Proclaiming Good News World Wide

“How comely upon the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news, the one publishing peace, the one bringing good news of something better, the one publishing salvation, the one saying to Zion: ‘Your God has become king!”’​—Isa. 52:7.

1, 2. How does the earth appear to one far out in space, and how did the angels react when God created it?

IN YOUR mind’s eye see the earth as it was photographed for the first time by the Apollo 8 astronauts. See it hanging in the blackness of space with the rays of the sun making it look like a giant multicolored bowling ball. Through bands of fluffy white clouds can be seen the sparkling blue waters of the oceans and the browns and greens of the land areas. What a beautiful planet God created for mankind! For all who dwell on it he has good news. Do you know what it is?

² When one is looking at the earth from a point far out in space it is not difficult to imagine why the Bible says that the angelic sons of God “began shouting in applause” when God created the earth. (Job 38:7) It is so outstandingly different from all the other planets in our solar system that the angels felt impelled to cry out joyfully together in praise of the Creator, Jehovah God. Then when he populated the earth with living creatures and capped his work on earth by creating man, they had even more reason to shout in applause.

3, 4. What has happened to the earth as a result of man’s efforts to rule himself without God?

³ But what has happened on earth since the time God created man? Because man rebelled and turned his back on his Creator living conditions have been far from ideal. Men have leaned upon their own wisdom and tried to rule the earth without God. This has resulted in a colossal mess. Mankind has become divided into nationalistic groups that are constantly quarreling and fighting among themselves. Vast cities have become asphalt jungles where people prey upon one another, acting like unreasoning wild beasts. Violence, crime, injustice and rebellion are everywhere.

⁴ Man in his folly is even ruining his earthly environment upon which he depends for life. He is polluting the air and fouling the rivers, lakes and oceans. He has ruined fertile lands by unwise agricultural practices and has ruthlessly slaughtered vast numbers of wild creatures, causing many to become extinct. Indeed, man’s effort to rule himself without God has been a monumental failure.

SOMETHING BETTER IS COMING

5, 6. What is the good news God has for mankind, and how were his actions regarding war foretold?

⁵ For all who are “sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done” the Creator of this beautiful earth has good news. (Ezek. 9:4) He has set up a kingdom of his making by which he will rule the entire earth in justice and righteousness. Under its rule mankind will no longer be divided into warring national groups but will live in permanent peace.

⁶ Speaking as if it already has happened, a Bible prophecy says: “Come, you people, behold the activities of Jehovah, how he has set astonishing events on the earth. He is making wars to cease to the extremity of the earth. The bow he breaks apart and does cut the spear in pieces; the wagons he burns in the fire.” (Ps. 46:8, 9) These ancient instruments of war employed at the time when this prophecy was written are used here to symbolize all weapons of war. There will be no need for them under the peaceful and righteous reign of God’s kingdom.

7. Identify the foundation of God’s kingdom, and explain why the people under the Kingdom will act in a straight and truthful manner.

⁷ The king of that kingdom has already been selected and installed in office. He is none other than the tried and faithful Son of Jehovah God, Jesus Christ. He was spoken of in Bible prophecy as “a tried stone, the precious corner of a sure foundation.” (Isa. 28:16) The whole structure of God’s kingdom is built upon him as its King. This prophecy in Isaiah goes on to foretell that the rule of God’s kingdom under Jesus Christ will be one of justice and righteousness. “And I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the leveling instrument.” (Isa. 28:17) As a plumb line reveals the trueness of a supporting pillar in a building or of a wall so the quality of righteousness that will predominate in God’s kingdom will cause people to act in a straight and truthful manner. How different it is today under the unrighteous rule of imperfect men! Wicked people have “made a lie [their] refuge and in falsehood [they] have concealed [themselves].”​—Isa. 28:15.

8. Why will no one under the rule of God’s kingdom need to feel fearful or insecure?

⁸ With righteous rulers in God’s kingdom ruling the earth in justice, righteousness and peace, there will be no reason for anyone to feel fearful and insecure. The wicked will no longer be present to threaten them with violence and death or to try to steal their possessions. Our Creator has assured us that the “wicked one will be no more.” (Ps. 37:10) Instead of the earth being dominated by violent people who rebelliously violate the laws of God, people who are mild-tempered and obedient to those laws will possess it. Jesus Christ himself foretold this when he said: “Happy are the mild-tempered ones, since they will inherit the earth.” This is certainly good news!​—Matt. 5:5; Ps. 37:11.

9. Explain why God’s kingdom, especially its establishment, is good news for mankind.

⁹ In view of the marvelous purpose God has for the earth his kingdom is good news for mankind. It gives us assurance that the wicked will not dominate the earth indefinitely, and it gives us hope for much better living conditions to come. The fact that God’s kingdom has been established in the heavens and that we are now living in the last days of the present wicked system of things is especially good news. To those putting their trust in that kingdom at this time, Jesus Christ said: “But as these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near.”​—Luke 21:28.

BEGAN IN FIRST CENTURY

10. (a) When and how did the proclaiming of the good news begin? (b) Why could the Kingdom be said to be near at that time?

¹⁰ The proclaiming of the good news of the kingdom began in the first century of our common era. It was taken up by Jesus Christ, and his followers were instructed to engage in it. “As you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.”’ (Matt. 10:7; 4:12-17) Although the kingdom of God was not yet established at that time, the message was appropriate and the Kingdom could be said to be near because its anointed King, Jesus Christ, was present. He represented it.

11. How did Jesus set an example as to the way the good news ought to be preached?

¹¹ Jesus took the good news of the Kingdom directly to the people by going to them and preaching to them. “Then he went around throughout the whole of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news of the kingdom.” (Matt. 4:23) He also preached to people in their private homes. He called at the home of Zacchaeus in Jericho, the home of Matthew and at the home of a ruler whose daughter had died, just to mention a few. (Luke 19:5; Matt. 9:9, 10, 18, 23) He also preached in the mountains, at the seashore and in the marketplaces. It was to all types of people that he preached​—rulers, priests, merchants, fishermen, tax collectors, harlots, soldiers, and so forth. Jesus thus set an example for the way his followers should preach the good news of the Kingdom.

12. How did Jesus fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1, 2?

¹² As Jesus walked about proclaiming the good news he was fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1, 2: “The spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me, for the reason that Jehovah has anointed me to tell good news to the meek ones. He has sent me . . . to proclaim the year of goodwill on the part of Jehovah . . . to comfort all the mourning ones.” To the meek and distressed people of that time his coming among them with the good news of the Kingdom was a pleasing sight indeed. His feet would be a comely or pleasant sight. People would be grateful that he came among them because of the good he did for them. He brought to distressed people comfort, and to downhearted ones hope. They learned from him that God has purposed something better that would come by means of his kingdom.

13. Describe how Jesus’ disciples followed his example of preaching after Pentecost.

¹³ Following the example Jesus set, his disciples after Pentecost of 33 C.E. preached the good news of the Kingdom wherever they went, even when they were scattered by persecution. “However, those who had been scattered went through the land declaring the good news of the word.” (Acts 8:4) They were used in fulfilling Isaiah 52:7: “How comely upon the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news, the one publishing peace, the one bringing good news of something better, the one publishing salvation, the one saying to Zion: ‘Your God has become king!”’ Those that went to other lands also preached the good news. The Bible gives detailed information on how the apostle Paul and those traveling with him did this in several lands over a period of many years. Like Jesus they went directly to the people, calling at their homes and talking to them in the marketplaces and in other locations where the public gathered.

14. How did Paul describe his efforts to help people learn of God’s purpose?

¹⁴ To a group of persons in Asia Minor who had embraced the hope of God’s kingdom because of his efforts, the apostle Paul said: “You well know how from the first day that I stepped into the district of Asia I was with you the whole time, slaving for the Lord with the greatest lowliness of mind and tears and trials that befell me by the plots of the Jews; while I did not hold back from telling you any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching you publicly and from house to house.” (Acts 20:18-20) See how he expended himself so people could learn the good things that God has purposed for mankind. Were not his feet also “comely” or pleasant in appearance to the many people he comforted with the good news?

15. Why can we be certain that the prophecy at Isaiah 52:7 applies to Jesus’ anointed followers?

¹⁵ The anointed followers of Jesus who have the prospect of eventually ruling with him fulfill the prophecy at Isaiah 52:7. This is indicated by Paul himself. They too publish peace, bring “good news of something better” and publish salvation. Pointing out the need for them to preach the good news to others, Paul wrote: “However, how will they call on him in whom they have not put faith? How, in turn, will they put faith in him of whom they have not heard? How, in turn, will they hear without someone to preach? How, in turn, will they preach unless they have been sent forth? Just as it is written: ‘How comely are the feet of those who declare good news of good things!’” (Rom. 10:14, 15) See how Paul quoted the prophecy at Isaiah 52:7 and applied it to those following Jesus’ example of proclaiming the good news.

