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2017 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
Back in the seventh century B.C.E., the prophet Ezekiel was given an amazing vision. He saw a gigantic vehicle, a celestial chariot, under the control of the Sovereign of the universe. Most impressive about that vehicle was the way it moved. It swept along at lightning speed, even when changing direction—which it could do without slowing down or even turning!—Ezek. 1:4, 9, 12, 14, 16-27.
That vision reminds us that the celestial part of Jehovah’s universal organization is always on the move. And the earthly part? The past service year has clearly shown that Jehovah is moving his organized people on earth at an amazing pace as well!
Here in the United States, members of the Bethel family have been busy moving out of Brooklyn and into the new world headquarters, at Warwick, New York, as well as to other complexes and into the field. Bethelites at a number of other branches around the world are likewise busy with building, remodeling, consolidating, or moving to new locations. What about you? Even if you have not been busy moving physically, you have no doubt been on the move in other ways.
The Governing Body is deeply touched and encouraged to see that God’s people around the world have been busier than ever as they keep pace with Jehovah’s organization. Many have moved to serve where the need is greater. Others have moved into a new avenue of service, such as a foreign-language field. Many have tried a form of witnessing that was new and unfamiliar to them. Many more have expanded their service in yet other ways. And all faithful Christians, including the elderly and the infirm, are loyally running the race for life—keeping on the move in Jehovah’s service and thus helping to expose Satan for the liar he is!—1 Cor. 9:24.
Be assured that the spirit you show does not go unnoticed by Jehovah. (Heb. 6:10) Your willing attitude makes us think of Abraham and Sarah. In his 70s, Abraham moved out of the Chaldean city of Ur and led his family to faraway Canaan, where he would live in tents for the remaining hundred years of his life. What a willing spirit he and his dear wife showed!—Gen. 11:31; Acts 7:2, 3.
Are you showing that spirit? All of you who are enduring faithfully in these challenging times are doing what Jesus told us to do. He said: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit.”—Matt. 28:19.
Even Jesus’ use of the word “go” suggests that we must be moving, active. How gratifying it is to see how much has been accomplished by Christ’s zealous followers during the past year! It is easy to see that Jehovah’s mighty hand of blessing has been on the work of declaring the Kingdom good news in all nations.—Mark 13:10.
Many are responding to the message. The peak number of publishers this past year was 8,340,847, while our Bible studies averaged 10,115,264 each month. Clearly, the celestial chariot is on the move, and so are you! Keep up your fine work in the short period of time left before Jehovah closes the door to salvation.
How fitting that our yeartext for 2017 is “Trust in Jehovah and do what is good”! (Ps. 37:3) When you obey those words, doing what is good by rendering sacred service to Jehovah, you are showing your trust in him. Please always keep in mind that you are never alone. Jesus’ words will ever hold true: “Look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”—Matt. 28:20.
Rest assured that Jehovah will continue to bless your faithful service. Whether your contribution is small or great, what matters to Jehovah is that it represents your best and is given with the right motive. All such gifts touch his heart and bring his smile of approval. (2 Cor. 9:6, 7) So continue drawing close to your loving Father through regular prayer, study of God’s Word, attendance at Christian meetings, and active participation in the ministry.
Until this “short period of time” allotted to the Devil runs out, that wicked rebel is bent on using every means at his disposal to divert us from our course of remaining steadfast in our integrity to Jehovah. (Rev. 12:12) Stay close to Jehovah, and the Devil will fail in his every attempt. (Ps. 16:8) Please know that we love you very much and appreciate your assistance in caring for the Lord’s Kingdom interests in these last days.
Your brothers,
Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Back in the seventh century B.C.E., the prophet Ezekiel was given an amazing vision. He saw a gigantic vehicle, a celestial chariot, under the control of the Sovereign of the universe. Most impressive about that vehicle was the way it moved. It swept along at lightning speed, even when changing direction—which it could do without slowing down or even turning!—Ezek. 1:4, 9, 12, 14, 16-27.
That vision reminds us that the celestial part of Jehovah’s universal organization is always on the move. And the earthly part? The past service year has clearly shown that Jehovah is moving his organized people on earth at an amazing pace as well!
