So, you want to serve abroad? Have the experiences in the Yearbook or in the “They Offered Themselves Willingly” series in the study edition of The Watchtower roused your inner missionary? Have you looked at your personal circumstances and seen where you could make room for an assignment outside your local territory, even for a little while? Do you just think my Instagram pictures are cool?
Whatever your reasons, congratulations are in order. Just considering the possibility of preaching in a foreign land is already the beginning of a fascinating adventure. Lately a few friends have asked for tips on how to get started. I cannot improve on what has already been published in our literature, so below is my essential reading list; when I seriously started working toward doing this long-term I started collecting them and compiled them into a book that I called “The Need-Greater’s Encyclopedia” and prayerfully studied them all repeatedly. I became a big fan of the articles and videos on Gilead graduations. I’m still finding helpful articles as I go along. I’m nobody; nothing was going to happen if I didn’t pray for Jehovah’s help and listen to his voice. In general I really started trying to step it up with my personal study. If I was going to go somewhere and help, I had to have something to give, so I needed my “bank account” full.
The Needgreater’s Encyclopedia (According to April)
They Offered Themselves Willingly
In Micronesia (w14 7/15)
In The Philippines (w13 7/15 pp. 5-6)
In Mexico (w13 4/15 pp.4-6)
In Norway (w13 1/15 pp. 5-6)
In Brazil (w12 10/15 pp. 3-6)
In Ecuador (w12 7/15 pp. 3-6)
“Can You ‘Step Over Into Macedonia’?” (km 8/11 pp. 4-6)
“Can You ‘Step Over Into Macedonia’?”(w09 12/15 pp.4-7)
“Can You Serve Where The Need For Kingdom Publishers Is Greater?”
(w09 4/15 pp. 20-23)
Guidelines-Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will pp. 111-112
“How Should We View People As Jehovah’s Day Approaches?” (w03 7/15 p. 20)
Pretty much all of the Yearbook volumes
Links:
http://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/activities/ministry/video-witnessing-isolated-territory-ireland/
http://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/family/teenagers/what-your-peers-say/video-best-life-ever/
Preparations
Personal needs and tastes vary; so I suggest I NOT be the only person you listen to! Talk with other brothers and sisters who have either served in other countries or are currently doing so. This way you will be able to have more of a 360-degree picture of what to expect. Talk to your Circuit Overseer and your elders (they’ll be sad to see you go, but they’ll help). Several months before coming to Nicaragua I sat down and made a list of the things in my life that were hindering me from taking the leap (bills, not wanting to leave my dog, not knowing how I’d support myself once I quit my job and left, the costly medicine I depend on to stay vertical) and the steps I’d have to take to circumvent these obstacles. With the help of Jehovah and my parents, obstacles just seemed to dissipate. I’ve learned that that happens when you start making steps to turn dreams into goals. Kind of like how the Jordan river only dried up once the priests put their feet in the water…
I also started to think about where I’d want to serve. I knew I wanted to keep serving in Spanish (although EVERWHERE there is a need for English) and since I had already been to a few Latin American countries and enjoyed them, I was already leaning in that direction. My friends Shannon and Nelson were already living here happily, Jenny and Oscar from my pioneer school class were finalizing their plans to move here, and several other friends had served here temporarily and really enjoyed the service. I started doing a little research. The cost of living, as it turned out, was low enough for me to live here and cover my expenses with the disability check that basically only pays for my gas in the States. The case for Nicaragua was strong. Then one day a [not-so] chance meeting with Danielle turned my “maybe” into a “yes…” and the rest, as they say, was history.
Now, Danielle made my job easy because she had already written to the Central American (formerly Mexico) branch to request information on countries where volunteers were being directed to serve. Had I not already connected with her that would have been my first step. The information the branch provides is thorough and useful. They’ll tell you some things about history, culture, terrain, climate, and about how much you'd need per month to live there. Danielle was given the names of a few congregations here in Nicaragua to contact; Brother Gutierrez, the coordinator here in Sébaco, was the first to respond to her within a record six hours. Basically, things were already in motion and I just hopped on the back of her truck. Still, since I would be here for a considerable amount of time, I wrote a personal letter expressing my intentions to come and for how long, that my elders sent to the branch along with a letter of introduction that they composed and my publisher cards.
We talked to Brother Gutierrez about our budget and what we were hoping for with respect to accommodations. Although it cannot be expected that living conditions be exactly what they are in our home countries, one of the truest statements that I heard from a special pioneer once was, “This is not an extended camping trip. Be comfortable enough in your assignment that you will want to stay for a while." A great advantage is that we already knew people here, so they let us know in advance certain things we’d need to bring or be prepared to buy here in order to transition smoothly, like mosquito nets or a water filter. (One thing I strongly suggest packing is a small pot or pan and few cups, plates and utensils in order to prepare your first meal. Nothing worse than getting to an empty apartment after traveling all day and not even being able to fry yourself an egg!) Once you arrive to your destination you will probably need to do a little more shopping in order to get situated. The sooner you can attend a meeting the better. Make friends with the local brothers and sisters. It’ll help you learn your way around; where to buy gas to cook with and where to pay your utility bills. You’ll learn the best places to shop-they may even shop with you, which is great because it might keep you from getting ripped off because of that invisible sign on your forehead that says “Clueless Foreigner.” More than anything, it will help you immediately begin creating a spot for yourself. Homesickness and boredom happen, but connecting with your brothers right away will help to fill the empty spaces.
Most important carryon items
The very best things you can bring with you: Humility and a heart full of love for the brothers, the people in the territory you serve, and Jehovah. There is no way to know exactly what to expect or what challenges may arise, but those qualities will help you see the beauty in your assignment, wherever it turns out to be. Whether you reach out to serve in Timbuktu or you pick a discouraged publisher to adopt right there in your hometown, Jehovah will richly bless your wholehearted efforts to extend yourself in his service. Trust me.