16. What was the result of the preaching done by the early Christian organization?

¹⁶ As a result of the zealous and diligent preaching effort of the early Christian organization people in many lands heard the good news and became believers. Reporting the results of the first missionary tour by Paul and Barnabas through Cyprus and Asia Minor, the Bible says: “When they had arrived and had gathered the congregation together, they proceeded to relate the many things God had done by means of them, and that he had opened to the nations the door to faith.” (Acts 14:27) The people in these other lands who listened and responded in faith to what they heard were most grateful that Paul and Barnabas had come to them. They certainly regarded the feet of these publishers of good news as “comely.” Thus the good news spread throughout the Roman Empire, and a great many people became part of God’s organization. But that was just the beginning.

“PREACHED IN ALL THE INHABITED EARTH”

17, 18. What happened to the Christian organization after the death of the apostles?

¹⁷ After the death of the apostles the Christian organization began to deteriorate because of corrupting beliefs brought into it from false religions. Also individuals began promoting their own ideas, causing divisions in the congregations. These self-important persons gathered to themselves members of the congregation and went off on their own course. All this was foretold by the apostle Paul. “I know that after my going away oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness, and from among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.”​—Acts 20:29, 30.

¹⁸ From this corrupting of the Christian organization came a fusion religion that appeared outwardly to be Christian but actually was fused with falsities of paganism. Because of being filled with pagan beliefs and practices it became less objectionable in the Roman Empire, eventually being made to dominate it. As might be expected, this corrupted organization did not carry on the preaching of the good news of the Kingdom and did not encourage the people to do so. Its people became spiritually dead.

19. Can God’s Christian organization be blamed for conversions by the sword?

¹⁹ In view of this, we can see that it was not the true Christian organization but one that even used military arms to force people throughout Europe to become so-called Christians. This was not the way Jesus instructed his followers to make disciples. Such forced conversions were the result of twisted thinking by men who thought more of their own ideas than of God’s Word of truth. Such men had become a clergy class that preached the religious philosophies of men to church members who formed an inactive and inferior laity class. This was not God’s way, and the religious organization that prompted it was not his. Although the preaching of the good news stopped, it was not God’s will that it should cease permanently. It was his will that it should be preached in all the inhabited earth.

20. Explain how the preaching of the good news was revived.

²⁰ After a lapse of many centuries God revived the preaching of the good news in the latter part of the nineteenth century. This revival started with a small group of Bible students in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. It had become evident to them that the churches of Christendom were not fulfilling the commission that Jesus Christ gave to his followers. Instead, they were engrossed in politics, social activities, human philosophy, unscriptural teachings and human traditions. Seeing the need for proclaiming the good news, these modern-day followers of Jesus Christ expressed their willingness to serve as did Isaiah. That prophet said: “I began to hear the voice of Jehovah saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I proceeded to say: ‘Here I am! Send me.’” (Isa. 6:8) So this group of faithful Christians under the leadership of Charles Taze Russell began taking up the long-neglected work of proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom. God’s Christian organization began to reappear.

21, 22. (a) To what extent has the number of proclaimers of the good news grown since the 1870’s? (b) How have they been fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy for the “last days,” and how have they followed Jesus’ example?

²¹ From that small beginning back in the 1870’s the body of proclaimers of the good news has grown to an organization of more than a million active Christian witnesses of Jehovah today. This is God’s active organization, and it has been doing what Jesus foretold would be done in the last days of the present worldly system of things​—preaching the good news of the Kingdom “in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations.”​—Matt. 24:14.

²² Every dedicated, baptized person in this Christian organization is a preacher. All are spiritually active and are continually being encouraged by Jehovah’s organization to continue being active in the ministry. This is the way his organization was in the first century while the apostles were still living. Like Jesus they have been going to the homes of the people and to every other place where they can find people who are willing to listen. To grateful people who have been comforted by the good news they have brought, they are a pleasant sight.

23. Show how God’s organization today is indeed preaching the good news in all the inhabited earth.

²³ In the first century the preaching of the good news was directed considerably to the lands bordering the Mediterranean Sea, but today we see it being done throughout the inhabited earth as Jesus foretold. In 1970, Jehovah’s witnesses were busy preaching it in 206 lands, spending more than 267 million hours at it and distributing approximately 232 million pieces of literature about God’s Word and purposes. Certainly this is the scale of preaching of the good news that Jesus foresaw over 1900 years ago as taking place in the last days of the earth-encompassing system of wicked men.

