Special meeting in Finland

[Jimi-L]

Yesterday, two representatives of the WHQ visited in Hämeenlinna's assembly hall, Finland. One, brother Price (if i heard correctly) with his wife comes from the WHQ, and then brother and sister Kesk (again if correctly!!) came all the way from the Korean branch office.

 

Some interesting information.

 

- Report from our branch office and it's area: after the completion of  our Bethel's history exhibition, more than 1500 visitors  have visited so far. Various projects are underway elsewhere in the Baltics, probably similar history focused projects.

 

- Special convention: This summer there is an international convention in Helsinki, where more than 7,800 volunteers have been involved. We are expecting thousands and thousands of guests from all over the world.

 

- There have been changes in the congregation. We were reminned at the annual meeting, there was a mention about focusing on the Bible courses, later emphasis was placed again on door-to-door work. It was also reminded that sometimes one can get discouraged if people are not at home. But like the apostles, we should consider where the people in our area are when we're going to preach, and also when they might be at home.

 

- All opportunities to testify are welcome. One encouraging experience: The janitor and caretaker of a large student dormitory with more than 300 students - let us call him André, - got students he knew and understood well, to listen to witnesses who told them about the good news. He understood that it would be challenging to talk to the students himself at their doors, (since as you might expect, studying is busy).  So what could be a better way witnessing than in the hall, even if the conversation was only short? However, many liked our publications, and several went immediately afterwards to jw.org,  where they found more info in their own language (presumably there were many foreigners studying at the school) The students were friendly and interested about the good news. One could say Andréi  actually got the opportunity to participate in the preaching. He also asked us to leave publications in the lobby. 

 

- We also learned that the elders have already applied new instructions to offer Bible courses to those who have been disfellowshipped. Jehovah is truly merciful and gentle and wants to gather his sheep together before The End comes.

 

- Brother Price reminded us that Jehovah does not make mistakes and that he does not have doubts. However, he also reminded that not all doubts are necessarily bad. It can prevent us from making bad decisions. It forces us to search for information before making a decision. What about when doubts arise in making decisions? Joseph gives us example.  Mary was away with Elisabet for 3 months. And he probably did not know about pregnancy. The conversation must have been difficult for Joseph when Mary told him that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph must have been shocked, thinking that Mary betrayed him. Joseph wanted to divorce her secretly to avoid scandal and to protect her. However, following Jehovah's instructions in a dream, Joseph took Mary into his home. He acted on faith, not fear, trusting in Jehovah.

 

 

- Brother Kesk from the Korean branch told about the situation in Korea. There are more than 106,000 publishers in Korea and 54,000 pioneers (that is, more than half of the publishers), almost 400 regular Bethelites and more than 400 who help from time to time. In our branch, there are more ex-prison congregations than elsewhere (because of their faith). Since the 50s, approx. 25,000 brothers have been in prison for this reason. A while ago, the Supreme Court made a favorable decision for us.

 

  But the system is not the best possible. The duration of civil service is 3 years. Prison sentence is only 1 and a half. In addition, they have to live in the prison premises and work there. They can't leave during the week, the phone/other devices can be used from 5pmto 9 pm, and only half of them can visit their family/congregation on the weekend. Some of course are married, and some have children. International agents have already stated that it is not genuine civil service, but a  punishment. Due to the lack of places, some have to wait 3 years first to be even able to complete the service and then another 3 goes in the actual service = i.e. 6 years in total. Some have filed complaints. Some have preferred to go to prison because of the time i just mentioned. But a criminal record entry is a dark side. There is cooperation with the WHQ and it's legal department, and the matter of prayer is asked.

