"Be Training Yourself"-"Self-Control in All Things"

Of course, more was needed to succeed than merely a good trainer. Much depended on the athlete himself and on his commitment to the rigorous training.  The regiments was severe, since the training included strict abstinence and dieting. Horace, a poet of the first century B.C.E., said that contestants "abstained from women and wine" to "reach the longed for goal."  And according to Bible scholar F.C. Cook, participants in the games had to undergo "self-restraint [and] spare diet . .  . for ten months."

Paul used this analogy when he wrote to Christians in Corinth, a city very familiar with nearby Isthmian Games:  "Every man taking part in a contest exercises self-control in all things." (1 Corinthians 9:25)  True Christians avoid the materialistic, immoral, and unclean life-styles of the world.  (Ephesians 5:3-5; 1 John 2:15-17)  Ungodly and unscriptural traits must also be stripped off and replace by Christlike qualities. -Colossians 3:9, 10, 12.

How can this be done?  For one thing, note Paul's answer by means of a forceful illustration:  "I pummel my body and lead it as a slave, that, after I have preached to others, I myself should not become disapproved somehow. - 1 Corinthians 9:27.

How forceful a point Paul made here! He was not recommending physical mortification. Rather, he admitted that he himself had internal conflicts. At times, he did the things he wished not to do. But he fought never to allow his weakness to get the upper hand. He 'pummeled his body,' vigorously subduing fleshly desires and traits. -Romans 7:21-25. 

All Christians need to do the same. Paul told of the changes made by some in Corinth who had formerly indulged in fornication, idolatry, homosexuality, thievery, and so forth. What enabled them to change?  The power of God's Word and holy spirit coupled with their determination to conform to it.  "But you have been washed clean," said Paul "but you have been sanctified, but you have been declared righteous in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the spirit of our God."  (1 Corinthians   6:9-11)  Peter wrote similarly of those who had left off such bad habits. As Christians, they had all made real changes. -1 Peter 4:3, 4. 

Next time: "Be Training Yourself" - Well-Aimed Efforts

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002

"Be Training Yourself"

A Sympathetic Trainer

One of the jobs of an ancient trainer was "to judge the type and number of exercises that were needed for the individual athlete and the particular sport," notes one scholar. As God trains us, he takes into account our individual circumstances, abilities, makeup, and limitations. Quite often during our training by Jehovah, we implore him, as did Job:  "Remember, please, that  out of clay you have made me." (Job 10:9) How does our sympathetic  trainer respond? David wrote of Jehovah:  "He himself well knows the formation of us, remembering that we are dust." -Psalm 103:14. 

You may have a serious healthy problem that limits what you can do in the ministry, or you may be struggling with low self-respect. Perhaps you are striving to bread a bad habit, or you may feel that you are unable  to face up to peer pressure in the neighborhood, at the workplace, or at school. Whatever your circumstances may be, never forget that Jehovah understands your problem  better than anyone else-including you! As a concerned trainer, he is always there to help you if you draw close to him. -James 4:8. 

The ancient trainers "could distinguish exhaustion or weakness that derived not from the exercises but from other, psychological causes, bad humour, depression and so on. . . .The jurisdiction  of the [trainers] was so wide that they even followed the private lives of the athletes and intervened where they thought it necessary." 

Do you sometimes feel exhausted or weak because o the unrelenting pressures and temptations of this world? As your trainer, Jehovah is keenly interested in you.  (1 Peter 5:7) He is quick to discern in you any sign of spiritual weaknesses or fatigue. Although Jehovah respects our free will and personal choice, out of concern for our eternal welfare, he provides ample help and correction when needed.  (Isaiah 30:21) How? Through the Bible and Bible-based publications, the spiritual elders in the congregation, and our loving brotherhood!

Next time: "Be Training Yourself"-"Self-Control in All Things"

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002

"Be Training Yourself"

A Superb Trainer

An athlete's success depends to a large extent on the trainer. Regarding the ancient games, Archaeologia Graeca says:  "The contenders were obliged to swear they had spent ten whole months in preparatory exercises." Christians too need rigorous training. Paul advised Timothy, a Christian elder:  "Be training yourself with godly devotion as your aim." (1 Timothy 4:7) Who is the trainer of a Christian "athlete"? None other than Jehovah God himself!  The apostle Peter wrote:  "The God of all undeserved kindness .  .  . will himself finish your training, he will make you firm, he will make you strong." -1 Peter 5:10. 

The expression 'will finish your training' comes from a Greek verb that according to the Theological Lexicon of the New Testament, basically  means "to make an object  [or person] fit for its purpose, prepare it and adapt to it usage." Likewise, Liddell and Scott's Greek-English Lexicon comments that this verb can  be defined as "prepare, train, or furnish it thoroughly."  In what ways does Jehovah 'prepare, train, or furnish us thoroughly' for the demanding Christian race? To understand the comparison, let us consider some of the methods trainers employed.

The book The Olympic Games in Ancient Greece says:  "Those concerned with training the youth employed two basic methods, the first of which was aimed at encouraging the pupil to make the greatest possible physical effort so as to achieve  the best results, and the second at improving his technique and style." 

