1970 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses
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1970 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Source: jw.org
Contents
Title Page/Publishers’ Page
Index of Countries
1970 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Country Reports (Part One)
Country Reports (Part Two)
Other Countries Where Jehovah’s Witnesses Work Under Difficulty
1969—A Year of Praise
Annual Meeting
Yeartext for 1970
Title Page/Publishers’ Page
Title Page/Publishers’ Page
1970 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Containing Report for the Service Year of 1969
Also Daily Text and Comments
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA
OFFICERS
N. H. KNORR
President
F. W. FRANZ
Vice-President
GRANT SUITER
Secretary-Treasurer
WATCHTOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF NEW YORK, INC.
OFFICERS
N. H. KNORR
President
F. W. FRANZ
Vice-President
GRANT SUITER, Secretary-Treasurer
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
OFFICERS
N. H. KNORR
President
A. PRYCE HUGHES
Vice-President
E. C. CHITTY
Sec.-Treas.
GRANT SUITER
Asst. Sec.-Treas.
Index of Countries
Index of Countries
Page
204 Abu Dhabi H-23
236 Afghanistan G-24
89 Alaska A-49
302 Albania F-19
155 Algeria H-17
279 Andorra F-17
251 Angola M-19
208 Anguilla J-10
90 Argentina P-9
223 Aruba K-9
273 Ascension Island M-15
92 Australia M-31
95 Austria E-18
251 Azores G-14
96 Bahamas H-8
98 Barbados J-10
104 Belgium E-17
99 Bequia J-10
159 Berlin, West E-18
87 Bermuda G-9
106 Bolivia N-9
224 Bonaire K-9
274 Botwana O-19
239 Bougainville Island K-36
107 Brazil M-11
109 British Honduras J-7
110 British Isles D-6
303 Bulgaria F-20
113 Burma B-29
196 Burundi L-20
289 Cambodia D-29
115 Cameroon L-18
119 Canada D-4
280 Canary Islands H-15
252 Cape Verde Islands J-14
100 Carriacou K-9
192 Cayman Islands J-8
121 Central African Republic K-19
123 Ceylon C-26
125 Chile P-9
127 Colombia L-8
302 Communist and Difficult Countries
128 Congo (Brazzaville) L-18
130 Congo (Kinshasa) L-18
147 Cook Islands P-41
131 Costa Rica K-7
132 Cuba J-8
134 Cyprus G-20
303 Czechoslovakia E-19
135 Dahomey K-17
137 Denmark D-18
209 Dominica J-10
141 Dominican Republic J-9
142 Ecuador L-8
144 El Salvador J-7
117 Equatorial Guinea L-18
197 Ethiopia K-21
296 Falkland Islands R-10
139 Faroe Islands C-16
145 Fiji N-38
151 Finland B-20
153 France E-17
166 French Guiana K-11
117 Gabon L-18
264 Gambia K-15
156 Germany E-18
304 Germany, East E-18
160 Ghana K-17
220 Gibraltar G-16
148 Gilbert and Ellice Islands K-39 M-39
163 Greece F-19
140 Greenland A-12
101 Grenada K-10
164 Guadeloupe J-10
174 Guam G-36
168 Guatemala J-7
267 Guinea K-15
169 Guyana K-10
170 Haiti J-9
172 Hawaii K-45
177 Honduras K-7
179 Hong Kong C-31
305 Hungary E-19
181 Iceland B-15
182 India J-25
183 Indonesia G-30
204 Iran G-23
205 Iraq G-22
185 Ireland D-16
186 Israel G-21
187 Italy F-18
162 Ivory Coast K-16
191 Jamaica J-8
193 Japan B-36
205 Jordan H-21
195 Kenya L-21
200 Korea B-35
205 Kuwait H-22
290 Laos C-29
202 Lebanon G-21
207 Leeward Islands (Antigua) J-10
275 Lesotho P-20
212 Liberia K-16
189 Libya H-19
285 Liechtenstein E-18
213 Luxembourg E-17
180 Macao C-31
252 Madeira G-15
214 Malagasy Republic N-22
259 Malawi M-20
269 Malaysia E-28
265 Mali J-17
112 Malta G-18
239 Manus Island J-35
174 Marshall Islands J-39
167 Martinique J-10
265 Mauritania J-16
215 Mauritius N-23
217 Mexico H-5
209 Montserrat J-10
219 Morocco G-16
261 Mozambique O-20
221 Netherlands D-17
222 Netherlands Antilles (Curaçao) K-9
210 Nevis J-10
240 New Britain K-35
148 New Caledonia N-36
224 Newfoundland E-10
241 New Guinea J-34
148 New Hebrides N-37
242 New Ireland J-35
226 New Zealand R-35
228 Nicaragua K-7
231 Niger J-18
229 Nigeria K-18
149 Niue O-40
231 Norway C-18
233 Okinawa D-34
235 Pakistan H-24
175 Palau G-33
237 Panama K-8
238 Papua K-34
243 Paraguay O-10
245 Peru M-8
247 Philippine Republic E-32
307 Poland E-19
176 Ponape J-37
249 Portugal F-16
253 Portuguese Guinea K-15
254 Puerto Rico J-9
205 Qatar H-22
216 Réunion O-23
257 Rhodesia N-20
217 Rodrigues N-24
308 Romania F-20
210 St. Eustatius J-10
275 St. Helena N-16
211 St. Kitts J-10
102 St. Lucia J-10
211 St. Martin J-10
103 St. Vincent J-10
176 Saipan F-36
147 Samoa, American N-40
150 Samoa, Western N-40
190 San Marino F-18
206 Saudi Arabia J-22
262 Senegal K-15
197 Seychelles M-23
265 Sierra Leone K-15
268 Singapore E-28
242 Solomon Islands L-36
191 Somalia L-22
270 South Africa P-19
276 South-West Africa N-18
277 Spain F-16
198 Sudan K-20
281 Surinam K-10
277 Swaziland O-20
282 Sweden C-19
284 Switzerland E-18
206 Syria G-21
149 Tahiti Q-43
286 Taiwan, Republic of China D-33
198 Tanzania M-20
118 Tchad J-19
288 Thailand C-29
294 Tobago K-10
291 Togo K-17
150 Tonga O-39
255 Tortola J-9
293 Trinidad K-10
176 Truk H-36
156 Tunisia G-18
309 Turkey G-21
199 Uganda L-20
311 Union of Soviet Socialist Republic D-22
313 United Arab Republic H-20
84 United States G-6
162 Upper Volta K-16
295 Uruguay P-10
297 Venezuela K-9
291 Vietnam D-30
256 Virgin Islands (U.S.) J-10
177 Yap F-34
299 Yugoslavia F-19
300 Zambia N-20
Service Year chart, pages 26-33
The letter and number symbol following the name of each country indicates the country’s location on the endsheet maps. Number 1 to 25 refer to the front endsheet and numbers 26 to 50 the the back endsheet.
