Awake!, May 22, 1978

Download: PDF — Awake!, May 22, 1978

Awake! — May 22, 1978

Source: jw.org

Contents

Page Two

Are You Too Busy?

How to Pray and Be Heard by God?

Hospitality in a Changing Africa

“The Happy God”—Really Different!

A Breathtaking Railway

Finding a Job

Survival at Sea!

Let’s Plan a Trip

Animal Lovers, Beware!

Woman’s Role in the First-Century Congregation

Watching the World

Information at Your Fingertips

Which Government Will Rule the Earth?

Page Two

Page Two

5 HOW TO PRAY AND BE HEARD BY GOD.

Prayer books, prayers to saints, use of a rosary, praying in “tongues”​—all these are common practices. But what does the Bible itself say about how to pray?

16 SURVIVAL AT SEA!

A survivor recounts one of history’s worst sea disasters, 33 years ago; the questions it raised, and how these were answered

Are You Too Busy?

Are You Too Busy?

“THERE just isn’t enough time to do everything.” Hardly a day passes without our hearing someone express himself to this effect. But does it necessarily mean that the individual is truly busy?

Often the problem is not so much a matter of time as a failure to use available time well. Many hours may be spent in small talk, watching television, doing light reading or sharing in sports as a participant or as a spectator. Because of a multitude of such distractions, a woman may have difficulty in getting her housework done, and a man may be neglecting necessary home repairs or other essentials.

Strangely, a person may view himself as very busy when, in reality, he does not have enough to do. The English orator Philip Chesterfield well observed: “It is an undoubted truth, that the less one has to do the less time one finds to do it in. One yawns, one procrastinates, one can do it when one will, and, therefore, one seldom does it all.” But persons who are truly busy with essentials cannot put off caring for them. As Chesterfield noted: “They always find time enough.”

While we do not want to be so time conscious as to make life unpleasant for ourselves and others, we should give serious thought to our use of time. It is good to view time as a valuable asset, something not to be squandered. Never should the daily cares of life and our personal interests so occupy us that we have no time for serving God and helping fellowmen. Rather, we should want to feel like Moses, who said in prayer: “Show us just how to count our days in such a way that we may bring a heart of wisdom in.”​—Ps. 90:12.

What would the answer to this request mean for us? Since our life is of uncertain duration, we would receive guidance to help us in using the days of our life wisely. We would learn to count or to evaluate them properly so as to bring honor to our Maker and to benefit fellow humans.

To receive the answer to our request for guidance, we need to act in harmony with our prayer. Almighty God has provided his Word, the Bible, and also the means by which it can be understood​—his holy spirit and his devoted servants on whom that spirit is operating. (Compare Acts 8:26-35; 1 Corinthians 2:10, 11.) From the Bible, we can learn what is most important in life and what to avoid in order to enjoy a purposeful life now. Hence, if we really want to make the very best and wisest use of our time, we need to take time for Bible study.

What makes this matter very serious is that God has set a day for judging mankind by means of his Son, Jesus Christ. Through his Word and the proclaimers of that Word, he has made known the importance of starting to serve him without delay. Over 1900 years ago, an educational work began that made clear what Jehovah God expected from humankind. For example, the Christian apostle Paul told idol-worshiping inhabitants of Athens: “We ought not to imagine that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, like something sculptured by the art and contrivance of man. True, God has overlooked the times of such ignorance, yet now he is telling mankind that they should all everywhere repent. Because he has set a day in which he purposes to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness by a man [Jesus Christ] whom he has appointed, and he has furnished a guarantee to all men in that he has resurrected him from the dead.”​—Acts 17:29-31.

Since Jehovah God has kindly served notice on humankind regarding this judgment, it is urgent for people everywhere to make a fine record with him before it is too late. A deliberate failure to use time wisely now can result in a condemnatory judgment. The seriousness of the situation is well illustrated by what happened in the time of Noah. People were totally absorbed with the daily routine of life and paid no attention to the warning that Noah proclaimed. Then, suddenly, “the flood came and swept them all away.” (Matt. 24:37-39) Just as quickly, just as unexpectedly, an individual may be caught as one disapproved before God when Christ Jesus comes to execute judgment against ungodly mankind. (2 Thess. 1:6-9) Or, without having made a record of fine works with Jehovah God, a person may die suddenly.​—Luke 12:20, 21.

Hence, if you recognize that you have neglected spiritual matters, do not delay in letting Jehovah’s Witnesses assist you in examining the Bible. Then, use time wisely to build up a record of fine works with your Creator. You will never regret this, for the Bible gives this assurance: “God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name.”​—Heb. 6:10.

How to Pray and Be Heard by God?

How to Pray and Be Heard by God?

SINCE earliest times men have felt the need to pray to God. Realizing their own insignificance and inability to reach him without help, they have invented numerous “aids” to prayer.

Some persons use prayer books. They read prayers that have been written for various occasions, hoping that these will help them to gain God’s favor. Others pray to saints, asking them to intercede with God in their behalf. Another common practice is that of memorizing prayers and using a rosary to keep track of how many times these are said.

However, even some religious leaders in churches that use these aids consider them insufficient. They believe that human language is inadequate in praying to God, and they pray in tongues, using words that they do not understand.

Roman Catholic priest David Geraets, prior of a Benedictine monastery in Pecos, New Mexico, said: “The longer I live, the more I find out that we don’t know how to pray.” He suggested that praying in “tongues” might let the holy spirit “place with you a perfect prayer,” and remarked: “You see, there is a communication gap between the individual and God and this must be bridged, and speaking in tongues may be one way to bridge it.”

However, it is interesting to note what the Bible indicates. It tells about the teachings and customs of Jesus and his apostles and recounts the acts of other faithful men of ancient times. But the Bible does not indicate that there was a “communication gap” between early Christians and Jehovah God.

You might be interested in considering these “prayer aids” one at a time, to see if they help or hinder true prayer. Then we will consider what the Bible says about prayers that really are heard by God.

Use of Prayer Books

Though it may surprise many persons today, the Bible never tells of anyone’s needing a prayer book to know what to say to God. No book of formal prayers, thought up and written down by someone else, was used by God’s people of ancient times in addressing him.

