"THE LITTLE ONE" HAS BECOME "A THOUSAND"

"Every Good Work"

Christians have the responsibility to preach the good news of the Kingdom and to help interested ones to become disciples.  But they are  "equipped for every good work."  (2 Timothy 3:17)  Thus, they lovingly care for their families, show hospitality, and visit the sick.  ( 1 Timothy 5:8; Hebrews 13:16)  And volunteers are involved in such projects as building Kingdom Halls-a work that also gives a witness.  In Togo, after the construction of one hall, the responsible one of a local charismatic church wanted to know why Jehovah's Witnesses were able to construct their own buildings while the church had to hire people for this purpose!   Togo reports that the construction of good-quality Kingdom Halls has such a positive effect on the neighborhood that some people try to rent or build houses in localities where halls are going to be built.

Sometimes, another kind of good work is called for.  Many lands during the last service year were struck by disasters, and frequently the first on the scene to render aid were Jehovah's Witnesses.  For example, much of Honduras was devastated by Hurricane Mitch.  Quickly, the branch formed emergency committees to organize relief efforts.  Witnesses in Honduras, and many other lands donated clothes, food, medicine, and other basic items.  Regional Building Committees used their skills to rebuild houses.  Soon, our brothers who were victims of the disaster were being helped to return to their regular activities.  In Ecuador, Jehovah's Witnesses came to the aid of their brothers when serious flooding destroyed some homes.  After watching the efficient way they had dealt with the situation, a government official said:  "If I had this group, I would do marvels!  People like you should be in all parts of the world."  Such good work brings praise to Jehovah God and is evidence of our "godly devotion [that] is beneficial for all things." -1 Timothy 4:8.

Next time: They "Come Flying Just Like a Cloud"

Watchtower, 2000