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00:00:01 Welcome to this month’s broadcast. 00:00:03 Here are a few highlights 00:00:05 of what we’ll enjoy on the program. 00:00:08 What if changing circumstances in the family 00:00:11 begin pushing mates apart emotionally? 00:00:14 This dramatization of Shaan and Kiara 00:00:17 may provide some timely guidance. 00:00:21 Also, the story of Grace Li 00:00:23 will be an encouragement to any who have faced 00:00:26 severe emotional challenges for taking a stand for the truth. 00:00:30 You’ll see the effect that her actions had on those around her. 00:00:34 And this month’s music video 00:00:36 will reassure us of the love, kindness, 00:00:39 and support we enjoy as Jehovah’s people. 00:00:44 All that and more on this February 2019 edition 00:00:49 of JW Broadcasting! 00:01:10 The theme of this program 00:01:11 is taken from the second part 00:01:13 of Romans 12:10: 00:01:15 “In showing honor to one another, 00:01:17 take the lead.” 00:01:19 What is honor? 00:01:21 In the Hebrew Scriptures, the term translated “honor” 00:01:25 literally means “heaviness.” 00:01:27 So when we honor someone, 00:01:29 we’re acknowledging that he’s weighty 00:01:32 or that he amounts to something. 00:01:34 In the Greek Scriptures, the word is related 00:01:36 to setting a price on something, 00:01:39 meaning that the one we honor is esteemed or has value. 00:01:44 Whom should we honor? 00:01:46 Of course, Jehovah is worthy of honor. 00:01:50 Revelation 4:11 says this 00:01:53 and gives us the reason for giving glory and honor to Jehovah. 00:01:58 It says because he “created all things.” 00:02:03 He is responsible for us having life in the first place. 00:02:08 How do we give him honor? 00:02:10 There are many ways: 00:02:12 We honor him by doing his will 00:02:15 —obeying his laws and principles. 00:02:17 We honor him by extolling his qualities and promises 00:02:21 —telling others about these gifts from God. 00:02:25 We show him honor by contributing financially 00:02:28 to the worldwide educational work 00:02:30 that he’s directing through his Son and holy spirit. 00:02:36 And just as Revelation chapter 4 said 00:02:39 about Jehovah being worthy of the honor, 00:02:42 Revelation 5:12 00:02:45 says that his Son, Christ Jesus, 00:02:47 is worthy of the same. 00:02:50 Verse 12 says of Jesus: 00:02:53 “They were saying with a loud voice: 00:02:55 “‘The Lamb who was slaughtered 00:02:57 “‘is worthy to receive the power and riches and wisdom 00:03:01 and strength and honor and glory and blessing.’” 00:03:06 How do we show honor to Jesus? 00:03:09 One way is acknowledged in the verse we just read. 00:03:12 He was “slaughtered” like a sacrificial lamb 00:03:15 so that we might have the hope of everlasting life. 00:03:18 We highly esteem, and value, that sacrifice. 00:03:22 We honor Jesus by recognizing his role 00:03:25 as an immortal “King of kings” in the heavens. 00:03:28 And another very practical way to honor Jesus 00:03:31 is to strive to imitate his life and personality 00:03:35 as the model for us to follow closely. 00:03:38 If we take the lead in showing honor, 00:03:41 who else will we view as highly valued 00:03:44 —to be treated with esteem? 00:03:47 Ephesians 6:1, 2 says 00:03:50 that children ‘honor their father and mother’ when they’re obedient to them. 00:03:54 Matthew 15:4-6 00:03:57 makes it clear that adult children 00:03:59 honor their parents and grandparents 00:04:01 by giving material assistance to them as needed. 00:04:06 First Timothy 5:17 00:04:09 urges us to give elders “double honor” 00:04:12 because of their hard work in our behalf. 00:04:14 Romans 13:1, 7 00:04:17 even extends the matter of showing honor 00:04:19 to governmental rulers and others in authority. 00:04:24 First Peter 2:17 00:04:27 broadens the meaning of honor even further saying: 00:04:30 “Honor men of all sorts.” 00:04:33 In addition to being kind and respectful to people in general, 00:04:38 we also honor them by being willing 00:04:40 to spend time sharing the good news with them. 00:04:44 Ephesians 5:22-25 00:04:47 appeals to wives to honor their husbands 00:04:50 by having Christlike subjection for them. 00:04:53 Husbands are to honor their wives by showing them love 00:04:58 and treating them just as Jesus treated the congregation. 00:05:02 And what about our theme text for this discussion? 00:05:06 Who was Paul addressing in Romans chapter 12 when he said: 00:05:10 “In showing honor to one another, take the lead”? 00:05:14 Who are the “one another” in that verse? 00:05:19 Look at Romans 1:7 with me. 00:05:24 Paul says he’s writing “to all those who are in Rome 00:05:29 as God’s beloved ones, called to be holy ones.” 00:05:33 So all of us in the Christian congregation 00:05:35 are to have honor for each other. 00:05:39 I’d like to spend the balance of my time 00:05:42 discussing two of the many opportunities 00:05:45 we have to show honor 00:05:47 (they’re the last two that I just referenced): 00:05:51 first, marriage mates showing honor to each other, 00:05:55 and second, showing honor to one another in our congregations. 00:06:01 Marriages in general today are seriously lacking in honor. 00:06:05 Marriage mates often demean one another 00:06:08 with harsh words and disrespectful attitudes. 00:06:13 Some in the world resort to physical violence, 00:06:16 as if that somehow makes the abusive one right 00:06:19 in his view of whatever the issue is. 00:06:21 And infidelity on the part of one or both mates is so common 00:06:26 it doesn’t even raise eyebrows anymore. 00:06:29 All of this is a gross lack of honor in marriage. 00:06:35 But what about marriages 00:06:37 of those professing to be Jehovah’s Witnesses? 00:06:41 We’re blessed with so many marriages 00:06:43 that are wholesome and honorable. 00:06:46 True, none are perfect. 00:06:50 But how blessed we are to have the truth 00:06:52 and to have learned to be more and more Christlike with each other. 00:06:57 We’ve learned to shed things that we heard when we were growing up. 00:07:02 However, the matter of honoring our marriage mate 00:07:05 needs to be discussed. 00:07:08 While relatively few of our marriages 00:07:10 end up with some kind of physical violence 00:07:13 and relatively few end up in divorce, 00:07:16 what about having honor in the marriage? 00:07:21 After living together as husband and wife 00:07:23 for many months or for years or even for decades, 00:07:27 familiarity can cause us 00:07:29 to treat each other with less respect or honor 00:07:32 than when we were courting. 00:07:35 That isn’t right. 00:07:37 It isn’t Christlike. 00:07:40 But with our inherited imperfection, 00:07:43 we may succumb to dishonorable words and behavior 00:07:46 with the one that we promised to treasure 00:07:48 “until death do us part.” 00:07:52 How can we get a grip on this trait and minimize the times 00:07:56 that we have a clash of spirit and words? 00:08:00 First, let’s consider 00:08:03 the two basic responsibilities assigned to marriage mates. 00:08:07 This is the foundation 00:08:09 that we can then build on to improve. 00:08:14 The role of the husband is clearly stated 00:08:17 at 1 Corinthians 11:3. 00:08:20 And while some wives in society may bristle at this thought, 00:08:25 wives serving Jehovah are to embrace this thought. 00:08:29 It’s the arrangement of God. 00:08:32 First Corinthians 11:3 says: 00:08:36 “But I want you to know that the head of every man is the Christ; 00:08:40 “in turn, the head of a woman is the man; 00:08:43 in turn, the head of the Christ is God.” 00:08:46 God’s Word says that “the head of a woman is the man.” 00:08:51 However, the head of the woman 00:08:54 is not to be a domineering man, 00:08:57 not an abusive man —verbally or physically. 00:09:01 He is to imitate his head. 00:09:03 And who is that? 00:09:05 What did the first part of the verse say? 00:09:07 “The head of every man is the Christ.” 00:09:12 In fact, Ephesians chapter 5 00:09:15 strikes this fine balance between being a head of the wife 00:09:19 and being a loving head like the Christ. 00:09:22 Ephesians 5:22, 23 says: 00:09:26 “Let wives be in subjection to their husbands as to the Lord, 00:09:31 “[But what of the disposition of the husband?] 00:09:34 “because a husband is head of his wife 00:09:37 “just as the Christ is head of the congregation, 00:09:40 he being a savior of this body.” 00:09:44 That verse says it all. 00:09:48 Verse 33 of the same chapter says this: 00:09:52 “Each one of you must love his wife as he does himself; 00:09:57 “on the other hand, 00:09:59 the wife should have deep respect for her husband.” 00:10:04 There’s nowhere in God’s Word 00:10:07 that says that if one mate pushes the other mate’s button 00:10:11 —emotionally— that it cancels 00:10:13 the offended mate’s obligation to be Christlike. 00:10:17 The problem is that when one mate is offended or hurt, 00:10:21 it’s so easy to roll the eyes in disgust 00:10:26 or to lash back with a verbal insult. 00:10:29 Then the other mate fires back with another harsh, cutting remark. 00:10:34 It’s like wind on a forest fire. 00:10:37 Tempers blaze, and the evening goes up in smoke. 00:10:41 It’s not at all Christlike. 00:10:44 There is no honor shown in such a conflagration. 00:10:49 It has to stop sooner rather than later. 00:10:55 The January 15, 2015, issue of The Watchtower said this: 00:11:00 “Remember that marriage is not a competition 00:11:05 “to find out who is stronger, who can shout louder, 00:11:08 “or who can think of the most cutting remark. 00:11:11 “True, we all have flaws, and sometimes we upset others. 00:11:16 “But there is never a justifiable reason 00:11:19 “for either a husband or a wife 00:11:22 “to use sarcastic and demeaning speech, 00:11:25 or worse, to shove or hit each other.” 00:11:30 How can we change the atmosphere? 00:11:33 Someone needs to put out the fire 00:11:36 with the water of God’s Word. 00:11:40 Romans 12:10b, again: 00:11:43 “In showing honor to one another, take the lead.” 00:11:49 One of the mates must take the lead 00:11:51 even if at the time they’re apologizing for their own behavior 00:11:55 by acknowledging that they didn’t respond in a Christlike way saying, 00:12:00 “Forgive me.” 00:12:03 That same issue of The Watchtower cited two scriptures: 00:12:07 one for the husband and one for the wife. 00:12:10 We’ll first read Proverbs 17:27. 00:12:16 Husbands, listen to this 00:12:19 and apply it prior to a rift 00:12:22 or even during the conflict. 