Already the heavenly Kingdom is in operation. (Rev. 11:15-17) We have the privilege of serving its interests here on earth. Our assignment is to tell other people about the good news of the Kingdom. (Matt. 24:14) What sort of circumstances have our brothers had to face while doing this during the past year? Exactly the sort that the Scriptures foretold for the last days of the present wicked system of things.—Luke 21:10, 11; 2 Tim. 3:1-5.

A wave of violence engulfed Albania for months. Heavily armed terrorist bands robbed, destroyed property, raped, and murdered. But our brothers did not refrain from preaching the good news. Warfare swept across large sections of Africa and tore at the heart of parts of Latin America and Southeast Asia. Although maintaining strict Christian neutrality, a number of our brothers perished as a result of the violence, as well as from diseases that followed the fighting. Many had to leave all their possessions and flee into the bush or the jungle, even having to cross national borders to seek refuge. Catastrophic floods hit areas of Poland, the Czech Republic, Italy, and the United States. An earthquake destroyed two Kingdom Halls in Venezuela. Hot ashes, mud, and boulders spewing from a volcano forced over half of the inhabitants of Montserrat to leave that island. In many places people are faced with severe economic problems, and street crime makes it dangerous for anyone to wear jewelry, even a watch.

In the midst of all the above, and despite the general apathy in the Western world, Jehovah’s Witnesses keep on preaching. How do they cope? They are sustained by Jehovah’s love, by the intense love of the international brotherhood, and by a keen awareness that the events of our day all point unmistakably to the near end of the old system.—Rom. 8:35-39; 1 Pet. 4:7, 8.

This past year a new peak of 375,923 were baptized in symbol of their dedication to Jehovah. What cause for rejoicing! Jesus’ words as recorded at John 4:35 still apply: “Lift up your eyes and view the fields, that they are white for harvesting.” Hence, we keep pressing ahead in giving a witness. Whether there are many or few, the lives of those who turn to Jehovah are precious. (Luke 15:7) Indeed, we thank Jehovah that Memorial attendance increased by more than one million this past year!

Our yeartext for 1998 reminds us of the need to help further millions answer the call: “Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” (Rom. 10:13) It is our earnest prayer that all in the organization individually share in giving a witness during this new service year, thus showing our depth of appreciation for all that Jehovah has done for his people.