第149屆基列學校畢業典禮——最後演講與委派

With those lyrics ringing in our ears, it puts us in the mind for the next talk to be delivered by Brother Kenneth Cook. The title is “Look Beyond the Finish Line.” Brother Cook, you have piqued our interest.

You have completed your Gilead schooling. You’ve reached the finish line for this school. When the program concludes, you will be a graduate. You’ve run this course, so to speak, with that goal in mind, haven’t you? Yet, through it all, you’ve also kept in mind that, for you, this experience is a part of a bigger race —the race for life. Like determined runners, loyal servants of God keep moving forward Such goals are like stages in a race. Some of our goals and our pace may vary from person to person based on circumstances. For you, Gilead School is a goal, or stage, that you have now completed. See, we run until we reach what our faith shows us, the prize waiting beyond the ultimate finish line —everlasting life in the service of Jehovah.

The promises found in God’s Word move us to keep reaching out for that prize. Consider the apostle Paul, who was reaching out for the heavenly hope. At 2 Timothy 4:7, 8, he indicated that he had reached the finish line. He said:

提摩太後書 4：7–8 新世界譯本Base32版

7 [T5M, Z5M] 那美好的一仗我已經打過了，賽程我已經跑完了，信仰我已經守住了。 8 [T5N, Z5N] 從現在起，有正義的冠冕留給我。到了那日，施行正義審判的主會把冠冕賞賜給我，不但賜給我，也賜給所有熱切盼望他顯現的人。

With strong faith, Paul could see beyond the finish line and he yearned for the reward that he would receive.

And then there is Jesus’ example. Just before breathing his last, he cried out: “It has been accomplished!” Throughout his earthly ministry, that goal to accomplish Jehovah’s will for him No matter how painful his life course proved to be, Jesus kept his integrity and finished that course, like the true Son of God that he is. In all of this, Jesus saw more than just the finish line. He saw the endless joy that was waiting for him. So powerful is Jesus’ example to keep it centered in our sight.

We invite you to follow along there with Hebrews 12:2. It says:

希伯來書 12：2 新世界譯本Base32版

2 [TG7, ZG7] 緊緊注視著我們信心的引領者和成全者耶穌。他因為前頭的喜樂，就輕看羞辱，在苦刑柱上忍耐，如今坐在上帝寶座的右邊。

Who are we urged to look at intently? And what did Jesus look at? He saw the joy that his faith placed directly in front of him. Jesus focused on the joy that would result from his life course of perfect integrity, from providing the ransom for us, and from being back alongside his heavenly Father. Jesus never took his eyes off the prize waiting beyond the finish line, and neither should we.

Let’s look at some important lessons. We will consider two main points:

first, how should you run each stage of the race?

and, second, qualities that will help you to run like a true Christian and win.

How should you run each stage of the race?

Now, for the first point: How should you run each stage of the race? The race for life is a race of endurance, and as mentioned, it includes stages, or successive goals. We strive for each goal at our individual best pace and with a clear focus on the ultimate goal, or prize. First Timothy 6:19 calls that prize “the real life” —that is, everlasting life in perfection, either in heaven or on earth. As mentioned, your Gilead training With humility, apply all that you have learned and remain focused on the endless joy ahead of you. When hardships and difficulties come —and they will— keep moving forward. If you are knocked down by anything, with everything that you’ve got.

Be like the marathon runner from the country of Tanzania who ran in the 1968 Olympics held in Mexico City. At one point during that race, he was bumped by other runners, and he fell to the ground so hard that he gashed his knee and dislocated it. He also smashed his shoulder against the pavement. Yet, after receiving some medical attention, he refused to stop running. His pace was slower, but he moved forward toward his goal. He was no longer running for a mere material prize. He was running to complete the race with his honor intact and that of the land he represented. He finished the race.

