trying our best 00:09:03 to serve Jehovah in Satan’s wicked world. 00:09:06 Daily challenges cause anxiety that can make us forget to rely on Jehovah 00:09:11 and take one day at a time. 00:09:13 So we need to add our second way to deal with anxiety: 00:09:18 Pour your heart out 00:09:20 to Jehovah in earnest prayer. 00:09:23 Read with me the reassuring words 00:09:25 at Philippians 4:6, 7: 00:09:29 “Do not be anxious over anything, 00:09:32 “but in everything by prayer 00:09:35 “and supplication along with thanksgiving, 00:09:39 “let your petitions be made known to God; 00:09:42 “and the peace of God that surpasses 00:09:45 “all understanding will guard your hearts 00:09:48 and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.” 00:09:52 Paul doesn’t simply tell us not to be anxious, 00:09:56 but he tells us how. 00:09:58 He said “by prayer and supplication,” 00:10:03 which is earnest and specific prayer. 00:10:06 With what benefit? 00:10:08 The “peace of God . . . will guard your hearts.” 00:10:14 “Guard” was a military expression referring to troops 00:10:17 assigned to protect a city. 00:10:19 The inhabitants could sleep soundly 00:10:22 knowing that soldiers were guarding them at night. 00:10:26 In a similar way, when we have “the peace of God,” 00:10:30 our hearts and minds can rest. 00:10:33 This can prevent us from being overwhelmed by anxiety or discouragement. 00:10:38 How reassuring are the words of the psalmist 00:10:42 at Psalm 4:8: 00:10:45 “I will lie down and sleep in peace, 00:10:49 “for you alone, O Jehovah, 00:10:51 make me dwell in security.” 00:10:54 So when we feel trapped, like there’s no way out of our worries, 00:10:59 the peace from God gives us hope 00:11:03 that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. 00:11:06 What, though, must you do? 00:11:09 Turn your worries into deep, heartfelt prayers. 00:11:14 In fact, at 1 Peter 5:7, 00:11:18 Jehovah invites you to “throw all your anxiety on him, 00:11:22 “[and leave it with him] 00:11:24 because he cares for you.” 00:11:27 Jehovah is the one person who truly understands how you feel. 00:11:32 He knows every moment of your life 00:11:35 —why you feel or react a certain way. 00:11:38 He loves and values you personally 00:11:42 despite your imperfections, your anxieties, 00:11:46 your cares and worries. 00:11:48 He not only has the power to help you, he wants to. 00:11:54 Knowing this should move you to pray specifically, 00:11:59 expressing your deepest emotions 00:12:02 and pleading that he grant you peace of mind and heart. 00:12:07 To the extent you do so, 00:12:09 1 Peter 5:10 promises 00:12:12 that “he will make you firm, 00:12:14 “he will make you strong, 00:12:16 he will firmly ground you.” 00:12:21 Never underestimate the power of prayer! 00:12:25 Jehovah is always ready to help you 00:12:28 —one day at a time. 00:12:32 Our third way to deal with anxiety 00:12:34 is to read and meditate on God’s Word. 00:12:39 Let Jehovah speak to you. 00:12:41 Allow Jehovah’s thoughts to become your thoughts. 00:12:46 At Psalm 94:19, 00:12:49 notice how the psalmist admitted his own anxiety: 00:12:54 “When anxieties overwhelmed me, 00:12:57 you comforted and soothed me.” 00:13:02 Yes, even servants of God can feel overwhelmed by anxieties 00:13:06 or, as one translation says, “burdened with worries.” 00:13:11 That in itself is comforting 00:13:14 that an inspired Bible writer struggled with anxieties. 00:13:18 But Jehovah “comforted and soothed” him, 00:13:22 calming his troubled heart. 00:13:25 God can do the same for us 00:13:28 through his inspired Word, the Bible. 00:13:30 Remember, the Bible is how Jehovah speaks to us. 00:13:35 Rather than allowing our emotions to run wild, 00:13:38 we can learn to focus our mind on upbuilding things, 00:13:43 such as what the apostle Paul listed at Philippians 4:8: 00:13:48 “Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, 00:13:53 “whatever things are of serious concern, 00:13:56 “whatever things are righteous, 00:13:58 “whatever things are chaste, 00:14:00 “whatever things are lovable, 00:14:02 “whatever things are well-spoken-of, 00:14:05 “whatever things are virtuous, 00:14:07 “and whatever things are praiseworthy, 00:14:10 continue considering these things.” 00:14:14 The footnote to verse 8 shows that “considering” 00:14:18 involves “thinking about” or “meditating on.” 00:14:22 We can and should meditate on positive things from the Bible, 00:14:27 replacing negative things that may enter our mind and cause anxiety. 00:14:32 Ask Jehovah to help you to find passages 00:14:37 in his Word that will soothe your heart. 00:14:40 Ask others what scriptures have calmed their heart during anxious moments. 00:14:45 Make your own personal list. 00:14:48 Then set aside time to read 00:14:51 and meditate on those passages. 00:14:54 Meditation is the doorway to your heart. 00:14:58 Meditation lets God’s thoughts affect you 00:15:02 on the deepest possible level. 00:15:05 Imagine that Jehovah is speaking directly to you, 00:15:08 because he is. 00:15:10 Never underestimate the power of God’s Word 00:15:14 —of letting Jehovah speak to you. 00:15:18 Our fourth way to deal with anxiety 00:15:21 is to share your feelings with a trusted friend. 00:15:25 Proverbs 12:25 says: 00:15:29 “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down 00:15:33 “[or, as the footnote says, ‘depresses him’], 00:15:36 but a good word cheers it up.” 00:15:39 “A good word” can come from a fellow believer 00:15:42 who is motivated by God’s spirit and guided by his Word. 00:15:47 When the apostle Paul was alone in prison, 00:15:50 he prayed for encouragement 00:15:52 and Jehovah provided what he needed to cheer him up. 00:15:56 With a heart full of appreciation, 00:15:59 he said at Colossians 4:11 00:16:01 that “my fellow workers . . . have become 00:16:04 a source of great comfort to me,” 00:16:06 or “a strengthening aid.” 00:16:10 What can you do if you feel weighed down or imprisoned by anxiety? 00:16:15 Like Paul, pray for encouragement. 00:16:19 Pray for someone you can talk to, 00:16:21 someone you can trust with your feelings. 00:16:24 The answer to your prayer may be an elder 00:16:28 or a mature Christian brother or sister. 00:16:31 But what if it’s difficult for you 00:16:34 to open up to others and confide in them? 00:16:37 Try the advice in the March 1, 1997, Watchtower article 00:16:42 “Are You Afraid to Trust Others?” 00:16:45 When confiding in someone 00:16:47 it says: “Reveal your concerns gradually. 00:16:51 “If he [or she] responds in an appropriate, 00:16:54 “sympathetic, and discreet way, 00:16:57 you might then try disclosing more.” 00:17:00 Even if it takes some effort, 00:17:03 never underestimate the power of our brotherhood. 00:17:07 Jehovah can use a fellow worshipper 00:17:10 to ease your mind of “anxious concern.” 00:17:13 Even at times when there’s no one to talk to, 00:17:16 we can let the experiences, 00:17:19 upbuilding music, 00:17:21 and talks on JW Broadcasting® be like 00:17:24 an encouraging hug from a trusted friend. 00:17:28 Yes, when we make the effort, we give Jehovah something to bless. 00:17:33 Jehovah can help us conquer the seemingly unconquerable. 00:17:38 That may not mean that we’ll completely eliminate anxiety, 00:17:42 but we can learn to take control. 00:17:45 How? 00:17:47 Remember our four ways: 00:17:49 First, rely on Jehovah 00:17:53 and take one day at time; 00:17:55 second, pour out your heart 00:17:58 to Jehovah in earnest, specific prayer; 00:18:02 third, read and meditate on God’s Word 00:18:06 —let Jehovah speak to you; 00:18:09 and fourth, share your feelings with a trusted friend. 00:18:13 With Jehovah’s help, 00:18:15 you can deal with anxiety one day at a time. 00:18:20 Earlier, I read a quote from the sister who described 00:18:23 anxiety as a monster living inside her. 00:18:27 I’m so pleased to say that the sister who wrote that letter about her anxieties 00:18:31 is actually here with us in the studio to tell us more about her experience. 00:18:37 This is Jordan Williams and her husband, Robert. 00:18:39 Thank you so much 00:18:41 for coming here to share with us your battle with anxiety. 00:18:45 Can you elaborate on that, please? 00:18:48 I feel ashamed of my anxiety. 00:18:50 I feel like there’s something wrong with me, and I feel guilty about that. 00:18:55 I feel like I’m letting Jehovah down by feeling anxious 00:18:59 and that I’m even being disobedient to Jesus, 00:19:01 when he says: “Stop being anxious.” 00:19:03 But I just can’t. 00:19:05 Thank you for sharing that. 00:19:06 Robert, what do you do to help Jordan battle this anxiety? 00:19:12 It’s a monster —sometimes a very stubborn monster— 00:19:15 that won’t go away. 00:19:17 Remembering that it’s not her fault 00:19:20 helps me be more compassionate 00:19:23 and caring—listening when she’s explaining these anxieties 00:19:27 that I may not completely understand. 00:19:29 Jordan, are there other practical things that help you battle anxiety? 00:19:34 The single biggest help is walking with Jehovah every day. 00:19:38 I mean that literally. 00:19:39 I’ll wake up in the morning super anxious. 00:19:42 And I can’t breathe; and my chest is tight. 00:19:45 And I’ll get up, and I’ll read the chapter 00:19:48 of the Bible that the daily text comes from. 00:19:50 And then I’ll go on a walk and talk to Jehovah for an hour, 00:19:54 and I try to use the model prayer as an outline. 00:19:56 So I’ll talk to Jehovah about his name 00:19:59 and how I feel so privileged to have that name on me. 00:20:04 And I’ll talk to him about his Kingdom 00:20:06 that’s going to solve all of these problems, including anxiety. 00:20:10 And I’ll talk to him about his will 00:20:13 and specifically what his will is for me that day. 00:20:17 And most of the time, 00:20:20 those three things cover the things that were worrying me. 00:20:23 But if there is another thing, I’ll talk to him specifically about that. 00:20:27 What a nice walk you have with Jehovah. 00:20:29 Are there other things that help you deal and battle anxiety? 00:20:33 Personal study projects help a lot, 00:20:35 especially if they don’t have anything to do with anxiety. 00:20:37 If I do a study project on the spiritual suit of armor or the ransom, 00:20:42 it kind of distracts the “anxiety monster” so that my heart can calm down, 00:20:47 and then these pearls of wisdom will come from Jehovah, and they can get in. 00:20:51 And some of those pearls are actually just what I need to deal with my anxiety. 00:20:56 Are there specific things that help you? 00:20:59 Yes, I made an Anxiety tab in the Personal Study section 00:21:02 of my Study Bible on my tablet, 00:21:04 and I collect scriptures and comments 00:21:08 that really help with my anxiety. 00:21:10 For example, in 2014, there was a regional convention talk 00:21:15 about Matthew chapter 6 and six specific things that combat anxiety. 00:21:20 And it made me think of the twelve-step program to overcoming addiction. 00:21:24 These are the six steps to overcome anxiety. 00:21:27 What are those six steps? 00:21:29 The first one is to help those in need, 00:21:31 and then pray a lot, to be forgiving, 00:21:35 not to be hypocritical, to store up treasures in heaven, 00:21:39 and then to focus on spiritual matters. 00:21:42 So when we got back from the convention, 00:21:44 she took those items and she wrote them down 00:21:46 and put them on magnets and put them on our refrigerator. 00:21:49 I try to do each one of those six things every day. 00:21:52 And when I accomplish one, I’ll turn the magnet 00:21:54 so that I can see what I still need to work on. 00:21:57 So when I come to the refrigerator in the morning, 00:22:00 if the magnets are turned, we know where she’s at. 00:22:02 If they’re not turned, we know we’re in trouble. 