The Watchtower, March 1, 1987

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The Watchtower — March 1, 1987

Source: jw.org

Contents

Fortune-Telling—Still in Fashion

Your Future—A Better Way to Learn About It

Expanded Facilities to Match Kingdom Increase

Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees

‘Upon the Watchtower I Am Standing’

‘Riding in the Cause of Truth’

Praise Be to God, the Source of Life and Growth

Making All Things New

A Brochure With a New Look

A Catholic Enjoys It

Fortune-Telling—Still in Fashion

Fortune-Telling​—Still in Fashion

“ONE would imagine, in this day of widespread enlightenment and education, that it would be unnecessary to debunk beliefs based on magic and superstition.” This was part of a statement signed by 186 eminent scientists, including 18 Nobel prize winners. What were they talking about? Astrology, a common form of fortune-telling using the stars that, according to them, “pervades modern society.” Do you personally believe in some forms of fortune-telling? Or are you perhaps skeptical, or even strongly opposed, like these prominent scientists? Your view of this matter is important. Let us see why.

This practice is extremely widespread. According to the spokesman for a congress of fortune-tellers in Paris, “4 million French [people] go to psychics every six months.” In the United States there are an estimated 175,000 part-time astrologers and 10,000 full-time. They are also numerous in Great Britain, where they have their own schools. And the French magazine Ça m’intéresse (That’s Interesting) comments: “Everywhere, including in the most highly developed societies, we meet up with similar statistics. Psychics are flourishing at the close of our century.”

Who Consults Them​—And Why?

Some may believe that only poorly educated, lower-class people are interested in the occult “sciences,” of which astrology is probably the most widespread. But Madame Soleil, a famous French astrologer, reveals: “They all come to me, whether rightist or leftist, politicians of all points of view, and foreign chiefs of state. I even have priests and communists.” In harmony with this, when the magician Frédéric Dieudonné died, an article appearing in Le Figaro, a serious French daily newspaper, recalled that he attracted “a very large clientele of Parisian personalities, ministers, high officials, writers and actors.”

Gamblers consult astrologers to learn how to place their bets. Businessmen go to them to find out how to invest their money. Astrologers are even willing to tell you when to leave on a trip or what to cook. And fortune-telling has invaded other fields too. Police departments in different countries resort to seers to search for criminals or missing persons. And according to the French weekly Le Figaro Magazine, “the Pentagon employs 34 persons gifted with second sight to supply information on what is going on in secret military bases in the U.S.S.R.” The same magazine reports U.S. congressman Charles Rose as saying that the Russians also resort to psychic powers.

Why is astrology still so fashionable? Is it a harmless diversion or pastime? Is it the best way to find out what the future holds​—or is there a better way? Let us see if we can find answers to these important questions.

Your Future—A Better Way to Learn About It

Your Future​—A Better Way to Learn About It

IN 1962 Indian astrologers predicted a worldwide catastrophe “because of a rare conjunction of eight planets in the sign of Capricorn.” Nothing came of it, however. More recently, at the end of 1980, most French astrologers were of the opinion that then president of France, Giscard d’Estaing, would be reelected for a second term. But his opponent, François Mitterrand, won the election. Failures like these remind us that astrology provides no sure way to know the future.

Is there, then, another way? For example, will efforts of scientists to predict the future help you? Well, here is the prediction made by the McGraw Hill Institute (United States) in 1970 of what would happen by 1980: “Drugs to defeat cancer, manned spaceflights to Mars and Venus, a permanent lunar base, cars run on electricity, a generalization of home computers, the possibility of choosing your baby’s sex, and three-dimensional television and cinema.”

Back in 1970 the scientists of this institute stated: “This method [of predicting] aims at achieving a reliable forecast by the unanimous opinion of a group of experts.” But these experts’ predictions have proved wrong in these fields and a number of others, such as politics and economics.

A Sure Source of Information

If astrologers and scientists cannot foresee with any certainty what is going to happen, does that mean that it is impossible to get reliable information about the future? Before giving up, we should check what the Bible says on the subject. Remember, Jehovah, the Author of the Bible, is described as “the One telling from the beginning the finale, and from long ago the things that have not been done.”​—Isaiah 46:10.

God’s Word contains many prophecies. How do they differ from the predictions of astrologers? Following is the reply of a work entitled The Great Ideas: “But so far as the foreknowledge of mortal men is concerned, the Hebrew prophets seem to be unique. Unlike pagan diviners or soothsayers, . . . they do not have to employ arts or devices for penetrating divine secrets. . . . For the most part their prophetic speeches, unlike those of the oracles, seem to be unambiguous. At least the intention seems to be to reveal, not to conceal, God’s plan on such matters as He Himself wishes men to foresee the course of providence.”

As an example of this, much information about Jesus was recorded in the Bible many centuries before his birth. It was prophesied that he would be born in the town of Bethlehem and in the family line of Jesse, the father of King David. (Micah 5:2; Isaiah 11:1, 10) The Scriptures also foretold that he would be put to death on a stake but that none of his bones would be broken, as was the custom with such executions. These details proved true, and they are just a few examples of what one Bible scholar estimates to be more than 120 prophecies that were fulfilled in Jesus.​—Psalm 22:16, 17; 34:20.

A Prophecy Fulfilled Today

Moreover, the Bible contains prophecies that focus on our day. Let us consider one of the most important of these. It describes a series of events that would mark the period immediately preceding a dramatic intervention of God’s Kingdom in earthly affairs. These events include world wars, earthquakes, epidemics, famines, and increasing lawlessness. Has not the intensification of these things become prominent in world news during our 20th century?​—Matthew 24:3, 7-14; Luke 21:7, 10, 11; 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

Jesus explained that the fulfillment of these prophecies would herald the arrival of his Kingdom just as surely as the appearing of buds on the trees announces the arrival of spring. He even specified that they would have to be fulfilled in just one generation. All the aspects of the sign, including the details mentioned above, have been fulfilled before our eyes since 1914.a We can therefore have complete confidence that the Kingdom will act very soon.​—Luke 21:29-33.

Another feature prophesied for this time was “anguish of nations, not knowing the way out.” (Luke 21:25) Now, why is there such a fascination today with astrology and other forms of the occult? The French newspaper Le Monde Dimanche answers: “Faced with the crisis, people will stop at nothing to find reassurance. Parapsychology gives great comfort for little effort, and in this age of fear-inspiring scientific accomplishments such as nuclear feats and gene splicing, people are tempted to escape to the unknown and irrational, trying to rediscover a meaning to life.” So we should not be surprised at the widespread interest in occult practices, such as astrology. It is one of the symptoms of the “anguish” that people are experiencing today in fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy.

