Misconstrued Thoughts : Yesterday's Misconstrued Thoughts Today

Encouragement is Always Nice!

Joe and Rose Lubeck, incredible examples of kingdom service. Last time at Bethel I had the privilage of visiting them with a friend. On my visit this time, I once again saw them (its hard to forget their distinguished smiles, and differences in size). I had to relate to them the fact I had met a brother in South Africa who had one of Brother Lubecks famous coin purses. (He originally made these out of scrap Bible leather). But these little coin pursues can be found owned by people all over the world). If you see one you know that person has visited the Lubecks bookstudy.

Of course it is an amazing life these two have led. Brother Lubeck has been serving in Bethel Service for 65 years. Sister Lubeck has been for 43 years. But there is more to their story. Brother Lubeck had left his native Saskatchawan to visit the US, and see what it was like. As he arrived in the US, he made his way to San Diego, on a very adventures hitchhike down. Once their, he needed work. As he aquired where the employment office was, he headed out. However, when he arrived at the address it turned out to be a Kingdom Hall instead. Feeling Jehovah was proding him, he decided to go on to the Hall. The brothers told him they had work to be done at the hall, and that he could stay there. A couple of weeks later Judge Rutherford needed some help at the Societies Mansion in California. The brothers recommended Lubeck. After two weeks Rutherford told Lubeck just to bring his things the following week and stay.

Joe served as a grounds keeper. He didn’t always agree with Rutherford on the way to keep the garden. Rutherford was a stickler for keeping anything that was to grow, Lubeck was in desire of strait furrows. This would be a differnece that would lead to Rutherford reminding Lubeck who gave the direction, and Lubecks conceding to the thought.

Joe was asked to remain, but he would need to apply for Bethel service. However when approached by Rutherford on this matter, Lubeck stated he wasn’t sure he wanted to do this. Rutherford responded “Well that’s somehting you’ll have to take up with Jehovah then.” Soon Joe’s application was submitted.

As Rutherford passed away he desired to be buried at the estate in California, and Joe would dig the grave for such. However the city of Sand Diego would not agree with this and therefore Rutherford found his resting place in Staten Island.

Joe headed to bethel in New York in 1944. An hour after arriving he found himself in the factory working. Joe and Rose continue in their Kingdom Service on today. Getting up for work on a daily basis even though in their Late 80’s. A great example, if you ever get a chance to meet and speak with this couple, you will no doubt be upbuilt and encouraged by their example.