You Never Know What to Expect
Yesterday we heard from a Brother Who had been a missionary in Liberia starting in 1952. As of late, violence has broke out in Liberia, causing civil unrest and problems for our brothers. (See Jw-Media site).
The brother related comments from two letters he had received from brothers in Liberia.
In one congregation, shelling broke out during the second paragraph of the Watchtower. These brothers and sisters then fled the city on foot into the bush. They walked for 28 hours to a safe area, where they contacted the branch for help.
In another account, a brother was placed in line to be hauled away by the military group, when he was placed in line his blood card fell from his pocket. When the soldier saw it he asked what it was. Our brother replied that it was held by Jehovah's Witnesses. When the soldier found out he was a witness, he told him to get out of line. Then proceeded to tell him to flee into the bush. He recognized Jehovah's Witnesses as upstanding members of the community. Our brother fled into a swamp/marsh and arrived safely later at a Kingdom Hall.
To make us relate closer to these accounts: a couple of months ago news was given of the US Embassy being hit. But not in the news was the fact that one of our brothers narrowly escaped with his life as he had just left the building that was hit at the Embassy.
Many of our brothers are now having to flee the country or at least take refuge in Kingdom Halls. Though in a politically torn country the 3600 brothers still average 19hrs and 2 Bible Studies per Publisher. As always its important to keep our brothers in our prayers.
Comments
I think that the conditions in Liberia are really good reminders that though we live in a "free country" persecution can strike anywhere at any time. In many places in Liberia, Jehovah's Witnesses are considered to be fine upstanding citizens, yet and still, many of them have lost their lives trying to serve Jehovah there. As unstable as the political climate is in the world these days, I think Sunday's Watchtower study served as a poignant reminder to all of us to continue adding to our faith, endurance. Good reminder Jerm.
Posted by: Mindless Intelligence | November 10, 2003 12:11 PM
Thanks so much for sharing that,
it is very faith-strenghtening
Posted by: Jen | November 10, 2003 04:42 PM
wow! Yah thanks for sharing that Jerm. Hearing about that kind of stuff doesn't make me want to stay here, it makes me want to serve where the need is great, and where help is really needed.
Posted by: judi | November 10, 2003 07:29 PM
there was also an experience related involving a young man who was taken into custody with several others for not saluting the flag. many days into the detainment and many staying faithful to not salute the flag this young man gave into fear of man. he did salute the flag. just 3 days later they released all the brothers and sisters. this young man was so regretful and heartbroken that he could barely live with himself. he died just 6 weeks later for unknown causes. Bro. Klink, the one who talked last night and the one mentioned in the 1977 yb where there were some other experiences about flag saluting, said many of the natives believed he died of a broken heart.
may none of us ever die of a broken heart due to our failing to endure a test! NEVER!
remain firm in the faith ... whereever that scripture is... :)
Posted by: tommY | November 10, 2003 09:40 PM
As an update on a different note, our circuit overseer related to us at our special assembly day that at least 12 of our brothers lost their homes or belongings in the San Diego wildfires. There has been such an outpouring of support that the brothers have had had all of their material needs satisfied. The surplus items collected will be taken across the border to our Mexican brothers and sisters who are in need.
How thankful we are for our Christian brotherhood!
Posted by: Tim | November 11, 2003 02:10 PM