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00:01 Welcome to this month’s edition of JW Broadcasting. 00:04 Here are just a few highlights that we have in store for you. 00:08 Do you feel that you’ve missed past opportunities 00:11 to do more for Jehovah? 00:13 Or do you feel that your age or present circumstances 00:16 keep you from reaching out? 00:18 We’ll see how one couple learned 00:20 that there may be doors of activity available 00:23 to those with a willing spirit. 00:27 Have you ever received an assignment that you felt was overwhelming? 00:31 Brother and Sister Halme, serving in West Africa, 00:34 will share what helped them accept such an assignment 00:37 and remain spiritually strong through difficult times. 00:41 And if you’re a regular pioneer, 00:44 what role do you have in strengthening the congregation? 00:48 You’ll find this dramatization very insightful. 00:51 Our focus is on our ministry 00:54 in this May 2018 edition of JW Broadcasting! 01:18 To set the stage for the experiences in our program, 01:21 I’d like to talk to you for a few minutes on the theme 01:24 “Invigorate Your Ministry—How?” 01:28 You dear brothers and sisters are having 01:31 a regular share in the preaching work, 01:33 and just think of the results. 01:35 Each year, 01:36 about two billion hours are spent in the ministry. 01:40 Millions of Bible studies are conducted, 01:43 and those being baptized number into the hundreds of thousands. 01:47 If you are a Kingdom publisher, 01:50 you have had a share in those thrilling statistics. 01:53 But there’s a potential danger. 01:57 With so much to do in our life 01:59 —not just in the ministry but also with secular work, 02:03 family responsibilities, for some, even health issues— 02:07 we can get into a rut. 02:10 It’s not always easy to detect at first, 02:13 because in this age of technology 02:15 we always feel busy. 02:18 But what consumes our day? 02:21 Watch this one-minute video, 02:23 and try to detect what’s going on in the life of one brother. 02:27 His life is in a rut. 02:29 Try to figure out why. 03:46 Would you say that this brother’s life is in a rut? 03:49 Oh, he’s active all day 03:51 —he always has something to do. 03:54 But it’s as if his mind has been kidnapped by his devices. 03:59 Have you ever had the experience of reading an e-mail 04:02 while someone is trying to tell you something? 04:05 It can be embarrassing 04:07 when you realize that they’ve asked you a question, 04:10 and they’re waiting for an answer, 04:12 but you have no idea what they asked. 04:14 It’s embarrassing, right? 04:16 But what if the person who is trying to speak to you is Jehovah? 04:22 Even though we aren’t doing anything wrong, 04:24 our daily routine can occupy our attention so much 04:29 that we are not able to hear the refreshing words of Jehovah. 04:34 That can happen to any one of us. 04:37 Even our spiritual activity can get into a rut. 04:41 One Christian sister described it this way: 04:44 “I would go out in service, 04:46 “go to meetings, study, pray 04:50 “—but I did it all on automatic control, 04:53 never feeling anything.” 04:56 Have you ever felt that way? 04:59 Do you see all the happy servants of Jehovah 05:02 whose experiences appear on JW Broadcasting, 05:05 and you say to yourself: 05:07 ‘Why can’t I find that joy? 05:09 Why is my ministry in a rut?’ 05:12 Perhaps you feel like a remote-control train 05:15 that goes around and around on a track, 05:18 working the same territory, with the same partner, 05:22 saying the same thing at each door. 05:24 Of course, there’s nothing wrong with being in a good routine. 05:28 But being in a rut can sap our energy 05:32 and take the joy out of our service. 05:35 We could even come to view our ministry as boring. 05:40 Of course, we feel invigorated when we get good results: 05:44 We meet an interested person when going from door to door 05:47 —we’re invigorated! 05:49 An inactive person approaches the cart 05:51 and wants to get in touch with the local congregation 05:53 —we’re even more invigorated! 05:55 We start a Bible study —we’re on top of the world! 05:59 I’m sure you’ll agree, 06:01 all those outcomes are good reasons for joy. 06:05 The problem is that we’re not always in control 06:08 of getting those outcomes. 06:10 In real life, we may spend an entire morning 06:14 in the door-to-door work without meeting an interested person. 06:17 We may spend months 06:19 making return visits without starting a study. 06:23 And once again, our ministry can get into a rut. 06:27 Now, don’t misunderstand. 06:29 It’s not that we’re doing anything wrong, 06:32 but we’re not getting the full joy out of doing what’s right. 06:36 Of course, Satan would love it 06:39 if our service to Jehovah were to fall into a rut. 06:42 He would love it if we lost our joy. 06:45 If we lose our joy, we lose hope, 06:49 we lose strength, 06:51 and we might even begin to feel like giving up. 06:55 The point is this, brothers and sisters: 06:57 If you feel that your ministry has fallen into a rut, 07:02 don’t be discouraged and don’t give up. 07:05 There are ways that we can invigorate our ministry 07:08 and serve Jehovah with renewed joy. 07:11 To illustrate that: 07:13 Maybe you’ve had 07:14 the frustrating experience of locking yourself 07:17 out of your house or apartment. 07:21 Of course, with a key, opening the door is simple. 07:23 A locked door might seem like an obstacle, 07:27 but it isn’t if you have the key. 07:30 And the same is true with invigorating our ministry. 07:33 If we’ve fallen into a rut 07:36 and if we’ve lost that feeling of joy in our service, 07:40 there are a number of keys that can help us unlock the door. 07:45 Let’s look at one. 07:47 Open your Bible to 1 Corinthians 16:8, 9. 07:52 Now, in these verses, 07:55 the apostle Paul was presented with a key of opportunity, 07:59 and he used it to open a door. 08:02 First Corinthians 16:8, 9 says: 08:06 “But I am remaining in Ephesus 08:09 “until the Festival of Pentecost, 08:11 “because a large door that leads to activity 08:15 has been opened to me.” 08:18 Here, the apostle Paul found a key, 08:21 and it didn’t require moving to another location. 08:24 In this case, the key was to stay where he was 08:28 and to take full advantage of an opportunity right before him. 08:33 Sometimes, the key to getting out of a rut in our ministry 08:38 is to take advantage of opportunities we have right where we are. 08:43 For example, have you considered auxiliary pioneering 08:47 or regular pioneering? 08:49 What about learning a foreign language 08:51 with the goal of helping a nearby group or congregation? 08:56 Opening one door often leads to other doors of opportunity. 09:01 For example, a brother named Jacob wrote this: 09:05 “When I was seven, many of my classmates were Vietnamese. 09:10 “I wanted to tell them about Jehovah, 09:12 “so after a while I made plans to learn their language. 09:16 “For the most part, 09:18 “I learned by comparing the English and Vietnamese editions 09:21 “of The Watchtower. 09:23 “I also made friends in a nearby Vietnamese-language congregation. 09:27 “When I was 18, I started pioneering. 09:30 “Later, I attended the Bible School for Single Brothers. 09:34 “This helped me with my present pioneer assignment, 09:37 “where I am the only elder in a Vietnamese-language group. 09:41 “Many Vietnamese people are amazed that I have learned their language. 09:46 “They invite me in, and often I can study the Bible with them. 09:50 Some have progressed to baptism.” 09:54 The point is, our ministry is what we make it. 09:59 If we allow ourselves to remain in a rut, 10:01 it will be boring. 10:03 If we use our keys and if we take advantage 10:06 of opportunities that present themselves, 10:09 we will invigorate our ministry and give it new meaning. 10:13 This doesn’t always involve putting in more time in the ministry. 10:18 It could mean that we simply ‘make the best use of our time’ 10:22 as Ephesians 5:16 says. 10:26 In fact, there’s a saying: 10:28 “Don’t work harder; work smarter.” 10:32 The key to working smarter 10:34 could be as simple as switching things up a bit. 10:37 For example: 10:39 Could we work with different publishers instead of the same one all the time? 10:43 Could we try a different approach to our presentation, 10:46 perhaps making better use of the Bible or our videos? 10:50 Could we engage in other aspects of the ministry, 10:53 such as cart witnessing or phone witnessing? 10:57 Could we use our time more effectively to reach people 11:01 when they’re most likely to be home? 11:04 Here’s something else we could do to unlock a door 11:07 and invigorate our ministry. 11:09 Open your Bible to Acts 16:9, 10. 11:17 Now, here the apostle Paul found 11:19 a unique way to unlock a door to greater joy. 11:23 Acts 16:9, 10 says: 11:26 “And during the night a vision appeared to Paul 11:30 “—a Macedonian man was standing there urging him and saying: 11:34 “‘Step over into Macedonia and help us.’ 11:38 “As soon as he had seen the vision, 11:40 “we tried to go into Macedonia, 11:43 “drawing the conclusion that God had summoned us 11:46 to declare the good news to them.” 11:50 Notice, Paul didn’t think of all the reasons 11:54 he couldn’t step into Macedonia. 11:56 No, he took action 11:58 as soon as he was presented with the opportunity. 12:01 Paul unlocked the door to invigorate his ministry. 12:06 Sometimes we think that only those who are young 12:10 can reach out to pioneer or to serve where the need is greater. 12:14 But that’s not always the case. 12:18 You parents may be able to unlock a door of opportunity for yourselves, 12:23 and think of the example you set for your children when you do so. 12:28 That’s what a mother named Tara discovered: 12:33 “I started pioneering when my youngest daughter 12:36 was in elementary school,” she says. 12:39 “It was important to me 12:41 “that my children see me serving Jehovah 12:44 to the best of my ability as I encouraged them to reach out.” 12:50 Tara’s husband, Anthony, 12:52 saw the effect that his wife’s pioneering had 12:54 and, in time, he too joined the ranks. 12:58 This is what he said: 13:00 “When Tara became a pioneer, 13:02 “it made an immediate impact 13:04 “on daughters number one and number two, 13:07 “and they became pioneers. 13:09 “When I became a pioneer, 13:11 “daughters number three and number four followed. 13:14 “I wish I had pursued full-time service sooner, 13:18 as it made a huge impact on the spirituality of the family.” 13:24 I can relate to this experience 13:26 because of the good example of my parents. 13:30 My mother was baptized in Canada 13:32 in 1940 when she was 16. 13:36 Jehovah’s Witnesses had just been banned in Canada. 13:40 Her father had already died, 13:42 and her mother was opposed at that time. 13:45 The brothers had very little money, 13:48 but they encouraged my mother to pursue spiritual goals. 13:51 With that encouragement, 13:53 she started pioneering in 1942 13:56 while the ban was still on in Canada. 14:00 In 1947, she was invited to become a special pioneer 14:04 in the province of Quebec. 14:07 At that time, special pioneers were required 14:10 to spend 200 hours each month in the ministry. 14:14 With basically no money and no family support, 14:18 she accepted that assignment. 14:20 This picture was taken when she and her pioneer partner 14:24 were boarding the train to Quebec. 14:27 Whenever I see this picture, 14:29 it reminds me of the intrepid spirit that my mother had 14:33 —not being afraid to take on a challenging assignment, 14:37 but putting complete trust in Jehovah. 14:41 That spirit encourages me even to this day. 14:45 My father has that same spirit. 14:47 In the summer of 1976, when I was 11 years old, 14:52 a new arrangement was announced at our district convention 14:56 —auxiliary pioneering. 14:58 You could be an auxiliary pioneer 15:00 if you could devote 60 hours in one month to the ministry. 15:05 The month of October 1976 had five weekends. 15:09 My father encouraged our whole congregation 15:12 to try auxiliary pioneering that month. 15:15 So many brothers and sisters, including me, 15:19 decided to get a taste of pioneering. 15:22 It was a wonderful experience 15:24 that I will never forget. 15:27 Parents, your good example will help your children 15:31 to have a living ministry of their own that they will love. 15:36 Brothers and sisters, if you find yourself in a rut, 15:40 there is no reason to stay there. 