Annual Meeting Part 1 JW Broadcasting Jan 2019da-ip.getmyip.com/PDF/Documents/Transcripts/Monthly... · 2019-01-24 · Jan 2019 Broadcast - Annual Meeting Part 1 Page 3 / 40 The realm

Annual Meeting Part 1

JW Broadcasting Jan 2019

Contents 1. Introduction ........................................................................... 1

2. Appreciating Our Spiritual Paradise ...................................... 1

3. Courage to Stand Firm in a Time of Trial .............................. 8

4. Experiences from Eastern Europe ...................................... 14

5. Make Jehovah Happy ......................................................... 20

5.1 Trailer ............................................................................. 20

5.2 Nine min Video .............................................................. 21

6. Interview .............................................................................. 25

6.1 New Assignments .......................................................... 36

6.2 Parts 2 and 3 release date ............................................ 38

7. Croatia – Zadar congregation ............................................. 39

Jan 2019 Broadcast - Annual Meeting Part 1

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1. Introduction

We welcome all of you to the January 2019 broadcast. The 2018 annual meeting of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania was held on October 6, 2018. The program consisted of spiritually upbuilding talks and encouraging reports. It also included faith-strengthening interviews, such as one with a member of the Governing Body, Brother Gerrit Lösch. Please enjoy the first part of the 2018 annual meeting.

2. Appreciating Our Spiritual Paradise

The theme for my opening talk is “Appreciating Our Spiritual Paradise.” And such a subject is very appropriate on a special occasion like this. But now let me ask you this: When were Jehovah’s people taken into spiritual captivity by Babylon the Great? Well, we know that we’ve learned recently that it was sometime in the second century C.E. — after the death of the last of the apostles, who were “acting as a restraint,” and imitation Christians began to infiltrate the congregation, and the ugly baby Christendom was born. But now, when did that captivity end? Well, we know — 1919 — the year when true anointed Christians came out of captivity and pure worship was restored.


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And that means that because this is the year 2018, Jehovah’s people have been set free for 99 years — almost a hundred years now. Now, what has been the spiritual condition of Jehovah’s people during these nearly 100 years? Well, our condition has become more and more paradisaic. And today, it is truly like an exquisite paradise, just like the garden of Eden was truly an exquisite physical paradise. In fact, let’s compare — Let’s discuss some similarities between that original Paradise and our spiritual paradise, and we’ll see it is paradisaic — this condition that we’re in. Now, here’s the first similarity: The garden of Eden, of course, had a land. Well, our spiritual paradise has a land. What is the land? The July 1, 1995, Watchtower said how “in 1919, Jehovah brought the anointed remnant out of captivity to Babylon the Great.” And then it says that that anointed group became a newborn nation. But then it asks, What is the land, though? Here’s the answer: It is the realm of activity granted to the newborn nation, a place where Bible prophecies have a modern, spiritual fulfillment. So did you get that?


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The realm of activity where the anointed fulfill Bible prophecies. Now here’s a second similarity: Like the garden of Eden, our spiritual paradise has beautiful plants and trees. Now, we certainly know that was true of the garden of Eden where Adam and Eve were, but what about in our spiritual paradise? Who are the plants and trees? Well, the Bible likens God’s people to plants and trees. Here’s what 1 Corinthians 3:9 says: “You [God’s people] are God’s field under cultivation.” Or think of Isaiah 61:3: “And they [talking about God’s people] “will be called big trees of righteousness, the planting of Jehovah.” And just like those plants and trees in the garden of Eden, these figurative plants and trees bear much fruit — the fruitage of lips, the fruitage of the spirit. And just looking in the audience, we see many big, beautiful plants and trees sitting out there, and we’re happy to have you. But now here is a third similarity: Like the garden Eden, our spiritual paradise has abundant food. Jehovah foretold it would exist and, as a contrast, he said at Isaiah 65:13: “Look! My servants will eat, but you will go hungry.” And especially today, that contrast is more and more evident —isn’t it? — between what the people of the world are being served on “the table of demons” and what we’re being served on “the table of Jehovah.”


