SUPPLEMENTAL MEETING FOLLOWING THE ANNUAL MEETING
OCTOBER 7, 2001
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
Bethel Speakers
COURAGEOUSLY TRUSTING IN JEHOVAH
DURING CRITICAL TIMES
Leon Weaver
The events of 9/11/01 has had a profound effect on many people...including
our brothers. More sensitive now that we are living keep in the time of the
end. These definitely are critical times hard to deal with. Extreme situation
of insecurity through out the world.
- visited Trinidad. On the way there waited on the tarmac for over an
hour. Someone had loaded a bag but never boarded the plane; on the return
trip, a passenger was removed and not allowed to fly;
- people are afraid of any large groups - fearful
And now the U.S. has started to bomb Afghanistan - this won't make people
less fearful; must more that ever courageously trust in Jehovah; as we face
opposition as Christians - we must have courage.
Definition of Courage:
Spirit to face danger and pain without showing fear - must develop this kind
of trust
(Proverbs 3:5-7) Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon
your own understanding. 6 In all your ways take notice of him, and he
himself will make your paths straight. 7 Do not become wise in your own
eyes. Fear Jehovah and turn away from bad.
Now is the time to trust with all our hearts;
Must trust only Jehovah has the ability to solve;
The Bible has a record of many courageous individual
Heb 11:1 - 12:3 - 17 examples by name
Enoch (Heb 11:5) - was transferred so as not to see death..(Gen 5:25; Jude
14,15) .Enoch prophesized about Jehovah's judgment. In resurrection we can
find more details
Noah (Heb 11:7) - showed godly fear - had to work among Nephilim
Moses (He 11L27) - trusted Jehovah and had courage to be obedient
David (He 11:32,33) - thru faith defeated kingdoms (1 Sam 17:45 - response
to Goliath)
These example are here for our encouragement;
The most encouraging example of all was Jesus
(Hebrews 12:2) as we look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our
faith, Jesus. For the joy that was set before him he endured a torture
stake, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of
God.
Jehovah gives us a solid basis to trust him implicitly through:
WORKS - has done and will yet do marvelous works - don't take for
granted.his best work was in providing the ransom sacrifice of his most
precious son (1 John 4:16 & 19..we love because he first loved us); should
give us the confidence that he has the power to do whatever it takes
WORD -
(Isaiah 2:2,3) And it must occur in the final part of the days [that] the
mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the
top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills;
and to it all the nations must stream. 3 And many peoples will certainly go
and say: "Come, YOU people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to
the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and
we will walk in his paths." For out of Zion law will go forth, and the word
of Jehovah out of Jerusalem.
The Devil and the nations are opposed to this, but it has still happened -
so it gives in confidence that all things are possible with Jehovah
1971 - 1.6 million publishers
1990 - 4 million "
2001 - 6 million +
we are the objects of hostility - Satan & Demons;
they don't like what they see - will try to stop
(Revelation 12:10) And I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come
to
pass the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the
authority of his Christ, because the accuser of our brothers has been hurled
down, who accuses them day and night before our God!
(Revelation 12:17) And the dragon grew wrathful at the woman, and went off
to wage war with the remaining ones of her seed, who observe the
commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus.
Even Jesus said people "will kill you... objects of hatred"
(2 Corinthians 1:8) For we do not wish YOU to be ignorant, brothers, about
the tribulation that happened to us in the [district of] Asia, that we were
under extreme pressure beyond our strength, so that we were very uncertain
even of our lives.
Paul went through persecution, we can learn much from the confidence that he
had. Must continue to speak about the Kingdom
We often speak about Matthew 24:14 and the good news being preach, but we
might forget about verse 13 - the we must "endure to the end"..
Important to understand why we are being opposed
(Matthew 10:22) And YOU will be objects of hatred by all people on account
of my name; but he that has endured to the end is the one that will be
saved.
(John 15:18-21) If the world hates YOU, YOU know that it has hated me before
it hated YOU. 19 If YOU were part of the world, the world would be fond of
what is its own. Now because YOU are no part of the world, but I have chosen
YOU out of the world, on this account the world hates YOU. 20 Bear in mind
the word I said to YOU, A slave is not greater than his master. If they have
persecuted me, they will persecute YOU also; if they have observed my word,
they will observe YOURS also. 21 But they will do all these things against
YOU on account of my name, because they do not know him that sent me.
Even under extreme pressure we can be happy -
(Matthew 5:11) "Happy are YOU when people reproach YOU and persecute YOU
and
lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against YOU for my sake.
(1 Peter 4:12) Beloved ones, do not be puzzled at the burning among YOU,
which is happening to YOU for a trial, as though a strange thing were
befalling YOU.
Various Forms of Opposition
Eastern Europe and France - much vilification in the press
Armenia.. Denied registrations as a religious group. 35 brothers in prison for
refusing to join military training.
