*A word of thanks*
First off, I'd like to say a great big huge THANK YOU to all the friends and family that have done so much to help make mine and Mel's stay here a little easier. The love and kindness so many have shown is really heartwarming. From sending useful items from back home, to giving us old blankets and clothes, to help arranging things for me while I'm away... I am very grateful for every one. When you're far away and in an unfamiliar place, these kinds of things really mean a lot. You've all been so wonderfully supportive in this venture, I really see how you all reflect Jehovah's qualities. So thank you!
*Experience from the ministry*
I have had the privilege of sitting in on a bible study lately, her name is Nelia. Nelia is here from the Philippines, going on her 6th year working in Taiwan. Her husband and son still live in the Philippines, so she only gets to talk to them on the phone. Currently she is working for a Taiwanese family that has hired her to be their middle-aged sons' bedside caretaker, as he is an invalid living in a hospital. She is not permitted to leave the hospital unless it's to buy food for herself. She literally lives on a cot about the size of a park bench right next to the Taiwanese man's bed in the hospital. That's her entire living space, 24 hours a day. Only recently has Jehovah provided a way for her to come to both Thursday and Sunday meetings. Which she is overjoyed about. She has been studying now for about 3 years at the hospital during the patients nap time. And progressing wonderfully. Two weeks ago she was announced as an unbaptized publisher. She has been giving comments during the bible reading, and watchtower studies, and preaching to anyone she can in the hospital. The most impressive thing is her incredible sunny outlook. She never complains about her situation in life, which is far from fantastic. She is so humble and willing to be taught, and thrilled to share the truth with whoever she can. Yesterday a sister and I trained her for her first day in the field ministry. She had already prepared two presentations, scriptures to share, questions, and how to arrange for a return visit.... so we had little to teach her. She prepared such a good presentation you would think she has been preaching for years. But of course she was so humble and kept telling us it was only because Jehovah's holy spirit helped her. So we were ready to go into the 'field'. She couldn't leave the hospital if the staff knew what she was doing, so she stayed in her jeans and had us carry her literature bag out of the hospital. But as soon as we hit the street, she was unstoppable. She made two new return visits in one hour and placed magazines with a lady. When we returned to the hospital she was all smiles. She said 'I just feel so happy in my heart right now!' She has already started placing magazines and sharing scriptures with the people she meets in the hospital and when she goes out to get food she will start preaching at bus stops and restaurants whenever she can. Her contract in Taiwan is up in a year and a half, at which point she wants to move back to the Philippines and preach full time. Little does she realize how very encouraging her example is for the people who get to teach her.
*Jobs*
Recently I was hired for a second job, three mornings a week teaching at a kindergarten. So this will help to fill in the financial gaps a bit I'm hoping. And my work days don't interfere with my field service days, so I'm very happy about that. The ladies at the school are very nice and helpful, and the kids are awesome. I was a little apprehensive about teaching kindies at first, but now I think they're my favorites. They're still sweet and enthusiastic at that age. When they're not sneezing on me, or poking me in the butt, they're pretty darn cute.
*Announcements*
We had the happy news announced last week that our recent English group, that was formed from our congregation only 4 months ago, has been approved as a full-fledged congregation as of March 1st. The response in the territory has been so overwhelming that what we thought would be a challenge to do in one year has been done in 4 months. Jehovah is really blessing the little group in Shulin. Now the only challenge is finding enough brothers to help with the congregation assignments, but I'm sure Jehovah will provide. His chariot is moving quickly in Taiwan, and we're all doing our best to keep up.
I'm sure that during the next couple months, with the campaign coming up and all, I will have many more experiences to write about. I will try to be more regular at posting.
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