PREACHING ORGANIZATION

24, 25. Why is an organization necessary among those whom God uses, and what evidence do we have of its existence among the early Christians?

²⁴ To carry on the worldwide preaching of the good news that God has purposed to be done an organization is necessary. It is needed to unify the efforts of the hundreds of thousands of Christians whom God is using to do this preaching work. Its governing body directs the work for the best results and settles differences. Such an organization existed after Pentecost in the year 33 C.E., and its governing body consisted of the twelve apostles along with some other mature Christians in Jerusalem. This group rendered decisions, appointed persons to special service and settled disputes. Its decisions were binding upon the entire organization of Christians in that day as we see in the fifteenth chapter of Acts.

²⁵ When we read the fifteenth chapter of Acts, particularly Acts 15 verses 23-29 twenty-three to twenty-nine, we see the governing body of God’s organization in action. A dispute that had arisen among the Christians in Antioch, Syria, one that could not be resolved locally, was brought before it. After hearing it, the governing body rendered a decision that was dispatched to Antioch.

26. Identify the governing body in God’s organization today.

²⁶ Today the organization that God has raised up for preaching the good news of the Kingdom also has a governing body. It represents the “faithful and discreet slave” class of anointed Christians that Jesus spoke about in an illustration at Matthew 24:45 to 47. These fulfill their responsibility to provide spiritual food “at the proper time,” doing so through the governing body. This governing body is closely associated with the board of anointed directors of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.

27. Explain how God’s organization is devoted exclusively to serving his interests.

²⁷ Unlike Christendom’s churches that have become involved in politics, social reforms, operating businesses and investing in business corporations, God’s organization of faithful witnesses has concentrated on only one thing​—the preaching of the good news of the Kingdom. It has not lost sight of the commission that Jesus gave his followers to “make disciples of people of all the nations” and to teach them “to observe all the things I have commanded you.” (Matt. 28:19, 20) It therefore is fulfilling today Jesus’ prophecy about the worldwide preaching of the good news of the Kingdom.​—Matt. 24:14.

28, 29. Whom did Jesus train to be proclaimers of the good news, and how is God’s organization today following his example in this respect?

²⁸ When Jesus was preaching the good news of the Kingdom he taught common people such as fishermen and tax collectors to be preachers and teachers of God’s Word of truth. Unlike the scribes and Pharisees who had been trained in the religious schools of higher learning of those days, these common people had God’s blessing and authorization to preach. They actually did his will, whereas the scribes and Pharisees did not.

²⁹ So today, God’s organization teaches and trains common people of all walks of life to be preachers and teachers of his written Word. They do not have to go to a religious seminary of higher learning to have God’s authorization to preach. It even trains children to preach the good news. Like the fishermen of Jesus’ day, these common people are being taught to do what they probably never dreamed they could do.

30. What training is given to those who are sent to other lands, and what has been the result of their efforts?

³⁰ A special school established by the organization also provides training for those selected to be sent to other countries as missionaries. An intensive five-month course of study is given them in the Bible as well as a foreign language. When they arrive in their foreign assignments they devote 150 hours a month to proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom and teaching the truths of God’s Word to the local people. Graduates of this special school of Gilead have opened up the work of preaching the good news in many lands, territories and islands of the world. They have assisted thousands of persons to take a stand for God’s kingdom.

HOW MUCH LONGER?

31, 32. What is indicated by the worldwide preaching of the good news, and what has God’s organization been doing in fulfillment of Isaiah 52:7?

³¹ The very fact that the good news is now being preached in all the inhabited earth and on a scale such as never before seen is evidence in itself that we are in the last days of this present wicked system of man-made governments. Jesus made it clear that, when this would be seen along with the other world events he foretold, it would be the “time of the end,” and the final climax would be near.​—Luke 21:28.

³² We have been in the “time of the end” since 1914 C.E. During this time Jehovah’s organization of witnesses has been “publishing peace,” “bringing good news of something better” and saying, “Your God has become king!” This is what the prophet Isaiah foretold.​—Isa. 52:7; Rev. 11:17, 18.

33. Why is it important for everyone who wants the blessings that come with being part of Jehovah’s organization to preach the good news?