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I mean, they’re served empty calories — junk food, poison food — but we have a smorgasbord of spiritual things, don’t we? We have these not only nutritious but delicious things served in our publications, meetings, assemblies, conventions, jw.org, and, more recently, JW Broadcasting. “This is JW Broadcasting “from the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” You can see, I’m still working on that. Here’s a fourth similarity: The Bible tells us that out of the garden of Eden a river flowed. So it must have been a large river, and it divided into four other rivers. Well, there must have been abundant, refreshing water in the garden of Eden. Well, likewise in our spiritual paradise, we have abundant spiritual water. And again, Jehovah foretold it and the contrast. At Isaiah 65:13, Jehovah said: “Look! My servants will drink, but you will go thirsty.” It makes me think of what one young man who was learning the truth — this is what he said, a young man in Africa in his life story in The Watchtower — said: “It seemed that my church “had been giving me ‘acid’ to drink, but now I was freely receiving the water of life.” And he was so thankful to be set free from the Trinity, worship of ancestors, and so forth.


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Jehovah gives the invitation at Revelation 22:17: “‘Come!’ and let anyone thirsting come; let anyone who wishes take life’s water free.” And we know that water represents all of Jehovah’s provisions for gaining everlasting life. Now here’s a fifth similarity: Like the garden of Eden, our spiritual paradise is a place that has many harmless animals. Now, what do we mean by this? Well, here’s what The Watchtower said about this, or I should say Isaiah’s Prophecy, concerning the scripture, and we should read this first — Isaiah 65:25. Here’s what Jehovah foretold about harmless animals at Isaiah 65:25: “‘The wolf and the lamb will feed together, “‘the lion will eat straw just like the bull, “‘and the serpent’s food will be dust. “‘They will do no harm nor cause any ruin in all my holy mountain,’ says Jehovah.” Now, there’ll be a literal fulfillment of this in the new world, but there’s a figurative — a spiritual — fulfillment right now. And here’s what Isaiah’s Prophecy said concerning that scripture we just read: “Those coming into this spiritual paradise make remarkable changes in their lives.” Ones that previously had beastlike personalities, the book said that with the help of the holy spirit, they make drastic changes and they tame those undesirable traits. So that was the explanation of that scripture we just read.


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And what a pleasure it is to fellowship with you dear former wolves, lions, bears, and serpents also — throw that in there. Now, you notice I said former. In your former condition, I wouldn’t have wanted to meet many of you in a dark alley, and you would definitely say that about me if I hadn’t been raised in the truth. But what a pleasure to have these figurative, harmless animals! Now here’s a sixth comparison: Like the garden of Eden, our spiritual paradise is a garden that needs maintenance. Now, would you say that Jehovah is doing maintenance in this spiritual paradise? Well, here’s Jesus’ answer: Look in John chapter 15, John 15:2, Jesus said: “He [Jehovah] takes away “every branch in me not bearing fruit, “and he cleans every one bearing fruit, so that it may bear more fruit.” Now, if you think of taking away unproductive branches and cleaning productive ones to make it more productive, is that not garden maintenance? Well, what about us? Are we expected to do maintenance? Well, here is what the Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will book said: “Your faith has brought you into a spiritual paradise. “Benefiting from that paradise, you have the responsibility to help maintain it.” And then the book went on to say that by applying Bible counsel, we help maintain our spiritual paradise.


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Here’s one more similarity, number seven: Our spiritual paradise, like the garden of Eden, has boundaries. Now, regarding the garden of Eden, here’s what the Insight book said: “It seems to have been an enclosed area, bounded, no doubt, by natural barriers.” And then it went on to say that it had an entrance on the eastern side, and that, of course, was where the cherubs were placed to block the entrance. Well, what about our spiritual paradise? What are the boundaries? Well, here are a few examples: 1 Corinthians 5:11 — stop keeping company with anyone who gets disfellowshipped. We’re separate — a boundary. Revelation 18:4 — get out of Babylon the Great. We’re separate — a boundary. What about John 17:14? We must be no part of the world as Jesus was no part of the world. We’re separate — a boundary. But interestingly, Satan the Devil was able to lure Adam and Eve out of their beautiful paradise home, and he’s trying very hard to lure every one of us here out of the boundaries of our wonderful spiritual paradise. But we’re determined that we’re not going to let that happen.


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But there, we have seven similarities, and I’m sure you can think of others. But truly, the situation we’re in — the condition as Jehovah’s people — is paradisaic. And it is proof, the reality of this spiritual paradise, is proof that a literal paradise will likewise soon become reality. But now moving ahead in our program, we’re going to have a privilege to look at a video.

3. Courage to Stand Firm in a Time of Trial

The title of it is Courage to Stand Firm in a Time of Trial. And our video will be narrated by Brother Rick Ford, who serves as the overseer of the headquarters Museum Department at Warwick. And you’re going to enjoy this. Brother Ford is going to really tell you about something you’re going to look forward to visiting. So let’s look at the monitors, please. Courage to stand firm in a time of trial — that’s the story of the Bible Students from 1914 to 1919 and the theme of a new exhibit at world headquarters. The tests they faced in those few pivotal years are part of our spiritual heritage that can strengthen our courage now and for what lies ahead. In the years just before 1914, anticipation was high.


