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Video above © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania

00:01 Welcome to the program! 00:04 Our theme this month is “Organized to Do God’s Will.” 00:08 Among other things, 00:10 we will look at how our young brothers 00:12 can be encouraged to reach out 00:14 so as to take the lead in the congregation. 00:18 You will also enjoy this report on the blessings around the world 00:22 from using carts in our ministry, 00:24 and we’ll find out how the organization makes sure 00:27 our meeting places are properly utilized. 00:32 This is the July program of JW Broadcasting! 00:54 There are people who believe 00:56 there is no need for a religious organization. 00:59 They feel they have their own personal relationship with God 01:03 and that is good enough. 01:05 They see no need to be associated with a specific organization. 01:10 However, what does God’s own inspired Word suggest? 01:14 That he would use an organization, or channel, 01:18 through which spiritual food would be dispensed 01:20 from his Word, the Bible. 01:23 For example, 1 Peter 2:17 says 01:27 to “have love for the whole association of brothers.” 01:31 One dictionary definition for “association” 01:34 is “an organization of persons having a common interest.” 01:40 We have a very interesting, insightful look 01:43 at the organization in the first century. 01:46 If we glance down through chapter 15 of the book of Acts, 01:51 we can gain some insight. 01:53 Verse 1 indicates there was an issue that caused a disagreement 01:58 between some of the members of the congregation. 02:00 Then verse 2 says: 02:03 “But after quite a bit of dissension and disputing 02:07 “by Paul and Barnabas with them, 02:09 “it was arranged for Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others 02:12 “to go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem 02:16 regarding this issue.” 02:19 It sounds like an organization to me. 02:22 And after considerable discussion 02:24 and with the help of God’s holy spirit, 02:27 what transpired? 02:29 Verses 22 and 23 say: 02:34 “Then the apostles and the elders, together with the whole congregation, 02:38 “decided to send chosen men from among them to Antioch, 02:41 “along with Paul and Barnabas; 02:43 “they sent Judas who was called Barsabbas and Silas, 02:47 “who were leading men among the brothers. 02:49 They wrote this and sent it through them.” 02:52 Then in verses 23-29 02:56 is the letter of direction that was delivered to Antioch 02:59 and other congregations as well. 03:01 In fact, in verse 41, it says Paul and Silas 03:05 “went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the congregations.” 03:09 Chapter 16, verse 5 says: 03:12 “Then, indeed, the congregations continued to be made firm in the faith 03:16 and to increase in number day by day.” 03:20 So it was not a matter of isolated Christians sitting at home 03:25 claiming to have a personal relationship with God. 03:28 No, the work was organized, 03:31 and congregations kept being added “day by day.” 03:36 That is very similar to what we see in Jehovah’s organization today. 03:40 In fact, the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses is patterned 03:44 after the first-century Christian congregation 03:47 as set forth in the Scriptures. 03:50 I would like to remind all of Jehovah’s Witnesses 03:53 —whether already baptized or working toward baptism— 03:56 of this book, Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will. 04:01 It provides an overall view 04:04 of how the Christian congregation is organized 04:06 for getting God’s work done. 04:09 The book also offers counsel and direction 04:12 to help us maintain unity with our brothers worldwide. 04:17 New ones need to become familiar 04:19 with the operation of Jehovah’s organization 04:21 and learn how they can have a share 04:23 in the modern-day preaching work. 04:25 In fact, when a Bible student progresses 04:29 and desires to join us in the ministry 04:31 as an unbaptized publisher, 04:33 the elders direct him to make a study of this book, 04:37 including the “Questions for Those Desiring to Get Baptized” 04:41 in the appendix. 04:43 Even for those of us who have been baptized many years, 04:47 it may be good to schedule the reading 04:49 of one chapter of the book each week 04:51 during our personal study or family worship. 04:55 It contains general information 04:58 concerning the duties of elders and ministerial servants, 05:01 judicial procedures, 05:03 and various other features of congregation organization. 05:07 I would like to take a few minutes and review some of the information 05:12 in chapter 1 of the publication. 05:15 Though there are thousands of national 05:18 and international organizations around the world, 05:20 they are organized 05:22 according to human viewpoints and philosophies. 05:25 But our organization is different; 05:28 it is theocratic. 05:31 That means it is ruled by Jehovah as Head over all. 05:36 Isaiah 33:22 says that he is our Judge, 05:41 Lawgiver, and King. 05:44 Many large organizations appoint 05:46 a chief executive officer, or CEO. 05:50 He is the executive with the chief decision-making authority 05:54 in a business or corporation. 05:57 In a similar way, Jehovah has appointed his Son, Jesus, 06:01 to be the one with chief decision-making authority 06:04 over the congregation of God. 06:07 Ephesians 1:22 06:11 is speaking of Jehovah’s actions in connection with Jesus. 06:15 It says: 06:17 “He also subjected all things under his feet 06:21 “and made him head over all things 06:24 with regard to the congregation.” 06:27 We see the structure of the organization taking shape. 06:31 Jehovah is the Universal Sovereign, the King, 06:35 directing the millions of angels 06:37 making up his heavenly organization. 06:40 But when it comes to directing 06:42 the visible earthly part of God’s organization, 06:45 he has delegated that responsibility to Jesus, 06:48 the head of the congregation of God. 06:51 Chapter 2 of the Organized book 06:54 explains this Scriptural position of Jesus. 06:58 And how does Jesus direct the organization here on earth? 