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00:01 Welcome to another edition of JW Broadcasting! 00:05 Have you ever felt discouraged 00:08 due to circumstances beyond your control? 00:12 We’ll discuss how we can still have joy despite our limitations. 00:17 And we’ll see examples, both Biblical and modern day, 00:21 that will encourage us to keep giving Jehovah our best. 00:25 Jonah had faced several reasons 00:28 to become discouraged and give up. 00:30 How did Jehovah help him carry on with courage and faith? 00:35 And what lessons from his experience 00:38 can we apply to problems we face today? 00:41 Can we change our personality for the better? 00:45 We can with Jehovah’s spirit and diligent effort. 00:48 This brother describes 00:50 how far his personality and lifestyle 00:54 took him away from Jehovah. 00:55 He explains how he regained a clean conscience 01:00 and freeness of speech. 01:02 Jehovah can turn tragic events caused by man 01:06 into open doors of activity for His loyal Witnesses. 01:09 In this report from Greece, 01:12 we’ll learn how our brothers are bringing spiritual comfort 01:16 to refugees. 01:18 You’re watching the June 2017 edition 01:22 of JW Broadcasting! 01:44 There are many exciting things happening 01:47 in Jehovah’s organization. 01:49 Why, month after month, we read articles, 01:52 watch videos, and hear personal experiences 01:55 about our brothers and sisters who are doing more for Jehovah. 01:59 They are serving where the need is greater or reaching out 02:02 for the School for Kingdom Evangelizers. 02:05 They are working on construction, renovation, 02:08 maintenance of Kingdom Halls, or other theocratic projects. 02:12 No doubt, many of you watching this program 02:16 are excitedly looking forward 02:18 to expanding your ministry in one of these areas. 02:21 We encourage you to do so. 02:24 You can be assured that you will receive much fulfillment 02:28 and many blessings from Jehovah. 02:31 On the other hand, 02:33 there are others who are watching this program 02:36 who may feel discouraged because their circumstances 02:39 may seem to limit their being as involved as they would like. 02:44 What are some of these circumstances? 02:46 These may include our age, our health, 02:49 our economic situation, or our physical limitations. 02:54 For some of us, perhaps our upbringing 02:57 or past errors we have made in our life 03:00 may cause us to feel that we are limited 03:04 as to what we can do for Jehovah. 03:07 As we know well, focusing on our limitations 03:10 can affect our joy, causing discouragement. 03:13 What can we do? 03:15 There are many examples in the Scriptures of men and women 03:19 who had circumstances beyond their control 03:22 that seemed to limit how much they could do for Jehovah. 03:26 Others had to deal with the effects of their upbringing and family life 03:31 or with serious errors they made. 03:34 Did they allow themselves to be limited 03:37 by their circumstances or their past? 03:40 How did Jehovah feel about them? 03:42 How does Jehovah feel about us? 03:46 That is what we are going to discuss in this month’s broadcast, 03:50 which has the theme 03:51 “Are You Defined by Your Circumstances?” 03:55 Let’s start by looking at some 03:57 who could have let their circumstances limit them. 04:01 Consider first the example of Joseph in the book of Genesis. 04:06 Now, Joseph faced injustice at its worst. 04:08 His situation was especially hurtful 04:12 since it was initially brought on by those who should have been closest to him 04:15 —his family! 04:17 As a slave in Egypt and later as a prisoner, 04:20 Joseph was indeed limited in what he could do. 04:24 How might Joseph have reacted? 04:27 Well, Joseph could have become so preoccupied 04:30 with what he could not do 04:32 that he lost sight of what he could do. 04:35 Did Joseph let his circumstances 04:39 paralyze his life? 04:41 No! 04:42 He chose to make the best of his situation. 04:45 In fact, note what Joseph did 04:47 while serving as a slave in Potiphar’s house 04:50 if we turn together to Genesis 39:4: 04:55 “Joseph kept finding favor in his eyes, 04:58 “and he became his personal attendant. 05:01 “So he appointed him over his house, 05:03 and he put him in charge of all that was his.” 05:07 Joseph worked diligently 05:09 within the limitations of his circumstances. 05:13 He took a similar approach while in prison. 05:15 Joseph focused on what he could do 05:18 despite suffering the effects of injustice. 05:22 As a second example, consider Hezekiah. 05:25 Hezekiah is one who might easily have felt 05:28 that he was defined by his upbringing. 05:31 Look at the terrible example that was set by his father, Ahaz, 05:36 as recorded in 2 Kings chapter 16. 05:40 Second Kings chapter 16, 05:43 and notice what verse 3 says about Ahaz: 05:47 “Instead, he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, 05:52 “and he even made his own son pass through the fire, 05:56 “following the detestable practices of the nations 05:59 that Jehovah had driven out from before the Israelites.” 06:03 Hezekiah’s father did detestable things 06:07 in opposition to Jehovah. 06:09 But Hezekiah showed 06:11 that he was not the helpless victim 06:13 of a poor parental example. 06:15 What did he do? 06:17 Well, turn in your Bibles to 2 Kings chapter 18 06:21 and notice verse 3, 06:23 what it says about Hezekiah: 06:26 “He kept doing what was right in Jehovah’s eyes, 06:30 just as David his forefather had done.” 06:33 Verse 5 says of Hezekiah: 06:36 “There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah.” 06:40 He became fully involved in true worship. 06:43 Verses 6 and 7 say that Hezekiah 06:45 ‘held fast to Jehovah, and Jehovah proved to be with him.’ 06:51 How encouraging Hezekiah’s example is for us! 06:56 We can choose to be loyal to Jehovah 06:58 and do much in our worship of Jehovah, 07:00 even if we did not grow up in a family 07:03 that served Jehovah fully. 07:05 We are not helpless victims of our environment. 07:09 Hezekiah’s example reassures us that our past 07:13 does not have to control our future. 07:17 As a third example, consider the apostle Paul. 07:21 He did not let his own past mistakes 07:23 involving religious prejudice and violence 07:27 stop him from giving his all to Jehovah. 07:30 How did Paul feel about his past? 07:33 Well, let’s read together at 1 Corinthians 15:9: 07:39 “For I am the least of the apostles, 07:43 “and I am not worthy of being called an apostle, 07:46 because I persecuted the congregation of God.” 07:50 “I am the least of the apostles.” 07:53 Later, when writing to the Ephesians as recorded at Ephesians 3:8, 07:57 he calls himself “less than the least of all holy ones.” 08:01 Finally, at 1 Timothy 1:15, 08:05 he now calls himself the “foremost” of all sinners. 08:09 Yes, Paul’s prior treatment of the congregation 08:13 weighed heavily upon him. 08:15 Could Paul have reasoned that he was damaged? 08:19 Could he have reasoned that his past 08:21 limited what he could do for Jehovah? 08:23 He could have, but Paul did not do that. 08:27 He poured himself out for the congregation. 08:30 Why, Paul was privileged to write more books and letters 08:33 in the Christian Greek Scriptures than anyone else. 08:35 He demonstrated an outstanding zeal for the ministry. 08:39 Paul did not let his conduct in the past 08:42 dictate what he could do for Jehovah. 08:46 And there are many other examples as well. 08:49 For example, are we in a difficult economic situation? 08:53 The account in 2 Corinthians chapter 8 08:56 tells us about the Macedonians. 08:58 Paul says that they were in deep poverty. 09:02 Yet they begged to have a financial share 09:05 in the relief work. 09:07 Are we older in years? 09:09 We may think of Anna. 09:11 The account at Luke 2:36-38 09:14 tells us that she was 84 years old 09:17 and that her husband had died 09:19 after just seven years of marriage. 09:22 Yet, “she was never missing from the temple.” 09:24 She rendered ‘sacred service day and night.’ 09:28 What lessons do we learn from these accounts? 09:33 Our dear brothers and sisters in Bible times were just like us. 09:37 Many were in circumstances that they would not have chosen. 09:41 Yet, they did not let their circumstances 09:44 or their past define them. 09:47 They joyfully did what they could 09:50 within the limits of their situation. 09:52 And these are just a few examples. 09:55 There are many others in the Bible. 09:57 Why not make it a personal study project 10:00 to research faithful ones 10:02 who were in circumstances similar to yours? 10:06 How did they stay involved in Jehovah’s work? 10:09 We are sure that you will be greatly encouraged. 10:14 In fact, let’s look at an example 10:16 of how you might do this with a familiar Bible character. 10:20 In this dramatization, 10:22 a brother and two sisters use their personal study time 10:26 to learn about Jonah. 10:29 Sometimes, as we know, Jonah was discouraged 10:31 by events beyond his control; 10:34 at other times it was because of his own failings. 10:38 Does Jonah’s experience relate 10:41 to what they are feeling? 10:43 And how do the lessons Jonah learned help them 10:46 to not remain trapped in their circumstances? 10:56 But John, there’s still plenty 10:59 you can do in the congregation. 11:01 Sure, that sounds good. 11:04 But I’m no longer a ministerial servant. 11:07 Why did I let my zeal for the ministry cool off? 11:12 I know what the brothers must think of me now. 11:18 Hello? 11:20 Oh, good morning. My name is Jane. 11:22 How are you? 11:23 Not bad, thanks. 11:24 I know you may not be interested, 11:27 but I have this tract I’d like to leave with you . . . 11:29 “You may not be interested?” 11:31 Where did that come from? 11:35 Not my best presentation, 11:37 but it didn’t seem like she wanted to talk more anyway. 11:43 Well, what does that mean? 11:46 It may be manageable, 11:48 but long term, given your other conditions, 11:50 you’re looking at possibly some further tests . . . 11:51 Manageable? 11:52 Long term? 11:54 Oh, Jehovah, how can I do this by myself? 12:17 Of course Jehovah values you. 12:20 Try to think of someone in the Bible 12:23 who may have felt like you do, like Jonah. 12:27 Jonah? 12:29 Felt like I do? 12:40 “What comes to your mind when you think of Jonah? 12:44 Do you think of him as a disobedient prophet?” 12:59 “Reluctant to obey Jehovah’s command, 13:02 “Jonah boarded a ship that carried him 13:05 farther and farther away from his assignment.” 13:20 “Did Jonah’s recent actions 13:22 “disqualify him from ever again serving God 13:26 in an official capacity?” 13:32 He sure could have thought so. 13:35 I know I do. 13:39 “No, 13:40 “Jehovah mercifully and lovingly 13:43 renewed the prophet’s commission.” 14:02 So if Jehovah didn’t see Jonah as a total failure, 14:05 then what must he think of me? 14:12 First Samuel 16:7: 14:15 “For the way man sees 14:18 is not the way God sees.” 14:22 “Jonah did not see Nineveh as Jehovah did.” 14:50 Well, 14:52 with all that they were doing, 14:53 how could he view them any differently? 