Watchtower April 14 through April 20
[For the opening song before the Public Talk, select the song number announced, on the 'Sing Out Joyfully' Page or click here]
Watchtower Study Article 6 [Press play below to hear the MP3 Watchtower audio]
Song 18 Grateful for the Ransom. Based on Luke 22.20
1. Today, Jehovah God,
we stand before your throne,
For you showed the greatest love
that could ever be shown.
You gave the gift of your dear Son,
that we might live.
No greater sacrifice than this
could you ever give.
He gave his life to set us free.
His precious blood provides the key.
With all our hearts,
we’ll go on thanking you eternally.
2. It was a willing sacrifice
that Jesus made.
Out of love, his perfect life
was the price that he paid.
We had no hope until he came
to save mankind.
But now our hope is finding life,
leaving death behind.
He gave his life to set us free.
His precious blood provides the key.
With all our hearts,
we’ll go on thanking you eternally.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
Jehovah’s Forgiveness. Why We Appreciate It (April 14 through 20)
“God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son.” John 3.16.
[Box] Focus.
To build appreciation for Jehovah’s forgiveness of our sins by understanding the basis for that forgiveness. [End of box]
Question 1 and 2. In what way is mankind’s situation like that of the young man mentioned in paragraph 1?
1. Imagine a young man who has been brought up in a wealthy family. One day tragedy strikes; his parents are killed in an accident. The news is devastating to him. However, another shock awaits this young man. He learns that his parents squandered the family fortune and that they acquired huge debts. Now imagine that instead of inheriting their wealth, he inherits their debts, and creditors are demanding payment. The debt is far beyond his ability ever to repay.
2. In some ways, our situation is like that of this young man. Our original parents, Adam and Eve, were perfect and lived in a beautiful paradise.
[Quotation] Genesis 1.27: And God went on to create the man in his image, in God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Genesis 2.7 through 9: And Jehovah God went on to form the man out of dust from the ground and to blow into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living person. 8 Further, Jehovah God planted a garden in Eden, toward the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 Thus Jehovah God made to grow out of the ground every tree that was pleasing to look at and good for food and also the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and bad. [End Quotation]
They had the prospect of enjoying a rich, endless life. But then everything changed. They lost their Paradise home as well as their prospect of everlasting life. What inheritance could they pass on to their future children? The Bible tells us: “Through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Romans 5.12) The inheritance Adam passed on to us is sin, resulting in death. This inherited sin is like a huge debt, one that none of us can pay off.
[Quotation] Psalm 49.8: (The ransom price for their life is so precious That it is always beyond their reach); [End Quotation]
Question 3. Why can our sins be likened to “debts”?
3. Jesus likened sins to “debts.”
[Quotation] Matthew 6.12: and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Luke 11.4: And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is in debt to us; and do not bring us into temptation.’” [End Quotation]
When we sin, it is as if we incur a debt to Jehovah. We have to pay the penalty for the sin. Should this debt be left unpaid, it would be canceled only when we die.
[Quotation] Romans 6.7: For the one who has died has been acquitted from his sin. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Romans 6.23: For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord. [End Quotation]
Two parts: Question 4a. Without help, what would happen to all sinners? (Psalm 49.7 through 9)
Question 4b. To what does the word “sin” refer in the Bible? (See the box “Sin.”)
4. Is it possible for us to regain all that Adam and Eve lost? Not on our own merits. (Read Psalm 49.7 through 9) Without help, we would have no hope for a future life or a resurrection. In fact, our death would be just like that of animals.
[Quotation] Ecclesiastes 3.19: for there is an outcome for humans and an outcome for animals; they all have the same outcome. As the one dies, so the other dies; and they all have but one spirit. So man has no superiority over animals, for everything is futile. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 2 Peter 2.12: But these men, like unreasoning animals that act on instinct and are born to be caught and destroyed, speak abusively about things of which they are ignorant. They will suffer destruction brought on by their own destructive course, [End Quotation]
[Read scripture] Psalm 49.7 through 9: None of them can ever redeem a brother Or give to God a ransom for him, 8 (The ransom price for their life is so precious That it is always beyond their reach); 9 That he should live forever and not see the pit. [End of Read scripture]
[Box] Sin. The word “sin” in the Bible can refer to several things: First, the original sin, or transgression, that Adam committed against Jehovah God.
[Quotation] Genesis 3.17 through 19: And to Adam he said: “Because you listened to your wife’s voice and ate from the tree concerning which I gave you this command, ‘You must not eat from it,’ cursed is the ground on your account. In pain you will eat its produce all the days of your life. 18 It will grow thorns and thistles for you, and you must eat the vegetation of the field. 19 In the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For dust you are and to dust you will return.” [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Romans 5.14: Nevertheless, death ruled as king from Adam down to Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the same way that Adam transgressed, who bears a resemblance to the one who was to come. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Romans 5.17: For if by the trespass of the one man death ruled as king through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of the undeserved kindness and of the free gift of righteousness rule as kings in life through the one person, Jesus Christ! [End Quotation]
Second, the imperfect inclination that has been passed down to each one of us because of Adam’s sin.
[Quotation] Psalm 51.5: Look! I was born guilty of error, And my mother conceived me in sin. [End Quotation]
Third, any wrong deeds (whether intentional or unintentional) that we may commit because of this inherited defect.
[Quotation] John 8.34: Jesus answered them: “Most truly I say to you, every doer of sin is a slave of sin. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] James 1.14 and 15: But each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn sin, when it has been carried out, brings forth death. [End Quotation] [End of box]
Question 5. How has our loving Father helped us with our inherited debt of sin? (See picture)
5. Thinking back to the young man mentioned at the outset, how would he feel if a wealthy man offered to pay off all his debts? No doubt, the young man would be moved by deep appreciation to accept that generous offer. In a similar way, our loving Father, Jehovah, has given us a gift that pays for the debt of sin that we have inherited from Adam. Jesus explained it this way: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” (John 3.16) Additionally, this same gift allows us the possibility of establishing a good relationship with Jehovah.
[Image Alt:] Collage: 1. Jesus speaks during the night. 2. Jesus’ lifeless body is removed from a torture stake by Roman soldiers. Caption: Jesus preached the good news about Jehovah’s forgiveness based on the ransom sacrifice. (John 3.16) Then he willingly offered up his own life in order to provide that ransom
Question 6. What Bible terms will we consider in this article, and why?
6. How can we benefit from this amazing gift and have our sins, or “debts,” forgiven? The answer to that question is found in the Bible’s use of such terms as reconciliation, atonement, propitiation, ransom, redemption, and being declared righteous. In this article, we will discuss the meaning of each of these concepts. As we meditate on these explanations, our appreciation for the basis of Jehovah’s forgiveness will grow.
