WHEN GENEROSITY ABOUNDS

What Are the Present Needs?

In recent years Jehovah's Witnesses have been registered in many countries where their work was previously restricted. As a result, many of these lands have seen a tremendous growth in the number of publishers. Understandably, Bibles and Bible-based literature is in great demand.

So are Kingdom Halls. some 9,000 new Kingdom Halls are needed around the world right now. If one Kingdom Hall were to be built each day, it would require more than 24 years to meet present needs! Meantime, about seven new congregations are being formed daily, many of them in parts of the world where finances are limited. On the other hand, many of these places do not require expensive buildings. In some places, a Kingdom Hall that fills the need and serves as a good witness to the community can be completed for as little as $6,000.

In the first century, certain Christians were better off financially than were others, so the apostle Paul wrote: " By means of an equalizing your surplus just now might offset their deficiency, in order that their surplus might also come to offset your deficiency, that an equalizing might take place." (2 Corinthians 8:14) Today, a similar "equalizing" is providing funds needed to supply Bibles, Bible literature, Kingdom Halls, disaster relief and other things in many parts of the world. What a blessing such giving is-both to the giver and to the receiver! -Acts 20:35.

As indicated by the letters the Society receives from generous-hearted people, many readers of this magazine wish to help out but are unsure of the various ways in which contributions can be made. No doubt the accompanying box will help to answer their questions.

During Solomon's glorious reign, "all the kings of the earth" who heard of him came to visit him. Yet, the Bible names only one ruler-the queen of Sheba. ( 2 Chronicles 9:23) What a sacrifice she made! But she was richly rewarded-so much so that by the end of her visit, she was left "breathless and amazed." - 2 Chronicles 9:4, Today's English Version.

In the future, Jehovah the greatest King and Giver, will do much more than Solomon ever could for those who make sacrifices for Him. In response, these will stand "breathless and amazed," for not only will Jehovah reserve them through this fear-inspiring day of judgement but thereafter he will 'open his hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.' -Psalm 145:16.

Next time: What Happened to Integrity?

Watchtower, 1999