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Videoconferencing for Congregation MeetingsHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Videoconferencing for Congregation Meetings
JUNE 26, 2020
Many governments around the world have required physical distancing and have canceled public gatherings. Jehovah’s Witnesses are determined to comply with these requirements while continuing to meet together safely. To do so, congregations have been using videoconferencing apps, such as Zoom, to hold meetings.
To provide a consistent and secure arrangement for our meetings, the Governing Body approved the use of donated funds to purchase Zoom accounts for congregations. This has proved to be of great assistance to some congregations that could not afford the typical price of a videoconference account of $15-$20 or higher. These congregations were often resorting to using free apps that place limits on the number of connections or do not provide adequate security. All congregations that use these organizational Zoom accounts benefit from their easy-to-use security settings and allowance of a large number of people to connect to each meeting. To date, over 65,000 congregations in more than 170 countries are using these accounts.
The Kairagi Congregation, in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, switched from a free videoconferencing app to the organizational Zoom account. Brother Hadi Santoso explains: “Even brothers and sisters who are not familiar with how to operate electronic devices can now enjoy the meetings, in large part because they no longer need to log in several times during one meeting.”
Lester Jijón, Jr., an elder in the Guayacanes Oeste Congregation in Guayaquil, Ecuador, relates: “Because of the economic situation of many of the brothers and sisters, it simply would have been impossible for some congregations to pay for a Zoom license that would allow the entire congregation to attend the meetings. Now, because of the amount of possible connections using the Zoom accounts that are provided, we are able to invite others to the meetings freely, without the fear of reaching the connection limit.”
Johnson Mwanza, an elder in the Ngwerere North Congregation in Lusaka, Zambia, writes: “Many brothers and sisters have repeatedly said, ‘the organizational Zoom arrangement not only makes us feel closer to our brothers and sisters but it makes us feel loved and cared for by Jehovah.’”
These organizational accounts are purchased using funds budgeted for disaster relief. Such funds are supported by voluntary donations to the worldwide work. Many of these donations are made via donate.jw.org. Thank you for your generous contributions, which also assist with other relief efforts around the world.—2 Corinthians 8:14.
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Translation of 2020 “Always Rejoice”! Regional Convention ProgramHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Translation of 2020 “Always Rejoice”! Regional Convention Program
JULY 10, 2020
In July and August 2020, for the first time ever, the worldwide brotherhood will watch the same regional convention program during the same time period. To make this possible, the recordings of the program needed to be translated into over 500 languages. Typically, such a project would take a year or more to plan and complete. But because of circumstances resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, translators of the 2020 “Always Rejoice”! Regional Convention had less than four months to complete the work.
Translation Services and Global Purchasing at the World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses assisted with this monumental project. Translation Services noted that many of the translation teams needed more equipment to accomplish the task, especially high-quality microphones. Global Purchasing arranged to purchase 1,000 microphones and have them delivered to almost 200 locations.
To save money, the microphones were purchased in bulk, shipped to a central location, and then repackaged for delivery to locations around the globe. By purchasing in bulk, each microphone cost an average of $170 U.S., including shipping—a savings of more than 20 percent off retail costs.
Global Purchasing had to make these purchases and shipping arrangements during April and May 2020—a period when many businesses had limited operations because of the pandemic. Nevertheless, by the end of May, the majority of the remote translation offices, branch offices, and other translation locations had the needed equipment.
“There was good cooperation between Bethel departments and external providers throughout this project,” says Jay Swinney, who oversees Global Purchasing. “Only Jehovah’s spirit can unite our efforts in such an expedited and cost-effective way to support theocratic needs.”
Nicholas Ahladis, who works with Translation Services, states: “The translators who were under lockdown at the time were greatly encouraged to receive this equipment. Despite their isolation from other members of their translation team, they could collaborate sufficiently to translate and record the talks, dramas, and songs in over 500 languages.”
This project is one of many that were completed to produce the 2020 “Always Rejoice”! Regional Convention for the worldwide brotherhood. Your generous donations via donate.jw.org and other means made the purchase of these necessary things possible.
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Video Production for 2020 “Always Rejoice”! Regional Convention ProgramHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Video Production for 2020 “Always Rejoice”! Regional Convention Program
AUGUST 10, 2020
The videos at our regional conventions touch our hearts and enhance our understanding of Scriptural teachings. The 2020 “Always Rejoice”! Regional Convention features 114 videos, including the 43 talks delivered by members of the Governing Body and their helpers. Have you ever wondered how much effort and cost is involved in these video productions?
Nearly 900 of our brothers and sisters from around the world offered their time and skill to help produce the program. In total, they spent almost 100,000 hours over a two-year period on the project. This included the 70,000 hours needed to complete the 76-minute feature Bible drama Nehemiah: “The Joy of Jehovah Is Your Stronghold.”
As you might imagine, there were significant costs involved in providing the living necessities for these self-sacrificing volunteers, as well as the technical infrastructure, equipment, and facilities needed to complete the work.
“The Teaching Committee of the Governing Body is very interested in having a variety of cultures and locations featured in our videos. This approach helps to reflect accurately the global nature of our brotherhood,” relates Jared Gossman, who works with Audio/Video Services. “To accomplish this goal, 24 teams in 11 different countries worked together on this project. Such a worldwide effort takes a tremendous amount of resources, planning, and coordination.”
Many of our videos also call for specialized equipment and sets. For example, sets for Nehemiah: “The Joy of Jehovah Is Your Stronghold” were built inside the Mt. Ebo studio near Patterson, New York, U.S.A. To make the best use of dedicated funds while giving the film a historically accurate appearance, the brothers constructed lightweight set pieces designed to mimic the walls of ancient Jerusalem. Each structure consisted of a six-meter-tall (20 ft) wood frame covered in foam with a faux finish that looked like stone. These “walls” could be moved to fit different scenes, reducing the total number of sets needed. Even so, nearly $100,000 (U.S.) was required to construct sets for the drama alone.a
Knowing these details increases our appreciation for this year’s regional convention program. We are confident that the effort involved in producing this program will result in a global shout of praise to Jehovah. Thank you for your generous donations to the worldwide work through donate.jw.org and other means.
a The sets for Nehemiah: “The Joy of Jehovah Is Your Stronghold” were created before the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical distancing was not required at that time.
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Providing Relief Amid “Wars and Reports of Wars”How Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Providing Relief Amid “Wars and Reports of Wars”
MAY 27, 2022
In these last days, we expect to “hear of wars and reports of wars.” (Matthew 24:6) Yet, when our brothers face distress due to these events, they receive the support they need. The 2022 Governing Body Update #3 provided heartwarming information about the ongoing relief work in Eastern Europe for those affected by war in Ukraine. How is this relief being provided even while war rages nearby? What effect have the relief efforts had on our brothers in Ukraine?
What Is Needed? How Is It Delivered?
On February 24, 2022, the day that war broke out in Ukraine, the Coordinators’ Committee approved a relief budget to assist our brothers in Ukraine. The Ukraine branch promptly began purchasing items locally and distributing them by means of the 27 Disaster Relief Committees it had appointed.
To supplement these efforts, work immediately began at the World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses to identify what practical support could be provided. The Coordinators’ and Publishing committees of the Governing Body asked the Global Purchasing Department to work with representatives from the Ukraine and Poland branch offices to address this need and develop a plan of action. Brothers from the Purchasing, Shipping, and Legal departments at each branch, a member of the Ukraine Branch Committee, and members of the Global Purchasing Department met daily to coordinate efforts.
“First, we had to identify what was needed,” relates Jay Swinney of the Global Purchasing Department. “We wanted to provide food and hygiene items that the local brothers would be accustomed to. However, determining what was needed was only one part of the problem. We also had to identify how to deliver these goods into Ukraine during wartime in the safest and fastest way possible.”
By March 9, 2022, the goods that were needed had been identified. Boxes of basic food items, such as canned meat and fish, groats, rice, and beans, would be provided along with basic hygiene items like soap and toilet paper. At the time, it was estimated that a four-week supply of these goods for one person would cost approximately $65 (U.S.). Considering that thousands of our brothers would likely be in need, the Coordinators’ Committee approved a substantial budget to provide this aid. But how could these goods be delivered without needlessly endangering our brothers’ safety?
On March 13, two brothers from Poland made a test delivery from the Poland branch office to a warehouse near Lviv, Ukraine. In the days before they left, branch personnel in Poland and Ukraine helped the two volunteers prepare for their trip. The branch completed the legal paperwork needed to cross the border to provide humanitarian aid, ensured that the brothers’ vehicles were clearly marked as providing aid, and coordinated with local brothers in Ukraine to determine the fastest route once the brothers crossed the border. With this good preparation and Jehovah’s blessing, relief aid was dispersed to the Disaster Relief Committees within 24 hours of its delivery to Lviv, and our brothers returned safely to Poland.
Even though the first test run was successful, the brothers delivered less than one metric ton (1 U.S. ton) of aid. An estimated 200 metric tons (220 U.S. tons) would still be needed! How could such a large amount be transported and distributed as quickly as possible?
“Your People Will Offer Themselves Willingly”
After reading reports on jw.org about how our brothers were being affected by the events in Ukraine, individuals from all over the world wanted to help. Many who were far away made monetary donations to the worldwide work of Jehovah’s Witnesses, knowing the funds would be put to the best use. Others who live in bordering countries were able to give of their time, energy, and personal resources to assist. Note just a few examples.
In Poland, willing volunteers assembled tens of thousands of care packages, and children drew handmade cards. “On many occasions I have read the verse at Psalm 110:3, where it states that Jehovah’s ‘people will offer themselves willingly,’” relates Bartosz Kościelniak, a member of the Purchasing Department at the Poland branch. “But seeing the outpouring of support firsthand, hundreds of volunteers willing to appear right away and ready to work, showed me the real truthfulness of these words.”
One of Jehovah’s Witnesses who owns an international logistics company and donated the use of his trucks as well as the fuel to operate them states: “For me, it is an opportunity to show my love for my brothers and for Jehovah. I am so glad I offered to help.” It is estimated that more than 7,700 liters (2,034 gal) of fuel were donated, and brothers used their time and energy to drive almost 48,000 kilometers (30,000 mi) to complete these deliveries!
With the willing and loving work of our brothers and sisters, by March 28—just 15 days after the first test delivery—100 metric tons (110 U.S. tons) of food, hygiene materials, and medical supplies had been delivered to Ukraine! And due to the generous donations of goods from our brothers and suppliers, the amount of dedicated funds that needed to be spent for these relief packages was substantially reduced. To date, Jehovah’s Witnesses have sent more than 190 metric tons (209 U.S. tons) of relief aid to Ukraine. What effect did these deliveries have on our brothers?
“They Also Contained Your Love!”
Once these packages arrived in Lviv, Disaster Relief Committees throughout Ukraine distributed them to those in need. Aid packages have been delivered to various cities, some more than 1,300 kilometers (800 mi) away from Lviv. While this work was done as efficiently as possible, it still took time.a
Markus Reinhardt, a member of the Ukraine Branch Committee, states: “During this crisis, many brothers have seen firsthand Jehovah’s love and the benefits of sticking close to the direction from his organization—even before a disaster strikes. As an example, all are encouraged to maintain a supply of several weeks’ worth of food and water in their homes. Regarding this direction, an elder named Anton serving in Kyiv said: ‘Jehovah’s organization has prepared us for critical situations, and we are thankful for that. Having a supply of food and water as well as a radio has literally saved our lives.’ We are so grateful that the brothers took this direction to heart because it gave the branch office time to organize the needed relief efforts.”
How did our brothers feel once this relief arrived? Mykola and Zinaida, who live in Kharkiv, expressed their thoughts in this way: “We are deeply touched by your concern. Thank you so much for the food and medicine. Certainly, the hand of Jehovah can be seen in this.” Valentyna lives in the same area. She said: “From the beginning of the war there were long lines for groceries. It was not always possible to buy what was needed. But Jehovah knew and saw this problem. He appointed brothers to distribute humanitarian aid to homes, and the packages contained exactly what was needed! In such difficult circumstances, when the situation seems hopeless, one feels and perceives the care of Jehovah and his organization in a special way. . . . It is very pleasant to feel his timely and much-needed help and support.”
