transcript - 2021 powerful by faith! (sun am)

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POWERFUL BY

FAITH! 2021 Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses

SUNDAY MORNING TRANSCRIPT

Powerful by Faith! 2021 Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses

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Table of Contents SUNDAY MORNING SESSION—PART 1 ............................................................................................................. 3

SYMPOSIUM: IMITATE WOMEN OF STRONG FAITH… ....................................................................................................... 5 Kenneth Cook, Governing Body:—Sarah .. ..................................................................................................... 5 James Mantz, Teaching Committee:—Rahab……… .................................................................................................... 8 Kenneth Flodin, Teaching Committee:—Hannah ..................................................................................................... 11 Harold Corkern, Publiching Committee—The Captive Israelite Girl ......................................................................... 14

Geoffrey Jackson, Governing Body—Mary – the Mother of Jesus …………………………….………………………………………17 Leonard Myers, Writing Committee—The Phoenician Woman …………………………………………………………...….……20 William malenfant, Teaching Committee—Martha …………………………………………………………………………..………24 Gerrit Losch, Governing Body—Modern-Day Examples …………………………………………………………………………..………26

SUNDAY MORNING SESSION—PART 2 ....................................................................................................…….31

PUBLIC BIBLE DISCOURSE: William Turner, Teaching Committee – Have Faith in the Good NewS… ............................... 32

Powerful by Faith! Sunday 2021 Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses Morning

Matthew 21:21 “If you have faith…,it will happen.”

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Sunday Morning Session—Part 1

Session Chairman

Greetings, brothers, and sisters! Our next music-video presentation is about to begin. As you

watch it, please reflect on how you can imitate the faith of your brothers and sisters. Please enjoy the presentation.


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00:01:17 Music-Video Presentation

Welcome to this session of our “Powerful by Faith!” Convention, which corresponds to the

Sunday morning session on your printed program. The theme is Jesus’ promise recorded at Matthew 21:21, which says in part: “If you have faith . . . , it will happen.”

We invite you to sing together song number 137, “Faithful Women, Christian Sisters.” Again, that’s song number 137.

Sadly, some consider women as being inferior to men and of little worth. How untrue! As we’ll see in this eight-part symposium, there is much that we can learn from women of faith. Each speaker will introduce the one to follow. To begin, let’s give our attention to Brother Kenneth Cook, a member of the Governing Body, as he presents the talk entitled “Imitate Women of Strong Faith!—Sarah.”


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SYMPOSIUM: Imitate Women of Strong Faith!

Kenneth Cook, Governing Body: —Sarah

In our life experience, there are many people we do not forget—both good and bad. But those we delight to call to mind, or remember, are the people most important and most loved to us. This is true of Jehovah as well. He knows everyone who has ever lived—righteous and unrighteous—and he will resurrect millions of them. But what he finds the greatest delight in is remembering those with strong faith who became his friends, including many faithful women. His Word is filled with accounts of women who had strong faith. This symposium will consider faithful women from the past with various backgrounds. We will learn why they needed faith, how they showed faith, and how all of us can imitate their faith. We begin with the faithful woman, Sarah. Sarah needed faith. Why? Well, because like her husband, Abraham, Sarah accepted a nomadic lifestyle when Jehovah directed them to do so.

Hebrews 11:8 says of Abraham that “by faith [he] . . . obeyed by going out to a place “[that] he was to receive as an inheritance . . . , although not knowing where he was going.” What was true for Abraham was true for Sarah as well. Along with Abraham, she complied with Jehovah’s direction, and she left the prosperous city of Ur. She no doubt had to leave behind her relatives as well as material advantages. We read at Genesis 12:1 that Abraham was told: “Go out from your land and away from your relatives.” Such moves are never easy. Actually, moving is known to be one of the most stressful things that people must do at times, especially when it involves moving away from friends and relatives. Yes, Sarah needed faith, and she had it. She cooperated with her husband’s direction, which meant accepting a completely different way of life. Her obedience revealed her strong faith in Jehovah. As you watch the following video, imagine the challenges that Sarah faced.


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Sarah:

Life in Ur was comfortable. We had all the modern conveniences.

Then Jehovah gave us an assignment we never expected—

one that meant saying goodbye to the life we loved. But rather than look behind, Abraham and I looked ahead.

We had seen Jehovah’s hand in our lives, and we knew he would be with us every step of the journey. And he was in ways that surprised us—ways we never could have imagined. Jehovah did more than help us; he fulfilled his every promise.

As accurately depicted in that video, how did Sarah show faith? She showed faith by looking ahead. She also reflected on what Jehovah had already done for them. Abraham and Sarah had seen Jehovah’s hand in their lives. They were his friends. They had obeyed before, and Jehovah had confidence in their obedience now. As a woman of strong faith, Sarah trusted that Jehovah would continue to be with them in their new assignment. She willingly gave up the comforts and conveniences of Ur, and her faith in God did not go unrewarded. In time, she received a blessing that she never could have anticipated. Sarah’s faith in Jehovah led to the birth of Isaac. What made this blessing especially remarkable is described for us at Hebrews 11:11, 12. Let’s read those verses. Hebrews chapter 11 lists a number of faithful servants of God. Sarah is mentioned along with Abraham. As we read starting in verse 11, notice how the focus is on faith: “By faith also Sarah received power to conceive offspring, “even when she was past the age, “since she considered Him faithful who made the promise. “For this reason, from one man who was as good as dead, “there were born children, as many as the stars of heaven in number and as innumerable as the sands by the seaside.” So, what remarkable blessing did Sarah receive as a result of her faith? The “power to conceive

offspring, even when she was past the age,” it said. But how specifically did she show faith? She showed faith because “she considered Him faithful who had made the promise.” Sarah had faith in Jehovah’s promise that Abraham would become the father to many. Abraham needed faith, but so did Sarah. And because they both had such faith, verse 12 says: “For this reason, . . . there were born children.” Now, some might say, ‘But I recall from the Scriptures that Sarah laughed when she heard that she would give birth?’ True. But was that because she lacked faith? Not at all. We read a moment ago that Sarah considered Jehovah faithful. In other words, she trusted him. So, what happened? Well, evidently, the thought of giving birth at her age struck her as being so unusual that she could not hold back from laughing to herself. So while she was only all too human, she was undeniably a woman of strong faith. Years later, Sarah’s faith in Jehovah’s promise concerning Isaac moved her to speak up when 5-year-old Isaac was persecuted, or bullied, by 19-year-old Ishmael. She saw a real threat to the well-being of Isaac, and her faith reminded her that Isaac was more than just her son. He was assigned a key role in Jehovah’s purpose. So she mustered up courage and spoke up in his defense. Strong faith helps us to do many things. In the following dramatization, take note of how a husband and wife show faith like that of Abraham and Sarah.

Powerful by Faith! Sunday 2021 Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses Afternoon

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(A car drives along a country roads where surrounded by a dense forest. Inside sitsa young couple) Saying goodbye is never easy.

(She scrolls to some photos on her tablet). And even though we were excited about

our new LDC assignment, it was going to take us farther than we’d it was going to take us farther than we’d ever been. (They drive up to a constrcution site where a group of volunteers welcome them with open arms).

It wasn’t just a new routine; it was a whole new way of life! (The couple smiles of the twin bed and flower wall paper. They turn off their 6am alarm and jumped into their car with coffee mug in hand. A full day’s work at the Kingdom Hall construction site)

With each new move and project, we thought about Sarah. (They look at a picture of Sarah on their tablet).

She focused on the good things ahead and not on what she’d left behind. And that’s what we tried to do. (Putting their bags, hard hats and boots in their car trunk, they wave goodbye to their host. On the road again, they drive across a snowy landscape. After the 6am alarm, they join a video conference on another construction site. Scenes of them collaborating with other volunteers then

attending a congregation meeting and chatting on their family on a video call. After loading their belongings back in tehir car, they travel along the highway. Another 6am alarm they attend the morning worship at the next site). Jehovah has been so good to us. (Scenes of her in the ministry

with another sister. Then at lunch, laughing withher husband and other construction volunteers. And waving goodbye to the local friends as they drive away gift in hand. As her husband drives, she scrolls through photos of them with their construction group, she smiles then gazes out the car window).

We didn’t always know where the next project would take us, but we did know that Jehovah would be with us every step of the way.

As demonstrated in that video, we can strengthen our faith by meditating on Jehovah’s goodness to his people in the past and his goodness to his people today. Take

time to meditate on how Jehovah has helped you when you’ve made sacrifices in his service. As the sister in the video stated, ‘Sarah focused on the good things ahead and


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not on what she had left behind.’ We show faith like that of Sarah’s when we support the decisions that are made by God’s organization today. Imitate Sarah’s faith and follow Jehovah’s direction closely. When we are obedient to Jehovah’s direction, then as Hebrews 13:17 states, the brothers may carry out their responsibilities “with joy and not with sighing.” For married sisters, this means displaying a Sarah-like spirit in their marriage. A Christian wife respects and supports her husband in doing Jehovah’s will. The apostle Peter wrote that such a spirit has “great value in the eyes of God.” What are some of the many ways in which sisters today display faith like Sarah’s? Well, many Christian women of strong faith are supportive of their husbands in the circuit work. Many others leave family

behind when accepting an assignment from Local/Design Construction or the School for Kingdom Evangelizers. And many sisters serving at Bethel do so far away from their families. And this is true of single sisters as well. All of these, and many more, show Sarah-like faith by trusting in Jehovah’s loving care and making themselves available in his service. We are confident that Jehovah sees these acts of faith. Hebrews 13:16 says that “God is well-pleased with such sacrifices.” So see their example and imitate their faith. Brother James Mantz, a helper to the Writing Committee, will now present the next talk in this symposium, “Imitate Women of Strong Faith!—Rahab.”