In the race for life, is trying to knock you down. Learn from what happened to the Galatians. When some in the first century allowed the speech and actions of others to knock them out of the race, notice what Paul said to them at Galatians 5:7, 8. Imagine that he has an incredulous tone

加拉太書 5：7–8 新世界譯本Base32版

7 [SFI, ZFI] 以前你們做得很好，是誰阻礙你們繼續服從真理呢？ 8 [SFJ, ZFJ] 這樣誘導你們的，不是那位呼召你們的上帝。

What was the problem? Some in Galatia had allowed themselves to be persuaded by false teachings, and they were no longer obeying the truth. They gave in to pressure. Also, in verse 13, Paul refers to the danger of “fleshly desires.”

加拉太書 5：13 新世界譯本Base32版

13 [SFO, ZFO] 弟兄們，你們受呼召是要得到自由，但不要把這種自由當作放縱有罪慾望的機會。要本著愛心互相效勞，

Whatever happened to them, as he said, because they took their eyes off of the prize. All of us must keep that lesson in front of us. If we do, we will never be hindered or thrown off course in our pursuit of the real life. We will be rock solid in our focus. When others see that you are looking straight ahead toward the prize, they’re helped to look in the same direction. in the branches where you will serve. Run at your very best pace and with a clear focus on your ultimate goal

Qualities that will help you to run like a true Christian and win

Now, for our second main point: qualities that will help you to run like a true Christian and win. We run as true Christians when we follow the example of Christ. Jesus’ example of doing all things for Jehovah’s glory, despite the suffering that he endured, is one that we must follow. First Peter 2:21 reminds us that “Christ suffered for you, Let’s consider two qualities —faith and courage.

1 Faith

So we begin with faith. Now, you do not need to be told what faith is. You have it, and you’ve learned much about examples of faith in your studies. We need faith because faith helps us to endure, and faith helps us to remember that our trials in life are temporary. We look ahead with confidence, and we trust Jehovah every step of the way. You needed to have faith after you arrived for this school and then had to wait patiently for some months for your classes to begin. True? How will they be carried out in a pandemic?’ You waited, and in due time your faith was rewarded. Jehovah saw to it that things worked out, didn’t he? ensured that the school moved forward safely and that you received the full benefit from the classes. That experience highlights the kind of faith that all of us will need in the days ahead whenever new challenges arise.

You could say that 20/20 vision will be necessary for each of us to keep running successfully. And I don’t mean the year 2020. spiritual vision —that’s the point— and remain focused on the prize beyond the finish line. Those without faith cannot see it. They cannot focus on things unseen. But those with faith can see it. That is why they —why you— remain focused on Jehovah’s promises. An example of this is found at 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18 —2 Corinthians 4:17, 18. Now, when writing these inspired words, Paul was encouraging the brothers not to allow problems, difficulties, and persecutions to cloud or block their view Please look at what is said starting in verse 17:

哥林多後書 4：17–18 新世界譯本Base32版

17 [S6D, Z6D] 我們遭遇的患難是短暫而輕微的，為我們帶來的榮耀卻無與倫比，日益輝煌，永遠長存。 18 [S6E, Z6E] 我們注視的，不是看得見的，而是看不見的。因為看得見的是暫時的，看不見的卻是永恆的。

Again, these inspired words should move us to look beyond the trials we face and to remain focused on what is ahead of us. Paul was speaking to those with the heavenly hope. But the encouragement and meaning behind these words apply to all who are running for the real life, that is, for the things “everlasting,” as it says here. When we are determined and focused, Proverbs 4:25 tells us to

箴言 4：25 新世界譯本Base32版

25 [G44, Z44] 眼睛應直視前方，目光該注視前頭。

To keep doing that, we need faith. We need good spiritual eyesight to see Keep in mind that the objective of your Gilead training is to strengthen and stabilize the field and branch organization. Whether a brother or sister, your example of faith goes a long way in doing that. Others will imitate the faith and example of a determined runner. When you are settled in your assignments, keep your eyes of faith set on doing God’s will.

Danger can come when you start to feel that you’ve achieved most or even all of your goals. What could be the result? When we lose sight of the race and of its prize, our interests will focus on other things, perhaps material things. Don’t let this happen to you. and avoid ever becoming self-satisfied because of privileges that you may come to enjoy.