Yevhen, Iryna, and Mykyta, who fled from Mariupol, said: “We are very grateful for your care and support for our family. Believe us, it was very timely. You know, at first, we thought there were only products in these boxes, but when we opened them, we realized that they also contained your love!”
No doubt you can see how Jehovah’s spirit and direction were heavily involved in delivering this loving relief amid “wars and reports of wars.” Your kind donations to the worldwide work, many of which were made via donate.jw.org, also played an important role. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Providing Relief as Quickly and as Safely as Possible
February 24, 2022: Coordinators’ Committee approves a relief budget for Ukraine, which allows the branch to begin providing relief
February 24–March 8, 2022: The Ukraine branch purchases some materials locally and begins distributing them through Disaster Relief Committees. The branch office also prepares to receive and distribute goods from Poland
March 9, 2022: Coordinators’ Committee approves the delivery of humanitarian aid to Ukraine
March 10–12, 2022: Plans are made for a test delivery of food and supplies from Poland to Lviv, Ukraine
March 13, 2022: Test delivery of food and supplies is sent from Poland to Lviv, Ukraine
March 14–16, 2022: At an Assembly Hall near Poznan, Poland, Local Design/Construction volunteers are organized to assemble relief packages of food and hygiene materials
March 17, 2022: Four days after the successful test run, 13 metric tons (14 U.S. tons) of relief packages begin transit to the Ukraine border
March 21–27, 2022: Following the same pattern, remaining relief packages are assembled in Poland and sent to Ukraine and then distributed to the areas in need within 24 hours
March 28, 2022: Within 20 days after approval was given, 100 metric tons (110 U.S. tons) of food, hygiene items, and medical relief materials had been delivered into Ukraine
To date, Jehovah’s Witnesses have sent more than 190 metric tons (209 U.S. tons) of relief aid to Ukraine.
a To read more about how this aid was delivered, please see the article “Brothers Courageously Deliver Aid, Rescue Others in Ukrainian War Zone.”
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A Small Box That Delivers Spiritual FoodHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
A Small Box That Delivers Spiritual Food
SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
Jehovah’s Witnesses receive more spiritual food in digital form than ever before. But in many parts of the world, our brothers cannot afford Internet access. Others live in areas with frequent outages, slow Internet speeds, or no Internet at all.
Nevertheless, many of our brothers and sisters can now download digital publications even without an Internet connection! How is this possible?
JW Box is a small kit that is provided to congregations where Internet access is limited. It contains a router device purchased from a commercial firm, software developed by the Computer Department at Bethel, and digital publications and videos available on jw.org. Each box costs approximately $75 U.S.
At the Kingdom Hall, brothers and sisters connect their mobile devices to JW Box wirelessly and then download publications and videos. Even those who have older or inexpensive devices can connect. But if a congregation lacks Internet access, how does JW Box stay up-to-date? The branch periodically sends USB keys, which cost about $4 U.S. each, with new content from jw.org that can be loaded onto JW Box.
How has JW Box helped our brothers? Nathan Adruandra, a father who lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, explains: “I tried for a long time to download the dramas ‘O Jehovah, . . . I Trust in You’ and Remember the Wife of Lot. But I was never successful, and that discouraged me. Now I can download these videos to my phone, and this helps us as parents to teach our children better.”
A brother who helps congregations in Nigeria to set up JW Box says: “The brothers consider JW Box to be a special gift from Jehovah. They are thrilled that they can now easily download publications and videos from the Teaching Toolbox.”
Over 1,700 kits have been sent to our brothers in Africa, Oceania, and South America, and plans are underway to send them to many more congregations. How are the costs of this arrangement covered? By donations to the worldwide work, many of which are made via donate.jw.org. Thank you for your generous support.
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Surplus Offsets a DeficiencyHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Surplus Offsets a Deficiency
OCTOBER 1, 2020
Jehovah’s Witnesses carry out religious and humanitarian activities in over 200 lands. But only about 35 of those lands receive enough local donations to care for their expenses. How are expenses cared for in lands that are less affluent?
The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses analyzes the spiritual needs and activities of fellow Witnesses around the globe. Funds are carefully budgeted and used accordingly. If a branch receives more funds than it needs to care for local activities, it makes the surplus available to lands that do not have enough. This arrangement follows the example of the early Christians, who helped one another “by means of an equalizing.” (2 Corinthians 8:14) They used their surplus to offset the deficiency of other Christians who had less.
How do our brothers who have received surplus funds from other branches feel? In Tanzania, for example, where more than half the population live on less than two dollars a day, such funds were used to renovate the Kingdom Hall used by the Mafinga Congregation. The congregation wrote: “Since the renovation, our attendance has increased significantly! We are very grateful to Jehovah’s organization and the worldwide brotherhood for their generosity, which has enabled us to enjoy such a beautiful place of worship.”
Some of our brothers in Sri Lanka have suffered food shortages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Imara Fernando and her young son, Enosh, are among them. Yet, thanks to donations from other lands, they have received needed relief aid. In a handmade card, they wrote: “We thank the brothers who showed us love during these hard times. We are really happy to be part of this family, and we keep praying that Jehovah will help all of our brothers during these last days.”
No matter where our brothers and sisters live, they are moved to share what they have. Enosh, for example, made a small contribution box for himself so that he too can donate to help families in need. Guadalupe Álvarez shows the same generous spirit. She lives in a Mexican state where few receive the minimum wage or any regular income at all. Yet, she contributes what she can. She writes: “I am thankful to Jehovah for his goodness and loyal love. I know that my donations will be added to those of others and will be useful to my brothers in need.”
Branch offices that send money to places of need are happy to do so. “For many years, the work in our country needed the financial support of other countries,” states Anthony Carvalho, who serves on the Branch Committee in Brazil. “Because of this support, we saw incredible growth. Now, our financial situation has changed, and we have the privilege of helping others. Our brothers look at the preaching work from a worldwide perspective and see the role they can now play as Jesus’ self-sacrificing disciples.”
How can Jehovah’s Witnesses best support their brothers and sisters in need? Not by sending money directly to foreign branch offices, but by contributing to the worldwide work. This can be done through the congregation contribution box labeled “Worldwide Work” or via donate.jw.org. All such donations are deeply appreciated.
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Successful Construction Before the PandemicHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Successful Construction Before the Pandemic
NOVEMBER 1, 2020
With hundreds of thousands getting baptized each year, we need an increasing number of theocratic facilities. To support this growth, Local Design/Construction Departments around the world planned to build or renovate more than 2,700 places of worship during the 2020 service year.a
Unfortunately, these plans were hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic. To protect our brothers and sisters and to comply with government regulations, the Publishing Committee of the Governing Body paused the majority of construction projects worldwide. Nevertheless, during the 2020 service year, more than 1,700 places of worship were built and renovated prior to the pandemic. Additionally, over 100 major branch projects were completed. Consider how two completed construction projects have benefited our brothers.
Cameroon branch. The former branch, located in Douala, was too small and needed extensive upgrades. The Publishing Committee considered renovating the branch, but the cost of doing so would have exceeded the value of the facilities. They also investigated the possibility of building on a new property or buying and renovating an existing structure, but both options fell through.
Meanwhile, the brothers learned that to the north of Douala, the local government planned to build a road alongside one of our Assembly Halls. The road would provide better access and bring utilities to the property. These improvements perfectly suited the needs of the branch. So the Governing Body approved the construction of a new branch on a subdivided piece of the Assembly Hall property.
Witnesses and hired contractors worked together on the project—a strategy that saved time and money. In fact, the project was completed for more than two million dollars (U.S.) less than expected! The Bethel family was able to move into the new facilities shortly before the COVID-19 outbreak.
Bethelites in Cameroon have benefited from better living and working conditions, and they see the new branch as a gift from Jehovah. One couple says, “We just want to work harder and not take this gift for granted.”
Tojolabal Remote Translation Office (RTO), Mexico. For many years, the Tojolabal translation team worked at the Central America branch, located near Mexico City. However, the Tojolabal language is spoken mainly in Altamirano and Las Margaritas—nearly 1,000 kilometers (620 mi) away! As a result, the translators found it difficult to keep their Tojolabal-language skills current. And the branch struggled to find qualified brothers and sisters nearby to help with Tojolabal translation and audio recordings.
For these reasons, the Writing Committee of the Governing Body wanted to relocate the translation team to a Tojolabal-speaking area. To achieve this, the branch decided to buy and renovate a building. Doing so was more cost-effective than constructing or renting offices.
One translator explains how he has benefited: “In the ten years that I worked as a translator at the branch, I did not meet a single family nearby that spoke my language. Now our office is located in the heart of the area where Tojolabal is spoken. I interact with Tojolabal speakers every day. This has enriched my vocabulary and improved the quality of my work.”
Projects for the 2021 Service Year
For the 2021 service year, there are plans to work on 75 RTOs and Bible school facilities, if circumstances permit. Work will continue on eight major branch projects, including the new world headquarters project at Ramapo, New York, as well as the relocation of the Argentina and Italy branches. Additionally, more than 1,000 new Kingdom Halls are needed, more than 6,000 current meeting places are unsuitable and need to be replaced, and yet another 4,000 Kingdom Halls need to be renovated.
How is all this construction and renovation work funded? Brother Lázaro González, a member of the Central America Branch Committee, answered this question while discussing the Tojolabal Remote Translation Office project. “In our branch territory, we have limited resources. So without the support of the whole association of brothers, it would be impossible to build translation offices for our indigenous fellow believers. The funds provided by brothers all around the world have made it possible to bring translators closer to the communities where their languages are spoken. We give our sincere thanks to our worldwide brotherhood for their generous support.” Yes, these construction projects are possible thanks to your donations to the worldwide work, many of which are made via donate.jw.org.
a Local Design/Construction Departments plan and implement the construction of Kingdom Halls in their branch territory. The Worldwide Design/Construction Department, located at world headquarters, prioritizes and coordinates construction projects worldwide.
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Gilead School—Its Global ScopeHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Gilead School—Its Global Scope
DECEMBER 1, 2020
Each year, a number of special full-time servants from around the world are invited to attend the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead, held at the Watchtower Educational Center in Patterson, New York.a At this school, students learn how to become more effective in their various assignments in Jehovah’s organization. This training helps them to strengthen and stabilize the congregations and branch organization around the globe.
Gilead is a truly international school. For example, the 147th class, held in 2019, had 56 students, from 29 countries. The students who attend Gilead have been serving in some form of special full-time service as Bethelites, circuit overseers, missionaries, or special pioneers.
Preparations for the school begin long before the first classroom session. For instance, the World Headquarters Travel Department (WHQ Travel) purchases flights for those invited to attend the school. For the 147th class of Gilead, the average cost of getting each foreign student to and from Patterson was $1,075 (U.S.). Students from the Solomon Islands had to take four flights to get to Patterson and later another three to get back home—traveling a total of over 35,400 kilometers (22,000 mi)! Those flights cost $2,300 (U.S.) per student. To conserve costs, WHQ Travel uses a computer booking tool to find reasonably priced tickets. And even after securing a ticket, the computer program keeps searching for weeks and even months checking to see if the price drops. WHQ Travel also uses donated airline credits and mileage to obtain tickets.
Many of the students need visas to enter the United States. To that end, the World Headquarters Legal Department helps them to obtain student visas. The visa and registration fees cost an average of $510 (U.S.) per student.
How do we benefit from the training these students receive? Hendra Gunawan serves as an elder in Southeast Asia. He is in a congregation with a married couple who graduated from Gilead. He says: “Previously, our congregation had no regular pioneers. But after the graduates arrived, their zealous and willing spirit spread to others, who decided to start pioneering. Later, one sister in our congregation even attended the School for Kingdom Evangelizers!”
