Bible Speaks

This just in from the 2017 Annual Meeting:
1. Watchtowers and Awakes won't be released regularly, at least three Watchtower and Awakes per year. 6 magazines a year.
2. A new book is being released: Remain in God's Love, more of an update like how they did for the What Does the Bible Really Teach book. And it will be released 2018-2019
3. Study Watchtowers will now be simplified or rather be in a simple language in two years from now.
Did anyone catch something else?
Here is an audio recording:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzePLZIps4CZZ0IyMDNNWFVUdjQ

Redesign of the biblical teachings section of JW
The "Bible teachings" section of jw.org has been redesigned to facilitate access to content by topics. The following are some highlights of the changes:
The new subsection "history and the Bible" covers the preservation, translation and distribution of the Bible and how new discoveries continue to confirm their historical accuracy.
The new subsection "happiness and inner peace" explains how the Bible can help you deal with daily pressures and find happiness and peace in the face of complex problems.
The new subsection "Bible and science" shows how the natural world reveals the scientific accuracy of the Bible.
The subsection "questions about the Bible" has been redesigned to facilitate the search for questions on a particular topic.
The subsection " marriage and family ", which replaces " help for couples and parents ", provides practical advice from the bible that can improve their marriage and help them raise their children.

PRAY HARDEST WHEN IT HARDEST TO PRAY  – 
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Deuteronomy Highlight Chapter 3:26: Jehovah told Moses “Never speak to me further on this matter.” On occasion, even prayers by God’s servants are not answered. Moses’ prayer to enter the promised land was not heard. 
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King David’s prayer in behalf of Bathsheba’s child went unheeded. 
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The apostle Paul’s prayer to be delivered from his ‘thorn in the flesh’ went unanswered. 
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To be heard, prayers must be in harmony with God’s purposes. So, then, even our failure to understand Jehovah’s purpose in a matter can result in an unanswered prayer. But don’t give up in asking that God’s will be done. 
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@Stephen D. Robinson
Some feel the hearing of those words can veer us from God's Truth! If we are grounded in the Truth we can see it's falseness. Sadly, some feel justified in fighting the  Sovereign of the Universe Jehovah God as did Satan. What for? Their is no "power" without Jehovah's Holy Spirit and the Truth. Satan deceived Eve did he not? Many face things today that will either open their hearts or divide them more. Jesus Christ was tested by Satan in the wilderness and Satan offered him all the kingdoms of the world. What did Jesus Christ do? He quoted scriptures to break up the works of the Devil and his power. So I will quote also scriptures.
The Bible’s View
Those who look favorably upon the Bible and are inclined to accept Jesus Christ as God’s Spokesman ought to be interested in knowing the Bible’s view. You perhaps recall that Jesus once spoke of two roads, a “broad and spacious . . . road leading off into destruction” and a “cramped . . . road leading off into life.” He explained how to identify those traveling on each road, saying: “By their fruits you will recognize them.” By what kind of fruits? Not by what they say, but by what they do, as Jesus clarified: “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will.” Professing belief in God is not enough. We must do God’s will. Logically, we must first have accurate knowledge of what God’s will is.—Matthew 7:13-23.
Jesus plainly showed that it is possible for humans to gain knowledge about God. He said: “This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3) Clearly, we can acquire the wisdom and the knowledge that God reveals—but only if we exert ourselves in seeking such. However, God’s gift to those who do so is everlasting life, so this search is surely worthwhile.
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2006760?q=by+their+fruits&p=par#h=8