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Since 1876, Charles Taze Russell had published that the Gentile Times would end in October 1914. Many believed it would mean the end of their preaching work and their being taken to heaven to rule with Christ. The Bible Students spread their message by every means possible: tracts, pamphlets, and then in 1886 with The Plan of the Ages — the first book in the Millennial Dawn series (later called Studies in the Scriptures). In December 1911, Brother Russell embarked on an around-the-world tour. And he went on an 8,000-mile (12,900-km) transcontinental train tour in 1913. When 1914 came, so did a new way to expand the work. The “Photo-Drama of Creation.” The Bible’s message was now reaching millions. Would 1914 turn out as they had hoped? On June 28, Austria’s Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated, triggering the start of the Great War. The end of the Gentile Times seemed to be fulfilling expectations. We held a convention at Columbus, Ohio. I recall how that on June the 28th right in the midst of that convention, why, there was a shot fired that was heard around the world.


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When we read the newspaper, we said: “Aha! “There it is, there it is. The Gentile Times are drawing to their close.” But 1914 brought unexpected trials that would test the Bible Students’ faith as never before. The year 1914 came, and it went. Contrary to expectations, the heavenly reward did not come. As they wondered how much longer they would need to preach, they confronted a devastating turn of events. Brother Russell died suddenly on October 31, 1916. We did not know what to do. It was so unexpected, and yet Russell had tried to prepare us for it. What would we do? The first shock of our loss of C.T.Russell was the worst. For those first few days, our future was a blank wall. In time, some felt that all that God saw fit to reveal had come through Brother Russell, and that the revelation of truth had now ended. After Joseph F. Rutherford was selected as the new president, dissent arose among the Society’s directors. On July 17, 1917, the tension exploded with the publication of The Finished Mystery — the seventh volume of Studies in the Scriptures, based largely on Brother Russell’s earlier writings.


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On that morning, a lengthy debate erupted right in the Bethel dining room. Vicious charges were hurled against Rutherford and his oversight. Although four Society directors were soon dismissed from Bethel, they soon began spreading their opposition by an extensive speaking and letter-writing campaign that threatened to divide the organization. To disorganize the congregation, they tried to put Brother Rutherford out. So my uncle, he said: “Well, this didn’t happen in Brother Russell’s day. “I’m going to quit the whole business and just read Brother Russell’s books.” I said, “Well, I’m not going to quit the Society!” I was convinced that the Society was God’s arrangement. Another threat soon emerged. Distribution of The Finished Mystery sparked renewed opposition from religious and political leaders. The book was banned — first in Canada and then in the United States. How did the Bible Students respond? They launched a courageous campaign to distribute Kingdom News No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3. These boldly exposed clergy abuses and defended the Bible Students’ Scriptural position.


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But with the war still raging, the next challenge demanded attention. In many countries, brothers took a neutral stand as conscientious objectors. We were put into cells that were more like dungeons. Due to our refusal to undergo military drill, a number of us were taken to a secluded part of the prison yard. Lined up there were a number of men in uniform with canes in their hands. One by one, we were ordered to run the length of the court. If the pace was too slow, we were seized and dragged the distance and subjected to lashes on the back and legs. Beyond those persecuted for refusing military service, others endured physical abuse instigated by the clergy because of their courageous preaching. Any uncertainty that our brothers may have felt was only intensified by what happened next. On May 7, 1918, federal arrest warrants were issued for Joseph Rutherford and seven associates. They were charged with causing insubordination, disloyalty, and refusal of duty in the military and naval forces of the United States. A month later, they were pronounced guilty and given concurrent sentences ranging from ten to twenty years in a federal penitentiary.


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The Brooklyn Tabernacle was sold, and remaining operations were transferred back to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. These were dark and confusing times, but Jehovah would not abandon his courageous people. On March 26, 1919, Brother Rutherford and his associates were released. Seeking Jehovah’s will, Brother Rutherford scheduled a public meeting in Los Angeles, California, on May 4, 1919. It was a test. Were people still interested in the Bible’s message? Within 20 minutes after the doors opened, the auditorium was filled to capacity. About 3,500 showed up, and another 600 were turned away with the promise that an overflow meeting would be held the following day. An additional 1,500 showed up to hear the second talk. There was clearly much more work to do. Bethel operations were moved back to Brooklyn. Plans were made immediately for the 1919 Cedar Point convention which was held four months later — a turning point that reignited the preaching work. New tools, including The Golden Age magazine, were released. A Service Department was established at Bethel.