15:42 We’ve discussed several ways to reinvigorate our ministry, 15:47 and with Jehovah’s help we will be successful. 15:52 Now let’s meet a few brothers and sisters 15:55 who’ve expanded and invigorated their ministry. 15:58 We’re sure you’ll appreciate their stories. 16:01 Our first experience comes from Brazil, 16:04 in South America. 16:06 Cristiano and Joana Souza 16:09 found the key to invigorating their ministry 16:12 in a congregation letter encouraging individuals 16:16 to apply for the School for Kingdom Evangelizers. 16:20 What new blessings did they experience by reaching out? 16:32 We had our own house, 16:34 a certain amount of comfort. 16:37 My husband had a stable job, 16:39 and I was doing a lot where we were. 16:41 I had Bible studies. 16:43 I was already a regular pioneer, so I thought I was doing enough. 16:46 It was fine to stay there. 16:51 We’d often see the younger ones 16:53 going to Bethel, going to serve as special pioneers. 16:58 And once we reached our 40’s, I thought that since we’re getting older, 17:01 we won’t be able to reach out and do more for Jehovah. 17:04 But after a letter was read to the congregations, 17:07 well, that was really the starting point for us to see 17:09 that we could do more for Jehovah. 17:12 When I heard that there was a school for couples up to 65 years old, 17:16 I said, “Cristiano, it’s now or never.” 17:19 So immediately at the first convention that held a meeting for interested couples, 17:23 we attended the meeting and realized that out of the requirements 17:27 there was one that my husband didn’t meet yet, 17:29 which was two years as a regular pioneer. 17:33 So I thought, ‘Why not?’ 17:36 After the convention, I applied to be a regular pioneer. 17:39 So we made plans to attend the school. 17:42 But we didn’t want to stay there waiting to be accepted, 17:46 as there were no guarantees of being accepted 17:48 in the same year in which we applied. 17:50 We sold our house. 17:52 And two weeks later, we had sold all the furniture. 17:54 So we made arrangements to serve where the need was greater. 18:01 We took only what was necessary in our car. 18:03 But “what is necessary” is always too much. 18:06 When you get to the territory, you realize you didn’t even need everything you took. 18:10 We were really excited because we knew the brothers were expecting us. 18:14 There was a gas station that belonged to a brother, 18:16 and when we arrived, the whole congregation 18:18 was waiting for us there to welcome us. 18:21 Nine people! 18:22 And that had a great impact on us, 18:23 because you could see the expression on their faces; 18:26 it was as if they were asking for help. 18:31 They helped us a lot. 18:34 I can honestly say that they helped us more 18:38 than we helped them. 18:43 Now they would be able to have regular meetings 18:45 —a public talk every week. 18:47 You know, we were in São Paulo and we had all the meetings. 18:51 But in these remote areas, they need spiritual food from Jehovah so much. 18:55 But there needs to be people willing to go and help. 19:02 Then one day, we had a wonderful surprise. 19:05 A brother called me and said, “Cristiano, have you checked your e-mails?” 19:09 We’d received a letter inviting us to the school. 19:14 The school really is a gift from Jehovah. 19:17 I’ve encouraged others that I know to attend the school 19:19 because you really feel how Jehovah cares for his organization. 19:25 And a small thing we can do is simply give our best, 19:29 and the school helps us do just that 19:32 —find out what is our best. 19:35 We were assigned to a congregation called Itiruçu. 19:39 The brothers are very loving, and we’re really happy in our assignment. 19:47 I do miss my house. 19:50 It’s nice to have your own house 19:52 and not to have to worry about paying rent. 19:54 I miss my hairdresser. 19:57 But nothing compares to the blessings and the joy 20:00 that comes from serving where there’s a need. 20:03 This joy helps us to combat any homesickness we feel 20:07 and stops us from developing any desire to go back home. 20:12 In the big city, everything’s very rushed. 20:15 I would only see my wife when I got home from work. 20:17 I’d be tired, and then also have to care for congregational matters. 20:20 So there wasn’t much time for us to be together. 20:23 Now it’s completely different. 20:25 We have much more time —during the ministry, 20:28 in the congregation, being together at home. 20:30 So for us as a family, it has been very positive, very good. 20:36 We’re not tired. We’re not old in the sense— 20:38 No we’re not. 20:39 —of saying that we’ve got no more to give. 20:41 We really believe we can do more for Jehovah. 20:43 And we want to do more for Jehovah. 20:46 The school is proof that he wants us to do more. 20:50 We want to use our life to the full to serve Jehovah wherever he sends us. 20:54 We are willing to go. 20:56 We feel it’s the only way to say a big “thank you” 20:59 to Jehovah for everything he’s done for us 21:02 —the territory, school, the brothers, and Bible students. 21:07 What better way to thank Jehovah. 21:20 Do you feel the way that Brother and Sister Souza felt 21:23 —that you’ve missed the chance to do more for Jehovah? 21:27 They learned there were doors of opportunity accessible to them 21:31 if they were willing to reach out. 21:33 Their choice to make themselves available 21:35 resulted in rich blessings. 21:38 But did you notice when those blessings started? 21:42 Before the school, 21:44 they chose to serve where the need was greater. 21:47 This had a profound effect on them, 21:49 deepening their appreciation for spiritual provisions. 21:54 If you desire to enliven your ministry 21:57 by means of theocratic education, 22:00 consider ways you can prepare your heart before you attend. 22:05 The Souzas’ example proves 22:07 that even the road to expanding our ministry 22:10 can be deeply satisfying. 22:14 When we’re faced with challenging assignments, 22:18 reliance on Jehovah is of utmost importance. 22:22 In what ways can we show that reliance? 22:26 I have the pleasure of introducing you to a friend of mine, 22:29 Shane Brady, who is presently serving along with his wife, Iolanda, 22:34 at the branch in Finland. 22:36 Brother Shane Brady and I previously worked together 22:39 at the Canada branch. 22:41 Shane has been involved in legally defending our brothers 22:44 for the past 22 years in many countries, 22:48 including Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. 22:53 Shane, it’s good to see you. How are you doing? 22:57 I’m doing very well. It’s great to see you too, Mark. 22:59 Shane, we want to ask you, 23:01 What have been some of the challenges 23:03 that you’ve faced in accepting these assignments 23:06 in various countries in the world? 23:08 Well, there certainly have been a few challenges. 23:11 One is frequent travel. 23:13 Another is language; 23:15 each country that we assist has its own language. 23:18 Some court cases are very stressful, 23:22 and at times, we’ve faced firsthand 23:25 the hatred of our opposers. 23:29 Yes. And you know, Shane, in spite of all that, 23:31 you and your wife have always been willing to go on these assignments. 23:35 We appreciate your spirit so much. 23:37 Is there an experience that you can share with us 23:41 that would give us a taste of the kinds of situations 23:44 that you’ve had to deal with in these countries? 23:46 Well, there have been many experiences. 23:48 But one experience comes to mind. 23:50 A few months ago, there was a special pioneer, 23:54 and a case was started against him. 23:56 And if the decision was negative, it could have had very serious consequences 24:00 for our work in that country. 24:02 So we did our best to present a strong defense. 24:05 But as the trial progressed, 24:07 things didn’t seem to be going so well. 24:10 But on the last day of the trial, everything changed. 24:14 We presented a motion, 24:16 and we asked the judge to terminate the case against the brother. 24:19 Personally, I didn’t think it would actually work. 24:22 But one older brother who we’ve worked with 24:24 over the years always told us, 24:26 “We need to give Jehovah something to bless.” 24:28 And so we did, and the results were quite unexpected. 24:33 When we made the motion, the judge turned to the prosecutor and asked, 24:36 “Well, what’s your opinion?” 24:38 And to our surprise, the prosecutor agreed with our request, 24:41 and he even went beyond what we asked. 24:43 He said to the judge that the government official 24:46 that started the case against our brother should be punished. 24:49 Well, the judge agreed; the case was terminated. 24:53 When we were walking out of the courtroom, 24:56 I looked at the other brothers with me and we all said the same thing, 24:59 “What happened?” 25:00 It was obvious —Jehovah had intervened. 25:03 That’s wonderful, Shane. 25:05 I wish we had more time to hear many more experiences. 25:08 But could you just share at least one more with us? 25:10 Sure. 25:12 In another land where our work is not recognized, 25:16 on the night of the Memorial, a number of the brothers were arrested 25:19 for so-called illegal religious activity. 25:23 They were all convicted at trial. 25:25 So arrangements were made to appeal each of those cases, 25:28 and they were heard before a different appeal court judge. 25:31 What at first seemed quite negative, the loss at trial, 25:36 turned out to be an amazing result. 25:38 Let me give you just one example. 25:41 In one of the appeals, as we were presenting the appeal, 25:44 not long into the case, the appeal court judge stopped us, 25:48 and he began to ask us many questions about the Bible 25:52 and about what Jehovah’s Witnesses believe. 25:54 So for quite some time, we answered these Biblical questions, 25:57 and then the case continued. 25:59 And then after some minutes, the judge stopped us again. 26:02 And this time the judge said, “I remember reading in the Bible”— 26:06 The judge said this, “I remember reading in the Bible 26:09 “that Jesus said: ‘If they have persecuted me, 26:12 they will persecute you also.’” 26:14 So we said to the judge: “Yes, indeed. Jesus said that.” 26:18 The judge asked, “Do you think that’s the reason why 26:21 Jehovah’s Witnesses are having problems in this region?” 26:25 Well, what could we say but agree with the judge. 26:28 But that wasn’t the end of it. 26:30 As the case continued a few minutes more, the judge stopped us again. 26:34 And this time the judge said: “You know, I’m not sure if Jesus said this. 26:38 “It’s in the Bible where he said: 26:40 “‘Where there are two or three gathered together, 26:43 there I am in your midst.’” 26:45 And we assured the judge, “Indeed, those are Jesus’ words.” 26:48 The judge looked out at this old courtroom, 26:51 which was filled with our brothers and sisters, and he said, 26:53 “Well, Jesus must be in our midst today.” 26:57 We felt like breaking into applause. 27:00 At the end of the court hearing, 27:02 the judge ruled in our favor and acquitted the brother, 27:04 and the judges in all of the other cases also acquitted our brothers. 27:08 It was just a thrilling experience! 27:10 Oh, that’s wonderful; that’s wonderful, Shane. 27:12 Thank you so much for sharing those experiences. 27:15 You know, despite the challenges that you’ve had to face, 27:18 how do you feel about the way you and Iolanda have benefited 27:22 from being involved in accepting these challenging assignments 27:25 in various parts of the world? 27:27 Well, we have benefited in so many ways, Mark. 27:31 Our relationship with Jehovah has deepened. 27:34 Certainly, our trust in Jehovah 27:36 has been strengthened. 27:39 And we’ve experienced firsthand the love 27:41 of the amazing worldwide brotherhood. 27:44 Could I just share one experience about that? 27:46 Please, please do. 27:48 Two years ago, we were involved in a case 27:51 where police had raided a congregation meeting in one country. 27:54 They had brutally beaten the brothers and threatened the sisters. 27:58 It was just terrible! 28:00 Some weeks later in the court case 28:02 that started against the brothers 28:04 (that the police brought against the brothers), 28:06 during that court case, the police repeatedly tried 28:09 to arrest me and another brother I was working with. 28:11 Over two days they were trying to arrest us. 28:14 Even in the courthouse, they tried to detain and arrest us. 28:18 And all through this, my wife, Iolanda, was watching what was happening. 28:22 But do you know what was so remarkable? 