14:57 But the account says: 14:59 ‘When God saw they had turned back from their evil ways, 15:02 ‘he reconsidered the calamity, 15:04 and he did not bring it.’ 15:08 “Despite the people’s badness, 15:10 “Jehovah cared about them. 15:13 “He values human life 15:15 “and the potential that each individual has 15:18 for repenting and learning to do what is right.” 15:23 Well, of course that’s true. 15:26 Why didn’t Jonah see that? 15:30 But am I seeing people the way Jehovah does? 15:36 Am I assuming they won’t listen 15:38 and then not giving my best? 15:42 How can I know how a person will respond? 15:47 ‘Jonah learned to be merciful. 15:51 Will we?’ 15:57 Matthew 5:7 says: 16:00 “Happy are the merciful, 16:03 since they will be shown mercy.” 16:09 “Then Jonah prayed to Jehovah his God 16:12 “from the belly of the fish, and he said: 16:16 “‘Out of my distress 16:18 “‘I called out to Jehovah, 16:20 “‘and he answered me. 16:23 “‘Out of the depths of the Grave I cried for help. 16:27 You heard my voice.’” 16:33 God heard Jonah and delivered him. 16:37 But I can’t expect a miracle. 16:45 “Then my prayer came in to you, into your holy temple.” 16:50 “My prayer.” 16:53 “My prayer came in to you.” 16:57 Jonah didn’t know 16:59 if Jehovah would rescue him, 17:01 but he prayed in faith that Jehovah cared. 17:05 “But as for me, 17:07 “with the voice of thanksgiving 17:09 “I will sacrifice to you. 17:12 “What I have vowed, I will pay. 17:15 Salvation is from Jehovah.” 17:25 As long as I still can, 17:28 I’ll keep sacrificing to God. 17:35 Salvation is from Jehovah! 17:44 Like those in our video, 17:46 do you sometimes feel as Jonah did? 17:49 Can you apply the lessons from Jonah’s account 17:53 to better see God’s mercy in your life? 17:56 A personal failing discouraged our brother. 17:59 But like Jonah, 18:01 he realized Jehovah still valued him. 18:05 Our young sister reinvigorated her ministry 18:09 after meditating on the way Jehovah 18:11 mercifully viewed the Ninevites. 18:14 And our sister was determined to imitate Jonah’s faith 18:19 that God hears our prayers 18:21 about circumstances beyond our control. 18:25 Sometimes, however, 18:27 our circumstances are only perceived barriers 18:31 to doing more for Jehovah. 18:33 For example, some may feel limited by economic concerns 18:36 if they reach out for special privileges. 18:40 In the Netherlands, many brothers and sisters 18:43 assisted with the construction of the Swifterbant Assembly Hall. 18:47 Some had to make adjustments to be able to work on this project. 18:51 Listen, however, to their comments on the blessings they received 18:56 and what their goals are now that the project is completed. 19:04 In the Netherlands, there was a need for a new, 19:07 suitable Assembly Hall, which could accommodate almost all 19:10 of the 300 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses. 19:15 Additional building ground was acquired next to the existing hall, 19:19 so that a second, completely new hall could be constructed. 19:26 More than 200 volunteers worked on this project. 19:31 What challenges did they face? 19:34 And what blessings did they receive? 19:41 We had to sell our house and close our business. 19:44 It’s a step into the unknown. 19:47 I had to quit my job. 19:51 It was exciting to step 19:53 out of my comfort zone 19:54 and rely completely on Jehovah. 19:58 Everything is structured, organized. 20:00 That is why things run smoothly. 20:02 That doesn’t come naturally to me. 20:06 We were invited to come and work in the kitchen. 20:08 I love to cook at home. 20:10 I’m really fond of it. 20:12 What was my assignment? 20:14 Doing the dishes. 20:25 Working on yourself, 20:28 your Christian personality, 20:30 and cooperating with your brothers and sisters 20:33 —that has everlasting value. 20:37 It was wonderful training for the future 20:39 when we will be building together in Paradise. 20:42 You realize that everyone 20:44 sacrifices something and becomes happier. 20:46 No one regrets their decision. 20:48 That Jehovah takes into account your personal makeup, 20:52 that he is patient with us. 20:54 I’ve really learned how to work together 20:57 in a theocratic arrangement and still have fun. 21:01 You can work on yourself all day long 21:04 and therefore be able to improve. 21:07 I really learned to study more and to read the Bible more often. 21:12 Because we worked together so closely, 21:15 you got to know each other very well 21:17 and I really started to love and appreciate people. 21:23 We really came to appreciate 21:26 that every brother and sister has this beautiful inner person. 21:35 Visitors and contractors were always very surprised 21:38 that there were so many women working at the construction site. 21:43 It’s great working with sisters. 21:45 I have a construction background, 21:47 and communication with men can be really up front. 21:49 That doesn’t work with sisters. 21:51 You just have to be calm, 21:53 talk, and listen. 22:05 I had to work on a lift platform, 22:08 but that was kind of a problem because I’m afraid of heights. 22:11 The brothers were so kind to seal the sides up completely 22:15 so that I could not look down. 22:18 It was fun working together on that lift platform. 22:21 We called it our little flat. 22:23 The atmosphere was amazing, and we all had a great time. 22:34 Now we work in the kitchen 22:36 at the Swifterbant School Facility —a real privilege. 22:40 We’ve been trained to cook during construction, 22:42 but if needed, I’ll even do the dishes as well. 22:48 I’ll never work five days again. 22:50 Now I work three days, 22:52 and since July 1st, I started pioneering. 22:54 That’s just great. 22:55 He was offered a job. 22:57 He could even choose between two jobs. 22:59 Now he works three days a week, which always seemed impossible. 23:04 Eventually, we were in Swifterbant for one month only. 23:08 Then we went to Mozambique for three months. 23:11 Then for five months to Swifterbant again. 23:13 Then three months in South Africa. 23:17 Bethel called and assigned us to Congo (Kinshasa). 23:38 All the volunteers who helped to make a success of this project— 23:42 Well, they had to give up a lot. 23:44 As a result, we can enjoy this beautiful hall. 23:49 It’s amazing to be here. 23:51 It’s great to be encouraged 23:53 and to be strengthened for the ministry. 23:55 If you think about it, 23:58 every day we have around 700 new brothers and sisters. 24:01 That means every three days 24:03 we could fill a hall like this with new brothers and sisters. 24:06 These kinds of halls are really needed worldwide 24:09 in order to provide education to all those additional brothers and sisters. 24:16 It’s so faith-strengthening to be here. 24:19 Words cannot express it. 24:21 I feel so united, so warm, peaceful. 24:26 It’s so wonderful to be able to serve Jehovah together. 24:44 Did you notice a common thread in the volunteers’ comments? 24:48 Any economic concerns they may have had 24:51 just faded into the background, didn’t they? 24:53 They reached out to help, and in turn Jehovah helped them. 24:58 In fact, the Assembly Hall project was finished at a lower cost 25:02 and a year earlier than originally planned. 25:05 And did you note that after the project, 25:07 some who previously felt they couldn’t pioneer 25:10 reduced their secular workdays 25:13 and are now doing what they thought was out of reach? 25:16 It brings us joy to see so many making adjustments 25:21 and reaching out to do more for the organization, 25:24 and in turn they experience something they’ll never forget. 25:30 Now, we’ve considered examples of those 25:32 who did not let their circumstances hinder them 25:36 from giving their all to Jehovah. 25:38 But another question is: 25:41 How does Jehovah view his faithful servants 25:44 despite their limitations? 25:47 Now, I’ve often thought about the example of John the Baptizer. 25:50 As we know, he was arrested shortly after Jesus started his ministry. 25:55 John could have felt 25:57 that he was no longer of use to Jehovah or the work. 26:01 Yet, as recorded at Matthew 11:11, 26:05 Jesus said about John: 26:07 “Among those born of women, 26:09 there has not been raised up anyone greater than John the Baptist.” 26:14 Jehovah’s and Jesus’ view of John 26:16 was not based on the man’s circumstances 26:19 of being in prison. 26:21 Their view of John was based on who he was on the inside 26:25 and on his relationship with Jehovah. 26:28 Jehovah did not focus on the limitations. 26:32 In Jehovah’s eyes, John was great. 26:35 He was still a faithful servant doing the best that he could, 26:39 and that was all that really mattered. 26:42 Another example that may come to your mind 26:45 is that of King David. 26:47 As we know, King David committed serious sins. 26:51 Yet, David repented for his sins, 26:53 and there is no record that he repeated them. 26:57 How did Jehovah view him? 27:00 Did Jehovah see David as damaged, 27:03 as a man who would always be limited in serving him? 27:07 Notice Jehovah’s words directed to King Jeroboam 27:12 at 1 Kings 14:8: 27:16 “But you have not become like my servant David, 27:20 “who kept my commandments 27:22 “and who walked after me with all his heart, 27:25 doing only what was right in my eyes.” 27:28 Jehovah viewed David as a special servant. 27:31 He says that he “kept my commandments.” 27:34 He did “what was right in my eyes.” 27:37 That’s what Jehovah remembered. 27:40 How encouraging that is for us! 27:43 If we have repented of our past mistakes 27:45 and set matters straight to the best of our circumstances, 27:49 we too can be assured that Jehovah loves us dearly. 27:54 He appreciates whatever we can do in our worship of him. 28:00 So, what’s the point? 28:02 Well, our past or our present circumstances 28:06 do not define our value before Jehovah. 28:10 Our Father loves us for who we are, 28:13 and he values our efforts 28:15 as we do the best that we can to serve him. 28:18 Why do you think it is important 28:22 that we strive to see ourselves as Jehovah does? 28:25 Because we can weaken, discourage, or limit ourselves 28:30 if we see ourselves only in the framework of our circumstances. 28:35 May we work hard not to do that. 28:39 What does Jehovah see 28:42 when he looks at his faithful servants today? 28:45 Well, turn, please, to 1 Samuel 16:7. 28:50 And the setting is that Samuel was about to go 28:53 to anoint the next king of Israel; 28:55 and he goes to the house of Jesse; and Jesse lines up all of his sons, 28:58 except for David, who is still out in the field; 29:01 and Samuel walks in and he sees Eliab. 29:05 And based on what he sees, 29:07 Samuel concludes that this surely must be 29:10 the next king of Israel. 