07:02 Matthew 24:45 says that Jesus has appointed 07:06 a “faithful and discreet slave” 07:09 to serve spiritual “food at the proper time.” 07:13 Today, 07:14 seven anointed men make up the faithful slave, 07:16 and collectively, they are known as the Governing Body. 07:20 And Jesus uses the holy spirit to direct these men 07:24 in harmony with the Scriptures. 07:27 The Scriptural basis for this layer of organization 07:29 is set forth in chapter 3 of the book. 07:33 Chapter 4 is entitled 07:35 “How the Congregation Is Organized and Governed.” 07:39 The organizational structure incorporates Branch Committees, 07:43 circuit overseers, elders, and ministerial servants. 07:48 The subject index in the back of the book 07:50 can be useful to quickly gain access to information 07:54 on various aspects of the organization. 07:58 Suppose you’re a young person, 08:00 maybe even a relatively young married couple. 08:03 The circuit overseer is visiting, 08:05 and he asks you what spiritual goals you have. 08:08 How would you answer? 08:10 Would your mind start racing, 08:12 trying to think of various avenues of service available? 08:17 How about now, before you are asked such a question, 08:22 you look in the subject index under “Goals”? 08:26 There are 11 references to paragraphs in the book on that subject. 08:31 After reading about all 08:34 of the possibilities and different categories, 08:36 you would be in a better position to plan your life 08:39 for a great future 08:41 in the earthly part of Jehovah’s organization. 08:46 At this time, 08:48 I would like to draw your attention to a very important factor 08:51 in a new one’s making progress 08:54 and attaining spiritual stability. 08:57 On page 213 of the Organized book, 09:02 it discusses a person interested in being baptized. 09:06 After the elders go over the questions in part 3 of the book, 09:09 it says this: 09:11 “If he has not completed his study of the Bible Teach and ‘God’s Love’ books, 09:16 the elders should make arrangements for someone to help him do so.” 09:22 The two books complement each other so well. 09:27 When someone becomes a dedicated and baptized servant of Jehovah, 09:31 we want them to stay closely attached to the organization. 09:36 Yet every year, 09:38 there are a number who stop attending meetings 09:40 and become inactive. 09:42 At times, it has been found 09:44 that they did not finish studying the two books. 09:48 You see, 09:49 the Bible Teach book helps new ones 09:51 to have an accurate knowledge of the Bible, 09:54 and they often learn to love Jehovah. 09:57 The “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love” book 09:59 helps us to learn to apply the Bible 10:02 and live in harmony with Jehovah’s standards. 10:05 Notice what Jesus told his faithful apostles 10:09 at John 15:10: 10:15 “If you observe my commandments, you will remain in my love, 10:19 “just as I have observed the commandments of the Father 10:22 and remain in his love.” 10:26 Did you notice that Jesus remained in God’s love 10:29 by observing his Father’s commandments? 10:32 The same is true of us today. 10:35 To remain in God’s love, 10:37 we need to apply the truth in our everyday life. 10:41 And what is the result if we keep ourselves in God’s love? 10:45 It is so clearly stated 10:48 in Jude 21: 10:51 “In order to keep yourselves in God’s love, 10:55 “while you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ 10:58 with everlasting life in view.” 11:02 Staying in God’s love results in everlasting life. 11:07 It is so important to make sure our Bible students 11:10 complete a study of both books, 11:13 and that applies to our children too. 11:16 Sometimes as parents, 11:18 we can assume that our children are developing 11:20 a trusting relationship with Jehovah 11:23 because they have been going to meetings since they were very small. 11:27 A relationship with Jehovah does not happen by means of osmosis. 11:32 A child does not simply absorb and assimilate truth 11:36 and a love for God 11:38 just by being in the presence of others 11:40 who have a close relationship with Jehovah. 11:44 We very much appreciate all of the videos we have, 11:48 including Become Jehovah’s Friend and JW Broadcasting. 11:52 But new ones and young ones 11:55 need to be able to go through the process of deep study 12:00 to get to the Bible’s truth 12:02 and get it etched into their minds 12:04 and lodged deep in their hearts. 12:06 Therefore, 12:08 if you parents realize that you have not studied 12:11 both books with your young ones, 12:14 it would be good to see that a schedule is established to do so. 12:19 The Governing Body gives all credit 12:22 for the success of this organization to Jehovah 12:25 and the appointed head of the congregation, Jesus Christ. 12:29 We are just imperfect men trying to follow 12:32 the lead of Christ and the holy spirit. 12:34 At 1 Corinthians 1:26, 12:39 Paul says: 12:41 “For you see his calling of you, brothers, 12:44 that there are not many wise in a fleshly way.” 12:47 Verse 27 says: 12:49 “But God chose the foolish things of the world 12:52 to put the wise men to shame.” 12:54 Then verse 30 says that Christ Jesus 12:58 “has become to us wisdom from God.” 13:02 That is where the direction and wisdom 13:05 of the organization come from, 13:07 not from mere man. 13:10 The words of Jehovah to the prophet Zechariah fit today 13:14 when we see the amazing advances in the organization. 13:18 Zechariah 4:6 says: 13:20 “‘Not by a military force, nor by power, 13:23 but by my spirit,’ says Jehovah of armies.” 13:29 While there are some well-educated and prominent men 13:32 who have accepted the truth and are now our fellow brothers, 13:36 the majority in the organization come from a more humble background. 13:40 For example, 13:42 among the first of Jehovah’s modern-day servants 13:45 to introduce the Kingdom message to people in Denmark 13:48 was a shoemaker. 13:50 In Switzerland and France, it was a gardener. 13:53 In many parts of Africa, 13:55 the message was carried by itinerant workers. 13:58 In Brazil, sailors had a share. 14:01 Quite a few of the Polish Witnesses in northern France 14:05 were coal miners. 