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00:00:02 We extend a warm welcome to all of you! 00:00:06 This is the January 2020 edition 00:00:11 of JW Broadcasting®. 00:00:31 Excitement was in the air 00:00:33 as brothers and sisters 00:00:35 from around the world 00:00:37 poured into the Assembly Hall 00:00:39 in Newburgh, New York, 00:00:41 for the annual meeting on October 5, 2019. 00:00:47 Encouraging reports and thrilling announcements 00:00:51 gave clear evidence of Jehovah’s blessing 00:00:54 on the preaching work. 00:00:56 Now you will hear it for yourself. 00:00:59 Please enjoy the first part 00:01:02 of the 2019 annual meeting. 00:01:08 I’ve chosen the theme 00:01:10 “Your Leader Is One, the Christ,” 00:01:14 based on Matthew 23:10. 00:01:19 Starting out with Nimrod of Babylon, 00:01:21 the world has seen many leaders 00:01:24 —religious leaders, political leaders. 00:01:27 When Hitler ruled Nazi Germany, 00:01:30 the Nazis created a slogan: 00:01:32 “One people, one empire, one leader.” 00:01:36 Well, what happened to that leader? 00:01:39 After causing the death of millions during World War II, 00:01:43 he reportedly ended his life by suicide. 00:01:47 Human leaders have failed. 00:01:49 Why? 00:01:50 For one, most did not have enough love for God and for the people. 00:01:55 They used their position to acquire wealth, fame, power. 00:02:00 Others might have had noble intentions but still failed. 00:02:03 Why? 00:02:05 Imperfect man does not have the ability 00:02:08 to rule, or lead, others perfectly. 00:02:13 In Bible times, Jehovah was the leader of the ancient people of Israel. 00:02:17 He said, according to Leviticus 11:45: 00:02:20 “For I am Jehovah, who is leading you 00:02:24 up out of the land of Egypt to prove myself God to you.” 00:02:29 However, Jehovah appointed Moses as a visible leader representing Him, 00:02:34 although he was imperfect. 00:02:36 Later, he appointed Joshua, then the judges, then the kings. 00:02:41 However, the people sometimes rejected their leadership. 00:02:46 Today, a leader exists whose leadership is perfect 00:02:51 —Jesus Christ. 00:02:53 He was appointed by Jehovah. 00:02:56 We have a leader who is sinless 00:02:58 —different from any other human. 00:03:01 He’s perfect in wisdom and in righteousness. 00:03:04 He’s more powerful than all human leaders together. 00:03:10 He’s also perfect in love. 00:03:13 He is a leader that gave his life for the people. 00:03:16 Do we all appreciate his leadership? 00:03:20 Sure we do. 00:03:22 Jesus provided leadership by personal example 00:03:26 and at the same time showed humility in dealing with others. 00:03:29 He showed love for his disciples throughout the centuries until today, 00:03:34 strengthening them when persecuted. 00:03:37 He never abandoned them, 00:03:39 as he also indicated at Matthew 28:19, 20. 00:03:45 Do you want to follow his lead? 00:03:49 I trust you do. 00:03:51 In the first century, at Pentecost 33 C.E., 00:03:56 the Christian congregation was formed. 00:03:59 There was a governing body of mature Christians, namely, the apostles, 00:04:03 who were responsible to take the lead. 00:04:05 When some of them were killed or died of sickness or old age, 00:04:10 other anointed ones were appointed to serve on that body. 00:04:13 Similarly today, 00:04:15 there’s no specific number on the modern-day Governing Body. 00:04:20 In the first century, the governing body 00:04:22 was not only led by the spirit 00:04:24 but in matters of doctrine, even inspired. 00:04:29 Today, it’s not inspired 00:04:31 but still led by the spirit. 00:04:36 Today, our recognizing Christ’s leadership involves 00:04:39 submission to and cooperation with his spiritual brothers 00:04:42 and with other appointed overseers. 00:04:46 After Brother Russell, 00:04:48 Brother Rutherford became the president of the Society, 00:04:52 or our human leader at that time. 00:04:56 Whereas at the beginning of his presidency 00:04:59 he strongly emphasized his position, 00:05:01 he changed his attitude later, 00:05:03 realizing he was not to be considered 00:05:06 the number one, or the leader. 00:05:10 The book Jehovah’s Witnesses —Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom 00:05:14 says on pages 220-221: 00:05:18 “At a convention in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1941, 00:05:22 “shortly before his death, 00:05:24 “he spoke about the matter of leadership, saying: 00:05:27 “‘I want to let any strangers here know 00:05:30 “‘what you think about a man being your leader, 00:05:34 “‘so they won’t be forgetting. 00:05:36 “‘. . . If there is any person in this audience 00:05:38 “‘who thinks that I, this man standing here, 00:05:41 “is the leader of Jehovah’s witnesses, say Yes.’ 00:05:45 “The response was an impressive silence, 00:05:50 “broken only by an emphatic ‘No’ 00:05:53 “from several in the audience. 00:05:56 “The speaker continued: 00:05:58 “‘If you who are here believe that I am just one of the servants of the Lord, 00:06:02 “‘and we are working shoulder to shoulder in unity, 00:06:06 “serving God and serving Christ, say Yes.’ 00:06:09 “[And] in unison the assembly 00:06:11 roared out a decisive ‘Yes!’” 00:06:18 From January 1942 to June 1977, 00:06:22 Brother Nathan Homer Knorr served as president of the Society. 00:06:26 Gradually, by divine influence, 00:06:28 authority was shifted more and more 00:06:30 from the president to a Governing Body 00:06:34 as the meaning of the term and the function 00:06:36 was understood increasingly better. 00:06:39 Today, Jesus is still the Leader, 00:06:43 providing leadership for the congregations. 00:06:46 He also directs the worldwide preaching work from heaven. 00:06:50 However, he has delegated leadership 00:06:52 to “the faithful and discreet slave” —the Governing Body— 00:06:56 through whom he provides spiritual food at the proper time 00:06:59 in line with Matthew 24:45-47. 00:07:05 No member of the Governing Body has the title “Leader,” 00:07:09 since Jesus said that none of his disciples 00:07:12 should be called Leader 00:07:15 —Matthew 23:10-12. 00:07:19 The term “governing body” was used by us for the first time 00:07:23 in The Watchtower of 1944, 00:07:25 November 1, page 328, 00:07:29 in the article “Theocratic Organization in Action.” 00:07:32 But de facto in 1944, there was no Governing Body 00:07:37 with collective decision-making in operation yet. 00:07:43 A historic change came on September 6, 1971. 00:07:47 It was resolved that the chairmanship of the Governing Body 00:07:50 would rotate annually among its members, 00:07:53 doing so alphabetically. 00:07:55 On October 1, 1971, 00:07:58 Brother Frederick William Franz 00:08:00 became the chairman of the Governing Body for one year, 00:08:04 according to the Proclaimers book, 00:08:07 pages 106-107. 00:08:11 Starting in 1971, 00:08:13 the number of the members of the Governing Body was raised. 00:08:16 Gradually, there were 18 members. 00:08:18 When the Governing Body was formed, 00:08:20 it was put in writing that all members 00:08:23 consider themselves as equal to the others; 00:08:27 none were more equal than the others. 00:08:33 Who was the number one among the 12 apostles? 00:08:37 Well, none of them. 00:08:39 Revelation 21:14 says 00:08:42 that in a figurative description 00:08:46 of the New Jerusalem —Messianic Kingdom— 00:08:50 that there will be “12 apostles of the Lamb,” 00:08:55 and no apostle is shown in this text 00:08:58 as being superior to another. 