00:12:24 Proverbs 17:27: 00:12:27 “A man of knowledge restrains his words, 00:12:31 and a discerning man will remain calm.” 00:12:35 Husbands, does that describe us? 00:12:41 Now wives, 00:12:43 please locate Proverbs 31:26. 00:12:49 Does this describe your speech even when some altercation occurs? 00:12:55 Proverbs 31:26: 00:12:57 “She opens her mouth in wisdom; 00:12:59 the law of kindness is on her tongue.” 00:13:03 Usually after a misunderstanding and rash words have been said, 00:13:08 we feel miserable and upset. 00:13:11 We often chastise ourselves for adding fuel to the fire. 00:13:16 How much better to train ourselves to restrain our words 00:13:20 and remain calm and to speak 00:13:22 in wisdom and with kindness of tongue. 00:13:27 Meet Emil and Firuca Gârbovan from Romania. 00:13:32 They’re good examples of how the power of God’s Word 00:13:35 can mold and change the attitudes of marriage mates 00:13:38 who are willing to be guided by it. 00:13:43 It was in 1983 when I met Firuca. 00:13:49 I already had two little girls. 00:13:52 One was seven years old, 00:13:54 and the other one was three. 00:13:56 I accepted to study the Bible. 00:13:58 My husband worked 00:14:00 as a warrant officer for the police, 00:14:02 so at the beginning, I studied in secret. 00:14:06 Then I decided to tell him the truth. 00:14:08 When I found out 00:14:11 that my wife was studying the Bible 00:14:13 in order to become 00:14:15 one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 00:14:17 I became very sad. 00:14:19 And I realized that our marriage 00:14:21 and our family was in danger 00:14:24 because I only knew bad things 00:14:26 about Jehovah’s Witnesses. 00:14:31 He threatened he would divorce me, and he did. 00:14:36 The divorce was a very difficult time in my life 00:14:40 because I was seven months pregnant with our third daughter. 00:14:45 Following the divorce, my husband was given the house and custody 00:14:50 of our two daughters. 00:14:53 I had to leave the house, 00:14:55 and I stayed for almost a year with two families of our brothers. 00:15:03 I saw Jehovah’s love toward me, 00:15:06 and I loved Jehovah very much, 00:15:09 but I loved my husband too. 00:15:14 One day, as I was walking 00:15:17 and holding the little girl’s hand, 00:15:20 I saw Firuca’s husband walking toward me. 00:15:23 My heart stopped, 00:15:25 and I said to myself, 00:15:28 ‘He is going to hit me!’ 00:15:31 But Emil was a gentleman. 00:15:33 And he took the little girl in his arms, 00:15:36 talked to her for a few minutes, 00:15:39 and then he put her back down and left. 00:15:43 When I saw him leaving, I thanked Jehovah 00:15:47 because he didn’t beat me. 00:15:51 In 1990, I looked for my wife 00:15:55 and I told her that I would like to remarry her 00:15:58 to reunite our family. 00:16:01 And, after a while, she agreed 00:16:03 and step-by-step I started to study. 00:16:07 In 2003, I became 00:16:10 one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. 00:16:13 I am very happy that I made this change, 00:16:16 and I regret that I didn’t do it sooner. 00:16:22 I personally saw 00:16:24 how the truth can change a person’s life, 00:16:27 even in my own family. 00:16:31 Currently, I serve as an elder. 00:16:33 And in 2010, I became a regular pioneer. 00:16:37 When I see Emil conduct 00:16:40 the Bible study next to me, 00:16:43 I feel like kneeling rather than standing 00:16:47 to thank Jehovah. 00:16:52 So to married couples who love Jehovah we repeat: 00:16:56 “In showing honor . . . , take the lead.” 00:17:00 The principles just discussed can also be applied 00:17:03 when showing honor to others in the congregation. 00:17:06 Like the husband and wife that we just discussed, 00:17:09 all of us should be improving in imitating Jesus 00:17:13 and in ‘following his steps closely’ in all of our interactions 00:17:17 with fellow believers in the congregation. 00:17:21 How do we show honor to one another? 00:17:23 One way is well described 00:17:25 at 1 Corinthians 10:23, 24. 00:17:30 We show honor when we put the other person’s feelings 00:17:33 and needs ahead of our own. 00:17:36 First Corinthians 10:23, 24: 00:17:40 “All things are lawful, 00:17:43 “but not all things are advantageous. 00:17:45 “All things are lawful, but not all things build up. 00:17:49 “Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, 00:17:53 but that of the other person.” 00:17:56 We show honor when we suppress our own rights. 00:18:00 What we do or say might be lawful, but is it advantageous? 00:18:05 Will it build up? 00:18:07 Verse 24, then, concisely says it: 00:18:11 “Keep seeking, not [our] own advantage [or right], 00:18:14 but that of the other person.” 00:18:18 We show honor to others when we do good deeds for them. 00:18:22 Possibly, it’s even a humble task 00:18:25 that an elderly publisher needs done. 00:18:28 It could be offering to clean the house, 00:18:30 take them to the store, or fill some other need. 00:18:34 The principle is at Luke 22:26: 00:18:37 “You, though, are not to be that way. 00:18:40 “But let the one who is the greatest among you 00:18:42 “become as the youngest, 00:18:44 and the one taking the lead as the one ministering.” 00:18:49 Earlier, I cited 1 Timothy 5:17, 00:18:53 where we’re urged to give elders “double honor” 00:18:56 because of their hard work in our behalf. 00:18:58 They’re also part of our congregation and deserve honor. 00:19:03 In our August program last year, 00:19:05 Brother Lett helped us consider much of what is involved. 00:19:09 You’ll recall that his subject was 00:19:12 “Appreciating Our ‘Gifts in Men.’” 00:19:15 We minister to or honor others 00:19:18 when we readily forgive them 00:19:20 if they’ve embarrassed us or hurt our feelings. 00:19:24 Overall, Jehovah’s people do quite well 00:19:27 in honoring one another in the congregation. 00:19:30 But here is the question: 00:19:32 Are we improving in this aspect 00:19:35 of our Christian personality? 00:19:38 In our theme scripture, 00:19:40 Paul didn’t just say to honor one another. 00:19:44 He said to “widen out” or reach out 00:19:47 in this aspect of our Christian life. 00:19:50 His words were to “take the lead.” 00:19:54 If Paul had just said to show honor to each other, 00:19:58 that would be like a teacher 00:20:00 urging a group of literate students to learn to read. 00:20:04 If they’re literate, they don’t need to learn to read. 00:20:08 But what might the teacher be urging them to do? 00:20:12 He might encourage them to read better, or to improve. 00:20:17 Love is the identifying mark of Christ’s disciples. 00:20:21 So honor is something we’ve learned to show. 00:20:25 However, like the teacher, 00:20:28 Paul is urging us to improve in this area. 00:20:32 He said take the lead in showing honor. 00:20:36 The footnote says this could be rendered 00:20:38 taking the “initiative” in showing honor. 00:20:43 Instead of waiting 00:20:44 for some obvious reason to do good for others 00:20:47 —to commend someone, to check on a shut-in— 00:20:50 look for opportunities to take the initiative 00:20:53 to show honor in the family and in our congregations. 00:20:58 Yes, “in showing honor . . . , take the lead”! 00:21:05 At times, changing circumstances 00:21:08 can make it challenging to show honor. 00:21:12 In this dramatization, note how the husband and wife 00:21:15 adjusted to a change while learning new ways 00:21:19 to continue showing love and honor to each other. 00:21:27 My name is Kiara, 00:21:30 and that’s my husband, Shaan. 00:21:39 Our son Akil moved out recently 00:21:42 to help where the need is greater. 00:21:45 I didn’t realize just how much he made us laugh. 00:21:50 I miss that. 00:21:55 It’s just more quiet now. 00:21:59 But more than that, 00:22:02 I felt we were growing apart. 00:22:21 I tried talking to him. 00:22:24 It didn’t go well. 00:22:45 Ever since Akil left, 00:22:47 things have been off between Kiara and I. 00:23:35 She is so serious now. 00:23:38 I wish she would just lighten up 00:23:41 and laugh more, 00:23:44 like when Akil was still here. 00:23:47 As much as I hated to admit it, 00:23:50 it felt like we were growing apart. 00:23:58 Even Akil noticed. 00:24:00 Anyway, can I ask you guys a question? 00:24:04 Are you both doing OK? 00:24:06 Because you don’t look OK. 00:24:08 Of course, we’re OK. OK? 00:24:10 We’re doing wonderful, right? 00:24:12 Yeah, we’re doing good. 00:24:13 Everything is good. 00:24:13 Yeah. 00:24:19 We weren’t fooling anyone 00:24:22 —except maybe ourselves. 00:24:27 And for the first time, 00:24:29 we both revealed to each other 00:24:31 just how we had been really feeling. 00:24:36 We knew we were headed down a dangerous path. 00:24:39 We had to do something —fast. 00:24:47 We read aloud the scripture 00:24:49 at Romans 12:10: 00:24:52 “In showing honor to one another, take the lead.” 00:24:58 We thought about Abraham and Sarah. 00:25:01 They weren’t perfect, 00:25:04 but they worked hard to show honor to each other 00:25:08 by listening and by caring. 00:25:20 I told Kiara, “I know I can do better.” 00:25:24 And I wanted to 00:25:26 because I love her so much. 00:25:31 I told Shaan, “Let’s both try to do better.” 00:25:39 So we did. 00:26:24 A few months later, we decided to pioneer together. 00:26:28 Now it seemed we had a lot to talk about. 00:26:33 I felt like I was seeing a whole new side of Kiara. 00:26:38 Like Abraham and Sarah, our marriage wasn’t perfect. 00:26:43 There are going to be stressful times. 00:26:46 But by working hard to apply Bible principles, 00:26:50 we got through that rough patch 00:26:52 and it drew us even closer together. 00:26:59 First Corinthians 13:4, 7 tell us: 00:27:03 “Love is patient and kind” and “bears all things, 00:27:07 believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 00:27:12 Our dramatization helped us to see how love can adapt 00:27:16 to changing needs and circumstances. 00:27:19 But wouldn’t it be nice to talk with some real-life examples 00:27:22 of those who have developed such skills? 00:27:25 Well, we have a special treat. 00:27:28 A longtime faithful couple has joined us in the studio 00:27:33 —William and Angela Samuelson, 00:27:35 who serve at Patterson Bethel in the United States. 00:27:39 Now, of course, we’ve known each other for decades, 00:27:42 and I know you as Bill and Angie, 00:27:45 so that’s the way I’ll refer to you. 00:27:47 So nice that you could be here and be interviewed. 00:27:51 What’s helped you both maintain a happy marriage? 