Transcripts: Broadcasts

Transcript: JW Broadcasting April 2024
David Splane: Welcome, everybody, to JW Broadcasting®. My cohost is Brother Izak Marais. Now, his given name is Izak, but we all call him Saki. I’m so glad to see you, Saki, because we’ve got a lot of work today. But first, you have quite an interesting background in the truth. Why don’t you tell us something about it?
(Text: Izak Marrais. Helper to the writing committee)
Saki: Thank you. I’ll be happy to do so. I was born in South Africa in a very small town called Blyvooruitzicht. My father was not one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He initially opposed my mother, who was a dedicated servant of Jehovah, but later changed and was very supportive. My mother served Jehovah faithfully until her death in 2017. My grandfather and great-grandfather on my mother’s side came into the truth in the early 1920’s simply by reading a tract. When I was about ten years old, I read the book What Has Religion Done for Mankind? and I was convinced that my mother had the truth. My two brothers and three sisters also embraced the truth at an early age. And to this day, all of them serve Jehovah faithfully in various parts of the earth.
David: Good.
Saki: While I was in my final year at school, I was invited to go to Bethel, and I started Bethel service in January 1965 in South Africa. Bethel was located in Elandsfontein, not far from Johannesburg.
(Sky view of Bethel)
The Bethel family had only 55 members then.
(Group photo)
I had no particular skill, education, or training when I came to Bethel. Two older brothers in the small family, Andrew Jack from Scotland and Gert Nel from South Africa, took me under their wing because they knew I had so much to learn. They taught me how to apply Bible principles in the school of life as outlined at Proverbs 1:1-7. Andrew Jack taught me how to work and reminded me always to glorify Jehovah. Gert Nel, an Afrikaans translator since 1947, taught me how to reason on Scriptural principles. Both of them finished their earthly course long ago, but their example of loyalty still has a deep impact on the loyal servants of Jehovah in southern Africa. I had several assignments over the years in Translation and in the Printery, and I worked mostly in cleaning assignments. In 1976, I married Jean,
(Photo of couple smiling)
who served as a pioneer in Durban. She was born in Malawi, but she grew up in South Africa. She set a great example for me by working diligently at every assignment that she was given. She always has a good attitude and works ‘as to Jehovah and not to men.’
David: Hmm, very good.
Saki: After serving at the South Africa branch for a few years, we were transferred to the United States Bethel in 1981. We’ve served in Wallkill, Brooklyn, Patterson, and are now serving in Warwick.
David: Well, thanks for sharing. I know I’ve been built up by hearing your experience, and I am sure the friends feel the same way. Why don’t you give us the highlights of what we can expect during the program? I’ll be glad to, David.
(Two sisters hug)
As this system nears its end, we may at times feel trapped and helpless.
(they walk in a crowd)
How can we be sure that Jehovah is still helping us?
(Photo of couple smiling)
Many years ago, Karen found joy and fulfilment with her spiritual family.
(At a door Karen speaks)
But her life serving Jehovah hasn’t been easy.
(smiles with others)
We’ll see how she’s doing in the next episode of the series Where Are They Now?
(Brother picks up tract)
Have you ever wished that you could have more conversations in the ministry?
(couple approach man at car)
Our latest episode of Iron Sharpens Iron provides suggestions for doing so.
(they smile and talk)
This is the April 2024 edition of JW Broadcasting!
(JW Broadcasting logo, collage of images of people worldwide, spin round a globe, transitions into a white box with the capital letters ‘JW BROADCASTING’ a backdrop of the Earth’s sky view)
(Text: David H. Splane. Governing Body)
David: An outstanding fact is recorded at Isaiah 55:10, 11: For just as the rain and the snow pour down from heaven “and do not return there until they saturate the earth, “making it produce and sprout, “giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, “(now notice this) “so my word (my word) “that goes out of my mouth will be. “It will not return to me without results, “but it will certainly accomplish whatever is my delight.” The word of God is the statement of his purpose. Now, it can be delivered orally or in writing. We call the Bible God’s written Word, and rightly so. But long before writing was invented, Jehovah expressed his purpose in words. “And God said: ‘Let there be light.’ Then there was light.” Through Isaiah, Jehovah is telling us that he will always accomplish his purpose. So, no matter how powerful fighters against that purpose seem to be, they will always lose in the end. Remembering that will help us when we’re faced with opposers who seem unbeatable. So, I thought we might consider some Bible examples that illustrate the point. Take the days of King Saul, for example. Now, Jehovah sent Samuel to anoint the next king of Israel. And as recorded at 1 Samuel 16:1, God said to Samuel: I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, “because I have selected from among his sons a king for myself.” Saul’s replacement turned out to be David. He was Jehovah’s choice. At some point, Saul himself understood that. In fact, according to 1 Samuel 23:17, his son Jonathan said to David: You will be king over Israel, . . . and my father Saul also knows that.
(video clip of Saul and David)
Confirming this, on one occasion Saul said to David: I know that you will surely rule as king.
(plays harp)
In spite of it all, Saul tried to kill David.
(lunges spear)
And he had the support of a powerful army.
(David moves)
Saul himself was apparently a very strong man.
(spear misses)
Still, it was God’s will for David to become king, and Saul knew it.
