LIFE STORY - A FIRST TASTE OF FULL -TIME SEVICE

 In 1980, I married Debbie, a beautiful sister with clear spiritual goals. We wanted to enter full-time service, so Debbie started pioneering three months after our wedding. On year into our marriage, we moved to a small congregation where there was a need, and I joined her in pioneer service.

In time, we became discouraged and decided to move away.  First, though, we spoke with the circuit overseer. He lovingly but honestly told us" "You are part of the problem. You are focusing on the negative aspects of your situation. Instead, if you look for the positive things, you will find them." It was just the counsel we needed. (Psalm141:5) We immediately applied it and soon realizes that there were, in fact, many positive aspects. Several in the congregation wanted to do more for Jehovah, including young ones and some who had unbelieving mates. That was a powerful lesson for us. We learned to look for the good and to wait on Jehovah to correct a situation that may seem challenging. (Micah 7:7) We regained our joy, and things improved.

The instructors in our first pioneer school had served in foreign assignments. As they showed slides and spoke of the challenges and the blessings they had experienced, they kindled our desire to serve as missionaries, So we concluded that we wanted to take up this service.

Next time: LIFE STORY - A FIRST TASTE OF FULL-TIME SERVICE - Conclusion

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