The Goal: Reconciliation
Two parts: Question 7a. What else did Adam and Eve lose?
Question 7b. As descendants of Adam and Eve, what do we desperately need? (Romans 5.10 and 11)
7. In addition to losing the prospect of everlasting life, Adam and Eve lost their precious relationship with their Father, Jehovah. Originally, Adam and Eve were part of God’s family.
[Quotation] Luke 3.38: son of Enosh, son of Seth, son of Adam, son of God. [End Quotation]
But when they disobeyed Jehovah, they were expelled from his family before they started to have children.
[Quotation] Genesis 3.23 through 4.1: With that Jehovah God expelled him from the garden of Eden to cultivate the ground from which he had been taken. 24 So he drove the man out, and he posted at the east of the garden of Eden the cherubs and the flaming blade of a sword that was turning continuously to guard the way to the tree of life. Chapter 4: Now Adam had sexual relations with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant. When she gave birth to Cain, she said: “I have produced a male child with the help of Jehovah.” [End Quotation]
As their descendants, we therefore need to be reconciled to Jehovah. (Read Romans 5.10 and 11) In other words, we need to develop a good relationship with him. According to one reference work, the Greek word used here for “reconcile” can mean to “make a friend out of an enemy.” Amazingly, Jehovah is the one who took the initiative to make this possible. How?
[Read scripture] Romans 5.10 and 11: For if when we were enemies we became reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more we will be saved by his life, now that we have become reconciled. 11 Not only that, but we are also rejoicing in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. [End of Read scripture]
The Arrangement: Atonement
Two parts: Question 8a. What is atonement?
Question 8b. What is propitiation?
8. Atonement is the arrangement Jehovah put in place for restoring a good relationship between him and sinful humans. It involves exchanging one thing for another of equal value. In this way, something that is lost or destroyed can be regained or replaced. The Christian Greek Scriptures use a related term that is similar in meaning to “atonement,” propitiation.
[Quotation] Romans 3.25: God presented him as an offering for propitiation through faith in his blood. This was to demonstrate his own righteousness, because God in his forbearance was forgiving the sins that occurred in the past. [End Quotation]
Propitiation is the act that allows one to be at peace with God and to have a good relationship with him.
Question 9. What temporary arrangement did Jehovah make so that the sins of the Israelites could be forgiven?
9. To enable the Israelites to enjoy a good relationship with him, Jehovah instituted a temporary arrangement for the forgiveness of their sins. In Israel, Atonement Day was observed annually. On that day, the high priest would offer animal sacrifices on behalf of the people. Of course, animal sacrifices could not completely atone for anyone’s sins because animals are inferior to humans. But as long as the repentant Israelites offered the sacrifices that Jehovah required, he was willing to forgive their sins.
[Quotation] Hebrews 10.1 through 4: For since the Law has a shadow of the good things to come, but not the very substance of the things, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered year after year, make those who approach perfect. 2 Otherwise, would not the sacrifices have stopped being offered, because those rendering sacred service once cleansed would have no consciousness of sins anymore? 3 On the contrary, these sacrifices are a reminder of sins year after year, 4 for it is not possible for the blood of bulls and of goats to take sins away. [End Quotation]
In addition, that arrangement and their regular sin offerings impressed on the minds of the Israelites the seriousness of their sinful state and their great need for a permanent solution.
Question 10. What permanent arrangement did Jehovah make for the forgiveness of sins?
10. Jehovah had a permanent arrangement in mind for the forgiveness of sins. He arranged for his beloved Son to be “offered once for all time to bear the sins of many.”
[Quotation] Hebrews 9.28: so also the Christ was offered once for all time to bear the sins of many; and the second time that he appears it will be apart from sin, and he will be seen by those earnestly looking for him for their salvation. [End Quotation]
Jesus gave “his life as a ransom in exchange for many.”
[Quotation] Matthew 20.28: Just as the Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many.” [End Quotation]
What is a ransom?
The Price: The Ransom
Two parts: Question 11a. According to the Bible, what is a ransom?
Question 11b. What would be needed for this ransom to be paid?
11. According to the Bible, a ransom is the price paid to bring about atonement and reconciliation.* [Footnote] In some languages, the term “ransom” is translated with an expression that literally means “the price of life,” or “the payment made.” [End of footnote] From Jehovah’s standpoint, it provides the basis to restore what was lost. In what way? Remember, Adam and Eve lost their perfect life along with the prospect of living forever. So the ransom would need to be a price of equal value to what was lost.
[Quotation] 1 Timothy 2.6: who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all, this is what is to be witnessed to in its own due time. [End Quotation]
It could be paid only by an adult man who (1) was perfect; (2) had the potential of living forever on earth; and (3) was willing to give up, or to sacrifice, that life for us. Only then could the life of that person replace, or atone for, the life that was lost.
Question 12. Why was Jesus able to provide the necessary ransom price?
12. Consider three reasons why Jesus was able to pay that ransom price. (1) He was perfect, “he committed no sin.”
[Quotation] 1 Peter 2.22: He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth. [End Quotation]
(2) Because of that, he had the potential of living forever on earth. (3) He was willing to die and give up that life for us.
[Quotation] Hebrews 10.9 and 10: then he says: “Look! I have come to do your will.” He does away with what is first in order to establish what is second. 10 By this “will” we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time. [End Quotation]
As a perfect man, Jesus was the equal of the first man, Adam, before he sinned.
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 15.45: So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living person.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. [End Quotation]
So by Jesus’ death, he was able to atone for Adam’s sin, that is, to replace what Adam had lost.
[Quotation] Romans 5.19: For just as through the disobedience of the one man many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one person many will be made righteous. [End Quotation]
Jesus thus became “the last Adam.” There is no need for another perfect person to come and pay for what Adam lost. Jesus died “once for all time.”
[Quotation] Hebrews 7.27: Unlike those high priests, he does not need to offer up sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, because he did this once for all time when he offered himself up. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Hebrews 10.12: But this man offered one sacrifice for sins for all time and sat down at the right hand of God, [End Quotation]
Question 13. What is the difference between the atonement arrangement and the ransom?
13. What, then, is the difference between the atonement arrangement and the ransom? The atonement arrangement is the action God takes to restore a good relationship between him and mankind. The ransom is the price paid to make atonement possible for sinful mankind. This price is represented by Jesus’ precious blood poured out in our behalf.
[Quotation] Ephesians 1.7: By means of him we have the release by ransom through the blood of that one, yes, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his undeserved kindness. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Hebrews 9.14: how much more will the blood of the Christ, who through an everlasting spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works so that we may render sacred service to the living God? [End Quotation]
The Results: Redemption and Being Declared Righteous
Question 14. What will we now consider, and why?
