Why Do They Have No Children?

DELE and Fola, a married couple, lived and worked at the Watch Tower Society's  branch office in Nigeria. Shortly after they began serving there, Fola's mother came to visit.  She had traveled far to discuss a matter of great concern to her, one that had given her many a sleepless night.

"You do such good things for me," she said to them.  "You send gifts, and you visit me.  Those expressions of love are precious to me.  But they distress me too because I always wonder who will do such things for you when you are my age?  You have been married for two years now, and you have no children.  Don't you think it is time for you to leave Bethel and start a family?" 

Mother reasoned like this: Dele and Fola have spent enough time at Bethel. Now it is time for them to think of their future. Surely other people can take their work. Dele and Fola need not give up the full-time ministry, but they can take up another avenue for service, on that will allow them to have children and experience the joys of parenthood. 

Next time: Mother's Concern

From the Watchtower's magazine, 2000