Knowing thy enemy

Just a update with a few thoughts, to see if you have experienced the same as we have recently. We had several studies started during CO visit, Elaine had 1 given to her since I was with Bro. Lee when he started it. While the angels are helping us to find ones that may be sheep, some other forces take notice don't they? We are so used to setting up our calls on a weekly basis, we don't want to "bother" the HH.
However as FDS has stated that it may be advantageous to arrange to call sooner. Why? Many possible factors: the busy schedule most people have, relatives, sickness, work etc. But the most dangerous of all the potential threats is Satan and the demons. They see what response we get and will go to all lengths to thwart the seed from being planted & taking root. Waiting a week may not work anymore, if we can get back sooner. We are seeing very disturbing trends that can only be attributed to the demons being "on the watch" too. They are on a short time line and are determined to undermine, confuse, attack, subvert, and many other methods to stop the interest we find.
An example is on 1 call, at the 1st RV, the woman whose son & wife had encouraged her to start attending church again, split up there marriage and on the surface you'd think that would help the woman to see that what they had was not based on the truth. But it has caused such an upset that she can't focus on study, and the real interest she has. So we need to be like a nursing mother with our calls, especially when we 1st find that interest. We need to return as soon as possible, maybe next day, to keep the oxygen of that interest fanned so as to not have the flame of interest doused by the demons, with their efforts.  Peoples lives are at stake, and while we realize that we can only try to be the conduit for them to receive spiritual food, and enlightenment from slave class, it is ultimately up to them, we are not ignorant of Satans designs are we? 2 Cor, 2:5. Even tho referring to ones who erred, and not allowing them to be over-reached by Satan, in principle it surely applies to our knowledge of Satan's efforts. And of course stated by Jesus, Satan certainly has that intent to steal the seed before it has a chance to send down roots.
But of course we can only "plant", but the farmer doesn't stop there does he? Much effort goes to cultivating, fertilizing, weeding, watering etc. Much sweat, time & energy goes into that seed, and the hoped for growth. So while we can't force anyone to study, and follow thru with the interest they initially showed, we have to be like a "smart farmer", observe the "weather conditions" be aware of conditions and respond in time to help protect that little plant/seed.
Just some observations, feel free to add to these thoughts, and examples you have seen. Develop a "anti-enemy action plan" when we find those interested ones. Plant the truth deep and fast, and anticipate scenarios that we see happening. Be pro-active in protecting that seed. What extent did Jesus go to to teach and reach people? When he was tired he still saw them needy and responded, even putting himself out, by missing meals & sleep, & rest to feed them.
Looking forward to getting back in FD FT, this temp work ending so as to be out with friends again.
There certainly is nothing the world has to offer that compares to serving Jehovah FT, and with everything we have.
Love to all,
Tom & Elaine.

Can you make a difference?????

