• Philippines
    2003 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses

    • Help for the Pioneers

      Later the pioneers also began to receive additional training. In 1978 the first classes of the Pioneer Service School were held. All serving as pioneers at that time were enrolled in the classes, including special pioneers. Since then, except for the years 1979 and 1981, classes have been held every year.

      The pioneers have benefited greatly from the school, but they have had to face challenges in order to attend. Some have made financial sacrifices to get there. Others have put up with difficulties in transportation.

      Those attending the school held in the city of Santiago had to deal with an unexpected situation. Rodolfo de Vera, the circuit overseer, related: “On October 19, 1989, Santiago, Isabela, was struck without warning by a supertyphoon with maximum winds of 127 miles per hour [205 km/hr]. When we started our classes that morning in the Kingdom Hall, there were just some showers and a slight wind, so we proceeded with the pioneer school. However, the winds got stronger, and the building began to shake. Soon, the roof was blown off. We wanted to leave, but we saw that it was more dangerous outside because of the many flying objects.” Although the building began to break apart, all survived unharmed. They attribute their survival not only to Jehovah but also to a suggestion in the Awake! magazine to seek protection under a table or a desk during such situations. Brother de Vera said: “We took shelter under the tables. After the typhoon passed, we were covered with fallen branches and metal roofing sheets, but all who had stayed in the building under the tables were unhurt.”

      Each year, schools are conducted in seven languages. Up to the 2002 service year, 2,787 classes have been held with a total of 46,650 pioneers completing the course. What a fine provision this has been to help pioneers enhance their skills and put full trust in Jehovah as they continue “shining as illuminators in the world”!​—Phil. 2:15.