 

 - Then br. Kesk spoke about eyesight. He compared various eye diseases to spiritual diseases. I'll give you one example: Glaucoma. It often starts to destroy the vision from the edges. The ancient Israelites had this kind of problem. They saw the works of Jehovah, he saved them, he led them out of Egypt, and he  destroyed Pharaoh's army. It was made into a victory song we can read in Exodus chapter 15. Israel had a good spiritual eyesight. But what happened? Exodus 15:24 reveals that they began to complain about the lack of water. They did not look to Jehovah, but to themselves. And the works of Jehovah were dim in their field of vision. How soon did it happen? 3 days later! They were only 8 kilometers (around 5 miles) from Elim, where there was a lot of water and trees, but they did not trust in Jehovah. If our focus is too fixed on our desires or material possessions, the promises Jehovah has made to us might drift to the edges of our field of vision, much like with glaucoma.

 

Later he told about a sad incident in Bethel. Once 7 people were asked to leave there. But there was one sister who actually was faithful to Jehovah. Even so, her name came out and was asked to leave. But what did she do? She loved Jehovah. Se continued serving our God. She got many Bible studies. She proved by his actions that she was not guilty and was called back to Bethel. She said that he always got a lot of joy from field service. Although no one apologized to her and she couldn't even get the name out from the list where the culprit's names were originally revealed. She never complained about the subject. Why? Because Jehovah knows. Jehovah knew all along. She trusted in Jehovah. She said: "Happiness is not a destination, but a daily journey with Jehovah."

 

- Br. Kesk reminded us that many things can take away our joy. Many have a lot of material thingsAre we actually missing out on something? We are not jealous when the people of the world are having fun or it seems they're getting everything they desired. According to 1 John 2:17, this world will soon end at Armageddon and the people who do not accept the truth will also be destroyed. They don't have the same hope that we do. They have nothing else. We want to help them. With the eyes of faith we see something much better; life, even eternal life, in a paradise land! 

 

Finally some numbers: 

 

There were 975 in  Hämeenlinna (saturday), and 19 600 in JWStream = at least 20 575, + many of us today and next week.

 

[BLEmom]

These talks and experiences help remind us of the bigger picture in life. 
Thanks so much for sharing!

[Amygdala]

12 hours ago, Jimi-L said:

Report from our branch office and it's area: after the completion of  our Bethel's history exhibition, more than 1500 visitors  have visited so far. Various projects are underway elsewhere in the Baltics, probably similar history focused projects.

 

We were there recently at the Bethel there. Absolutely faith-strengthening exhibition and encouraging to learn about the spiritual history of Finland. Everyone should check it out!

 

12 hours ago, Jimi-L said:

Brother Kesk

 

Brother Reino Kesk gives amazing talks! I remember my early days in Canada in the Truth where he was serving as CO in Vancouver. I can still remember some great points he made on the stage even as a young girl studying. Nice to read about that. ☺️

[Amygdala]

Reino Kesk

[Araujo JW]

On 5/12/2024 at 4:11 PM, Jimi-L said:

Yesterday, two representatives of the WHQ visited in Hämeenlinna's assembly hall, Finland. One, brother Price (if i heard correctly) with his wife comes from the WHQ, and then brother and sister Kesk (again if correctly!!) came all the way from the Korean branch office.

 

Some interesting information.

 

- Report from our branch office and it's area: after the completion of  our Bethel's history exhibition, more than 1500 visitors  have visited so far. Various projects are underway elsewhere in the Baltics, probably similar history focused projects.

 

- Special convention: This summer there is an international convention in Helsinki, where more than 7,800 volunteers have been involved. We are expecting thousands and thousands of guests from all over the world.

 

- There have been changes in the congregation. We were reminned at the annual meeting, there was a mention about focusing on the Bible courses, later emphasis was placed again on door-to-door work. It was also reminded that sometimes one can get discouraged if people are not at home. But like the apostles, we should consider where the people in our area are when we're going to preach, and also when they might be at home.

 

- All opportunities to testify are welcome. One encouraging experience: The janitor and caretaker of a large student dormitory with more than 300 students - let us call him André, - got students he knew and understood well, to listen to witnesses who told them about the good news. He understood that it would be challenging to talk to the students himself at their doors, (since as you might expect, studying is busy).  So what could be a better way witnessing than in the hall, even if the conversation was only short? However, many liked our publications, and several went immediately afterwards to jw.org,  where they found more info in their own language (presumably there were many foreigners studying at the school) The students were friendly and interested about the good news. One could say Andréi  actually got the opportunity to participate in the preaching. He also asked us to leave publications in the lobby. 