SYMPOSIUM: Imitate Women of Strong Faith…

James Mantz, Teaching Committee: -Rahab

Two Israelite men sneak into the city of Jericho. The men are spies. They take refuge in a place where they feel no one will notice them—the home of a prostitute, Rahab. And little does Rahab know how the visit of these two men will affect her life. But someone recognizes the spies, and they notify the king. The king sends men to take the spies into custody. As the king’s men bang on the door, Rahab is confronted with a life-

or-death decision—a decision that will affect her livelihood and the lives of everyone in her family. Will she take a stand for Jehovah’s people, or will she side with the king of Jericho? As you watch the following video, imagine the challenges that Rahab faced and notice what helped her to make a life-saving decision.

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Rahab: “Jericho was doomed. People were scared. When the Israelite men showed up at my door, there was barely time to think. But I knew what was at stake Even as a young girl, I had heard all the stories. Jehovah

wasn’t like the other gods. He had dried up the waters of the Red Sea and given his people victory over the Amorites.

If I helped these men, I knew Jehovah would help me. For the first time in my life, I was standing with Jehovah’s people on Jehovah’s side. And my faith was being rewarded.”

The spies were probably the first Israelites that Rahab had ever met. Yet, she was convinced that if she helped the two men, Jehovah would help her. Why did she feel that way? Please open your Bibles to Hebrews chapter 11, and we’re going to read verse 31. And here we find the answer to that question in a single word. Hebrews 11:31 says: “By faith Rahab the prostitute “did not perish with those who acted disobediently, because she received the spies in a peaceable way.” Yes, Rahab took a decisive stand based on her faith in what she had heard about Jehovah—how he had delivered his people at the Red Sea and how he had given them victories over nearby kings. The account in Joshua chapter 2 describes the significant sequence of events. Rahab had already hidden the spies on

her roof before the king’s men arrived. And after sending the king’s men away, she went back up to the roof to talk to the spies. There she explained to them the reasons for her faith, and she expressed confidence that Jehovah is the true God, and that Jehovah would give his people victory over Jericho. Only then did she ask the spies for protection for herself and her family. So Rahab’s faith was not based on the promise of a reward. Rather, her faith was based on her firm conviction that Jehovah is the almighty God. Rahab’s faith gave her courage to hide and protect the spies. And then her faith moved her to obey the spies’ unusual instructions. In the following dramatization, notice how a young Bible student shows faith like that of Rahab.


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(In a coffee house, a young blond woman studies with a sister)

There was no doubt about it. I had found the truth. So why did I feel so anxious?

(The student eye shift to a sparkling christmas tree. She reflects back at her home, she holds an invitation to a christmas party then she looks at a photo with her mom both wearing christmas sweater)

I knew how Mom felt about the holidays.

(Back in the coffee house, the sister notices that she was gazing at a tree then she shows her something on her tablet)

But I also learned how Jehovah felt. They displease him.

(At home, the student looks at on article about christmas on watchtower online library, she stands up and throws away her christmas decorations).

Some changes in my life were easy to make. (She pauses as she seen the photo of her and her mom, she picks it up and presses her lips)

But I really needed Jehovah’s help for what I had to do next. (She knocks on her mom’s door who receives her with a warm smile and a warm hug).

I love my mom so much. When I explained that I wouldn’t celebrate the holidays anymore, I could tell that she was hurt. (As they talk on the couch, she hold her hand buther mom turns away and walked over to

the christmas tree) But I knew I was doing the right thing and prayed that Jehovah would help her understand.

(That evening her mom watches t.v. with a furrowed brow, commercial says…) “It is going to be a holiday season like no other—like this 36-megapixel DSLR camera kit for just $399. Or would you believe this 65” 4K UHD Smart TV is only $849? Hurry in before it’s gone because these . . .“(she turns off the t.v. and picks up a picture of her daughter)

(Daytime, her daughter opens the door with her bible teacher. As her teacher enters, she wave at the student and her mom who sits on the couch ready for the study) I admit I was surprised when she said she wanted to learn more. What a blessing! Thanks to Jehovah, I had found the truth, and now maybe my family would find it too.

Like Rahab, this Bible student had already identified the true God. She was convinced that she had found the truth. But now she needed to act on that faith, and she was blessed when she took a stand on Jehovah’s side. Each of us must ask ourselves, ‘Am I standing firmly on Jehovah’s side?’ Perhaps you feel that you don’t have enough knowledge to take a stand. If so, imitate Rahab and do not hesitate. What little knowledge

Rahab had about Jehovah was enough to give her faith that moved her to take prompt, obedient action. But Rahab had to do more than protect the spies and follow their instructions. James 2:25 states that Rahab was “declared righteous by [her] works.” Remember, she was a prostitute—a work that is not in harmony with Jehovah’s righteous standards. The Canaanites didn’t view prostitution as something bad. However, in


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order to be accepted as one of Jehovah’s clean worshippers, Rahab had to abandon her immoral way of life. Likewise today, all who want to please Jehovah must abandon any lifestyles or conduct that displeases him. This includes sexual immorality, idolatry, theft, drunkenness, and customs that are not in harmony with the Scriptures. Rahab and her family certainly were grateful that her faithful actions led to their salvation. But that wasn’t all that Jehovah did to bless this woman of strong faith. She also had the privilege of becoming an ancestress of the Messiah, Jesus

Christ. Therefore, may all of us imitate the faith of Rahab. And may that faith move us to action to abandon immoral conduct and false religious customs, to take our stand for Jehovah and his pure worship, to continue to grow in knowledge of God, and to draw closer to him as our loving, heavenly Father. If we show faith like that of Rahab, we will enjoy Jehovah’s favor and blessing forever. Brother Kenneth Flodin, a helper to the Teaching Committee, will now present the next talk of this symposium, “Imitate Women of Strong Faith!—Hannah.”


Kenneth Flodin, Teaching Committee: -Hannah

In the third talk of this convention, Brother Noumair asked: ‘Have you experienced financial setback? ‘Has your child faced peer pressure [and, we could add, bullying] in school? Do you have a life-threatening disease?’ We’d like to continue that list: Do you face scorn from workmates? Do you have a personality issue with someone? Do family members taunt you? Well, as we deal with various trials, we might recall the words of Paul. He said: “The way I am aiming my blows is so as not to be striking the air.” Well, how do we counteract the adversities of this system? Please find 1 Samuel chapter 1. Hannah had two adversities, and they were like boom! boom!—a one-two punch—designed to drop her for the count. The first one is in verse 2 of chapter 1:

“[Elkanah] had two wives; one was named Hannah, and the other was named Peninnah.” Well, that’s polygamy. And Peninnah loathed, she hated Hannah. Well, what was the second problem? It continues: “Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.” Hannah was barren. And in that culture, this was a bitter reproach for a woman. Well, what was devious, uncouth Peninnah really like? Let’s read verse 6: “Moreover, her rival wife taunted her relentlessly in order to upset her.” She did this on purpose “because Jehovah had not given her children.” And look at the end of verse 7: “Her rival would taunt her so much that [Hannah] would weep and not eat.” Well, as you watch the following artwork, imagine Hannah’s distressing circumstance and then how faith turned it all around

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Hannah: “I couldn’t sleep or eat. I felt my hopes and dreams slipping away. But even if no one else really understood me, I knew Jehovah would. I told him everything. I knew that the “God of

justice” would set all matters right in his own time and in his own way.

Jehovah answered my prayer in such a wonderful way. I never forgot where this incredible blessing had come from. “There is no rock like our God.”