1970 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses
1970 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses
A few decades ago mankind in general gave good attention to religion. But times are changing! Most people in Christendom seem quite pleased with the new sophisticated attitude that the clergy have taken toward the changing world. The “new morality” idea is generally accepted as old standards become passé, and many religious leaders support the “God is dead” theory. Logically this raises in the minds of the parishioners of Christendom’s churches the question: If God is dead, God’s law is null and void too, is it not? So why follow the counsel set forth in the Bible? “Live the way YOU want to live,” is the thinking of most people in the world today.
On the other hand, there are great crowds of people from many nations who are very much interested in the Bible and in the God it tells us about. Such ones still want to cling to Bible teachings, though their faith may have been shaken by their religious teachers. They know things are bad because of the way people are conducting themselves today, in adultery, fornication, homosexuality, thievery, extortion and almost every other wicked act. These things are looked upon by many persons as not out of line with the normal procedure of life. “If you can get away with it, who cares?” is the attitude of the majority. However, Jehovah’s witnesses hold that the Bible is the Word of God and that the moral code set out in the Holy Scriptures is the proper and right one to follow. Nineteen centuries ago Jesus Christ lived according to God’s perfect law, and his teachings and actions showed that there was the implanting of Jehovah’s written word in his heart and mind.
Jehovah’s witnesses believe that Jesus is the Son of God as the Bible says, and is therefore the One that God, his Father, sent into this world “in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Jehovah’s witnesses believe that Christ Jesus will take away the sin of the world during his peaceful reign of one thousand years. Worldly-wise men will say that Christians with such faith are naïve or that Jehovah’s witnesses are strange people. However, it did not sound strange to the followers of Christ Jesus who lived at the time when Jesus was walking in the flesh here upon the earth. His faithful followers preached his message through much opposition. For some of these it even meant losing their lives for the sake of Christ. Nor has it seemed strange to millions of persons who have lived during the nineteen hundred years since the days of Christ Jesus’ earthly sojourn. But in these days in which we now live, and which are described in the Bible as the “last days” or the “critical times” of this system of things, there are relatively few people who truly accept the teachings of the Bible and who have the hope of living eternally because of the redeeming value of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for mankind. This is a strange teaching indeed to some, but it is nevertheless true. Jesus said: “This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.”—2 Tim. 3:1; John 17:3.
Due to believing that “all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching,” Jehovah’s witnesses follow the advice of James 1:21, where it says: “Put away all filthiness and that superfluous thing, moral badness, and accept with mildness the implanting of the word which is able to save your souls.” (2 Tim. 3:16) There is much said in the Bible about moral badness. The Bible writer James, the half brother of Jesus, was fully convinced that, if a teacher expects to sound down the truth successfully into the heart and the mind of an individual, then there must be a putting away of that which is bad, wrong, contrary to God’s Word; the individual must take the time and accept with mildness the implanting of the Word of God. When God’s Word is really implanted in one’s heart and mind it is able to save one’s soul or very life. As Jesus said to the Tempter: “Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah’s mouth.” (Matt. 4:4; Prov. 3:13-18) Can you accept that saying?
Jesus had some comments on the real food on which man must live. One day after talking with the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus said of them: “Let them be. Blind guides is what they are. If, then, a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” Continuing, in conversation with Peter, Jesus next said: “Are you not aware that everything entering into the mouth passes along into the intestines and is discharged into the sewer? However, the things proceeding out of the mouth come out of the heart, and those things defile a man. For example, out of the heart come wicked reasonings, murders, adulteries, fornications, thieveries, false testimonies, blasphemies. These are the things defiling a man; but to take a meal with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”—Matt. 15:14-20.
If a man’s heart is not right, but is filled with moral badness, then his reasoning will be wholly out of line with that which is decent, upright and righteous. Therefore his thinking ability will be of no benefit to him or to his fellowman. Due to his moral badness his reasoning will be absolutely contrary to the laws of Jehovah. Accordingly, the wise man, in Proverbs 18:7, said: “The mouth of the stupid one is the ruin of him, and his lips are a snare for his soul.” Just as Jesus said, it is not what goes into the mouth that is important, for that is disposed of easily through the digestive organs, but it is what comes out of the mouth, what one says, that shows what the individual really is! Usually one says what he is going to do. So Proverbs 6:12 records: “A good-for-nothing man, a man of hurtfulness, is walking with crookedness of speech.” When men discard God’s Word and think that they can work out life’s problems without God’s help, they are all wrong. Listen to the wise man, Solomon: “My son, to my wisdom O do pay attention. To my discernment incline your ears, so as to guard thinking abilities; and may your own lips safeguard knowledge itself.”—Prov. 5:1, 2.
The best thing any individual can do is to go to the highest authority so as to get a proper understanding of a matter. Therefore we should listen to the One who has all wisdom, namely, Jehovah God. Pay attention to what this one has to say and enjoy the benefits of adherence to such counsel. What God wants us to know now He has had recorded in his written Word. A reasonable person will incline his ear toward Jehovah’s expressions and try to discern exactly what God wants him to do. That is the way to guard one’s thinking abilities. Knowing the right course and thinking about it is a fine safeguard to protect one from letting one’s thinking abilities turn toward wicked reasonings, fornication, adultery, thievery and other wrong things. A wise person will keep his heart and mind on the high principles of truth and righteousness. When one’s thinking ability is correctly directed then one’s lips will say the right things, the things that are upbuilding, righteous and pure.