14:07 Jehovah and Jesus use all of us 14:10 to get a remarkable work accomplished. 14:13 We are proud to be a part of this spirit-directed organization. 14:17 As one older circuit overseer was heard to say, 14:20 “This is the best imperfect organization on earth!” 14:25 There are no perfect organizations on earth. 14:29 However, this is the best of them all. 14:33 And we appreciate the contribution all of you make 14:36 to the success of the preaching work worldwide. 14:42 With that contribution in mind, 14:44 consider for a moment the huge load elders carry 14:48 in caring for our congregations. 14:50 Some of them are now advanced in age. 14:52 So how can young brothers be trained 14:55 to qualify for increased responsibilities? 14:58 In this dramatization, 15:00 a congregation faces a change on its elder body 15:03 that brought that question to the fore. 15:16 We’re very happy for Daniel. 15:20 He’s going to be a blessing in his new assignment. 15:28 But we are going to miss him 15:31 and everything he was doing for the congregation. 15:34 This will change things for us. 15:46 We really want to be there 15:48 for our brothers and sisters. 16:20 And it’s true: 16:22 Having plenty to do in the Lord’s work is good. 16:26 But where will we get more help? 16:36 We do have good ministerial servants 16:39 like Richie. 16:46 But after Daniel left, our elder body is one fewer now. 16:51 That prompted a good question: 16:54 Are we doing all we can to train our brothers? 17:05 Richie, do you have some time for me? 17:07 I have some calls you can help me with. 17:09 Sure, I’d like that. 17:17 I realized it had been a while since we talked 17:20 about him qualifying to do more. 17:22 He explained that he wanted to help 17:24 but didn’t want to appear presumptuous. 17:27 He’d been praying about it, 17:29 and he wanted to know what else he could do to keep reaching out. 17:32 Talking to Richie made me think of Jesus’ example. 17:38 His disciples offered themselves willingly, and he trained them. 17:42 They were eager but needed his direction. 17:45 Jesus’ training gave them confidence to do the assignments he gave them. 17:52 They were happy, 17:54 not just to follow Jesus, 17:56 but to work alongside him. 17:59 And Jesus was happy to share his work. 18:03 Up to his final evening with them, 18:05 he prepared them for the work ahead. 18:07 “Most truly I say to you, 18:10 “whoever exercises faith in me will also do the works that I do; 18:15 “and he will do works greater than these, 18:17 because I am going my way to the Father.” 18:23 I now remember how much training I had received from the brothers. 18:35 It was easy to forget that I didn’t always get 18:38 things right at first. 18:48 Soon, Richie was taking on more responsibility. 18:53 And he told me something that I too once felt. 18:58 He just didn’t realize how much work 19:01 went into caring for Jehovah’s sheep. 19:05 But once he knew, he was glad he offered himself willingly. 19:20 We commend all our hard-working elders for their fine work 19:25 and also those of you who support them, 19:27 whether you are a ministerial servant or perhaps the wife of an elder. 19:32 Without your help and support, 19:34 it would be very difficult for our dear elders 19:37 to carry out their weighty responsibilities. 19:40 While there is a lot of work to be done on a local level, 19:44 there is an unprecedented global effort 19:47 to provide spiritual food to all of God’s people. 19:50 Under the direction of the Teaching Committee 19:52 of the Governing Body, 19:54 the Audio/Video Services Department, or AVS, 19:57 takes the lead in producing audio and video publications. 20:02 It’s been said that if a picture 20:05 is worth a thousand words, 20:07 then a video is worth a million! 20:10 Videos stir our emotions, don’t they? 20:13 And they can be very powerful teaching tools. 20:16 Brother Russell recognized this fact. 20:19 Back in 1914, the small group of Bible Students 20:22 presented the “Photo-Drama of Creation” 20:25 to over nine million people worldwide, 20:29 and the response was overwhelming. 20:32 It was clear that Jehovah blessed their efforts 20:35 at spreading the Bible’s message in a visual way. 20:40 Well, over a hundred years later, 20:43 “the faithful and discreet slave” is producing videos. 20:46 And for many years, basically, 20:49 one large public-release video 20:52 was being released, or produced, each year. 20:56 For example, back in 2011, 20:59 the video Faith in Action, Part 2 was released. 21:03 And it required a tremendous effort to produce the video master, 21:07 the audio tracks, the graphics, 21:10 the music, the on-screen text for one video. 21:15 However, just five years later, 21:19 the work has grown from producing 21:21 an average of one video per year 21:24 to one video per day. 21:27 This is because videos are now a regular part of our website, 21:32 the broadcasts, our ministry, the conventions, 21:36 meetings, and other special events. 21:39 In 2016, 21:41 more than 350 videos were produced. 21:45 Under the direction of the Teaching Committee, 21:48 Audio/Video Services (AVS) has been entrusted with this work. 21:51 But with this rapid increase in the amount of videos produced, 21:56 how is all this accomplished? 21:59 Perhaps you’ve heard the expression 22:01 “it takes a village.” 22:03 In this case, it takes an entire globe. 22:07 Please enjoy the following video for a close-up look 22:10 at how audio and video work is accomplished worldwide. 22:24 To assist with the growing workload in Audio/Video Services, 22:27 the Governing Body has approved 22:29 11 full-time Regional Video Teams (RVT) 22:32 in branches around the world. 22:34 But it doesn’t stop there. 22:36 Bethelites, commuters, and remote workers in many other branches 22:40 also provide valuable assistance. 22:43 How do we work with all these teams? 