Sunday Life Reporter
A forerunner in distributing Bible-based online content is now sharing that same digital information without the internet.
Each day more than 2,1 million visitors use jw.org, the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses, to access timely articles, videos and audio recordings that offer practical help from the scriptures. For people who cannot connect online, including ones in rural areas, the Witnesses provide, free of charge, a small kit with a router device.
JW Box is the size of a deck of cards and provides access to more than 120 million digital publications and media files that are also available on jw.org. Funded entirely by voluntary donations, the boxes are sent from the nearest branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses to local Kingdom Halls around the world where the Witnesses gather to worship on a weekly basis.
An estimated 1,4 million users who live in areas where the internet is unreliable or where there is no service, wirelessly connect their mobile devices to the box and download content. The boxes contain content in more than 300 languages.
They are periodically updated via either USB keys or by using a “box-to-box” propagation method, where one up-to-date box wirelessly updates another box.
“Jehovah’s Witnesses are always looking for ways to reach as many people as possible with the hope and comfort found in the Bible,” said Kudakwashe Chikuvadze national spokesman of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
“The internet has been instrumental for global outreach, but JW Box has made it possible for those without access to the internet to still have access to the Bible’s uplifting message and timeless wisdom.”
JW Box is compatible with a wide variety of devices, even older or inexpensive models. Takudzwa can’t afford data for his cellphone, which he purchased a few years ago, so he regularly downloads from the box.
“The positive information that I download to my phone is something that helps me with daily living.
“The practical advice helps me manage my stress, gives me balance and happiness in life and provides a future hope to hold on to.”
More than 20 000 JW Boxes are operational worldwide with plans to ship to more areas. Many of these boxes are delivered via public transportation, boats, motorcycles and bicycles to remote parts of a country or island.