The Ministry

Well I thought it about time I let you know how the ministry is going. It is totally different from anything you would have experienced in Australia. This is how we accomplish the work….

First we download to the JW App all of the videos in the languages most used by the refugees. We are still learning what languages are spoken by which countries. This is a short list of the languages you will need Twi, Igbo, Edo, Bengali, Somali, Tigrinya, Arabic, Urdu, Nigerian Pidgin, Manikanka, Yoruba, Bambara, French, Amharic, Persian, Pular, Krio, Wolof. Yes I hadn’t heard of this languages either. Then we try and go to where refugees would congregate, the local bus station, or we walk the streets looking for Africans, Bengalis, Pakistanis, etc, preferably walking alone or in small groups or 2 or maybe 3. You say “Hello” to them and if they answer you you might follow up with a “Do you speak English?” they will either say yes or no so you can ask where they come from and what language they speak and then you can ask them if the have a minute to listen to a short video in their language. Here’s the kicker, they all say yes…..  I know, who would have thought that there were people like this in the territory. I’m sure some would say no, but I haven’t seen it yet. They all seem to be very respectful and always thank you before leaving. If they show interest you can continue to show videos and maybe leave a tract or a brochure with them. The hardest part is catching up with them again, they seem to be only too happy to leave their phone number with you and in quite a few cases have asked when they can see you again.

Di had a nice experience when she called on a young Nigerian lady called Angel. She was happy to watch a video in her language and took the good news brochure, looking at the topics on the back she was keen to know how the bible could help make her family life happier. She wanted to know if she would come back Monday afternoon and asked for Di to put her phone number in WhatsApp. She’s really cute, she calls Di “Ma”. We will see how that goes! 

Today we went and had a study with a young man from Nigeria named Newman who asked for a study. He lives in a small camp located in a hilltop town about 45 minutes from where we live. He spoke and read english quite well and he was very responsive to what he was learning. After the study he asked if he could come to the meeting on the weekend. In most of the camps we are not allowed to enter so sometimes that does make it difficult for returning on interest but, as I said earlier they are more than happy to swap phone numbers so in most cases we can arrange to meet them outside the camp for a study.

Here is a message that Newman sent after the study, it just gives you an idea of how appreciative they are for what you do.

Pacer has about 5 studies at the moment which I hope to inherit when he leaves next week. Pacer and Talia’s visas run out next week so, unfortunately they have to leave, but they aren’t going home, they are heading to Turkey as they have heard there is a need there.

Next I might show you a little more of Crotone and were we are staying.