22:46 After receiving direction from the Governing Body committees 22:49 for upcoming videos, 22:51 AVS then assigns each video to a capable team. 22:57 Once the team accepts the assignment, 23:00 we provide them with the necessary direction 23:03 as well as answer any questions they may have. 23:07 Then the team goes to work. 23:25 Because of being a small group, 23:28 each team member may have to wear multiple hats to get the job done. 23:32 From start to finish, they all work very hard 23:36 to deliver a completed, edited video 23:38 to us by the designated time. 23:41 Later, you may see these videos on JW Broadcasting, 23:45 jw.org, or other places. 23:54 Would you like to meet some of our RVT family? 24:02 It’s a privilege. 24:05 We meet friends who have suffered some hardships and trials, 24:10 but because of their trust in Jehovah, 24:13 they were able to overcome them, 24:15 and we see the results of their loyalty. 24:18 I think it strengthens our determination 24:21 to also stay loyal. 24:26 We are a joyful team 24:28 with a lot of humor, 24:31 and we work together very harmoniously. 24:32 You could say that we are like a little family. 24:35 We look forward to the next day when we go to work again. 24:38 It’s unbelievable how many dear brothers 24:41 and sisters we’ve gotten to know through these projects. 24:44 Close ties can develop, 24:46 and it is not uncommon that tears flow when the project is over 24:49 and it is time to say good-bye. 24:56 Sometimes we would film on private or state property, 24:59 and I would have to approach the manager 25:01 and let them know what we were planning to shoot 25:03 at the location. 25:05 This wasn’t easy for me because I’m not very good with words. 25:10 And many people in Korea tend to have a biased view of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 25:14 so this made it even harder for me. 25:19 So I prayed to Jehovah, 25:21 asking for his guidance and wisdom. 25:25 I was surprised to find that many were more than willing to help us. 25:32 These experiences help me to realize 25:35 that Jehovah always answers our prayers for strength and courage. 25:43 You have to balance your time around work, 25:46 around being the head of a family, 25:49 being an elder, 25:51 or other responsibilities that you have in the congregation. 25:55 That’s when you really see Jehovah’s hand 25:58 —when you see the mountain of challenge, 26:02 but you overcome it. 26:03 And you know it wasn’t you. 26:05 It was impossible for you to do it yourself. 26:09 When I put even half the amount of energy and effort 26:12 that I do into working for Jehovah into something secular, 26:16 I’m wiped out; I need a vacation. 26:19 But the more I put into working for Jehovah, 26:22 the more I want to work. 26:25 To know that you are offering your skills to Jehovah 26:28 —that is a blessing. 26:31 But, really, the blessing is seeing your relationship with Jehovah 26:34 thrive and become stronger, 26:36 and you can see that he does keep his promises 26:40 and that he supports you more than you’re supporting him. 26:45 Many of us aren’t able to be full-time Bethelites, 26:49 but commuting really helps us 26:51 get that small snippet of what it’s like 26:53 to be a Bethelite and realize what a privilege it is. 26:57 And if you’ve got a specific talent, use it. 27:00 One day in Paradise, someone is going to come to you 27:03 and say, “How did you use your talent?” 27:05 Maybe you’re a brilliant artist, 27:07 and you’re going to proudly turn around and say: 27:09 “You know what? I used it for Jehovah.” 27:11 Even if you’re young, you can learn skills 27:15 and you can really assist Jehovah’s organization 27:19 now and in the future. 27:22 And there is no better boss to work for than Jehovah. 27:26 My advice to young ones: Go for it! 27:29 And during this past year, 27:32 we were excited to add a new team to our AVS family 27:36 —located in Mira Loma, California. 27:41 All in this group have made themselves available 27:44 for video needs out there. 27:47 You’re able to take a person— 27:50 You’re able to take an individual that has dedicated their life to Jehovah, 27:52 and maybe they didn’t know at the time 27:54 that they were going to inspire somebody else 27:55 and have somebody 27:56 somewhere across the planet say: 27:58 “Wow! That’s exactly my life too. 28:00 “I’m so glad that this person 28:03 “was selected to be on here because that’s my life. 28:05 And that has triggered me to want to do more for Jehovah.” 28:12 You know it’s Jehovah’s holy spirit; he’s putting together a team; 28:14 he’s the Great Producer. 28:16 And what he really wants is he wants people who have the talent, 28:18 but he wants people who have the holy spirit more 28:20 and are willing to work for it. 28:22 But he gives you the ability, like Oholiab and Bezalel, 28:27 to be able to put your talents that you’ve learned to work for him. 28:30 As you can see, 28:32 we’re part of a beautiful, hardworking global team. 28:36 With so many hands helping the load in so many time zones, 28:41 we’re literally working on videos 24/7. 28:48 It’s a great privilege to work alongside our extended family. 28:51 We learn from each other. 28:53 Their willing spirit, humble attitude, 28:55 and contagious joy 28:58 inspire all of us here in AVS. 29:03 Additionally, we receive incredible support right at home too. 29:08 Virtually every department at Bethel 29:10 supports the audio/video work in some way, 29:13 and we are very, very thankful. 29:18 With everyone’s help, the Bible’s message is being spread visually 29:22 throughout the earth at unprecedented levels. 29:30 But how is any of this possible? 29:33 Brother Russell said it best: 29:35 ‘This is not man’s work. It’s God’s.’ 29:40 Jehovah is certainly at the helm. 29:43 As he foretold at Haggai 2:7: 29:47 “I will shake all the nations, 29:50 “and the precious things of all the nations will come in; 29:53 and I will fill this house with glory.” 29:57 There is certainly 29:59 a great shaking taking place 30:01 worldwide. 30:03 And many of these precious ones are offering themselves willingly 30:07 to help Audio/Video Services accomplish this great work, 30:11 thanks to Jehovah God, 30:13 our Grand and Visual Instructor. 30:19 Our videos are a fantastic provision from Jehovah, 30:23 and what a teaching tool they have become. 30:26 We get many letters of appreciation 30:28 about the use of our videos in our midweek meetings. 