Have you ever wondered if you, no one else, can make a difference? Have you ever wondered if some feeling you have is so right that you want to see it happen, but then second guess yourself? Have you ever wanted to take a step spiritually, perhaps after a convention talk that moved you to tears, where if you could you would be the one to say "here I am send me"? Or an experience from a talk or convention that demonstrated how by following the Governing Body suggestion to pursue spiritual goals, either simplifying, arranging your affairs to serve as a pioneer, or move to where the need is great
and then watched how Jehovah blessed your decision? Well you never will experience those things without taking the "leap" of faith.
  Well today I was privileged to see some amazing things in FS. We have the visit of our new CO, who gave a nice talk last night. Then this morning we met for FS and he gave a very good scriptural discussion to get us in the right frame of mind, then we went out door to door. I was put in his group, and listened to his recap of his working with 1st brother, as he wrote down his calls & not at homes.
Then it was my turn to listen to his presentation. We found 2 people home, 1st call he did the same exact presentation he did in morning at meeting, the woman responded, and accepted a bible study! He set it up for Elaine to go back next wed, to continue it. Now you might say, well was she really a good BS, that agreed to study and meant it? Well after lunch I realized I couldn't go back because of being gone next week, so I dropped by woman's house and introduced Elaine to her, so she would know what Elaine looked like, and Elaine would understand this woman wants a study. Confirmed it, and they set a time.
In our 4 person group this morning we arranged for at least 6 studies.!!! And this is just the 1st day of his visit! I wonder how many more will come from his suggestions on how to go about it?
  Then at lunch, he talked to our group about pioneering. He showed us how each of us could do it. Despite most of our initial reluctance, he showed us on paper how it could be done, then promised us more info after service if we wanted to meet back with him. 8 of us did, and since there was 3 pioneers at meeting, 5 others were there, and 4 turned in pioneers applications or are seriously considering it. What a great help and encouragement he is, and how exciting to see publishers respond to his invitation. He told the group that if they apply during his visit, that they could start Sept 1, thus qualify for Pioneer school.
  I will have several pioneers to go to pioneer school with next september, Jehovah willing, and 1 will be my wife! We may have at least 2 married couples going from our congregation to pioneer school! Plus several more, and we are only into the 2nd day of his visit. I wonder how many more will respond to his call for Pioneering? Can you? It boils down to 17.5 hours a week. If you can do 6 hrs on a Sat, maybe start at 7am for 2 hrs of early morning, then 4hrs rest of sat. Then 1 hour on Sunday. That leaves 10 hrs to get rest of week. 2- 5 hr days. start at 7 end by 12;15- Viola 5 hrs each day and your at 17 for week. Do you work part-time? Easy schedule. Or maybe you can't go long days, Can you do 1 hour each day per week= 5, then do a long day saturday. Your almost there.  If you can get to 50 hrs or so, and are on RBC, if you are reg pion. you can count the time doing RBC, or work at assembly halls toward your pioneer hours.  He opened many eyes to see it is doable. He is quite the encourager.
Many have feared not making the hour requirement as a hindrance to taking the step of pioneering.
But he showed us that not to let that stop us, because once we take the step, Jehovah will bless us. Even if we only do it 1 year, How much more praise will we bring to Jehovah. Will we ever regret it? No. way.
  Had my study with the school teacher this week, and it was very interesting. We had arranged to look at the appendix in back on God's name. Why did I want to cover that so soon? How does a person develop a personal relationship with Jehovah without using his name? Do we not want an interested person to be able to know WHO they have been missing in there life? It went so well. He had read info, we stuck to the material in BT appendix, and looked up all the scriptures, even if they were quoted
fully. Why. To impress on student that what they are reading from the BT book is from the Bible. About 1/2 way thru, he commented that it must be satan who had removed Gods name. When we read a scripture that read Lord, when the text should have had tetragrameton, or Jehovah name there. He said that he in his mind he always thought that it meant Jesus, now he is seeing that it is Jehovah.
What a lightbulb moment for him. So important to get our students to using Jehovah name, so they can develop that intimacy with the only God. Its so gratifying to see them grow in understanding.
  So if you want to, or ever thought about it but worried you couldn't do it, just try it out and see how Jehovah will bless you.  And then you too my have a day like today. And hear a person say, "I want to study the Bible".
Much more coming I think before this visit is over.
Love,
Tom & Elaine

Spanish...English...spanish....

it's Been awhile, but lots going on, and while things here are somewhat not as exciting as Mexico on the surface, there is still activity to report on.
we had a nice vacation down to Myrtle beach, about 10 days, and tho the weather
was a factor  And a balky back, we enjoyed the beach and some fresh seafood, etc.
we visited with an old friend of mine Tom Bowen, and met his wife Lorraine who allowed us to stay with them on the way to SC. so Tom & I got a chance to catch up with 41 years of history and experiences, and raising families etc. Wonderful time & maybe looking forward to staying in touch more in future. Tom & Lorraine live in NC near Raleigh. we left the Bowen's Sunday AM and headed to Myrtle Beach. had a rom on the beachfront, and spent 5 days there before heading back to St. Louis vis Tenn. Stoped to visit with the Whipps and really enjoyed our time with them. Angela has 2 great kids who we love, and get a kick out of visiting with.
  when we got home it was full speed ahead on FS til the end of month. then heard from our friends in Dolores Hidalgo, that helped arrange for my study, Miguel & family to attend their 1st district convention. there was a assist from some friends in Spanish cong. And the english, to house them , transport them, and take care of them during the convention. Jehovah' s people extend themselves and will help whenever and with whatever resources they have to help people hear and respond to the good news. I'm hoping to hear a report on how it went, and how they enjoyed the convention.
I've had some good experiences here with finding Spanish speaking in our territory. Today we were in FS, and we piled into a driveway to the rear of a home, where a man and his wife were throwing a frisbee in the back yard, 3 little girls about maybe 4, 6 and 9, a Mexican man who spoke a little English and I had a nice conversation, as I had a Spanish BT bk, and used the Listen to God brochure, and went over pictures. sked him if he had "La Biblia" in Spanish, and he said no, so I asked if he would like 1, he said yes, so I arranged to bring him back 1, on a Sunday since that is his only day off. So had a nice day, in spanish & English. 
Here in Missouri there are lots of deer, everywhere......