29:12 Yet, note what Jehovah saw. 29:15 Please read with me 1 Samuel 16:7: 29:20 “But Jehovah said to Samuel: 29:23 “‘Do not pay attention to his appearance and how tall he is, 29:27 “‘for I have rejected him. 29:29 “‘For the way man sees is not the way God sees, 29:34 “‘because mere man sees what appears to the eyes, 29:38 but Jehovah sees into the heart.’” 29:41 That’s the way Jehovah sees. 29:44 He does not look at our outward appearance and our abilities; 29:47 he sees into our hearts. 29:49 He sees what we would be doing 29:50 if all of the limitations were lifted off of us. 29:53 Why, just the fact that we keep going, 29:56 that we keep putting one foot in front of the other, 29:59 endears us to Jehovah. 30:02 We understand the truth of that statement, 30:05 and we all may agree 30:07 that this is how Jehovah views his people. 30:10 However, we may have a hard time convincing ourselves 30:15 if this really applies to me. 30:18 Have you ever wondered: ‘Does Jehovah really see me? 30:22 ‘Does he see what’s in my heart 30:24 and value my desire to do more for him?’ 30:28 The answer is yes. 30:30 In fact, Jehovah has already seen what is in your heart. 30:35 Think about this: 30:37 Why are you watching this program? 30:40 Why do you care about spiritual things? 30:43 Why are you, perhaps, the only one in your family 30:46 who is a dedicated, baptized servant of Jehovah? 30:49 Or why are you, perhaps, the only one at your place of employment 30:53 or the only one near where you live who’s serving Jehovah? 30:57 Is it because you are so much more studious 30:59 or smarter than everyone else? 31:02 No! 31:04 Haggai 2:7 tells us 31:07 that Jehovah “will shake all the nations, 31:10 and the precious things of all the nations will come in.” 31:14 John 6:44 says 31:17 that ‘no man can come to Jesus 31:20 unless the Father draws him.’ 31:24 Jeremiah 31:3, Jehovah says: 31:29 “I have loved you with an everlasting love. 31:32 That is why I have drawn you.” 31:36 So again, why are you serving Jehovah? 31:39 Because Jehovah loves you. 31:41 Jehovah drew you. 31:43 As he was shaking the nations, 31:45 he looked down into your heart and he saw something very precious 31:49 and he drew you to him. 31:51 He said, “I want to draw this person to my Son. 31:53 “I want to draw this person to me. 31:56 I love this person.” 31:59 Jehovah drew you, 32:01 not because you have perfect circumstances, 32:04 but because of your heart and because he loves you. 32:08 He greatly appreciates that his servants give their best to him. 32:15 But how do we know that Jehovah really sees each one of us, 32:19 no matter where we are? 32:21 Consider an example: 32:23 Thousands of refugees who faced 32:26 severe hardships in their home countries 32:28 have sought shelter in parts of Europe. 32:32 Watch how Jehovah has lovingly assured them 32:36 that they’re not alone by satisfying their spiritual thirst. 32:44 Welcome to Greece! 32:46 We really feel that Jehovah is blessing us 32:49 by opening a large door 32:51 of opportunities to preach the good news 32:55 to the many refugees who are streaming into the country. 33:01 For this reason, the brothers immediately informed us of the situation 33:06 and we directed the bodies of elders 33:09 to concentrate on the harbors, especially in Chios. 33:13 The brothers were willing to work in shifts 33:16 —24 hours a day. 33:21 The refugee shelters in our area only have families with children 33:25 and are located near a military airport. 33:28 Whenever military planes flew overhead 33:31 and the children would see and hear them, 33:33 they would immediately run and try to hide because they were afraid. 33:37 They sought protection from the tragic conditions 33:39 they had experienced during warfare. 33:41 This impressed upon us how greatly they needed 33:43 the comforting message of the good news, 33:46 so we felt the urge to approach them. 33:50 Therefore, the Service Department arranged 33:54 for four language classes to be held for the brothers. 33:59 We try to speak to people 34:01 in a language quite different from our own. 34:03 At times, we might think: 34:04 ‘Will these people understand us? 34:06 Will we be able to reach their heart with these basic truths?’ 34:12 Something that helped me not to hesitate 34:14 to approach these people 34:15 despite the language barrier 34:17 is what our teachers told us in the language class: 34:19 “Go and talk to them. 34:21 “Show them things from the Bible. 34:23 “Even if you don’t say things perfectly, 34:24 they will understand you.” 34:27 After we received permission 34:29 from the branch office, we also printed thousands of tracts, 34:32 since we did not have enough. 34:35 This whole effort created an atmosphere of enthusiasm. 34:41 I’m deeply moved when I see how lovingly 34:44 Jehovah cares for these people 34:45 who have never had the opportunity 34:47 to hear the Kingdom message 34:48 that gives them a future and a hope. 34:52 It was exciting 34:54 for them to hear that we have 34:56 a Bible-based video in their language. 35:00 We told them that the problems, calamities, 35:03 and the terrible war they had experienced 35:05 were not punishment from God, 35:07 but the result of the influence 35:09 Satan the Devil exercises over this system of things. 35:12 And this provided a good answer to their question. 35:17 On a return visit, 35:19 after two days, a refugee girl said something very touching: 35:23 “Now I understand why we have to go through all this. 35:26 It’s very difficult, but it’s not God’s fault.” 35:29 On another occasion, Gardinia, a refugee woman 35:32 who showed interest, told us: 35:34 “Since meeting you, I have a purpose in life. 35:37 “I have a reason to live. 35:39 Until now, I was just waiting to die.” 35:46 A refugee approached the Arabic witnessing cart, 35:48 and we read Revelation 21:4 to him. 35:51 He said, “Please, could you read that to me once again?” 35:54 So we read it a second time. 35:56 He replied, 35:57 “May I have a Bible of my own?” 35:59 So we gave him a Bible. 36:01 Then he said, “Would you please show me 36:02 the sentence you read in my Bible?” 36:05 So we marked the verse for him. 36:07 And on the way back 36:09 to our home at about 11 o’clock at night, 36:11 on the same road, at a well-lit point, 36:13 we saw that same refugee 36:15 sitting on the sidewalk reading the Bible. 36:19 About two and a half years ago, I met Moustafa. 36:23 He attended the meetings and made speedy progress. 36:26 Moustafa was baptized a few months 36:28 before the refugees started pouring in. 36:30 We do not believe that this was a coincidence. 36:33 He would say, “I want to speak about Jehovah, 36:36 but I can’t do that in the Greek language.” 36:39 When I can speak to people who are refugees 36:42 —just as I am a refugee— 36:44 in my own language, 36:46 this is a great opportunity for me. 36:50 And when I see that they listen to the truth and are loving it, 36:54 it makes my heart beat faster. 36:56 It touches my heart. 36:58 By expanding my ministry, 37:00 I’m sharing in a form of service 37:02 that could even be described as missionary work, 37:04 since I’m helping people hear about Jehovah 37:07 for the very first time. 37:09 I’m living what I have only read about in experiences. 37:15 Many were —perhaps for the first time— 37:17 discovering new skills in themselves, 37:21 indicating how Jehovah through his spirit can enable certain ones 37:25 to cultivate qualities they didn’t realize they had to such an extent. 37:33 We are so grateful to Jehovah for opening a door 37:35 leading to such wonderful activity. 37:37 It gives us great joy, and we praise him daily for this. 37:45 At the time this report was prepared, 37:47 over 100 Bible studies had been started. 37:50 One refugee told the brothers: 37:53 “You are the best thing that has happened to us here in Greece. 37:57 We thank Jehovah for meeting you.” 37:59 Another said: “We do not need material things. 38:03 “We need hope, 38:04 and you are giving this to us through the Bible.” 38:08 In our program, we have been discussing 38:10 how Jehovah values each one of us, 38:13 no matter what our circumstances are. 38:16 In some parts of the world, 38:18 our brothers and sisters are in deep poverty 38:20 and lack even the basic needs for life. 38:24 But this does not diminish Jehovah’s feelings for them. 38:27 He loves them dearly. 38:30 In this next report, 38:32 see what’s been done to care for faithful brothers and sisters 38:36 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 38:45 My name is Maska Mahamba. 38:48 I love the preaching work. 38:50 However, my various illnesses 38:52 prevent me from giving my all in the ministry. 38:57 My first wife died, and we had six children. 39:04 I was alone with the six children, 39:06 and then I married Beatrice, who has five children. 39:13 Since we are living in the last days of this system, it is not easy. 39:20 I like the example of Jesus, 39:22 who was passionate about preaching the message that he shared. 39:26 At the same time, 39:28 he took into account the suffering of the people of his time. 39:31 He would take time to show kindness, 39:34 to encourage, and to heal. 39:38 The branch sees where there is a need 39:40 and then organizes a humanitarian mission. 39:46 I believe I can use my medical skills 39:49 to help our brothers. 39:52 It is love, 39:54 not just in writing, 39:56 but in action. 39:58 It’s a real joy 40:00 to help these brothers who need us 40:01 in remote locations far from towns. 40:04 It is always a pleasure. 40:42 Well, the two are the same; both eardrums are completely perforated. 41:08 Well, we are here 41:10 in the village of Walikale in the middle 41:12 of the forest on the main road 41:14 —well, the only road in the village. 41:16 It serves as our runway. 41:18 I can’t bear to see anyone suffer, 41:23 so I use all my skills to try 41:25 to find a solution. 41:28 What moves me to help the brothers 41:30 is what Jesus said, 41:32 that “there is more happiness in giving than 41:35 . . . in receiving.” 41:37 A long day —really very tiring— 41:39 but at the same time, 41:41 there was an encouraging case: 41:42 Brother Munyakaragwe, 68 years old, 41:46 10 years in the regular pioneer service, and he has 15 Bible studies. 41:50 This brother came from the territory on a motorcycle. 41:53 It took him two and a half hours on a very rough road 41:57 instead of an hour and a half 41:59 because he has a paralyzed leg. 42:02 And he was able to go back to his field service, 42:04 well, with some medication. 42:06 So it was really encouraging to see him 42:08 getting on the motorcycle with a smile on his face. 42:22 These are mosquito nets for those in need, 42:25 and there’s a big need here. 42:26 So we give them to each family. 42:31 You know, to protect your baby, one of the best things is for him 42:34 to sleep under a mosquito net. 42:38 Jehovah has done well because he has gone 42:40 through you to provide us with care. 42:42 We are very grateful. 