28:25 It was that despite the brutal treatment 28:27 our brothers and sisters had endured just a few weeks earlier 28:30 at the hands of these very same police officers, 28:33 those dear brothers and sisters came to our aid. 28:36 They were like a wall of protection around us, 28:39 and they would not leave our side until the ordeal was done. 28:43 It was love in action. 28:46 So to answer your question, we have benefited in so many ways. 28:49 We don’t regret for a moment accepting this thrilling assignment. 28:54 Well, thank you so much, Shane. 28:57 Please give our love to Iolanda as well. 28:59 We appreciate the tremendous work that you’re accomplishing, 29:02 and may Jehovah’s spirit continue to be with you. 29:05 It’s our privilege. 29:06 We look forward to continuing to work with you, Mark. 29:10 Well, now, what if getting yourself out of a rut 29:13 takes longer than expected? 29:16 We’re going to meet a couple from Italy 29:18 who had the goal to participate in a special preaching campaign. 29:22 These campaigns can be a life-changing experience 29:26 for the publishers involved, 29:28 pushing them, sometimes, far out of their comfort zone. 29:32 However, the Di Giacintos faced trying circumstances 29:36 that prevented them from participating, 29:39 but they did not stop knocking on this door of opportunity. 29:46 We live in a beautiful, quiet town in central Italy, 29:50 between the sea and the mountains. 29:53 We have many friends, some of whom are good cooks. 29:59 We have been serving for some years in a Romanian-language congregation, 30:03 and we preach to people who have moved to Italy to seek a better life. 30:09 When we heard the announcement about the special campaign, 30:11 we looked at each other and said, “Let’s go!” 30:17 ‘A large door of activity’ was opening up to us. 30:25 But there was a problem—my job. 30:27 I would need a month’s leave of absence, 30:30 and that would be difficult. 30:32 We prayed, and we did research. 30:35 And during family worship, we decided that in order to participate, 30:38 I would ask for a one-month leave from work. 30:41 But Jehovah had something else in mind 30:44 that would create the right circumstances for us. 30:50 When I arrived at work the next day, I found an unexpected situation. 30:54 Because of the failing economy, 30:56 my boss gave me and some other employees 30:58 a letter of dismissal. 31:00 I was not at all worried. 31:02 I trusted in Jehovah, 31:04 and I knew that this new situation 31:06 would allow me to participate in the campaign. 31:12 Participating in this campaign is a dream come true. 31:17 We wanted to participate in 2013, 31:20 but unfortunately things in life do not always go as we would like. 31:30 We received some truly shocking news. 31:34 My father had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. 31:39 Emotionally, it was not easy. 31:42 The tranquillity we had dreamed and hoped for 31:45 was almost gone. 31:49 The only thing that could help me at that moment was 31:52 the hope for what Jehovah promises us. 31:56 In addition to my father’s death, 31:58 I began to experience panic attacks. 32:01 I was afraid of something that didn’t exist 32:08 —afraid of not being able to move on. 32:13 It’s the kind of emotion that leaves a lump in your throat, 32:15 and you can’t even breathe. 32:17 I realized that only Jehovah 32:20 could help me fill the void that I felt. 32:24 After a family worship, 32:27 Fabio and I decided to turn in our regular pioneer applications. 32:32 I felt Jehovah at my side, 32:34 embracing and supporting me. 32:37 In the end, they turned out to be the three most beautiful years of our lives, 32:41 which also allowed us to participate in this beautiful campaign. 32:48 In Romania, there are many isolated territories 32:51 that local brothers cannot work because of the great distances to be covered. 33:00 It is really exciting to reach many people 33:03 by traveling on dirt roads that are often muddy. 33:16 The people are generous, hospitable, and genuine. 33:28 They almost always invite us into their homes 33:30 and are willing to talk to us. 33:38 Talking to people who do not know Jehovah 33:41 and who are still very much interested in doctrinal topics is really exciting. 33:51 Experiencing firsthand a culture different from ours, 33:55 seeing people who live a more simple life, 33:58 and trying to understand their needs 34:00 is an experience that we will take with us. 34:03 And it will help us to preach more effectively 34:06 in our assigned congregation’s territory in Italy. 34:17 Now we are stronger than when we left home. 34:20 This experience has made us love the ministry even more. 34:27 We look forward to returning to our home territory with renewed zeal. 34:36 We are certain that Jehovah will guide us to further service opportunities 34:40 in order to help others know his wonderful purposes. 34:47 What blessings did this couple experience 34:50 by staying focused on their goal? 34:53 It brought them the joy of full-time service. 34:56 Not even the threat of unemployment 34:58 caused them to waver in their determination to participate. 35:02 After the campaign, they returned to their home territory 35:06 with a renewed energy and zeal. 35:10 When we stay focused on Jehovah, 35:12 even in the most trying of circumstances, 35:15 it will strengthen our resolve to serve him faithfully. 35:21 Juuso and Pauliina Halme, a couple from Finland, 35:25 now serving in Sierra Leone, in West Africa, 35:28 were invited to accept an assignment 35:31 that seemed overwhelming. 35:33 What happened when some of their worst fears came true? 35:38 How did Jehovah provide “the power beyond what is normal” 35:42 to help them to endure? 35:46 Worrying doesn’t help us. 35:49 There is no need, really, to worry about what could happen. 35:52 Even if it happens, let Jehovah show 35:55 how he can handle the situation. 35:57 He can actually do it in ways you could never expect. 36:02 We are Juuso and Pauliina Halme. 36:05 We loved our assignment in the Finland branch. 36:07 We had wonderful friends. 36:10 Our families, they were very close. 36:13 We had time to be with them often. 36:16 In 2014, we got the Yearbook 36:19 and that had an account of Sierra Leone. 36:23 And I was reading that account, 36:25 and I remember saying a couple of times to Pauliina, 36:27 “This would be a tough place.” 36:29 After coming back from Gilead, I couldn’t believe it; 36:32 we got a letter saying 36:35 that we had been reassigned to Sierra Leone branch. 36:39 And it was a huge change for us. 36:42 Then what we did is we Googled Sierra Leone 36:45 and what we saw was only about a civil war 36:49 that took place years ago. 36:51 An Ebola outbreak was starting in West Africa. 36:55 Some of our relatives were worried about that. 36:58 That was our impression, first impression, about the country. 37:02 We were terrified, and we couldn’t sleep. 37:05 We just prayed the whole night. 37:07 And really, with the reassignment, our greatest fear was my father. 37:11 He had been terminally ill for about two years, 37:15 and we knew that at some point it would get worse. 37:18 He would need more help and also Juuso’s mother. 37:22 So were we able to travel back to Finland? 37:25 It’s so expensive, and we didn’t have savings. 37:28 Although we had all those fears, 37:31 after praying about it a lot, 37:34 we just realized that we could not say no. 37:37 And we realized that this assignment was from Jehovah. 37:40 Let’s go there. 37:42 Let’s get to work. Let’s give our best to it. 37:47 Then actually in three months, our greatest fear came true. 37:52 It really happened 37:54 that Juuso’s mom called us and she told us 37:57 that Juuso’s father’s situation had changed. 38:01 So we immediately started to check flights. 38:04 And then the next call was 38:07 that he had passed away. 38:11 We were able to get flights, fly back home, 38:15 support my mother, and help with the funeral. 38:18 We were so happy when we finally got back to Sierra Leone. 38:22 And now we thought that we could focus 38:24 on our assignment and on our work at Bethel. 38:29 Then one day, we got another Skype call from my father. 38:32 And then he told us that he was diagnosed 38:35 with an extremely aggressive cancer, 38:37 and he’s in hospital now, and he asked us 38:41 to come back to Finland for a visit. 38:46 We had a beautiful ten days together with my father. 38:49 Then, finally, he passed away. 38:52 Yeah, that was really the lowest point in our life. 38:55 That came out of the blue; we were not expecting it. 38:59 We had two widows to take care of. 39:02 So we were really wondering 39:04 if we could continue in our assignment in Sierra Leone. 39:09 At that time, one of our favorite scriptures was 39:12 Isaiah 30:15 39:14 that “your strength will be in keeping calm and showing trust.” 39:19 And when we poured our hearts to Jehovah in prayer, 39:23 we could see so well how Jehovah helped us to stay calm 39:28 and have peace. 39:31 And we got some good advice here from mature brothers 39:34 not to make any quick decisions. 39:36 So we put our trust in Jehovah, and we could just see 39:40 that it was Jehovah’s will that we continue in our assignment in Sierra Leone. 39:45 The fact is that, really, the blessings always 39:49 surpass any of the challenges. 39:52 And we have come to love our assignment in Sierra Leone. 39:56 Our brothers and sisters, they are so faithful in Sierra Leone 39:59 despite their problems and challenges. 40:02 They give beautiful examples for us. 40:05 Being in a country where there is a lot of potential, a lot of work, . . . 40:09 . . . you can have as many Bible studies as you can conduct, 40:13 so it’s just a preaching paradise. 40:16 Going through these experiences, 40:19 we are so happy that Jehovah is the Writer of our story. 40:22 And, for sure, there’s a happy end. 40:25 If he wants to take you there, go there; 40:28 see what Jehovah has in mind for you. 40:30 And then you can really “taste and see that Jehovah is good.” 40:37 Despite heartbreaking challenges, 40:40 the Halmes saw Jehovah’s loving support 40:43 and they did not give up! 40:46 When we extend ourselves for Jehovah, 40:49 we can be confident that he will help us in good times 40:53 and in difficult times. 40:55 We learn that we are safe with Jehovah, come what may. 41:00 What quality do you need to serve in a foreign land, 41:04 like Brother and Sister Di Giacinto, 41:07 or to face the fear of the unknown, like Brother and Sister Halme? 41:12 We need courage. 41:14 As was announced last year, 41:17 courage is this year’s regional convention theme. 41:21 The drama presentation will focus on a Bible character 41:25 that needed great courage to accomplish his ministry. 41:29 It’s our pleasure to present a preview of the drama 41:34 The Story of Jonah —A Lesson in Courage and Mercy. 41:44 Papa says you are a prophet. 41:46 I was a prophet. 41:50 I tried to run away from Jehovah. 41:53 But when has Jehovah ever asked a prophet 41:55 to go to a foreign land 41:57 to preach judgment against it? 42:01 What about the people? 42:03 They worship gods of war. 42:05 What do you think they’re like? 42:14 So, what will you do now? 42:19 You need to go back inside, Joanna. 42:21 No! We can talk to Father! 42:23 Joanna! 42:24 I can’t go to Nineveh. 42:25 I just can’t do it. 42:26 You’re Jehovah’s prophet. 42:28 Not anymore. 42:30 Go home, Joanna. 42:49 O Jehovah, 42:52 out of the depths of the Grave, 42:54 I cry to you for help. 43:01 What will become of me? 43:09 No doubt you eagerly anticipate this year’s regional convention program 43:14 held around the world starting this month. 43:18 Many of the segments on our program thus far 43:21 have featured some aspect of preaching in a foreign land. 43:25 If current circumstances don’t permit you to serve in this capacity, 43:29 be assured that there’s much you can do 43:32 in your home territory to revive your ministry. 43:35 For example— 43:37 Out of the over 100,000 publishers in South Korea, 43:42 there are more than 40,000 zealous regular pioneers. 43:46 What efforts have they made 43:48 to reach more people in frequently worked territory? 43:52 Let’s find out. 43:55 I started pioneering less than a year after I got baptized, 43:59 so I was eager to sharpen 44:01 my preaching skills. 44:02 I really wanted to share my hope with others. 44:05 But it’s so hard to meet people 44:07 at their homes during the day. 44:08 And even if we do meet them, 44:10 it’s not easy to start a conversation. 