Did you see the grief on Hannah’s face in that first picture? In the next piece of art, she’s peaceful and tranquil, and she’s voicing her faith in Jehovah, her Rock. From despair to calmness of heart, how did that happen? In verses 10 and 11, she demonstrated faith in several ways. And we can do the same as we face our own boom! boom!—one-two punch—of trials and frustrations of life. In verse 10: “Hannah was extremely bitter, “and she began to pray to Jehovah and to weep uncontrollably.” She was “extremely bitter,” but she prayed. She cried “uncontrollably,” but she prayed to Jehovah. In your agonizing circumstances, no matter how agitated, find a quiet place (if only in your mind) and pour out your heart to Jehovah. Well, how else did Hannah show her faith? Well, in that very prayer, she did ask Jehovah for a blessing. But she also promised to give him something in return. In verse 11: “And she made this vow: “‘O Jehovah of armies, “‘if you look upon the affliction of your servant “‘and remember me and you do not forget your servant “‘and give to your servant a male child, “‘I will give him to Jehovah all the days of his life, and no razor will

touch his head.’” Yes, she was going to give her son as a Nazirite from birth to serve Jehovah all his days—a sterling example of faith. Well, what else likely strengthened Hannah’s faith? Examples of faithful women who came before her with similar circumstances. Do you remember Rachel and her sister Leah? They were both married to Jacob. And like Hannah, Rachel had no children. And there were issues between the two because of this. But you see, Hannah could look back on that example and see how Jehovah helped faithful Rachel to prosper. It bolstered her faith. Well, what’s another way that Hannah showed faith? Well, despite being distraught—so distraught that she “would weep” and could “not eat”—she continued her spiritual routine. Verse 7 says that she would go to the tabernacle faithfully “year after year.” In verses 13 through 16, she was misjudged by the high priest, but she continued her spiritual routine. Now, as we said at the outset, the punches that life throws at us are different from Hannah’s, but we too can have the same strong faith that she did. Now, in the following dramatization, though the trial is different, note how the sister shows faith like that of Hannah.


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(In a medical office, a woman sits across from her doctor)

I could tell from the doctor’s voice that the news wasn’t good.

(Brow furrowed, the woman nods, as the doctor points to an x-ray, the woman fidgets with her hands, her eyes dart on different directions. The

doctor hands her a paper)

I just didn’t expect my health to worsen so quickly.

(Leaving the medical center, she walks to her car in a daze. In her car, she struggles to put the keys in the ignition. Fighting back tears, she grips the steering wheel. With lips trembling, she closes her eyes and bows her head to pray. At home, she puts her purse and leans on the kitchen table with both palms).

I tried to act like everything was fine—that I was fine, but I wasn’t.

(She grabs the dirty dishes and loads on the dishwasher. She drops a plate, bursting into tears she collapse on the floor

Praying to Jehovah, just knowing he would listen and understand—that’s what got me through.

(Later that day, she sits on the couch and frowns at the paper from her doctor)

No one really knew what I was going through, not even my friends.

(She sees a text from a friend, three clock emojis and a shrug emoji next to a profile photo of a short haired middle aged woman. As other witnesses leaves, she enters a Kingdom Hall. Sitting on the lobby, her short haired friend looks at her watch when she sees her. Pressing her lips in annoyance, her friend stands up and approaches her).

I felt like Hannah—totally misunderstood. But she had faith that Jehovah would set matters straight.

(She motioned her friend to a small room, they sit and openly converse.)

And he did for Hannah and for me.

(Herfriend listens intently. They tightly embrace).

But more than that, he reminded me that I wouldn’t have to deal with this illness alone


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The sister’s circumstances were different, but she drew strength from Hannah’s strong faith in Jehovah. No matter what the circumstances or trial, how can we imitate the example of that faith? Well, there are many different ways, but let’s review a few. First Peter 5:9—Satan tries to beat us up and knock us down, but we’re not alone. There are others who experience the same trials—1 Peter 5:9: “But take your stand against him, firm in the faith, “knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by the entire association of your brothers in the world.” Reflect on Jehovah’s dealings with other faithful ones, both in the past and in the present day. Now, at 1 Samuel 1:12, it says that Hannah “prayed for a long time before Jehovah.” We too can gain relief through fervent, persistent, and specific prayers. Colossians chapter 4 says: “Persevere in prayer.” When we pray to Jehovah, leave it with him, confident that he will help. And recall that “Hannah was extremely bitter.” She

was crying “uncontrollably.” But after she poured her feelings out to Jehovah, verse 18 says: “[She] went on her way and ate, and her face was no longer downcast.” And then after Jehovah acted in her behalf, Hannah remembered that, and she went back to Jehovah in prayer and prayed the beautiful prayer in 1 Samuel chapter 2. Finally, like Hannah, even if discouraged, we need to maintain a good spiritual routine. If we allow distress to paralyze us, in effect we become a stationary punching bag for Satan. Stay nimble on your feet spiritually active in your theocratic routine. And like Paul, aim your blows; do not strike the air. Fight back against Satan and his tactics. If we do all these things, our bond with Jehovah will grow ever stronger and Jehovah will reward our faith like he did for Hannah. And now Brother Harold Corkern, a helper to the Publishing Committee, will present the next talk of this symposium, “Imitate Women of Strong Faith!—The Captive Israelite Girl.”


Harold Corkern, Publishing Committee: -The Captive Israelite Girl

In the 11th century B.C.E., the nation of Syria would often attack Israel, capturing many and making many their slaves—even children. Notice how the Bible describes one of these raids in 2 Kings chapter 5. Second Kings chapter 5, and in verse 1, we are told that

Naaman was the army chief of the Syrians. He was a mighty warrior, but he was also very sick with leprosy. But notice verse 2: “On one of their raids, “the Syrians had taken captive from the land of Israel a little girl who became a servant to Naaman’s wife.” Can you picture this little girl being ripped away from her


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parents? It was frightening for her. She was taken to a strange land with people that were intimidating, and they worshipped many false gods. In that very difficult circumstance, how

was this little girl required to exercise strong faith? Please note the answer to this question in the following video.

The Captive Israelite Girl: I remember the day the soldiers took me away. I had never felt more alone. My home, my friends, everything I knew was gone. “

But I still had Jehovah. The master of the house was very sick. He was in pain.

Elisha could help him. I had heard about Elisha’s miracles. He had even raised the dead. I knew Elisha could cure him, and Jehovah gave me the courage to speak up.

Despite being away from her parents, this little girl exercised strong faith. Where did she get that faith? Well, no doubt her parents had inculcated love and trust for Jehovah in her. But she also had things that were happening in her lifetime that would build her faith. For example, she would have known about the miracles of the prophet Elisha and how, with Jehovah’s spirit, he performed many miracles, including raising a little boy from the dead. This little girl could have reasoned, ‘Why, if Jehovah can raise a little boy from death, he can certainly cure my master from his disease.’ Well, what did she do with this faith and trust? She spoke up courageously. Notice her words to her mistress as recorded at 2 Kings 5:3: “She said to her mistress: “‘If only my lord would visit the prophet in Samaria! Then he would cure him of his leprosy.’” Such

boldness! And because she spoke up, Naaman went to Israel, got in touch with Elisha the prophet, humbled himself, listened to the instructions, and was completely cured of the leprosy. But something else very important occurred. Because of Naaman’s coming to know about Jehovah, what did he declare? At 2 Kings 5:15, he said: “Now I know that there is no God anywhere in all the earth but in Israel.” And Naaman also vowed that he would never serve any other god but Jehovah. How happy Naaman and his entire household was when he went home! Not only was he cured of his leprosy but now he was a happy, joyful servant of Jehovah. Well, it’s not just in Bible times that good experiences like this have occurred. As you watch the following dramatization, notice how one of our sisters showed strong faith, even under the most difficult of circumstances.


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(In a dim prison corridor, a guard leads a woman to a cell)

I was taken from my home, my husband, and my spiritual family.

(Her cellmate, glares down at her from the bunkbed).

I was imprisoned for my faith. (In a courtyard, she sees a group of women fighting).

It was another world. It wasn’t easy staying strong.

(She and her cellmate wait in the corridor as the chief guard and a female guard inspec their cell. As the guards leave, she approaches the chief gueard, he turns away).

Every time I asked for a Bible, the answer was no.

(Night time, as her cellmate sleeps, she sits on her bed and writes on a notebook with a smile on her face).

But God’s Word was already in my heart. So I did what I love the most; I talked about

God’s Kingdom.

(She chats with a prisoner as they clean the floor).

Many of those I preached to seemed cold at first,

(she showed her cellmate the notebook),

but genuine love and the warmth of God’s Word just seemed to melt their hearts.

(She walks and talks with a stout prisoner).

Sometimes speaking up took more courage than I thought I had, but not more courage than Jehovah could give me. (The chief guard sees her chatting in the courtyard).

(As the guards inspect their cell, the chief guard finds her notebook. Frowning, he holds it up to her, she swallows hard then speaks freely to them).

It was hard to look beyond the locks and uniforms. But God’s will is that “all sorts of people” learn about him. So I spoke about my God, Jehovah.

(As she kneels infront of her bed, the chief guard and the female guard enter her cell. Startled, she jumps up. The chief guard hands her a package wrapped in brown paper. She unwraps it and see a gray bible, her face lights up. Sh elooked at the chief guard with a grateful expression. As the guards leave, she motions to her cellmate who climbs down to the bunkbed. They look at the Bible together).

I knew that even behind prison bars, Jehovah would give me the strength to help others.

(As they talk, stays in the corridor and leans against their celldoor).