(Saul stands with army)
So, we ask: Why did Saul keep on fighting? And whom was he fighting, really? Not just David. He was fighting against God. Saul was setting himself up for failure. No doubt Satan was egging Saul on. If Satan could cause just one of Jehovah’s promises to fail. But in the end, the word of God prevailed. David became king. Well, who would replace David when the time came? That was also Jehovah’s decision to make, and he made it. According to 1 Chronicles 22:9, 10, Jehovah told David: Look! You will have a son . . . “Solomon will be his name “and . . . I will firmly establish the throne of his kingship over Israel forever.” So, Solomon would be the next king of Israel. Who could prevent that from happening? David’s son Adonijah tried and failed. Why? As quoted at 1 Kings 2:15, he later admitted: The kingship eluded me and became my brother’s, for it was from Jehovah that it became his.” If Adonijah thought he could outmaneuver Jehovah, he was sadly mistaken. Jehovah promised the Israelites that he would give them the land of Canaan as an inheritance. The Canaanites had other ideas. They had heard of Jehovah’s powerful works in Egypt, but they fought against him anyway. They learned. They learned at their cost that fighters against God always lose. Now, if you were asked to name some prominent fighters against God in Jesus’ day, you might think of King Herod the Great, the Jewish High Priest Caiaphas, and maybe the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate. Let’s talk about them. First, Herod the Great. Let’s read Matthew 2:1, 2. Now, astrologers visit King Herod, and they ask a strange question. We read: After Jesus had been born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, look! Astrologers from the East came to Jerusalem, saying: ‘Where is the one born king of the Jews? (king of the Jews?) ‘For we saw his star when we were in the East, and we have come to do obeisance to him.’ Did you notice something strange here? No angel had spoken to those astrologers, yet when the men saw a light in heaven, they concluded that it signaled the birth of the “king of the Jews.” That’s a stretch! Who do you suppose put that idea in their head? And who do you suppose gave them the bright idea to ask the present king of Israel about his future rival? That has Satan the Devil written all over it, doesn’t it? Now notice verses 3 and 4: At hearing this, King Herod was agitated, and all Jerusalem with him. On gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.” Interesting!
(various artwork)
Herod doesn’t just ask where the future “king of the Jews” will be born
(Mary holds baby)
he asks “where the Christ (will) be born.
(Herod speaks to astrologers)
Now, as a Jewish proselyte, he’s supposed to be waiting for the Christ, the Messiah. Yet now that the Messiah has come, Herod wants to kill him. Herod is fighting against God.
(riding on camels)
Does he win? No. Jesus escapes his clutches. And a few months later, Herod himself dies. Few mourn his death. In Jesus’ day, the Jewish high priests were appointed and removed by the Romans. Now, High Priest Caiaphas was a skilled politician. He knew how to please the Romans. And because of that, he hung on to his job a lot longer than many others. And he had a powerful supporter, Pontius Pilate. With his connections, Caiaphas seemed untouchable. Pilate himself was very well-connected. He had a good friend in high places in Rome: Lucius Sejanus.
(Old coin)
Now, maybe you’ve never heard of Sejanus before, but he was probably the most powerful man in the Roman Empire. The emperor left most of the major decisions to Sejanus. Now, he made many enemies, but they were powerless against him until, until the fall of 31 C.E. At that time, Sejanus got on the wrong side of the emperor and was put to death. After that, the emperor commanded that anyone who had been friends with Sejanus was to be executed. How do you think Pilate felt? He must have been a nervous wreck! As we said, he and Sejanus had been very close. And now, a year and a half after Sejanus was executed, what do you suppose Pilate was thinking when the Jewish rulers cried out, ‘If you release Jesus, you are no friend of Caesar’? Some scholars believe that this was a factor in Pilate’s decision to order Jesus’ execution, to protect his own job. Did he protect it? No. Pilate wasn’t immediately struck by lightning. But less than four years after he sentenced Jesus to death, he got into big trouble and was recalled to Rome. With no powerful friend to defend him, Pilate was removed as Roman governor. What happened next isn’t clear. Some say Pilate committed suicide. Others say he was banished. Whatever happened, it wasn’t good. When Pilate lost his job, Caiaphas lost his protector and soon he was removed as high priest. Thus, two fighters against God, Pilate, and Caiaphas, were dispatched soon after they committed their greatest crime. We certainly don’t want to be fighters against Jehovah God. How can we cooperate with his purpose today? Consider this scenario:
(Two brothers in hard hats dispute)
A brother offends you, says something thoughtless.
You’re hurt.
(one brother reflects)
Now, how does Jehovah view that person? He’s God’s friend. Jehovah loves his friends. He wants you to love them too. Now, what’s God’s purpose for the brother who offended you? He wants him to enjoy life forever. Now, how can you work along with Jehovah’s purpose? If you can just overlook the offense, Jehovah will appreciate that. But if you can’t overlook it, Jehovah would want you to approach the person in a kind, respectful way. You might say something like this: Maybe I’m being too sensitive, but I was hurt by what you said the other day. Now, I know you didn’t mean to hurt me, but I thought I’d let you know how I felt.
(the brothers shake hands)
If the person responds favorably and unity is restored, can you imagine how pleased Jehovah will be?