Sergio Panjaitan works alongside Gilead graduates at a Bethel in Southeast Asia. He says: “The training they received was not just a blessing for them; it has also become a blessing for us. They learned so much! But instead of trying to stand out because of it, they share what they learned. This creates a ripple effect of spiritual encouragement.”
How are the costs of this school covered? By donations to the worldwide work, many of which are made via one of the methods found on donate.jw.org. Thank you for your generous contributions, which support this global school.
a The curriculum of this school is developed and maintained by the Theocratic Schools Department, under the direction of the Teaching Committee of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The school is taught by instructors from that department as well as guest instructors, including members of the Governing Body.
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Producing the Most Important Book of AllHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Producing the Most Important Book of All
JANUARY 1, 2021
“I have been waiting for this for 19 long years!” What was our fellow believer waiting for? The New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures in his own language, Bengali. Many people react similarly when the New World Translation is released in their language. But have you ever wondered what is involved in translating and producing these Bibles?
First, a translation team is assigned under the direction of the Writing Committee of the Governing Body. How long does it take a team to translate the Bible? Nicholas Ahladis, who works with Translation Services in Warwick, New York, explains: “There are many factors, including how many translators are available for the project, how complex the language is, and how well its readers understand Biblical culture, as well as whether the language varies from region to region. On average, it takes a team anywhere from one to three years to translate just the Christian Greek Scriptures and typically four or more years to translate the entire Bible. The process takes even longer for sign languages.”
More than the translation team is needed to translate the Bible. A group of outside readers from various backgrounds—and sometimes different countries—review the translation, offering their services at no cost. Their feedback helps the translators to produce a Bible that is accurate, clear, and meaningful. After all, as a Bible translation trainer in South Africa puts it, “translators feel an enormous weight of responsibility toward Jehovah and the readers of his Word.”
After translation is complete, the Bibles must be printed and bound. To that end, printeries use at least ten “ingredients”: paper, ink, cover material, adhesive, cover liners, silver leaf, ribbons, headbands, spine stiffeners, and a capping material to help bind the Bible together. In 2019, a total of over 20 million dollars (U.S.) was spent on just these materials for Bible production. Our Printery personnel worked more than 300,000 hours during that year to produce and ship Bibles.
“The Bible is the most important publication that we produce”
Why devote so much time and money to those tasks? “The Bible is the most important publication that we produce,” says Joel Blue of the International Printing Department. “So we want its appearance to glorify the God we worship and the message we preach.”
Besides standard editions of the New World Translation, we also produce editions for readers with special needs. For example, the braille New World Translation is available in ten languages. One complete braille Bible can take up to eight hours to emboss, and its many volumes require at least 2.3 meters (7.5 ft) of shelf space. We also produce a special edition of the Bible for inmates of prisons where only paper-covered books are permitted.
The New World Translation affects the lives of its readers. Consider the Kiluba-language congregation in a place called Tombe, which is in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Tombe is over 1,700 kilometers (1,000 mi) by road from the nation’s capital. Only one Bible was available to the Witnesses there, and it was in an archaic form of Kiluba. That lone Bible was passed from one brother to another so that they could prepare meeting parts. But since August 2018, complete and modern-language copies of the New World Translation in Kiluba have been available to everyone in the congregation.
A German-speaking sister says about the revised New World Translation in her language: “I no longer say that I have to read the Bible. Instead, I ask myself, ‘When can I read more?’” A prisoner wrote: “I was given a copy of the New World Translation, and it is changing my life. I have never understood God’s Word as well as I have since reading this translation. I would like to know more about Jehovah’s Witnesses and how to become one.”
All readers of the New World Translation are grateful for the donations that support its production. These donations to the worldwide work have been made by means of the methods found on donate.jw.org. Thank you for your generosity.
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Providing Relief to Victims of DisastersHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Providing Relief to Victims of Disasters
FEBRUARY 1, 2021
The year 2020 saw numerous natural disasters and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. How have Jehovah’s Witnesses helped those affected?
During the 2020 service year,a the Coordinators’ Committee of the Governing Body approved spending 28 million dollarsb on disaster relief. This provided relief for victims of over 200 disasters—including the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple tropical cyclones, flooding in Africa, food shortages in Venezuela, and drought in Zimbabwe. The donated funds helped pay for food, water, shelter, clothing, and medical care, as well as basic supplies for cleaning, repairs, and reconstruction. Consider a few examples of the relief work.
COVID-19. All over the world, the pandemic affected our brothers and sisters physically, emotionally, and economically. To help them, over 800 Disaster Relief Committees (DRCs) were formed worldwide. These committees monitored our brothers’ needs and provided prompt reports that helped the Coordinators’ Committee know how best to direct the relief.
Throughout the year, DRCs helped many to obtain food, water, items for sanitation, and basic medicine. In some areas, DRCs also worked with local elders to help brothers access government aid.
Non-Witnesses have noticed our relief work. For example, Field Simwinga, the district commissioner for Nakonde, Zambia, told our brothers: “We are indebted for your timely provision of much-needed relief to the affected families.”
Food Shortages in Angola. The COVID-19 pandemic affected food supplies in Angola and raised prices significantly. Many of our brothers and sisters found it increasingly difficult to buy food.
The Brazil branch was asked to help by sending kits of food to our Angolan brothers. To make the best use of relief funds, food and logistic options were carefully researched and the food was bought in bulk. Thus, each kit cost an average of only $22 to purchase and ship but contained almost 20 kilograms (44 lb) of food items such as rice, beans, and cooking oil. To date, 33,544 kits have been shipped—a total of 654 metric tons (721 U.S. tons). Combined with local items, these provisions helped feed more than 50,000 people!
How do our brothers feel about this relief? Alexandre, who lives in an isolated part of Angola, says: “I see this as evidence that Jehovah loves me and that I am not alone. I am valued by Jehovah’s organization!” Mariza, a single mother, says: “Jehovah heard my cry. I thank him and his organization!”
Drought Relief for Zimbabwe. During the 2020 service year, Zimbabwe faced a severe drought, leaving millions of people on the brink of starvation. Thousands of Witnesses in Zimbabwe lacked sufficient food.
Five DRCs were formed to help provide food for our brothers. Hundreds of publishers assisted by packaging food, loading supplies, or lending their vehicles.c During the 2020 service year, $691,561 was used to help feed more than 22,700 people!
In some cases, brothers had exhausted their own food supplies by the time the relief arrived. When the food arrived, our brothers praised Jehovah. Some even began singing Kingdom songs.
In one area, two widowed Witnesses attended a community meeting organized to discuss the food relief being offered by a nongovernmental organization (NGO). However, the meeting became increasingly political, so the sisters decided that they could not accept the conditions for receiving aid. As they left the meeting, they were mocked and told, “Don’t come looking for a meal from us!” However, just two weeks later, our brothers reached the area and provided our sisters with food relief—well before the NGO relief arrived!
Disaster relief in Zimbabwe has also resulted in a good witness. For example, consider the experience of Prisca, who lives in a small village. Despite the difficulties brought on by the drought, Prisca devoted each Wednesday and Friday to the ministry, even during plowing season. People in her village ridiculed her, saying: “You are going to starve your family because of your preaching.” Prisca would reply: “Jehovah has never failed his servants.” Not long after that, she received relief supplies from our organization. This impressed some of her neighbors, who told Prisca: “God has never failed you, so we want to learn more about him.” Seven neighbors are now listening to congregation meetings that are broadcast on radio.
As we get closer to the end, we will continue to face natural disasters. (Matthew 24:3, 7) Your generous donations made via the different methods found on donate.jw.org are greatly appreciated. They provide timely and effective relief.
a The 2020 service year includes the months of September 2019 through August 2020.
b All dollar amounts in this article refer to U.S. dollars.
c Because of restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, our brothers had to obtain permits to deliver food. They also took precautions to reduce their own risk of exposure to the virus.
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Remote Translation Offices That Benefit MillionsHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Remote Translation Offices That Benefit Millions
MARCH 1, 2021
More than 60 percent of our full-time translation teams work, not at branch offices, but at remote translation offices (RTO). Why is this arrangement beneficial? What equipment do translators need in order to work effectively at an RTO? And how does the location of a translation team affect the quality of their translation?
An RTO allows translators to live where many people speak their language. Karin, a Low German translator, explains: “Since we moved to the RTO in Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, Mexico, we are always speaking Low German—with our fellow translators and in the ministry, as well as when we shop. We are immersed in our language. We hear idiomatic expressions that we have not heard for a long time, and we keep up with the vocabulary that people are using.”
James, who works with the Frafra translation team in Ghana, admits that he sometimes misses associating with the Bethel family at the branch. But he adds: “I love working at the RTO. Preaching in the local language and seeing how people react to the good news touches my heart.”
How do our brothers decide where to set up an RTO? “One challenge we face is that some locations do not have reliable electricity or water or the Internet access needed to receive the text files to be translated,” says Joseph, a member of the Worldwide Design/Construction Department in Warwick, New York, U.S.A. “So when setting up an RTO, we may give consideration to more than one location where the language is spoken.”
Generally speaking, the quickest and most inexpensive option is to set up an RTO at an available Assembly Hall, Kingdom Hall, or missionary home, to which the translators can commute. If no existing facility is available, the brothers may receive approval to purchase apartments and office space in which the translators can live and work. If the needs of the translation team change, these facilities can easily be sold and the funds can be used where they are needed most.
Equipped to Continue the Work
During the 2020 service year, we spent 13 million dollars (U.S.) to keep RTOs in operation. The teams in our RTOs need computers, specialized software, audio-recording equipment, Internet access, and basic utilities. A typical computer setup, for example, may cost about $750 (U.S.) per user. Computers are equipped with commercial software and with the Watchtower Translation System, a program that helps translators organize their work and easily access reference material.
Translators also receive audio-recording kits that allow them to record at the office. These kits proved invaluable when the COVID-19 pandemic began, because many translators were able to take the kits home with them and continue recording their translation of written material and videos.
Local volunteers often help by reviewing translated publications, as well as maintaining RTO facilities. “Many publishers and regular pioneers have the opportunity to use their talents here,” says Cirstin, who serves at the Afrikaans RTO in Cape Town, South Africa.
Such volunteers enjoy the privilege. One sister who helps out at an RTO says that working there is like “a breath of fresh air.” Some local brothers and sisters also lend their voices for audio recordings. Juana, a Totonac translator in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, says: “Now that we are closer to the towns that speak our language, it is easier for more brothers and sisters to help record our audio and video publications.”
But have RTOs helped improve the quality of translation? Many of our millions of readers say yes. Cédric, who works with the Kongo team in the Democratic Republic of Congo, relates: “Some brothers and sisters used to call our way of translating Kongo ‘the Kongo of Watch Tower publications,’ because it did not reflect the way Kongo is commonly used. But now, they say that our publications are translated into modern Kongo, the way people express themselves every day.”
Andile, who works with the Xhosa team, has heard a similar response in South Africa. “Many tell us they have noticed a change in the translation,” he says. “Even kids who used to read The Watchtower in English now read it in Xhosa. They especially love the naturalness of the revised New World Translation.”
All the expenses associated with setting up, maintaining, and staffing RTOs are cared for by voluntary donations to the worldwide work, including those made at donate.jw.org.
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A JW Satellite Channel Reaches Where Internet Does NotHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
A JW Satellite Channel Reaches Where Internet Does Not
APRIL 1, 2021
Each month, we eagerly anticipate the spiritual programs and videos released on JW Broadcasting. However, many of our brothers in Africa cannot access these programs on the Internet. Why not?
Much of Africa has limited Internet access. And where access is available, it is often slow or very expensive. For example, a circuit overseer in Madagascar once downloaded a single JW Broadcasting monthly program at an Internet café. He was billed $16, which is more than some people earn in a week!a
Despite these difficulties, millions in Africa may now enjoy JW Broadcasting without using the Internet. How?