00:22:03 It’s a bad day. 00:22:04 It’s time to do something else. 00:22:05 Very good—nice barometer. 00:22:06 So, what can others do or say 00:22:09 that would be helpful to those going through anxiety? 00:22:12 For the friends, it’s really nice when they’re understanding 00:22:16 and nonjudgmental 00:22:18 and respect my privacy (that’s really helpful) 00:22:22 and when they don’t freeze me in time 00:22:25 or decide that ‘Oh, she’s anxious, and this is how she’s going to be all the time.’ 00:22:29 That’s really helpful. 00:22:30 I even forget that Jehovah approves of me. 00:22:34 So reminding me of that 00:22:36 —reminding me that the things that I do to please him are successful 00:22:41 and maybe even reminding me of things that I have accomplished for Jehovah 00:22:45 in the past. 00:22:47 You know, you should tell Ron about your broken dish. 00:22:49 Oh, yeah. 00:22:50 Yes. I’d like to know about that. 00:22:53 So I just found out about this Japanese art called Kintsukuroi. 00:22:57 And it’s basically taking 00:22:59 a broken piece of pottery and fixing it by putting it back together 00:23:03 with gold or silver lacquer, 00:23:06 and the concept is that the piece is more beautiful for having been broken. 00:23:11 And that really resonates with me because I do feel broken by anxiety. 00:23:16 But Jehovah gave Jesus as a ransom, 00:23:19 and that ransom is just pure gold; 00:23:21 and He can take all the broken anxious little bits of me 00:23:25 and put me back together. 00:23:27 And maybe I’ll even be more useful to Jehovah for having been broken. 00:23:32 That’s very precious. 00:23:34 Thank you for sharing that. 00:23:35 Are there other things that help you deal with anxiety? 00:23:39 I’ve learned to recognize when anxiety is clouding my thinking, 00:23:42 and I’ll ask him, “Can I borrow your brain for a minute, please?” 00:23:45 So, what we did is we went and purchased a whiteboard and put it in my office. 00:23:49 And sometimes we’ll go to the whiteboard 00:23:51 and write out all the anxieties that she’s dealing with. 00:23:54 As we are writing them out, 00:23:56 sometimes we realize that those are yesterday’s anxieties 00:23:59 and that they’ve been cared for, so we can erase those from the board. 00:24:02 Some of them are for tomorrow, 00:24:05 and so we don’t want to borrow those and bring them to today. 00:24:07 They’re tomorrow’s anxieties. 00:24:09 And some anxieties can be grouped in little clusters, 00:24:12 and you can realize, ‘The root is here; let’s focus on that.’ 00:24:16 I fight anxiety every single day. 00:24:20 And anxiety is constantly changing its tactics, so I have to be adaptable. 00:24:25 But Jehovah never leaves me to fight anxiety alone—ever. 00:24:30 I don’t understand what I’ve done to merit all of his attention, 00:24:35 but I do realize that I don’t need to understand why he loves me. 00:24:39 I trust him, and he never lies, 00:24:42 so I just need to accept it when he shows me that love. 00:24:45 We appreciate you sharing those personal feelings. 00:24:48 And again, we know that Jehovah and Jesus are so proud of you. 00:24:52 And we know that those who are listening in to this interview 00:24:55 will benefit so much from listening to your personal expressions. 00:24:59 Thank you very much. 00:25:01 Anxieties can surface at any time in our lives, 00:25:05 even when we’re very young. 00:25:07 Imagine, though, if the stress of growing up in this system 00:25:11 was made worse by a chronic disorder, 00:25:14 one that made anxiety feel impossible to overcome. 00:25:18 We’ll be encouraged by the experience of Brother Steing Dott, 00:25:22 who never gave up on Jehovah. 00:25:24 See if you can identify what has helped him cope 00:25:28 one day at a time. 00:25:31 My name is Steing Dott. 00:25:33 I was born in 1988 in Darwin, Northern Territory. 00:25:38 When I was eight years old, 00:25:40 I realized that life was getting very difficult for me. 00:25:45 I was diagnosed with ADHD, 00:25:48 obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette syndrome. 00:25:51 And on top of all of that, I was diagnosed with severe anxiety as well. 00:25:55 My mum said this affected the entire family 00:25:59 because I would repeatedly yell out “Good night!” 00:26:02 to each individual person in the family. 00:26:05 And on top of that, I used to constantly go 00:26:09 around the house, checking the locks and the windows. 00:26:13 My school life was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with. 00:26:18 My school was approximately 500 meters from my home. 00:26:22 It would take me at least two hours to get to school 00:26:25 because one of my obsessions was that if there were cracks on the footpath 00:26:30 and if I stepped on one, 00:26:32 I’d have to go all the way back home and start again. 00:26:37 Well, I found life to be a constant struggle, 00:26:40 and as I got older, it only got worse. 00:26:43 Even at ten years old, I decided that I wanted to end my life 00:26:48 so that it would make everyone in the family’s life a lot easier. 00:26:52 But then we decided to use some medication, 00:26:56 which eased my problems a little bit. 00:26:58 Despite having medication, 00:27:01 life was still completely unbearable for me. 00:27:04 I had a constant struggle every day within myself. 00:27:08 I used to wash my hands hundreds of times a day. 00:27:11 I couldn’t leave the home; 00:27:13 I couldn’t get a driver’s license; I couldn’t even get a job. 00:27:17 A major turning point in my life 00:27:20 was my mum’s unwavering faith in Jehovah. 00:27:23 She used to iron my clothes for the meeting 00:27:25 and hang them on the doorknob, 00:27:27 even though I wasn’t ready to attend the meeting. 00:27:30 But what she didn’t know was that when my mum 00:27:32 went to the meeting with my sister, I’d get a Bible, 00:27:35 and I’d try and start to read it. 00:27:37 I also began to pray to Jehovah. 00:27:41 And then one day, I thought, ‘I’m going to give this a shot.’ 00:27:45 So I put my suit on, I got ready, 00:27:47 and I went to the meeting. 00:27:49 When I went to the Kingdom Hall, I was absolutely terrified. 00:27:53 I was so nervous. 00:27:54 But when I got there, I saw an elder 00:27:57 who used to come and visit me, and he made me feel very relaxed. 00:28:02 And then the amazing welcome by the brothers and sisters 00:28:05 —it made me feel like I was part of Jehovah’s organization again. 00:28:10 The scripture that really helped me 00:28:12 was 1 Peter 5:7 because it says: 00:28:16 “While you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” 00:28:21 So this made me feel like I had a very powerful Friend, 00:28:25 and Jehovah wanted me to throw my anxieties on him because he loved me. 00:28:30 On September 4, 2010, 00:28:33 it was my most important day of my life. 00:28:35 I got baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses 00:28:39 at Adelaide Entertainment Centre. 00:28:41 I now serve as a ministerial servant. 00:28:44 I’ve had the privilege of giving public talks, 00:28:47 which is something I never thought I’d ever be able to do. 00:28:50 I completed pioneer school after three attempts 00:28:54 because the pioneer school environment made me feel 00:28:57 like I was back at school and made me have anxiety again. 00:29:01 So the third time I completed it. 00:29:04 And none of this would ever have been possible without Jehovah’s help. 00:29:09 On the 6th of August 2016, 00:29:12 I married my beautiful wife, Laura, 00:29:15 who helps me serve Jehovah, 00:29:17 and we can serve Jehovah every day together. 00:29:19 I, like the apostle Paul, 00:29:21 still feel like I have a war inside me sometimes. 00:29:25 But definitely, Jehovah has never let me down. 00:29:29 Never give up on serving Jehovah 00:29:32 because Jehovah will never give up on you. 00:29:35 Did you notice what Steing considered the turning point in his life? 00:29:39 It was the unwavering faith of his Mum, 00:29:43 the warmth of the congregation 00:29:46 and, most of all, help from Jehovah. 00:29:49 He called Jehovah “a very powerful Friend.” 00:29:53 That’s so true! 00:29:55 Brother Dott overcame monumental challenges, 00:29:59 but is his struggle with anxiety over? 00:30:02 No. 00:30:04 He said that like the apostle Paul, 00:30:06 he sometimes still feels a war within himself. 00:30:11 Do you ever feel that way? 00:30:13 This month’s music video reminds us 00:30:16 that we can find peace and joy despite our burdens. 00:30:20 It’s entitled Each Day Has Its Own Anxieties. 00:30:31 I know about the Paradise under God’s Kingdom, 00:30:38 And I believe with all my heart that better days will come. 00:30:46 But sometimes in this life, for me, It’s hard to see the things unseen, 00:30:53 To feel the love I know is there when my heart is in despair. 00:31:00 But I know Jehovah’s near. 00:31:10 So I say a prayer from the heart. When worries overtake my mind, 00:31:21 On his strength I can rely. I’m not alone; I know he’s there. 00:31:34 I have his words of comfort And true friends who really care. 00:31:40 Yes, each day has its own anxieties. So I take one day at a time; 00:31:52 Leave tomorrow until tomorrow; Peace is what I find 00:31:59 One day at a time. 00:32:07 So take these words I’ve said, my friend, And know that I care. 00:32:14 Focus on the joys in life, Not the burdens that we bear. 00:32:23 Think about what God has done. To show his love, he gave his Son. 00:32:29 So never doubt; keep trusting him. He gave his best so we could live. 00:32:36 So don’t give in to fear. 00:32:43 Say a prayer from the heart. When worries overtake our mind, 00:32:54 On his strength we can rely. We’re not alone, for he is there. 00:33:05 We have his words of comfort And true friends who really care. 00:33:13 Yes, each day has its own anxieties. So take one day at a time; 00:33:25 Leave tomorrow until tomorrow; Peace is what we’ll find 00:33:31 One day at a time. 00:33:54 Say a prayer from the heart. When worries overtake our mind, 00:34:05 On his strength we can rely. We’re not alone, for he is there. 00:34:17 We have his words of comfort And true friends who really care. 00:34:25 Yes, each day has its own anxieties. So take one day at a time; 00:34:36 Leave tomorrow until tomorrow; Peace is what we’ll find 00:34:42 One day at a time— One day at a time. 00:34:58 “We’re not alone, for he is there. 00:35:02 “We have his words of comfort and true friends 00:35:06 who really care.” 00:35:08 What an encouraging thought from that song! 00:35:11 Yes, true friends who share our love for Jehovah are invaluable. 00:35:17 We’ll see that in this story from Japan. 00:35:20 Sisters Takako Sato and Hisako Wakui 00:35:24 have worked together as pioneers since 1957. 00:35:28 Let’s learn how their friendship 00:35:30 has helped them serve Jehovah with joy. 00:35:34 We are pioneer partners. 00:35:38 We’ve been working together 00:35:40 for over 60 years. 00:35:43 In 1956, 00:35:45 I was the only Jehovah’s Witness in Nagano prefecture. 00:35:49 It was lonesome, 00:35:52 but I applied for regular pioneer service. 00:35:55 Surprisingly, 00:35:57 I was appointed as a special pioneer. 00:36:01 I was so happy that I found myself 00:36:04 rolling around on the tatami-mat floor 00:36:07 with the appointment letter in my hand. 00:36:10 That was the way I expressed my joy and appreciation. 00:36:15 When I was invited to serve 00:36:17 as a special pioneer, I was sent to Nagano, 00:36:19 and that’s where I met Hisako. 00:36:23 Takako and I focused on our ministry. 00:36:28 When an isolated group was established, 00:36:31 since there were no brothers, 00:36:33 I would wear a head covering and conduct the meetings. 00:36:38 Sometimes the outlines were in English. 00:36:41 We didn’t understand anything. 