‘Lift Your Head Up’

What should Christians do when they see all these things? Give way to fear, like the people around them? Jesus offered the following counsel: “But as these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near.”​—Luke 21:28.

Would you like to know your future in more detail? Then take the time to examine the Bible in depth and “test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God.” (1 John 4:1) You can do this with the help of the magazine The Watchtower, which regularly discusses Bible prophecies and explains their application to our day. Thus, as you become convinced that the end of the present troubled world is close, you, too, will be able to ‘lift your head up.’ You will also learn what you must do to enjoy the blessings of the Messianic Kingdom, which will soon intervene in world affairs for the benefit of all right-hearted people.

[Footnotes]

For more details about the fulfillment of these prophecies since 1914, see chapter 7 of the book True Peace and Security​—How Can You Find It? published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.

[Box on page 5]

“And the Sign . . . Does Come True”

‘What is wrong with going to a fortune-teller or reading your horoscope in a newspaper? Isn’t this just harmless fun?’

The Bible does not treat the matter so lightly. In fact, it puts us on our guard against mediums and diviners. In the book of Deuteronomy, Jehovah gives the following warning: “In case a prophet or a dreamer of a dream . . . does give you a sign or a portent, and the sign or the portent does come true of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us walk after other gods,’ . . . you must not listen to the words of that prophet or to the dreamer of that dream.”​—Deuteronomy 13:1-3.

Notice that the Scriptures do not question the fact that some of the predictions of mediums and astrologers may come true. Rather, the Bible warns us that, if these predictions are based on signs in the heavens or other methods of divination, they come from the demons, are deceiving, and may turn men away from the true God.​—See Acts 16:16-18.

To pay attention to astrologers or to others who claim to predict the future is to run the risk of incurring serious spiritual problems and ending up a slave of “the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12) Thus, to consult such individuals is considered by God to be a serious sin; those who practice such things are detestable in his eyes and they will not inherit his Kingdom.​—Revelation 22:15.

It is thus for our own good that the Bible puts us on guard against astrology and all other forms of divination.

[Box on page 6]

THE BIBLE FORETOLD IN ADVANCE THAT:

◆ Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.​—Micah 5:2

◆ He would be born in the family of Jesse, the father of King David.​—Isaiah 11:1, 10

◆ He would be put to death on a stake.​—Psalm 22:16, 17

◆ None of his bones would be broken.​—Psalm 34:20

Expanded Facilities to Match Kingdom Increase

Kingdom Proclaimers Report

Expanded Facilities to Match Kingdom Increase

DEDICATION day for recently expanded branch facilities of Jehovah’s Witnesses was a very happy day in the Caribbean island of Jamaica. This expansion had become necessary because of Jehovah’s blessing on the faithful efforts of the brothers in preaching the good news in this beautiful tropical island.

A missionary home was established in Jamaica as early as 1946. With the missionaries spearheading the work, the increase in publishers was rapid, so that in just ten years the average number of Witnesses reporting monthly grew from 732 to 3,216. In order to care for the increase, it became necessary to arrange for new facilities.

In 1954 suitable land was obtained and construction began on a sturdy new two-story building in a quiet suburban area of Kingston. It was completed in May 1958. The number of publishers that year rose to a peak of 4,367.

The ‘planting’ and ‘watering’ continued and Jehovah “kept making it grow,” so that by 1983 the number of publishers had grown to over 7,000, creating the need for further expansion. (1 Corinthians 3:6) The Branch Committee, with the approval of the Governing Body, decided to expand the present facilities. Over 250 brothers from all over the island came to help out. Skilled and unskilled workers volunteered their services as masons, carpenters, electricians, and plumbers. Their ages ranged from 10 to 86. Some contributed financially to the project, others contributed food for the workers, and still others opened up their homes to provide accommodations for volunteers who came from far away. In one year the project, consisting of adding a third floor of five rooms and a recreational area, a room on the second floor, and 400 square feet (37 sq m) of storage space, was completed, ready for use by the 11 members of the Bethel family.

Milton Henschel, a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, gave the dedication talk on February 22, 1986. He spoke on the theme “The Triumphal Procession.” (2 Corinthians 2:14) Those listening to the dedication program totaled 2,949. Of these, 380 were located in the Kingdom Hall and other parts of the building, and the others were tied in by telephone and radio to other Kingdom Halls in the city and to a school auditorium.

Most of those invited to the branch Kingdom Hall were brothers and sisters who had been in the truth for 30 years or more. Many expressions of appreciation were heard for the fine addition to the building. It is our hope that many more of the “great crowd” of “other sheep” will yet join the triumphal procession as the new branch facilities are used in caring for the Kingdom increase in Jamaica.

Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees

Jesus’ Life and Ministry

Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees

IF IT is by Satan’s power that he expels demons, Jesus argues, then Satan is divided against himself. “Either you people make the tree fine and its fruit fine,” he continues, “or make the tree rotten and its fruit rotten; for by its fruit the tree is known.”

It is foolish to charge that the good fruit of casting out demons is due to Jesus’ serving Satan. If the fruit is fine, the tree cannot be rotten. On the other hand, the Pharisees’ rotten fruitage of absurd accusations and groundless opposition to Jesus is proof that they themselves are rotten. “Offspring of vipers,” Jesus exclaims, “how can you speak good things, when you are wicked? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

Since our words reflect the condition of our hearts, what we say provides a basis for judgment. “I tell you,” Jesus says, “that every unprofitable saying that men speak, they will render an account concerning it on Judgment Day; for by your words you will be declared righteous, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Despite all Jesus’ powerful works, the scribes and Pharisees request: “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.” Although these particular men from Jerusalem may not personally have seen his miracles, irrefutable eyewitness evidence regarding them exists. So Jesus tells the Jewish leaders: “A wicked and adulterous generation keeps on seeking for a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.”

Explaining what he means, Jesus continues: “Just as Jonah was in the belly of the huge fish three days and three nights, so the Son of man will be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.” After being swallowed by the fish, Jonah came out as if resurrected, so Jesus foretells that he will die and on the third day be raised alive. Yet the Jewish leaders, even when Jesus later is resurrected, reject “the sign of Jonah.”