Its kind of like FS, you are looking where you think the best odds are of finding Jehovah's "DEER", but as long as your out sometimes He brings them to us, right in front of us. Like these deer along the highway across from our territory. Right out in the open. So whether we are 'looking" here or there, in Mexico, or Pacific, Mo. the angels will see to it we find his sheep, we just have to keep looking, right?
Even tho we didn't get to spend as much time as we planned, I learned from some really good servants of Jehovah there, to "look" for his sheep everywhere. On the way to the market, the Dr's office, paying water bill. getting auto repaired, and isn't it interesting how when we use every occasion to PGN, in a relaxed circumstance, we just may reach 1 of those sheep. 
Love to all,
Tom & Elaine

News from the past....& present.

11 Points of Consideration by Guy Pierce of the Governing Body

Safeguard Your Spirituality by Training Your Perceptive Powers

1. Listen to Jehovah - Many think they know the answers, but they don't even know the questions.

2. Study regularly, study deeply – We can be desensitized by what we see and hear, thinking it isn’t bad. For instance, Xmas songs. We hear them; the next thing we know, the tune is running around in our head. In a short period of time we are humming them just as Satan wants.

3. Do we spend ‘pioneer’ time in front of the TV or computer, and ‘token’ time in service -- Psalms 119:37, 'Make my eyes pass on from seeing what is worthless."

4. Jesus is countless billions of years old ... And one day we will be as old as Jesus is now, and he'll only be twice our age.

5. The Bible is inspired of the Sovereign of the Universe. It's a Masterpiece, give it careful attention.

6. The reasons some give for not being at the meetings is the very reason why they need to be there.

7. Too busy because of the high cost of living, or living high? -- You can't put enough money in the bank to get through Armageddon.

8. A couple of young brothers are going to a movie. When asked if it has bad language, they reply, 'yes, but we hear it all the time in school."

Do we want to pay to hear more? It should hurt our ears.

9. Every meeting is a holy, sacred occasion. Never be absent by choice.

10. Some are slowly losing the sense of urgency. We are in the heart and heat of a universal emergency. All in heaven have their attention focused on the earth and what we are doing.
11.If we had the cure for cancer we would tell everyone? But we DO have the Cure for cancer! And AIDS, and high blood pressure, and diabetes, and even death.

People desperately need to hear what we have to say. Our ministry is an extension of God's love. When you talk with someone, they are face to face with a representative of Jehovah God!

Some nice points to keep in mind. Never can get enough of these points, and being able to absorb the counsel & reminders.

