[Box on page 27]

International Volunteer Construction Workers

During the month of November 1985, 11 volunteers​—ranging in age from a 26-year-old single brother to grandparents 59 years old—​left the United States for Africa. Their mission? To assist in the construction of a new branch facility in a country that serves more than 100,000 Witnesses. Since then, over 800 volunteers skilled in the construction trades and representing 12 branches have been helping on 13 branch construction projects. Some workers volunteered for a minimum of one year, others for a two-week to three-month stay. How do these volunteers and their families feel about such an assignment? Here are some of their expressions:

◻ “For years I have worked hard, but in the world. Now all my energies go to Jehovah’s organization. To have nothing to do with the world is a relief, and to expend yourself for Jehovah is a physical, emotional, and spiritual joy.”

◻ “It is difficult to explain the strong friendships that developed in the short time I worked on this project.”

◻ “We as a family want to thank you for the privilege my husband had as an international construction worker. Even though none of us were able to go with him, his experience has benefited the whole family. It shows us how unified Jehovah’s organization is everywhere. Also, it helped him see how we can simplify our lives so that we, as a family, can serve Jehovah more fully.”

[Pictures on page 26]

Branches where international volunteer construction workers assisted