The Governing Body has asked me to express their deep gratitude to you dear brothers and sisters for your heartfelt donations. It’s wonderful to see how you make this personal sacrifice despite the uncertain economic times we live in. Generosity supports Kingdom interests, brings joy to the givers, and makes Jehovah’s heart glad. We would like to take this opportunity to share with you some of the incredible things your donations have helped to accomplish in Angola, the Philippines, and Venezuela. Our need for Kingdom Hall renovations and new construction has been outpaced by our growth. For example, during the next three service years, we are planning to build 135 new Kingdom Halls and renovate 140 Kingdom Halls throughout the country. Just in the past three years, nearly 200 Kingdom Hall projects were completed. Being available for the ongoing training to build and maintain Kingdom Halls is one way our brothers give back to Jehovah. In the Philippines, we have responded to 23 events requiring 37 Disaster Relief Committees just in the last service year and in the early part of this current service year. However, the relief work often extends beyond six months. More than 100,000 brothers and sisters were affected by seven consecutive typhoons just within a five-month period between July 2024 and November 2024. After Typhoon Nika, two more strong typhoons followed: Ofel and Pepito. We were not able to return to work. I felt that Jehovah did not abandon us. Right after Typhoon Nika, a brother visited our house with his entire family to help clean up and remove the fallen trees around our area. I truly felt Jehovah’s love for me and the love of the brothers and sisters. I also wanted others to feel that love, so I participate in the work projects of the Disaster Relief Committee. Doesn’t it warm your heart to see how your generosity has helped others and how they, in turn, display a generous spirit? This, in turn, has moved many, like Sister Cherry, to be generous while coping with trials. Some of us, however, are dealing with serious health challenges along with economic uncertainty, high inflation, crime, and food insecurity. During the worst part of the economic crisis, we saw Jehovah’s hand when we were helped by a relief committee organized by the branch. Our wonderful global brotherhood was alerted to our needs, and on some occasions, we received some financial aid, packages, letters, videos, and phone calls that greatly lifted our spirits. Before the country could emerge from the crisis, the pandemic arrived. During the pandemic, once again brothers came to our aid. We currently have a small business where we sell a very popular sweet drink in the country called chicha. The situation in the country is still far from ideal, but we have complete confidence that Jehovah will continue to care for us as he always has. Economic uncertainty is still a challenge in Venezuela. Yet, as of July 2024, relief efforts have been discontinued and the local brothers are again able to care for their basic needs. How is this possible? Well, many have responded to encouragement from the branch office for publishers to plant small gardens to help feed and support their families financially. At the beginning, there was some hesitancy regarding these initiatives, but by March 2024, publishers from 1,087 congregations reported a total of 16,457 seeded yards or gardens. These practical initiatives have enabled many brothers and sisters to obtain necessary food or income and, in the case of many, to share products with others. We rejoice that today the majority of our brothers in Venezuela are able to meet their basic needs. These are just a few examples of what your donations have accomplished in the steadfast spirit of our brotherhood. Your generosity is especially appreciated given the “critical times” we live in. There is no doubt Jehovah appreciates every single contribution, no matter the amount or method in which it is given. In fact, Proverbs 22:9 gives us this assurance: “The generous person will be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.” This verse makes it clear that this blessing isn’t based on the amount given but on the generous spirit of the giver. We thank Jehovah God for your generosity and the joy it brings to you and to our brothers and sisters around the world.