(smiling they walk together)
In Matthew chapter 18, Jesus gave the illustration of the lost sheep. A man had 100 sheep. One got lost. The shepherd left the 99 in the field and went to great lengths to find the sheep that had strayed and bring it back to the fold.
(sheep trapped, shepherd searches)
Is it a coincidence that right after telling that story, Jesus outlined three steps we should follow when someone has sinned seriously against us? At Matthew 18:15, Jesus tells us what our goal should be when we follow those steps. Let’s read that: Moreover, if your brother commits a sin, go and reveal his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, (notice) you have gained your brother.” The brother who sinned against us may be like that lost sheep. What should be our goal? To gain our brother, not to expose him, not to get revenge, not to prove him wrong, not to shame him, but to get him back. Like that loving shepherd, we are willing to go to great lengths to bring that erring brother back to the fold. Of course, if the brother is an unrepentant sinner, the elders will follow the third step outlined by Jesus and he’ll be removed from the congregation. How else can we work along with Jehovah’s purpose? We can do that by being involved in the preaching work. The word has gone out: This good news of the Kingdom (must) be preached in all the inhabited earth.” Many have tried to prevent that from happening. In the early 20th century, a few prominent brothers opposed the organization’s efforts to get everyone involved in the preaching work. Those dignitaries were quite happy to get all dressed up and give public talks to large audiences, but they refused to “lower themselves” to go from house to house. They were fighting against God, and the angels soon sifted them out. Most of them were never heard of again. Even in countries where there’s a measure of religious freedom, fighters against God have tried to prevent us from carrying out our commission. “You need a permit to go from house to house. You can’t offer magazines on the street. You people are a dangerous sect.” They’ve even enacted laws directed at stopping our work. Unless they change their ways, those lawmakers are going to be in big trouble. The word has gone out: As you go, preach.” That great work will be accomplished, with their support or in spite of them. Well, we mentioned, fighters against God sometimes seem to get away with their acts of rebellion. But they’re on a slippery slope. I can’t express it better than David did at Psalm 37:1, 2: Do not be upset because of evil men “or envious of wrongdoers. “They will quickly wither like grass and shrivel like green new grass.” So, when you hear about powerful opposers who seem to be untouchable, remember what we’ve discussed. These men may seem to prosper for a while, but since they’re fighting against God, they’re more to be pitied than to be feared. They’re on the wrong side. They are fighting a losing battle.
Saki: Thank you, Brother Splane, for your encouraging discussion, “Fighters Against God Always Lose.” How reassuring that is to all of us! Trusting Jehovah when faced with one problem after another is not easy, but it can refine us. Please listen as Sister Sigrid Detoffolli explains how she learned this lesson.
(Walking across dry grass)
Sigrid: World War II was going on,
(dressed in coats and scalfs)
getting worse and worse.
(girl looks back, continues to walk with others)
We got the evacuation notice, and we had to leave.
(group carries belongings, eyes downward)
People do terrible things to people. We were afraid. No matter where you looked, there were worldly possessions, material things.
(woman holds open case)
And everybody threw more things, and nobody picked anything up.
(man throws items from it to the ground)
What they carried were things that would save their life at the moment, something to eat.
(girl stands and watches them people walk past)
I really didn’t know how I would spend my life at that time, right? But I knew that I would not use it to get rich, to work and work, for what?
(she looks to the ground and continues to walk. Modern day)
(Text: Sigrid Detoffolli. United States)
I wasn’t dedicated to Jehovah at that time. Even so, I knew who Jehovah was, and we prayed to him, and I’m sure he helped us.
(framed black and white family photos)
In 1946, we found out my father was alive, and my sister was alive. We were very privileged to be united as a family. And at that time, my father was near Berlin. And so, we started all over again.
(family arranges chairs in home)
My father found the book The Harp of God and started to study the Bible with my sister and with myself.
(greets visitors)
And little by little, he started a congregation at our house.
(group sat with Bibles)
Now, coming to know Jehovah and learning about the Paradise, I wanted to tell people about it. I knew I would have a purpose in life.
(girl with plaited pigtails sat with slight smile)
I heard about Gilead, and I said: Oh, boy! That’s where I want to go. I want to be a missionary and tell the people about the Paradise.
(Framed photo of young woman leans against window)
The official ban on the Witnesses in the Eastern zone of Germany came in 1950, but months before, we were already being observed. My father got literature for the congregation. Many times, he would send me on a bicycle through the forest with the literature. So, it’s interesting when you’re in that situation, you might go to prison, you just don’t worry about it. You trust in Jehovah, and you just go ahead. And that’s what our family did.
(glancing at officials, she tucks fabric into a box on her bicycle)
Then my father went to the branch, and they told him: Max,” they said, there’s an assembly in Berlin, “and if you come, don’t bring a Bible; don’t bring a songbook; bring nothing.” So, when our father came back from that meeting, he told us and said, “Well, if we go, it looks like we can’t come back.
(family talk and nod)
So, I said, “I’m going!” And my mother said, “I’m going!” So, we all made up our minds that we would go. That meant we would get prepared to leave everything again, right? So, I just put one dress on top of the other, took the bicycle, and off we went.
(father and daughter push bicycles away from barn, they smile)
Shortly after we left, a police car came, and they looked for us.
