Is It Rewarding? ~
After being apart of the group for a few months, I had ventured out into field service (or public preaching work) quite a few times. Everything was still very new to me. “Nǐ hǎo” was almost all I could say. Eventually I became bolder and was able to give a very simple presentation in Chinese. Thinking back now, I'm not even sure how I got to this point, but in a year I was able to learn a lot. The biggest help to learning Chinese would have to be our weekly meetings in Chinese at the Kingdom Hall. All our meetings have been in our targeted language since the forming of the group. After talking with friends from many different states, and many different groups, they have their meetings once a month. And mainly only have their Watchtower or Bible Study once a week. And comparing us to them, our Chinese has progressed so much more because of our weekly meetings.
In the beginning, we knew that our time with Frank and Amanda was limited, and they would eventually leave to go back to China. So they wanted us well prepared for when that day came. Because of that decision, we have benefited so much.
Being in a foreign language is definitely more worthwhile. And the Branch has really been pushing for foreign language in the past few years. Chinese especially. It makes sense since Chinese is the most spoken language in the world. A lot is involved though. We really have to count the costs. For me, I live nearly an hour away from my Kingdom Hall. 45 minutes to be exact. I have to travel to and from there multiple times a week. Second I am a regular pioneer and we have a huge territory with only about 20 publishers. How big of a territory? The WHOLE state of South Carolina. So this means we travel all over the state just to preach about the Bible to those who speak Chinese. Are these houses close to each other? No. Sometimes we have to travel 30 minutes just to get to another how on our same territory card. What does that mean? Gas, gas, and more gas.
And don't forget about food! Food is important. And often times we buy lunch/dinner (Yes we stay out in field service till 9 or 10 in the evening!) from the restaurants of our return visits.
Then we have our assemblies and district conventions. Are they in the same state? Ha! We could only dream. We have to travel to other states like New York, Michigan, and Texas just to attend our assigned assemblies and conventions. Gas money, Hotel rooms, and dinning are all things you have to worry about. Three times a year. (Oh and you still have to go to your english assemblies and conventions too to stay spiritually fed.)
But is it rewarding?
Let me answer that with a big YES. We get to talk to people who have no knowledge about the Bible. Americans are very familiar with the Bible, whether they believe it or not. And down in South Carolina, we are a part of the Bible belt, so yes many people are very familiar with the Holy Book. But Chinese people for the most part do not even believe in God. Normally we meet those who are Buddhist or have no religion at all. So our whole style of preaching that we would have used in the English Ministry no longer works. Of course, it's the same information, but we have to present it in a way that strikes interests. The thing I love the most about being a part of the Chinese field is when we approach individuals, and start speaking THEIR language, their face just lights up. They are so appreciative that someone is trying to converse with them in their mother tongue. It is such a beautiful thing.
As of this moment, I have been learning Chinese for 1 year and 7 months. A lot has happened. This week, we got the pleasure of having our first CO visit. (Someone who travels to many different congregations and encourages us). Yesterday at his public talk, we had 53 in attendance, 13 of which were Chinese speaking individuals. Sadly, we won't have another visit until next year. But it's exciting to show Brother and Sister Lu the progress we make this year on their next visit.
In conclusion what can I say? If you are a part of Jehovah's organization and are looking to expand your ministry, foreign language is defiantly the place to be. In South Carolina there is specifically a need for Chinese, French, and Korean. Think about it, but most importantly, pray about it. Jehovah blesses the efforts of those who are trying to do more for them. I am a living testament to that.
Next time I hope to share the details from our trip to Michigan. 再见！
In the beginning, we knew that our time with Frank and Amanda was limited, and they would eventually leave to go back to China. So they wanted us well prepared for when that day came. Because of that decision, we have benefited so much.
Being in a foreign language is definitely more worthwhile. And the Branch has really been pushing for foreign language in the past few years. Chinese especially. It makes sense since Chinese is the most spoken language in the world. A lot is involved though. We really have to count the costs. For me, I live nearly an hour away from my Kingdom Hall. 45 minutes to be exact. I have to travel to and from there multiple times a week. Second I am a regular pioneer and we have a huge territory with only about 20 publishers. How big of a territory? The WHOLE state of South Carolina. So this means we travel all over the state just to preach about the Bible to those who speak Chinese. Are these houses close to each other? No. Sometimes we have to travel 30 minutes just to get to another how on our same territory card. What does that mean? Gas, gas, and more gas.
And don't forget about food! Food is important. And often times we buy lunch/dinner (Yes we stay out in field service till 9 or 10 in the evening!) from the restaurants of our return visits.
Then we have our assemblies and district conventions. Are they in the same state? Ha! We could only dream. We have to travel to other states like New York, Michigan, and Texas just to attend our assigned assemblies and conventions. Gas money, Hotel rooms, and dinning are all things you have to worry about. Three times a year. (Oh and you still have to go to your english assemblies and conventions too to stay spiritually fed.)
But is it rewarding?
Let me answer that with a big YES. We get to talk to people who have no knowledge about the Bible. Americans are very familiar with the Bible, whether they believe it or not. And down in South Carolina, we are a part of the Bible belt, so yes many people are very familiar with the Holy Book. But Chinese people for the most part do not even believe in God. Normally we meet those who are Buddhist or have no religion at all. So our whole style of preaching that we would have used in the English Ministry no longer works. Of course, it's the same information, but we have to present it in a way that strikes interests. The thing I love the most about being a part of the Chinese field is when we approach individuals, and start speaking THEIR language, their face just lights up. They are so appreciative that someone is trying to converse with them in their mother tongue. It is such a beautiful thing.
As of this moment, I have been learning Chinese for 1 year and 7 months. A lot has happened. This week, we got the pleasure of having our first CO visit. (Someone who travels to many different congregations and encourages us). Yesterday at his public talk, we had 53 in attendance, 13 of which were Chinese speaking individuals. Sadly, we won't have another visit until next year. But it's exciting to show Brother and Sister Lu the progress we make this year on their next visit.
In conclusion what can I say? If you are a part of Jehovah's organization and are looking to expand your ministry, foreign language is defiantly the place to be. In South Carolina there is specifically a need for Chinese, French, and Korean. Think about it, but most importantly, pray about it. Jehovah blesses the efforts of those who are trying to do more for them. I am a living testament to that.
Next time I hope to share the details from our trip to Michigan. 再见！
Comments
Post a Comment