MESSENGERS OF GODLY PEACE PRONOUNCED HAPPY

Conclusion of Jehovah's Organization on the Move

In some parts of the world, strikingly large crowds of meek ones are responding to this message of godly peace. To mention just a few examples, last year Ukraine reported a 17-percent increase in publishers. Mozambique reported a 17-percent increase, Lithuania a 29-percent increase. Russia had a 31-percent increase, while Albania experienced a 52-percent increase in publishers. These increases represent tens of thousands of honesthearted individuals who want to enjoy godly peace and who have taken their stand for righteousness. Such rapid growth brings joy to the whole Christian brotherhood.

Do people respond so readily where you live? If so, we rejoice with you. In some territories, though, it takes many, many hours of hard work before even one interested person is found. Do those serving in such territories slack their hands or lose heart? No, Jehovah's Witnesses remember God's Words to Ezekiel when he first commissioned the young prophet to preach to his Jewish compatriots: "As for them, whether they will hear or refrain-for they are a rebellious house-they will certainly know also that a prophet himself happened to be in the midst of them." (Ezekiel 2:5) Like Ezekiel, we keep telling people about godly peace whether they respond or not. If they listen, we are thrilled. If they turn their backs on us, mock us, even persecute us, we persevere. We love Jehovah, and the Bible says: "Love . . .endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:4, 7) Because we preach with endurance, people know who Jehovah's Witnesses are. They know our message. When the end comes, they will know that Jehovah's Witnesses tried to help them to enjoy godly peace.

Is there any greater privilege than serving Jehovah? No! Our greatest happiness comes from our relationship with God and the knowledge that we are doing his will. "Happy are the people knowing the joyful shouting. O Jehovah , in the light of you face they keep walking." (Psalm 89:15) May we diligently play our part in this work until Jehovah says that it is done.

Next time: What Draws People to the Occult?

Watchtower, 1997