00:27:55 Well, we work as a team, so we always check 00:27:59 with each other before making decisions, 00:28:01 even in areas where we wouldn’t necessarily have to 00:28:05 —it would be OK to go ahead. 00:28:07 But just out of respect, 00:28:08 we talk with each other about any decisions that we make. 00:28:13 And, you know, Brother Morris, we’ve been married 60 years now, 00:28:16 and we’ve never really had a real serious argument. 00:28:20 We’ve had some disagreements but nothing ever serious. 00:28:24 And whenever we have those kind of words, why, we never use 00:28:29 demeaning language or say derogatory things about each other, 00:28:34 and that makes me very happy. 00:28:36 Yeah, that’s commendable. 00:28:38 Early in our marriage, there was one occasion 00:28:42 when Angie was upset with me about something 00:28:44 —it could’ve been anything— 00:28:46 and in the conversation, it obviously showed in her tone of voice. 00:28:50 So I explained to her that she could say anything she wanted 00:28:54 as long as she smiled when she said it. 00:28:57 Well, she tried, and we both had a good laugh. 00:29:01 It’s very hard to stay mad when you’re smiling. 00:29:04 Smiling—very, very good advice. 00:29:06 What about in the congregation? 00:29:08 How have you been able to show each other honor there? 00:29:12 Well, when we have assignments 00:29:14 from the platform, either of us, we work together. 00:29:18 Angie is much better 00:29:22 with grammar and pronunciation than I am, 00:29:25 and so I’ll check with her to make sure 00:29:27 that I’m saying things as correctly as possible. 00:29:31 And she checks with me 00:29:33 on prophetic significance, for example, 00:29:35 or theocratic understanding or procedure and timing. 00:29:40 Yes, and something that’s very important 00:29:44 is when we do check with each other, we’re not thin-skinned 00:29:48 about the advice that we want to give each other. 00:29:51 I’ll call it advice. 00:29:53 And that makes life a lot easier. 00:29:56 We don’t get angry because we’ve been told 00:29:58 we need to improve on something. 00:30:01 That’s excellent. 00:30:02 You also spent a long time 00:30:04 in the traveling work before coming to Bethel. 00:30:06 We knew you in the traveling work —early ’70’s and then later 00:30:10 when we were down South and you were assigned down there. 00:30:13 What did you learn about showing honor 00:30:16 in that avenue of service? 00:30:18 Well, as you say, we were in the traveling work 00:30:20 for 33 years, just over. 00:30:23 And for most of those years, we would have other assignments. 00:30:27 I would be working with the district 00:30:29 —now regional— convention organization 00:30:32 or other assignments, 00:30:34 and it meant that Angie would be alone 00:30:36 in the congregation. 00:30:38 She never complained; 00:30:40 nor did she become unduly inquisitive about my assignment, 00:30:45 which sometimes would’ve been confidential. 00:30:48 When we had an unexpected move that came up, 00:30:51 a change of assignment somewhere, 00:30:54 Angie would just pack and be ready to go. 00:30:56 That’s right. That was my job—packing. 00:31:01 And in the field ministry, Brother Morris, 00:31:04 we would usually be in separate car groups 00:31:06 because Bill would work with the brothers and I would work with the sisters. 00:31:09 And I really appreciated the fact 00:31:12 that he always made sure I had a safe driver. 00:31:15 It worked out most of the time. 00:31:17 And if we had a territory that was a little scary, 00:31:22 why, he made sure that we were safe in the territory. 00:31:25 So I appreciated that very much. 00:31:27 In one congregation, 00:31:29 (you know, things don’t always go the way we plan) 00:31:33 the brother scheduling the meals 00:31:36 had scheduled two families 00:31:39 for the same noon meal for us. 00:31:41 The one sister was deaf; 00:31:44 and she had always had the traveling brother on a certain day; 00:31:47 and she didn’t hear when she was told it wouldn’t be that day. 00:31:51 So she had gone ahead and prepared a meal. 00:31:53 In the meantime, we had been assigned to another home, 00:31:56 where they served us a full course 00:31:59 —or courses— of an Italian meal. 00:32:01 While we were eating, we found out 00:32:03 that the other sister was waiting for us. 00:32:06 She would’ve been highly offended if somebody didn’t come. 00:32:08 So I went to the Kingdom Hall 00:32:11 and handled the meeting for field service after the meal, 00:32:13 and Angie went to the sister. 00:32:16 That sister would probably still be mad at me if Angie hadn’t gone. 00:32:20 Boy, was I sleepy that afternoon after two big meals. 00:32:23 I bet. Well, you handled that very Christlike. 00:32:27 Now, as we mentioned, your current assignment is here at Bethel. 00:32:32 How have you navigated the unique challenges 00:32:34 of this form of service while still honoring one another? 00:32:39 Well, as you know, we work in different departments, 00:32:42 but we respect that some things 00:32:45 are confidential to that department. 00:32:48 So we don’t make the work of our department 00:32:52 a major part of our conversation. 00:32:54 We could have an energy problem 00:32:56 at the end of the day after working all day, 00:32:59 so Bill is very considerate about accepting too many social invitations. 00:33:02 Isn’t that nice? 00:33:04 And so we respect each other’s limitations 00:33:06 when it comes to physical 00:33:08 and just energy in general. 00:33:11 Well, that’s certainly honoring each other. 00:33:15 Well, Bill and Angie, 00:33:17 those were practical and encouraging comments. 00:33:19 We really thank you so much 00:33:21 for taking the time and allowing us to interview you, 00:33:25 and we really appreciate your good example all these decades. 00:33:28 Well, thank you. 00:33:29 Thank you. 00:33:32 While the Samuelsons are a wonderful example to try to imitate, 00:33:37 we know that many marriages 00:33:39 may have a more difficult start, or in some cases, 00:33:42 the mates may not share the same spiritual values. 00:33:46 What can be done if we find this to be true in our case? 00:33:51 Notice how sister Grace Li 00:33:54 from Great Britain dealt with these challenges in her marriage. 00:33:59 I was born in Hong Kong in 1952. 00:34:04 When I was just over 14 years of age, 00:34:07 my mother sat me down and said, 00:34:10 “Look, there’s a marriage maker, 00:34:13 “and the gentleman has agreed 00:34:15 to take you as his wife.” 00:34:18 I was absolutely petrified! 00:34:20 I had never met him before. 00:34:22 There was actually 00:34:24 a 20-year difference between our ages, 00:34:27 but I was willing to go through with it because I love my mum. 00:34:30 I wanted her to be able to have a chance of happiness. 00:34:34 I came to England, and not long after that, 00:34:38 we started our first Chinese take-away in that little town. 00:34:42 I had to work very hard seven days a week 00:34:46 to help my husband run the business. 00:34:53 I was the only Chinese woman in the entire town. 00:34:57 I had nowhere to ask for help 00:34:59 or advice, so I had a really bad time. 00:35:04 When my second daughter was born, 00:35:06 one night she just stopped breathing. 00:35:09 And a few minutes later, the nurse came out and said, 00:35:12 “God wanted a flower for his garden, 00:35:15 and that’s where your daughter has gone.” 00:35:17 So at that moment in time, I was very angry. 00:35:20 And I felt sad and sorrow and lonely. 00:35:24 And I had horrible guilt: 00:35:27 “It’s my fault. 00:35:29 Or it’s God’s; it’s his fault.” 00:35:33 So I stopped praying to God. 00:35:36 One day, there was one very kind lady 00:35:40 who came and knocked on my door. 00:35:43 And then, eventually, 00:35:45 one day, the ladies stopped and had a conversation, 00:35:49 and the conversation led 00:35:51 to why people die 00:35:53 and what happens when they’re dead. 00:35:55 Knowing it’s nobody’s fault 00:35:57 —it’s just our imperfection— 00:35:59 I found it a great relief. 00:36:01 God did not punish me for that. 00:36:03 And from then on, I started a Bible study with her. 00:36:08 But my study was progressing very slow. 00:36:11 By that time, I had six children. 00:36:14 I also had to work full-time. 00:36:17 And also, the lady didn’t speak Chinese, 00:36:20 and my English was no better than her Chinese either. 00:36:27 Since I dedicated my life to Jehovah, 00:36:31 it’s not been easy. 00:36:33 As far as my husband was concerned, 00:36:35 his wife should be concentrating 00:36:38 on looking after the family and the business 00:36:40 and shouldn’t be wasting time on religions like that. 00:36:43 My mum, as well, was very much against me 00:36:47 becoming one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. 00:36:52 My husband shouted at me. 00:36:54 Often he gave me a hard time because I wanted to take 00:36:56 all my children to the meetings. 00:37:01 One day, he wanted me to choose 00:37:04 between him or Jehovah. 00:37:07 And I prayed to Jehovah. 00:37:09 I said, “Jehovah, now is the time 00:37:11 I need your holy spirit to help me.” 00:37:13 And I said, “My husband is a good man, 00:37:15 “and he deserves to know why 00:37:18 I chose this life.” 00:37:21 And I just felt so calm, 00:37:24 and then I turned around and asked my husband: 00:37:26 “What do you think of me since I became a Witness? 00:37:29 Am I a better wife, or am I getting worse?” 00:37:33 So my husband said: “Oh, OK then. 00:37:37 If that is the case, go serve your God, Jehovah.” 00:37:43 Before my mother died, 00:37:45 my mother actually prayed to Jehovah 00:37:47 to thank him and to say 00:37:51 that since I became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 00:37:55 I became a better daughter. 00:37:57 I remember, one day, 00:38:00 one of my Bible students came to my house, 00:38:03 and she was crying 00:38:06 because she suffered persecution from her husband. 00:38:08 And my husband was sitting next to me, 00:38:12 and he turned around and said, 00:38:14 “You just have to persevere, 00:38:17 “because my wife went through the same experience, 00:38:21 and look where she is now.” 00:38:24 For the last ten years, my husband has come 00:38:26 to all the meetings with me. 00:38:29 Seeing my children happy is the most important thing for me. 00:38:33 And they are happy not only for a short time 00:38:37 but they also have a happy future. 