Watchtower April 28 through May 4
[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 8 [Press play below to hear the MP3 Watchtower audio]
Song 130 Be Forgiving. Based on Psalm 86.5
1. Lovingly Jehovah
Made provision through his Son
For our sins to be forgiven
And for death to be undone.
If we truly are repentant,
His forgiveness we can claim
On the basis of Christ’s ransom,
Asking pardon in his name.
2. We receive such mercy
When we act like God above
And forgive each other freely,
Showing empathy and love.
Putting up with one another,
Putting hurtfulness away;
Showing honor to our brother,
Showing love’s surpassing way.
3. Mercy is a virtue
That we all should cultivate.
It will keep us from resentment,
From the bitterness of hate.
When we imitate Jehovah,
Who is unsurpassed in love,
We will truly be forgiving;
We will be like God above.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
Jehovah’s Forgiveness. How Can You Imitate It? (April 28 through May 4)
“Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same.” Colossians 3.13.
[Box] Focus.
This article will discuss practical steps we can take to forgive someone who has offended us. [End of box]
Question 1 and 2a. When may we find it especially difficult to forgive someone?
Question 1 and 2b. How did Denise show forgiveness?
1. Do you find it difficult to forgive others? Many of us do, especially when someone says or does something that hurts us deeply. However, we can overcome our hurt feelings and be forgiving. For example, consider the experience of a sister named Denise,* [Footnote] Some names have been changed. [End of footnote] who showed extraordinary forgiveness. In 2017, Denise and her family had just visited the newly opened World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses. While they were on their way home, another driver lost control of his car and hit their vehicle. Denise lost consciousness in the accident. When she woke up, she learned that her children were badly injured and that her husband, Brian, had been killed. Reflecting on that moment, Denise says, “I felt broken and confused.” Later, she learned that the driver had not been impaired or distracted, and she prayed to Jehovah for peace.
2. The driver who hit them was charged with manslaughter. If convicted, he could be imprisoned. However, the court informed Denise that the outcome of the man’s sentencing depended on her testimony. Denise says: “I felt as if somebody had cut open my stitches and dumped a gallon of salt in my wound, as I had to relive the worst moments of my life.” Just a few weeks later, Denise sat in a courtroom and prepared to address the man who had caused her family so much pain. What did she say? Denise asked the judge to show mercy to the man.* [Footnote] In such a situation, each Christian must make a personal decision about what action to take. [End of footnote] When she finished speaking, the judge broke down in tears. He said: “In all my 25 years as a judge, I have never heard anything like this in my courtroom. I never hear the victim’s family plead for mercy in behalf of the defendant. I never hear words of love and forgiveness.”
Question 3. What moved Denise to forgive?
3. What helped Denise to be forgiving? She meditated on Jehovah’s forgiveness.
[Quotation] Micah 7.18: 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. [End Quotation]
When we appreciate the forgiveness that Jehovah has shown us, we will be motivated to be forgiving toward others.
Question 4. What does Jehovah want us to do? (Ephesians 4.32)
4. Jehovah wants us to forgive others just as freely as he has forgiven us. (Read Ephesians 4.32) He expects us to be ready to forgive those who hurt us.
[Quotation] Psalm 86.5: For you, O Jehovah, are good and ready to forgive; You abound in loyal love for all those who call on you. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Luke 17.4: Even if he sins seven times a day against you and he comes back to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” [End Quotation]
In this article, we will consider three things that will help us to be more forgiving.
[Read scripture] Ephesians 4.32: But become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you. [End of Read scripture]
Do Not Ignore Your Feelings
Question 5. According to Proverbs 12.18, how might we feel when someone offends us?
5. We may be deeply hurt because of what someone says or does to us, especially if that person is a close friend or family member.
[Quotation] Psalm 55.12 through 14: For it is not an enemy who taunts me; Otherwise I could put up with it. It is not a foe who has risen up against me; Otherwise I could conceal myself from him. 13 But it is you, a man like me, My own companion whom I know well. 14 We used to enjoy a warm friendship together; Into the house of God we used to walk along with the multitude. [End Quotation]
At times, the emotional pain we suffer can be likened to being stabbed. (Read Proverbs 12.18) We may try to suppress or ignore our hurt feelings. But doing so might be like getting stabbed and then leaving the knife in the wound. Similarly, we cannot expect our hurt feelings to get better if we simply ignore them.
