A few months ago, while I was reading the yearbook, I read about all these experiences about how the work started and continued in Papua New Guinea and I thought to myself, "Man, I wish I could do that. I wish MY return visits were __that__ productive. I wish I could travel by boat, walk through jungles, and live in tents and huts just to reach those with a humble heart." Well, while I didn't track through a jungle or live in a hut, I have had some very unique experiences while here in Roatan (some of which I shall never forget). Let me tell you what has happened from Wednesday until today...
On Wednesday, we were extremely tired and worn out. Coming to a place like this and doing the stuff we have done with 3 kids can be very tiring, especially with an infant! So, while we wanted to go out in service, we had to be realistic: the kids needed a small reprieve. Instead of going out with the group, we decided to take it slow and later in the morning return to those we had talked to whom had shown an interest. We started with Bri's return visit (which she related the experience in the last post) and then continued to Flowers Bay where Jay and I had calls to make and a territory to finish.
Jay enjoyed a great experience while finishing our territory:
"As we approached the end of our service day in beautiful Flowers Bay, I decided to call on the very last door on what appeared to be a house on our territory map. We drove past the house several times and kept missing it, but we finally found it. I got off with Noah and the building almost appeared to be abandoned... it was a small motel with aproximately 6 units. All the doors were shut except for one door in the far left corner. Then we heard a voice coming out of nowhere, "Hey, come on in". I approached the door and a man came out and spontaneously requested, "Do you have the book of Jeremiah?" I was startled and responded, "Of course! It's in the bible". "No, no, no," he said, "I meant, your published book of Jeremiah." At this I replied, "Ok then, buddy, what's the story with you? Is someone studying or visiting you?" He reluctantly answered, "No, but I read all of your publications" and showed me the book of Revelation and one of our Bibles. Then I said again, "What is it that you are not telling me?" He finally opened up and said, "My entire family is in the truth, including my own son. They attend the Morningside Congregation in Miami Beach." That was in the same circuit as my old congregation in Miami! He emphatically stated that the truth was dear to his heart, but that he has been living a wayward life. I told him that I would bring him the book of Jeremiah __only__ if he accepted a visit from one of the local elders. He replied with a warm gesture, "Of course... I will accept." The following day I brought him the book, and as I approached him I see an immediate smile and he reacted as in disbelief. He thanked me for remembering to bring the book and said that he would look forward to a visit from the elders."
Thursday, after making Jay's return visit, we met with Gail to go to her territory. She said to us, "Today is a special day... we are going to my little island to preach." Her little island? I thought that Roatan was her little island. Imagine my surprise when we parked and met with a water taxi to take us to an island off the coast of Roatan. The water taxi was an old wooden Dory, which is a small, shallow draft boat about 5 to 7 meters (16 to 23 feet) long. It had a rickety diesel motor that kept sputtering and turning off every 5 minutes. We sputtered along until we reached the other island.
There the harvest was bountiful. I placed magazines with english and spanish speaking people, and even Noah got to talk to a few people. Noah and I got to this house that was locked up and a neighbor told us that they were gone, so we took the opportunity to tell him what we were there for. He wasn't interested, but he told us that the lady in the house behind his liked to talk about the bible. So off we went to give her a witness. As soon as she saw me she gave me a dubious look, but then Noah began his presentation by reading her a scripture and then presenting the magazines. She looked surprised that someone so young was teaching her what the bible says! She readily accepted the magazines, so then I took the opportunity to show her that everything we talked about was backed by the bible (showing her the scriptures in the article). I asked her, "Do you own a bible?" She replied, "Yes, but in spanish... and I don't read spanish." So I offered to have someone return with a bible for her. Wouldn't it be something if years from now I see her again in a convention as a baptized witness? All because of the bold witnessing that Noah gave.