Annual meeting
New understanding
Understanding the difference between spiritual paradise and spiritual temple.
New understanding of the text to be used as text of the year:
(Isaiah 40:31) but those who are waiting in the Lord recover the power as eagles ? 
There will be changes in the ministry. Willing to locate fair, not to put literature.
As of January, there will only be 3 Watchtowers to the public and 3 wake up a year. (it's already official) every watchtower just treats a theme. A simplified and regular study will be merged. Material has already been prepared for public magazines for next year and the next. After two years, the management board will assess the effect of this adjustment, and if successful, there will be no more new magazines produced, magazines for 2018 and 2019 will be reprinted.
This adjustment in the number of magazines is really just representative of a much greater adjustment to our preaching work as a whole. We are so used to suggesting offers of literature for every month and new magazines to give our calls every month that our focus in the ministry, for most of us, has become more about the literature than to seek and reach those who They're willing to live forever. So it will not be a question that this publication should only be offered in particular at this particular moment of the year. We can offer any piece of literature for the ministry with which we feel comfortable at any time of the year. That means any magazine, book, brochure, whatever. In fact, since our focus must be on finding those who are well prepared, we don't even have to offer a publication - just focus attention on Bible teaching and try to place literature with someone as a secondary part of our ministry.
Yearbook 2017 is the last one to be published. Since 2018, there will be no yearbooks.
New post
How to stay in the love of God
There will also be a "toolbox" for the jw library.
The page of activities for the weekly meeting, the first page will have an example, rather than presentations.
So much more! Attend! ???

* Jehovah’s Witnesses refrain from meddling in politics. ⚖️?⚖️
* Christians willingly subject themselves to government authorities “in their relative positions ⚖️?⚖️
"For the Lord’s sake subject yourselves to every human creation: whether to a king as being superior or to governors."—1 Pet. 2:13, 14.
⚖️?⚖️
SUPERIOR AUTHORITIES
An expression at Romans 13:1 designating human governmental authorities. That scripture has been variously rendered: “Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God.” (NW) “Let every subject be obedient to the ruling authorities, for there is no authority not under God’s control, and under His control the existing authorities have been constituted.” (We) “Everyone must obey the state authorities, for no authority exists without God’s permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God.”—TEV.
⚖️?⚖️
Jehovah God, though not originating them (compare Mt 4:8, 9; 1Jo 5:19; Re 13:1, 2), has allowed man’s governmental authorities to come into existence, and they continue to exist by his permission. However, when he chooses to do so, Jehovah can remove, direct, or control such authorities in order to accomplish his will. The prophet Daniel declared regarding Jehovah: “He is changing times and seasons, removing kings and setting up kings.” (Da 2:21) And Proverbs 21:1 says: “A king’s heart is as streams of water in the hand of Jehovah. Everywhere that he delights to, he turns it.”—Compare Ne 2:3-6;Es 6:1-11.
⚖️?⚖️
Reasons for Christian Subjection. There being no reason for Christians to set themselves in opposition to an arrangement that God has permitted, they have good reason to be in subjection to the superior authorities. Governmental rulers, though they may be corrupt personally, would not normally punish others for doing good, that is, for adhering to the law of the land. But a person who engages in thievery, murder, or other lawless acts could expect an adverse judgment from the ruling authority. One guilty of deliberate murder, for instance, might be executed for his crime. Since Jehovah God authorized capital punishment for murderers after the Flood (Ge 9:6), the human authority, by executing the lawbreaker, would be acting as “God’s minister, an avenger to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad.”—Ro 13:2-4; Tit 3:1;1Pe 2:11-17.
⚖️?⚖️
Christian subjection to the superior authorities is not based merely on their ability to punish evildoers. With a Christian, it becomes a matter of conscience. He is submissive to human authorities because he recognizes that this is in harmony with God’s will. (Ro 13:5; 1Pe 2:13-15) Therefore, subjection to the superior authorities—to worldly political authorities—could never be absolute. It would be impossible for a Christian to preserve a good conscience and do the divine will if he broke God’s law because that is what the political authority demanded. For this reason, subjection to superior authorities must always be viewed in the light of the apostles’ statement to the Jewish Sanhedrin: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.”—Ac 5:29.
⚖️?⚖️
Since the governmental authorities render valuable services to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of their subjects, they are entitled to taxes and tribute in compensation for their services. The governmental authorities can be termed “God’s public servants” in the sense that they provide beneficial services. (Ro 13:6, 7) At times such services have directly assisted God’s servants, as when King Cyrus made it possible for the Jews to return to Judah and Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. (2Ch 36:22, 23; Ezr 1:1-4) Often the benefits are those shared by all from the proper functioning of the authorities. These would include the maintenance of a legal system to which persons can appeal for justice, protection from criminals and from illegal mobs, and so forth.—Php 1:7; Ac 21:30-32;23:12-32.
⚖️?⚖️
Of course, a ruler who misuses his authority is accountable to God. Wrote the apostle Paul: “Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says Jehovah.’”—Ro 12:19; Ec 5:8.
⚖️?⚖️
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200004262?q=1+peter+2%3A13%2C14&p=par