NEED FOR MENTAL CLEANSING
It is evident, therefore, that there must be a cleaning out of the mind if there is to be an implanting of right thinking. There must be a putting away of all filthiness of the flesh, and that superfluous thing, moral badness, so one can give one’s time and energies to accepting the implanting of the Word of God in one’s mind. One just cannot do both things at the same time. Sweet water and bitter water cannot come out of the same spring. (Jas. 3:11) It is absolutely necessary for one to change one’s ways of thinking and doing things if the truth of God’s Word is going to be implanted in one and grow.
Some nineteen hundred years ago when Jesus was sitting by the Sea of Galilee, great crowds came to hear his words of wisdom. He spoke differently from the way anyone else had ever spoken. As the crowd grew in numbers, Jesus went aboard a boat and rowed offshore. Then, using the surface of the water as a sounding board, he addressed a great crowd of people on the seashore. Very often Jesus used illustrations to make his points, and it is recorded in Matthew, chapter thirteen, that this was the method he used on this occasion. One of several illustrations that Jesus presented to the crowd concerned a sower of seed. In quite some detail he told of the sower dropping some seed along the roadside, also in rocky places and among thorns. He went on to say that other seed fell on some fine soil and began to yield much fruit. The persons listening to this parable, of course, could draw conclusions as to its meaning if they wanted to use their thinking ability. But if Jesus would explain the illustration, telling what he had in mind, the true meaning could be grasped by his hearers.
The disciples of Jesus were curious as to just what he meant, and so they questioned him: “Why is it you speak to them by the use of illustrations?” In reply Jesus said: “To you it is granted to understand the sacred secrets of the kingdom of the heavens, but to those people it is not granted. For whoever has, more will be given him and he will be made to abound; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” (Matt. 13:10-12) The twelve disciples of Jesus had already gained much good information, but they wanted more. They used their thinking abilities to get the understanding of “the sacred secrets of the kingdom of the heavens.” The apostles already had knowledge, and ‘more would be given so as to make them abound’ in knowledge. But as for the rest of the Jewish race, the indifferent ones, the unappreciative ones, even what they had as to knowledge about God and his Word would be taken away from them. By the year 70 C.E. they even lost their holy city Jerusalem, their temple, and any favor they thought they had with Jehovah God. How true that “whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.”
Similar to the people in Christendom today, probably the greater number of those who were on the seashore listening to Jesus did not have great respect for his words even though they were in a covenant relationship with God. That is why Jesus went on to say: “For the heart of this people has grown thick, and with their ears they have heard with annoyance, and they have shut their eyes; that they might never see with their eyes and hear with their ears and get the sense of it with their hearts and turn back, and I heal them.” (Matt. 13:15) It certainly was not the fault of Christ Jesus that the people’s hearts had grown thick so that they would not listen. People today do not want to listen to God’s word either. They do not want to get the sense of it in their hearts. However, in Jesus’ day his disciples wanted to get the sense of Jesus’ words. Do you want to? Then listen to what he said: “Happy are your eyes because they behold, and your ears because they hear. For I truly say to you, Many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things you are beholding and did not see them, and to hear the things you are hearing and did not hear them. You, then, listen to the illustration of the man that sowed.”—Matt. 13:16-18.
JESUS EXPLAINS
How kind and merciful it was of Jesus Christ to go into detail and explain to his disciples just what this illustration of the sower meant. You, too, if you are truly interested in the Word of God, can open your Bible and read it and get the sense of it. If you have discernment you will be able to see just what Jesus meant by the parable. Today we are in a very favored position, just as favored as Jesus’ first disciples were, because we can read, not only the illustration, but also Jesus’ explanation of it. We must take the time, though, to study the Word of God, using our thinking abilities. Let us see how Jesus explained the parable.
Persons who have taken the time to read the Christian Greek Scriptures, commonly called the “New Testament,” know that Jesus continually proclaimed the message concerning God’s kingdom. So this parable of the sower had something to do with the Kingdom. That is why in the 19th verse of Matthew 13 Jesus said: “Where anyone hears the word of the kingdom but does not get the sense of it, the wicked one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart; this is the one sown alongside the road.” Millions upon millions of people throughout the world, both inside and outside of Christendom, have heard the proclamation of God’s kingdom, but they did not get the sense of it. The reason is quite simple. “The wicked one comes and snatches away what has been sown.” Who is that wicked one? The Bible clearly points out that Satan is the god of this wicked system of things, and that he “has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.” (2 Cor. 4:4) So the wicked one, Satan the Devil, the god of this system of things, is going to keep in darkness everyone that he possibly can. Are you going to let Satan do that to you? If you never read and study your Bible, Satan will keep you in his darkness. He is not going to let this good word of the Kingdom sink down into a person’s heart if he has a chance to stop it. Satan is at work snatching away what has been sown. He is determined to keep the peoples of all nations in darkness. Even in Christendom he has his clergy and priests degrading God’s Word. They say it is a myth, just a story written by men, not by God.
There is no question about the Devil and his demons as being very active at this time during the “last days” of this system of things. He does not want to have anyone getting the sense of the Kingdom message. Therefore, as the “god of this system of things,” he promotes nationalism. He does not want mankind to appreciate what God’s kingdom is. He tries to keep all peoples busy glorifying and worshiping the rulers and nations, being involved in the “establishment,” rather than looking to the Supreme One of all the universe, Jehovah God. It can be clearly seen that people are kept busy on the broad road leading to destruction with little time to get the sense or meaning of God’s Word. Even though Jehovah’s witnesses call often each year at the homes of the people, the people do not want to get the sense of the message being brought to them. Have you listened and gotten the sense of what Jehovah’s witnesses are saying?
Jesus went on to explain about the seed “sown upon the rocky places.” He says: “This is the one hearing the word and at once accepting it with joy. Yet he has no root in himself but continues for a time, and after tribulation or persecution has arisen on account of the word he is at once stumbled.” (Matt. 13:20, 21) How often have you as a Christian witness of Jehovah found individuals who hear the word, get the sense of it, and at once accept it with joy? They say, “Here is the answer to all of the world’s problems,” and they start telling everyone they know about what they have learned. The truth from God’s Word brings light and understanding to them, and it appears that they will be learners and become disciples. But there was no place for the seed to take root in the rocky places. It is just as Jesus said: “After tribulation or persecution has arisen on account of the word he is at once stumbled.” Many have encountered the burning heat of opposition over the truth, just as Jesus foretold. In his prophecy about the time of the end, at Luke 21:16, 17, he declared: “Moreover, you will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death; and you will be objects of hatred by all people because of my name.” It is this intense opposition to the truth even from relatives and friends that stumbles some.