Thus Jesus says that the men of Nineveh who repented at the preaching of Jonah will rise up in the judgment to condemn the Jews who reject Jesus. Similarly, he draws a parallel with the queen of Sheba, who came from the ends of the earth to hear Solomon’s wisdom and marveled at what she saw and heard. “But, look!” Jesus notes, “something more than Solomon is here.”

Jesus then gives the illustration of a man from whom an unclean spirit comes out. The man, however, does not fill the void with good things and so becomes possessed by seven more wicked spirits. “That is how it will be also with this wicked generation,” Jesus says. The Israelite nation had been cleansed and had experienced reformations​—like the temporary departure of an unclean spirit. But the nation’s rejection of God’s prophets, culminating in its opposition to Christ himself, reveals its wicked condition to be much worse than at its beginning.

While Jesus is speaking, his mother and his brothers arrive and take a position at the edge of the crowd. So someone says: “Look! Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak to you.”

“Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Jesus asks. Extending his hand toward his disciples, he says: “Look! My mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” In this way Jesus shows that regardless of how dear the ties are that bind him to his relatives, dearer still is his relationship with his disciples. Matthew 12:33-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21.

◆ How did the Pharisees fail to make both the tree and the fruit fine?

◆ What was “the sign of Jonah,” and how was it rejected?

◆ How was the Israelite nation like the man from whom an unclean spirit came out?

◆ How did Jesus emphasize his close relationship with his disciples?

‘Upon the Watchtower I Am Standing’

‘Upon the Watchtower I Am Standing’

“And he proceeded to call out like a lion: ‘Upon the watchtower, O Jehovah, I am standing constantly by day, and at my guardpost I am stationed all the nights.’”​—ISAIAH 21:8.

1, 2. (a) What goal did Charles T. Russell have? (b) How would Bible literature help to accomplish his goal?

A GOD-FEARING 21-year-old man living in the northeastern United States had a mission. It was his goal to expose the false religious teachings of his day, especially the doctrines of eternal torment and predestination. Also, he wanted to champion the truth about the ransom and the object and manner of Christ’s coming. How would he do all of this? By shining the light of God’s Word, the Holy Bible, on religious beliefs.​—Psalm 43:3; 119:105.

2 Charles T. Russell, the first president of the Watch Tower Society, was that man, and he decided in 1873 to publish religious literature as a means of bringing the light of Bible truth into focus. To sincere readers, those publications would reveal the cracks in Christendom’s dogmas. Any hidden doctrinal defects would not escape the Bible’s powerful light. (Ephesians 5:13) At the same time, this literature would spotlight ‘healthful teaching’ to build up the faith of readers. (Titus 1:9; 2:11; 2 Timothy 1:13) Did the zeal for Bible truth that drove Russell in his quest have a precedent?​—Compare 2 Kings 19:31.

Early Christians: Champions of God’s Word

3. How did Christ Jesus set the pace for championing the truth?

3 The first-century Christians championed the use of God’s Word among the Jews and the Gentiles. They stood as if stationed on a watchtower, heralding forth the truth to all who would hear. (Matthew 10:27) Their Leader, Jesus Christ, set the pace. He said: “For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.” (John 18:37) Although perfect, he refused to rely on his own wisdom or personal opinions. Rather, his teachings originated with his Superior Teacher, Jehovah God. “I do nothing of my own initiative,” he told a group of Jews. “But just as the Father taught me I speak these things.” (John 8:28; see also John 7:14-18.) According to the Gospel accounts of his earthly ministry, Jesus quoted (or spoke parallel thoughts) from about one half of the books of the Hebrew Scriptures.​—Luke 4:18, 19 (Isaiah 61:1, 2); Luke 23:46 (Psalm 31:5).

4. Give examples of how Jesus used God’s Word to teach the truth.

4 Even after his death and resurrection, Christ was still using God’s Word to teach the truth. For example, when Cleopas and his companion were traveling from Jerusalem to Emmaus, Jesus helped those disciples reason on the Scriptures. The account states: “And commencing at Moses and all the Prophets he interpreted to them things pertaining to himself in all the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:25-27) Later that same day, Jesus appeared to the 11 apostles and some of his disciples to build up their faith. How? By the skillful use of the Scriptures. Luke writes: “Then he [Jesus] opened up their minds fully to grasp the meaning of the Scriptures, and he said to them: ‘In this way it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from among the dead on the third day.’”​—Luke 24:45, 46.

5. At Pentecost 33 C.E., how did Peter follow the example of Christ in using the Scriptures?

5 Following its Exemplar, in the year 33 C.E. the Christian congregation began its public ministry with the use of the Scriptures. The setting: an open area outside a house in Jerusalem. After hearing the sound of “a rushing stiff breeze” upon this house, a crowd of thousands of Jews of Jerusalem and Jewish pilgrims are drawn to this place and assembled. Peter steps forward​—the 11 other apostles are around him—​and with a powerful voice he begins to speak: “Men of Judea and all you inhabitants of Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give ear to my sayings.” Then pointing out “what was said through the prophet Joel” and what “David says,” Peter explains the miracle that has just taken place and that “God made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you impaled.”​—Acts 2:2, 14, 16, 25, 36.

6. (a) Explain what took place at a meeting of the first-century governing body. (b) How were the congregations informed of the governing body’s decision, and with what benefit?

6 When the early Christians needed clarifying information on faith and conduct, the first-century governing body also made good use of the Scriptures. For example, at the meeting of the governing body in the year 49 C.E., the disciple James, acting as chairman, focuses their attention on a pertinent scripture found at Amos 9:11, 12. “Men, brothers, hear me,” he says. “Symeon has related thoroughly how God for the first time turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name. And with this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written.” (Acts 15:13-17) The entire body concurred with James’ proposition and then put their scripturally based decision in written form so that it could be delivered to all the congregations and read by them. What were the results? The Christians “rejoiced over the encouragement,” and “the congregations continued to be made firm in the faith and to increase in number from day to day.” (Acts 15:22-31; 16:4, 5) Thus, the early Christian congregation became “a pillar and support of the truth.” But what about modern history? Would C. T. Russell and his associate Bible students imitate this fine, first-century example? How would they champion the truth?​—1 Timothy 3:15.

Magazines With a Far-Reaching View

7. (a) What was the purpose of Zion’s Watch Tower? (b) To whom did it look for support?