 

- We also learned that the elders have already applied new instructions to offer Bible courses to those who have been disfellowshipped. Jehovah is truly merciful and gentle and wants to gather his sheep together before The End comes.

 

- Brother Price reminded us that Jehovah does not make mistakes and that he does not have doubts. However, he also reminded that not all doubts are necessarily bad. It can prevent us from making bad decisions. It forces us to search for information before making a decision. What about when doubts arise in making decisions? Joseph gives us example.  Mary was away with Elisabet for 3 months. And he probably did not know about pregnancy. The conversation must have been difficult for Joseph when Mary told him that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph must have been shocked, thinking that Mary betrayed him. Joseph wanted to divorce her secretly to avoid scandal and to protect her. However, following Jehovah's instructions in a dream, Joseph took Mary into his home. He acted on faith, not fear, trusting in Jehovah.

 

 

- Brother Kesk from the Korean branch told about the situation in Korea. There are more than 106,000 publishers in Korea and 54,000 pioneers (that is, more than half of the publishers), almost 400 regular Bethelites and more than 400 who help from time to time. In our branch, there are more ex-prison congregations than elsewhere (because of their faith). Since the 50s, approx. 25,000 brothers have been in prison for this reason. A while ago, the Supreme Court made a favorable decision for us.

 

  But the system is not the best possible. The duration of civil service is 3 years. Prison sentence is only 1 and a half. In addition, they have to live in the prison premises and work there. They can't leave during the week, the phone/other devices can be used from 5pmto 9 pm, and only half of them can visit their family/congregation on the weekend. Some of course are married, and some have children. International agents have already stated that it is not genuine civil service, but a  punishment. Due to the lack of places, some have to wait 3 years first to be even able to complete the service and then another 3 goes in the actual service = i.e. 6 years in total. Some have filed complaints. Some have preferred to go to prison because of the time i just mentioned. But a criminal record entry is a dark side. There is cooperation with the WHQ and it's legal department, and the matter of prayer is asked.

 

 - Then br. Kesk spoke about eyesight. He compared various eye diseases to spiritual diseases. I'll give you one example: Glaucoma. It often starts to destroy the vision from the edges. The ancient Israelites had this kind of problem. They saw the works of Jehovah, he saved them, he led them out of Egypt, and he  destroyed Pharaoh's army. It was made into a victory song we can read in Exodus chapter 15. Israel had a good spiritual eyesight. But what happened? Exodus 15:24 reveals that they began to complain about the lack of water. They did not look to Jehovah, but to themselves. And the works of Jehovah were dim in their field of vision. How soon did it happen? 3 days later! They were only 8 kilometers (around 5 miles) from Elim, where there was a lot of water and trees, but they did not trust in Jehovah. If our focus is too fixed on our desires or material possessions, the promises Jehovah has made to us might drift to the edges of our field of vision, much like with glaucoma.

 

Later he told about a sad incident in Bethel. Once 7 people were asked to leave there. But there was one sister who actually was faithful to Jehovah. Even so, her name came out and was asked to leave. But what did she do? She loved Jehovah. Se continued serving our God. She got many Bible studies. She proved by his actions that she was not guilty and was called back to Bethel. She said that he always got a lot of joy from field service. Although no one apologized to her and she couldn't even get the name out from the list where the culprit's names were originally revealed. She never complained about the subject. Why? Because Jehovah knows. Jehovah knew all along. She trusted in Jehovah. She said: "Happiness is not a destination, but a daily journey with Jehovah."

 

- Br. Kesk reminded us that many things can take away our joy. Many have a lot of material thingsAre we actually missing out on something? We are not jealous when the people of the world are having fun or it seems they're getting everything they desired. According to 1 John 2:17, this world will soon end at Armageddon and the people who do not accept the truth will also be destroyed. They don't have the same hope that we do. They have nothing else. We want to help them. With the eyes of faith we see something much better; life, even eternal life, in a paradise land! 