On Saturday, I ventured Roatan on my own and met with the group. I had made arrangements with Brenden to go to an ASL bible study of his, then go to start a study with one of my return visits and turn it over to him. Studying the bible with Craig (Brenden's study) was very interesting. They were going over the lesson that dealt with the Ransom, and you can tell he was struggling with the concept. What made it harder was that Craig doesn't really know ASL very much and Brenden had to mix in a little Lesso (Honduran Sign Language) to get Craig to understand some concepts. Still, he continued to struggle. Studying with the deaf is often a challenge because sometimes it takes them a little longer to understand deeper concepts since words and phrases we take for granted have to be explained. For instance, we know that the word "Ransom" is often used in connection for a price that is paid for someone who has been taken hostage. In the case of Jesus, his life was the price that was paid to return us from Death's 'captivity'. In sign language, the word "Ransom" has to be signed as Jesus dying and presenting his life as a gift to Jehovah to even the balances. Brenden told me it took him 3 weeks to understand the meaning of those signs (which is used for just that one word "Ransom"). What impressed me was that Craig was trying his hardest to understand and explain it back in his own "words", so to speak. He definitely loves Jehovah enough to study one chapter for a whole month to fully grasp the meaning of the ransom sacrifice, and Brenden definitely loves Jehovah to take the time and have the patience to teach the deaf the truth. We then left to find Kent (my return visit) to start a bible study with him, but he wasn't home. At least I know I left him in good hands.
Today we leave Roatan. Last night was the last night I slept under the stars in this part of the world. As I was falling asleep I couldn't help but feel saddened at leaving our new friends and such a productive territory, but we know that Roatan remains in our hearts. I will never forget this incredible journey and I know that very soon I will be returning once more to pick up where I left off in these last 2 weeks. I hope that when I return my prayers for the growth of the congregations of this little island will be answered, and that Jehovah keeps blessing his servants in this far part of the world like he is doing now.
-Adrian
Forward you witnesses...
Friday, June 24, 2011
It continues to amaze me how it came to be that we came to this little island. Jehovah really knew what we needed in terms of spiritual encouragement, and we all are extremely grateful to Him for providing this wonderful opportunity to praise His name.
Let me begin this post by explaining that what we are about to relate are only a FEW of the experiences that we have had from last Thursday until Monday. There are a lot more, but there is not enough time to relate them all.
It all started with us going out in service with Carl and Willow Carfano, two ex-missionaries serving as pioneers here in the Spanish congregation in Roatan. They took us to their "hidden spiritual gem" in the west end. It was the poorest area I have ever laid eyes on. Half built shacks with tin roofs peppered the mountain-side that was our territory for the morning. Fully naked children with bloated bellies ran around looking for some form of entertainment. Yet, in all that we found lots of sheep-like ones.
While I was walking up this trail up the mountain, Bro. Carfano came up to me hurriedly and said, "Come quick, this woman up in that shack needs a doctor!" I replied to him, "Carl, I'm no doctor. I'm just an EMT... and I don't even have my license yet!" He said, "Doesn't matter. Over here, it's the same thing." And that's how I came to find myself trying to assess and treat a woman with a history of stroke that was experiencing severe migraines, fainting spells, and weakness to her right side. After urging her to seek medical attention at a hospital (or at least a clinic) for fear she might be experiencing something major, I read to her God's promise in Isaiah that he will cure all sickness and showed her the magazine about God's kingdom explaining that that was only ONE of the many things that His kingdom was going to correct. She accepted the magazine, thanked me, and promised to go see a doctor soon. When I left the door, Bro. Carfano asked me how it went and I told him. He was amazed. He told me that many times the witnesses here have tried to visit her, but this was the first time she had ever accepted any of our publications! Truly, taking a personal interest in our neighbors opens the door for the biblical truths to shine through.
