We had been looking forward to this visit for quite some time. Since leaving Guasave my heart has longed to return there. The experience of serving where the need was greater, getting to know and understand my brothers and sisters from another culture, of being fully involved every day in the ministry was one I will always cherish. We served with our brothers, we became family, we learned many things about warmth, love and hospitality. We grew spiritually and in many other ways.
What I didn't realize though was just how much of an enriching experience serving where the need was greater would have on all of us. Each of us have been changed by our experience in the Guasave English Congregation. Some of us from the old congregation were talking about how we are different people now. Some are more mature spiritually, some have new privileges and responsibilities, for some it was simply a realization that they could do more and taking the steps to increase their service to Jehovah.
For our family it has put us on a new life path, we desire to serve as needgreaters for as long as we are able to. We still have hopes that we may one day have the privilege of attending SKE. We have changed our "family tree", and for Dani we are encouraging her to spread her wings leave the nest, enjoying new experiences on her own as she begins a life in full time service.
I recently heard a talk in which the brother giving it spoke about Noah. While it's true that he preached before the flood, when he spoke about Jehovah after it we can be sure it was not the same way. His faith would have been strengthened.He would have a greater conviction. When he spoke about Jehovah he would have done so with a greater zeal due to his experience in the ark and Jehovah's delivering his family.
He likely built a house as well after the flood. That too we can imagine was done in a different manner. In his experience building the ark he would have likely acquired some practical skills that helped him build a better house; no leaky roofs in his home! To be sure, he came through the flood a changed man, bettered by his experiences.
I think that serving where the need is greater has had a similar effect on us. When we extend ourselves, get out of our comfort zones and put ourselves more fully in Jehovah's hands we come out changed people, changed for the better. We learn to live simpler, to rely more fully on Jehovah, widen out in our love for our brothers, and become better teachers of God's word.
As our family continues to build our "spiritual ark", we look forward with anticipation to where Jehovah will lead us in this need greater life.
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| with our Guasave |
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