30:32 And I agree; 30:34 the videos make the meetings so much more dynamic. 30:37 For example, the week of July 17, 30:40 we will be considering the part “Do You Forgive Yourself?” 30:44 which includes a video that we first saw 30:47 at the 2016 Regional Convention. 30:50 Make it a habit to prepare for these video considerations 30:54 just as thoroughly as you would any other part. 30:57 Your well-prepared comments will benefit the whole congregation. 31:03 And when we arrive at the Kingdom Hall for a meeting, 31:05 don’t you agree that we all feel refreshed 31:08 the moment we see the smiling faces of our brothers and sisters? 31:12 That’s how I feel. 31:15 Sometimes we can even take our beautiful meeting location for granted. 31:19 But did you know that a lot of work goes into making sure 31:23 that our Kingdom Halls are well utilized? 31:26 The Worldwide Design/Construction Department, or WDC, 31:30 is tasked with analyzing our worldwide needs 31:33 and providing direction to Local Design/Construction Departments 31:37 on how best to use our dedicated funds. 31:45 As we approach the end of the present system of things, 31:48 Jehovah continues to speed up the work. 31:51 We now have more than 62,000 Kingdom Halls worldwide, 31:55 and the demand is still growing. 31:57 Jehovah’s blessing on the Kingdom work is undeniable, 32:00 as this could not have been accomplished otherwise. 32:04 Many have been working for years in support of Kingdom Hall 32:07 and Assembly Hall construction projects, 32:10 most recently as part of the Local Design/Construction, 32:13 or LDC, program. 32:16 This program was implemented during the 2014 service year 32:20 and unifies the approach for construction of Kingdom Halls worldwide. 32:25 What has been accomplished since the program started? 32:28 At the end of the 2000 service year, 32:30 half of the publishers worldwide met in suitable meeting places. 32:34 However, the other half 32:37 —approximately three million publishers— 32:39 met in places that were overcrowded 32:41 or otherwise unsuitable as Kingdom Halls. 32:44 At that time, 32:46 27,000 Kingdom Halls were needed. 32:49 By 2014, the number of publishers meeting 32:52 in unsuitable facilities had been reduced. 32:55 But because of growth in the organization, 32:58 this still meant that 1.6 million publishers 33:01 did not have a suitable meeting place. 33:04 Since 2014, 33:06 that figure has been reduced 33:08 by 25 percent. 33:10 What accounts for this significant reduction in the backlog, 33:13 allowing us to catch up faster than in the past? 33:17 Part of the answer 33:19 lies in making efficient use of the facilities we already have. 33:23 When providing food for thousands, 33:25 Jesus made it clear that nothing should be wasted. 33:28 The LDC program applies that principle 33:31 to the seats in our Kingdom Halls. 33:33 As noted earlier, 33:35 we have 62,000 Kingdom Halls worldwide. 33:39 On average, only 60 percent of the seats 33:41 are filled for congregation meetings. 33:43 That means that approximately three to four million seats are empty 33:48 during congregation meetings each week. 33:51 There are a number of options to help make better use of these seats, 33:55 which will make the use of each Kingdom Hall more efficient. 33:58 Consider, for example, 34:00 a Kingdom Hall in an urban area. 34:02 It has 200 seats 34:04 and is used by four congregations sharing the facility. 34:08 That means the Kingdom Hall will be in use 34:10 for four weeknight meetings 34:13 and four weekend meetings. 34:15 It would definitely appear to be fully utilized 34:17 and suggests the need 34:19 for new construction for further growth. 34:22 However, how many seats were in the Kingdom Hall? 34:25 Two hundred. 34:27 Multiplied by meetings for the four congregations, 34:30 this facility has a total seating capacity 34:33 of 800 people. 34:35 Global records indicate that congregations 34:38 using this size Kingdom Hall 34:39 have an average attendance 34:41 of 120 at their meeting. 34:43 This could mean that only 480 seats are used 34:47 by the four congregations in this Kingdom Hall 34:50 and 320 seats remain empty 34:53 —not very efficient. 34:55 If the four congregations were redistributed 34:58 into three congregations, 35:00 average meeting attendance for each congregation 35:03 would increase to about 160 per meeting, 35:06 while still fitting comfortably in that Kingdom Hall. 35:09 And this would now allow for an open slot in the schedule, 35:12 which could be used to meet needs in the area 35:15 without requiring new construction. 35:18 In the first three years of the LDC program, 35:22 fully utilizing our existing facilities 35:24 played a part in reducing the backlog of Kingdom Hall projects 35:28 from 14,000 to approximately 10,000. 35:32 This saved millions of dollars. 35:34 Of course, this does not meet every need, 35:37 and there is still a significant need 35:39 to construct new Kingdom Halls 35:41 to provide suitable places of worship. 35:44 How does the branch office make these decisions, 35:46 and how are priorities set? 35:50 All options are examined as the Branch Committees 35:52 work with their Local Design/Construction 35:54 and Service departments. 35:56 Transportation needs —such as distance, 35:58 opportunities for carpooling, 36:01 and availability of public transportation— 36:03 are taken into account. 36:06 In many cases, congregations can be sized 36:09 to make better use of available seats 36:11 in Kingdom Halls that have already been built. 36:14 However, when they are needed, 36:16 new Kingdom Halls can be constructed using simple, standard designs 36:20 that make wise use of donated funds. 36:24 Of course, all of this must be done with the big picture in mind. 36:28 It is the spiritual needs of the congregations 36:30 that are of the utmost priority. 36:34 The structures themselves are not the focus of these centers of pure worship, 36:37 but rather it is the people who use the facilities. 36:43 On one occasion, as they passed the temple, 36:45 Mark 13:1 quotes one of Jesus’ disciples 36:48 admiring the structure when he said: 36:50 “Teacher, see! what wonderful stones and buildings!” 