the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected millions of Jehovah’s Witnesses who strive to follow the direction of local authorities while maintaining their theocratic routine. We have been told to observe and obey government rulings of course. Indeed going or to door ceased wll before Any government warnings here. Yet branch territories acutely affected by the virus, our brothers and sisters are using creative methods to continue their ministry.
One brother in Pisa, Italy, noted: “We are having an absolutely extraordinary ministry! Since many people are at home, my wife and I went through the list of contacts in our phones and arranged videoconferences. We have so many Bible studies and return visits, new ones or ones we have spoken to before, that we are able to spend many hours in the ministry with positive results'. In South Korea, the crisis has moved publishers to use features of our jw.org website and the JW Library app more frequently. For example, one brother unexpectedly received a text message from a former Bible student who had discontinued his study three years before. The Bible student revealed that the health crisis had made him contemplate the sign of the last days. The brother was able to use the “Share Link” feature on the JW Library app to send relevant information to the former Bible student via text messaging. The brother explains that it has been “encouraging to see that this evidence of the sign of the last days has awakened the spiritual need of many people'.The many reports coming in from branches around the world prove that our brothers and sisters value their ministry. It is wonderful to see how they are using “practical wisdom” to continue sharing the good news.—Micah 6:9.
Now obviously though age, or being ill, in the branch I go to, long ago, we put into effect a free phone number to be able listen to the meetings.
Now two years ago we put into practise, means to be able to watch and listen via the Internet the meetings while still at home!
Two weeks ago or so, we were all asked if any one wanted to be able to join in via answering at the meetings. Many said yes and were able to participate at the meetings! Within days this was set up!
Last sunday173 attended the meeting, able to see each other and speak! EVERY one still in the comfort, and safety of their' own homes. I don't know the numbers on the phone listening in. Nor do I of the other meeting in the morning!
We are still moving forward and at speed, trying to give realist and reasonable persons the chance to listen to God's words and his wonderful promises.
Yes of course we are blessed with a great thinking ability. A incredible power of reasoning. Yes any and every one has the chance, and ability to decide for themselse as to what they believe. To choose to or not. To suit what they want to believe, or not!