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Service directors were appointed to organize preaching in each congregation. And as we now understand, “the faithful and discreet slave” was commissioned to feed God’s flock. Isaiah 46:8 says: “Remember this, and take courage.” Remember how these faithful ones preached an unpopular message, how they moved forward despite unrealized expectations, how they stayed loyal to God’s organization when others did not, how they suffered when staying neutral in the world’s wars. Remember their courageous example, and take courage now and in the days ahead. Thank you very much, Brother Ford, for sharing that very interesting theocratic history concerning our spiritual predecessors, the Bible Students. And you’ve made us very eager to visit our new museum exhibit.

4. Experiences from Eastern Europe

But now we’re going to get to enjoy another video treat. Brother Gerrit Lösch of the Governing Body is going to share with us some fascinating experiences from Eastern Europe. I was serving at the Austria branch from about the mid-1970’s to 1990. We had a small department that was assigned to help certain countries in Eastern Europe. And that included visiting the brothers under ban, bringing them spiritual food, having secret meetings with them, and also


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strengthening the local organization that was exposed to persecution and ban. We would print books on Bible paper in miniature size. This way, more books or literature could be taken to these countries. The couriers transported literature to these countries in their own private cars. This way, hundreds of books could be transported. At the border, if a courier would be found transporting literature, they would interrogate the driver. But these brothers were trained; they knew what to say to protect the work and to not give away any secrets. Usually, after a day or two days, the officials would let them go back home to their home country but not with their car; they had to use public transportation because their cars would be confiscated. But the brothers had the spirit of sacrifice; they were willing to risk that. But the majority got through, and actually every year, thousands of miniature books were transported secretly to Eastern Europe. So it was not just a matter of us being so clever in hiding things and getting it to the brothers, but we were always fully convinced and had evidence that it was Jehovah’s holy spirit that helped us.


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Also, we transported stencils for local production so that in their countries they could reproduce the same material with mimeographing machines. In most cases, the mimeographing machines were transported secretly by the couriers. The other method was to build it within the country. I remember that there was a brother who was a very skilled engineer, and under his direction, they decided to build it themselves. So there were self-made offset printing presses. The brothers had a number of underground printeries that they had dug out under their own homes. In many cases, the brothers had to do what they did during the night because in Communist countries, they had to go during the day to a factory or whatever else and do some secular work. But it testifies to the great spirit of sacrifice that the brothers showed — to forfeit so much of their private life as a family to do at night the printing of the spiritual food. Some had only a few hours of sleep, but they loved Jehovah and the brothers so much that they did it. There was no Kingdom Hall. The brothers had secret meetings in private homes, and they would not all come at the same time because if the neighbors would see certain persons all the time going to a specific house, there could be suspicions.


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And every week, they had the meetings in a different home of the brothers. And this helped to protect the work so that it could be kept secret. Singing was very important for the brothers, and they didn’t have to have a songbook in hand. They knew the text of the song by heart, and immediately after saying a number, they could sing the song. That affected the heart — the emotions of the brothers — so they were strengthened in their determination to be faithful. A lot of pressure was on the brothers in Romania. The Communist Party tried to sow distrust among the brothers, meeting with them separately and telling some brothers one thing and telling other brothers something else. Sometimes it happened that an official posed as an interested person and was clever enough to disguise that and pretend to make progress in the truth — not only to the point of getting baptized but even to the point of becoming an elder. But he was in reality an agent of the secret police with an aim to find out everything about the organization. So it did lead to, in one case, the brothers starting to distrust someone that was actually appointed by headquarters. And these brothers then separated from the organization that Jehovah used, and some of them were separated for not just a few years but for decades. And they were a large number, up to 5,000 publishers.


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They continued to meet together. They were preaching and using material that they had left over from earlier years, but they hardly got any new material to study because they were not in touch with the organization that was used by headquarters. Attempts to bring the brothers back into the organization were made from time to time, but it seemed that the brothers from the separated organization did not have sufficient trust. But when we presented to the leader of the separated group that one from the Governing Body would come, he was happy about that and he had enough trust in that case to agree that we should have a meeting and seriously talk about reunification. And so from the separated group, there were Brother Albu, who was the leader, and four of his main elders. And from our side, there was Brother Jaracz, our translator, and I was part of that group. Also, there were several from the Country Committee of Romania. I remember that the first night there were a lot of accusations about what the others had done or not done, which did not create the best spirit, and we mainly listened. But everybody agreed to meet another night. And the second night, Jehovah obviously wanted the brothers to unite again because the whole spirit was different, and the brothers talked the matters over and clarified some misunderstandings.