1 of our friends sent me some news about my Bible study, Miquel and his family. She was told that at a WT study in the spanish cong where Miguel has been attending with his family, That Miguel made a comment, Marlene did , then Maria, and also Miguelito! After the last comment from the family, the congregation applauded the family! Outstanding. That made me feel so good, to see the family's progress, and assuring me that as we know if someone is a sheep, that Jehovah draws them and whether we contact them, or study with them, or assist in bringing them the good news, its Jehovah who makes it grow. Ron & Carolyn Mudge took over study from us, and they are in Pioneer school, so Tom & Debbie are doing study next 2 weeks.
Also, the woman that Elaine & sister Ver Beek (CO wife) that they started right before we left is continuing on and making nice progress. I was thinking this morning that I needed to hear from Ron, on how things were going. But I will wait until he gets out of pioneer school. I know he's enjoying it, as well as Carolyn. Ron was pioneering last year, but didn't get invited in time for school, so Carolyn asked if she could wait until they could go together. So this is great to go as a pioneer couple.
Can't wait to see how Miguels family enjoys the Dist convention next month. When they see all the friends that are learning about Jehovah, as they are, I think they will see, feel, hear, and "taste" the love, harmony, and unity of our brotherhood.
  We had our RV on the teacher this week. Had a good visit & exchange on Chapter 11 in BT. He had read the chapter, made notes and looked up the scriptures. When we got to 2nd subheading, he commented that he had never thought about the way God dealt with Satan, and Adam & Eve, as if you were a "teacher". Since he taught school for 30 some years, that hit the mark for him. He wrote himself notes in margin, and that helped him understand why, God did what he did. Arranged to resume with chap 12 in 2 weeks when we come back from a little trip to Carolinas.
So with his taking the Bible as the authority, we can have a basis to continue.
  As I said our trip is starting tomorrow, and we will head to N. Carolina and visit an old Bethel buddy I haven't seen since 1970, or 71. We had lost touch until recently, and have enjoyed getting back in touch over internet. Tom taught me the ropes on "old Cottrell#7" Tom Bowen, worked on the press I worked on for 4 yrs. We will visit with Him & his wife, enjoy their hospitality, then head to Myrtle Beach SC, for 5 days on the beach. After that we will head back, stop along the way, maybe see some "Smokey Mt" sights, and see Elaines Niece, Angela & husband Vince, & Lorelei & Sterling on way back in Tenn.
  Getting back on pioneer schedule more & more, health is good, Had Dr appt as a follow-up to the cardio shock, and Dr said heart was in Rhythm. Was able to get off 2 meds, and keep up better diet.
We had 9 out yesterday for FS, and 16 today. Weather has cooled and so we can do more, longer than the last 4 weeks.

Sometimes no answer is the right answer!

Had a good week, 4 days out, and some results, that were hopeful. Pacific is not Dolores, but doing what we can with the circumstances we have. Different place but the same effort is needed.
So made the Rv on the retired school teacher. Tried Sat, but he was gone. But his wife told me "was looking forward to coming back" to talk. So I was very hopeful of being able to get into a good discussion with him. We called back and found him home about 11:30. He invited us in, and we sat down in Living room. I asked if he had a chance to read any in BT bk. He said he did, that he read 151 pages in it! Was happy he did, but then he said it was the very depressing. He didn't agree with our view, that the people who have died were unable to communicate with family. He had 2 family members that related experiences of seeing a loved one who dies, appear to them separately. And he said he had been a member of his church for over 55 yrs. and we would never get him into a KH. So I went from being very hopeful of getting him in a good discussion then in to Bible, and book, to trying to extend the call and not walk away with out being able to come back. So what would I do?
Since he had made a point that he believes what the Bible says, I just listened to his objections, and didn't try to change his mind, at this time. He also said he didn't think 1914 was the correct time for Jesus rule beginning. So I went back to 2 Tim. had him read it from his Bible, and referred him to Jeremiah, from the reference that 2 Tim   when Paul was talking about last days the scriptural reference refers to Jerusalem's last days. So in quoting or referring to that Paul knew that Jerusalem was destroyed and it was her last days. So it makes sense that God inspired paul to write that, so the conditions that paul was talking about would also mean that he was talking about the last days too. Then reasoned that yes there had been earthquakes wars thru history, but those things were not coupled with conditions of attitude that 2 Tim talks about. He did agree with that. So then we went back to Rev 12: 7-10 about when attitudes and why. heavens cleansed, and Woe for the earth. He seemed to accept that. Then instead of going into chap 8, as I planned, went to chap 11, read the 3 questions and told him to read the chapter and look up every scripture in it to be sure it of what paragraph is presenting is accurate. I had asked him if he looked up every scripture in his reading the week before, and he said he hadn't. We left about 12:30, and he asked us to come back at 3pm next tuesday. So we arranged for that. I was grateful that at least he was amendable to the scriptures we presented, and didn't shut the door to further discussions.
When we leave someone we just never know how, or what or who may step in to put a stumbling block before them. But we do know that satan observes all this and is trying his best to stop any growth. We can be sure tho that Jehovah will give us the right things to say, if the person is a sheep.
If they really love the Bible, they will listen & obey. It is comforting to realize that isn't it. All we have to do is search out deserving ones and Jehovah does the rest.
Well all for now,
Love to all,
Tom

strange happenings!

