USA 18. 137th GILEAD CLASS GRADUATION

Saturday, September 13, 2014

The day finally arrived. This day was the central reason for our trip to the USA. The graduation of our friends Hajime and Aki from the 137th class of Watchtower Bible School of Gilead at Patterson Bethel.

Aki and Hajime

Crowds arriving

Janine and friends

The auditorium fills with an expectant audience.

Aki and Hajime, Michio and Nobuko

 

This is Glenn from PNG Branch

The Ikehatas from Japan Branch

The graduates ready for their big day.

The program commences.

12333 in attendance including over 3000 in this auditorium as well as those tied in in other locations including Brooklyn, Walkill, Warwick, Florida, and Canada Branches.

Bro Samuel Herd opens the program with a discussion about Isaiah 55:8, 9 ("For my thoughts are not your thoughts, And your ways are not my ways," declares Jehovah. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So my ways are higher than your ways And my thoughts than your thoughts."). With a smile, he told the students: "Today, you graduate from kindergarten to preschool".

Opening talk by Brother John Larson, US BC member; "THE FRUTIAGE OF THE SPIRIT BRINGS PATIENCE".

He encouraged the students to: "Take time to acclimate to your assignment like house plant".

Brother Anthony Morris; "MAY YOUR HEARTS REMAIN HUMBLE AND LIVE FOR EVER"

Based on Psalm 22:26b; "Those seeking Jehovah will praise him. May you enjoy life forever." If you are not humble, you lose your usefulness to Jehovah.

Michael Burnett, a Gilead instructor, developed this theme; "HE DOES NOT GIVE HOLY SPIRIT SPARINGLY".

"At the start of school, you asked how am I going to do this?" And refered to the 137th class motto: "Will it be easy?, No. Will it be possible? yes with Jehovah's holy sirit".

Mark Noumair, a Gilead instructor; "WILL YOU DANCE WITH ME?"

Based on the account at 2 Samuel 6:14 and 20 about Michal berating her husband King David for celebrating the Ark of the Covenant being taken to Jerusalem by dancing with the "slave girls of his servants". "Go to your assignment dressed in plain linen robe, not wearing a gold crown. Treat Jehovah's sheep the way he would.

The students re-enacted several witnessing experiences they had during the school.

 

 

Caleb was present of course.

Brother Steven Lett: "OBSERVE INTENTLY THE BIRDS OF HEAVEN"

Matthew 6:26 "Observe intently the birds of heaven".

He discussed 7 lessons that we can take from geese.

All of the students on the platform to receive their diplomas.

"Hajime and Aki from Japan Branch will be going to Myanmar Branch"!

After the program the stage crowded with students, family and friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At a gathering after the graduation.

Here are our friends Courtney and Hannah from Mount Vernon.

Graduating couple from Belgum.

 

And another gathering.

 

Thank you Hajime and Aki for inviting us to be part of your special day.

Lloydnalex

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