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At this point, we’d like to address our young ones in the audience. You too can have strong faith like the little Israelite girl and tell others about Jehovah. Remember the words of Romans 10:13, 14. It is so important that people know about Jehovah. But how can they know about him and gain salvation if there’s no one to preach? You too can become a bold and faithful preacher of the good news. How? By taking in Bible truths and building up strong faith in your heart, and then you’ll be able to do like our sister did in the dramatization. Do you remember what she said? ‘I had God’s Word in my heart. ‘And as a result, even in prison ‘when I was surrounded by all those difficulties, ‘I did what I love to do; I talked about God’s Kingdom.’ Another thing you can do is pray for more courage and faith. Do you remember what our sister said? ‘It seemed that, at times, to speak up required more courage than I had, but not more courage than Jehovah could give me.’ So dear young ones, don’t be afraid to talk about Jehovah and the truth to your schoolmates, to your unbelieving relatives, to your teachers. Good results will happen. For example, there is an experience of a schoolteacher here in the United States who had been searching for the basic questions as to the meaning of life, but she could not find

them. But then a 12-year-old student at school asked this teacher three questions. The first question: “Do you know that I’m one of Jehovah’s Witnesses?” “Yes.” “Would you like to learn more about Jehovah’s Witnesses?” “Yes.” The third question: “Where do you live?” Our 12-year-old sister started a study with her teacher. The teacher loved what she was hearing, made excellent progress, and was baptized. That sister, the former schoolteacher, has been serving Jehovah now for many decades. In fact, for the last 40 years, she has been serving as a member of the United States Bethel family. So blessings come when we speak up and show strong faith. Remember, in the case of the little Israelite girl, Naaman would have never gone to Israel if she had not spoken up. And as a result, he was cured, but he also became a servant of Jehovah. So in harmony with the strong faith of that captive Israelite girl, may Jehovah give all of us the courage we need to display our strong faith even under the most stressful and frightening circumstances. Brother Geoffrey Jackson will now consider the next talk of this symposium, “Imitate Women of Strong Faith!—Mary the Mother of Jesus.”


Geoffrey Jackson, Governing Body: -Mary the Mother of Jesus


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Jehovah chose the young woman Mary for a difficult assignment. It was a unique assignment, one that required great faith. It was to care for and raise the only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ. What an amazing privilege that was! And yet, it required strong faith on the part of Mary not only because this was a very serious responsibility that would involve quite a number of years but because initially Mary, before accepting this assignment, had some concerns, no doubt. One of them would

have been the concern with regard to the reaction of her friends, neighbors, relatives and, yes, of course, her fiancé, Joseph. After all, the angel didn’t say to her: “Don’t worry. “I’ll go and inform this to all the ones involved so that they don’t get upset.” So it was a very difficult and overwhelming assignment for Mary. Can you imagine how she approached this assignment? Well, to help us do that, let’s watch this short video.

Mary – the Mother of Jesus: I was engaged to marry Joseph. I thought we would have a simple and quiet life. And then, suddenly, everything changed. I know that God

sometimes asks us to do what is difficult. But this seemed impossible, beyond anything we could handle.

But I knew I was safe in Jehovah’s hands. If we remained loyal to Him and did our best to care for his precious Son, he would always be loyal to us and give us what we needed.

Yes, when we think of Mary’s situation, all that she was interested in was having a quiet, simple life. Then suddenly everything changed for her, and it may have seemed impossible for her to be able to accept that assignment. And yet, what was her reaction? Well, please take your Bibles, and turn with me to the first chapter of Luke and verse 38—Luke 1:38. There we see Mary’s reaction: “Look! “Jehovah’s slave girl! May it happen to me according to your declaration.” Yes, in full faith and with humility, she accepted this difficult assignment. She knew that Jehovah would be with her and that he would help her. But what was it that gave Mary such a strong faith? Well, we get a clue if we look down in the same chapter but at verse 46. So that’s Luke 1:46. And we’re not going to read the verse, but the study note associated with the verse. Notice it says: “Mary’s words of praise “that follow in verses 46-55 “contain well over 20 references to “or allusions to the Hebrew Scriptures . . .

“Mary’s words give evidence of her spirituality “and her knowledge of the Scriptures. “They show her appreciative attitude. “Her words also reveal the depth of her faith, “as she spoke of Jehovah as abasing the haughty and powerful and as helping the lowly and poor who seek to serve him.” Yes, Mary’s faith was based on her knowledge of God’s Word, of the Holy Scriptures that she had. But it seems that she didn’t have personal copies of these writings. Rather, she must have memorized what she heard being read at the synagogue. Isn’t that amazing? So Mary’s heart was full of all of these expressions from the Hebrew Scriptures—so much so that when she spontaneously praised Jehovah, all these expressions came out because she had treasured them in her heart. So, yes, Mary had strong faith that was based on the Holy Writings, and that is what made her qualified for this assignment. Well, what about us? How can we imitate this strong faith of Mary? As we


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look at this dramatization, notice that although our assignments may be different, we likewise need to have that same strong faith.

(A brothertakes note on a conference room)

When they first told me, I thought it must have been a mistake. I mean, me—oversee a department at an international convention?

(As they review a stadium layout, the presentor push a thick binder to him).

I felt like it was just too much to handle, (at home he sits at the kitchen table with the binder open, papers and maps thrown all over the table),

but I remembered that I thought the same thing years ago when I was asked to serve on a Disaster Relief Committee

(scenes from his past – in a store house of relief supplies, he leads a group of volunteers in high vis vest. They pass a t.v. depicting a raging fire on the news. He holds his chin as a volunteer points to a map. All eyes stare at him. He hesitates and bows his head)

and when I served on the Hospital Liaison Committee.

(sitting in a hospital corridor, he picks up his Bible and opens it. A woman with a clip board leads him to a conference room full of hospital staff. Again, all eyes on him).

Actually, I’ve always felt that way when I’ve received an assignment from Jehovah.

(Fidgetting, he stands by the Kingdom Hall platform with a bible and folder on han. He briefly bows his head then walks to the podium and speaks confidently infront of an audience. Flashes of him speaking boldly to the hospotal staff and directing the disaster relief volunteers)

But what I’ve learned is that he’s always ready to help. So when Jehovah asks me to do something that seems difficult, I just remind myself to pray, stay loyal, and have faith (back at the kitchen table, he looks up with a smile and types on his laptop ).

(in the conference room with the stadium layout on the screen behind him , he opens the binder and enthusiastically present infront of a group of brothers).

that he’ll give me what I need.


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Did you feel sorry for that young brother? Perhaps we can really understand his expressions, ‘When they told me of the assignment, I thought it was a mistake.’ No doubt some of us have felt the same way at times too. But what helped this young brother? Well, he remembered how Jehovah had helped him in similar situations in the past. Do you remember how he thought back to the time when he was with the Disaster Committee? And there he was, standing as a young man, and all these other men were looking to him for some direction. That was very overwhelming. And then what about when he was to make the presentation as an HLC member? Remember him sitting there in the corridor by himself, and then this young woman ushers him into the room. She didn’t look very friendly at all, did she? And certainly the medical staff didn’t look very friendly. So assignments like that can be overwhelming. But what did the young brother say? He said

that the things that helped him were prayer, staying loyal, and having faith. Yes, like Mary, we likewise can have this strong faith that pleases Jehovah. We need to display humility and have absolute confidence in Jehovah, a type of confidence that’s expressed in the book of Psalms. Please turn with me to Psalm 56:3, 4—Psalm 56:3, 4. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. “In God—whose word I praise—“In God I put my trust; I am not afraid. What can mere man do to me?” Yes, just like the psalmist and just like Mary, we can have full confidence in Jehovah. Yes, let us demonstrate this strong faith when we are faced with difficult assignments, trusting in Jehovah, knowing that he will bless us the same as he blessed Mary. The next part in our symposium will be handled by Brother Leonard Myers, who’s a helper to the Writing Committee. He’ll discuss the theme “Imitate Women of Strong Faith!—The Phoenician Woman.”


Leonard Myers, Writing Committee: -The Phoenician Woman

After the Passover of 32 C.E., Jesus and his disciples were in Phoenicia of Syria, north of the borders of Israel. Even in this non-Israelite territory, Jesus couldn’t escape notice. Please open your Bibles to Matthew chapter 15—and you may want to put a place marker there—Matthew chapter 15, starting in verse 22. A Greek woman born in Phoenicia found Jesus and begged him to heal her daughter. The

verse says that the girl was “cruelly demon possessed.” Verse 23 says that Jesus did not say a word in answer to the mother. After a while, his disciples urged him: “Send her away, because she keeps crying out after us.” The mother was persistent. In response, Jesus explained his reason for ignoring her in verse 24: “I was not sent to anyone except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” How would the


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woman respond? Would Jesus’ seeming rejection discourage her? Would she lose

faith? In the following video, look for evidence of the Phoenician woman’s extraordinary faith.

The Phoenician Woman: No, I was not Jewish, but I saw that this Jesus was no ordinary man. I had heard about his power to help others, and my daughter was suffering. I wouldn’t take no for an answer. I couldn’t.

This man was from God. There was nowhere else to turn. I had faith in Jesus. When he heard me, he said: “Let it happen to you as you wish.” And then it did!

My beautiful, precious daughter was healthy and smiling again.

