RICHES OF GENEROSITY BRING JOY

A Need for Kingdom Halls

An outstanding need that has become evident with the increase in the number of Jehovah's Witnesses is that for Kingdom Halls.  Surveys conducted  early in the year 2000 revealed the need for more than 11,000 Kingdom  Halls in developing nations, where finances are limited.  Consider Angola.  Despite years of civil war, that country is experiencing an average annual increase of about 10 percent in the number of Kingdom publishers.  However, the majority of the 675 congregation in this large African country meet in the open.  There are only 22 Kingdom Halls in the country, and of these only 12 have some type of roof.

A similar situation exists in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Although  there are almost 300 congregations in the capital city of Kinshasa, there are only ten Kingdom Halls.  Nationwide, this country has an immediate need for more than 1,500 Kingdom Halls.  Because of the rapid growth in Eastern European countries, Russia and Ukraine report a combined need for hundreds of Kingdom Halls.   The explosive growth in Latin America is underscored in Brazil, where there are more than half a million Witnesses and a great need for more Kingdom Halls.

To meet the needs in such countries, Jehovah's Witnesses are implementing an accelerated program for constructing Kingdom Halls.  The program is funded by the generous contributions of the worldwide brotherhood, so that even the poorest congregations will be able to have a suitable  center of worship.

As in the time of ancient Israel, much can be accomplished because sincere Christians 'honor Jehovah with their valuable things.'  (Proverbs 3:9, 10)  The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses would like to take this opportunity to express deep gratitude to everyone whose heart has impelled  him to share in this voluntary giving.  And we can be confident that Jehovah's spirit will continue to stir the hearts of his people to support the needs of the ever expanding Kingdom work.

As the worldwide expansion proceeds, may we continually look for opportunities to show our cheerfulness and willingness in giving of our strength, our time and our resources.  And may we experience the true joy that such a giving spirit brings.

Next time:WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT WITCHCRAFT?

Watchtower, 2000