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Experience: Islands of Nicaragua
Central America's First Floating Kingdom Hall
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The Joys of Missionary Service - Gilead School -
Lake Nicaragua (Lago Nicaragua) is about 99 miles (160 km) in length,
with a maximum width of 45 miles (72 km).
John & Heidi Sealey were assigned to
carry the good news to the people of the islands of Nicaragua. But this was
a challenge due to the fact although many people live on these islands, the
islands are scattered over a great distance. In addition to this, the
missionaries wrote, "land was very hard to find...and they had to have a
place to meet within the islands." To resolve the problem the brothers came
up with a unique and practical solution: The missionaries write, "it was
decided that a floating Kingdom Hall was the way to go!"
John and Heidi continue, "Within
a week this went from my scribbles on a notepad to a real project as the
first donations arrived. We purchased all the steel we needed and decided
to get started. As we have never built anything that floats or attempted
to weld before you can imagine our many concerns we enlisted about 6 local
brothers and sisters to help with the task at hand.
" After
the first few days we had the first section of the framework made and then we
really started to worry and we think even a few in the branch felt the
same as a few from the branch came to take a look and share in the
testing of the first section at the lake. You can imagine our joys as it
seemed to float very well.
Although our worries returned as we realized that we still needed two
more sections, floor, roof, veranda, seats and people we can honestly say we
prayed earnestly every night and literally one month later through blood
,sweat, and tears it was time to launch we spent the day on, in and under the
water putting the hall together again.
"The branch had been a great support and Bro Ken Brian
of the branch committee decided to visit for the weekend with his wife Sharon
and give the first two talks as this hall will be used in more than one place.
In total we had over 45 in attendance and we didn't sink!!
"The hall has really become quite famous in the islands
everyone waves as they see us towing the hall from one side of the islands to
the next.
"We were happily surprised with our
first meeting attendance as we had not preached or informed most of the people
in the area that we would be having the meeting and then when we arrived and
started to anchor the hall it started to rain incredibly hard like it does in
a rain forest so we were thinking that we would have a very low attendance and
when the three o'clock time arrived and past and no one was there we were
really down but about 4 o'clock people started to arrive we were amazed but
couldn't be angry over their time keeping as they had walked more than half an
hour in the rain through the jungle, one carrying 3 children. They were
literally drenched when they arrived but all were over the moon to finally
have there own place to meet.
One thing that
has been made clear and commented upon by all is that for sure Jehovah's
spirit is at work in this remote area. In such a little time we have seen so
many families who desire to study and a memorial attendance of over 70.
Several families have separated from their prior religion, and made great
sacrifices to visit the assembly."
John & Heidi went on to relate that
two groups had then been formed in the Islands of Nicaragua! In their letter
they also related: "Our assignment has become a lot more interesting and to
be honest a lot more work now that we have finished central Americas first
floating Kingdom Hall. " Below John tells a little about the ministry:
This is my study in the
prison at Pearl Lagoon.
Pearl Lagoon
Some times he was
allowed out of his cell.
Atlantic Coast
Houses built from bits of everyone else's houses.
Miskito village was heavily damaged by the hurricane.
At the end of their letter, John and
Heidi express appreciation from themselves as well as all the brothers for
the love and generosity of the many brothers that helped make possible
Central America's first floating Kingdom Hall, in these words:
" Starting
from scribbles in a pad and 5 dollars now we have been able to construct a
floating Kingdom Hall. All of which could only of been possible with the
help of Jehovah's spirit and you loving brothers who helped in many
different ways. Please pass on and forward this email and the loving thanks
of not only ourselves but the 2 groups that have now been formed in the
islands of Nicaragua.
We have received emails
and donations from Aruba to Iceland among which there were many loving
comments and experiences. One family from the states told us how the
children took the decision to go without Pizza night and pocket money to
help with the funding of the hall. Another brave brother decided to take his
guitar and vocal talents to the high street in order to raise money, and we
are sure that many others sacrificed time effort and money too. Its
certainly at times like this we are reminded of what a privilege it is to be
part of such a world wide brotherhood.
"We are currently looking for a
truck in order to take our studies from the islands to the special assembly
day which falls at the end of the month. As all have shown such an interest
in being there. We are awaiting and organizing for a couple who are
arriving from Canada who are going to work along with us
in the more than 100 islands we still haven't preached so we are also
looking for either building or buying another small boat that they can then
use on the other side of the islands. So as you can tell there is plenty
going on...So that's about all the news from this side apart from the
various new wild animals we have been given as donations but that can wait
till the next email."