7 July 1879 saw the birth of Russell’s principal vehicle for Bible enlightenment ​—Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. Its first issue laid out the magazine’s noble purpose: “As its name indicates, it aims to be the lookout from whence matters of interest and profit may be announced to the ‘little flock,’ and as the ‘Herald of Christ’s Presence,’ to give the ‘meat in due season’ to the ‘household of faith.’” Trust in almighty God was the magazine’s cornerstone. Its second issue stated: “‘Zion’s Watch Tower’ has, we believe, JEHOVAH for its backer, and while this is the case it will never beg nor petition men for support. When He who says: ‘All the gold and silver of the mountains are mine,’ fails to provide necessary funds, we will understand it to be time to suspend the publication.”

8. Explain The Watchtower’s growth in light of Isaiah 60:22 and Zechariah 4:10.

8 Zion’s Watch Tower, now The Watchtower, has been published continuously for more than 107 years. It has grown from a monthly magazine of 6,000 copies printed in one language to a semimonthly magazine of 12,315,000 copies available in 103 languages.​—Compare Isaiah 60:22; Zechariah 4:10.

9. How was the title Watch Tower an appropriate one?

9 The title, Watch Tower, was an apt choice by Russell. The word usually used in the Hebrew Scriptures for “watchtower” means “lookout” or “observation point,” from which a guard could easily spot an enemy in the distance and sound an advance warning of the approach of danger. Suitably, then, for its first 59 years of publication, the title page carried this challenging quotation from Isaiah 21:11, 12, King James Version: “Watchman, What of the Night?” “The Morning Cometh.”

10. Who serves as the watchman of Isaiah 21:11, and what message does he announce?

10 The posted watchman of Isaiah’s prophecy was due to step forward shortly. Amid the earth’s prevailing wicked state of gloom, Russell had gladly broadcast the good news of “the morning” to come. Jesus Christ’s Millennial Reign of peace is the theme of a welcome bulletin. But before “the morning” arrives, the class serving as a watchman​—the remnant of spiritual Israel today—​boldly warns of the progress of “the night,” which will reach its darkest point in “the war of the great day of God the Almighty” at Har–Magedon.​—Revelation 16:14-16.

11, 12. (a) How do the words at Isaiah 21:8 show that the watchman class is faithful and alert? (b) By what agent does today’s report come, and how is it principally spread?

11 Earlier, in Isaiah 21:8, we are introduced to this faithful watchman with these words: “And he proceeded to call out like a lion: ‘Upon the watchtower, O Jehovah, I am standing constantly by day, and at my guardpost I am stationed all the nights.’”

12 Picture in your mind a watchman stationed on a high tower, bending forward, scanning the horizon during the daylight, straining to pierce the darkness during the night​—always on the alert. You now have the main idea conveyed by the Hebrew word for “watchtower” (mits·pehʹ) as used in Isaiah 21:8. Since the watchman is so vigilant, who in his right mind would doubt his ringing report? Likewise today, the watchman class has exerted itself by searching through the Scriptures to see what Jehovah has in store for this system of things. (James 1:25) This watchman then calls out that message loudly and fearlessly, principally through the pages of The Watchtower. (Compare Amos 3:4, 8.) This magazine will never shrink in fear from championing the truth!​—Isaiah 43:9, 10.

13. What associate journal appeared in 1919, and what similar purpose does it have?

13 On October 1, 1919, a new magazine appeared on the world stage: The Golden Age.a The watchman class would use this instrument as an associate to The Watchtower. Although its articles would not delve into Bible subjects as deeply as those in The Watchtower, it would alert mankind to false religious teachings, the coming destruction of the present wicked system of things, and the new earth of righteousness to follow. Yes, it too would champion the truth!

14. What was the aim of Consolation, and later Awake!?

14 Eighteen years later the name of The Golden Age was changed to Consolation. “The new name stands for truth,” stated the issue of October 6, 1937. Consolation became Awake! with the August 22, 1946, issue. In that issue it pledged: “Integrity to the truth will be the highest aim of this magazine.” To this day, it has not failed to keep that promise. Uniquely, The Watchtower and Awake! carry the banner of truth high for all to see. In so doing, the magazines follow the path blazed by the early Christian congregation.​—3 John 3, 4, 8.

The Watchtower and Awake!: Champions of Truth

15. (a) What method of dispensing spiritual food today is similar to that in the early Christian congregation? (b) Besides quoting Bible verses, what else is needed? Give examples.

15 The “faithful and discreet slave” class, the “watchman,” today uses the Watchtower magazine under the direction of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses as its main channel for dispensing spiritual “food at the proper time.” (Matthew 24:45) This follows the pattern of the first-century congregation, which put clarifying information on doctrine and morals into written form “to be read to all the brothers.” (1 Thessalonians 5:27) Right from its start The Watchtower has been a Bible-using and Bible-teaching magazine. For example, the first issue of Zion’s Watch Tower quoted or cited more than 200 texts from at least 30 Bible books. But more is needed than merely quoting Bible verses. People need help to understand them. The Watchtower has always advanced Bible comprehension. From 1892 to 1927 each issue contained weekly Bible readings and a discussion of a key text from each reading. For other examples, see the chart entitled “History-Making Watchtower Articles, Decade by Decade.”

16, 17. What did The Watchtower’s first editor do to ensure that this magazine would always champion Bible truth?

16 How would The Watchtower maintain the purity of its printed message? The magazine’s first editor, C. T. Russell, instituted safeguards to make certain that what was printed in The Watchtower was the truth as then understood. One of those safeguards is identified in his will made on June 27, 1907. (Russell died on October 31, 1916.) His will states:

“I direct that the entire editorial charge of ZION’S WATCH TOWER shall be in the hands of a committee of five brethren, whom I exhort to great carefulness and fidelity to the truth. All articles appearing in the columns of ZION’S WATCH TOWER shall have the unqualified approval of at least three of the committee of five, and I urge that if any matter approved by the three be known or supposed to be contrary to the views of one or both of the other members of the committee, such articles shall be held over for thought, prayer and discussion for three months before being published​—that so far as possible the unity of the faith and the bonds of peace may be maintained in the editorial management of the journal.”

17 Each member of the Editorial Committee, according to Russell’s will, had to be “thoroughly loyal to the doctrines of the Scriptures” and had to exhibit, as prominent characteristics, “purity of life, clearness in the truth, zeal for God, love for the brethren and faithfulness to the Redeemer.” Also, Russell stipulated that “it shall not in any manner be indicated by whom the various articles appearing in the journal are written . . . that the truth may be recognized and appreciated for its own worth, and that the Lord may more particularly be recognized as the Head of the church and the Fountain of truth.”

