A Legacy That Has Lasted Seven Generations

"GOLD" IN THE WEST

In 1883, Thomas Whitton Williams  and his wife Phoebe, moved their young family to Perth, Western Australia.  They second-oldest child, Arthur Bakewell Williams, my next direct ancestor, was then nine  years old. 

When Arthur was 22, he sought his fortune at Kalgoorlie, a gold-mining boom town some 370 miles (600 km) east of Perth. There he read some literature published by the International Bible Students, as Jehovah's Witnesses were then known. He also subscribed  to Zion's Watch Tower. Fascinated by what he read, Arthur began sharing his new found knowledge with others  and holding meetings for Bible study. From those humble beginnings sprang the modern activity of Jehovah's Witnesses in Western Australia.

Arthur also told the family about what he was learning. His father, Thomas Whitton, supported Arthur's association with the Bible Students but died soon afterward. His mother Phoebe, and his sisters, Violet and Mary, also became Bible Students. Violent became a full-time evangelizer, or pioneer. Arthur said that she was the "the finest and the most zealous and earnest pioneer Western Australia produced." Arthur was probably biased, but Violet's zealous example greatly influenced the next Williams generation.

In time, Arthur married and moved to Donnybrook, a fruit-growing town in southeast Western Australia. There he was nicknamed "Old Mad 1914!" because of his zealous proclamations of Bible prophecies pointing forward  to that year.  The teasing stopped when World War I broke out. Arthur regularly witnessed to customers in a store that he owned, where he displayed Bible literature prominently in the window.  The window also displayed a sign that offered 100 pounds to anyone who could prove the Trinity-an un-scriptural doctrine that Arthur firmly rejected. No one ever collected the money.

The William's home became a focal point for group Bible study and congregation meetings in Donnybrook. Later, Arthur build a Kingdom Hall, or meeting place, in town-one of the first in Western Australia. Well into his 70's, he would don a suit and tie, saddle up his old horse named Doll, and go preaching far and wide throughout the Donnybrook district. 

Arthur's children were deeply affected by their father, who was quiet and dignified, yet zealous. Hid daughter Florence served as a missionary in India. His sons, Arthur Lindsay and Thomas, like their father, served as longtime congregation elders.  

Next time:A Legacy That Lasted Seven Generations - SWEET LADY WILLIAMS

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

A Legacy That Has Lasted Seven Generations

LIVING AMONG CANNIBALS

During their early years in Fiji, Thomas and Mary endured severe hardships.  They labored long hours on primitive conditions and tropical heat.  They also confronted unspeakable horrors-tribal war, strangling of widows, infanticide, and cannibalism-and the local people generally resisted their message. Mary and her firstborn son, John fell sick and nearly died. In 1843, Thomas wrote:  "My heart was overwhelmed within me. . . .I was on the edge of desperation." Yet he and Mary persevered, drawing strength from their faith in Jehovah God.

Thomas, meanwhile, put his carpentry skills to good use by building the first European-style house in Fiji. The dwelling featured a ventilated raise floor and other innovations that aroused great curiosity among the local Fijians. Just before the house was completed, Mary gave birth to her second son, Thomas Williams, my direct ancestor. 

In 1843, Thomas senior helped to translate the Gospel of John into Fijian, a tast that he found particularly challenges. He was, however, a gifted anthropologist with keep powers of observation. He carefully recorded his research in his book, Fiji and the Fijians (1858), a classic account of the 19th-century Fijian life.

As a result of his 13 years of toil in Fiji, Thomas' health finally broke down, and he and his family moved to  Australia. After a long and distinguished career as a clergyman, Thomas died at Ballard, Victoria, in 1891. 

Next time: A Legacy That Has Lasted Seven Generations - "GOLD" IN THE WEST

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

A Legacy That Has Lasted Seven Generation -AS TOLD BY KEVIN WILLIAMS

People say I am much like my father. My posture, my eyes, and my sense of humor have all come from him. But he has also passed on something else-a legacy treasured by seven generations of my family. Let me explain. 

On January 20, 1815, my ancestor Thomas Williams, was born at Horncastle, England. His mother died two years later, so he and his three siblings were raised by their father, John Williams. John trained Thomas to be a carpenter, but Thomas aspired to a different career. 