00:09:01 The Governing Body also appoints 00:09:05 helpers to assist them; 00:09:08 this was instituted in 1992. 00:09:13 Each of the Governing Body committees has helpers; 00:09:16 there are over 30 helpers now. 00:09:20 They participate at the meetings 00:09:22 of the Governing Body committee to which they are assigned. 00:09:26 They do not share in decision-making 00:09:29 but are offering observations and suggestions. 00:09:33 And also they carry out the decisions made 00:09:36 by the respective Governing Body committee. 00:09:40 The Governing Body also appoints 00:09:42 Branch Committees and Country Committees 00:09:44 in different parts of the world, 00:09:47 and they have oversight over one or more countries. 00:09:51 Now, who is the number one on the Branch Committee? 00:09:56 No one. 00:09:58 Christ is number one. 00:10:00 Branch Committees also have a chairman 00:10:03 who rotates each year alphabetically. 00:10:06 This is in place since 1976. 00:10:10 The chairman of the U.S. branch starting this coming January 00:10:15 is Brother Lon Schilling. 00:10:17 Who is the leader among congregation elders? 00:10:22 Although all of them are to take the lead, 00:10:25 none of them is to be considered number one. 00:10:28 There is no rotation in place. 00:10:31 In a sense, we could say that Jesus is number one, or the Leader. 00:10:36 He is the head of the congregation. 00:10:39 The coordinators of the body of elders do not rotate, 00:10:43 but they are aware that all elders are equals. 00:10:47 None are more equal than the others. 00:10:51 Well, is Christ’s leadership real to you? 00:10:56 We are not following a man. 00:10:58 Be determined to study more 00:11:01 about our Leader, 00:11:04 imitating him in our personal lives. 00:11:08 Jehovah will love you 00:11:10 if you follow his appointed Leader now, 00:11:14 and if you do, you may get the privilege to follow him 00:11:19 forever after into all eternity. 00:11:28 We now have the privilege 00:11:30 to hear from Brother Stephen Lett of the Governing Body. 00:11:34 He will address the subject 00:11:37 “Our Relief Ministry, Used by Jehovah to Provide Relief.” 00:11:51 Jehovah is a wonderful God 00:11:55 of comfort and relief. 00:11:58 In stark contrast, 00:12:00 Satan the Devil is a horrible god 00:12:03 of pain and suffering. 00:12:05 In fact, if we think about it, 00:12:07 even with the so-called natural disasters 00:12:12 that cause a lot of pain and suffering, 00:12:14 Satan is the ultimate cause. 00:12:16 Why do we say that? 00:12:18 Well, by alienating humans from Jehovah, 00:12:23 Satan deprived them of the Creator 00:12:26 lovingly controlling the weather for their benefit. 00:12:30 Additionally, humans under Satan’s rule 00:12:33 have grossly mismanaged the earth 00:12:36 and its environmental provisions, 00:12:38 resulting in erratic weather swings 00:12:41 which undoubtedly contribute to these so-called natural disasters. 00:12:46 But how thankful, as we said, 00:12:49 that Jehovah is a God of comfort and relief! 00:12:51 And one way he lives up to this title 00:12:55 is by empowering and motivating us 00:12:59 to share in a relief ministry in behalf of our brothers 00:13:04 who have been pummeled by some catastrophe. 00:13:07 And when we allow Jehovah to use us in this way, 00:13:11 we’re actually imitating our first-century brothers and sisters. 00:13:14 Please go to Acts 11:29. 00:13:19 The setting is about the year 46 C.E., 00:13:23 and our brothers in Judea 00:13:26 are suffering from a terrible famine. 00:13:30 Being unable to pay the sky-high prices for food, 00:13:34 they’re very hungry; they’re even facing starvation. 00:13:38 So, what did their brothers in Antioch, 00:13:41 their Jewish and Gentile brothers, 00:13:45 do for these brothers in Judea? 00:13:47 Well, let’s read beginning in verse 29: 00:13:50 “So the disciples determined, 00:13:53 “each according to what he could afford, 00:13:56 “to send relief to the brothers living in Judea; 00:14:00 “and this they did, 00:14:02 sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.” 00:14:06 Now, you can just imagine how appreciative 00:14:09 those brothers facing starvation in Judea were 00:14:12 to receive this aid from their brothers in Antioch! 00:14:16 And you can just imagine how appreciative Jehovah was 00:14:19 for what the ones in Antioch did for their very needy brothers! 00:14:24 And this Bible account is just one of several 00:14:27 about our brothers in one area performing a relief ministry 00:14:31 in behalf of others living elsewhere who are very needy. 00:14:36 Now we ask this, 00:14:38 How specifically does Jehovah provide 00:14:41 comfort and relief by means of our relief ministry? 00:14:45 Well, here are three ways. 00:14:47 One, physical relief is given. 00:14:50 Our brother’s immediate needs regarding food, clothing, shelter, 00:14:55 medicine, first-aid supplies are provided. 00:14:58 Two, emotional relief is given. 00:15:02 Assurance is given that they’re not alone. 00:15:05 Jehovah is with them, 00:15:07 and their brothers are with them in this time of distress. 00:15:10 But most important, spiritual relief is given. 00:15:14 We make sure that our brothers have what they need 00:15:19 to resume immediately 00:15:22 their spiritual routine of serving Jehovah. 00:15:26 But now, in order to continue their spiritual routine long-term, 00:15:31 their lives and their circumstances have to be stabilized. 00:15:35 This often requires either repairing 00:15:38 or rebuilding their Kingdom Halls 00:15:41 and repairing or even in many cases 00:15:44 rebuilding their homes, 00:15:46 and then they can continue in their spiritual routine. 00:15:50 In fact, enjoy, please, this video 00:15:53 showing how our brothers in Indonesia 00:15:56 were helped to resume quickly 00:15:59 their spiritual routine 00:16:01 after the devastating earthquake and tsunami of 2018. 00:16:14 Four days after the earthquake, evacuation of 132 people began. 00:16:33 It was important 00:16:34 to take care of the spiritual needs 00:16:36 of the brothers and sisters 00:16:37 and, amazingly, 00:16:39 not a single meeting was missed. 00:16:42 Several of us from the branch office 00:16:44 gave encouraging talks to the publishers there. 00:16:47 Meetings for field service were also held, 00:16:49 and the publishers there went out preaching 00:16:51 just a couple of days after they had arrived. 00:16:56 We had the opportunity to go out preaching in Poso. 00:16:58 Many people were interested in discussing 00:17:01 the events that took place in Palu. 00:17:03 They listened to the Bible’s message and asked to be visited again. 00:17:07 After meeting for field service 00:17:09 at the Poso Kingdom Hall, 00:17:11 we had the opportunity 00:17:12 to play sign-language videos 00:17:14 from jw.org® to several deaf ones. 00:17:18 Even though we were struck 00:17:20 by a natural disaster, 00:17:23 we were still able to carry out 00:17:25 spiritual routines. 00:17:26 I’m very grateful to Jehovah, 00:17:29 the brothers from the branch office, and others whose prayers, 00:17:32 examples, and presence really helped us 00:17:35 to endure and to keep on relying on Jehovah no matter what. 00:17:47 By means of our relief ministry, 00:17:50 we prove we’re imitators 00:17:53 of the God of comfort and relief 00:17:55 and we also prove 00:17:57 that we’re obeying the command 00:17:59 at Ephesians 5:1, 2, which says: 00:18:02 “Become imitators of God, as beloved children, 00:18:06 and go on walking in love.” 00:18:10 Now, if you think about it, we’re really created to imitate Jehovah. 