The Bible speaks of God as a Father. (Rom. 1:7) Could you imagine your children having to read someone else’s words to you from a book in order to say “Please,” “Thank you,” “Show me what to do,” or, “I have a problem and need your help”?

True, the Bible contains beautiful prayers. The book of Psalms is a collection of magnificent songs of praise and thanksgiving to God, many of which are exquisite prayers. Of course, persons who appreciate the privilege of prayer would choose their words carefully, in keeping with the privilege of addressing a loving God. But the Bible shows that our prayers can be very simple.

In an illustration, Jesus Christ gave an outstanding example of prayer. He told about a humble tax collector, who was not willing even to raise his eyes toward heaven, but who kept beating his chest, saying: “O God, be gracious to me a sinner.” What could be simpler than that? Yet, Jesus said: “I tell you, This man went down to his home proved more righteous” than a proud Pharisee who exalted himself even in addressing God.​—Luke 18:9-14.

The prayers recounted in the Bible​—even the splendid Psalms—​demonstrate a friendship with God. Jehovah’s servants of ancient times did not consider God to be just an abstract “power for good” in the universe. Rather, they recognized him as a mighty spirit person. They addressed him as Jehovah, using the exalted name he had given himself. This affected the way they spoke to him. They beseeched his favor. They asked his blessing. They sought his forgiveness.​—Ps. 39:12.

Really, it is astounding to think that people can talk to God and that he will listen. But the Bible describes just such a relationship. Psalm 139 beautifully indicates Jehovah’s ability to pay attention to one person. If you think that God could not be interested in you as an individual, just read this entire psalm, in which David said, in part: “O Jehovah, you have searched through me, and you know me. You yourself have come to know my sitting down and my rising up. You have considered my thought from far off. My journeying and my lying outstretched you have measured off, and you have become familiar even with all my ways.” (Ps. 139:1-3) Appreciation of this relationship permitted God’s servants of the past to address expressions of supplication and thanksgiving directly to the Creator.

God knows our shortcomings and limitations. Of course, when praying we should speak as well as we can. But what we say is far more representative of our thoughts than what we might read. Using someone else’s words written in a prayer book would actually detract from the sincerity and intimacy of our expressions to God.

Should We Pray to “Saints”?

The Bible does not say that the early Christians prayed to “saints.” It does not tell us that we need them as “intercessors,” or that they will intercede with God in our behalf. The Scriptures give no examples of God’s faithful servants praying to any dead persons, or of their trying to get such ones to do favors for them.a In fact, the Bible indicates that dead “saints” could not do so, for it says that the dead “are conscious of nothing at all.” According to the Bible, the dead are unconscious, in their graves, awaiting the resurrection.​—Eccl. 9:5, 10; John 5:28, 29; 11:24.

So, rather than telling us to pray to saints, the Bible says: “In everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6) Thus, the popular French expression, “better do business with the good Lord than with his saints,” is far truer than many persons who say it may have imagined.

Praying to God is not like approaching some European kings of ancient times under whose reign those “whom you knew at court” may have been more important than the justice of your case. The first Christians, whose actions are recorded in the Bible, felt no need to go through anyone in heaven except Jesus Christ, in whose name they addressed their prayers to God. Jesus himself said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” and he spoke of ‘asking in his name.’​—John 14:6, 14.

The New Catholic Encyclopedia admits that early Christians prayed to God, not to saints, when it says: “Usually in the N[ew] T[estament], all prayer, private as well as public liturgical prayer, is addressed to God the Father through Christ.” It also states: “Prayer should be an expression of one’s friendship with God.”​—Volume XI, pp. 670, 673.

Having “friendship with God” eliminates the need of having someone else speak for you​—even if that were possible. Christians do not need to go through “saints” because they are afraid to address God directly. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, showed that we do not need such intercessors with God, for we have “freeness of speech” in addressing him through Jesus. Paul counseled: “Let us, therefore, approach with freeness of speech to the throne of undeserved kindness, that we may obtain mercy and find undeserved kindness for help at the right time.” (Heb. 4:14-16) If we have such “freeness of speech” in our prayers, other intercessors are not needed.

What About the Rosary?

Look as you will in the Holy Scriptures and you will find no reference to people’s needing a rosary or similar means of counting memorized prayers. In fact, the Bible does not indicate that the same prayer is to be repeated over and over again.

True, the Scriptures urge Christians to “persevere in prayer.” (Rom. 12:12) But this does not mean repeating the same thing over and over. Jesus said: “When praying, do not say the same things over and over again, just as the people of the nations do, for they imagine they will get a hearing for their use of many words. So, do not make yourselves like them.” (Matt. 6:7, 8) If the same memorized prayer is not to be said over and over again, obviously beads would not be needed to count how many times it is said.

Do “Tongues” Fill a Need?

In view of our human limitations, would “tongues” help the holy spirit to “place with you a perfect prayer”? Those who hold that view are overlooking the intimacy of prayer as indicated in Scripture. Prayer is not some magic formula, the exact repeating of which brings a benefit. Rather, much depends on the way that we speak to God, expressing our appreciation and our needs.

Which expression do you most appreciate from a child​—his simple, sincere thanks, or the flowery words someone told him to say, but that he obviously does not understand? Well, then, is it not reasonable to think that an intelligent and loving heavenly Father appreciates your simple, sincere requests and expressions rather than unknown words impressed upon you from an outside source?

The psalmist did not say that he had approached God in an “unknown tongue.” Instead, he said: “I have called with my whole heart. Answer me, O Jehovah.” (Ps. 119:145) How could an expression be from the heart if the person uttering it did not even know what it meant?​—Compare 1 Corinthians 14:14, 15.

Jesus gave an example of prayer. It was a very simple one. That Model Prayer (often called the “Lord’s Prayer,” or the “Our Father”) is recorded at Matthew 6:9-13. It gives us the proper perspective of an appropriate prayer. God’s name, his kingdom and the doing of his will on earth come first. Then come the needs of the individual (including the simple material need of “our bread for this day”), forgiveness of sins and deliverance from temptation and the wicked one, Satan the Devil.