All
our love and best wishes
Your friends
John & Heidi Sealey
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A Legacy Far More
Valuable Than Money
-The "Missionary Spirit"!
A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE IN THE
MISSIONARY WORK
- In the Islands of
Nicaragua -
CENTRAL AMERICA'S FIRST
FLOATING KINGDOM HALL!
[A Letter from missionaries preaching in
the Islands of Nicaragua]
"Within a week this went from my scribbles on a notepad to a real project as
the first donations arrived. We purchased all the steel we needed and decided
to get started. As we have never built anything that floats or attempted to
weld before you can imagine our many concerns we enlisted about 6 local
brothers and sisters to help with the task at hand.
"...As soon as we find the time we will upload more photos to the website: www.clubphoto.com
and... just put in my email address which is JohnSealey52@hotmail.com .
So take care and keep in touch."
THE JOYS OF MISSIONARY SERVICE
The joys of the missionary service can best be expressed by those who have tasted this wonderful privilege! That have graduated from Gilead & gone out into their missionary assignment and served there faithfully over the years! In the Watchtower Publications there are hundreds of these testimonies. For example:
The 1995 Watchtower, February 1, page 18, relates, "A missionary who served with her husband for 45 years in Guatemala told about the primitive conditions that surrounded them, the hard work and hazardous travel that was part of life as they reached out to the Indian villages with the Kingdom message. She concluded: "It was the time of our lives when we were supremely happy." Though she was feeling the effects of advanced age and illness, among the last entries in her diary were the words: "It was a good life, so rewarding."
In the 2004 Watchtower, June 1, pages 18-19, we read, "...Some married couples may qualify for missionary training to be sent out to preach in a foreign land. Missionaries must adapt to a new country, perhaps a new language, a new culture, and new foods. But the blessings make such inconveniences pale into insignificance. Mildred, a veteran missionary in México, says: "I’ve never regretted my decision to become a missionary. It’s something that has been my desire since I was a little girl." What blessings has she enjoyed? "Back home, finding a Bible study was difficult. Here, I have had up to four students at a time starting out in field service!"
The 2005 Watchtower, February 1, page 16, says, "Over the past 42 years, one couple has served together as missionaries in three different countries. The husband says: "There have been difficulties. For example, we battled malaria for 35 years. Yet, we never regretted our decision to be missionaries." His wife adds: "There has always been so much to be grateful for. The field ministry is such a joy, and it is easy to start Bible studies. When you see the students come to the meetings and get to know one another, it is like a family get-together each time"
"The Missionary Spirit Retained"For many, even though their missionary status may change, it can be said of them, "Once a missionary always a missionary"! A number of missionaries over the years have, in time, had families, but have retained their missionary spirit. The 2000 Yearbook, pages 112-13 relates: "John and Pat Barker, graduates of Gilead’s 45th class, returned to England when they were about to become parents. But they had worked hard to learn Mandarin so that they could witness to the Chinese in Taiwan. Back in England, they kept on the lookout for Chinese people with whom they could share the good news. After their children had grown up and married, they both enrolled as regular pioneers and they now enjoy a fruitful ministry with a congregation that includes a Mandarin-speaking group in the Midlands city of Birmingham. Several with whom they have studied have returned to China with a good knowledge of the truth.
"David Shepherd, formerly a missionary in Ghana, now has a wife and three children. But David continues in full-time service. What has contributed to this? He explains: "When I saw how little the brothers in Ghana had, it helped me try to keep my own life as simple as possible."
Ron Pereira, a graduate of the 42nd Class of Gilead, was another brother, that retained the missionary spirit even after having three children. Read the experience, A Legacy Far More Valuable Than Money--The "Missionary Spirit! on this link.
The History of Gilead School
Gilead was set up by the Watchtower Society in 1943 to train experienced brothers and sisters to serve as missionaries in foreign lands. It's basic goal has always been to emphasize Bible study & to accomplish the work of evangelizing in all the earth.
The brothers chose "Gilead" for the name since in Hebrew it means "Witness heap". And to quote the Awake 1994, Dec. 22, pgs. 21-24, "By helping to pile up a heap of witness to Jehovah's honor, Gilead has played a pivotal role in carrying out the global preaching work that Jesus foretold..." Through the missionaries sent out from Gilead over the years, the expansion of Bible education has spread to all the continents and islands of the seas!