00:38:39 My life now—I’m no longer lonely; 00:38:42 I’m no longer a fatherless child, 00:38:45 because I know Jehovah cares for me. 00:38:48 Jehovah helped a little woman like me, 00:38:50 and I’m sure Jehovah will help anybody 00:38:53 whose heart is toward him. 00:38:56 Sister Li’s example helps us to see 00:38:58 that even in spiritually divided homes, 00:39:01 applying Bible principles in our life 00:39:04 can often soften the heart of our mate toward the truth. 00:39:07 Having seen some beautiful examples 00:39:10 of showing honor within our marriage, 00:39:12 let’s now look at ways of showing honor 00:39:14 to one another in the congregation. 00:39:17 For example, what if we’re serving in a foreign territory 00:39:21 where the customs and culture 00:39:23 are quite different from what we’re accustomed to? 00:39:26 This is just one of many challenges often faced 00:39:29 by ones involved in the international construction work. 00:39:33 What have they found to be helpful 00:39:35 when adapting to new environments? 00:41:39 Did you notice the beautiful thought 00:41:42 that every culture has its own strong points 00:41:45 that we can learn from and apply in our lives? 00:41:49 What an excellent way to cultivate 00:41:51 an attitude of viewing others as superior! 00:41:55 But what about ones outside the congregation? 00:41:58 Do we show honor to them as well? 00:42:01 Of course. 00:42:03 Galatians 6:10 tells us: 00:42:05 “As long as we have the opportunity, 00:42:08 let us work what is good toward all.” 00:42:11 The best way we can do this is 00:42:13 by helping them cultivate and satisfy their spiritual needs. 00:42:18 We now visit a town in the state of Oregon in the United States 00:42:22 where the congregations had a unique opportunity to do just this. 00:42:28 An exciting event took place 00:42:30 in 2017 across the United States. 00:42:33 August 21, 2017, 00:42:35 has been on a lot of people’s calendars 00:42:37 for a long time because of the total eclipse. 00:42:39 As Jehovah’s Witnesses, we are constantly on the lookout 00:42:42 for events where we can support community outreach. 00:42:46 Brothers and sisters 00:42:48 prepared well in advance to give a Bible education 00:42:50 to the many travelers. 00:42:52 What convinced us that this was an opportunity 00:42:55 to give a great witness was that we did a little research, 00:42:58 and we noticed the hotel bookings. 00:43:01 The town was packed, 00:43:03 so we could tell that this was going to be a big event. 00:43:05 We needed to do something. 00:43:07 We wanted to be in a position to share 00:43:09 the wonderful things from the Bible with them. 00:43:12 We needed to take a global approach. 00:43:14 We had to identify all the resources in Bend 00:43:16 and not just do it by individual congregation. 00:43:19 So in our campaign we decided to feature three primary tools: 00:43:23 first, What Does the Bible Really Teach? because many people wonder; 00:43:27 second, Was Life Created? because with an eclipse event, 00:43:31 people are thinking about the universe, and it’s a good opportunity 00:43:35 to talk about our Creator; 00:43:36 and third, 00:43:38 jw.org, 00:43:40 since we expect a lot of visitors from all over the world, 00:43:42 we can reach them in their language. 00:43:44 Over 200 brothers and sisters attended two seminars 00:43:48 put on by local brothers to help prepare individuals for the massive campaign. 00:43:54 We had examples of what not to do and what to do 00:43:58 so as to benefit as many people as possible. 00:44:02 We had an interview; 00:44:04 we had demonstrations on how to speak to people in different languages. 00:44:10 We’re expecting people from many different parts of the world. 00:44:14 It’s actually an opportunity 00:44:16 to be like a missionary in our own hometown. 00:44:19 Some of the estimates that we have heard are conservative estimates 00:44:22 of probably 200,000 visitors. 00:44:24 It may be more than that. 00:44:27 The local congregations made themselves available 00:44:30 to work with city officials 00:44:32 to prepare the parks for the large influx of people. 00:44:35 So many of Jehovah’s Witnesses have volunteered 00:44:38 to help with all kinds of things. 00:44:40 These are really small communities that are having a very large influx of people. 00:44:44 So all of that extra effort 00:44:46 and help in kind of preparing and cleaning up 00:44:49 is much appreciated. 00:44:52 We have been working with Jehovah’s Witnesses 00:44:54 for a period of years here at Smith Rock. 00:44:56 It’s been a good experience for our staff and our volunteers, 00:44:59 and we want to accommodate that in any way we can. 00:45:02 There’s been a lot of good things happening with cart witnessing. 00:45:05 One of the friends had a nice experience with an Arabic-speaking man, 00:45:09 and she said the seminar is what helped her to be prepared. 00:45:13 She knew how to work the app, 00:45:15 how to find the video in the language, 00:45:17 and she already had it downloaded and ready to go. 00:45:20 Paul spoke about his ministry. 00:45:23 He said: “Woe is me if I did not declare the good news!” 00:45:26 So we don’t want to look back and wish we would’ve done more. 00:45:31 Trying it for the first time can be scary. 00:45:33 It can be nerve-racking, 00:45:34 but it’s not so scary after you get started. 00:45:37 What’s really been fun is what we are calling roving. 00:45:41 We go into an area where there are a lot of people, 00:45:44 and we just start conversations. 00:45:46 We don’t carry any literature. 00:45:48 We just have our device 00:45:50 and the jw.org contact card. 00:45:53 And then, hopefully, if the opportunity presents itself, 00:45:56 we may share with them a video 00:45:59 or tell them we’re Jehovah’s Witnesses. 00:46:01 It’s just been a paradise for them 00:46:03 —a preaching paradise— all these visitors coming in. 00:46:05 We may not see the results 00:46:08 of the seed that was planted when they took a look at our cart, 00:46:10 but Jehovah knows 00:46:13 and the angels know and can make that grow. 00:46:17 This endeavor has really helped me to appreciate 00:46:19 the need to be alert to ways to expand our ministry. 00:46:23 Most communities have a calendar of events. 00:46:27 Have we thought about looking at it 00:46:29 and then making plans to give a witness 00:46:32 by having our literature carts out? 00:46:35 And, really, events like this, they have a bigger impact 00:46:38 on us as Jehovah’s Witnesses because we have an opportunity to talk. 00:46:42 We get excited about our work. 00:46:44 We’re all working together shoulder to shoulder. 00:46:46 It really builds our faith. 00:46:48 Recently, a scripture that stood out to me was 1 Chronicles 28:20, 00:46:53 where it says: “Be courageous . . . and go to work.” 00:46:57 It helped me to realize that I just need to take the initiative and try. 00:47:01 That’s what we all need to do, 00:47:04 and then let Jehovah decide how things turn out. 00:47:07 Jehovah will no doubt bless your efforts 00:47:10 as you show an interest in others. 00:47:14 The interest we show in others is most noteworthy 00:47:18 within the bounds of our own brotherhood. 00:47:20 Galatians 6:10, which we quoted earlier, 00:47:23 ends its thought about working “good toward all,” 00:47:25 saying that we should do this 00:47:27 “especially toward those related to us in the faith.” 00:47:31 Our music video entitled You Can Count on Me 00:47:35 provides a touching example of how this “good” can be shown. 00:47:49 Time and circumstance Don’t always work in our favor. 00:47:59 What might have been if we just had the chance 00:48:05 Is something we may never know. 00:48:12 But God looks down and sees; He knows us better than we do. 00:48:22 He sees what we are and what more we could be. 00:48:28 It’s all in the way that we go. 00:48:35 He values all of us, No matter what talent or gift we possess. 00:48:46 He wants each one of us To be as caring as he is. 00:48:57 So you’re my friend ’cause you’re always there 00:49:02 Through our ups and downs and through all we’ve shared. 00:49:06 And I’m there When you need someone, 00:49:11 when things are hard to bear. 00:49:15 I’ll be the friend you need. You can count on me. 00:49:28 We weep with those who weep, Sharing the things that we’re feeling. 00:49:39 But sometimes our tears may be all that can speak, 00:49:45 Expressing what words cannot say. Troubles can bring us down. 00:49:57 Jehovah can lift us and carry us through. 00:50:03 We all can do the same And help each other as friends do. 00:50:13 And you’re my friend ’cause you’re always there 00:50:19 Through our ups and downs and through all we’ve shared. 00:50:23 And I’m there When you need someone, 00:50:28 when things are hard to bear. 00:50:31 I’ll be the friend you need. You can count on me. 00:50:58 And you’re my friend ’cause you’re always there 00:51:03 Through our ups and downs and through all we’ve shared. 00:51:07 And I’m there When you need someone, 00:51:12 when things are hard to bear. 00:51:16 I’ll be the friend you need. You can count on me. 00:51:32 We conclude this month’s program by traveling to Indonesia. 00:51:36 Composed of more than 17,000 islands, 00:51:39 it consists of hundreds of distinct native, 00:51:42 ethnic, and linguistic groups, 00:51:45 with the largest being the Javanese. 00:51:47 Let’s visit the city of Malang, 00:51:49 which has some 370 publishers 00:51:52 in 9 congregations. 00:51:54 The territory here is productive, 00:51:56 with many who are open to the Bible’s message. 00:52:00 The largest challenge our brothers face here is economic hardship. 00:52:04 It’s not easy to provide even basic necessities, 00:52:08 so many people in the territory work long hours. 00:52:12 However, the pioneers 00:52:14 have found an ingenious way to make a living 00:52:16 making milk, juice, and cakes from soybeans. 00:52:19 A typical day will have them up at 3:00 a.m. 00:52:23 making fresh soy products 00:52:25 and then selling them on the street in the morning. 00:52:29 In the afternoon they preach and go to the market that evening 00:52:32 to buy fresh ingredients for the next day’s work. 00:52:36 While the brothers in Malang have not yet been able to obtain a permit 00:52:39 for an official Kingdom Hall, they often meet in private homes. 00:52:43 Although it can be cramped and hot, 00:52:45 attendance is nearly always well over 100 percent. 00:52:49 The publishers in Malang 00:52:51 send their warm love and greetings 00:52:54 to our entire global brotherhood. 00:52:57 This is JW Broadcasting 00:52:59 from the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