36:55 However, 36:56 Jesus’ reply simply indicated 36:58 that the building itself would not last. 37:02 It was people Jesus was concerned with. 37:06 Likewise, the Kingdom Halls that we build today 37:09 will not last forever. 37:12 But these centers of pure worship bring people together 37:14 so that we can serve Jehovah as a united group 37:18 —and that will last forever. 37:22 Whether we assist in the construction 37:24 of the many Kingdom Halls that are still needed 37:27 or help to renovate and maintain existing Kingdom Halls, 37:30 it is our shared privilege to help provide 37:32 suitable meeting places for our brothers and sisters. 37:36 In this way, 37:38 we each support “the faithful and discreet slave” 37:40 as they provide what is needed so that each congregation 37:44 can praise Jehovah in a suitable place of worship. 37:52 Brother Thomas Kalimeris, 37:54 who serves at the United States branch, 37:56 together with his wife, 37:58 has spent close to four decades supporting various aspects 38:02 of the organization’s construction projects. 38:05 What has that experience taught him? 38:08 That the work is not run by us. 38:16 Throughout history, men have built 38:18 many beautiful and impressive buildings. 38:21 These structures have usually brought glory to men, 38:24 not to God. 38:26 But those men are long gone, 38:28 and even many of the structures no longer exist. 38:32 How true is the scripture at Psalm 127:1: 38:36 “Unless Jehovah builds the house, 38:39 it is in vain that its builders work hard on it.” 38:45 In our time too, Jehovah is using his people to build. 38:49 We’re working hard to build spirituality in interested ones, 38:52 and also we build structures 38:54 in order to help individuals to learn 38:58 about Jehovah and serve him. 39:00 In this type of construction 39:03 —both spiritual and physical construction— 39:05 I’ve been involved for most of my life. 39:07 I was born in Greece. 39:10 Our family came into contact with the truth in the early sixties. 39:14 I was baptized when I was in high school. 39:17 I left school to get some practical training in architecture, 39:22 but I made pioneering my career. 39:25 In 1973, I married my dear wife, Margaret, 39:28 and together we enjoyed many assignments. 39:31 We pioneered —special pioneering. 39:33 We went to Gilead. 39:36 We were invited to Bethel 39:38 in 1979 to work in the Engineering Department. 39:42 We worked on designing new branches, 39:46 Assembly Halls, Kingdom Halls, 39:49 renovation of existing branches 39:52 and remote translation offices. 39:56 Before we came to Bethel, we had seen how Jehovah provided for us individually. 40:01 But now we had the opportunity 40:03 to see how Jehovah provided for the needs of his organization globally. 40:10 By the year 2000, it became apparent that the present facility 40:14 of the Britain branch was not meeting their needs. 40:19 So a site was located 50 miles (80 km) north of London 40:21 to relocate the branch there. 40:24 However, 40:26 the Governing Body decided to cancel the project. 40:29 So in 2008, 40:31 the Governing Body wrote that now is the time 40:34 —Jehovah’s time— to find property 40:37 closer to London. 40:39 So a project team was formed, 40:42 and a few years went by, and a number of properties were searched, 40:44 and one was located closer to London. 40:48 If something we plan falls through, 40:50 it could mean that Jehovah has something else 40:53 —or better— in mind to meet the needs of his organization. 40:58 While working in the Haiti branch, we learned a lesson: 41:02 not to compromise on safety. 41:06 The Brooklyn Engineering Department did the drawings for the branch, 41:10 and a local contractor was hired 41:13 to build the structural work. 41:15 Now, the contractor, when he reviewed the drawings, 41:17 told the Branch Committee: “Really, this is overdesigned. 41:21 You’re wasting a lot of money by putting all the steel in the building.” 41:25 So we wrote back and said: “No, the drawings are OK. 41:30 “The branch is designed according to the seismic zone that it’s in. 41:33 And the contractor is to go ahead with the plans as drawn.” 41:38 In 2010, when the earthquake came to Haiti, 41:42 hundreds of thousands of people died 41:46 because of inferior materials and methods of construction. 41:50 However, 41:52 the branch did not suffer any damage, 41:54 and many people went there to find refuge. 41:59 We’re so glad that Jehovah did not allow us 42:02 to be swayed in this case. 42:05 Jehovah continues to direct a great physical building work 42:09 and a spiritual work. 42:11 Jehovah trains his people how to work together 42:14 for the work just ahead of us 42:16 —the beautification of this earth to a paradise. 42:22 It is so important that we ‘trust in Jehovah 42:24 and not to lean upon our own understanding.’ 42:28 A life of building with Jehovah 42:30 has shown me the wisdom of Psalm 127:1. 42:34 If we keep building our lives with Jehovah, 42:37 our building work will never be in vain. 42:45 The more responsibility a brother is given in the organization, 42:48 the less he feels he is in control. 42:50 Instead, he will clearly see how Jehovah takes the lead in the organization. 42:55 And Brother Kalimeris’ experience confirms that. 42:59 The account about how the branch in Haiti 43:01 was protected from earthquake damage 43:04 sent chills down my spine. 43:06 While some buildings looked like this, 43:10 our branch looked like this. 43:12 And it wasn’t the ingenuity of the brothers that protected the branch, 43:16 but wisdom that only Jehovah can provide. 43:19 But how can we apply that same wisdom in our lives? 43:23 Let’s consider three ways we can do so. 43:34 Jehovah has warned us that we’re living 43:36 in “critical times hard to deal with.” 43:42 And Jesus foretold that in the last days 43:45 there would be great “earthquakes in one place after another” 43:49 and other “fearful sights.” 43:54 Many of us either have or will be affected 43:57 by some form of natural disaster. 44:04 If this happens, how can we be prepared? 44:08 First, 44:10 we can prepare spiritually by maintaining 44:13 a close relationship with Jehovah. 