14. What are the results of the atonement arrangement? The Bible uses several expressions to highlight the benefits. Although the meanings of these words overlap, each word emphasizes a certain aspect of the atonement arrangement that opens the way for Jehovah’s forgiveness. As we analyze these words, we will also see how they affect us personally.
Two parts: Question 15 and 16a. In the Bible, to what does the word “redemption” refer?
Question 15 and 16b. How does this affect us?
15. In the Bible, redemption refers to the releasing, or acquittal, that results because of the payment of the ransom. The apostle Peter expressed it this way: “You know that it was not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, that you were set free [literally, “you were ransomed; you were redeemed”] from your futile way of life handed down to you by your forefathers. But it was with precious blood, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb, that of Christ.” (1 Peter 1.18 and 19; and footnote)
16. Because of the ransom sacrifice, we can be set free from the oppressive rule of sin and death.
[Quotation] Romans 5.21: To what end? So that just as sin ruled as king with death, so also undeserved kindness might rule as king through righteousness leading to everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord. [End Quotation]
Certainly, we have good reason to feel deeply indebted to Jehovah and Jesus for the redemption that comes from the precious blood, or life, of Jesus.
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 15.22: For just as in Adam all are dying, so also in the Christ all will be made alive. [End Quotation]
Two parts: Question 17 and 18a. What does being declared righteous mean?
Question 17 and 18b. How does this affect us?
17. Being declared righteous means that the charges against us have been dropped and that our record has been expunged, or wiped clean. By doing this, Jehovah does not violate his own standards of justice. He does not declare us righteous on our own merit; nor does he condone our sins. But because of our faith in the atonement arrangement and the ransom price that was paid, Jehovah has a basis for canceling our debts.
[Quotation] Romans 3.24: and it is as a free gift that they are being declared righteous by his undeserved kindness through the release by the ransom paid by Christ Jesus. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Galatians 2.16: recognize that a man is declared righteous, not by works of law, but only through faith in Jesus Christ. So we have put our faith in Christ Jesus, so that we may be declared righteous by faith in Christ and not by works of law, for no one will be declared righteous by works of law. [End Quotation]
18. What does this mean for each of us? Those who have been selected to rule with Jesus in heaven have already been declared righteous as children of God.
[Quotation] Titus 3.7: so that after being declared righteous through the undeserved kindness of that one, we might become heirs according to a hope of everlasting life. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 John 3.1: See what sort of love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are. That is why the world does not know us, because it has not come to know him. [End Quotation]
Their sins have been forgiven. They no longer have, as it were, a criminal record, and thus they qualify to be in the Kingdom.
[Quotation] Romans 8.1 and 2: Therefore, those in union with Christ Jesus have no condemnation. 2 For the law of the spirit that gives life in union with Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Romans 8.30: Moreover, those whom he foreordained are the ones he also called; and those whom he called are the ones he also declared to be righteous. Finally those whom he declared righteous are the ones he also glorified. [End Quotation]
Those who have an earthly hope have been declared righteous as friends of God, and their sins are forgiven.
[Quotation] James 2.21 through 23: Was not Abraham our father declared righteous by works after he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 22 You see that his faith was active along with his works and his faith was perfected by his works, 23 and the scripture was fulfilled that says: “Abraham put faith in Jehovah, and it was counted to him as righteousness,” and he came to be called Jehovah’s friend. [End Quotation]
The great crowd, who will survive Armageddon, have the prospect of never dying at all.
[Quotation] John 11.26: and everyone who is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all. Do you believe this?” [End Quotation]
“The righteous” and “the unrighteous” who are sleeping in death are in line to be resurrected.
[Quotation] Acts 24.15: And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] John 5.28 and 29: Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment. [End Quotation]
Eventually, all obedient servants of Jehovah on earth will “have the glorious freedom of the children of God.”
[Quotation] Romans 8.21: that the creation itself will also be set free from enslavement to corruption and have the glorious freedom of the children of God. [End Quotation]
What an amazing blessing comes from the atonement arrangement, total reconciliation with our Father, Jehovah!
Question 19. How has our situation changed for the better? (See also the box “What It Means for Us.”)
19. Truly, our situation was once like that of the young man mentioned earlier who lost everything and inherited a huge debt he could never repay. But thanks to Jehovah, we have help. Our situation has changed because of the atonement arrangement and the payment of the ransom. Our faith in Jesus Christ allows us to be redeemed, or set free, from sin and death. Our sins can also be canceled, and our criminal record, erased. Most important of all, though, we can now have a good relationship with our loving heavenly Father, Jehovah.
[Box] What It Means for Us.
Reconciliation: Jehovah’s goal, or purpose, for imperfect humans to establish a good relationship with him
Atonement (and Propitiation): Jehovah’s arrangement to restore peaceful relations between him and sinful humans
Ransom: The price paid, Jesus’ shed blood, to bring about our atonement (and propitiation)
Redemption: A result of the atonement arrangement; the release, or acquittal, from punishment for our debts
Declared Righteous: Another result of the atonement arrangement; our “criminal record” is wiped clean [End of box]
[Image Alt:] Collage: 1. People from various cultural backgrounds. 2. Jesus carries his torture stake.
Question 20. What will we discuss in the next article?
20. As we meditate on what Jehovah and Jesus have done for us, our heart is filled with appreciation.
[Quotation] 2 Corinthians 5.15: And he died for all so that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised up. [End Quotation]
Without their help, we would have no hope at all! But what does Jehovah’s forgiveness really mean for us individually? That is what we will discuss in the next article.
[Box] How Would You Answer?
What is the goal of Jehovah’s forgiveness of our sins?
What is the basis for Jehovah’s forgiveness of our sins?
How are we affected by Jehovah’s forgiveness of our sins? [End of box]
Song 10 Praise Jehovah Our God! Based on Psalm 145.12
1. Praise our God! Praise Jehovah God!
Make his glorious name known to all!
Sound alarm, For his day is near,
Help all people hear his warning call.
Jehovah decreed that now is the time
For his Firstborn to rule as King.
Reach out to all people, tell them the news,
Tell what blessings our God will bring!
Praise our God! Praise Jehovah God!
Make his greatness known in all the earth!
2. Praise our God! Sing it loud and clear!
With a joyful song, laud his name!
From the heart, From a grateful heart,
All his glory boldly we proclaim.
Though grand is our God and great are his works,
He is humble and good to all.
Our merciful Father knows what we need;
He responds when he hears our call.
Praise our God! Praise Jehovah God!
Make his greatness known in all the earth!