³³ The time remaining to proclaim the good news is very short. Much is still to be done, for, as Jesus said, “the harvest is great, but the workers are few.” (Matt. 9:37) If you want the blessings that God has in store for those in his organization, become part of it now. Join in the ingathering work by being an active proclaimer of the good news. Let people know what Jehovah God has purposed for our beautiful earth. Be one of those of whom Isaiah prophesied that they would publish peace and bring good news of something better.

Where More Proclaimers of the Good News Are Especially Needed

“Step over into Macedonia and help us.”​—Acts 16:9.

1, 2. What was Paul’s experience when he first visited Ephesus, and what did he recognize and promise?

FOR those who appreciate the Christian responsibility to proclaim the good news of God’s kingdom, it is a thrilling experience to find people who plead with them to stay and teach them the truth. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, had this experience when he first visited the city of Ephesus in Asia Minor. It was about the middle of the first century of our Common Era. He stopped there briefly on his way back to Antioch, Syria, during his second missionary tour. When people in a synagogue heard him proclaim the good news, they urged him to stay so they could hear more.

² Paul recognized that the need for preachers of the good news in Ephesus was great. He could not stay and help them at that time, but he promised to return, saying: “I will return to you again, if Jehovah is willing.” (Acts 18:21) This he did on his third missionary tour, staying there for three fruitful years. He built up a congregation in Ephesus that was specifically mentioned by the resurrected Jesus Christ more than forty years later. Jesus inspired the apostle John to commend the Ephesus congregation for its endurance and labor but also to rebuke it for having “left the love you had at first.”​—Rev. 2:2-4.

3. How did Paul manifest the right attitude when he spoke with the Ephesians on his third missionary tour?

³ At the conclusion of his third missionary tour, Paul stopped at Miletus, a small town a little south of Ephesus, and he sent for the older men of the congregation in Ephesus. When they arrived he spoke with them and reminded them of how he had expended himself so they could learn the good news. From the moment he had stepped into the Roman province of Asia, which was an area that embraced the western part of the peninsula of Asia Minor and which had Ephesus as its capital, he kept preaching the good news despite persecution. This fine attitude is what persons today need who go to where the need for proclaimers of the good news is very great.

4. How did Paul respond to the plea to come to Macedonia and help people there?

⁴ On an earlier occasion Paul manifested his willingness to serve where more preachers were needed. This was on his second missionary tour. He was at the town of Troas in the northwest corner of the peninsula of Asia Minor. There he received a vision of a man of Macedonia entreating him to come over and help the people of Macedonia. (Acts 16:9, 10) Recognizing this as Jehovah’s direction to go to this territory where the need was very great, Paul promptly boarded a vessel and sailed to Neapolis in Macedonia. From there he went to the city of Philippi, which was on a trade route. It was always his policy to establish himself in cities that were on trade routes, evidently so the preaching he did would be carried by travelers to other cities. The congregation he formed in Philippi was always especially grateful to him for his labors and often sent gifts to him.

5. What example did Paul, Aquila and Priscilla set for us today?

⁵ Paul set a fine example for Jehovah’s dedicated servants today. He put the interests of God’s kingdom first in his life and was willing to go to other places where the need for preachers was great. This also appears to have been true of Aquila and Priscilla. Paul met them in Corinth during his second missionary tour, and when he left they accompanied him as far as Ephesus. There they stayed and preached. Persons who are dedicated servants of Jehovah today can manifest the same willingness to serve where the need for preachers of the good news is greater than where they are.

PLACES WHERE THERE IS GREAT NEED

6, 7. (a) How can a Kingdom publisher make his efforts more fruitful? (b) Should a Christian move to another territory if he is getting good results where he is?

⁶ There are many places today where the need for more preachers of the good news of the Kingdom is very great, and these places provide fine opportunities for dedicated servants of Jehovah to make their efforts in the ministry as fruitful as possible in the short time that remains to the present system of things.

⁷ Of course, if one of these dedicated Christians is having good results in the territory assigned to his congregation, and people are responding to the good news of the Kingdom by associating with Jehovah’s organization, he is needed right there. He has a fertile field for the ministry, and he might as well continue working it instead of going elsewhere. But suppose the territory is being worked frequently without much fruit coming from his efforts, what then? Should he slow down or quit? By no means! His endurance is pleasing to Jehovah God.

8. Why is it advisable to move, if possible, when a territory is not productive?

⁸ However, if he is in a position that permits him to help out in another territory where more preachers are needed, would it not be a wise move for him to go to that territory? A fisherman that finds that his boat is in a location where the fishing is bad will move his boat to fishing grounds where the possibility of a catch is more promising. He is interested in catching as many fish as he can before the day ends. As spiritual fishermen Jehovah’s witnesses today want to work where their efforts will be the most productive.