Similarly, Jehovah encourages and strengthens us to reach our higher potential and to improve our skills in his service.  Our God invigorates  us through the Bible, he earthly organization, and mature fellow Christians. Sometimes he trains us through discipline.  (Hebrews 12:6) At other times he may permit various trials and hardships to come upon us so that we can develop endurance.  (James 1:2-4)  And he provides the needed strength. says the prophet Isaiah:  "Those who are hoping in Jehovah will  regain power. They will mount up with wings like eagles.  They will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not tire out." -Isaiah 40:31. 

Above all, God abundantly grants us his holy spirit, which strengthens us to continue rendering him acceptable service. (Luke 11:13)  In many cases God's servants have endure long, hard trials of faith. Those who have done so are ordinary men and women like any one of us. But their complete reliance upon God has enabled them to endure. Indeed, 'the power beyond what is normal is God's and not that out of themselves.'-2 Corinthians 4:7. 

Next time: "Be Training Yourself" -A Sympathetic Trainer

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002

"Be Training Yourself"

CITIUS, altius, fortius-faster, higher, stronger!  These were the ideals to which athletes in ancient Greece and Rome aspired. For centuries, in Olympia, Delphi, and Nemea and on the Isthmus of Corinth, grand athletic events were held with the "blessing" of the gods and under the gaze of thousands of spectators. The privilege of competing in these games was the result of many years of hand work. Victory would heap glory on the winners and on their home city.

It is not surprising that in such a cultural context, the writers of the Christian Greek Scriptures compared the spiritual race of Christians to athletic events. To convey powerful points of teaching. The apostles Peter and Paul both skillfully employed illustrations based on the games. In our day, the same intense Christian race continues. The first-century Christians had to deal with the Jewish system of things; we today have to 'contend ' with a worldwide system on the brink of destruction. (2 Timothy 2:5; 3:1-5) Some may find that their individual  "race of faith" is unrelenting and exhausting.  (1 Timothy 6:12,  The New English Bible) An examination of some of the athletic comparisons in the Bible will prove most beneficial. 

Next time: "Be Training Yourself" -A Superb Trainer

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002

LIFE STORY/A PRIVILEGED SHARE IN POSTWAR EXPANSION

Still Adjusting to Circumstances

Another blessing came when Esther and I were asked to return to serve at the Denmark branch office. By then, however, preparations were under way to build a much larger branch facility in Holbaek.  I had the privilege of sharing in overseeing the construction work, all of which was done by unpaid volunteer workers. In spite of a severe winter, by the end of 1982, the project was essentially completed, and we were all delighted to move into the enlarged, improved facilities! 

I was soon involved in office work, which gave me much satisfaction, while Esther was operating the telephone switchboard. However, in time she had to have hip-replacement surgery, and a year and a half later, she underwent a gallbladder operation.  Despite kind consideration shown to us by the branch personnel, we decided it would be better  for all concerned if we left the branch. We moved to the congregation  to which our daughter and family belonged.

Today Esther's health is not good. Yet, I can truly say that through all the years of our service together, with so many changes  in circumstances, she has been a marvelous support and companion. In spite of declining health, both of us still have a modest share in the preaching work. When I reflect on  my life, gratefully I recall the words of the psalmist:  "O God, you have taught me from my youth on." -Psalm 71:17.

Next time: "Be Training Yourself"

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002 

LIFE STORY/A PRIVILEGED SHARE IN POSTWAR EXPANSION

The Joys of Family Life

Rakel soon became engaged to Niels Hojer, a zealous full-time pioneer minister. After they married, Niels and Rakel continued as pioneers until their children came along.  Niels has been both a good husband and a fine father, taking a real interest in his family. Early one morning he took his son on his bicycle down to the beach to watch the sun rise. A neighbor asked the boy what they had done there.  He answered:  "We prayed to Jehovah." 

A few years later, Esther and I witnessed the baptism of our two oldest grandchildren, Benjamin and Nadja. Among the observers was Niels, who suddenly stood face-to-face with me. He looked at me and said, "Real men don't cry."  Yet, the next moment we were both crying in each other's arms. What a joy to have a son-in-law with whom you can both laugh and cry! 

Next time: LIFE STORY/A PRIVILEGED SHARE IN POSTWAR EXPANSION-Still Adjusting to Circumstances

LIFE STORY/A PRIVILEGED SHARE IN POSTWAR EXPANSION

Changes of Circumstances

In 1957, Esther learned that she was expecting a baby, and since a branch is not set up for parents with children, we decided to move to Denmark, where Father welcomed us to stay with him. Esther cared for both our daughter, Rakel, and my father, while I helped out with work in the newly built branch office. I served as an instructor for the Kingdom Ministry School for congregation overseers and also continued to serve as a zone overseer. 

The zone work meant extended periods of travel, which unfortunately resulted in long absences from our daughter.  That had its consequences. I once spent some time in Paris, where we established a small printery. Esther and Rakel came by train to see me and arrived at the Gare du Nord. Leopold Jontes from the branch and I went there to meet them. Rakel stood on a step of the railroad car, looked at Leopold, then at me, and back at Leopold again, and then threw her arms around Leopold! 