00:36:44 But people were delighted to hear 00:36:47 even just the scriptures and went home satisfied, 00:36:51 and that strongly impressed on me the power of God’s Word. 00:36:58 We were assigned to a territory in the city after that. 00:37:03 We found so many not-at-homes, 00:37:06 but we were determined to meet people. 00:37:11 So we changed the times we preached, 00:37:13 and we talked to people on the street 00:37:15 who were going to work. 00:37:17 We cherished even small opportunities. 00:37:20 When we had a chance to meet a householder, 00:37:23 we always tried to have a conversation 00:37:26 that we could link to the next visit. 00:37:29 Before long, I had ten Bible studies. 00:37:35 Takako acts like she’s cheerful, 00:37:38 but she’s been fighting various illnesses. 00:37:43 At times, it was so bad 00:37:46 that I could not even go out in service. 00:37:50 I had a serious skin condition. 00:37:53 I could not bear 00:37:56 to look at the illustration of Job in the magazine, 00:38:00 and I covered it up with paper. 00:38:06 But Jehovah helped me to look to Job’s example. 00:38:10 I learned 00:38:12 that our endurance under trial 00:38:14 would become praise to God. 00:38:19 I have often had health problems. 00:38:23 Just at one of those times, 00:38:26 I received a letter from the branch. 00:38:29 It said: 00:38:31 “What you can accomplish now may be limited. 00:38:36 “However, think about all that you have done up to now 00:38:40 “to give praise to Jehovah 00:38:42 “and about the people you were able to help learn the truth, 00:38:46 and be joyful knowing that you have been used by Jehovah fully.” 00:38:54 I couldn’t stop crying 00:38:56 because I really felt the care and concern 00:39:00 from the organization and from Jehovah. 00:39:05 Hisako also took really good care of me 00:39:09 and prayed with me. 00:39:13 Our thinking and personalities are different, 00:39:16 but we made efforts to talk things out. 00:39:20 Our heartfelt desire to want to serve Jehovah full-time 00:39:25 has always been the same. 00:39:30 For 60 years, we’ve enjoyed 00:39:33 a truly wonderful life of service to Jehovah. 00:39:36 Jehovah has supported us in difficult times 00:39:40 through the Bible, the organization, and friends. 00:39:44 I have tasted the truthfulness of the words: 00:39:47 “When I am weak, then I am powerful.” 00:39:54 ‘When I said: “My foot is slipping,” 00:39:58 your kindness, O Jehovah, has supported me.’ 00:40:02 I can say that too. 00:40:05 Although we don’t have energy or ability, 00:40:09 we’ve been able to enjoy full-time service together up until now. 00:40:15 I’m really content now. 00:40:17 It’s all thanks to Jehovah. 00:40:23 Like the apostle Paul, our sisters cultivated singleness 00:40:27 and focused on full-time service to Jehovah 00:40:31 for more than 60 years. 00:40:33 Yes, they face everyday challenges 00:40:36 and the extra ones that come with age, 00:40:39 but their heartfelt desire to serve Jehovah whole-souled 00:40:43 brings Takako and Hisako real joy and contentment. 00:40:48 Whole-souled service for nearly 20,000 brothers and sisters 00:40:53 is a full-time assignment at Bethel. 00:40:57 What motivates them to reach out for this special privilege? 00:41:01 What blessings do they experience? 00:41:04 And what’s the best way to prepare and qualify for Bethel service? 00:41:09 I’d like to invite my friend Patrick LaFranca 00:41:12 to discuss these and other questions. 00:41:14 Welcome, Pat. 00:41:15 Thank you, Ron. 00:41:18 How heartwarming it’s been 00:41:20 to see millions take their stand for true worship! 00:41:23 Thousands more are joining us every week. 00:41:27 Jehovah is speeding up the ingathering work, 00:41:30 and this makes us very happy. 00:41:33 But who will work to provide the Bibles, Bible literature, 00:41:38 and the audio and video publications 00:41:41 that sustain us spiritually 00:41:43 and help us to accomplish our Kingdom preaching and teaching work? 00:41:47 Bethel is a unique place. 00:41:50 It’s where mature Christians 00:41:53 render sacred service to Jehovah 00:41:55 in close association with Christ’s brothers. 00:41:58 They minister to the needs of our worldwide brotherhood 00:42:02 and support the preaching work. 00:42:05 The Bethel family is a group of dedicated, 00:42:09 baptized servants of Jehovah 00:42:11 who live and work together closely. 00:42:14 So they experience in a special way 00:42:18 what Psalm 133:1 says: 00:42:21 “Look! How good 00:42:24 “and how pleasant it is for brothers 00:42:27 to dwell together in unity!” 00:42:29 We’re very pleased to see that many have expanded their service 00:42:33 to Jehovah by making themselves available 00:42:36 for the special privilege of Bethel service. 00:42:40 Have you considered this as a goal? 00:42:44 Making yourself available 00:42:46 for Bethel service is like knocking on a door that leads 00:42:50 to many other privileges of service. 00:42:52 Of course, to serve at Bethel requires 00:42:55 a self-sacrificing spirit 00:42:57 and a willingness to serve 00:42:59 wherever there is a need, in harmony with the attitude displayed 00:43:03 by the prophet Isaiah at Isaiah 6:8: 00:43:06 “Then I heard the voice of Jehovah saying: 00:43:10 “‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ 00:43:13 And I said: ‘Here I am! Send me!’” 00:43:18 When Isaiah learned about an opportunity 00:43:21 to do more in Jehovah’s service, 00:43:23 he responded eagerly, 00:43:25 even though he did not know exactly 00:43:27 what he was going to be assigned to do. 00:43:30 It was enough for him to know that Jehovah 00:43:32 was extending an invitation to serve in a special way, 00:43:36 and Isaiah wanted to volunteer. 00:43:39 The same spirit is shown by Bethel family members worldwide. 00:43:45 What especially motivates so many to serve at Bethel? 00:43:49 Love for Jehovah moves us 00:43:51 to put Kingdom interests ahead of self-interest. 00:43:54 As stated in the Proclaimers book, page 295: 00:43:58 “This is not work in which they gain 00:44:01 “personal prominence or material possessions. 00:44:04 “Their desire is to honor Jehovah, and they are satisfied 00:44:07 “with the provisions made for them 00:44:10 “in the way of food, lodging, 00:44:11 and a modest [allowance] for personal expenses.” 00:44:16 Are there any rewards that come from serving in this unique way? 00:44:20 Those who have offered themselves willingly 00:44:23 for Bethel service have truly been blessed. 00:44:27 The love and unity we feel here is incomparable. 00:44:31 It’s not like in a company out in the world 00:44:34 because here you can work with your friends every day. 00:44:39 Like-minded people 00:44:41 have the same goals and support each other. 00:44:43 That is what you can feel here. 00:44:46 Maybe you’re assigned a task 00:44:47 that you’ve never performed before, 00:44:50 but there are many experienced brothers and sisters 00:44:52 who can help —professionally as well as personally. 00:44:56 Whether it is the consideration of the daily text 00:45:00 or the Watchtower Study with the Bethel family, 00:45:02 listening to the practical, valuable comments 00:45:05 of our brothers and sisters is really refreshing. 00:45:08 You really feel that they love Jehovah, 00:45:10 and their comments help you to feel the same. 00:45:14 Here in Bethel, you have the best Employer 00:45:16 that there is—Jehovah. 00:45:18 No other employer is as grateful and considerate as he is, 00:45:22 so out of love for Jehovah, you’re simply happy to give him your best. 00:45:26 Whenever I think about what 00:45:28 is being done at Bethel 00:45:30 —publications are being 00:45:31 produced and shipped, 00:45:32 videos for our conventions are being made, 00:45:35 and translation is being done 00:45:37 into so many different languages— 00:45:39 I keep getting goose bumps. 00:45:42 No matter what I can do here, 00:45:44 knowing that by doing it 00:45:46 I am supporting Christ’s brothers makes me feel very, very good. 00:45:51 So how does a young person 00:45:53 qualify for Bethel service? 00:45:55 My parents raised me to have 00:45:59 a spiritual focus. 00:46:00 So during the school holidays 00:46:02 and growing up, our life revolved around the ministry 00:46:06 —doing spiritual activities. 00:46:08 And it really helped us 00:46:09 keep focused spiritually as a family 00:46:13 and helped me stay focused on the goals that I wanted to achieve. 00:46:17 I really enjoy reading, 00:46:20 and one day my Dad just said to me, 00:46:22 “Why don’t you read the Bible?” 00:46:24 And I know it sounds obvious, but at that point, I had never read it 00:46:27 from Genesis to Revelation. 00:46:29 So when I finished reading the Bible, 00:46:31 it really changed my thinking, 00:46:35 and it really proved the truth to myself. 00:46:39 And this helped me to keep 00:46:43 a spiritual focus, and it really was the first step 00:46:47 in reaching out and achieving 00:46:49 the spiritual goals that I wanted to achieve. 00:46:52 In the congregation, I was able to help out 00:46:54 with doing the magazines and the sound and the platform. 00:46:59 And these privileges really helped me to build 00:47:02 a good work ethic and give in ways 00:47:05 that I could give more to Jehovah. 00:47:07 So the elders used to work with me a lot in the ministry. 00:47:10 So when I felt 00:47:12 that ‘I can’t do this’ 00:47:14 or ‘This is too much’ or ‘It’s too overwhelming’ 00:47:16 or ‘I’ll never be able to reach this goal,’ an elder showed me 00:47:21 a scripture in the Bible where Jehovah 00:47:23 was encouraging Joshua to be courageous. 00:47:26 And that really impacted me, 00:47:29 so that I was able to be courageous, too, and to reach my goal of Bethel. 00:47:36 So when I visited Bethel, 00:47:38 I saw that they were normal people, 00:47:41 and they had so many good qualities 00:47:44 that I wanted to imitate 00:47:47 —very hospitable, very warm, 00:47:49 very inviting. 00:47:52 That helped me to want to reach my goal, so that I could be like them. 00:47:57 To serve at Bethel 00:47:59 there are qualifications that need to be met. 00:48:01 You should have a deep love for Jehovah 00:48:04 and the organization, which is demonstrated 00:48:07 by living in harmony with Bible standards. 00:48:10 You must have a fine reputation 00:48:12 as a spiritual person. 00:48:14 You should have respect 00:48:16 for Jehovah’s moral standards, 00:48:18 avoiding uncleanness and sexual immorality. 00:48:21 You should have a clean conscience 00:48:24 before Jehovah and be at peace with yourself 00:48:27 and with Jehovah’s organization. 00:48:30 Your dress and grooming should be exemplary, 00:48:32 befitting a Christian minister 00:48:35 even during leisure time. 00:48:37 Styles that are faddish 00:48:39 or extreme or that identify us 00:48:41 with undesirable elements of the world 00:48:44 are not acceptable at Bethel. 00:48:47 The applicant should not read, listen to, 00:48:50 or view any type of material 00:48:53 that is inappropriate for a Christian. 00:48:55 Such unwholesome material 00:48:57 certainly would include pornography, 00:48:59 debasing music, or any kind of entertainment 00:49:03 that features sexual immorality, 00:49:05 spiritism, or violence. 00:49:09 Bethel applicants should be 00:49:11 from 19 to 35 years of age. 00:49:14 Occasionally, there is an opening 00:49:16 for someone over 35 years of age 00:49:18 who may have specialized skills 00:49:20 that are needed at Bethel, 00:49:22 such as those with certain technical 00:49:24 or medical experience, translation skills, 00:49:27 or building trades such as plumbing, electrical, 00:49:31 heavy equipment mechanics, or carpentry. 00:49:35 Those with such capabilities and training 00:49:37 are welcome to apply. 