Since 2017, JW Broadcasting has been made available to those living in sub-Saharan Africa via a satellite-television channel. This channel is broadcast free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in 16 languages.
To accomplish this, Jehovah’s Witnesses contract a television broadcast service to transmit content via satellite. The satellite that is used covers some 35 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The contract costs more than $12,000 per month. From time to time, an additional amount is paid to broadcast live events on a separate channel. This allows thousands to enjoy conventions or special programs in connection with branch visits.
Many people, including non-Witnesses, view the JW satellite channel on a television at home. However, a number of our brothers cannot afford to purchase the equipment needed to watch the satellite channel. To help them, over 3,670 Kingdom Halls have been equipped with satellite-receiving equipment so that brothers and sisters can watch JW Broadcasting there. The equipment, including delivery, costs approximately $70 if the Kingdom Hall already has a television or a projector. Otherwise, the necessary equipment can cost up to $530.
Our brothers and sisters greatly appreciate the channel. An elder in Cameroon says: “It is like manna in the middle of the desert for our family.” Odebode, a brother in Nigeria, says: “We watch the channel as a family three times a week. My children always look forward to those moments. They even request that we switch to the JW channel at other times.” Rose, also in Nigeria, says: “I am happy to say that the JW satellite channel has replaced my addiction to the news channel. When I watched the news, I was easily irritated by what I saw and my blood pressure would rise. But JW Broadcasting is so upbuilding and serene! It is my favorite channel. It is a big blessing from Jehovah.”
A circuit overseer in Mozambique reports that in his circuit, Kingdom Halls have been set up with equipment to receive the satellite channel. Brothers in these congregations arrive one hour or more before the meeting to watch JW Broadcasting via satellite.
For the 2019 international convention in Johannesburg, South Africa, the channel was used to transmit key talks, including those given by a Governing Body member, to nine other locations. Sphumelele, from the local Broadcasting Department at the South Africa branch, says: “Previously, we would have had to transmit the talks via Internet. But this requires a stable Internet connection and paying data costs. The JW satellite channel was more cost-effective and reliable.”
Thanks to your generous donations to the worldwide work, many of our brothers and sisters in Africa can view JW Broadcasting via satellite. We greatly appreciate the donations you have made through the different methods found on donate.jw.org.
a All dollar amounts in this article refer to U.S. dollars.
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Defending Religious Freedom in Indigenous CommunitiesHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Defending Religious Freedom in Indigenous Communities
MAY 1, 2021
Among the hundreds of millions of people who live in Latin America, there are millions who have their own indigenous languages and customs. Many of these indigenous people are our spiritual brothers and sisters, who value their cultural heritage. In order to help people spiritually, they translate and distribute publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses in over 130 indigenous languages of Latin America.a Still, some of them have encountered opposition for choosing to serve Jehovah and for refusing to participate in unscriptural customs that are common in their communities. How have your donations been used to help them?
Helped to Return Home
In Mexico, our brothers and sisters in a Huichol community in the mountains of Jalisco State respectfully refused to participate in religious practices that violated their conscience.b But this angered some in the community. On December 4, 2017, a violent mob attacked a group of Witnesses and several others who were with them. The mob forcibly expelled them from the community, destroyed their property, and threatened to kill any who tried to return.
Witnesses in nearby towns cared for the immediate needs of our brothers and sisters. But what could be done so that they could return home? “We did not have enough money to hire a lawyer,” explains a brother named Agustín, “and we did not know where to go for legal advice.”
Since our brothers’ freedom of worship was under attack, the Central America branch took immediate action. First, they asked local officials to investigate these crimes. Next, they received approval from the Coordinators’ Committee of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses to work with the Legal Department at world headquarters and to file a lawsuit on behalf of our Huichol brothers and sisters. The case eventually reached the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation—Mexico’s highest court.
An international team of lawyers prepared a clear argument in which they explained that just as others must respect the culture of indigenous communities, the communities themselves must respect and protect the freedoms of all of their members. Human rights have no borders.
On July 8, 2020, the Supreme Court of Justice ruled unanimously in favor of Jehovah’s Witnesses. They ordered that all those who had been expelled should be allowed to return to their community. Agustín, quoted earlier, expresses the appreciation that he and others feel: “We are so grateful and happy for what the brothers have done for us. If they had not helped us, we could not have done anything.”
“So Much for So Few”
Meanwhile, our brothers in San Juan de Ilumán, a village in Ecuador that is home to many indigenous people of the Otavalo Valley, faced similar opposition. In 2014, after obtaining all the necessary permits, they began to build a Kingdom Hall. However, a priest led a mob of over 100 and forcibly stopped construction. The community then ordered Jehovah’s Witnesses to stop meeting together for worship.
The legal departments at the Ecuador branch and at world headquarters collaborated to defend the congregation from this violation of their freedom of worship. Our brothers took the matter to court. This prompted the community to withdraw its opposition and to allow the congregation to resume their meetings and finish building their Kingdom Hall. But to protect our brothers’ rights in the future, our representatives asked the higher courts to rule on a fundamental issue: Must indigenous communities respect international human rights?
On July 16, 2020, the Constitutional Court of Ecuador, the highest court in the land, heard the case. Brothers who are lawyers in Ecuador represented the congregation. In addition, four of our brothers who are experienced international lawyers addressed the court. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, they spoke from various countries via videoconference. This is the first time any court has allowed a legal team that represents Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide to present arguments in this way.c The team cited international legal authorities to confirm that indigenous persons do not give up their individual human rights simply because they are part of an indigenous community.
Our brothers in the Otavalo Valley eagerly await the Constitutional Court’s decision. In the meantime, they are touched by the help they have received. César, who serves as an elder in the Ilumán Quichua Congregation, says: “Only Jehovah, through his organization, would do so much for so few.”
The lawyers involved in the litigation are all Jehovah’s Witnesses, and they are happy to share their legal expertise at no charge. Still, filing these cases, preparing for them, and arguing them in court cost time and money. Our lawyers and other brothers spent over 380 hours preparing legal arguments and another 240 hours translating documents for the Mexico hearing. Almost 40 lawyers from around the world spent hundreds of hours on the Ecuador case. How have we been able to care for expenses associated with defending our brothers? By means of the contributions you have made using the various methods explained at donate.jw.org. Thank you for your generosity.
a Jehovah’s Witnesses also translate into many Latin American languages of Indo-European influence and several sign languages that are unique to the region.
b The Huichol people are also known as Wixáritari, and their language is often referred to as Wixárika.
c Although our worldwide organization was not party to the case, the judges allowed our brothers to appear before the court as amicus curiae, a “friend of the court.”
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Missionaries “to the Most Distant Part of the Earth”How Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Missionaries “to the Most Distant Part of the Earth”
JUNE 1, 2021
Jesus told his disciples: “You will be witnesses of me . . . to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Today, Jehovah’s Witnesses are zealously fulfilling that commission. However, parts of the earth, including some large, densely-populated areas, have not yet received a thorough witness. And some countries have relatively few Witnesses. (Matthew 9:37, 38) What are we doing to reach as many people as possible?
To help carry out Jesus’ command, the Service Committee of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses assigns field missionaries to areas of need around the world. Currently, there are 3,090 field missionaries worldwide.a Most have received training at a Bible school, such as the School for Kingdom Evangelizers. Missionaries are willing to leave their homes and move to a foreign land. Thanks to their maturity, training, and experience, these faithful missionaries help spread the good news and have set a fine example for new disciples.
Helping Missionaries Help Others
At each branch office, the Field Ministers Desk of the Service Department works with the Branch Committee to care for the missionaries’ needs, such as modest housing, health care, and a small allowance for living expenses. During the 2020 service year, Jehovah’s Witnesses spent nearly $27 million (U.S.) in caring for missionaries. Thanks to these provisions, missionaries can focus their full attention and energy on the ministry, as well as on strengthening their local congregation.
How have field missionaries benefited the preaching work? Frank Madsen, who serves on the Malawi Branch Committee, says: “With their boldness and skills, missionaries have helped congregations to start covering challenging territories, such as gated communities and foreign-language areas. Also, their hard work in learning the local language and culture sets an inspiring example for others, and they are a positive influence on young ones with regard to full-time service. We thank Jehovah for field missionaries.”
A Branch Committee member from another country says: “Missionaries are living examples that Jehovah’s people are united worldwide. Even non-Witnesses can clearly see that we are not divided by cultures, but that Bible teachings have helped us become a united brotherhood.”
How do field missionaries help local publishers? Paulo, from Timor-Leste, appreciates the missionaries assigned to his congregation. He says: “Our area is very, very hot. But even though the missionaries come from a cold place, they never let the weather stop them from preaching. They are always at the morning meetings for field service. I often see them making return visits through the middle of the day, when it is very hot, and also in the evenings. They have helped a lot of people to learn the truth, including me. With zeal and enthusiasm, they use their whole life to serve Jehovah, and this motivates the entire congregation to serve him more fully.”
Ketti, a regular pioneer in Malawi, relates how a missionary couple helped her family: “When a missionary couple was assigned to our congregation, I was the only Witness in my family. But I received good support from the couple, and they became very close to our family. Their fine example helped my children to see how serving Jehovah results in a happy and satisfying life. Thanks to the missionaries’ motivating influence, my three daughters are serving as regular pioneers and my husband has started attending meetings.”
How are the costs of caring for field missionaries covered? By donations to the worldwide work, many of which are made via the methods found on donate.jw.org. These generous contributions are deeply appreciated.
a These missionaries are assigned to congregations where there is a need in the preaching work. Another 1,001 field missionaries serve in the circuit work.
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Global Relief for a Global PandemicHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Global Relief for a Global Pandemic
JULY 1, 2021
In March 2020, when the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, many could not even imagine that this virus would still grip the world more than one year later. Millions of people, including some of Jehovah’s Witnesses, have suffered the physical, emotional, and financial effects of the pandemic. How have Jehovah’s Witnesses organized and dispensed relief during this crisis?
Relief to Meet the Need
Under the direction of the Coordinators’ Committee of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, over 950 Disaster Relief Committees (DRC) have been established around the globe in response to COVID-19. In some cases, they have arranged for local assistance, and in other cases, Witnesses have benefited from governmental aid. The DRCs have also organized large-scale relief efforts.
Consider, for example, the situation in Paraguay. One newspaper reported that as a result of the economic effects of the pandemic, “large numbers of Paraguayans are going hungry in their own homes.” But the DRC in Paraguay had already started to distribute kits with two weeks’ worth of supplies—enough food, cleaning materials, and personal hygiene items for a family of four. Each kit has a value of about $30 (U.S.).
How do these relief workers protect themselves and others from COVID-19 infection? They wear masks and practice physical distancing. They also verify that the companies that supply food are using sanitary facilities and are taking strict safety precautions. This includes making sure that all who handle the kits are directed to wear personal protective equipment, to clean and disinfect their vehicles, and to store the kits on disinfected surfaces. Finally, those who deliver the kits maintain physical distancing from the brothers who receive them.
Using Donations Discreetly
As of January 2021, the Coordinators’ Committee had approved the spending of over 25 million dollars (U.S.) on COVID-19 relief. The branches and DRCs use these donated funds carefully and work hard to negotiate the best price for needed items. In Chile, for example, the brothers organizing the relief work wanted to purchase 750 kilograms (1,653 lb) of lentils. But the price of lentils had doubled in just one month! Two hours after they agreed to purchase the lentils for the higher price, the vendor informed them that another buyer had just returned his order of lentils. So instead of charging the higher price that had been agreed upon, the vendor resold the returned lentils to our brothers at the previous month’s price!
However, when our brothers went to pick up the lentils, the vendor tried to revoke the deal, accusing them of distributing food unfairly, as other organizations had. After a brief silent prayer, one of our brothers related to the vendor that each congregation had already been surveyed to discern who was truly in need. The brothers also explained that because the cultural backgrounds of the recipients varied, each relief kit would be personalized with products that would be most useful to the family receiving it. Finally, they assured the vendor that all donations of money and labor made to Jehovah’s Witnesses are voluntary. He was impressed. The vendor not only agreed to the reduced price but also added a donation of 400 kilograms (882 lb) of lentils to the brothers’ next order.
