India had her very first “written all by myself” talk on Thursday.
Both Austin and India enrolled in the school at a young age -as soon as they were able to read.
India has been requesting for a while to have an assignment where she was not just the assistant but the person responsible for developing the information.
The benefits of this school are amazing to watch even a young person be able to stand in front of an audience and be composed enough to read well, speak clearly, and teach simply. A rare skill, indeed.
Do you quake with fear at the thought of public speaking? Has someone ever asked you a question about God or your faith in the Bible or why do bad things happen to good people and you found it difficult to give a good reply? The Theocratic Ministry School teaches us how to give encouraging, Bible-based answers to difficult questions.
The ability to communicate effectively is an art. Not everyone does it well. Many textbooks have been designed to help people to improve in this area.
Students (which is pretty much everyone in the congregation regardless of age) receive assignments to present information in a clear, understandable, reasonable manner.
AROUND the earth, in upwards of 200 lands, millions of students are benefiting each week from Theocratic Ministry School education. Some are new. Others have attended the school for many years. The school is conducted in tens of thousands of locations. Wherever you live on earth, the same program of education is available to you. People of all ages, ethnic groups, and educational backgrounds are receiving this theocratic instruction, free of charge.
When the school was inaugurated in congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1943, its purpose was stated in these words: “To prepare all ‘faithful men,’ those who have heard God’s Word and proved their faith therein, to ‘be able to teach others’ . . . to the one end of making each one . . . better equipped to publicly present the hope that is within him.” (Course in Theocratic Ministry, p. 4) The school’s objective has remained the same to this day.
Really, what is the best thing that any of us can do with our God-given gift of speech? The Bible answers: “Every breathing thing—let it praise Jah.” (Ps. 150:6) When we do that, we bring joy to the heart of our heavenly Father. We give evidence to him that our own hearts are responding with gratitude to his goodness and love. No wonder Christians are encouraged always to “offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name”! (Heb. 13:15) With a view to helping you improve in your ability to use your God-given gifts to praise Jehovah, we welcome you as a student in the Theocratic Ministry School.
While public reading and the arts of speaking and teaching are given much attention in the school, the benefits of Theocratic Ministry School education are not limited to that. As you participate, you will be helped to cultivate such valuable skills as personal reading, listening and remembering, studying, doing research, analyzing and organizing, conversing, answering questions, and putting thoughts down in writing. The Bible itself and Bible-based publications will provide the basis for study and for comments and presentations given in the school. As you fill your mind with the precious truths found in God’s Word, you will learn to think God’s thoughts. How beneficial that can be in every aspect of life! Of the value of God’s Word, 20th-century university educator William Lyon Phelps wrote: “Everyone who has a thorough knowledge of the Bible may truly be called educated. . . . I believe a knowledge of the Bible without a college course is more valuable than a college course without a Bible.”
She did a good job. Her friends Rick, Amy and baby Xavi came to our meeting Thursday. You can hear baby Xavi in the background “cheering” for her during the applause. 🙂
And, because we have learned to “expect the unexpected” we were amused but not shocked when the electricity went on the blink as a quick storm came over the mountain bringing along hurricane strength winds, flashes of lightning and pounding rain. We could hear pieces of the neighbor’s roof blowing away. The rain was so loud that our meeting was actually interrupted a couple times and finally we had to finish early because it was impossible to hear even with the microphones turned all the way up.
On our ride home we saw lots of wind damage. Once safely home (and surprised to find we still had electricity) we went up to the roof top terrace to watch the lightning storm across the lake and in the mountains while enjoying our little special celebration dessert.
Good job India. We love you and are very proud of you, sweetie. (except you are growing up way too fast)
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India! What a nice job on your talk! It brought tears to my eyes.
You really are growing up so fast! We miss you! Keep up the excellent work!
Much love from Jared, Alison & Hailey
India, I am one of your “older” sisters in Oregon and we have never met. I received the link to your talk from Geraldine Tate. What a privilege to be able to hear you. You did a top notch job. It’s young ones such as yourself who are doing Jehovah’s will that make me so proud! Keep up the good work.
Agape,
Cheryl
Wow Yaya- you did such a wonderful job, you never even needed to look at your notes! Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing. Love, misses, hugs & kisses!
Jessica ( & Scott too)
I have been following your blog for a few months now. We are an American family living in Tokyo (both our girls-ages 6 and 10– were born here). My girls and I just watched India’s first talk and felt compelled to comment on what a wonderful job she did. The setting was so realistic and the material was covered beautifully and with such poise! Way to go, India!!
I’m sure there was loud applause even from the “unseen audience” as well.
We were all encouraged to keep on boldly defending our faith by your talk! Thank you.
CONGRADULATIONS INDIA.
India, you gave an excellent talk. Very good job!
Good India!!! I loved the setting- we may have to steal that one from you. You looked like a pioneer and you taught like one too!
You go girl! What an excellent talk! I wish we could’ve been there in person! Keep making Jehovah’s heart glad!
Hi India, could you help me with my next talk?!
Looking forward to Wednesday!
geraldine
WOW Miss India you did super. I loved it super good job.
You will make a great pioneer!
Becca
Congratualtions Ya-Ya. The picture of you above is JUST so adorable, and your mom is right, you certainly are growing up so fast. Hugs and kisses and lots of love to you!
Auntie Em
Hi India & Enos Family,
I have been following your family’s blog for the past couple of months. We are a family of 6 ( I am the mother of 2 boys & 2 girls-14,12-boys, 6 &6 twin girls) who are dreaming of doing something with the French Language in the future. I had to comment on what a wonderful talk you gave. I know this was quite a while ago and you have probably given several since this one, but you did a wonderful job! It was the perfect setting and I loved how brave & calm you were to explain your beliefs. What a wonderful example for other young sisters!