Excerpts from the 2011 Yearbook Highlights of the Past Year:
TRACING ALL THINGS WITH ACCURACY
(p.9) Jesus said that the faithful slave would be discreet in giving the domestics "their food at the proper time". Christ thus indicated that those who dispense this "food" would be conscientious, prudent, and discerning in providing spiritual food for the household of faith. In our time, Christ's anointed brothers use the Writing Department in Brooklyn to provide the spiritual information in the forms of magazines, brochures, books, and other printed and electronic material... (p.10) the Writing Department insists on using only material that is accurate and truthful, even regarding seemingly insignificant details. As a result, "the faithful and discreet slave" can consistently supply spiritual food that brings honor to "the God of truth," Jehovah.
HELPED TO KEEP ON THE WATCH
(p.14) And what is the purpose of international conventions? The Governing Body schedules these gatherings every few years in strategically located cities... (p15) what a delight it was to have members of the Governing Body at the international conventions to impart timely spiritual instruction and loving encouragement. Talks delivered by Governing Body members as well as "Reports from other Lands were interpreted simultaneousloy for the benefit of all the language groups that were listening to the program. For example, at the second international convention in Honolulu, Hawaii, Stephen Lett of the Governing Body presented four talks in English, which were interpreted simutaneously into Chuukese, Iloko, Japanese, Mandarin, Marshallese and Samoan. (p.16) When planning international conventions, the Governing Body gives consideration to the size of available convention facilities... (p17) What a resounding witness was given in all the convention cities to the glory of Jehovah! And how thankful we are to Jehovah for providing those faith-strengthening conventions so that we may continue to "keep on the watch"!
SINGING PRAISE TO JEHOVAH
(p18) How was the mammoth task of preparing the new songbook accomplished? In August 2007, a team of experienced composers and lyricists were invited to assist the Governing Body with the project... the Teaching Committee of the Governing Body approved a list of topics to be considered... (p19) Throughout the project, the Governing Body carefully monitored the compisition and words of each song. Groups of new songs that the Governing Body was not familiar with were recorded for singers for the Governing Body to listen to and review. As soon as these songs were approved, they were sent to translating branches for translation of the lyrics... Additionally, in 2007, the Governing Body arranged for a chorus of singers to produce recordings that would help the congregations to learn the songs... (p21) What has been the reaction to the new songbook, Sing to Jehovah? This letter form a sister is typical of hundreds of letters of appreciation that have been received: "Please allow me to begin this letter by thanking you for the beautiful new songs in our new songbook. They are moving, faith-strengthening, and comforting - a delightful gift from Jehovah."