18. Why can we read The Watchtower and Awake! with confidence?

18 To this day the Governing Body follows similar guidelines. Each article in both The Watchtower and Awake! and every page, including the artwork, is scrutinized by selected members of the Governing Body before it is printed. Furthermore, those who assist in writing articles for The Watchtower are Christian elders who appreciate the seriousness of their assignment. (Compare 2 Chronicles 19:7.) They spend many hours in researching the Bible and other reference material to make sure that what is written is the truth and that it faithfully follows the Scriptures. (Ecclesiastes 12:9, 10; 2 Timothy 1:13) It is not unusual for one magazine article​—that you may read in 15 minutes—​to take from two weeks to over a month to prepare.

19. What can you do to champion Bible truth?

19 Therefore, you can read The Watchtower and Awake! with confidence. But you can do more. You can enthusiastically offer these magazines to others so that they also can learn the truth and benefit from hearing the messages of the ‘watchman standing upon the watchtower.’ (Isaiah 21:8) Yes, along with the modern-day watchman, you too can champion Bible truth.

[Footnotes]

Interestingly, some readers were at first disappointed with the cover design of The Golden Age. To them it appeared too commonplace. In response the Watch Tower Society’s annual report said: “In this connection we would suggest that just at the time the publication of The Golden Age started there was a printers’ strike in Greater New York. Only a few days before, a contract had been made for the publication of The Golden Age and the men who were operating the presses which take the kind of paper and cover used in it did not go on strike. It thus seemed providential that the character of cover and paper had been selected, for the reason that had any other been selected it would have been impossible to start the magazine at all. Thus the Lord seemed to favor the infant publication.”

Do You Remember?

□ Why did C. T. Russell begin publishing Bible literature?

□ How did early Christians champion the truth?

□ Why is the word “Watchtower” in the title of this magazine?

□ Who is the modern-day watchman, and what instrument does he principally use to amplify his voice?

□ How do The Watchtower and Awake! champion Bible truth?

[Chart on page 13]

History-Making Watchtower Articles, Decade by Decade

1879: “God Is Love”​—championed Jesus’ ransom sacrifice as the basis for mankind’s redemption

1879: “Why Evil Was Permitted”​—explained why Jesus Christ’s presence would be invisible

1880: “One Body, One Spirit, One Hope”​—pinpointed 1914 for the ending of the Gentile Times

1882: “The Wages of Sin Is Death”​—exposed the doctrine of eternal torment as a denial of God’s love

1885: “Evolution and the Brain Age”​—exposed the evolution theory as false

1897: “What Say the Scriptures About Spiritism?”​—gave proof of spiritism’s demonic origin

1902: “God First​—His Appointments”—​emphasized obeying God’s law in the family and in business dealings

1919: “Blessed Are the Fearless”​—brought new life to an awakening organization of fearless worshipers

1925: “Birth of the Nation”​—made plain the prophecies showing that God’s Kingdom was born in 1914

1931: “A New Name”​—henceforth the name Jehovah’s Witnesses would set true Christians apart from apostate Christendom

1935: “The Great Multitude”​—showed that gathering of those who would live forever on earth was under way

1938: “Organization”​—introduced a truly theocratic arrangement among Jehovah’s Witnesses

1939: “Neutrality”​—fortified Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide to withstand the pressures of World War II

1942: “The Only Light”​—sounded a go-ahead signal for the courageous witness work to continue

1945: “Immovable for the Right Worship”​—showed that Christians must abstain from receiving blood transfusions

1952: “Keeping the Organization Clean”​—showed that disfellowshipping by congregations is Scriptural

1962: “Subjection to ‘Superior Authorities’​—Why?”​—offered reasons for relative subjection to human powers

1973: “Keeping God’s Congregation Clean in ‘the Time of His Judgment’”​—urged shunning tobacco use

1979: “Zeal for Jehovah’s House”​—reiterated that house-to-house preaching follows the apostolic pattern

1982: “Beloved Ones, . . . Keep Yourselves in God’s Love”​—alerted Christians to apostates’ method of operation

1983: “Walking With God in a Violent World”​—confirmed that Christians must have no part with violence

1984: “The Recent Pen for ‘Other Sheep’”​—clarified how this earthly class is brought into unity with those in the new covenant “fold”

1987: “Christian Jubilee Climaxes in the Millennium”​—showed how all loyal Christians gain liberty and life

‘Riding in the Cause of Truth’

‘Riding in the Cause of Truth’

“And in your splendor go on to success; ride in the cause of truth and humility and righteousness, and your right hand will instruct you in fear-inspiring things.”​—PSALM 45:4.

1, 2. (a) What message excited the psalmist? (b) Why should that same message stir us?

THE poet-singer was eager to begin his song. Anticipation of the coming of a good government in the hands of an incorruptible, righteous ruler was too strong. He could not keep silent. No longer able to contain himself, the psalmist burst forth with these words: “My heart has become astir with a goodly matter. I am saying: ‘My works are concerning a king.’ May my tongue be the stylus of a skilled copyist.” (Psalm 45:1) The original poet-singer is long dead. But his prophetic song still lives, and the force of it was never more powerful than now.​—Compare Colossians 3:16.

2 What has the “goodly matter” that stirred the psalmist’s heart proved to be? It is related to the good news of God’s Kingdom! So “goodly” is the Kingdom message that it deserves to “be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations” before “the end” of these nations comes. (Matthew 24:14) Today, has the “goodly” theme of God’s Messianic Kingdom stirred your heart? It should. Why? Because the Hebrew verb translated “has become astir” (ra·chashʹ) signifies excited motion, like a bubbling, boiling liquid. The verb also connotes fullness. And remember, our Leader, Jesus Christ, said: “Out of the heart’s abundance [the] mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45) Thus, do you, like the psalmist, have a heart overflowing with the “goodly matter”? If so, then nothing can stop you from singing out this superlative truth: Jesus Christ is ruling in God’s Kingdom!

Spreading the Song of Truth

3. What two main methods are used in spreading the Kingdom good news today?

3 How can this regal song be spread? By means of holy spirit, the psalmist’s tongue became a “stylus” in the hands of Jehovah. (Compare 2 Samuel 23:2.) His penned lyrics were sung for all of Jehovah’s ancient worshipers to hear. We today can champion the truth of God’s Kingdom in two similar ways. First, by our words heard in public preaching and, second, by our words read in our literature. Hence, when we distribute Bible-based literature, we are telling what the tongue of inspired holy men has already said. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21) And today the printed Kingdom message is circulated in numbers and languages and at a speed beyond the imagination of the psalmist. Are you having a regular part in its dissemination, especially by the distribution of the Watchtower and Awake! journals?