A religious revival was then sweeping through England. Preacher John Wesley had split off from the Church of England to form the Society of Methodists, a group that emphasized personal Bible study and evangelism. Wesley's teachings spread like wildfire, and the Williams family firmly  embraced them. Thomas became a Wesleyan preacher and promptly  volunteered for missionary work in the South Pacific. In July 1840, he and his bride Mary, landed at Lakeba Island, Fiji, a volcanic Isle than inhabited by cannibals. 

Next time: LIVING AMONG CANNIBALS

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

How to Age Gracefully

BE THANKFUL

"Show yourselves thankful." (Colossians 3:15) When receiving help, show appreciation for the attention. Expressions of thankfulness help to cultivate good relationships.  "My husband and I recently moved from a house to an apartment. We had dozens of friends helping us.  We could not thank them enough. We sent personalized thank-your cards and have had some of them over for a meal since then,"  says Marie-Paule, 74, in Canada.  Jae-won, 76, in South Korea, appreciates the rides she gets to the Kingdom Hall. She says:  "I am so grateful  for all this help that I make a point of offering some money for the gas. I sometimes prepare small gifts with thank-you notes." 

Above all, be thankful for life itself.  "A live do is better off than a dead lion," wise King Solomon, reminded us. (Ecclesiastes 9:4) Yes, with the right attitude coupled  with willingness to adapt, it is possible to age gracefully.

Next time: A Legacy That Has Lasted Seven Generations

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015 

How to Age Gracefully

BE FRIENDLY: 

"Whoever isolates himself pursues his own selfish desires; he rejects all practical wisdom." (Proverbs 18:1) While there are times when you may want to be alone, avoid becoming isolated and withdrawn. Innocent, 72, in Nigeria, enjoys the company of friends.  "I joyfully associate  with people of all ages." Borje, 85, in Sweden, says:  "I strive  to be around young people.  Their vitality makes me feel young again-at least on the inside."  Take the initiative to invite friends over occasionally. Han-sik, 72, in South Korea, says:  "My wife and I like to invite friends of all ages-elderly ones and teenagers-for a get together or dinner." 

Friendly people are communicative. But since communication is a two-way street, you need to make it a point to be good company. Show personal interest in others. Helena, 71, in Mozambique, says:  "I am friendly and treat others with dignity. I listen to what the have to say in order to find out what they think and what they like."  Jose',73, in Brazil, says:  "People enjoy being around good listeners-those who show empathy and interest in others, who give a word of commendation at the right time, and who have a sense of humor." 

When expressing your thoughts, take care to 'season your words with salt.' (Colossians 4:6) Be thoughtful and encouraging.

Next time: How to Age Gracefully - BE THANKFUL

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

How to Age Gracefully

BE GENEROUS

"Practice giving, and people will give to you." (Luke 6:38) Make it a practice to share some of your time and resources with  others. This will give you a feeling of accomplishment and happiness. Hosa, 85, in Brazil, makes a point to help others despite her physical limitations . She says: "I call friends who are sick or discouraged and write letters to them. Sometimes I send them little gifts. I also like to cook a meal or make a dessert for sick ones."

Generosity begets generosity.  "When you show love to others, the respond  by giving you their love and affection," says Jan, 66, in Sweden. Yes, a generous person creates an atmosphere of warmth and appreciation that others find enjoyable. 

Next time: Continue with How to Age Gracefully - BE FRIENDLY 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

How to Age Gracefully

BE POSITIVE: "All the days of the afflicted one are bad, but the one with the cheerful heart has a continual feast." (Proverbs 15:15) As you age, you may experience negative feelings when you remember your youthful vigor and the many things you were once able to do.  This is understandable. However, make an effort not to be overcome by those negative feelings. Dwelling on the past can make your days gloomy and discourage you from doing what you are still able to do. Joseph, 79, in Canada, thinks positively:  "I try to enjoy doing the things I can do and not cry over the things that I need to  but can't do now."

Reading and learning can also make you feel more positive, broadening your horizons.  Thus, to the extent possible, be alert for opportunities to read and learn new things. Ernesto, 74, in the Philippines,  goes to the library and checks  out interesting books to read. He says, "I still enjoy the thrill of adventure, the joy of traveling beyond the confines of home through the written word."  Lennart, 75, in Sweden, even took on the daunting task of learning a new language. 

Next time: How to Age Gracefully - BE GENEROUS

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

How to Age Gracefully

 BE MODEST: 

"Wisdom is with the modest ones." (Proverbs 11:2) In this context, "the modest ones" can refer to elderly ones who recognized and come to terms with  the  limitations of their age, not trying to deny or ignore them. Charles, 93, in Brazil, is realistic when he says:  "If you live long, you will have to age. There is no way to turn back the clock."  