“Proof of Genuine Love”
Lusu, an elderly widow in Liberia, lives with five family members. As they ate breakfast and considered the daily Bible text one morning, Lusu’s seven-year-old grandson noticed that they had no more food in the house. He asked, “What are we going to eat?” Lusu assured him that she had already prayed for help and that she was confident Jehovah would provide for them. That very afternoon, Lusu received a call from congregation elders inviting her to collect some food relief. She relates: “My grandson says that he now knows Jehovah can hear and answer prayers because Jehovah answered mine.”
One woman in the Democratic Republic of Congo lives next door to a family of Witnesses. After she saw the family receive food from their fellow believers, she said, “After the pandemic, we will become Jehovah’s Witnesses because they have cared about their brothers and sisters during this hard time.” Her husband asked, “Are you going to become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses just for a bag of rice?” She replied, “Of course not, but that sack of rice is proof of genuine love.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses have been able to respond quickly to the needs of our brothers and sisters during this pandemic because of your generous donations. Thank you for the contributions you have made using the methods described at donate.jw.org.
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Tuning In to the ConventionHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Tuning In to the Convention
AUGUST 1, 2021
The 2020 regional convention was historic—our first global convention recorded and made available via the Internet! However, in Malawi and Mozambique, most of our brothers and sisters accessed the convention without using the Internet. How was this possible?
As an exception, the Coordinators’ and Teaching committees of the Governing Body gave approval to broadcast the convention by television and radio in Malawi and Mozambique. Why was this exception necessary? Malawi has some of the most expensive Internet data charges in the world, and therefore few Witnesses can access the Internet. As explained by William Chumbi, a member of the Malawi Branch Committee: “Radio and television were the only means of dispensing this spiritual food to the brothers and sisters.” Luka Sibeko, who also serves on the Malawi Branch Committee, adds: “If we had not been able to receive it via TV and radio, only a few brothers in our branch territory could have benefited from the convention.” In Mozambique too, few brothers could have afforded an appropriate electronic device, let alone the Internet.
Making the Arrangements
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, certain television and radio stations were already broadcasting congregation meetings.a Our brothers reached out to these stations and requested additional airtime to broadcast the convention.
In Malawi, our brothers faced a challenge. Usually, broadcasting stations limit customers to one hour of airtime. The stations worry that longer programs may not maintain the attention of the audience. But our brothers explained that our work is a public service. Even during lockdown, we are providing the public with access to comforting good news from the Bible, which can help people be good citizens and have a happy family life. On hearing this, the stations accepted the brothers’ request for additional airtime.
In Malawi, the convention was broadcast by one television station and one radio station, both with nationwide coverage and with the potential for reaching millions of people. In Mozambique, the convention was broadcast by one television station and 85 radio stations.
In both countries, a total of $28,227b was spent to broadcast the convention via television and almost $20,000 to broadcast via radio. The costs for radio varied from $15 for a small station to $2,777 for a nationwide station.
Our brothers worked hard to make the best use of donated funds. In Malawi, for example, they were able to negotiate lower rates, including one discount of 30 percent. These discounts saved a total of $1,711. In Mozambique, some stations were willing to lower their rate because of our good reputation for being honest and punctual with our payments.
Expressions of Gratitude
Our brothers greatly appreciated viewing or hearing the convention on local stations. Patrick, an elder from Malawi, says: “We thank the brothers of the Governing Body for their special consideration during the pandemic.” Isaac, also from Malawi, says: “We have no other devices, so we were very grateful for the special provision from Jehovah’s organization of listening to the convention over the radio. As a result of this provision, my whole family benefited from the convention. We saw this as proof of Jehovah’s love for his people.”
The 2020 convention was the first convention for one publisher in Mozambique. He says: “The arrangement to watch the convention on TV reminded me that Jehovah is the almighty God. The pandemic did not prevent him from giving us spiritual food and from serving it right in my living room. I saw evidence of the love among Jehovah’s people. I am convinced that this is the true religion.”
An elder named Wyson says: “I would like to express my thanks for the way the faithful slave has cared for us during the pandemic. This provision of having the convention broadcast via radio and TV has helped many of us who are struggling financially in this poorer part of the world to receive the program and benefit from it.”
For the 2021 regional convention, the Coordinators’ and Teaching committees have again made an exception so that the convention can be broadcast via television and radio in select communities. How do we cover the costs of broadcasting the convention in this way? By donations to the worldwide work, many of which are made via the different methods found on donate.jw.org. Thank you for your generous contributions.
a Earlier in 2020, the Coordinators’ Committee approved to broadcast congregation meetings via television and radio in select locations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This provision has helped those who cannot access local congregation meetings or JW Stream because they live in communities where Internet connections and cell-phone service are not readily available or affordable. This arrangement, however, is not intended for communities that can connect to meetings with a local congregation.
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A Library in the Palm of Your HandHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
A Library in the Palm of Your Hand
SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
“Not long ago, receiving our spiritual food digitally would’ve been hard even to imagine.” Can you relate to those words? They were part of an encouraging talk given by Geoffrey Jackson in the 2020 Governing Body Update #6. He continued: “And yet now we probably wonder how we’d be coping with this pandemic without tools like JW Library. Jehovah has been preparing us over the years to be ready for something like this.”
How has Jehovah been preparing us? What was involved in creating the JW Library app, and what is needed to maintain and enhance it?
First of Its Kind
In May 2013, the Governing Body asked MEPS Programming, a world headquarters department, to develop an app containing the revised New World Translation. “Until then, we had not released a mobile app on any of the app stores,” relates Paul Willies, who works with MEPS Programming. “But we assembled a team, suspended a few projects, and worked with other departments to design and build the app and its content. We prayed often, and with Jehovah’s help the app was released at the annual meeting just five months later!”
The next challenge was to turn the app into a real library featuring more publications and more languages. By January 2015, most of our current publications in English were available in the app, and just six months later, users could download those publications in hundreds of other languages.
Since then, our brothers have enhanced the app in several ways, adding videos, assembling all publications and media for congregation meetings under one tab, and allowing users to access Research Guide references directly from a Bible verse.
Maintaining the Library
JW Library is opened on 8 million devices every day and on over 15 million devices every month! What is needed to keep the app running smoothly on those devices? Brother Willies explains: “A mobile app is never truly finished. We are constantly working to add new features and improve the user experience. Because commercial operating systems for digital devices are updated often, we have to adjust the app constantly to keep it compatible with those systems. We also have to maintain and upgrade our internal software as the number of available publications and recordings on JW Library continues to increase.” Counting all language versions, there are currently some 200,000 publications and over 600,000 audio and video recordings available on JW Library!
To provide this ongoing support for the app, more than computer hardware is needed. Several software licenses must also be purchased. One license alone costs $1,500 (U.S.) per year. In addition, MEPS Programming spends about $10,000 (U.S.) annually on devices from various manufacturers to make sure that the app will continue to run smoothly on new computers, tablets, and phones.
Downloads That Save Donated Funds
JW Library has significantly reduced the funds spent on printing, binding, and shipping literature. To illustrate, consider the booklet Examining the Scriptures Daily. We printed almost 12 million copies of Examining the Scriptures—2013. But for the 2020 edition, we printed only about five million booklets—even though we had about 700,000 more publishers worldwide. Why the change? Many of our brothers and sisters now read the daily text on JW Library.a
“It’s Truly Priceless”
JW Library also helps its users in countless ways. Geneviève, who lives in Canada, feels that the app has made her study sessions more regular. “Quite frankly, if I had to pull out a stack of books to study, I don’t think I would be studying every morning,” she admits. “But with the app, I pick up my tablet and have everything I need right there. This regular study has strengthened my faith and deepened my spirituality.”
The app has proved especially helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic. Charlyn, from the United States, explains: “With COVID-19 raging around the world, I haven’t seen any of our newly released printed publications for over a year. But JW Library has kept us well-fed spiritually, and I thank Jehovah for this loving provision.”
Faye, who lives in the Philippines, sums up the feelings of many. She says: “My whole spiritual life and routine is integrated into one powerful app. It’s what I read first thing in the morning. It’s what I listen to while doing chores. It’s what I use to study for the meeting. It’s what I use to prepare for my Bible study. I watch videos on it when I have free time. I read articles or the Bible on it while I’m waiting in line. It’s truly priceless.”
The app has also proved invaluable in the ministry. For example, while preaching, a sister in Cameroon wanted to use a scripture that she had seen another sister use a few weeks earlier. However, she could not remember where to find the verse. She explains: “Fortunately, I remembered one phrase from it. I opened the app, went to the Bible, and searched for the phrase. Immediately, I found the scripture. Using the app, I am able to find a lot of verses that I sometimes forget.”
Your kind donations using the methods described at donate.jw.org have enabled us to develop, maintain, and improve the JW Library app for our brothers and sisters around the world. Thank you for your generous spirit.
JW Library Milestones
October 2013—App released containing the revised New World Translation
January 2015—Other publications made available in English, followed by hundreds of other languages
November 2015—Highlighting feature added
May 2016—Meetings tab added
May 2017—Note-taking feature added
December 2017—Support for the Study Bible added
March 2019—Ability to download audio recordings, to stream video, and to access Research Guide references added
January 2021—Enhanced features for Enjoy Life Forever! added
a Each download from JW Library incurs a small cost. Last year, for example, we spent over $1.5 million (U.S.) to provide streaming and downloads from jw.org and for the JW Library app. Still, it is far less expensive to download digital publications and recordings than to produce and ship literature, CDs, and DVDs.
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Dots That Change LivesHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Dots That Change Lives
OCTOBER 1, 2021
“Probably many of our readers are acquainted with those who are blind,” stated the June 1, 1912, issue of The Watch Tower. “They can obtain free reading matter . . . . This literature for the blind is printed in raised characters which the blind can read.” The Watch Tower added: “Many of the blind are deeply appreciative of the message that a glorious day of blessing is coming to the world.”
When those words were written, a universal English braille system had not yet been adopted. However, Jehovah’s Witnesses were already making Bible truth available “in raised characters”—that is, in braille. And we still do! We now have braille literature available in more than 50 languages. How is it produced?
Transcribing and Embossing
The first step in producing braille is to transcribe the text into braille characters. “In the past, we used commercial software for braille transcription, but it did not support all the languages we needed,” explains Michael Millen, who works with Text Processing Services in Patterson, New York. “Now we use the Watchtower Translation System, which supports braille transcription into most of the world’s languages. I believe there’s nothing like it anywhere else.”
Braille literature includes not only the text of the publication but also descriptions of the artwork. For example, the image on the cover of the braille edition of Enjoy Life Forever! is described this way: “A man starting to walk down a winding path surrounded by beautiful vegetation, hills, and mountains.” Jamshed, a ministerial servant and pioneer who is blind, says, “These picture descriptions are invaluable to me.”
After transcription, files are sent to branch offices that emboss braille publications. There, the publication is embossed onto durable paper that will neither puncture during embossing nor lose its shape after repeated use. Next, the pages are collated, spiral-bound, and shipped either with regular congregation literature shipments or as “free matter for the blind” if the post office has that service. When necessary, branches will even arrange for expedited shipping so that brothers who are blind or visually impaired have the publications they need for congregation meetings.
All this work requires a considerable amount of time and money. In fact, our printery at Wallkill, New York, makes 50,000 standard Bibles in the same amount of time it takes to emboss only 2 braille Bibles. Each Bible in grade-two English braille comprises 25 volumes, and the materials needed to produce those volumes cost 123 times more than those needed to produce a standard Bible.a Just the covers for one set of 25 volumes cost about $150 (U.S.)!
