Helping "Foreign Residents" to Serve Jehovah With Rejoicing -PREACHING TO NON-WITNESS REFUGEES

Many of today's refugees come from countries where our preaching work is restricted. Thanks to zealous Witnesses in the lands receiving refugees, thousands of refugees are hearing "the word of the Kingdom" for the first time.  (Matthew 13:19, 23)  Many who are "loaded down" are finding spiritual refreshment at our meetings and quickly acknowledge:  "God is really among you." -Matthew 11:28-30; 1 Corinthians 14:25. 

Those who preach to refugees need to be "cautious" and even "shrewd."  (Matthew 10:16; Proverbs 22:3) Listen patiently to their concerns, but do not discuss politics.  Follow directions from the branch office and from local authorities; never put yourself or others at risk. Learn and respect refugees' religious and cultural sensitivities.  For instance, people from some lands have strong feelings about proper dress for women.  Therefore, when preaching to refugees, dress so as not to cause needless offense. 

Like the neighborly Samaritan in Jesus illustration, we want to help suffering people, including those who are not Witnesses.  (Luke 10:33-37)  The best way to do so is by sharing the good news with them. "It is important to make clear right away that we are Jehovah's Witnesses and that our primary mission is to help them spiritually, not materially,"  notes and elder who has helped refugees. "Otherwise, some may associate with us only for personal advantage." 

JOYFUL RESULTS

Showing Christian love to "foreign residents" brings good results.  A Christian sister related that her family fled the persecution in Eritrea.   After four of her children made an exhausting eight-day journey across the desert, the arrived in Sudan.  She said:  "The brothers there treated them like close relatives, providing food, shelter, and transportation.  Who else would welcome strangers into their home just because they worship the same God? Only Jehovah's Witnesses!" -Read  John 13:35. 

What about the many children who arrive with their parents, both refugees and other immigrants? 

Next time: May Your Volunteer Spirit Bring Praise to Jehovah God!

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