Being modest, however, in no ways means adopting a defeatist attitude "I am old, and there is nothing more for me." Such an attitude can sap one of enthusiasm.  "If you become discouraged in the day of distress, your strength will be meager," says Proverbs 24:10. Instead, a modest person shows wisdom, making the best of a situation. 

Conrad, 77, in Italy, wisely says: "When you drive uphill, you just change gears and avoid stalling the engine." Yes, adjustments need to be made when someone grows older. Corrado and his wife have developed a balanced approach to domestic chores, following a moderately relaxed schedule to avoid feeling completely drained of  energy at the end of the day. Marian, 81, in Brazil, also has a down-to-earth approach to aging.  "I have learned to pace myself," she says. "I take short breaks between tasks when necessary. I sit down or lie down to listen to music. I have learned to recognize and respect my limits." 

BE BALANCED: 

"Women should adorn themselves in appropriate dress, with modesty and soundness of mind." (1 Timothy 2:9)   The expression "appropriate dress" denotes balance and good taste. Barbara, 74, in Canada, says: "I try to look neat and clean. I don't want to look dowdy with that 'I'm old; I don't care what I look like' attitude." Fern, 91, in Brazil, says:  "I buy some new clothes once in a while to boost my spirits." And what can be said about older men?  "I try my best to look smart, wearing clean fresh clothes, " says Antonio, 73 in Brazil.  Regarding personal hygiene, he adds: "I shower and shave daily."   On the other hand, it is important to avoid becoming concerned about your personal appearance to the point of failing to exercise" soundness of mind."  Bok-im, 69, in South Korea, has a balanced view about clothes. She says: "I am quite aware that  it is not appropriate  for me to wear some of the clothes that i wore when I was young." 

Next time: Continue with How to Age Gracefully -BE POSITIVE

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

How to Age Gracefully

HOW do you feel when the thought of aging comes up? It fills many with concern, anxiety, and even dread.  This is because aging is usually associated  with negatives, such as diminished looks,  a frail body, memory loss, and chronic diseases. 

However, the fact is that people differ greatly in the way they age. Some enjoy relatively good health, physically and mentally, in their later years.  Advances in medicine have enabled others to treat or control chronic illnesses. As a  result, in some lands more and more people are living longer and healthier lives.  

Nevertheless, whether confronted with age-related  problems or not, most people wish to be able to age gracefully.  How can this be done?  In part, doing so depends on our attitude and our willingness and ability to  adapt to this new phase in life. To help in these areas, let us consider some simple and practical Bible principles. 

Next time: Continue with How to Age Gracefully -BE MODEST

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015

Science Has Its Limitations

Guidance That Science Cannot Provide

While science offers knowledge of the natural world, the Bible provides principles and guidance that lead to peaceful  relations and a happy, satisfying way of life. Consider the following examples.

Crime Prevention

Have regard for life

"You must not murder." 

Exodus 20:13. "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer." -1 John 3;15. 

Make and keep peace

"Turn away from what is bad and do what is good; seek peace and pursue it." -Psalm 34:14. 

"The fruit of righteousness is sown in peaceful conditions for those who are making peace." -James 3;18. 

Shun Violence

"Jehovah examines the righteous one as well as the wicked one; he hates anyone who loves violence." -Psalm 11:5.

"Do not envy the violent man nor choose any of his ways, for Jehovah detest a devious person." -Proverbs 3:31, 32. 

Family Happiness

Obey your parents

"Children, be obedient to your parents in union with the Lord, for this is righteous. 'Honor your father and your mother' is the first command with a promise: 'That it may go well with you and you may remain a long time on the earth.' " -Ephesians 6:1-3

Teach your children properly

"Do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline of Jehovah." -Ephesians 6:4.

"Do not be exasperating your children, so that they do not become downhearted." -Colossians 3:21. 

Love and respect your marriage mate

"Each one of you must love his wife as he does himself; on the other hand, the wife should have deep respect for  her husband." -Ephesians 5:33. 

Protection of the natural world

Regarding polluters of various kinds in ancient Israel, the Bible stated:  "The land has been polluted by its inhabitants . . .Those inhabiting it are held guilty .." (Isaiah 24:5, 6) God will hold wanton destroyers  of the environment accountable. He will "bring  to ruin all those ruining the earth." (Revelation 11:18)  They will not get away with their actions. 

Next time: How to Age Gracefully

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015