 

Finally some numbers: 

 

There were 975 in  Hämeenlinna (saturday), and 19 600 in JWStream = at least 20 575, + many of us today and next week.

 

 

Thank you brother Jimi!

 

Very good points about our doubts as presented by Brother Price. Normally we associate doubts with something negative, but the point of view he put forward, using the example of José, is interesting.

 

I also liked what brother Keski said about the Israelites' demand for water, being only 8km from a place with lots of water and trees. We should not focus our vision on material things, because soon there will no longer be any goods that people can hold on to.

[Araujo JW]

On 5/13/2024 at 4:42 AM, Amygdala said:

Reino Kesk

 

I enjoy learning more about the faithful lives of these brothers who serve as representatives of World Headquarters.

 

I am missing other biographies of Governing Body members in our publications.

[Araujo JW]

On 5/13/2024 at 4:40 AM, Amygdala said:

 

We were there recently at the Bethel there. Absolutely faith-strengthening exhibition and encouraging to learn about the spiritual history of Finland. Everyone should check it out!

 

 

Hi sister Brittany! Do you have some photographs of the exhibition to show us? ☺️

[Amygdala]

Oh I will check…just came home from the meeting and have a few important things to take care of…but I will check…

[Araujo JW]

6 minutes ago, Amygdala said:

Oh I will check…just came home from the meeting and have a few important things to take care of…but I will check…

 

In your time, my dear sister. If you can't do it today, it might be when you can. 

[Amygdala]

No worries. I am multi-tasking at the moment. lol Here is the first big international convention Finland had after the persecution lifted. Ca. 1992. Event was in St.Petersburg, Russia. If I have time later tonight or tomorrow, I will post a couple of more, but don‘t want to spoil the visit for others who would like to visit. 😉 

[Amygdala]

A few more historical pics…

 

For anyone thinking of visiting the exhibition, do bring along your own air pods or similar. The exhibition is toured by listening to each display from pressing a button. There were a few groups touring and we all individually could go at our own pace. But if someone didn‘t have something, you could also listen out loud. There were Finnish, English, Russian or Ukrainian, and I also believe German languages to hear the tour in.

[Amygdala]

Possibly more languages, but I can‘t remember now.

[Araujo JW]

8 hours ago, Amygdala said:

A few more historical pics…

 

For anyone thinking of visiting the exhibition, do bring along your own air pods or similar. The exhibition is toured by listening to each display from pressing a button. There were a few groups touring and we all individually could go at our own pace. But if someone didn‘t have something, you could also listen out loud. There were Finnish, English, Russian or Ukrainian, and I also believe German languages to hear the tour in.

 

I love the history of Jehovah's people, the history of our people. We are here due to the perseverance of many brothers at the beginning of the work who were faithful and persevering, despite the difficult times they experienced. And they were not discouraged because they were few in number.

 

Thanks for the photos! 🥰

[Dolce vita]

15 minutes ago, Araujo JW said:

 

J'aime l'histoire du peuple de Jéhovah, l'histoire de notre peuple. Nous sommes ici grâce à la persévérance de nombreux frères au début de l'œuvre qui ont été fidèles et persévérants, malgré les moments difficiles qu'ils ont traversés. Et ils ne se sont pas découragés car ils étaient peu nombreux.

 

Merci pour les photos!  🥰

Jehovah will not forget them, brother Cristino, and neither will we, even if some, because of their celestial heritage, may never cross our path... but who knows all the surprises that Jehovah has in store for us in the future, especially those which call for the unity of heaven and earth? One communication or another will perhaps be possible, I would very much like to get to know the apostles and all the faithful of the 1st century, but also all those who, in the 19th and 20th centuries lent a hand to Jehovah to restore worship pure. Who knows if there won't be a way to hear about them, who knows what means Jehovah will be able to implement to abolish the light years that separate us from them? Holograms?😊