As the Bible shows, the one hearing the word is full of joy, but he has no root in himself due to being sown on rocky places. He tells his relatives, friends and neighbors—everyone he can, about his newly found hope. Then the persecution and tribulation begin, and they do not stop until he gives up his belief in the truth from God’s Word. Every possible obstacle is put in his way. Even if he goes to a clergyman and tells him what joy he has found in the Word of God, he most likely will find that he will be discouraged from studying the Bible. He may be told, “You had better be very careful with those Jehovah’s witnesses. They will lead you astray.” So from relatives, friends and religious sources the opposition grows. The hard underlying self-interest will not let the seed of truth take root. At once the individual is stumbled, with no deep implanting of the Word. The rocky places are much too rough and hard for roots and for growth.
Then Jesus went on to say: “As for the one sown among the thorns, this is the one hearing the word, but the anxiety of this system of things and the deceptive power of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.” (Matt. 13:22) Even though the seed took root and sprouted, there were just too many thorns around to allow for its maturing. Perhaps for a short period of time in the individual’s life he was able to hear the word and get the sense of it, but he keeps himself so involved with this system of things and its anxieties, and in particular with the deceptive power of riches, which seem to be the things that everyone is taught to reach out for, that these things, like thorns, just choke out the word, and the individual never produces fruit. Remember, we are in a system of things today that is wicked, selfish and unloving. It is true that each man’s hand is against his neighbor, and the love of the greater number of professed Christian persons has grown cold. So it does not take long to choke out the words of truth in one when the anxiety of this system of things and the deceptive power of riches get a stranglehold on a person. So this one too is unproductive. There was no room in the person’s life for the real “implanting of the word”; he is choked to death spiritually.
THE ONES LIKE FINE SOIL
However, Jesus went on to say: “As for the one sown upon the fine soil, this is the one hearing the word and getting the sense of it, who really does bear fruit and produces, this one a hundredfold, that one sixty, the other thirty.” (Matt. 13:23) It is quite evident that there must be a ‘hearing of the word and getting the sense of it.’ There must be personal study in order for one to get the sense of God’s Word. In order to promote personal study Jehovah’s witnesses did conduct 1,097,237 home Bible studies every week during 1969, where it appeared that they had found fine soil. A great number of these private home Bible studies brought results. Jehovah’s witnesses help people to hear the word of the Kingdom. They spent 239,769,076 hours talking to people of all nations and started tens of thousands of home Bible studies with interested persons. Not all persons continue with weekly Bible studies, but the 1969 field service report shows that over one million Bible studies were conducted regularly every week. These studies in God’s Word are necessary because they help to clean out the wicked reasonings of the heart. This will allow the truth to grow. One certainly cannot grow, figuratively speaking, on the busy roadside or on rocky places or in among thorns. There has to be good soil for fine growth. What kind of soil are you? We hope you are an individual who will accept with mildness the implanting of the Word and “put away all filthiness and that superfluous thing, moral badness.” If the seed of truth is going to sprout, there has to be good soil, something for the roots of the plant to go down into.
You can prove yourself good soil by getting rid of the wicked reasonings in the heart, like murders, adulteries, fornications, thievery, and so forth. (Matt. 15:19) God’s Word implanted in one will send up a strong plant, there to bear fruit. Are you growing as a Christian? Is the truth, the word of the Kingdom, deep down in you? Are the roots taking hold and sending up a plant that will bear fruit? In encouragement of all this, Jesus finished his illustration by saying: “This is the one hearing the word and getting the sense of it, who really does bear fruit and produces, this one a hundredfold, that one sixty, the other thirty.” (Matt 13:23) Many of the interested people that Jehovah’s witnesses talked to and then studied with proved themselves to be fine soil. They dedicated their lives to Jehovah and in 1969 alone 120,905 persons were baptized and became Jehovah’s Christian witnesses. Can we say the dedicated, baptized persons known as Jehovah’s witnesses are bearing fruit, this one a hundredfold, that one sixty and the other thirty? Admittedly someone is producing fruit! Just look back over the past few years: in 1966 there were 58,904 baptized; 1967 produced 74,981 baptized; in 1968 the number was 82,842; and now in 1969 the fruitage came to be 120,905 dedicated, baptized Christians taking up the preaching of “the word of the kingdom.” Marvelous! And we thank Jehovah for his rich blessing.
To implant something, whether a seed or the Word of God, means, first of all, to plant or set securely or deeply. The word “implant” literally means to plant in the soil so that the seed will take root and grow. Similarly, teaching is what makes for one’s performance of that which is learned. When the truth is implanted in good soil the learner is going to produce something, and this product is due to learning. Centuries ago when the Jews were so well protected by Jehovah and they were his chosen people, he gave the parents of all Israelite children instruction, namely, that they should inculcate the truth of God’s Word into their children’s minds. Jehovah wanted them to have knowledge and understanding. His command to parents was: “And these words that I am commanding you today must prove to be on your heart; and you must inculcate them in your son and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.”—Deut. 6:6, 7.
However, the Jews as a nation failed to accept the sound counsel that was given to them by their fathers, and so they went astray, and the anxieties of the nations and the deceptive power of riches choked out the word and they lost their relationship with God. In that respect there is no difference today with Christendom. Her church members do not accept God’s Word either. Most people do not want to be real Christians. The apostle Paul was cognizant of this matter in his day when he wrote: “For we have had the good news declared to us also, even as they also had; but the word which was heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who did hear.” (Heb. 4:2) From what Paul says it is evident that many Hebrews had the word of God declared to them; in fact, he describes two kinds of people, those who heard and did nothing about the good news, and others who heard and were united by faith with those who were declaring the good news. Today in Christendom, Jehovah’s witnesses keep going from house to house declaring good news, but most of the people have hearts that have “grown thick, and with their ears they have heard with annoyance.” (Matt. 13:15) It is not as though the people of the earth have not been given the opportunity of hearing the truth. They have! Why, for the past fifty years the good news of God’s kingdom has been preached, and with greater intensity world wide, especially in the last twenty-five years. But relatively few have responded. Yet, what must those persons do that do hear and get the sense of the word of the Kingdom?