There is nothing flowery, no oratory, about the “Lord’s Prayer.” In fact, in the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures this Model Prayer contains only 59 words. None of it is hard to understand. No part of it is in an unknown tongue. The one who prays understands what he is asking, and he asks it simply, just as a person would talk with a loving father. In fact, Jesus prefaced this Model Prayer with the reassuring words: “God your Father knows what things you are needing before ever you ask him.”​—Matt. 6:8.

Persons who pray in “tongues” sometimes say that they are using “angels’ tongues.” However, there is no indication in the Scriptures that even Jesus Christ used some special kind of speech in praying to his heavenly Father. Jesus’ own prayers recorded in the Bible were not beyond the ability of human words to express. And how could anyone today have greater things to say to God than Jesus had?

Consider the simplicity of Jesus’ short prayer in Gethsemane on the night before his death: “Abba [a word meaning “papa”], Father, all things are possible to you; remove this cup from me. Yet not what I want, but what you want.” (Mark 14:36) What could be simpler than that? Yet, Jesus himself prayed it. Even more direct, however, was his last prayer, at the moment of his death. At Luke 23:46 we read: “Jesus called with a loud voice and said: ‘Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.’ When he had said this, he expired.”

How to Be Heard

We have seen that having our prayers heard does not depend on the specially worded prayers in a book, or an appeal to “saints.” It does not depend on repeating the same thing a prescribed number of times while counting with a rosary. Nor does it depend on using “tongues” to say words that we do not understand. Rather, having our prayers heard requires approach through Jesus Christ and depends on our hearts and on our obedience to God.

The apostle John wrote: “Beloved ones, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have freeness of speech toward God; and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we are observing his commandments and are doing the things that are pleasing in his eyes. Indeed, this is his commandment, that we have faith in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and be loving one another, just as he gave us commandment.”​—1 John 3:21-23.

Our prayers must be in harmony with God’s will and his purposes. Thus, John said: “This is the confidence that we have toward him, that, no matter what it is that we ask according to his will, he hears us.”​—1 John 5:14.

The Proverb says: “Jehovah is far away from the wicked ones, but the prayer of the righteous ones he hears.” (Prov. 15:29) Those who obey God’s commands and pray in harmony with his purposes have the assurance that his “ears” are open to them.​—Ps. 10:17; 1 Pet. 3:12.

It is a great condescension on Jehovah God’s part to let us approach him in prayer. Such a relationship is an inestimable privilege. If we appreciate the opportunity of approaching God, and if we keep our hearts sensitive to his will, our minds will make right decisions and will direct us to act in ways that meet with divine approval. What will be the result? Just the opposite of having a “communication gap” with God. Fittingly, the disciple James wrote: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.”​—Jas. 4:8.

[Footnotes]

The Roman Catholic Douay Version of the Bible lists ‘seeking the truth from the dead’ among things “the Lord abhorreth.” (Deut. 18:11, 12) While this passage deals with spiritism, it should make a person cautious about trying to get dead persons​—even “saints”—​to do favors for him.

Hospitality in a Changing Africa

Hospitality in a Changing Africa

By “Awake!” correspondent in Kenya

WE APPROACH a door in eastern Africa, calling out the customary Swahili word Hodi!, which may be translated “May I come in?” From inside we hear the answer Karibu, meaning “Come near!” As we step forward, someone with a friendly smile comes from inside the house. In a matter of seconds our briefcases have been taken into the house.

We step into a small sitting room. The host sits down, expecting us to explain the purpose of our visit. We point out that our message is from the Scriptures and that we would appreciate having the Bibles from our briefcases. Immediately the host sends a child to get the briefcases from the bedroom, where they had been placed for safeguarding, according to the tribal tradition of hospitality.

This is just one of the many varied expressions of hospitality in Africa, which deeply impress visitors from overseas. Kindness to strangers is considered a great virtue on this continent.

Many Africans do not limit hospitality just to relatives, friends or invited guests. They extend great courtesy to strangers as well. The greeting is not hurried or merely formal. Rather, the host takes time to manifest sincerity and interest. The stranger is also viewed as a bringer of news. Many questions are asked about the places and people that he left, as well as those he passed en route. Though the host may have little, the best food is offered to the visitor. Lodging, if needed, is provided willingly. Even if the host has only one mattress or one blanket, in most cases he will put these at the disposal of the visitor. The householder and his children will pass the night without these comforts. Being a guest in a village also means safety, because the host will protect his visitor and his belongings. Upon leaving, a good visitor sometimes receives a parting gift, such as a live chicken. Additionally, the host counts it a privilege to accompany the traveler part way to his destination.

A Tradition in High Esteem

From childhood most Africans are taught the virtue of hospitality. Even small children are called to greet the visitor and do small services for him. Some tribes construct their villages so that young men of the community live in a separate house in the center of the village, where they can offer hospitality to strangers passing through. Other tribes have older men on duty to welcome strangers at such a center. A stranger trying to go by a village on the outside would be viewed with suspicion; he is expected to pass through the village and make his presence known. In some areas he must meet the village chief or his representative.

In many tribal societies a visitor will not only be served with food, drink, bedding and water for washing, but, as a matter of course, will be permitted to use most of the things his host has at his disposal. That is why in Africa you can see people go on a journey of hundreds of kilometers, for days or weeks, with almost no luggage. The traveler counts on hospitality being extended to him along the way. Under the hot sun and on narrow footpaths it is advantageous not to have a heavy load. And then there are sometimes rivers through which to wade or swim. Hospitality makes it much easier to cope with these discomforts.

In the eyes of most African people, many customs of the Occidental world seem callous, abrupt and discourteous. They cannot imagine someone’s eating food in the presence of visitors, asking them to wait, as Westerners sometimes do. Giving something casually or hurriedly, or using the left hand to return small change, makes a person look bad in the eyes of Africans. Popping into a house and bringing up a matter while standing, refusing to sit down first, is not appreciated either, unless there is a good reason. When a visitor declines to accept a seat or food offered to him, it may be counted as akin to an insult. On the other hand, Africans highly appreciate the efforts of overseas visitors to show respect for these customs related to hospitality.