Focus on the real life, and remain humble. Appreciate your privileges in Jehovah’s service, but remain focused on what you desire most —pleasing Jehovah and doing his will forever. As we read earlier in Hebrews chapter 12, when Jesus suffered unjustly to the point of death, he endured “for the joy that was set before him.” He always looked at what was ahead of him. It was that real to him. We must always remember Jesus’ example as we keep looking ahead. Maintain your strong faith by reading God’s Word every day and applying its counsel in everything that you do. We endure in the race with courage

2 勇氣

And that is the second quality we will now look at —courage, why we need courage to win. True Christians have courage that stems from their faith. We live with hope, with expectation but “assured expectation,” as the Scriptures call it. When your rescue is assured, it gives you courage, doesn’t it?

Imagine how Jeremiah felt when Ebed-melech and 30 other men arrived to pull him up out of a deep cistern. What could have seemed hopeless was now a moment filled with hope, and he continued on with courage. Courage moves us to look beyond any obstacles that may stand between us and the finish line. The fact is that nothing promised in God’s Word will fail to come true. So take courage. Keep in mind that your determination to do God’s will means that for you the prize will be waiting. Jehovah cannot lie. Therefore, as you go to your assignments, True, great changes have taken place in the world since you arrived for Gilead School. But though the world is changing around us (and certainly not for the better), remember Jehovah’s promises. What we see happening is temporary. A pandemic—nothing new! Jesus foretold it —didn’t he?— So we’re not shaken by this.

Think back to the Olympic marathon runner from Tanzania whom we mentioned earlier. After being injured, he was bandaged and then continued to run. It took courage and determination to run, and sometimes walk, through the pain. When he eventually crossed the finish line, he was cheered by the small crowd remaining in the stadium. He was limping with his bandages blowing in the wind, but he moved forward toward his goal. For many, the race would have been long over. But that man was running for something more than a material prize. He saw something greater beyond that finish line. We find it in what he said afterward. When he was asked why he continued on in the race, he replied: “My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race. They sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race.” That sense of responsibility gave him the courage to go on despite the pain. He saw a greater purpose, and he returned home with honor.

We too have a greater responsibility and a far more important race. We owe it to Jehovah to keep running the Christian course. He and his Son gave everything, you could say, so that we can keep running. We also owe it to others to set a good example for them that will motivate them never to give up. And we owe it to ourselves to use what we have been given so as to run in a way that we gain the real life. We are certain that you have both the faith and the courage to run with the eyes of your heart looking intently at Jesus’ example and at the prize.

So in review, what is the overall lesson for you Gilead graduates and, really, for every Christian runner? It is this: Run for the real life at your very best pace (Jehovah will help you), run with a clear focus on your ultimate goal, and run the course with faith and with courage. When will the finish line be reached? the Revelation Climax book states this in chapter 11: “By exercising faith throughout Jesus’ Millennial Reign “and during the decisive test that follows, “these will be rewarded with life everlasting in Paradise on earth. “Their names will then remain indelibly written in the book of life.” For true servants of God, that “decisive test” will be nothing to fear. They will never drop out of the race. For them, that test will be just another day on the calendar, so to speak. with their eyes fixed on what is ahead for them. Faith, courage, and all other godly qualities will carry loyal ones into the real life. Use your Gilead training to run the race well. Strengthen others to do the same. See the prize ahead of you. Run the race through the approaching great tribulation,

Because of the circumstances, the students have already received their diplomas. But we know you would like to see them So I’m happy to have Brother Ronald Curzan with me. He serves as a helper to the Teaching Committee. And why am I happy? Because he’s going to pronounce and let us know their assignments. Brother Curzan, we are waiting on you.

Brother and Sister James Brother Kasambala will be returning to Malawi.

Brother Lee will be serving in the United States.

Brother and Sister Luzitu will be returning to Congo (Kinshasa).

Sister Manansala will be returning to the Philippines.

Brother and Sister Mejia will be returning to Colombia.

Brother Mkorongo will be returning to Malawi.

Sister Mtetwa will be returning to Zimbabwe.

Brother Pereira will be returning to Brazil.

Brother and Sister Phongsri will be returning to Thailand.

Brother Reyes will be returning to Mexico.

Brother and Sister Santiago will be returning to the Philippines.

