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00:01 Welcome, brothers and sisters! 00:03 Here are some of this month’s highlights: 00:06 How should we view counsel? 00:09 Does it apply to us even if we don’t like 00:11 the way it was given? 00:14 In times of crisis, 00:16 how does the organization respond to help our brothers and sisters? 00:21 And we will go behind the scenes of last year’s convention drama 00:25 about King Hezekiah. 00:28 This is the May program of JW Broadcasting! 00:51 Let’s begin by visiting a family in Stockholm, Sweden. 00:55 The parents, Usama and Kristina, have two daughters, 00:59 Talita and Isabella. 01:01 When Talita was born, 01:03 the doctor found cataracts in both of her eyes. 01:07 A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. 01:11 So the doctor had to operate 01:13 so that Talita wouldn’t lose her sight completely 01:16 —a terrifying situation for any parent. 01:21 Today, Talita is seven years old 01:23 and almost blind in one eye 01:25 but completely blind in the other. 01:29 Teaching a child about Jehovah 01:31 in this system of things is already a challenge 01:33 even without physical ailments involved. 01:36 But let’s find out how Talita’s parents rose to the challenge, 01:41 making sure that she received a proper spiritual education 01:45 despite her poor vision. 01:52 I look forward to not having poor sight anymore 01:56 and that I can play with a bear and a lion 01:59 and to sit on the back of a tiger. 02:03 Jehovah gives us a fantastic promise at Isaiah 35:5: 02:08 “The eyes of the blind will be opened.” 02:12 It’s been a challenge to get to where we are today. 02:17 We thank Jehovah for all the help he has given us. 02:21 As soon as Talita was able to leave the house after the operation, 02:25 we made sure to go to the meetings. 02:29 It helped us a lot to be able to throw our burden on Jehovah. 02:34 We prayed together; 02:36 we cried a lot together because it was so hard. 02:44 One of the challenges 02:46 is that we have to give Talita audio description constantly. 02:50 We have to tell her who is coming in and what is happening. 02:55 We get so many amazing materials on jw.org 02:59 and also through the congregation. 03:03 She really loves to read Learn From the Great Teacher. 03:07 It has questions which make her a part of the story. 03:14 She has a very good memory, 03:15 and therefore she remembers a lot of what she reads. 03:19 So when we are with friends, she often quizzes them. 03:53 I really like to sing the songs in my songbook. 03:58 Talita’s spiritual goal 04:00 is to learn more of our Kingdom songs. 04:04 We get so much help 04:06 from the beautiful music on the website 04:09 and also from the Caleb and Sophia videos. 04:15 She knows many of the stories from My Book of Bible Stories, 04:19 so she can answer in her own words. 04:21 We will ask a question like, Do you know this about David? 04:25 And if she knows the answer, 04:27 then we encourage her to answer at the meeting. 04:36 When I give an answer at the meetings, 04:38 Jehovah becomes happy 04:39 because he loves children. 04:42 She often asks the friends, 04:45 “Do you love Jehovah?” 04:46 So she feels very united with them. 04:53 One of the best moments where we saw 04:55 that Talita’s spirituality had grown 04:57 was when she came home from a sleepover 05:00 at her grandparents’ house. 05:02 My parents are not Jehovah’s Witnesses, 05:04 and her grandmother had said 05:06 that God doesn’t exist. 05:08 So when Talita came home, she said, 05:11 “And then when I was going to sleep, I prayed to Jehovah, 05:14 “‘Would you please help Grandmother 05:15 to realize that you do exist —that you are real?’” 05:23 We try to keep our wonderful hope alive, 05:27 so we often talk about what we will do 05:30 in Paradise. 05:32 We really look forward to when Talita will be able to see again 05:36 and live in a paradise with all our friends. 05:39 It’s going to be wonderful! 05:43 I think that Jehovah looks forward to looking at me 05:46 when I play with a tiger. 05:52 I’ll have to make sure that I remember the names of Joseph’s brothers 05:56 in case I meet Talita and she decides to quiz me! 06:00 Her parents have done a good job in raising such a fine young sister. 06:05 And together with them, 06:07 we eagerly look forward to the benefits of the new system. 06:11 Isaiah 35:5 says: 06:14 “At that time the eyes of the blind will be opened.” 06:20 Such divine reminders can truly warm our heart. 06:24 And Jehovah’s reminders not only provide us comfort 06:27 but can also help us make important decisions 06:31 in our everyday life. 06:33 This brings us to our music video which is entitled 06:37 I Keep Your Reminders. 06:56 What should I do? Who should I look to? 07:07 This could just be harmless, could be respectable. 07:14 There may be no need for me to reject it all. 07:20 Oh, what is the right course for me? Which path will it be? 07:32 What should I do? Take which point of view? 07:43 It could be excessive, with many dangers there— 07:50 All the kinds of things that could prove to be a snare. 07:56 Oh, what is the right course for me? Jehovah, give ear to my plea. 08:06 I keep your reminders, and I love them dearly. 08:13 I’ll treasure them every day, monthly, yearly. 08:19 All the things I have heard in accord with your Word, help me understand. 08:33 I know what’s required. I’d better inquire. 08:46 I don’t want to act in a way to cause offense, 08:51 But it sounds like there likely would be consequence. 08:58 It’s clear what’s the right course for me —the key, the guarantee. 09:08 I keep your reminders, and I love them dearly. 09:14 They strengthen my heart and help me to see clearly. 09:21 All the things I have heard in accord with your Word, help me understand. 09:53 I keep your reminders, and I love them dearly. 10:00 They strengthen my heart and help me to see clearly. 10:06 As I read day and night, my life fills up with light. 10:12 I’ve got you by my side as I think of your might. 10:19 All the things I have heard in accord with your Word, help me understand. 10:33 Did you notice that it was a Bible-trained conscience 10:36 that helped our sister make a wise decision? 10:39 She knew what potential danger lay ahead. 10:43 Yes, the reminders from God’s Word guided her. 10:47 The theme for our program this month is 10:50 “Treasure Jehovah’s Reminders.” 10:53 And it’s based on Psalm 19:7, 10:58 where we’re told: 11:00 “The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, 11:04 making the inexperienced one wise.” 11:09 In the original language, the word here translated as “reminder” 11:13 comes from a root word meaning “to go over again, to repeat.” 11:19 Reminders have always been an essential part of Jehovah’s teaching. 11:23 In ancient Israel, God’s people continually received 11:27 commandments, regulations, and reminders. 11:31 In fact, Jehovah tells us 11:33 that he sent his prophets “again and again” 11:36 to repeatedly remind his people of their responsibilities. 11:42 The apostle Peter felt the need to give reminders 11:45 even to those who were “well-established in the truth.” 11:48 Notice how he describes this 11:50 at 2 Peter 1:12, 13: 11:54 “For this reason I intend always 11:58 “to remind you of these things, 12:00 “although you know them and are well-established 12:03 “in the truth that is present in you. 12:05 “But I consider it right, 12:07 “as long as I am in this tabernacle, 12:09 to stir you with reminders.” 12:13 In verse 15, he goes on to give the reason 12:16 why he felt the need to give the brothers reminders. 12:19 He says: 12:21 “I will always do my utmost so that after my departure, 12:26 you may be able to recall these things for yourselves.” 12:31 So Peter was determined to help the brothers and sisters 12:34 in his day to remember, or recall, 12:37 the teachings they had already learned. 12:40 It shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, 12:42 if today a lot of our teaching involves reminders. 12:46 It follows the pattern set by Jehovah in ancient Israel 12:50 and with the first-century Christians. 12:53 But why do we need reminders? 12:56 Let’s consider three reasons. 12:59 First, let’s look at Psalm 103:2. 13:04 There it says: 13:06 “Let me praise Jehovah; 13:08 may I never forget all that he has done.” 13:12 Why, then, do we need reminders? 13:14 Simply put, because we forget. 13:17 If we had perfect memories, 13:19 we wouldn’t need so many reminders. 13:22 Even in everyday life, many of us use little notes 13:25 to remind ourselves of what we need to do. 13:28 And who of us hasn’t seen the need 13:30 for a list of reminders when going shopping, 13:33 only to realize when we returned 13:36 that we forgot to get one of the important items 13:39 we needed to purchase? 13:41 If reminders are important in everyday life, 13:44 how much more so in matters 13:46 that involve our relationship with Jehovah. 13:49 Let’s read Luke 10:39, 40. 13:55 Speaking of Martha, we are told: 13:57 “She also had a sister called Mary, 14:00 “who sat down at the feet of the Lord 14:03 “and kept listening to what he was saying. 14:05 “Martha, on the other hand, 14:07 was distracted with attending to many duties.” 14:12 What was Martha’s problem? 14:14 She was distracted. 14:16 So the second reason why we need reminders 14:19 is that, like Martha, at times we too become distracted. 14:24 Although we may already know a vital fact, 14:27 that fact might get put into the back of our mind, 14:30 figuratively speaking, 14:31 because other matters are demanding our attention. 14:36 Satan is the great Distracter. 14:39 He tries to turn our attention away from the true issues of our day. 14:43 People in general have become more and more distracted 14:47 by entertainment and other nonessential matters. 14:51 No wonder that Satan has succeeded in misleading so many. 14:55 They don’t even realize what has happened. 14:59 Reason number three is alluded to 15:03 at Matthew 24:45: 15:06 “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave 15:09 “whom his master appointed over his domestics, 15:12 to give them their food at the proper time?” 15:16 Notice that the spiritual food is given to us “at the proper time.” 15:21 Our circumstances in life are continually changing. 15:25 How often do we hear, 15:27 “That was just what I needed?” 15:29 We’ve all experienced that, haven’t we? 15:33 So, what are three of the reasons why we need reminders? 15:36 One, because we tend to forget things. 15:40 Two, we often become distracted. 15:43 Three, our changed circumstances 15:47 may require a reminder of something we already knew 15:50 but didn’t fully need at that time. 15:54 So that brings us to the next question: 15:57 What will help us to remember? 15:59 It’s interesting to note that Jehovah has used many ways 16:04 to remind his people of what they should do. 16:07 At Numbers 10:10, we’re told 16:10 that the various festivals were given as reminders, 16:14 especially the celebration of the Passover. 16:17 That means that every time the Israelites 16:20 prepared and celebrated one of these festivals, 16:23 they were reminded of important matters, 16:26 such as how Jehovah provides for his people 16:29 and how he has saved them in the past. 16:32 Something similar happens today 16:35 at the commemoration of the Lord’s Evening Meal. 16:37 Not only do we hear the reminders from God’s Word 16:41 but the act of passing the bread and wine 16:44 also serves as an action that reminds us 16:47 of what Jesus did in our behalf. 