42:44 We thank the many brothers 42:46 who have volunteered to serve us. 42:48 I thank Jehovah because without him 42:51 our identifying mark of unity wouldn’t exist. 42:55 You have helped me. 42:57 I had this problem for two years. 42:59 Now I’m so happy. 43:00 I will be able to hear at the meetings again. 43:03 Thank you. 43:04 The brothers are aware that they must thank Jehovah, 43:07 and we ourselves are aware 43:09 that all of this is possible 43:11 thanks to Jehovah’s holy spirit 43:12 and his organization. 43:42 How heartwarming! 43:44 Those dear ones are not defined by their circumstances. 43:48 They have been serving Jehovah whole-souled despite their challenges, 43:52 and they’re determined to use the relief assistance 43:56 to continue worshipping him. 43:59 Earlier, we discussed the examples of King David 44:03 and the apostle Paul and the mistakes they made. 44:06 Perhaps for us, 44:08 our past mistakes are keeping us from moving forward. 44:12 That was the challenge for Jim Loyd. 44:14 He was raised in the truth 44:17 but did not progress to baptism. 44:19 By his teen years, he was getting into trouble. 44:22 As he describes it, in his heart he had left Jehovah. 44:26 His later involvement with gangs and violence 44:29 put him in a place he never expected to be. 44:32 But you will be greatly encouraged 44:35 to see where he is now. 44:38 Things that have happened to you, you can’t change 44:41 —but your personality you can. 44:44 We can change our personality with Jehovah’s help. 44:47 By the time I was 25, 44:49 I was associating with notorious criminals. 44:52 I guess I was a criminal too 44:55 —just took a wrong turn and kept going. 44:57 I found myself a fugitive on the run. 45:03 I was sentenced to many years in prison. 45:07 At 25, I felt like it might as well have been a life sentence. 45:11 Isolation and lockdown 45:15 was a very lonely place, 45:17 and I thought, ‘How did I get here?’ 45:22 I remember a happier time in my life. 45:25 My mom would take us to meetings. 45:27 I was in the Theocratic Ministry School. 45:31 All the friends were so loving. 45:35 My mom sent me subscriptions to The Watchtower and Awake! 45:39 I had a box under my bunk, 45:42 and I’d toss them in there 45:46 —never opened them. 45:48 And I must have had a years’ worth. 45:50 You know, I never told her: 45:52 “Stop sending them, Mom. 45:54 I’m not reading them.” 45:57 I found out through my mom 45:59 that my dad had died. 46:04 I felt that I broke his heart. 46:10 I pulled out the box from under my bunk. 46:13 Right on top was a book, 46:16 The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. 46:20 And at that moment, I knew 46:23 Jehovah hadn’t forgotten me. 46:27 I remembered that book. 46:29 I remembered that book when I was a boy. 46:32 I placed that book out in service. 46:36 I opened it up. 46:38 And, of course, the theme scripture for that publication 46:41 was Revelation 21:3, 4: 46:44 “The tent of God is with mankind.” 46:47 I read it that night the whole night. 46:50 I read the whole book. 46:51 Of course, that little bell went off. 46:53 I couldn’t deny that this was the truth. 46:55 So what was I going to do about it? 47:00 Shortly after that, I got transferred, 47:02 so I called my mom and told her. 47:04 It was funny; she asked, 47:05 “Do you think there are any Jehovah’s Witnesses 47:07 that go up there?” 47:09 I told her: “I don’t think so. 47:11 “It’s way up in the mountains. 47:12 I don’t think they go up there; it’s a little fire camp.” 47:17 I wasn’t a spiritual person yet. 47:19 All the magazines and books 47:22 went back into the box and back under my bunk. 47:29 I’d only been there five minutes, 47:31 and a guard came in and said, 47:33 “Are you a Jehovah’s Witness?” 47:35 I couldn’t believe it. 47:37 And I told him, “I studied with, been studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses.” 47:41 And he said: “Oh, good. Follow me.” 47:44 And I followed him, and he took me 47:46 and introduced me to a brother 47:49 who had been coming up there regularly 47:52 to study the Bible with inmates there. 47:55 And I realized 47:57 at that moment that once again 47:59 Jehovah had not forgotten me. 48:04 That brother faithfully came up there 48:07 for the next two years every Friday night. 48:11 He thought that it’d be a good idea to have 48:14 a Theocratic Ministry School, so he got it approved. 48:16 He would do the number one talk, 48:18 and the other brother that would come with him 48:20 would do the highlights, and then the three of us inmates 48:23 would do the other parts. 48:25 I was giving a talk every week. 48:28 And he started making 48:30 tape recordings of the meetings. 48:32 I’d listen to them over and over, 48:34 until the next week. 48:37 I knew that if I was going to return to Jehovah, 48:40 I had to make some adjustments. 48:43 With Jehovah’s help —I leaned on him more, 48:46 relied on his strength more— 48:48 it was then that I really felt that I could do this. 48:53 The beard became a goatee, and then it just became a mustache. 48:57 No drugs, no alcohol, no smoking, 48:59 and I cleaned up my language. 49:02 Then I finally got released, 49:05 got a job as an electrician, 49:07 and was able to get my own place 49:11 and started going to meetings. 49:15 I was listening to the Watchtower, and different ones were commenting. 49:19 ‘Oh, that’s his wife’ 49:21 —one of the brothers who came up to visit me. 49:24 I kept looking to see, so I could finally put a face 49:28 to the voices that I’d been listening to. 49:31 I let Jehovah mold me 49:34 into something good. 49:39 There are many blessings since dedicating my life to Jehovah. 49:43 I’ve been an elder for ten years now. 49:46 One of my sons came into the truth. 49:48 I met my wonderful wife. 49:50 She’s helped me 49:52 to grow spiritually and to love Jehovah even more. 49:56 One thing I kept praying for and he’s blessed me with is to forgive myself 50:02 —to have a clean conscience and freeness of speech. 50:06 And he’s done that. 50:11 Jim shares the same joy as so many others 50:15 who return to Jehovah. 50:18 The feelings common in such real-life experiences 50:21 are what we’ll see depicted in our music video. 50:24 It’s called I Can Get Back Up. 50:27 It is especially touching for those of us who have stumbled 50:32 but need encouragement to move ahead with Jehovah’s help. 50:52 This loneliness I feel inside is hard to bear. 51:00 Jehovah, I can see where I went wrong. 51:08 Feeling so downhearted, I need strength to carry on. 51:16 I’m yearning to be back where I belong. 51:23 I remember things you taught me —things I still recall— 51:32 The precious truths found in your Holy Word. 51:40 That even if I stumble, even if I fall, I can get back up. 51:55 I know the ones who care for me, Who showed their love before, 52:04 Those who love Jehovah from the heart. 52:12 Your word is like a lamp that lights the way that leads me back. 52:20 The road to life is where I want to be. 52:28 Ev’rywhere I go, ev’rything I see, reminds me of the truth: 52:35 The end is drawing near. 52:44 So Jehovah, Father, please hear my prayer tonight 52:52 And help me now, I’m in my time of need. 53:00 You know that when I stumble so many times, 53:08 I can get back up. 53:16 I know Jehovah understands; sometimes I need a helping hand. 53:32 He knows that I am weak and sees what others cannot see. 53:39 He’s looking for the best in me. 53:47 So I’m going to the hall tonight to feel the love I lost, 53:56 Back to where I know I belong. 54:04 And even if I stumble, even if I fall, I will get back up. 54:29 I can get back up. 54:38 What a beautiful reminder that if we stumble, 54:41 we can get back up! 54:44 Having seen the examples throughout the program, 54:47 can you confidently answer the question of our theme, 54:51 “Are You Defined by Your Circumstances?” 54:54 What do you think? 54:56 Remember, not the way man sees is the way God sees 55:01 —Jehovah sees what the heart is. 55:04 May we work hard to see ourselves as Jehovah does 55:08 and be determined to never give up. 55:11 May we never forget that it is the privilege of bearing Jehovah’s name, 55:16 having a relationship with him, 55:18 and our love for Jehovah that defines us. 55:21 Jehovah is happy if we give the best that we can. 55:26 So may we do our part 55:28 by not limiting ourselves due to our circumstances, 55:31 but always look for ways to give our best to Jehovah. 55:35 You beautiful older ones, 55:38 even those with severe health problems, 55:40 can do much to help in the great work that’s taking place today. 55:43 Now, you may wonder what can you do. 55:45 You can pray for your brothers and sisters. 55:47 We need your prayers. 55:49 Pray for the Governing Body. 55:51 Pray for those who are taking the lead. 55:52 Pray for the elders in your congregations. 55:55 Pray for those who are going through difficult times. 55:59 Do such prayers help the work of the organization? 56:02 Absolutely! 56:04 James 5:16 tells us 56:07 that ‘a righteous person’s supplication 56:10 has a powerful effect.’ 56:12 No matter who we are and whatever our situation in life, 56:17 may we find joy in giving what we can for Jehovah. 56:22 And may each one of us rejoice at the privilege we have 56:26 of being part of what Jehovah is accomplishing 56:29 in these last days. 56:32 Of course, we share that privilege with our worldwide brotherhood 56:37 —a part of which we enjoy seeing each month. 56:40 To conclude this program, 56:42 we visit with our brothers and sisters in Togo. 56:46 Located in western Africa, 56:49 Togo enjoys a very pleasant climate year-round. 56:54 The southern coast contains extensive lagoons with sandy beaches, 56:58 while farther north are rolling forested hills 57:02 and yellow tinges of savanna land. 57:04 Togo may be one of the smaller countries in Africa. 57:08 Yet, it is sending up a great shout of praise to Jehovah. 57:12 In the town of Kpalimé, 57:14 there are 577 of our brothers and sisters, 57:18 56 of whom are pioneers. 57:21 Kpalimé is located on a scenic woodland plateau. 57:26 Steep hillsides can sometimes make service a challenge 57:29 but not a deterrent. 57:32 Our faithful brothers and sisters not only meet this challenge 57:36 but are very zealous in carrying out their ministry. 57:39 They diligently search out all persons, 57:41 no matter where they are. 57:43 And many honesthearted ones are listening 57:46 to the good news from God’s Word. 57:50 The first congregation in Kpalimé was formed in 1961. 57:54 Now there are seven in this small town alone! 57:58 The Kingdom Halls are very well cared for by the brothers. 58:03 This is the newest Kingdom Hall, 58:05 Kpalimé-Nogo. 58:07 It was just dedicated in December 2016. 58:11 And here is their Assembly Hall, constructed in 2008. 58:16 All 577 send you their love and greetings. 58:21 And we, in turn, send them our love 58:24 and pray for Jehovah’s strength and blessing 58:27 to be upon each and every one of them. 58:30 From the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 58:33 this is JW Broadcasting!