Brother and Sister Sossou will be returning to Côte d’Ivoire.

Brother and Sister Tendeng will be returning to Senegal.

Brother and Sister Thompson will be returning to Zambia.

Brother Tkachuk will be returning to Ukraine.

Brother Zak will be returning to Korea.

Thank you, Brother Curzan. and person by person. But would you like to see all 25 of these happy graduates together? There they are. We can just imagine the applause from all of your individual apartments and homes out there.

Ron Curzan is still with us, and that is because we are going to have a letter read from the class. And since he already knows how to pronounce the brother’s name, I’m going to let Ron introduce him again.

The class letter will be read by Brother Phongsri.

“To the Governing Body and the Bethel family: “We were so excited when we received our invitations “to attend the 149th class of Gilead. “However, when it was announced “that the 149th class would be postponed, “anxiety filled our hearts “as to what our future would be. “To help in allaying this anxiety, “to comfort us. “We never felt abandoned or forgotten. “One thing we were absolutely confident of “was that the Governing Body would do all they could “to make sure we had the class! “We are ever thankful for the Bethel family “who warmly welcomed us “It seemed every day someone would ask: “‘Do you need anything?’ or ‘How can I help you?’ “We have observed this beautiful, obedient Bethel family “and have learned a lot, especially how to show personal interest “in concrete ways during difficult times. “We can say that we had practical lessons “in endurance, love, “concern for others, trust in Jehovah, “obedience, and shepherding. “This is an example “that we will take with us in our hearts “and try to reflect in our dealings with others. “Once the school started, we could see Jehovah’s hand in the arrangements “and how the brothers taking the lead trusted in Jehovah “and the arrangements he had in place. “As one of our first lessons, “we want to follow their fine example “for whatever lies ahead. “We were touched by the sincerity “of our instructors, ‘gifts in men,’ “who helped us to broaden and improve “our understanding of the Scriptures. “It is our heartfelt desire “to do as the psalmist sang “at Psalm 105:1: “‘Give thanks to Jehovah, “make his deeds known among the peoples!’ “Yes, we want to share what we have learned “with humble hearts, “Jehovah God. “to continue to grow spiritually “and be used in whatever way Jehovah decides to use us. “All that we experienced during our time here “makes us appreciate “and continues to give us insight “in Jehovah’s new world. “on to our assignments, “and we are determined “to follow your examples “in bringing honor and glory “Your brothers and sisters, the 149th Class of Gilead.”

Thank you for the beautiful sentiments expressed in that class letter. They were truly heartfelt. I concluded my opening comments with Deuteronomy 8:17, 18. In part, it said: “Remember that it is Jehovah your God who gives power to you.”

申命記 8：17–18 新世界譯本Base32版

17 [513, Z13] 如果你心裡說：『我得到的財富，都是靠自己的力量，靠我親手努力取得的。』 18 [514, Z14] 你就要記得，是耶和華你的上帝賜給你力量，讓你得到財富。他這樣做是要履行他跟你祖先訂立的誓約，正如今天的情形一樣。

You have had five months of wonderful instruction. You have learned so much that you likely did not fully appreciate before. You have been elevated personally by this experience. It has improved your knowledge of God’s Word. You may have already noticed that your Christian personality has developed even further than when you came. But always remember: The gifts you have attained are not by your own power and strength. Please find with me Isaiah 40:29-31. The thought of a source of power is woven throughout the Scriptures. But let’s now read chapter 40, verse 29:

以賽亞書 40：29–31 新世界譯本Base32版

29 [I0I, Z0I] 他加力量給疲倦的人，賜充足的能力給軟弱的人。 30 [I0J, Z0J] 少年會疲憊困乏，青年難免失足跌倒， 31 [I0K, Z0K] 但仰望耶和華的人會重獲力量，像鷹一樣展翅高飛。他們奔跑不會困乏，行走也不疲憊。」