00:00:01 Welcome to this month’s broadcast. 00:00:03 Here are a few highlights 00:00:05 of what we’ll enjoy on the program. 00:00:08 What if changing circumstances in the family 00:00:11 begin pushing mates apart emotionally? 00:00:14 This dramatization of Shaan and Kiara 00:00:17 may provide some timely guidance. 00:00:21 Also, the story of Grace Li 00:00:23 will be an encouragement to any who have faced 00:00:26 severe emotional challenges for taking a stand for the truth. 00:00:30 You’ll see the effect that her actions had on those around her. 00:00:34 And this month’s music video 00:00:36 will reassure us of the love, kindness, 00:00:39 and support we enjoy as Jehovah’s people. 00:00:44 All that and more on this February 2019 edition 00:00:49 of JW Broadcasting! 00:01:10 The theme of this program 00:01:11 is taken from the second part 00:01:13 of Romans 12:10: 00:01:15 “In showing honor to one another, 00:01:17 take the lead.” 00:01:19 What is honor? 00:01:21 In the Hebrew Scriptures, the term translated “honor” 00:01:25 literally means “heaviness.” 00:01:27 So when we honor someone, 00:01:29 we’re acknowledging that he’s weighty 00:01:32 or that he amounts to something. 00:01:34 In the Greek Scriptures, the word is related 00:01:36 to setting a price on something, 00:01:39 meaning that the one we honor is esteemed or has value. 00:01:44 Whom should we honor? 00:01:46 Of course, Jehovah is worthy of honor. 00:01:50 Revelation 4:11 says this 00:01:53 and gives us the reason for giving glory and honor to Jehovah. 00:01:58 It says because he “created all things.” 00:02:03 He is responsible for us having life in the first place. 00:02:08 How do we give him honor? 00:02:10 There are many ways: 00:02:12 We honor him by doing his will 00:02:15 —obeying his laws and principles. 00:02:17 We honor him by extolling his qualities and promises 00:02:21 —telling others about these gifts from God. 00:02:25 We show him honor by contributing financially 00:02:28 to the worldwide educational work 00:02:30 that he’s directing through his Son and holy spirit. 00:02:36 And just as Revelation chapter 4 said 00:02:39 about Jehovah being worthy of the honor, 00:02:42 Revelation 5:12 00:02:45 says that his Son, Christ Jesus, 00:02:47 is worthy of the same. 00:02:50 Verse 12 says of Jesus: 00:02:53 “They were saying with a loud voice: 00:02:55 “‘The Lamb who was slaughtered 00:02:57 “‘is worthy to receive the power and riches and wisdom 00:03:01 and strength and honor and glory and blessing.’” 00:03:06 How do we show honor to Jesus? 00:03:09 One way is acknowledged in the verse we just read. 00:03:12 He was “slaughtered” like a sacrificial lamb 00:03:15 so that we might have the hope of everlasting life. 00:03:18 We highly esteem, and value, that sacrifice. 00:03:22 We honor Jesus by recognizing his role 00:03:25 as an immortal “King of kings” in the heavens. 00:03:28 And another very practical way to honor Jesus 00:03:31 is to strive to imitate his life and personality 00:03:35 as the model for us to follow closely. 00:03:38 If we take the lead in showing honor, 00:03:41 who else will we view as highly valued 00:03:44 —to be treated with esteem? 00:03:47 Ephesians 6:1, 2 says 00:03:50 that children ‘honor their father and mother’ when they’re obedient to them. 00:03:54 Matthew 15:4-6 00:03:57 makes it clear that adult children 00:03:59 honor their parents and grandparents 00:04:01 by giving material assistance to them as needed. 00:04:06 First Timothy 5:17 00:04:09 urges us to give elders “double honor” 00:04:12 because of their hard work in our behalf. 00:04:14 Romans 13:1, 7 00:04:17 even extends the matter of showing honor 00:04:19 to governmental rulers and others in authority. 00:04:24 First Peter 2:17 00:04:27 broadens the meaning of honor even further saying: 00:04:30 “Honor men of all sorts.” 00:04:33 In addition to being kind and respectful to people in general, 00:04:38 we also honor them by being willing 00:04:40 to spend time sharing the good news with them. 00:04:44 Ephesians 5:22-25 00:04:47 appeals to wives to honor their husbands 00:04:50 by having Christlike subjection for them. 00:04:53 Husbands are to honor their wives by showing them love 00:04:58 and treating them just as Jesus treated the congregation. 00:05:02 And what about our theme text for this discussion? 00:05:06 Who was Paul addressing in Romans chapter 12 when he said: 00:05:10 “In showing honor to one another, take the lead”? 00:05:14 Who are the “one another” in that verse? 00:05:19 Look at Romans 1:7 with me. 00:05:24 Paul says he’s writing “to all those who are in Rome 00:05:29 as God’s beloved ones, called to be holy ones.” 00:05:33 So all of us in the Christian congregation 00:05:35 are to have honor for each other. 00:05:39 I’d like to spend the balance of my time 00:05:42 discussing two of the many opportunities 00:05:45 we have to show honor 00:05:47 (they’re the last two that I just referenced): 00:05:51 first, marriage mates showing honor to each other, 00:05:55 and second, showing honor to one another in our congregations. 00:06:01 Marriages in general today are seriously lacking in honor. 00:06:05 Marriage mates often demean one another 00:06:08 with harsh words and disrespectful attitudes. 00:06:13 Some in the world resort to physical violence, 00:06:16 as if that somehow makes the abusive one right 00:06:19 in his view of whatever the issue is. 00:06:21 And infidelity on the part of one or both mates is so common 00:06:26 it doesn’t even raise eyebrows anymore. 00:06:29 All of this is a gross lack of honor in marriage. 00:06:35 But what about marriages 00:06:37 of those professing to be Jehovah’s Witnesses? 00:06:41 We’re blessed with so many marriages 00:06:43 that are wholesome and honorable. 00:06:46 True, none are perfect. 00:06:50 But how blessed we are to have the truth 00:06:52 and to have learned to be more and more Christlike with each other. 00:06:57 We’ve learned to shed things that we heard when we were growing up. 00:07:02 However, the matter of honoring our marriage mate 00:07:05 needs to be discussed. 00:07:08 While relatively few of our marriages 00:07:10 end up with some kind of physical violence 00:07:13 and relatively few end up in divorce, 00:07:16 what about having honor in the marriage? 00:07:21 After living together as husband and wife 00:07:23 for many months or for years or even for decades, 00:07:27 familiarity can cause us 00:07:29 to treat each other with less respect or honor 00:07:32 than when we were courting. 00:07:35 That isn’t right. 00:07:37 It isn’t Christlike. 00:07:40 But with our inherited imperfection, 00:07:43 we may succumb to dishonorable words and behavior 00:07:46 with the one that we promised to treasure 00:07:48 “until death do us part.” 00:07:52 How can we get a grip on this trait and minimize the times 00:07:56 that we have a clash of spirit and words? 00:08:00 First, let’s consider 00:08:03 the two basic responsibilities assigned to marriage mates. 00:08:07 This is the foundation 00:08:09 that we can then build on to improve. 00:08:14 The role of the husband is clearly stated 00:08:17 at 1 Corinthians 11:3. 00:08:20 And while some wives in society may bristle at this thought, 00:08:25 wives serving Jehovah are to embrace this thought. 00:08:29 It’s the arrangement of God. 00:08:32 First Corinthians 11:3 says: 00:08:36 “But I want you to know that the head of every man is the Christ; 00:08:40 “in turn, the head of a woman is the man; 00:08:43 in turn, the head of the Christ is God.” 00:08:46 God’s Word says that “the head of a woman is the man.” 00:08:51 However, the head of the woman 00:08:54 is not to be a domineering man, 00:08:57 not an abusive man —verbally or physically. 00:09:01 He is to imitate his head. 00:09:03 And who is that? 00:09:05 What did the first part of the verse say? 00:09:07 “The head of every man is the Christ.” 00:09:12 In fact, Ephesians chapter 5 00:09:15 strikes this fine balance between being a head of the wife 00:09:19 and being a loving head like the Christ. 00:09:22 Ephesians 5:22, 23 says: 00:09:26 “Let wives be in subjection to their husbands as to the Lord, 00:09:31 “[But what of the disposition of the husband?] 00:09:34 “because a husband is head of his wife 00:09:37 “just as the Christ is head of the congregation, 00:09:40 he being a savior of this body.” 00:09:44 That verse says it all. 00:09:48 Verse 33 of the same chapter says this: 00:09:52 “Each one of you must love his wife as he does himself; 00:09:57 “on the other hand, 00:09:59 the wife should have deep respect for her husband.” 00:10:04 There’s nowhere in God’s Word 00:10:07 that says that if one mate pushes the other mate’s button 00:10:11 —emotionally— that it cancels 00:10:13 the offended mate’s obligation to be Christlike. 00:10:17 The problem is that when one mate is offended or hurt, 00:10:21 it’s so easy to roll the eyes in disgust 00:10:26 or to lash back with a verbal insult. 00:10:29 Then the other mate fires back with another harsh, cutting remark. 00:10:34 It’s like wind on a forest fire. 00:10:37 Tempers blaze, and the evening goes up in smoke. 00:10:41 It’s not at all Christlike. 00:10:44 There is no honor shown in such a conflagration. 00:10:49 It has to stop sooner rather than later. 00:10:55 The January 15, 2015, issue of The Watchtower said this: 00:11:00 “Remember that marriage is not a competition 00:11:05 “to find out who is stronger, who can shout louder, 00:11:08 “or who can think of the most cutting remark. 00:11:11 “True, we all have flaws, and sometimes we upset others. 00:11:16 “But there is never a justifiable reason 00:11:19 “for either a husband or a wife 00:11:22 “to use sarcastic and demeaning speech, 00:11:25 or worse, to shove or hit each other.” 00:11:30 How can we change the atmosphere? 00:11:33 Someone needs to put out the fire 00:11:36 with the water of God’s Word. 00:11:40 Romans 12:10b, again: 00:11:43 “In showing honor to one another, take the lead.” 00:11:49 One of the mates must take the lead 00:11:51 even if at the time they’re apologizing for their own behavior 00:11:55 by acknowledging that they didn’t respond in a Christlike way saying, 00:12:00 “Forgive me.” 00:12:03 That same issue of The Watchtower cited two scriptures: 00:12:07 one for the husband and one for the wife. 00:12:10 We’ll first read Proverbs 17:27. 00:12:16 Husbands, listen to this 00:12:19 and apply it prior to a rift 00:12:22 or even during the conflict. 