00:01 Welcome to another edition of JW Broadcasting! 00:05 Have you ever felt discouraged 00:08 due to circumstances beyond your control? 00:12 We’ll discuss how we can still have joy despite our limitations. 00:17 And we’ll see examples, both Biblical and modern day, 00:21 that will encourage us to keep giving Jehovah our best. 00:25 Jonah had faced several reasons 00:28 to become discouraged and give up. 00:30 How did Jehovah help him carry on with courage and faith? 00:35 And what lessons from his experience 00:38 can we apply to problems we face today? 00:41 Can we change our personality for the better? 00:45 We can with Jehovah’s spirit and diligent effort. 00:48 This brother describes 00:50 how far his personality and lifestyle 00:54 took him away from Jehovah. 00:55 He explains how he regained a clean conscience 01:00 and freeness of speech. 01:02 Jehovah can turn tragic events caused by man 01:06 into open doors of activity for His loyal Witnesses. 01:09 In this report from Greece, 01:12 we’ll learn how our brothers are bringing spiritual comfort 01:16 to refugees. 01:18 You’re watching the June 2017 edition 01:22 of JW Broadcasting! 01:44 There are many exciting things happening 01:47 in Jehovah’s organization. 01:49 Why, month after month, we read articles, 01:52 watch videos, and hear personal experiences 01:55 about our brothers and sisters who are doing more for Jehovah. 01:59 They are serving where the need is greater or reaching out 02:02 for the School for Kingdom Evangelizers. 02:05 They are working on construction, renovation, 02:08 maintenance of Kingdom Halls, or other theocratic projects. 02:12 No doubt, many of you watching this program 02:16 are excitedly looking forward 02:18 to expanding your ministry in one of these areas. 02:21 We encourage you to do so. 02:24 You can be assured that you will receive much fulfillment 02:28 and many blessings from Jehovah. 02:31 On the other hand, 02:33 there are others who are watching this program 02:36 who may feel discouraged because their circumstances 02:39 may seem to limit their being as involved as they would like. 02:44 What are some of these circumstances? 02:46 These may include our age, our health, 02:49 our economic situation, or our physical limitations. 02:54 For some of us, perhaps our upbringing 02:57 or past errors we have made in our life 03:00 may cause us to feel that we are limited 03:04 as to what we can do for Jehovah. 03:07 As we know well, focusing on our limitations 03:10 can affect our joy, causing discouragement. 03:13 What can we do? 03:15 There are many examples in the Scriptures of men and women 03:19 who had circumstances beyond their control 03:22 that seemed to limit how much they could do for Jehovah. 03:26 Others had to deal with the effects of their upbringing and family life 03:31 or with serious errors they made. 03:34 Did they allow themselves to be limited 03:37 by their circumstances or their past? 03:40 How did Jehovah feel about them? 03:42 How does Jehovah feel about us? 03:46 That is what we are going to discuss in this month’s broadcast, 03:50 which has the theme 03:51 “Are You Defined by Your Circumstances?” 03:55 Let’s start by looking at some 03:57 who could have let their circumstances limit them. 04:01 Consider first the example of Joseph in the book of Genesis. 04:06 Now, Joseph faced injustice at its worst. 04:08 His situation was especially hurtful 04:12 since it was initially brought on by those who should have been closest to him 04:15 —his family! 04:17 As a slave in Egypt and later as a prisoner, 04:20 Joseph was indeed limited in what he could do. 04:24 How might Joseph have reacted? 04:27 Well, Joseph could have become so preoccupied 04:30 with what he could not do 04:32 that he lost sight of what he could do. 04:35 Did Joseph let his circumstances 04:39 paralyze his life? 04:41 No! 04:42 He chose to make the best of his situation. 04:45 In fact, note what Joseph did 04:47 while serving as a slave in Potiphar’s house 04:50 if we turn together to Genesis 39:4: 04:55 “Joseph kept finding favor in his eyes, 04:58 “and he became his personal attendant. 05:01 “So he appointed him over his house, 05:03 and he put him in charge of all that was his.” 05:07 Joseph worked diligently 05:09 within the limitations of his circumstances. 05:13 He took a similar approach while in prison. 05:15 Joseph focused on what he could do 05:18 despite suffering the effects of injustice. 05:22 As a second example, consider Hezekiah. 05:25 Hezekiah is one who might easily have felt 05:28 that he was defined by his upbringing. 05:31 Look at the terrible example that was set by his father, Ahaz, 05:36 as recorded in 2 Kings chapter 16. 05:40 Second Kings chapter 16, 05:43 and notice what verse 3 says about Ahaz: 05:47 “Instead, he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, 05:52 “and he even made his own son pass through the fire, 05:56 “following the detestable practices of the nations 05:59 that Jehovah had driven out from before the Israelites.” 06:03 Hezekiah’s father did detestable things 06:07 in opposition to Jehovah. 06:09 But Hezekiah showed 06:11 that he was not the helpless victim 06:13 of a poor parental example. 06:15 What did he do? 06:17 Well, turn in your Bibles to 2 Kings chapter 18 06:21 and notice verse 3, 06:23 what it says about Hezekiah: 06:26 “He kept doing what was right in Jehovah’s eyes, 06:30 just as David his forefather had done.” 06:33 Verse 5 says of Hezekiah: 06:36 “There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah.” 06:40 He became fully involved in true worship. 06:43 Verses 6 and 7 say that Hezekiah 06:45 ‘held fast to Jehovah, and Jehovah proved to be with him.’ 06:51 How encouraging Hezekiah’s example is for us! 06:56 We can choose to be loyal to Jehovah 06:58 and do much in our worship of Jehovah, 07:00 even if we did not grow up in a family 07:03 that served Jehovah fully. 07:05 We are not helpless victims of our environment. 07:09 Hezekiah’s example reassures us that our past 07:13 does not have to control our future. 07:17 As a third example, consider the apostle Paul. 07:21 He did not let his own past mistakes 07:23 involving religious prejudice and violence 07:27 stop him from giving his all to Jehovah. 07:30 How did Paul feel about his past? 07:33 Well, let’s read together at 1 Corinthians 15:9: 07:39 “For I am the least of the apostles, 07:43 “and I am not worthy of being called an apostle, 07:46 because I persecuted the congregation of God.” 07:50 “I am the least of the apostles.” 07:53 Later, when writing to the Ephesians as recorded at Ephesians 3:8, 07:57 he calls himself “less than the least of all holy ones.” 08:01 Finally, at 1 Timothy 1:15, 08:05 he now calls himself the “foremost” of all sinners. 08:09 Yes, Paul’s prior treatment of the congregation 08:13 weighed heavily upon him. 08:15 Could Paul have reasoned that he was damaged? 08:19 Could he have reasoned that his past 08:21 limited what he could do for Jehovah? 08:23 He could have, but Paul did not do that. 08:27 He poured himself out for the congregation. 08:30 Why, Paul was privileged to write more books and letters 08:33 in the Christian Greek Scriptures than anyone else. 08:35 He demonstrated an outstanding zeal for the ministry. 08:39 Paul did not let his conduct in the past 08:42 dictate what he could do for Jehovah. 08:46 And there are many other examples as well. 08:49 For example, are we in a difficult economic situation? 08:53 The account in 2 Corinthians chapter 8 08:56 tells us about the Macedonians. 08:58 Paul says that they were in deep poverty. 09:02 Yet they begged to have a financial share 09:05 in the relief work. 09:07 Are we older in years? 09:09 We may think of Anna. 09:11 The account at Luke 2:36-38 09:14 tells us that she was 84 years old 09:17 and that her husband had died 09:19 after just seven years of marriage. 09:22 Yet, “she was never missing from the temple.” 09:24 She rendered ‘sacred service day and night.’ 09:28 What lessons do we learn from these accounts? 09:33 Our dear brothers and sisters in Bible times were just like us. 09:37 Many were in circumstances that they would not have chosen. 09:41 Yet, they did not let their circumstances 09:44 or their past define them. 09:47 They joyfully did what they could 09:50 within the limits of their situation. 09:52 And these are just a few examples. 09:55 There are many others in the Bible. 09:57 Why not make it a personal study project 10:00 to research faithful ones 10:02 who were in circumstances similar to yours? 10:06 How did they stay involved in Jehovah’s work? 10:09 We are sure that you will be greatly encouraged. 10:14 In fact, let’s look at an example 10:16 of how you might do this with a familiar Bible character. 10:20 In this dramatization, 10:22 a brother and two sisters use their personal study time 10:26 to learn about Jonah. 10:29 Sometimes, as we know, Jonah was discouraged 10:31 by events beyond his control; 10:34 at other times it was because of his own failings. 10:38 Does Jonah’s experience relate 10:41 to what they are feeling? 10:43 And how do the lessons Jonah learned help them 10:46 to not remain trapped in their circumstances? 10:56 But John, there’s still plenty 10:59 you can do in the congregation. 11:01 Sure, that sounds good. 11:04 But I’m no longer a ministerial servant. 11:07 Why did I let my zeal for the ministry cool off? 11:12 I know what the brothers must think of me now. 11:18 Hello? 11:20 Oh, good morning. My name is Jane. 11:22 How are you? 11:23 Not bad, thanks. 11:24 I know you may not be interested, 11:27 but I have this tract I’d like to leave with you . . . 11:29 “You may not be interested?” 11:31 Where did that come from? 11:35 Not my best presentation, 11:37 but it didn’t seem like she wanted to talk more anyway. 11:43 Well, what does that mean? 11:46 It may be manageable, 11:48 but long term, given your other conditions, 11:50 you’re looking at possibly some further tests . . . 11:51 Manageable? 11:52 Long term? 11:54 Oh, Jehovah, how can I do this by myself? 12:17 Of course Jehovah values you. 12:20 Try to think of someone in the Bible 12:23 who may have felt like you do, like Jonah. 12:27 Jonah? 12:29 Felt like I do? 12:40 “What comes to your mind when you think of Jonah? 12:44 Do you think of him as a disobedient prophet?” 12:59 “Reluctant to obey Jehovah’s command, 13:02 “Jonah boarded a ship that carried him 13:05 farther and farther away from his assignment.” 13:20 “Did Jonah’s recent actions 13:22 “disqualify him from ever again serving God 13:26 in an official capacity?” 13:32 He sure could have thought so. 13:35 I know I do. 13:39 “No, 13:40 “Jehovah mercifully and lovingly 13:43 renewed the prophet’s commission.” 14:02 So if Jehovah didn’t see Jonah as a total failure, 14:05 then what must he think of me? 14:12 First Samuel 16:7: 14:15 “For the way man sees 14:18 is not the way God sees.” 14:22 “Jonah did not see Nineveh as Jehovah did.” 14:50 Well, 14:52 with all that they were doing, 14:53 how could he view them any differently? 