associations that would assuredly have presented a hazard in any other occupation. And when one gets tired physically in this work he has the satisfaction that he has spent himself in a worthwhile work, Jehovah’s service.”

One and all, these persevering “fishers” would say to you if they had the opportunity, “Yes, we are in urgent need of more willing hands to tend the nets.” There are doubtless still many ‘fine fish’ in Venezuelan waters.

FOLLOWING THE APOSTOLIC EXAMPLE

The apostle Peter and his fellow fishermen yielded themselves to the bidding of the Master, Christ Jesus. The timing and the location for their further activities were laid down by One whom Jehovah used to create both fish and men, the One who could lead them in the way of success and peace. Today, we too can yield ourselves for service under the Master Fisherman, who can direct us unerringly to rich and satisfying catches of men. Through the Christian congregation he supplies the equipment, the training, the cooperation, so that Jehovah’s witnesses individually can become more adept at handling the “fishing nets.”

When we have taken advantage of all this help and encouragement, what are we going to do? Be satisfied with using our “fishing” abilities in a limited manner? Or are we ready to expand with the vast “fishing” organization and reach out into new and untouched regions of the sea of humankind? Chile, Peru and Venezuela are some of the places where “fishers of men” who have been plying their vocation have located vast shoals of “fishes” and have signaled for helpers. Can you respond?

If you can, it means organizing your affairs with that aim in view. It means dispensing with many of the nonessential things and laying plans that can be carried out. For example, you could write and request information from the Office of the President, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, about the requirements for those who would like to serve in a foreign land. Also, you could write to the branch office in the country where you believe you could serve and request information as to possibilities of obtaining entrance to that country, giving particulars such as your age, health, knowledge of Spanish, and so forth.

By all means, count the cost first. Single men and women, married couples and even families have moved and served where the need is greater in connection with the proclamation of the “good news.” But each case has its own unique features. Take your case to Jehovah in prayer. Ask for his direction in the matter. And call to mind that God’s glorified Son, Christ Jesus, now directs the entire global “fishing” effort, so assuring success for those who will be guided by him in the timing and the location of their “fishing” activities. Can you say as did Peter, ‘At your bidding, Master, we will lower the nets’?

“Prove Yourself a Blessing”

●When Jehovah directed Abraham (Abram) to move to another land, God had a loving purpose in view. Abraham responded, and as a result he was blessed, and he proved himself a blessing to others. The account at Genesis 12:1-4 reads: “Jehovah proceeded to say to Abram: ‘Go your way out of your country and from your relatives and from the house of your father to the country that I shall show you; . . . and prove yourself a blessing.’ . . . At that Abram went just as Jehovah had spoken to him, and Lot went with him.”