“WITH MILDNESS”
Jesus’ half brother James very likely was well acquainted with Jesus’ parable of the sower, and as he commented on this matter of planting he may have had in mind that which Jesus spoke about. He really epitomizes the entire illustration by saying: “Put away all filthiness and that superfluous thing, moral badness, and accept with mildness the implanting of the word which is able to save your souls.” We want to keep in mind that the implanting of the word must be accepted with mildness. It is not going to be sounded down orally by Christian teachers into the minds of haughty and high-minded individuals. A person who has a know-it-all attitude cannot show humility. The soil must not be so hard that it is like a rock, impenetrable. When the Bible truth enters a mind that is searching for knowledge and understanding and it settles into the heart and mind of a person that has deep respect for the great Creator, then the seed will sprout and grow, and there will in due season be a coming to maturity. As Jesus said: ‘It will really bear fruit.’ Some persons produce a hundredfold, others sixty and still others thirty. How very true this is! When we see the accomplishments of individuals who have the truth and spend time preaching from door to door and conducting Bible studies we know that these persons are doing just what they should do. Did not Jesus say: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them”? (Matt. 28:19) In their lifetime Jehovah’s witnesses individually may bring as many as thirty persons to a knowledge of the truth, others sixty and still others a hundred. If “the word of the kingdom” is sown in good soil it will bring forth good fruit in time. Have you tried to be a Bible teacher? Have you responded to Jesus’ command, “Go . . . make disciples . . . baptizing them”?
There are more than a million Christian witnesses of Jehovah today that have taken the proper steps to save their lives by putting away the superfluous thing, moral badness, and all filthiness of the flesh. They believe Paul when he said: “You should put away the old personality which conforms to your former course of conduct and which is being corrupted according to his deceptive desires; but . . . you should be made new in the force actuating your mind, and should put on the new personality which was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty.” (Eph. 4:22-24) The only way that one could put on this new personality, “which was created according to God’s will,” would be by first getting rid of the old personality. Then a change can begin to take place. That new force actuating your mind would result from your accepting “with mildness the implanting of the word which is able to save your souls.” Paul was very interested in putting on this new personality, and that was why he said at 1 Corinthians 9:27: “I browbeat my body and lead it as a slave, that, after I have preached to others, I myself should not become disapproved somehow.”
The “word of the kingdom” was planted in this Saul of Tarsus, who became the apostle Paul. He proved himself to be good soil. He wanted to bear much fruit. He went—he preached—he baptized. In all this he was a good example for us today.
SOME MEN BECAME BELIEVERS
The apostle Paul was a great evangelizer! He was willing to go to the ends of the earth to declare the good news of God’s kingdom. When he was in Athens he got into quite a few discussions with the more learned men, the Epicureans and the Stoic philosophers. Quite a controversy was stirred up. “Some would say [of Paul]: ‘What is it this chatterer would like to tell?’ Others: ‘He seems to be a publisher of foreign deities.’ This was because he was declaring the good news of Jesus and the resurrection.” (Acts 17:18) It was not long before these men hurried Paul off to the judicial hill, the Areopagus, so that they could learn more about what he had to say. While Paul was standing in the midst of the Areopagus he said: “Men of Athens, I behold that in all things you seem to be more given to the fear of the deities than others are.”—Acts 17:22.
As we read on through the 17th chapter of Acts, from verses 22 to 34, we learn much of what Paul had to say about God. Paul told the Athenians that they had an altar on which were inscribed the words “To an Unknown God.” Paul seized upon the situation to make his point, for he told the crowd that was surrounding him that they were unknowingly giving godly devotion to the “God that made the world and all the things in it.” This was the very One that Paul was now going to publish to them. This “Unknown God” that Paul worshiped does not need anything, “because he himself gives to all persons life and breath and all things.” Paul continues and says: This God “made out of one man every nation of men, to dwell upon the entire surface of the earth.” These people could find God, for he was not far off so that he could not be reached. Paul pointed out to these Athenians that by Jehovah God we have life and move and exist, even as certain ones of the poets among them had said: “For we are also his progeny.”
Paul really stirred up the people when he told them that the God of the universe had set a “day in which he purposes to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and he has furnished a guarantee to all men in that he has resurrected him from the dead.” (Acts 17:22-31) That was something new! The men and women present to hear Paul’s discourse in the Areopagus certainly had something to think about. ‘In fact, all Athenians and foreigners sojourning there would spend their leisure time at doing nothing but telling something or listening to something new.’ Well, Paul certainly had something new to tell them, and some of them reacted favorably and became believers. But others, “when they heard of a resurrection of the dead, . . . began to mock, while others said: ‘We will hear you about this even another time.’”—Acts 17:21, 32.
One never knows what impression the “word of the kingdom” will make on another’s mind, or on what kind of soil the seed of truth may have fallen. Will it fall along the roadside, on rocky places or in among thorns? On the other hand, the seed can fall on good soil and produce fruitage. The apostle Paul was made very happy. He saw fruitage. The Bible account tells us that, when Paul went out from among their midst, “some men joined themselves to him and became believers, among whom also were Dionysius, a judge of the court of the Areopagus, and a woman named Damaris, and others besides them.” (Acts 17:33, 34) So the seed that Paul sowed brought forth fruitage; in this instance, a judge, a woman and others. Paul himself had earlier proved to be fine soil, for, when the “word of the kingdom” was sounded down into his own heart and mind, he became a real preacher, a producer of a hundredfold. Remember, he established the Corinthian congregation and he wrote to them: “You yourselves are our letter, inscribed on our hearts and known and being read by all mankind. For you are shown to be a letter of Christ written by us as ministers, inscribed not with ink but with spirit of a living God, not on stone tablets, but on fleshly tablets, on hearts.”—2 Cor. 3:2, 3.
