Nuestro Primero Dia en El Servicio

The "Gringo Fabulous" Look

   Today was the first day that we shared in the ministry here in the DR. This is a special week of activity for the Juan Dolio Congregation as we have the visit of our Circuit Overseer. So, you may be wondering, what is the ministry like here in The Dominican Republic? Well, I will tell you about our day.

   The day starts early with the meeting for field service at 8:40 a.m. We were in the field shortly after 9 o'clock as we worked an area not far from the Kingdom Hall. The friends get to the territory either by car, moto or gua gua (more on these later).
   To be perfectly honest, the ministry here is not a whole lot different than back at home in the states. No, we didn't start lots of bible studies, but that is not what I had in mind. What I was referring to was that we go to the homes of people or speak to them on the street. And just like in the states people have varying degrees of interest in what we have to say or they are busy with work and the daily affairs of life.
   Two things stood out to me today in service. One is the absolute poverty that abounds her in the DR. That was not a "surprise" as we had read about it before we came here. However, when you see it first hand it really hits you hard. Many of the homes here are very basic and things we take for granted in the U.S. like plumbing, electricity and water are not always available. For me, seeing these conditions reinforces the importance of what we are doing as under the Kingdom rule no one will lack life's necessities.
   Secondly, I again noted how, in general, the Dominican people seem to be very easy-going and pleasant. It was noticeable when we were at the airport, in stores or just passing by their homes when you are greeted with "buenas" and a smile. This warmth really adds to the joy of sharing in the ministry as most people will readily listen to you and what you have to say. This was my experience today as I got to do my first presentation in Spanish ( I call it preaching on training wheels ) We called on a man who was sitting outside his home and greeted him. He offered us a seat and went in to get two more chairs. I shared with him Revelation 21:4 and talked about the New World. He accepted a magazine and the brother I was with continued the conversation. Apparently this man, Bolivar, is a cook in one of the resorts in Juan Dolio. He agreed that times were bad and they conversed a bit more about death being no more and the resurrection. He told us he was an "Adventista" but said it was okay to call again.
   We worked for a couple of hours in door to door before some departed to do calls. Shortly after 11 a.m. though many friends stop and resume later in the evening as it is far too hot to be out in the middle of the day. We took a gua gua home, had lunch and collapsed into a midday siesta.
   We were indeed tired but happy as we reflected on the day. It was a joy to talk to people about Jehovah. We got to use our bibles at almost every door and placed much literature.  Thoroughly defeated by the heat of the sun, we prepared ourselves for the next day's activity.