9, 10. If a person can move to another country, what are some of the countries where the need is very great that he might consider?

⁹ It may be possible that a family can arrange its affairs so as to go to another country where the need for preachers is exceptionally great. In the United States the ratio of publishers to population is one to 524, but there are a number of countries where the ratio is not as good, indicating a great need for more preachers of the good news of God’s kingdom. For example, in Bolivia the ratio is one in 4,222; in El Salvador it is one to 1,951; in Guatemala it is one to 2,298; in Colombia it is one to 3,021; in Ecuador it is one to 2,095; in Paraguay it is one to 2,963, and in Peru it is one in 3,007. These countries are all in Central and South America, where the “fishing” has proved to be very good. Some of them, however, still have entire cities without a congregation of Jehovah’s people.

¹⁰ Now suppose we take a look at Africa and see how great the need for preachers of the kingdom is there. In Burundi the ratio of Jehovah’s witnesses to population is one to 71,174; in Senegal it is one to 20,339; in Gambia it is one to 35,111; in Ivory Coast it is one to 9,513; in Kenya it is one to 11,094; in the Republic of Mali it is one to 700,000; in Niger it is one to 106,296; in Tchad it is one to 50,000, and in Uganda it is one to 98,234. These countries offer a fine “fishing” opportunity to dedicated servants of Jehovah who are able to move to another country.

11, 12. Describe what Witness missionaries are finding in some of the African countries.

¹¹ There is so much interest in some of these countries that the Witnesses there have waiting lists of people who want to study the Bible with them. In Kenya, for example, they do not waste time with persons who fail to keep appointments. When a person fails to be home a few times when the study is supposed to be held, the Witness will discontinue the study and spend his time with someone else who shows more appreciation for it. If after a study has been discontinued the person promises to keep his appointments and wants the study to be renewed, he is put at the bottom of the list of those waiting for studies.

¹² A missionary that went to Dahomey reported that in a little over six months she was conducting fifteen home Bible studies. She writes: “There is not enough time to cope with everyone who would like to study. We are getting well known in the town and people just stop us and ask if we will study with them.” The good “fishing” conditions in these countries are indicated by the fine increases in the number of those associating with Jehovah’s organization. These too are active in proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom.

13. What did a Witness find in the Truk Islands, and what question confronts you?

¹³ As might be expected, those who have gone to countries where the need for preachers is very great have had some stimulating experiences. One who visited some of the many islands in the Truk District found people who had never seen a Bible and had never heard the good news of the Kingdom. They eagerly listened to him. When he left an island after preaching to the people for a while, they repeatedly asked, “When are you coming back?” How like the people of ancient Ephesus when the apostle Paul first visited them. Can you respond to the plea of such people in various countries to “Step over . . . and help us”?

WITHIN ONE’S OWN COUNTRY

14. How can a person serve where more proclaimers of the Kingdom are needed within his own country?

¹⁴ If a family is not able to go to another country, it may be able to move to one of the isolated territories within its own country. Many Witnesses have done this with good results. Some have moved to territories a great distance from their hometown, and others have moved only a few miles away where more help is needed. In some instances the territory is isolated from a congregation of Jehovah’s witnesses. The interest there must be developed so a congregation can be formed. In other instances a congregation may be present but is small and weak. It is in need of help and encouragement. In other instances a congregation may need stronger leadership, and this provides opportunity for a mature minister in Jehovah’s organization to move his family to that town and help that congregation.

15. How can mature Witnesses help a small congregation?

¹⁵ Much good can be done by mature Witnesses who move where there is a small congregation in need of help. By taking a zealous lead in the ministry they can infuse new life into the congregation and help the local Witnesses to become more productive “fishers of men.” (Matt. 4:19) They can be a stimulating example to the local congregation, as Paul and his companions were to the congregation at Thessalonica. Writing to the Christians in that congregation, Paul said: “For we know, brothers loved by God, his choosing of you, because the good news we preach did not turn up among you with speech alone but also with power and with holy spirit and strong conviction, just as you know what sort of men we became to you for your sakes; and you became imitators of us and of the Lord.”​—1 Thess. 1:4-6.