16:51 But what do we need to do in order for those reminders 16:54 to have a beneficial impact on our lives? 16:58 Notice what Psalm 119:99 says. 17:03 It tells us: 17:05 “I have more insight than all my teachers, 17:08 because I ponder over your reminders.” 17:12 Yes, we need to ponder over these reminders. 17:15 That means not just listening to or reading them, 17:19 but it involves thinking deeply about them— 17:22 meditating on their value. 17:24 Just to listen or read without meditating 17:28 is like looking through the lens of a movie camera 17:31 without pressing the record button. 17:34 We see things and hear things, 17:36 but nothing is recorded. 17:39 So we need to meditate, visualize, 17:43 and review these reminders. 17:45 This will help us to remember what we learn. 17:48 But, figuratively speaking, there is something else 17:52 that we can do to press the record button. 17:55 That means we don’t have to wait 17:58 for someone else to give us a reminder. 18:00 We can make our own reminder. 18:03 How can we do so? 18:05 The answer to that question 18:08 is highlighted in Jehovah’s instructions to Moses 18:11 as found at Exodus 17:14: 18:15 “Jehovah now said to Moses: 18:17 “‘Write this as a memorial 18:20 “‘[or the footnote says: “reminder”] 18:22 in the book and repeat it to Joshua.’” 18:25 What’s the point? 18:27 Write down new things we want to remember. 18:31 Some brothers use a notebook, or exercise book, 18:35 to write down a list of interesting points that they want to remember. 18:39 Then they look through the book from time to time 18:42 to remind themselves of those points. 18:45 Many of us do this with our notes from conventions and assemblies. 18:49 Of course, to do that successfully, 18:52 you need to remember where you put the notebook. 18:55 Additionally, we have to be careful 18:57 that we don’t write down every little fact. 19:00 Otherwise, we may become overwhelmed with all the information. 19:06 We can make these notes either on paper 19:08 or electronically using computers or electronic devices. 19:13 Whatever system we use, let’s make lists of things 19:17 that we want to remember. 19:20 Many brothers have found it good to have two separate lists. 19:24 One list could be subjects 19:27 —perhaps points that we want to use 19:29 in the ministry or in our own lives. 19:32 Another, scriptures 19:35 —explanations that clarify the meaning of certain verses. 19:39 With regard to notes on scriptures, 19:42 let’s ask a very important question: 19:45 Do you have a study Bible? 19:49 What is a study Bible? 19:52 Perhaps it’s a separate Bible 19:54 to the one you take in the ministry. 19:56 It’s a Bible for you to write in 19:58 so that you’re reminded of things that you’ve learned. 20:02 These are some of the things we can do with a study Bible: 20:07 Highlight or underline some words or verses. 20:10 That will make it easier to find them again. 20:13 But remember not to make too many highlights or marks; 20:17 otherwise, nothing will stand out. 20:20 Write a summary of points and scriptures you want to remember 20:23 on the blank pages in the front or the back of your Bible. 20:28 Write notes in the margin 20:30 —that’s what Gilead students often do. 20:33 Of course, you need the right type of pen or pencil 20:37 that won’t bleed through to the other side of the page. 20:40 What type of things could you write in the margin? 20:44 Perhaps new points that you learn while reading magazines 20:47 or attending meetings and assemblies. 20:50 If you learn a new point, ask yourself, 20:53 ‘What verse is being explained?’ 20:56 And then write a brief comment in the margin next to that verse. 21:01 Let’s take an example. 21:03 Perhaps you are reading the Sermon on the Mount 21:06 and you get to Matthew 7:24-27. 21:10 That’s the illustration 21:12 about the two men who built houses 21:15 —one on sand and the other on rock. 21:18 As you research this in Watchtower Library 21:21 or the Research Guide, 21:23 you come across the article 21:25 “Are You Building on Sand or on Rock?” 21:27 in the November 1, 2008, Watchtower. 21:32 What points could you write in the margin 21:34 to help you remember the explanation? 21:37 Well, perhaps you could write: 21:39 Sand equals build on the surface. 21:43 Rock equals dig down deep. 21:48 Digging equals doing and applying. 21:52 You might even put Luke 6:46-48 there. 21:57 Now, if you still have room and your writing is small, 22:00 you could add something like this: 22:02 Not hearers only, but doers. 22:06 Both houses in same location, 22:09 same tests, foundations different. 22:14 Now every time you read those verses, 22:17 you will be reminded of what they mean. 22:20 Perhaps like me, 22:22 you’ve had several study Bibles over the years. 22:25 I think back to the first one I used. 22:27 It was like this big green Bible. 22:30 Then, later that was replaced by another Bible 22:34 —this black covered Bible. 22:36 And then, further still, 22:39 we had another Bible —the Reference Bible. 22:42 And, of course, now for most of us, 22:45 we have the large-print Bible. 22:48 This does, however, 22:51 highlight a challenge we might experience. 22:53 It can be frustrating 22:55 when a new edition of the Bible comes out. 22:57 How do you transfer all your study notes 23:00 over to the new Bible? 23:02 Additionally, our beloved study Bible may wear out 23:06 or, worse still, be lost, stolen, burned, ruined, run over, blown away. 23:14 So that’s the advantage of using an electronic list; 23:18 it doesn’t matter what type of file you use. 23:21 It can be updated very easily, and you can even make copies 23:25 —not like the printed copy 23:27 that already has the old idea written in the margin. 23:31 Even now in English, 23:33 we have the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke 23:36 in our electronic study Bible 23:38 on jw.org and WOL. 23:42 Later in the program, we have some exciting news 23:46 about how JW Library will help us in this regard. 23:49 But I’ll leave that for later. 23:52 Really, having a study Bible is not only helpful 23:57 but it also makes our personal study far more interesting. 24:01 How so? 24:03 Every time we read or study a publication, 24:07 we’ll find ourselves searching for new points 24:10 that we can write in our study Bible. 24:13 This way, we’ll be doing what the psalmist expressed 24:16 at Psalm 119:111: 24:20 ‘We will take Jehovah’s reminders 24:22 ‘as our permanent possession (or heritage), 24:25 for his reminders are the joy of our hearts!’ 24:31 But do you agree that sometimes the reminders we get 24:35 may be less than pleasant? 24:37 Maybe they even hurt! 24:40 In this dramatization, 24:42 pay attention to how we should respond to counsel. 24:59 Today started out well. 25:09 But after the meeting tonight, 25:11 my feelings were hurt. 25:22 Earlier in the week, we invited some friends over to watch a movie. 25:25 And apparently, 25:27 this new young elder heard about it, 25:31 so he counseled me about it after the meeting, 25:33 saying that I should give my movie choices 25:36 some thought. 25:38 I just didn’t like the way he gave the counsel. 25:41 He’s only 27. 25:43 That’s too young. 25:50 The next day, we had plans to go out in the ministry 25:54 with Brother Kang and his wife. 25:57 But the motivation 25:59 just wasn’t there. 26:13 I asked to speak with Brother Kang alone. 26:16 I told him what happened 26:18 and how we didn’t feel the counsel applied to us. 26:22 I can understand how you might feel. 26:24 But, Byong Soo, 26:26 be absolutely honest with me. 26:28 Do you feel there is no valid reason for that counsel? 26:33 Mm. 26:42 Well, maybe there were some scenes 26:44 that could have been less violent. 26:46 But the way he gave the counsel 26:49 —he didn’t even ask how we felt. 26:51 Byong Soo, what is the only way 26:54 for us to receive perfect counsel? 26:56 From a perfect man. 26:58 That’s right. 27:00 And is Jesus here on the earth today? 27:04 He was right. 27:07 Counsel can only be perfect 27:09 if it’s given from a perfect person. 27:13 Still, this counsel about our movie choices 27:17 would have been so much easier 27:19 if it came from someone older and more experienced, 27:23 like Brother Kang. 27:27 Well, he must have sensed what I was thinking 27:30 because he helped me to remember 27:33 something from the Bible. 27:37 When Job underwent severe trials, 27:40 it was the younger Elihu who helped Job 27:43 adjust his thinking correctly. 27:47 It required humility on Job’s part 27:50 to listen to someone younger and less experienced. 27:57 He then read Proverbs 19:20: 27:59 “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, 28:04 in order to become wise in your future.” 28:09 The point was clear: 28:11 Keep our focus on the counsel, 28:14 not the counselor. 28:30 I later shared Brother Kang’s comments with my wife. 28:35 We both realized that we should welcome 28:37 all counsel from Jehovah. 28:40 It’s for our good. 29:02 I’m sure it took courage 29:05 for that young elder to approach me about the matter. 29:10 But I’m so glad he did because, 29:13 in the end, his counsel 29:15 was just another example 29:18 of God’s love. 29:23 Yes, we all need reminders. 29:25 And did you notice some of the main teaching points 29:28 in this dramatization? 29:30 First, we need to be humble 29:32 when we receive counsel. 29:34 Second, we need to keep our focus on the counsel, 29:38 not the counselor. 29:40 And the young elder likely learned from the experience too. 29:44 Perhaps next time, after conferring with a seasoned elder, 29:48 he might handle matters with a little bit more tact and discretion. 29:54 But we can’t rely solely on receiving reminders from others 29:58 to keep our spirituality intact. 30:00 We need to do our part. 30:03 One of the tools that can help us 30:05 to actively search out reminders 30:07 is JW Library. 30:09 This amazing app has been installed 30:13 on over 15 million devices. 30:16 But do you know how much work it takes 30:19 to develop and maintain this app? 30:21 Well, we are now going to look behind the scenes 30:25 and meet some of the brothers who have either worked on this project 30:29 or helped to organize that work. 30:32 This really is an opportunity to visit 30:35 an area in Bethel that you don’t get to see on tour. 30:39 Of course, there are many brothers associated with the work. 30:42 But we would like you to get to know three 30:46 of these very hard-working brothers, 30:48 and let me introduce them to you. 30:50 First of all, Brother Per Christensen, the overseer of MEPS Programming. 30:55 Now, Per, you’ve been in this country 30:57 working in the U.S. Bethel for a number of years. 30:59 But where are you from originally? 31:02 I was born in Denmark 31:04 and served there in the branch for years. 31:07 So when did you and your wife, Berit, come to the United States? 31:11 In 1994. 31:13 And our first year was in Brooklyn. 31:15 And then we had 18 years in Patterson 31:18 and then back to Brooklyn again for three and a half years. 