(police officers search the home; one climbs the stairs)
It was a special arrangement and privilege to be at a convention in Berlin. So, we all thanked Jehovah that we were there to listen to and be strengthened by the spiritual food.
(brothers and sisters greet each other with smiles and hugs)
And after the convention, we were recognized as refugees and got out on a plane to West Germany. My father said: Well, now, here for the second time, we lost all the material things we had in Germany, here. So, we better immigrate to the United States, where my sister was, and we all would be together.” And I said, “Good, I’ll get close to Gilead!
(black and white photo of group smiling)
And then I was privileged to attend the 29th class of Gilead. And my assignment was in Brazil,
(photo of Gilead class)
and it was like paradise.
(photo of her standing in front of palm trees)
And there I met my husband, who was my circuit overseer.
(photo of him holding books)
And so, I was privileged to travel with him. That was a great, great blessing.
(famed photos of happy couple)
No money can pay for the blessings I have.
(color photo of couple in later life)
Life is the most important thing there is because no matter how much you have; you can’t prolong your life. And then learning about Jehovah, who gave his Son to save us from all these terrible things, why wouldn’t you use your life to serve him?
(reel of film clips play)
Trust in Jehovah and do what you can do to serve him from your heart. He will never leave you.
Saki: Sister Detoffolli’s story is not unlike what many of our brothers are going through right now. The following dramatization is based on the real-life experiences of some of our brothers.
Luda: It’s been three days since the bombs started to fall.
(buildings on fire)
When the fighting got closer, we hid, but I’m not sure how much longer we can stay here.
(army men carrying guns move tactically in the street)
Some in the congregation plan to leave the country. Mother says we’ll try too when the shelling calms down. But it feels like it may never stop. Jehovah, can you still see us?
Mom: Luda, you can finish this. We have a little more.
(in dim lit basement mom hands her a plate, grandma offers a cup)
Sofiya: Always writing like your father.
Luda: Thank you, Grandma.
(Luda grasps the cup. Luda looks upward, eyes wide)
Luda: I know you’re worried about our brothers and sisters. Do you remember the day’s text?
(Grandma holds a Bible)
Luda: ’No weapon formed against you will have any success.’ That’s right.
Sofiya: When we were under ban, Satan did everything to break our faith for decades, but he couldn’t stop us preaching. Do you know why?
(looking down she shakes her head)
Luda: No.
Sofiya: Nothing can take Jehovah’s love away from his people. They tried, but we just drew closer to him.
Mom: Jehovah cared for us then, and he still does. Even if we lose our lives, that weapon will have no success because of the resurrection.
(Luda places her cup on upturned crates. She writes in her notebook. Mom smiles. Luda sleeps)
Luda! It’s time. We have to go. Now!
(Crowds walking through streets)
Luda: It took forever to get to the station.
(Luda and another girl hug)
One by one, trains left the city. There were so many people, so much fear. Many of the brothers were arrested because they would not fight, but a few were with us.
Brother: The soldier will need to see your IDs. Let’s make a line.
Luda: Hours felt like days.
(Sky darkens)
I didn’t know if we would get on.
Radio: Send the rest back to the shelter.
(Standing among the crowd. A man dressed in black carries a torch in front of his face)
Officer: Confirmed. There’s no more room!
(He shines it on the crowd)
You,
(then on Luda’s coat)
from you back. To the shelter. Now!”
(Luda and the girl exchange glances and the hug)
Brother: Don’t worry; we can try again tomorrow. This way, please.
(Luda and her mom watch them leave, the girl glances back)
Luda, Jehovah will care for us. This is just a delay, not a defeat. Come, please.
(They walk together, mom’s arm around Luda)
I’ll have to go check on the others, but I’ll text you the moment we know more.
(Sat with others in a dim lit shelter. A phone shows zero percent battery)
Mom: What are you thinking about?
Luda: I wish Papa were here with us.
Mom: I know you do. Your father knew you so well. I miss him too.
(They look at a family photo in Luda’s notebook)
When it hurts, I think of Jehovah’s special promise to care for us. Do you remember?
(nodding she turns pages)
Luda: Yes, um, Psalm 68:5, “a father of the fatherless.” I want to trust him.
Mom: You can.
Sofiya: The trains have stopped. Shelling destroyed some of the tracks.
Luda: What? Are we trapped?
(Luda looks at a distressed mother and baby, and at others, a tear rests on her cheek)
Grandma: Don’t worry, dear. Our brothers know we are here. Jehovah won’t forget us. Let’s pray.
(Luda rests her head on her mom’s shoulder. Mom wraps an arm around grandma. A brother shines a torch)
Brother: Sofiya! Luda!
(steps over people on the floor)
Anna!
Mom: We’re here. We’re over here.
(holding hands the family stand)
Brother: I’m sorry it took so long. Did you hear about the trains? Don’t worry; there is good news.
Luda: We couldn’t leave, but brothers and sisters in a safe part of the city opened their homes to us.
(They embrace)
I learned that a war can’t stop Jehovah. He’ll always find a way to care for his people. Nothing can take Jehovah’s love away.
(sat together, round a table, they smile and laugh)
I don’t know where he will guide us, but I trust him.
(Text appears: To Be Continued…)
Soki: Luda trusted in Jehovah and was not overreached by fear or discouragement. What does it mean to be overreached? Listen carefully as Brother Harold Corkern explains in this Morning Worship program.