[Read scripture] Proverbs 12.18: Thoughtless speech is like the stabs of a sword, But the tongue of the wise is a healing. [End of Read scripture]
Question 6. How may we react when someone offends us?
6. When someone offends us, our initial reaction may be to get angry. The Bible acknowledges that we may become wrathful. However, it warns against allowing that emotion to dominate us.
[Quotation] Psalm 4.4: Be agitated, but do not sin. Have your say in your heart, upon your bed, and keep silent. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Ephesians 4.26: Be wrathful, but do not sin; do not let the sun set while you are still angry; [End Quotation]
Why? Because our emotions often lead to actions. And anger seldom leads to good results.
[Quotation] James 1.20: for man’s anger does not bring about God’s righteousness. [End Quotation]
Remember, getting angry is a reaction, but remaining angry is a choice.
Blurb: Getting angry is a reaction, but remaining angry is a choice
Question 7. What other feelings might we experience when someone hurts us?
7. When we have been treated badly, we might feel other painful emotions. For example, a sister named Ann says: “When I was a child, my dad left my mom and married my nanny. I felt abandoned. When they had children, I felt replaced. I grew up feeling unwanted.” A sister named Georgette describes how she felt when her husband was unfaithful to her: “We had been friends since childhood. We were pioneer partners! My heart was broken.” And a sister named Naomi says: “I never imagined that my husband would hurt me. So when he confessed that he had been viewing pornography and hiding it from me, I felt deceived and betrayed.”
Two parts: Question 8a. What are some reasons why we should forgive others?
Question 8b. What benefits do we receive when we forgive? (See the box “What if We Have Been Traumatized by Someone?”)
8. We cannot control what others say or do to us, but we can try to control our response. And often the best response is to forgive. Why? Because we love Jehovah, and he wants us to be forgiving. If we remain angry and do not forgive, we are likely to act foolishly and perhaps suffer physically.
[Quotation] Proverbs 14.17: The one who is quick to anger acts foolishly, But the man who thinks things out is hated. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Proverbs 14.29 and 30: The one who is slow to anger has great discernment, But the impatient one displays his foolishness. 30 A calm heart gives life to the body, But jealousy is rottenness to the bones. [End Quotation]
Note the example of a sister named Christine. She says: “When I am consumed by my hurt feelings, I smile less. I tend to make poor food choices. I don’t get enough sleep, and it’s more difficult to control my emotions, which in turn affects my marriage and my relationships with others.”
[Box]
What if We Have Been Traumatized by Someone? We do well to remember that when we forgive someone, we are not condoning that person’s actions or allowing him to take advantage of us. Instead, we decide to let go of our resentment and anger. In that way, we do not allow the person who caused us trauma to continue to victimize us. By letting go of our resentment, we are really giving ourselves a gift. It allows us to heal and move on with our life. Of course, even when we decide to let go of our resentment and anger, we need never forget that the person is still accountable to Jehovah for what he has done. Thus, in a sense, letting go of our resentment and anger is another way in which we follow the psalmist’s inspired advice: “Throw your burden on Jehovah.”
[Quotation] Psalm 55.22: Throw your burden on Jehovah, And he will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to fall. [End Quotation]
We leave the matter with Jehovah, trusting that he will judge the person who deeply hurt us. And Jehovah judges matters far better than we can. So he will provide a more just outcome than we could ever hope to achieve on our own. [End of box]
Question 9. Why should we let go of resentment?
9. Even if the person who hurt us never takes responsibility for his actions, we can lessen the damage he caused us. How? Georgette, mentioned earlier, says: “It took some time, but I let go of my resentment and anger toward my ex-husband. As a result, I felt immense peace.” When we let go of resentment, we prevent our heart from becoming damaged by bitterness. We also give ourselves a gift, we can start to move on and enjoy our life once again.
[Quotation] Proverbs 11.17: A kind man benefits himself, But the cruel person brings trouble on himself. [End Quotation]
But what if after acknowledging your feelings, you are still not ready to forgive?