Because of her faith, the Phoenician woman overcame the fear of prejudice that could have prevented her from approaching Jesus. Remember, she was of Greek descent; Jesus was Jewish. But as stated in the video, she heard reports of Jesus’ power to help others and she realized that this man was from God. Notice in verse 22, she addressed Jesus as “Lord, Son of David.” She publicly acknowledged that Jesus was the promised Messiah. And even though at first he didn’t respond to her and then explained his reason for doing so, she didn’t become discouraged. Let’s continue with the account in verse 25 to see the strong faith of this woman: “But the woman came and did obeisance to him, saying: ‘Lord, help me!’” How Jesus must have been moved by the woman’s heartfelt appeal! Apparently, though, Jesus wanted to test her faith. Like a parent who plans to grant a child’s request but doesn’t give an outward sign of that plan in order to test the child’s seriousness, notice what Jesus tells her in verse 26: “It is not right to take the bread of the children and throw it to the little dogs.” Among the Greeks and Romans, the dog was often a beloved pet that lived in its owner’s house and

played with the children. The expression “little dogs,” or perhaps a house dog, might have reminded the woman of a warm, endearing picture. By likening the Israelites to children and non-Jews to little dogs, Jesus evidently wanted to indicate an order of priority. In a household with both children and dogs, the children would be fed first. So Jesus meant that he couldn’t care for non-Israelites at the expense of deserving Jews. Rather than take offense, the woman discerned the point of the illustration and humbly stated in verse 27: “Yes, Lord, but really the little dogs do eat of the crumbs falling from the table of their masters.” What a beautiful response! And what was the result of the woman’s remarkable faith? Verse 28: “Then Jesus replied to her: “‘O woman, great is your faith; “let it happen to you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed from that hour on.” The woman’s faith was rewarded when Jesus healed her daughter. What an example of strong faith! In the following dramatization, note how someone who has just started to have a good relationship with God might need to display strong faith like that of the Phoenician woman


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(A young man on a bible study)

I never thought it would happen. I finally found what I’d been searching for—a good relationship with God.

(At a congregation meeting, he sits with his gray haired bible teacher).

Then one day, a coworker texted an article that claimed to expose Jehovah’s Witnesses. (at home, he sees a link on his phone depicting the watchtower logo covered by a red circle backslash symbol).

was tempted to read it, and then I thought back to when I first met Jehovah’s Witnesses.

(a flash back of him with a beard and dreadlocks, he opens the door with a smiling couple. The gray haired brother hands him the “Enjoy Life Forever” brochure )

I was so excited about what they taught me from the Bible—that God’s name is Jehovah, the Kingdom is a real government, and so much more. Why would I want to learn about Jehovah’s Witnesses from their enemies?

(At a workshop, he shows a co-worker jw.org website on his cellphone, the co=worker briefly looks at it and shakes his head).

But my friends? Not so much.

(At home, his bible teacher shows him the video “What Happens at a Kingdom Hall?”At a congregation meeting, his bible teacher introduces him to a new brother).

I saw people who really loved one another.

(Now clean shaven with short hair, he attends a gathering).

It’s a real brotherhood.

(He enjoys the meal with beaming witnesses).

But it wasn’t just the people. This was the truth!

(In the workshop, his co-worker approaches him with phone in hand then shows him the link with the watchtower logo in the red circle backslash symbol. The bible student shakes his head. His co-worker


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gestures emphatically as he talks. The bible student looks him in the eye and puts his hand up rejection. Shaking his head, is co-worker turns to leave)

I didn’t need to learn about Jehovah’s Witnesses from their enemies.

(Back to present, he delets the link on his phone then bows his head in prayer

I had seen for myself that they worship the true God, Jehovah.

Did you notice how the young man recognized and put faith in Jehovah’s organization? That was a protection, so he wasn’t misled by lies from our enemies. His faith might have reminded you of the Phoenician woman. Remember, she recognized and put faith in Jehovah’s representative, his Son. The question we need to consider is, How can we imitate the Phoenician woman’s strong faith? Like that woman, we need to recognize Jehovah’s representatives and associate with them. At Matthew 24:45, Jesus identified these representatives. He foretold that in our day he would use “the faithful and discreet slave” to provide spiritual “food at the proper time.” Why can we have strong faith that the Governing Body is filling that role of “the faithful and discreet slave”? Consider three lines of evidence. First, there’s evidence of holy spirit guiding these brothers. For example, holy spirit has helped the Governing Body to grasp Scriptural truths not previously understood. These brothers feel as the apostle Paul did, who wrote at 1 Corinthians 2:13: “These things we also speak, not with words taught by human wisdom, but with those taught by the spirit.” Second, we see evidence of angelic assistance. The Governing Body has the

immense task of overseeing an international preaching work involving over eight million evangelizers. The overall growth of the preaching and disciple-making work, despite fierce opposition in some lands, has been possible only with superhuman assistance. A third line of evidence is reliance on God’s Word. Some religions may revise teachings in order to appease beliefs and opinions of their members. But our dear brothers of the Governing Body allow their decisions to be guided by God’s Word, rather than popular opinion. We can have strong faith that Jehovah, through his Son, is directing the Governing Body. And we need to remain loyal to these faithful brothers and to Jehovah’s organization, despite attempts by opposers to discredit them. What will be the outcome if we do? Think back to the example of the Phoenician woman. Was she rewarded for her strong faith? Yes—when her beloved daughter was healed. Likewise, if you display strong faith and follow the direction of our Leader, Jesus, he will lead you to everlasting life. Brother William Malenfant, a helper to the Teaching Committee, will now present the next talk of this symposium, “Imitate Women of Strong Faith!—Martha.”


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William Malenfant, Teaching Committee: -Martha

“Martha, Martha”—she was a hard-working, hospitable woman. The Bible tells us that “Jesus loved Martha and her sister [Mary] and [their brother] Lazarus.” When Lazarus took ill, Martha surely did everything in her power to soothe his discomfort. She was so concerned with her brother’s condition that she and her sister, Mary, sent a message to Jesus, as recorded at John 11:3, saying: “Lord,

see! the one for whom you have affection is sick.” Martha knew that Lazarus was seriously ill. She must have felt helpless as Lazarus sank deeper into his illness and then died. What would Martha do? Would she give in to despair, and would grief overpower her and weaken her faith? As you watch the following video, try to imagine Martha’s grief when her brother died.

Martha: During those first few days, everything was a blur. My sister, Mary, and I had never felt so empty and lost. I knew that if our Lord had been here, our brother would not

have died. But through the tears and the pain, I had no doubt that the resurrection was real, that someday—someday—he would live again.

Who could have imagined it could happen that very day and right before our eyes? We wept tears of joy and thanked our loving Father in heaven, Jehovah.

Empathy helps us to feel the pain and the distress that Martha felt when Lazarus died. The Bible account tells us that Jesus traveled to Bethany, where Martha lived, but he did not

arrive before Lazarus died. In fact, he came four days after Lazarus had died. When Jesus met with Martha, she expressed faith that Jesus could have healed Lazarus, and she felt


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that Jesus might yet help her brother. The Scriptures show that she also believed in the future resurrection. Martha must have been thinking about miracles that Jesus had performed and the people who had been healed by him. And she had no doubt that Jesus was the Christ and that he could perform miracles. Read with me what the Bible says about Martha’s faith in the resurrection and her confidence in Jesus. It’s found at John 11:21-26. It reads as follows: “Martha then said to Jesus: “‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’” She didn’t say this to reproach Jesus; she merely stated a fact. And then she goes on. She says: “‘Yet even now “‘I know that whatever you ask God for, “God will give you.’ “Jesus said to her: “‘Your brother

will rise.’ “Martha said to him: “‘I know he will rise in the resurrection on the last day.’ “Jesus said to her: “‘I am the resurrection and the life. “‘The one who exercises faith in me, “‘even though he dies, will come to life; “‘and everyone who is living and exercises faith in me “‘will never die at all. Do you believe this?’” In verse 27, Martha makes one of the most important statements that would ever pass her lips. It reads: “She said to him, “‘Yes, Lord, I have believed that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.’” We can only imagine how much her faith was appreciated by Jesus. Jesus Christ has the same appreciation for us as we show our faith in his promises. In the following dramatization, observe how a sister’s faith brings her comfort.

(At home, a woman sits on the floor leaning against the bed. Gadget in hand, she watches a teenage boy play guitar. A tear rolls down her face. Bursting into tears, she drops the tablet. On a nearby shelf, lies a funeral pamphlet for the teenage boy)

When I lost my son, I lost part of myself.

(Alone in her kitchen, she prepares her salad. She notices two bowls on her table then puts one away).

I tried to stay busy, but everything felt empty.

(In her son’s bedroom, she carefully puts his acoustic guitar in its case. Strolling in a park, she pauses as she notices a group of teenagers )

In my darkest times, Jehovah’s words brought me comfort.

(scenes of her reading the bible, in the ministry and pouring her heart out as two elders visit her in her home. In the Kingdom Hall, a sister grabs her hand as they sing the song. In the middle of the night.she sits in an arm chair near her bed and reads the bible).

(day time, she sits at the kitchen table. On her gadget, she zooms in a picture of a woman warmly embracing her resurrected little boy in Paradise).

Not a day goes by that I don’t think about Brandon—

(she remembers her son smiling at her as he plays guitar)

not just memories of how it was but even more how wonderful it’ll be to see him soon in God’s new world.


