Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
FALLBROOK – The past 30 years have been riddled with surgeries, chronic disease and pain for 69-year-old Fallbrook resident Charlie Tolliver. He has faced kidney failures, a transplant, life support and dialysis.
"I don't know what will happen today or tomorrow. At any moment, I can have a medical crisis," said Tolliver.
Incredibly, he struggles to recall dealing with negative emotions. How is this possible? Tolliver, one of Jehovah's Witnesses since 1969, said, "I read the Bible to strengthen my faith. The hope the Bible promises for a better future is there for me."
This spring, Tolliver joins millions of Witnesses worldwide, inviting all to hear about that hope in a Bible-based lecture held virtually during the week of April 4.
"The Bible describes a future without pain, without suffering – even without death – right here on earth," said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesman for Jehovah's Witnesses. "While many religious people look to a better future in a heavenly place, God's original purpose has never changed: perfect people living in a paradise on earth. While it is difficult to conceive, there's sound reason to have faith in this promise."
Mike O'Connell, 70, of Marietta, Georgia, finds comfort in these Bible promises.
His wife, Dee, contracted COVID-19 last year while hospitalized after suffering a stroke and died just days before their 39th wedding anniversary. "I miss everything about her," O'Connell said.
Picturing how he will welcome her back to life on earth during the global resurrection described in Scripture helps O'Connell endure the pain of Dee's absence.
"I have no doubt I'll see her again," he said. "Staying focused on that time keeps my hope alive."
The 30-minute program "Where Can You Find Real Hope?" will be hosted virtually worldwide by congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses due to the pandemic. The public is also invited the following week to the annual Memorial observance of Jesus Christ's death on the evening of Friday, April 15.
Admission to both programs is free, and registration is not required. Information on attending is available at jw.org.
"In times like these, we need hope more than ever," Hendriks said. "Hope helps a person look ahead with courage and confidence to the fulfillment of God's beautiful promises. That's why attending one of these special programs can be life-changing."
Submitted by Jehovah's Witnesses.
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