31:21 And now we’re in Warwick since November last year. 31:25 Well, I know you worked in Translation Services for a while 31:28 because, in fact, the two of us worked together 31:30 in the same department there for a while. 31:32 But what type of work have you been involved with 31:35 since you’ve come to the United States? 31:37 Lots of exciting and challenging jobs. 31:41 Working in Translation Services 31:43 —that was training and support for our translators worldwide. 31:48 Now in MEPS Programming 31:50 —that is all about distribution of spiritual food 31:54 to all our brothers and sisters. 31:56 So we have a ton of work and a lot of challenges. 32:00 But I’m also working with a lot 32:02 of very, very talented brothers and sisters. 32:06 So it’s a lot of fun, and it’s great going to work every day. 32:10 That’s great to hear, Per. 32:12 In fact, I’m even tempted to come back and work with you. 32:15 Oh, we would love that. 32:16 I think I’d love it too. 32:18 Well, let’s turn our attention to Brother Alfredo Serna. 32:22 Now, you are the assistant overseer of MEPS Programming. 32:25 In fact, you and I worked together in Mexico back in 2003. 32:29 Could you tell us a little bit about what you were doing at that time? 32:33 My last work assignment involved overseeing 32:35 the large Translation Department there. 32:37 It was an amazing privilege to work 32:39 with translators in sign language and the indigenous languages, 32:43 a true joy to contribute to preparing publications 32:47 for those in the minority groups. 32:49 So when did you and your wife, Gina, come to the United States to work here? 32:53 We arrived at Patterson in 2007. 32:56 We have fond memories of that time, 32:58 and it’s something we still treasure. 33:01 Very good. 33:01 And now, Brother Paul Willies, 33:04 where do you originally come from along with your wife, Su-lin, 33:08 and when did you come to the United States? 33:11 Well, we’re both originally from South Africa, 33:13 and we served there in Bethel for a number of years. 33:15 And then in 2010, we were transferred to work 33:18 along with MEPS Programming here in the U.S. 33:21 So, what type of work have you been involved with, 33:24 particularly recently? 33:26 Well, most of my time in Bethel 33:27 I’ve been working on the Watchtower Translation System, 33:29 or WTS. 33:31 Actually, I was working along with Per. 33:33 Per was in headquarters, and I was working 33:35 on the programming team that we had in South Africa. 33:37 WTS is the program that the translators use 33:40 to help organize and manage their translation work. 33:42 And then, of course, most recently I’ve been working on the mobile apps 33:46 —the JW Library app and the JW Library Sign Language app. 33:49 Very good. 33:50 Well, now all of you work in MEPS Programming. 33:53 Per, can you just tell us a little bit? 33:56 We’re familiar with the term MEPS, but what really is it? 33:59 Well, MEPS stands for 34:01 Multilanguage Electronic Publishing System. 34:05 That didn’t help me at all. 34:06 Sorry. 34:07 Can you make it a little bit more simple so we can understand? 34:10 We make the tools, or the programs, that the organization needs 34:14 to make publications 34:17 and have them translated into hundreds of languages. 34:21 So I can illustrate it this way: 34:24 that we are not making the spiritual food, 34:26 but we are building a conveyor belt for the spiritual food 34:30 from the faithful and discreet slave 34:33 down to the printing presses 34:35 or to our website or to Watchtower Library, 34:38 ONLINE LIBRARY or, like in this case, JW Library. 34:42 Thanks so much. 34:44 Now, at long last, I do understand a bit more 34:45 about what MEPS means. 34:47 Now, as I travel around, the brothers and sisters, 34:51 they tell me how much they love JW Library. 34:54 But there seems to be no end 34:57 to the suggestions for improvements and features 35:00 —and long lists of suggestions. 35:02 Can you give us a little bit of an idea of what’s involved 35:06 with trying to develop a new feature for JW Library? 35:11 Yes, the brothers and the sisters really love using the app, 35:14 and because of that, they’re keen to get many new features. 35:18 Of course, we wish we could just add all those new features into the app, 35:22 but the truth is we just can’t. 35:25 Yes, adding each new feature involves a lot of work. 35:28 And we also need to determine whether a feature 35:32 that’s requested is just a “nice to have” 35:34 or is it something that’s going to address a real need? 35:37 For example, will it really help an elder who is out on a shepherding call 35:40 or maybe a pioneer sister who is at the public witnessing carts 35:44 or at her Bible study or return visit? 35:46 Also, very important to us is trying to make 35:50 each new feature very simple to use . . . 35:53 Ah, thanks for doing that. 35:55 . . . especially for a first-time user, someone who’s never used the app before. 35:59 And then, of course, before we start working on anything, 36:01 we always get approval from the Governing Body. 36:03 Ah, that’s a good thing to do too. 36:05 Like one feature that many have been asking for 36:08 is the ability to add notes into the app. 36:12 And, of course, before we start programming it, 36:14 we have to make sure that it actually does what is wanted. 36:18 We made a video that shows how we go about that. 36:20 You have? 36:21 Would you like to see it? 36:22 Well, of course. I’d love to see it! 36:25 Hello. How are you? 36:26 Good, good, good. 36:27 Welcome! Thanks for coming. 36:28 How about yourself? 36:29 Fine, thank you. Have a seat. 36:30 All right, so glad you could be here! 36:32 Thank you so much. 36:33 Oh, so fancy. 36:35 Yeah! So we get to talk about JW Library today. 36:38 So, what are some ways that you use JW Library? 36:41 I mean, it’s revolutionized going to meetings. 36:44 Oh, my. 36:45 I go to meetings and sometimes I just carry my iPad. 36:47 So the fact that you can make the text larger. . . 36:49 It’s easy to listen to the readings right in the app now, 36:52 and so I—I find myself doing that. 36:54 So if we were to make a notes feature, 36:56 what are some things that you’d like to be able to do? 36:58 I mean, if you could see all your notes without tapping on 37:00 each one that would be great. 37:03 And even if you make a note in, maybe, your phone 37:06 and it can also be saved in your tablet, that would be really nice. 37:09 Yeah. 37:10 Well, what if I told you that in front of you 37:13 is an early version of JW Library? 37:16 Whoa! Cool! 37:17 Oh, fantastic! 37:18 This is it? 37:18 With notes—yeah. 37:20 Ooh. 37:22 So a few months ago, the Governing Body 37:24 gave us approval to start working on the notes feature. 37:26 We got together as a team, and we’ll do, like, these rough sketches, 37:30 and programmers write code. 37:31 But before we release an update, 37:33 we have a group of testers. 37:34 And, you know, they’ll find little glitches or bugs or things, 37:36 but they’ll try to work it out with the programmers. 37:38 After that, we have a pretty stable version of JW Library. 37:42 The goal is to show it to you, 37:44 and you can let us know what you think. 37:47 So now that you’ve seen the new notes feature 37:49 in JW Library, what do you think? 37:51 I love that I can tag the personal things that I need to work on 37:55 or a comment or a scripture that I can encourage someone with. 37:58 This is fantastic! 37:59 Yeah. It’s great. 38:00 I like that I can find my notes, especially using the search feature. 38:03 It’s great! 38:04 And it’s really neat how my comments— 38:07 I can place it right next to the paragraph for meetings, 38:09 and it doesn’t cover the actual text. 38:11 The ability to back it up so you can restore it to another device, 38:15 that’s going to be really helpful. 38:17 I love it! 38:18 Amazing! 38:19 OK. Go ahead. 38:20 Yeah. Go ahead! 38:22 So you’re telling us we can proceed. 38:25 That’s fantastic! 38:26 But, brothers, you can’t show us something like that 38:29 and not tell us when we’re going to get it. 38:32 Well, we said on the website that it was coming soon. 38:34 I know you said that on the website, but when? 38:36 Is it OK to be more specific than that? 38:38 I think that’s why they invited us here. 38:40 Paul, let’s hear it. 38:42 Well, we’re happy to tell you that the notes feature 38:44 in JW Library will be coming soon, 38:46 and by soon we mean during May of 2017—this month! 38:51 So we can go and check the app stores for an update. 38:54 Oh, that’s wonderful to hear. 38:56 So all of us will be happy to be able to put our own reminders 38:59 right there in the JW Library app. 39:03 Well, I’m looking forward to being able to do that as well. 39:06 But now, while I’ve got you here, 39:08 we’re not going to let you go until we ask this big question: 39:11 What are you working on now? 39:14 In other words, what can we expect to see soon with JW Library? 39:19 We have another brief video showing what the team is working on 39:22 to support the Study Bible on the JW Library app. 39:26 Would you like to see it? 39:26 That’s wonderful. Let’s have a look. 39:30 Later this year, 39:32 work will begin on adding the Study Edition 39:34 of the New World Translation to JW Library. 39:37 When this edition becomes available 39:39 in your language, 39:40 you will be able to discover 39:42 spiritual gems in the study notes. 39:44 And the new media gallery 39:46 will help you to visualize the people, places, 39:49 and things you read about. 39:50 You will also see the new overviews of each book, 39:53 play the introductory videos, 39:55 and study additional appendix material. 39:58 All of this and more 39:59 is coming soon to JW Library! 40:03 That sounds so exciting. 40:06 So we’ll all look forward to getting that feature. 40:08 You said, “coming soon,” didn’t you? 40:11 Anyway, we’d like to thank you very much 40:13 for the fact that you’ve come along and you’ve explained so much to us 40:17 about what goes on with MEPS Programming 40:20 and the JW Library app. 40:22 But before you go, 40:24 we’d like to ask you, when you go back to your department, 40:27 please, take an expression of our appreciation 40:30 back to the hard-working brothers and sisters 40:32 who are working behind the scenes in providing this tool for us. 40:36 Will do. 40:37 Happy to. 40:37 Thanks. 40:38 Thank you very much. 40:40 And speaking of behind the scenes, 40:43 do you remember the beautiful dramas 40:45 we had at the regional convention last year? 40:48 One of them was about King Hezekiah. 40:51 We saw not only the threat Jehovah’s people faced 40:54 but also the protection Jehovah provided. 40:58 In producing the drama, 41:00 the Audio/Video Services Department used a lot of visual effects. 41:04 Let’s go behind the scenes and find out what the work entailed. 41:16 The goal of our visual effects team 41:19 is to take the work done during film production and expand it. 41:22 Our work was driven by the Bible account. 41:26 The audience needed to feel 41:28 the intimidating power of the Assyrian army 41:30 while not endangering our actors. 41:33 And the use of visual effects had the added benefit 41:36 of drastically saving donated funds. 