Nice illustration at our Quichua Regional 2017 Convention in Riobamba, Ecuador.  
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This is called a 'Chumbi' and is used to spin yarn with the fingers.  One hand holds the bulk wool from the sheep and the other hand spins yarn with the fingers and rolls it up on the little spool.  The older women always carry this device wherever they go, tending sheep, walking miles to milk their cows or going down dirt roads to weekly markets.  They are always prepared!  
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The lesson?  For informal witnessing we needs our tools with us and we need to be actively working them whenever we are away from our home and wherever we go!
 Thank you  @ecua_gringo
・・・

Preaching in the Philippines - ???

#JW my beautiful daughter in the preaching my wife took the picture we are from Cali Colombia greetings - Gustavo Adolfo Vamo Thank you

Fighting To Save Lives! ?????????
We have a Brother (elder) in a Huntington Beach Congregation who works as a firefighter and paramedic.
One day while going house to house he encountered a woman who answered the door with a rude and impolite manner stating she couldn’t be bothered.
Immediately, the Brother replied; arenÂ’t you Mrs. ________ and donÂ’t you have a little child named ________?
The woman very surprised demanded to know how the Brother how could know this? He replied; I was the paramedic that responded to your 911 call and revived your child. She immediately said “please come inside.” -
???- Thank you 

Prove to Be a Real Follower of Christ ?⚖️???⚖️?
“Every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit.”—MATT. 7:17.
?⚖️???⚖️?
The two kinds of fruits have become clearly manifest during this time of the end. (Read Daniel 12:3, 10.) False Christians have a distorted view of God and often a hypocritical form of godly devotion, whereas those having spiritual insight worship God “with spirit and truth.” (John 4:24; 2 Tim. 3:1-5) They strive to display Christlike qualities. But what about us personally? As you consider the following five identifying marks of true Christianity, ask yourself: ‘Do my conduct and teachings clearly harmonize with God’s Word? Do I beautify the truth in the eyes of those searching for it?’
?⚖️???⚖️?
Live by God’s Word
What pleases Jehovah, and what does this involve for true Christians?
?⚖️???⚖️?
“Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of the heavens,” said Jesus, “but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will.” (Matt. 7:21) Yes, it is not the professing of Christianity that pleases Jehovah but the practicing of it. For Christ’s true followers, that involves their whole way of life, including their attitude toward money, secular work, entertainment, worldly customs and celebrations, and marriage and other relationships with fellow humans. False Christians, however, adopt the thinking and ways of the world, which have become increasingly ungodly during these last days.—Ps. 92:7.
?⚖️???⚖️?
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2010043?q=false+christians&p=par

"People who manufacture weapons or invest in weapons industries are hypocrites if they call themselves Christian." -- Pope Francis
⚔️?⚔️
Matthew 26:52 - Then Jesus said to him: "Return your sword to its place, for all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword." (NWT)
Please Visit: JW.Org.

Thank you ??????? Song 30 "My Father, My God and Friend"
 @jw_kingdommelodiespiano
Tap on Video Link mp4 _____Enjoy! 

