Initially it was quite an assault on the senses. In the territory that we work there can be up to 10 or so dwellings in one building. There are usually dogs, children and mosquito's everywhere! Because most of the dogs are guard dogs it isn't safe to walk up to the door, so you have to shout "Morning!" (Or "Mahnin!" In Kriol!). Eventually the householder will come outside of the property so that you can talk.
But there is no launching into a presentation at warp speed here ... Oh no! You exchange names, ask about the kids and their names, talk about whether they were born on the island or moved here, establish the language that they read, talk about the weather, any recent happenings on the island and then - then you bring it round to a presentation. Everyone has their own way; we have been asking whether we could share some positive news from the bible and then showing them Jeremiah 29:11. From this we establish whether they believe in God (100% yes so far!), whether they have a bible, whether they believe that God is able and willing to help us. Then we ask what causes them the most pain that they would like to see removed. Most responses so far have been 'violence and feeling unsafe' - especially from the women and those with children. From there we look at the first paragraph in lesson 1 of the Good News brochure. The householder reads it and we have a brief discussion and offer a study. We now have 3 studies and 1 RV.
2 of the studies have studied with Witnesses before in the past. One on the mainland, she used to attend meetings too. She's really happy to start again here on the island! The other studied about 4 years ago and stopped when she had a baby. She is happy to restart now he is older - her sister is also studying!
We have learned so much from the local brothers and sisters we have had the privilege of working with. We feel very inadequate, the householders know their bible and this adds some pressure! In fact, one sister forgot where a scripture was after referencing it in a discussion, and the householder reminded her it was in Romans 8! It certainly keeps you on your toes, in a different way to ministry in the UK. Here you get no objections. Which is so strange, you're almost praying for one so that you have something to reason on! We're using our bible like never before on the doors, and can honestly say that we have never enjoyed the ministry more!
We've been told that the challenge here is not getting studies; you could get as many as you can fit into your week with relative ease. But it is maintaining a progressive study. Householders are often out at the time you arrange, so you have to be persistent. And the culture here is very challenging for ones to step out of. Add into that the constant flux in the local congregation with need greaters coming and going every few months, and local brothers and sisters already overwhelmed with studies ... And you can see why there is a real need for long term need greaters to provide some stability - for the territory and the congregation.
It has certainly given us a lot to think about! And is like a breath of fresh air in our worship. What an awesome privilege to be here and be part of this congregation - even if only for 4 weeks!
Here are a few pics from a recent ministry day ...
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| Early morning street work along the beach |
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| Nikita and Hayley (a local sister) walking to an RV |
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| Our golf cart broke down and it was HOT! So a local brother squeezed us all in his jeep! (Check out Phil's face!!) |
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| Still more comfortable than the golf cart! |