44:14 Our congregation organized convenience store witnessing 44:16 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., 44:19 so I thought this might be a good way to reach people 44:22 and have meaningful conversations. 44:25 But the thing is that I’m not a morning person, 44:27 so getting up early was not easy. 44:31 So I had to make some adjustments. 44:33 I tried not to make plans 44:35 or to stay up late the night before. 44:40 The sample presentations from our meetings were also very helpful. 44:45 In the past, I hardly got the chance to open the Bible while I was preaching, 44:50 but now I have a few Bible studies. 44:55 Even the time we spend traveling from one convenience store to the next 44:58 is very uplifting spiritually because we use that time 45:02 to share our preaching skills and build each other up. 45:05 Having a regular share in convenience store witnessing 45:08 has allowed me to be more productive in the ministry. 45:12 I feel like I’m progressing spiritually 45:14 and becoming a better minister of the good news. 45:18 On weekdays, I work to support my family. 45:22 So I would usually go out in field service 45:25 on the weekends. 45:27 But it wasn’t easy to find people at their homes 45:30 because they usually make plans and go out. 45:33 And you know, 45:35 it’s hard to get excited about the preaching work 45:37 when you’re not meeting many people. 45:40 I wanted to set a good example for my family, 45:43 but I found it a real challenge to maintain my zeal for the ministry. 45:49 So I began to regularly participate in evening witnessing 45:52 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. 45:57 I usually get off work around 5:00 p.m. 46:00 After a long day at work, 46:02 it’s not always easy to get dressed 46:04 to go out in the field ministry. 46:07 But I kept up with my return visits 46:10 and had some really encouraging experiences. 46:13 A young man I had been visiting 46:16 accepted a Bible study, and he’s making fine progress. 46:19 My children are able to see how much joy I get from the ministry, 46:23 and so now they too are able to give a bold witness 46:27 in their own words, even in the face of opposition. 46:31 I am very proud of my children. 46:34 Training and teaching them how to make 46:36 effective return visits and Bible studies 46:39 brings me great joy. 46:41 We serve in a small rural town 46:44 where many leave home early in the morning to work in the field, 46:46 and they return late at night. 46:48 So it’s not easy 46:50 to find people at home during the daytime. 46:52 And even if we do find them at their doors, 46:55 it’s not easy to develop a meaningful Bible-based conversation, 46:57 let alone make return visits and conduct Bible studies with them. 47:02 After returning home from preaching at night, 47:05 I would ask myself, 47:07 ‘Did I have a meaningful share in the ministry today?’ 47:10 It’s a small rural town. 47:12 So many people are concerned about what their neighbors 47:14 would think if they talked with us. 47:17 So even those who were interested in learning more about the Bible 47:21 were reluctant to have Bible discussions with us. 47:25 It was really unfortunate. 47:29 We tried to figure out the right time to call on people, 47:33 and we found out that many householders are more relaxed 47:37 and willing to talk about the Bible 47:39 if we visit them around nine or ten o’clock in the evening. 47:45 I gave much thought on how I could help my Bible students 47:48 have a regular intake of spiritual food. 47:51 One of my students worked from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., 47:55 so I asked her if we could arrange 47:58 to study early in the morning. 48:00 She agreed. 48:02 I often tell my Bible students, 48:04 ‘Just call me whenever you have a little time to talk.’ 48:08 When I get those calls, no matter what time it is, 48:12 it’s time to rush out that door. 48:17 There was one elderly lady who was in her early 80’s 48:20 who had attended church all her life. 48:24 To accommodate her needs, 48:26 I visited her around nine or ten o’clock in the evening 48:30 for our Bible studies. 48:34 I would come home feeling tired and hungry, 48:37 but the satisfaction of knowing 48:39 that I’ve helped her learn more about the truth 48:41 enables me to maintain my joy. 48:47 Now I am able to conduct about 12 Bible studies. 48:50 I try to “become all things to people of all sorts” 48:55 in order to look after their needs. 48:57 And it brings me great satisfaction and joy 49:00 to see my studies make progress 49:02 because that’s really how Jehovah wants us 49:04 to be carrying out our ministry. 49:10 You might feel that you’ve worked every corner of your home territory. 49:15 But just like a literal fisherman adapts to the time when the fish are biting, 49:19 we need to work when people can be found. 49:23 Cast your nets into productive waters! 49:27 Our sister arranged her schedule to call on her Bible student 49:31 at nine or ten in the evening. 49:34 Of course, we want to use good judgment 49:36 to call at times that are both practical and safe for our territory. 49:41 But by being adaptable in when, where, 49:45 or how we preach the good news, 49:47 we may yield good results like those of our fellow Witnesses in South Korea. 49:53 This will help us to have a meaningful share in the all-important work 49:57 of finding those who are “rightly disposed for everlasting life.” 50:04 Regular pioneers work in a powerful way 50:07 to help their brothers and sisters get the most out of their ministry. 50:11 But does that mean that they’re impervious to being in a rut, 50:15 as mentioned earlier? 50:18 In the following dramatization, 50:20 see how one pioneer sister comes to realize 50:23 the need to adjust her approach to the field ministry. 50:42 It was really nice of Maria to invite me in service. 50:49 But I already have plans with Sarah. 51:00 We have similar service schedules, 51:02 and we really enjoy working together. 51:14 I try to get most of my time during the week, . . . 51:21 Anyone made plans to work together? 51:23 . . . though I do meet with the group sometimes on Saturday. 51:26 Sister Martin, can you work with Rachel today? 51:32 Thanks, everyone. 51:34 Anyone made plans to work together? 51:38 OK. Joanna, you can work with Sarah. 51:48 Anyone made plans to work together? 51:50 Sarah, do you want to go with me to a Bible study? 51:52 Could I work with Alisha? 51:53 Uh-huh. 51:54 OK, let’s work together. 51:55 Joanna, could you two work together, please? 51:57 Um, I’d love to. 51:59 But I’ve just arranged to work with Sarah. 52:01 I’m so sorry. 52:02 Uh-huh. No problem. 52:06 Maria, could you work with this sister? 52:29 While doing my Bible reading that night, 52:31 I was really affected 52:33 by the words found at 2 Corinthians 6:12, 13: 52:38 “You are restricted in your own tender affections . . . 52:42 Open your hearts wide.” 52:50 It struck me that some in the congregation 52:52 missed out on a beautiful blessing 52:55 by drawing away from the apostle Paul. 53:01 I realized I was limiting my joy as well 53:06 by not working with more in the ministry. 53:10 I was going through the motions of pioneering, 53:13 but I was stuck in the same routine. 53:16 How are you, Maria? 53:18 Good. And you? 53:19 Let me ask you something. 53:20 Could you join me on a Bible study Saturday? 53:23 Oh, I’d love that! Uh-huh. 53:24 That’s great. 53:24 So later we’ll make the arrangements. OK? 53:26 The meeting is starting. 53:27 We’d like to invite everyone to take your seats 53:29 because our meeting is about to begin. 53:36 My student liked Maria and Isabelle so much. 53:41 I really learned a lot from them. 53:50 I started going out regularly on the weekends . . . 53:55 Anyone made plans to work together? 53:57 . . . and working with different ones in the ministry. 54:04 And I learned more about Sister Martin 54:06 after one day in the ministry 54:09 than I had in years of seeing her at meetings. 54:14 Sarah and I still enjoy working together. 54:18 But I’ve found that by working with a variety of friends, 54:21 my own joy has increased. 54:37 I’m so glad I ‘opened my heart wide.’ 54:48 Joanna came to realize that her privilege of full-time service 54:52 was more than just hours and a schedule. 54:55 By working with a variety of sisters in the ministry 54:59 and supporting her field service group, 55:01 she could strengthen and encourage others. 55:04 It was within her power to help. 55:07 But with what result? 55:09 It rejuvenated her ministry! 55:12 We truly appreciate the love and sacrifice of our pioneers. 55:18 Have you been inspired to make a change in your ministry? 55:22 Whether big or small, at home or abroad, 55:26 we can find the satisfaction that comes 55:29 from reinvigorating our ministry. 55:32 That’s the theme featured in the music video entitled 55:35 I’m Making a Change. 55:45 Been thinking it over— Each day it seems 55:53 My serving Jehovah Falls into the same routine. 56:01 The things that I’m doing now I’ve always done. 56:06 So it’s clear that I need to break out— Out of my comfort zone. 56:14 Now I’m making a change starting from today. I’m turning a page, yes, I’m on my way. 56:21 Jehovah, I see what I need to do. I’m changing direction and trusting in you. 56:45 It’s gonna take courage, But now I see 56:53 How changing my thinking Renews and refreshes me. 57:00 I’m trying some new things, and I’m energized. 57:06 There were doors that were opening wide, But I never realized. 57:13 So I’m making a change, and I’m on my way. I’m turning a page each and ev’ry day. 57:21 Jehovah, I see what I need to do. I’m changing direction and trusting in you. 57:45 Back then, I remember when It seemed it wouldn’t happen. 57:52 Some days, well, I have to say, I didn’t know why. 58:00 But now I can see just how My boldness led to blessings. 58:08 I’m sure there’ll be many more As time goes rolling by. 58:15 Now I’m turning a page each and ev’ry day. I’m making some changes along the way. 58:23 Jehovah, I saw what I had to do, And you gave me your blessing 58:31 for trusting in you. 58:38 So I’m making a change starting from today. I’m turning a page, yes, I’m on my way. 58:46 Jehovah, I see what I need to do. I’m changing direction. 58:53 So I’m making a change, and I’m on my way. I’m turning a page each and ev’ry day. 59:01 Jehovah, I see what I need to do. I’m changing direction 59:08 and trusting in you— 59:17 Trusting in you. 59:43 The Governing Body deeply appreciates the work of each Kingdom publisher. 59:48 You dear brothers and sisters 59:51 are having a regular share in the preaching work, 59:54 and we commend you for that. 59:56 You can be sure that “God is not unrighteous 1:00:00 so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name,” 1:00:05 as the Bible says at Hebrews 6:10. 1:00:09 Just knowing that can help us to take a fresh look at our ministry 1:00:14 and can invigorate us to participate to the fullest extent. 1:00:19 To conclude, 1:00:20 we bring you greetings 1:00:22 from Bosnia and Herzegovina. 1:00:26 This mountainous region has a rich history 1:00:29 as a traditional meeting place 1:00:31 between eastern and western cultures; 1:00:33 it dates from the Middle Ages. 1:00:36 Because of the diverse religious beliefs within the country, 1:00:40 the 1,160 publishers 1:00:43 must adapt their preaching methods 1:00:46 to appeal to the hearts of those who listen. 1:00:49 This is the city of Mostar, 1:00:51 which sits on the Neretva River. 1:00:54 The Neretva River 1:00:55 flows for nearly 230 kilometers, 1:00:58 or almost 143 miles. 1:01:02 Mostar was a former front line during the wars of the 1990’s, 1:01:07 and many buildings still bear the marks 1:01:09 of the intense fighting that took place. 1:01:12 Likewise, the aftermath left many people in this region 1:01:17 with emotional and mental scars. 1:01:19 Our brothers and sisters are working hard 1:01:22 to bring the hope of something good 1:01:24 to those in need. 1:01:28 In the 1930’s, a pioneer brother named Alfred Tuček 1:01:33 spearheaded the preaching work in the city of Mostar. 1:01:37 He was actually one of the first in the former Yugoslavia to pioneer. 1:01:41 Today, the congregation in Mostar has about 60 publishers, 1:01:47 including nine pioneers and four field missionaries. 1:01:51 They bring their warm love and greetings 1:01:54 to all of us around the world! 1:01:57 This is JW Broadcasting 1:01:59 from the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