(Text: Harold Corkern)
Harold: The expression used in our day’s text, the word used, is “overreached.
(Helper to the publishing committee)
And what comes to mind when we hear of someone that has been overreached? Well, to “overreach” means to “get better of” or “to get the better of especially by deceit or trickery, to outwit, to overtake, to overpower.” And so, we have to be very careful at all times because our enemy, the Devil, is out to trick us, deceive us, overtake us on any occasion possible. And he has quite a variety of tactics, doesn’t he? In fact, the Bible at Ephesians 6:11 describes these as “the crafty acts of the Devil.” Now, the context of today’s text (in the background) helps us to illustrate just two of those tactics. We invite you to open your Bibles to 2 Corinthians chapter 2. And in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, the congregation had been affected by a man who had been overreached by Satan by being involved in very gross sexual immorality. But on top of his being overreached, the congregation was tolerating it. And so, what did Paul tell them in very clear terms? “You must hand such a man over to Satan.” “Remove the wicked person from among yourselves.” Well, the congregation responded, and eventually this very man who had been living such an immoral life really repented. And now permissiveness and tolerating badness was no longer the issue. What was the issue? The matter of forgiving such a man. And in 2 Corinthians chapter 2, we read verse 6: This rebuke given by the majority is sufficient for such a man; “now you should instead kindly forgive and comfort him, so that he may not be overwhelmed by excessive sadness.” And who was behind that ploy of excessive sadness? Verse 11: So that we may not be overreached by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his designs.” So, the Devil will use whatever with the temptation of sexual immorality: either being overly permissive or being harsh, unforgiving, and lacking mercy. Both of those tactics can be very effective in taking Jehovah’s people away from their heavenly Father. But on this matter of temptations, when it comes to sexual immorality, let’s just briefly talk about another tactic that the Devil uses. He can convince someone that they can taste or toy with things that might be unclean or are unclean but that there will be no lasting harm or no serious consequences to that. They may even touch something unclean, and since nothing apparently bad has happened, they conclude that it’s OK. But such a person is forgetting the unchangeable law of Jehovah, as recorded at Galatians 6:7: Whatever a (man) is sowing, this he will also reap.” Now, just to illustrate that (how the Devil can use bait and convince somebody that they’re not really in any kind of trouble and yet he will catch them), we’re going to tell you an account that goes back many years. There was a group of young men at a freshwater lake, and they were fishing. And they could look down into this lake, and they could see these big bass, beautiful fish. And they tried all sorts of lures; they tried worms on hooks, artificial lures. Those big fish would not bite. But then an older gentleman came along, and he said, “Give me one of your worms.” And he took the worm without the hook, and he threw it out in the vicinity of where these big bass were. And a bass came, and he took the worm. He said, “Throw another one without the hook.” He threw it; the bass took it. And now he said, “Put the worm on the hook and cast.” The fish was caught. What is the lesson? The Devil will give us bait sometimes, and it appears that it’s very pleasurable. “There’s nothing wrong here. It’s harmless.” But with the Devil, there is always the hook, always the hook, that can cause spiritual, emotional, mental, and even physical harm. It can literally cost us our life if we get tricked into thinking that uncleanness will not hurt us. Now, besides pleasure and the temptations that go with that, the Devil will also use pain and suffering. For example, in the experience of Job, he lost his material possessions, he lost his children, he got very ill. That caused all sorts of physical and emotional pain, not pleasure. And with all that he was going through, then his so-called friends came to comfort him. And they accused him of all sorts of bad attitudes and actions. And they even put doubts in Job’s mind, or tried to, that Jehovah couldn’t be pleased anyway. Well, that was one of the toughest tests that he faced from his friends and from the words that they said. Well, commenting on this, the August 15, 2002, Watchtower said this about how a great test can come from our fellow worshippers. It says this: Satan still makes use of misguided counsel or thoughtless remarks from friends and fellow believers. Discouragement from within the congregation can undermine our morale more easily than persecution from without.” And then this article went on to explain that there was a brother serving as an elder, but he had seen active combat in the army. He’d been through terrible things. But when he faced criticism and thoughtless remarks and was hurt by his fellow workers in the congregation, what did he say about those tests within the congregation? He said: It’s the hardest thing I have ever been through (in my life).” So, what can the Devil use? Our own brothers can say or do things sometimes, and the Devil will play on that and amplify that and cause one to stop serving Jehovah. Well, obviously there are a variety of “crafty acts,” and we’ve only covered just a couple of them this morning. But what do we do to protect ourselves? James 4:7 says: Therefore, subject yourselves to God; but oppose the Devil.” And when we do that, we always must remember the model prayer given by Jesus, where he said: Deliver us from the wicked one.” Now, why is that so important? Well, we bear Jehovah’s name. And he is very anxious to protect his name, and he loves us very much. He’s, our Father. And like any loving father, if he saw one of his faithful sons going through a terrible trial by someone that was trying to kill him, that father would respond quickly, wouldn’t he? Well, how does Jehovah feel about us? Well, let’s open our Bibles to the book of Malachi to