“He gives power to the tired one and full might to those lacking strength.” I’m old and tired. Is Jehovah going to infuse me with physical power and strength? I wouldn’t complain if he chose to do so, but that is not the kind of power being discussed. It’s not physical power. Well, how do we know it isn’t? Look at verse 30. Verse 30 says: “Boys will tire out and grow weary, and young men will stumble and fall.” So then, what kind of power can we expect from Jehovah according to these verses? It’s power to reinvigorate us spiritually. The power to help us carry out our theocratic activities to the extent our physical strength allows. It’s the power to endure the trials of life. Now, verse 31: “But those hoping in Jehovah “will regain power. “They will soar on wings like eagles. “They will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not tire out.” In that verse, hope and power are linked together. By hoping in Jehovah and depending on his strength, we can soar like an eagle We can accomplish the assignments we are given. I wasn’t sure if I could complete this assignment as the chairman of Gilead graduation.

But here we are at the last part of the program. —Romans 15:13. Here, too, hope and power are linked together. We can consider this as our prayer for you, the 25 graduates of the 149th class. Verse 13:

羅馬書 15：13 新世界譯本Base32版

13 [RKT, ZKT] 願賜人希望的上帝因你們信賴他，就使你們滿懷喜樂和安寧。這樣，由於神聖力量發揮的強大作用，你們就充滿希望。

Trust absolutely in Jehovah and not in yourself. If you do so, the verse said with power of holy spirit.” Holy spirit reminds us of the fruitage of the spirit. Make it a project to work on each of the nine aspects of the spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22, 23. We love all of you. I’m still open to Romans 15. is in the 33rd verse:

羅馬書 15：33 新世界譯本Base32版

33 [RLH, ZLH] 願賜人安寧的上帝與你們所有人同在。阿們。

Dig Deeper

John Stephen Akhwari (1968 Olympic marathon) 約翰．斯蒂芬．阿赫瓦裏

While competing in the marathon in Mexico City, Akhwari cramped up due to the high altitude of the city. He had not trained at such an altitude back in his country. At the 19 kilometer point during the 42 km race, there was jockeying for position between some runners and he was hit. He fell badly wounding his knee and dislocating that joint plus his shoulder hit hard against the pavement. He however continued running, finishing last among the 57 competitors who completed the race (75 had started). The winner of the marathon, Mamo Wolde of Ethiopia, finished in 2:20:26. Akhwari finished in 3:25:27, when there were only a few thousand people left in the stadium, and the sun had set. A television crew was sent out from the medal ceremony when word was received that there was one more runner about to finish.

As he finally crossed the finish line a cheer came from the small crowd. When interviewed later and asked why he continued running, he said, "My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race."[3]

John Stephen Akhwari cramped up and then fell, badly injuring his knee and shoulder, during the men’s marathon at Mexico City 1968. But, despite being barely able to hobble, the part-time Tanzanian farmer refused to stop. Now 78 years old, Akhwari is delighted people still want to hear about the race during which he embodied the term “Olympic spirit”.

Just under a quarter of the field in the men’s marathon at the Olympic Games Mexico City 1968 failed to finish. From the city’s punishing altitude to the roaring pace set by eventual winner Mamo Wolde from Ethiopia, it was a brutal race. But John Stephen Akhwari, a 26-year-old hailing from farming stock in Tanzania, was going to make it to the finish line.

“I never thought of stopping. My only objective was to finish the race,” Akhwari said, 52 years after inspiring the watching world with his unflinching determination. The steel is still there in the voice as he describes how, first, he battled through cramp.

“I started to feel the cramps when I had covered about 30km of the [42km race],” he explained, before adding simply: “It was very painful.”

Like many of the runners, Akhwari had not had access to any high-altitude training. Mexico City’s 2,250m elevation caused even the most refined of muscles to jerk into debilitating spasms.

Akhwari, the reigning African men’s marathon champion, had arrived at the 1968 Games fit and in form. He had pedigree on the international circuit too, having finished second in the iconic Athens marathon in 1963 – a performance he now labels as the “best” of his career. But, despite the cramp instantly laying waste to his personal ambitions of securing a shock Olympic medal, he found a way to battle on.