16. What special joy did the apostle Paul have, and how can Witnesses today share that joy within their own countries?

¹⁶ The apostle Paul found great joy in opening up new territories to the preaching of the good news of the Kingdom. In his letter to the Roman Christians, those living at Rome, he revealed this joy by saying: “In this way, indeed, I made it my aim not to declare the good news where Christ had already been named, in order that I might not be building on another man’s foundation; but, just as it is written: ‘Those to whom no announcement has been made about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.”’ (Rom. 15:20, 21) This can be the joy of Witnesses today who are willing to move to an isolated territory where there is no established congregation.

17. What kind of persons must those be who contemplate moving to where the need for preachers is especially great?

¹⁷ Those who move to where the need is greater must necessarily be persons who have a keen appreciation for the truth of God’s Word and who manifest this appreciation by zealous activity in the ministry. They need to be persons who are strong in the truth and able to “make a defense before everyone that demands of [them] a reason for the hope in [them].” (1 Pet. 3:15) They need to be persons who are willing to endure inconveniences, hardships and even persecution in order to carry on the ministry. This was the attitude the apostle Paul had. He said: “You well know how from the first day that I stepped into the district of Asia I was with you the whole time, slaving for the Lord with the greatest lowliness of mind and tears and trials that befell me.”​—Acts 20:18, 19.

THOSE WHO CANNOT MOVE

18, 19. How can arrangements be made so those who cannot move can serve where there is great need?

¹⁸ But what about those who cannot move? How can they serve where more preachers of the kingdom of God are needed? It may be that within their circuit of about twenty congregations there is territory that contains many people interested in the good news, but perhaps the local congregation has too much territory to care for this interest. Arrangements can be made with that congregation for Witnesses in another congregation to come in and develop the interest. Why should they spend their time in unfruitful territory when there is better “fishing” in territory that another congregation holds but which is too much for that congregation to handle?

¹⁹ Witnesses in other parts of the circuit who can travel to such a territory could be assigned to develop the interest there. When interest is found they will want to start studies and to conduct those studies regularly. This, of course, will be an expense to them in time and money. If they are able to carry this expense they will be able to serve where more proclaimers of the Kingdom are needed without having to move from their homes.

MEETING PROBLEMS

20-22. Describe problems that may be encountered with accommodations and employment and how they can be overcome.

²⁰ As might be expected, problems are certain to confront anyone who goes to a territory that is distant from his home or who moves to another city or country. For those who move it may mean they will have to content themselves with accommodations that are below their accustomed standard of living. This will require an adjustment in their thinking in order to continue preaching in that territory. It would be difficult to stay if they kept thinking about what they had left behind.

²¹ Finding employment may be another problem, but can we say that it is an impossible one to solve? In some instances the local Witnesses have been able to help a family to locate work. In others it has been necessary to take work that was different from what the person had been accustomed to doing. He may even have to take work that does not pay as well, but that may be necessary in order to stay there where the need for preachers is great. Here again developing the right mental attitude is important. Paul pointed out the view to take when he said: “Having sustenance and covering, we shall be content with these things.”​—1 Tim. 6:8.

²² So the family that moves will do its best to get along on possibly lower income and perhaps less desirable accommodations so it can stay where more proclaimers of the Kingdom are needed. This would be putting the interests of God’s kingdom ahead of material interests, as Jesus recommended.​—Matt. 6:33.

23. How can a person view the leaving of good friends so as to serve where more proclaimers of the good news are needed?

²³ The difficulty of leaving good friends may be still another problem. Moving does not mean the end of their friendships but rather the opportunity to expand friendships. A family will find new friends to add to those it already has. Remember Jesus’ promise that those who leave relatives in order to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom elsewhere will receive relatives and houses a hundredfold. New friends who are also dedicated servants of Jehovah God will become as close as fleshly relatives. Because of their hospitality their homes will be open to such persons. Graduates of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead who have gone as missionaries to other countries have proved Jesus’ statement to be true.​—Mark 10:29, 30.

24. What helps to make insignificant the problems of serving where there is need for Kingdom proclaimers?

²⁴ No matter what the problems may be in trying to serve where the need for more proclaimers of the Kingdom is great, the joy of being able to help people come to a knowledge of the truths of God’s Word makes them fade to insignificance. It makes the effort and endurance worth while. There is an inner satisfaction of knowing that you are helping others and, above all, are doing what is pleasing in the eyes of God. Mature Witnesses know the satisfaction that comes when their efforts in the ministry bear good fruit. Think how much greater that joy can be when the fruit is abundant because of working in territory where the need is great. Certainly there is happiness in unselfishly giving one’s time and energy to helping people to learn about Jehovah, his Son and his wonderful purposes for mankind.