41:40 But this meant creating hundreds of digital arrows, war machines, 41:45 cities, tents, soldiers, 41:48 and even an Assyrian palace. 41:50 In some cases, the foreground elements 41:52 had to be separated from the background 41:55 so digital components could be added. 41:58 This was a time-consuming process, 42:01 as many foreground elements had to be cut out frame by frame, 42:05 24 times for each second of video. 42:10 Our research team ensured that the world created 42:12 was as accurate as possible. 42:14 For example, 42:15 having period-correct materials for the temple 42:18 as well as accurate stone reliefs. 42:21 After filming was complete, 42:23 the research team noted some scenes in the treasury 42:25 were accidentally shot showing priests wearing sandals. 42:31 As this was inaccurate, 42:33 the issue was corrected by generating additional digital treasures 42:36 and placing them in the foreground. 42:40 As we didn’t have the luxury of 185,000 extras, 42:44 actors were dressed in ancient costumes and their pictures were taken. 42:48 We then used these pictures to create digital extras, 42:52 using crowd-simulating software 42:54 to place them in the scenes and drive their movements. 42:59 The angel shot proved to be one of the most challenging. 43:03 The original version didn’t have the dramatic feel needed for the scene. 43:09 So the entire sequence was recreated 43:11 to more accurately convey the immense power 43:14 that those present must have witnessed. 43:19 Finishing this project on schedule had many challenges. 43:23 After hearing about just a few of them, 43:26 one industry expert said 43:27 what we were attempting was impossible. 43:30 But like Hezekiah when hearing negative reports, 43:33 we stayed positive and relied on Jehovah. 43:36 With His help, the film was completed on time 43:40 and is now a wonderful tool to bring this Bible account to life. 43:45 A beautiful drama, 43:47 and how encouraging it was 43:49 to see Jehovah rescue his people! 43:52 The 2016 regional convention was excellent, 43:56 don’t you agree? 43:58 But you’ll be happy to know that we have prepared a little glimpse 44:02 of what is to come at this year’s convention 44:05 to whet your appetite. 44:10 Are you OK? 44:11 Brian, I’m worried. 44:13 You need more money. 44:15 Jehovah will take care of us. 44:16 He always has. 44:18 We have enough. 44:20 Maybe enough for today, 44:22 but what if you get sick? 44:24 Gloria’s mother keeps badgering her and me to move up. 44:28 I can get a job at my uncle’s real estate firm. 44:30 Maybe this is an answer to our prayers. 44:34 What about your pioneering? 44:36 What about it? I can do both. 44:39 Gloria, I must congratulate you 44:41 on your hard work with my company. 44:44 But you must learn to keep your religion in its place. 44:48 We’re neglecting family worship, study, service. 44:53 We’ve even become too busy, 44:55 or maybe too ashamed, to even pray together. 44:59 I’m concerned about you. 45:01 One of the things that you always talked to me about 45:03 was Matthew 6:24: 45:06 ‘You cannot slave for God and for Riches.’ 45:08 You’re not the same person that I once knew. 45:14 Dad, 45:15 where is Mom? 45:17 She is coming, right? 45:22 Is it really wrong 45:24 to try to improve our life? 45:27 Mom. 45:28 “Remember the wife of Lot.” 45:30 “Remember the wife of Lot.” 45:31 “Remember the wife of Lot.” 45:40 If you have yet to make definite plans 45:42 to attend your regional convention this year, 45:45 don’t delay. 45:46 Our conventions are a loving provision from Jehovah. 45:50 Whatever it takes 45:52 —talking to your boss to get time off work 45:54 or making travel plans— 45:56 yes, whatever it takes, our efforts are worth it 46:00 because we truly treasure Jehovah’s reminders. 46:04 Jesus’ words at Matthew 11:28 46:07 are very appropriate considering everything 46:09 we go through in this system of things: 46:12 “Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, 46:16 and I will refresh you.” 46:18 Yes, conventions can be of refreshment to us, 46:22 giving us the boost we need. 46:25 But such refreshment is also available 46:28 when the world around us seems to be falling apart. 46:31 How does the organization help our brothers and sisters 46:35 in times of national crisis? 46:37 We met two Witness couples who personally experienced 46:41 two of the largest terrorist attacks in recent years. 46:52 Not a day goes by when we don’t think 46:54 about our son, Paulie. 47:06 There was horror and suffering, 47:08 things we don’t want to witness anymore. 47:22 September 11 was a very scary, terrifying day. 47:29 As for me, 47:31 when I really understood what was happening, I got scared. 47:34 I didn’t know what to do. 47:36 I didn’t know what to think. 47:38 I felt helpless. 47:41 When the second tower fell, 47:44 Paulie was on the 110th floor 47:47 and everybody was shouting, crying. 47:50 I was praying to Jehovah 47:53 because I was heartbroken. 48:00 We live on Voltaire Boulevard; it’s a broad avenue. 48:03 There is a concert hall called the Bataclan. 48:06 When the doors of the Bataclan are open, 48:09 we can hear everything that goes on inside. 48:15 That night, three men entered the Bataclan concert hall, 48:19 and they started shooting into the crowd. 48:22 We immediately grabbed our “go bag.” 48:24 And then we sat in front of the sofa, 48:27 and we begged Jehovah for his holy spirit 48:30 so we could face the situation. 48:42 It was around 10:00 p.m. when there was a news flash 48:45 that announced that there was an attack. 48:48 I was in shock when I heard the news, 48:52 and then I immediately thought about our brothers and sisters. 48:58 I quickly got in contact with the circuit overseer 49:01 in order to get some news about our brothers and sisters, 49:05 to know how they were doing. 49:07 Then, 49:09 very early the next morning, 49:11 we set up an emergency committee made up of several brothers 49:14 from the Service Department. 49:16 We decided to write a letter and make other arrangements 49:20 to assist the friends who, in one way or another, 49:23 were affected by this event. 49:26 In turn, 49:27 the circuit overseer would make an effort 49:30 to rapidly get in touch with the elders 49:33 who oversee the affected territory. 49:39 One of our challenges, on a personal level, 49:42 was whether we would even be able 49:44 to encourage our brothers and sisters 49:46 because we had never experienced such a terrible event. 49:50 We organized ourselves; 49:52 we paired up as elders and headed off to do shepherding. 49:56 We started calling midmorning on Tuesday. 50:00 We received a report back 50:02 from all the traveling overseers 50:03 by the end of Thursday. 50:05 And unfortunately, 50:07 we learned that 14 of our brothers and sisters 50:10 had lost their lives. 50:13 We knew that we needed to encourage the families; 50:18 we knew that we needed to shepherd them as soon as possible. 50:22 The elders immediately came. 50:26 We went over the book of Job, 50:29 and I just listened. 50:31 You know, I was just listening. 50:33 I’ve heard the same words before, but it was different now. 50:36 The things that were being said went straight to my heart. 50:42 A few days later, we were visited by two brothers from Bethel. 50:45 It was very touching that they came to see us 50:48 and that they were concerned about us. 50:51 It shows us that Jehovah was aware of how we felt that night. 50:56 Our brothers were there. 50:58 They were ready to help one another out. 51:01 Then there was so much empathy and love shown. 51:05 When we were ultimately granted 51:06 access to ground zero 51:08 and we started encountering 51:11 the first responders, 51:13 we let them know how much we appreciated their hard work 51:16 and that they had a skill set 51:18 that we didn’t have. 51:20 But yet our skill set 51:21 was trying to offer comfort to them. 51:24 We shared a scripture with them. 51:27 Immediately, we could tell that that was something 51:30 that caused emotion to rise up in them right away. 51:33 And they expressed 51:35 great appreciation for that. 51:37 It’s one of the beautiful things about the Scriptures 51:40 —that they’re calming, soothing, comforting. 51:44 And the Scriptures did not let down the workers 51:47 that were there at ground zero either. 51:51 The visit of the brothers from Bethel was really 51:54 a gift from Jehovah. 51:56 It showed his genuine interest in us. 51:59 It was really wonderful. 52:03 After the brothers visited us, 52:05 we felt so comforted, 52:07 so encouraged, 52:09 that we said to each other: 52:11 “We have to get back in the ministry 52:14 “and comfort people in the territory. 52:16 We have to console our brothers and sisters as well.” 52:21 We can only thank and glorify Jehovah, 52:23 who really is a God of love. 52:31 I kind of felt 52:33 Jehovah’s hand just reaching out to me, 52:36 which I needed. 52:39 But I cannot wait till the day that I’m totally refreshed. 52:43 Where I can see, I can actually see, 52:46 Paulie. 52:48 I can see him just coming back 52:51 into our lives, 52:53 and I want to embrace him so much. 52:59 After something like this, we are not the same. 53:03 But 53:06 with the help of the organization 53:09 —the brothers— 53:11 Jehovah is there for us. 53:13 So that— 53:15 That is refreshing. 53:18 And I thank Jehovah a lot 53:20 for what he wants to do for me 53:24 and also for the millions of people 53:28 that feel the same way. 53:35 What these couples went through 53:37 was a horrible reminder of Satan’s rule, 53:40 but we look forward to the relief from Jehovah 53:43 —the only true hope we have. 53:46 Reminders of Jehovah’s care, such as these interviews, 53:50 can be ‘the joy of our heart,’ as the psalmist said. 53:54 Yes, “the reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, 53:57 making the inexperienced one wise.” 54:01 Before we conclude, 54:03 let’s visit our brothers and sisters in India. 54:07 India is the second-most-populated country in the world, 54:10 with a population of some 1.2 billion people. 54:15 The Kingdom preaching work is conducted 54:18 by some 45,000 brothers and sisters 54:21 in 627 congregations, 54:23 and last year, 54:25 close to 125,000 people attended 54:29 the Memorial of Christ’s death. 54:32 Our visit brings us to Peermedu, 54:35 which is located in the southern tip 54:37 of the Indian Peninsula, in the state of Kerala. 54:40 This town is located 54:43 some 914 meters, or almost 3,000 feet, above sea level. 54:49 It is a land of spices and lush greenery, 54:52 with tea and coffee plantations. 54:55 The two congregations there have a total of 70 publishers. 55:01 Many of them work in tea estates 55:03 and struggle to make a living. 55:06 They are eager users of the JW Library app, 55:09 which they use to share our videos 55:11 and publications in the ministry. 55:14 As Peermedu is a hill station, 55:17 their territory consists of rugged and uneven terrain. 55:23 Since the congregations there are watching 55:25 this program together with all of us, 55:28 we wanted to take this opportunity 55:30 to convey their warm Christian greetings 55:33 to all of Jehovah’s people around the world. 55:36 We love you very much. 55:39 This is JW Broadcasting 55:41 from the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