00:49:40 In view of the unique demands 00:49:43 of a full-time assignment at Bethel, 00:49:45 you should be mentally and emotionally sound, 00:49:48 physically strong, and able to work long hours. 00:49:53 You should be able to read, write, 00:49:54 and speak the primary language 00:49:56 of the branch territory. 00:49:58 This will enable you to communicate well 00:50:01 with others serving at Bethel, 00:50:03 to receive needed training, and to work safely 00:50:06 in the Bethel environment. 00:50:09 Bethel applicants agree to serve 00:50:11 for a minimum of one year, 00:50:13 during which time you will receive training 00:50:15 for continued Bethel service. 00:50:19 With regard to secular skills, we do not encourage individuals 00:50:22 to obtain university education 00:50:25 or training with the thought that this will improve 00:50:28 their chances of being called into Bethel. 00:50:30 The best way to prepare for Bethel service 00:50:33 is to first serve in the full-time pioneer ministry. 00:50:38 The greatest need is for single brothers. 00:50:41 However, all who meet the qualifications, including sisters, 00:50:44 are encouraged to apply for temporary volunteer service. 00:50:49 Serving as a temporary volunteer at Bethel may open 00:50:52 the way to other opportunities 00:50:54 to expand your service to Jehovah. 00:50:57 If you are interested in applying for Bethel service, 00:51:00 which application should you request 00:51:03 from a member of your Congregation Service Committee? 00:51:05 Since there are two types 00:51:07 of applications available, first give careful 00:51:10 and prayerful consideration 00:51:12 to your circumstances. 00:51:14 Thereafter, decide whether you will request from the elders 00:51:18 the Application for Volunteer Program (A-19), 00:51:21 which is available for those interested 00:51:23 in serving on a temporary basis 00:51:25 for as brief as one week or as long 00:51:28 as several consecutive months. 00:51:30 Or you may decide to request 00:51:32 the Application to Become a Member of the Worldwide Order 00:51:35 of Special Full-Time Servants of Jehovah’s Witnesses (A-8). 00:51:40 This application is for those interested 00:51:42 in serving on a long-term basis 00:51:44 for one full year or longer. 00:51:47 If the Branch Committee determines that there is a need 00:51:50 for your services, they will decide 00:51:52 where you can best be used, whether at Bethel 00:51:55 or perhaps on a theocratic construction assignment. 00:51:59 Submitting your application may open 00:52:02 a door of opportunity to serve Jehovah 00:52:04 and his organization in a variety of ways. 00:52:10 Of course, not all of us 00:52:12 who have such a self-sacrificing spirit 00:52:16 have the circumstances in life to serve at Bethel. 00:52:20 But we can encourage others who do. 00:52:23 Parents, follow the example 00:52:26 of God-fearing parents 00:52:28 such as Hannah and Elkanah, 00:52:31 who willingly made their son available 00:52:33 for expanded theocratic privileges. 00:52:37 Continue to place the goal of Bethel service before your young ones, 00:52:41 and stimulate their interest in the full-time ministry 00:52:45 by your example and your positive expressions. 00:52:49 If possible, 00:52:51 bring them on tour of world headquarters in New York, U.S.A., 00:52:55 or make arrangements to bring them on a tour of the Bethel 00:53:00 in the branch territory in which you live. 00:53:03 Such visits can help young ones to witness firsthand 00:53:07 the work that’s being done at Bethel to promote Kingdom interests. 00:53:12 Elders, help young ones in your congregation 00:53:16 who have the potential to expand their service 00:53:18 to Jehovah to meet the qualifications. 00:53:22 Jehovah continues to look for those willing to respond 00:53:26 to his invitation to expand their service to him. 00:53:30 As in Isaiah’s day, He asks: 00:53:33 “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” 00:53:37 Will you answer as did the prophet: 00:53:40 “Here I am! Send me!” 00:53:43 We encourage you to progress to spiritual maturity 00:53:47 and serve Jehovah whole-souled. 00:53:49 In due time, you may qualify to serve at Bethel 00:53:53 or in another form of exciting theocratic service 00:53:57 that permits you to use the health and strength 00:54:00 that Jehovah has granted you in an expanded way, 00:54:03 all to his praise. 00:54:07 Please be assured that we love you 00:54:09 for the willing spirit you show 00:54:12 as you continue to reach out in Jehovah’s service. 00:54:17 Thank you, Pat. 00:54:19 We hope that the information Brother LaFranca shared 00:54:22 motivates many more to have 00:54:25 the prophet Isaiah’s willing and self-sacrificing spirit. 00:54:29 So much of what Jehovah provides encourages us 00:54:33 to keep busy with spiritual things. 00:54:35 For one, we’re looking forward to our upcoming conventions. 00:54:39 The theme for this year is “‘Love Never Fails’!” 00:54:44 Would you like a preview of the program? 00:54:47 Let’s take a look. 00:54:49 Love 00:54:51 —is it gone? 00:54:55 Have we lost it? 00:54:59 Is it the possession of the wealthy? 00:55:03 the strong? 00:55:06 Or is it somewhere else? 00:55:09 At the 2019 convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 00:55:13 you will learn what real love is, 00:55:16 where to find it, 00:55:18 and how to show it 00:55:19 and have it shown in return. 00:55:27 God cares deeply about you. 00:55:30 And he wants you to know 00:55:31 that in this hate-filled world, 00:55:33 love can be found. 00:55:37 It is not lost. 00:55:39 And that love will never fail. 00:55:49 As we’ve discussed, we should never underestimate the power 00:55:53 of our brotherhood to help us overcome worries and anxiety. 00:55:57 Our conventions are wonderful opportunities for us to encourage one another 00:56:02 by the hundreds, thousands, and tens of thousands. 00:56:06 And this year, we’re especially excited 00:56:09 that 24 international conventions 00:56:12 will be held throughout the world. 00:56:15 Use the opportunity to get to know more of your brothers and sisters 00:56:20 at the regional or international convention you attend. 00:56:25 To conclude this month’s program, 00:56:27 let’s visit our brothers in Turkey. 00:56:30 Turkey is a nation of more than 80 million people 00:56:34 and a land rich in Bible history. 00:56:39 Turkey occupies a unique geographic position, bridging Europe and Asia. 00:56:45 It’s here that Noah’s ark came to rest near Mount Ararat, 00:56:49 Turkey’s highest mountain. 00:56:52 This is the land of the congregations in Colossae and Galatia, 00:56:56 as well as all seven congregations 00:56:58 mentioned in Revelation. 00:57:01 The territory is diverse and vast, 00:57:04 with a publisher-to-population ratio 00:57:07 of 1 to more than 26,000. 00:57:12 In the capital city of Ankara, 00:57:14 a single congregation is working hard 00:57:16 to reach almost 5.5 million people. 00:57:21 Many congregations in Turkey focus on public witnessing, with encouraging results. 00:57:27 Let’s visit the Hatay Congregation, 00:57:30 near the ancient city of Syrian Antioch. 00:57:33 Paul used Antioch as his home base for his missionary tours. 00:57:38 And it was here that the disciples were first called Christians. 00:57:43 Today, 00:57:45 this part of Turkey is known for its food 00:57:49 —such as spices, herbs, fruits, and sweets. 00:57:53 In recent times, 00:57:55 unrest and war have disrupted the region. 00:57:59 Some of our brothers and sisters have been so near to the conflict 00:58:04 that they could hear explosions from bombs and gunfire. 00:58:08 Despite these threats and anxieties, 00:58:12 the 56 publishers, including 11 regular pioneers 00:58:17 and 2 special pioneers, attend the meetings 00:58:20 and preach without letup. 00:58:23 Our brothers and sisters in Turkey send their love and greetings 00:58:27 to the worldwide brotherhood. 00:58:29 Our love goes back to them for their zeal and steadfast faith. 00:58:34 From the World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 00:58:37 this is JW Broadcasting.
00:00:01 Welcome, brothers and sisters, to JW Broadcasting. 00:00:05 In this month’s program, 00:00:07 we’ll learn ways to deal with worry and anxiety. 00:00:10 Here are some highlights. 00:00:12 From childhood, this brother found it a challenge 00:00:15 to attend meetings, go to school, hold a job, 00:00:19 and even leave his home each morning. 00:00:22 What can we learn from his experience 00:00:25 to help us cope with our anxieties 00:00:28 one day at a time? 00:00:31 These two sisters have worked shoulder to shoulder in full-time service 00:00:34 for more than 60 years. 00:00:37 We’ll learn what has helped them to remain joyful 00:00:40 despite everyday struggles and unexpected trials. 00:00:45 Have you ever wondered what motivates 00:00:47 our brothers and sisters to make themselves available for Bethel service? 00:00:51 We’ll hear from ones who are serving at Bethel, 00:00:54 and we’ll learn how to prepare and qualify 00:00:57 for this special form of full-time service. 00:01:01 There’s much to enjoy in this May 2019 edition 00:01:05 of JW Broadcasting. 00:01:26 Do you sometimes feel completely overwhelmed 00:01:29 when life’s problems cause you anxiety? 00:01:32 Just trying to provide the necessities 00:01:35 for one’s family can lead to anxiety. 00:01:38 At the same time, 00:01:40 you might be dealing with a chronic or life-threatening illness, 00:01:44 caring for a sick or elderly relative, 00:01:47 grieving the death of a loved one, 00:01:50 loneliness, a natural disaster, 00:01:54 or maybe you’re struggling with the devastating effects 00:01:58 of past or present abuse. 00:02:02 Now, you firmly believe that God’s Kingdom will fix these problems, 00:02:06 but that’s in the future. 00:02:09 What about today? 00:02:12 Perhaps you feel like David, 00:02:14 who prayed at Psalm 13:2: 00:02:17 “How long will I have anxious concern, 00:02:20 with grief in my heart each day?” 00:02:24 A sister who has struggled with anxiety for many years wrote this: 00:02:30 “Anxiety robs me of sleep, impacts my health, 00:02:35 affects the way I treat others, and makes me want to give up.” 00:02:40 She added: “Anxiety is like a monster 00:02:45 “that lives in my body somewhere between my heart and my belly. 00:02:49 “I cannot wait for Jehovah to kill that monster in the new world. 00:02:53 “But until then, the monster snarls and tears at my insides 00:02:59 and tries to take over my life.” 00:03:02 Can you identify with her feelings? 00:03:06 We often hear a person say concerning anxiety: 00:03:09 “I’m just trying to take it one day at a time.” 00:03:13 But one brother put it this way: 00:03:15 “I try to take it one day at a time, 00:03:18 but sometimes several days attack me at once.” 00:03:23 For so many of us, anxiety is a daily struggle. 00:03:29 If you battle with anxiety, 00:03:31 please know this: You are not alone. 00:03:35 Do not give up the fight. 00:03:38 Jehovah and Jesus are aware of the anxieties 00:03:42 that weigh on your mind and that are deep in your heart. 00:03:46 The Governing Body knows that living in this system of things 00:03:51 is especially “hard to deal with.” 00:03:53 So the theme chosen for this program is 00:03:57 “Deal With Anxiety One Day at a Time.” 00:04:02 First, what is anxiety? 00:04:06 In the Christian Greek Scriptures, 00:04:08 the word “anxious” occurs 19 times. 00:04:12 The first occurrence is in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. 00:04:16 Now, Jesus knew that people worried about how to provide for their family. 00:04:20 So at Matthew 6:25, 00:04:24 he gave this wise counsel: 00:04:27 “On this account I say to you: 00:04:30 “Stop being anxious about your lives 00:04:33 “as to what you will eat or what you will drink, 00:04:36 “or about your bodies as to what you will wear. 00:04:39 “Does not life mean more than food 00:04:42 and the body than clothing?” 