How do those who help produce braille publications feel about their work? Nadia, who serves at the South Africa branch, says: “Our brothers and sisters who are blind or visually impaired do not have an easy life, so I view it as a blessing to make something that helps them. It is evident that Jehovah loves them very much.”
Learn to Read Braille
But what if a person who is blind cannot read braille? A few years ago, we released Learn to Read Braille, a workbook that contains both braille and printed text. It is designed for a sighted person and a blind person to use together. The brochure is part of a kit that includes a positive slate and a stylus. The braille learner uses these tools to emboss each braille character for himself. These embossing exercises make each character more memorable to the learner and help him to identify it by touch.
“I’m Totally ‘Addicted’”
How have brothers and sisters who are blind or visually impaired benefited from these publications? Ernst, who lives in Haiti, used to attend congregation meetings, but he did not have any braille publications. As a result, he had to rely heavily on his memory in order to handle student speaking assignments and give comments during question-and-answer parts. “But now,” he says, “I can raise my hand and give comments at any time. I truly feel at one with my brothers and sisters. We are all receiving the same spiritual food!”
“Our publications are much clearer than other braille publications I have read,” says Jan, a visually impaired elder in Austria who conducts the Watchtower Study and Congregation Bible Study. “For example, we have page numbers, footnotes that are easy to find, and precise picture descriptions.”
Seon-ok, a pioneer in South Korea, is blind and deaf. In the past she depended on tactile signing at the meetings, but she is now able to read braille Bible study aids herself. “Other braille publications can be difficult to read because dots are missing, the lines are crooked, or the paper is too thin,” she says. “But Jehovah’s Witnesses use better quality paper and make the dots more prominent, making it easier for me to read.” She adds: “In the past, I could study Bible-based publications only with the help of other people. Now, however, I can study by myself. It makes me happy to be able to prepare for our weekly Christian meetings and to participate fully in them. I read all our braille publications. You could say that I’m totally ‘addicted’ to them.”
Like our printed literature, our braille publications include the following statement: “This publication is not for sale. It is provided as part of a worldwide Bible educational work supported by voluntary donations.” Thank you for making such donations through the methods described at donate.jw.org. Your generosity helps make spiritual food available to all, including the blind and the visually impaired.
a In some braille systems, words are shortened to save space. In grade-two braille, for example, common words and letter combinations are abbreviated. Therefore, a book in grade-two braille is smaller than the same book in grade-one braille.
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Songs That Draw Us Closer to GodHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Songs That Draw Us Closer to God
NOVEMBER 1, 2021
Music is a beautiful gift from Jehovah. It can affect our thoughts, change our mood, and inspire us. This is certainly the case with our original songs. In fact, these songs can do even more: they can draw us closer to Jehovah.
Since 2014, over 70 original songs have been produced, and now at least one of those songs is available in more than 500 languages! But you may have wondered, ‘Who works on these songs, and how are they produced?’
A Glimpse Behind the Scenes
Original songs are produced by the music team in Audio/Video Services, which works under the oversight of the Teaching Committee of the Governing Body. The music team is made up of 13 brothers and sisters who help with composing, music engineering, scheduling, and production support. Additionally, the Teaching Committee has approved remote volunteers all over the world to assist with this work, including composers, musicians, and singers. These brothers and sisters humbly use their talents without seeking personal recognition.
How is an original song produced? First, the Teaching Committee decides the Scriptural basis for the song and the emotional feel the song is to have. The music team then makes assignments for the composing of the music and the writing of the lyrics. A sample recording is prepared. The Teaching Committee reviews the sample recording and provides further direction. Then, the music team adjusts the song and records the final version. These songs are recorded in a variety of locations, including branch facilities and home studios.
To compose and record original songs, our brothers use digital audio workstations, a music notation program, and audio libraries, among other things. The work also requires the use of such equipment as musical instruments, mixing consoles, amplifiers, speakers, and microphones. The microphones can each cost from $100 to more than $1,000 (U.S.). In 2020, we spent $116,000 (U.S.) on music-recording equipment.
What efforts are made to conserve funds? In place of having a large music team at Bethel, many remote volunteers are used. Additionally, instead of assembling and recording a large in-person orchestra, our brothers often compose and produce music digitally.
“A Spiritual Lifeline”
Brothers and sisters love listening to original songs. Tara, who lives in Germany, says: “The songs help me to relax when I am anxious. Listening to them in my mother tongue feels like a hug from Jehovah.” A brother in Kazakhstan named Dmitry says: “I like being able to listen to the songs without needing to worry about whether they are in harmony with Bible principles. Moreover, the songs help me to stay focused on spiritual things.”
Delia, in South Africa, describes how she feels about the original songs: “They have become a spiritual lifeline for me. When I am feeling down or facing a challenge, there is always a song that matches my situation perfectly. Often, just the tunes of the songs are enough to change the way I feel!”
Some original songs have become favorites. Lerato, also in South Africa, says: “The songs ‘Just Around the Corner’ and ‘The New World to Come’ fast-forward me to the time when I will welcome back my beloved mother. Every time I listen to those songs, I see her running toward me with open arms.”
One original song was especially helpful to a teenager in Sri Lanka. She says: “My science teacher scolded me harshly in front of the class for being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I became afraid, and I did not know what to say. When I came home, my mother encouraged me to listen to the song ‘Study Makes You Strong.’ The song helped me see the need to do research and prepare an answer. The next day, I spoke with my teacher. She listened to me and expressed her appreciation for the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I thank Jehovah’s organization for providing us with such encouraging songs.”
How are the costs of producing these songs covered? By donations to the worldwide work, many of which are made via the methods found on donate.jw.org. Thank you for your generous contributions.
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Reliable and Faith-Strengthening NewsHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Reliable and Faith-Strengthening News
DECEMBER 1, 2021
Jehovah’s Witnesses care deeply about their fellow believers. (1 Peter 2:17) Many of us feel the way Tannis, a sister in Kenya, does. She says, “I love to know what is happening to my dear brothers and sisters around the world.” How do Tannis and millions of other Witnesses stay informed? Since 2013, we have been able to do so via the Newsroom section of our website, jw.org.
The Newsroom features reliable reports about Jehovah’s Witnesses on topics such as Bible releases, disaster relief work, construction projects, and other significant events. It informs us about our brothers and sisters who are imprisoned because of their faith. The Newsroom also contains encouraging experiences related to preaching campaigns and the Memorial observance. Who researches these news articles, and how are they prepared?
Identifying and Reporting News Stories
The Newsroom is managed by the Office of Public Information (OPI). This department is located at world headquarters and works under the direction of the Coordinators’ Committee of the Governing Body. OPI is made up of more than 100 brothers and sisters—many of them remote volunteers—including writers, researchers, visual artists, and translators. Others work as points of contact for government officials, academics, and the media. OPI is assisted by over 80 Public Information Desks (PID) at branches around the world.
To prepare a news item, OPI works closely with the PIDs. Once our brothers identify a potential story, they research the topic and gather reliable information. This can include conducting interviews and speaking with experts. After they have gathered the facts, the news article is written, edited, proofread, illustrated with photos, and sent to the Coordinators’ Committee for approval.
Words of Appreciation
How do our fellow worshippers feel about the Newsroom? Cheryl, a sister in the Philippines, says, “I truly love starting my day by reading news about Jehovah’s organization and his people.”
Many readers speak of the difference they see between the jw.org Newsroom and other news media. Tatiana, in Kazakhstan, says: “I appreciate that I can trust the news on jw.org. It is reliable and objective.” A sister in Mexico named Alma says: “Compared with the disturbing news from the traditional media, the Newsroom is very encouraging.”
The Newsroom is not just reliable; it is also faith-strengthening. Bernard, in Kenya, says: “The Newsroom has helped me to view the brothers and sisters around the globe as my family, regardless of where they are. I am able to include their names and specific situations in my prayers.” A sister named Bybron, also in Kenya, says: “I always get excited when I see an article about a Bible release in a different language! These articles remind me that Jehovah is not partial.”
Even news stories about brothers facing persecution can have a positive effect. “Reflecting on their courage has really strengthened my faith,” says Jackline, in Kenya. “I always look out for what helps them to endure. I have learned how ‘simple’ things—such as prayer, Bible reading, and even singing—play a vital role in keeping our brothers strong.”
A sister in Costa Rica named Beatriz appreciates the news items regarding natural disasters. She says: “The Newsroom allows me to see how our organization provides for the needs of our brothers in a fast, efficient, and loving way. That convinces me that this is Jehovah’s organization.”
How grateful we are to receive up-to-date news about our worldwide brotherhood! This would not be possible without your donations to the worldwide work, many of which are made via donate.jw.org. Thank you for your generous contributions.
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Disaster Relief in 2021—Not Abandoning Our Brothers and SistersHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Disaster Relief in 2021—Not Abandoning Our Brothers and Sisters
JANUARY 1, 2022
During the 2021 service year,a the world remained in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. As explained in the article “Global Relief for a Global Pandemic,” we have spent millions of dollarsb on pandemic relief and formed more than 950 Disaster Relief Committees.
Indeed, while the pandemic was raging, other natural and man-made disasters affected our brothers and sisters around the world. In response to over 200 of such disasters, the Coordinators’ Committee of the Governing Body approved the spending of $8 million in addition to the relief provided for COVID-19. Consider how your donations were used to help victims of two recent disasters.
Eruption of Mount Nyiragongo
On May 22, 2021, Mount Nyiragongo, a volcano in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, began to erupt. The lava flow destroyed houses, schools, and a water reservoir. But lava was not the only danger. For days after the eruption, toxic volcanic dust fell on the city of Goma and dozens of tremors were recorded. More than half the city was ordered to evacuate. Hundreds of thousands fled, some across the border to Rwanda.
Among those displaced were about 5,000 of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Some lost their homes to the eruption; others’ homes were looted after they fled. The relief committees in both Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo coordinated relief efforts. Regarding one relief committee, the Congo (Kinshasa) branch reports: “Despite the chaotic situation in the city and even before the evacuation order was given, the committee began distributing food, water, bedding, and clothing.” In one town where over 2,000 of our brothers had gathered, a relief committee set up tents, handed out masks, and explained how to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 and cholera.
Within three months of the disaster, our brothers had distributed more than six tons of rice, six tons of maize flour, three tons of cooking oil, and three tons of water. To save funds, the branch arranged to buy food locally in large quantities instead of ordering more expensive food from abroad.
“We were very discouraged and in pain,” relates one sister whose new home was destroyed by the eruption. But then her family received physical and spiritual relief. She now says: “With Jehovah’s help, we still have what we need. We have seen that Jehovah carries our load and makes it easy for us to bear.”
Venezuela’s Economic Collapse
Venezuela has suffered a major economic crisis for years. Our brothers there are enduring harsh living conditions, food shortages, and an increase in crime. Yet, Jehovah’s organization has not abandoned them.
During the past service year, over $1.5 million was spent on purchasing and transporting food and soap to needy households. The Venezuela branch reports: “It is by no means easy to transport 130 tons of food to all four corners of the country each month and then get it into the hands of the brothers in need.” To ensure that the food does not spoil, the brothers often send items that have a longer shelf life. The branch adds: “We buy most food in bulk and in season as well as when prices are lower. Then we transport it using the most cost-effective method.”
Leonel, a Disaster Relief Committee member in Venezuela, loves his assignment. “Relief work is special,” he says. “This privilege has really built me up since the death of my dear wife from COVID-19. I keep busy and feel useful to the brothers in need. I have seen firsthand how Jehovah keeps his promise not to abandon his people.”
One brother who received relief had served on a relief committee himself in the past. “Now it was my turn to need help,” he says. “We did not receive only material relief. The brothers also helped me and my wife to remain calm. They cared for us, consoled us, and encouraged us.”
Some disasters occur with little or no warning. Yet, Jehovah’s organization is often able to obtain and deliver relief supplies quickly, thanks to your donations to the worldwide work. Some of the methods to donate are described at donate.jw.org. We appreciate your generosity.