00:12:24 Proverbs 17:27: 00:12:27 “A man of knowledge restrains his words, 00:12:31 and a discerning man will remain calm.” 00:12:35 Husbands, does that describe us? 00:12:41 Now wives, 00:12:43 please locate Proverbs 31:26. 00:12:49 Does this describe your speech even when some altercation occurs? 00:12:55 Proverbs 31:26: 00:12:57 “She opens her mouth in wisdom; 00:12:59 the law of kindness is on her tongue.” 00:13:03 Usually after a misunderstanding and rash words have been said, 00:13:08 we feel miserable and upset. 00:13:11 We often chastise ourselves for adding fuel to the fire. 00:13:16 How much better to train ourselves to restrain our words 00:13:20 and remain calm and to speak 00:13:22 in wisdom and with kindness of tongue. 00:13:27 Meet Emil and Firuca Gârbovan from Romania. 00:13:32 They’re good examples of how the power of God’s Word 00:13:35 can mold and change the attitudes of marriage mates 00:13:38 who are willing to be guided by it. 00:13:43 It was in 1983 when I met Firuca. 00:13:49 I already had two little girls. 00:13:52 One was seven years old, 00:13:54 and the other one was three. 00:13:56 I accepted to study the Bible. 00:13:58 My husband worked 00:14:00 as a warrant officer for the police, 00:14:02 so at the beginning, I studied in secret. 00:14:06 Then I decided to tell him the truth. 00:14:08 When I found out 00:14:11 that my wife was studying the Bible 00:14:13 in order to become 00:14:15 one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 00:14:17 I became very sad. 00:14:19 And I realized that our marriage 00:14:21 and our family was in danger 00:14:24 because I only knew bad things 00:14:26 about Jehovah’s Witnesses. 00:14:31 He threatened he would divorce me, and he did. 00:14:36 The divorce was a very difficult time in my life 00:14:40 because I was seven months pregnant with our third daughter. 00:14:45 Following the divorce, my husband was given the house and custody 00:14:50 of our two daughters. 00:14:53 I had to leave the house, 00:14:55 and I stayed for almost a year with two families of our brothers. 00:15:03 I saw Jehovah’s love toward me, 00:15:06 and I loved Jehovah very much, 00:15:09 but I loved my husband too. 00:15:14 One day, as I was walking 00:15:17 and holding the little girl’s hand, 00:15:20 I saw Firuca’s husband walking toward me. 00:15:23 My heart stopped, 00:15:25 and I said to myself, 00:15:28 ‘He is going to hit me!’ 00:15:31 But Emil was a gentleman. 00:15:33 And he took the little girl in his arms, 00:15:36 talked to her for a few minutes, 00:15:39 and then he put her back down and left. 00:15:43 When I saw him leaving, I thanked Jehovah 00:15:47 because he didn’t beat me. 00:15:51 In 1990, I looked for my wife 00:15:55 and I told her that I would like to remarry her 00:15:58 to reunite our family. 00:16:01 And, after a while, she agreed 00:16:03 and step-by-step I started to study. 00:16:07 In 2003, I became 00:16:10 one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. 00:16:13 I am very happy that I made this change, 00:16:16 and I regret that I didn’t do it sooner. 00:16:22 I personally saw 00:16:24 how the truth can change a person’s life, 00:16:27 even in my own family. 00:16:31 Currently, I serve as an elder. 00:16:33 And in 2010, I became a regular pioneer. 00:16:37 When I see Emil conduct 00:16:40 the Bible study next to me, 00:16:43 I feel like kneeling rather than standing 00:16:47 to thank Jehovah. 00:16:52 So to married couples who love Jehovah we repeat: 00:16:56 “In showing honor . . . , take the lead.” 00:17:00 The principles just discussed can also be applied 00:17:03 when showing honor to others in the congregation. 00:17:06 Like the husband and wife that we just discussed, 00:17:09 all of us should be improving in imitating Jesus 00:17:13 and in ‘following his steps closely’ in all of our interactions 00:17:17 with fellow believers in the congregation. 00:17:21 How do we show honor to one another? 00:17:23 One way is well described 00:17:25 at 1 Corinthians 10:23, 24. 00:17:30 We show honor when we put the other person’s feelings 00:17:33 and needs ahead of our own. 00:17:36 First Corinthians 10:23, 24: 00:17:40 “All things are lawful, 00:17:43 “but not all things are advantageous. 00:17:45 “All things are lawful, but not all things build up. 00:17:49 “Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, 00:17:53 but that of the other person.” 00:17:56 We show honor when we suppress our own rights. 00:18:00 What we do or say might be lawful, but is it advantageous? 00:18:05 Will it build up? 00:18:07 Verse 24, then, concisely says it: 00:18:11 “Keep seeking, not [our] own advantage [or right], 00:18:14 but that of the other person.” 00:18:18 We show honor to others when we do good deeds for them. 00:18:22 Possibly, it’s even a humble task 00:18:25 that an elderly publisher needs done. 00:18:28 It could be offering to clean the house, 00:18:30 take them to the store, or fill some other need. 00:18:34 The principle is at Luke 22:26: 00:18:37 “You, though, are not to be that way. 00:18:40 “But let the one who is the greatest among you 00:18:42 “become as the youngest, 00:18:44 and the one taking the lead as the one ministering.” 00:18:49 Earlier, I cited 1 Timothy 5:17, 00:18:53 where we’re urged to give elders “double honor” 00:18:56 because of their hard work in our behalf. 00:18:58 They’re also part of our congregation and deserve honor. 00:19:03 In our August program last year, 00:19:05 Brother Lett helped us consider much of what is involved. 00:19:09 You’ll recall that his subject was 00:19:12 “Appreciating Our ‘Gifts in Men.’” 00:19:15 We minister to or honor others 00:19:18 when we readily forgive them 00:19:20 if they’ve embarrassed us or hurt our feelings. 00:19:24 Overall, Jehovah’s people do quite well 00:19:27 in honoring one another in the congregation. 00:19:30 But here is the question: 00:19:32 Are we improving in this aspect 00:19:35 of our Christian personality? 00:19:38 In our theme scripture, 00:19:40 Paul didn’t just say to honor one another. 00:19:44 He said to “widen out” or reach out 00:19:47 in this aspect of our Christian life. 00:19:50 His words were to “take the lead.” 00:19:54 If Paul had just said to show honor to each other, 00:19:58 that would be like a teacher 00:20:00 urging a group of literate students to learn to read. 00:20:04 If they’re literate, they don’t need to learn to read. 00:20:08 But what might the teacher be urging them to do? 00:20:12 He might encourage them to read better, or to improve. 00:20:17 Love is the identifying mark of Christ’s disciples. 00:20:21 So honor is something we’ve learned to show. 00:20:25 However, like the teacher, 00:20:28 Paul is urging us to improve in this area. 00:20:32 He said take the lead in showing honor. 00:20:36 The footnote says this could be rendered 00:20:38 taking the “initiative” in showing honor. 00:20:43 Instead of waiting 00:20:44 for some obvious reason to do good for others 00:20:47 —to commend someone, to check on a shut-in— 00:20:50 look for opportunities to take the initiative 00:20:53 to show honor in the family and in our congregations. 00:20:58 Yes, “in showing honor . . . , take the lead”! 00:21:05 At times, changing circumstances 00:21:08 can make it challenging to show honor. 00:21:12 In this dramatization, note how the husband and wife 00:21:15 adjusted to a change while learning new ways 00:21:19 to continue showing love and honor to each other. 00:21:27 My name is Kiara, 00:21:30 and that’s my husband, Shaan. 00:21:39 Our son Akil moved out recently 00:21:42 to help where the need is greater. 00:21:45 I didn’t realize just how much he made us laugh. 00:21:50 I miss that. 00:21:55 It’s just more quiet now. 00:21:59 But more than that, 00:22:02 I felt we were growing apart. 00:22:21 I tried talking to him. 00:22:24 It didn’t go well. 00:22:45 Ever since Akil left, 00:22:47 things have been off between Kiara and I. 00:23:35 She is so serious now. 00:23:38 I wish she would just lighten up 00:23:41 and laugh more, 00:23:44 like when Akil was still here. 00:23:47 As much as I hated to admit it, 00:23:50 it felt like we were growing apart. 00:23:58 Even Akil noticed. 00:24:00 Anyway, can I ask you guys a question? 00:24:04 Are you both doing OK? 00:24:06 Because you don’t look OK. 00:24:08 Of course, we’re OK. OK? 00:24:10 We’re doing wonderful, right? 00:24:12 Yeah, we’re doing good. 00:24:13 Everything is good. 00:24:13 Yeah. 00:24:19 We weren’t fooling anyone 00:24:22 —except maybe ourselves. 00:24:27 And for the first time, 00:24:29 we both revealed to each other 00:24:31 just how we had been really feeling. 00:24:36 We knew we were headed down a dangerous path. 00:24:39 We had to do something —fast. 00:24:47 We read aloud the scripture 00:24:49 at Romans 12:10: 00:24:52 “In showing honor to one another, take the lead.” 00:24:58 We thought about Abraham and Sarah. 00:25:01 They weren’t perfect, 00:25:04 but they worked hard to show honor to each other 00:25:08 by listening and by caring. 00:25:20 I told Kiara, “I know I can do better.” 00:25:24 And I wanted to 00:25:26 because I love her so much. 00:25:31 I told Shaan, “Let’s both try to do better.” 00:25:39 So we did. 00:26:24 A few months later, we decided to pioneer together. 00:26:28 Now it seemed we had a lot to talk about. 00:26:33 I felt like I was seeing a whole new side of Kiara. 00:26:38 Like Abraham and Sarah, our marriage wasn’t perfect. 00:26:43 There are going to be stressful times. 00:26:46 But by working hard to apply Bible principles, 00:26:50 we got through that rough patch 00:26:52 and it drew us even closer together. 00:26:59 First Corinthians 13:4, 7 tell us: 00:27:03 “Love is patient and kind” and “bears all things, 00:27:07 believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 00:27:12 Our dramatization helped us to see how love can adapt 00:27:16 to changing needs and circumstances. 00:27:19 But wouldn’t it be nice to talk with some real-life examples 00:27:22 of those who have developed such skills? 00:27:25 Well, we have a special treat. 00:27:28 A longtime faithful couple has joined us in the studio 00:27:33 —William and Angela Samuelson, 00:27:35 who serve at Patterson Bethel in the United States. 00:27:39 Now, of course, we’ve known each other for decades, 00:27:42 and I know you as Bill and Angie, 00:27:45 so that’s the way I’ll refer to you. 00:27:47 So nice that you could be here and be interviewed. 00:27:51 What’s helped you both maintain a happy marriage? 