just reemphasize how much Jehovah cares for us and why he would respond so quickly to our cries for help to deliver us from “the wicked one.” At Malachi 3:17, it says: ‘And they will be mine,’ says Jehovah of armies, ‘in the day when I produce a special property. ‘I will show them compassion, ‘just as a man shows compassion to his son who serves him.’” Well, that’s a warm arrangement there, isn’t it? And Jehovah cares for us. Other Bible translations, when they talk about “special property,” use these expressions: my very own,” “my most prized possession,” “my jewels.” Jehovah loves us. And Jehovah will only allow the Devil to go so far in testing us, only according to what Jehovah wills at the moment. For example, remember in the case of Job, when fire came down from heaven and consumed Job’s flock of sheep and even some of his servants? The Devil caused that fire, and Jehovah allowed it. But later in 1 Kings chapter 18 at the fire test at Mount Carmel when there were two bulls, the idea was to figure out who the true God is, Jehovah or Baal. And those Baal worshippers went from morning to night crying out to their false god and not one flicker of flame could be produced. Jehovah would not allow the Devil to even burn up one bull in contrast to what he had done with all those many sheep. Jehovah is in control. And what Jehovah allows today. We can be sure that whatever He allows the Devil to do to cause us emotional pain, physical pain, to even persecute us, perhaps even kill some of us, by means of his Son, Christ Jesus, Jehovah has made a way “to break up the works of the Devil” completely. So, whatever happens, when we stay loyal to Jehovah and we are on guard against the crafty acts of the Devil, we will not be overreached. No permanent harm can come to Jehovah’s people by this deceitful, treacherous enemy. May all of us continue to stay on the alert, be mindful of the Devil’s tactics, and beg Jehovah to deliver us, and then we can be confident that our loving, heavenly Father will never abandon us.
Saki: Satan may even use family members who mean well to discourage us from serving Jehovah. If this is your situation, you will find the following episode of Where Are They Now? especially strengthening.
(Text: To read Sister Karen Malone’s life story, see the article “My Long, Hard Fight to Find True Faith” in the September 22, 1995, issue of Awake!)
Karen: My name is Karen Malone, and I was born in Iowa, but I was raised all over because my dad was in the military.
(photo as baby)
Karen’s Husband: When I think about Karen and how she came into the truth, it touches my heart because she had no family in the truth. In fact, they didn’t support her at all.
(photos of her)
Karen: Once I knew who Jehovah was, I made it a goal in my life that I just wanted to serve him forever, and I wanted to be happy doing it.
(Dressed for ministry, the couple smile and walk arm in arm. Text: Where are they now? Karen Malone)
Karen’s Husband: I met Karen at Bethel. She was special pioneering in Tennessee, and I was serving at Bethel, and she came through on tour. A year later or so, we got married. And then nine months later, we went back to Bethel.
(Various photos of the couple)
Karen: Well, in 1980 we left Bethel. We had our daughter that year.
(Family photo)
It changed things, but you just give your energy and your love and your time to whatever assignment Jehovah gives you.
(Photo of Karen and children)
Karen’s Husband: She would take the kids out with her in the field ministry during the week, and she always made it fun. That was one of the things that was important to her, that when the kids went in the field ministry, they enjoyed it.
(Karen smiles and nods)
Karen: It’s just a matter of blooming where you’re planted, wherever you’re at.
(Dad and daughter in front of a mountain)
We didn’t ever walk into a congregation and expect people to come up to us. We’d be proactive in meeting people and trying to become a part of wherever we were put so that it could become our home.
(Happy family photo)
Just loving them, if they needed soup, we’d make soup. If they needed a meal, if they needed their house cleaned, if they needed a babysitter, if there was a need, we wanted to help them with it.
(husband nods)
There are so many challenges in life that try to rob us of our peace. And it’s our choice if we let them. So, we don’t let them.
Karen’s Husband: We were invited back to Bethel in 2007, and we’ve been there since.
Karen: I came into a beautiful department, the Health Care Department, with people who were experts at it. To bloom where I was planted when I was put in front of these two computer screens took a lot of prayer. And I remember literally going to the bathroom and crying and telling Jehovah: Look, I know you can part the Red Sea. You’re going to have to get this information from here to here” because I was a blank page. And the beautiful thing is that two precious sisters, Bonnie, and Zulma, whom I still treasure and work with, helped me. And they taught me. You know that expression, “If you can’t change your circumstance, change your attitude.” So, I really made it a matter of prayer and, again, I had wonderful helpers who taught me and helped me to learn.
(Smiling sisters look at computer screen)
When I first learned the truth, I realized that there are scriptures that teach us the truth and then there are scriptures that will keep us in the truth. And I call those my “heart scriptures.” And those are my go-to scriptures. When things were rough, when I was dealing with things, when something was trying to rob me of my joy, I’d refer to those “heart scriptures” and they would reinforce the conviction: Oh, no, you’re not going to win, Satan.” My favorite scripture that I think epitomizes that is Proverbs 27:11, which we all know, where it says: Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, so that I can make a reply to him who taunts me.” That’s what it’s all about. It’s about Jehovah’s name and making a reply to the Devil. His sovereignty is what’s important. It’s not about us. We really love being parents and loved pioneering together. We’ve loved every gift that we’ve been given. I tell my kids: Each day we live is a gift from God. How we live it is our gift to him.”
