LIFE STORY/Jehovah's Blessing Has Enriched My Life-AS TOLD BY MELITA JARACZ

TESTS OF FAITH

During World War II when patriotism ran high, Miss Scott, a particularly intolerant schoolteacher, expelled my two older sisters and one of my brothers from school. Why?  Because they declined to salute the flag.  Then she contacted my schoolteacher and urged her to expel me.  But my teacher said,  "We live in a free country, and we have the right to refrain from patriotic ceremonies."  Despite much pressure from Miss Scott, my teacher said firmly, "This is my decision."  

Miss Scott replied:  "No, it is not your decision. I will report you if you don't expel Melita.   "My teacher explained to my parents that if she wanted to keep her job, she had no choice but to expel me, even though she believed that it was the wrong thing to do.  Nevertheless, we obtained school material  that we could study at home.  Shortly thereafter, we moved some 20 miles  (32 km) away, where we were accepted at another school. 

The war years brought bans on our literature; yet, we went from house to house with the Bible. As a result, we became skilled  at sharing the good news of the Kingdom directly from the Scriptures.  That, in turn, helped us to grow spiritually and experience Jehovah's support.

Next time: Jehovah's Blessing Has Enriched My Life/AS TOLD BY MELITA JARACZ -ENTERING FULL-TIME SERVICE

From The Watchtower magazine