person may hold back from making a contribution because he feels that what he has to offer is so little. But that should not be allowed to stifle the urge to express thanks, for no amount is too small. The work of the Lord in these “last days” is supported not so much by the generosity of the wealthy as it is by the many small contributions made by those of modest means. Remember the poor widow who contributed “two small coins” of very little value? Jesus commended her self-denying, practical expression of gratitude.—Mark 12:42-44.

As you read The Watchtower issue by issue, its making plain so many difficult questions has probably caused you to marvel. How, you may wonder, is it possible to keep supplying these magazines? Then you learn that all this is possible because Jehovah God has his “faithful and discreet slave” class busy on earth in these days and has commissioned them to dispense this spiritual “food at the proper time” to the whole household of those who love God. (Matt. 24:45-47) How thankful to God we can be that he has made such loving provision!

That same “faithful and discreet slave” appoints mature men to care for the congregations of God’s servants in 197 lands and islands of the sea. It sends out mature men as traveling representatives to aid the congregations to function in accord with God’s will. It organizes on a local, regional, national and international basis assemblies for the encouragement and upbuilding of lovers of righteousness. It maintains missionaries and special pioneer ministers in many countries of the world. But how is all this activity financed? By modest contributions of grateful persons who send the tokens of their appreciation direct to the office of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in the country in which they reside. In the United States this is at 124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York 11201.

Another way of giving deeper meaning to our thanksgiving to God is in offering ourselves for work that must be done in connection with the worldwide promotion of true worship. Jesus foretold concerning this very time in which we live that “in all the nations the good news has to be preached first” before the end of this doomed system of things comes. (Mark 13:10) Do you or can you offer yourself as one who, in appreciation, will share in that preaching service?

Then there is work to be done with the hands, cleaning and maintenance work, for upkeep of the Kingdom Halls. At assemblies there are departments to be manned by volunteers. During recent months a goodly number of Witnesses responded to an invitation to aid in construction work at one of the Watchtower Society’s farms in New York state. They gladly denied themselves lucrative work elsewhere in order to do this. They know that the farm will produce much of the food for the members of the headquarters Bethel family in New York.

Young children, too, can be trained to thank their parents and Jehovah with sincerity. By example parents can teach children to be appreciative. In fact, we know of some very young children who, out of their own small allowance, insist on making their own personal contributions for advancement of the Kingdom work. We can be sure that such manifestations of sincere thanksgiving do not go unnoticed by the loving God who is the giver of every good gift and perfect present.—Jas. 1:17.

PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING

Prayer both before and after our meals is another opportunity to express gratitude to Jehovah. But is it not obvious that such prayer would have little meaning if there was complaint or discontent about the food served? Likewise at the spiritual meals, Bible discussions, where we partake of the wisdom from God’s Word, there is need for us to give close and eager attention so that our actions may be in fullest harmony with our prayer for God’s direction of the meeting. “Be persevering in prayer,” urges the apostle Paul, “remaining awake in it with thanksgiving.”—Col. 4:2.

So, there are various ways that are open for appreciative Christians to back up their verbal giving of thanks to Jehovah for all his kindnesses. It is evident that the one who offers oral thanks that are genuine finds himself moved to give proof of that sincerity by doing something. He does not adopt the attitude expressed in the words: “If I had a million dollars I would make a large donation for the work of the Lord.” Rather, he says: “Is there anything I can offer as a token of my heartfelt appreciation for Jehovah’s loving provisions?”

God will prosper those who are thankful at heart, who back up their thanksgiving by a generous giving of themselves and their means for good work. Note these inspired words of counsel and promise, for example: “Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. God, moreover, is able to make all his undeserved kindness abound toward you, that . . . you may have plenty for every good work.” (2 Cor. 9:7, 8) It is beneficial to examine ourselves on this matter.

“Good News for All Nations” District Assembly

ASSEMBLY time is drawing near. Yes, in just a little over two months the first ones of the “Good News for All Nations” District Assemblies of Jehovah’s Witnesses will begin. Everyone who is sincerely interested in God’s purpose for mankind is welcome to attend.

Are you making definite arrangements to be there? Will you be on hand when the program begins on Thursday afternoon? We urge you to do so. And for Thursday evening, we especially encourage you family groups, parents along with children, all to be present. That program is being prepared with you in mind.

At each assembly there will be arrangements for baptism of those who have dedicated themselves to Jehovah. If you have in mind getting immersed at one of these assemblies, we suggest that you talk to your congregation overseer about it now, because there are some matters that he would like to discuss with you by way of preparation.

One of the highlights of the assembly will be the public talk “Man’s Rule About to Give Way to God’s Rule.” Yes, we are living in that thrilling time. Be sure to attend.

Assembly locations for all of the United States, Canada, Bermuda and the British Isles are listed below. Five weeks before the assembly of your choice is due to begin, you may write Watch Tower Convention at the rooming address given for that city, and the Rooming Department will gladly assist in making arrangements for your accommodations.