00:04:45 The Study Bible note for verse 25 00:04:49 says that “the Greek term for ‘anxious’ 00:04:52 “can refer to worry that divides a person’s mind 00:04:56 and distracts him, robbing him of joy.” 00:04:59 At Luke 12:29, 00:05:03 Jesus says to “stop being in anxious suspense” 00:05:06 or to “stop worrying.” 00:05:08 The study note here says 00:05:11 that the Greek word for “anxious suspense” was used 00:05:14 to refer “to ships being tossed at sea.” 00:05:18 It says that Jesus used it “figuratively 00:05:21 “for being anxious or unsettled, 00:05:24 “as if tossed about or wavering 00:05:27 because of doubt and anxiety.” 00:05:30 By saying “stop being anxious,” 00:05:34 Jesus recognizes that anxiety is already in progress. 00:05:38 He is very aware of our imperfect nature. 00:05:42 He knows that we tend to bring our worries from yesterday 00:05:46 (the would-haves, could-haves, and should-haves) 00:05:49 and our imagined worries about tomorrow 00:05:53 (the what-ifs) to today. 00:05:56 But ask yourself, 00:05:58 ‘How often have I worried myself sick about what might happen tomorrow, 00:06:03 only to find that tomorrow wasn’t nearly as bad as I feared it would be?’ 00:06:09 Jesus also knows that anxiety can have real, 00:06:13 sometimes painful, consequences. 00:06:16 It can stop us from making spiritual progress. 00:06:20 Overthinking and overanalyzing our problems 00:06:24 can literally shut us down. 00:06:27 How, though, can we “stop being anxious”? 00:06:31 What’s the antidote? 00:06:33 Let’s consider four practical things we can do. 00:06:38 First, rely on Jehovah 00:06:40 and take one day at a time. 00:06:44 This is exactly what Jesus prescribed for us 00:06:48 at Matthew 6:33, 34: 00:06:53 “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom 00:06:56 “and his righteousness, 00:06:58 “and all these other things will be added to you. 00:07:01 “So never be anxious about the next day, 00:07:05 “for the next day will have its own anxieties. 00:07:09 Each day has enough of its own troubles.” 00:07:13 Verse 34 has a study note 00:07:16 telling us that “undue anxiety about what may happen in the future 00:07:21 “can adversely affect a person’s relationship with God, 00:07:24 causing him to rely on his own wisdom rather than on God’s.” 00:07:30 So, what’s the lesson? 00:07:32 Instead of relying on ourselves, 00:07:34 rely on Jehovah, and take one day at a time. 00:07:39 A cross-reference to Matthew 6:34 00:07:42 takes us to Exodus 16:4. 00:07:46 In this account, 00:07:47 Jehovah provided the Israelites with enough manna 00:07:51 for every day of their 40-year trek. 00:07:54 Could Jehovah have provided 00:07:56 a week’s worth of manna? a month’s worth? a year’s worth? 00:08:01 Of course. 00:08:03 So why did he only provide enough for each day? 00:08:08 Well, think about it. 00:08:10 When they stepped out of their tents each morning, 00:08:13 there was no question whether there would be manna on the ground or not, 00:08:18 and there was no question where it came from. 00:08:21 Jehovah never failed to provide for their needs, 00:08:25 not even for one day. 00:08:27 They also knew from the past that Jehovah 00:08:31 always provided for those who were loyal to him. 00:08:35 We too can look back at how Jehovah provided for his servants. 00:08:39 We can have complete confidence that Jehovah knows exactly 00:08:43 what we need when we need it 00:08:46 —for today, tomorrow, and for all eternity. 00:08:51 Even if we have such confidence, 00:08:54 why do we sometimes continue to feel anxious? 00:08:58 The simple answer: 00:09:00 We’re imperfect people trying our best 00:09:03 to serve Jehovah in Satan’s wicked world. 00:09:06 Daily challenges cause anxiety that can make us forget to rely on Jehovah 00:09:11 and take one day at a time. 00:09:13 So we need to add our second way to deal with anxiety: 00:09:18 Pour your heart out 00:09:20 to Jehovah in earnest prayer. 00:09:23 Read with me the reassuring words 00:09:25 at Philippians 4:6, 7: 00:09:29 “Do not be anxious over anything, 00:09:32 “but in everything by prayer 00:09:35 “and supplication along with thanksgiving, 00:09:39 “let your petitions be made known to God; 00:09:42 “and the peace of God that surpasses 00:09:45 “all understanding will guard your hearts 00:09:48 and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.” 00:09:52 Paul doesn’t simply tell us not to be anxious, 00:09:56 but he tells us how. 00:09:58 He said “by prayer and supplication,” 00:10:03 which is earnest and specific prayer. 00:10:06 With what benefit? 00:10:08 The “peace of God . . . will guard your hearts.” 00:10:14 “Guard” was a military expression referring to troops 00:10:17 assigned to protect a city. 00:10:19 The inhabitants could sleep soundly 00:10:22 knowing that soldiers were guarding them at night. 00:10:26 In a similar way, when we have “the peace of God,” 00:10:30 our hearts and minds can rest. 00:10:33 This can prevent us from being overwhelmed by anxiety or discouragement. 00:10:38 How reassuring are the words of the psalmist 00:10:42 at Psalm 4:8: 00:10:45 “I will lie down and sleep in peace, 00:10:49 “for you alone, O Jehovah, 00:10:51 make me dwell in security.” 00:10:54 So when we feel trapped, like there’s no way out of our worries, 00:10:59 the peace from God gives us hope 00:11:03 that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. 00:11:06 What, though, must you do? 00:11:09 Turn your worries into deep, heartfelt prayers. 00:11:14 In fact, at 1 Peter 5:7, 00:11:18 Jehovah invites you to “throw all your anxiety on him, 00:11:22 “[and leave it with him] 00:11:24 because he cares for you.” 00:11:27 Jehovah is the one person who truly understands how you feel. 00:11:32 He knows every moment of your life 00:11:35 —why you feel or react a certain way. 00:11:38 He loves and values you personally 00:11:42 despite your imperfections, your anxieties, 00:11:46 your cares and worries. 00:11:48 He not only has the power to help you, he wants to. 00:11:54 Knowing this should move you to pray specifically, 00:11:59 expressing your deepest emotions 00:12:02 and pleading that he grant you peace of mind and heart. 00:12:07 To the extent you do so, 00:12:09 1 Peter 5:10 promises 00:12:12 that “he will make you firm, 00:12:14 “he will make you strong, 00:12:16 he will firmly ground you.” 00:12:21 Never underestimate the power of prayer! 00:12:25 Jehovah is always ready to help you 00:12:28 —one day at a time. 00:12:32 Our third way to deal with anxiety 00:12:34 is to read and meditate on God’s Word. 00:12:39 Let Jehovah speak to you. 00:12:41 Allow Jehovah’s thoughts to become your thoughts. 00:12:46 At Psalm 94:19, 00:12:49 notice how the psalmist admitted his own anxiety: 00:12:54 “When anxieties overwhelmed me, 00:12:57 you comforted and soothed me.” 00:13:02 Yes, even servants of God can feel overwhelmed by anxieties 00:13:06 or, as one translation says, “burdened with worries.” 00:13:11 That in itself is comforting 00:13:14 that an inspired Bible writer struggled with anxieties. 00:13:18 But Jehovah “comforted and soothed” him, 00:13:22 calming his troubled heart. 00:13:25 God can do the same for us 00:13:28 through his inspired Word, the Bible. 00:13:30 Remember, the Bible is how Jehovah speaks to us. 00:13:35 Rather than allowing our emotions to run wild, 00:13:38 we can learn to focus our mind on upbuilding things, 00:13:43 such as what the apostle Paul listed at Philippians 4:8: 00:13:48 “Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, 00:13:53 “whatever things are of serious concern, 00:13:56 “whatever things are righteous, 00:13:58 “whatever things are chaste, 00:14:00 “whatever things are lovable, 00:14:02 “whatever things are well-spoken-of, 00:14:05 “whatever things are virtuous, 00:14:07 “and whatever things are praiseworthy, 00:14:10 continue considering these things.” 00:14:14 The footnote to verse 8 shows that “considering” 00:14:18 involves “thinking about” or “meditating on.” 00:14:22 We can and should meditate on positive things from the Bible, 00:14:27 replacing negative things that may enter our mind and cause anxiety. 00:14:32 Ask Jehovah to help you to find passages 00:14:37 in his Word that will soothe your heart. 00:14:40 Ask others what scriptures have calmed their heart during anxious moments. 00:14:45 Make your own personal list. 00:14:48 Then set aside time to read 00:14:51 and meditate on those passages. 00:14:54 Meditation is the doorway to your heart. 00:14:58 Meditation lets God’s thoughts affect you 00:15:02 on the deepest possible level. 00:15:05 Imagine that Jehovah is speaking directly to you, 00:15:08 because he is. 00:15:10 Never underestimate the power of God’s Word 00:15:14 —of letting Jehovah speak to you. 00:15:18 Our fourth way to deal with anxiety 00:15:21 is to share your feelings with a trusted friend. 00:15:25 Proverbs 12:25 says: 00:15:29 “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down 00:15:33 “[or, as the footnote says, ‘depresses him’], 00:15:36 but a good word cheers it up.” 00:15:39 “A good word” can come from a fellow believer 00:15:42 who is motivated by God’s spirit and guided by his Word. 00:15:47 When the apostle Paul was alone in prison, 00:15:50 he prayed for encouragement 00:15:52 and Jehovah provided what he needed to cheer him up. 00:15:56 With a heart full of appreciation, 00:15:59 he said at Colossians 4:11 00:16:01 that “my fellow workers . . . have become 00:16:04 a source of great comfort to me,” 00:16:06 or “a strengthening aid.” 00:16:10 What can you do if you feel weighed down or imprisoned by anxiety? 00:16:15 Like Paul, pray for encouragement. 00:16:19 Pray for someone you can talk to, 00:16:21 someone you can trust with your feelings. 00:16:24 The answer to your prayer may be an elder 00:16:28 or a mature Christian brother or sister. 00:16:31 But what if it’s difficult for you 00:16:34 to open up to others and confide in them? 00:16:37 Try the advice in the March 1, 1997, Watchtower article 00:16:42 “Are You Afraid to Trust Others?” 00:16:45 When confiding in someone 00:16:47 it says: “Reveal your concerns gradually. 00:16:51 “If he [or she] responds in an appropriate, 00:16:54 “sympathetic, and discreet way, 00:16:57 you might then try disclosing more.” 00:17:00 Even if it takes some effort, 00:17:03 never underestimate the power of our brotherhood. 00:17:07 Jehovah can use a fellow worshipper 00:17:10 to ease your mind of “anxious concern.” 00:17:13 Even at times when there’s no one to talk to, 00:17:16 we can let the experiences, 00:17:19 upbuilding music, 00:17:21 and talks on JW Broadcasting® be like 00:17:24 an encouraging hug from a trusted friend. 00:17:28 Yes, when we make the effort, we give Jehovah something to bless. 00:17:33 Jehovah can help us conquer the seemingly unconquerable. 00:17:38 That may not mean that we’ll completely eliminate anxiety, 00:17:42 but we can learn to take control. 00:17:45 How? 00:17:47 Remember our four ways: 00:17:49 First, rely on Jehovah 00:17:53 and take one day at time; 00:17:55 second, pour out your heart 00:17:58 to Jehovah in earnest, specific prayer; 00:18:02 third, read and meditate on God’s Word 00:18:06 —let Jehovah speak to you; 00:18:09 and fourth, share your feelings with a trusted friend. 00:18:13 With Jehovah’s help, 00:18:15 you can deal with anxiety one day at a time. 00:18:20 Earlier, I read a quote from the sister who described 00:18:23 anxiety as a monster living inside her. 00:18:27 I’m so pleased to say that the sister who wrote that letter about her anxieties 00:18:31 is actually here with us in the studio to tell us more about her experience. 00:18:37 This is Jordan Williams and her husband, Robert. 00:18:39 Thank you so much 00:18:41 for coming here to share with us your battle with anxiety. 00:18:45 Can you elaborate on that, please? 00:18:48 I feel ashamed of my anxiety. 00:18:50 I feel like there’s something wrong with me, and I feel guilty about that. 00:18:55 I feel like I’m letting Jehovah down by feeling anxious 00:18:59 and that I’m even being disobedient to Jesus, 00:19:01 when he says: “Stop being anxious.” 00:19:03 But I just can’t. 00:19:05 Thank you for sharing that. 00:19:06 Robert, what do you do to help Jordan battle this anxiety? 00:19:12 It’s a monster —sometimes a very stubborn monster— 00:19:15 that won’t go away. 00:19:17 Remembering that it’s not her fault 00:19:20 helps me be more compassionate 00:19:23 and caring—listening when she’s explaining these anxieties 00:19:27 that I may not completely understand. 00:19:29 Jordan, are there other practical things that help you battle anxiety? 00:19:34 The single biggest help is walking with Jehovah every day. 00:19:38 I mean that literally. 00:19:39 I’ll wake up in the morning super anxious. 00:19:42 And I can’t breathe; and my chest is tight. 00:19:45 And I’ll get up, and I’ll read the chapter 00:19:48 of the Bible that the daily text comes from. 00:19:50 And then I’ll go on a walk and talk to Jehovah for an hour, 00:19:54 and I try to use the model prayer as an outline. 00:19:56 So I’ll talk to Jehovah about his name 00:19:59 and how I feel so privileged to have that name on me. 00:20:04 And I’ll talk to him about his Kingdom 00:20:06 that’s going to solve all of these problems, including anxiety. 00:20:10 And I’ll talk to him about his will 00:20:13 and specifically what his will is for me that day. 00:20:17 And most of the time, 00:20:20 those three things cover the things that were worrying me. 00:20:23 But if there is another thing, I’ll talk to him specifically about that. 00:20:27 What a nice walk you have with Jehovah. 00:20:29 Are there other things that help you deal and battle anxiety? 00:20:33 Personal study projects help a lot, 00:20:35 especially if they don’t have anything to do with anxiety. 00:20:37 If I do a study project on the spiritual suit of armor or the ransom, 00:20:42 it kind of distracts the “anxiety monster” so that my heart can calm down, 00:20:47 and then these pearls of wisdom will come from Jehovah, and they can get in. 00:20:51 And some of those pearls are actually just what I need to deal with my anxiety. 00:20:56 Are there specific things that help you? 00:20:59 Yes, I made an Anxiety tab in the Personal Study section 00:21:02 of my Study Bible on my tablet, 00:21:04 and I collect scriptures and comments 00:21:08 that really help with my anxiety. 00:21:10 For example, in 2014, there was a regional convention talk 00:21:15 about Matthew chapter 6 and six specific things that combat anxiety. 00:21:20 And it made me think of the twelve-step program to overcoming addiction. 00:21:24 These are the six steps to overcome anxiety. 00:21:27 What are those six steps? 00:21:29 The first one is to help those in need, 00:21:31 and then pray a lot, to be forgiving, 00:21:35 not to be hypocritical, to store up treasures in heaven, 00:21:39 and then to focus on spiritual matters. 00:21:42 So when we got back from the convention, 00:21:44 she took those items and she wrote them down 00:21:46 and put them on magnets and put them on our refrigerator. 00:21:49 I try to do each one of those six things every day. 00:21:52 And when I accomplish one, I’ll turn the magnet 00:21:54 so that I can see what I still need to work on. 00:21:57 So when I come to the refrigerator in the morning, 00:22:00 if the magnets are turned, we know where she’s at. 00:22:02 If they’re not turned, we know we’re in trouble. 00:22:03 It’s a bad day. 00:22:04 It’s time to do something else. 00:22:05 Very good—nice barometer. 00:22:06 So, what can others do or say 00:22:09 that would be helpful to those going through anxiety? 00:22:12 For the friends, it’s really nice when they’re understanding 00:22:16 and nonjudgmental 00:22:18 and respect my privacy (that’s really helpful) 00:22:22 and when they don’t freeze me in time 00:22:25 or decide that ‘Oh, she’s anxious, and this is how she’s going to be all the time.’ 00:22:29 That’s really helpful. 00:22:30 I even forget that Jehovah approves of me. 00:22:34 So reminding me of that 00:22:36 —reminding me that the things that I do to please him are successful 00:22:41 and maybe even reminding me of things that I have accomplished for Jehovah 00:22:45 in the past. 00:22:47 You know, you should tell Ron about your broken dish. 00:22:49 Oh, yeah. 00:22:50 Yes. I’d like to know about that. 00:22:53 So I just found out about this Japanese art called Kintsukuroi. 00:22:57 And it’s basically taking 00:22:59 a broken piece of pottery and fixing it by putting it back together 00:23:03 with gold or silver lacquer, 00:23:06 and the concept is that the piece is more beautiful for having been broken. 00:23:11 And that really resonates with me because I do feel broken by anxiety. 00:23:16 But Jehovah gave Jesus as a ransom, 00:23:19 and that ransom is just pure gold; 00:23:21 and He can take all the broken anxious little bits of me 00:23:25 and put me back together. 00:23:27 And maybe I’ll even be more useful to Jehovah for having been broken. 00:23:32 That’s very precious. 00:23:34 Thank you for sharing that. 00:23:35 Are there other things that help you deal with anxiety? 00:23:39 I’ve learned to recognize when anxiety is clouding my thinking, 00:23:42 and I’ll ask him, “Can I borrow your brain for a minute, please?” 00:23:45 So, what we did is we went and purchased a whiteboard and put it in my office. 00:23:49 And sometimes we’ll go to the whiteboard 00:23:51 and write out all the anxieties that she’s dealing with. 00:23:54 As we are writing them out, 00:23:56 sometimes we realize that those are yesterday’s anxieties 00:23:59 and that they’ve been cared for, so we can erase those from the board. 00:24:02 Some of them are for tomorrow, 00:24:05 and so we don’t want to borrow those and bring them to today. 00:24:07 They’re tomorrow’s anxieties. 00:24:09 And some anxieties can be grouped in little clusters, 00:24:12 and you can realize, ‘The root is here; let’s focus on that.’ 00:24:16 I fight anxiety every single day. 00:24:20 And anxiety is constantly changing its tactics, so I have to be adaptable. 00:24:25 But Jehovah never leaves me to fight anxiety alone—ever. 00:24:30 I don’t understand what I’ve done to merit all of his attention, 00:24:35 but I do realize that I don’t need to understand why he loves me. 00:24:39 I trust him, and he never lies, 00:24:42 so I just need to accept it when he shows me that love. 00:24:45 We appreciate you sharing those personal feelings. 00:24:48 And again, we know that Jehovah and Jesus are so proud of you. 00:24:52 And we know that those who are listening in to this interview 00:24:55 will benefit so much from listening to your personal expressions. 00:24:59 Thank you very much. 00:25:01 Anxieties can surface at any time in our lives, 00:25:05 even when we’re very young. 00:25:07 Imagine, though, if the stress of growing up in this system 00:25:11 was made worse by a chronic disorder, 00:25:14 one that made anxiety feel impossible to overcome. 00:25:18 We’ll be encouraged by the experience of Brother Steing Dott, 00:25:22 who never gave up on Jehovah. 00:25:24 See if you can identify what has helped him cope 00:25:28 one day at a time. 00:25:31 My name is Steing Dott. 00:25:33 I was born in 1988 in Darwin, Northern Territory. 00:25:38 When I was eight years old, 00:25:40 I realized that life was getting very difficult for me. 00:25:45 I was diagnosed with ADHD, 00:25:48 obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette syndrome. 00:25:51 And on top of all of that, I was diagnosed with severe anxiety as well. 00:25:55 My mum said this affected the entire family 00:25:59 because I would repeatedly yell out “Good night!” 00:26:02 to each individual person in the family. 00:26:05 And on top of that, I used to constantly go 00:26:09 around the house, checking the locks and the windows. 00:26:13 My school life was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with. 00:26:18 My school was approximately 500 meters from my home. 00:26:22 It would take me at least two hours to get to school 00:26:25 because one of my obsessions was that if there were cracks on the footpath 00:26:30 and if I stepped on one, 00:26:32 I’d have to go all the way back home and start again. 00:26:37 Well, I found life to be a constant struggle, 00:26:40 and as I got older, it only got worse. 00:26:43 Even at ten years old, I decided that I wanted to end my life 00:26:48 so that it would make everyone in the family’s life a lot easier. 00:26:52 But then we decided to use some medication, 00:26:56 which eased my problems a little bit. 00:26:58 Despite having medication, 00:27:01 life was still completely unbearable for me. 00:27:04 I had a constant struggle every day within myself. 00:27:08 I used to wash my hands hundreds of times a day. 00:27:11 I couldn’t leave the home; 00:27:13 I couldn’t get a driver’s license; I couldn’t even get a job. 00:27:17 A major turning point in my life 00:27:20 was my mum’s unwavering faith in Jehovah. 00:27:23 She used to iron my clothes for the meeting 00:27:25 and hang them on the doorknob, 00:27:27 even though I wasn’t ready to attend the meeting. 00:27:30 But what she didn’t know was that when my mum 00:27:32 went to the meeting with my sister, I’d get a Bible, 00:27:35 and I’d try and start to read it. 00:27:37 I also began to pray to Jehovah. 00:27:41 And then one day, I thought, ‘I’m going to give this a shot.’ 00:27:45 So I put my suit on, I got ready, 00:27:47 and I went to the meeting. 00:27:49 When I went to the Kingdom Hall, I was absolutely terrified. 00:27:53 I was so nervous. 00:27:54 But when I got there, I saw an elder 00:27:57 who used to come and visit me, and he made me feel very relaxed. 00:28:02 And then the amazing welcome by the brothers and sisters 00:28:05 —it made me feel like I was part of Jehovah’s organization again. 00:28:10 The scripture that really helped me 00:28:12 was 1 Peter 5:7 because it says: 00:28:16 “While you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” 00:28:21 So this made me feel like I had a very powerful Friend, 00:28:25 and Jehovah wanted me to throw my anxieties on him because he loved me. 00:28:30 On September 4, 2010, 00:28:33 it was my most important day of my life. 00:28:35 I got baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses 00:28:39 at Adelaide Entertainment Centre. 00:28:41 I now serve as a ministerial servant. 00:28:44 I’ve had the privilege of giving public talks, 00:28:47 which is something I never thought I’d ever be able to do. 00:28:50 I completed pioneer school after three attempts 00:28:54 because the pioneer school environment made me feel 00:28:57 like I was back at school and made me have anxiety again. 00:29:01 So the third time I completed it. 00:29:04 And none of this would ever have been possible without Jehovah’s help. 00:29:09 On the 6th of August 2016, 00:29:12 I married my beautiful wife, Laura, 00:29:15 who helps me serve Jehovah, 00:29:17 and we can serve Jehovah every day together. 00:29:19 I, like the apostle Paul, 00:29:21 still feel like I have a war inside me sometimes. 00:29:25 But definitely, Jehovah has never let me down. 00:29:29 Never give up on serving Jehovah 00:29:32 because Jehovah will never give up on you. 00:29:35 Did you notice what Steing considered the turning point in his life? 00:29:39 It was the unwavering faith of his Mum, 00:29:43 the warmth of the congregation 00:29:46 and, most of all, help from Jehovah. 