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And at the end of the second evening, I remember that the leader of the separated group, Brother Albu, said, ‘Let’s do it because if we don’t do it now, we may never have another opportunity again.’ And so the decision was made. That doesn’t happen every day that 5,000 brothers come back to the organization. From then on, all the practical things were put in place to accomplish this reunification. They were asked to merge with our congregations. And that also took a lot of humility on their part, but they were willing to do it. So they were really brothers in their heart and loved the truth. And so the reunification was accomplished, and that was a wonderful victory for Jehovah and against Satan. Reflecting on the experience with the brothers in Romania, we can see that there could always be misunderstandings among humans and there could always be even legitimate complaints about the misconduct of some responsible brothers. But the important thing is never to lose trust that this is Jehovah’s organization. That’s where Jehovah’s blessing is. Jehovah sees it all. Jehovah uses his holy spirit to keep the organization together, and what he wants to have accomplished will happen.


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If we work with the holy spirit, then Jehovah will bless our efforts and it will be successful to his praise. Thank you so much, Brother Lösch, for sharing those captivating experiences.

5. Make Jehovah Happy

5.1 Trailer

But now we’re going to get to show you a one-minute video trailer to whet your appetite for something that is coming. Since the beginning, people have been given a choice. Some have chosen to do what is wrong. Others chose to make Jehovah happy. What you do every day can make his heart rejoice. I know you will make Jehovah happy. We’re looking forward to this new video. But the question is, When will we and our children get to enjoy this video? Well, we are happy to inform you that in less than six months, you’re going to be able to have this video. Now, you don’t look like you’re too happy about that. Well, I was teasing you; I was truthful, though. In less than six months, much less than six months, in fact, right now, you’re going to get to enjoy the nine-minute epic video Make Jehovah Happy.


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5.2 Nine min Video

From the beginning, Jehovah has always cared about people. Sadly, many of them have caused him great pain. But some have made him very happy. Jesus always made Jehovah happy. Satan didn’t like this. He tried everything to get Jesus to do what was wrong. If you are a son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread. It is written: “Man must not live on bread alone.” Grr! Hmm. If you are a son of God, throw yourself down, for the angels will carry you on their hands, so you may not strike your foot against a stone. Prove it to them. Again it is written: “You must not put Jehovah your God to the test.” Grr. Hmm. See all this glory; it is mine. And I give it to whomever I wish.


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And all these things I will give to you if you fall down and do an act of worship to me. Hmm. Go away, Satan! For it is written: “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” Jesus was determined to make Jehovah happy. But this story isn’t over. This is your story too. What do you mean, Dad? Well, what you do can make Jehovah happy. Our text this morning, Proverbs 27:11 — Do you remember what that says? Oh, yeah! It says: “Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice.” Good memory, Sophia! That scripture is talking about you. What you do every day, not only big things but also small things you do, can make His heart rejoice. Remember today’s text, children. I know you’ll make Jehovah happy.


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Let’s pray. OK, kids. It’s a pop quiz today! Oh, man! Yes! Now, Sophia, if you ace this test, you’ll be number one in the whole class. Oh, yeah! You’re at the next level. Keep going! Keep going! . . . number one in the whole class. Hey! You got this one? Yeah, here. Hey, Sophia! You want the answer? Oh, man! That stinks. You lost!


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Hey, Caleb! You want to play? Come on; it’s fun! Um. Forget it. He’s a loser! Let me play with it! Are you going to play or not? Yay! Yeah! Nooooo! Caleb! Caleb! Caleb! Caleb! Caleb! Caleb? Caleb? Caleb? You going to play? Hey, Sophia! You want the answer? And you too can have success! That’s OK. No, thanks. There are certainly a lot of powerful lessons in that video for our young ones and even for us. And we’re happy to inform you that in less than six months, you’ll be able to download — I don’t think you’re going to fall for that again. Here’s the real announcement: “Some of you with nephews, nieces, children, “or grandchildren are wondering, “‘When will these little ones be able to see this video?’


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“You’ll be happy to know that the video Make Jehovah Happy “will be posted in over 100 languages “this coming Monday, October the 8th, “on both JW Broadcasting and on the jw.org website.” In two days, you’ll have it.