4. (a) How has Christ Jesus become “more handsome than the sons of men”? (b) How does the anointed watchman class imitate the ‘charm of Christ’s lips’?

4 The appearance of Jehovah’s King stimulates the psalmist to write: “You are indeed more handsome than the sons of men. Charm has been poured out upon your lips. That is why God has blessed you to time indefinite.” (Psalm 45:2) From the day of his anointing with the spirit of God, Jesus’ lips persistently preached the Kingdom, until the human agents of Satan temporarily silenced them. Because of Jesus’ loyalty, Jehovah then blessed him forever by resurrecting him from the dead and exalting him above all other creatures. (Philippians 2:8-11) Since Jesus’ heavenly glorification, when he became ‘the exact representation of God’s very being,’ he is more beauteous than the most exalted ruler, human or angelic. (Hebrews 1:3, 4) Now, as the enthroned King, Jesus empowers the lips of the anointed watchman class and their associates to sing out boldly the good news of the Kingdom. However, this is also a song of war.

5, 6. (a) What does Christ’s ‘riding in the cause of truth’ imply? (b) How does the watchman class use The Watchtower and Awake!?

5 The psalmist next calls out to the reigning King: “Gird your sword upon your thigh, O mighty one, with your dignity and your splendor. And in your splendor go on to success; ride in the cause of truth and humility and righteousness, and your right hand will instruct you in fear-inspiring things.” (Psalm 45:3, 4) Since 1914 Christ has been riding a war steed, ready for action. (Revelation 6:1, 2) He is girded with a sword​—the symbol of war and also of authority and power from God to execute opposing nations. Christ has already battled with Satan and his demons, pitching them down from the heavens and confining them to the vicinity of the earth.​—Revelation 12:1-13.

6 However, before peace is restored, things more terrible than this will be wrought by the King’s right hand when he ‘rides in the cause of truth’ at Armageddon to destroy all of God’s enemies on earth. (Psalm 45:4; Revelation 16:14, 16; 19:17, 18) Christ has emboldened the anointed watchman class to sing out this warning too. What does the “watchman” use to amplify his voice? Principally the pages of the Watchtower magazine​—the journal that is preeminent in announcing Jehovah’s established Kingdom. The watchman class, like an army of stinging scorpion-locusts, is imbued with the same spirit that drives Christ to “ride in the cause of truth.” (Revelation 9:7-11) Effectively, they use the magazines prepared under the direction of the “watchman”​—The Watchtower and Awake!​—“in the cause of truth.”​—Matthew 24:45; compare Revelation 9:16-19.

‘Riding for Truth’

7. In what aggressive way do the Watchtower and Awake! magazines promote Bible truth?

7 For more than one hundred years, The Watchtower has been championing ‘the cause of Kingdom truth.’ It skillfully uses God’s Word as a sword in peeling away the layers of error wrapped around false religious teachings. (Compare Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12.) Awake! magazine also advocates the cause of truth. When it comes to current events, Awake! slices through the veil that enshrouds Bible-discrediting scientific theories and dangerous social and moral trends. What can we do to place these magazines in the hands of more people so that they can hear the life-saving Kingdom message?

8, 9. How can applying the principle at Ephesians 5:16 to the reading of The Watchtower and Awake! help you “become astir” to share in magazine witnessing? Give examples.

8 All who love truth should “become astir” with the message that the Watchtower and Awake! journals contain. (Psalm 45:1) How? Why not read them as soon as you receive them? ‘I am not going to read a secular magazine or book until I have first read through our magazines,’ Lillian said to herself ten years ago. She is still faithful to that resolve. (Matthew 6:33) What can you do after you read them? Talk about their contents with others​—family and fellow congregation members. This should also fire you with zeal for witnessing with the magazines so that you may tell your neighbors about the good things you have read. No doubt you will want to share in magazine witnessing each week, taking them to neighbors’ homes. This may be compared with the way that the apostle Paul “thoroughly bore witness.”​—Acts 20:20, 21.

9 Peter and his wife Petra have been serving as missionaries in an African country for the past four years. The Watchtower and Awake! magazines are one of their chief sources of spiritual stamina. “The Watchtower helps us to keep spiritually alert in our territory,” says Petra. “We derive encouragement and strength from each issue of The Watchtower and Awake!,” Peter adds, “and every time the magazines arrive, it seems to us that we are receiving a letter from home.” (Compare Psalm 46:1.) Do you have the same deep appreciation for our journals and are you as eager to read them as are Peter and Petra? That kind of spirit will prompt you to offer the magazines regularly to others too.

10. What type of attitude is needed for effective magazine witnessing, and what benefits can it produce?

10 Kingdom publishers should have a positive attitude toward magazine witnessing. People who are sincerely religious still welcome the Bible-based information contained in our journals. (Compare Acts 10:15, 30-33.) Why? Because they can get it from no other source. More than 45 years ago in Sweden, Lars got a stack of Watchtower magazines from an employee. “This makes sense,” he told his wife after reading them. “What the Bible says, The Watchtower says.” What Lars read moved him to baptism​—March 1940. Consider another example. Two pioneer ministers from the southern United States said:

“A woman was contacted in the magazine work. She’s the treasurer of a large Baptist church and a very serious Bible student too. When she read the series on the theme of Armageddon in the Watchtower issues of January 1 to February 15, 1985, she was delighted. Previously, she had spent hours researching that subject and came up with nothing except the scripture found at Revelation 16:16. She had asked her minister: ‘What is Armageddon? Can you explain it?’ He looked at her and said, ‘That’s a deep subject,’ and then walked away. She remarked that The Watchtower, on the other hand, answered her every question and that this was the only source she had found with the needed scriptures on the subject of Armageddon.”

11. (a) Why schedule magazine witnessing, and how often? (b) Can magazine service be a help in the Bible study work? Explain. (c) How may you be able to place The Watchtower and Awake!? See box.

11 Can you schedule at least one day for magazine witnessing each week, making this part of your spiritual routine? (Compare Philippians 3:16.) “Publishers, and pioneers too, do not spend sufficient time in magazine work,” observes the Watch Tower Society’s Nigerian branch. But should magazine witnessing now overshadow the disciple-making work? On the contrary, reports from the Society’s branches in Australia and Brazil show that placing magazines can be the initial step in starting many Bible studies. “From my initial magazine placements, three studies were started,” says an Australian sister. How may you be able to place magazines that might lead to a Bible study? Look at the box entitled “Placing Magazines” for suggestions.

