The International Book Fair of Santa Cruz, held from May 31 to June 11, 2023, in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, provided a significant platform for promoting mental health awareness. Among the numerous booths and exhibits, the booth organized by devoted individuals highlighted “The Watchtower No. 1 2023,” with a specific focus on “Mental Health—Help From the Bible.”
Over the course of the fair, more than 120,000 visitors had the opportunity to engage with this important topic. The booth was staffed by approximately 200 dedicated brothers and sisters, who warmly welcomed and interacted with over 20,000 visitors.
The booth featured educational videos from the official website, jw.org, providing valuable insights and information on various subjects. Visitors were encouraged to explore these resources and discover how to research topics of interest.
During the fair, nearly 5,500 pieces of literature were distributed, and approximately 600 videos were screened. These efforts aimed to reach as many individuals as possible with the message of mental health support found in “The Watchtower” and related materials.
One particularly impactful moment occurred when a woman, after noticing the theme of mental health at the booth, approached a sister and shared her family’s struggles with mental and emotional health issues. She candidly expressed her own challenges with anxiety and depression. In response, the sister offered support by helping the woman download “The Watchtower” magazine on mental health and the “Enjoy Life Forever!” brochure to her mobile phone. Moreover, the woman took immediate steps to request a Bible study through the online form on jw.org.
This powerful exchange exemplifies how literature and resources centered on mental health can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, providing them with hope, encouragement, and a sense of purpose. It also underscores the vital role that events like the International Book Fair play in raising awareness and offering support for mental well-being.