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We deeply sympathize with the sister in the video over the loss of her son and with any in the congregation who have suffered the loss of a loved one. Did you take note of how the sister imitated Martha’s faith by putting her complete trust in Jehovah God and going to him in prayer? Like Martha, we can build our faith in the resurrection by carefully considering all that God’s Word says about it. Think of all the evidence there is that Jesus was resurrected. The Scriptures show clearly that after his death and resurrection, Jesus “showed himself alive” to his disciples. He also appeared to Saul of Tarsus, who became the apostle Paul. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul points out that “more than 500 brothers” saw the resurrected Jesus. And to show that it was not just hearsay, Paul tells us that most of those eyewitnesses were still alive when he wrote to the Corinthians. Yes, they were living witnesses who could verify the fact that Jesus

was resurrected from the dead. And think about the inspired assurance that we have at Revelation 21:3, 4—that the time is coming when “death will be no more.” When you think about it, who is it that declares that “death will be no more” at Revelation 21:3, 4? None other than the resurrected Jesus Christ. We do well to imitate Martha by maintaining strong faith when we face the loss of a loved one. No, it’s not easy; it’s painful. But we can do it, knowing full well that this life is not all there is. All true Christians must have faith in the resurrection—faith that the dead will live again, and that death will be done away with in God’s new world. Jehovah and his Son rewarded the faith of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. We will be rewarded too if we build strong faith like that of Martha. Brother Gerrit Lösch, a member of the Governing Body, will now present the final talk of this symposium, “Imitate Women of Strong Faith!—Modern-Day Examples.”


Gerrit Losch, Governing Body: -Modern-Day Examples

Over the years, there were many sisters with outstanding faith. Sister Matsue Ishii was one of them. She was born in Japan in 1909. Although she grew up in a Buddhist family, she had a thirst for Bible knowledge. In 1918, the Spanish flu hit her area and she saw lots of coffins with dead bodies. She and her elder sister both also caught the Spanish flu, and a week later, her sister died. She wondered, ‘Why do people die, and what happens to them at death?’ In 1928, when Matsue was 19, her

father arranged for her to marry Jizo Ishii, a zealous Buddhist. Matsue was introduced to the truth in Osaka through the book The Harp of God. That was given to her by a brother who lived in a neighboring house that belonged to the International Bible Students Association. Matsue was baptized in March 1929, and her husband, Jizo, was baptized a short time later. In June 1939, when she was 30 years old, she and her husband were arrested and were separated from each other. This certainly


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called for faith. She said that she nearly died when she was in solitary confinement for almost a year. Matsue was released toward the end of 1944, and she was reunited with Jizo after World War II ended. Both she and her husband had remained faithful. Let us now consider another encouraging example. Right after World War II ended, far away from Japan, in Estonia, northeastern Europe, Ella Toom was introduced to the truth in April 1945 and was baptized in August 1946, at age 20. She was arrested by the Communists on December 27, 1950 and sentenced to imprisonment. She was sent to a slave labor camp in Russia, the infamous Vorkuta camp above the Arctic Circle, and later to other prison camps 250

miles, or 400 kilometers, southeast of Moscow. The sisters continued to be spiritually minded. They made miniature copies of The Watchtower and put them inside bars of soap and resealed the soap. This certainly called for faith. She did not have to serve for 13 years but actually was released on May 4, 1956, after five and a half years. The year after, she married Brother Lembit Toom. However, the threat of searches and arrests continued until the preaching work was legalized in Estonia in 1991. In the following video, note some other details regarding the lives of these two faithful women—Matsue Ishii and Ella Toom

.

Matsue Ishii- For nearly a year, I had been held in solitary confinement in a tiny, filthy, bug-infested prison cell.

Five and a half years after my arrest, I was released. If we truly rely on Jehovah, really love him and cry out in our heart for his help, just as he did not forsake me, he will not forsake his servants

Ella Toom-They arrested me and took me in for questioning. An interrogator invited me to sign a document stating that I would discontinue preaching. I said, “I would rather

live-in prison “with my relationship with God intact than be free and lose his approval.”

My determination has been to heed the Bible’s admonition: “Trust in Jehovah and do good.” I have learned that doing this leads to receiving “the requests of your heart.”

How did Sisters Ishii and Toom show faith? Please turn with me to Psalm 37. Sister Ishii had faith that Jehovah would not abandon her, in line with Psalm 37:25, which reads: “I was once young and now I am old, “but I have not seen any one righteous abandoned, nor his children looking for bread.” Her faith helped her to endure difficult tests of integrity. She was arrested on June 21, 1939 and taken to a police station and put into a dark cell with soot

hanging from the ceiling. Thereafter, she was transferred to another location and put into solitary confinement. Her husband was also arrested, and she did not see him until the war had ended. ‘I nearly died in that cell,’ she said. But she was exposed to another test too. When interrogated, she found out from the officials that Junzo Akashi, the overseer of the Japan branch, had abandoned the truth. Sister Ishii replied: “Akashi is only an imperfect human . .


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. He is no longer my brother.” Sister Ishii remained loyal. Similarly, Sister Toom from Estonia refused to compromise or to abandon her faith. She prayed and meditated on Bible principles in order to endure, like Psalm 119 and verses 97, 98 say: “How I do love your law! “I ponder over it all day long. “Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, because it is with me forever.” In 1949, Ella Toom was arrested by the Communists. They took her in for questioning. She reports: “Forced to remove all my clothing “and [being watched] by young police officers, “I felt humiliated. “Yet, after I prayed to Jehovah, “peace and calmness of heart came over me. “Next, I was put in a tiny cell, “where I could not even lie down. “I was taken out only for interrogations. “The officers would say: “‘We aren’t asking you to deny the existence of God. “‘Just stop your stupid preaching! “You

can have a promising future.’ “And they would threaten: ‘Do you want to live? Or do you want to die with your God on the fields of Siberia?’” She said: “For three days, I was prevented from falling asleep “between the repeated interrogations. “Meditation on Bible principles helped me to endure. “Finally, an interrogator invited me to sign a document “stating that I would discontinue preaching. “‘I have given this matter much thought,’ I said, “‘and I would rather live-in prison with my relationship with God intact “than [to] be free and lose his approval.’ “At that the interrogator shouted: “‘You fool! All of you will be arrested and sent to Siberia!’” But she was unexpectedly set free at midnight. However, she was arrested again sometime later. In the following dramatization, note how a brother shows faith like that of Sisters Ishii and Toom.

(At home, a young brother picks up his phone and puts on his earbuds. He opens his JW Library and plays the audio bible reading for Psalms 37)

As the world went from bad to worse, I dug deeper into God’s Word.

(On a train and on his lunch break he listens to the Bible. At home, he looks at a picture on his computer, it depicts Daniel’s vision of a boulder crushing a giant image).

(Outside the train station, he buys coffee from a vendor. He notices

two policemen pass him)

I wanted to stay strong, like so many brothers and sisters in the past.

(At home, he studies life stories)

“Those who remained faithful had no special abilities “and were inconspicuous. “Surely all of us must always trust in Jehovah with all our heart.”

I memorized scriptures. I knew these words would build my faith

(With a pensive emotion, he writes on a notebook)

and give me the strength I needed to face what was to come.


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(Again, he checks o the vendor and buys coffee. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees a police officer steps closer. Then as he walks pass three officers, he looks straight ahead expressionless. At home, he watches the news)

“A new wave of arrests occurred this week as local authorities enforce new restrictions on Jehovah’s Witnesses. This is coming just 14 days after the Supreme Court’s ruling . . .”

(He turns off the t.v. then closes his eyes and bows his head to pray.)

(Now at the train station, as he opens the door to leave, he sees a group of armed soldiers. Hesitating, he slightly closes the door and looks down)

“Trust in Jehovah and do what is good;

(Head held high, he walks pass the soldiers as they charge into the train station).

“reside in the earth, and act with faithfulness. “Find exquisite

delight in Jehovah, and he will grant you the desires of your heart.”

(He sees the coffee vendor then stops and looks back. He looks back again and approaches the vendor. He shows him the “Why Study the Bible?” video from his phone)

We had to be more discreet, but we never stopped talking about God’s Word. We had to face many difficulties, but with God’s Word embedded in our hearts, we faithfully endured to the end.

How can you imitate the examples discussed in this symposium? How can you imitate Sarah? Build faith by meditating on Jehovah’s goodness to his people and to you personally. How can you imitate Rahab? Take a firm stand for true worship, even if you have only a limited knowledge of the truth. How can you imitate Hannah? Build faith by taking note of Jehovah’s answers to your prayers. How can you imitate the captive Israelite girl? Young ones, show faith by sharing the good news with schoolmates, teachers, and unbelieving family members. You can also imitate the mother of Jesus, Mary. How? Strengthen your faith, and trust in Jehovah. Carefully examine the Scriptures and meditate on them. How can you imitate the Phoenician woman? Recognize

whom Jehovah is using to do his will and associate yourself with them. How can you imitate Mary, the sister of Lazarus? Build faith by considering all that God’s Word says about his wonderful promises. The Bible says: “Mary . . . sat down at the feet of the Lord and kept listening to what he was saying.” How can you imitate Sisters Ishii and Toom? Let the power of God’s Word motivate you to endure faithfully. When we clearly perceive the “great cloud of witnesses surrounding us,” we can “run with endurance the race that is set before us,” as Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to do. Like these faithful women, we can all be included in Jehovah’s “book of remembrance,” as mentioned at Malachi 3:16, and inherit everlasting blessings.