00:18:14 We’re made in his image, aren’t we? 00:18:16 In contrast, animals cannot imitate Jehovah, 00:18:20 the God of unselfish love and comfort and relief. 00:18:24 For example, you can’t imagine a dog thinking to himself: 00:18:27 ‘You know, I really feel bad about taking that bone away from the other dog. 00:18:33 In the future, I’m really going to try to be more unselfish.’ 00:18:38 You can’t imagine a horse 00:18:41 looking up at a beautiful sunset: 00:18:44 ‘My, that sunset makes me love my Creator more. 00:18:48 I’m going to try to please him more in the future.’ 00:18:51 You can’t imagine an eagle praying, 00:18:55 ‘Lord, thank you very much for the fish I’m about to eat.’ 00:19:01 No, animals are not made in God’s image —we are. 00:19:04 We can imitate our wonderful God 00:19:07 of comfort and relief and love. 00:19:10 Now here’s a question: 00:19:12 How does our relief ministry glorify Jehovah? 00:19:15 Well, here are three ways we’ll discuss. 00:19:18 Number one: It proves that we are true Christians, 00:19:23 and that reflects well on our God. 00:19:25 Secondly, it unites us as brothers and sisters; 00:19:30 it unites us in love and prayer. 00:19:33 As soon as we hear about a disaster 00:19:35 affecting our brothers, what do we do? 00:19:37 We start praying for them, don’t we? 00:19:39 And then as we start giving them relief, 00:19:42 they start praying for us 00:19:44 and they start working in harmony with us 00:19:47 —that’s the second way we’re united in activity. 00:19:50 We spring into action to help our brothers, 00:19:53 and they do what they can to support our efforts in their behalf. 00:19:57 In fact, please enjoy this video. 00:20:00 Relief workers from the United States, Indonesia, and Africa 00:20:04 spring into action to help their brothers. 00:20:16 We are so happy 00:20:18 to be able to come 00:20:20 and help rebuild the damaged houses 00:20:22 so that the brothers 00:20:25 feel secure living in them. 00:20:27 We see this as evidence 00:20:29 that we have brotherly love toward one another. 00:20:34 It’s been a faith-strengthening event, 00:20:36 not just for the families affected directly by the fire, 00:20:40 but for all of us helping out. 00:20:43 We’ve had the privilege to watch Jehovah 00:20:46 do so much for his people 00:20:48 —physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally. 00:20:53 It’s very faith-strengthening to know that Jehovah never abandons us. 00:21:02 Right after the cyclone hit here in Beira, 00:21:05 we were privileged to be able to come 00:21:06 up here and help out. 00:21:07 It felt really good to be there 00:21:10 to be able to help the brothers 00:21:12 to face an extremely difficult situation. 00:21:15 I learned a lot during this time. 00:21:17 Always, always, always 00:21:20 follow Jehovah’s direction. 00:21:22 This is good for us. 00:21:23 We’re actually putting a roof back on the Kingdom Hall. 00:21:26 It was completely destroyed during the storm. 00:21:28 And the idea is that the Memorial is next week; 00:21:30 they’re going to be able to come back to their Kingdom Hall, 00:21:32 which will be fixed up, and celebrate the Memorial. 00:21:34 So we’re happy to be a part of that. 00:21:47 Additionally, 00:21:49 we’re united in giving contributions. 00:21:53 We give generously 00:21:56 as cheerful givers. 00:21:58 And those who have been helped, what do they do? 00:22:01 Subsequently, they, in turn, 00:22:03 help others who are afflicted with their contributions. 00:22:07 In fact, here are some statistics 00:22:10 about the great magnitude of our relief ministry 00:22:15 just during the past two service years. 00:22:17 Now, during these two service years alone, 00:22:20 more than 900,000 of our brothers 00:22:23 have been affected 00:22:25 —almost a million. 00:22:27 Sixty-two thousand of them 00:22:29 were displaced; 00:22:31 190 were injured; 00:22:33 sadly, 64 were killed; 00:22:36 more than 700 Kingdom Halls 00:22:38 were damaged or destroyed; 00:22:40 more than 15,000 homes 00:22:42 were damaged or destroyed. 00:22:44 The organization 00:22:46 spent $49.5 million (U.S.) 00:22:50 on relief efforts 00:22:52 just during these two service years. 00:22:54 I mean, that’s almost $50 million 00:22:56 in just two service years. 00:22:59 Obviously, our relief ministry 00:23:02 has taken on gigantic proportions. 00:23:06 To help you appreciate how your donations are being used, 00:23:10 please enjoy this video showing before and after pictures 00:23:14 of homes of our brothers 00:23:16 after Cyclone Idai struck in Africa. 00:24:16 Just for your information, 00:24:18 those homes that were rebuilt that you saw there, 00:24:21 some were rebuilt and some were repaired. 00:24:23 The cost to repair 00:24:25 ranged from $50 to $900 per home. 00:24:29 The cost to rebuild 00:24:31 was from $900 to $3,500 for each home. 00:24:36 Now, as you saw, the rebuilt homes are not extravagant, 00:24:41 but the brothers often ended up with something a lot better 00:24:45 than what they had before 00:24:47 because of the use of improved building materials. 00:24:51 And undoubtedly, this will help them better weather future storms. 00:24:56 But at this point, we’d like to just take a moment 00:24:59 and thank you dear brothers and commend you 00:25:02 for your generous, generous contributions 00:25:07 that make our relief ministry possible. 00:25:10 You can be sure that Jehovah is well-pleased. 00:25:13 In fact, at Hebrews 13:16, 00:25:18 we’re told: 00:25:20 “Moreover, do not forget to do good 00:25:24 “and to share what you have with others, 00:25:28 for God is well-pleased with such sacrifices.” 00:25:33 And I love that thought. 00:25:35 He’s not just pleased; he’s “well-pleased” with your generosity. 00:25:39 So thank you very much, and the Governing Body thanks you 00:25:43 from the bottom of our hearts. 00:25:45 Our brothers and sisters who have been helped 00:25:47 thank you from the bottom of their hearts. 00:25:50 In fact, enjoy this video, 00:25:52 and you’re going to see some of the brothers 00:25:54 in the United States and Africa 00:25:56 expressing their appreciation. 00:26:08 Jehovah has really helped us out 00:26:12 in this disaster by using 00:26:14 the brotherhood to strengthen and encourage us 00:26:17 in ways we’ve never seen before. 00:26:19 And it’s really drawn us closer to him. 00:26:23 Jehovah, through his organization, 00:26:26 gave me two wonderful people 00:26:29 who were there to take care of my needs and my wants. 00:26:32 Everything I needed was handled through them 00:26:35 —just having someone that you can talk to; 00:26:38 just having people that care. 00:26:41 I’ve been in the truth almost 50 years, 00:26:44 and I’ve always had friends, and it’s always been loving and good, 00:26:48 but I have never felt as loved by Jehovah. 00:26:55 The Service Department called 00:26:57 and warned that a big storm would arrive on Thursday. 00:27:01 We saw the true love 00:27:03 that the branch office had for us, 00:27:05 and we followed their example. 00:27:07 We risked our lives to inform the brothers to come to the Kingdom Hall. 00:27:10 The brothers from the branch 00:27:13 were constantly in contact with us. 00:27:15 I found that really encouraging. 00:27:17 Until very late in the evening, they were sending us messages, 00:27:20 telling us that they were still up praying for us. 00:27:23 Those messages were a great comfort to us. 00:27:27 The organization 00:27:29 has been helping us so much emotionally. 