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
Secondary Articles in The Watchtower (4 Articles)
Life Story. “I Was Never Alone”
Life Story. “I Was Never Alone”
As told by Angelito Balboa
Many circumstances in life can make us feel lonely: the loss of loved ones, unfamiliar surroundings, and physical isolation. I have experienced all of these. Yet, looking back on my life, I now realize that I was never truly alone. Allow me to tell you what has led me to that conclusion.
My Parents’ Example
Father and Mother were devout Catholics. But when they learned from the Bible that God’s name is Jehovah, they both became zealous Jehovah’s Witnesses. Father stopped carving images of Jesus. Instead, he used his carpentry skills to convert the ground floor of our home into the first Kingdom Hall in San Juan del Monte, a suburb of Manila, the capital of the Philippines.
After I was born in 1952, my parents included me in the excellent spiritual education they had been providing to my four older brothers and three older sisters. As I grew up, my father encouraged me to read a chapter of the Bible every day, and he studied many different theocratic publications with me. Occasionally, my parents invited traveling overseers and representatives from the branch office to stay at our home. As a family, we drew great joy and encouragement from the experiences these brothers shared with us, which motivated us all to make the ministry a priority in our life.
[Image:] Caption: With my parents and family members
My parents left me a legacy of faith. After my dear mother died from an illness, Father and I began pioneering together in 1971. But then in 1973 when I was 20 years old, my father died. Losing both my parents left me feeling empty and alone. But the “sure and firm” hope found in the Bible helped me to stay anchored and kept me emotionally and spiritually stable.
[Quotation] Hebrews 6.19: We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, both sure and firm, and it enters in within the curtain, [End Quotation]
Not long after my father’s death, I accepted a special pioneer assignment on the isolated island of Coron, in the province of Palawan.
Alone During Challenging Assignments
I was 21 when I arrived on Coron. As a city boy, I was surprised to discover an island with little electricity, running water, or motorized transportation. Although there were a few brothers, I had no pioneer partner and sometimes had to preach alone. For the first month, I missed my family and my friends terribly. At night, I would gaze at the starry sky as tears rolled down my face. I felt like quitting my assignment and returning home.
During those solitary moments, I would pour out my heart to Jehovah. I’d recall encouraging thoughts that I had read in the Bible and our publications. Psalm 19.14 often came to mind.
[Quotation] Psalm 19.14: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be pleasing to you, O Jehovah, my Rock and my Redeemer. [End Quotation]
I realized that Jehovah would be “my Rock and my Redeemer” if I meditated on things that pleased him, such as his activities and qualities. The Watchtower article entitled “You Are Never Alone”* [Footnote] See The Watchtower of September 1, 1972, pages 521 through 527. [End of footnote] was of great help to me. I read it again and again. In a sense, I was alone with Jehovah at such times, and that gave me precious opportunities to pray, study, and meditate.
Not long after arriving on Coron, I was appointed as an elder. As the only elder, I began conducting the weekly Theocratic Ministry School, Service Meeting, Congregation Book Study, and Watchtower Study. I also delivered the public talk every week. One thing was sure, I no longer had time to feel lonely!
I enjoyed a productive ministry on Coron, some of my Bible students eventually got baptized. But there were also challenges. Sometimes, I had to walk half a day to reach the territory, not knowing where I would sleep when I arrived. The congregation territory also included many smaller islands. I often traveled by motorboat through stormy seas to reach them, even though I did not know how to swim! Through all these challenges, Jehovah protected and sustained me. Later, I realized that Jehovah was preparing me for greater challenges in my next assignment.
Papua New Guinea
In 1978, I was assigned to Papua New Guinea, north of Australia. Papua New Guinea is a mountainous country, almost the size of Spain. I was amazed to discover that the population of about three million spoke over 800 languages. Fortunately, most people could speak Melanesian Pidgin, commonly called Tok Pisin.
I was temporarily assigned to an English congregation in the capital, Port Moresby. But then I moved to a Tok Pisin congregation and took a language class. I used what I was learning in class in the preaching work. This helped me to learn the language more quickly. Before long, I was able to deliver a public talk in Tok Pisin. Imagine my surprise when less than a year after I arrived in Papua New Guinea, I was assigned to serve as a circuit overseer for the Tok Pisin congregations in several vast provinces.
Because the congregations were far apart, I had to organize numerous circuit assemblies and do a lot of traveling. At first, I felt very isolated in unfamiliar surroundings, a new country, a new language, and new customs. I could not travel between congregations by land because of the mountainous and rugged terrain. So I had to travel by airplane almost every week. Sometimes, I was the only passenger in a rickety single-engine plane. I found those trips to be as nerve-racking as traveling by boat!
Few people had telephones, so I communicated with the congregations by letter. Often, I arrived before my letters and had to ask around to locate the publishers. Each time I found the brothers, though, I was welcomed with such appreciation that I remembered why I was making all these efforts. I experienced Jehovah’s support in many ways, and my relationship with him grew immensely.
At my first meeting on a coastal island called Bougainville, a couple, all smiles, approached me and asked, “Do you remember us?” I recalled witnessing to this couple when I first arrived in Port Moresby. I had started a Bible study with them before turning them over to a local brother. They were now both baptized! This was one of the many blessings I received during my three years in Papua New Guinea.
A Busy Little Family
Before leaving Coron in 1978, I came to know a charming, self-sacrificing sister called Adel. She was regular pioneering while raising her two children, Samuel and Shirley. At the same time, she looked after her elderly mother. In May 1981, I returned to the Philippines to marry Adel. After our marriage, we regular pioneered and cared for the family together.
[Image:] Caption: With Adel
Despite having a family, in 1983, I was reappointed as a special pioneer and assigned to Linapacan Island, in the province of Palawan. The whole family moved to this isolated place where there were no Witnesses. Adel’s mother passed away about a year later. However, we kept busy in the ministry, which sustained us through our loss. We started so many progressive Bible studies on Linapacan that before long we needed a small Kingdom Hall. So we built one ourselves. Just three years after our arrival, we were delighted to see 110 people attend the Memorial, many of whom progressed to baptism after we left.
[Image:] Caption: Serving in Palawan, together with Adel and our children, Samuel and Shirley
In 1986, I was assigned to the island of Culion, where there was a colony of leprosy patients. After that, Adel was also appointed as a special pioneer. At first, we were nervous about preaching to people who were disfigured by leprosy. But the local publishers assured us that those who suffered from this illness had received treatment and that there was little risk of contagion. Some of these patients attended meetings in a sister’s home. We soon adapted and found it very rewarding to share our Bible hope with people who felt rejected by both God and mankind. It was delightful to see people who were seriously ill find joy in the prospect of one day having perfect health.