14:57 But the account says: 14:59 ‘When God saw they had turned back from their evil ways, 15:02 ‘he reconsidered the calamity, 15:04 and he did not bring it.’ 15:08 “Despite the people’s badness, 15:10 “Jehovah cared about them. 15:13 “He values human life 15:15 “and the potential that each individual has 15:18 for repenting and learning to do what is right.” 15:23 Well, of course that’s true. 15:26 Why didn’t Jonah see that? 15:30 But am I seeing people the way Jehovah does? 15:36 Am I assuming they won’t listen 15:38 and then not giving my best? 15:42 How can I know how a person will respond? 15:47 ‘Jonah learned to be merciful. 15:51 Will we?’ 15:57 Matthew 5:7 says: 16:00 “Happy are the merciful, 16:03 since they will be shown mercy.” 16:09 “Then Jonah prayed to Jehovah his God 16:12 “from the belly of the fish, and he said: 16:16 “‘Out of my distress 16:18 “‘I called out to Jehovah, 16:20 “‘and he answered me. 16:23 “‘Out of the depths of the Grave I cried for help. 16:27 You heard my voice.’” 16:33 God heard Jonah and delivered him. 16:37 But I can’t expect a miracle. 16:45 “Then my prayer came in to you, into your holy temple.” 16:50 “My prayer.” 16:53 “My prayer came in to you.” 16:57 Jonah didn’t know 16:59 if Jehovah would rescue him, 17:01 but he prayed in faith that Jehovah cared. 17:05 “But as for me, 17:07 “with the voice of thanksgiving 17:09 “I will sacrifice to you. 17:12 “What I have vowed, I will pay. 17:15 Salvation is from Jehovah.” 17:25 As long as I still can, 17:28 I’ll keep sacrificing to God. 17:35 Salvation is from Jehovah! 17:44 Like those in our video, 17:46 do you sometimes feel as Jonah did? 17:49 Can you apply the lessons from Jonah’s account 17:53 to better see God’s mercy in your life? 17:56 A personal failing discouraged our brother. 17:59 But like Jonah, 18:01 he realized Jehovah still valued him. 18:05 Our young sister reinvigorated her ministry 18:09 after meditating on the way Jehovah 18:11 mercifully viewed the Ninevites. 18:14 And our sister was determined to imitate Jonah’s faith 18:19 that God hears our prayers 18:21 about circumstances beyond our control. 18:25 Sometimes, however, 18:27 our circumstances are only perceived barriers 18:31 to doing more for Jehovah. 18:33 For example, some may feel limited by economic concerns 18:36 if they reach out for special privileges. 18:40 In the Netherlands, many brothers and sisters 18:43 assisted with the construction of the Swifterbant Assembly Hall. 18:47 Some had to make adjustments to be able to work on this project. 18:51 Listen, however, to their comments on the blessings they received 18:56 and what their goals are now that the project is completed. 19:04 In the Netherlands, there was a need for a new, 19:07 suitable Assembly Hall, which could accommodate almost all 19:10 of the 300 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses. 19:15 Additional building ground was acquired next to the existing hall, 19:19 so that a second, completely new hall could be constructed. 19:26 More than 200 volunteers worked on this project. 19:31 What challenges did they face? 19:34 And what blessings did they receive? 19:41 We had to sell our house and close our business. 19:44 It’s a step into the unknown. 19:47 I had to quit my job. 19:51 It was exciting to step 19:53 out of my comfort zone 19:54 and rely completely on Jehovah. 19:58 Everything is structured, organized. 20:00 That is why things run smoothly. 20:02 That doesn’t come naturally to me. 20:06 We were invited to come and work in the kitchen. 20:08 I love to cook at home. 20:10 I’m really fond of it. 20:12 What was my assignment? 20:14 Doing the dishes. 20:25 Working on yourself, 20:28 your Christian personality, 20:30 and cooperating with your brothers and sisters 20:33 —that has everlasting value. 20:37 It was wonderful training for the future 20:39 when we will be building together in Paradise. 20:42 You realize that everyone 20:44 sacrifices something and becomes happier. 20:46 No one regrets their decision. 20:48 That Jehovah takes into account your personal makeup, 20:52 that he is patient with us. 20:54 I’ve really learned how to work together 20:57 in a theocratic arrangement and still have fun. 21:01 You can work on yourself all day long 21:04 and therefore be able to improve. 21:07 I really learned to study more and to read the Bible more often. 21:12 Because we worked together so closely, 21:15 you got to know each other very well 21:17 and I really started to love and appreciate people. 21:23 We really came to appreciate 21:26 that every brother and sister has this beautiful inner person. 21:35 Visitors and contractors were always very surprised 21:38 that there were so many women working at the construction site. 21:43 It’s great working with sisters. 21:45 I have a construction background, 21:47 and communication with men can be really up front. 21:49 That doesn’t work with sisters. 21:51 You just have to be calm, 21:53 talk, and listen. 22:05 I had to work on a lift platform, 22:08 but that was kind of a problem because I’m afraid of heights. 22:11 The brothers were so kind to seal the sides up completely 22:15 so that I could not look down. 22:18 It was fun working together on that lift platform. 22:21 We called it our little flat. 22:23 The atmosphere was amazing, and we all had a great time. 22:34 Now we work in the kitchen 22:36 at the Swifterbant School Facility —a real privilege. 22:40 We’ve been trained to cook during construction, 22:42 but if needed, I’ll even do the dishes as well. 22:48 I’ll never work five days again. 22:50 Now I work three days, 22:52 and since July 1st, I started pioneering. 22:54 That’s just great. 22:55 He was offered a job. 22:57 He could even choose between two jobs. 22:59 Now he works three days a week, which always seemed impossible. 23:04 Eventually, we were in Swifterbant for one month only. 23:08 Then we went to Mozambique for three months. 23:11 Then for five months to Swifterbant again. 23:13 Then three months in South Africa. 23:17 Bethel called and assigned us to Congo (Kinshasa). 23:38 All the volunteers who helped to make a success of this project— 23:42 Well, they had to give up a lot. 23:44 As a result, we can enjoy this beautiful hall. 23:49 It’s amazing to be here. 23:51 It’s great to be encouraged 23:53 and to be strengthened for the ministry. 23:55 If you think about it, 23:58 every day we have around 700 new brothers and sisters. 24:01 That means every three days 24:03 we could fill a hall like this with new brothers and sisters. 24:06 These kinds of halls are really needed worldwide 24:09 in order to provide education to all those additional brothers and sisters. 24:16 It’s so faith-strengthening to be here. 24:19 Words cannot express it. 24:21 I feel so united, so warm, peaceful. 24:26 It’s so wonderful to be able to serve Jehovah together. 24:44 Did you notice a common thread in the volunteers’ comments? 24:48 Any economic concerns they may have had 24:51 just faded into the background, didn’t they? 24:53 They reached out to help, and in turn Jehovah helped them. 24:58 In fact, the Assembly Hall project was finished at a lower cost 25:02 and a year earlier than originally planned. 25:05 And did you note that after the project, 25:07 some who previously felt they couldn’t pioneer 25:10 reduced their secular workdays 25:13 and are now doing what they thought was out of reach? 25:16 It brings us joy to see so many making adjustments 25:21 and reaching out to do more for the organization, 25:24 and in turn they experience something they’ll never forget. 25:30 Now, we’ve considered examples of those 25:32 who did not let their circumstances hinder them 25:36 from giving their all to Jehovah. 25:38 But another question is: 25:41 How does Jehovah view his faithful servants 25:44 despite their limitations? 25:47 Now, I’ve often thought about the example of John the Baptizer. 25:50 As we know, he was arrested shortly after Jesus started his ministry. 25:55 John could have felt 25:57 that he was no longer of use to Jehovah or the work. 26:01 Yet, as recorded at Matthew 11:11, 26:05 Jesus said about John: 26:07 “Among those born of women, 26:09 there has not been raised up anyone greater than John the Baptist.” 26:14 Jehovah’s and Jesus’ view of John 26:16 was not based on the man’s circumstances 26:19 of being in prison. 26:21 Their view of John was based on who he was on the inside 26:25 and on his relationship with Jehovah. 26:28 Jehovah did not focus on the limitations. 26:32 In Jehovah’s eyes, John was great. 26:35 He was still a faithful servant doing the best that he could, 26:39 and that was all that really mattered. 26:42 Another example that may come to your mind 26:45 is that of King David. 26:47 As we know, King David committed serious sins. 26:51 Yet, David repented for his sins, 26:53 and there is no record that he repeated them. 26:57 How did Jehovah view him? 27:00 Did Jehovah see David as damaged, 27:03 as a man who would always be limited in serving him? 27:07 Notice Jehovah’s words directed to King Jeroboam 27:12 at 1 Kings 14:8: 27:16 “But you have not become like my servant David, 27:20 “who kept my commandments 27:22 “and who walked after me with all his heart, 27:25 doing only what was right in my eyes.” 27:28 Jehovah viewed David as a special servant. 27:31 He says that he “kept my commandments.” 27:34 He did “what was right in my eyes.” 27:37 That’s what Jehovah remembered. 27:40 How encouraging that is for us! 27:43 If we have repented of our past mistakes 27:45 and set matters straight to the best of our circumstances, 27:49 we too can be assured that Jehovah loves us dearly. 27:54 He appreciates whatever we can do in our worship of him. 28:00 So, what’s the point? 28:02 Well, our past or our present circumstances 28:06 do not define our value before Jehovah. 28:10 Our Father loves us for who we are, 28:13 and he values our efforts 28:15 as we do the best that we can to serve him. 28:18 Why do you think it is important 28:22 that we strive to see ourselves as Jehovah does? 28:25 Because we can weaken, discourage, or limit ourselves 28:30 if we see ourselves only in the framework of our circumstances. 28:35 May we work hard not to do that. 28:39 What does Jehovah see 28:42 when he looks at his faithful servants today? 28:45 Well, turn, please, to 1 Samuel 16:7. 28:50 And the setting is that Samuel was about to go 28:53 to anoint the next king of Israel; 28:55 and he goes to the house of Jesse; and Jesse lines up all of his sons, 28:58 except for David, who is still out in the field; 29:01 and Samuel walks in and he sees Eliab. 29:05 And based on what he sees, 29:07 Samuel concludes that this surely must be 29:10 the next king of Israel. 