44:15 He is “the God of all comfort,” 44:18 and he can comfort us in times of tribulation. 44:22 How does he do this? 44:24 We do not expect divine intervention. 44:27 But if we pray during times of distress, 44:30 his powerful holy spirit can bring Bible passages 44:34 back to mind to comfort us. 44:38 Second, 44:40 we can take practical steps, 44:43 perhaps preparing an emergency kit. 44:46 Our kit could contain the following items if possible: 44:51 first-aid supplies, 44:53 bottled water, 44:55 and nonperishable food. 45:01 Also, we shouldn’t forget to update the elders 45:04 with our latest contact information. 45:08 If we don’t do so, 45:10 valuable time could be lost in a disaster. 45:17 Additionally, during a Family Worship evening, 45:20 our family could review the types of disasters that might happen 45:24 and what could be done in each situation 45:28 —such as where we meet, 45:31 how we contact the elders, and so forth. 45:35 And third, 45:37 we can help others when they’re experiencing a disaster, 45:40 knowing they’d do the same for us. 45:44 How can we do this? 45:48 By offering prayers in their behalf, 45:52 by volunteering to assist with disaster relief efforts, 45:57 and by contributing donations to the worldwide work. 46:02 No, we can’t avoid all natural disasters. 46:09 But if we prepare spiritually, 46:11 practically, 46:13 and help others currently affected, 46:15 we can take comfort in knowing 46:17 that in Jehovah’s eyes 46:19 we are prepared. 46:22 That was great, practical advice for all of us to take to heart. 46:26 But there are some things we can do to help our local congregation. 46:30 Let’s turn briefly to interview Brother Bram Siegel, 46:34 who’s with the Coordinators’ Committee Office. 46:37 Bram, how can all of us cooperate 46:39 with the congregation arrangement 46:42 when a disaster hits? 46:44 Immediately after a disaster occurs, 46:47 each field service group overseer 46:49 will contact everyone in his group 46:51 to make sure that all are accounted for 46:53 and to see if anyone needs assistance. 46:56 So each of us should make sure to give the elders 46:58 our up-to-date contact information. 47:01 That way they can reach us when something happens. 47:04 That’s a very important reminder —good point! 47:08 But what if my area was not hit by the disaster 47:11 but an adjacent town or city was? 47:14 Can I just travel there on my own to help, 47:16 or what should I do? 47:18 We really appreciate the beautiful spirit the brotherhood shows 47:22 when it comes to providing disaster relief. 47:25 Really, the best time to make yourself available to help 47:28 is right now, 47:30 before a disaster occurs. 47:32 Just ask your local elders for an application. 47:35 Later, when there’s a need to provide disaster relief, 47:38 the branch office will know that you’re willing and ready to assist. 47:42 Thank you very much, Bram, for those important reminders. 47:45 Thank you. 47:50 When large disasters occur, 47:52 our brothers and sisters may have to relocate 47:55 —perhaps even to another country. 47:56 As refugees, they face unique challenges. 48:00 You will notice that the Watchtower study for the week of July 3 48:04 provides practical suggestions 48:06 on how we can support such brothers and sisters. 48:10 And I’m sure you agree 48:12 that the guidance Jehovah’s organization provides, 48:15 the love and care that we experience every day as a people for his name, 48:19 the spiritual paradise that we dwell in 48:22 —all of that makes us want to praise our heavenly Father. 48:26 This brings us to this month’s music video which is entitled 48:31 We Marvel at Your Work. 48:41 The work of the Kingdom, in my lifetime and before, 48:50 Provides me with your written Word, the truth, and so much more. 48:58 Your faithful slave, discreet and wise, provides increasing light 49:06 And sends out men who shepherd me with loving oversight. 49:17 I know expectations at conventions will be met. 49:25 And afterward, I always say, “Now that’s the best one yet!” 49:33 At weekly meetings, I can feel your thoughtful, loving care 49:41 And learn how best to preach and teach and have a fuller share. 49:52 We marvel at your work And what the Kingdom’s done so far. 50:08 We cherish Kingdom rule. 50:17 We grow in faith to realize the kind of God you are. 50:25 We look ahead to blessings that your Kingdom soon will bring. 50:42 You give us the honor to be workers on your side, 50:50 Our ministry that lets us show the love we feel inside. 50:58 The depth of understanding and the peace of mind you give, 51:06 They teach us what is pure and true; they show the way to live. 51:16 The songs that express what’s in my heart so very well 51:25 And Fam’ly Worship ev’nings give your spirit room to dwell. 51:33 Our unity, despite whatever language we might speak, 51:42 Proves that our loving brotherhood in this world is unique. 51:52 We marvel at your work And what the Kingdom’s done so far. 52:08 We cherish Kingdom rule. 52:17 We grow in faith to realize the kind of God you are. 52:25 We look ahead to blessings that your Kingdom soon will bring. 52:46 That’s beautiful. 52:48 And how can we show our appreciation 52:50 for Jehovah’s provisions in a practical way? 52:54 By taking seriously our God-given assignment to preach. 52:58 And we have seen developments 53:00 in our preaching methods in the past few years. 53:02 For example, in 2001, with the Governing Body’s approval, 53:07 our brothers in France started using a variety of methods 53:10 to carry out our public witnessing, including the use of carts. 53:15 The trial resulted in many good experiences. 53:18 As a result, in 2011, 53:21 a pilot project with cart witnessing 53:24 in New York City, U.S.A., was approved. 53:28 Since Manhattan, in New York City, 53:31 had a ratio of 1 Jehovah’s Witness to 657 inhabitants, 53:35 this was a perfect choice. 53:37 That was the beginning of a pilot program in Manhattan. 53:42 The program lasted one year, using many graduates 53:46 from what was then the Bible School for Christian Couples. 53:49 Although different tables were used at the time, 53:51 it was evident that a mobile cart 53:53 had many advantages. 