00:01 Welcome to this month’s edition of JW Broadcasting. 00:04 Here are just a few highlights that we have in store for you. 00:08 Do you feel that you’ve missed past opportunities 00:11 to do more for Jehovah? 00:13 Or do you feel that your age or present circumstances 00:16 keep you from reaching out? 00:18 We’ll see how one couple learned 00:20 that there may be doors of activity available 00:23 to those with a willing spirit. 00:27 Have you ever received an assignment that you felt was overwhelming? 00:31 Brother and Sister Halme, serving in West Africa, 00:34 will share what helped them accept such an assignment 00:37 and remain spiritually strong through difficult times. 00:41 And if you’re a regular pioneer, 00:44 what role do you have in strengthening the congregation? 00:48 You’ll find this dramatization very insightful. 00:51 Our focus is on our ministry 00:54 in this May 2018 edition of JW Broadcasting! 01:18 To set the stage for the experiences in our program, 01:21 I’d like to talk to you for a few minutes on the theme 01:24 “Invigorate Your Ministry—How?” 01:28 You dear brothers and sisters are having 01:31 a regular share in the preaching work, 01:33 and just think of the results. 01:35 Each year, 01:36 about two billion hours are spent in the ministry. 01:40 Millions of Bible studies are conducted, 01:43 and those being baptized number into the hundreds of thousands. 01:47 If you are a Kingdom publisher, 01:50 you have had a share in those thrilling statistics. 01:53 But there’s a potential danger. 01:57 With so much to do in our life 01:59 —not just in the ministry but also with secular work, 02:03 family responsibilities, for some, even health issues— 02:07 we can get into a rut. 02:10 It’s not always easy to detect at first, 02:13 because in this age of technology 02:15 we always feel busy. 02:18 But what consumes our day? 02:21 Watch this one-minute video, 02:23 and try to detect what’s going on in the life of one brother. 02:27 His life is in a rut. 02:29 Try to figure out why. 03:46 Would you say that this brother’s life is in a rut? 03:49 Oh, he’s active all day 03:51 —he always has something to do. 03:54 But it’s as if his mind has been kidnapped by his devices. 03:59 Have you ever had the experience of reading an e-mail 04:02 while someone is trying to tell you something? 04:05 It can be embarrassing 04:07 when you realize that they’ve asked you a question, 04:10 and they’re waiting for an answer, 04:12 but you have no idea what they asked. 04:14 It’s embarrassing, right? 04:16 But what if the person who is trying to speak to you is Jehovah? 04:22 Even though we aren’t doing anything wrong, 04:24 our daily routine can occupy our attention so much 04:29 that we are not able to hear the refreshing words of Jehovah. 04:34 That can happen to any one of us. 04:37 Even our spiritual activity can get into a rut. 04:41 One Christian sister described it this way: 04:44 “I would go out in service, 04:46 “go to meetings, study, pray 04:50 “—but I did it all on automatic control, 04:53 never feeling anything.” 04:56 Have you ever felt that way? 04:59 Do you see all the happy servants of Jehovah 05:02 whose experiences appear on JW Broadcasting, 05:05 and you say to yourself: 05:07 ‘Why can’t I find that joy? 05:09 Why is my ministry in a rut?’ 05:12 Perhaps you feel like a remote-control train 05:15 that goes around and around on a track, 05:18 working the same territory, with the same partner, 05:22 saying the same thing at each door. 05:24 Of course, there’s nothing wrong with being in a good routine. 05:28 But being in a rut can sap our energy 05:32 and take the joy out of our service. 05:35 We could even come to view our ministry as boring. 05:40 Of course, we feel invigorated when we get good results: 05:44 We meet an interested person when going from door to door 05:47 —we’re invigorated! 05:49 An inactive person approaches the cart 05:51 and wants to get in touch with the local congregation 05:53 —we’re even more invigorated! 05:55 We start a Bible study —we’re on top of the world! 05:59 I’m sure you’ll agree, 06:01 all those outcomes are good reasons for joy. 06:05 The problem is that we’re not always in control 06:08 of getting those outcomes. 06:10 In real life, we may spend an entire morning 06:14 in the door-to-door work without meeting an interested person. 06:17 We may spend months 06:19 making return visits without starting a study. 06:23 And once again, our ministry can get into a rut. 06:27 Now, don’t misunderstand. 06:29 It’s not that we’re doing anything wrong, 06:32 but we’re not getting the full joy out of doing what’s right. 06:36 Of course, Satan would love it 06:39 if our service to Jehovah were to fall into a rut. 06:42 He would love it if we lost our joy. 06:45 If we lose our joy, we lose hope, 06:49 we lose strength, 06:51 and we might even begin to feel like giving up. 06:55 The point is this, brothers and sisters: 06:57 If you feel that your ministry has fallen into a rut, 07:02 don’t be discouraged and don’t give up. 07:05 There are ways that we can invigorate our ministry 07:08 and serve Jehovah with renewed joy. 07:11 To illustrate that: 07:13 Maybe you’ve had 07:14 the frustrating experience of locking yourself 07:17 out of your house or apartment. 07:21 Of course, with a key, opening the door is simple. 07:23 A locked door might seem like an obstacle, 07:27 but it isn’t if you have the key. 07:30 And the same is true with invigorating our ministry. 07:33 If we’ve fallen into a rut 07:36 and if we’ve lost that feeling of joy in our service, 07:40 there are a number of keys that can help us unlock the door. 07:45 Let’s look at one. 07:47 Open your Bible to 1 Corinthians 16:8, 9. 07:52 Now, in these verses, 07:55 the apostle Paul was presented with a key of opportunity, 07:59 and he used it to open a door. 08:02 First Corinthians 16:8, 9 says: 08:06 “But I am remaining in Ephesus 08:09 “until the Festival of Pentecost, 08:11 “because a large door that leads to activity 08:15 has been opened to me.” 08:18 Here, the apostle Paul found a key, 08:21 and it didn’t require moving to another location. 08:24 In this case, the key was to stay where he was 08:28 and to take full advantage of an opportunity right before him. 08:33 Sometimes, the key to getting out of a rut in our ministry 08:38 is to take advantage of opportunities we have right where we are. 08:43 For example, have you considered auxiliary pioneering 08:47 or regular pioneering? 08:49 What about learning a foreign language 08:51 with the goal of helping a nearby group or congregation? 08:56 Opening one door often leads to other doors of opportunity. 09:01 For example, a brother named Jacob wrote this: 09:05 “When I was seven, many of my classmates were Vietnamese. 09:10 “I wanted to tell them about Jehovah, 09:12 “so after a while I made plans to learn their language. 09:16 “For the most part, 09:18 “I learned by comparing the English and Vietnamese editions 09:21 “of The Watchtower. 09:23 “I also made friends in a nearby Vietnamese-language congregation. 09:27 “When I was 18, I started pioneering. 09:30 “Later, I attended the Bible School for Single Brothers. 09:34 “This helped me with my present pioneer assignment, 09:37 “where I am the only elder in a Vietnamese-language group. 09:41 “Many Vietnamese people are amazed that I have learned their language. 09:46 “They invite me in, and often I can study the Bible with them. 09:50 Some have progressed to baptism.” 09:54 The point is, our ministry is what we make it. 09:59 If we allow ourselves to remain in a rut, 10:01 it will be boring. 10:03 If we use our keys and if we take advantage 10:06 of opportunities that present themselves, 10:09 we will invigorate our ministry and give it new meaning. 10:13 This doesn’t always involve putting in more time in the ministry. 10:18 It could mean that we simply ‘make the best use of our time’ 10:22 as Ephesians 5:16 says. 10:26 In fact, there’s a saying: 10:28 “Don’t work harder; work smarter.” 10:32 The key to working smarter 10:34 could be as simple as switching things up a bit. 10:37 For example: 10:39 Could we work with different publishers instead of the same one all the time? 10:43 Could we try a different approach to our presentation, 10:46 perhaps making better use of the Bible or our videos? 10:50 Could we engage in other aspects of the ministry, 10:53 such as cart witnessing or phone witnessing? 10:57 Could we use our time more effectively to reach people 11:01 when they’re most likely to be home? 11:04 Here’s something else we could do to unlock a door 11:07 and invigorate our ministry. 11:09 Open your Bible to Acts 16:9, 10. 11:17 Now, here the apostle Paul found 11:19 a unique way to unlock a door to greater joy. 11:23 Acts 16:9, 10 says: 11:26 “And during the night a vision appeared to Paul 11:30 “—a Macedonian man was standing there urging him and saying: 11:34 “‘Step over into Macedonia and help us.’ 11:38 “As soon as he had seen the vision, 11:40 “we tried to go into Macedonia, 11:43 “drawing the conclusion that God had summoned us 11:46 to declare the good news to them.” 11:50 Notice, Paul didn’t think of all the reasons 11:54 he couldn’t step into Macedonia. 11:56 No, he took action 11:58 as soon as he was presented with the opportunity. 12:01 Paul unlocked the door to invigorate his ministry. 12:06 Sometimes we think that only those who are young 12:10 can reach out to pioneer or to serve where the need is greater. 12:14 But that’s not always the case. 12:18 You parents may be able to unlock a door of opportunity for yourselves, 12:23 and think of the example you set for your children when you do so. 12:28 That’s what a mother named Tara discovered: 12:33 “I started pioneering when my youngest daughter 12:36 was in elementary school,” she says. 12:39 “It was important to me 12:41 “that my children see me serving Jehovah 12:44 to the best of my ability as I encouraged them to reach out.” 12:50 Tara’s husband, Anthony, 12:52 saw the effect that his wife’s pioneering had 12:54 and, in time, he too joined the ranks. 12:58 This is what he said: 13:00 “When Tara became a pioneer, 13:02 “it made an immediate impact 13:04 “on daughters number one and number two, 13:07 “and they became pioneers. 13:09 “When I became a pioneer, 13:11 “daughters number three and number four followed. 13:14 “I wish I had pursued full-time service sooner, 13:18 as it made a huge impact on the spirituality of the family.” 13:24 I can relate to this experience 13:26 because of the good example of my parents. 13:30 My mother was baptized in Canada 13:32 in 1940 when she was 16. 13:36 Jehovah’s Witnesses had just been banned in Canada. 13:40 Her father had already died, 13:42 and her mother was opposed at that time. 13:45 The brothers had very little money, 13:48 but they encouraged my mother to pursue spiritual goals. 13:51 With that encouragement, 13:53 she started pioneering in 1942 13:56 while the ban was still on in Canada. 14:00 In 1947, she was invited to become a special pioneer 14:04 in the province of Quebec. 14:07 At that time, special pioneers were required 14:10 to spend 200 hours each month in the ministry. 14:14 With basically no money and no family support, 14:18 she accepted that assignment. 14:20 This picture was taken when she and her pioneer partner 14:24 were boarding the train to Quebec. 14:27 Whenever I see this picture, 14:29 it reminds me of the intrepid spirit that my mother had 14:33 —not being afraid to take on a challenging assignment, 14:37 but putting complete trust in Jehovah. 14:41 That spirit encourages me even to this day. 14:45 My father has that same spirit. 14:47 In the summer of 1976, when I was 11 years old, 14:52 a new arrangement was announced at our district convention 14:56 —auxiliary pioneering. 14:58 You could be an auxiliary pioneer 15:00 if you could devote 60 hours in one month to the ministry. 15:05 The month of October 1976 had five weekends. 15:09 My father encouraged our whole congregation 15:12 to try auxiliary pioneering that month. 15:15 So many brothers and sisters, including me, 15:19 decided to get a taste of pioneering. 15:22 It was a wonderful experience 15:24 that I will never forget. 15:27 Parents, your good example will help your children 15:31 to have a living ministry of their own that they will love. 15:36 Brothers and sisters, if you find yourself in a rut, 15:40 there is no reason to stay there. 15:42 We’ve discussed several ways to reinvigorate our ministry, 15:47 and with Jehovah’s help we will be successful. 