Here in the United States, members of the Bethel family have been busy moving out of Brooklyn and into the new world headquarters, at Warwick, New York, as well as to other complexes and into the field. Bethelites at a number of other branches around the world are likewise busy with building, remodeling, consolidating, or moving to new locations. What about you? Even if you have not been busy moving physically, you have no doubt been on the move in other ways.
The Governing Body is deeply touched and encouraged to see that God’s people around the world have been busier than ever as they keep pace with Jehovah’s organization. Many have moved to serve where the need is greater. Others have moved into a new avenue of service, such as a foreign-language field. Many have tried a form of witnessing that was new and unfamiliar to them. Many more have expanded their service in yet other ways. And all faithful Christians, including the elderly and the infirm, are loyally running the race for life—keeping on the move in Jehovah’s service and thus helping to expose Satan for the liar he is!—1 Cor. 9:24.
Be assured that the spirit you show does not go unnoticed by Jehovah. (Heb. 6:10) Your willing attitude makes us think of Abraham and Sarah. In his 70s, Abraham moved out of the Chaldean city of Ur and led his family to faraway Canaan, where he would live in tents for the remaining hundred years of his life. What a willing spirit he and his dear wife showed!—Gen. 11:31; Acts 7:2, 3.
Are you showing that spirit? All of you who are enduring faithfully in these challenging times are doing what Jesus told us to do. He said: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit.”—Matt. 28:19.
Even Jesus’ use of the word “go” suggests that we must be moving, active. How gratifying it is to see how much has been accomplished by Christ’s zealous followers during the past year! It is easy to see that Jehovah’s mighty hand of blessing has been on the work of declaring the Kingdom good news in all nations.—Mark 13:10.
Many are responding to the message. The peak number of publishers this past year was 8,340,847, while our Bible studies averaged 10,115,264 each month. Clearly, the celestial chariot is on the move, and so are you! Keep up your fine work in the short period of time left before Jehovah closes the door to salvation.
How fitting that our yeartext for 2017 is “Trust in Jehovah and do what is good”! (Ps. 37:3) When you obey those words, doing what is good by rendering sacred service to Jehovah, you are showing your trust in him. Please always keep in mind that you are never alone. Jesus’ words will ever hold true: “Look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”—Matt. 28:20.
Rest assured that Jehovah will continue to bless your faithful service. Whether your contribution is small or great, what matters to Jehovah is that it represents your best and is given with the right motive. All such gifts touch his heart and bring his smile of approval. (2 Cor. 9:6, 7) So continue drawing close to your loving Father through regular prayer, study of God’s Word, attendance at Christian meetings, and active participation in the ministry.
Until this “short period of time” allotted to the Devil runs out, that wicked rebel is bent on using every means at his disposal to divert us from our course of remaining steadfast in our integrity to Jehovah. (Rev. 12:12) Stay close to Jehovah, and the Devil will fail in his every attempt. (Ps. 16:8) Please know that we love you very much and appreciate your assistance in caring for the Lord’s Kingdom interests in these last days.
Your brothers,
Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses
192 pages, ebook
First published September 1, 2016
2 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society
892 books692 followersThe Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit corporation formed in 1884 under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, U.S.A. It is used by Jehovah’s Witnesses to support their worldwide work, which includes publishing Bibles and Bible-based literature.
According to its charter, the corporation’s purposes are “religious, educational, and charitable,” in particular, to “preach and teach the gospel of God’s Kingdom under Christ Jesus.” Membership in the corporation is by invitation only and is not based on how much a person has donated. The corporation members and directors assist the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
According to its charter, the corporation’s purposes are “religious, educational, and charitable,” in particular, to “preach and teach the gospel of God’s Kingdom under Christ Jesus.” Membership in the corporation is by invitation only and is not based on how much a person has donated. The corporation members and directors assist the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 18, 2017
I always get excited at the end of each year waiting for the new yearbook to arrive. It arrived recently on the jw.org website, and what a thrill reading it and all the encouraging experiences of our spiritual Brothers and Sisters throughout the world.
This year I decided to listen and read along as the book was read. I find I'm enjoying that so much more than just reading it and trying to pronounce some of the names of countries and people.
Reading the highlights from the past year of the experiences from around the world was encouraging. The country focused on this year was Georgia. It was interesting how threats did not stop them from serving Jehovah God. Our brothers and sisters were not intimidated, and they continued meeting together, even though arsonists destroyed the home of one family, and burned literature at a depot.