[Quotation] Luke 5.12 and 13: On another occasion while he was in one of the cities, look! there was a man full of leprosy! When he caught sight of Jesus, he fell facedown and begged him: “Lord, if you just want to, you can make me clean.” 13 So stretching out his hand, he touched him, saying: “I want to! Be made clean.” Immediately the leprosy vanished from him. [End Quotation]
How did our children adjust to life on Culion? Well, Adel and I invited two young sisters from Coron to join us so that our children could have some good association. Samuel, Shirley, and these two young sisters enjoyed a productive ministry of their own, studying with many children while Adel and I studied with the parents of these children. In fact, at one point we were studying with 11 families. Soon, we were conducting so many progressive Bible studies that we were able to form a new congregation!
At first, I was the only elder in the area. So the branch office asked me to conduct the weekly meetings for the eight publishers in Culion and then to do the same for the nine publishers in a village called Marily, which was a three-hour boat journey away. After meetings there, as a family, we walked through a mountainous region for many hours to conduct Bible studies in a village called Halsey.
Eventually, we saw such abundant harvests in Marily and in Halsey that we built Kingdom Halls in both locations. As on Linapacan, the brothers and interested ones provided most of the materials and labor. The hall in Marily could accommodate 200 people and was expandable, which allowed us to hold assemblies there.
[Image:] A map of The Province of Palawan, located in the Philippines, showing some of the places where Angelito and his family served: Coron, Culion, Halsey, Marily, and Linapacan Island.
Grief, Loneliness, and Renewed Joy
In 1993 when the children were grown up, Adel and I began circuit work in the Philippines. Then in 2000, I attended the Ministerial Training School to be trained as an instructor for that school. I felt inadequate for the task, but Adel always encouraged me. She reminded me that Jehovah would give me the strength to carry out this new assignment.
[Quotation] Philippians 4.13: For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power. [End Quotation]
Adel spoke from experience because she was accomplishing her assignment while dealing with health problems.
In 2006 while I was instructing, Adel was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. We were shocked! When I proposed ending our assignment to care for her, Adel replied, “Please find a doctor who can help me with my sickness, and I know Jehovah will help us to carry on.” For the next six years, Adel continued in her service to Jehovah without complaining. When she could no longer walk, she preached from her wheelchair. When she could hardly talk, she answered in one or two words at meetings. Right up until her death in 2013, Adel regularly received messages of appreciation for her beautiful example of endurance. I had spent over 30 years with Adel, a faithful and loving companion, so when she fell asleep in death, I was once again overwhelmed with feelings of grief and loneliness.
Adel had wanted me to continue in my assignment, so I did. I kept myself busy, which helped me to cope with loneliness. From 2014 to 2017, I was assigned to visit Tagalog-speaking congregations in countries where the work was restricted. After that, I visited Tagalog congregations in Taiwan, the United States, and Canada. In 2019, I conducted English-language classes for the School for Kingdom Evangelizers in India and in Thailand. I have found great joy in all these assignments. I am the happiest when I am fully engrossed in Jehovah’s service.
Help Is Never Far Off
In each new assignment, I have come to love the brothers and sisters I meet, so leaving them is never easy. At such times, I have learned to trust in Jehovah completely. I have regularly experienced his support, and this has helped me to accept wholeheartedly any changes that come along. Today, I am a special pioneer in the Philippines. I have settled into my new congregation, which has become a supportive and caring family. I am also proud to see Samuel and Shirley imitating their mother’s faith.
[Quotation] 3 John 4: No greater joy do I have than this: that I should hear that my children go on walking in the truth. [End Quotation]
[Image:] Angelito enjoying refreshments outdoors with his friends.
Caption: The congregation has become my caring family
Yes, I have experienced many trials in my life, including watching my dear wife suffer and die from a debilitating illness. I have also had to adapt to many new circumstances. Yet, I have seen that Jehovah “is not far off from each one of us.”
[Quotation] Acts 17.27: so that they would seek God, if they might grope for him and really find him, although, in fact, he is not far off from each one of us. [End Quotation]
Jehovah’s hand is “not too short” to support and strengthen his servants, even in isolated territories.
[Quotation] Isaiah 59.1: Look! The hand of Jehovah is not too short to save, Nor is his ear too dull to hear. [End Quotation]
Jehovah, my Rock, has been with me throughout my life, and I am so grateful to him. I was never alone.
Reject the Selfish Spirit of Today’s World
Reject the Selfish Spirit of Today’s World
Have you noticed that many people in the world feel that they are entitled to special privileges, rights, or treatment? No matter how much they get, they believe that they deserve more. This thinking is rooted in the selfish and unthankful attitudes that mark the last days.
[Quotation] 2 Timothy 3.2: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, [End Quotation]
[Image:] An upset man at a hotel, speaking disrespectfully to a hotel receptionist. A line of customers forms behind him.
Of course, selfishness is not new. Adam and Eve decided to choose for themselves what was good and what was bad, with disastrous consequences. Centuries later, King Uzziah of Judah thought that he was entitled to present incense at the temple, but he was badly mistaken.
[Quotation] 2 Chronicles 26.18 and 19: They confronted King Uzziah and said to him: “It is not proper for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to Jehovah! It is only the priests who should burn incense, for they are the descendants of Aaron, those who have been sanctified. Go out from the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully and you will receive no glory from Jehovah God for this.” 19 But Uzziah, who had a censer in his hand to burn incense, became enraged; and during his rage against the priests, leprosy broke out on his forehead in the presence of the priests in the house of Jehovah next to the altar of incense. [End Quotation]
Similarly, the Pharisees and Sadducees believed that they deserved God’s special favor just because they descended from Abraham.
[Quotation] Matthew 3.9: Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones. [End Quotation]
We are surrounded by people who are selfish and egotistical, and their attitude could influence us.
[Quotation] Galatians 5.26: Let us not become egotistical, stirring up competition with one another, envying one another. [End Quotation]
We might start to think that we deserve to receive a certain privilege or get special treatment. How can we avoid this way of thinking? To begin, we should get Jehovah’s view of the matter. Two Bible principles will help us.
Jehovah determines what we should receive. Consider some examples. In the family arrangement, a husband needs to feel respected by his wife and a wife needs to feel loved by her husband.
[Quotation] Ephesians 5.33: Nevertheless, each one of you must love his wife as he does himself; on the other hand, the wife should have deep respect for her husband. [End Quotation]
Marriage mates should receive the exclusive romantic interest of their spouse.
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 7.3: Let the husband give to his wife her due, and let the wife also do likewise to her husband. [End Quotation]
Parents rightly require the obedience of their children, and children should receive ample love and support from their parents.