15:52 Now let’s meet a few brothers and sisters 15:55 who’ve expanded and invigorated their ministry. 15:58 We’re sure you’ll appreciate their stories. 16:01 Our first experience comes from Brazil, 16:04 in South America. 16:06 Cristiano and Joana Souza 16:09 found the key to invigorating their ministry 16:12 in a congregation letter encouraging individuals 16:16 to apply for the School for Kingdom Evangelizers. 16:20 What new blessings did they experience by reaching out? 16:32 We had our own house, 16:34 a certain amount of comfort. 16:37 My husband had a stable job, 16:39 and I was doing a lot where we were. 16:41 I had Bible studies. 16:43 I was already a regular pioneer, so I thought I was doing enough. 16:46 It was fine to stay there. 16:51 We’d often see the younger ones 16:53 going to Bethel, going to serve as special pioneers. 16:58 And once we reached our 40’s, I thought that since we’re getting older, 17:01 we won’t be able to reach out and do more for Jehovah. 17:04 But after a letter was read to the congregations, 17:07 well, that was really the starting point for us to see 17:09 that we could do more for Jehovah. 17:12 When I heard that there was a school for couples up to 65 years old, 17:16 I said, “Cristiano, it’s now or never.” 17:19 So immediately at the first convention that held a meeting for interested couples, 17:23 we attended the meeting and realized that out of the requirements 17:27 there was one that my husband didn’t meet yet, 17:29 which was two years as a regular pioneer. 17:33 So I thought, ‘Why not?’ 17:36 After the convention, I applied to be a regular pioneer. 17:39 So we made plans to attend the school. 17:42 But we didn’t want to stay there waiting to be accepted, 17:46 as there were no guarantees of being accepted 17:48 in the same year in which we applied. 17:50 We sold our house. 17:52 And two weeks later, we had sold all the furniture. 17:54 So we made arrangements to serve where the need was greater. 18:01 We took only what was necessary in our car. 18:03 But “what is necessary” is always too much. 18:06 When you get to the territory, you realize you didn’t even need everything you took. 18:10 We were really excited because we knew the brothers were expecting us. 18:14 There was a gas station that belonged to a brother, 18:16 and when we arrived, the whole congregation 18:18 was waiting for us there to welcome us. 18:21 Nine people! 18:22 And that had a great impact on us, 18:23 because you could see the expression on their faces; 18:26 it was as if they were asking for help. 18:31 They helped us a lot. 18:34 I can honestly say that they helped us more 18:38 than we helped them. 18:43 Now they would be able to have regular meetings 18:45 —a public talk every week. 18:47 You know, we were in São Paulo and we had all the meetings. 18:51 But in these remote areas, they need spiritual food from Jehovah so much. 18:55 But there needs to be people willing to go and help. 19:02 Then one day, we had a wonderful surprise. 19:05 A brother called me and said, “Cristiano, have you checked your e-mails?” 19:09 We’d received a letter inviting us to the school. 19:14 The school really is a gift from Jehovah. 19:17 I’ve encouraged others that I know to attend the school 19:19 because you really feel how Jehovah cares for his organization. 19:25 And a small thing we can do is simply give our best, 19:29 and the school helps us do just that 19:32 —find out what is our best. 19:35 We were assigned to a congregation called Itiruçu. 19:39 The brothers are very loving, and we’re really happy in our assignment. 19:47 I do miss my house. 19:50 It’s nice to have your own house 19:52 and not to have to worry about paying rent. 19:54 I miss my hairdresser. 19:57 But nothing compares to the blessings and the joy 20:00 that comes from serving where there’s a need. 20:03 This joy helps us to combat any homesickness we feel 20:07 and stops us from developing any desire to go back home. 20:12 In the big city, everything’s very rushed. 20:15 I would only see my wife when I got home from work. 20:17 I’d be tired, and then also have to care for congregational matters. 20:20 So there wasn’t much time for us to be together. 20:23 Now it’s completely different. 20:25 We have much more time —during the ministry, 20:28 in the congregation, being together at home. 20:30 So for us as a family, it has been very positive, very good. 20:36 We’re not tired. We’re not old in the sense— 20:38 No we’re not. 20:39 —of saying that we’ve got no more to give. 20:41 We really believe we can do more for Jehovah. 20:43 And we want to do more for Jehovah. 20:46 The school is proof that he wants us to do more. 20:50 We want to use our life to the full to serve Jehovah wherever he sends us. 20:54 We are willing to go. 20:56 We feel it’s the only way to say a big “thank you” 20:59 to Jehovah for everything he’s done for us 21:02 —the territory, school, the brothers, and Bible students. 21:07 What better way to thank Jehovah. 21:20 Do you feel the way that Brother and Sister Souza felt 21:23 —that you’ve missed the chance to do more for Jehovah? 21:27 They learned there were doors of opportunity accessible to them 21:31 if they were willing to reach out. 21:33 Their choice to make themselves available 21:35 resulted in rich blessings. 21:38 But did you notice when those blessings started? 21:42 Before the school, 21:44 they chose to serve where the need was greater. 21:47 This had a profound effect on them, 21:49 deepening their appreciation for spiritual provisions. 21:54 If you desire to enliven your ministry 21:57 by means of theocratic education, 22:00 consider ways you can prepare your heart before you attend. 22:05 The Souzas’ example proves 22:07 that even the road to expanding our ministry 22:10 can be deeply satisfying. 22:14 When we’re faced with challenging assignments, 22:18 reliance on Jehovah is of utmost importance. 22:22 In what ways can we show that reliance? 22:26 I have the pleasure of introducing you to a friend of mine, 22:29 Shane Brady, who is presently serving along with his wife, Iolanda, 22:34 at the branch in Finland. 22:36 Brother Shane Brady and I previously worked together 22:39 at the Canada branch. 22:41 Shane has been involved in legally defending our brothers 22:44 for the past 22 years in many countries, 22:48 including Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. 22:53 Shane, it’s good to see you. How are you doing? 22:57 I’m doing very well. It’s great to see you too, Mark. 22:59 Shane, we want to ask you, 23:01 What have been some of the challenges 23:03 that you’ve faced in accepting these assignments 23:06 in various countries in the world? 23:08 Well, there certainly have been a few challenges. 23:11 One is frequent travel. 23:13 Another is language; 23:15 each country that we assist has its own language. 23:18 Some court cases are very stressful, 23:22 and at times, we’ve faced firsthand 23:25 the hatred of our opposers. 23:29 Yes. And you know, Shane, in spite of all that, 23:31 you and your wife have always been willing to go on these assignments. 23:35 We appreciate your spirit so much. 23:37 Is there an experience that you can share with us 23:41 that would give us a taste of the kinds of situations 23:44 that you’ve had to deal with in these countries? 23:46 Well, there have been many experiences. 23:48 But one experience comes to mind. 23:50 A few months ago, there was a special pioneer, 23:54 and a case was started against him. 23:56 And if the decision was negative, it could have had very serious consequences 24:00 for our work in that country. 24:02 So we did our best to present a strong defense. 24:05 But as the trial progressed, 24:07 things didn’t seem to be going so well. 24:10 But on the last day of the trial, everything changed. 24:14 We presented a motion, 24:16 and we asked the judge to terminate the case against the brother. 24:19 Personally, I didn’t think it would actually work. 24:22 But one older brother who we’ve worked with 24:24 over the years always told us, 24:26 “We need to give Jehovah something to bless.” 24:28 And so we did, and the results were quite unexpected. 24:33 When we made the motion, the judge turned to the prosecutor and asked, 24:36 “Well, what’s your opinion?” 24:38 And to our surprise, the prosecutor agreed with our request, 24:41 and he even went beyond what we asked. 24:43 He said to the judge that the government official 24:46 that started the case against our brother should be punished. 24:49 Well, the judge agreed; the case was terminated. 24:53 When we were walking out of the courtroom, 24:56 I looked at the other brothers with me and we all said the same thing, 24:59 “What happened?” 25:00 It was obvious —Jehovah had intervened. 25:03 That’s wonderful, Shane. 25:05 I wish we had more time to hear many more experiences. 25:08 But could you just share at least one more with us? 25:10 Sure. 25:12 In another land where our work is not recognized, 25:16 on the night of the Memorial, a number of the brothers were arrested 25:19 for so-called illegal religious activity. 25:23 They were all convicted at trial. 25:25 So arrangements were made to appeal each of those cases, 25:28 and they were heard before a different appeal court judge. 25:31 What at first seemed quite negative, the loss at trial, 25:36 turned out to be an amazing result. 25:38 Let me give you just one example. 25:41 In one of the appeals, as we were presenting the appeal, 25:44 not long into the case, the appeal court judge stopped us, 25:48 and he began to ask us many questions about the Bible 25:52 and about what Jehovah’s Witnesses believe. 25:54 So for quite some time, we answered these Biblical questions, 25:57 and then the case continued. 25:59 And then after some minutes, the judge stopped us again. 26:02 And this time the judge said, “I remember reading in the Bible”— 26:06 The judge said this, “I remember reading in the Bible 26:09 “that Jesus said: ‘If they have persecuted me, 26:12 they will persecute you also.’” 26:14 So we said to the judge: “Yes, indeed. Jesus said that.” 26:18 The judge asked, “Do you think that’s the reason why 26:21 Jehovah’s Witnesses are having problems in this region?” 26:25 Well, what could we say but agree with the judge. 26:28 But that wasn’t the end of it. 26:30 As the case continued a few minutes more, the judge stopped us again. 26:34 And this time the judge said: “You know, I’m not sure if Jesus said this. 26:38 “It’s in the Bible where he said: 26:40 “‘Where there are two or three gathered together, 26:43 there I am in your midst.’” 26:45 And we assured the judge, “Indeed, those are Jesus’ words.” 26:48 The judge looked out at this old courtroom, 26:51 which was filled with our brothers and sisters, and he said, 26:53 “Well, Jesus must be in our midst today.” 26:57 We felt like breaking into applause. 27:00 At the end of the court hearing, 27:02 the judge ruled in our favor and acquitted the brother, 27:04 and the judges in all of the other cases also acquitted our brothers. 27:08 It was just a thrilling experience! 27:10 Oh, that’s wonderful; that’s wonderful, Shane. 27:12 Thank you so much for sharing those experiences. 27:15 You know, despite the challenges that you’ve had to face, 27:18 how do you feel about the way you and Iolanda have benefited 27:22 from being involved in accepting these challenging assignments 27:25 in various parts of the world? 27:27 Well, we have benefited in so many ways, Mark. 27:31 Our relationship with Jehovah has deepened. 27:34 Certainly, our trust in Jehovah 27:36 has been strengthened. 27:39 And we’ve experienced firsthand the love 27:41 of the amazing worldwide brotherhood. 27:44 Could I just share one experience about that? 27:46 Please, please do. 27:48 Two years ago, we were involved in a case 27:51 where police had raided a congregation meeting in one country. 27:54 They had brutally beaten the brothers and threatened the sisters. 27:58 It was just terrible! 28:00 Some weeks later in the court case 28:02 that started against the brothers 28:04 (that the police brought against the brothers), 28:06 during that court case, the police repeatedly tried 28:09 to arrest me and another brother I was working with. 28:11 Over two days they were trying to arrest us. 28:14 Even in the courthouse, they tried to detain and arrest us. 28:18 And all through this, my wife, Iolanda, was watching what was happening. 28:22 But do you know what was so remarkable? 