If Gilead is your goal, you won't want to miss reading the entire fascinating account of the history of Gilead related in that December 22, 1994 Awake article entitled "A Special Kind of School" !
Gilead School Curriculum
Speaking to the first class of Gilead School in 1943, Brother Knorr, then president of the Watch Tower Society, said: "You are being given further preparation for work similar to that of the apostle Paul, Mark, Timothy, and others who traveled to all parts of the Roman Empire proclaiming the message of the Kingdom. . . . Your principal work is that of preaching the gospel of the Kingdom from house to house as did Jesus and the apostles."
1999 Watchtower November 15, page 12, explains a little of the curriculum of Gilead pointing out that "Gilead School focuses on a study of each book of the Bible, on the modern day history of Jehovah's people and on preparation for missionary service." In the early classes of Gilead a new language was taught to the students at Gilead, some 30 languages over the years. But in time this arrangement was replaced with an intensive period of supervised language study when missionaries arrived in their assignments. For the first month the brothers and sisters immersed themselves in language study for eleven hours a day. The second month half the time was devoted to studying the language and the other half to using it in the ministry.
"In time this arrangement was adjusted and during the first three months in the new assignment, the missionaries would spend four hours a day with a qualified teacher and begin using the language immediately to witness to people. The 1999 Watchtower mentions that many missionary groups worked as teams and would discuss as many as 20 new words each day at breakfast & endeavor to use these in the ministry that day."
More details about the Gilead School Curriculum are given in the publication, Jehovah's Witnesses Proclaimers of God's Kingdom. On page 522 it explains how the brothers "outlined a five-month study course that emphasized study of the Bible itself and theocratic organization, also Bible doctrines, public speaking, field ministry, missionary service, religious history, divine law, how to deal with government officials, international law, keeping records, and a foreign language."
The publication goes on to explain, "Modifications in the curriculum have taken place over the years, but study of the Bible itself and the importance of the evangelizing work have always held first place. The Students are not given pat answers to everything but are trained in research and are helped to appreciate why Jehovah’s Witnesses believe as they do and why they adhere to certain ways of doing things. They learn to discern principles with which they can work. Thus a foundation is laid for further growth."
Gilead School Over the Years
In the 1995 Watchtower, December 1, page 24, interesting information is related about the various locations of Gilead over the years: "Between 1943 and 1960, in facilities at South Lansing, New York, U.S.A., 35 classes, made up of students from 95 lands, received special training. Then the school moved to the world headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, where it operated for nearly 28 years. From 1988 until early 1995, Gilead School held classes at Wallkill, New York." Then the Gilead School was moved to the Society's Educational Center in Patterson. More recent publications can be consulted, using the Watchtower Index or Watchtower Library CD, for updates on the Gilead School graduations and where missionaries have been sent.
Gilead Extension Schools
The 1995 Watchtower, December 1, and 1999 Yearbook describe the expansion that took place throughout the earth over the years as the Gilead School widened out its scope of operations and Gilead Extension Schools were established in Germany, Mexico and India. Missionaries were sent out not only to by from the ends of the earth and continued to spearhead the work in Africa, Latin American, Eastern Europe & the pacific, Thailand, Spain, Austria, Indonesia, Middle East Kenya, Ethiopia, Madagascar! Be sure to read these thrilling accounts!
Further Testimony to the Effectiveness of
Gilead-trained Missionaries
Thrilling testimony to the effectiveness of the Gilead-trained missionaries can be seen in reading the various yearbook accounts throughout the years. One such report is summarized on www.needgreaters.com/Japan.htm. Japan had 10 publishers in 1944, but by 1993 there were some 175,000! If Gilead is your goal, you won't want to miss the entire 1998 Yearbook report on Japan on pages 143-157, as well as current reports on what is happening there.
In the 1993 Watchtower, June 1, pages 26-27, further testimony to the effectiveness of the missionaries is related about a missionary sister serving in Panama for 45 years, having helped over 125 persons progress to the point of dedication and baptism!