Have You Tried These Suggestions?

12. What suggestions proved helpful to one publisher?

12 Our Kingdom Ministry of March 1984 had a four-page insert on magazine witnessing. Have you tried the suggestions it offered? Kingdom publishers would do well to read that insert again and apply its advice in the field service. One sister from the United States did this; the results pleasantly surprised her. She writes:

“I’ve been putting into practice the points outlined in the March 1984 Kingdom Ministry insert about magazine placements, and it’s working! At the end of 1983 I had only placed 36 magazines the whole year! I was unhappy, not so much because of the numbers on the report, but because I had failed to get this life-giving information into the hands of people who need it. I prayed to Jehovah about the matter and determined to make more of an effort to place The Watchtower and Awake! I put to use the suggestions about setting a personal goal for placements, using a brief presentation that highlights only one magazine, regularly going out in field service on magazine day, and having a positive attitude. Now when the householder rejects the regular offer, I say: ‘Well, in that case I’ll just leave you the latest issues of The Watchtower and Awake! for 40 cents.’ These points really work. In the last four months, I’ve been able to average 14 magazines per month!”

13. What advice published in 1888 is still practical today?

13 In the December 1888 issue of Zion’s Watch Tower, under the heading “A Suggestion to the Reapers,” this advice was given: “The greatest difficulty on the part of many seems to be, that their hearts are so full of the good tidings, that they are tempted to tell a little too much concerning the Plan of God.” Is that advice still applicable? When asked what publishers can do to increase magazine placements, one circuit overseer from France answered: “Be brief. Get to the point.”

14, 15. How can the pictures in The Watchtower and Awake! be used in witnessing? Give examples.

14 In many of the languages in which the magazines appear, attractive illustrations in four colors have added to the appeal of the Kingdom message as it reaches different types of people. With the January 8, 1987, issue, Awake! joined The Watchtower in being printed in four colors in most major languages. Have you used the illustrations and pictures in the magazines as talking points? Many have, with good results. Theresa, a missionary in the Far East since 1976, has. She distributes 260 magazines a month. “I use the pictures to highlight the main point of my presentation,” she says. “Many times I just show the cover to the householder and mention the topic, and the magazine almost places itself.”

15 Kay, a missionary in the country of Suriname, has had a similar experience. She and her husband have been there for ten years, and they find the pictures to be effective when witnessing, especially to those of the Hindu faith. Why? Kay explains:

“The Hindu religion is a picture religion. At one door, I asked a woman: ‘Please tell me the name of your gods on your pictures.’

“‘This one is Shiva,’ she answered.

“‘Now, which one is the top god?’ I next asked. No answer. ‘Shall we read Jeremiah 10:10-12? Which God can make the claim of being the Creator? Only Jehovah. We know you love pictures. Aren’t these pictures in The Watchtower and Awake! beautiful and interesting? Wouldn’t you like the joy of learning what they mean?’”

Why not try weaving the pictures into your conversation next time you are in magazine work?

16. What suggestions from a publisher in Hong Kong may you find helpful?

16 While serving in Hong Kong, Gene averaged over 300 magazine placements per month. How did he do it? He explains:

“First, pray for Jehovah’s blessing upon your magazine witnessing. Second, be positive, smiling, and friendly. Third, be adaptable and agreeable, and look for a common ground with the householder. Fourth, order enough magazines for the entire month. I have a large order, since this gives me extra motivation. Fifth, set aside one evening a week for magazine service, since more people are at home then and in a relaxed mood. Sixth, start a magazine route, even if it is a small one.”

Starting a Magazine Route

17. (a) To what feature of our magazine witnessing can the principle at Acts 15:36 be applied? (b) In countries that have poor mail service, what is one way the publishers can place magazines?

17 “Keeping accurate records of where magazines have been placed and then calling back regularly is one way to increase magazine distribution,” says Ollie, who has served in the African country of Burkina Faso. “I have had 15 people on my magazine route. Since Burkina Faso is not a printing branch and mail delivery is uncertain, the Witnesses often receive their magazines for distribution in bunches, maybe four or five issues at a time.” Is that true of your country too? If so, what can be done to overcome this challenge to magazine placements? “You can hold copies of each issue in your hands, fan the magazines out, and invite the interested person to select which one he would like to read,” suggests Ollie. “Usually, he will take all of them.”

‘Keep Astir With a Goodly Matter’

18. What aspects of recent field-service reports are especially commendable, and to what could we give greater attention?

18 You publishers of the Kingdom have helped the number of subscriptions obtained for both magazines to rise dramatically. You are to be commended for your zeal in spreading the good news in this way. Also commendable is the rise in the total number of magazines placed. Perhaps, though, we can give more attention to our individual placements of the magazines. With more intensive territory coverage, magazine placements per publisher have declined. Since we are living deep in the time of the end, can we become even more ‘astir with the goodly matter’ of the Kingdom by means of magazine witnessing?​—Psalm 45:1; 1 Peter 4:7.

19. In what two ways can we champion Kingdom truth?

19 Christ in Kingdom splendor is riding on to success in sanctifying his Father’s holy name and vindicating His universal sovereignty. (Revelation 6:2) Let us use our tongues and the printed page to announce his arrival. May we loyally raise our voices with the anointed watchman class as it joins with Christ in championing the truth of God’s established Messianic Kingdom. Yes, let us widely distribute The Watchtower and Awake!​—magazines that fill a vital role as our King ‘rides in the cause of truth.’​—Psalm 45:4.

Do You Remember?

□ What is the “goodly matter” that should stir your heart?

□ Christ’s ‘riding in the cause of truth’ brings what results?

□ In what sense do The Watchtower and Awake! serve “in the cause of truth”?

□ How can we give more attention to magazine witnessing?

[Box/​Picture on page 18]

PLACING MAGAZINES

Have You Tried?—

◆ House-to-house witnessing

◆ Street witnessing

◆ Business witnessing

◆ Magazine-route witnessing

◆ Evening witnessing

◆ When book offer is refused

◆ When making return visits

◆ Calling on former Bible students

◆ When traveling or shopping

◆ When talking to relatives, coworkers, neighbors, schoolmates, or teachers

Praise Be to God, the Source of Life and Growth

Praise Be to God, the Source of Life and Growth

As told by Eduard Warter

THE eyes feast on majestic mountain ridges interspersed with deep, narrow canyons and broad valleys. Torrents rush through gullies​—watering gardens, vineyards, and fields on the fruitful plains. But does the onlooker consider the Source of life, who makes such growth possible, worthy of praise?​—Psalm 36:9.