29:12 Yet, note what Jehovah saw. 29:15 Please read with me 1 Samuel 16:7: 29:20 “But Jehovah said to Samuel: 29:23 “‘Do not pay attention to his appearance and how tall he is, 29:27 “‘for I have rejected him. 29:29 “‘For the way man sees is not the way God sees, 29:34 “‘because mere man sees what appears to the eyes, 29:38 but Jehovah sees into the heart.’” 29:41 That’s the way Jehovah sees. 29:44 He does not look at our outward appearance and our abilities; 29:47 he sees into our hearts. 29:49 He sees what we would be doing 29:50 if all of the limitations were lifted off of us. 29:53 Why, just the fact that we keep going, 29:56 that we keep putting one foot in front of the other, 29:59 endears us to Jehovah. 30:02 We understand the truth of that statement, 30:05 and we all may agree 30:07 that this is how Jehovah views his people. 30:10 However, we may have a hard time convincing ourselves 30:15 if this really applies to me. 30:18 Have you ever wondered: ‘Does Jehovah really see me? 30:22 ‘Does he see what’s in my heart 30:24 and value my desire to do more for him?’ 30:28 The answer is yes. 30:30 In fact, Jehovah has already seen what is in your heart. 30:35 Think about this: 30:37 Why are you watching this program? 30:40 Why do you care about spiritual things? 30:43 Why are you, perhaps, the only one in your family 30:46 who is a dedicated, baptized servant of Jehovah? 30:49 Or why are you, perhaps, the only one at your place of employment 30:53 or the only one near where you live who’s serving Jehovah? 30:57 Is it because you are so much more studious 30:59 or smarter than everyone else? 31:02 No! 31:04 Haggai 2:7 tells us 31:07 that Jehovah “will shake all the nations, 31:10 and the precious things of all the nations will come in.” 31:14 John 6:44 says 31:17 that ‘no man can come to Jesus 31:20 unless the Father draws him.’ 31:24 Jeremiah 31:3, Jehovah says: 31:29 “I have loved you with an everlasting love. 31:32 That is why I have drawn you.” 31:36 So again, why are you serving Jehovah? 31:39 Because Jehovah loves you. 31:41 Jehovah drew you. 31:43 As he was shaking the nations, 31:45 he looked down into your heart and he saw something very precious 31:49 and he drew you to him. 31:51 He said, “I want to draw this person to my Son. 31:53 “I want to draw this person to me. 31:56 I love this person.” 31:59 Jehovah drew you, 32:01 not because you have perfect circumstances, 32:04 but because of your heart and because he loves you. 32:08 He greatly appreciates that his servants give their best to him. 32:15 But how do we know that Jehovah really sees each one of us, 32:19 no matter where we are? 32:21 Consider an example: 32:23 Thousands of refugees who faced 32:26 severe hardships in their home countries 32:28 have sought shelter in parts of Europe. 32:32 Watch how Jehovah has lovingly assured them 32:36 that they’re not alone by satisfying their spiritual thirst. 32:44 Welcome to Greece! 32:46 We really feel that Jehovah is blessing us 32:49 by opening a large door 32:51 of opportunities to preach the good news 32:55 to the many refugees who are streaming into the country. 33:01 For this reason, the brothers immediately informed us of the situation 33:06 and we directed the bodies of elders 33:09 to concentrate on the harbors, especially in Chios. 33:13 The brothers were willing to work in shifts 33:16 —24 hours a day. 33:21 The refugee shelters in our area only have families with children 33:25 and are located near a military airport. 33:28 Whenever military planes flew overhead 33:31 and the children would see and hear them, 33:33 they would immediately run and try to hide because they were afraid. 33:37 They sought protection from the tragic conditions 33:39 they had experienced during warfare. 33:41 This impressed upon us how greatly they needed 33:43 the comforting message of the good news, 33:46 so we felt the urge to approach them. 33:50 Therefore, the Service Department arranged 33:54 for four language classes to be held for the brothers. 33:59 We try to speak to people 34:01 in a language quite different from our own. 34:03 At times, we might think: 34:04 ‘Will these people understand us? 34:06 Will we be able to reach their heart with these basic truths?’ 34:12 Something that helped me not to hesitate 34:14 to approach these people 34:15 despite the language barrier 34:17 is what our teachers told us in the language class: 34:19 “Go and talk to them. 34:21 “Show them things from the Bible. 34:23 “Even if you don’t say things perfectly, 34:24 they will understand you.” 34:27 After we received permission 34:29 from the branch office, we also printed thousands of tracts, 34:32 since we did not have enough. 34:35 This whole effort created an atmosphere of enthusiasm. 34:41 I’m deeply moved when I see how lovingly 34:44 Jehovah cares for these people 34:45 who have never had the opportunity 34:47 to hear the Kingdom message 34:48 that gives them a future and a hope. 34:52 It was exciting 34:54 for them to hear that we have 34:56 a Bible-based video in their language. 35:00 We told them that the problems, calamities, 35:03 and the terrible war they had experienced 35:05 were not punishment from God, 35:07 but the result of the influence 35:09 Satan the Devil exercises over this system of things. 35:12 And this provided a good answer to their question. 35:17 On a return visit, 35:19 after two days, a refugee girl said something very touching: 35:23 “Now I understand why we have to go through all this. 35:26 It’s very difficult, but it’s not God’s fault.” 35:29 On another occasion, Gardinia, a refugee woman 35:32 who showed interest, told us: 35:34 “Since meeting you, I have a purpose in life. 35:37 “I have a reason to live. 35:39 Until now, I was just waiting to die.” 35:46 A refugee approached the Arabic witnessing cart, 35:48 and we read Revelation 21:4 to him. 35:51 He said, “Please, could you read that to me once again?” 35:54 So we read it a second time. 35:56 He replied, 35:57 “May I have a Bible of my own?” 35:59 So we gave him a Bible. 36:01 Then he said, “Would you please show me 36:02 the sentence you read in my Bible?” 36:05 So we marked the verse for him. 36:07 And on the way back 36:09 to our home at about 11 o’clock at night, 36:11 on the same road, at a well-lit point, 36:13 we saw that same refugee 36:15 sitting on the sidewalk reading the Bible. 36:19 About two and a half years ago, I met Moustafa. 36:23 He attended the meetings and made speedy progress. 36:26 Moustafa was baptized a few months 36:28 before the refugees started pouring in. 36:30 We do not believe that this was a coincidence. 36:33 He would say, “I want to speak about Jehovah, 36:36 but I can’t do that in the Greek language.” 36:39 When I can speak to people who are refugees 36:42 —just as I am a refugee— 36:44 in my own language, 36:46 this is a great opportunity for me. 36:50 And when I see that they listen to the truth and are loving it, 36:54 it makes my heart beat faster. 36:56 It touches my heart. 36:58 By expanding my ministry, 37:00 I’m sharing in a form of service 37:02 that could even be described as missionary work, 37:04 since I’m helping people hear about Jehovah 37:07 for the very first time. 37:09 I’m living what I have only read about in experiences. 37:15 Many were —perhaps for the first time— 37:17 discovering new skills in themselves, 37:21 indicating how Jehovah through his spirit can enable certain ones 37:25 to cultivate qualities they didn’t realize they had to such an extent. 37:33 We are so grateful to Jehovah for opening a door 37:35 leading to such wonderful activity. 37:37 It gives us great joy, and we praise him daily for this. 37:45 At the time this report was prepared, 37:47 over 100 Bible studies had been started. 37:50 One refugee told the brothers: 37:53 “You are the best thing that has happened to us here in Greece. 37:57 We thank Jehovah for meeting you.” 37:59 Another said: “We do not need material things. 38:03 “We need hope, 38:04 and you are giving this to us through the Bible.” 38:08 In our program, we have been discussing 38:10 how Jehovah values each one of us, 38:13 no matter what our circumstances are. 38:16 In some parts of the world, 38:18 our brothers and sisters are in deep poverty 38:20 and lack even the basic needs for life. 38:24 But this does not diminish Jehovah’s feelings for them. 38:27 He loves them dearly. 38:30 In this next report, 38:32 see what’s been done to care for faithful brothers and sisters 38:36 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 38:45 My name is Maska Mahamba. 38:48 I love the preaching work. 38:50 However, my various illnesses 38:52 prevent me from giving my all in the ministry. 38:57 My first wife died, and we had six children. 39:04 I was alone with the six children, 39:06 and then I married Beatrice, who has five children. 39:13 Since we are living in the last days of this system, it is not easy. 39:20 I like the example of Jesus, 39:22 who was passionate about preaching the message that he shared. 39:26 At the same time, 39:28 he took into account the suffering of the people of his time. 39:31 He would take time to show kindness, 39:34 to encourage, and to heal. 39:38 The branch sees where there is a need 39:40 and then organizes a humanitarian mission. 39:46 I believe I can use my medical skills 39:49 to help our brothers. 39:52 It is love, 39:54 not just in writing, 39:56 but in action. 39:58 It’s a real joy 40:00 to help these brothers who need us 40:01 in remote locations far from towns. 40:04 It is always a pleasure. 40:42 Well, the two are the same; both eardrums are completely perforated. 41:08 Well, we are here 41:10 in the village of Walikale in the middle 41:12 of the forest on the main road 41:14 —well, the only road in the village. 41:16 It serves as our runway. 41:18 I can’t bear to see anyone suffer, 41:23 so I use all my skills to try 41:25 to find a solution. 41:28 What moves me to help the brothers 41:30 is what Jesus said, 41:32 that “there is more happiness in giving than 41:35 . . . in receiving.” 41:37 A long day —really very tiring— 41:39 but at the same time, 41:41 there was an encouraging case: 41:42 Brother Munyakaragwe, 68 years old, 41:46 10 years in the regular pioneer service, and he has 15 Bible studies. 41:50 This brother came from the territory on a motorcycle. 41:53 It took him two and a half hours on a very rough road 41:57 instead of an hour and a half 41:59 because he has a paralyzed leg. 42:02 And he was able to go back to his field service, 42:04 well, with some medication. 42:06 So it was really encouraging to see him 42:08 getting on the motorcycle with a smile on his face. 42:22 These are mosquito nets for those in need, 42:25 and there’s a big need here. 42:26 So we give them to each family. 42:31 You know, to protect your baby, one of the best things is for him 42:34 to sleep under a mosquito net. 42:38 Jehovah has done well because he has gone 42:40 through you to provide us with care. 42:42 We are very grateful. 42:44 We thank the many brothers 42:46 who have volunteered to serve us. 42:48 I thank Jehovah because without him 42:51 our identifying mark of unity wouldn’t exist. 