The Christian Greek Scriptures make frequent mention of Barnabas and the apostle Paul. These men served as traveling overseers, visiting the early congregations. Why? They were genuinely concerned about the welfare of their spiritual brothers. Paul said that he wanted to “return and visit the brothers” to see how they were. He was willing to cover hundreds of miles (or kilometers) in order to go and strengthen them. (Acts 15:36) That is the desire that our traveling overseers have today.

They come to encourage us. Each circuit overseer makes the rounds of 20 or so congregations, spending a week with each one twice a year. We can benefit greatly from the experience of these brothers and if they are married, that of their wives. They endeavor to get to know young and old alike, and they are eager to accompany us in the field ministry and on our Bible studies. These overseers make shepherding calls with the elders, and to strengthen us, they give encouraging talks at meetings and assemblies.​—Acts 15:35.

They show an interest in all. Circuit overseers are keenly interested in the spiritual condition of the congregations. They meet with the elders and ministerial servants to review the progress made and to give them practical advice in handling their responsibilities. They help the pioneers to make a success of their ministry, and they enjoy getting to know newly associated ones and hearing about their spiritual progress. Each of these brothers freely gives of himself as “a fellow worker for [our] interests.” (2 Corinthians 8:23) We should imitate their faith and devotion to God.​—Hebrews 13:7.

• For what purpose do circuit overseers visit the congregations?

• How can you benefit from their visits?

When a disaster strikes, Jehovah’s Witnesses immediately organize assistance to bring relief to their brothers who are affected. Such efforts demonstrate the genuineness of our love for one another. (John 13:34, 35; 1 John 3:17, 18) In what ways do we help?

We donate funds. When a great famine occurred in Judea, early Christians in Antioch sent financial help to their spiritual brothers. (Acts 11:27-30) Similarly, when we learn that our brothers in some part of the world are facing hardship, we send donations through our local congregation to supply material aid to those in critical need.​—2 Corinthians 8:13-15.

We provide practical assistance. The elders who are at the scene of a disaster locate each congregation member to ensure that everyone is accounted for and safe. A relief committee may coordinate the supplying of food, clean drinking water, clothing, shelter, and medical help. Many Witnesses with the needed skills volunteer to go at their own expense and participate in the relief work or to repair damaged homes and Kingdom Halls. The unity that we enjoy as an organization and the experience we have gained in working together enable us to mobilize quickly in times of need. Although we extend our hand to “those related to us in the faith,” we assist others too when possible, whatever their religion.​—Galatians 6:10.

We offer spiritual and emotional support. Victims of a disaster especially need comfort. At such times, we draw strength from Jehovah, “the God of all comfort.” (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4) We gladly share the Bible’s promises with those in despair, offering the assurance that soon God’s Kingdom will bring an end to all the tragedies that cause pain and suffering.​—Revelation 21:4.

• Why are the Witnesses able to respond quickly during disasters?

• What spiritual comfort can we share with the survivors?

Shortly before his death, Jesus had a private conversation with four of his disciples​—Peter, James, John, and Andrew. As Jesus was foretelling the sign of his presence in the last days, he raised a vital question: “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time?” (Matthew 24:3, 45; Mark 13:3, 4) Jesus was assuring his disciples that as their “master,” he would appoint those who would provide a steady supply of spiritual food for his followers during the time of the end. Who would make up this slave?

It is a small group of anointed followers of Jesus. The “slave” is closely identified with the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It dispenses timely spiritual food to fellow worshippers of Jehovah. We are dependent on this faithful slave to keep giving us our “measure of food supplies at the proper time.”​—Luke 12:42.

It manages the household of God. (1 Timothy 3:15) Jesus gave the slave the weighty responsibility of managing the work of the earthly part of Jehovah’s organization​—looking after its material assets, directing the preaching activity, and teaching us through our congregations. Thus, to provide us with what we need when we need it, “the faithful and discreet slave” is distributing spiritual food by means of the publications we use in our ministry, as well as through the programs that are presented at our meetings and assemblies.

The slave is faithful to Bible truths and to its commission to preach the good news, and it is discreet about how it wisely cares for Christ’s interests on earth. (Acts 10:42) Jehovah is blessing its work with increase and abundant spiritual provisions.​—Isaiah 60:22; 65:13.

• Who was appointed by Jesus to feed his disciples spiritually?

• In what ways is the slave faithful and discreet?