00:01 Welcome, brothers and sisters! 00:03 Here are some of this month’s highlights: 00:06 How should we view counsel? 00:09 Does it apply to us even if we don’t like 00:11 the way it was given? 00:14 In times of crisis, 00:16 how does the organization respond to help our brothers and sisters? 00:21 And we will go behind the scenes of last year’s convention drama 00:25 about King Hezekiah. 00:28 This is the May program of JW Broadcasting! 00:51 Let’s begin by visiting a family in Stockholm, Sweden. 00:55 The parents, Usama and Kristina, have two daughters, 00:59 Talita and Isabella. 01:01 When Talita was born, 01:03 the doctor found cataracts in both of her eyes. 01:07 A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. 01:11 So the doctor had to operate 01:13 so that Talita wouldn’t lose her sight completely 01:16 —a terrifying situation for any parent. 01:21 Today, Talita is seven years old 01:23 and almost blind in one eye 01:25 but completely blind in the other. 01:29 Teaching a child about Jehovah 01:31 in this system of things is already a challenge 01:33 even without physical ailments involved. 01:36 But let’s find out how Talita’s parents rose to the challenge, 01:41 making sure that she received a proper spiritual education 01:45 despite her poor vision. 01:52 I look forward to not having poor sight anymore 01:56 and that I can play with a bear and a lion 01:59 and to sit on the back of a tiger. 02:03 Jehovah gives us a fantastic promise at Isaiah 35:5: 02:08 “The eyes of the blind will be opened.” 02:12 It’s been a challenge to get to where we are today. 02:17 We thank Jehovah for all the help he has given us. 02:21 As soon as Talita was able to leave the house after the operation, 02:25 we made sure to go to the meetings. 02:29 It helped us a lot to be able to throw our burden on Jehovah. 02:34 We prayed together; 02:36 we cried a lot together because it was so hard. 02:44 One of the challenges 02:46 is that we have to give Talita audio description constantly. 02:50 We have to tell her who is coming in and what is happening. 02:55 We get so many amazing materials on jw.org 02:59 and also through the congregation. 03:03 She really loves to read Learn From the Great Teacher. 03:07 It has questions which make her a part of the story. 03:14 She has a very good memory, 03:15 and therefore she remembers a lot of what she reads. 03:19 So when we are with friends, she often quizzes them. 03:53 I really like to sing the songs in my songbook. 03:58 Talita’s spiritual goal 04:00 is to learn more of our Kingdom songs. 04:04 We get so much help 04:06 from the beautiful music on the website 04:09 and also from the Caleb and Sophia videos. 04:15 She knows many of the stories from My Book of Bible Stories, 04:19 so she can answer in her own words. 04:21 We will ask a question like, Do you know this about David? 04:25 And if she knows the answer, 04:27 then we encourage her to answer at the meeting. 04:36 When I give an answer at the meetings, 04:38 Jehovah becomes happy 04:39 because he loves children. 04:42 She often asks the friends, 04:45 “Do you love Jehovah?” 04:46 So she feels very united with them. 04:53 One of the best moments where we saw 04:55 that Talita’s spirituality had grown 04:57 was when she came home from a sleepover 05:00 at her grandparents’ house. 05:02 My parents are not Jehovah’s Witnesses, 05:04 and her grandmother had said 05:06 that God doesn’t exist. 05:08 So when Talita came home, she said, 05:11 “And then when I was going to sleep, I prayed to Jehovah, 05:14 “‘Would you please help Grandmother 05:15 to realize that you do exist —that you are real?’” 05:23 We try to keep our wonderful hope alive, 05:27 so we often talk about what we will do 05:30 in Paradise. 05:32 We really look forward to when Talita will be able to see again 05:36 and live in a paradise with all our friends. 05:39 It’s going to be wonderful! 05:43 I think that Jehovah looks forward to looking at me 05:46 when I play with a tiger. 05:52 I’ll have to make sure that I remember the names of Joseph’s brothers 05:56 in case I meet Talita and she decides to quiz me! 06:00 Her parents have done a good job in raising such a fine young sister. 06:05 And together with them, 06:07 we eagerly look forward to the benefits of the new system. 06:11 Isaiah 35:5 says: 06:14 “At that time the eyes of the blind will be opened.” 06:20 Such divine reminders can truly warm our heart. 06:24 And Jehovah’s reminders not only provide us comfort 06:27 but can also help us make important decisions 06:31 in our everyday life. 06:33 This brings us to our music video which is entitled 06:37 I Keep Your Reminders. 06:56 What should I do? Who should I look to? 07:07 This could just be harmless, could be respectable. 07:14 There may be no need for me to reject it all. 07:20 Oh, what is the right course for me? Which path will it be? 07:32 What should I do? Take which point of view? 07:43 It could be excessive, with many dangers there— 07:50 All the kinds of things that could prove to be a snare. 07:56 Oh, what is the right course for me? Jehovah, give ear to my plea. 08:06 I keep your reminders, and I love them dearly. 08:13 I’ll treasure them every day, monthly, yearly. 08:19 All the things I have heard in accord with your Word, help me understand. 08:33 I know what’s required. I’d better inquire. 08:46 I don’t want to act in a way to cause offense, 08:51 But it sounds like there likely would be consequence. 08:58 It’s clear what’s the right course for me —the key, the guarantee. 09:08 I keep your reminders, and I love them dearly. 09:14 They strengthen my heart and help me to see clearly. 09:21 All the things I have heard in accord with your Word, help me understand. 09:53 I keep your reminders, and I love them dearly. 10:00 They strengthen my heart and help me to see clearly. 10:06 As I read day and night, my life fills up with light. 10:12 I’ve got you by my side as I think of your might. 10:19 All the things I have heard in accord with your Word, help me understand. 10:33 Did you notice that it was a Bible-trained conscience 10:36 that helped our sister make a wise decision? 10:39 She knew what potential danger lay ahead. 10:43 Yes, the reminders from God’s Word guided her. 10:47 The theme for our program this month is 10:50 “Treasure Jehovah’s Reminders.” 10:53 And it’s based on Psalm 19:7, 10:58 where we’re told: 11:00 “The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, 11:04 making the inexperienced one wise.” 11:09 In the original language, the word here translated as “reminder” 11:13 comes from a root word meaning “to go over again, to repeat.” 11:19 Reminders have always been an essential part of Jehovah’s teaching. 11:23 In ancient Israel, God’s people continually received 11:27 commandments, regulations, and reminders. 11:31 In fact, Jehovah tells us 11:33 that he sent his prophets “again and again” 11:36 to repeatedly remind his people of their responsibilities. 11:42 The apostle Peter felt the need to give reminders 11:45 even to those who were “well-established in the truth.” 11:48 Notice how he describes this 11:50 at 2 Peter 1:12, 13: 11:54 “For this reason I intend always 11:58 “to remind you of these things, 12:00 “although you know them and are well-established 12:03 “in the truth that is present in you. 12:05 “But I consider it right, 12:07 “as long as I am in this tabernacle, 12:09 to stir you with reminders.” 12:13 In verse 15, he goes on to give the reason 12:16 why he felt the need to give the brothers reminders. 12:19 He says: 12:21 “I will always do my utmost so that after my departure, 12:26 you may be able to recall these things for yourselves.” 12:31 So Peter was determined to help the brothers and sisters 12:34 in his day to remember, or recall, 12:37 the teachings they had already learned. 12:40 It shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, 12:42 if today a lot of our teaching involves reminders. 12:46 It follows the pattern set by Jehovah in ancient Israel 12:50 and with the first-century Christians. 12:53 But why do we need reminders? 12:56 Let’s consider three reasons. 12:59 First, let’s look at Psalm 103:2. 13:04 There it says: 13:06 “Let me praise Jehovah; 13:08 may I never forget all that he has done.” 13:12 Why, then, do we need reminders? 13:14 Simply put, because we forget. 13:17 If we had perfect memories, 13:19 we wouldn’t need so many reminders. 13:22 Even in everyday life, many of us use little notes 13:25 to remind ourselves of what we need to do. 13:28 And who of us hasn’t seen the need 13:30 for a list of reminders when going shopping, 13:33 only to realize when we returned 13:36 that we forgot to get one of the important items 13:39 we needed to purchase? 13:41 If reminders are important in everyday life, 13:44 how much more so in matters 13:46 that involve our relationship with Jehovah. 13:49 Let’s read Luke 10:39, 40. 13:55 Speaking of Martha, we are told: 13:57 “She also had a sister called Mary, 14:00 “who sat down at the feet of the Lord 14:03 “and kept listening to what he was saying. 14:05 “Martha, on the other hand, 14:07 was distracted with attending to many duties.” 14:12 What was Martha’s problem? 14:14 She was distracted. 14:16 So the second reason why we need reminders 14:19 is that, like Martha, at times we too become distracted. 14:24 Although we may already know a vital fact, 14:27 that fact might get put into the back of our mind, 14:30 figuratively speaking, 14:31 because other matters are demanding our attention. 14:36 Satan is the great Distracter. 14:39 He tries to turn our attention away from the true issues of our day. 14:43 People in general have become more and more distracted 14:47 by entertainment and other nonessential matters. 14:51 No wonder that Satan has succeeded in misleading so many. 14:55 They don’t even realize what has happened. 14:59 Reason number three is alluded to 15:03 at Matthew 24:45: 15:06 “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave 15:09 “whom his master appointed over his domestics, 15:12 to give them their food at the proper time?” 15:16 Notice that the spiritual food is given to us “at the proper time.” 15:21 Our circumstances in life are continually changing. 15:25 How often do we hear, 15:27 “That was just what I needed?” 15:29 We’ve all experienced that, haven’t we? 15:33 So, what are three of the reasons why we need reminders? 15:36 One, because we tend to forget things. 15:40 Two, we often become distracted. 15:43 Three, our changed circumstances 15:47 may require a reminder of something we already knew 15:50 but didn’t fully need at that time. 15:54 So that brings us to the next question: 15:57 What will help us to remember? 15:59 It’s interesting to note that Jehovah has used many ways 16:04 to remind his people of what they should do. 16:07 At Numbers 10:10, we’re told 16:10 that the various festivals were given as reminders, 16:14 especially the celebration of the Passover. 16:17 That means that every time the Israelites 16:20 prepared and celebrated one of these festivals, 16:23 they were reminded of important matters, 16:26 such as how Jehovah provides for his people 16:29 and how he has saved them in the past. 16:32 Something similar happens today 16:35 at the commemoration of the Lord’s Evening Meal. 16:37 Not only do we hear the reminders from God’s Word 16:41 but the act of passing the bread and wine 16:44 also serves as an action that reminds us 16:47 of what Jesus did in our behalf. 