Hospitality Under Stress

Hospitality in Africa, however, is undergoing rapid change. Human selfishness, the love of money, criminal elements and city life with its rush for time have dampened the hospitality of a good number. Many sincere hosts have had bitter experiences, as not all visitors came in peace. Past centuries brought slave traders, greedy adventurers and tribal enemies. In recent times strangers have often proved to be criminals. When industry arrived in Africa, city life created new desires; and, for many, competition replaced cooperation, giving rise to feelings of distrust for strangers.

One problem was the question of how to adapt traditional hospitality to city life and an economy based on money. In cities, housing space is usually quite limited, resulting in high rents and crowded conditions. Salaries are low; yet food generally cannot be grown, but must be bought. At the same time, persons left in villages hear of city life and its attractions. They feel a growing urge to visit the city to see it for themselves, or even to start living there. Where do such individuals go when they arrive? Without question, their relatives or even distant acquaintances in the same tribal area must show hospitality.

This easily leads to abuses. Most Africans never ask a relative how long he intends to stay. Hence, some stay indefinitely. At first, the host willingly shares his food, while his wife washes the visitor’s clothes. The relative or acquaintance finds it quite normal to let himself be “spoiled” without sharing in the work. Since he feels truly at home, he may begin wearing the host’s clothes.

Then one day a taxi may pull up in front of the house, and another young man may step out. He, too, has come from a village to stay in town. Since he entered the taxi without a cent in his pocket, he asks the host to pay the taxi fare. Possibly the host does not even know him personally. But due to his being from the same village or because of his being known through a distant acquaintance, hospitality moves him to pay, sometimes with a sigh. When the host looks at his wife and children who tell him that they are hungry and need clothing, he may sigh some more! Some workingmen in cities are housing up to 10 and more relatives or distant neighbors who come for schooling or to find employment.

Living in the center of town, especially near a main bus stop, can cause further problems. Convenience moves many to stop in at mealtimes, counting on hospitality. And an African host will hardly ever say “No!” Some have found it necessary to solve the problem of dwindling finances by quietly moving and not telling others where they are going.

Even in villages a changing mood is evident. Passing strangers often have proved to be thieves. Some villagers admit that when a stranger approaches they hide their food or offer things for sale only. At times, in the equatorial forest, persons traveling in vehicles have found the road blocked by a heavy tree. On getting out and looking at the obstacle, the drivers noted a group of villagers nearby, ready to discuss the price for clearing the tree off the road. After the vehicle passed, however, the tree was moved back across the road so that the villagers could make the same profit from others who might wish to pass by. So, in a good number of remote areas strangers cannot count on traditional hospitality anymore. They must be prepared to pay, and sometimes to pay large amounts.

Is Hospitality Dying?

As is the case with many other humane qualities, hospitality is losing ground in much of the world, including Africa. This is part of a condition that the Bible foretold would mark the “last days” of the present system of things. According to the Scriptures, in the last days large numbers of persons throughout the world would become “lovers of themselves, lovers of money, . . . unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, . . . without love of goodness.” (2 Tim. 3:1-3) Has this general spirit of selfishness and distrust killed hospitality in Africa?

While for some that may be the case, it is by no means true of the majority of persons living on this continent. In a changing Africa there are still many, especially older ones, who attach great importance to hospitality. Also, there is a growing number of persons from all age groups who have increased their display of hospitality due to Bible education. Encouraging hospitality are Biblical commands such as these: “The overseer should therefore be . . . hospitable.” “Do not forget hospitality, for through it some, unknown to themselves, entertained angels.” “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” (1 Tim. 3:2; Heb. 13:2; 1 Pet. 4:9) However, a Christian should never presume on the hospitality of another. Rather, he must obey the inspired counsel: “Make your foot rare at the house of your fellowman, that he may not have his sufficiency of you and certainly hate you.”​—Prov. 25:17.

Aided by the encouragement from the Word of God, many Africans continue to manifest hospitality despite the increasing unfriendliness of today’s world. Bible believers have good reason to do so, for they realize that soon God will usher in a new system of things.​—2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1-5.

“The Happy God”—Really Different!

“The Happy God”​—Really Different!

● Down through the centuries, a principal trait of many gods of mankind has been cruelty. But matters really are different with Jehovah, the true God. The Scriptures describe him as One who displays loving-kindness, and he is called “the happy God.” (Ps. 62:12; 1 Tim. 1:11) To many persons, this truly is impressive.

● To Illustrate: One woman living in South Africa stated: “As a Hindu I knew many gods, and these were fierce gods. I did not know there was a happy God, Jehovah. Learning about the happy God Jehovah has filled my heart with great joy. Now this joy helps me to share this ‘good news’ with others, telling them about the happy God and his purpose for the future.”

● Serving Jehovah as one of his witnesses does bring a person true joy. Moreover, preaching “the glorious good news of the happy God” results in great happiness for those who hear that message with real appreciation.

A Breathtaking Railway

A Breathtaking Railway

By “Awake!” correspondent in Brazil

“THE most beautiful, thrilling, wonderful, awe-inspiring, yes, breathtaking.” That is how a Uruguayan tourist guide described the railway trip from Curitiba to Paranaguá in southern Brazil.

Come and join us on the exciting three-hour ride abroad the modern Litorina, a streamlined one-carriage diesel train. Anxious not to miss a single view, we pick a clear day. As we settle in our seats, with background music, a warm welcome in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese​—together with an announcement that free refreshments will be served during the trip—​comes over the loudspeaker system and adds to our expectant mood. What spectacular glimpses await us on the 110-kilometer (68-mile) journey?

Leaving 907-meter-high (2,976-foot-high) Curitiba behind, the train soon begins winding its way through green meadows that give way to more rugged terrain. The first of 13 tunnels catches us unawares in its dark embrace.

Outside again, quick motion-picture-like scenes fascinate us. Deep valleys slice through mountains, with each receding row fading into hazier bluish green. There are luxuriant forests of Araucaria pine trees, their branches and tufts of needles at the very top of the trunk reminding us of parasols. Lush plant life​—at times interspersed with yellow, white or pink flowering trees or silvery leaves—​hides the ground.