00:27:34 The branch sent representatives to provide shepherding 00:27:37 and also a variety of food 00:27:40 —good, nutritious food. 00:27:42 All of this has really been impressive. 00:27:46 And we want to thank Jehovah for the way he’s been caring for us. 00:27:50 What Jehovah’s organization 00:27:52 is doing right now 00:27:53 is far superior than anything 00:27:55 the human governments have been doing. 00:27:59 We really want to say, “Thank you.” 00:28:01 We really feel Jehovah’s love. 00:28:17 Seeing that video motivates us even more 00:28:22 to want to help our brothers by means of our donations 00:28:27 and also by means of our labor. 00:28:29 Now, speaking of labor, 00:28:31 we’re happy to inform you that later in our program, 00:28:35 Brother Lösch will tell you about a new provision 00:28:39 for applying to help with relief work 00:28:42 and other needs in the organization. 00:28:45 So stay tuned 00:28:47 for the revealing of that information. 00:28:51 But now one more way, a third way, 00:28:53 our relief ministry gives a good witness 00:28:56 and glorifies Jehovah 00:28:59 is that it gives a good witness to onlookers, 00:29:04 and that glorifies Jehovah. 00:29:06 Neighbors, family members, 00:29:09 government officials 00:29:11 see our love in action. 00:29:16 As a result, some actually come into the truth. 00:29:19 Please enjoy this video. 00:29:21 An unbelieving husband comes into the truth 00:29:25 as a result of our relief ministry. 00:29:32 I always loved my family. 00:29:34 I wanted the best for them. 00:29:36 So I worked to provide for them. 00:29:37 That’s my duty. 00:29:38 My wife got baptized two years before me. 00:29:43 I built our home right here. 00:29:45 Then one day, our lives changed forever. 00:29:50 This is my house, 00:29:53 so I have to start again. 00:29:56 Two brothers came to see me. 00:29:59 They said: “Don’t worry about a thing. 00:30:01 “Everything will be all right. 00:30:03 The brothers will take care of it.” 00:30:05 I thought, ‘Hmm, I don’t know if he knows what he’s talking about.’ 00:30:11 When the brothers started showing up at my place to help, 00:30:13 I was thinking: ‘Why would they help me? 00:30:16 They don’t know me.’ 00:30:19 Every morning I watched the brothers. 00:30:21 When they finished praying, everyone grabbed their tools and got to work. 00:30:25 I told my wife that this was unbelievable. 00:30:31 When I saw an elderly sister carrying concrete blocks 00:30:33 (they were so heavy for her), 00:30:36 I ran inside with tears in my eyes. 00:30:38 I didn’t want anyone to see me cry. 00:30:43 I thought, ‘Something is wrong with them for sure, 00:30:45 or something is wrong with me.’ 00:30:50 I began to appreciate what they did and how they acted. 00:30:54 A lot of love —that is the only way I can put it— 00:30:56 a lot of love. 00:30:59 They even shared their food with me. 00:31:02 They made it clear that this work was a sign of Jehovah’s love. 00:31:07 And all those things touched my heart. 00:31:10 They let me know that, man, 00:31:12 this organization is for real, 00:31:14 and it’s the truth. 00:31:16 I wanted to be part of that. 00:31:19 I decided to give my life to Jehovah 00:31:21 because he showed me how much he loves both me and my family. 00:31:27 Now I take care of my family better than ever before. 00:31:41 So in review, our relief ministry 00:31:46 is a loving expression 00:31:49 from the God of comfort and relief whom we serve. 00:31:53 By means of it, Jehovah uses us to provide 00:31:57 physical, emotional, and spiritual relief to our brothers. 00:32:00 And it glorifies Jehovah 00:32:02 (1) by identifying us as true Christians, 00:32:06 (2) by uniting us as brothers and sisters 00:32:11 in love, prayer, action, and giving contributions, 00:32:15 and it glorifies Jehovah 00:32:18 (3) by attracting honesthearted ones to the truth. 00:32:23 How happy we are 00:32:25 that soon Jehovah will provide permanent relief! 00:32:30 There will be no more disasters. 00:32:32 But until that grand time, 00:32:35 we will continue to exert ourselves 00:32:38 in our relief ministry in behalf of our brothers. 00:32:42 Doing so will help us to remain focused on spiritual things, 00:32:46 it will unite us as brothers and sisters, 00:32:49 it will give a unique witness to onlookers, 00:32:53 and it will help prepare us 00:32:56 for the great tribulation 00:32:58 and the great reconstruction to follow. 00:33:12 Thank you, Brother Lett. 00:33:14 It’s a relief to know that the brotherhood provides relief 00:33:19 in times of disaster, isn’t it? 00:33:23 We now have a video we invite you to enjoy. 00:33:27 It is entitled 00:33:29 ‘The Good Hand of Our God Is Upon Us . . . Let Us Get Up and Build.’ 00:33:43 Jehovah’s organization now cares 00:33:46 for almost 80,000 buildings worldwide, 00:33:49 with a total area of more than 215 million square feet, 00:33:55 or 20 million square meters. 00:33:57 That is the area 00:33:59 of about 2,800 soccer fields, 00:34:03 or six times the area of Central Park in Manhattan. 00:34:08 The scores of branch office buildings, 00:34:10 hundreds of Assembly Halls, 00:34:12 and tens of thousands of Kingdom Halls around the world 00:34:16 provide tangible proof 00:34:18 that God’s Kingdom is ruling. 00:34:21 Why can we say that? 00:34:24 As Psalm 127:1 reminds us, 00:34:27 none of this would be possible without Jehovah’s blessing. 00:34:33 Like Nehemiah and the Jews who rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls, 00:34:37 we are confident 00:34:39 that ‘the good hand of our God is upon us.’ 00:34:44 These buildings have been dedicated to Jehovah. 00:34:47 So it is a privilege for us to make sure 00:34:50 that they continue to measure up to the purpose for which they were built. 00:34:54 Our branch facilities are especially well-maintained. 00:34:58 Some of these properties are relatively new, 00:35:02 but many others are 30 or more years old. 00:35:07 A building itself may last 30, 60, or even 100 years, 00:35:12 but building systems may reach the end of their life 00:35:15 after only 15 or 20 years. 00:35:18 So many of our facilities are in need 00:35:20 of major renovation or replacement. 00:35:23 Activities at Bethel are also changing. 00:35:27 So interior layouts sometimes need to be updated. 00:35:32 All of this presents a challenge: 00:35:35 How do we take care of our Bethel facilities 00:35:38 and still keep up with the work on our Kingdom Halls? 00:35:41 Indeed, what is the need? 00:35:43 How can we address it? 00:35:45 And how can you help? 00:35:47 Join us now on an encouraging trip around the world. 00:35:53 We want to show you what’s being done 00:35:55 and planned for our branch facilities. 00:35:58 Fasten your seat belts, please. 00:36:00 This report will be moving quickly. 00:36:07 Our brains are not good at noticing gradual change. 00:36:10 For this reason, the organization 00:36:12 began a program a few years ago 00:36:15 to evaluate the current and future needs 00:36:17 of our properties every two to three years. 00:36:20 And based on this assessment, 00:36:22 a decision can be made for each property 00:36:24 on whether or not to renovate and what that should involve. 00:36:29 At times, it makes more sense 00:36:31 to renovate or redevelop what we already have. 00:36:33 Major renovations have already started in branches that need it the most. 00:36:42 The Governing Body would like to see 00:36:44 more of the Bethelites care for their own personal services. 