6. Interview

But now we’re going to get to enjoy an interview that will be conducted by Brother Samuel Herd of the Governing Body. And he’s going to interview four brothers who have a lot to tell us, but he’s going to do his best to hold them down to 19 minutes. Look at the monitors, please. We have four brothers with us — Brother Stephen Hardy is serving in the Britain branch; Brother Lorence Shepp is serving in Peru; Brother Reiner Thompson’s current assignment is in the Dominican Republic; and last, alphabetically, is Brother Leon Weaver who is serving on the United States Branch Committee. All four of these brothers have at least two things in common. First, they’ve all served as the Branch Committee coordinator of their respective branches for a number of years. And second, all four have hit a milestone in life according to Psalm 90:10. There, these brothers are identified as being “especially strong.” Why so? Because their life span is cresting 80 years of age.


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It takes extra vitality and stamina to still be walking and talking at that age and to still be making sense. Believe me, I know! I asked to retire at 80. The Governing Body said, “Not until you lose it.” I said, “Well . . . ” Brother Weaver, what did all four of you find out on May 26, 2014? All Branch Committees got a letter from the Governing Body, and that letter told us about a new policy. And that new policy was that once a Branch Committee coordinator reaches the age of 80, he would not be able to serve as Branch Committee coordinator anymore. But the Branch Committee would look for a younger brother who could qualify to do that and then recommend the younger brother to be the Branch Committee coordinator. Would any of you like to describe your first thoughts when you read that new policy? Well, Brother Herd, I remember some words of my dad. He worked in the circuit work in his senior years but would tell me, “Now son, if you see that I’m starting to lose it, you be sure to tell me and get me to stop.” Oftentimes, we don’t realize that age takes a toll on our effectiveness.


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I remember as a younger man looking how far would I be able to do this work. I thought, ‘Well, maybe at 65 I should step off from being the coordinator.’ Everybody retires at 65. When I was 65, I felt pretty good. So I went on to 70. When 70 was drifting by, I felt pretty good. I went on to 75, and I know if that new policy hadn’t come out, I would probably have been setting it up to 85 or who knows where. But really, for the benefit of the work, we need to have younger men. Experienced? Yes, but younger and vigorous for the benefit of the work and for the benefit of those with whom we work with on the committee. Much of the branch work, especially with the work of the coordinator, recently, has to do with modern technology. So as a result of this, when I was serving as coordinator, I had to use a younger, spiritually-minded brother to keep me up to speed, as it were, to what was required. So besides the aging process, when the changes came, I had no doubt that it was Jehovah’s decision.


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And so then for me, I was very happy to accept the change without any questions or any doubts. And then there was an additional paragraph in that policy letter that said that if a coordinator is not yet 80 years of age but he feels that now would be the best time for a younger brother to take on that responsibility, then his request should be considered. Well, I was just 75 at that time. But I began to realize that in the coming years, after a couple of years with the Britain branch construction and relocation project, I realized that the responsibilities would become even more intense. And because of the major organizational adjustments that we’d have, I realized that it would be good to request a younger brother to take over. I was just 79 when that change took place. That was a very modest thing to do. Thank you, brothers, for your comments. I can’t help myself; I have to ask this: What were your wives’ reactions to the new policy? Did they leap for joy? Don’t answer that second question. Well, Ruby thought it was a loving arrangement for us. And actually, she thought that it would be the best for her and for me.


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And I agreed with her. In our case, Brother Herd, down through the years we’ve been surprised by many reassignments. And Jeanne has always been 100 percent cooperative with all theocratic assignments. But as assignments would come, she would pack or unpack, whatever was the order of the moment. With the new policy, she accepted it wholeheartedly, and she was happy that she didn’t have to pack or unpack on this one. And Ann’s reaction first of all was, “What are you going to do?” So she realized that I’m always involved with my work. I like to have plenty to do. But she was fully supportive of the arrangement. You know that was the same with Olimpia. Of course, she was surprised. We were all surprised. But from the very moment, just a few seconds after I told her of the change, she accepted it. And she was willing to cooperate, because as she said, she knew that this was direction by the faithful slave. Solomon asked: “Who can find a capable wife?” All four of you just answered that question beautifully.