16:51 But what do we need to do in order for those reminders 16:54 to have a beneficial impact on our lives? 16:58 Notice what Psalm 119:99 says. 17:03 It tells us: 17:05 “I have more insight than all my teachers, 17:08 because I ponder over your reminders.” 17:12 Yes, we need to ponder over these reminders. 17:15 That means not just listening to or reading them, 17:19 but it involves thinking deeply about them— 17:22 meditating on their value. 17:24 Just to listen or read without meditating 17:28 is like looking through the lens of a movie camera 17:31 without pressing the record button. 17:34 We see things and hear things, 17:36 but nothing is recorded. 17:39 So we need to meditate, visualize, 17:43 and review these reminders. 17:45 This will help us to remember what we learn. 17:48 But, figuratively speaking, there is something else 17:52 that we can do to press the record button. 17:55 That means we don’t have to wait 17:58 for someone else to give us a reminder. 18:00 We can make our own reminder. 18:03 How can we do so? 18:05 The answer to that question 18:08 is highlighted in Jehovah’s instructions to Moses 18:11 as found at Exodus 17:14: 18:15 “Jehovah now said to Moses: 18:17 “‘Write this as a memorial 18:20 “‘[or the footnote says: “reminder”] 18:22 in the book and repeat it to Joshua.’” 18:25 What’s the point? 18:27 Write down new things we want to remember. 18:31 Some brothers use a notebook, or exercise book, 18:35 to write down a list of interesting points that they want to remember. 18:39 Then they look through the book from time to time 18:42 to remind themselves of those points. 18:45 Many of us do this with our notes from conventions and assemblies. 18:49 Of course, to do that successfully, 18:52 you need to remember where you put the notebook. 18:55 Additionally, we have to be careful 18:57 that we don’t write down every little fact. 19:00 Otherwise, we may become overwhelmed with all the information. 19:06 We can make these notes either on paper 19:08 or electronically using computers or electronic devices. 19:13 Whatever system we use, let’s make lists of things 19:17 that we want to remember. 19:20 Many brothers have found it good to have two separate lists. 19:24 One list could be subjects 19:27 —perhaps points that we want to use 19:29 in the ministry or in our own lives. 19:32 Another, scriptures 19:35 —explanations that clarify the meaning of certain verses. 19:39 With regard to notes on scriptures, 19:42 let’s ask a very important question: 19:45 Do you have a study Bible? 19:49 What is a study Bible? 19:52 Perhaps it’s a separate Bible 19:54 to the one you take in the ministry. 19:56 It’s a Bible for you to write in 19:58 so that you’re reminded of things that you’ve learned. 20:02 These are some of the things we can do with a study Bible: 20:07 Highlight or underline some words or verses. 20:10 That will make it easier to find them again. 20:13 But remember not to make too many highlights or marks; 20:17 otherwise, nothing will stand out. 20:20 Write a summary of points and scriptures you want to remember 20:23 on the blank pages in the front or the back of your Bible. 20:28 Write notes in the margin 20:30 —that’s what Gilead students often do. 20:33 Of course, you need the right type of pen or pencil 20:37 that won’t bleed through to the other side of the page. 20:40 What type of things could you write in the margin? 20:44 Perhaps new points that you learn while reading magazines 20:47 or attending meetings and assemblies. 20:50 If you learn a new point, ask yourself, 20:53 ‘What verse is being explained?’ 20:56 And then write a brief comment in the margin next to that verse. 21:01 Let’s take an example. 21:03 Perhaps you are reading the Sermon on the Mount 21:06 and you get to Matthew 7:24-27. 21:10 That’s the illustration 21:12 about the two men who built houses 21:15 —one on sand and the other on rock. 21:18 As you research this in Watchtower Library 21:21 or the Research Guide, 21:23 you come across the article 21:25 “Are You Building on Sand or on Rock?” 21:27 in the November 1, 2008, Watchtower. 21:32 What points could you write in the margin 21:34 to help you remember the explanation? 21:37 Well, perhaps you could write: 21:39 Sand equals build on the surface. 21:43 Rock equals dig down deep. 21:48 Digging equals doing and applying. 21:52 You might even put Luke 6:46-48 there. 21:57 Now, if you still have room and your writing is small, 22:00 you could add something like this: 22:02 Not hearers only, but doers. 22:06 Both houses in same location, 22:09 same tests, foundations different. 22:14 Now every time you read those verses, 22:17 you will be reminded of what they mean. 22:20 Perhaps like me, 22:22 you’ve had several study Bibles over the years. 22:25 I think back to the first one I used. 22:27 It was like this big green Bible. 22:30 Then, later that was replaced by another Bible 22:34 —this black covered Bible. 22:36 And then, further still, 22:39 we had another Bible —the Reference Bible. 22:42 And, of course, now for most of us, 22:45 we have the large-print Bible. 22:48 This does, however, 22:51 highlight a challenge we might experience. 22:53 It can be frustrating 22:55 when a new edition of the Bible comes out. 22:57 How do you transfer all your study notes 23:00 over to the new Bible? 23:02 Additionally, our beloved study Bible may wear out 23:06 or, worse still, be lost, stolen, burned, ruined, run over, blown away. 23:14 So that’s the advantage of using an electronic list; 23:18 it doesn’t matter what type of file you use. 23:21 It can be updated very easily, and you can even make copies 23:25 —not like the printed copy 23:27 that already has the old idea written in the margin. 23:31 Even now in English, 23:33 we have the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke 23:36 in our electronic study Bible 23:38 on jw.org and WOL. 23:42 Later in the program, we have some exciting news 23:46 about how JW Library will help us in this regard. 23:49 But I’ll leave that for later. 23:52 Really, having a study Bible is not only helpful 23:57 but it also makes our personal study far more interesting. 24:01 How so? 24:03 Every time we read or study a publication, 24:07 we’ll find ourselves searching for new points 24:10 that we can write in our study Bible. 24:13 This way, we’ll be doing what the psalmist expressed 24:16 at Psalm 119:111: 24:20 ‘We will take Jehovah’s reminders 24:22 ‘as our permanent possession (or heritage), 24:25 for his reminders are the joy of our hearts!’ 24:31 But do you agree that sometimes the reminders we get 24:35 may be less than pleasant? 24:37 Maybe they even hurt! 24:40 In this dramatization, 24:42 pay attention to how we should respond to counsel. 24:59 Today started out well. 25:09 But after the meeting tonight, 25:11 my feelings were hurt. 25:22 Earlier in the week, we invited some friends over to watch a movie. 25:25 And apparently, 25:27 this new young elder heard about it, 25:31 so he counseled me about it after the meeting, 25:33 saying that I should give my movie choices 25:36 some thought. 25:38 I just didn’t like the way he gave the counsel. 25:41 He’s only 27. 25:43 That’s too young. 25:50 The next day, we had plans to go out in the ministry 25:54 with Brother Kang and his wife. 25:57 But the motivation 25:59 just wasn’t there. 26:13 I asked to speak with Brother Kang alone. 26:16 I told him what happened 26:18 and how we didn’t feel the counsel applied to us. 26:22 I can understand how you might feel. 26:24 But, Byong Soo, 26:26 be absolutely honest with me. 26:28 Do you feel there is no valid reason for that counsel? 26:33 Mm. 26:42 Well, maybe there were some scenes 26:44 that could have been less violent. 26:46 But the way he gave the counsel 26:49 —he didn’t even ask how we felt. 26:51 Byong Soo, what is the only way 26:54 for us to receive perfect counsel? 26:56 From a perfect man. 26:58 That’s right. 27:00 And is Jesus here on the earth today? 27:04 He was right. 27:07 Counsel can only be perfect 27:09 if it’s given from a perfect person. 27:13 Still, this counsel about our movie choices 27:17 would have been so much easier 27:19 if it came from someone older and more experienced, 27:23 like Brother Kang. 27:27 Well, he must have sensed what I was thinking 27:30 because he helped me to remember 27:33 something from the Bible. 27:37 When Job underwent severe trials, 27:40 it was the younger Elihu who helped Job 27:43 adjust his thinking correctly. 27:47 It required humility on Job’s part 27:50 to listen to someone younger and less experienced. 27:57 He then read Proverbs 19:20: 27:59 “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, 28:04 in order to become wise in your future.” 28:09 The point was clear: 28:11 Keep our focus on the counsel, 28:14 not the counselor. 28:30 I later shared Brother Kang’s comments with my wife. 28:35 We both realized that we should welcome 28:37 all counsel from Jehovah. 28:40 It’s for our good. 29:02 I’m sure it took courage 29:05 for that young elder to approach me about the matter. 29:10 But I’m so glad he did because, 29:13 in the end, his counsel 29:15 was just another example 29:18 of God’s love. 29:23 Yes, we all need reminders. 29:25 And did you notice some of the main teaching points 29:28 in this dramatization? 29:30 First, we need to be humble 29:32 when we receive counsel. 29:34 Second, we need to keep our focus on the counsel, 29:38 not the counselor. 29:40 And the young elder likely learned from the experience too. 29:44 Perhaps next time, after conferring with a seasoned elder, 29:48 he might handle matters with a little bit more tact and discretion. 29:54 But we can’t rely solely on receiving reminders from others 29:58 to keep our spirituality intact. 30:00 We need to do our part. 30:03 One of the tools that can help us 30:05 to actively search out reminders 30:07 is JW Library. 30:09 This amazing app has been installed 30:13 on over 15 million devices. 30:16 But do you know how much work it takes 30:19 to develop and maintain this app? 30:21 Well, we are now going to look behind the scenes 30:25 and meet some of the brothers who have either worked on this project 30:29 or helped to organize that work. 30:32 This really is an opportunity to visit 30:35 an area in Bethel that you don’t get to see on tour. 30:39 Of course, there are many brothers associated with the work. 30:42 But we would like you to get to know three 30:46 of these very hard-working brothers, 30:48 and let me introduce them to you. 30:50 First of all, Brother Per Christensen, the overseer of MEPS Programming. 30:55 Now, Per, you’ve been in this country 30:57 working in the U.S. Bethel for a number of years. 30:59 But where are you from originally? 31:02 I was born in Denmark 31:04 and served there in the branch for years. 31:07 So when did you and your wife, Berit, come to the United States? 31:11 In 1994. 31:13 And our first year was in Brooklyn. 31:15 And then we had 18 years in Patterson 31:18 and then back to Brooklyn again for three and a half years. 