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A Very Different Bible Study AidHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
A Very Different Bible Study Aid
APRIL 1, 2022
In January 2021, the Governing Body announced the release of a new Bible study aid, Enjoy Life Forever!a How did you react to the announcement? Matthew, from Canada, says: “I was excited! And my excitement grew during the talks and videos that explained why the publication was developed and how it had been tested. I couldn’t wait to see it and to start using it.”
Enjoy Life Forever! introduced a new method of conducting Bible studies. However, that is not the only difference between the new book and previous study aids. If you use a printed copy of Enjoy Life Forever! you may have noticed that it also feels different. To see why, let us take a closer look at how the book is made.
A New Book With a New Feel
Heavier paper. Why was this necessary? Enjoy Life Forever! has over 600 colorful images, nearly ten times more than the Teach Us book! The new book also has more white space—areas without text or artwork—on its pages. These two factors present a problem: When the paper is thin, images on the reverse side of a page may be seen, even if only vaguely. To avoid this, brothers in the International Printing Department (IPD), in Wallkill, New York, U.S.A., tested four types of paper that we are currently using in our printeries. The Writing Committee of the Governing Body examined each sample and selected the least transparent paper. Although this paper costs about 16 percent more than the paper we use for most of our other publications, it allows Bible students to read each page of Enjoy Life Forever! without being distracted by images on the reverse side of the paper.
Different cover laminate. The cover of the new book feels different from the covers of our other books because it is finished with a different laminate, or protective film. Instead of the normal gloss laminate, the new book has a matte finish, which makes the cover artwork stand out. The laminate also helps to protect the book from the signs of wear that result from frequent use. However, matte laminate can cost up to five times more than gloss laminate. So several branches collaborated to obtain a less costly matte finish.
Why were these more expensive materials chosen? A brother who works with IPD explains: “We expect this book to be well-used, so we want it to retain a dignified appearance despite repeated use.” Eduardo, who works in the Printery Office at the Brazil branch, says: “We are very glad to see how Jehovah’s organization has used quality materials to make this book beautiful, durable, and pleasant to handle, while also making wise use of donated funds.”
Printing During the COVID-19 Pandemic
We began printing Enjoy Life Forever! in March 2021. This was during the COVID-19 pandemic, which created challenges. As a result of the Bethel lockdown, our printeries could not rely on the help of Bethel commuters, nor could they invite new brothers to serve as Bethelites. As a result, some printeries did not have enough personnel, and others were temporarily closed because of government mandates.
How were these difficulties overcome? When the printeries were able to operate, brothers and sisters from other Bethel departments were temporarily assigned to help with the printing. “Their self-sacrificing spirit and their willingness to learn new assignments were invaluable in getting the work accomplished,” says Joel, who works with IPD.
Despite the challenges, we have already printed millions of copies of Enjoy Life Forever! Producing them calls for a wide variety of materials, including printing plates, laminate film, paper, ink, and adhesive. In just the first five months of printing, over $2.3 million (U.S.) was spent on materials alone. To conserve costs, we have been careful to print only the number of books that congregations actually need.
“It Is a Work of Art”
How do Bible teachers and their students feel about this new Bible study aid? Paul, a brother in Australia, says: “Enjoy Life Forever! is so enjoyable to use that I get excited about conducting Bible studies. The book’s layout is very appealing and truly interactive. It has an excellent combination of clear information, heart-motivating questions, videos, pictures, charts, and goals for the student. It is a work of art that motivates me to improve my teaching.”
A Bible student in the United States says: “I really like the new book. The artwork helps me understand the main points. The videos touch my heart and motivate me to act.” This student is studying twice a week and regularly attends congregation meetings.
Millions of copies of Enjoy Life Forever! still remain to be printed in many languages. In fact, to date, the Governing Body has approved publishing this book in 710 languages, 340 more than were approved for the Teach Us book!
How are the printing costs covered? By donations to the worldwide work, many of which are made via donate.jw.org. We appreciate your generous spirit, which helps us produce Bible study aids for those who want to learn about Jehovah and to “enjoy life forever.”—Psalm 22:26.
a It was released on JW Broadcasting during the spiritual program held in conjunction with the annual meeting.
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The Deaf Have Not Been ForgottenHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
The Deaf Have Not Been Forgotten
JULY 1, 2022
Jehovah God wants all people, regardless of their circumstances, to learn about him and his heavenly Kingdom. (1 Timothy 2:3, 4) For that reason, Jehovah’s Witnesses produce Bibles and Bible study aids for as many people as possible, including the deaf. In fact, our organization has produced thousands of publications in the form of sign-language videos,a which are available in more than 100 sign languages! How do we produce and distribute these publications? And what improvements have we made over time?
How Are Sign-Language Videos Made?
Sign-language publications are produced by translation teams around the world. Members of each team carefully analyze the publication they need to translate. Next, they decide how best to convey the information in sign language. When that is done, they record the publication on video. Currently, 60 teams translate Bible study aids into sign language on a regular basis, and another 40 do so occasionally.
In the past, it was costly to produce sign-language videos. Video cameras and other equipment were more expensive than they are today. Also, videos were recorded in a studio, which we had to build ourselves, sometimes by renovating an existing building. In total, it would cost over $30,000b to have everything set up for a sign-language translation team.
In order to make the best use of donated funds, our organization has sought ways both to improve and to simplify the translation process. We have thus made use of modern equipment that is both functional and less expensive. Instead of using a studio, translation teams can set up a green background called a green screen and record videos in their office. When multiple signers are needed, brothers and sisters can record their portion of a publication from their office or home; they no longer have to go to a studio.
We have also produced software to help signers with their work. Such improvements have reduced by half the time that translation teams need in order to produce a sign-language publication. Our brothers appreciate these improvements. A brother named Alexander says: “Sign-language videos are released much more often than before. I’m very happy about that. I watch the videos every day.”
Nowadays, it costs less than $5,000 to equip a translation team. As a result, we are able to produce sign-language videos in many more languages.
How Are Sign-Language Videos Distributed?
Once a team finishes recording a sign-language publication, the videos must reach those who need them. In the past, we produced videocassettes and DVDs, but this was expensive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. The recordings were sent to a vendor for duplication. Finally, the videocassettes and DVDs were shipped to congregations. In 2013 alone, we spent more than $2,000,000 on producing sign-language DVDs.
The deaf greatly appreciated those provisions. However, the videos were not always easy to use, especially as the number of cassettes or DVDs grew. In some cases, multiple DVDs were required to record a single Bible book. A brother in Brazil named Gilnei recalls: “Whenever we wanted to read a scripture, we had to find the right videocassette and then find the scripture. It was very difficult.” A sister named Rafayane, who used sign-language DVDs, says: “It was tiring to do personal study. We spent a lot of time just looking up scriptures or references.” And when our brothers and sisters were in the preaching work, they would often take along DVDs or videocassettes, which they could play on an interested person’s TV. Some brothers even took their own DVD players. Before long, however, portable DVD players with a screen became available, and many brothers used these. Bobby, who lives in the United States, says: “If after sharing one scripture you wanted to share another one, you often had to switch to a different DVD. This took time and limited our ability to use the Bible in conversations.”
In 2013, Jehovah’s organization released the JW Library Sign Language app, which allows brothers and sisters to download and play sign-language videos on their smartphones or tablets. The app was first released for American Sign Language. Then, in 2017, it was updated to support all sign languages. Brothers and sisters worldwide were overjoyed. Juscelino, a brother in Brazil, says: “I couldn’t believe it! I kept thinking about how the Governing Body shows love for us deaf people and how they want us to progress in the truth just like those who use a spoken language. I was very excited, and the app motivated me to study the Bible even more.”
Today we produce all sign-language videos digitally and distribute them on our website and on the JW Library Sign Language app. As a result, sign-language publications can be translated, recorded, and distributed in a matter of days, rather than months or years. In fact, in many sign languages, publications are released simultaneously with those in spoken languages.
Note the comments from some of our deaf brothers and sisters. A sister named Klízia says: “What organization cares so much about the deaf that they are willing to provide spiritual food in such an easily accessible way? Nothing in the world can compare with what Jehovah’s organization does for us.” Vladimir says: “The videos show me that Jehovah cares as much about deaf people as he does about hearing people.”
Our sign-language videos often state the following: “This publication is provided as part of a worldwide Bible educational work supported by voluntary donations.” We deeply appreciate your donations, many of which are made via donate.jw.org. These funds allow us to produce Bibles and Bible study aids for all people, including those who use sign language.
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Making Kingdom Halls Safe During COVID-19How Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Making Kingdom Halls Safe During COVID-19
OCTOBER 1, 2022
“The Governing Body has decided that barring any local governmental restrictions, we will encourage all congregations to begin holding in-person meetings the week of April 1.” That announcement, posted on jw.org in early March 2022, thrilled Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide. But the COVID-19 pandemic was not over.a What modifications, supplies, and equipment were needed to protect meeting attendees from the virus? After some two years without in-person meetings, would our Kingdom Halls be ready?
Actually, our brothers had already been preparing for many months to resume meetings at Kingdom Halls.
Different Needs, Different Solutions
Only one month after in-person meetings were suspended in 2020, the Worldwide Design/Construction Department (WDC), in Warwick, New York, began analyzing how COVID-19 would affect the way we use our Kingdom Halls and what steps were needed to make our meeting places safe.
What was needed in one part of the world often differed from what was needed elsewhere. Matthew De Sanctis, who works with WDC, explains: “In some lands, one issue is a lack of handwashing facilities. When Kingdom Halls have no running water, water needs to be purchased or carried from a local river or well. In other countries, some governments adjusted their requirements regarding air-conditioning, air exchange, and signage about health and hygiene.”
How did our brothers meet those challenges? They found that for many Kingdom Halls, “simple, low-cost solutions proved to be very effective,” says Matthew. In Papua New Guinea, for example, basic handwashing stations were set up using 20-liter (5.3-gal) plastic buckets fitted with taps. Our brothers were thus able to equip a typical rural Kingdom Hall for only $40 (U.S.). For Kingdom Halls in Africa, over 6,000 high-quality handwashing stations were purchased from a supplier in Asia.
Other adjustments included installing or modifying fans and air-exchange units to improve Kingdom Hall ventilation. Many congregations purchased boom poles for roving microphones so that the microphones would not have to be passed from hand to hand. Efforts were made to minimize and regularly sanitize touch points, such as door handles and faucets, which can transmit viruses. In their restrooms, some congregations installed sensor taps, which turn on automatically. In Chile, implementing the needed changes cost an average of $1,400 (U.S.) for each Kingdom Hall.
While giving priority to making Kingdom Halls safe, our brothers also endeavored to conserve donated funds. In some lands, for example, they took advantage of tax exemptions for handwashing stations and boom poles. Branch offices collaborated to save funds by buying supplies in larger volume than usual. Branches and the Global Purchasing Department often arranged to purchase items directly from manufacturers, thus reducing not only the price but also the delivery times.
“The Sense of Security I Needed”
The arrangements to make Kingdom Halls safer have protected and reassured those who began attending meetings in person. Dulcine, a sister in Peru, admits that she was “a little scared” when she learned that we would be returning to the Kingdom Hall. “I got COVID-19 soon after the pandemic began,” she says. “So I felt uneasy about going to the Kingdom Hall, knowing that I could be exposed to the virus again. But when I arrived at the Kingdom Hall, I noticed that the elders had implemented many safety measures, such as the use of hand-sanitizing stations and microphone boom poles, as well as a program to disinfect the hall before and after each meeting. All this gave me the sense of security I needed.”b
Sara, a sister in Zambia, faced a different challenge. She explains: “Several months ago, my husband died from COVID-19. I worried about how I was going to feel when I attended an in-person meeting for the first time without him.” How did things turn out for her? She says: “In-person meetings have proved to me that Jehovah is with us during these last days. Now, even more than before, I feel that I get the encouragement, warmth, and support I need from the elders and the rest of my brothers and sisters.”
