Watchtower April 21 through April 27
[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 7 [Press play below to hear the MP3 Watchtower audio]
Song 15 Praise Jehovah’s Firstborn! Based on Hebrews 1.6
1. Praise Jehovah’s Firstborn,
God’s duly appointed King.
He reigns for truth and justice;
Rich blessings his rule will bring.
With dignity and splendor
And love for God’s great name,
He’ll vindicate Jehovah,
His sov’reignty proclaim.
Praise Jehovah’s Firstborn!
All praise God’s anointed Son.
Installed upon Mount Zion,
His Kingship has now begun!
2. Praise Jehovah’s Firstborn,
Who died so that we may live.
He humbly paid the ransom;
Our sins God can now forgive.
The bride of Christ awaits him,
Adorned for him in white.
This marriage in the heavens
Will prove God’s rule is right.
Praise Jehovah’s Firstborn!
All praise God’s anointed Son.
Installed upon Mount Zion,
His Kingship has now begun!
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
Jehovah’s Forgiveness. What It Means for You (April 21 through 27)
“With you there is true forgiveness.” Psalm 130.4.
[Box] Focus.
By examining some vivid word pictures found in the Bible, we will increase our appreciation for the true forgiveness Jehovah grants us as individuals. [End of box]
Question 1. Why is the forgiveness humans extend often complicated?
1. “I forgive you.” How refreshing those words can be, especially if you know that you said or did something that hurt someone! But what does the phrase “I forgive you” really mean? Is the person you hurt saying that your friendship has been fully restored? Or does he simply mean that he does not want to talk about the issue anymore? The forgiveness humans extend can be complicated.
Question 2. How has Jehovah’s forgiveness been described in the Scriptures? (See also footnote)
2. The way Jehovah forgives us imperfect humans is very different from the way we forgive one another. The forgiveness Jehovah extends is unique. The psalmist said of Jehovah: “With you there is true forgiveness, so that you may be held in awe.”* (Psalm 130.4) [Footnote] The original Hebrew text uses the expression “the forgiveness,” which implies that this is the only true forgiveness, despite there being other forms of forgiveness. Many translations of the Bible miss this important distinction, but the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures does not, making it unique in its rendering of Psalm 130.4. [End of footnote] Yes, Jehovah’s forgiveness is “true forgiveness.” He sets the ultimate standard of what forgiveness really means. In some cases, Bible writers used a Hebrew word for forgiveness that is never used to describe human forgiveness.
Question 3. How is Jehovah’s forgiveness different from ours? (Isaiah 55.6 and 7)
3. When Jehovah forgives someone, that person’s sin is wiped out. The damaged relationship is entirely restored. Jehovah’s forgiveness is amazingly complete and generous. Read Isaiah 55.6 and 7.
[Read scripture] Isaiah 55.6 and 7: Search for Jehovah while he may be found. Call to him while he is near. 7 Let the wicked man leave his way And the evil man his thoughts; Let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy on him, To our God, for he will forgive in a large way. [End of Read scripture]
Question 4. How does Jehovah help us to understand the true meaning of forgiveness?
4. If Jehovah’s forgiveness differs from ours, how can we as imperfect humans possibly understand its true meaning? Jehovah helps us by using vivid word pictures to describe his forgiveness. In this article, we will examine some of them. They will show us how Jehovah removes sin and, at the same time, restores the relationship that has been damaged by sin. As we review these illustrations, we will deepen our appreciation for our tender Father, who expresses his forgiveness in so many ways.
Jehovah Removes Sin
Question 5. What happens when Jehovah pardons our sins?
5. In the Bible, sins are often likened to heavy burdens. King David described his own sins this way: “My errors loom over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too much for me to bear.” (Psalm 38.4) But Jehovah pardons the sins of repentant wrongdoers.
[Quotation] Psalm 25.18: See my affliction and my trouble, And pardon all my sins. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Psalm 32.5: Finally I confessed my sin to you; I did not cover my error. I said: “I will confess my transgressions to Jehovah.” And you pardoned the error of my sins. [End Quotation]
The Hebrew expression translated “pardon” basically means to “lift up” or “carry.” We might think of Jehovah as a strong man who figuratively lifts the burden of sin off our shoulders and carries it away.
[Image Alt:] A hand lifting a large heavy sack off a brother’s shoulders. Caption: “Pardoned” (Psalm 32.5)
Question 6. How far off does Jehovah carry our sins?
6. Another word picture shows just how far away Jehovah carries our sins. Psalm 103.12 tells us: “As far off as the sunrise is from the sunset, so far off from us he has put our transgressions.” East is the farthest point from west. The two points never meet. In other words, Jehovah takes our sins as far away from us as we can imagine. What a reassuring way to describe his forgiveness!
[Image Alt:] A sunset. Caption: “As far off as the sunrise is from the sunset” (Psalm 103.12)
Question 7. How does the Bible describe what Jehovah does with our sins? (Micah 7.18 and 19)
7. Even though Jehovah figuratively takes our sins far away from us, does he keep holding on to them? No. King Hezekiah wrote of Jehovah: “You have thrown all my sins behind your back.” Or as the footnote puts it, “you have removed all my sins from your sight.”
[Quotation] Isaiah 38.9: A writing of King Hezekiah of Judah when he became sick and recovered from his sickness. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Isaiah 38.17: Look! Instead of peace, I had great bitterness; But in your fondness for me, You preserved me from the pit of destruction. You have thrown all my sins behind your back. [End Quotation]
This word picture shows that Jehovah takes the sins of repentant ones and throws them out of view. This statement could also be rendered: “You have made [my sins] as if they had not happened.” The Bible further emphasizes this point in another word picture, recorded at Micah 7.18 and 19. (Read) There Jehovah is spoken of as throwing our sins into the depths of the sea. In ancient times, it would have been impossible for someone to retrieve an object that had been hurled into the depths of the sea.
[Read scripture] Micah 7.18 and 19: Who is a God like you, Pardoning error and passing over the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? He will not hold onto his anger forever, For he delights in loyal love. 19 He will again show us mercy; he will conquer our errors. You will throw all their sins into the depths of the sea. [End of Read scripture]
Question 8. What have we learned so far?
8. By means of these word pictures, we have learned that when Jehovah forgives us, he relieves us of the burden of our sins. Truly, as David said, “happy are those whose lawless deeds have been pardoned and whose sins have been covered; happy is the man whose sin Jehovah will by no means take into account.” (Romans 4.7 and 8) That is true forgiveness!
[Image Alt:] Collage: 1. A large heavy sack is thrown behind Jehovah’s heavenly throne. 2. A large heavy sack sinks to the bottom of the sea. Caption: “You have thrown all my sins behind your back” (Isaiah 38.17) “You will throw all their sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7.19)
Jehovah Wipes Out Sin
Question 9. What word pictures does Jehovah use to explain the extent of his forgiveness?
9. Jehovah uses other word pictures to help us appreciate how by means of the ransom sacrifice, he wipes out the sins of repentant ones. Figuratively, Jehovah is spoken of as washing and rinsing away these sins. This results in purifying the sinner.
[Quotation] Psalm 51.7: Purify me from my sin with hyssop, so that I will be clean; Wash me, so that I will be whiter than snow. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Isaiah 4.4: When Jehovah washes away the filth of the daughters of Zion and rinses away the bloodshed of Jerusalem from her midst by the spirit of judgment and by a spirit of burning, [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Jeremiah 33.8: And I will purify them from all the guilt of their sins against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sins and their transgressions against me. [End Quotation]
Jehovah himself describes the results of this process: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be made as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson cloth, they will become like wool.”
[Quotation] Isaiah 1.18: “Come, now, and let us set matters straight between us,” says Jehovah. “Though your sins are like scarlet, They will be made as white as snow; Though they are as red as crimson cloth, They will become like wool. [End Quotation]
It is extremely difficult to remove scarlet or crimson stains from a cloth. Yet, by means of this word picture, Jehovah assures us that our sins can be washed clean so thoroughly that they are no longer visible.
[Image Alt:] A sister wearing a white shirt with a large scarlet-colored stain on it. Later, the sister is wearing the same shirt without any trace of the stain. Caption: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be made as white as snow” (Isaiah 1.18)
Question 10. What other word picture does Jehovah use to illustrate the magnitude of his forgiveness?
10. As mentioned in the preceding article, sins are also likened 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]
So every time we sin against Jehovah, it is as if we are going further and further into debt. We owe him a huge amount! But when Jehovah forgives us, it is as if he cancels the debt that would otherwise be charged against our account. He does not demand repayment of sins that have been forgiven. What a refreshing illustration to describe the relief we feel when Jehovah forgives us!
[Image Alt:] Hands tearing a piece of paper as a brother expresses himself. Caption: “Forgive us our debts” (Matthew 6.12)
Question 11. What does it mean when the Bible says that our sins are “blotted out”? (Acts 3.19)
11. Jehovah does not simply cancel our debts, or sins; he blots them out. (Read Acts 3.19) When a debt is canceled, we might imagine a large X being drawn across the account. However, the numbers beneath that X may still be legible. But to blot something out is different. To understand this word picture, we need to remember that in ancient times the ink used was a mixture that included carbon, gum, and water. A person could take a wet sponge and wipe the writing away. So when a debt was “blotted out,” it vanished completely. Traces of what was written before were not visible to the naked eye. The record became nonexistent. How it warms our heart to know that Jehovah not only cancels our sins but also blots them out completely!
[Quotation] Psalm 51.9: Turn your face away from my sins, And wipe away all my errors. [End Quotation]
[Read scripture] Acts 3.19: “Repent, therefore, and turn around so as to get your sins blotted out, so that seasons of refreshing may come from Jehovah himself [End of Read scripture]
[Image Alt:] A hand using a sponge to blot out writing from a piece of paper. Caption: “So as to get your sins blotted out” (Acts 3.19)
Jehovah Restores a Good Relationship
Question 12. What does the word picture involving a thick cloud mean for us?
12. Jehovah uses a similar word picture to describe how he blots out sins. He declares: “I will blot out your transgressions as with a cloud and your sins as with a thick cloud.”
[Quotation] Isaiah 44:22: I will blot out your transgressions as with a cloud And your sins as with a thick cloud. Return to me, for I will repurchase you. [End Quotation]
When Jehovah forgives, it is as if he were using a thick cloud to hide our transgressions so that they disappear from sight altogether.
[Image Alt:] Thick clouds. Caption: “I will blot out your transgressions as with a cloud” (Isaiah 44.22)
Question 13. When Jehovah forgives our sins, how do we feel?
13. What does this mean for us? When Jehovah forgives our sins, we should not feel that we will bear the stain of such sins for the rest of our life. By means of the blood of Jesus Christ, our debts are completely canceled. Even the record of those debts is no longer discernible. This is what the true forgiveness that comes from Jehovah means for us when we repent of our sins.
Jehovah Restores a Good Relationship
Question 14. Why can we trust Jehovah’s forgiveness? (See also pictures)
14. The true forgiveness that comes from Jehovah allows us to have a good relationship with him. It helps us to avoid being overcome by feelings of guilt. We do not need to be afraid that Jehovah is secretly harboring resentment and is looking for a way to punish us. There is no threat of that happening. Why can we trust Jehovah when he says that he forgives us? The prophet Jeremiah quotes Jehovah as saying: “I will forgive their error, and I will no longer remember their sin.”
[Quotation] Jeremiah 31.34: “And they will no longer teach each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know Jehovah!’ for they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them,” declares Jehovah. “For I will forgive their error, and I will no longer remember their sin.” [End Quotation]
When referring to these words, the apostle Paul used a similar expression, saying: “I will no longer call their sins to mind.”
[Quotation] Hebrews 8.12: For I will be merciful toward their unrighteous deeds, and I will no longer call their sins to mind.’” [End Quotation]
But what does that really mean?
[Image Alt:] A sister meditating peacefully outdoors. Caption: The forgiveness that our heavenly Father extends allows us to have a good relationship with him
[Image Alt:] A brother looking up to heaven. Caption: “I will no longer remember their sin” (Jeremiah 31.34)
Question 15. In what sense does Jehovah no longer remember our sins?
15. In the Bible, the expression “remember” does not always refer to someone recalling something or thinking about it. Rather, it can involve someone taking action. The criminal hanging on the stake next to Jesus requested: “Jesus, remember me when you get into your Kingdom.”
[Quotation] Luke 23.42 and 43: Then he said: “Jesus, remember me when you get into your Kingdom.” 43 And he said to him: “Truly I tell you today, you will be with me in Paradise.” [End Quotation]
He was not simply asking Jesus to think about him at that time. Jesus’ response indicated that he would take action to resurrect this criminal. So, then, when Jehovah says that he no longer remembers our sins, he means that he will not take action against us. He will not punish us sometime in the future for sins that he has forgiven.
Jehovah Wipes Out Sin
Question 16. How does the Bible describe the freedom that comes from true forgiveness?
16. The Bible uses another word picture to help us understand the freedom that comes from true forgiveness. Because of our sinful nature and inclination, we are likened to “slaves of sin.” But thanks to Jehovah’s forgiveness, we are like slaves who have been “set free from sin.”
[Quotation] Romans 6.17 and 18: But thanks to God that although you were once the slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over. 18 Yes, since you were set free from sin, you became slaves to righteousness. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Revelation 1.5: and from Jesus Christ, “the Faithful Witness,” “the firstborn from the dead,” and “the Ruler of the kings of the earth.” To him who loves us and who set us free from our sins by means of his own blood [End Quotation]
Yes, Jehovah’s forgiveness gives us the exhilarating feeling of being set free from slavery.
[Image Alt:] Hands breaking free from handcuffs. Caption: “You were set free from sin” (Romans 6.18)
What Jehovah’s Forgiveness Means for Us
Question 17. How does forgiveness result in healing? (Isaiah 53.5)
17. Read Isaiah 53.5. The final word picture we will discuss likens us to people who have a deadly disease. Because of the ransom sacrifice that Jehovah provided through his Son, we are figuratively spoken of as being healed.
[Quotation] 1 Peter 2.24: He himself bore our sins in his own body on the stake, so that we might die to sins and live to righteousness. And “by his wounds you were healed.” [End Quotation]
The ransom makes possible the full repair of our relationship with Jehovah, which has been damaged by spiritual sickness. Just as a person who has been healed of a serious illness feels intense joy, we too rejoice when we are healed spiritually and regain Jehovah’s favor as a result of his forgiveness.
[Read scripture] Isaiah 53.5: But he was pierced for our transgression; He was crushed for our errors. He bore the punishment for our peace, And because of his wounds we were healed. [End of Read scripture]
[Image Alt:] Collage: Jesus’ sacrifice repairing our relationship with Jehovah. 1. Jesus on a torture stake. 2. A brother at peace prays in a park. Caption: “Because of his wounds we were healed” (Isaiah 53.5)
What Jehovah’s Forgiveness Means for Us
Question 18. What have we learned by examining the various word pictures found in the Bible regarding Jehovah’s forgiveness? (See also the box “How Jehovah Forgives Us.”)
18. What have we learned by examining the word pictures found in the Bible regarding Jehovah’s forgiveness? When he forgives, he does so completely and permanently. This allows us to have a good relationship with our heavenly Father. At the same time, we remember that true forgiveness is a gift. It comes from Jehovah’s love and undeserved kindness, which he expresses to sinful mankind. It is not a right that humans can demand.
