2016 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Read about the work Jehovah’s Witnesses accomplished during 2015 and their history in Indonesia.
2016 Yeartext
Hebrews 13:1 contains both exhortation and commendation.
A Letter From the Governing Body
This encouraging message shows how such provisions as the jw.org website, JW Broadcasting, public witnessing carts, and our 2015 Regional Conventions have proved to be real blessings.
“We Love JW Broadcasting So Much!”
What was involved in setting up this Internet television station?
Speeding Up Kingdom Hall Construction
The work has been reorganized to meet the need for thousands of new halls.
How Is the Warwick Project Progressing?
Get a brief update on the construction of the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Reaching the Unreachable
What led Terry to believe that what he heard from Jehovah’s Witnesses answered his prayer?
The Light Keeps Getting Brighter
In this section, see how Jehovah continues to illuminate the path of true worshippers.
Branch Dedications
Jehovah’s Witnesses in Madagascar and Indonesia received special blessings early in 2015.
New World Translation in More Languages
Sixteen editions were released during the 2015 service year.
Legal Report
The battle against religious discrimination continues around the world.
Dispatches
The contents of young Ken’s secret box helped to build a Kingdom Hall.
Africa
What innovative methods are Witnesses using to share the good news?
The Americas
Why did one woman study in a field by candlelight? Why was an aggressive Amerindian chief waiting for the Witnesses? And why did a former persecutor cry?
Asia and the Middle East
Nothing hinders Kingdom evangelizers—neither physical handicaps nor being arrested.
Europe
A Roma man, a prisoner, and a woman contemplating suicide are impressed by contacts with the message of truth.
Oceania
Literature tables, preaching carts, the jw.org website, and theocratic videos are planting seeds of truth among hundreds, if not thousands, of people!
An Overview of Indonesia
Get a quick summary of the land, people, and customs of the world’s largest island chain.
The Spice Trade
During the 16th century, the spice trade powered the global economy.
That Is Where I Want to Start!
A few intrepid colporteurs (pioneers) from Australia overcame challenges as they opened up the preaching work.
Early Preaching Methods
Radio broadcasts and harbor witnessing aroused the anger of powerful adversaries of the truth in Indonesia.
The Bibelkring
This religious movement had its basis in the publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses, but fell victim to human reasoning.
He Treasured Spiritual Riches
Rioters looted the home of Thio Seng Bie as he looked on, yet they left something behind that he valued more than the things he lost.
West Java Bears Fruit
As their publications were progressively banned, the Witnesses used ingenuity to carry on their preaching work.
Under the Japanese Yoke
During World War II, some Witnesses found a way to register with the Japanese authorities without violating their neutrality.
A Fearless Pioneer
During 60 years of service, André Elias maintained his integrity despite interrogation and threats.
Gilead Missionaries Arrive
The first Gilead-trained missionaries to arrive helped to advance the preaching work quickly.
The Work Expands East
Would the clergy’s opposition succeed this time?
More Missionaries Arrive
Conditions for preaching the good news quickly deteriorated during the mid-1970’s.
A True Daughter of Sarah
Titi Koetin happily subjected herself to her husband and gained a rich reward in return.
A Memorable Convention
The “Everlasting Good News” Assembly of 1963 succeeded despite serious obstacles.
I Survived a Communist Uprising
Ronald Jacka’s grave had already been dug.
Fifty Years a Special Pioneer
In 1964, a Protestant minister threatened, ‘I am going to rid Manokwari of Jehovah’s Witnesses!’ Did he succeed?
From Crime Boss to Respected Citizen
The Director of Intelligence asked: “What are Jehovah’s Witnesses really doing in Indonesia?”
Determined to Move Forward
What moved some observers to say, “Jehovah’s Witnesses are like nails”?
They Did Not Forsake Meeting Together
When the ban on Jehovah’s Witnesses was lifted, an official paradoxically said: “This registration document does not grant you freedom of worship.”
Christian Love in Times of Disaster
Jehovah’s Witnesses responded quickly after an earthquake leveled the Indonesian town of Gunungsitoli.
We Would Not Compromise Our Faith
Daniel Lokollo recalls his persecution at the hands of prison guards.
We Obeyed Direction
Conflict between Muslims and Christians in Indonesia created a critical situation for Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The Work Gains Momentum
Once the ban was lifted, the brothers benefited from three key initiatives.
Proudly Declaring Jehovah’s Name
How did the Witnesses overcome the challenges from habits and culture that inhibited their boldness?
A Branch Office in the Sky
Need-greaters looking for the next preaching frontier have found it.
Jehovah Surpassed Our Expectations!
The congregation in the village of Tugala Oyo, Indonesia, received an unexpected blessing.
Reunited at Last!
Two deaf sisters in Indonesia were separated when one was given up for adoption, but the truth brought them together.
One Hundred Years Ago
An event in the fall of 1916 would prove to be profoundly significant for the Bible Students.
2015 Grand Totals
What effort and resources did we expend to preach the good news of God’s Kingdom?
Memorial Commemoration
A four-week invitation campaign had outstanding results.