True Christians keep in mind the command of Jesus: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them.” (Matt. 28:19, 20) Paul certainly tried to do this in his ministry, and he had fine success. That is what all people who have come to know Jehovah and his beloved Son, Christ Jesus, are required to do now. Real Christians today, like the apostles, must help people to whom they preach so that such ones can understand God’s Word. They must be teachers and help each disciple or learner to get the sense of the “word of the kingdom.” Jesus said: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matt. 24:14) This, Jehovah’s witnesses are really trying to do. When they do make disciples it is necessary for these to dedicate their lives and be baptized in water so as to make a full expression before Jehovah and Christ Jesus and their brothers that they are going to do the will of God henceforth as that will is set forth in his written Word.
But the discipling work does not stop there. Each one of Jehovah’s baptized witnesses must continue to be a learner. He keeps on studying God’s Word, the Holy Bible. He wants to observe all the things that Jesus commanded of his followers. This, of course, takes time. But we do not have to wait until we know all things before we ourselves begin the discipling work. Once we have learned of the wonderful things that Jehovah has done for mankind in providing his Son as our redeemer, and what he is doing through his kingdom, then certainly we should want others to hear the “word of the kingdom” too. We should want to implant the Word of God in the hearts and minds of others because we know the word is able to save one’s life. Remember what Paul told the disciple Timothy: “Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. Stay by these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.”—1 Tim. 4:16.
Thus the baptized believers who engage in the discipling work must go on bringing forth fruitage, some a hundredfold, some sixty and some thirty. Is that asking too much of a real Christian? When Jesus ascended into the heavens there were 120 baptized Jews dedicated to Jehovah who were ready to do the work Jesus started, and anxious to know what they should do. On the day of Pentecost all 120 of them were anointed by holy spirit to preach the Kingdom. There were thousands of others that had heard about Jesus and his message but had not taken a stand, and these had to make a decision. When Peter stood up before them and said, “Get saved from this crooked generation,” then “those who embraced his word heartily were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added.” (Acts 2:40, 41) Think of the work that Jesus did in his day and of the fruitage that he brought forth! Think, too, of the apostles Peter, John, Paul and the others in the early church, and think of the fruitage they produced! When we think, too, of the fruitage being brought forth now, it is very evident that many are becoming believers. What share have you had in all this?
A GREAT CROWD BECOME BELIEVERS
During the service year of 1969 Jehovah’s witnesses throughout the entire world in 203 lands and islands of the sea have been very active, as shown on the chart on pages 26 to 33. All those who have dedicated their lives to Jehovah and were baptized in symbol of that dedication must display their faithfulness. This is evidence that the Word of God has truly been implanted in them. They are determined to put away all filthiness and that superfluous thing, moral badness, and they are accepting with mildness the implanting of the word, which they know is able to save them. The good that has already been done for them they now want to do for others. So Jehovah’s witnesses continue faithfully preaching the good news world wide.—Matt. 24:14.
As one reads the annual report that has been compiled by the Society from its branches around the world one sees a marvelous thing that has happened. Jesus told his disciples to make disciples of others and Jehovah’s witnesses have done that very thing during the past year. (Matt. 28:19, 20) Just consider the number of persons baptized (none infants) during the past service year of 1969 and you will realize that Jehovah’s witnesses have been preaching and teaching at all times, seeking to do the will of Jehovah God. In twelve months 120,905 persons made a fine decision and were baptized. They wanted the Word of God implanted in their hearts and minds just as it is implanted in the minds and hearts of all of God’s dedicated people. They have taken a decisive stand on Jehovah’s side. Henceforth they will do Jehovah’s will as set forth in his written Word.
This has been a most joyful year for Jehovah’s witnesses because Jehovah God has blessed their efforts so much in preaching this good news in all parts of the earth. One of the outstanding events of the year was the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses held in North America and Europe in July and August at which 840,572 persons were in attendance. These, along with others who were not able to get to one of the assemblies, are determined to keep on with the preaching of this Kingdom good news. All are lovers of peace because they worship the God of peace. (2 Cor. 13:11) We still have work to do, and we find that, in the midst of their doing that work, Jehovah has blessed the efforts of his people so that a new peak in publishers of 1,336,112 was reached in the 1969 service year. Throughout the year there were on the average 1,256,784 ministers who could be counted on to spend time in the field ministry every month. Of course, these publishers of the Kingdom good news cannot all be in the work of spreading the message full time, but the dedicated, baptized disciples certainly are all ordained ministers. Out of all of these persons, however, there were 76,515 baptized ministers preaching full time as missionaries, special, regular and vacation pioneers. These spent anywhere from 100 to 150 hours per month spreading the good news of the Kingdom. The remaining number of persons, constituting a great congregation world wide, averaged each from ten to fifteen hours each month in the preaching of God’s kingdom and implanting the word of truth in the hearts and minds of other people.
In order to do this successfully it took a lot of time, and it is amazing to think that all of these 1,336,112 publishers together spent 239,769,076 hours in the preaching of the Kingdom good news. In what features of the ministry did they spend this time? Mainly in the house-to-house ministry, back-call and Bible-study activity, along with magazine distribution and public talks. What a joy it has been for these publishers of the Kingdom! They have indeed been striving to implant the word of the Kingdom in the minds of others. What a blessing for the people who have listened!
During the past service year 1,097,237 home Bible studies were conducted on the average each month throughout the entire year. Really, that is an amazing thing. Jehovah’s witnesses are truly anxious to disciple people of all nations and to help them get a knowledge of God’s truth from his Word so that they can take their stand on the right side, on the side of God’s kingdom, which is mankind’s only hope. On April 1, after 6 p.m., Jehovah’s witnesses, along with others who have expressed interest in God’s purpose, gathered for the annual Memorial of the death of Jesus Christ, and it is wonderful to know that 2,719,860 were present world wide that evening. Of this number, just 10,368 partook of the emblematic bread and wine, indicating that they were looking forward to being joint heirs with Jesus Christ in heavenly glory.
There are many other interesting things about the work that Jehovah’s witnesses are doing. For example, in the field of Bible and Bible literature distribution we find many things to cause rejoicing in the heart. Jehovah’s witnesses fully appreciate that they cannot spend all of their time with people in their homes studying the Bible. But they can leave literature in the homes for people to read so that they can learn more about Jehovah God. During the past year, in more than 160 languages, Jehovah’s witnesses distributed 14,474,862 bound books and Bibles, 11,111,743 booklets and 186,257,878 Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Additionally, they obtained 2,131,667 subscriptions to these magazines.
