Adios, Moutons

Hi there,

I'm sorry that it's been a while! Things have been getting busier and busier here. I'm still trying to get into a new routine and everything, but things should be settling down a bit now. 

One thing that's taken some getting used to is a change in our meeting schedule. Our Thursday meeting attendance was very low. We have 36 publishers, and on Thursdays, we were only averaging around 20 people in attendance. The meeting started at 3:00 so people could get home before sunset, but the trouble with that was that a lot of people were still working during that time. In comparison, on Sundays, our attendance was usually at least 40. Something really needed to be done, so our circuit overseer came up with a good idea: try having both meetings on Sunday! Having them both on one day would really encourage people to make sure they attend - if they were to miss it, they would be missing a whole week's worth of meetings. So, a plan was put into action to start with the Book Study, Ministry School, and Service meeting at 8:15 in the morning. After that meeting, we would have a 15-minute intermission and then have the Public Talk and Watchtower Study at 10:15. The day would finish right at 12:00 noon. 

I was very apprehensive about this new idea. That's like having a whole convention session. Actually, if you think about it, it's longer - a convention session starts around 9:45 and ends at 12:00 (a little more than two hours). We're doing three and a half hours of meetings in one setting! I thought that this schedule might scare people away. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The first Sunday we tried with the new arrangement, we had 45 in attendance and nobody left before the second meeting. Everybody stayed! We've been doing it for over a month now, and our attendance has increased with each meeting - yesterday, we had nearly 60 in attendance! Participation and commenting during the meetings have increased as well. It's very encouraging to see. Jehovah really is blessing the new arrangement. A lot of people in the congregation have commented on how much they are enjoying it, too. Although it's a bit mentally tiring (especially during the last 15 minutes of the Watchtower), I've been enjoying it very much. It's different, but it's been working out very well!

One major thing that we've been preparing for over the past month is the departure of Stephane and Maddie. As I said before, they've been here for nearly three years, and they've just about completely exhausted themselves from all the work they've had to do. They love this congregation, but it's understandable that they're ready for a change. The congregation is sad and a little nervous about losing their elder, but we'll still be taken care of. Jehovah works everything out! Last week, we had a nice going-away party for them out in Ojo. We all chipped in to purchase some peliguay - some sort of combination of lamb and goat. I'm not sure exactly, but it was GOOD!

Stephane helping cook the peliguay. 

It was really hot that day, but we had a nice turnout.

Steph and Maddie also treated us to a very entertaining dance routine they had prepared. It was very Latino! Everybody loved it.

Thankfully, the brutal heat at the start of the party disappeared with a nice rainstorm! We had to celebrate by turning it into a dance party.

Stephane rocking the sombrero. It turned into a very fun night!

Yesterday was Steph and Maddie's final meeting in Ojo before they go back to England to work. Needless to say, it was a bit emotional. Stephane used a portion of the local needs to thank Ojo de Agua for a great couple of years, and encouraged all of us to continue on in the race for life. Although losing them is a major blow, at least it'll give the congregation a chance to stand on its own two feet, and not depend so much on one couple. And who knows - maybe we will get another elder soon! Again, if anybody is qualified and serious about coming to check it out, let me know! We desperately need the help!!

Our elder/servant body: me, Domingo, Stephane, and Roberto.

Steph and Maddie with Yorleni. They have helped her a lot over the past couple of years. They encouraged her to start regular pioneering, and she is now our only local regular pioneer! They also studied with her mother, Esperanza, who is now baptized.

One last congregation photo with the Moutons.

Personally, I am going to miss Steph and Maddie a lot. They have helped and encouraged me so much over the past year. Any time I struggle with something, they always make sure that I'm okay, whether it's by means of a phone call or having me over at their house for the night. It helps a lot to have others down here who completely understand the challenges of being away from home or struggling to adjust to this different life. Having good friends like them really is a gift from Jehovah, and I know that our friendship will never change. I wish them all the best in Matagalpa, and am so thankful for all that they've done.

Sorry if that was rather depressing! To lighten the mood, here's a joke: How did the Italian chef die? He pasta way in his sleep! 

Talk soon,

Sam