At 3:30am today I was awaken with the sound of thunder. Then about a 1/2 hour later, I heard rain splattering against the pane. Surprise, water coming from the skies. We actually had a nice heavy soaking rain that lasted off & on for 4 hours. I actually had to find my rain coat & wore it out to the car.
The smell of the rain was fresh as the morning dew.
Well had a decent week, got out 3 days in FS, did a couple of early mornings starting at 7. Missed the group 1 morning, so went by myself, and did gas stations, we have plenty. The 1st 1, I was waiting for a man to hit the pumps, then saw a landscape crew come in, all Mexicans, looked in my bag and had 4 spanish WTs left, so said Hello(Hola), in spanish presented mgs and the man took them. Repeated that 3 more times 2 in AM, then 1 on way after service and all my 4 spanish mags were gone! My spanglish was ok. So 4 landscape crews 4 mgs. Those men working up in states, support at least 1 family back in Mexico, maybe more. They will live together, divide the expenses, and conserve there $ so as to take care of ones counting on them in Mexico. Even tho there only making minimum wage they are making good money in Pesos.
Here is a riddle dor you: How can you be happy making a RV the 1st one after initial call, w/o reaching your Rv to talk to? ....................................................His wife tells you he isn't there but, he "was looking forward to you coming back". YEA. It was a slow day in FS but that was our last call and that made my week.
Today we went to find a RAW food restaurant we heard about thru friends, new down in U City. After a couple wrong turns we found it, with some tech support from our friends. It was called Fridas. Now mind you we had walked about 30 minutes where we thought it was, it was almost 3pm, and hadn't eaten since our smoothie in morning. As we were looking we passed some great places to eat, PIs, my favorite pizza place, several other sushi bars etc. When we finally found it, drove by, and said "no way". It was a hole in the wall, with about 4 table and 2 bar stool tables. But we were starving, so I parked told Elaine to wait in car, while I dubiously went inside. Looked at menu, and decided we were hungry enough to try the meager sitting area. Got a table and looked over what to order.

Looks good doesn't it? I had a walnut/mushroom burger, with avocado, sprouts, and cucumbers. tomatoes. Elaine had a "FRIDA special" slaw on top of a vegan burger, with cucumbers, on a whole wheat bun. Both were good.









Earlier in our endeavor to find Fridas, saw this for the 1st time.
I guess it is used for what it says on it, but just reminded me of what is going on in other lands, and how with the stroke of a pen/keyboard, it could be used against and is us, brothers.

Nuisance abatement Vehicle. Who defines Nuisance?

We know persecution is coming if we live here in states or Mexico, but how long before the forces of satan are unleashed on us, as they have and are against our sisters & brothers?
As we know it will require us to have prepared our hearts for those days. What better way than to do the Lords work now, witness and ahead of time consider our response to such persecution? Seems like I heard that somewhere.

With the long drought we have had, here in midwest, that is the spiritual drought the world has had. But we have the spiritual "waters of life" coming unending to us.

Jehovahs our water source and He always supplies what we need, in abundance, it is up to us to "drink" from those waters, get hydrated when we can, take advantage of the waters of life.
Just like this stream that even in the worst drought in at least 75 years, we want to be planted alongside the stream that Jehovah gives us.







All for now,
Love,
 Tom & Elaine

keep on Keepin On.

 Keep on Keepin On

What a gorgeous setting, pastoral, and a preview of what we may inherit as we endure.

What is wrong here, nothing at all, except maybe the corral/fencing.

