# *Re: GB member

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Posted by ros [ros] on November 24, 1999 at 20:44:56 {BlpRHB6gpcdmhhsMJ.h27/SY5I9NtE}:

In Reply to: Re: GB member posted by Methushael on November 24, 1999 at 15:39:56:

Dear Methushael:

I think you make some good speculations about the condition of the present older members of the WT Governing Body. It is difficult for me to believe this aged group of men are running a multi-billion-dollar corporation. I suspect others are actually running the organization, and these fellows are just the revered figureheads, kind of like Queen Elizabeth doesn't rule Britain.
I have heard (but not confirmed) that one of them has Alzheimer's, another is essentially senile, and another has had some concern with cancer though perhaps not terminal.

GB members who spoke at the recent 107th graduation of Gilead included:

> Barber (94) - Chairman
> Sydlik (80)
> Lett (new member)
> Splane (new member)
> A Bethel elder (unnamed in the report)
> Gilead Instructor(s)(unnamed in the report)
> Jaracz (74)

The "Notes from 1999 Annual Meeting" dated October 2, 1999 (6 pages) reported the following GB participants in an attendance of 10,594:

> Henschel (79) opened with prayer.

> Sydlik (80), Chairman, gave the introductory presentation and spoke about how the WTS has prospered. "The world is under the power of the wicked one, but we are untouched as a people and not mislead. The peace of God exists with us. We have calm in a world of violence. With love in our hearts and the peace of God, we should be grateful," he said.
> He told how Russell began a Bible study group and what that group learned has "...shaken Christendom. The good news spread out as never before. People were set free, and they loved it."
> He pointed out that the first Watchtower was published 120 years ago and today 22,328,000 magazines are printed twice a month and the publications are now in 235 lands with 6-million publishers, 88,000 congregations. The day of the last "Memorial" assembled 14 million people worldwide (over 7 million of which were not JWs). After listing a few other statistics for the US he concluded in saying:
> "Truly the little one has become a mighty nation, and Jehovah is speeding it up. We are standing at the water's edge of the new system. Today we will learn first hand how the Kingdom work is being done in many lands, but first, the legal business.

> After reports about India, Poland, Russia, Austria, service profiles of several long-termers,
> John Barr (86) gave a talk on "Be the Sort That Have Faith" which he began in saying that the year text for 2000 was "chosen with great care. The apostle said at Heb 10:39 'Now we are not the sort that shrink back to destruction, but the sort that have faith to the preserving alive of the soul.' Never has a time been more urgent to steer clear from shrinking back, but to be the sort that has faith. There is danger in shrinking back. ... "

> Then Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and the Philippines reported on their expansions and acquisitions of land, congregations, etc. Last, the US:
> Max Larson (factory overseer for 57 years) told how Bethel had one factory building with 185 workers when he came, and now it has 35 buildings. He told about the four large high-speed printing presses and how much publications they produce, and that 73% of the WTS publications are now printed at the branches. He reported that the Brooklyn borough president said, "...When executives come from all over the world to see me . . . They comment on the attractive and clean view. This is true, thanks to the Watchtower."

> The final talk reported was by
> Jaracz, "Jehovah's Oreganization Moves Ahead Without Letup." In his talk, he stated: "Some ask, 'Who is your leader?' We know this is the role of Jesus. He knows what is going on. In the Revelation to John, he is seen inspecting the congregation. 'I know your deeds.' How is his leadership manifest? By holy spirit. Gifts in men are appointed by holy spirit, as we submit to the leadership of Jesus. They are on his right and under his control. Our commission to preach the word is not a social gospel. This witnessing has been entrusted to the faithful and discreet slave represented by the Governing body. . . . What we couldn't have conceived of in the 1920's through 1940's, we see today." [bold not in original]

> In conclusion, Sydlik announced the four new younger additions to the Governing Body (Herd, Pierce, Lett, and Splane).

> Barber (94) closed with prayer.

Throughout reading these reports, I couldn't help remembering the boasting of Nebuchadnezzar at Daniel 4:30 "Is not this Babylon the Great, that I myself have built for the royal house with the strength of my might and for the dignity of my majesty?" (NWT) This was just before Jehovah reduced him to a beast of the fields."

Not mentioned at either of these functions: Swingle (89 - a board member), Schroeder (88) and Klein (94).

---------------
Ros

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