Helping the Children of "Foreign Residents" - PARENTS TRY TO OVERCOME LANGUAGE PROBLEMS

As foretold, people "out of all the languages of the nations" are coming to Jehovah's organization.  (Zechariah 8:23) but if your children do not understand your language well, it can be difficult for you to teach them the truth.  They are the most important Bible students you will ever have, and their "coming to know " Jehovah means their everlasting life.  (John 17:3)  In order for your child to learn Jehovah's teachings, you must "speak of them" often. -Read Deuteronomy 6:6, 7. 

Your children will likely learn the local language at school and from others.  But they learn your language when you regularly talk with them.  When your children speak your language, it will be easier for them to tell you how they feel.  But there are other benefits.  When your children speak more than one language, it improves their thinking ability and helps them to understand the viewpoints of others.  It may also give them opportunities to do more in the ministry.  "Being in a foreign-language congregation has been fun,"" says Carolina, whose parents are immigrants.  "And its cool to be helping where there is greater need." 

Yet, as children of immigrants learn the local culture and language some of them may lose their desire and even their ability to communicate in their parent's language.  Parents, if that describes your children, can you learn at lease some of the local language?  It will be easier to raise your children as Christians if you understand their conversations, entertainment, and schoolwork and if you can talk directly with their teachers. It is true that learning a new language takes time, effort, and humility.  But it is worthwhile.  For example, if your child somehow became deaf, would you try to learn sign language in order to communicate with him?  A child who communicates best in another spoken language deserves the same concern, would you not agree?"  

It may be very difficult for some immigrant parents to become fluent in their children's new language.  This may make it hard for parents to help their children to understand "the holy writings."  (2 Timothy 3:15)  If that is your situation, you can still help  your children to come to know and love Jehovah.  "our singles mom's grasp of the language  we understood best was limited, and my sisters and I didn't speak her language very well," says and elder named Shan. "But when we saw her studying, praying, and doing her best to conduct family worship  every week, we  understood that getting to know Jehovah was very important." 

Some children may need to learn about Jehovah in two languages. Why? Because they speak one language at school and another language at home.  For that reason, some parents use literature, audio recordings, and videos in both languages. Clearly, immigrant parents must work harder in order to help their children become close to Jehovah.

Next time:  Helping the Children of "Foreign Residents" -TO WHICH LANGUAGE CONGREGATION SHOULD YOU BELONG?

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