31:21 And now we’re in Warwick since November last year. 31:25 Well, I know you worked in Translation Services for a while 31:28 because, in fact, the two of us worked together 31:30 in the same department there for a while. 31:32 But what type of work have you been involved with 31:35 since you’ve come to the United States? 31:37 Lots of exciting and challenging jobs. 31:41 Working in Translation Services 31:43 —that was training and support for our translators worldwide. 31:48 Now in MEPS Programming 31:50 —that is all about distribution of spiritual food 31:54 to all our brothers and sisters. 31:56 So we have a ton of work and a lot of challenges. 32:00 But I’m also working with a lot 32:02 of very, very talented brothers and sisters. 32:06 So it’s a lot of fun, and it’s great going to work every day. 32:10 That’s great to hear, Per. 32:12 In fact, I’m even tempted to come back and work with you. 32:15 Oh, we would love that. 32:16 I think I’d love it too. 32:18 Well, let’s turn our attention to Brother Alfredo Serna. 32:22 Now, you are the assistant overseer of MEPS Programming. 32:25 In fact, you and I worked together in Mexico back in 2003. 32:29 Could you tell us a little bit about what you were doing at that time? 32:33 My last work assignment involved overseeing 32:35 the large Translation Department there. 32:37 It was an amazing privilege to work 32:39 with translators in sign language and the indigenous languages, 32:43 a true joy to contribute to preparing publications 32:47 for those in the minority groups. 32:49 So when did you and your wife, Gina, come to the United States to work here? 32:53 We arrived at Patterson in 2007. 32:56 We have fond memories of that time, 32:58 and it’s something we still treasure. 33:01 Very good. 33:01 And now, Brother Paul Willies, 33:04 where do you originally come from along with your wife, Su-lin, 33:08 and when did you come to the United States? 33:11 Well, we’re both originally from South Africa, 33:13 and we served there in Bethel for a number of years. 33:15 And then in 2010, we were transferred to work 33:18 along with MEPS Programming here in the U.S. 33:21 So, what type of work have you been involved with, 33:24 particularly recently? 33:26 Well, most of my time in Bethel 33:27 I’ve been working on the Watchtower Translation System, 33:29 or WTS. 33:31 Actually, I was working along with Per. 33:33 Per was in headquarters, and I was working 33:35 on the programming team that we had in South Africa. 33:37 WTS is the program that the translators use 33:40 to help organize and manage their translation work. 33:42 And then, of course, most recently I’ve been working on the mobile apps 33:46 —the JW Library app and the JW Library Sign Language app. 33:49 Very good. 33:50 Well, now all of you work in MEPS Programming. 33:53 Per, can you just tell us a little bit? 33:56 We’re familiar with the term MEPS, but what really is it? 33:59 Well, MEPS stands for 34:01 Multilanguage Electronic Publishing System. 34:05 That didn’t help me at all. 34:06 Sorry. 34:07 Can you make it a little bit more simple so we can understand? 34:10 We make the tools, or the programs, that the organization needs 34:14 to make publications 34:17 and have them translated into hundreds of languages. 34:21 So I can illustrate it this way: 34:24 that we are not making the spiritual food, 34:26 but we are building a conveyor belt for the spiritual food 34:30 from the faithful and discreet slave 34:33 down to the printing presses 34:35 or to our website or to Watchtower Library, 34:38 ONLINE LIBRARY or, like in this case, JW Library. 34:42 Thanks so much. 34:44 Now, at long last, I do understand a bit more 34:45 about what MEPS means. 34:47 Now, as I travel around, the brothers and sisters, 34:51 they tell me how much they love JW Library. 34:54 But there seems to be no end 34:57 to the suggestions for improvements and features 35:00 —and long lists of suggestions. 35:02 Can you give us a little bit of an idea of what’s involved 35:06 with trying to develop a new feature for JW Library? 35:11 Yes, the brothers and the sisters really love using the app, 35:14 and because of that, they’re keen to get many new features. 35:18 Of course, we wish we could just add all those new features into the app, 35:22 but the truth is we just can’t. 35:25 Yes, adding each new feature involves a lot of work. 35:28 And we also need to determine whether a feature 35:32 that’s requested is just a “nice to have” 35:34 or is it something that’s going to address a real need? 35:37 For example, will it really help an elder who is out on a shepherding call 35:40 or maybe a pioneer sister who is at the public witnessing carts 35:44 or at her Bible study or return visit? 35:46 Also, very important to us is trying to make 35:50 each new feature very simple to use . . . 35:53 Ah, thanks for doing that. 35:55 . . . especially for a first-time user, someone who’s never used the app before. 35:59 And then, of course, before we start working on anything, 36:01 we always get approval from the Governing Body. 36:03 Ah, that’s a good thing to do too. 36:05 Like one feature that many have been asking for 36:08 is the ability to add notes into the app. 36:12 And, of course, before we start programming it, 36:14 we have to make sure that it actually does what is wanted. 36:18 We made a video that shows how we go about that. 36:20 You have? 36:21 Would you like to see it? 36:22 Well, of course. I’d love to see it! 36:25 Hello. How are you? 36:26 Good, good, good. 36:27 Welcome! Thanks for coming. 36:28 How about yourself? 36:29 Fine, thank you. Have a seat. 36:30 All right, so glad you could be here! 36:32 Thank you so much. 36:33 Oh, so fancy. 36:35 Yeah! So we get to talk about JW Library today. 36:38 So, what are some ways that you use JW Library? 36:41 I mean, it’s revolutionized going to meetings. 36:44 Oh, my. 36:45 I go to meetings and sometimes I just carry my iPad. 36:47 So the fact that you can make the text larger. . . 36:49 It’s easy to listen to the readings right in the app now, 36:52 and so I—I find myself doing that. 36:54 So if we were to make a notes feature, 36:56 what are some things that you’d like to be able to do? 36:58 I mean, if you could see all your notes without tapping on 37:00 each one that would be great. 37:03 And even if you make a note in, maybe, your phone 37:06 and it can also be saved in your tablet, that would be really nice. 37:09 Yeah. 37:10 Well, what if I told you that in front of you 37:13 is an early version of JW Library? 37:16 Whoa! Cool! 37:17 Oh, fantastic! 37:18 This is it? 37:18 With notes—yeah. 37:20 Ooh. 37:22 So a few months ago, the Governing Body 37:24 gave us approval to start working on the notes feature. 37:26 We got together as a team, and we’ll do, like, these rough sketches, 37:30 and programmers write code. 37:31 But before we release an update, 37:33 we have a group of testers. 37:34 And, you know, they’ll find little glitches or bugs or things, 37:36 but they’ll try to work it out with the programmers. 37:38 After that, we have a pretty stable version of JW Library. 37:42 The goal is to show it to you, 37:44 and you can let us know what you think. 37:47 So now that you’ve seen the new notes feature 37:49 in JW Library, what do you think? 37:51 I love that I can tag the personal things that I need to work on 37:55 or a comment or a scripture that I can encourage someone with. 37:58 This is fantastic! 37:59 Yeah. It’s great. 38:00 I like that I can find my notes, especially using the search feature. 38:03 It’s great! 38:04 And it’s really neat how my comments— 38:07 I can place it right next to the paragraph for meetings, 38:09 and it doesn’t cover the actual text. 38:11 The ability to back it up so you can restore it to another device, 38:15 that’s going to be really helpful. 38:17 I love it! 38:18 Amazing! 38:19 OK. Go ahead. 38:20 Yeah. Go ahead! 38:22 So you’re telling us we can proceed. 38:25 That’s fantastic! 38:26 But, brothers, you can’t show us something like that 38:29 and not tell us when we’re going to get it. 38:32 Well, we said on the website that it was coming soon. 38:34 I know you said that on the website, but when? 38:36 Is it OK to be more specific than that? 38:38 I think that’s why they invited us here. 38:40 Paul, let’s hear it. 38:42 Well, we’re happy to tell you that the notes feature 38:44 in JW Library will be coming soon, 38:46 and by soon we mean during May of 2017—this month! 38:51 So we can go and check the app stores for an update. 38:54 Oh, that’s wonderful to hear. 38:56 So all of us will be happy to be able to put our own reminders 38:59 right there in the JW Library app. 39:03 Well, I’m looking forward to being able to do that as well. 39:06 But now, while I’ve got you here, 39:08 we’re not going to let you go until we ask this big question: 39:11 What are you working on now? 39:14 In other words, what can we expect to see soon with JW Library? 39:19 We have another brief video showing what the team is working on 39:22 to support the Study Bible on the JW Library app. 39:26 Would you like to see it? 39:26 That’s wonderful. Let’s have a look. 39:30 Later this year, 39:32 work will begin on adding the Study Edition 39:34 of the New World Translation to JW Library. 39:37 When this edition becomes available 39:39 in your language, 39:40 you will be able to discover 39:42 spiritual gems in the study notes. 39:44 And the new media gallery 39:46 will help you to visualize the people, places, 39:49 and things you read about. 39:50 You will also see the new overviews of each book, 39:53 play the introductory videos, 39:55 and study additional appendix material. 39:58 All of this and more 39:59 is coming soon to JW Library! 40:03 That sounds so exciting. 40:06 So we’ll all look forward to getting that feature. 40:08 You said, “coming soon,” didn’t you? 40:11 Anyway, we’d like to thank you very much 40:13 for the fact that you’ve come along and you’ve explained so much to us 40:17 about what goes on with MEPS Programming 40:20 and the JW Library app. 40:22 But before you go, 40:24 we’d like to ask you, when you go back to your department, 40:27 please, take an expression of our appreciation 40:30 back to the hard-working brothers and sisters 40:32 who are working behind the scenes in providing this tool for us. 40:36 Will do. 40:37 Happy to. 40:37 Thanks. 40:38 Thank you very much. 40:40 And speaking of behind the scenes, 40:43 do you remember the beautiful dramas 40:45 we had at the regional convention last year? 40:48 One of them was about King Hezekiah. 40:51 We saw not only the threat Jehovah’s people faced 40:54 but also the protection Jehovah provided. 40:58 In producing the drama, 41:00 the Audio/Video Services Department used a lot of visual effects. 41:04 Let’s go behind the scenes and find out what the work entailed. 41:16 The goal of our visual effects team 41:19 is to take the work done during film production and expand it. 41:22 Our work was driven by the Bible account. 41:26 The audience needed to feel 41:28 the intimidating power of the Assyrian army 41:30 while not endangering our actors. 41:33 And the use of visual effects had the added benefit 41:36 of drastically saving donated funds. 