After preaching, we went to have lunch with the Carfano's. While having lunch, Carl found out that I was asked to give the public talk in the group in Oak Ridge on Sunday. "You should give it at the congregation too", he said, "Here in the island, we hear the same brothers so often that when a visiting brother does the talk in one, we ask him to do it in the other too." I guess once a used car salesman, always a used car salesman because he finally convinced me to give the talk in his congregation as well. Boy, was I glad I accepted. The attendance to both were amazing! The group in Oak Ridge (who only has 1 elder and 2 MS) had 39 in attendance, more than double the amount of publishers! And the congregation? 110... almost twice the amount of publishers. You could really see the need for capable brothers to take the lead to form more congregations. What impressed me the most is that most of those studies walked or hitched rides several hours to get to the meetings. It takes 25 mins in a car to get to the Kingdom Hall... they walked it. How thirsty they must be for spiritual truths!
On Monday, we thought we would take a break from our spiritual activity and enjoy the beach for a little while. Little did we know that even our recreation would give us an opportunity to give a fine witness! Let's have Brianne explain:
"While eating lunch at a local restaurant on our supposed day off, I decided to get my hair braided. The young woman who was braiding my hair, Dollie, was so nice that I struck up a conversation with her and told her why my family and I had come to the island. She said that she knew of the witnesses and that they come to where she lives. "It is really good", she said in her island accent. She told me she lives in Flowers Bay (an area here in Roatan) and I told her that we were there just last week. She asked me when I would be going by there again. I told her probably in a day or two and she said, "Oh, that's too bad. I will be here the whole week because the cruise ships are coming in." "Don't worry," I told her, "I'll come and find you."
Two days later, we came back to the west end of the island where she works. She was so surprised to see me. I brought her the Bible Teach book and explained how the study works. I told her that since I would be leaving soon, I would arrange for a local witness to come visit her. Since there are no addresses here in Roatan, she explained to me that she lives in Flowers Bay above a Pulperia (a store that sells food) where they also sell gas and water. As I was walking away she called out to me in her island accent, "It is really nice of you and your family to come here to Roatan to do this." I explained to her that we are looking for those who are conscience of their spiritual need. I turned to her and said, "Why don't I come back tomorrow and we can go over the first 5 paragraphs together?" I also showed her the questions at the beginning of the chapter and told her that many people ask themselves these questions, "Like for example, this question about God's name. Have you ever thought about what God's name is?" I said. "I dunno," she replied, "Jesus?" I simply looked at her and smiled. "It's not Jesus?" she pressed on. I replied, "Bring your bible tomorrow, and I'll show you in the bible where you can find the answer to that question." Unfortunately, she has not been at work the times I've come to visit her these last two days... but I'm not giving up. I will definitely see her before I leave the island."
As our departure date draws near, we can only feel sadness that our trip is not longer. The need this island has for Kingdom preachers is great. Like the bible says, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few." We pray while we are still here that Jehovah continues to bless our efforts to make Him known to the people in Roatan. And we pray that soon there will be enough witnesses here on this island to take care of all those who want to know the truth about Jehovah and His purpose.
-Adrian
Let me begin this post by explaining that what we are about to relate are only a FEW of the experiences that we have had from last Thursday until Monday. There are a lot more, but there is not enough time to relate them all.
It all started with us going out in service with Carl and Willow Carfano, two ex-missionaries serving as pioneers here in the Spanish congregation in Roatan. They took us to their "hidden spiritual gem" in the west end. It was the poorest area I have ever laid eyes on. Half built shacks with tin roofs peppered the mountain-side that was our territory for the morning. Fully naked children with bloated bellies ran around looking for some form of entertainment. Yet, in all that we found lots of sheep-like ones.