00:36:48 The offices always used to be 00:36:52 individual, for one person. 00:36:54 Now it’s better if the offices are open and use dividers 00:36:57 because these can be easily changed and modified 00:37:02 according to the necessity of the work. 00:37:09 Well, Patterson is a beautiful and practical complex. 00:37:12 I don’t think anyone envisioned 00:37:13 when the complex was built 00:37:15 that we would have over a thousand 00:37:16 of our brothers and sisters 00:37:17 visiting Bethel every day. 00:37:19 But having a visitor’s center is going to give them 00:37:22 an improved tour experience here at Patterson 00:37:25 and at the same time make sure that departments are able to do their work. 00:37:36 In 2013, the Governing Body decided 00:37:39 to merge the Finland branch with several other branches. 00:37:43 Additionally, the oldest parts of the facility were almost 60 years old. 00:37:49 We had been printing literature in Finland for 83 years. 00:37:53 But now, under the guidance of the Governing Body, 00:37:57 it was decided that we will stop printing in Finland 00:38:01 and use the space of the old printery 00:38:03 for new offices and other purposes. 00:38:08 We were a little concerned 00:38:10 where we would find all the needed volunteers. 00:38:13 When we told about our needs to local congregations, 00:38:18 the applications started to flow in. 00:38:21 We realized that here we have 00:38:24 fine young brothers and sisters. 00:38:28 It has been touching, really touching, 00:38:30 to see their willing spirit. 00:38:34 Sometimes, it’s not practical to renovate a property, 00:38:38 so we would purchase or build new buildings 00:38:41 and then sell the old ones. 00:38:43 This was recently decided, for example, 00:38:46 in Argentina, Cameroon, and India. 00:38:54 Our Bethel family decreased 00:38:56 from around 350 to 150. 00:39:00 The multiple buildings were spread across several properties, 00:39:04 and with the reduction, many of them were no longer being used. 00:39:08 It was decided that our Bethel facilities be sold 00:39:12 and to begin a search for a new Bethel facility. 00:39:16 The timing had to be precise 00:39:18 between the purchase and construction of a new facility 00:39:22 and the sale of all current properties. 00:39:26 We saw Jehovah’s direction clearly. 00:39:29 On the one hand, we had the sale of all the properties, 00:39:33 and on the other hand, the purchase of the new project. 00:39:38 Both processes climaxed within the same 24-hour period. 00:39:48 The Kingdom preaching work 00:39:49 has sped up in our branch territory. 00:39:51 We’ve experienced a 4 percent increase 00:39:52 in Cameroon 00:39:53 like we’ve never experienced before. 00:39:55 We’re now translating into 29 different languages. 00:39:58 We did consider renovating our present location, 00:40:02 but how do you continue the work 00:40:05 in a tiny branch while a renovation is happening around you? 00:40:08 We had a piece of land right next to one of our major Assembly Halls 00:40:12 in one of the biggest cities in our branch territory. 00:40:14 But sadly, the access was terrible 00:40:17 —a dirty, muddy road, very difficult to access either in a car 00:40:21 or on foot. 00:40:24 All of a sudden something amazing happened. 00:40:26 The local government decided to build a road right outside our Assembly Hall, 00:40:31 thus giving us access to this piece of land. 00:40:34 It was Jehovah saying, 00:40:35 ‘This is the piece of land where you should build the new Cameroon branch.’ 00:40:43 Our facility was now oversized for our real needs. 00:40:47 The Governing Body directed that we sell this property 00:40:51 and relocate the branch to a more economical facility. 00:40:55 We realized that we were millions of dollars short 00:40:58 of the needed funds. 00:41:00 We needed a buyer who would agree to buy 00:41:03 the facility at the right price, 00:41:05 give us enough money in advance to pay for the new branch, 00:41:09 and allow us to keep using the existing branch 00:41:12 till the new one was ready. 00:41:14 We felt very helpless. 00:41:18 Just a few days before we were scheduled to sign up for the new branch, 00:41:22 a buyer, who had shown interest 00:41:25 but had not yet committed to anything, 00:41:28 signed a binding agreement and met all our conditions. 00:41:31 He also provided a large amount of a nonrefundable deposit 00:41:36 to help us to purchase the new branch. 00:41:38 Nothing is impossible for Jehovah. 00:41:41 He timed everything perfectly. 00:41:44 Many more projects like these are in the planning stages. 00:41:49 We want all of our properties to keep meeting the organization’s needs 00:41:53 and reflecting well on Jehovah. 00:41:57 Besides renovations, 00:41:59 many of our branch facilities are again being used to capacity. 00:42:06 The number of publishers, commuters, remote volunteers, 00:42:10 and Bethelites has increased worldwide. 00:42:14 Some countries have seen an increase of 5, 7, or more percent 00:42:17 in the number of publishers each year. 00:42:19 More work is also being done worldwide 00:42:23 in translation, video production, 00:42:27 digital publishing, and other important areas. 00:42:30 The organization pursues every avenue 00:42:33 to make our Bethel operations more efficient. 00:42:37 But we will always need people to do much of the work. 00:42:41 Therefore, planning has already begun to see 00:42:43 where additional expansion might be needed. 00:42:48 We have many world headquarters departments 00:42:50 involved in the planning process to give input. 00:42:53 Also, the Branch Committee is involved in this. 00:42:57 Before any facility is recommended for expansion, questions are asked. 00:43:01 For example, is this expansion going to directly advance 00:43:06 the preaching and teaching activity in the country? 00:43:10 Could it be that with some operational changes, 00:43:12 the function of the branch 00:43:14 could be discontinued in some way 00:43:17 or outsourced or simplified in some way 00:43:21 to mean that we wouldn’t need to expand? 00:43:23 With recent changes in Bethel operations, 00:43:27 it is possible for us now to buy standard apartments 00:43:31 and offices for a Bethel facility. 00:43:34 If we need more offices and apartments, we buy them from the market. 00:43:39 And as these options are investigated, 00:43:41 we look for Jehovah’s hand in this. 00:43:43 What is the evidence that his spirit is behind one of these options? 00:43:47 The Governing Body has asked all of us 00:43:50 “to give priority to those activities 00:43:53 “that contribute the most to the spiritual welfare of God’s people 00:43:58 and the advancement of the global preaching work.” 00:44:02 This principle helps us to prioritize our efforts worldwide. 00:44:09 There is definitely a lot to do. 00:44:12 But it is really exciting to see 00:44:15 the good hand of Jehovah on his people today. 00:44:19 The brothers and sisters everywhere 00:44:22 are zealously supporting this work with their time, 00:44:25 financial resources, and prayers. 00:44:31 We are confident that Jehovah God will continue to bless 00:44:34 the collective efforts to provide the facilities the organization needs. 00:44:40 And the skills we are learning 00:44:42 not only benefit us now 00:44:45 but into the future —right into God’s new world. 00:44:59 Thank you, brothers, for bringing us up-to-date 00:45:01 on what is happening with our Bethel facilities around the world. 