53:55 As a result, today, Jehovah’s Witnesses are well-known 53:58 for their public witnessing using carts 54:01 designed to display their literature. 54:03 By means of this method, 54:04 good news from the Bible can be taken to many places 54:08 and easily becomes available to countless people. 54:13 These carts include different posters that: 54:16 call attention to our well-known publications, 54:19 invite people to accept free home Bible studies, 54:23 and direct passersby to our official website. 54:27 Here are just a few examples of how this method has had many good results. 54:33 My name is Mi Jung You. 54:35 The first time I met Jehovah’s Witnesses 54:38 was more than 20 years ago. 54:39 I started studying in the You Can Live Forever book, 54:42 but about a month later, 54:44 I had to stop studying. 54:46 After that, I would accept the magazines, 54:50 but I never ended up studying the Bible again. 54:52 In June of 2014, though, 54:55 I saw the public witnessing stand. 54:57 I realized that it belonged to Jehovah’s Witnesses. 55:01 So many of the different publications they had caught my eye. 55:04 So I asked if it would be OK if I took a copy of each one. 55:09 We ended up exchanging numbers, 55:11 and a few weeks later the brother contacted me. 55:14 I began studying the Bible again with the couple 55:18 and one month later started attending meetings regularly. 55:23 I was baptized in October of 2015 55:26 and started auxiliary pioneering right away for ten months. 55:30 Now I’m serving as a regular pioneer. 55:32 Public witnessing helped me find the truth, 55:36 and it’s a way for me to meet people that are interested like I was. 55:40 I have really come to cherish the public witnessing work. 55:46 My name is Jacob Salomé. 55:49 I work as a driver and spent most of my life 55:51 traveling all over Peru. 55:53 Because of this, I had problems with the woman I was living with. 55:57 I never spent time at home and practically lived in the truck. 56:05 I would see Jehovah’s Witnesses preaching 56:08 on the streets near the buses. 56:10 But since I was always driving, 56:12 I couldn’t park or even talk to them. 56:16 But once, I saw some Witnesses preaching in a public square. 56:20 So I went up to them to ask them 56:22 what the Bible says about family matters. 56:27 This marked a change in my life. 56:32 My girlfriend and I began attending meetings, 56:36 and then we got married and got baptized. 56:40 Now we are Jehovah’s Witnesses. 56:45 As Annies and I were standing by our cart, we met young Sudharshan. 56:50 Annies showed him our tract Can the Dead Really Live Again? 56:54 He was surprised and said, “How is it possible?” 56:57 When she explained to him Acts 24:15, 56:59 he exclaimed: “I am a Christian. I never knew this!” 57:04 I asked him, “Would you like to learn more 57:06 about such wonderful things from the Bible?” 57:09 He asked, “Can you tell me right now?” 57:12 There and then, I discussed the first chapter of the Bible Teach book. 57:15 That’s how it started. 57:18 Sudharshan brought his friend, Sagar. 57:20 Sagar, in turn, brought Shiva and Srikanth along. 57:24 Three of them are attending our meetings regularly. 57:27 Sagar even turned down a job offer 57:29 that conflicted with Bible principles. 57:32 One tract resulted in many Bible studies. 57:35 We can really see Jehovah’s blessing 57:38 on this form of public witnessing. 57:55 Without a doubt, cart witnessing is being used 57:58 to help preach the good news of God’s Kingdom 58:00 “in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations.” 58:19 The examples we’ve seen in this program 58:22 truly highlight how Jehovah and Jesus 58:25 use all of us to get an unprecedented work accomplished. 58:29 We’ve seen how young brothers are trained 58:32 to take the lead in the congregations, 58:34 how videos are produced around the world 58:37 for our spiritual benefit, 58:39 the work that goes into better utilizing our Kingdom Halls, 58:43 how wisdom from Jehovah benefits our construction work, 58:46 and how appropriate it is to praise our heavenly Father for all his works. 58:51 And last, 58:53 we were encouraged to continue in our public witnessing efforts 58:56 as we clearly see Jehovah’s blessing. 59:00 Yes, we are proud to be Jehovah’s Witnesses. 59:04 This is the best organization on earth. 59:08 To conclude, 59:10 we’d like to share this postcard from Iceland. 59:14 Almost 335,000 people live 59:17 on this North Atlantic island nation, 59:19 of which about 380 are Jehovah’s Witnesses. 59:24 Iceland is known for being the land of ice and fire, 59:27 as it has both a lot of volcanic activity 59:30 and Europe’s largest glacier. 59:33 In their free time, 59:35 the Witnesses in Iceland enjoy hiking in the beautiful nature 59:38 or riding on horseback on Icelandic horses. 59:42 The preaching work in Iceland began in 1929. 59:46 Brother Lindal was the only publisher on the island for nearly 18 years. 59:51 Today, the 380 publishers conduct 59:54 approximately 270 Bible studies, 59:58 and almost 700 people 59:59 attended the Memorial of Christ’s death last year. 1:00:04 In the winter, the sun is up for only a few hours. 1:00:07 While the Witnesses use the limited sunlight wisely 1:00:11 —going from door to door or business witnessing— 1:00:13 they are not scared by the darkness. 1:00:18 Some congregations use tiny lights on their public witnessing carts 1:00:21 so that the passersby will see the carts. 1:00:25 Also, the weather in Iceland can change quickly. 1:00:28 To prevent literature from being damaged by rain or other weather elements, 1:00:33 some congregations use plastic covers on the literature. 1:00:37 In 2011, a Polish group was established 1:00:40 in the capital city of Reykjavik, 1:00:42 and in 2016, a congregation with over 40 publishers was formed. 1:00:48 Today, they conduct over 20 Bible studies. 1:00:53 All the brothers and sisters in Iceland send their warm Christian love. 1:00:56 We pray that Jehovah will continue 1:01:00 to bless their efforts in praising his name. 1:01:03 This is JW Broadcasting 1:01:05 from the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.