In order to keep up with this wide distribution of literature at all of the Society’s printing plants throughout the world, of which they have large ones in the United States, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, South Africa, England, Switzerland, Australia and Canada, they were able to produce 27,936,033 Bibles and bound books in 160 languages. They also produced 159,395,598 Watchtower magazines and 166,356,756 Awake! magazines.
The thousands of people who have dedicated their lives to Jehovah have been willing to spend time distributing this important Bible literature to aid in implanting the Word of God in the minds and in the hearts of others.
Jehovah’s witnesses feel the urgency of getting this work done under Jehovah God’s guidance. They feel the time is near at hand for the end of this wicked system of things. Upon seeing the perplexity of the nations, that do not know the way out, they rejoice to have a message of peace and hope for the people, one based on a sure foundation, the Word of God. Prophecy is being fulfilled now, and these are clearly explained in the publications of the Watch Tower Society. That is why Jehovah’s witnesses feel the urgency of telling everyone that he should become a disciple of Christ Jesus. During the years ahead we can assure you that Jehovah’s witnesses will make many more calls at the homes of the people as they continue to preach the good news of God’s kingdom and at the same time declare the vengeance of our God. Jehovah’s witnesses want to disciple people of all nations and teach them to observe all of the things commanded in the Scriptures so that they can be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the holy spirit. But before this can happen in the life of any person he must “accept with mildness the implanting of the word.”—Jas. 1:21.
“PEACE ON EARTH” INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
In the summer of 1967, during the closing remarks on Sunday of the “Disciple-making” District Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the following was said: “For 1969 the Watch Tower Society is planning an international assembly of Jehovah’s witnesses. If Jehovah wills, many of Jehovah’s witnesses in the United States, Canada and some other countries, will assemble at two eight-day conventions, Sunday to Sunday, that will commence in the early part of July 1969 in the eastern part of the United States.” It was mentioned that conventions would be held all the way across the United States to the Pacific and that, “we hope 300,000 to 400,000 persons will be in attendance at the six cities during these three weeks of 1969.” It certainly was Jehovah’s will that this international assembly be held July 6-13, 1969, in Buffalo, New York, and Atlanta, Georgia, two cities in the eastern part of the United States. These were both eight-day assemblies from Sunday to Sunday. In addition, an even larger assembly was held for seven days in New York city, starting on Monday, July 7, and then these three conventions ran simultaneously. What a joy this proved to be to all in attendance! There were 234,546 persons gathered together that first week. And by the end of three weeks the Society had held eight assemblies in the United States and Canada, with a total attendance of 492,310. Truly it was Jehovah’s will to have this “Peace on Earth” assembly.
All of the assemblies were peaceful. There were no riots, and the convention lived up to its name, “Peace on Earth” International Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Much has been said by radio and television about these conventions, and still more was written in newspapers and magazines about the peaceful gathering of people from all nations and languages. In New York city alone there were delegates from over one hundred lands and islands of the sea. At Yankee Stadium foreign-language sessions were held in sixteen languages. Every opportunity was given to those in attendance to hear the truth in their own language, or in a language that they understood.
Then, leaping the Atlantic Ocean, five more assemblies were held, in London, Copenhagen, Paris, Nuremberg and Rome, with another 348,262 persons gathered for the public meetings.
It is difficult to imagine that during the months of July and August, in only six weeks, 840,572 persons were in attendance somewhere in the United States, Canada or Europe to hear the principal talk, “The Approaching Peace of a Thousand Years.” Yes, many of mankind want lasting peace. Jehovah’s witnesses know that peace by God’s arrangement will last.
It is hard to put into words the joy of the people who attended these conventions, or to express their zeal and faith and warm Christian love for one another regardless of language, race or national customs. All of them came to listen and learn. The following chart shows for each assembly the attendance at the public meetings and the number baptized.
These people came to the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses because they had faith in God’s Word, and we are confident that the faith of all was strengthened as a result of their presence and association with Jehovah’s witnesses. This series of conventions will continue in October, beginning in the Far East in Korea and Japan, and then move southward to Australia and, after that, across the Pacific to Hawaii and, finally, to Mexico City before the end of 1969.
THE PROGRAM
These conventions were arranged to take care of the spiritual needs of all persons regardless of language. In New York city the entire convention program was presented in English, Spanish and French. On two days before the opening of the convention at Yankee Stadium special sessions were held in Kingdom Halls in eight languages other than English for the benefit of delegates that came from abroad. During the assembly week itself morning sessions in Yankee Stadium were held in fourteen different languages. What a pleasure it was for the people speaking these languages from all parts of the world to get together and meet one another. How glad they were, too, to receive the new songbook which had just been printed. This publication, “Singing and Accompanying Yourselves with Music in Your Hearts,” was released in Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Swedish during the international assemblies. A joyful song, indeed, in many tongues ascended to Jehovah from the happy throngs.
The Watch Tower Society carefully prepared the program, and each portion of it was a delight to hear. In many of the assembly cities world wide the program ran a full eight days. In a few places the program was crowded into seven days, and sometimes even less. But the same material was enjoyed by all through having additional sessions during some mornings.
THE FIRST DAY
The opening day of the eight-day convention featured the theme “We thank you Jehovah with all our heart.” (Ps. 92:1) Appropriately, on this day Brother N. H. Knorr spoke in Atlanta, Georgia, giving the keynote address on the subject “Acquaint Yourself with God and Keep Peace.” Brother F. W. Franz delivered the same keynote address in Buffalo, New York. Both speakers focused attention right from the start of the convention on the generous Provider of this grand spiritual feast, and the One to whom all our worship is due. Both speakers reviewed the visions of Jehovah that were had by Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel and the apostle John. The audiences in these two cities, as well as throughout the world later, were deeply impressed with the awesome majesty of the Supreme One of the universe. Truly Jehovah’s witnesses at all of the conventions who heard the keynote address felt better acquainted with the wonderful God Jehovah, whom they serve.