(couple talk at open door)
The truth is only hard if we fight it. If we listen to Jehovah, if we do what we’re asked, the blessings will catch up with us.
(publishers smile and talk)
The best day we could have here, and we’ve all had wonderful days is nothing in comparison to the first day in the new world.
(sat inside with friends)
It’s such an amazing thought to think that all we have to do is make good choices now and then we’re going to be there!”
(Karen and her husband glance at each other and smile)
Saki: How delighted we are that Karen not only found a supportive spiritual family but now contributes so much to it! Our spiritual family can bring us much joy and peace, as we’ll see in this month’s music video.
Music Video Lyrics:
(A river surrounded by mountains. A flock of ducks’ swim and paddle in the shallow waters)
“It’s hard to face this life with all we see, to not focus on the uncertainty.
(a woman stands by the water with a fixed gaze)
Anxious thoughts at times we all may feel,
(the water shimmers in the sunlight)
but when we pray, his promise is real.
(she re-ties her long hair)
He gives us peace like a river,
(at home puts books in her bag)
Peace like a cool, gentle rain, the hope to carry on, the power to stand strong and know we’re not on our own.
(Dad watches TV, her mom on the telephone turns and looks at her)
And his peace will flow forever, yes, peace like a river.
(The woman closes the front door, sits on the step outside and breathes out a sigh. She closes her eyes. She enters a Kingdom Hall; a friend greets her)
So, pour out your heart to him in prayer. Jehovah’s listening: he’s always there to comfort us and guard our heart and mind. Unfailing love from him we find. He gives us peace like a river,
(She walks next to the river)
Peace like a cool, gentle rain,
(She smiles)
the hope to carry on, the power to stand strong and know we’re not on our own.
(Works in a factory)
And his peace will flow forever, yes, peace like a river.
(Sat with a picnic she reads the Bible, looks heavenward and smiles. In walking boots, she marches up rocky mountain. Suns shines through wooded area. A squirrel perched on a branch, nibbles a pinecone. Skyview of river. Woman walks on path covered with autumn leaves. Sat at home, eyes closed, hands clasped)
He gives us peace like a river,
(friends join, she leans into her embrace)
Peace like a cool, gentle rain, the hope to carry on, the power to stand strong and know we’re not on our own.
(she turns and smiles)
And his peace will flow forever, yes, peace like a river.
(A group of friend’s wave and join her, they laugh, with a big grin she raises her eyebrows. Skyview of them standing together overlooking the river)
Saki: What do you do in the ministry when it seems like no one is home? As we’ll see in this next episode of Iron Sharpens Iron, there may still be many opportunities all around us to give a witness.
Victor: Hello, I am Victor Anibaba, and this is “Iron Sharpens Iron.
(At a table with publications and JW Library App. Text: Iron Sharpens Iron. Reaching all people. Victor Anibaba. Circuit overseer)
Now, so far in our series, we’ve discussed how we can become more effective at our ministry in a number of different ways, such as by starting conversations, asking questions, and getting better at return visits. But these techniques only work if we actually find people to talk to,
(Sky view of houses)
and sometimes that can be our greatest challenge.
(Couple with Bibles stand at closed door. Two sisters wait in front of a door. The couple walk away, so do the sisters)
Have you ever had days like this in the ministry when it seemed that there was just no one to talk to?
(couple place bags in car)
If so, you’ll be pleased to know that our literature is full of tips that can help us contact more people in our territory. In this episode, we will consider three that have proved to be very effective.
(Text shown: How can we improve our skills?)
Tip number one: Be observant. There may actually be more opportunities for us to contact people if we actually know where to look. Take for example our brothers and sisters who we were just watching. Now, it is true that there was no one at home, but does that mean there was no one to talk to? Well, let’s see.”
(two sisters walk along a street, they smile at a lady walking past)
Sister: Hey! Hi. Your dog is so cute. What’s its name?”
Lady with Dog: Darleen.
Victor: And just like that, a conversation is underway. Now, how about our couple getting back into their car?
(They place their bags in the car. He removes a tract)
By being observant, they too were able to give a witness.
(Walks to a man nearby)
The more observant we are, the more opportunities we may find.
(they talk)
The key is to remain focused on our objective, which is to give a witness. And that can happen in between doors just as easily as it could happen at the doors. So how about our tip number two? It is this: Be prepared. How often have you encountered someone in your territory who doesn’t speak your language? You know, growing up in London, this used to happen all the time. But these days, it’s not just big cities where we find this mixture of culture and languages. The whole world is becoming so much more cosmopolitan. So, what can we do to be prepared? Well, we don’t have the gift of tongues like the first-century Christians did at Pentecost, but we do have the gift of JW Language. Now with this app, you can learn a simple presentation in dozens of different languages. Let’s take a look. It’s designed in a very easy-to-use manner. First, set the primary language to the one you speak
(languages displayed on phone screen)
and the target language to the one you want to learn.
(screen shows download options)
Then, under Preaching Skills, choose Greetings and Introductions to learn how to say a simple, “hello.” And “I am pleased to meet you.” Dobryi den’. Pryyemno poznayomytys’a. I think I’ve made a mess of that. I best try it again. Dobryi den’. Pryyemno poznayomytys’a. Well, I still need to work on my accent, but I think you get the idea.