[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]
[Box]
How Jehovah Forgives Us. In the Bible, Jehovah uses vivid word pictures to describe his forgiveness and to help us understand its true meaning.
He removes sin.
“Pardoned”
[Quotation] Psalm 32.5: Finally I confessed my sin to you; I did not cover my error. I said: “I will confess my transgressions to Jehovah.” And you pardoned the error of my sins. [End Quotation]
“As far off as the sunrise is from the sunset”
[Quotation] Psalm 103.12: As far off as the sunrise is from the sunset, So far off from us he has put our transgressions. [End Quotation]
“You have thrown all my sins behind your back”
[Quotation] Isaiah 38.17: Look! Instead of peace, I had great bitterness; But in your fondness for me, You preserved me from the pit of destruction. You have thrown all my sins behind your back. [End Quotation]
“You will throw all their sins into the depths of the sea”
[Quotation] Micah 7.19: He will again show us mercy; he will conquer our errors. You will throw all their sins into the depths of the sea. [End Quotation]
He wipes out sin.
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be made as white as snow”
[Quotation] Isaiah 1.18: “Come, now, and let us set matters straight between us,” says Jehovah. “Though your sins are like scarlet, They will be made as white as snow; Though they are as red as crimson cloth, They will become like wool. [End Quotation]
“Forgive us our debts”
[Quotation] Matthew 6.12: and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. [End Quotation]
“So as to get your sins blotted out”
[Quotation] Acts 3.19: “Repent, therefore, and turn around so as to get your sins blotted out, so that seasons of refreshing may come from Jehovah himself [End Quotation]
“I will blot out your transgressions as with a cloud”
[Quotation] Isaiah 44.22: I will blot out your transgressions as with a cloud And your sins as with a thick cloud. Return to me, for I will repurchase you. [End Quotation]
He restores a good relationship.
“I will no longer remember their sin”
[Quotation] Jeremiah 31.34: “And they will no longer teach each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know Jehovah!’ for they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them,” declares Jehovah. “For I will forgive their error, and I will no longer remember their sin.” [End Quotation]
“You were set free from sin”
[Quotation] Romans 6.18: Yes, since you were set free from sin, you became slaves to righteousness. [End Quotation]
“Because of his wounds we were healed”
[Quotation] Isaiah 53.5: But he was pierced for our transgression; He was crushed for our errors. He bore the punishment for our peace, And because of his wounds we were healed. [End Quotation]
[End of box]
"Two parts: Question 19a. For what should we be grateful? (Romans 4.8)
Question 19b. What will we discuss in the next article?"
19. Read Romans 4.8. How grateful each one of us should be that Jehovah is the God of “true forgiveness”!
[Quotation] Psalm 130.4: For with you there is true forgiveness, So that you may be held in awe. [End Quotation]
However, our being forgiven is dependent on something important. Jesus explained: “If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
[Quotation] Matthew 6.14 and 15: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; 15 whereas if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. [End Quotation]
Obviously, then, it is vital for us to imitate Jehovah’s forgiveness. But how can we do that? Our next article will show us what this involves.
[Read scripture] Romans 4.8: happy is the man whose sin Jehovah will by no means take into account.” [End of Read scripture]
[Box] How Would You Answer?
How does the Bible describe the way Jehovah removes our sins?
How do we know that Jehovah wipes out our sins?
What does Jehovah’s true forgiveness mean for you? [End of box]
Song 46 We Thank You, Jehovah. Based on 1 Thessalonians 5.18
1. We thank you, Jehovah, each day and each night,
That you shed upon us your precious light.
We thank you that we have the priv’lege of prayer,
That we can approach you with ev’ry care.
2. We thank you, Jehovah, for your loving Son,
Who conquered the world; by his faith he won.
We thank you for guidance in doing your will.
You lovingly help us our vows fulfill.
3. We thank you, our God, for the honor to preach
About your great name and the truth to teach.
We thank you that soon all earth’s woes will be past,
While your Kingdom blessings forever last.
[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