On the opening day of all of the conventions the chairman for each convention recounted some of the numerous reasons that we have for giving thanks to Jehovah. He pointed out the great increase in the number of praisers of Jehovah. He emphasized the spiritual abundance and peace that we all enjoy, along with Jehovah’s protection, the faithfulness of our brothers, the loving provision of the ransom by Christ Jesus and the establishment of God’s kingdom. Throughout the entire assembly each one could have the feeling that the deliverance into God’s new order was very near.
We were forcefully reminded that we should appreciate what Jehovah has done for us in providing loving oversight in the congregations. The drama featuring the story of King Saul and David, Abigail and Nabal highlighted this point on the first day’s program. It was a full day of fine spiritual food.
THE SECOND DAY
That the Bible truthfully is the Word of God was the theme for the second day, or the first day in the case of those assembling at seven-day conventions. The text was found at 1 Thessalonians 2:13.
In the afternoon the listeners were delighted with demonstrations setting out sound evidence for sincere persons that the Bible really is the Word of God. Jehovah’s witnesses fully appreciate that many persons today are lacking in faith and object to the Genesis account of creation. These persons claim it is unscientific and that the account in the Bible is based on myth. Unbelievers scoff at the miracles recorded in the Bible. However, the program presented a fine defense of the Bible, considering not only these objections but many more.
This interesting discussion was followed by a forceful talk entitled “Loyal Advocates of the Word of God.” This discourse exposed the disloyalty of the clergy of Christendom toward Jehovah God and his Word of truth, the Bible. It also put the challenge to each individual who believes that the Bible is God’s Word to prove it, not only by words, but by what he does in his personal way of life. At the conclusion of this discourse the audience gave an enthusiastic response to the announcement of the speaker that what they had been hearing could now be had in a pocket-sized publication entitled “Is the Bible Really the Word of God?” It has already been published in thirteen languages. An outstanding witness has been given with this book since its release. By the close of the service year the Society had already printed 5,000,000 copies in thirteen languages.
The truthfulness of what God’s Word says about those who ignore the counsel of the Scriptures was emphasized on this second day in a drama entitled “Thorns and Traps Are in the Way of the Independent One.” This drama graphically illustrated the experiences of people who have forsaken God’s Word in order to achieve financial or social success in the world. Realistically the parable of the prodigal son was recounted, confirming the truthfulness of Proverbs 22:5, as well as showing the love of Jehovah in allowing those who wish to turn back to Jehovah and conform to his way to do so.
After this day could the convention get any better?
THE THIRD DAY
The following day’s program revolved around the scripture that says: “A man of faithful acts will get many blessings.” (Prov. 28:20) Each one attending the convention was urged to examine his own life. “What Are You Living For?” That was a question thoroughly discussed. The audience was asked, Are you living for worldly associations? For the pleasures of drink? Opportunities to toy with sexual immorality? Illicit satisfaction of fornication and adultery? Or, are you truly interested in life in God’s new order? In very straightforward but tasteful language the facts were laid out so that no one listening could miss the point. Plain counsel from God’s Word was given. The situations that easily lead to violations of God’s law were identified. The end results were vividly contrasted with the blessings that come to those who are faithfully following the Word of God. What course will you pursue? “It all depends on what you want,” one speaker declared. “But is it worth it to forfeit life in God’s new order for a night of drunken carousing or a fling at immorality? Certainly not!” This very pointed information was needed due to the appalling rise in immorality in this world. Jehovah’s people must be on guard that the world’s ways are not allowed to take root among them.
Another fine drama rounded out the afternoon program, pointing out the need for overseers to handle problems that come up. It is their responsibility to help keep Jehovah’s organization clean.
In the evening our attention was drawn to the subject “Making My Home a House of God.” With much Scriptural support, the proper exercise of headship was discussed. Points were presented on the need to show readiness to forgive, doing things together, and being concerned for one another. Is there communication among family members, between husband and wife, between children and parents? This caused many to examine their own homelife on these matters. One speaker asked, “How well do you know each other? How well do you know your children?” For one’s home to be a house of God, peace must prevail and Bible principles must govern. Even if one’s mate is not a believer, the one serving Jehovah should apply godly principles. For such faithfulness there will be many blessings.
THE FOURTH DAY
“Call out for understanding itself,” was the dominant theme of another day’s program. (Prov. 2:3) The speakers on that day pointed out that circuit and district servants, as well as congregation servants and ministerial servants, have the responsibility to promote peaceableness. They need to have an understanding of God’s Word and of their brothers. They must listen to the problems of others. The short demonstrations were very beneficial in driving home the points. The question was asked of the audience, “Do you appreciate what the servants do in your behalf?” The response showed that they did.
The key discourse of the day was again given either by the president of the Society, the vice-president, or the secretary-treasurer. The subject was “With All That You Acquire, Acquire Understanding.” What is understanding? If you understand something you do not see just some isolated aspects of a matter, but you are able to see the entire picture. We should be able to come to right conclusions if we have understanding. Very early in the talk the speaker delighted his audience by announcing the release of another new publication, entitled “Aid to Bible Understanding.” This volume, containing over 1,200 articles, was just the first part of a work that is eventually to include thousands of articles on Bible accounts of people, places and events. At a time when most reference works on the Bible tend toward higher criticism and put the opinions of men above God’s Word, how fine it is to have a source of information that upholds the truthfulness of God’s Word. It was announced that we would be using this publication in the Theocratic Ministry School during 1970 in countries where the English language is spoken. Later in the day the new Aid book was examined and Bible questions on a variety of subjects were answered in a very well designed program.
THE FIFTH DAY
A full day was also built around the theme “Youths, may ‘years of life and peace be added to you.’” (Prov. 3:1, 2) Should there be a “generation gap” in the Christian home? one of the speakers asked. Youths were cautioned against music that glorifies loose living and hair styles and dress that identify one with rebellious or immoral groups in the world. The youths were urged to be guided by Bible principles. They were encouraged to show respect for mature persons, to benefit from the experience of such mature ones and to stick close to Jehovah and his organization. Only in that way will years of life and of peace be added to any individual. The fine point was emphasized that it is not rights but duties that God’s Word calls upon us to pay attention to. The speaker showed that we “should not think that just because something is common in the world it is our right.” Remember, we have duties toward God. It is only by Jehovah’s undeserved kindness that we are alive today.
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