I was thinking how as time passes how much some things change, and others stay the same. In going to a new congregation it is interesting, challenging, intimidating for some, and like coming home for others.
I was talking to 1 brother who recently started the process of relocating to a new cong., and he was looking forward to it, but also it has some unknown factors. Most of that is due to our imperfections, others imperfections, and being in a different, situation, where you are not sure of how you fit in. But in Jehovah's Org. really all we have to do is keep doing the Lord's work, follow directions we receive and allow time & things to develop naturally, and not force things, too soon, or before they happen when the right time arrives.
That applies also in the ministry with our calls. Heb. 6:12 makes that point, of how demonstrating the quality of patience is so important & how we can do it. "in order that you may not become sluggish, but become imitators of those who thru faith & patience inherit the promises." As we talk to people in the ministry it is so important to have patience with them. If we allow thoughts of we need to rush them to studying, before they are ready we force them into a decision before their heart has made it. Why do we do that occasionally, maybe because on the surface we desire them to get in before it is too late, right?
But what may it really show? Our lack of faith in Jehovah & his son in their ability to deliver any who are "sighing and groaning over the detestable things" going on. The angels part of directing us too sheep-like individuals, when the time is right, to say the right thing to theses ones. believing that holy spirit is involved in this work. That is where faith comes in, does it not? We talked about that in FS the other day. It reminded me of a FS talk that a brother in Dolores stressed. having patience, shows the degree of faith we have in Jehovahs ability to deliver. That same faith will not allow us to become "sluggish" in our activity, but all we have to do is keep on keeping on isn't it? Sure we follow the direction and instruction from "slave" as to the offer, feature what the current suggestions are, etc.  But we don't have to act fearful of not having the time to reach all who will respond.
An example of that is our record in the ministry. 1 of my "spiritual dads" who helped shape my life is up there in years. And I have the privilege of working with him in our new congregation. I marvel at his stamina, and desire to "keep on keepin on." he has served Jehovah over 80 years, and has had much responsibility over the years. He has slowed down physically but not spiritually. When the temp this week was hitting a 100, he was out,
and doing the ministry still, he uses a cane now, and we make sure he gets the doors that are level, as much as possible. But what an example of faith, patience he has shown and is still showing.
When I was a young teenager, in his cong. Many a time he or 1 of the other bro.s on the "Committee" as we called it back then, would tap me on the shoulder and ask if I would follow him to the "the room".
In this case it was the bas't of the Kh. where you went to get counsel, and privately. And there they would be, 3 spiritual men who were interested in my welfare, and heard, saw, or observed some fault, or a danger that they would see that was in front of me, and counsel me on how to avoid it, how not to repeat it, and what the consequences would be if I didn't. I never regretted any of those many occasions of counsel, sometimes strong, but always in love, because I knew they were trying to help me. They were doing the job assigned to them from the FDS, to warn me before I took a false step, or after I took a wrong step, admonition on how not to repeat it.
So in being reunited with him is a great joy and source of encouragement, and an example to follow.

here is Ted at door, doing what he can, just like us, except he's been doing it longer. This is a funny pic, because I didn't think the sprinkler was shooting water everywhere, thought it was just hitting part  of the area. Ted didn't complain, and the sister with him when they came back to car, squeezed the hose so Ted didn't get soaked.

  


Here is Ted heading back to car. Now he isn't perfect, I know, but in my eyes he will always be the man who most influenced my life, and kept me on the road to fulltime service, where I enjoyed Bethel, pioneering, met my wife, and went to serve where the need was great. He wasn't alone in helping me, I needed a lot of help. But he was always there, and his wife & family that made room for me, at a crossroads, that helped guide me
to a destination that I couldn't see, but hoped for.

We had a nice time in service. Then the next day we had a good time too, here are some of the pics we saw.

 Right out of the 60's, were these slogans.
I just heard from the brother & sister who took over Miguel's study, that they are going to their 1st DC in Sept!!!!!!!!!!! Ecstatic would be too mild my feelings. Several friends in spanish cong, and our friends in Eng Dolores have offered to assist them, is this a great org or what?
Never ignore Jehovah's ability to deliver us from any situation we find ourselves in, or in his desire & ability to direct affairs so as to find & deliver those in our ministry we come across. Its not us, it is Jehovah, Jesus, and the angels, FDS, directing us in his work. We can have joy, as we just "keep on Keepin On".

Just heard from a friend in Dolores, that is studying with Miguel that the way has been made for his family to attend the DC in Leon, in Sept.!!!!!!!I'm ecstatic. Some spanish brothers, and some of the friends from the eng. Dolores cong. have got together to assist them to get to convention. Ron laid it out for them, and they accepted. So he & Marlene and family will be able to go to their 1st convention!

 Outstanding love shown by those to help ones to find Jehovah.

Love to all,

Tom & Elaine