While I was walking up this trail up the mountain, Bro. Carfano came up to me hurriedly and said, "Come quick, this woman up in that shack needs a doctor!" I replied to him, "Carl, I'm no doctor. I'm just an EMT... and I don't even have my license yet!" He said, "Doesn't matter. Over here, it's the same thing." And that's how I came to find myself trying to assess and treat a woman with a history of stroke that was experiencing severe migraines, fainting spells, and weakness to her right side. After urging her to seek medical attention at a hospital (or at least a clinic) for fear she might be experiencing something major, I read to her God's promise in Isaiah that he will cure all sickness and showed her the magazine about God's kingdom explaining that that was only ONE of the many things that His kingdom was going to correct. She accepted the magazine, thanked me, and promised to go see a doctor soon. When I left the door, Bro. Carfano asked me how it went and I told him. He was amazed. He told me that many times the witnesses here have tried to visit her, but this was the first time she had ever accepted any of our publications! Truly, taking a personal interest in our neighbors opens the door for the biblical truths to shine through.
After preaching, we went to have lunch with the Carfano's. While having lunch, Carl found out that I was asked to give the public talk in the group in Oak Ridge on Sunday. "You should give it at the congregation too", he said, "Here in the island, we hear the same brothers so often that when a visiting brother does the talk in one, we ask him to do it in the other too." I guess once a used car salesman, always a used car salesman because he finally convinced me to give the talk in his congregation as well. Boy, was I glad I accepted. The attendance to both were amazing! The group in Oak Ridge (who only has 1 elder and 2 MS) had 39 in attendance, more than double the amount of publishers! And the congregation? 110... almost twice the amount of publishers. You could really see the need for capable brothers to take the lead to form more congregations. What impressed me the most is that most of those studies walked or hitched rides several hours to get to the meetings. It takes 25 mins in a car to get to the Kingdom Hall... they walked it. How thirsty they must be for spiritual truths!
On Monday, we thought we would take a break from our spiritual activity and enjoy the beach for a little while. Little did we know that even our recreation would give us an opportunity to give a fine witness! Let's have Brianne explain:
"While eating lunch at a local restaurant on our supposed day off, I decided to get my hair braided. The young woman who was braiding my hair, Dollie, was so nice that I struck up a conversation with her and told her why my family and I had come to the island. She said that she knew of the witnesses and that they come to where she lives. "It is really good", she said in her island accent. She told me she lives in Flowers Bay (an area here in Roatan) and I told her that we were there just last week. She asked me when I would be going by there again. I told her probably in a day or two and she said, "Oh, that's too bad. I will be here the whole week because the cruise ships are coming in." "Don't worry," I told her, "I'll come and find you."
Two days later, we came back to the west end of the island where she works. She was so surprised to see me. I brought her the Bible Teach book and explained how the study works. I told her that since I would be leaving soon, I would arrange for a local witness to come visit her. Since there are no addresses here in Roatan, she explained to me that she lives in Flowers Bay above a Pulperia (a store that sells food) where they also sell gas and water. As I was walking away she called out to me in her island accent, "It is really nice of you and your family to come here to Roatan to do this." I explained to her that we are looking for those who are conscience of their spiritual need. I turned to her and said, "Why don't I come back tomorrow and we can go over the first 5 paragraphs together?" I also showed her the questions at the beginning of the chapter and told her that many people ask themselves these questions, "Like for example, this question about God's name. Have you ever thought about what God's name is?" I said. "I dunno," she replied, "Jesus?" I simply looked at her and smiled. "It's not Jesus?" she pressed on. I replied, "Bring your bible tomorrow, and I'll show you in the bible where you can find the answer to that question." Unfortunately, she has not been at work the times I've come to visit her these last two days... but I'm not giving up. I will definitely see her before I leave the island."
As our departure date draws near, we can only feel sadness that our trip is not longer. The need this island has for Kingdom preachers is great. Like the bible says, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few." We pray while we are still here that Jehovah continues to bless our efforts to make Him known to the people in Roatan. And we pray that soon there will be enough witnesses here on this island to take care of all those who want to know the truth about Jehovah and His purpose.