Our dear fellow worshippers around the world are grateful for the opportunity to return to their Kingdom Halls. Thank you for your donations, many of which were made via donate.jw.org. These donations helped us ensure that centers of pure worship are both comfortable and safe places to meet together.
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Disaster Relief in 2022—Brotherly Love in ActionHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Disaster Relief in 2022—Brotherly Love in Action
JANUARY 1, 2023
The Bible foretold that our days would be marked by wars, earthquakes, pestilences, and other “fearful sights.” (Luke 21:10, 11) Those prophetic words continued to be fulfilled during the 2022 service year.a For example, the conflict in Ukraine persisted unabated, touching the lives of millions. Much of the world was still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, countless people were affected by natural disasters, such as earthquakes in Haiti and destructive storms in Central America, the Philippines, and southeastern Africa. How have Jehovah’s Witnesses helped those affected?
During the 2022 service year, our organization provided relief to victims of some 200 disasters! In total, we spent nearly 12 million dollars in providing relief.b Consider how donated funds were used to help victims of two disasters.
Earthquakes in Haiti
On August 14, 2021, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck southern Haiti. Sadly, three Witnesses died—two of our sisters and one brother. Those who survived have had to deal with the physical and emotional damage that the earthquake caused. A brother named Stephane says: “Throughout the city so many people died that there were several funerals every week for more than two months.” Another brother, Éliézer, says: “Many Witnesses had no shelter, no clothes, no shoes, and no other basic necessities. For months, many lived in fear because of the constant aftershocks.”
Our organization was quick to help. The Haiti branch supplied over 53 tons of food, as well as tents, tarpaulins, mattresses, and solar chargers for cell phones. Additionally, during the 2022 service year, over 100 homes were rebuilt or repaired. More than a million dollars went into relief efforts.
Our brothers and sisters are extremely grateful. Lorette says: “The earthquake completely destroyed our house and our business. We had nothing to eat. But Jehovah’s organization stood by us, supplying us with everything we needed.” Micheline says: “The earthquake damaged the shelter where my two sons and I lived. I didn’t know what to do except pray for help, and Jehovah answered through his organization. We now have a sturdy house in which to live. I am determined to do all that I can to show my gratitude to Jehovah.”
Our relief efforts did not go unnoticed by the local authorities. The director of the city hall of L’Asile said: “I congratulate you for the fast way in which you came to help. I praise you because you show great respect for the authorities. I am happy to see that you are not interested in money. Instead, you want to help people. You act out of love.”
Tropical Storm Ana Strikes Malawi and Mozambique
On January 24, 2022, Tropical Storm Ana made landfall in Mozambique and then headed west into Malawi. The cyclone brought heavy rainfall and strong winds—up to 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph). It downed power lines, washed away bridges, and caused extensive flooding.
The storm affected more than 30,000 Witnesses in Malawi and Mozambique. Charles, a brother who assisted with the relief work, says: “When I saw the suffering of the brothers and how much they had lost, I felt heartbroken and helpless.” To make matters worse, their meager food supplies and crops were all swept away. Many lost their homes. Tragically, one brother lost his wife and two young daughters, who drowned when their rescue boat capsized.
The storm was terrifying. At 1:00 a.m. in Nchalo, Malawi, the Sengeredo family heard the frightening sound of rushing water. Two rivers had flooded! Brother Sengeredo decided that they should vacate the house. It was a wise decision because the flood soon caused the house to collapse. Their belongings were either damaged or washed away. The family decided to go to the Kingdom Hall, which is normally a 30-minute walk from their home. This time, however, it took two hours. They arrived drenched and tired, but safe.
The Malawi and Mozambique branches quickly began relief efforts. They directed circuit overseers and elders to evaluate the needs of the affected brothers and to provide spiritual and emotional support. Several Disaster Relief Committees (DRC) were assigned to oversee the relief work, and these committees promptly began helping our brothers obtain food and other necessities. Over $33,000 was spent on humanitarian aid and over $300,000 on repairing and rebuilding homes.
The DRCs used funds wisely, which was especially important because of high inflation. For example, in the first seven months of the relief work, the price of maize flour—a staple in Malawi—increased about 70 percent. Fuel prices also rose. To save funds, the brothers purchased food and building materials locally and in bulk. They thus received discounts and avoided high transportation costs.
The relief work touched the hearts of Jehovah’s people. Felisberto, a brother in Mozambique, says: “I have never seen an organization that has given so much: building materials, transport, construction workers, food, and loving guidance. This relief was an outstanding example of the brotherly love that Jesus described at John 13:34, 35.” Ester, a widow in Malawi whose home was destroyed, says: “I was in despair because I had little means to build another house. So when the brothers came and built one for me, I felt that I was already in Paradise.”
As we approach the promised new world, we expect to see even more disasters. (Matthew 24:7, 8) Nevertheless, thanks to your generous donations, we are confident that Jehovah’s people will receive the needed relief. Ways to donate are explained at donate.jw.org. Thank you for your generosity.
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Literature Carts “for a Witness to All the Nations”How Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Literature Carts “for a Witness to All the Nations”
APRIL 1, 2023
For over ten years, literature carts have been an eye-catching part of our ministry. Worldwide, the carts are easily recognized. Their design is not only distinctive but also practical. You may well agree with Asenata, a sister in Poland, who says: “The carts have a simple, modest design, yet are aesthetically pleasing. They are easy to set up and move.”
Have you ever wondered how the carts were designed and made?
An Effective Design
In 2001, with Governing Body approval, our brothers and sisters in France began testing different methods of public witnessing, including the use of carts. They tried several designs. For example, they adapted luggage and grocery trolleys to advertise and store literature. Eventually, the France branch chose a standard design, which publishers used for many years.
The brothers in France were delighted with the results of their public witnessing initiative. So in 2011, the Governing Body approved a pilot program of public witnessing in New York City, U.S.A., using carts and tables. The pioneers involved in the program soon realized that the carts had many advantages, including their mobility. The pioneers also offered practical suggestions on how to improve the design of the carts. The early handmade wooden carts were quite heavy, making it hard to take them up and down steps. So they were redesigned to be lighter, but not so light that they would topple in the wind. The new design also incorporated larger and more shock-absorbent wheels, which helped on rough terrain. Additionally, a small box was added for storing extra literature.
The pilot program was a success! So in 2012, the Governing Body approved the use of literature carts worldwide. Arrangements were made with a manufacturer to mass-produce them using lightweight yet durable materials.
Over the years, minor refinements were made to the carts. For example, in 2015, a rain cover with a clear plastic front was added. Dina, who lives in the country of Georgia, appreciates this feature. She says, “The cart has its own ‘raincoat’ to protect the publications.” In 2017, magnetic posters were made available in some languages. Tomasz, a brother in Poland, says: “It took a lot of work to change the previous adhesive posters. The magnetic ones were a brilliant solution.” In 2019, still further changes were made both to the materials and to the manufacturing of the carts to make them even more durable.
The Production of Literature Carts
Literature carts are made by a single manufacturer and distributed globally. Currently, one cart costs $43 U.S., excluding shipping and other costs. To date, more than $16 million U.S. has been spent on carts, and over 420,000 have been shipped to congregations worldwide.
To make the best use of donated funds, literature carts are ordered in bulk. Additionally, congregations can now order spare parts and make repairs on the carts instead of replacing them.
Using Carts to Give a Witness
Publishers around the world enjoy using literature carts. Martina, from Ghana, says: “In most avenues of our ministry, we approach people. What I like about cart witnessing is that people approach us. Even passersby can get a witness.”
In another African country, a man approached a cart and obtained publications in his language. He came back a week later and said: “I read all the literature. The information is very important. I am going to share it with my family in my village,” which was some 500 kilometers (311 mi) away. Two months later, he returned and said: “The people in my village read all the literature, and they were very happy with the information. They want to become Jehovah’s Witnesses. But they have questions. For example, they understand that to be baptized, they have to be immersed in water. However, we don’t have a river near our village. Do we have to come here to be baptized?” The publishers put this man in contact with a pioneer who speaks his language. Since then, the two have been enjoying regular discussions.
It is exciting to see literature carts being used to preach “in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations.” (Matthew 24:14) How are the manufacturing costs covered? By donations to the worldwide work, many of which are made via donate.jw.org. Thank you for your generosity.
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Facilities That Honor Our Grand InstructorHow Your Donations Are Used
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HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Facilities That Honor Our Grand Instructor
JULY 1, 2023
Jehovah loves to educate his people. As a result, his organization has established several schools that train students to carry out their assignments. One of those schools is the School for Kingdom Evangelizers (SKE). In recent years, God’s organization has given attention not only to the curriculum but also to the facilities that host theocratic schools. A main goal is to improve the learning environment for students and instructors. How are your donations helping us to reach that goal?
More Students in a More Enriching Environment
For many years, theocratic schools have been held at Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls. Why, then, have we recently built or renovated a number of additional facilities that now are used exclusively for theocratic schools? Consider three reasons.
Greater needs. “Branch offices have reported substantial needs in the field,” explains Christopher Mavor, a helper to the Service Committee of the Governing Body. “In 2019, for example, the Brazil branch estimated that some 7,600 additional SKE graduates were required to care for the needs in their branch territory.” The United States branch reports a great need for qualified pioneers who can train others in special metropolitan public witnessing, harbor witnessing, and prison witnessing. There is also a need for brothers to serve with the Local Design/Construction Department and on Hospital Liaison Committees. Graduates of SKE can help to fill those needs.
Increased enrollment. Many branches have received applications from more students than they can currently enroll. In Brazil, for instance, the branch received some 2,500 SKE applications in just one year. But because of limited facilities to host the school, the branch could enroll only 950 students.
Suitable accommodations. When students attend the school at a Kingdom Hall or an Assembly Hall, they are usually accommodated at the homes of local brothers and sisters. That arrangement works well in lands where few classes are scheduled each year. But where there are several classes, it may not be possible for local publishers to accommodate the students many months of the year. So facilities are provided that are close to the classroom and are specifically designed for the students.
A facility with one classroom, as well as housing for instructors and about 30 students along with support services, can cost several million dollars (U.S.), depending on the location and other factors.
Features of a School Facility
Schools are usually set up in a quiet location outside a major city but near transportation hubs. Preference is given to areas with a large number of publishers who can assist with school operations and the maintenance of buildings and equipment.
The facilities are equipped with libraries, study areas, computers, printers, and other equipment. Often, there is a dining room where students and instructors can eat together. Adequate space is also made for physical exercise and recreation.
The classroom itself gets special attention. “We consulted the Theocratic Schools Department to help us design classrooms that would enhance the learning environment,” explains Troy, who works with the Worldwide Design/Construction Department at Warwick, New York. “The brothers there gave us guidelines related to the size and layout of the classrooms, as well as lighting and audio and video needs.” Regarding the installation of audio equipment, Zoltán, an SKE instructor in Hungary, says: “In the beginning, we did not have any microphones, so we often had to remind the students to speak up. But now that there is a microphone on each desk, the problem is solved!”
“Special Guests of Jehovah”
What effect have the improved facilities had on instructors and students? “It’s a very peaceful environment,” says Angela, who attended SKE in Palm Coast, Florida, U.S.A. “Everything is very well-thought-out, including the classroom setting and our rooms, so that we can focus on studying and learning.” Csaba, an instructor in Hungary, appreciates the opportunities to eat meals with the students. He says that on such occasions, “the students often open up to us and share their experiences. In this way, we get to know the students better. As a result, we can more effectively apply the curriculum to their needs.”
Students and instructors view the improved school facilities as a blessing from our “Grand Instructor,” Jehovah. (Isaiah 30:20, 21) A sister in the Philippines who attended SKE at a facility that was converted into a school put it this way: “The school environment reminded us that we are not just students but special guests of Jehovah. He wants us to enjoy ourselves as we study his Word thoroughly.”
School facilities can be built, renovated, and maintained because of your donations, many of which are made via donate.jw.org. Thank you very much for your generosity.
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