This sunny mountainous landscape is in the Kirghiz Republic​—a populous Soviet republic in Central Asia. Tens of thousands of Soviet citizens of German origin live there. My family, too, lived in this fruitful place for a time, and we marveled at the God who brings about such wonderful growth. Yes, we praised him and talked openly to others about his grand deeds.

Obedient to the Source of Life

When I was born in 1901, my parents lived in Memelland (now Klaipėda), then part of East Prussia, on the Baltic coast, about ten kilometers (6 mi) from the Russian border. While I was going to school, the first world war broke out, and we became eyewitnesses to the horrors of mass murder. We German frontier dwellers had been on good terms with our Russian neighbors and wondered: ‘Whose fault was it? Whose side was God on?’ At school, however, slogans such as “For God, Emperor, and Country” stirred up patriotic feelings.

In time, after the war, I succumbed to this influence, volunteering for service in the frontier guard and later in the German Army in Königsberg, now Kaliningrad. Here I reached the conclusion that the ordinary soldier was simply a pawn, shunted around at the whim of others. Shortly after the annexation of Memelland by Lithuania in January 1923, my mother wrote to me: “You ought not to go to war, as the fifth commandment says, ‘You must not kill.’ The Bible Students [Jehovah’s Witnesses] do not go to war either.” I was puzzled. Who were these Bible Students? While home on leave, I learned of their basic Bible truths. It had a powerful effect on me​—my whole religious and political outlook on life took a major turn.

Now I grasped that the end of the present wicked system of things was imminent, making way for God’s Kingdom. Why spend more time trying to help get Germany back on its feet again? Without delay I made arrangements to leave the service, and I returned to my hometown to learn more about these truths. Baptism followed in 1924, and one thing I understood clearly: This step meant serving God, not until a certain date, but forever and in every situation. My heart was full of joy. The highest privilege possible for us feeble humans​—serving the Most High and carrying his message to others—​had been granted to me.

I was determined to prove myself worthy. We had a large rural area with many scattered settlements and farmhouses to cover. On Sundays it was therefore not unusual for us to walk for from 10 to 12 hours visiting people with the message. Fellow believers having spacious homes offered them for our Christian meetings. There was no journey too far, or stormy weather too bad, to keep us away from these valuable gatherings. They strengthened us for the trialsome times ahead.

Praising Him Even Under Adversity

The Kingdom work began to grow in the Baltic countries, and it now came under the supervision of the Northern European Office of the Watch Tower Society in Denmark. In 1928 I married, and my wife Ruth and I associated with the Hydekrug Congregation. While our brothers in Nazi Germany suffered cruel persecution, we were spared this​—until 1939. Early on the morning of March 22, the news broke: “Memelland liberated! The Führer is coming!”

The ominous droning of numerous aircraft overhead filled our ears all morning. Hitler’s occupation had begun. The very next day all of Jehovah’s Witnesses had their homes searched, and some Witnesses were arrested. Our literature, even Bibles, was confiscated and burned publicly in the marketplace. No sooner were our activities banned than we began to work underground, circulating literature and visiting interested ones secretly.

At the outbreak of World War II, I was called up for military service. I consistently refused, and the Military Court of the Reich in Berlin imposed the death sentence on April 10, 1940. My wife was fetched from home to persuade me to join the military. She, too, remained unmoved and earned the respect of an elderly officer, who remarked: “I must admit, your attitude is quite right. War is inhuman.” My wife was left without a breadwinner to support her, our four children, and her aging mother. Did Ruth ever complain? In the few letters she was allowed to write, she encouraged me to remain loyal and not to become weak because of the loved ones I was leaving behind.

In October 1940 my sentence was rescinded. However, I was still kept in custody in various detention centers, finally landing in the concentration camp at Stutthof, near Danzig (today Gdansk). Loyal Witnesses already in the camp, such as Joseph Scharner, Wilhelm Scheider, Herman Raböse, and Hermine Schmidt, were to become my close comrades, and they strengthened my faith.a There, in the midst of 30,000 internees, each doomed and robbed of hope, we were privileged to bring the comfort of Jehovah’s Kingdom.

Grateful for Jehovah’s Goodness

In January 1945, as war on the eastern front got nearer and nearer, the evacuation of the camp began. In Danzig harbor, the ship Wilhelm Gustloff was waiting to carry us westward. Arriving too late​—our convoy had been bombarded by airplanes—​we missed what turned out to be a voyage to disaster, as few survived the sinking of that ship.b We were then kept for a while in a fenced-in barn with about 200 other prisoners. Under unsanitary conditions, I contracted typhoid fever. Then came the order: “Return to the Stutthof camp!” Running a high temperature, I was hardly able to walk, and I made the long way back only with the help of a brother, Hans Deike. It took ten days in the camp’s infirmary for the fever to subside.

April 25, 1945, saw us on our way back to the coast. I was still seriously ill, and the sisters had a struggle to keep me on my feet. Nevertheless, some of them were singing our songs. We were loaded onto a simple river barge to begin our perilous voyage. With over 400 people on board, the vessel was rocking severely. In order to keep the barge in trim, prisoners were beaten and forced into the lower cargo-hold. There, people were literally lying on top of one another. The dead were thrown overboard. It was a blessing that our small group of 12 Witnesses was allowed to stay on deck, and we thanked God for that.

Frozen stiff, we landed next morning at Sassnitz on the island of Rügen. Unwilling to receive us, the locals gave us only some fresh water. In the night of April 29/30, our barge grounded on one of the many underwater reefs near the island of Eulenbruch. The towboat had cast our vessel loose in an area infested with mines and had vanished. Was this a way to get rid of us? Hearing the underwater reefs scraping the barge hull, we trusted in God not to desert us.

The coast guard brought us to land in rubber dinghies. Our crew was forced at gunpoint to proceed with the journey on another vessel. All German ports were occupied by Allied troops, so we bypassed them and finally made land on the Danish island of Møn. Free at last, we asked the onlookers if there were any of Jehovah’s Witnesses on the island. Within two hours we were being warmly embraced by two sisters. How the ones standing around were amazed. Once the Watch Tower Society’s branch office heard of our arrival, Filip Hoffmann was dispatched to arrange for loving care and attention to be given us. How grateful we were to Jehovah!

…