Kingdom News #38

Hi everyone,

Things are going well here! We have an incredible work load in the congregation, but we're adjusting to it. We'll be having our C.O. visit next week, which we're all looking forward to. In the meantime, we've been walking miles upon miles covering our territory for this month's tract campaign!

The format of this tract is perfect for our territory. It's simple, easy to read, and it does all the work for you. 

I never realized how cool it is that this campaign is being done worldwide until I saw photos of my friends in Ecuador and some from back home placing these tracts. I guess we kind of get accustomed to saying, "We're participating in a worldwide campaign" without really thinking anything of it. But when you think about how every single congregation worldwide is doing this, it's pretty incredible!

Part of our service group yesterday. Always a positive spirit among this congregation!

My friend Ervin placing a tract - and holding a sister's hat for some reason. 

I've been surprised by the response to this tract. Regarding the "Would you say yes, no, or maybe?" question, I was sure that everybody in our territory would say yes, since many of them are very familiar with the Bible. A lot of them have indeed said yes, but I've spoken with a few who have said no or who weren't sure. Thankfully, people here are very reasonable, and love when you show them truths from the scriptures, so you can have some nice discussions with it. For example, one woman I spoke with said that she didn't think it was possible, but when I showed her John 5:28 & 29, she was very intrigued and accepted the tract.

Speaking to a woman and her family.

Domingo (our third ministerial servant, the only local one) sharing a scripture. 

We've been working our outer territories first for this campaign, which has required a lot of walking long distances in the hot sun. Of course, it's been worth the effort. We've gotten to witness to people who don't get reached very often, so that has been very rewarding. We've also been able to discover really cool spots in our territory that I've never seen before, like this stream!

"I'm gonna hurt you if you don't give my camera back to me!"

Me discussing the tract with an old call of Stephane's yesterday. I know he doesn't seem that engaged in this photo, but we had a good chat!

Ervin started off by placing a tract with this man, but then they started having a really nice conversation. He eventually took out a copy of the Good News brochure and discussed a couple of questions. He offered the man a Bible study, which he readily accepted and is going to start next week! And I was paying attention the whole time! (It's okay if you don't believe me...)

Taking a rest at my favorite spot in our territory.

This campaign has been very encouraging thus far, and we're not even halfway through this month yet. I'm certainly looking forward to the rest of it. A refreshing ministry has really helped me to put things in perspective, and it makes all the other stresses much more bearable.

Hope you all are well. Thanks again for all your help and encouragement. Please continue to stay in touch, and I will do the same!

Talk soon,

Sam