Your browser does not support the HTML5 video tag.

@David Normand
Jehovah sees our humbleness. When I have fear of my life and no where to go I prayed to Jehovah that a sleeping bag and peace is all I wanted. Jehovah blessed me so much, I never asked for any material things. Perhaps one day they will all be gone too? Remember Our Lord Christ Jesus had no where to lay his head down? Christendom has lived with "shameless luxury" as the Word of God teaches us, much of her "shameless luxury" is due to her prostitution with governmental authorities and with the commercial elements. That's why in "one hour" the Word of God states she will be destroyed. She is also guilty of bloodshed and Jehovah is calling her acts to mind. The blood is so great it goes to the bridle of horses ?. Of course, not literal, but she is disgusting in Jehovah's site. Money is a gift if done in relation to God's will, the preaching work and the furthering of the Good News, not for profit. Thank you for your support!
Jehovah Bless,
??⚖️??

Well, to be honest the Watchtower Bible and Tract society and attendant corporations are pretty large as well. Granted, most of the wealth is in real estate and is regularly used as opposed to the Roman Catholic Church where they too have large real estate holding as well as art, stocks, bonds, etc. The real question is not how much wealth religious corporations have, but how it is used. Is it used to honour God (Jehovah) or is is used to sustain a lavish lifestyle for the leaders of the organization. 
I fondly recall when my family went to a circuit assembly many years ago and were staying in a hotel that one was a bit worn out. The Circuit Oversee met us one morning as we were leaving for the meeting. He was staying in the same hotel. I commented to him about it and stated that I though he would have been in better accommodations and his rejoinder was that what is good enough for the friends was good enough for him. He exemplified somebody who was not trying to get rich off doing God's work as some seem to be.

* Jehovah’s Witnesses refrain from meddling in politics. ⚖️?⚖️
* Christians willingly subject themselves to government authorities “in their relative positions ⚖️?⚖️
"For the Lord’s sake subject yourselves to every human creation: whether to a king as being superior or to governors."—1 Pet. 2:13, 14.
⚖️?⚖️
SUPERIOR AUTHORITIES
An expression at Romans 13:1 designating human governmental authorities. That scripture has been variously rendered: “Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God.” (NW) “Let every subject be obedient to the ruling authorities, for there is no authority not under God’s control, and under His control the existing authorities have been constituted.” (We) “Everyone must obey the state authorities, for no authority exists without God’s permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God.”—TEV.
⚖️?⚖️
Jehovah God, though not originating them (compare Mt 4:8, 9; 1Jo 5:19; Re 13:1, 2), has allowed man’s governmental authorities to come into existence, and they continue to exist by his permission. However, when he chooses to do so, Jehovah can remove, direct, or control such authorities in order to accomplish his will. The prophet Daniel declared regarding Jehovah: “He is changing times and seasons, removing kings and setting up kings.” (Da 2:21) And Proverbs 21:1 says: “A king’s heart is as streams of water in the hand of Jehovah. Everywhere that he delights to, he turns it.”—Compare Ne 2:3-6;Es 6:1-11.
⚖️?⚖️
Reasons for Christian Subjection. There being no reason for Christians to set themselves in opposition to an arrangement that God has permitted, they have good reason to be in subjection to the superior authorities. Governmental rulers, though they may be corrupt personally, would not normally punish others for doing good, that is, for adhering to the law of the land. But a person who engages in thievery, murder, or other lawless acts could expect an adverse judgment from the ruling authority. One guilty of deliberate murder, for instance, might be executed for his crime. Since Jehovah God authorized capital punishment for murderers after the Flood (Ge 9:6), the human authority, by executing the lawbreaker, would be acting as “God’s minister, an avenger to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad.”—Ro 13:2-4; Tit 3:1;1Pe 2:11-17.
⚖️?⚖️
Christian subjection to the superior authorities is not based merely on their ability to punish evildoers. With a Christian, it becomes a matter of conscience. He is submissive to human authorities because he recognizes that this is in harmony with God’s will. (Ro 13:5; 1Pe 2:13-15) Therefore, subjection to the superior authorities—to worldly political authorities—could never be absolute. It would be impossible for a Christian to preserve a good conscience and do the divine will if he broke God’s law because that is what the political authority demanded. For this reason, subjection to superior authorities must always be viewed in the light of the apostles’ statement to the Jewish Sanhedrin: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.”—Ac 5:29.
⚖️?⚖️
Since the governmental authorities render valuable services to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of their subjects, they are entitled to taxes and tribute in compensation for their services. The governmental authorities can be termed “God’s public servants” in the sense that they provide beneficial services. (Ro 13:6, 7) At times such services have directly assisted God’s servants, as when King Cyrus made it possible for the Jews to return to Judah and Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. (2Ch 36:22, 23; Ezr 1:1-4) Often the benefits are those shared by all from the proper functioning of the authorities. These would include the maintenance of a legal system to which persons can appeal for justice, protection from criminals and from illegal mobs, and so forth.—Php 1:7; Ac 21:30-32;23:12-32.
⚖️?⚖️
Of course, a ruler who misuses his authority is accountable to God. Wrote the apostle Paul: “Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says Jehovah.’”—Ro 12:19; Ec 5:8.
⚖️?⚖️
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200004262?q=1+peter+2%3A13%2C14&p=par

"Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations."—(Matt. 28:19) 
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As followers of Christ, we pattern our ministry after his example. Hence, we leave no stone unturned when it comes to giving “a thorough witness.” (Acts 10:42) Like Jesus, we call on people in their homes. (Acts 5:42) We adjust our schedule, if necessary, so that we can call at a time when they are more likely to be at home. We also search out and discreetly preach to people in public places—on streets, in parks, in stores, and in the workplace. 
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We keep “working hard and exerting ourselves” in the ministry, for we take this work seriously. (1 Timothy 4:10) Deep, heartfelt love for others motivates us to keep looking for opportunities to preach wherever and whenever people can be found.—1 Thessalonians 2:8.
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Another way that Jesus trained his disciples was by providing them with extensive instruction. Before sending out first the 12 apostles and later the 70 disciples to preach, Jesus held what amounted to training sessions. (Matthew 10:1-15; Luke 10:1-12) 
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The training produced good results, for Luke 10:17reports: “The seventy returned with joy.” Let us consider two of the important lessons Jesus taught, keeping in mind that his words are to be understood against the background of Jewish customs in Bible times.
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Jesus taught his disciples to trust in Jehovah. He told them: “Do not procure gold or silver or copper for your girdle purses, or a food pouch for the trip, or two undergarments, or sandals or a staff; for the worker deserves his food.” (Matthew 10:9, 10) 
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It was common for travelers to take along a girdle purse for money, a food pouch for provisions, and an extra pair of sandals.* By instructing his disciples not to worry about such things, Jesus was, in effect, saying: “Place your trust entirely in Jehovah, for he will take care of your needs.” Jehovah would provide for them by moving those who accepted the good news to extend hospitality, which was a custom in Israel.—Luke 22:35.
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Jesus also taught his disciples to avoid unnecessary distractions. He said: “Do not embrace anybody in greeting along the road.” (Luke 10:4) Was Jesus telling them to be cool or aloof? Not at all. In Bible times, greetings often involved much more than a simple hello. 
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Customary greetings included various formalities and lengthy conversation. One Bible scholar states: “Salutations among the Orientals did not consist, as among us, of a slight bow, or extension of the hand, but [were] performed by many embraces, and inclinations, and even prostrations of the body on the ground. All this required much time.” By telling his disciples not to engage in the customary greetings, Jesus was, in a sense, saying: “You must make the most of your time, for the message you bear is urgent.”*
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We take to heart the instructions that Jesus gave his first-century disciples. In carrying out our ministry, we place our complete trust in Jehovah. (Proverbs 3:5, 6) We know that we will never lack the necessities of life if we “keep . . . seeking first the kingdom.” (Matthew 6:33) 
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https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102007051?q=matt+28%3A19&p=par

Sad but true. Most people have scars or something from life that they are dealing with. Some cope better than others. Sometimes we simply don't know what to say. Well, that is something all of us can work on while we are practicing our presentation for Saturday also practice our presentation for Sunday when somebody is in need of a friendly smile and kind word. 