Tragedy of the Serra do Mar

The train comes to a halt at “Kilometer 65.” Our attention is drawn to a memorial tablet and a cross at the bottom of the precipice. What happened there? On May 20, 1893, in the wee hours of the morning, soldiers knocked at the door of a prominent businessman and politician, known as Baron of Cerro Azul, in Curitiba. On orders of the ruling general, he and others on the blacklist were put on the train to Paranaguá. High up in the mountains, at “Kilometer 65,” the train screeched to a halt. It was still dark. The prisoners were pulled out of the train and pushed over the precipice into the abyss.

Spectacular Sights

Only for moments do we contemplate the chilling tragedy. The train glides along to its encounters with more pleasant spots. Bare rocks jut out of the entwined profusion of green foliage. Streams of water come cascading down from rocky heights. Sounds of “oh!” and “ah!” “look over here!” or “olhe aí!” break forth from the lips of excited passengers as noses are pressed to the windows. Gauzelike spray envelops the tumbling waters of a cascade. Its name? Why, the Bride’s Veil!

The eye can hardly keep pace with the changes all around us. Clinging to the mountainsides, a gigantic viaduct spans gaping depths. Another tunnel looms up, envelops us and finally releases us. Then follows another short stretch of railway track on a bed precariously carved out of the mountainside.

Approaching the Devil’s Curve, we hold our breath. The train moves along the very edge of a deep ravine. Do we have the heart to look down? Knowing that no passenger train has ever been derailed here is not enough to relieve our tension. A curve of 45 degrees over a terrifying abyss makes us feel queasy. Will the train slip right into the abyss? Only when we are around the bend do we start breathing easily again​—ready for the next surprise.

The train stops at the small station of Marumbi. A number of adventurous mountaineering enthusiasts get off. No doubt they are heading for Abrolho peak, a colossal block of rock. Being easy to climb, it is sought out by many. But there are other peaks in the vicinity, such as Ponta do Tigre, Morro do Gigante and Olimpo. All add grandeur to the panorama. At the bottom lies the modern power plant of Marumbi, on the Ipiranga River.

The brief stop enabled us to inhale air tinged with the aroma of tropical vegetation. Amid all the awe-inspiring handiwork of the divine Landscape Designer, the train begins to nose its way down toward the coast. We are bypassing the highest Serra peak of 1,979 meters (6,493 feet). Nine hundred meters (2,953 feet) below are the deep-blue waters and white breakers of the Atlantic Ocean and, along the coast, houses and towns are scattered like children’s toys. Sheltered by an array of small islands, the city of Paranaguá is situated in a bay bearing the same name.

All too soon we come to the end of our memorable trip. Although the hustle and bustle of one of Brazil’s important seaports and a delicious seafood lunch take our attention, our minds are really still up in the Serra. Before long we are back on the train, retracing our path on the single track. This time we cannot help but be in a pensive mood. How did they manage to conceive of and complete such a daring project?

Singular Engineering Feat

A fellow passenger comes to our aid with a historical sketch. When, in 1853, Paraná State was separated from São Paulo State, a pressing need arose for an efficient link with the Atlantic coast. How else could Paraná export its maté tea, timber and coffee? The obvious answer was a railroad between Curitiba and the coast. Construction rights were obtained in 1871 and later transferred to the “Compagnie Générale de Chemins de Fer Brésiliens.” Eventually, in June 1880, the construction was inaugurated in the presence of Emperor Dom Pedro II.

Divided into three sections, the first one​—a stretch of over 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Paranaguá to Morretes—​presented only the problem of marshy and alluvial soil. Real problems began with the start of the second section at “Kilometer 42.” Within the short distance of 39 kilometers (24 miles), the track rose from five meters (16 feet) to 955 meters (3,133 feet).

No wonder the second section was the most laborious and daring! At “Kilometer 45,” the original European engineers abandoned the job because of the perilous precipices in the Serra do Mar. However, undaunted Brazilian engineers took up the challenge. The primitive means at their disposal might have frightened almost anybody. Much of the scaffolding was made of logs simply tied together with lianas, or climbing vines.

With cries of “Impossible! Risking your life for nothing!” still ringing in their ears, the workers moved on​—meter by meter. Steep mountains, composed of granite and gneiss, slowly yielded to the dogged determination of engineers and workmen alike. Precipices of 900 meters (2,953 feet) soon had bridges clinging to the sides of hostile slopes.

Originally fifteen tunnels were cut in the rocks and 41 bridges were built. (Only 13 tunnels are still in use.) A total of 972 meters (3,189 feet) of bridges and viaducts and 1,689 meters (5,541 feet) of tunnels, the longest being 429 meters (1,407 feet) at an altitude of 995 meters (3,264 feet)!

Once the obstacles of the Serra had been overcome, the third and last section was a cinch. It runs over a smooth plateau, almost in a straight line, from Piraquara to its terminal, Curitiba.

The Inauguration

For five years, whenever a false step would mean sure death, 9,000 men worked courageously. But only 4,000 were active at a time. The other 5,000 were in bed sick with tropical diseases caused by insect bites. The toll of human life was high.

All obstacles and negative predictions notwithstanding, on February 5, 1885, at 10 a.m., the seemingly “impossible” was achieved. The first train then set out from Paranaguá, and it arrived in Curitiba at 7 p.m. Why the delay? Well, the travelers had been served a regal meal at Cadeado station. The train was received in Curitiba amid the joyous exclamations of the population and some Brazilian and foreign authorities. Nowadays the line is acclaimed as one of the world’s fine engineering feats and a credit to man’s endurance in the face of overwhelming odds.

Of course, the scenic Litorina is not the only train running on the line. There are ordinary passenger and freight trains, with shunting stations to allow one to go up and the other down. The railway remains the lifeline between the interior of Paraná State and the outside world, fulfilling the original purpose for which it was built.

At last, we leave behind the dense jungle vegetation hugging the mountains, the blue sky above and the somber depths below, as well as the gurgling and splashing waters and the fragrance of tropical virgin forests. Our sense of appreciation has been sharpened by this unforgettable trip. Perhaps you can undertake it yourself someday. If you do, you will never forget the breathtaking railway.

Finding a Job

Finding a Job

IN A discussion with a businessman, a youth told him that he was out of work and had no job. “You have a job right now,” remarked the businessman, “to work earnestly eight hours a day to find a job.” In less than a day the young man found himself a job.

Survival at Sea!

Survival at Sea!

The absorbing account of a young couple who survived one of history’s worst sea disasters

I WAS but a 14-year-old girl when, on March 15, 1938, the luxury liner Wilhelm Gustloff, praised by Germany’s Nazi regime as “ship of joy,” set off on her maiden voyage. She was considered a technical wonder, absolutely unsinkable! Despite her large size, she could take 1,465 passengers and 426 crew members speedily to their destination.

Seven years later World War II entered its final stage. Germany’s eastern front collapsed in January of 1945, sending thousands of refugees from East Prussia scurrying for safety. But since road and rail connections to Germany proper were cut off, only the sea was left as an avenue of escape. Everything afloat, including the Wilhelm Gustloff, was pressed into service. At the time she was anchored in Gdynia, Poland (then called Gotenhafen), and served as living quarters for members of the Germany navy. We lived in Gotenhafen, and my husband, Kurt, was stationed aboard the ship.

Flight to Safety

The city was packed with refugees, the majority of whom were completely exhausted from days of tramping through snow with heavy packs on their backs. Everyone seemed intent on getting aboard the Gustloff, for she was well heated and stocked with warm food. She apparently guaranteed a measure of safety. But tickets were scarce and soon were sold on the black market. A merchant from my hometown unsuccessfully tried to bribe my husband into getting tickets for him and his family, even though they had already obtained passage on another ship. Somehow he did manage to get aboard, however, as he elatedly told us later.

The ship was more than crowded, as refugees by the thousands obtained passage. At first, they were registered, but later this was discontinued. So the final number of persons aboard is strictly a matter of conjecture. Some have estimated that there were 6,500, but the figure may have been larger. Many passengers were sleeping in the hallways; so we were asked to share our cabin. A mother with two children joined us, and, although this meant being crowded, it gave us the good feeling of knowing that we had done something to make the trip as comfortable as possible for others.

We were standing at the railing that Tuesday afternoon, January 30, 1945, as the ship set sail at one o’clock. Heartrending was the sight of a little old lady kneeling on the pier, her packed suitcase standing beside her, while she loudly pleaded: “Captain, take me along! Please! Please!” But for her it was too late.

How We Survived

At about seven o’clock that evening, I opened the porthole to let in a little fresh air. Looking out into the darkness, I could see the turbulent waters and feel the cold sea wind. Small chunks of ice were floating in the water. It was zero degrees Fahrenheit (−18 degrees Celsius).

This was my first voyage, and the thought of being far out in the Baltic Sea was frightening. Many of the passengers were seasick; they were standing in long rows in front of the rest rooms, which already reeked of vomit. It promised to be an unforgettable night. Had I only known!

Since there was the danger that Russian submarines might attack, we were told to keep our life jackets on, even while eating, and not to undress at night. I can still remember how uncomfortable it was wearing my life jacket to the dining room. At bedtime I kept my underwear and stockings on and placed my dress nearby where I could readily reach it. Sorry to say, many passengers failed to take the warning as seriously as I did.

Suddenly at 16 minutes past nine we were jolted awake. Three torpedoes had struck the ship. It was now a matter of life and death. We must get up to the top deck as fast as possible! Where was the closest exit? Happily, we knew its exact location. Within seconds, the corridors were jammed. Hundreds of persons were struggling to find their way upstairs. They were battling for their very lives. We fled with the others, not bothering to take anything along.

To prevent the ship from sinking, the bulkheads to some of her 12 watertight compartments were closed immediately. This meant sure death for those still there, for now all routes of escape were cut off. For them death came quickly, but for others, gradually, little by little. Some failed to reach topside because they lay injured or dazed somewhere within the ship. Out of desperation others​—how many I do not know—​committed suicide.

Meanwhile we had reached the icy deck, aware that the ship, now listing heavily, would be unable to stay afloat much longer. Alongside us stood a young sailor, who, although pale with fright, kept calling out in a steady voice: “There is no reason for panic. Rescue ships will soon be here. Just keep calm.” I can still see him. He did his best to put the passengers at ease. Truly, he was unselfishly interested in saving life.

In contrast to him was the woman who kept wailing: “My suitcases! My suitcases! My jewelry! All my jewelry is down there in the cabin. I have lost everything!” But I remember wondering if life is really of less value than jewelry.

Directly in front of us I caught sight of the merchant I mentioned who had contrived to get aboard the Gustloff. He was leaning against a dinghy, smoking a “last cigarette,” when the dinghy unexpectedly slipped, sending him and his entire family sliding with loud screams across the sloping deck into the darkness of the water, already filled with swimming bodies.

Our situation was rapidly becoming more critical. Kurt and I had been married only a short time, and we were very much in love. We did not want to die!

“Do you see that little raft down there?” Kurt pointed. “We must try to reach it. It could be our salvation.”

Yes, I saw it all right, but I also saw the icy waters. Even though I had dressed warmly​—long trousers, winter coat and gloves—​my whole being balked at the thought of jumping. I began to cry. Suddenly, my husband shoved me over the railing. Now there was only the slanting side of the ship between us and the water. What would await us below? Again I hesitated. He tore me loose: “If we don’t jump now, we’re lost!” he yelled.

For a moment we stood clutching one another ever so tightly. Then hand in hand, as though embarking on a toboggan run, we slid across the icy side of the ship before flying out into space and traveling who knows how far. The icy water snatched our breath away as we hit. But when we finally surfaced, we were still together, and the raft was nearby!

Already our legs and arms were almost frozen stiff. It was wise that I had dressed so warmly, because later we found that many of the victims had frozen to death in the frigid waters. It was all the three men on the raft could do to hoist us aboard. There we sat​—four men and a woman on a raft in the middle of the Baltic Sea. What now?

Exactly an hour had passed since the torpedoes had struck. Suddenly, for some unexplainable reason, all the lights aboard the Gustloff went back on. Then, shining at her brightest, as if to live up to her name “ship of joy,” she plunged to her death in the depths below. Left now were only the freezing waters, the stormy wind, the eerie darkness, the hopeless situation!