Challenges That Missionaries Face
In the article, "Advice & Experience Provide Encouragement", found in the 2003 Watchtower, Dec. 15, page 27, we read of how members of the service department of the US branch, "conducted interviews with Branch Committee members from around the world. These men discussed challenges that new missionaries face and provided practical counsel based on personal experience. Some of the challenges include cultural differences, a tropical climate all year round, or a religious and political climate different from what the students have been accustomed to. What can help new missionaries cope with their new surroundings? Love for Jehovah, love for the people, not looking back, and not acting rashly. One branch committee member said: "People in our assignment had lived there for centuries and centuries before us. Surely we could live there and adapt. Every time we encountered difficulties, we looked upon them as character builders. You rely on prayer and on Jehovah’s spirit, and you experience the truthfulness of Jesus’ words, ‘I am with you.’"—Matthew 28:20."
In the 1997 Watchtower, June 1, page 30, more advice & encouragement is given, 'What Will You See?' was the question raised by Karl Adams, who has had a share in instructing many Gilead classes. He pointed out that what the new missionaries would see in their assignments depends not only on their physical eyesight but also on the eyes of their heart. (Ephesians 1:18) This was illustrated by what the Israelite spies saw when they surveyed the Promised Land. All 12 spies saw the same things from a physical standpoint, but only two saw the Promised Land from God’s viewpoint.
"Missionaries can also view things in different ways. In some lands where they will be serving, they may see poverty, pain, and hopelessness. But they should not react negatively and abandon the land. Brother Adams told of one missionary from a recent class who said: "These experiences made me realize that I have to stay here. These people need a hope for the future. I want to make a difference in their lives." Brother Adams concluded by encouraging the new missionaries to see the lands to which they are assigned as areas that Jehovah has determined to make part of His global Paradise and to view the people there as prospective members of the new world society."
Using the Watchtower Library CD or Watchtower Index to fill your mind with information on the Gilead School and the wonderful experiences of those faithfully serving in their missionary assignments (or of those who have retained their "missionary spirit" although now raising a family) can bring much joy and encouragement to those with the goal of attending the Gilead School!
A Worldwide Work--That Continues into God's New World!
But Gilead School & the great educational work of Jehovah's organization today, is not the end...but only the beginning, for as the 1994 Awake, December 22, page 24, puts it, "...However, the teaching activity of true Christians will continue on into God’s new world. It will reach out to embrace millions of resurrected ones who will need instruction in the ways of God. Then, without satanic interference, Christians will have the delightful privilege of continuing to make disciples—even as they have been doing for decades."
Watchtower Publications to Research:
appreciation for graduates: g94 12/22 24;
2005 Watchtower Library CD
(See Gilead School; Missionaries)
class size doubled (1992): yb92 255
comments by—Schroeder, A. D.: jv 95
curriculum: w99 11/15 12; jv 523
languages: jv 533
discussion: jv 94-5, 522-4, 533, 544-6; re 63; je 22-3
enrollment statistics to 1960: w88 3/1 16
entrance requirements: om 115-16
experiences:
obtaining passport to attend: w96 11/1 25
Gilead Cultural School of Mexico: w95 12/1 24; yb95 230; jv 533, 545
Gilead Extension School:
Germany: yb99 104; w95 12/1 24; jv 533, 545; w92 12/1 20; yb92 255
India: w95 12/1 24; jv 533, 545; yb92 255
graduate statistics: je 23
lands providing students: jv 541
number of lands providing: g94 12/22 22; jv 524, 538; w89 1/1 13
number of lands receiving: yb00 23; yb97 17-18; w94 5/1 19; g94 12/22 22; jv 101, 524; w92 9/1 18; w89 1/1 13
number of missionaries sent: w97 6/1 29-30; g94 12/22 22; w92 9/1 18
number of missionaries serving: jv 101
number of students: jv 524
number serving as Branch Committee coordinators: w92 9/1 18; w89 6/1 21
history: jv 300; w89 6/1 21
beginning: jv 94-5, 522-4; sh 359; w89 6/1 21; w88 3/1 16; w87 5/1 29
courses: w95 12/1 24; jv 533, 544-5
locations: km 12/90 9-10; w89 6/1 21-2; w88 12/1 22
review of 50 years: w93 6/1 26-7
locations: w95 12/1 24; jv 533
South Lansing, New York: jv 94-5, 527
Watchtower Educational Center (Patterson): yb99 19; yb96 14-15; w95 6/1 19; w95 12/1 24; yb95 31[See the latest Watchtower Library CD for more the most current information]
EXPERIENCES OF MISSIONARIES
A Legacy Far More Valuable Than Money--The "Missionary Spirit"!