Republic of Georgia. Georgia reputation has been damaged worldwide because of
the persecution there that the police have done nothing to stop. Brothers
beaten with nail studded clubs and iron bars; even the old and disabled
brothers are exempt from this; a defrocked priest and about 200 followers;
one sister said one of them shouted at her and hit her with all his might -
lost sight in one eye; President of Georgia has condemned this, but inaction
on the part of the authorities has led these men to feel they can act with
impunity; 133,00 signed petition condemning this (only 15,000 witnesses) and
urging that these men be arrested; but this priest actually stole some of
the petition signatures; as recently at 8/01 extremists broke down door of
apartment where meeting was being held. Seized literature and personal items;
beat with clubs and iron pipes; police refused to step in. No one has been
arrested although their identities are well known. 9/28/01..extremists
(over 100, many with masks) stopped buses on the way to convention; dragged
the brothers and sisters off and beat; trashed the convention site; no
attempt to intervene by police; again on 9/30/01 attacked meeting; assaulted
the brothers; literature stolen, carried saw off shot guns.
Kazakhstan...trying to restrict the brothers. Labor camps for refusing
military service; one brother first served 1 year then resentenced for 8
years on trumped up charges; tried to deport one brother, when officials
brought him to the Russian border was refused entry to Russia: "You can't
deport him, he is a citizen of Kazakhstan"
Russia: planned 2 conventions on WT property; convention was refused
permission; brothers decided to hold anyway since they would be held on
private property; police tried to break in, but the attendant prevented
this. Police head tried to explained to ? that JWs had the right to use own
property, but military police made plans to disrupt; brothers spoke with
police again and they agreed to stand guard; police felt they were
protecting us from terrorists. One of the guards said that he was warned
that he was in danger of being infected by a dangerous sect, but after
seeing the love and unity of the brothers said "we are surprised with the
kindness and hospitality you are showing. Warned we were in danger of being
affected ..but we see you have deep faith. There is an absence of evil and
troublemaking that we see everyday on the outside."
France - misrepresentation; sought to portray JWs as a dangerous cult; but
honest-hearted people know this is false; tract work with tens of thousands
being reached; the conventions in France - all were impressed by the
orderliness of the conventions (160,000 in three locations)
Someone mentioned to police that there might not be enough police on duty at
convention site. Police supervisor: "Don't worry, we're dealing with
civilized people."
Security guard in Lyon: "seen with my own eyes. In position to refute
falsehoods"
Newspaper article "quietly listening to the word of God...fervor can't be
denied. Impressed. No smoking...no alcohol. Men with ties. Women with dresses or
skirts. Taking notes.. Love, kindness and concern. God is the only tropic of
conversation."
Now is the time to demonstrate our courage in Jehovah
Tragic events at WTC, we're not bitter
(Romans 12:19) Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the
wrath; for it is written: "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says
Jehovah."
(Hebrews 12:14) Pursue peace with all people, and the sanctification without
which no man will see the Lord,
Don't let critical times distract us from our purpose to preach...we're
courageous because we trust in our God. May Jehovah bless us with faith to
keep going no matter how critical times get.
MOVING AHEAD WITH JEHOVAH'S ORGANIZATION
Theodore Jaracz
The events of 9/11 were significant; to some it was shocking and
unbelievable. Certainly illustrate how quickly the scene of the world is
changing..
People have questions.. They deserve an answer
Newscaster interviewing clergymen: Rabbi
Catholic
Protestant
Muslim
Asked questions, unable to answer; didn't even have Bibles, used human
philosophy
After disaster, brothers and sisters who crossed over the bridge from
Manhattan to Brooklyn - went directly to headquarters, even some
nonwitnesses. Prepared selected elders to Javitz Center and to ground zero
and hospitals. The brothers went with BIBLES and would use the Bible to
comfort; our instructions in the territory - not just to place literature -
use BIBLE. The Bible is powerful
(2 Corinthians 1:3,4) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, 4 who
comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those in
any sort of tribulation through the comfort with which we ourselves are
being comforted by God.
-received a lot of thank yous; illustrates that JWs are fulfilling mandate
to preach
(Revelation 14:6,7) And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, and he had
everlasting good news to declare as glad tidings to those who dwell on the
earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people, 7 saying in a
loud voice: "FEAR God and give him glory, because the hour of the judgment
by him has arrived, and so worship the One who made the heaven and the earth
and sea and fountains of waters."
Satan knows he has a short period of time left, so we need to speed our work
up
We are in 230 lands. We are in the public eye like never before
Rome Newspaper - tens of thousands of Jehovah's Witnesses. Order
prevails. Total unity
- show we are moving ahead united with Jehovah's organization - this sets us
apart from a divided world
(Malachi 3:18) And YOU people will again certainly see [the distinction]
between a righteous one and a wicked one, between one serving God and one
who has not served him."
People will be able to identify those who are really doing God's will...don'
t we cherish the privilege of being part of a united organization that is
moving ahead - the gulf is widening between us and the world.