[Quotation] 2 Corinthians 12.14: Look! This is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not become a burden. For I am seeking, not your possessions, but you; for the children are not expected to save up for their parents, but the parents for their children. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Ephesians 6.2: “Honor your father and your mother” is the first command with a promise: [End Quotation]
In the congregation, hardworking elders are worthy of our respect.
[Quotation] 1 Thessalonians 5.12: Now we request you, brothers, to show respect for those who are working hard among you and presiding over you in the Lord and admonishing you; [End Quotation]
However, they do not have a right to dominate their brothers and sisters.
[Quotation] 1 Peter 5.2 and 3: Shepherd the flock of God under your care, serving as overseers, not under compulsion, but willingly before God; not for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; 3 not lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock. [End Quotation]
God has given human governments the right to demand taxes and to receive honor from their subjects.
[Quotation] Romans 13.1: Let every person be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Romans 13.6 and 7: That is why you are also paying taxes; for they are God’s public servants constantly serving this very purpose. 7 Render to all their dues: to the one who calls for the tax, the tax; to the one who calls for the tribute, the tribute; to the one who calls for fear, such fear; to the one who calls for honor, such honor. [End Quotation]
Jehovah lovingly gives us far more than we deserve. Because of our sinful nature, we deserve only to die.
[Quotation] Romans 6.23: For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord. [End Quotation]
Yet, Jehovah grants us many blessings out of his loyal love for us.
[Quotation] Psalm 103.10 and 11: He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor has he repaid us what our errors deserve. 11 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So great is his loyal love toward those who fear him. [End Quotation]
Each blessing or privilege that we receive from him is by his undeserved kindness.
[Quotation] Romans 12.6 through 8: Since, then, we have gifts that differ according to the undeserved kindness given to us, if it is of prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or if it is a ministry, let us be at this ministry; or the one who teaches, let him be at his teaching; 8 or the one who encourages, let him give encouragement; the one who distributes, let him do it liberally; the one who presides, let him do it diligently; the one who shows mercy, let him do it cheerfully. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Ephesians 2:8: By this undeserved kindness you have been saved through faith, and this is not of your own doing; rather, it is God’s gift. [End Quotation]
How to Avoid Developing a Selfish, Egotistical Spirit
Beware of the world’s attitude. Without realizing it, we might begin to think that we deserve more than others. Jesus showed how easily such thinking can arise by using the illustration of the workers who were paid a denarius. Some workers started early in the morning and worked all day under the hot sun; others worked for just one hour. The first group assumed that they were entitled to a higher wage because of the work they had done.
[Quotation] Matthew 20.1 through 16: “For the Kingdom of the heavens is like the master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 After he had agreed with the workers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 Going out also about the third hour, he saw others standing unemployed in the marketplace; 4 and to those he said, ‘You too go into the vineyard, and I will give you whatever is fair.’ 5 So off they went. Again he went out about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did likewise. 6 Finally, about the 11th hour, he went out and found others standing around, and he said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day unemployed?’ 7 They replied, ‘Because nobody has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into the vineyard.’ 8 “When evening came, the master of the vineyard said to his man in charge, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, starting with the last and ending with the first.’ 9 When the 11th-hour men came, they each received a denarius. 10 So when the first came, they assumed that they would receive more, but they too were paid at the rate of a denarius. 11 On receiving it, they began to complain against the master of the house 12 and said, ‘These last men put in one hour’s work; still you made them equal to us who bore the burden of the day and the burning heat!’ 13 But he said in reply to one of them, ‘Fellow, I do you no wrong. You agreed with me for a denarius, did you not? 14 Take what is yours and go. I want to give to this last one the same as to you. 15 Do I not have the right to do what I want with my own things? Or is your eye envious because I am good?’ 16 In this way, the last ones will be first, and the first ones last.” [End Quotation]
In applying this illustration, Jesus showed that his followers should be satisfied with what God is pleased to provide.
[Image:] Some of the hired workers from Jesus’ illustration, complaining to the master of the house.
Caption: The men who had worked all day thought that they were entitled to a higher wage
Be thankful, not demanding.
[Quotation] 1 Thessalonians 5.18: Give thanks for everything. This is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. [End Quotation]
Imitate the apostle Paul, who did not ask for material support from the brothers in Corinth even though he had a right to do so.
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 9.11 through 14: If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material support from you? 12 If other men have this rightful claim over you, do we not have it much more so? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we are enduring all things so that we might not in any way hinder the good news about the Christ. 13 Do you not know that the men performing sacred duties eat the things of the temple, and that those regularly serving at the altar receive a share from the altar? 14 In this way, too, the Lord commanded for those proclaiming the good news to live by means of the good news. [End Quotation]
We should appreciate each blessing that we receive and avoid a demanding spirit.
[Image:] The apostle Paul and two men making a tent together.
Caption: The apostle Paul did not demand financial support
Cultivate humility. When someone thinks too much of himself, he usually starts to feel that he is entitled to more than he has. Humility is the antidote to such poisonous thinking.
The prophet Daniel set a fine example in showing humility. His family background, good looks, intelligence, and abilities could have led him to feel that he deserved the special treatment and privileges he received.
[Quotation] Daniel 1.3 and 4: Then the king ordered Ashpenaz his chief court official to bring some of the Israelites, including those of royal and noble descent. 4 They were to be youths without any defect, of good appearance, endowed with wisdom, knowledge, and discernment, and capable of serving in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the writing and the language of the Chaldeans. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Daniel 1.19 and 20: When the king spoke with them, no one in the entire group was found to be like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; and they continued to serve before the king. 20 In every matter requiring wisdom and understanding that the king would ask them about, he found them ten times better than all the magic-practicing priests and the conjurers in his entire realm. [End Quotation]
However, Daniel remained humble, and this quality made him precious to Jehovah.
[Quotation] Daniel 2.30: As for me, this secret was not revealed to me because I have greater wisdom than anyone living; rather, it was to make the interpretation known to the king so that you may know the thoughts in your heart. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Daniel 10.11 and 12: Then he said to me: “O Daniel, you very precious man, give attention to the words that I am about to speak to you. Now stand up in your place, for I have been sent to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up, trembling. 12 He then said to me: “Do not be afraid, O Daniel. Your words have been heard from the first day that you gave your heart to understanding and to humbling yourself before your God, and I have come because of your words. [End Quotation]
[Image:] Collage: 1. The prophet Daniel in his old age. 2. The ancient city of Babylon. 3. Young Daniel and his three Hebrew friends.
Caption: The prophet Daniel’s humility made him precious to Jehovah
Let us reject the selfish, egotistical spirit so prevalent in today’s world. Instead, may we continue to find joy in each blessing that Jehovah gives us through his undeserved kindness.
How to Be a True Friend
How to Be a True Friend
Have you ever felt that you had to face your problems alone? We are living in “critical times hard to deal with” that can make us feel discouraged and isolated.
[Quotation] 2 Timothy 3.1: But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. [End Quotation]
However, we do not have to deal with life’s challenges on our own. The Bible highlights the value of having true friends in “times of distress.”
[Quotation] Proverbs 17.17: A true friend shows love at all times And is a brother who is born for times of distress. [End Quotation]
How True Friends Can Help
The apostle Paul benefited from the friendships that he had with his traveling companions.
[Quotation] Colossians 4.7 through 11: Tychicus, my beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I am sending him to you so that you will know how we are and that he may comfort your hearts. 9 He is coming along with Onesimus, my faithful and beloved brother, who is from among you; they will tell you all the things happening here. 10 Aristarchus, my fellow captive, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received instructions to welcome him if he comes to you), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus, who are of those circumcised. Only these are my fellow workers for the Kingdom of God, and they have become a source of great comfort to me. [End Quotation]
When Paul was imprisoned in Rome, his friends performed tasks that Paul was unable to do himself. For example, Epaphroditus supplied Paul with needed items that the brothers and sisters in Philippi sent.
[Quotation] Philippians 4.18: However, I have everything I need and even more. I am fully supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus what you sent, a sweet fragrance, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. [End Quotation]
Tychicus delivered Paul’s letters to different congregations.
[Quotation] Colossians 4.7: Tychicus, my beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. [End Quotation]
[Study Note] Tychicus: A Christian minister from the province of Asia, whose service Paul greatly valued. Paul entrusted Tychicus with delivering letters to the Colossians, to Philemon of the Colossian congregation, and to the Ephesians. Tychicus was more than a courier. His assignment included relating to the congregations “all the news about” Paul himself, likely including details about Paul’s imprisonment, his condition, and his needs. Paul knew that this “beloved brother and faithful minister” would do so in a way that would comfort the hearts of his hearers and would reinforce the vital teachings in Paul’s inspired message. After Paul was released from prison, he contemplated sending Tychicus to Crete. And when Paul was imprisoned in Rome for the second time, he sent Tychicus to Ephesus. [End of Study Note]
With the support of his friends, Paul carried out his ministry despite being under house arrest or being isolated in prison. How can you be a true friend today?
[Image:] The imprisoned apostle Paul handing Tychicus a letter.
Caption: Despite being under house arrest, the apostle Paul accomplished his ministry thanks to the loyal support of his friends
Modern-day examples show the value of being a true friend. Consider a sister who proved to be a friend for Elisabet, a regular pioneer in Spain. When her mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer, the sister sent Elisabet many encouraging text messages based on Bible verses. “These messages,” says Elisabet, “empowered me to face each day without feeling alone.”
[Quotation] Proverbs 18.24: There are companions ready to crush one another, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. [End Quotation]
We can strengthen our friendships with fellow believers by supporting them in congregation activities. For example, could you offer to drive an elderly brother or sister to the meeting or out in the ministry? If you do, you will likely enjoy an interchange of encouragement.
[Quotation] Romans 1.12: or, rather, that we may have an interchange of encouragement by one another’s faith, both yours and mine. [End Quotation]
However, some Christians are unable to leave their home. How can we be a true friend to them?
Be a True Friend to Those Who Are Housebound
Some fellow believers have health issues or other circumstances that prevent them from attending meetings in person. Consider the example of David, who was diagnosed with lymphoma. For over six months, he received chemotherapy. Throughout the treatment, David and his wife, Lidia, attended meetings virtually.
What support did they receive from their friends in the congregation? After each meeting, some of those at the Kingdom Hall would make an effort to talk to David and Lidia via videoconference. In addition, when David and Lidia gave comments, they later received encouraging text messages from fellow believers. The result? David and Lidia felt less isolated.
Could we include those who are housebound in our ministry? With some small adjustments, we can show that we have not forgotten those who face such limitations.
[Quotation] Proverbs 3.27: Do not withhold good from those to whom you should give it If it is within your power to help. [End Quotation]
Why not schedule some time with them to do letter writing or telephone witnessing? Those who are housebound may be able to tie in to meetings for field service by videoconference. David and Lidia appreciated this arrangement. David explains, “Just being with our preaching group for a brief discussion and prayer gave us a massive boost.” Further, if circumstances make it safe and fitting to do so, could you from time to time arrange to bring a Bible student to a housebound publisher’s home to conduct the study there?
[Image:] A sister participating in telephone witnessing with an older sister and speaking encouragingly to her.
Caption: Involve those who are housebound in your ministry
When we work along with our housebound brothers and sisters and observe firsthand their endearing qualities, we draw closer to them. For instance, when you share in the ministry with such publishers and you take notice of how they skillfully use God’s Word to reach someone’s heart, you likely feel drawn to them even more. When you support fellow believers in spiritual activities, you may well enlarge your circle of friends.
[Quotation] 2 Corinthians 6.13: So in response, I speak as to my children, you too open your hearts wide. [End Quotation]
Paul found comfort in having his friend Titus with him.
[Quotation] 2 Corinthians 7.5 through 7: In fact, when we arrived in Macedonia, our bodies got no relief, but we continued to be afflicted in every way, there were fights on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts those who are downhearted, comforted us by the presence of Titus; 7 and not only by his presence but also by the comfort he received because of you, as he reported back to us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, and your earnest concern for me; so I rejoiced even more. [End Quotation]
This account reminds us that we can provide comfort not only by expressing sympathy for those in need but also by being with them and doing what we can to support them.
[Quotation] 1 John 3.18: Little children, we should love, not in word or with the tongue, but in deed and truth. [End Quotation]
Be a True Friend During Times of Persecution
Our brothers and sisters in Russia have set a beautiful example in showing support for one another. Consider the experience of Sergey and his wife, Tatyana. After their home was searched by the police, they were taken for questioning. Tatyana was released first and returned home. Sergey relates: “As soon as [Tatyana] arrived home, one brave sister showed up at our door. More friends came and helped us with getting our apartment back in order.”
Sergey adds: “I have always liked Proverbs 17.17, where it says: ‘A true friend shows love at all times and is a brother who is born for times of distress.’ These words have taken on even greater meaning to me during this time of persecution when I am unable to cope on my own. Jehovah has provided friends who are fearlessly at my side.”* [Footnote] See on jw.org the article “Jehovah Has Provided Friends Who Are Fearlessly at My Side.” [End of footnote]
As we face ever more difficult situations, we need friends to lean on. We will need them even more during the great tribulation. So let us make every effort to be a true friend now!