-Adrian
Still soakin' wet
Friday, June 17, 2011
You hear of some of these experiences in the Yearbook and you think "Man, I don't know if I ever could experience that!" Well, yesterday we did... Yesterday morning, as we were getting dressed and ready for field service, it started to rain. And by rain, I mean it was pouring so much that I thought I would need a boat to cross some roads here. My first thought was "Well, there goes service..." and then Gail said "OK, guys... Service meets in 15 minutes." Really? We are going out in service in this hurricane-force rain? I was shocked! If it rains that much in the States, we don't go out. I've never been out in service when it's raining monsoons. And if it rains even a little bit, we go to bible studies, return visits, etc. But NEVER in door-to-door work! Nevertheless, we were about to go out to do door-to-door service in the pouring rain.
We met with the service group in english and there was a BUNCH of people ready for field service. I was shocked! I never imagined that anyone would be out in this weather except for us (because we were visiting and wanted to go to field service no matter what... and Gail is a little crazy ;-P ). There we met again a young couple that are trying to help the deaf here on the island. They were telling me that there are about 50 deaf people that they know of here, and about 20 more that they need to search out and confirm. From what I gather, there are only 6 publishers max that are helping the sign language community and only 3 of those know how to sign fluently. The rest are learning as they go along, yet all of them interpret the meetings for the deaf. It's incredible how much need there is on this tiny little island. But, after a nice chat with them and another brother about how life is here in Roatan and what it would take to live here, we were off to the ministry!
The first door I was assigned to was behind a barbwire fence in the mud with no opening. We had to crabwalk under barbwire in the mud to be able to get to the door. It was raining so hard and we had no umbrella. In all that we found this woman picking up her clothes and started a conversation with her. I spent about fifteen minutes under the rain reading scriptures and showing her the "Would you like to know the Truth?" tract. I almost started a bible study with her! It made it all worthwhile. Jay and Bri met a couple who were extremely interested and almost started a bible study with them too! It was an incredible experience to be able to go out in service no matter what the weather was like. In the middle of service Bri had to use the restroom too. So what did we do? Go to the nearest McDonald's or Gas station? Nope. There wasn't one for miles. She had to go to the bathroom in the middle of a clearing. Gross, you say? Nah. That's just how it is here. You have to learn to adapt to the circumstances. Luckily, Gail was prepared for such an occasion and had toilet paper readily available for Brianne. Traffic here is an adventure too. As we were leaving the territory we had a traffic jam, not of automobiles or people, but of a herd of cows. It's not too uncommon to sit waiting for animals to clear the road. When there is traffic (whether it be of animals, automobiles, or people), you don't hear honking, or exhasperated yelling... you just sit and chat while waiting for the traffic to clear up.
After service we ate at a nice Honduran restaurant (and I use the term 'restaurant' liberally). I had some of the best fried chicken I've ever had, along with refried beans, salad, and plantain chips. All of it was fresh and tasted completely delicious. I tell you, the food here has a different taste than that in the US. I don't know how I'll ever be able to eat the food back home again without thinking about how much more flavorful it is here.
Then later that night, we went to the spanish group's meeting here on the east end in Oak Ridge. The group was modest (only 16 publishers, 1 elder, and 2 MS), but the attendance and participation was great. There were 32 in attendance, and there is so much need for qualified brothers that a young 13 year old boy who was recently baptized this year was doing the announcements in the service meeting. After the meeting the brothers were so hospitable and loving. They all came up to us to introduce themselves and to tell us that they have been looking forward to our visit. Brother Pacheco (the only elder) came up to me and asked me if I had brought an outline for a talk so I could give the talk this sunday. Being on an island, they hear the same brothers over and over again giving talks that they love when other brothers come to visit so they can hear someone new for a change. Thank goodness that I thought to bring one of my talks with me, just in case!
Yes, yesterday was an adventurous day, but we enjoyed in so much that we were a little sad when we realized time was flying by so quickly. One week is almost complete and we still have another week to go. It's not enough, though. I've found myself calculating when will be the next time I can come, and how long it would be feasible for me to stay. 1 month? 2? 6 months? I guess only time will tell. Hopefully, Jehovah will bless me with another opportunity to return. Maybe even move here eventually. Until next time, dear friends.