00:27:55 Well, we work as a team, so we always check 00:27:59 with each other before making decisions, 00:28:01 even in areas where we wouldn’t necessarily have to 00:28:05 —it would be OK to go ahead. 00:28:07 But just out of respect, 00:28:08 we talk with each other about any decisions that we make. 00:28:13 And, you know, Brother Morris, we’ve been married 60 years now, 00:28:16 and we’ve never really had a real serious argument. 00:28:20 We’ve had some disagreements but nothing ever serious. 00:28:24 And whenever we have those kind of words, why, we never use 00:28:29 demeaning language or say derogatory things about each other, 00:28:34 and that makes me very happy. 00:28:36 Yeah, that’s commendable. 00:28:38 Early in our marriage, there was one occasion 00:28:42 when Angie was upset with me about something 00:28:44 —it could’ve been anything— 00:28:46 and in the conversation, it obviously showed in her tone of voice. 00:28:50 So I explained to her that she could say anything she wanted 00:28:54 as long as she smiled when she said it. 00:28:57 Well, she tried, and we both had a good laugh. 00:29:01 It’s very hard to stay mad when you’re smiling. 00:29:04 Smiling—very, very good advice. 00:29:06 What about in the congregation? 00:29:08 How have you been able to show each other honor there? 00:29:12 Well, when we have assignments 00:29:14 from the platform, either of us, we work together. 00:29:18 Angie is much better 00:29:22 with grammar and pronunciation than I am, 00:29:25 and so I’ll check with her to make sure 00:29:27 that I’m saying things as correctly as possible. 00:29:31 And she checks with me 00:29:33 on prophetic significance, for example, 00:29:35 or theocratic understanding or procedure and timing. 00:29:40 Yes, and something that’s very important 00:29:44 is when we do check with each other, we’re not thin-skinned 00:29:48 about the advice that we want to give each other. 00:29:51 I’ll call it advice. 00:29:53 And that makes life a lot easier. 00:29:56 We don’t get angry because we’ve been told 00:29:58 we need to improve on something. 00:30:01 That’s excellent. 00:30:02 You also spent a long time 00:30:04 in the traveling work before coming to Bethel. 00:30:06 We knew you in the traveling work —early ’70’s and then later 00:30:10 when we were down South and you were assigned down there. 00:30:13 What did you learn about showing honor 00:30:16 in that avenue of service? 00:30:18 Well, as you say, we were in the traveling work 00:30:20 for 33 years, just over. 00:30:23 And for most of those years, we would have other assignments. 00:30:27 I would be working with the district 00:30:29 —now regional— convention organization 00:30:32 or other assignments, 00:30:34 and it meant that Angie would be alone 00:30:36 in the congregation. 00:30:38 She never complained; 00:30:40 nor did she become unduly inquisitive about my assignment, 00:30:45 which sometimes would’ve been confidential. 00:30:48 When we had an unexpected move that came up, 00:30:51 a change of assignment somewhere, 00:30:54 Angie would just pack and be ready to go. 00:30:56 That’s right. That was my job—packing. 00:31:01 And in the field ministry, Brother Morris, 00:31:04 we would usually be in separate car groups 00:31:06 because Bill would work with the brothers and I would work with the sisters. 00:31:09 And I really appreciated the fact 00:31:12 that he always made sure I had a safe driver. 00:31:15 It worked out most of the time. 00:31:17 And if we had a territory that was a little scary, 00:31:22 why, he made sure that we were safe in the territory. 00:31:25 So I appreciated that very much. 00:31:27 In one congregation, 00:31:29 (you know, things don’t always go the way we plan) 00:31:33 the brother scheduling the meals 00:31:36 had scheduled two families 00:31:39 for the same noon meal for us. 00:31:41 The one sister was deaf; 00:31:44 and she had always had the traveling brother on a certain day; 00:31:47 and she didn’t hear when she was told it wouldn’t be that day. 00:31:51 So she had gone ahead and prepared a meal. 00:31:53 In the meantime, we had been assigned to another home, 00:31:56 where they served us a full course 00:31:59 —or courses— of an Italian meal. 00:32:01 While we were eating, we found out 00:32:03 that the other sister was waiting for us. 00:32:06 She would’ve been highly offended if somebody didn’t come. 00:32:08 So I went to the Kingdom Hall 00:32:11 and handled the meeting for field service after the meal, 00:32:13 and Angie went to the sister. 00:32:16 That sister would probably still be mad at me if Angie hadn’t gone. 00:32:20 Boy, was I sleepy that afternoon after two big meals. 00:32:23 I bet. Well, you handled that very Christlike. 00:32:27 Now, as we mentioned, your current assignment is here at Bethel. 00:32:32 How have you navigated the unique challenges 00:32:34 of this form of service while still honoring one another? 00:32:39 Well, as you know, we work in different departments, 00:32:42 but we respect that some things 00:32:45 are confidential to that department. 00:32:48 So we don’t make the work of our department 00:32:52 a major part of our conversation. 00:32:54 We could have an energy problem 00:32:56 at the end of the day after working all day, 00:32:59 so Bill is very considerate about accepting too many social invitations. 00:33:02 Isn’t that nice? 00:33:04 And so we respect each other’s limitations 00:33:06 when it comes to physical 00:33:08 and just energy in general. 00:33:11 Well, that’s certainly honoring each other. 00:33:15 Well, Bill and Angie, 00:33:17 those were practical and encouraging comments. 00:33:19 We really thank you so much 00:33:21 for taking the time and allowing us to interview you, 00:33:25 and we really appreciate your good example all these decades. 00:33:28 Well, thank you. 00:33:29 Thank you. 00:33:32 While the Samuelsons are a wonderful example to try to imitate, 00:33:37 we know that many marriages 00:33:39 may have a more difficult start, or in some cases, 00:33:42 the mates may not share the same spiritual values. 00:33:46 What can be done if we find this to be true in our case? 00:33:51 Notice how sister Grace Li 00:33:54 from Great Britain dealt with these challenges in her marriage. 00:33:59 I was born in Hong Kong in 1952. 00:34:04 When I was just over 14 years of age, 00:34:07 my mother sat me down and said, 00:34:10 “Look, there’s a marriage maker, 00:34:13 “and the gentleman has agreed 00:34:15 to take you as his wife.” 00:34:18 I was absolutely petrified! 00:34:20 I had never met him before. 00:34:22 There was actually 00:34:24 a 20-year difference between our ages, 00:34:27 but I was willing to go through with it because I love my mum. 00:34:30 I wanted her to be able to have a chance of happiness. 00:34:34 I came to England, and not long after that, 00:34:38 we started our first Chinese take-away in that little town. 00:34:42 I had to work very hard seven days a week 00:34:46 to help my husband run the business. 00:34:53 I was the only Chinese woman in the entire town. 00:34:57 I had nowhere to ask for help 00:34:59 or advice, so I had a really bad time. 00:35:04 When my second daughter was born, 00:35:06 one night she just stopped breathing. 00:35:09 And a few minutes later, the nurse came out and said, 00:35:12 “God wanted a flower for his garden, 00:35:15 and that’s where your daughter has gone.” 00:35:17 So at that moment in time, I was very angry. 00:35:20 And I felt sad and sorrow and lonely. 00:35:24 And I had horrible guilt: 00:35:27 “It’s my fault. 00:35:29 Or it’s God’s; it’s his fault.” 00:35:33 So I stopped praying to God. 00:35:36 One day, there was one very kind lady 00:35:40 who came and knocked on my door. 00:35:43 And then, eventually, 00:35:45 one day, the ladies stopped and had a conversation, 00:35:49 and the conversation led 00:35:51 to why people die 00:35:53 and what happens when they’re dead. 00:35:55 Knowing it’s nobody’s fault 00:35:57 —it’s just our imperfection— 00:35:59 I found it a great relief. 00:36:01 God did not punish me for that. 00:36:03 And from then on, I started a Bible study with her. 00:36:08 But my study was progressing very slow. 00:36:11 By that time, I had six children. 00:36:14 I also had to work full-time. 00:36:17 And also, the lady didn’t speak Chinese, 00:36:20 and my English was no better than her Chinese either. 00:36:27 Since I dedicated my life to Jehovah, 00:36:31 it’s not been easy. 00:36:33 As far as my husband was concerned, 00:36:35 his wife should be concentrating 00:36:38 on looking after the family and the business 00:36:40 and shouldn’t be wasting time on religions like that. 00:36:43 My mum, as well, was very much against me 00:36:47 becoming one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. 00:36:52 My husband shouted at me. 00:36:54 Often he gave me a hard time because I wanted to take 00:36:56 all my children to the meetings. 00:37:01 One day, he wanted me to choose 00:37:04 between him or Jehovah. 00:37:07 And I prayed to Jehovah. 00:37:09 I said, “Jehovah, now is the time 00:37:11 I need your holy spirit to help me.” 00:37:13 And I said, “My husband is a good man, 00:37:15 “and he deserves to know why 00:37:18 I chose this life.” 00:37:21 And I just felt so calm, 00:37:24 and then I turned around and asked my husband: 00:37:26 “What do you think of me since I became a Witness? 00:37:29 Am I a better wife, or am I getting worse?” 00:37:33 So my husband said: “Oh, OK then. 00:37:37 If that is the case, go serve your God, Jehovah.” 00:37:43 Before my mother died, 00:37:45 my mother actually prayed to Jehovah 00:37:47 to thank him and to say 00:37:51 that since I became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 00:37:55 I became a better daughter. 00:37:57 I remember, one day, 00:38:00 one of my Bible students came to my house, 00:38:03 and she was crying 00:38:06 because she suffered persecution from her husband. 00:38:08 And my husband was sitting next to me, 00:38:12 and he turned around and said, 00:38:14 “You just have to persevere, 00:38:17 “because my wife went through the same experience, 00:38:21 and look where she is now.” 00:38:24 For the last ten years, my husband has come 00:38:26 to all the meetings with me. 00:38:29 Seeing my children happy is the most important thing for me. 00:38:33 And they are happy not only for a short time 00:38:37 but they also have a happy future. 