[Quotation] 1 Peter 4.7 and 8: But the end of all things has drawn close. Therefore, be sound in mind, and be vigilant with a view to prayers. 8 Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. [End Quotation]
[Click to read]|[JW.org article] Jehovah Has Provided Friends Who Are Fearlessly at My Side” Brother Sergey Sushilnikov. Russia. August 31, 2022; Updated: January 26, 2023
UPDATE, BROTHER CONVICTED. On January 24, 2023, the Kuznetskiy District Court of Novokuznetsk, Kemerovo Region, convicted Brother Sergey Sushilnikov and imposed a suspended prison sentence of six years. He is not required to go to prison at this time.
Time Line.
November 2019. Investigators began wiretapping and video surveillance of Sergey’s home
June 3, 2021. Criminal case was initiated
June 8, 2021. Home was searched. Sergey and his wife were taken for interrogation
July 15, 2021. Added to federal list of terrorists and bank accounts were frozen
February 8, 2022. Charged with organizing and continuing the activity of an extremist organization. Placed under travel restrictions
March 30, 2022. Criminal trial began
January 24, 2023. Convicted, given a suspended prison sentence for 6 years
Profile. Sergey Sushilnikov
Born: 1957 (Korkino, Chelyabinsk Region)
Biography: Worked as a supervisor at an energy plant. Now retired
Married Tatyana in 1979. They raised two daughters
Introduced to Jehovah’s Witnesses by his wife’s cousin. He and Tatyana were both baptized in 1996
Personal Comments.
What Bible principles have been helpful to you during this difficult period?
I have always liked Proverbs 17:17, where it says: “A true friend shows love at all times and is a brother who is born for times of distress.” These words have taken on even greater meaning to me during this time of persecution when I am unable to cope on my own. Jehovah has provided friends who are fearlessly at my side and ready to lend a hand when things get difficult.
How, specifically, have the brothers and sisters supported you and your wife?
After our home was searched, we were taken in for questioning. My wife was released first, and just as soon as she arrived home, one brave sister showed up at our door. More friends came and helped us get our apartment back in order. And one of the elders came to check on us, even though that was quite a dangerous thing to do at that point.
Jesus said at John 13.35: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” It is wonderful that Tatyana and I have such loving friends and that we have been able to experience this love for ourselves.
We are comforted to know that Jehovah will always provide help to his faithful servants in “times of distress.”
[Quotation] Psalm 46.1: God is our refuge and strength, A help that is readily found in times of distress. [End Quotation]
[End of JW.org article]
A Simple Question That Anyone Can Ask
A Simple Question That Anyone Can Ask
Mary and her husband, John,* [Footnote] Names have been changed. [End of footnote] live in a part of the world where the good news can be shared with many foreign workers from the Philippines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mary successfully started Bible studies not only in the country where she lives but also in other places in the world. How did she do it?
[Image:] A sister and her husband conducting a Bible study with a woman via videoconferencing.
Mary would ask her Bible students, “Do you know anyone else who would like to study the Bible?” If they said yes, she would ask to be introduced to them. Asking this simple question often has good results. Why? Because people who appreciate God’s Word usually want to share what they learn with family members and friends they care about. What has been the result of asking this question?
Mary’s Bible student Jasmin introduced her to four new Bible students. One of them, Kristine, enjoyed her study sessions so much that she asked Mary to study with her twice a week. When Mary asked if she knew anyone else who wanted to study the Bible, Kristine said, “Yes, I will introduce my friends to you.” Within a few weeks, Kristine introduced Mary to four friends who wanted to study. Later, Kristine introduced her to other friends, some of whom repeated the process with still others.
[Image:] The sister shown in the previous image, talking with her Bible student and four of her friends via videoconferencing.
Kristine also wanted her family in the Philippines to learn about the Bible. So she spoke to her daughter, Andrea. Initially, Andrea thought, ‘The Witnesses are a cult, they do not believe in Jesus, and they use only the Old Testament.’ But after just one study, her misconceptions cleared up. During her studies, she would exclaim, “As long as the Bible says so, it must be true!”
In time, Andrea introduced Mary to two friends and a workmate who started studying. Also, unknown to Mary, Andrea’s blind aunt, Angela, was listening in on their studies. Then one day, Angela asked Andrea to introduce her to Mary and requested her own Bible study. Angela loved what she was learning. Within a month, she memorized many scriptures and wanted to study four times a week! With Andrea’s help, Angela started to attend the meetings regularly via videoconferencing.
When Mary learned that Kristine’s husband, Joshua, was lingering in the background during Kristine’s studies, Mary asked him if he would like to join. Joshua remarked, “I will just listen, but don’t direct any questions to me; if you do, I will walk out.” Within the first five minutes of the study, he asked more questions than Kristine did and wanted to continue with the Bible discussions.
Mary’s simple question led to numerous Bible studies. With several of them, she made arrangements for the students to be helped by fellow Witnesses. In total, Mary started 28 Bible studies in four different countries.
Jasmin, the first student mentioned in this experience, got baptized in April 2021. Kristine got baptized in May 2022 and has returned to the Philippines to be with her family. Two other students who had been introduced to Mary by Kristine also got baptized. Angela got baptized a few months later and now serves as a regular pioneer. Kristine’s husband, Joshua, and their daughter, Andrea, as well as several other students are making good progress.
In the first century, the good news spread quickly between family members and friends.
[Quotation] John 1.41 and 42: He first found his own brother Simon and said to him: “We have found the Messiah” (which means, when translated, “Christ”), 42 and he led him to Jesus. When Jesus looked at him, he said: “You are Simon, the son of John; you will be called Cephas” (which is translated “Peter”). [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 10.24: The following day he entered into Caesarea. Cornelius, of course, was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 10.27: As he conversed with him, he went in and found many people assembled. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 10.48: With that he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they requested him to stay for some days. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 16.25 through 33: But about the middle of the night, Paul and Silas were praying and praising God with song, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly a great earthquake occurred, so that the foundations of the jail were shaken. Moreover, all the doors were instantly opened, and everyone’s bonds came loose. 27 When the jailer woke up and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, assuming that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul called out with a loud voice: “Do not hurt yourself, for we are all here!” 29 So he asked for lights and rushed in, and seized with trembling, he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 He brought them outside and said: “Sirs, what must I do to get saved?” 31 They said: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will get saved, you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of Jehovah to him together with all those in his house. 33 And he took them along in that hour of the night and washed their wounds. Then he and his entire household were baptized without delay. [End Quotation]
Why not ask your Bible students and other interested ones, “Do you know anyone else who would like to study the Bible?” Who knows how many studies could be started as a result of this simple question that anyone can ask?
Study Project. Showing Courage Under Pressure