-Adrian
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| On our way to Field Service |
We met with the service group in english and there was a BUNCH of people ready for field service. I was shocked! I never imagined that anyone would be out in this weather except for us (because we were visiting and wanted to go to field service no matter what... and Gail is a little crazy ;-P ). There we met again a young couple that are trying to help the deaf here on the island. They were telling me that there are about 50 deaf people that they know of here, and about 20 more that they need to search out and confirm. From what I gather, there are only 6 publishers max that are helping the sign language community and only 3 of those know how to sign fluently. The rest are learning as they go along, yet all of them interpret the meetings for the deaf. It's incredible how much need there is on this tiny little island. But, after a nice chat with them and another brother about how life is here in Roatan and what it would take to live here, we were off to the ministry!
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| Our service group on Thursday |
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| One of the couples we met that works in the Sign Language territory here. |
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| Two sisters in the English Congregation |
The first door I was assigned to was behind a barbwire fence in the mud with no opening. We had to crabwalk under barbwire in the mud to be able to get to the door. It was raining so hard and we had no umbrella. In all that we found this woman picking up her clothes and started a conversation with her. I spent about fifteen minutes under the rain reading scriptures and showing her the "Would you like to know the Truth?" tract. I almost started a bible study with her! It made it all worthwhile. Jay and Bri met a couple who were extremely interested and almost started a bible study with them too! It was an incredible experience to be able to go out in service no matter what the weather was like. In the middle of service Bri had to use the restroom too. So what did we do? Go to the nearest McDonald's or Gas station? Nope. There wasn't one for miles. She had to go to the bathroom in the middle of a clearing. Gross, you say? Nah. That's just how it is here. You have to learn to adapt to the circumstances. Luckily, Gail was prepared for such an occasion and had toilet paper readily available for Brianne. Traffic here is an adventure too. As we were leaving the territory we had a traffic jam, not of automobiles or people, but of a herd of cows. It's not too uncommon to sit waiting for animals to clear the road. When there is traffic (whether it be of animals, automobiles, or people), you don't hear honking, or exhasperated yelling... you just sit and chat while waiting for the traffic to clear up.
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| Bri posing with her toilet paper before she went to the bathroom |
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| Hey! Move your cow! |
After service we ate at a nice Honduran restaurant (and I use the term 'restaurant' liberally). I had some of the best fried chicken I've ever had, along with refried beans, salad, and plantain chips. All of it was fresh and tasted completely delicious. I tell you, the food here has a different taste than that in the US. I don't know how I'll ever be able to eat the food back home again without thinking about how much more flavorful it is here.
Then later that night, we went to the spanish group's meeting here on the east end in Oak Ridge. The group was modest (only 16 publishers, 1 elder, and 2 MS), but the attendance and participation was great. There were 32 in attendance, and there is so much need for qualified brothers that a young 13 year old boy who was recently baptized this year was doing the announcements in the service meeting. After the meeting the brothers were so hospitable and loving. They all came up to us to introduce themselves and to tell us that they have been looking forward to our visit. Brother Pacheco (the only elder) came up to me and asked me if I had brought an outline for a talk so I could give the talk this sunday. Being on an island, they hear the same brothers over and over again giving talks that they love when other brothers come to visit so they can hear someone new for a change. Thank goodness that I thought to bring one of my talks with me, just in case!
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| The modest little Kingdom Hall on the East end |
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| Some brothers from the Spanish Group in Oak Ridge, Roatan |
Yes, yesterday was an adventurous day, but we enjoyed in so much that we were a little sad when we realized time was flying by so quickly. One week is almost complete and we still have another week to go. It's not enough, though. I've found myself calculating when will be the next time I can come, and how long it would be feasible for me to stay. 1 month? 2? 6 months? I guess only time will tell. Hopefully, Jehovah will bless me with another opportunity to return. Maybe even move here eventually. Until next time, dear friends.