00:29:49 He called Jehovah “a very powerful Friend.” 00:29:53 That’s so true! 00:29:55 Brother Dott overcame monumental challenges, 00:29:59 but is his struggle with anxiety over? 00:30:02 No. 00:30:04 He said that like the apostle Paul, 00:30:06 he sometimes still feels a war within himself. 00:30:11 Do you ever feel that way? 00:30:13 This month’s music video reminds us 00:30:16 that we can find peace and joy despite our burdens. 00:30:20 It’s entitled Each Day Has Its Own Anxieties. 00:30:31 I know about the Paradise under God’s Kingdom, 00:30:38 And I believe with all my heart that better days will come. 00:30:46 But sometimes in this life, for me, It’s hard to see the things unseen, 00:30:53 To feel the love I know is there when my heart is in despair. 00:31:00 But I know Jehovah’s near. 00:31:10 So I say a prayer from the heart. When worries overtake my mind, 00:31:21 On his strength I can rely. I’m not alone; I know he’s there. 00:31:34 I have his words of comfort And true friends who really care. 00:31:40 Yes, each day has its own anxieties. So I take one day at a time; 00:31:52 Leave tomorrow until tomorrow; Peace is what I find 00:31:59 One day at a time. 00:32:07 So take these words I’ve said, my friend, And know that I care. 00:32:14 Focus on the joys in life, Not the burdens that we bear. 00:32:23 Think about what God has done. To show his love, he gave his Son. 00:32:29 So never doubt; keep trusting him. He gave his best so we could live. 00:32:36 So don’t give in to fear. 00:32:43 Say a prayer from the heart. When worries overtake our mind, 00:32:54 On his strength we can rely. We’re not alone, for he is there. 00:33:05 We have his words of comfort And true friends who really care. 00:33:13 Yes, each day has its own anxieties. So take one day at a time; 00:33:25 Leave tomorrow until tomorrow; Peace is what we’ll find 00:33:31 One day at a time. 00:33:54 Say a prayer from the heart. When worries overtake our mind, 00:34:05 On his strength we can rely. We’re not alone, for he is there. 00:34:17 We have his words of comfort And true friends who really care. 00:34:25 Yes, each day has its own anxieties. So take one day at a time; 00:34:36 Leave tomorrow until tomorrow; Peace is what we’ll find 00:34:42 One day at a time— One day at a time. 00:34:58 “We’re not alone, for he is there. 00:35:02 “We have his words of comfort and true friends 00:35:06 who really care.” 00:35:08 What an encouraging thought from that song! 00:35:11 Yes, true friends who share our love for Jehovah are invaluable. 00:35:17 We’ll see that in this story from Japan. 00:35:20 Sisters Takako Sato and Hisako Wakui 00:35:24 have worked together as pioneers since 1957. 00:35:28 Let’s learn how their friendship 00:35:30 has helped them serve Jehovah with joy. 00:35:34 We are pioneer partners. 00:35:38 We’ve been working together 00:35:40 for over 60 years. 00:35:43 In 1956, 00:35:45 I was the only Jehovah’s Witness in Nagano prefecture. 00:35:49 It was lonesome, 00:35:52 but I applied for regular pioneer service. 00:35:55 Surprisingly, 00:35:57 I was appointed as a special pioneer. 00:36:01 I was so happy that I found myself 00:36:04 rolling around on the tatami-mat floor 00:36:07 with the appointment letter in my hand. 00:36:10 That was the way I expressed my joy and appreciation. 00:36:15 When I was invited to serve 00:36:17 as a special pioneer, I was sent to Nagano, 00:36:19 and that’s where I met Hisako. 00:36:23 Takako and I focused on our ministry. 00:36:28 When an isolated group was established, 00:36:31 since there were no brothers, 00:36:33 I would wear a head covering and conduct the meetings. 00:36:38 Sometimes the outlines were in English. 00:36:41 We didn’t understand anything. 00:36:44 But people were delighted to hear 00:36:47 even just the scriptures and went home satisfied, 00:36:51 and that strongly impressed on me the power of God’s Word. 00:36:58 We were assigned to a territory in the city after that. 00:37:03 We found so many not-at-homes, 00:37:06 but we were determined to meet people. 00:37:11 So we changed the times we preached, 00:37:13 and we talked to people on the street 00:37:15 who were going to work. 00:37:17 We cherished even small opportunities. 00:37:20 When we had a chance to meet a householder, 00:37:23 we always tried to have a conversation 00:37:26 that we could link to the next visit. 00:37:29 Before long, I had ten Bible studies. 00:37:35 Takako acts like she’s cheerful, 00:37:38 but she’s been fighting various illnesses. 00:37:43 At times, it was so bad 00:37:46 that I could not even go out in service. 00:37:50 I had a serious skin condition. 00:37:53 I could not bear 00:37:56 to look at the illustration of Job in the magazine, 00:38:00 and I covered it up with paper. 00:38:06 But Jehovah helped me to look to Job’s example. 00:38:10 I learned 00:38:12 that our endurance under trial 00:38:14 would become praise to God. 00:38:19 I have often had health problems. 00:38:23 Just at one of those times, 00:38:26 I received a letter from the branch. 00:38:29 It said: 00:38:31 “What you can accomplish now may be limited. 00:38:36 “However, think about all that you have done up to now 00:38:40 “to give praise to Jehovah 00:38:42 “and about the people you were able to help learn the truth, 00:38:46 and be joyful knowing that you have been used by Jehovah fully.” 00:38:54 I couldn’t stop crying 00:38:56 because I really felt the care and concern 00:39:00 from the organization and from Jehovah. 00:39:05 Hisako also took really good care of me 00:39:09 and prayed with me. 00:39:13 Our thinking and personalities are different, 00:39:16 but we made efforts to talk things out. 00:39:20 Our heartfelt desire to want to serve Jehovah full-time 00:39:25 has always been the same. 00:39:30 For 60 years, we’ve enjoyed 00:39:33 a truly wonderful life of service to Jehovah. 00:39:36 Jehovah has supported us in difficult times 00:39:40 through the Bible, the organization, and friends. 00:39:44 I have tasted the truthfulness of the words: 00:39:47 “When I am weak, then I am powerful.” 00:39:54 ‘When I said: “My foot is slipping,” 00:39:58 your kindness, O Jehovah, has supported me.’ 00:40:02 I can say that too. 00:40:05 Although we don’t have energy or ability, 00:40:09 we’ve been able to enjoy full-time service together up until now. 00:40:15 I’m really content now. 00:40:17 It’s all thanks to Jehovah. 00:40:23 Like the apostle Paul, our sisters cultivated singleness 00:40:27 and focused on full-time service to Jehovah 00:40:31 for more than 60 years. 00:40:33 Yes, they face everyday challenges 00:40:36 and the extra ones that come with age, 00:40:39 but their heartfelt desire to serve Jehovah whole-souled 00:40:43 brings Takako and Hisako real joy and contentment. 00:40:48 Whole-souled service for nearly 20,000 brothers and sisters 00:40:53 is a full-time assignment at Bethel. 00:40:57 What motivates them to reach out for this special privilege? 00:41:01 What blessings do they experience? 00:41:04 And what’s the best way to prepare and qualify for Bethel service? 00:41:09 I’d like to invite my friend Patrick LaFranca 00:41:12 to discuss these and other questions. 00:41:14 Welcome, Pat. 00:41:15 Thank you, Ron. 00:41:18 How heartwarming it’s been 00:41:20 to see millions take their stand for true worship! 00:41:23 Thousands more are joining us every week. 00:41:27 Jehovah is speeding up the ingathering work, 00:41:30 and this makes us very happy. 00:41:33 But who will work to provide the Bibles, Bible literature, 00:41:38 and the audio and video publications 00:41:41 that sustain us spiritually 00:41:43 and help us to accomplish our Kingdom preaching and teaching work? 00:41:47 Bethel is a unique place. 00:41:50 It’s where mature Christians 00:41:53 render sacred service to Jehovah 00:41:55 in close association with Christ’s brothers. 00:41:58 They minister to the needs of our worldwide brotherhood 00:42:02 and support the preaching work. 00:42:05 The Bethel family is a group of dedicated, 00:42:09 baptized servants of Jehovah 00:42:11 who live and work together closely. 00:42:14 So they experience in a special way 00:42:18 what Psalm 133:1 says: 00:42:21 “Look! How good 00:42:24 “and how pleasant it is for brothers 00:42:27 to dwell together in unity!” 00:42:29 We’re very pleased to see that many have expanded their service 00:42:33 to Jehovah by making themselves available 00:42:36 for the special privilege of Bethel service. 00:42:40 Have you considered this as a goal? 00:42:44 Making yourself available 00:42:46 for Bethel service is like knocking on a door that leads 00:42:50 to many other privileges of service. 00:42:52 Of course, to serve at Bethel requires 00:42:55 a self-sacrificing spirit 00:42:57 and a willingness to serve 00:42:59 wherever there is a need, in harmony with the attitude displayed 00:43:03 by the prophet Isaiah at Isaiah 6:8: 00:43:06 “Then I heard the voice of Jehovah saying: 00:43:10 “‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ 00:43:13 And I said: ‘Here I am! Send me!’” 00:43:18 When Isaiah learned about an opportunity 00:43:21 to do more in Jehovah’s service, 00:43:23 he responded eagerly, 00:43:25 even though he did not know exactly 00:43:27 what he was going to be assigned to do. 00:43:30 It was enough for him to know that Jehovah 00:43:32 was extending an invitation to serve in a special way, 00:43:36 and Isaiah wanted to volunteer. 00:43:39 The same spirit is shown by Bethel family members worldwide. 00:43:45 What especially motivates so many to serve at Bethel? 00:43:49 Love for Jehovah moves us 00:43:51 to put Kingdom interests ahead of self-interest. 00:43:54 As stated in the Proclaimers book, page 295: 00:43:58 “This is not work in which they gain 00:44:01 “personal prominence or material possessions. 00:44:04 “Their desire is to honor Jehovah, and they are satisfied 00:44:07 “with the provisions made for them 00:44:10 “in the way of food, lodging, 00:44:11 and a modest [allowance] for personal expenses.” 00:44:16 Are there any rewards that come from serving in this unique way? 00:44:20 Those who have offered themselves willingly 00:44:23 for Bethel service have truly been blessed. 00:44:27 The love and unity we feel here is incomparable. 00:44:31 It’s not like in a company out in the world 00:44:34 because here you can work with your friends every day. 00:44:39 Like-minded people 00:44:41 have the same goals and support each other. 00:44:43 That is what you can feel here. 00:44:46 Maybe you’re assigned a task 00:44:47 that you’ve never performed before, 00:44:50 but there are many experienced brothers and sisters 00:44:52 who can help —professionally as well as personally. 00:44:56 Whether it is the consideration of the daily text 00:45:00 or the Watchtower Study with the Bethel family, 00:45:02 listening to the practical, valuable comments 00:45:05 of our brothers and sisters is really refreshing. 00:45:08 You really feel that they love Jehovah, 00:45:10 and their comments help you to feel the same. 00:45:14 Here in Bethel, you have the best Employer 00:45:16 that there is—Jehovah. 00:45:18 No other employer is as grateful and considerate as he is, 00:45:22 so out of love for Jehovah, you’re simply happy to give him your best. 00:45:26 Whenever I think about what 00:45:28 is being done at Bethel 00:45:30 —publications are being 00:45:31 produced and shipped, 00:45:32 videos for our conventions are being made, 00:45:35 and translation is being done 00:45:37 into so many different languages— 00:45:39 I keep getting goose bumps. 00:45:42 No matter what I can do here, 00:45:44 knowing that by doing it 00:45:46 I am supporting Christ’s brothers makes me feel very, very good. 00:45:51 So how does a young person 00:45:53 qualify for Bethel service? 