41:40 But this meant creating hundreds of digital arrows, war machines, 41:45 cities, tents, soldiers, 41:48 and even an Assyrian palace. 41:50 In some cases, the foreground elements 41:52 had to be separated from the background 41:55 so digital components could be added. 41:58 This was a time-consuming process, 42:01 as many foreground elements had to be cut out frame by frame, 42:05 24 times for each second of video. 42:10 Our research team ensured that the world created 42:12 was as accurate as possible. 42:14 For example, 42:15 having period-correct materials for the temple 42:18 as well as accurate stone reliefs. 42:21 After filming was complete, 42:23 the research team noted some scenes in the treasury 42:25 were accidentally shot showing priests wearing sandals. 42:31 As this was inaccurate, 42:33 the issue was corrected by generating additional digital treasures 42:36 and placing them in the foreground. 42:40 As we didn’t have the luxury of 185,000 extras, 42:44 actors were dressed in ancient costumes and their pictures were taken. 42:48 We then used these pictures to create digital extras, 42:52 using crowd-simulating software 42:54 to place them in the scenes and drive their movements. 42:59 The angel shot proved to be one of the most challenging. 43:03 The original version didn’t have the dramatic feel needed for the scene. 43:09 So the entire sequence was recreated 43:11 to more accurately convey the immense power 43:14 that those present must have witnessed. 43:19 Finishing this project on schedule had many challenges. 43:23 After hearing about just a few of them, 43:26 one industry expert said 43:27 what we were attempting was impossible. 43:30 But like Hezekiah when hearing negative reports, 43:33 we stayed positive and relied on Jehovah. 43:36 With His help, the film was completed on time 43:40 and is now a wonderful tool to bring this Bible account to life. 43:45 A beautiful drama, 43:47 and how encouraging it was 43:49 to see Jehovah rescue his people! 43:52 The 2016 regional convention was excellent, 43:56 don’t you agree? 43:58 But you’ll be happy to know that we have prepared a little glimpse 44:02 of what is to come at this year’s convention 44:05 to whet your appetite. 44:10 Are you OK? 44:11 Brian, I’m worried. 44:13 You need more money. 44:15 Jehovah will take care of us. 44:16 He always has. 44:18 We have enough. 44:20 Maybe enough for today, 44:22 but what if you get sick? 44:24 Gloria’s mother keeps badgering her and me to move up. 44:28 I can get a job at my uncle’s real estate firm. 44:30 Maybe this is an answer to our prayers. 44:34 What about your pioneering? 44:36 What about it? I can do both. 44:39 Gloria, I must congratulate you 44:41 on your hard work with my company. 44:44 But you must learn to keep your religion in its place. 44:48 We’re neglecting family worship, study, service. 44:53 We’ve even become too busy, 44:55 or maybe too ashamed, to even pray together. 44:59 I’m concerned about you. 45:01 One of the things that you always talked to me about 45:03 was Matthew 6:24: 45:06 ‘You cannot slave for God and for Riches.’ 45:08 You’re not the same person that I once knew. 45:14 Dad, 45:15 where is Mom? 45:17 She is coming, right? 45:22 Is it really wrong 45:24 to try to improve our life? 45:27 Mom. 45:28 “Remember the wife of Lot.” 45:30 “Remember the wife of Lot.” 45:31 “Remember the wife of Lot.” 45:40 If you have yet to make definite plans 45:42 to attend your regional convention this year, 45:45 don’t delay. 45:46 Our conventions are a loving provision from Jehovah. 45:50 Whatever it takes 45:52 —talking to your boss to get time off work 45:54 or making travel plans— 45:56 yes, whatever it takes, our efforts are worth it 46:00 because we truly treasure Jehovah’s reminders. 46:04 Jesus’ words at Matthew 11:28 46:07 are very appropriate considering everything 46:09 we go through in this system of things: 46:12 “Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, 46:16 and I will refresh you.” 46:18 Yes, conventions can be of refreshment to us, 46:22 giving us the boost we need. 46:25 But such refreshment is also available 46:28 when the world around us seems to be falling apart. 46:31 How does the organization help our brothers and sisters 46:35 in times of national crisis? 46:37 We met two Witness couples who personally experienced 46:41 two of the largest terrorist attacks in recent years. 46:52 Not a day goes by when we don’t think 46:54 about our son, Paulie. 47:06 There was horror and suffering, 47:08 things we don’t want to witness anymore. 47:22 September 11 was a very scary, terrifying day. 47:29 As for me, 47:31 when I really understood what was happening, I got scared. 47:34 I didn’t know what to do. 47:36 I didn’t know what to think. 47:38 I felt helpless. 47:41 When the second tower fell, 47:44 Paulie was on the 110th floor 47:47 and everybody was shouting, crying. 47:50 I was praying to Jehovah 47:53 because I was heartbroken. 48:00 We live on Voltaire Boulevard; it’s a broad avenue. 48:03 There is a concert hall called the Bataclan. 48:06 When the doors of the Bataclan are open, 48:09 we can hear everything that goes on inside. 48:15 That night, three men entered the Bataclan concert hall, 48:19 and they started shooting into the crowd. 48:22 We immediately grabbed our “go bag.” 48:24 And then we sat in front of the sofa, 48:27 and we begged Jehovah for his holy spirit 48:30 so we could face the situation. 48:42 It was around 10:00 p.m. when there was a news flash 48:45 that announced that there was an attack. 48:48 I was in shock when I heard the news, 48:52 and then I immediately thought about our brothers and sisters. 48:58 I quickly got in contact with the circuit overseer 49:01 in order to get some news about our brothers and sisters, 49:05 to know how they were doing. 49:07 Then, 49:09 very early the next morning, 49:11 we set up an emergency committee made up of several brothers 49:14 from the Service Department. 49:16 We decided to write a letter and make other arrangements 49:20 to assist the friends who, in one way or another, 49:23 were affected by this event. 49:26 In turn, 49:27 the circuit overseer would make an effort 49:30 to rapidly get in touch with the elders 49:33 who oversee the affected territory. 49:39 One of our challenges, on a personal level, 49:42 was whether we would even be able 49:44 to encourage our brothers and sisters 49:46 because we had never experienced such a terrible event. 49:50 We organized ourselves; 49:52 we paired up as elders and headed off to do shepherding. 49:56 We started calling midmorning on Tuesday. 50:00 We received a report back 50:02 from all the traveling overseers 50:03 by the end of Thursday. 50:05 And unfortunately, 50:07 we learned that 14 of our brothers and sisters 50:10 had lost their lives. 50:13 We knew that we needed to encourage the families; 50:18 we knew that we needed to shepherd them as soon as possible. 50:22 The elders immediately came. 50:26 We went over the book of Job, 50:29 and I just listened. 50:31 You know, I was just listening. 50:33 I’ve heard the same words before, but it was different now. 50:36 The things that were being said went straight to my heart. 50:42 A few days later, we were visited by two brothers from Bethel. 50:45 It was very touching that they came to see us 50:48 and that they were concerned about us. 50:51 It shows us that Jehovah was aware of how we felt that night. 50:56 Our brothers were there. 50:58 They were ready to help one another out. 51:01 Then there was so much empathy and love shown. 51:05 When we were ultimately granted 51:06 access to ground zero 51:08 and we started encountering 51:11 the first responders, 51:13 we let them know how much we appreciated their hard work 51:16 and that they had a skill set 51:18 that we didn’t have. 51:20 But yet our skill set 51:21 was trying to offer comfort to them. 51:24 We shared a scripture with them. 51:27 Immediately, we could tell that that was something 51:30 that caused emotion to rise up in them right away. 51:33 And they expressed 51:35 great appreciation for that. 51:37 It’s one of the beautiful things about the Scriptures 51:40 —that they’re calming, soothing, comforting. 51:44 And the Scriptures did not let down the workers 51:47 that were there at ground zero either. 51:51 The visit of the brothers from Bethel was really 51:54 a gift from Jehovah. 51:56 It showed his genuine interest in us. 51:59 It was really wonderful. 52:03 After the brothers visited us, 52:05 we felt so comforted, 52:07 so encouraged, 52:09 that we said to each other: 52:11 “We have to get back in the ministry 52:14 “and comfort people in the territory. 52:16 We have to console our brothers and sisters as well.” 52:21 We can only thank and glorify Jehovah, 52:23 who really is a God of love. 52:31 I kind of felt 52:33 Jehovah’s hand just reaching out to me, 52:36 which I needed. 52:39 But I cannot wait till the day that I’m totally refreshed. 52:43 Where I can see, I can actually see, 52:46 Paulie. 52:48 I can see him just coming back 52:51 into our lives, 52:53 and I want to embrace him so much. 52:59 After something like this, we are not the same. 53:03 But 53:06 with the help of the organization 53:09 —the brothers— 53:11 Jehovah is there for us. 53:13 So that— 53:15 That is refreshing. 53:18 And I thank Jehovah a lot 53:20 for what he wants to do for me 53:24 and also for the millions of people 53:28 that feel the same way. 53:35 What these couples went through 53:37 was a horrible reminder of Satan’s rule, 53:40 but we look forward to the relief from Jehovah 53:43 —the only true hope we have. 53:46 Reminders of Jehovah’s care, such as these interviews, 53:50 can be ‘the joy of our heart,’ as the psalmist said. 53:54 Yes, “the reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, 53:57 making the inexperienced one wise.” 54:01 Before we conclude, 54:03 let’s visit our brothers and sisters in India. 54:07 India is the second-most-populated country in the world, 54:10 with a population of some 1.2 billion people. 54:15 The Kingdom preaching work is conducted 54:18 by some 45,000 brothers and sisters 54:21 in 627 congregations, 54:23 and last year, 54:25 close to 125,000 people attended 54:29 the Memorial of Christ’s death. 54:32 Our visit brings us to Peermedu, 54:35 which is located in the southern tip 54:37 of the Indian Peninsula, in the state of Kerala. 54:40 This town is located 54:43 some 914 meters, or almost 3,000 feet, above sea level. 54:49 It is a land of spices and lush greenery, 54:52 with tea and coffee plantations. 54:55 The two congregations there have a total of 70 publishers. 55:01 Many of them work in tea estates 55:03 and struggle to make a living. 55:06 They are eager users of the JW Library app, 55:09 which they use to share our videos 55:11 and publications in the ministry. 55:14 As Peermedu is a hill station, 55:17 their territory consists of rugged and uneven terrain. 55:23 Since the congregations there are watching 55:25 this program together with all of us, 55:28 we wanted to take this opportunity 55:30 to convey their warm Christian greetings 55:33 to all of Jehovah’s people around the world. 55:36 We love you very much. 55:39 This is JW Broadcasting 55:41 from the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
