TO THE CONGREGATIONS OF NICARAGUA
Dear brothers,
The opening words of Isaiah chapter 54 urge the heavenly part of Jehovah's organization, likened to a wife, to prepare for increases that would cause her joy.The fulfillment of that thrilling prophecy is evident in the exceptional increase of true worship that we observe nowadays both in our country and throughout the world as Jehovah accelerates the harvest (Isa. 54:1-4; 60:22).
Can Jehovah's organized people keep up with the growth He has made possible? Of course they can! A determining factor to properly satisfy the needs that arise due to rapid growth lies in the simplification of procedures. The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, representing "the faithful and discreet slave", has been very much aware of this important fact (Mat. 24:45-47). In recent years we have been witnesses to the implementation of several measures in favour of simplification, such as stopping serving food at assemblies, the centralization of producing magazines and the other publications in several branches located by regions, as well as speeding up communication among branches and congregations. Besides, efforts have been made to design and build much needed Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls more rapidly. No doubt all of us have benefited greatly from all these adjustments.
During the past year, the Governing Body analyzed the possibility of simplifying the administrative work carried out in smaller branches throughout the world. After analyzing the matter with the committees of the six branches in Central America, the Governing Body has determined to centralize the supervision of the Kingdom work carried out in those countries.This will be implemented in the coming months, and it will be the branch in Mexico that will be in charge of supervising the work in these territories. The date has not yet been fixed for this adjustment to come into effect, but you can rest assured things will be done in an orderly manner. Through official correspondence, the branch of Mexico will keep the bodies of elders and the congregations informed, as more information becomes available.
The theocratic direction of the Governing Body in the first century resulted in great spiritual blessings for Jehovah's people in the first century. Acts 16:4, 5 says: "As they traveled on through the cities they would deliver to those there for observance the decrees that had been decided upon by the apostles and older men that were in Jerusalem. Therefore, indeed, the congregations continued to be made firm in the faith and to increase in number from day to day". The Branch Committee in our country gives its full support to this wise decision of the Governing Body, and we have full confidence you will do the same. Jehovah will no doubt bless us for being willing to follow the theocratic direction given by "those who take the lead" (Heb. 13:17).
Rest assured that this adjustment won't affect anything the organization has provided to carry out congregation meetings, visits by travelling overseers and assemblies. Most travelling overseers, special pioneers and missionaries will continue in their current assignments. Furthermore, many congregations that need more elders and ministerial servants will be happy to count on mature brothers and sisters from Bethel who, in time, will integrate become a part of these congregations as regular or special pioneers. We also contemplate that the excellent work that is being carried out in Central America as regards the building of Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls will take on greater momentum. There's no doubt of it: thrilling times lie ahead!
Let's be determined to benefit from these adjustments as we follow the direction of our Great Shepherd, who leads us to grassy pastures of peace and refreshment (Ps. 23:2, 3). Receive our Christian love.
Your brothers,
