It´s amazing territory here with vast difference in economic situations from one house to the next. There will be a shack next to a palatial house or you will find a nearly non existant path that leads you to 2 or 3 houses with people ekking out an existance from the land. It´s no wonder there is a huge alcohol and drug problem as their life is very hard. Their situations must seem hopeless so to be able to show them from the bible (or in reality whoever I am with shows them) that Jehovah will end their misery is a priviledge. We all really need the new system of course but it just seems more pronounced here.
The witnesses talk to everyone they can here - the other day I was with Vicotria who was not intimidated to stop and talk with a gang of road workman. All 6 stopped and listened as she read a couple of scriptures and one took a brochure. This morning there was a building site that didn´t phase the sisters at all - there were dozens of guys working but we plowed through the mud and 
gave most of them a leaflet. Back to Victoria - she stopped a young girl of about 9 and had a good conversation with her. In the course of it she asked the little girl if she knew God´s name. The girl answered Jehova which I was impressed with but afterwards Victoria told me that most know God´s name here as they are taught that in the Catolic Church which of course is really different from home where noone knows his name. Speaking of the Catholic Church they are very frightened of the Witnesses here and are constantly warning peo0ple not to speak to us as we are from the devil! Many a time I have had someones finger wagged at me to go away! They must be concerned alright because this service year alone there has been a 15% increase in Cuenca and of course most of them come out of the Catholic Church and of course that means less revenue for them!
gave most of them a leaflet. Back to Victoria - she stopped a young girl of about 9 and had a good conversation with her. In the course of it she asked the little girl if she knew God´s name. The girl answered Jehova which I was impressed with but afterwards Victoria told me that most know God´s name here as they are taught that in the Catolic Church which of course is really different from home where noone knows his name. Speaking of the Catholic Church they are very frightened of the Witnesses here and are constantly warning peo0ple not to speak to us as we are from the devil! Many a time I have had someones finger wagged at me to go away! They must be concerned alright because this service year alone there has been a 15% increase in Cuenca and of course most of them come out of the Catholic Church and of course that means less revenue for them!It is just so frustrating to us that we are unable to say more than simple presentations and then have to let our partners take over. We have both had to stand by and watch as studies were started. This weeks WT though reminded us of Phil 4:6 - ¨not to be anxious over anything¨Our time will come no doubt!
4 comments:
Is ecuadors territory is good as new zealands? Today I placed 7 Books and am hopefull for 3 new studys from first call work. Also one person I study with is preaching to friends/family and making more studys for ones in our congo. (I cant do them - too busy!!!) And he has only been studying himself for two weeks!
Sound like all the James are having life changing experiences! Keep it up all of you.
It seems that work is speeding up everywhere. To answer Aaron's question about the territory here in Ecuador, check the yearbook. NZ had a 2% increase and Ecuador had an 8% increase. Here in Cuenca there has been a 15% increase over the previous year. So, yes the territory is good here. Mark and Elizabeth are already having success here, despite their limited Spanish. They are progressing rapidly in their language skills and will be conducting studies soon. They have a great spirit and willingness to work, so Jehovah will bless their efforts. We are happy to have them here with us in the Baños congregation. Their self-sacrificing spirit is impressive and encouraging. Also, they are great baby-sitters!
Hey Aaron - that is awesome - nearly tempted us to book our flight home - then I saw D.W´s comment - we better stick around a bit longer!
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