-Adrian
Pictures Part 2
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
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| Honduras from the Airplane |
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| Leaving Mainland Honduras |
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| Livin' the Island Life |
Greetings from the Islands
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
There more time I spend here, the more I realize what a blessing from Jehovah this truly has been. Since the day we stepped off the plane we have witnessed for ourselves Jehovah's loving-kindness. The love these seemingly unknown brothers and sisters have shown us is incredible. Only in Jehovah's organization can you go to a completely different country, meet people previously unknown, and still feel like you are with family. Only as a servant of Jehovah can someone come to a place like this and work hard to preach the good news. This experience has been like no other in my life, and I'm very thankful to the one who made it all possible: Jehovah.
Sunday we were all exhausted from all the traveling we had done the previous two days. Why, even the boys were drained! So we decided to take a day off before we began our true work here in Roatan. After a family study of the watchtower, we decided to head towards the Resort near our house and just relax in the lagoon. The boys and I took turns on a kayak we rented, snorkeled some, and took naps on the beach.
By Monday morning, however, we were well energized and "completely equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:17). We met with the group for field service at a sister's house, and off we went into the field. Our day started off great with some real interest from the householders. Jay visited a small restaurant where the two owners/workers were sitting down and had invited us to sit with them. They only spoke spanish and we couldn't find any spanish literature to give to them (we were out with the English Congregation yesterday). But that didn't stop Jay from giving a fine witness! He spoke to them about the problems of this world and the promise of God to correct them all. In the meantime, I was thoroughly looking through my service bag for SOMETHING in spanish and I finally found an older Awake! about the lack of water. Jay tied the magazine beautifully with what he was already talking about and promised to return to speak some more about the bible, and they both said they were looking forward to it.
Brianne spoke to a lady that was opening a new restaurant named "Grama's Kitchen" and was laying decorative rocks out front. Bri offered her the June magazines about poverty and discussed with her what God's kingdom was and what it would accomplish. She also emphasized what Jesus taught and did while on earth, and how it will be done on a grander scale in the future. Bri explained to me how funny she thought it was how people are really attentive... not being distracted by anything or anyone while you are speaking about the bible, and actively participating in the conversation. And that can be applied for every person we come across in service here!
I walked into a store that was on the road we were preaching at and spoke to a woman who was sitting behind a table in the small store reading a bible. I asked her if she enjoyed what she was reading, and she told me that she loves to read the bible every day. I told her how wonderful it was that she enjoyed reading God's word, and then asked her what she thought about "The end". She answered that Jesus said that no one knew the time or date except for the Father. I responded that she was right and that, although we didn't have the exact date, Jesus did give us signs to look for to recognize when the end was near... just like we know what signs to look for when a hurricane or a big storm was approaching. Then I read to her Matthew 24:6-7, 25. She agreed and so I then asked, but do you know WHAT is going to end, and if there will be any survivors? If so, what will those survivors be doing? Then placed an older magazine with her (June 2010, I believe) with the title "Is the end near?". As soon as I gave it to her, she began to read the magazine.
I must say, stuff like this rarely happens in the States. Yet, here it happened at almost every door we went to. People here actually like to talk about the bible, and are "hungering and thirsting for righteousness" (Matt. 5:6). It's humbling to see how so many still want to learn the truth about Jehovah. It made me really appreciate Jehovah's patience to allow those who still yearn for the truth come into his organization.
After service, we were taken to this resort called West Bay for some 'fun in the sun'. We played at the beach and snorkeled at these AMAZING reefs. One would think, by looking at those pictures, that we went far off to snorkel... but those pictures were taken from just off the beach! We swam to the spot where it went from 4 feet deep to almost 25-30 feet deep into the reefs. It really made you appreciate the beauty of Jehovah's creation.