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I’m sure you remember the account of Barzillai in 2 Samuel chapter 19. He was very helpful to King David. David offered for him to be part of the royal court, but Barzillai had now turned 80 years of age. He declined because he knew he would not be as useful in the days ahead. Instead, the privilege went to Chimham, a younger man. Did that account come to your mind with this policy change? I was convinced that the Governing Body was probably using that to consider their new changes or policy. I was 80 years of age. I was still strong; I was still vigorous. But I do have to admit that it crossed my mind, many times, ‘There’s going to come a time, Shepp, ‘when you’re going to have to relinquish your privileges to somebody younger.’ And so then when the change came, I accepted it as coming from Jehovah and I had no doubts that it was the direction of the faithful slave. Yes, I did think of Barzillai. But then my mind went to his replacement, Chimham. And I realized that on our Branch Committee we had several younger brothers who were like Chimhams. So I was at peace with that arrangement.


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I must admit, Brother Herd, that I reviewed this case of Barzillai. But there was one thing about what he said and did that I didn’t agree with. Well, he said that he’d like to go back to his hometown and die. Rather, I thought, ‘I’ll use my energies as much as I can in other activities connected with our assignment.’ I’m sure that is the spirit of all four of you. At what age did you dedicate your life to Jehovah? And describe some of the privileges you have enjoyed since then. At 13, I was baptized. By 17, I was in regular pioneer work. At 21, my faithful wife, Jeanne, and I graduated from Gilead and were assigned to Puerto Rico. We went into the missionary work in Puerto Rico for about a year and a half to learn the language, and then we had the privilege of circuit work. Later, the Governing Body invited us — invited me — to take up the Branch Committee work in Belize when it used to be called British Honduras. And from there, we were transferred to Nicaragua as Branch Committee members. And from there, we were deported in the revolutionary years to Costa Rica.


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I had the privilege to work with Brother Shepp for six years in Costa Rica on the Branch Committee, and there was also a branch building going on at that time. And then, we’ve been for the last 30 years privileged to serve with the Dominican Republic Branch Committee. Over the last eight years, it’s been our privilege to serve as headquarters representatives in branch visits and getting to know so many faithful and hardworking Bethelites in different parts of the world, it truly— It’s a wonderful organization to be working with. And with me, Brother Herd, I was 17 when I was baptized. And in 1957, I started to regular pioneer. And in 1965, the Governing Body appointed me to be a traveling overseer, and Ruby and I traveled for 12 years, to 1977. And in 1977, they called us in to Bethel. So we’ve been at Bethel for the last 41 years, and about 23 years ago, they invited me to visit other branches throughout the globe. And we’ve had quite an interesting and encouraging time doing that. And we’ve had the privilege of you being a helper to the Service Committee of the Governing Body since 1992. You’ve racked up quite a life of dedicated service. I was baptized at the age of 19.


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I took up the full-time service in 1958. In 1960, I was appointed to be a circuit overseer. I served in parts of Ontario, Quebec. And then while serving there, I was assigned to northwest Canada, which included part of Alaska. And after getting there, only four months or so, we were called to Brooklyn to attend the newly formed Kingdom Ministry School. During our visit at Brooklyn, Brother Knorr talked to some of us Canadians and he asked us, “Would you be willing to accept a missionary assignment without going to Gilead?” Well, this was a marvelous opportunity, and I was accepted and later assigned to Nicaragua. So just after a couple of years, I wanted to get married. I wrote. And Brother Knorr had kind of softened his opinion about getting married at that time. So 55 years ago, I married Olimpia, and we’ve been serving together in several countries. We were assigned to Costa Rica where we served together for 27 years. And on the second of October, we just completed another 25 years of serving under the Peru branch. I also consider it a tremendous privilege having been assigned the privilege of visiting other branches and sharing


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encouragement with them, and that we’ve been doing for a little bit more than 20 years. I’m getting tired out just listening to the work you brothers have done over the years. Brother Hardy, your story, please. Well, I dedicated my life to Jehovah when I was 11 years old. And then I started pioneering at 18, then special pioneered. And when I was just 22, my wife and I were invited into the circuit work. And then in 1963, we got a surprise. We were invited to Gilead and from Gilead we were assigned to Burundi in Africa. Well, we never heard of Burundi. So immediately we went to get our Yearbook to find out how many publishers there were in Burundi. We looked down the list, but Burundi wasn’t even on the list, so we suddenly realized we were going into virgin territory. But sadly, the authorities in Burundi were not happy about that, and after just four months, we had to leave the country. And we were reassigned to Uganda. And then we served there for ten years, and again, there were difficulties in Uganda. And so we were reassigned this time to Côte d’Ivoire, and we served there for another ten years.