28:25 It was that despite the brutal treatment 28:27 our brothers and sisters had endured just a few weeks earlier 28:30 at the hands of these very same police officers, 28:33 those dear brothers and sisters came to our aid. 28:36 They were like a wall of protection around us, 28:39 and they would not leave our side until the ordeal was done. 28:43 It was love in action. 28:46 So to answer your question, we have benefited in so many ways. 28:49 We don’t regret for a moment accepting this thrilling assignment. 28:54 Well, thank you so much, Shane. 28:57 Please give our love to Iolanda as well. 28:59 We appreciate the tremendous work that you’re accomplishing, 29:02 and may Jehovah’s spirit continue to be with you. 29:05 It’s our privilege. 29:06 We look forward to continuing to work with you, Mark. 29:10 Well, now, what if getting yourself out of a rut 29:13 takes longer than expected? 29:16 We’re going to meet a couple from Italy 29:18 who had the goal to participate in a special preaching campaign. 29:22 These campaigns can be a life-changing experience 29:26 for the publishers involved, 29:28 pushing them, sometimes, far out of their comfort zone. 29:32 However, the Di Giacintos faced trying circumstances 29:36 that prevented them from participating, 29:39 but they did not stop knocking on this door of opportunity. 29:46 We live in a beautiful, quiet town in central Italy, 29:50 between the sea and the mountains. 29:53 We have many friends, some of whom are good cooks. 29:59 We have been serving for some years in a Romanian-language congregation, 30:03 and we preach to people who have moved to Italy to seek a better life. 30:09 When we heard the announcement about the special campaign, 30:11 we looked at each other and said, “Let’s go!” 30:17 ‘A large door of activity’ was opening up to us. 30:25 But there was a problem—my job. 30:27 I would need a month’s leave of absence, 30:30 and that would be difficult. 30:32 We prayed, and we did research. 30:35 And during family worship, we decided that in order to participate, 30:38 I would ask for a one-month leave from work. 30:41 But Jehovah had something else in mind 30:44 that would create the right circumstances for us. 30:50 When I arrived at work the next day, I found an unexpected situation. 30:54 Because of the failing economy, 30:56 my boss gave me and some other employees 30:58 a letter of dismissal. 31:00 I was not at all worried. 31:02 I trusted in Jehovah, 31:04 and I knew that this new situation 31:06 would allow me to participate in the campaign. 31:12 Participating in this campaign is a dream come true. 31:17 We wanted to participate in 2013, 31:20 but unfortunately things in life do not always go as we would like. 31:30 We received some truly shocking news. 31:34 My father had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. 31:39 Emotionally, it was not easy. 31:42 The tranquillity we had dreamed and hoped for 31:45 was almost gone. 31:49 The only thing that could help me at that moment was 31:52 the hope for what Jehovah promises us. 31:56 In addition to my father’s death, 31:58 I began to experience panic attacks. 32:01 I was afraid of something that didn’t exist 32:08 —afraid of not being able to move on. 32:13 It’s the kind of emotion that leaves a lump in your throat, 32:15 and you can’t even breathe. 32:17 I realized that only Jehovah 32:20 could help me fill the void that I felt. 32:24 After a family worship, 32:27 Fabio and I decided to turn in our regular pioneer applications. 32:32 I felt Jehovah at my side, 32:34 embracing and supporting me. 32:37 In the end, they turned out to be the three most beautiful years of our lives, 32:41 which also allowed us to participate in this beautiful campaign. 32:48 In Romania, there are many isolated territories 32:51 that local brothers cannot work because of the great distances to be covered. 33:00 It is really exciting to reach many people 33:03 by traveling on dirt roads that are often muddy. 33:16 The people are generous, hospitable, and genuine. 33:28 They almost always invite us into their homes 33:30 and are willing to talk to us. 33:38 Talking to people who do not know Jehovah 33:41 and who are still very much interested in doctrinal topics is really exciting. 33:51 Experiencing firsthand a culture different from ours, 33:55 seeing people who live a more simple life, 33:58 and trying to understand their needs 34:00 is an experience that we will take with us. 34:03 And it will help us to preach more effectively 34:06 in our assigned congregation’s territory in Italy. 34:17 Now we are stronger than when we left home. 34:20 This experience has made us love the ministry even more. 34:27 We look forward to returning to our home territory with renewed zeal. 34:36 We are certain that Jehovah will guide us to further service opportunities 34:40 in order to help others know his wonderful purposes. 34:47 What blessings did this couple experience 34:50 by staying focused on their goal? 34:53 It brought them the joy of full-time service. 34:56 Not even the threat of unemployment 34:58 caused them to waver in their determination to participate. 35:02 After the campaign, they returned to their home territory 35:06 with a renewed energy and zeal. 35:10 When we stay focused on Jehovah, 35:12 even in the most trying of circumstances, 35:15 it will strengthen our resolve to serve him faithfully. 35:21 Juuso and Pauliina Halme, a couple from Finland, 35:25 now serving in Sierra Leone, in West Africa, 35:28 were invited to accept an assignment 35:31 that seemed overwhelming. 35:33 What happened when some of their worst fears came true? 35:38 How did Jehovah provide “the power beyond what is normal” 35:42 to help them to endure? 35:46 Worrying doesn’t help us. 35:49 There is no need, really, to worry about what could happen. 35:52 Even if it happens, let Jehovah show 35:55 how he can handle the situation. 35:57 He can actually do it in ways you could never expect. 36:02 We are Juuso and Pauliina Halme. 36:05 We loved our assignment in the Finland branch. 36:07 We had wonderful friends. 36:10 Our families, they were very close. 36:13 We had time to be with them often. 36:16 In 2014, we got the Yearbook 36:19 and that had an account of Sierra Leone. 36:23 And I was reading that account, 36:25 and I remember saying a couple of times to Pauliina, 36:27 “This would be a tough place.” 36:29 After coming back from Gilead, I couldn’t believe it; 36:32 we got a letter saying 36:35 that we had been reassigned to Sierra Leone branch. 36:39 And it was a huge change for us. 36:42 Then what we did is we Googled Sierra Leone 36:45 and what we saw was only about a civil war 36:49 that took place years ago. 36:51 An Ebola outbreak was starting in West Africa. 36:55 Some of our relatives were worried about that. 36:58 That was our impression, first impression, about the country. 37:02 We were terrified, and we couldn’t sleep. 37:05 We just prayed the whole night. 37:07 And really, with the reassignment, our greatest fear was my father. 37:11 He had been terminally ill for about two years, 37:15 and we knew that at some point it would get worse. 37:18 He would need more help and also Juuso’s mother. 37:22 So were we able to travel back to Finland? 37:25 It’s so expensive, and we didn’t have savings. 37:28 Although we had all those fears, 37:31 after praying about it a lot, 37:34 we just realized that we could not say no. 37:37 And we realized that this assignment was from Jehovah. 37:40 Let’s go there. 37:42 Let’s get to work. Let’s give our best to it. 37:47 Then actually in three months, our greatest fear came true. 37:52 It really happened 37:54 that Juuso’s mom called us and she told us 37:57 that Juuso’s father’s situation had changed. 38:01 So we immediately started to check flights. 38:04 And then the next call was 38:07 that he had passed away. 38:11 We were able to get flights, fly back home, 38:15 support my mother, and help with the funeral. 38:18 We were so happy when we finally got back to Sierra Leone. 38:22 And now we thought that we could focus 38:24 on our assignment and on our work at Bethel. 38:29 Then one day, we got another Skype call from my father. 38:32 And then he told us that he was diagnosed 38:35 with an extremely aggressive cancer, 38:37 and he’s in hospital now, and he asked us 38:41 to come back to Finland for a visit. 38:46 We had a beautiful ten days together with my father. 38:49 Then, finally, he passed away. 38:52 Yeah, that was really the lowest point in our life. 38:55 That came out of the blue; we were not expecting it. 38:59 We had two widows to take care of. 39:02 So we were really wondering 39:04 if we could continue in our assignment in Sierra Leone. 39:09 At that time, one of our favorite scriptures was 39:12 Isaiah 30:15 39:14 that “your strength will be in keeping calm and showing trust.” 39:19 And when we poured our hearts to Jehovah in prayer, 39:23 we could see so well how Jehovah helped us to stay calm 39:28 and have peace. 39:31 And we got some good advice here from mature brothers 39:34 not to make any quick decisions. 39:36 So we put our trust in Jehovah, and we could just see 39:40 that it was Jehovah’s will that we continue in our assignment in Sierra Leone. 39:45 The fact is that, really, the blessings always 39:49 surpass any of the challenges. 39:52 And we have come to love our assignment in Sierra Leone. 39:56 Our brothers and sisters, they are so faithful in Sierra Leone 39:59 despite their problems and challenges. 40:02 They give beautiful examples for us. 40:05 Being in a country where there is a lot of potential, a lot of work, . . . 40:09 . . . you can have as many Bible studies as you can conduct, 40:13 so it’s just a preaching paradise. 40:16 Going through these experiences, 40:19 we are so happy that Jehovah is the Writer of our story. 40:22 And, for sure, there’s a happy end. 40:25 If he wants to take you there, go there; 40:28 see what Jehovah has in mind for you. 40:30 And then you can really “taste and see that Jehovah is good.” 40:37 Despite heartbreaking challenges, 40:40 the Halmes saw Jehovah’s loving support 40:43 and they did not give up! 40:46 When we extend ourselves for Jehovah, 40:49 we can be confident that he will help us in good times 40:53 and in difficult times. 40:55 We learn that we are safe with Jehovah, come what may. 41:00 What quality do you need to serve in a foreign land, 41:04 like Brother and Sister Di Giacinto, 41:07 or to face the fear of the unknown, like Brother and Sister Halme? 41:12 We need courage. 41:14 As was announced last year, 41:17 courage is this year’s regional convention theme. 41:21 The drama presentation will focus on a Bible character 41:25 that needed great courage to accomplish his ministry. 41:29 It’s our pleasure to present a preview of the drama 41:34 The Story of Jonah —A Lesson in Courage and Mercy. 41:44 Papa says you are a prophet. 41:46 I was a prophet. 41:50 I tried to run away from Jehovah. 41:53 But when has Jehovah ever asked a prophet 41:55 to go to a foreign land 41:57 to preach judgment against it? 42:01 What about the people? 42:03 They worship gods of war. 42:05 What do you think they’re like? 42:14 So, what will you do now? 42:19 You need to go back inside, Joanna. 42:21 No! We can talk to Father! 42:23 Joanna! 42:24 I can’t go to Nineveh. 42:25 I just can’t do it. 42:26 You’re Jehovah’s prophet. 42:28 Not anymore. 42:30 Go home, Joanna. 42:49 O Jehovah, 42:52 out of the depths of the Grave, 42:54 I cry to you for help. 43:01 What will become of me? 43:09 No doubt you eagerly anticipate this year’s regional convention program 43:14 held around the world starting this month. 43:18 Many of the segments on our program thus far 43:21 have featured some aspect of preaching in a foreign land. 43:25 If current circumstances don’t permit you to serve in this capacity, 43:29 be assured that there’s much you can do 43:32 in your home territory to revive your ministry. 43:35 For example— 43:37 Out of the over 100,000 publishers in South Korea, 43:42 there are more than 40,000 zealous regular pioneers. 43:46 What efforts have they made 43:48 to reach more people in frequently worked territory? 43:52 Let’s find out. 43:55 I started pioneering less than a year after I got baptized, 43:59 so I was eager to sharpen 44:01 my preaching skills. 44:02 I really wanted to share my hope with others. 44:05 But it’s so hard to meet people 44:07 at their homes during the day. 44:08 And even if we do meet them, 44:10 it’s not easy to start a conversation. 44:14 Our congregation organized convenience store witnessing 44:16 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., 44:19 so I thought this might be a good way to reach people 44:22 and have meaningful conversations. 44:25 But the thing is that I’m not a morning person, 44:27 so getting up early was not easy. 44:31 So I had to make some adjustments. 44:33 I tried not to make plans 44:35 or to stay up late the night before. 44:40 The sample presentations from our meetings were also very helpful. 44:45 In the past, I hardly got the chance to open the Bible while I was preaching, 44:50 but now I have a few Bible studies. 44:55 Even the time we spend traveling from one convenience store to the next 44:58 is very uplifting spiritually because we use that time 45:02 to share our preaching skills and build each other up. 45:05 Having a regular share in convenience store witnessing 45:08 has allowed me to be more productive in the ministry. 45:12 I feel like I’m progressing spiritually 45:14 and becoming a better minister of the good news. 45:18 On weekdays, I work to support my family. 45:22 So I would usually go out in field service 45:25 on the weekends. 45:27 But it wasn’t easy to find people at their homes 45:30 because they usually make plans and go out. 45:33 And you know, 45:35 it’s hard to get excited about the preaching work 45:37 when you’re not meeting many people. 45:40 I wanted to set a good example for my family, 45:43 but I found it a real challenge to maintain my zeal for the ministry. 45:49 So I began to regularly participate in evening witnessing 45:52 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. 45:57 I usually get off work around 5:00 p.m. 46:00 After a long day at work, 46:02 it’s not always easy to get dressed 46:04 to go out in the field ministry. 46:07 But I kept up with my return visits 46:10 and had some really encouraging experiences. 46:13 A young man I had been visiting 46:16 accepted a Bible study, and he’s making fine progress. 46:19 My children are able to see how much joy I get from the ministry, 46:23 and so now they too are able to give a bold witness 46:27 in their own words, even in the face of opposition. 46:31 I am very proud of my children. 46:34 Training and teaching them how to make 46:36 effective return visits and Bible studies 46:39 brings me great joy. 46:41 We serve in a small rural town 46:44 where many leave home early in the morning to work in the field, 46:46 and they return late at night. 46:48 So it’s not easy 46:50 to find people at home during the daytime. 46:52 And even if we do find them at their doors, 46:55 it’s not easy to develop a meaningful Bible-based conversation, 46:57 let alone make return visits and conduct Bible studies with them. 47:02 After returning home from preaching at night, 47:05 I would ask myself, 47:07 ‘Did I have a meaningful share in the ministry today?’ 47:10 It’s a small rural town. 47:12 So many people are concerned about what their neighbors 47:14 would think if they talked with us. 47:17 So even those who were interested in learning more about the Bible 47:21 were reluctant to have Bible discussions with us. 47:25 It was really unfortunate. 47:29 We tried to figure out the right time to call on people, 47:33 and we found out that many householders are more relaxed 47:37 and willing to talk about the Bible 47:39 if we visit them around nine or ten o’clock in the evening. 47:45 I gave much thought on how I could help my Bible students 47:48 have a regular intake of spiritual food. 47:51 One of my students worked from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., 47:55 so I asked her if we could arrange 47:58 to study early in the morning. 48:00 She agreed. 48:02 I often tell my Bible students, 48:04 ‘Just call me whenever you have a little time to talk.’ 48:08 When I get those calls, no matter what time it is, 48:12 it’s time to rush out that door. 48:17 There was one elderly lady who was in her early 80’s 48:20 who had attended church all her life. 48:24 To accommodate her needs, 48:26 I visited her around nine or ten o’clock in the evening 48:30 for our Bible studies. 48:34 I would come home feeling tired and hungry, 48:37 but the satisfaction of knowing 48:39 that I’ve helped her learn more about the truth 48:41 enables me to maintain my joy. 48:47 Now I am able to conduct about 12 Bible studies. 48:50 I try to “become all things to people of all sorts” 48:55 in order to look after their needs. 48:57 And it brings me great satisfaction and joy 49:00 to see my studies make progress 49:02 because that’s really how Jehovah wants us 49:04 to be carrying out our ministry. 49:10 You might feel that you’ve worked every corner of your home territory. 49:15 But just like a literal fisherman adapts to the time when the fish are biting, 49:19 we need to work when people can be found. 49:23 Cast your nets into productive waters! 49:27 Our sister arranged her schedule to call on her Bible student 49:31 at nine or ten in the evening. 49:34 Of course, we want to use good judgment 49:36 to call at times that are both practical and safe for our territory. 49:41 But by being adaptable in when, where, 49:45 or how we preach the good news, 49:47 we may yield good results like those of our fellow Witnesses in South Korea. 49:53 This will help us to have a meaningful share in the all-important work 49:57 of finding those who are “rightly disposed for everlasting life.” 50:04 Regular pioneers work in a powerful way 50:07 to help their brothers and sisters get the most out of their ministry. 50:11 But does that mean that they’re impervious to being in a rut, 50:15 as mentioned earlier? 50:18 In the following dramatization, 50:20 see how one pioneer sister comes to realize 50:23 the need to adjust her approach to the field ministry. 50:42 It was really nice of Maria to invite me in service. 50:49 But I already have plans with Sarah. 51:00 We have similar service schedules, 51:02 and we really enjoy working together. 51:14 I try to get most of my time during the week, . . . 51:21 Anyone made plans to work together? 51:23 . . . though I do meet with the group sometimes on Saturday. 51:26 Sister Martin, can you work with Rachel today? 51:32 Thanks, everyone. 51:34 Anyone made plans to work together? 51:38 OK. Joanna, you can work with Sarah. 51:48 Anyone made plans to work together? 51:50 Sarah, do you want to go with me to a Bible study? 51:52 Could I work with Alisha? 51:53 Uh-huh. 51:54 OK, let’s work together. 51:55 Joanna, could you two work together, please? 51:57 Um, I’d love to. 51:59 But I’ve just arranged to work with Sarah. 52:01 I’m so sorry. 52:02 Uh-huh. No problem. 52:06 Maria, could you work with this sister? 52:29 While doing my Bible reading that night, 52:31 I was really affected 52:33 by the words found at 2 Corinthians 6:12, 13: 52:38 “You are restricted in your own tender affections . . . 52:42 Open your hearts wide.” 52:50 It struck me that some in the congregation 52:52 missed out on a beautiful blessing 52:55 by drawing away from the apostle Paul. 53:01 I realized I was limiting my joy as well 53:06 by not working with more in the ministry. 53:10 I was going through the motions of pioneering, 53:13 but I was stuck in the same routine. 53:16 How are you, Maria? 53:18 Good. And you? 53:19 Let me ask you something. 53:20 Could you join me on a Bible study Saturday? 53:23 Oh, I’d love that! Uh-huh. 53:24 That’s great. 53:24 So later we’ll make the arrangements. OK? 53:26 The meeting is starting. 53:27 We’d like to invite everyone to take your seats 53:29 because our meeting is about to begin. 53:36 My student liked Maria and Isabelle so much. 53:41 I really learned a lot from them. 53:50 I started going out regularly on the weekends . . . 53:55 Anyone made plans to work together? 53:57 . . . and working with different ones in the ministry. 54:04 And I learned more about Sister Martin 54:06 after one day in the ministry 54:09 than I had in years of seeing her at meetings. 54:14 Sarah and I still enjoy working together. 54:18 But I’ve found that by working with a variety of friends, 54:21 my own joy has increased. 54:37 I’m so glad I ‘opened my heart wide.’ 54:48 Joanna came to realize that her privilege of full-time service 54:52 was more than just hours and a schedule. 54:55 By working with a variety of sisters in the ministry 54:59 and supporting her field service group, 55:01 she could strengthen and encourage others. 55:04 It was within her power to help. 55:07 But with what result? 55:09 It rejuvenated her ministry! 55:12 We truly appreciate the love and sacrifice of our pioneers. 55:18 Have you been inspired to make a change in your ministry? 55:22 Whether big or small, at home or abroad, 55:26 we can find the satisfaction that comes 55:29 from reinvigorating our ministry. 55:32 That’s the theme featured in the music video entitled 55:35 I’m Making a Change. 55:45 Been thinking it over— Each day it seems 55:53 My serving Jehovah Falls into the same routine. 56:01 The things that I’m doing now I’ve always done. 56:06 So it’s clear that I need to break out— Out of my comfort zone. 56:14 Now I’m making a change starting from today. I’m turning a page, yes, I’m on my way. 56:21 Jehovah, I see what I need to do. I’m changing direction and trusting in you. 56:45 It’s gonna take courage, But now I see 56:53 How changing my thinking Renews and refreshes me. 57:00 I’m trying some new things, and I’m energized. 57:06 There were doors that were opening wide, But I never realized. 57:13 So I’m making a change, and I’m on my way. I’m turning a page each and ev’ry day. 57:21 Jehovah, I see what I need to do. I’m changing direction and trusting in you. 57:45 Back then, I remember when It seemed it wouldn’t happen. 57:52 Some days, well, I have to say, I didn’t know why. 58:00 But now I can see just how My boldness led to blessings. 58:08 I’m sure there’ll be many more As time goes rolling by. 58:15 Now I’m turning a page each and ev’ry day. I’m making some changes along the way. 58:23 Jehovah, I saw what I had to do, And you gave me your blessing 58:31 for trusting in you. 58:38 So I’m making a change starting from today. I’m turning a page, yes, I’m on my way. 58:46 Jehovah, I see what I need to do. I’m changing direction. 58:53 So I’m making a change, and I’m on my way. I’m turning a page each and ev’ry day. 59:01 Jehovah, I see what I need to do. I’m changing direction 59:08 and trusting in you— 59:17 Trusting in you. 59:43 The Governing Body deeply appreciates the work of each Kingdom publisher. 59:48 You dear brothers and sisters 59:51 are having a regular share in the preaching work, 59:54 and we commend you for that. 59:56 You can be sure that “God is not unrighteous 1:00:00 so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name,” 1:00:05 as the Bible says at Hebrews 6:10. 1:00:09 Just knowing that can help us to take a fresh look at our ministry 1:00:14 and can invigorate us to participate to the fullest extent. 1:00:19 To conclude, 1:00:20 we bring you greetings 1:00:22 from Bosnia and Herzegovina. 1:00:26 This mountainous region has a rich history 1:00:29 as a traditional meeting place 1:00:31 between eastern and western cultures; 1:00:33 it dates from the Middle Ages. 1:00:36 Because of the diverse religious beliefs within the country, 1:00:40 the 1,160 publishers 1:00:43 must adapt their preaching methods 1:00:46 to appeal to the hearts of those who listen. 1:00:49 This is the city of Mostar, 1:00:51 which sits on the Neretva River. 1:00:54 The Neretva River 1:00:55 flows for nearly 230 kilometers, 1:00:58 or almost 143 miles. 1:01:02 Mostar was a former front line during the wars of the 1990’s, 1:01:07 and many buildings still bear the marks 1:01:09 of the intense fighting that took place. 1:01:12 Likewise, the aftermath left many people in this region 1:01:17 with emotional and mental scars. 1:01:19 Our brothers and sisters are working hard 1:01:22 to bring the hope of something good 1:01:24 to those in need. 1:01:28 In the 1930’s, a pioneer brother named Alfred Tuček 1:01:33 spearheaded the preaching work in the city of Mostar. 1:01:37 He was actually one of the first in the former Yugoslavia to pioneer. 1:01:41 Today, the congregation in Mostar has about 60 publishers, 1:01:47 including nine pioneers and four field missionaries. 1:01:51 They bring their warm love and greetings 1:01:54 to all of us around the world! 1:01:57 This is JW Broadcasting 1:01:59 from the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