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Session Chairman

Thank you, brothers, for those motivating talks. May we always cherish faithful women, just as Jehovah does. Let’s sing together song number 142, “Holding Fast to Our Hope.” Again, that’s song number 142.

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Sunday Morning Session—Part 2

Session Chairman

We extend a warm welcome to all who accepted an invitation to join us for this convention. We

live in a world that has grown deeply distrustful. Can we really believe the Bible’s promises for the future? If so, what must we do to benefit from them? Brother William Turner, a helper to the Service Committee, will answer those questions in the discourse entitled “Have Faith in the Good News.”


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PUBLIC BIBLE DISCOURSE:

William Turner, Service Committee: “Have Faith in the Good News”

Have you ever received an email from an unknown source informing you of great news? “You’re a grand prize winner! Just click on the link to receive your prize.” Or maybe it was a phone call. The person says they have exciting news. “You’ve just won something of value. “But hurry! Limited time only!” All you have to do is provide your personal information. Well, sadly, the great and exciting news usually doesn’t turn out as presented, does it? This highlights that no matter the form or method that we receive it, much of the news and information we’re given today misleads, misinforms, and often leaves us disappointed. Our world is just saturated with bad news. Even just watching the local news can leave us feeling anxious, depressed—even fearful. So it’s no wonder that when people actually do receive good news, they’re often skeptical, feeling that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. The Bible tells us that it’s actually wise to be cautious about the news we believe. But it also tells us that there is news—good news—that we can trust. I invite you to turn with me, please, in your Bibles to the book of Mark. And in Mark chapter 1, note the words of Mark 1:14, 15—it reads: “Now after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, “preaching the good news of God and saying: “‘The appointed time has been fulfilled, “‘and the Kingdom of God has drawn near. “‘Repent and have faith in the good news.’” “Have faith in the good news.”

This is the theme of our discussion. To better understand Jesus’ Knowing the answers to these questions will help us to have faith in the good news and fill our life with real purpose. Let’s address our first question. What specifically is the “good news” that Jesus words, we need to answer three questions. First, What is the good news? Second, Why can we have faith in it? And third, How can we build such faith? was referring to? Well, let’s go back to the Bible, this time to the book of Luke. In Luke chapter 8, notice Luke 8:1: “Shortly afterward he traveled from city to city and from village to village, “preaching and declaring the good news of the Kingdom of God. And the Twelve were with him.” So, what was that “good news” that Jesus preached? The verse states: “The good news of the Kingdom of God.” So an important aspect of the good news is the message about God’s Kingdom. This Kingdom is a real government in heaven with a heavenly King and earthly subjects. Jesus’ earthly life as a grown man was devoted to preaching and declaring God’s Kingdom as the only solution to man’s problems. And how did he do it? With the simplest of tools—his mouth and his feet. Notice, he walked tirelessly from city to city and village to village—hundreds of miles on dusty roads, even without food at times, just to share this message with others. He even taught his disciples this good news so that they could share and extend the good news well beyond the cities and villages that Jesus reached. And


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you might be wondering, ‘Why should this good news that Jesus preached about 2,000 years ago be of interest to us today?’ It’s because the message of the good news that Jesus taught promises future blessings for obedient humans living under the rulership of God’s Kingdom. So that affects all mankind today. That affects you and me. And these blessings will touch every facet of life. Let’s consider a few examples. Let’s start with our physical health. Turn with me, please, to the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 33, and we’re going to read the first part of verse 24. Isaiah 33:24: “And no resident will say: ‘I am sick.’” You know, that’s such a simple statement, but can you just process what that means? To never again say or hear someone say: “I’m sick,” “I don’t feel well,” “Something is not right with me.” Just think of the millions that have suffered illness because of the pandemic, the millions that are coping with a disability, and then all the diseases—the diseases that are common, the diseases that are rare, the ones that are life-threatening, chronic, debilitating, the diseases where you look fine on the outside but inside it’s a day-to-day struggle. See, under God’s Kingdom, all of it—all disabilities, all diseases, all health problems—will no longer plague mankind. They will all be a thing of the past. And just to show you how wonderful this is—how far reaching this blessing will be—even if we don’t have a disease or disability, think of what your life would be like right now if you just didn’t hurt. See, right now, it hurts if we stand too long; it hurts if we sit too long; it hurts if we walk too long—if we sleep too long. But to be pain free and to know that each day you’re just going to feel better and better, isn’t that good news? You see, so much is going to be accomplished from this promise: “[No one] will say: ‘I am sick.’” Well, let’s consider another blessing. As a family head, we know it’s a priority for you to care for your family and keep a roof over their heads. But is it a struggle to make ends meet? How often do you worry about having a job or keeping your job? Well, just think of how you’ll feel when these words become a reality. Still in the book of Isaiah, this time Isaiah chapter 65, note verses 21 and 22:

“They will build houses and live in them, “and they will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. “They will not build for someone else to inhabit, “nor will they plant for others to eat. “For the days of my people will be like the days of a tree, and the work of their hands my chosen ones will enjoy to the full.” Do you see the blessing? No one will be homeless or unemployed. And did you note? Nowhere in these verses do we see the words “rent” or “lease.” Under this Kingdom arrangement, you see, we’re going to experience the full joy of ownership. Can you imagine that? Can you imagine the satisfaction—the dignity—that comes from living in a home you personally built and then working with your hands for the direct benefit of your family? It’s a good feeling, isn’t it? And, of course, if you’re planting your own vineyard, well, that’s an indication of another blessing—an abundance of food. The Bible describes this quite beautifully. Turn, please, to the book of Psalms, the 72nd Psalm, and note Psalm 72:16: “There will be an abundance of grain on the earth; “on the top of the mountains it will overflow. “His fruit will flourish as in Lebanon, and in the cities, people will blossom like the vegetation of the earth.” We’ve all seen heartbreaking pictures of neglected and starving children. And we’ve likely seen the increasing number of food lines during this pandemic. But, you see, under God’s government, no one will be without sufficient food or undernourished. Poverty and food shortages will be gone. And what a beautiful word pictures this verse gives us of how the ground will produce abundantly! It would be as if grain were growing along the sides of a mountain clear to the top and overflowing. You see, we have so many wonderful blessings to look forward to. But for this next blessing, God will use his creative powers to do one of the most wonderful works of all time. Let’s go back to the book of Isaiah, this time Isaiah 25:8. It’s Isaiah 25:8—there we’re told: “He will swallow up death forever, “and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces. “The reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for Jehovah himself has spoken it.” You know, some may


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consider this to be the best news of all. What a joy it is going to be when “death will be no more,” removed forever! If any of us have ever had someone close to us taken away by death, we know the emptiness, the anguish, the painful scars that death leaves behind. And it’s something that affects all of us. So just think, how many memorial services have you attended in this pandemic? You see, for some, it’s just too painful to think about. One brother made the statement; he said: “I don’t even look forward to Saturdays anymore. It seems that Saturdays have been set aside for funeral and memorial services.” Well, we can relate to that, can’t we? But do you see what the Bible says? The Bible says that God is going to “swallow up death forever.” So when something is swallowed, it’s gone—destroyed. So that is going to be a time to rejoice. But the good news doesn’t stop there because not only is Jehovah going to put an end to death but also note what he does next. Look over in chapter 26, this time verse 19. He says: “Your dead will live. “My corpses will rise up. “Awake and shout joyfully, you residents in the dust! “For your dew is as the dew of the morning, and the earth will let those powerless in death come to life.” So now we’re talking about the resurrection. Our dead loved ones will return to life. And you note the expression there: “Awake and shout joyfully.” I thought it was interesting that The New English Bible quotes this as saying: “They that sleep in the earth will awake and shout for joy.” And doesn’t that nicely describe how right now our dead loved ones are just sleeping? And just like an infant is protected within its mother’s womb, the dead are in the safest situation imaginable, perfectly preserved and protected within Jehovah’s memory. And in God’s due time, they will be brought back to life. And we can be there. We can be there to warmly welcome them just like a newborn is greeted by a loving, waiting family—so many tremendous blessings. And these blessings that we’ve considered, this is just a small sampling of the good news. There’s so much more that this Kingdom will accomplish. According to Psalm 46:9, war will cease to exist. At Revelation 11:18, anyone and

anything that dirties the earth, pollutes the air and water, or kills off the earth’s wildlife, God promises that he will “bring to ruin those [who ruin, or pollute,] the earth.” So we’ve established the answer to our first question, What is the good news? The good news is the news of God’s Kingdom, this heavenly government that will rule and provide tremendous blessings to obedient mankind. Now, with all these wonderful promises in store for mankind, can you think of any better news that you’d like to receive? Wouldn’t you agree that these promises are worth investigating? Indeed they are. But here’s the challenge: The idea of living forever under such wonderful conditions might be difficult for some to comprehend, especially with what life is like right now at present. So, what if those that hear this good news are skeptical? What if they feel, ‘If it seems too good to be true, it probably is’? Well, let’s address this by answering our second question, Why can we have faith in the good news? In other words, why can we firmly believe that all the things we’ve just considered, all these promises from God, are true and will be fulfilled? Well, just like any news, or information, that we receive, the credibility all starts with the Source, doesn’t it? The good news comes from Jehovah God himself. And let’s note what the Bible says about him. Turn with me, please, to the book of Titus, Titus chapter 1, and we’ll read Titus 1:1, 2: “Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ “according to the faith of God’s chosen ones “and the accurate knowledge of the truth that is according to godly devotion “and is based on a hope of the everlasting life “that God, who cannot lie, promised long ago.” So we can be certain that these promises will be fulfilled because the Bible tells us we have a basis for hope, because “God, who cannot lie,” is the one who made these promises. But what exactly does this mean? Well, let’s illustrate it this way. Have you ever asked a friend to meet you or pick you up to go somewhere, and your friend says: “Oh, no problem I’ll be there at 7:00.” But as soon as he says it, you already know he’s not coming until 7:30, maybe even 8:00. We all seem to have that friend, don’t we?