At the 42nd Class of Gilead, Brother Ron Pereira underwent thorough training for a missionary assignment underground in Portugal where the work was under ban at the time. Until special arrangements could be made for him to enter Portugal, he was sent by the Society to Boston to spearhead the work in the Spanish-speaking field as for almost a decade there had been thousands and tens of thousands of Spanish immigrants from Puerto Rico, Cuba and other Spanish speaking countries, but no congregation or official group had ever been formed.
In a short time, with Jehovah's help and Ron's tremendous energy and zeal for the missionary work--wherever he might be--he was conducting 20-25 Bible studies, scouting out the territory and organizing it, and within a short time, the first Spanish congregation in the whole Greater Boston area was formed. Ron continued to spearhead the work in Boston and the congregation flourished and grew and the preaching work spread out to all of the Greater Boston areas. Due to Ron's positive attitude and missionary spirit, many of the new ones became pioneers and shared in the incredible increase that took place at that time! Others, that Ron had helped to learn the Truth, reached out for the privileges of becoming ministerial servants and elders!
Ron married and for many years he and his wife continued to special pioneer in his assignment as the congregation grew and then in time split and other congregations were formed.
Although Ron married and eventually had three children, he still retained his mighty "missionary spirit"!
Ron & his wife, Marilyn Ron & JockHe continued to special pioneer until his second child was born, and then became a regular pioneer.
Ron & Molly-Ann Ron, Josh, & JockWhen the third child, Molly-Ann, was born, Ron then became an auxiliary pioneer in order to devote more time to the family. Gilead and the wonderful things he had been taught were always a part of him, his daily conversations, and his family life, making the household a "missionary-spirited family"! When the children were 3, 5, & 7 years of age, Ron began to "spy out the land" for a place to move where the family could serve where the need was greater. Then one day in 1983, before these plans could materialize, Ron suddenly fell very ill and within nine weeks had died of cancer!
Having been a Gilead graduate and having had such intense love and zeal for the ministry, he left his family with a wonderful legacy!! Something far more valuable than money--the missionary spirit! After his death, his wife and children carried on in the search for a place to do "missionary work"-- and serve where the need is great! They would write the Society for suggestions on where to go and then would serve two months at a time each year where the need was great.
Heading to small islands Jock & Molly-Ann Josh & friend preaching Molly-Ann conducting study Jock conducting study Molly-Ann's study
to preach
[British Virgin Islands: Ron's three children with Ron's spirit for the missionary work, conducting studies--serving where the need was great in the summers]
In time, the family's goal to serve where the need is great as "missionaries" in a foreign field was finally reached and they moved permanently to the Dominican Republic:
Children: Jock & Molly-Ann: continuing with the missionary spirit Ron's wife: Dominican Republicwhen older: in Dominican Republic
Ron's three children are now grown and married, two are regular pioneers along with their spouses and they continue to serve where the need is great. Ron's son, Jock is an elder and he and his wife have the goals of going to the missionary school of Gilead and becoming missionaries and, if invited, possibly going into the circuit work one day. Ron's older son, Josh, is married & has two little girls. Ron's wife continues to pioneer where the need is great in the Dominican Republic.
One brother in giving loving advice to the Gilead graduates about to go to their assignments, said, "Stay close to Jehovah, stay close to his love, and your victory is ensured." So true were these words in Ron's case--whose victory was ensured both in his assignment and the missionary spirit he showed right up until his death! Today proof of this can be seen in two ways: one in the results of the ministry he spear-headed in Boston where there are now 22 Spanish congregations with approximately 1,500 publishers, 114 elders and 100 regular pioneers in the Greater Boston area! The second way, in Ron's family--a family with the missionary spirit--the legacy that he left them!
What a joyous event it will be when Ron comes back in the resurrection with the same missionary spirit that was so much a part of him right up until his death, to share in the delightful privilege of the teaching activity once again--but this time one that will embrace the millions of resurrected ones who will need instruction!
HOME
The purpose of the Serving Where the Need is Great Web Page is simply to share many of the joys and experiences of needgreaters throughout the world. It has been prepared with the hope of encouraging all of Jehovah’s servants as well as motivating those who have the circumstances to reach out for this wonderful privilege of service. In no way is the information provided here a substitute for following the instructions of the Society which include contacting the Branch Office in the country in which you would like to serve.