Rescued

Through the darkness we spotted a ship. Our hopes rose. Rowing with all their might, the men maneuvered us ever closer. We could see the ship’s silhouette quite clearly now. Rescue was at hand. And then a most terrifying thing happened! Right at that moment​—although we did not know it at the time—​a submarine warning forced the ship to abandon its position, leaving us behind!

After having been on the little raft for over an hour, we once again drifted toward a boat, a torpedo boat bearing the designation T-36. It was surrounded by rafts and swimming figures. Did we dare hope? We drew ever closer, but could not cry for help; we were much too hoarse for that. As our hopes grew, so did our determination to hold out. Soon we could see persons moving about on the boat. Then came a man’s voice: “The lady first.”

They pulled me up the boat’s icy side. Once topside, I was unable to walk. They let me down a slide into the ship where helpful hands reached out to free me from my wet and partially frozen clothes. I was wrapped up in warm woolen blankets, and laid in a berth. There I was given something warm to drink.

But my anxiety was not over. The rescue had been broken off abruptly as we sped away to escape a possible submarine attack. Depth charges were being detonated. At the sound of each explosion, I bolted halfway out of my berth, praying to die rather than have to go back into that icy water.

And what about Kurt? Just a few minutes after my rescue, the boat had turned and raced away. Had he been picked up? When a doctor approached to ask how I was, I told him I needed no help, but asked if he could find out whether my husband was on board. He promised to do so. How relieved I was sometime later to hear over the loudspeaker: “Attention! A message for Mrs. Habisch. Your husband is safe and is in room . . .” I forget the room number now.

I pulled on the clothes I found handy, since my things were in the engine room drying out. Kurt must have been quite startled to see his wife suddenly standing in front of him dressed in the uniform of a first lieutenant! For a long time, neither of us spoke. We just sat there, holding one another very closely. We could hardly believe it. We had survived!

Once Again Solid Ground

According to estimates, only 800 to 900 persons had been saved. The ship that rescued us had picked up 564 survivors. What a thrilling moment when we were able to leave the ship at Sassnitz and once again enjoy the feel of solid ground under our feet!

There were many remarkable survivals and heartwarming reunions. An injured woman, worried about her missing children, had found all four of them alive. We also rejoiced with a mother and her six-month-old baby, both of whom had come through the whole ordeal in the best of shape. How thankful we, too, were to be among the survivors of one of history’s worst sea disasters! We had lost everything of any material value in that sixth year of world war​—clothes, linen, jewelry and important papers, certificates, diplomas, bankbooks. But we were alive! Some 5,000 or 6,000 others were not so fortunate. I wondered why. Why? Why?

The Answer

For weeks thereafter, I could still hear those bloodcurdling screams, the gurgling of the water, the plaintive wail of the wind. Life must be something precious and valuable indeed, I thought, if one finds it so difficult to die.

Although I believed in God and my husband respected the Bible, we were not what you would call religious. What did bother me, however, was the question: “How could God permit such a tragedy to happen?” I was sincere in seeking an answer and one was forthcoming, although not until 10 years later.

By means of a Bible study with Jehovah’s Witnesses, I learned that God’s permission of such tragedies resulting from human violence is only temporary. And it has been for a reason, I was shown from the Bible. But soon, under the rule of God’s kingdom, these heartbreaking events will never occur again. A world change, I learned, is at hand!

The Bible clearly teaches that Almighty God will make way for his righteous rule by bringing this corrupt system to its end. Just as suddenly, and, to many, as unexpectedly as the sinking of the Gustloff, the world’s entire wicked system will plunge to its destruction. (Dan. 2:44; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 Pet. 3:7) But I was also happy to learn that ample provisions are being made by God so that those who really desire to survive, and who are willing to take necessary steps to do so, can live through that destruction to enjoy the righteous new system of things that will follow.​—2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:3, 4.

Today, over 30 years later, my husband and I have not forgotten the men who helped to rescue us. Motivated by a spirit of helpfulness and at the risk of their very lives, they dangled on ropes and rope ladders over the surface of the waters and fished half-dead bodies out of the turbulent and icy sea. Their lifesaving work resulted in the rescuing of scores of persons from sure death. Their unselfish and whole-souled efforts serve as fine examples for us today, because, by preaching the good news of God’s kingdom, we, too, can help to rescue persons from sure death in the coming world catastrophe. Now that our three children are grown, we have been spending our full time in this important preaching activity. My husband has been serving as a traveling overseer of Jehovah’s Witnesses since 1971.

Our desire, should it be Jehovah’s will, is to gain life in his new order and become acquainted with some of our fellow passengers on the Gustloff, those who were not among the survivors. This hope we base on the Bible promise at Revelation 20:13: “And the sea gave up those dead in it.” Then, in that happy day of resurrection, we hope to be able to tell them the good news that God’s kingdom is reigning under which they may enjoy security, with the opportunity to gain everlasting salvation.​—Contributed.

Let’s Plan a Trip

Let’s Plan a Trip

HAVE you ever dreamed about distant horizons and wondered what the rest of the world is like? Would you like to see the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, or the grandeur of the snowy Swiss Alps?

Perhaps places full of reminders of ancient civilizations would fascinate you, such as the ruins of the Parthenon in Athens or the almost endless catacombs in Rome. These can make the past come alive.

The present is exciting too. There is famed Paris with its Eiffel Tower and Champs Élysées, or Hong Kong with its colorful streets and shops. You could gaze at a koala bear in Australia, or have a plate of sukiyaki served by an almond-eyed kimono-clad lady in Japan.

Perhaps your desire is to meet people and share the color, excitement, and sometimes the sadness, of those whose life-style may differ from yours. You may also wish to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures who share the same beliefs and interests that you cherish.

Yes, most likely you have longed to see some of these places, but feel that it is too complicated a procedure to prepare, for you are not sure how to go about it. So​—let’s plan a trip.

Counting the Cost

First, you have to decide how much you can afford to spend, the time available and the countries that you wish to visit. Seldom does anyone enjoy a trip if he knows that, upon returning home, he will need to add extra burdens to his budget in order to pay back money borrowed to finance a trip. Your major expense will probably be your plane fare, accommodations and meals, but do not forget incidentals such as airport taxes, bus, train or taxi fares and money to spend on entertainment, sight-seeing and purchases. These expenses soon mount up.