It really makes me set back and think about how easy we have it here in the United States. The Brothers and Sisters in those countries where the work is under ban had to be so careful while out talking to people about all the wonderful things God's Kingdom will do for mankind in the future.
There are so many wonderful experiences of ones who found the truth in the Bible, and how it changed their lives. How happy they now are. So hang in there and read it to the end.
There are statistics, facts and figures that help us to appreciate how the organization has grown over these many years. So if you haven't read it yet I encourage you to read it asap. You won't be disappointed....
This year I decided to listen and read along as the book was read. I find I'm enjoying that so much more than just reading it and trying to pronounce some of the names of countries and people.
Reading the highlights from the past year of the experiences from around the world was encouraging. The country focused on this year was Georgia. It was interesting how threats did not stop them from serving Jehovah God. Our brothers and sisters were not intimidated, and they continued meeting together, even though arsonists destroyed the home of one family, and burned literature at a depot.
It really makes me set back and think about how easy we have it here in the United States. The Brothers and Sisters in those countries where the work is under ban had to be so careful while out talking to people about all the wonderful things God's Kingdom will do for mankind in the future.
There are so many wonderful experiences of ones who found the truth in the Bible, and how it changed their lives. How happy they now are. So hang in there and read it to the end.
There are statistics, facts and figures that help us to appreciate how the organization has grown over these many years. So if you haven't read it yet I encourage you to read it asap. You won't be disappointed....
February 5, 2017
Encouraging as always! Just what I look forward to every year!
May 8, 2017
Many of my friends will say something like “This year’s was the best Yearbook- EVER!”. They will say that every year. Can every Yearbook be worth a 5 star rating? Really. Well, a few years, I did not give the Yearbook a 5 star rating, but this year I think that I must.
The updates on the completion of the World Headquarters in Warwick, NY (I have already been there!), the review of the introduction of the Christian Life and Ministry meetings, JW Broadcasting growth and impact, Russia update, and some of the most encouraging and fantastic experiences from “News from Around the World”. Capping it off is the fine history and record of Jehovah blessing our brothers through the years in the nation of Georgia.
With all of the very negative news in this world today, this 2017 Yearbook is a must read that can deliver much comfort and aid.
The updates on the completion of the World Headquarters in Warwick, NY (I have already been there!), the review of the introduction of the Christian Life and Ministry meetings, JW Broadcasting growth and impact, Russia update, and some of the most encouraging and fantastic experiences from “News from Around the World”. Capping it off is the fine history and record of Jehovah blessing our brothers through the years in the nation of Georgia.
With all of the very negative news in this world today, this 2017 Yearbook is a must read that can deliver much comfort and aid.
May 20, 2017
Es reconfortante y causa admiración leer acerca de las personas que demuestran una fe fuerte mediante sus acciones. Es inspirador. Además conocer un poco de historia de Georgia, de los lugares y de lo que ha pasado los Testigos de ese país es enriquecedor. Me sorprende la cantidad de personas con necesidad espiritual que se encuentran por todo el mundo, que aunque muchos no lo recnozcan, la tenemos. Los totales del año pasado me dejaron pasmado, si se les pone un poco de atención pueden notarse cosas interesantes.
August 8, 2017
I loved this yearbook so much! I might say it every year but I really did! Seeing the struggles of the people in Georgia made me appreciate what I have and how much more so I can do for my brothers and sisters now and in the future to show my love to them and Jehovah. It also made me realize how close we are to the end and need to be more alert than ever.
March 24, 2017
In addition to the encouraging history of Georgia; I also enjoyed the brief look back at the organization's history in 1917. It left off on a dramatic note as it set us up to discuss the turbulence of 1918 for Jehovah's people.
May 22, 2017
Always a blessing to be able to keep up to date with fellow brothers and sisters around the world and read of their struggles, blessings, and endurance. All in all it helps encourage the whole brotherhood to keep walking in the light on the narrow path
May 13, 2017
Absolutely fantastic. Every year I say that, and every year gets better and better. I love the report from the country of Georgia and the experiences are great! Can't wait till the next one!
April 12, 2017
The book was incredibly encouraging! Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews