Reaping the Rewards

Raising children in a foreign land requires extra time and effort. There is no question about that.  But both parents and children can reap additional rewards for their effort. 

Azzam and his wife, Sara, emigrated from Turkey to Germany, where they raised three children.  Their oldest son now serves at the branch office of Jehovah's Witnesses in Selters, Germany. Azzam says: "A great benefit to the children  is that they can develop qualities that are strengths in both cultures." 

Antonio and Lutonadio moved from Angola to Germany and are raising nine  children there.  The family speaks Lingala, French, and German. Antonio says:  "The ability to speak different languages helps our family to witness to people from many countries.  This brings us great pleasure indeed." 

Two children of a Japanese couple who moved to England feel that  it is to their great advantage  to know both Japanese and English.  The young ones say:  "Knowing two languages helped us to obtain employment.  We have benefited  from the large English-speaking conventions. At the same time, we have the privilege  of serving in the Japanese-speaking congregation, where there is a great need."

Next time: You Can Succeed

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002