local language groups. We have had many disappointments with those that would like to ‘lord it over those of God’s inheritance’ and have had to start all over again. Just before leaving for New York, though, a Marathi unit was formed and now there was the anxiety to get back and see how they were doing. I am glad to report that they are doing very well.

But that was not the only reason to rush back. Have you had the joy of going back to a brother or good-will person, knowing that he was waiting for you, and telling him about the assembly? In India I knew there was not one but hundreds of our brothers waiting to hear about Jehovah’s will as revealed at the assembly. In fact, we were going back to prepare for the largest assembly of our brothers ever to come together in India and to tell them what happened in New York. Here, for the first time, we were going to translate all the talks into five languages simultaneously so that all could understand. Oh, what happiness, to look out on that sea of happy, eager faces and see how Jehovah had prospered our work in the preceding ten or more years!

Now there are 1,514 publishers of the Kingdom in India. How happy I am that Jehovah has made it possible for me to enjoy these years aiding my brothers and the good-will persons here where the need is so great. I know that it is the only work worth while before Armageddon and I feel confident, as I look to the years ahead, that by keeping my dedication vows I will find the greatest happiness and years of satisfying service.

Tending Our Shepherd’s Flock Skillfully

WHAT a privilege it is to be an undershepherd, to be tending the flock of our great Shepherd, Jehovah God! Yes, what an honor, what a responsibility, what a challenge! Each undershepherd should be keenly concerned with discharging his duties skillfully, remembering that he is accountable to Jehovah God and that the eternal lives of the sheep are involved. Each one should want to be a shepherd such as Jesus was, of whom it was prophetically written: “And he began to shepherd them according to the integrity of his heart, and with the skillfulness of his hands he began leading them.”—Ps. 78:72.a

What does it take to shepherd our Shepherd’s sheep skillfully? How can we best do so? Before answering, let it be noted that these questions apply not only to undershepherds specially appointed by Jehovah’s channel on earth but to every dedicated Christian, regardless of education, age or sex. All have the obligation to find, feed, lead and protect the sheep of our Shepherd’s flock and to do so skillfully.

To find the sheep we must, of course, look for them. This we should do particularly by going from house to house. We may also offer magazines on the street to passers-by and take advantage of opportunities for incidental witnessing, and we should welcome those who come to our Kingdom Hall. These we are to feed by witnessing to them orally, by placing literature with them and by making return visits upon them. All should be encouraged to benefit from the spiritual table at our Kingdom Halls. And how do we lead them? By setting the proper example for them in walking in our integrity, as regards both our right everyday conduct and our zealous field ministry. Also by endeavoring to awaken in them the desire not only to know but also to do God’s will. As for protecting the sheep, this we can do by being alert to the dangers that confront them: by giving them special attention when they are passing through a crisis, by warning them of the harm that can come to them from higher criticism and other faith-destroying teachings, and by pointing out to them the snares and pitfalls of materialism and careless conduct.