@David Normand
We are taught Be as young children, they love everyone. Never doubt others. We have all suffered in life. Jesus said invite the poor, crippled and lame for they have nothing to repay you. Who really are the poor, lame crippled if we never see who needs our help and Love? 
Thank you for your support!
Jehovah Bless,
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Today’s Great Experience As Brother @wattsstudiopeter Was with Sister Violet, Sister Carmen & Sister Maria! From Kensington Congregation Spanish! They were standing in a Corner in the Bad Streets of North Philadelphia! As they were standing there they see a Man drive by and see he makes a U-turn they don’t know what to expect.. He gets out the car & approaches the Brother & Sister & the first thing he says I’ve been looking for yall.. I was a PASTOR OF MY CHURCH but I tore up my certificate because NOW I KNOW JESUS AINT GOD! So he proceed and says can I please take a Book & a Magazine? And where do you hold your meetings? Can you Imagine the Blessing Experience these Sister’s & Brother had Today?! It surely had me #Emotional.. Well I really wanted to share this with my Brother’s & Sister’s! Have a Beautiful Day!?❤️? Thank you.

Even though I don't "do Halloween", I put on my mask, and look out the side window of my car at the children playing in their front yards, and wave to them as I drive by.
 

..but it's O.K. , I live in the USA, so the "Australian "Working with Children Check Card" that all Witnesses working with children have to have in Australia is not needed.

WHAT? ME WORRY?

@James Thomas Rook Jr.
Ha! Does your wife wake up everyday happy OR you change your mask? ???

Is there "Lost Sheep" in Your Kingdom Hall?
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She usually arrives on Sunday, and often comes quite late. 
Is she baptized or inactive? 
That's the question for debate. Few folks try to know her; some wonder and just stare. 
No one tries to dig down deep, to see who?s really there. 
In her purse is a funeral program, that is ragged around the ears.
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It is yellow and all wrinkled; been soaked with many tears. 
She's looked at it many times, and knows the resurrection hope. 
But she still mourns her daughter; sometimes she just can't cope. 
Many people wonder, but no one ever makes a call. 
She's one of the lost sheep, sitting in your Kingdom Hall. 
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Her uncle used to rape her, when she was just a child. 
Her mother did not believe her, and said she was just wild. 
Jehovah blessed her and now she has the Truth. 
But she still lives with all the scars, of a stolen youth. 
They say she's mean and moody, so no one bothers her to call. 
She's one of the lost sheep, sitting in the Kingdom Hall. 
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She comes to all the meetings, service, even mingles with the friends. 
But once she goes back home, the heartache soon begins. 
She grew up in the Truth, and served Jehovah faithful all her life. 
And all she ever wanted, was to be a Christian wife. 
Now she's past the bloom of youth, and her dreams have not come true. 
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She's worried, frustrated, tempted; and scared what she might do. 
You probably think she's strong, and she doesn't need a call. 
But she's one of the lost sheep, sitting in your Kingdom Hall. 
When we search from door to door, to bring just one sheep in, Don't forget about the ones who are already in the pen. 
These are all true stories, of people at the Hall. 
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So take some time, look closely--and see who needs a call. 
We remember the youth, the sick, single parents and the old, But can we also try add. the others in our fold? 
Remember that Jehovah, doesn't want anyone to fall. 
So keep in mind, there just might be  some lost sheep inside your Hall.
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