00:45:06 When Nehemiah prepared to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, 00:45:10 he took a prayerful and practical approach. 00:45:14 Jehovah blessed that approach 00:45:16 because Nehemiah acted in faith 00:45:19 and relied fully on Jehovah. 00:45:22 When the people saw that Jehovah’s good hand was on Nehemiah, 00:45:26 they said: “Let us get up and build.” 00:45:30 Well, the Governing Body today makes facility decisions 00:45:33 in a similar way. 00:45:35 They prayerfully analyze what is needed. 00:45:38 They make sure we have the necessary resources to finish the work. 00:45:43 And then they present to God’s people 00:45:46 what they have in mind to do 00:45:48 and ask for their support. 00:45:51 So, what is left for us to say? 00:45:54 Thank you for your loyal support 00:45:57 in the days ahead of all these important initiatives. 00:46:01 Jehovah will bless you too 00:46:03 for your willing and generous spirit. 00:46:07 And now, it’s time for us too 00:46:10 to get up and build. 00:46:21 Maintenance, renovation, 00:46:23 and new construction are ongoing projects. 00:46:27 But how does the Governing Body decide 00:46:29 when and where to build new facilities? 00:46:33 We searched our archived video files 00:46:36 and found some comments from some brothers 00:46:38 who were involved in property acquisition in years past. 00:46:43 These comments predate the more recent decision 00:46:46 to move world headquarters out of Brooklyn, New York. 00:46:50 Please enjoy this faith-strengthening video entitled 00:46:54 A Historic Look at Property Acquisitions. 00:48:28 Well, originally the reason 00:48:30 we bought the Watchtower Farm 00:48:33 was that the family 00:48:34 was growing here in Brooklyn, 00:48:35 and Mountain Farm was limited 00:48:38 because it was only 100 and some acres (40 ha). 00:48:40 So Brother Knorr approved of us buying a piece of land. 00:48:53 The brother there said 00:48:55 to both George and Max, 00:48:57 “Well, you know, 00:48:59 “we just had a family business meeting 00:49:02 “just a few days ago, 00:49:04 and we want to sell our property, our farm.” 00:49:10 And the interesting thing is that Brother Knorr said: 00:49:13 “This is only going to be for a farm. 00:49:17 “Don’t get any ideas of anything else. 00:49:20 It’s for a farm.” 00:49:22 Well, back in 1960 when we bought that much land, 00:49:27 we had no idea of a printery. 00:49:30 But what did the Lord have in mind for it? 00:49:32 He had in mind to put the printery there. 00:49:36 We were zealously going after a farm, 00:49:39 but we didn’t need string beans and potatoes. 00:49:43 We needed books and Bibles printed up there. 00:49:46 And so we see the good results of it today. 00:49:49 What a difference! 00:49:51 Who could ever think 00:49:54 that Watchtower Farms could turn into being 00:49:58 the United States branch of Jehovah’s Witnesses? 00:50:03 That to me is a wonderful example 00:50:07 of Jehovah leading the organization. 00:50:13 So we started in 1980 00:50:15 looking for suitable property 00:50:18 out of the city for expansion. 00:50:21 One time, we looked at a piece of property over in Jersey. 00:50:25 It was an old school, but the buildings were so bad 00:50:27 that we would’ve never gotten them fixed up. 00:50:30 And so we told the real estate man, 00:50:32 “No, we really don’t want it —no use in looking anymore.” 00:50:36 Well, he got a little upset, 00:50:39 and he said, “Well, what do you want?” 00:50:42 And I said, “What we really want 00:50:44 “is something up near Suffern or Brewster, 00:50:48 “about five or six hundred acres (200-240 ha) of land 00:50:52 “where there are roads and hills 00:50:56 and scenery and water and all that,” 00:50:59 thinking he’d never find it 00:51:01 because we’d looked all over the country. 00:51:03 Well, the next day, about 11 o’clock, he called me on the phone. 00:51:07 He said, “I found your property.” 00:51:09 I took it up with the Governing Body, 00:51:12 and we looked at the property, and they loved it. 00:51:16 We told the town that we wanted four or five hundred people. 00:51:21 Well, before we got our final permit to build, 00:51:25 we had it up to 1,500, 00:51:27 and we’re looking to adjust here and there 00:51:31 to accommodate what we need there now. 00:51:47 How these projects have met the organization’s need is amazing 00:51:52 —and at the proper time— 00:51:54 every one of these, no matter what! 00:51:58 Today, we have millions in the truth. 00:52:01 And the Bible tells us that we’re going to grow and fill the earth. 00:52:04 How many millions of people 00:52:07 we’ll have in the truth when Armageddon comes, we don’t know. 00:52:10 We don’t know when Armageddon is coming. 00:52:13 We’re not going backward; 00:52:16 we’re going to continue to go ahead 00:52:18 doing things more efficiently. 00:52:21 It means you’re going to have to expand; you’re going to have to build. 00:52:25 So you have to always be looking ahead. 00:52:28 Right to the end, we’re going to be giving out 00:52:31 spiritual food at the right time. 00:52:33 We don’t know what the Lord is going to use 00:52:36 after the great tribulation, immediately. 00:52:39 As Brother Couch said 00:52:41 (and Brother Larson felt the same way): 00:52:44 “The Lord is running the organization, 00:52:47 “so we’ve got to follow him. 00:52:49 And whatever he tells us, we do it.” 00:53:01 It’s so interesting to see Jehovah’s direction 00:53:05 in locating useful properties, 00:53:08 and that brings us to a related subject. 00:53:10 The title of the next video is 00:53:13 A New Construction Project Is Being Planned. 00:53:18 Please watch and enjoy the following presentation. 00:53:25 We live in a time when technology 00:53:28 has allowed us to communicate 00:53:30 the truth of God’s Word 00:53:33 in new and exciting ways. 00:53:36 Our modern world has seen advancements in printing, 00:53:40 radio, television, computers and, of course, the Internet. 00:53:46 You likely can remember a time just a few short years ago 00:53:50 when we released only a handful of videos every year. 00:53:54 But these now number into the hundreds, 00:53:57 with videos created for use in the ministry, 00:54:01 midweek meetings, 00:54:04 JW Broadcasting® programs, 00:54:07 regional conventions, 00:54:10 and we can’t forget the Become Jehovah’s Friend series. 00:54:19 Jehovah’s organization 00:54:21 has made use of videos over the years, 00:54:23 over the decades. 00:54:25 But from 2014 forward, 00:54:28 we have seen a dramatic increase in the use 00:54:30 of videos, and that has really impacted how we teach 00:54:35 and how we reach hearts. 00:54:37 Because of the demand for more videos, more space was needed. 00:54:40 So we purchased the Mt. Ebo property, 00:54:43 and there we have been making many of our large video productions. 00:54:48 Well, the response 00:54:49 from the brothers and sisters in the field has been outstanding; 00:54:52 it’s been amazing! 00:54:54 It’s actually been very encouraging for the Teaching Committee 00:54:56 and the Governing Body to see how the brothers and sisters appreciate 00:55:00 the videos, the music, 00:55:04 and the recordings that are produced. 00:55:06 It’s helping them to really understand the teaching points in God’s Word. 00:55:11 It helps them to deal with the anxieties and pressures of life. 00:55:15 It really helps them to appreciate too what’s happening around the world 00:55:18 when they hear reports, dramatizations, and interviews. 00:55:24 With this explosive growth 00:55:26 and even more coming on the horizon, 00:55:29 the Governing Body has determined 00:55:31 it’s Jehovah’s direction 00:55:34 that we take further steps to support this expanded use of video. 00:55:39 So we are thrilled to announce an exciting initiative 00:55:43 currently underway to accomplish this: 00:55:46 The creation of a site dedicated primarily 00:55:49 to media production. 00:55:52 The building of a new facility in Ramapo, New York. 00:56:03 Yes, the Governing Body has approved construction 00:56:06 of an additional world headquarters complex 00:56:09 on a 248-acre property purchased in 2009. 00:56:16 The property is located two miles, or about three kilometers, 00:56:20 from the existing world headquarters facility in Warwick. 00:56:25 Our objective is to build a facility 00:56:28 similar in size to Warwick, 00:56:30 which would include ten residence buildings, 00:56:34 a main office building, eight studio spaces 00:56:37 for audio/video productions, 00:56:39 a multipurpose space 00:56:42 —including kitchen, dining, and meeting area— 00:56:45 plus, a visitors’ center. 00:56:48 This will culminate in a location capable 00:56:50 of housing over 1,000 volunteers, 00:56:54 with 920 office spaces, and will accommodate 00:56:58 Audio/Video Services, 00:57:02 Text Processing, 00:57:04 Writing Correspondence, 00:57:06 and the Art Department. 00:57:10 Planning and engineering are already underway. 00:57:12 We are beginning our discussions with the local authorities on this project. 00:57:16 And, Jehovah willing, 00:57:18 we hope to start site work in 2022 00:57:22 and have a completed facility 00:57:25 by December 31, 2026. 00:57:28 One year ago this week in October, 00:57:32 the Teaching Committee was discussing 00:57:35 all that has been asked of Audio/Video Services 00:57:38 —all the videos that they’re producing. 00:57:40 And we could see that it was a little bit difficult because this 00:57:43 department was spread out over four different complexes, 00:57:47 10 different buildings, 00:57:49 and 16 different floors. 00:57:52 So working together and collaborating 00:57:54 has been a little difficult by being spread out. 00:57:57 If you go back some years, 00:57:59 it was planned 00:58:00 to increase the Bethel facility, 00:58:02 expand the Bethel facility, 00:58:04 at Patterson, New York. 00:58:05 Yet, at that time, there were two large construction projects underway 00:58:09 at Wallkill and Warwick. 00:58:12 So another construction project 00:58:14 was just not feasible at that time. 00:58:16 But Audio/Video Services still had needs —immediate needs. 00:58:20 So at that time the Governing Body approved to purchase the building 00:58:24 at Mt. Ebo as a temporary solution. 00:58:28 The use of video in our teaching programs was exploding, 00:58:32 and so there was a need 00:58:34 for much more studio space 00:58:36 and the associated spaces 00:58:39 to support video production. 00:58:41 After searching 00:58:43 the area of Patterson for additional space, 00:58:46 this property at Mt. Ebo rose to the top. 00:58:49 It was a smooth transaction, 00:58:52 and we were renovating and using this space very quickly, 00:58:57 which all of us have benefited from since. 00:59:00 And the intent was that AVS would use it for ten years or so, 00:59:05 and then when a more permanent facility became available, 00:59:08 Mt. Ebo would be sold to recoup the original purchase price. 00:59:13 So Ramapo 00:59:15 will become that more permanent studio location. 00:59:19 When any functional department is split up 00:59:21 over multiple locations, 00:59:23 it can involve a degree of inefficiency 00:59:26 and it can also involve 00:59:27 a doubling up of tasks, 00:59:29 which creates a complex framework 00:59:31 for anyone to operate in. 00:59:33 So having all Audio/Video Services operating out of one facility 00:59:38 will surely mean a much more collaborative environment 00:59:42 for those brothers and sisters to work in. 00:59:44 And the end result, obviously, won’t affect the preaching work that we do 00:59:48 or the teaching that we get in our meetings, at the assemblies, and conventions. 00:59:53 To be able to consolidate the operations, 00:59:57 a design was put together 00:59:59 and costing was put to the design. 01:00:01 That was presented to the Governing Body, 01:00:04 and they gave us the OK to go ahead and then meet again 01:00:07 with the town of Ramapo 01:00:09 —which, now a decade later, was an entirely new group of officials— 01:00:13 to meet with them to see if we’d still get the same positive reception. 01:00:16 And we had an excellent reception from them. 01:00:20 They seemed to welcome us with open arms. 01:00:23 Obviously, we’re going to have to meet their code and criteria, 01:00:26 but they seem as though they want to have us 01:00:29 develop that site as an audio/video facility. 01:00:33 Over the period of time that we held the property, 01:00:35 we tried to sell it at different times. 01:00:38 But despite our best efforts 01:00:41 and a variety of different marketing exercises, 01:00:45 there was very little interest expressed 01:00:49 in the property at the time. 01:00:52 And so when we began thinking about expansion again, 01:00:55 it was logical to look to a property we already owned. 01:00:58 For almost a year now, we’ve been working 01:01:01 with preconstruction activities. 01:01:03 And, of course, that means thousands and thousands of hours 01:01:06 in project planning and project design 01:01:09 to be able to meet the requirements 01:01:11 of the town and the state to be able to obtain 01:01:15 a building permit for the project. 01:01:17 And, of course, once that building permit is obtained 01:01:21 and we’ve actually put shovel to the ground, 01:01:23 then we would expect that we’d have four years or less 01:01:27 to actually deliver the project. 01:01:29 In recent projects 01:01:31 that the Governing Body has directed, 01:01:34 such as the Britain branch, 01:01:37 adaptability was foremost in the design of the offices. 01:01:41 So, therefore, office space 01:01:43 could be reconfigured as the needs of departments 01:01:47 and functions at the branch changed. 01:01:49 On the Britain project, some of the exciting 01:01:52 new design features were, for example— 01:01:54 There was no central laundry. 01:01:55 So each room has laundry facilities in it 01:02:00 so that the occupant can do their own laundry. 01:02:03 The multipurpose building on that site is a building 01:02:06 that can be easily configured 01:02:08 for various different functions. 01:02:10 Creating a building 01:02:12 that is modular allows the brothers, 01:02:15 as the needs evolve, 01:02:17 to modify the building with the smallest 01:02:20 amount of renovation cost possible. 01:02:22 These new design features are very flexible in their nature, 01:02:26 and that’s very helpful because our dynamic organization 01:02:29 is moving quickly, and change is coming fast as well. 01:02:32 That allows us to move with it. 01:02:34 We can reconfigure spaces without any major expense 01:02:38 and keep up with those changes that are being made. 01:02:41 The Ramapo audio/video studios 01:02:44 will be the largest in our organization. 01:02:46 There have been other audio/video studios constructed around the world, 01:02:49 and lessons learned from these are already being brought forward 01:02:53 to the Ramapo AV studio. 01:02:56 But that means we need you. 01:03:00 We need your prayers, your support, your strong backs 01:03:03 because this project will call for thousands of volunteers, 01:03:07 with as many as 1,500 volunteers a day 01:03:11 during the peak of construction. 01:03:14 But we have utmost confidence 01:03:16 at Psalm 110:3, where it says: 01:03:19 “Your people will offer themselves willingly 01:03:22 on the day of your military force.” 01:03:25 So do not hold back. 01:03:28 Do whatever you can to support this exciting new initiative. 01:03:33 We will need thousands upon thousands of willing volunteers 01:03:36 who are available for one week to one month or six months, 01:03:40 whatever the case may be, 01:03:42 to help with this project. 01:03:44 On recent large-scale projects, we found it very successful 01:03:47 to hire contractors for the specialized 01:03:50 and for the heavily mechanized parts of the work, 01:03:53 such as the steel superstructures 01:03:55 or the concrete superstructures of the buildings, 01:03:58 the building envelopes, 01:03:59 cladding, or roofing, 01:04:01 and then to get volunteers 01:04:03 to carry out the all-important hidden work, 01:04:06 where the detail really makes the difference 01:04:08 —for example, the underground utilities for the site works, 01:04:11 the mechanical and electrical fit out of the buildings, 01:04:14 as well as the all-important finishes. 01:04:16 We want to work with the LDC 01:04:19 to identify brothers and sisters 01:04:21 that can help and be trained now. 01:04:23 They could either be assigned 01:04:25 to local projects with the LDC 01:04:27 or some of them could be invited to start helping on renovation projects 01:04:30 like the one at Patterson. 01:04:32 And this will allow us to start giving them valuable training now 01:04:35 that will be useful on the Ramapo project. 01:04:38 We’re hoping that on the Ramapo project, 01:04:41 Jehovah’s spirit will energize the brotherhood again 01:04:45 as it did at Warwick and also on the Britain project. 01:04:47 Really, from the initial concept design 01:04:50 to the estimating and establishing budgets 01:04:52 and reviewing the personnel needs all the way 01:04:56 to the first initial meetings with the town, 01:04:58 prayerful consideration was given 01:05:00 by all the brothers and sisters involved. 01:05:02 And so we could really see in every one of those decisions 01:05:05 that Jehovah was steering this project, 01:05:07 and he knows already how it will be completed. 01:05:11 Going back more than a decade ago 01:05:13 from between 2005 to 2009 01:05:16 when we were searching for property, 01:05:18 these two properties became available, 01:05:20 and they both seemed as though they were suitable. 01:05:23 And it was the organization’s decision to go with one and not develop the other. 01:05:28 Now when it seems like there is a real need, 01:05:30 we can develop the second property that we already have (that we already own) 01:05:35 and that we already have a good reception with. 01:05:38 To me, those things are faith-strengthening because what I see 01:05:41 is that the work we were doing a decade ago 01:05:44 and that the brothers and sisters 01:05:46 were involved with (and the Branch Committee)— 01:05:48 We didn’t know what the outcome might be. 01:05:51 And we didn’t know what the use might be over this last decade. 01:05:54 But now what we have is something 01:05:57 that can be very suitable as we move forward, and to me that’s faith-strengthening. 01:06:00 I see Jehovah’s hand in that. 01:06:02 Projects like this, in addition to serving a very practical need, 01:06:07 offer an opportunity for Jehovah’s people 01:06:10 to show their thankfulness and their zeal for him. 01:06:15 And as we experienced with Warwick, 01:06:19 just the project alone and the participation 01:06:22 of our brothers and sisters from all over the country 01:06:26 resulted in a spiritual blessing 01:06:29 to thousands of individuals, their families, and their congregations. 01:06:34 And we fully expect this project 01:06:36 will have the same positive effect. 01:06:40 On a project of this scale, 01:06:43 the early strategic decisions are absolutely crucial. 01:06:46 Now with what we’ve seen; 01:06:48 with the design and project-planning teams coming together; 01:06:53 with the plans for the support, feeding, 01:06:56 housing, and care of the volunteers; 01:06:59 with the spirit that’s already evident among those who are involved in the project; 01:07:04 and also the strong backing of the Governing Body, 01:07:06 we clearly see that Jehovah’s hand is with us. 01:07:10 James 4:8 states: 01:07:13 “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.” 01:07:17 Yes, Jehovah is allowing ones 01:07:20 every opportunity to draw close to him as never before. 01:07:25 And he is speaking to them through his inspired Word 01:07:29 as well as vivid artwork, beautiful music, 01:07:33 and heart-touching videos. 01:07:35 And it’s the feeling of the entire Governing Body 01:07:39 that this new site will allow us 01:07:42 to produce even more wonderful products 01:07:44 to help us to do just that. 01:08:27 It’s good to note your enthusiasm. 01:08:31 How encouraging to hear that information! 01:08:35 This was the first part. 01:08:37 In Parts 2 and 3 of the annual meeting, 01:08:40 you’ll hear six talks by Governing Body members 01:08:43 that refine our understanding of Bible truths 01:08:47 and strengthen our trust in Jehovah. 01:08:50 Make sure to watch them when they appear 01:08:53 in the Video On Demand section of JW Broadcasting 01:08:56 in the next few weeks. 01:08:59 To conclude this month’s program, let’s travel to Papua New Guinea. 01:09:04 It is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. 01:09:07 Papua New Guinea covers 01:09:09 the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and includes 01:09:14 other islands and atolls. 01:09:16 There are three official languages in Papua New Guinea: 01:09:20 English, Hiri Motu, 01:09:22 and the most widely used official language —Tok Pisin. 01:09:26 Besides these 3 official languages, 01:09:29 it is estimated that there are 01:09:32 over 800 other languages spoken here. 01:09:36 Many of these have fewer than 1,000 people. 01:09:41 This presents a huge challenge in the ministry. 01:09:45 Our brothers use preaching carts in high-traffic areas 01:09:49 to catch the attention of those passing by, 01:09:53 and they use the videos available in the local language 01:09:57 to teach the good news. 01:09:59 In the Kwaivagolo Congregation, 01:10:02 they walk up to five hours 01:10:05 just to reach their scattered territory. 01:10:07 Their determination in the preaching work 01:10:10 is producing good fruit. 01:10:12 The 34 publishers 01:10:14 are conducting an average of 38 Bible studies. 01:10:19 They hold their congregation meetings in Hiri Motu, 01:10:22 and their preaching is done primarily 01:10:25 in the local language of Tubulamo. 01:10:29 When building the Kingdom Hall, 01:10:31 these brothers did all of the excavation manually, 01:10:34 since machines were not available. 01:10:37 Then they carried all of the building supplies 01:10:40 up the mountain by hand 01:10:42 —a trip that takes two to three hours. 01:10:47 Our brothers send you their warm love and greetings, 01:10:52 and we send ours in return. 01:10:55 May Jehovah bless their love and their zeal for his name. 01:11:00 From the World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 01:11:03 this is JW Broadcasting.