Transcripts: Teenagers

Transcript: Love Never Fails Despite . . . An Ungodly School Environment
Ariel Barrier. United States
Ariel: One day at school, a boy asked me in front of everybody why I don’t salute the flag. I had to go up in front of the entire class and give an answer.
[Classmates stare at her]
I was a little scared, but I knew I had to defend Jehovah and his name.
Diego Manrique. United States
Diego: I was in a new school, and I wasn’t expecting to be pressured to smoke electronic cigarettes or vape. It was really intimidating. I was afraid that if I didn’t do it, I’d get beat up. But I love Jehovah and his standards, so I knew I needed to take a firm stand.
Ariel: I remembered from family worship and our practice lessons that the first thing I needed to do was pray to Jehovah. But the only thing I had time to say was, ‘Jehovah please help me!’ My personal study and my Bible reading helped me to view Jehovah as a close friend, and my love for him moved me to take a stand.
[On her bed she reads her Bible]
Diego: I quickly found out that just saying no wasn’t going to be enough. My stand for Jehovah had to be serious and specific. I needed to rely on him and pray, so I did. But I also realized that I needed to do research. I found some Bible principles that really helped me, like not ‘defiling the flesh.’ So, when the pressure to vape came up again, I prayed to Jehovah to give me the right words. He made me calm, and I told them: ‘Because of what I’ve read in the Bible, I choose not to vape. I’m not going to do it. Don’t ask me again.’
[He reads in JW Library]
Ariel: Jehovah was always with me, and I never ever felt alone. He gave me boldness to talk to many students, and I’ve started many Bible studies.
[She speaks to the class]
Diego: Thankfully, the pressure stopped, and the kids seemed to really respect me for my stand. This has helped me to trust and rely on Jehovah more than ever. I love Jehovah, and I’m so happy I took a stand for him.
Ariel: I would stand up for any friend, and I’m glad I stood up for Jehovah because he’s the very best friend I could ever ask for.
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2019 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania)