Students Receive Final Instruction

Leading off a series of short talks, John Larson, a member of the United States Branch Committee, spoke on the faith-strengthening subject “If God Is for Us, Who Will Be Against Us?” (Romans 8:31) The speaker explained the Biblical basis for the students to have absolute confidence in Jehovah’s power to help them overcome any obstacle that they might face in their assignments. Drawing on Romans 8:38, 39, Brother Larson admonished the students: “Stop and reflect on the power that God is using in your behalf, and remember that nothing can break Jehovah’s personal attachment to you.”

Next on the program was Guy Pierce, a member of the Governing Body. He chose the theme “Keep Your Eyes Happy!” (Luke 10:23) He explained that true happiness involves knowing Jehovah and understanding his eternal purpose as well as seeing the fulfillment of Bible prophecies. Wherever they go, the students can maintain real happiness by keeping their eyes happy. Brother Pierce encouraged the graduates to meditate deeply on Jehovah’s goodness and to keep their mind and heart fixed on doing His will. (Psalm 77:12) By maintaining a positive attitude, the graduates can overcome any problems that may come their way.

Then the class received parting words of encouragement from two of the instructors who had been teaching them on a daily basis. “Are You Seeking Glory?” was the question asked by Lawrence Bowen in the title of his talk. Most people think of glory in connection with praise, honor, and distinction for themselves. The psalmist Asaph, however, came to appreciate real glory​—the priceless treasure of a blessed relationship with Jehovah. (Psalm 73:24, 25) The graduating students were encouraged to maintain an intimate relationship with Jehovah through a continued deep study of the Bible. The angels “are desiring to peer” into the details regarding the outworking of Jehovah’s purpose through Christ. (1 Peter 1:12) They want to learn as much as possible about their Father so as to reflect his glory. Then the speaker urged the students to glorify Jehovah in their missionary assignments by helping others to find the treasure of priceless worth.

The school’s registrar, Wallace Liverance, brought the opening series of talks to a conclusion with the theme “Speak God’s Wisdom in a Sacred Secret.” (1 Corinthians 2:7) What is this godly wisdom about which the apostle Paul spoke during the course of his missionary service? It is Jehovah’s wise and powerful means to bring about universal peace and unity. This wisdom centers on Jesus. Rather than preaching a social gospel, Paul helped people to see how God would undo the consequences of Adam’s sin. (Ephesians 3:8, 9) The speaker exhorted his listeners: “Use your privilege of service as did Paul, who saw his missionary assignment as an opportunity to help people to see how Jehovah would carry out his purpose.”

Mature Voices Speak Up

During their schooling, the students benefited from association with members of the United States Bethel family. Branch staff members Robert Ciranko and Robert P. Johnson conducted interviews with several longtime faithful servants of Jehovah, including traveling overseers currently receiving special training at the Watchtower Educational Center. All those interviewed were Gilead graduates who had at one time served as missionaries. It was reassuring for the students and their families and friends to hear words of wisdom from these seasoned spiritual men.

Their advice included: “Keep as busy as possible in the ministry and in the congregation.” “Don’t take yourself too seriously. Keep focused on your purpose as a missionary, and make your assignment your home.” Other helpful comments illustrated how Gilead training equips a minister for good work, no matter where he is assigned. Here are some of them: “We learned to cooperate and to work together.” “The school helped us to accept new cultures.” “We were taught to use the Scriptures on a new level.”

John E. Barr, a longtime member of the Governing Body, gave the principal talk of the program. His Scriptural theme was “Into All the Earth Their Sound Went Out.” (Romans 10:18) He posed the question, Have God’s people been able to meet this challenge today? Yes, indeed! As far back as 1881, readers of the Watchtower magazine were asked: “Are you preaching?” Then the speaker reminded all in the audience of the historic call at the 1922 convention at Cedar Point, Ohio, U.S.A.: “Advertise the King and his Kingdom!” With the passing of time, the zeal of God’s faithful servants moved them to declare the marvelous Kingdom truths to all the nations. By means of the printed page and by word of mouth, the utterances of the good news have reached the extremities of the inhabited earth​—all to Jehovah’s honor and praise. In a stirring conclusion, Brother Barr exhorted the graduates to count their blessings, saying: “Day by day, when you pray to Jehovah out in your assignment, thank him from the bottom of your heart for your part in the fulfillment of the words, ‘Into all the earth their sound went out.’”