Today we are taking it easy as the next few days will be used for intense work in the ministry. We might even get a boat ride to a neighboring island to preach to the islanders there on Thursday. Until our next post!
-Adrian
Sunday we were all exhausted from all the traveling we had done the previous two days. Why, even the boys were drained! So we decided to take a day off before we began our true work here in Roatan. After a family study of the watchtower, we decided to head towards the Resort near our house and just relax in the lagoon. The boys and I took turns on a kayak we rented, snorkeled some, and took naps on the beach.
By Monday morning, however, we were well energized and "completely equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:17). We met with the group for field service at a sister's house, and off we went into the field. Our day started off great with some real interest from the householders. Jay visited a small restaurant where the two owners/workers were sitting down and had invited us to sit with them. They only spoke spanish and we couldn't find any spanish literature to give to them (we were out with the English Congregation yesterday). But that didn't stop Jay from giving a fine witness! He spoke to them about the problems of this world and the promise of God to correct them all. In the meantime, I was thoroughly looking through my service bag for SOMETHING in spanish and I finally found an older Awake! about the lack of water. Jay tied the magazine beautifully with what he was already talking about and promised to return to speak some more about the bible, and they both said they were looking forward to it.
Brianne spoke to a lady that was opening a new restaurant named "Grama's Kitchen" and was laying decorative rocks out front. Bri offered her the June magazines about poverty and discussed with her what God's kingdom was and what it would accomplish. She also emphasized what Jesus taught and did while on earth, and how it will be done on a grander scale in the future. Bri explained to me how funny she thought it was how people are really attentive... not being distracted by anything or anyone while you are speaking about the bible, and actively participating in the conversation. And that can be applied for every person we come across in service here!
I walked into a store that was on the road we were preaching at and spoke to a woman who was sitting behind a table in the small store reading a bible. I asked her if she enjoyed what she was reading, and she told me that she loves to read the bible every day. I told her how wonderful it was that she enjoyed reading God's word, and then asked her what she thought about "The end". She answered that Jesus said that no one knew the time or date except for the Father. I responded that she was right and that, although we didn't have the exact date, Jesus did give us signs to look for to recognize when the end was near... just like we know what signs to look for when a hurricane or a big storm was approaching. Then I read to her Matthew 24:6-7, 25. She agreed and so I then asked, but do you know WHAT is going to end, and if there will be any survivors? If so, what will those survivors be doing? Then placed an older magazine with her (June 2010, I believe) with the title "Is the end near?". As soon as I gave it to her, she began to read the magazine.
I must say, stuff like this rarely happens in the States. Yet, here it happened at almost every door we went to. People here actually like to talk about the bible, and are "hungering and thirsting for righteousness" (Matt. 5:6). It's humbling to see how so many still want to learn the truth about Jehovah. It made me really appreciate Jehovah's patience to allow those who still yearn for the truth come into his organization.
After service, we were taken to this resort called West Bay for some 'fun in the sun'. We played at the beach and snorkeled at these AMAZING reefs. One would think, by looking at those pictures, that we went far off to snorkel... but those pictures were taken from just off the beach! We swam to the spot where it went from 4 feet deep to almost 25-30 feet deep into the reefs. It really made you appreciate the beauty of Jehovah's creation.
Today we are taking it easy as the next few days will be used for intense work in the ministry. We might even get a boat ride to a neighboring island to preach to the islanders there on Thursday. Until our next post!
-Adrian
Pictures Part 1
Kingdom Hall in Puerto Cortez
Gail's House
Scenic Views
Service in Roatan
Snorkeling in the beach
Stay tuned... more soon to come!
-Adrian
Gail's House
(Btw, this is a shower outside on the 2nd story balcony... it has a view towards the ocean and it's GORGEOUS when you take a shower while watching the sunset)
Scenic Views
Service in Roatan
Snorkeling in the beach
Stay tuned... more soon to come!
-Adrian
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