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But then, my wife had gotten some medical problems, and we had to return to Britain in 1983. And after some years, she died. But then a little later, there was a commuter Bethel sister in London Bethel, and her desire was to become a regular Bethelite. And she knew the only way to do that, according to her, was to marry a Bethel brother. Well, I found her personality very attractive, and what’s more, she was a really spiritual person. So I succumbed. And so Ann and I — We’ve been serving happily in London Bethel since 1989. And like the other brothers, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a headquarters representative. And we’ve visited some 60 branches and have thoroughly enjoyed that. Thank you for that brief overview of your lives. According to my notes, all told, Brother Hardy has served as a Branch Committee member for 38 years. For the last 19 years, he has been the coordinator of the Britain branch. Brother Shepp, according to my calculations, has served as a member of a Branch Committee for 52 years and 48 of those years as the coordinator to a Branch Committee.


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Brother Thompson has been serving as a Branch Committee member for some 50 years, with 44 of those years as the coordinator of a Branch Committee. Some of you who are newer to the organization might not realize it, but there was not an official Branch Committee in the United States until April 1, 2001. Brother Weaver was appointed as a Branch Committee member from its inception. So that is now 17 years as a member of that Branch Committee, and he has served as the coordinator for the past 11 years. Being the coordinator of a Branch Committee is a full-time job — and then some.

6.1 New Assignments

So I’m sure everyone is wondering what your new assignments entail. Brother Hardy? Well, I work in the Branch Committee Office, and I do some proofreading of letters to other branches and to the different committees of the Governing Body. I’m one of the three brothers assigned from the Branch Committee assigned to work in the Service Department, and one of my assignments is to include shepherding. I’ve had the privilege of calling personally the 97 traveling overseers and talking to them and to many of their wives.


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I’ve been able to call the 52 field missionaries, and I’ve been able to visit personally every one of the Bethel family. I have a goal. We have 47 very faithful special pioneers that are not able to do as much as they used to. So I’m starting to call them, and my goal is, by the end of this calendar year, to be able to talk to every one of them. The Branch Committee has assigned me to the area of what we call BRED, which is Branch Real Estate Desk. They’ve also given me the privilege, having participated in the construction of two branches, to help the younger brothers take advantage of the training programs that we have in place for them. Well, Brother Herd, all of us are still on the Branch Committee, and there’s still much work to do in connection to the Branch Committee. We have shepherding to do of traveling overseers and Bethel family members. We also still give our convention assignments. We will do circuit assemblies. And myself, personally, I’d like to increase my field service time with my congregation and with my wife, Ruby. Thank you, brothers, for your many decades of loyal dedicated service to Jehovah and to Kingdom interests. And along with so many longtime faithful ones, it is heartwarming to hear that you fully embrace the decision of the


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faithful slave, even if it means relinquishing a privilege of service. But that in no way has any bearing on your zeal, energy, and enthusiasm for the Lord’s work. The Governing Body applies Paul’s words at 1 Corinthians 15:58 to the four of you and all of the others who find themselves in similar circumstances. There it says: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, “be steadfast, immovable, “always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord, “knowing that your labor is not in vain in connection with the Lord.” Thank you for joining us, and thank your wives for their unwavering support of your many responsibilities. Thank you very much, Brother Herd and company, for that delightful interview. We love you five brothers very much. What an encouraging program!

6.2 Parts 2 and 3 release date

Parts 2 and 3 will be released over the next couple of weeks. They’ll include talks given by five members of the Governing Body. So by the time you see all three parts, you will have heard from each member of the Governing Body.


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7. Croatia – Zadar congregation

To bring to an end this month’s broadcast, we’ll travel to Croatia. Croatia is nestled between five other countries in southeastern Europe. It has many picturesque locations throughout, ranging from a beautiful coastline to towering mountaintops. There are around 5,000 publishers in the country. In May 2018, the first foreign-language group was formed. The English group, located in the capital city, Zagreb, reaches out to the many foreign workers, tourists, and refugees. Croatia is also experiencing growth in the sign-language and Roma fields. This is the Zadar Congregation in western Croatia. The 120 publishers there have been assigned a vast territory, which includes many islands. In 2015, they were able to attend the special convention held in Croatia. And in the fall of 2018, they participated in and hosted delegates for a special preaching campaign in their country. In their local territory, they make effective use of public witnessing carts to reach out to tourists and other passersby. There are ten publishers in the congregation serving as regular pioneers, seven as elders, and four as ministerial servants.


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All our dear brothers and sisters in the Zadar Congregation send you their warm greetings. From the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses, this is JW Broadcasting.