Dealing With Your Feelings
Question 10. Why should we allow ourselves time to heal emotionally? (See also pictures)
10. How can you overcome hurt feelings? One way is by giving yourself time to heal. After receiving medical care, a person who has been severely injured needs time to heal physically. In a similar way, we may need time to heal emotionally before we are ready to forgive someone from the heart.
[Quotation] Ecclesiastes 3.3: A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up; [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Peter 1.22: Now that you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth with unhypocritical brotherly affection as the result, love one another intensely from the heart. [End Quotation]
[Image Alt:] Collage: An injured brother recovering over time. 1. Paramedics put him in an ambulance. 2. He receives physical therapy to walk again. 3. He walks confidently on his own. Caption: Just as a physical injury requires proper care and time to heal, so does an emotional injury
Question 11. How can prayer help you to be forgiving?
11. Pray, asking Jehovah to help you to be forgiving.* [Footnote] See on jw.org the videos for the original songs “Forgive One Another,” “Forgive Freely,” and “Friends Again.” [End of footnote] Ann, mentioned earlier, explains how prayer helped her. She says: “I asked Jehovah to forgive each of us in the family for things we did not handle well. Then I wrote a letter to my dad and his new wife and told them that I forgave them.” Ann admits that doing so was not easy. But she says: “I hope that by my trying to imitate Jehovah’s forgiveness, my dad and his wife will be moved to learn more about Jehovah.”
Question 12. Why should we trust Jehovah instead of our feelings? (Proverbs 3.5 and 6)
12. Trust Jehovah, not your feelings. (Read Proverbs 3.5 and 6) Jehovah always knows what is best for us.
[Quotation] Isaiah 55.8 and 9: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, And your ways are not my ways,” declares Jehovah. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So my ways are higher than your ways And my thoughts than your thoughts. [End Quotation]
And he will never ask us to do something that will harm us. Thus, when he encourages us to be forgiving, we can be confident that doing so will benefit us.
[Quotation] Psalm 40.4: Happy is the man who trusts in Jehovah And who does not look to the defiant or to those who are false. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Isaiah 48.17 and 18: This is what Jehovah says, your Repurchaser, the Holy One of Israel: “I, Jehovah, am your God, The One teaching you to benefit yourself, The One guiding you in the way you should walk. 18 If only you would pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river And your righteousness like the waves of the sea. [End Quotation]
On the other hand, if we trust our feelings, we may never be able to forgive.
[Quotation] Proverbs 14.12: There is a way that seems right to a man, But in the end it leads to death. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Jeremiah 17.9: The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it? [End Quotation]
Naomi, quoted earlier, says: “At first, I felt justified for not forgiving my husband for viewing pornography. I was afraid that he would hurt me again or that he would forget how much damage he caused. And I reasoned that Jehovah understood my feelings. But I began to realize that just because Jehovah understands my feelings, it does not mean that he agrees with them. He knows how I feel and that it takes time to heal, but he also wants me to be forgiving.”* [Footnote] Although viewing pornography is sinful and hurtful, it does not give the innocent mate grounds for a Scriptural divorce. [End of footnote]
[Read scripture] Proverbs 3.5 and 6: Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, And do not rely on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways take notice of him, And he will make your paths straight. [End of Read scripture]
Create Positive Feelings
Question 13. According to Romans 12.18 through 21, what do we need to do?
13. When we forgive someone who hurt us deeply, we want to do more than simply decide not to talk about what happened. If the person who hurt us is also our Christian brother or sister, our goal is to make peace.
[Quotation] Matthew 5.23 and 24: “If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away. First make your peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift. [End Quotation]
We choose to replace our anger with mercy and our resentment with forgiveness. (Read Romans 12.18 through 21)
[Quotation] 1 Peter 3.9: Do not pay back injury for injury or insult for insult. Instead, repay with a blessing, for you were called to this course, so that you might inherit a blessing. [End Quotation]
What can help us to do that?
[Read scripture] Romans 12.18 through 21: If possible, as far as it depends on you, be peaceable with all men. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says Jehovah.” 20 But “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals on his head.” 21 Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good. [End of Read scripture]
Question 14. What should we strive to do, and why?