00:38:39 My life now—I’m no longer lonely; 00:38:42 I’m no longer a fatherless child, 00:38:45 because I know Jehovah cares for me. 00:38:48 Jehovah helped a little woman like me, 00:38:50 and I’m sure Jehovah will help anybody 00:38:53 whose heart is toward him. 00:38:56 Sister Li’s example helps us to see 00:38:58 that even in spiritually divided homes, 00:39:01 applying Bible principles in our life 00:39:04 can often soften the heart of our mate toward the truth. 00:39:07 Having seen some beautiful examples 00:39:10 of showing honor within our marriage, 00:39:12 let’s now look at ways of showing honor 00:39:14 to one another in the congregation. 00:39:17 For example, what if we’re serving in a foreign territory 00:39:21 where the customs and culture 00:39:23 are quite different from what we’re accustomed to? 00:39:26 This is just one of many challenges often faced 00:39:29 by ones involved in the international construction work. 00:39:33 What have they found to be helpful 00:39:35 when adapting to new environments? 00:41:39 Did you notice the beautiful thought 00:41:42 that every culture has its own strong points 00:41:45 that we can learn from and apply in our lives? 00:41:49 What an excellent way to cultivate 00:41:51 an attitude of viewing others as superior! 00:41:55 But what about ones outside the congregation? 00:41:58 Do we show honor to them as well? 00:42:01 Of course. 00:42:03 Galatians 6:10 tells us: 00:42:05 “As long as we have the opportunity, 00:42:08 let us work what is good toward all.” 00:42:11 The best way we can do this is 00:42:13 by helping them cultivate and satisfy their spiritual needs. 00:42:18 We now visit a town in the state of Oregon in the United States 00:42:22 where the congregations had a unique opportunity to do just this. 00:42:28 An exciting event took place 00:42:30 in 2017 across the United States. 00:42:33 August 21, 2017, 00:42:35 has been on a lot of people’s calendars 00:42:37 for a long time because of the total eclipse. 00:42:39 As Jehovah’s Witnesses, we are constantly on the lookout 00:42:42 for events where we can support community outreach. 00:42:46 Brothers and sisters 00:42:48 prepared well in advance to give a Bible education 00:42:50 to the many travelers. 00:42:52 What convinced us that this was an opportunity 00:42:55 to give a great witness was that we did a little research, 00:42:58 and we noticed the hotel bookings. 00:43:01 The town was packed, 00:43:03 so we could tell that this was going to be a big event. 00:43:05 We needed to do something. 00:43:07 We wanted to be in a position to share 00:43:09 the wonderful things from the Bible with them. 00:43:12 We needed to take a global approach. 00:43:14 We had to identify all the resources in Bend 00:43:16 and not just do it by individual congregation. 00:43:19 So in our campaign we decided to feature three primary tools: 00:43:23 first, What Does the Bible Really Teach? because many people wonder; 00:43:27 second, Was Life Created? because with an eclipse event, 00:43:31 people are thinking about the universe, and it’s a good opportunity 00:43:35 to talk about our Creator; 00:43:36 and third, 00:43:38 jw.org, 00:43:40 since we expect a lot of visitors from all over the world, 00:43:42 we can reach them in their language. 00:43:44 Over 200 brothers and sisters attended two seminars 00:43:48 put on by local brothers to help prepare individuals for the massive campaign. 00:43:54 We had examples of what not to do and what to do 00:43:58 so as to benefit as many people as possible. 00:44:02 We had an interview; 00:44:04 we had demonstrations on how to speak to people in different languages. 00:44:10 We’re expecting people from many different parts of the world. 00:44:14 It’s actually an opportunity 00:44:16 to be like a missionary in our own hometown. 00:44:19 Some of the estimates that we have heard are conservative estimates 00:44:22 of probably 200,000 visitors. 00:44:24 It may be more than that. 00:44:27 The local congregations made themselves available 00:44:30 to work with city officials 00:44:32 to prepare the parks for the large influx of people. 00:44:35 So many of Jehovah’s Witnesses have volunteered 00:44:38 to help with all kinds of things. 00:44:40 These are really small communities that are having a very large influx of people. 00:44:44 So all of that extra effort 00:44:46 and help in kind of preparing and cleaning up 00:44:49 is much appreciated. 00:44:52 We have been working with Jehovah’s Witnesses 00:44:54 for a period of years here at Smith Rock. 00:44:56 It’s been a good experience for our staff and our volunteers, 00:44:59 and we want to accommodate that in any way we can. 00:45:02 There’s been a lot of good things happening with cart witnessing. 00:45:05 One of the friends had a nice experience with an Arabic-speaking man, 00:45:09 and she said the seminar is what helped her to be prepared. 00:45:13 She knew how to work the app, 00:45:15 how to find the video in the language, 00:45:17 and she already had it downloaded and ready to go. 00:45:20 Paul spoke about his ministry. 00:45:23 He said: “Woe is me if I did not declare the good news!” 00:45:26 So we don’t want to look back and wish we would’ve done more. 00:45:31 Trying it for the first time can be scary. 00:45:33 It can be nerve-racking, 00:45:34 but it’s not so scary after you get started. 00:45:37 What’s really been fun is what we are calling roving. 00:45:41 We go into an area where there are a lot of people, 00:45:44 and we just start conversations. 00:45:46 We don’t carry any literature. 00:45:48 We just have our device 00:45:50 and the jw.org contact card. 00:45:53 And then, hopefully, if the opportunity presents itself, 00:45:56 we may share with them a video 00:45:59 or tell them we’re Jehovah’s Witnesses. 00:46:01 It’s just been a paradise for them 00:46:03 —a preaching paradise— all these visitors coming in. 00:46:05 We may not see the results 00:46:08 of the seed that was planted when they took a look at our cart, 00:46:10 but Jehovah knows 00:46:13 and the angels know and can make that grow. 00:46:17 This endeavor has really helped me to appreciate 00:46:19 the need to be alert to ways to expand our ministry. 00:46:23 Most communities have a calendar of events. 00:46:27 Have we thought about looking at it 00:46:29 and then making plans to give a witness 00:46:32 by having our literature carts out? 00:46:35 And, really, events like this, they have a bigger impact 00:46:38 on us as Jehovah’s Witnesses because we have an opportunity to talk. 00:46:42 We get excited about our work. 00:46:44 We’re all working together shoulder to shoulder. 00:46:46 It really builds our faith. 00:46:48 Recently, a scripture that stood out to me was 1 Chronicles 28:20, 00:46:53 where it says: “Be courageous . . . and go to work.” 00:46:57 It helped me to realize that I just need to take the initiative and try. 00:47:01 That’s what we all need to do, 00:47:04 and then let Jehovah decide how things turn out. 00:47:07 Jehovah will no doubt bless your efforts 00:47:10 as you show an interest in others. 00:47:14 The interest we show in others is most noteworthy 00:47:18 within the bounds of our own brotherhood. 00:47:20 Galatians 6:10, which we quoted earlier, 00:47:23 ends its thought about working “good toward all,” 00:47:25 saying that we should do this 00:47:27 “especially toward those related to us in the faith.” 00:47:31 Our music video entitled You Can Count on Me 00:47:35 provides a touching example of how this “good” can be shown. 00:47:49 Time and circumstance Don’t always work in our favor. 00:47:59 What might have been if we just had the chance 00:48:05 Is something we may never know. 00:48:12 But God looks down and sees; He knows us better than we do. 00:48:22 He sees what we are and what more we could be. 00:48:28 It’s all in the way that we go. 00:48:35 He values all of us, No matter what talent or gift we possess. 00:48:46 He wants each one of us To be as caring as he is. 00:48:57 So you’re my friend ’cause you’re always there 00:49:02 Through our ups and downs and through all we’ve shared. 00:49:06 And I’m there When you need someone, 00:49:11 when things are hard to bear. 00:49:15 I’ll be the friend you need. You can count on me. 00:49:28 We weep with those who weep, Sharing the things that we’re feeling. 00:49:39 But sometimes our tears may be all that can speak, 00:49:45 Expressing what words cannot say. Troubles can bring us down. 00:49:57 Jehovah can lift us and carry us through. 00:50:03 We all can do the same And help each other as friends do. 00:50:13 And you’re my friend ’cause you’re always there 00:50:19 Through our ups and downs and through all we’ve shared. 00:50:23 And I’m there When you need someone, 00:50:28 when things are hard to bear. 00:50:31 I’ll be the friend you need. You can count on me. 00:50:58 And you’re my friend ’cause you’re always there 00:51:03 Through our ups and downs and through all we’ve shared. 00:51:07 And I’m there When you need someone, 00:51:12 when things are hard to bear. 00:51:16 I’ll be the friend you need. You can count on me. 00:51:32 We conclude this month’s program by traveling to Indonesia. 00:51:36 Composed of more than 17,000 islands, 00:51:39 it consists of hundreds of distinct native, 00:51:42 ethnic, and linguistic groups, 00:51:45 with the largest being the Javanese. 00:51:47 Let’s visit the city of Malang, 00:51:49 which has some 370 publishers 00:51:52 in 9 congregations. 00:51:54 The territory here is productive, 00:51:56 with many who are open to the Bible’s message. 00:52:00 The largest challenge our brothers face here is economic hardship. 00:52:04 It’s not easy to provide even basic necessities, 00:52:08 so many people in the territory work long hours. 00:52:12 However, the pioneers 00:52:14 have found an ingenious way to make a living 00:52:16 making milk, juice, and cakes from soybeans. 00:52:19 A typical day will have them up at 3:00 a.m. 00:52:23 making fresh soy products 00:52:25 and then selling them on the street in the morning. 00:52:29 In the afternoon they preach and go to the market that evening 00:52:32 to buy fresh ingredients for the next day’s work. 00:52:36 While the brothers in Malang have not yet been able to obtain a permit 00:52:39 for an official Kingdom Hall, they often meet in private homes. 00:52:43 Although it can be cramped and hot, 00:52:45 attendance is nearly always well over 100 percent. 00:52:49 The publishers in Malang 00:52:51 send their warm love and greetings 00:52:54 to our entire global brotherhood. 00:52:57 This is JW Broadcasting 00:52:59 from the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
