Service Experiences

The service group numbered 23 this morning, here we are on the veranda in our house

After the group arrangement - huge family have coffee & fruiti empanadas 

Later today we were on the Cart  witnessing assignment  ..

Phil & I were joined by Nina & the Rice family for this picture

No one wants to miss a photo opportunity do they.

Phil & I with Nina had the opportunity to witness to two men on separate occasions who both took a Bible Teach book from the cart during our shift  - in the UK we call these Carts - Trollys don't we

This was the very first ever shift for the witnessing cart for the San Sebastián English congregation

Friday their witnessing table will also go live

The elders here are coordinating the arrangements. A meeting was held with all pioneers a week ago and it was outlined how the work would be accomplished ##

What a privilege for us - we've been given slots on this weeks schedule - to be with the cart & table

Here is a copy of the ## KM instructions re public witnessing ( I found the last directive especially helpful - as it gives you suggestions as to what to say & goals or objectives when meeting interested people): 

KM July 2013

'Table & Cart Witnessing

How the Witnessing Is Done: Those involved in special metropolitan public witnessing usually wait for someone to come to the table or mobile display. When someone approaches, he is invited to take any literature that interests him. The 'pioneers' gladly answer from the Scriptures any questions he may have. If he takes literature, the pioneers do not mention the donation arrangement. But if he enquires about how our work is funded, they may explain that donations can be sent to the address listed in the literature. When possible, they ask: “Would you like someone to visit your home?” or “Are you aware that a free Bible study comes with that publication?”

1 Tim 2:4

Today the group met at our house this morning as mentioned above

The congregation number 23 & 23 were out on service!

They're a lively bunch, & the little ones played in the garden before we left for the  preaching 

The lower section of the property encompasses part of the ruins of the original building dating back to 1500 CE

3 of the 5 children in the congregation. What will happen when the Rices leave (4 children), would you like to move here with yours?

Experiences:

When we made return visits on some of the hotels & hostels today it was great as we had contact names plus most of them remembered us too, they all gladly accepted the latest magazines 

We have a few ongoing calls too, mostly KN 38 placements & we've been able to further our discussion into the Good News Brochure. One such will progress this coming Friday.

We met a Nicaraguan lady married to an American living in Santa Anna, we met her on first call on Tuesday & our RV has been booked into Friday morning. Time is running out, so I am taking a local sister back with me; she will take over the new call. 

This young mother knew we are JWs from the literature we offered. The subject of the KN tract appealed as she'd lost her grandmother in death when only 56 and she was 12! She could identify with the points of comfort in 2 Corinthians 1:3 & appreciated Job 14:1, the thought that God is interested made her very reassured & happy. She knew that the resurrection was possible and told us how she recalled the experience of Lazarus to mind often & that comforted her.

We left her to prepare some of lesson 6 in the GN brochure for discussion Friday. 

It will be quite a journey to get there .... Probably we'll get a Tuk Tuk for 10Q. 

We ve had other experiences but it's difficult to name names! We are preparing to hand over the interest very soon using our S8 forms. 

The S8 form has never been re formatted over the years (introduced in 1952) probably because it's fine just as it is. The Guatemalan Spanish one says for 'NH' - not home 'NC' 'not in Casa' ••••

Lydia & young Ian with special pioneer Marietere ready for service. 

The city:

We live in the Norte Oriente - North East of Antigua 

off the (avenue) Avenida 1 & Calle 1 (road) Candelaria 

The grid system has vertical avenidas & horizontal calles running Poniente to Oriente - West to East; avenidas run Norte to Sur - North to South. 

 

                         NORTE

                         SUR

Antigua is about 30 miles south west from Guatemala City

The Caraterre (motorway) is fast & the roads good.

However the streets in Antigua are cobbled and very uncomfortable & we walk or use a Tuk Tuk to get about. The streets are not well lit at night but you feel fairly safe. 

Tourist police are very obvious & attentive  at all times.

The city actively encourages tourism.

Last night after our anniversary meal (faultless & delicious) we walked home, it was about 10pm and we walked from Avenida 5 Sur to Calle 1 Norte it took us 20mins. The city is not hilly at all  so walking doesn't wear you out. 

The city is surrounded by Volcanos ; Fuego is active, Agua is not active at present, Pacaya is the volcano Phil & Ian climbed in a day, the other volcanos require that you camp overnight during your climb. All climbs require guides & are moderately risky.

There are many other volcanos too, and seismic activity is constant!!