14. We should strive to see the person who offended us as Jehovah does. Jehovah chooses to look for the good in people.
[Quotation] 2 Chronicles 16.9: For the eyes of Jehovah are roving about through all the earth to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him. You have acted foolishly in this matter; from now on there will be wars against you.” [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Psalm 130.3: If errors were what you watch, O Jah, Then who, O Jehovah, could stand? [End Quotation]
We will usually find what we are looking for in people, be it the good or the bad. When we look for the good in others, we will find it easier to forgive them. For example, a brother named Jarrod says, “I find it easier to forgive a brother when I compare his offense to the long list of things that I like about him.”
Question 15. Why may it be helpful to tell someone that you have forgiven him?
15. Another important thing to consider doing is to tell the person that you have forgiven him or her. Why? Note what Naomi, quoted earlier, says: “My husband asked me, ‘Have you forgiven me?’ When I opened my mouth to say, ‘I forgive you,’ I choked. I realized that I hadn’t truly forgiven him in my heart. In time, I was able to express those three powerful words, ‘I forgive you.’ I couldn’t believe the relief it brought to my teary-eyed husband and the closure that I felt. Since then, I have rebuilt my trust in him and we are best friends again.”
Question 16. What have you learned about forgiveness?
16. Jehovah wants us to be forgiving.
[Quotation] Colossians 3.13: Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same. [End Quotation]
Even so, we may struggle to forgive others. But we can do it if we do not ignore our feelings and make the effort to deal with them. Then we can create new, positive feelings. See the box “Three Steps to Forgiveness.”
[Box]
Three Steps to Forgiveness. Do not ignore your feelings. We cannot expect our hurt feelings to get better if we ignore them.
[Image Alt:] A distressed sister gazing out a window.
Deal with your feelings. Give yourself time to heal. Ask Jehovah to help you combat resentment. Trust Jehovah, not your feelings.
[Image Alt:] The sister shown in the previous image, praying fervently.
Create positive feelings. Try to see the person as Jehovah sees him. Ask Jehovah to help you to forgive. Tell the person you have forgiven him. [End of box]
[Image Alt:] The sister and her husband, now happy together.
Question 17. How does being forgiving benefit us?
17. We have many reasons to be forgiving. Consider just some of them. First, we imitate and please our merciful Father, Jehovah.
[Quotation] Luke 6.36: Continue being merciful, just as your Father is merciful. [End Quotation]
Second, we show gratitude for the forgiveness Jehovah has kindly extended to us.
[Quotation] Matthew 6.12: and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. [End Quotation]
And third, we enjoy better health and keep our friendships strong.
Question 18 and 19. What may result from our being forgiving?
18. When we forgive others, we may experience unexpected blessings. For example, note what happened to Denise, mentioned earlier. Although she did not know it at the time, the man who caused the accident planned to end his life after his trial. However, he was so moved by Denise’s forgiveness that he began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses.
19. We may feel that forgiving someone is one of the hardest things we will ever have to do, but it may also be one of the most rewarding.
[Quotation] Matthew 5.7: “Happy are the merciful, since they will be shown mercy. [End Quotation]
Therefore, may we all do our best to imitate Jehovah’s forgiveness.
[Box] When Someone Offends You, ...
why shouldn’t you ignore your feelings?
what can help you deal with your feelings?
how can you create positive feelings? [End of box]
Song 125 “Happy Are the Merciful!” Based on Matthew 5.7
1. Our happy God is merciful,
His mercy not just dutiful.
He takes delight in kindly deeds
And freely grants our daily needs.
Repentant ones can be assured
Their plea for mercy will be heard.
Remembering that we are dust,
He’s merciful and kind and just.
2. When we have sinned and feel distressed,
When God’s forgiveness we request,
Our Lord, Christ Jesus, showed the way
To ask for mercy when we pray.
“Forgive our debts, we beg of you,
As we forgive our debtors too.”
We then can let resentment go,
And peace of mind and heart we’ll know.
3. When gifts of mercy we bestow,
The giving spirit we should show.
We give without desiring praise,
Content with joy our gift conveys.
Then God, who sees all things we do,
Will be the One repaying you.
Yes, happy are the merciful,
In God’s eyes they are beautiful.
[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