42:55 You have helped me. 42:57 I had this problem for two years. 42:59 Now I’m so happy. 43:00 I will be able to hear at the meetings again. 43:03 Thank you. 43:04 The brothers are aware that they must thank Jehovah, 43:07 and we ourselves are aware 43:09 that all of this is possible 43:11 thanks to Jehovah’s holy spirit 43:12 and his organization. 43:42 How heartwarming! 43:44 Those dear ones are not defined by their circumstances. 43:48 They have been serving Jehovah whole-souled despite their challenges, 43:52 and they’re determined to use the relief assistance 43:56 to continue worshipping him. 43:59 Earlier, we discussed the examples of King David 44:03 and the apostle Paul and the mistakes they made. 44:06 Perhaps for us, 44:08 our past mistakes are keeping us from moving forward. 44:12 That was the challenge for Jim Loyd. 44:14 He was raised in the truth 44:17 but did not progress to baptism. 44:19 By his teen years, he was getting into trouble. 44:22 As he describes it, in his heart he had left Jehovah. 44:26 His later involvement with gangs and violence 44:29 put him in a place he never expected to be. 44:32 But you will be greatly encouraged 44:35 to see where he is now. 44:38 Things that have happened to you, you can’t change 44:41 —but your personality you can. 44:44 We can change our personality with Jehovah’s help. 44:47 By the time I was 25, 44:49 I was associating with notorious criminals. 44:52 I guess I was a criminal too 44:55 —just took a wrong turn and kept going. 44:57 I found myself a fugitive on the run. 45:03 I was sentenced to many years in prison. 45:07 At 25, I felt like it might as well have been a life sentence. 45:11 Isolation and lockdown 45:15 was a very lonely place, 45:17 and I thought, ‘How did I get here?’ 45:22 I remember a happier time in my life. 45:25 My mom would take us to meetings. 45:27 I was in the Theocratic Ministry School. 45:31 All the friends were so loving. 45:35 My mom sent me subscriptions to The Watchtower and Awake! 45:39 I had a box under my bunk, 45:42 and I’d toss them in there 45:46 —never opened them. 45:48 And I must have had a years’ worth. 45:50 You know, I never told her: 45:52 “Stop sending them, Mom. 45:54 I’m not reading them.” 45:57 I found out through my mom 45:59 that my dad had died. 46:04 I felt that I broke his heart. 46:10 I pulled out the box from under my bunk. 46:13 Right on top was a book, 46:16 The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. 46:20 And at that moment, I knew 46:23 Jehovah hadn’t forgotten me. 46:27 I remembered that book. 46:29 I remembered that book when I was a boy. 46:32 I placed that book out in service. 46:36 I opened it up. 46:38 And, of course, the theme scripture for that publication 46:41 was Revelation 21:3, 4: 46:44 “The tent of God is with mankind.” 46:47 I read it that night the whole night. 46:50 I read the whole book. 46:51 Of course, that little bell went off. 46:53 I couldn’t deny that this was the truth. 46:55 So what was I going to do about it? 47:00 Shortly after that, I got transferred, 47:02 so I called my mom and told her. 47:04 It was funny; she asked, 47:05 “Do you think there are any Jehovah’s Witnesses 47:07 that go up there?” 47:09 I told her: “I don’t think so. 47:11 “It’s way up in the mountains. 47:12 I don’t think they go up there; it’s a little fire camp.” 47:17 I wasn’t a spiritual person yet. 47:19 All the magazines and books 47:22 went back into the box and back under my bunk. 47:29 I’d only been there five minutes, 47:31 and a guard came in and said, 47:33 “Are you a Jehovah’s Witness?” 47:35 I couldn’t believe it. 47:37 And I told him, “I studied with, been studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses.” 47:41 And he said: “Oh, good. Follow me.” 47:44 And I followed him, and he took me 47:46 and introduced me to a brother 47:49 who had been coming up there regularly 47:52 to study the Bible with inmates there. 47:55 And I realized 47:57 at that moment that once again 47:59 Jehovah had not forgotten me. 48:04 That brother faithfully came up there 48:07 for the next two years every Friday night. 48:11 He thought that it’d be a good idea to have 48:14 a Theocratic Ministry School, so he got it approved. 48:16 He would do the number one talk, 48:18 and the other brother that would come with him 48:20 would do the highlights, and then the three of us inmates 48:23 would do the other parts. 48:25 I was giving a talk every week. 48:28 And he started making 48:30 tape recordings of the meetings. 48:32 I’d listen to them over and over, 48:34 until the next week. 48:37 I knew that if I was going to return to Jehovah, 48:40 I had to make some adjustments. 48:43 With Jehovah’s help —I leaned on him more, 48:46 relied on his strength more— 48:48 it was then that I really felt that I could do this. 48:53 The beard became a goatee, and then it just became a mustache. 48:57 No drugs, no alcohol, no smoking, 48:59 and I cleaned up my language. 49:02 Then I finally got released, 49:05 got a job as an electrician, 49:07 and was able to get my own place 49:11 and started going to meetings. 49:15 I was listening to the Watchtower, and different ones were commenting. 49:19 ‘Oh, that’s his wife’ 49:21 —one of the brothers who came up to visit me. 49:24 I kept looking to see, so I could finally put a face 49:28 to the voices that I’d been listening to. 49:31 I let Jehovah mold me 49:34 into something good. 49:39 There are many blessings since dedicating my life to Jehovah. 49:43 I’ve been an elder for ten years now. 49:46 One of my sons came into the truth. 49:48 I met my wonderful wife. 49:50 She’s helped me 49:52 to grow spiritually and to love Jehovah even more. 49:56 One thing I kept praying for and he’s blessed me with is to forgive myself 50:02 —to have a clean conscience and freeness of speech. 50:06 And he’s done that. 50:11 Jim shares the same joy as so many others 50:15 who return to Jehovah. 50:18 The feelings common in such real-life experiences 50:21 are what we’ll see depicted in our music video. 50:24 It’s called I Can Get Back Up. 50:27 It is especially touching for those of us who have stumbled 50:32 but need encouragement to move ahead with Jehovah’s help. 50:52 This loneliness I feel inside is hard to bear. 51:00 Jehovah, I can see where I went wrong. 51:08 Feeling so downhearted, I need strength to carry on. 51:16 I’m yearning to be back where I belong. 51:23 I remember things you taught me —things I still recall— 51:32 The precious truths found in your Holy Word. 51:40 That even if I stumble, even if I fall, I can get back up. 51:55 I know the ones who care for me, Who showed their love before, 52:04 Those who love Jehovah from the heart. 52:12 Your word is like a lamp that lights the way that leads me back. 52:20 The road to life is where I want to be. 52:28 Ev’rywhere I go, ev’rything I see, reminds me of the truth: 52:35 The end is drawing near. 52:44 So Jehovah, Father, please hear my prayer tonight 52:52 And help me now, I’m in my time of need. 53:00 You know that when I stumble so many times, 53:08 I can get back up. 53:16 I know Jehovah understands; sometimes I need a helping hand. 53:32 He knows that I am weak and sees what others cannot see. 53:39 He’s looking for the best in me. 53:47 So I’m going to the hall tonight to feel the love I lost, 53:56 Back to where I know I belong. 54:04 And even if I stumble, even if I fall, I will get back up. 54:29 I can get back up. 54:38 What a beautiful reminder that if we stumble, 54:41 we can get back up! 54:44 Having seen the examples throughout the program, 54:47 can you confidently answer the question of our theme, 54:51 “Are You Defined by Your Circumstances?” 54:54 What do you think? 54:56 Remember, not the way man sees is the way God sees 55:01 —Jehovah sees what the heart is. 55:04 May we work hard to see ourselves as Jehovah does 55:08 and be determined to never give up. 55:11 May we never forget that it is the privilege of bearing Jehovah’s name, 55:16 having a relationship with him, 55:18 and our love for Jehovah that defines us. 55:21 Jehovah is happy if we give the best that we can. 55:26 So may we do our part 55:28 by not limiting ourselves due to our circumstances, 55:31 but always look for ways to give our best to Jehovah. 55:35 You beautiful older ones, 55:38 even those with severe health problems, 55:40 can do much to help in the great work that’s taking place today. 55:43 Now, you may wonder what can you do. 55:45 You can pray for your brothers and sisters. 55:47 We need your prayers. 55:49 Pray for the Governing Body. 55:51 Pray for those who are taking the lead. 55:52 Pray for the elders in your congregations. 55:55 Pray for those who are going through difficult times. 55:59 Do such prayers help the work of the organization? 56:02 Absolutely! 56:04 James 5:16 tells us 56:07 that ‘a righteous person’s supplication 56:10 has a powerful effect.’ 56:12 No matter who we are and whatever our situation in life, 56:17 may we find joy in giving what we can for Jehovah. 56:22 And may each one of us rejoice at the privilege we have 56:26 of being part of what Jehovah is accomplishing 56:29 in these last days. 56:32 Of course, we share that privilege with our worldwide brotherhood 56:37 —a part of which we enjoy seeing each month. 56:40 To conclude this program, 56:42 we visit with our brothers and sisters in Togo. 56:46 Located in western Africa, 56:49 Togo enjoys a very pleasant climate year-round. 56:54 The southern coast contains extensive lagoons with sandy beaches, 56:58 while farther north are rolling forested hills 57:02 and yellow tinges of savanna land. 57:04 Togo may be one of the smaller countries in Africa. 57:08 Yet, it is sending up a great shout of praise to Jehovah. 57:12 In the town of Kpalimé, 57:14 there are 577 of our brothers and sisters, 57:18 56 of whom are pioneers. 57:21 Kpalimé is located on a scenic woodland plateau. 57:26 Steep hillsides can sometimes make service a challenge 57:29 but not a deterrent. 57:32 Our faithful brothers and sisters not only meet this challenge 57:36 but are very zealous in carrying out their ministry. 57:39 They diligently search out all persons, 57:41 no matter where they are. 57:43 And many honesthearted ones are listening 57:46 to the good news from God’s Word. 57:50 The first congregation in Kpalimé was formed in 1961. 57:54 Now there are seven in this small town alone! 57:58 The Kingdom Halls are very well cared for by the brothers. 58:03 This is the newest Kingdom Hall, 58:05 Kpalimé-Nogo. 58:07 It was just dedicated in December 2016. 58:11 And here is their Assembly Hall, constructed in 2008. 58:16 All 577 send you their love and greetings. 58:21 And we, in turn, send them our love 58:24 and pray for Jehovah’s strength and blessing 58:27 to be upon each and every one of them. 58:30 From the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 58:33 this is JW Broadcasting!