00:45:55 My parents raised me to have 00:45:59 a spiritual focus. 00:46:00 So during the school holidays 00:46:02 and growing up, our life revolved around the ministry 00:46:06 —doing spiritual activities. 00:46:08 And it really helped us 00:46:09 keep focused spiritually as a family 00:46:13 and helped me stay focused on the goals that I wanted to achieve. 00:46:17 I really enjoy reading, 00:46:20 and one day my Dad just said to me, 00:46:22 “Why don’t you read the Bible?” 00:46:24 And I know it sounds obvious, but at that point, I had never read it 00:46:27 from Genesis to Revelation. 00:46:29 So when I finished reading the Bible, 00:46:31 it really changed my thinking, 00:46:35 and it really proved the truth to myself. 00:46:39 And this helped me to keep 00:46:43 a spiritual focus, and it really was the first step 00:46:47 in reaching out and achieving 00:46:49 the spiritual goals that I wanted to achieve. 00:46:52 In the congregation, I was able to help out 00:46:54 with doing the magazines and the sound and the platform. 00:46:59 And these privileges really helped me to build 00:47:02 a good work ethic and give in ways 00:47:05 that I could give more to Jehovah. 00:47:07 So the elders used to work with me a lot in the ministry. 00:47:10 So when I felt 00:47:12 that ‘I can’t do this’ 00:47:14 or ‘This is too much’ or ‘It’s too overwhelming’ 00:47:16 or ‘I’ll never be able to reach this goal,’ an elder showed me 00:47:21 a scripture in the Bible where Jehovah 00:47:23 was encouraging Joshua to be courageous. 00:47:26 And that really impacted me, 00:47:29 so that I was able to be courageous, too, and to reach my goal of Bethel. 00:47:36 So when I visited Bethel, 00:47:38 I saw that they were normal people, 00:47:41 and they had so many good qualities 00:47:44 that I wanted to imitate 00:47:47 —very hospitable, very warm, 00:47:49 very inviting. 00:47:52 That helped me to want to reach my goal, so that I could be like them. 00:47:57 To serve at Bethel 00:47:59 there are qualifications that need to be met. 00:48:01 You should have a deep love for Jehovah 00:48:04 and the organization, which is demonstrated 00:48:07 by living in harmony with Bible standards. 00:48:10 You must have a fine reputation 00:48:12 as a spiritual person. 00:48:14 You should have respect 00:48:16 for Jehovah’s moral standards, 00:48:18 avoiding uncleanness and sexual immorality. 00:48:21 You should have a clean conscience 00:48:24 before Jehovah and be at peace with yourself 00:48:27 and with Jehovah’s organization. 00:48:30 Your dress and grooming should be exemplary, 00:48:32 befitting a Christian minister 00:48:35 even during leisure time. 00:48:37 Styles that are faddish 00:48:39 or extreme or that identify us 00:48:41 with undesirable elements of the world 00:48:44 are not acceptable at Bethel. 00:48:47 The applicant should not read, listen to, 00:48:50 or view any type of material 00:48:53 that is inappropriate for a Christian. 00:48:55 Such unwholesome material 00:48:57 certainly would include pornography, 00:48:59 debasing music, or any kind of entertainment 00:49:03 that features sexual immorality, 00:49:05 spiritism, or violence. 00:49:09 Bethel applicants should be 00:49:11 from 19 to 35 years of age. 00:49:14 Occasionally, there is an opening 00:49:16 for someone over 35 years of age 00:49:18 who may have specialized skills 00:49:20 that are needed at Bethel, 00:49:22 such as those with certain technical 00:49:24 or medical experience, translation skills, 00:49:27 or building trades such as plumbing, electrical, 00:49:31 heavy equipment mechanics, or carpentry. 00:49:35 Those with such capabilities and training 00:49:37 are welcome to apply. 00:49:40 In view of the unique demands 00:49:43 of a full-time assignment at Bethel, 00:49:45 you should be mentally and emotionally sound, 00:49:48 physically strong, and able to work long hours. 00:49:53 You should be able to read, write, 00:49:54 and speak the primary language 00:49:56 of the branch territory. 00:49:58 This will enable you to communicate well 00:50:01 with others serving at Bethel, 00:50:03 to receive needed training, and to work safely 00:50:06 in the Bethel environment. 00:50:09 Bethel applicants agree to serve 00:50:11 for a minimum of one year, 00:50:13 during which time you will receive training 00:50:15 for continued Bethel service. 00:50:19 With regard to secular skills, we do not encourage individuals 00:50:22 to obtain university education 00:50:25 or training with the thought that this will improve 00:50:28 their chances of being called into Bethel. 00:50:30 The best way to prepare for Bethel service 00:50:33 is to first serve in the full-time pioneer ministry. 00:50:38 The greatest need is for single brothers. 00:50:41 However, all who meet the qualifications, including sisters, 00:50:44 are encouraged to apply for temporary volunteer service. 00:50:49 Serving as a temporary volunteer at Bethel may open 00:50:52 the way to other opportunities 00:50:54 to expand your service to Jehovah. 00:50:57 If you are interested in applying for Bethel service, 00:51:00 which application should you request 00:51:03 from a member of your Congregation Service Committee? 00:51:05 Since there are two types 00:51:07 of applications available, first give careful 00:51:10 and prayerful consideration 00:51:12 to your circumstances. 00:51:14 Thereafter, decide whether you will request from the elders 00:51:18 the Application for Volunteer Program (A-19), 00:51:21 which is available for those interested 00:51:23 in serving on a temporary basis 00:51:25 for as brief as one week or as long 00:51:28 as several consecutive months. 00:51:30 Or you may decide to request 00:51:32 the Application to Become a Member of the Worldwide Order 00:51:35 of Special Full-Time Servants of Jehovah’s Witnesses (A-8). 00:51:40 This application is for those interested 00:51:42 in serving on a long-term basis 00:51:44 for one full year or longer. 00:51:47 If the Branch Committee determines that there is a need 00:51:50 for your services, they will decide 00:51:52 where you can best be used, whether at Bethel 00:51:55 or perhaps on a theocratic construction assignment. 00:51:59 Submitting your application may open 00:52:02 a door of opportunity to serve Jehovah 00:52:04 and his organization in a variety of ways. 00:52:10 Of course, not all of us 00:52:12 who have such a self-sacrificing spirit 00:52:16 have the circumstances in life to serve at Bethel. 00:52:20 But we can encourage others who do. 00:52:23 Parents, follow the example 00:52:26 of God-fearing parents 00:52:28 such as Hannah and Elkanah, 00:52:31 who willingly made their son available 00:52:33 for expanded theocratic privileges. 00:52:37 Continue to place the goal of Bethel service before your young ones, 00:52:41 and stimulate their interest in the full-time ministry 00:52:45 by your example and your positive expressions. 00:52:49 If possible, 00:52:51 bring them on tour of world headquarters in New York, U.S.A., 00:52:55 or make arrangements to bring them on a tour of the Bethel 00:53:00 in the branch territory in which you live. 00:53:03 Such visits can help young ones to witness firsthand 00:53:07 the work that’s being done at Bethel to promote Kingdom interests. 00:53:12 Elders, help young ones in your congregation 00:53:16 who have the potential to expand their service 00:53:18 to Jehovah to meet the qualifications. 00:53:22 Jehovah continues to look for those willing to respond 00:53:26 to his invitation to expand their service to him. 00:53:30 As in Isaiah’s day, He asks: 00:53:33 “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” 00:53:37 Will you answer as did the prophet: 00:53:40 “Here I am! Send me!” 00:53:43 We encourage you to progress to spiritual maturity 00:53:47 and serve Jehovah whole-souled. 00:53:49 In due time, you may qualify to serve at Bethel 00:53:53 or in another form of exciting theocratic service 00:53:57 that permits you to use the health and strength 00:54:00 that Jehovah has granted you in an expanded way, 00:54:03 all to his praise. 00:54:07 Please be assured that we love you 00:54:09 for the willing spirit you show 00:54:12 as you continue to reach out in Jehovah’s service. 00:54:17 Thank you, Pat. 00:54:19 We hope that the information Brother LaFranca shared 00:54:22 motivates many more to have 00:54:25 the prophet Isaiah’s willing and self-sacrificing spirit. 00:54:29 So much of what Jehovah provides encourages us 00:54:33 to keep busy with spiritual things. 00:54:35 For one, we’re looking forward to our upcoming conventions. 00:54:39 The theme for this year is “‘Love Never Fails’!” 00:54:44 Would you like a preview of the program? 00:54:47 Let’s take a look. 00:54:49 Love 00:54:51 —is it gone? 00:54:55 Have we lost it? 00:54:59 Is it the possession of the wealthy? 00:55:03 the strong? 00:55:06 Or is it somewhere else? 00:55:09 At the 2019 convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 00:55:13 you will learn what real love is, 00:55:16 where to find it, 00:55:18 and how to show it 00:55:19 and have it shown in return. 00:55:27 God cares deeply about you. 00:55:30 And he wants you to know 00:55:31 that in this hate-filled world, 00:55:33 love can be found. 00:55:37 It is not lost. 00:55:39 And that love will never fail. 00:55:49 As we’ve discussed, we should never underestimate the power 00:55:53 of our brotherhood to help us overcome worries and anxiety. 00:55:57 Our conventions are wonderful opportunities for us to encourage one another 00:56:02 by the hundreds, thousands, and tens of thousands. 00:56:06 And this year, we’re especially excited 00:56:09 that 24 international conventions 00:56:12 will be held throughout the world. 00:56:15 Use the opportunity to get to know more of your brothers and sisters 00:56:20 at the regional or international convention you attend. 00:56:25 To conclude this month’s program, 00:56:27 let’s visit our brothers in Turkey. 00:56:30 Turkey is a nation of more than 80 million people 00:56:34 and a land rich in Bible history. 00:56:39 Turkey occupies a unique geographic position, bridging Europe and Asia. 00:56:45 It’s here that Noah’s ark came to rest near Mount Ararat, 00:56:49 Turkey’s highest mountain. 00:56:52 This is the land of the congregations in Colossae and Galatia, 00:56:56 as well as all seven congregations 00:56:58 mentioned in Revelation. 00:57:01 The territory is diverse and vast, 00:57:04 with a publisher-to-population ratio 00:57:07 of 1 to more than 26,000. 00:57:12 In the capital city of Ankara, 00:57:14 a single congregation is working hard 00:57:16 to reach almost 5.5 million people. 00:57:21 Many congregations in Turkey focus on public witnessing, with encouraging results. 00:57:27 Let’s visit the Hatay Congregation, 00:57:30 near the ancient city of Syrian Antioch. 00:57:33 Paul used Antioch as his home base for his missionary tours. 00:57:38 And it was here that the disciples were first called Christians. 00:57:43 Today, 00:57:45 this part of Turkey is known for its food 00:57:49 —such as spices, herbs, fruits, and sweets. 00:57:53 In recent times, 00:57:55 unrest and war have disrupted the region. 00:57:59 Some of our brothers and sisters have been so near to the conflict 00:58:04 that they could hear explosions from bombs and gunfire. 00:58:08 Despite these threats and anxieties, 00:58:12 the 56 publishers, including 11 regular pioneers 00:58:17 and 2 special pioneers, attend the meetings 00:58:20 and preach without letup. 00:58:23 Our brothers and sisters in Turkey send their love and greetings 00:58:27 to the worldwide brotherhood. 00:58:29 Our love goes back to them for their zeal and steadfast faith. 00:58:34 From the World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 00:58:37 this is JW Broadcasting.