Costs can be reduced as much as 40 percent when a group is large enough to charter a plane. Smaller group travel, with accommodations, tours and some meals, can also provide good value for the cost. On the other hand, you may desire the freedom of traveling alone or with a companion or two. There are often a number of air fares to choose from for any destination, dependent on the route, stopovers and length of stay you select. There are travel brochures available to help you, and a travel agent will also be of great assistance.

Documentation Needed

Almost all international travelers must be in possession of a passport. This is your legal identification and is an extremely important document. If it is lost while you are traveling, report this immediately to the local police. It is wise to have a record of your passport number, in the event of loss.

Visas are also necessary to enter certain countries. Your travel agent can obtain these for you from the consulates of the countries involved.

Vaccination certificates may be required for some countries too. These vary according to your route. While some vaccinations are not compulsory, your travel agent may recommend that you be vaccinated in any case. Then, if a country should suddenly declare a quarantine on a certain disease, vaccination for it will spare you the inconvenience of being detained and missing out on a good portion of your trip. Get vaccinated at least three weeks before you leave, so that the side effects, if any, are over and do not spoil your journey.

Carrying Money

One cannot travel without money these days. Obviously, to carry much cash is very risky, and in some countries your home currency may not be easy to exchange.

One safe way is to carry traveler’s checks. The type of currency you use depends largely on where you are going and what is happening in the money world. Your bank or travel agent can advise you. Traveler’s checks can be cashed in banks, hotels and many retail establishments anywhere in the world.

Surprisingly, you may not get the same exchange rate for your traveler’s checks in the same country. Hotels usually offer lower rates of exchange, while some retail shops offer higher exchange rates to obtain your business. So it pays to make inquiries and compare exchange rates.

It is also advisable to cash a check only when it is necessary. If you obtain too much local currency and do not spend it, you can lose money when exchanging it into another currency. Keep your exchange vouchers and receipts, but separate from your checks, since details of when and where you cashed your traveler’s checks are required if you lose any and wish to make a claim. If lost or stolen, they can usually be replaced without delay, or, at least without too much difficulty.

An internationally acceptable credit card can also be convenient to have, although this is not as flexible as traveler’s checks.

Many find it wise, too, to take out travel insurance, which can cover loss or theft of possessions and expenses incurred due to sickness, accident, or even delay caused by strikes.

Choosing Your Clothing

The “Golden Rule” for travel is: Be casual, be comfortable and travel light. Tight clothes are not comfortable when you have to sit for many hours, as they tend to hinder blood circulation.

Your agent or airline can inform you about the weather conditions where you will be traveling and staying, and this will help you in your choice of clothing. Most cities the world over are cosmopolitan. So the clothing you customarily wear should be suitable.

Always keep in mind that you are permitted to carry only limited luggage. Some airlines determine this according to weight, 44 pounds (20 kilograms) for economy class passengers and 66 pounds (30 kilograms) for first-class passengers. Certain airlines have altered their baggage rules for passengers traveling on sectors to and from United States ports. These lines now allow economy class passengers to take two checked pieces with a combined total (of the three dimensions, length, width and depth) not exceeding 106 inches (269 centimeters) and with no one bag exceeding 62 inches (157 centimeters), plus one unchecked piece of cabin baggage not exceeding 45 inches (114 centimeters) in total dimensions. If you exceed these limits, you may have to pay quite a lot extra. So keep in mind leaving room for all those “treasures” you will want to bring back.

Clothes that you can mix and match, that are drip-dry and wrinkle resistant, and that are washable without requiring dry-cleaning, are ideal. Both an all-weather coat that will give warmth if needed but will also act as a raincoat, and a beachcoat that doubles as a bathrobe, are most useful.

Do you need many shoes? Not usually! Remember, you will do plenty of walking. So a comfortable pair of walking shoes and one pair of dress shoes for evening wear should suffice. If the climate will be hot, a pair of sandals is most useful. Also, put aside a pair of soft, foldup slippers to take aboard the plane with you, as feet sometimes swell a little during a long flight.

You may also find the following items useful: a small alarm clock, two plastic bags for wet or soiled clothes, a few collapsible plastic hangers for your drip-drys, and sewing and first-aid kits. A small bag with a strap (that can hang around your shoulder or neck) is useful for carrying documents and valuables when you are on tour. You are less likely to leave it behind somewhere than a hand-held bag, and it also leaves your hands free.

Starting to Pack

Now that you are surrounded with articles you intend to take along with you, how should you pack them? Your suitcases should be lightweight but strong, with a firm handle and lock, plus an identifying mark or label so that they are easily recognized. Expensive cases are not necessarily the best, as they can be too heavy. On the other hand, very light ones may split in time. Some find it helpful to use cases that have small wheels attached so that they can be pushed along instead of being carried.

Pack as tightly as possible. Put your shoes at the back of the case so that they are on the bottom when the case is upright. Fill the corners with little items. Breakable articles should be packed in the middle, between layers of clothing. Some recommend that certain clothes be rolled rather than laid flat. It is surprising how much extra space is left when clothing is rolled tightly. If you pack liquid toiletries in your luggage, they should be in unbreakable, nonleaking containers. However, it is not necessary to take much of these, as they are easily obtained in most places.

Some have found it practical to put a smaller suitcase inside a larger one. This can then be used for bringing home purchases that you make on your trip.

Hand luggage is permitted in the plane, and in this you may carry your passport, health certificate, tickets, baggage claim checks, traveler’s checks, slippers, suitcase keys, sunglasses, camera, and so forth. A diary can be useful in jotting down interesting details, including addresses and information concerning your traveler’s checks and passport. If you need any sort of medication, take enough with you to cover your expected trip plus a possible delay. You may find it helpful to take antidiarrhea pills, which your doctor or pharmacist can provide, because a change of diet, water or climate may affect you. By the way, be careful that you do not leave anything aboard the plane when you alight.

Acquiring Advance Knowledge

Getting to know a little about the history, customs and traditions of the countries that you will visit can make your traveling much more enjoyable. You will be able to understand more about the country and will find doubly interesting the sights, the people and the various forms of entertainment there. Your hosts will be delighted, too, if you can learn to say even a few words in the language of each country that you will visit, especially the words “Thank you.”

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