The graduation of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead took place on Saturday, March 14, 2020. This was an unprecedented event because it took place without an audience at the educational center of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Patterson, New York.
Instead, due to the COVID-19 Global Pandemic, delegates viewed the program via a live stream, using a special link that has since expired.
The only persons in attendance at the event were the graduates, the AV crew, and the speakers: Governing Body members Stephen Lett (Chairman), Geoffrey Jackson, Anthony Morris; Governing Body helpers James Malenfant, Mark Noumair; and Gilead Instructor James Cauthon.
The Bethel family and the Gilead students set a fine example supporting the direction from the Governing Body that there would be no outside guests for the program. This is the same fine example set by millions of people around the world who are supporting the direction from their governments not to go outside unless it is absolutely necessary.
As the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) rages on, the whole world – not just Jehovah’s Witnesses – is adversely affected. What this virus (SARS-COV-2) has told us is that nothing can be taken for granted. It is during this trying time that we see how the world is reacting to such a unique event in human history.
We at AvoidJW would like to take this opportunity to commend the public for the loyal love they show to each other, to their loved ones, and to the greater worldwide community.
It is clear that nothing can stop the power of love from helping us all, as a united human race, to be patient, to be kind, to be considerate of the interests of others over our own, and to endure peacefully throughout this pandemic. – 1 Corinthians 13:4,5,7