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But why do we know this about our friend? Well, likely it’s because of his past record. You see, if our friend, although well-intentioned, has a pattern of being late, he’s given us a basis to question his promise. Now, of course, as humans, we’re all imperfect. But the point is our record of works forms a basis for our credibility. So now we elevate this to our Almighty God. So when it comes to Jehovah, the Source of the good news, the one “who cannot lie,” you see, if we examine his record, we’ll see that he has given us a basis to trust him. He has a perfect record of fulfilling his promises; they come true 100 percent of the time. And it’s not just the general prophecy itself; it’s the accurate details as well. For example, the prophet Isaiah foretold that the mighty city of Babylon would be destroyed. But then he went into detail of exactly how the city would be defeated—from the river being dried up to the gates being left wide open. He even named the one who was going to overthrow Babylon some 200 years before it happened. And history confirms that every detail of this prophecy was fulfilled. It was even prophesied that Babylon would become piles of stone and “never [again] be inhabited.” And that stands true down to this day. And this is just one of a number of prophecies. You see, when we take the time to investigate, we find other prophecies such as the number of years when the land of Judah would be desolate, the exact year when the Messiah would come, where he would be born, what he would do, how he would die and be raised from the dead all fulfilled exactly as foretold. So the fact that so many Bible prophecies have already come true shows that we can trust what the Bible says

about the future. Now, here’s another reason we can have faith in the good news. Let’s go back to our Bibles, this time to Matthew chapter 9. In Matthew chapter 9, note verse 35: “And Jesus set out on a tour of all the cities and villages, “teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news of the Kingdom and curing every sort of disease and every sort of infirmity.” Now, you recall, earlier we discussed the efforts Jesus put forth to declare the good news. But now we see that as he went to those cities and villages, not only did he preach but, empowered by God, he performed miracles that prove the credibility of the good news. And some of those miracles were witnessed by thousands to the point where they cannot be denied even by his opposers. So to this point, we’ve established what the good news is—the news regarding God’s Kingdom—and now we’ve answered why we can have faith in the good news. The Source of the good news is Jehovah, a God “who cannot lie” and who has a perfect track record of keeping his promises. And then God’s Son, Jesus Christ, who as King of God’s Kingdom solidified that evidence during his time on the earth by demonstrating the power to cure disease and infirmity. Today, there are millions of people from a variety of backgrounds that have taken the time to investigate the promises of God’s Kingdom. They have found them to be true, and they have benefited from the good news. It has improved their lives now and given them a solid hope for the future. We invite you to watch the following video, and, as you do, note how some have benefited from the good news

Experience:

JJuliet Gando (Arabic-speaking sister, now in Austria): Fear and war were normal in my home country. I had many questions: Why do young people have to die? Why do my children have to go through this? God did not create us to make war. The priests in my church always said, “It is God’s will.” Being on the run was dreadful. More than once, I thought we were going to die. Eventually, we arrived in Germany, and I was convinced that the priests there could give me some answers. I went to several different churches—but no answers. I kept telling


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them: “I’m looking for something. I don’t know what it is, but I didn’t find it here with you.” Sometimes I thought I was searching for something that no one could give me.

One day, a German woman approached me, speaking in Arabic. That was amazing for me. I never had a good opinion of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I didn’t think I could learn anything from her, but I gave her a chance. She gave me logical answers to all of my questions.

In my home country, there are multiple religious groups and nationalities who hate and fight each other. But at the meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, I have seen that all people can live in peace with each other if they get to know our Father in heaven. He gives love and peace. At last, I found what I had been looking for.

Experience:

OOnofrio Minore (Italy):- I lived a life without rules. I used to get drunk, I smoked a lot, and I became a compulsive gambler. My behavior was a complete disaster. My wife wanted to separate from me. It was a horrible time. My wife started studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. I remember being doubtful—very doubtful.

But there was one thing that started to make me think. Both my wife and my children looked more peaceful, more joyful, happier. That’s why I even accepted a Bible study. I came to realize that Jehovah loves each one of us as an individual. That gave me real hope for the future.

Everything I was studying in the Bible helped me to understand that doing Jehovah’s will is in our best interests. This really helped me to quit my bad habits, treat my family better, and show due respect to my wife.

If Jehovah hadn’t searched for me, if I hadn’t come to know him, we would no longer be a family. Today we are, indeed, a happy family, a united family—united more than ever. Only Jehovah could perform such a miracle.

Well, let’s address our final question, How can you and I build faith in the good news? It may be that just like our sister in the video, we have gone through situations in our life that leave us searching for answers. But our search might provide us with incorrect or misinformed information about God. So the question comes up again, How can we know? How can we be sure of what to believe? Well, the Bible gives us the answer. Turn with me, please, to the book of Hebrews. And note what is stated at Hebrews chapter 11 and verse 1. There we read: “Faith is the assured expectation of what is hoped for, “the evident demonstration of realities that are

not seen.” And you note the footnote there for “evident demonstration”; it says: “convincing evidence.” So that helps us to see that real faith is not gullible. Just like with the scammers and misinformation we spoke of earlier, you see, we don’t believe what we hear just because it sounds good. No. As the footnote says, there should be “convincing evidence” of things that are not seen and are yet real. Just to illustrate this, a child may ask, “How do we know that air exists?” Well, we can’t say: “Well, it just does. That’s how it works.” No. You see, likely we’d have to help the child to reason on the evidence that exists—right?—his ability to breathe air in


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and out, the effects of the wind, and so forth. And once the child is convinced of the evidence, he can now accept the existence of what is invisible to him—in this case, the air. And that is how our faith has to be. It has to be based on solid convincing evidence. Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide have faith in the good news. They have made an examination of the Bible’s promises, and they’ve seen the evidence for themselves. Just like our brother in the video, we’ve also seen how the good news has not only improved our lives, but it shows us evidence of Jehovah’s love for us as well. Some who are listening to this program may be newly acquainted with Jehovah’s Witnesses. And we’d like to tell you that we are so happy that you took the time to attend. And we know that you too may have questions and that you need answers—truthful answers. Well, give Jehovah’s Witnesses a chance. Give them a chance to help you find those answers in the Bible. And as you associate with them, see how they have come to believe the good news and why they have faith in it. And as

your faith grows, you’ll come to appreciate just how important this message is. It will move you to make any needed changes in your life. And because of the joy and happiness you feel, you see, you will be excited, right? You’ll want to share what you have learned with others. And that’s good, for doing so will reinforce Bible truth in your own mind. So from all that we’ve discussed, what do we conclude? If we have faith in the good news, we are firmly convinced that everything Jehovah says is true and will be fulfilled. And the way we live our lives will demonstrate that. In this world that is saturated with so much bad news, how thankful we are that we have a God that not only provides us with a basis to trust his good news but even shows evidence of his care and concern for us as individuals! This good news is not too good to be true. It is real. It is a reality that is soon to come. So may all of us have faith in the good news. And as we draw close to God, may we experience firsthand Jehovah’s love as he rewards all those who earnestly seek him in faith.

Session Chairman

Thank you, Brother Turner, for reviewing the evidence that all of God’s promises will soon be fulfilled. Around the earth, millions are building faith in Jehovah God and his Word, the Bible. If you would like to have Bible discussions free of charge at a time and place convenient for you, please inform one of Jehovah’s Witnesses or simply visit jw.org and fill out an online request for a Bible study. We will be happy to arrange for one of Jehovah’s Witnesses to assist you.

We have reached the conclusion of this session. We look forward to the next session in which we will see the conclusion of the Daniel drama and hear the final talk of this convention. Now let’s sing a song that expresses our confidence in God and in his Kingdom.

We invite you to sing song number 22, entitled “The Kingdom Is in Place—Let It Come!” Again, that’s song number 22, after which you may have your local concluding prayer.

video source: https://download-a.akamaihd.net/files/media_publication/23/CO-r21_E_02_r720P.mp4

transcript - 2021 powerful by faith! (sun am)

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