COUNT THE COST

25. Before moving, what is it necessary for a family to do?

²⁵ Those who are dedicated servants of Jehovah ought to take stock of their situation and seriously consider going where more preachers are needed. If a family thinks it can move to another country or to another location within its own country it must necessarily count the cost and decide whether it can meet it or not. The reason why this is so necessary was explained by Jesus when he said: “Who of you that wants to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense, to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, he might lay its foundation but not be able to finish it.”​—Luke 14:28, 29.

26, 27. Why is it only sensible to work where our efforts will produce the most fruit, and how did Paul set an example in this respect?

²⁶ Since the time left for this old system of things is very short, it is only sensible to work where our efforts will produce the most fruit. If we are in position to make a move, it is not reasonable to continue struggling with unproductive territory when the “fishing” is better in another territory that is short of preachers. But when a family moves it should be able to stay. So advance planning and counting of the cost are essential.

²⁷ The apostle Paul saw the wisdom of moving to more productive territory when he found himself where the “fishing” was not good. It was for this reason that he did not remain longer in Athens. It was a relatively unfruitful territory. So he moved to Corinth, where he remained for one and a half years during his second missionary tour. This was what the Lord wanted him to do. In a vision he told Paul: “Have no fear, but keep on speaking and do not keep silent, because I am with you and no man will assault you so as to do you injury; for I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18:9, 10) This proved to be so.

28, 29. What is the procedure if a family decides it can move to where it can be more productive?

²⁸ If a family, after counting the cost, decides that in one way or another it can serve where more preachers of the good news are needed, what should it do? Everyone in the family should take the matter to Jehovah in prayer, asking for his guidance and help in making the right decision. Then they can proceed to make all the necessary advance preparations so as to ensure their ability to remain in the new territory once they arrive. If possible, the new territory ought to be scouted out in advance, especially if it involves moving. Accommodations as well as employment need to be located.

²⁹ Suppose the family decides to go to another country, what then? It can write to the branch office of the Watch Tower Society in the country where it wants to go, asking for whatever information may be needed. On the other hand, if the contemplated move is within the country where the family lives, it can write to the Society’s offices in that country. The Society will be happy to inform the family of places where more proclaimers of the good news are especially needed.

30. What is the best way to follow the example of Jesus Christ and Paul? Why?

³⁰ It would be very fine if the family could spend most of its time in the ministry as pioneers. Much more would be accomplished, and it would be better able to care for the interest that is found. This is the best way to follow the example set by Jesus and the apostle Paul, who devoted most of their time to the ministry.

31. Of what evidence is the great growth of Jehovah’s organization, and how have people coming into that organization shown their gratitude that someone had preached the good news to them?

³¹ The tremendous growth of Jehovah’s organization just since the end of World War II is good evidence of how fruitful the proclaiming of the good news of the Kingdom has been. It is also a good indication that the method used is the best. In 1945 there were 141,606 Witnesses proclaiming the good news in 68 lands. By 1970, twenty-five years later, the organization had grown to more than ten times that size, to 1,483,430 active proclaimers in 206 lands. To these many people who heard the good news and responded to it the feet of those who brought it to them were “comely,” as the prophet Isaiah foretold. (Isa. 52:7) They are grateful that there are people in these modern times who are willing to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom even in distant places. They are showing their gratitude by also proclaiming the good news for the benefit of still others. In doing this they follow the way recommended by Jehovah’s organization.

32. How are we seeing now the fulfillment of Isaiah 60:22?

³² Here we are seeing the fulfillment of the prophecy at Isaiah 60:22: “The little one himself will become a thousand, and the small one a mighty nation. I myself, Jehovah, shall speed it up in its own time.” With the pace of response from the proclamation of the good news of the Kingdom rapidly increasing, it is clearly evident that this is the time when Jehovah is speeding up the growth of his earthly organization.

33. Why is it necessary for Jehovah’s witnesses to examine seriously how they can increase their productiveness as proclaimers of the good news of the Kingdom?

³³ The ingathering is great, the workers few and the time left to do the work greatly reduced. If you are dedicated to Jehovah as one of his witnesses, seriously examine how you can increase your efforts in the great ingathering of people desiring Jehovah’s favor and the benefits of his kingdom. Seriously consider how you can increase your productiveness in the Christian ministry by working where more proclaimers of the good news of God’s kingdom are especially needed. Could it be that it is where you are now living?