What International Assemblies Make Possible

WHAT makes international assemblies so important? Why should all who possibly can attend? One strong reason is that the assembly offers the eye, the heart and the mind an opportunity to see the length and breadth of the theocratic organization in action, and to witness its unqualified devotion to Jehovah God. For example: During the last assembly held at Yankee Stadium, on Missionary Day and on Branch Day, August 3 and 4, brothers and sisters representing the theocratic organization in over seventy lands stepped forward, and before our very eyes the theocratic organization could be seen in its ways of practical operation.

Branch servants and missionaries from foreign lands related experiences. They unfolded before the eyes of over 81,000 in attendance what a marvelous work and a wonder Jehovah is doing in the earth. They told of their life with new peoples in new lands, the problems that confronted them, the hardships they endured, the language barriers and adjusting difficulties, and of clergy intolerance. They also told of the joys of finding the lost sheep, the thrills of their companionship, of their affection and sincere devotion to the Theocracy, and of their love and integrity. Conventioners gasped when reports told of towns of 150 people with 48 publishers, of 100 population with 77 publishers, and towns of 30,000 and 40,000 with two good-sized units. Heart-swelling experiences came from missionaries who brought reports from lands that had banned Jehovah’s people. They assured those in attendance that a most efficient “grapevine” was functioning without interruption.

It is only by seeing and hearing firsthand, by directly feeling the zeal, spirit and enthusiasm of the new world organization that one can come near to appreciating the unity, devotion and magnitude of its operation now in the earth; also what it means to him individually. It is only at international assemblies that this view of the visible organization is made possible. Be at New York’s Yankee Stadium to appreciate it, come July 19-26, 1953.

Announcements

MATURITY BY THE SPIRIT

“Solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong.” (Heb. 5:14, NW) That is why mature Christians press on beyond elementary doctrine. They follow the leadings of Jehovah’s spirit, “for the spirit searches into all things, even the deep things of God.” (Heb. 6:1; 1 Cor. 2:10, NW) They press on to mature works, too, based on their mature understanding and appreciation of the marvelous secrets contained in the Holy Scriptures. During the month of April you can help others press on to maturity by telling them the truth about God’s Word and its importance to all men in these difficult times. Present them with the opportunity to subscribe for The Watchtower, sent twice a month for a year, for only $1. Three booklets are given as a premium. Some may wish both The Watchtower and Awake! 48 issues during the coming year, for only $2. There can be no maturity without spiritual food that builds strength. The Watchtower and Awake! are invaluable aids to this end.

A REVISED SECOND EDITION

“Let God Be True” in its first edition reached a circulation of 10,003,000 copies, in 30 languages. A second edition has now been printed with revisions to bring the book into line with more advanced Bible translation. The revised edition also presents more accurate information on doctrine due to increased understanding of the Scriptures, plus additional new data on the preservation and continuance of the Bible itself, as well as convincing argument showing the fallacy of the evolution theory. Even if you have read the first edition of “Let God Be True” you will not be amiss in obtaining the second edition for reference purposes, because of its valuable additions. If you have enjoyed “Let God Be True”, why not encourage your friends and neighbors to obtain a copy so they too can enjoy it. The book lives up to its name in presenting the Scriptures so that you may have the mind of God on the subjects discussed. The cost is only 50c per copy.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES

Week of May 10: Doing the Work Approved by God.

Week of May 17: “Do Not Loiter at Your Business.”