(Matthew 15:13) In reply he said: "Every plant that my heavenly Father did
not plant will be uprooted.
Jehovah's people will thrive
Jesus Christ was anointed in 29 c.e.
(Ephesians 1:8-10) This he caused to abound toward us in all wisdom and good
sense, 9 in that he made known to us the sacred secret of his will. It is
according to his good pleasure which he purposed in himself 10 for an
administration at the full limit of the appointed times, namely, to gather
all things together again in the Christ, the things in the heavens and the
things on the earth. [Yes,] in him,
we are united as one fold today under Jesus' loving administration
(John 15:1-6) "I am the true vine, and my Father is the cultivator. 2 Every
branch in me not bearing fruit he takes away, and every one bearing fruit he
cleans, that it may bear more fruit. 3 YOU are already clean because of the
word that I have spoken to YOU. 4 Remain in union with me, and I in union
with YOU. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it remains
in the vine, in the same way neither can YOU, unless YOU remain in union
with me. 5 I am the vine, YOU are the branches. He that remains in union
with me, and I in union with him, this one bears much fruit; because apart
from me YOU can do nothing at all. 6 If anyone does not remain in union with
me, he is cast out as a branch and is dried up; and men gather those
branches up and pitch them into the fire and they are burned.
- do you notice what happens to those not bearing fruit?
(John 17:20,21) "I make request, not concerning these only, but also
concerning those putting faith in me through their word; 21 in order that
they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in
union with you, that they also may be in union with us, in order that the
world may believe that you sent me forth.
We must have unity in Jehovah's organization
Especially now as we see the anointed diminishing and the great crowd
growing.
(Psalm 133:1) Look! How good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell
together in unity!
(Colossians 3:4) When the Christ, our life, is made manifest, then YOU also
will be made manifest with him in glory.
These are the adornments that attract honest hearted people;
Italy: well publicized; 9 different convention cities; 4 int'l locations;
quote from newspaper: "sit orderly. Organization is perfect. Women are
dressed
modesty, but with elegance (from Brother Jaracz: "Sisters did you get
that?") .no smoking." Welcomed by the president. No
politics."."have never
seen so many Bibles at one time". "nationalities side by
side". "perfectly
organized...honest and civilized people"
Didn't need a police presence. security guard: "a clean people. tidy"
Don't be afraid to be different from the world. Honest hearted people are
attracted by that
(Zechariah 8:23) "This is what Jehovah of armies has said, 'It will be in
those days that ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take
hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew,
saying: "We will go with YOU people, for we have heard [that] God is with
YOU people."'"
People see that we're secure and tranquil. We are not really touched by
events. Have peace of mind that they don't have.
On flight to London and back; people were edgy; airline attendant "I see
you
are reading your Bible." Was able to share 6 scriptures "let me write
them
down"...able to share Terrorism and PTS mags; at Newark
Airport...conversation with man from Britain and Christian man from
Egypt. Gave business card wants to be called on.
We shine as illuminators; people have shown up at the Kingdom Hall that we
haven't seen for a while
Time for Deep Reflection - we must grow mighty as a spiritual people
Resolution in Italy and France - wording more timely now than when in was
accepted - especially the 2nd paragraph.. "Today mankind is in dire need of
such beneficial teaching. Thinking people acknowledge. Lack of real
values. Where are answers...where can we understand events of our
time...where true peace. Not repeat mistakes of the past. What is our vital
role in helping man" What food at the proper time!!!
1. Need to feed at Jehovah's table, not nibble at Satan's table
2. Parents feed children
3. Handle the word aright
Skip to No. 6
6. Opposition, but Jehovah is with us
(Romans 8:31) What, then, shall we say to these things? If God is for us,
who will be against us?
(Isaiah 54:17) Any weapon whatever that will be formed against you will have
no success, and any tongue at all that will rise up against you in the
judgment you will condemn. This is the hereditary possession of the servants
of Jehovah, and their righteousness is from me," is the utterance of
Jehovah.
Resolve to honor Jehovah
We appreciate even more this resolution
We are in a triumphal procession - need to bear in mind our roles in Jehovah
's purpose - Jehovah will be beautified!!!! Unitedly we reflect on Jehovah's
wonderful qualities. Each one of us. Be fine example. What a heritage we have a
Jehovah's witnesses.
Thoughts from the Governing Body:
Important not to forsake the gathering of ourselves (Heb 11:24,25)
2002 - District Conventions in all parts of the world
2002 - if Jehovah's will Special Int'l convention in various parts of the
world
Final Thought -
Trust in Jehovah
(Ephesians 5:15-17) So keep strict watch that how YOU walk is not as unwise
but as wise [persons], 16 buying out the opportune time for yourselves,
because the days are wicked. 17 On this account cease becoming unreasonable,
but go on perceiving what the will of Jehovah is.
Take full advantage of spiritual provision - Jehovah knows what we need;
reflect on this/meditate/pray/keep in mind that we're in critical times.