God’s Power Made Perfect in Weakness

Ben Brickell was another one of those zealous Witnesses—much like other people, in that he shared their needs and infirmities. He was outstanding in faith. In 1930 he entered the colporteur work in New Zealand, where he witnessed in territories that were not covered again for decades. Two years later, in Australia, he undertook a five-month preaching trip through desert country where no witness had previously been given. His bicycle was heavily laden with blankets, clothing, food, and bound books to place. Though other men had perished when trying to travel through this area, he pressed on, with confidence in Jehovah. Next, he served in Malaysia, where serious cardiac problems developed. He did not quit. After a period of recuperation, he resumed full-time preaching activity in Australia. About a decade later, serious illness put him in the hospital, and when discharged he was told by the doctor that he was “85 percent incapacitated for work.” He could not even walk down the street to do shopping without intermittent rest.

But Ben Brickell was determined to get going again, and he did, stopping to rest as necessary. Soon he was back witnessing in the rugged Australian outback. He did what he could to care for his health, but his service to Jehovah was the main thing in his life until his death 30 years later in his mid-60’s.d He recognized that the lack that existed as a result of his weakness could be filled by Jehovah’s power. At a convention in Melbourne in 1969, he served at a pioneer desk with a large badge on his lapel, reading: “If you want to know about pioneering, ask me.”—Compare 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

[Picture on page 289]

When Ben Brickell had good health, he enjoyed using it in Jehovah’s service; serious health problems in later years did not make him quit