As a melee of runners jockeyed for position, Akhwari was sent crashing to the ground by a stray limb. Despite the octogenarian now cheerily asserting that he sustained “minor injuries”, reports from 1968 suggest that time has glossed over the severe pain the Tanzanian must have felt. Akhwari not only smashed his shoulder on the pavement and gashed his knee, he also dislocated that joint.

But, after receiving “first aid” as he puts it, the bandaged and bound Akhwari set off for the finish line.

Those on the streets of the Mexican capital soon realised what they were seeing.

“The crowd was clapping and cheering; they encouraged me a lot to finish the race,” said the man who shuffled into the Olympic Stadium almost exactly 60 minutes after winner Wolde had glided through the gates. Several thousand of the spectators had perhaps heard the whispers that something special was about to happen, and remained in place.

“As I entered the stadium, the only thing I was thinking was to get to the finish line. I was very surprised by the reaction of the people to my efforts. Even an hour after the winner had entered the stadium, I was still met by a lot of people,” a still happily surprised Akhwari confirmed.

“I particularly remember a nine-year-old boy who was with his parents at the place I entered the stadium. He was so inspired by my dedication and my passion he promised his parents that one day, when he grew up, he would visit me in Tanzania, and he kept his promise.”

This defiant man’s description of how he felt once he finally permitted his legs to collapse is instructive in its simplicity.

“I was obviously very happy because I managed to finish the race, but also I experienced some pains in my body due to the fall. At the finish line, a journalist asked why I did not give up when I knew I had no chance to win. My answer was, ‘My country did not send me to Mexico City to start the race; they sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race’.”

It is a quote that has come to define Akhwari. The Olympic Movement has certainly never forgotten it, or him. In 2000, he was asked to present the men’s marathon medals at the Sydney 2000 Games – something he felt “privileged and honoured” to do. Eight years later, he was at the Beijing 2008 Games as a goodwill ambassador.

Now retired from his farm in rural Tanzania, Akhwari remains endearingly proud that “people are still talking” about what he did all those years ago.

“There are a lot of people who still talk to me about running, and the Olympics especially – people who are inspired by my history,” he said. “I think people are still so interested because of the passion and the efforts I put [into] finishing the race, regardless of the hardships I went through.”

He is right.

1968年的墨西哥奧運會，坦桑尼亞選手John Stephen Akhwari沒有得任何的獎牌，但卻贏盡全世界的掌聲，上演了奧運會最感人的一幕，成為後世佳話。

當年埃塞俄比亞選手Mamo Wolde以2:20:26的時間奪冠。頒奬典禮結束時已經入夜，選手們領過獎牌後和幾千個現場觀眾正準備離開之際。突然間聽到大會傳來的廣播：「我們還有一位選手在比賽！」。

此時的鎂光燈馬上射向運動塲入口，只見包著紗布，全身帶血的John正一拐一拐的步向終點。此情此景，全塲觀再次歡呼起來為他打氣。最後他以3:25:27的成績衝線，輸了比賽但贏盡全世界的掌聲。 原來墨西哥城身處2000米的高原地帶，加上酷熱天氣，令許多選手也大失預算。在大約19公里時發生多人碰撞，John也因此而意外墮地，膝頭和膊頭嚴重受傷。受到這麼的傷患，一般來說退賽是一個合理的選擇，但懐著鋼鐵般意志的John並沒有這樣想法。 處理好傷勢後，多位選手決定退出比賽。但John仍然堅持，工作人員見狀後多次勸退但也無改他的決心。帶著受傷的身體，John被一個又一個的後來者超越，他也未有個退出的念頭。這時狀況，莫說勝出，就連可否完賽也成問題，但John心目中只有一個念頭，就是用盡每一分氣力完成這個賽事。 坦桑尼亞國徽隨著John的身軀而進入運動塲，他或行或跑，一步一步的接近終點。雖然他是最後一個到達的選手，但因爲他的堅持，他的每一步都受到全塲觀眾的鼓掌和尊敬。上演了奧運會最感人的一幕。 賽後記者訪問John，問為什麼不放棄比賽？ John堅定的說出原因：「我的國家把我送到千里之外不是為了參加起步，而是為了完成賽事」 John沒有得到任何獎牌，但卻留下了萬人稱讚的模範。