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

When "foreign residents" live far from other Witnesses who speak their language, the need to associate with a congregation that speaks the local language.  (Psalm 146:9)  But if there is a congregation nearby that uses their native language, the family head must decide which language congregation is best for the family. Before making the decision, he will carefully think and pray about it. He will also talk  with his wife and children.  (1 Corinthians 11:3)  What will he consider?  What Bible principles can help him make the decision?

Parents must consider what their children truly need.  To understand Bible truths well, children need more than just  a few hours of Bible instruction each week at the meetings. But consider this:  At meetings conducted in the language they understand best, children may benefit simply by being there, perhaps learning more than their parents realize. That may not be the case when children do not fully understand the language.  (Read 1 Corinthians 14:9, 11)  And a child's native language will not necessarily remain the language that affects  the way he thinks and feels. In fact, some children can learn to give comments, presentations, and talks in their parents' language but without really expressing their own thoughts and feelings.

Also, a child's heart is influenced b y more than just language. That was the case with Joshua, mentioned earlier.  His sister, Esther, says:  "To young children, their parents' language, culture, and religion come bundled together."  If children do not feel that they are part of their parents' culture, they may not want to learn their parents' language and religion.  What can immigrants do?

Christian parents put their children's needs ahead of their own preferences.  (1 Corinthians 10:24)   Joshua and Esther's father, Samuel, says:  "My wife and I observed our children to see in which language they thrived  spiritually, and we prayed for wisdom.  The answer was not what we personally  found convenient.  But when we saw that they were getting little benefit from the meetings in our language, we decided to move to the local-language congregation. Together, we regularly attended meetings and shared in the ministry. We also invited local friends to join us for meals and excursions. All of this helped  our children to get to know the brothers and to get to know Jehovah, not only as their God but also as their Father and Friend.  We considered this to be much more important than their mastering our language. 

Samuel adds:  "To keep ourselves spiritually strong, my wife and I also attended meetings in our language. Life was very busy, and we were tired. But we thank Jehovah for blessing  our efforts and sacrifices.  Our three children are all serving Jehovah in the full-time ministry." 

Next time:  Helping the Children of "Foreign Residents" -WHAT YOUNG PEOPLE CAN DO

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