Another dramatic change occurred when, at 45 years of age, I left the full-time ministry to earn a wage to support my family. With  my experience as a minister of Jehovah's Witnesses, I was able to obtain employment as an export manager. After I had worked  for the same company for about nine years and Rakel had finished school, we decided to respond to the encouragement to move to where the need for Kingdom preachers was greater.

Surveying the opportunities in Norway, I asked at an agency about the possibility of a job. The answer was not encouraging.  There was very little hope for a 55-year-old man.  Still, I contacted the branch office in Oslo and then rented a house near the town of Drobak, trusting that an employment opportunity would present itself. One did, and a time of very enjoyable Kingdom service in Norway followed.  

The best times were when most in our congregation took trips north unassigned territory.  We rented cottages at a camping site, and every day we made calls at scattered farms in the glorious mountains. It was sheer pleasure to tell these friendly people about God's Kingdom. A lot of literature was placed, but return visits had to wait until the following year.Yet, the people did not forget us!  Esther and Rakel still remember the time when we returned and were embraced as long-lost family members. After three years in Norway, we returned to Denmark. 

Next time: LIFE STORY/A PRIVILEGED SHARE IN POSTWAR EXPANSION -The Joys of Family Life

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002

LIFE STORY/A PRIVILEGED SHARE IN POSTWAR EXPANSION

New Joys in Switzerland

No long after arriving in Switzerland, I met Esther during a convention, and soon we got engaged. In August  1954, Brother Knorr directed me to come to Brooklyn, where the nature of a new, exciting work was revealed to me. Since the number and size of the branch offices around the world had increased so much, a new arrangement was being introduced. The world was divided  into zones, with each to be served by a zone overseer. I was given two of these zones to serve: Europe and the Mediterranean area. 

Soon after my brief visit to Brooklyn, I returned to Switzerland and prepared for the zone work. Esther and I were married, and she joined me in serving at the branch office in Switzerland. My first trip too me to missionary homes an branches in Italy, Greece, Cyrus, countries of the Middle East and along the coast of North Africa, and Spain and Portugal-13 countries in total. After a stay in Bern, my travel continued to all other European countries west of the Iron Curtain. During our first year of marriage, I was away from home for six months, serving our Christian brothers. 

Next time: LIFE STORY/A PRIVILEGED SHARE IN POSTWAR EXPANSION - CHANGES OF CIRCUMSTANCES

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002

LIFE STORY/A PRIVILEGED SHARE IN POSTWAR EXPANSION

Applying Instructions to Branches

When I arrived in Wiesbaden, Germany, in July 1949, many German cities were still in ruins. Those taking the lead in the preaching work were men who had been persecuted from the time Hitler took power in 1933.  Some had been in prisons and concentration camps for eight to ten years or more!  I worked with such servants for three and a half years.  Their unique example reminds me of a comment by the German historian Gabriele Yonan, who wrote:  "Without the example of this steadfast Christian group under the National Socialist dictatorship, we would-after Auschwitz and the Holocaust-have no doubt whether it was possible at all to fulfill the Christian teachings off Jesus." 

My job in the branch was the same as it had been in Denmark: to introduce a new, uniform way of handling organizational matters. As soon as the German brothers understood that the adjustments were in no way a criticism of their work-but that the time had come for closer cooperation between the various  branches and headquarters-they were enthused and filled a fine spirit  of cooperation.  

In 1952, a letter arrived from Brother Knorr's office, directing me to move to the branch in Bern, Switzerland. I was assigned to serve as branch  overseer there, beginning January 1, 1953. 

Next time: LIFE STORY/A PRIVILEGED SHARE IN POSTWAR EXPANSION - New Joys in Switzerland

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002 

LIFE STORY/A PRIVILEGED SHARE IN POSTWAR EXPANSION

Gilead and Post-Gilead Training

Gilead provides opportunities to make wonderful new friends. One evening while strolling around the campus with Harold King from England, we talked about where we might be sent when our training was finished.   "I don't believe I have see the white cliffs of Dover for the last time," Harold said. He was right, but it took 17 years before he saw those cliffs again, and four and a half of those years were spent in solitary confinement in a Chinese prison!

After our graduation, I was sent to Texas, U.S.A., to serve as traveling overseer, visiting congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses to help them spiritually. I was received with open arms.  For the brothers in Texas, it was interesting to have a European fellow who had just been through Gilead School.  But after only seven months in Texas, I was called to the world headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses in Brooklyn, New York. There Brother Knorr assigned me to the office, with instructions to learn the work flow in all departments.  Then, when I returned  to Denmark, I was to apply what I had learned, making sure that everything was done the same way as it was in Brooklyn.  The idea was to unify operations in the branches worldwide for more efficiency. Later, Brother Knorr transferred me to Germany.

Next time: LIFE STORY/A PRIVILEGED SHARE IN POSTWAR EXPANSION - Applying Instructions to Branches 

From the Watchtower magazine, 20002