(screen shows other options)
With a little practice, you can ask simple questions and even introduce and explain a scripture. It really works. Let’s look at an example.
Sister 1: Hi there, we are making brief visits on our neighbors.
Woman: No, no, no speak English.
(Subtitles)
Sister 1: Oh, Arabic? Hello
Sister 2: Hello
Woman: Hello. Wow, you speak Arabic?
Sister 2: A little
Woman: Nice
Sister 2: I came to share an important thought with you from the Bible…
Victor: What a great way to give a witness to even more in our territory! Now, if mastering a whole presentation in another language seems a bit overwhelming, then here’s a simple suggestion: Just learn a greeting. It’s only a few words, but don’t underestimate the power of greeting someone in their native tongue and with a warm smile. It can certainly open up doors, and it could also pave the way for you to call back with someone who does speak their language. And that brings us on to our third tip: Be diligent and follow up, which, first of all, means trying to contact all those who weren’t home initially, either on a different day or at a different time. And if you can’t find them in that way, then don’t overlook letter writing and telephone witnessing.
(two sisters write)
These methods proved very effective during the pandemic, and even now they can still help us to reach those we can’t find at home.
(speaks on phone)
Regardless of what way we have contacted someone, please be sure not to forget them, but return promptly to follow up on any interest that you have found. You know, reaching everyone in our territory is definitely a challenge. But the tips we’ve discussed here today (1) being observant, (2) being prepared, and (3) being diligent as we follow up on interest that we find can help all of us fully accomplish our ministry. If we do that, we’ll be imitating Jesus, who wanted to give everyone an opportunity to come to know Jehovah.”
Saki: What excellent suggestions for the ministry! I look forward to using them during our upcoming regional convention campaign. Would you like to have a look at what to expect from this year’s convention program?
(People in uniform search rumble. A forest fire blazes. Abandoned broken buildings. Medics by an upturned car)
Presenter: Good news is needed now more than ever.
(Mother masks her child. Woman holds receipts. Another sobs by hospital bed)
The good news we need is not of human origin. It originates with the Giver of real hope, Jehovah God,
(sun beams over earth)
and it centers on his Son, Jesus Christ.
(Jesus smiles. Young man watches news on TV)
What is this good news?
(He looks at a Bible)
Can we trust it?
(turns the page)
And can it help people right now?
(A stadium of people all nationalities and ages smiling)
This year’s “Declare the Good News!” Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses will bolster confidence in God and his Son. The good news of God’s Kingdom will help you to cope with life now and prepare you for eternal life in the future. Now, that is good news!”
(Text: Declare the Good News! 2024 Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses)
Saki: We have a lot to look forward to at this year’s convention. And what a faith-strengthening program we’ve just enjoyed! We learned that anyone who fights against God is on the losing side of the battle. We show our desire to work with God by keeping peace in the congregation and by giving our all in the preaching work. In the dramatization, young Luda learned that Jehovah never abandons his loyal ones. And our music video beautifully illustrated that peace and strength belong to those who rely on Jehovah. We have one more treat in store for you. We’re happy to announce a new series for our young people, called Learn from Jehovah’s Friends. These short, animated videos will teach those who are starting to read on their own about persons in the Bible who loved Jehovah. Look for it on JW Broadcasting soon. Our video postcard this month comes from a place known as the Land of Incorruptible People. Where might that be?
(A tall tree)
The country’s name combines two words:
(a waterfall)
“integrity” in the Moore language and “homeland” in the Jula language. It’s Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa.
(photo of 40th class)
The first Kingdom publisher arrived in Burkina Faso from Ghana in 1959.
(couples on motorbikes)
In 1972, the first of many intrepid missionaries arrived. And just two years later, congregations were formed in the capital, Ouagadougou, and in Bobo-Dioulasso, in the west of the country.
(preaching to people at various locations)
Daytime temperatures average around 30 degrees Celsius, or 86 degrees Fahrenheit,
(at a market)
and may be much warmer during the peak of the dry season.
(under a big tree)
Often, a host will welcome visitors with a drink of water. A common saying in the Moore language is “Sãan la koom,” which literally means “The guest is water.”
(preaching in a car park)
Jehovah’s people are working hard to take life-giving waters of Bible truth
(sigh language)
to the nearly 23 million people scattered in villages through the savanna and forest.
(standing by a dense farm crop)
In March 2023, Burkina Faso reached a new peak of 684 auxiliary pioneers.
(talks to a lady on the street)
Today, there are over 2,000 publishers in Burkina Faso.
(talks to a man on a small boat)
This is no small feat, owing to the travel difficulties between villages and the 66 indigenous languages spoken throughout the country.
(speaking with a lady outside)
Two remote translation offices produce literature for the Moore and Jula languages.
(man with pushcart)
And in 2023, our brothers were overjoyed to receive the complete New World Translation in the Moore language. The brothers and sisters from the Kamboincé Moore and Tampouy Moore congregations send their love and affection to the worldwide brotherhood!
(Congregations wave)
David: We hope you enjoyed our monthly program. And I want to thank you, Saki, for all your help. It was really appreciated.”
Saki: You’re welcome.
David: From the World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses, this is JW Broadcasting.
(Logo: Black capital letters inside a white box. Copyright 2024 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania)