My Little Corner of the Universe

Well, I finally found some time to write. A few weeks after I went to my District Convention, I went ahead and went with my parents to their convention in Belton, TX. That was a lot of fun. Not only did I get to benefit from the program again, but also I got to see many old friends and family I haven’t seen in a while. But before the convention, I had gone to San Anton a week before to be with my family. It was a very good week, although, it did seem long!

The weekend I got to San Antonio, brother Splane from the Governing Body was the speaker for the dedication of a Kingdom Hall. The brother then stayed for the Sunday meeting and gave the talk, called “Serving with Jehovah’s Unified Organization”. And after an abbreviated Watchtower study, he went back up there and told us of experiences, which included the problem the French government is putting on our brothers there. The government wanted to apply a tax where it shouldn’t be applied.

They began to put taxes on the donations. But, at the same time, other organizations that receive donations weren’t being taxed. So they started to question if they were going to get it too. But they didn’t. It was only being applied to the Jehovah’s Witnesses. So the situation was reassessed. So the French government changed the law after they billed our brothers. But whatever happens in the courts, Jehovah has the final say. All we can do is pray for our brothers and sisters, and wait on Jehovah’s justice.

It was a great meeting. Well, they all are, actually, but in this one, I got to meet brother Splane. Here’s a picture of him and me.

So, after that week, I went back home.

The following weekend, almost the entire congregation got together at a park with a river. So that was cool. We had lots of food, talked, laughed, played volleyball, and some swam a bit.

The following weekend, one of my cousins got married, so I had to get back to San Antonio. But this time, I just stayed for the weekend.

On that Monday, at noon, I accompanied my younger brother for lunch at his Pioneer School. This is the second week of their class and I’m glad I was here to visit with the brothers and sisters there.

As every Jehovah’s Witness, the work in the congregation and in the ministry continues. And that has been very exciting. Before I left to San Antonio, I got to talk to this one lady who wants to study! She told me she used to study before and that she wanted to start up again. So during our conversation, she expressed the desire for her husband to also study. She seemed very excited, so we’ll see what happens there. It’s really a beautiful thing to be considered as fellow workers, or collaborators, by Jehovah.

1 Corinthians 3:5-9 – "What, then, is A·pol'los? Yes, what is Paul? Ministers through whom YOU became believers, even as the Lord granted each one. I planted, A·pol'los watered, but God kept making [it] grow; so that neither is he that plants anything nor is he that waters, but God who makes [it] grow. Now he that plants and he that waters are one, but each [person] will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers."

And finally, I found a job! For now, I’m working with a brother. And before I left to San Antonio, I had gone to the bank and the lady whom I spoke with when I applied gave me another application to fill out for a part time position there. So I’ll see how that goes. But in the meantime, just as he takes care of all of those who serve him, Jehovah has been taking care of me.

Until next time.

A couple of days ago, I was invited to help out the Calderon family from the congregation at their ranch. They showed me what work they do and it turned out to be a very interesting day. Sadly I didn't get to take a look at all the animals around there, but I did get shots of their pets. This one is called Pequeña, who is not used to me yet. She's a feisty little one, but she'll soon learn some respect....

District Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses 2007/2008


This past weekend, we had our District Convention entitled "Follow the Christ". Is it that every year the conventions get better and better, or do we appreciate them more as we get older? I don't know, maybe both. But I know that this year's convention was great. Also it was the first convention with the congregation that I now am a part of. But to my surprise, I had company. Friday night, my mom, granny, and my bro Ross came. I was glad to see them, obviously. Even though it has been a month, it seems like longer. I had also met new brothers and sisters from San Angelo, Del Rio, Abilene, Ft. Stockton, and Odessa that made me feel more like I belonged there. But of course, that is how it is in Jehovah's organization. Going someplace new can make someone feel like they don't belong, and that may just be human nature in an imperfect and cruel world. But it's different in Jehovah's organization, because you will always belong.

John 13:35 "By this all will know that YOU are my disciples, if YOU have love among yourselves."

The information was powerful and very practical. The experiences were encouraging. There was sister Urías from Ft. Stockton who was interviewed on preparing new disciples. And the study ended up being a sister of ours. And she said with a few tears and a semi-broken voice, that last month, she accompanied the new sister to the Pioneer School.

The peak attendance was a bit more than 3 thousand and 33 new brothers and sisters were baptized: 15 brothers and 18 sisters (go figure).

Again, the information was very practical. One of the speakers pointed out that we don't want to get back home and say that that was a beautiful program and by the next week forget the theme of it or the information given. He said that we should continue reviewing our notes and meditating on how we can apply them. That is the only way we will be following the Christ, not like millions of others who say that they have accepted him in their hearts and as their personal saviors and not do anything he has taught. And people call us un-christian.

All in all, it was awesome. From both dramas to the new publication. I will not mention the title of the publication for those who do not want to know yet.

Well that is all for now. Have a great day and watch out for the spider monkeys.

"Since stress is the nonspecific response of the body to any demand, everybody is always under some degree of stress."— Dr. Hans Selye.

I was listening to this talk by brother Splane called "Guarding our hearts" and he listed 6 things to relieve stress, since it affects all of us.

1\ Simplify our lives.
2\ Confess serious sins.
3\ Don’t be a victim, take charge of unpleasant situations.
-For example, letting teachers, employers, and others of our faith before waiting for them to find out. Waiting for such thing can cause stress for some.
4\ Any problem is temporary and Jehovah and Christ are with us.
5\ Focus on positive things. (Study, meditation, and meetings.)
6\ Above all, prayer.

By doing so, we will be calm and happy as a bird, and it will help us to endure.

Matthew 24.13 - "But he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved."

Good afternoon. Just thought I put something up to let all who were wondering how I am doing. And doing good, I am. Just getting ready for the convention we have in San Angelo in a few weeks. I can't wait. It should be most intriguing.

This past weekend a few friends from San Antone came to visit and we had a good time. Saturday morning, we went to the town of Ozona to preach. It went very well, for a sister started, what will undoubtedly become, a study. And another sister found a lady that used to study and asked me if I could restart the study with the whole family. I said... YES, OF COURSE! So Thursday, I will be heading out there. :)

Then at around 3:30pm we headed for the Caverns of Sonora. For an hour and a half, we walked down to 150 feet below the surface and saw awesome rock formations. The guide was explaining how some of these formations formed with temperatures, minerals and stuff. I didn't really follow, but it made me appreciate Jehovah's creation and wisdom.

Psalms 19:1 - "The heavens are declaring the glory of God; And of the work of his hands the expanse is telling."

I didn't take too many pictures, but here are some.









So that was cool. Sunday was the meeting and the brothers and sisters here just loved the ones visiting and vice versa. It was really encouraging.

And today, I had the internet installed on my computer. And as we were both in the room, conversation started up, and then religion then came up. He said that religion fascinates him. He was kinda enthusiastic about it. He was convinced that we have to base our beleifs on the Bible, not on what a person says or teaches. So we talked a bit, at least one Scripture was read and I was planning to give him a tract when he left, but I didn't. :( I gave him a BOOK INSTEAD! :) I gave him What does the Bible really teach? and briefly explained that it has what we believe, as Jehovah's Witnesses. He graciously took it and left with a smile.

'Twas a good day.

I'll leave yall with a joke:

A grasshopper walks into a bar and the bartender says, "Hey, we have a drink named after you!"

The grasshopper looks surprised and says, "You have a drink named Steve?"

Come on! You know you wanna laugh!

Until next time.

The moral of the story: Choose your words wisely.

Proverbs 12:18 - "There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise ones is a healing."

Hello, my friends! It’s been 12 days since I have moved to Sonora, Texas and it’s been going pretty well. Of course, it hasn't been easy the first few days. Loneliness is not good company. But I guess it’s natural to feel that way. But what really helps is just keeping busy with the preaching work, studying, the meetings, the brothers in the congregation, and, above all, prayer. What also has helped are articles such as "Go Out From Your Land and From Your Relatives" found in August 15, 1988 issue of The Watchtower (w88 8/15) pp.21-23, and "Thinking About a Move to South America?" found in the July 22, 1972 issue of Awake! (g72 7/22) pp. 13-16 (for Spanish: g72 8/11 pág. 13-16), shown to me buy a sister that had gone to serve in the Dominican Republic with a couple other sisters.

Well I’ve settled in, but I’m still unemployed. No worries, hakuna matata. Something will come up with Jehovah’s help. Something always does.

Psalm 37:25 – "A young man I used to be, I have also grown old, and yet I have not seen anyone righteous left entirely, nor his offspring looking for bread." – King David (hopefully Jehovah considers me righteous)

I’m staying with a brother, Jesús Dehoyos. He’s an older brother and he’s lived alone before me. And he happens to rent out rooms to whoever needs them. It’s just what I need, so I’m thankful to Jehovah for this, for an apartment would cost a lot more, more so that I don’t have a job yet. And brother Dehoyos is refusing to take money! But I’ll keep trying to give him something for the expenses. He’s a wonderful brother that likes to joke around, even though he’s 84 years old.

The room is very adequate. I am happy here. My room has 7 windows. And although it does get hot at times, its not that bad. I just think about a couple I know that is serving in a Spanish-speaking town in Africa, and things start to look a lot better. Surely Jehovah is blessing them greatly for their efforts. Back to my little room, when all the windows are open with a fan in one of them, mmmm, it feels so good.

And there is an agreeable sound outside my windows. The constant chirping of birds. And there are a lot of them. Just looking outside my room, I mostly see trees, and birds are always flying by. It’s quite calming. And then there are the squirrels who ruffle around in the trees. I don’t know if it’s the same one who visits my side of the roof, but I’d like to think so. I’ve named him Felipe. I’ll see if I can get a close-up of him.

The congregation is a small one, but filled with wonderful brothers and sisters. I’ve come to realize that they were already my friends and family. I just didn’t know it yet. :)

In this town, there is only one congregation and it’s in Spanish. There is no English-speaking congregation around here, either. So our territory includes both languages. This is also the only congregation for the neighboring towns. There is Ozona, Rock Springs, and El Dorado. So we rotate every Saturday on which towns we will go preach to. Last week it was Ozona and this past Saturday, we went to El Dorado. I did get to talk to this very nice elderly lady. She asked for me to come back, so I'll see how that goes. There are also brothers who come from those towns to attend the meetings here. The farthest town, Rock Springs, is an hour away, so it obviously requires effort to make the meetings and it’s so encouraging to see the brothers and sisters do just that, especially the older ones.

Hebrews 10:24,25 - "And let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as YOU behold the day drawing near."

Today I went out on service in Sonora, and talked to a few people. It's somewhat different than San Antonio. Can't put my finger on it, but I enjoyed it. As long as there are people to talk to. And, in doing so, I encountered a elderly sister from the congregation, sister Reina. What a sweet sister. We talked for almost an hour and what I got out of it was encouragement, learning about her family and hardships, but yet, still serves Jehovah. It turned out to be an awesome day.

There are also three book studies where we study the Revelation book: one is in Ozona, another in Sonora, and the other in El Dorado, which is the group that I will be attending, some 20 minutes away every Monday. I gotta watch out for the deer though. :o But to my unnecessary surprise, a brother offered to take me to the book study, so that I could save gas and so that I don't have to go alone. So I ride with his wife and 4 year-old daughter.

The brothers have really helped me to feel at home. I have also kept in contact with my family and friends, which helps me to adapt to the changes. But it truly feels great to be here. All I have to do is stay focus and remember why I’m here. An elderly sister, Mary Villalobos, that has been a dear friend to me and my family told me that it will all be ok. "It’ll be just like going home, but to a different family," she said. Also a circuit overseer’s wife from California gave me great advice, which is in harmony with what that first Watchtower article stated:

"After you get settled in the new area, homesickness may be a major problem. Love for Jehovah and for the people who need to hear the good news of his Kingdom will help you to cope with this. Many problems can be lessened if you truly make your new location your home. Avoid making negative comparisons with your previous home, as doing so can cause discontent and resentment. When facing difficulties, remember Jehovah’s invitation at Malachi 3:10: "Test me out, please, . . . whether I shall not open to you people the floodgates of the heavens and actually empty out upon you a blessing until there is no more want."" – w88 8/15 p.p. 22-23, par. 12; (bold and italics mine).

Wow! Is that awesome advice or is that awesome advice? Yup, it’s great advice.

On the subject of food, I’ve been doing pretty well, if I do say so myself. The first few days I’ve been stuffing myself with Sonic and Dairy Queen and I started to get tired of it, so last Friday, I went grocery shopping. I bought all of the essentials for a good sandwich. I know, not the best, but hey, food is food, and it’s even better if I am the one buying and making it.

Well, I guess this is it for now. I don’t have Internet access in my room, BUT there is a library! So that is where I will be posting when I get a chance. Feel free to email me or call me and oh, PLEASE: when you see or talk to my parents or grandparents, tell them that I’m ok and that Jehovah is taking care of me.

Psalm 34:19 – "Many are the calamities of the righteous one, but out of them all Jehovah delivers him." (again, hopefully Jehovah considers me righteous)

To see some pictures of my little corner of Sonora, click here.

Until next time.

Well, well, well. The day has come. Tomorrow morning, at 6am, cst, I head out to Sonora, Texas. I was going to leave this morning, but it was decided that it would be better to leave tomorrow morning. So I will be getting there like at 9 or 10 in the a.m., which gives me all day to get settled there.

"How do I feel?" That is the main question being asked of me. Well: excited, nervous, anxious, happy, sad, all rolled into one. But it really hit me when I left the Kingdom Hall for my last meeting there. After the meeting, pictures were taken, hugs were given, tears were shed... And after everyone was out, I looked around and said goodbye to the Kingdom Hall, the Kingdom Hall that I grew up in. The Kingdom Hall that I used to run in as a kid, and doze off in. The Hall that contained many of my brothers and sisters that were like fleshly mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters to me. It was pretty sad. The good thing is that where I'm going is not that far. I can still visit and others can visit muah (reader: read in French accent).

So this post will probably be the last one for a long time. Kinda similar to when I left for the school. (click here) But I will post when I can, to let you all know of my time, my life there. Ooo. It is very exciting.

Until next time, this is Roy R. Reyes, signing off.

THE BROTHERS

THE SISTERS

THE KIDS (some, anyway)

Tonight, on KLRN, the documentary "Knocking" was presented. It's a documentary showing an unbiased view on Jehovah's people. It was very interesting.

It shows us as different from the rest of the world. And, interestingly, that is exactly what Jesus command us to be.

John 17.16 "They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world."

My brother had ordered the DVD of this program about a year ago and it has MANY interesting extras. In them, the narrator explains how he is very grateful to his mother, who is one of Jehovah's Witnesses, for bringing him up the way she did, by Bible principles. Elders are interviewed, a lawyer from the branch, a spokesman for the Watchtower. It shows how our battles in the courtroom has really helped the liberties of the people in this country. And, for that, people should think twice about making jokes, slamming doors, hiding from us behind the curtain that "mysteriously" shuffles around, telling their little ones to tell them that they are not there, or getting completely silent after a knock at the door is heard.

And of course, it's understandable why people may react that way. To many, religion is a touchy topic. Many people believe, like this one lady at my previous employer, that religion and politics should never be discussed. And because we go to people's houses to talk about our faith, it bothers many. But we are not doing it to annoy or just to be different, but because that is what we were commanded to do.

1 Corinthians 9.16 "If, now, I am declaring the good news, it is no reason for me to boast, for necessity is laid upon me. Really, woe is me if I did not declare the good news!"
(italics mine)

Matthew 24.14 "And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come."

Proverbs3.27 "Do not hold back good from those to whom it is owing, when it happens to be in the power of your hand to do [it]."

There were many points that can't come to mind right now. But if anyone would like to comment on any or anything, please do. "The lines are open." Let me know what you thought of the program.

A couple of days ago, I got an email from a "MarVel" about the showing and about a dozen forwarded text messages about it. It was kinda funny.

But in case you were one of the few who missed it, it'll be shown again on KLRN on Thursday at 10pm. Check your local listings (always wanted to say that). Or you can go to the website and order it at knocking.org.

p.s. 9 more days until Mission: Sonora.

Today is the day before tomorrow. Or you could also say that today is the day after yesterday. Anyway, be it as it may, this afternoon, I will officially be unemployed! But not homeless. A brother offered to rent me a room until I find a job and apartment. After 8 years here, it's buh-bye. Kinda sad and kinda scary moving on. Change is never easy at first, I guess. The brothers in Sonora are scouting, as we speak, for jobs. A sister called me back last night and told me of potential jobs I can apply there, according to the newspaper. So Monday, me and my grandparents are gonna go down there, or should I say "up there" (NW of San Antonio) and apply away. I've called a few places and sent a couple applications, but I think there will be a better impact if I go in person, I'm hoping.

What I can't be is too picky on what I get. It's like our D.O. said. He said that the only reason we have/get a job is to be able to serve Jehovah. Sure, we need it to pay bills and for sustanance, but THE reason is to be able to sustain us so that we could attend the meetings and preach the good news (Matthew 6.33; 24.14).

So things are going according to plan, sort of. Just having my last moments here at my job. But just as everyone I've talked to has assured me, Jehovah will provide. But I know with Jehovah's help, something will come up. No doubt about that, my friends.

Tootle-loo

17 days until I cease to be a San Antonian and become a Sonorian, but will remain one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Ok, it is done. Click here to go back to the original post.

I do sincerely apologize for the inconvenience of the glitched video. I will attempt to remedy the situation as soon as humanly and extraterrestrially possible.

We were sleeping. It was going well. All of a sudden, the fans turned off. Almost immediately I awoke, and as I slowly turned toward the alarm clock, my worst fear just came true: (well, not worst fear, more like a frustrating inconvinience) the power had gone out. It was 2:10am. It was totally dark. I got up and went to the living room to open the front door and let the cool air come in and bombard me with freshness. After about a minute, I was joined by two of my bros and my dad. The air was ok except that I was on one of the recliners, but it wasn't too comfortable. My upper torso was like lounging over the armrest. I don't know how that was happening, but it was comfortable at all. But I tried making the best of it. My companions were not all all sleepy as I apparently was. They were talking as if it was 2pm. They went outside, laughed, talked. Then all of a sudden the fan that was in the living room bursted on. I, immediately, (almost before it even came on) got up and went to my room where my fan and my bed were faithfully waiting for me.

Have fast food restaurants gone astray? I mean, I remember when I was a kid, it was cool to go to McDonald's. For 3 reasons: (1)the food, (2)the playground, and (3)the kid's meal toy in a cool-looking box. That was the whole purpose. But now, I see what's going on and I feel pitty for the little ones who have to settle for the food and the playground. Now there is no box, and the toys are kinda, well, pathetic. Not all the time, but most of the time. And it's even worse for other places, like Wendy's, where this isn't even a place to play!

Last night, some friends and I went to Wendy's and for a reason unbeknownst to me, my older brother bought a kid's meal. And in it came this, re-diculous thing.





Chicken socks is what this is called. Why? [shrugging shoulders] But not only that, but instructions came with the thing!



So, for your benefit, I have included a demonstration.



And here is the incorrect way to handle this toy.



So this was a topic of discusion at Wendy's and I wanted to share it with the world.

Well, hello there. It's been around 9 days since the surgery. Still recuperating. Still in... pain.

Besides that, we had gone to Sonora, Texas the Sunday before last. We left at 5am (zzzzzzzzzz) and at around 7:30 we were still on the road. It was dark. It was cold. Ice everywhere (we soon found out). And we were crossing a bridge.

I can still remember it. My brother Ross was driving my dad's truck. Ruben, the DJ, was in the passenger seat making sure we had tunes to jam to. Little big Rey was sitting behind the driver and yours truly on the right.

I was half asleep and half jamming. My feet were moving to golden oldies. Jim Croce, I think.

The next thing I know the driver gave a frightening groan. I looked and he was gripping the wheel with both hands, arms stiff. We slid on the ice on the bridge, we headed for the right side of the road, towards the rail. Good thing the rail was there! I remember seeing the rail getting closer. What seemed like minutes, a few seconds went by and we RAMMED into the rail. The front right side of the truck was hit, then we slammed on the whole right side of the truck. Ruben said that it felt like we were going to go over the bridge, but the rail obviously kept that from happening.

After we hit, we went sliding faster than a figure skater to the left side of the road and skid on the grass. We had stopped. We looked around us. We asked if everyone was ok. We were. We got off and met up with our parents and grandparents who were in a car in front of us.

It turned out that another truck had crashed in that area. Within viewing distance, very nearby, an F-150, green, was flipped on its side. The police officer that was over there, quickly came over to us.

BUT IMMEDIATELY, we see another truck in trouble. It was an 18 wheel truck on the other side of I-10. It, too, lost control and flipped on it's side! It slid and hit the truck that was already down. It completely blocked the the road.

It all felt like a dream. As if it didn't happen. I guess it just went by too fast.

So the police guy that ran to us, quickly ran back. I have no idea if anyone from the other two accidents got seriously hurt. Gracias a Jehová, we were just sore from the whole thing, nothing serious.

But we made it to Sonora in good time before the meeting, met the loving brothers. Well, anywhere you go where there are Witnesses, you get the same treatment, right? So it was very encouraging to be there. It put my mind at ease, now knowing where exactly I was going go end up.

Now, I'm more excited than nervous now. :)

So that was my Adventure to Sonora. It was a day that started out bad, but ended beautifully.

Pain (pān); noun

1. An unpleasant sensation occurring in varying degrees of severity as a consequence of injury, disease, or emotional disorder.

2. Suffering or distress.

According to the Roytionary: pain - 1. the reason you hurt and say 'ouch'.


Pain is what I am feeling. A few days ago, I had surgury. Yes. It is true. "Nothing major", is what comforted me. But I learned, that surgury is surgury and it's gonna hurt. I am constantly finding myself saying 'ouch'.

The good thing is that it was an outpatient procedure, which means I was out that same day. And I am feeling better, except for the 'barely-being-able-to-walk-because-of-the-surgury wound'.

This was the first time I had doctors cut me open. It was funny when they took me into the operating room. They took me in and connected the anestesia tube onto my I.V. and a few seconds later I started to giggle. Not in a loud way, but subtle. And that's all I remember. The next thing I know, I'm waking up in the recovery room. And that's the beauty of it! Of course, I woke up with a wound that hurt, hence 'pain', but it was over. Now starts the healing process.

I was also just informed that I won't be going into work until next week. Maybe. Depends on what the doc says.

And being it the first time, it was a pretty scary ordeal, and so of course, prayer really helped because I was pretty calm before the whole thing went down. Thanks to Jehovah, it went well and I was relaxed pre-op.

Isaiah 33:24 - And no resident will say: "I am sick." (And no resident will say: "Ouch. That really hurt", either.)

It feels like forever since I have posted something. Just been busy lately.

Anyway, I guess it's time to announce the good news: 'The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.' (Matthew 10:7) Here are other good news:: After almost a year from coming back from Florida, I have recieved an assignment to serve in a itty-bitty town called Sonora, here in Texas.





Located there is a small congregation of about 40 publishers in a town of about 3000 peeps. So that means there are 75 Sonorians for every Jehovah's Witness. It's very exciting. A bit scary, because I'll be away from home for a long period of time for the first time. The school was only 2 months and I stayed with brothers, so this will be a bit different. But I know there is nothing to worry about, since the brothers and sisters in Jehovah's organization, anywhere you may go, will always take care of our own. Whenever I get scared or wake up at night screaming for my mommy, I think of that and it covers over me like a warm blankey.



When I read the letter (one of my most exciting moments) it was like I was being sent into battle: "You're ready for this. You've trained for this. Trust your fellow brother and you'll get throught this." [Of course, it's a different kind of battle.]

I depart from my home of 25 years, the land of Ur, at the end of May. What am I feeling, you ask? Excited, nervous, anxious... all rolled into one.

So as the time comes, I will see what I can do about an internet connection, or I could always go to the S.C.L. (Sutton County Library) and use the window to the world to let you all know of my experiences there and more.

Sutton County Library

Oh, gosh! It'll be swell! But, of course, I know exactly why I'm going. It's going to be a lot of work, but with Jehovah's help, I'll be able to do the best I can to serve there.

What gave me more encouragement were these sisters. They left to serve in another country for a few months and one is still there. The other two have plans to return when more funds are raised. But when the two came back, they were just glowing and so happy to have served in that way. Of course they had they're ups and downs, but Jehovah encourages us in so many ways.

Well, I guess this does it for today. I just want to give a 'shout out' to my bro Jerry, who is currently in California for the MTS School. Go Jerry!

Until next time.

I have added a Flikr slideshow at the bottom of this page. So scroll that little mouse down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down.

This news story was sent to me by a couple of bros. Without a doubt, many of you have already seen it. "Why do I post it, then?" you ask. I HAD to include in my (read the following in a deep and echoing voice) ADVENTURES IN THE MINISTRY!!!

Local Jehovah's Witness Saves a Life


[thanks eli and jerry]

The answer could be found in the Proclaimers (jv) book, in the beginning of the 20th chapter:

In 1935, in Honolulu, Hawaii, James Harrub asked J.F. Rutherford, the President of the Watchtower Society at that time, what they should call this building of worship to Jehovah. Rutherford answered, "Shouldn't we should call it a Kingdom Hall, being that that is what we are doing: preaching the good news of the Kingdom?

And just as some extra info, it has been one complete year today since graduation.

It's been a good year.

This is the first building to be called a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. The questions for you lovely people are:

1. Where was this building located?

2. What year was it named as a Kingdom Hall?

and

3. Who was involved in its naming?

satiety (suh-TY-uh-tee), noun:
The state of being full or gratified to or beyond the point of satisfaction.

The answers are obviously found in the christian publications, but Questions 1 & 3 are clearly explained in the Organized (od) book, under the 3rd chapter (Confide in the "Faithful and Discreet Slave").

Again, the scripture reads: "Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to YOU, He will appoint him over all his belongings."

This one very enthusiastic sister answered these in the following way:

Woohoo! Bible trivia is back :)

1.The "faithful and discreet slave" is all anointed Christians as a group on earth at any given time whose task is to provide timely spiritual food.

2.The "domestics" are also the anointed ones, but considered as individuals. (The anointed are viewed as the “slave” when they are dispensing spiritual food and as the "domestics" when they partake of the spiritual food.)

3."His belongings" are all Jesus' spiritual interests on the earth.

And just adding to, or complementing the last comment, Jesus' spiritual interests include (1) the instalations of the world headquarters, (2) it's branches, (3) Kingdom Halls, and (4) Assembly Halls. And it also includes (5) our commission to preach the "good news of the kingdom and teach those who will listen (Matthew 24.14; od-E p. 16, par. 2).

Thanks Patty.

What a painful weekend.

It started Saturday morning. I woke up with what could be described as "pain". It was a pinched nurve on my back and I could barely move.

Ouch is correct. It was very unpleasant.

By Sunday, it was a bit better, but I still couldn't turn my neck fully. This is what my brothers and I like to call: the "Batman effect".



If you've watched any Batman movie, when he turns to look at something, he doesn't turn only his neck. Since he has his BatSuit, he has to turn his neck along with his shoulders and twist his torso. It's a funny looking motion. Sadly, and quite pathetically, I looked like that this weekend. My brother Ruben would even call to me just to turn around. And after I have unnecessarily demonstrated once again the "Batman effect", he would mock and belittle me.

But that's brotherly love.

But again, by Sunday, I felt better. I got to go to a town called Pflugerville to visit some friends, so that was cool. I met this one little dude, that just became an unbaptized publisher. Henry is 10 years old. When we went out to eat, he sat with us and he asked all these questions about baptism, pioneering, having privileges and du-ties in the congregation, and on and on. It was cool!

He told us that before he would fall asleep in the meetings and wouldn't like going to them. But now, he doesn't "fall asleep that much".



It was a good weekend.

"My experiences with dogs were of the like but this happened a couple of years ago. Not that I haven't gone out on service since then, but I just haven't encountered another vicious dog like that.

An elderly brother and myself were the only ones that went on field service during the summer vacations. The elderly brother never wanted to have a partner because he felt we walked to fast for him and he hurried and would tire out. So he sent me through one side of the street and he went through the other. I, being a shy and insecure individual at age 17, was so afraid of going by myself to the doors.

I get to a house that has about 9, no 20, different dogs and they all surrounded me and growled at me."

Yes, "grrrr".

I at this time have my handy book bag in front of me and Jehovah is all of sudden being inundated with prayers from a terrified 17 year old. All of sudden one of the vicious "rabid" canines decided to inflict even more fear in me by grabbing my pant.

"Ahhh!"

I freaked out, panicked,and started to shake him off. He let go and I hurriedly went back and met with the brother and didnt say anything just stood quietly beside him, breathing fast, about to hyperventilate, pretending I had finished all the side of the street in less than 10 minutes.

He didnt ask and I didnt say anything.

On a side note, this elderly brother had a legion of angels protecting him at all times. A moving train crashed his car for parking on the tracks 3 times and he fell off a flight of stairs from a second story building. This brother was 80 years old and never broke a bone in his body. He was out on field service 6 days out of the week every week without fail.

Sad to say he passed away already but all the young people in my congregation at that time grew up to be zealous pioneers all because of brothers like him."

Including you, Ruben.

Thank.

[If anyone has more experiences they would like to share, please email me by clicking on the following link: [email roy]]

Matthew 24:45-47 reads: "Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to YOU, He will appoint him over all his belongings."

Three questions:

1. Who are the "faithful and discreet slave" and what is their task?

2. Who are the "domestics"?

and

3. What are "his belongings"?

You are welcome to comment your answers, but I will post your responses at a later date, so as to give others a chance to look up the answers.

First of all, for those of you who commented some of your experiences, thank you.

Here is one of those:

“I recall my auntie telling me about one time when she was out on service with my cousins, a little girl and a toddler boy. One of the householders, in her complete mean-ness, dispatched her dogs to attack the sister and her children!”

Ok, I’m gonna pause here. Now that’s just plain mean! But all she’s doing is proving the apostle Paul’s words about the true followers of Christ: “All those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.” – 2 Timothy 3:12

What was up with that lady anyway? Maybe she was just having a bad day. Hopefully, at a later time, she will regret this course of action and will accept the message.

Continuing...

"As the Canis lupus familiarises raced towards them, panic kinda set in and there was no time to run or hide. My aunt did what she could: put faith in Jehovah. She cried out His name and the dogs halted in their tracks, turned, and went on their merry way.”

The sister concluded this experience with: “The power of Jehovah ... and his swift angels.”

If anyone has more experiences (doesn’t have to involve dogs) please email me by clicking on the following link: [email roy]

Thanks Tam.

That's what brother Roman Diaz told my brother while he was in the nursing home, in hospice. About a week before he died. Last night the funeral services began. Brother Gonzalez gave the talk. And this morning, the final part of the services took place with a few words from brother Garcia doing a recap of last night's consideration.

We were the last ones to leave the funeral home, right after the family. When his sister went up to see him, she started weeping and could not stop. That was not easy to see.

But remembering the good and happy details helped. This sister mentioned how he used to be in the same bookstudy as she, at her house. She remembers how he would ask her to make his favorite cookies. And that he would always fight over the seats.

I remember when he would go out on service with us. Whenever we would work the street called 'Lytle', he could never pronounce it. He would say 'Li-li-light-er, lighter'. It was pretty funny. Pobrecito. He was always with a smerk. It's the little things that sometimes count and make all the difference. He will be missed until we see him again.

His family that were present are not Witnesses, so I think they benefitted from the comfort found in the Scriptures. Learning the truth of the Bible concerning death.

It was a sad occasion, but a joyful one too, knowing that brother Diaz lived a successful life in Jehovah's service. He served as an elder, a missionary, a special pioneer along with his wife, who died a couple of years ago. His missionary partner, brother Guajardo, was also there. He helped with the carrying of the coffin. And I, too, was one of the six to be carrying that box of sadness. But at the same time, it was a box filled with so many faithful years to Jehovah.

Hebrews 6:10 - "For God is not unrighteous so as to forget YOUR work and the love YOU showed for his name, in that YOU have ministered to the holy ones."

Well, there has been many things happening these past couple of weeks. Many good news, that is. But, as we live in this system of things, there are also, unfortunately, bad news.



THE GOOD

Another one of my brothers is now serving as a regular pioneer. His name begins with an 'R' and ends with an 'S' and rhymes with 'boss'. One of my cousins also started that same career. My younger brother is getting to auxiliar pioneer for the next 3 months. Another of my friends has been invited to go to the MTS school, another is get'n hitch'd, and another has been assigned to serve where the need is grrrrreat. And my study has started to go to the meetings.

THE BAD

My study didn't study this past week.

THE UGLY

Tuesday night at the meeting I was kinda blue. You see I had prepared for this part and it turned out that another brother had it. I was even excited to give it.

:(

And on top of that, I didn't even get to listen to brother give it! I had to be outside to play security guard. It's that we've had some break-ins and now we have to take turns and watch the automobiles. Because of those wicked minions of Satan, I missed the part. But the good thing is that we're looking out for our brothers and sisters, and we are currently implementing measures to be able to listen while out there. So take that, you wicked minions of Satan!

So there are always good things and bad things. It's inevitable. But it's also inevitable that the greatest most goodest thing is yet to come.

-2 Peter 3.13 "But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell."

Today's joke came about in a weird way. This morning, as the music and talk show on the radio was on, I was sort of awake. I was kinda in and out of conciousness and I heard a joke they had said. Now that I think about it, I might have dreamt it. I don't really know, but it's a lame joke and for that, it is blog-worthy.



Q: Why couldn't the pony talk?

A: Because he was a little hoarse!

Being out in the ministry is always an adventure. Because you simply do not know what's gonna happen. Who's behind that door? Hello? Helloooo?

Well, a brother sent me this story of what happened to these sisters while preaching. This has probably happened to every one of us, but here goes his account:

"We finished with the territory and we were walking back to our automobiles. The brothers, including myself walked back to the cars so that we could pick up the two sisters and little Lito. (I guess someone should've stayed with the sisters. Silly us.) I started to walk back to the sisters to let them know what street we were going to work next.

THEN a dog appeared and he was ferociously barking at the defenseless trio (as it would appear to human eyes, anyway - Psalm 34.7a "The angel of Jehovah is camping all around those fearing him.").

The Canis lupus familiaris was getting closer and continued to bark, and it got louder and louder.

And louder.

As they started to move away, one of the sisters then displayed courage by getting between the emotionally shallow animal and the other two publishers. She cried out, "On guard!" (but in a french accent ('On ghaaard!').

Anyway, she put her bag in the way and the dog began snarl at the bag, wanting to tear it apart, along with the sister's arm.

All this was happening within seconds, obviously. So, as I started to prance in a manly manner over to them, trying not to startle the dog any more, I started to tell the sisters not to move, to show the angry animal that they weren't afraid. Immediately, I started towards them, to show the persecutor that he is greatly outnumbered.

Did the dog care?

No. No he did not.

Relentlessly, he kept pressing on, grasping the sister's bag of life-saving literature.

By this time, one of the brothers had gotten back with his truck and when he became aware of the situation, he hastily went for the dog. Beeping sounds went off.

And that did it. The dog finally left, knowing that this day, was not his day." (Psalm 34.7b "And he rescues them.")

As you can tell, I kinda spuffed it up a bit, but that's what happens sometimes. And where would you guess those sisters are doing the next chance they get? Out preaching. That's what makes us different: our genuine love for our neighbor, knowing that they need to hear the 'good news' even though it may mean certain danger for the proclaimers of the Kingdom of God.

Are there any experiences, or ADVENTURES you would like to share? :)

Please email them to me. Please.... pretty please?

Tootle-loo.

If you've got 6 minutes and 49 seconds to spare, sit back and watch a cartoon.

Ok, I uploaded the talk to another site and NOW you should be able to download it. Click here to go to the original post for the download link.

My brother, el Ruben, and his twisted mind are being used for good, making more of himself to help out in the congregation.

Today we visited a special day assembly to hear the final talk by brother Pierce, a memeber of the Governing Body and he gave an illustration about a monkey. So I'm posting this one as well.

He was reminded of an old movie that featured animal capturers that sell to zoos. And it showed how they would catch monkeys. He would drill a hole in a coconut, just big enough so that a golf ball could barely fit. Then he tethered the coconut to a tree. And he would do all of this in plain sight, right before all of the monkeys. So he would take that golf ball, look at it like it was delicious, lick it and make it desirable. After that little show, he put the golf ball in the coconut and walked away. It was only a matter of time until one of the monkeys got curious and wanted to see what was so good. He goes down there, puts his little manito in the coconut, grabs the golf ball and lo and behold, he was stuck. As much as he would struggle, he could not get loose. The solution is simple, let go of the ball.

Then he applied the illustration: "Don't let Satan make a monkey out of you." He asked if we are holding onto something that Satan makes attractive? Something that his world makes desirable? It can be hard to let go. But, really, that is the simple solution.

Ok, you should be able to download the talk now. Click here to go to the original post for the download link.

Check these out. Check-it check-it check-it check-it check it out. Check-it check-it check-it check-it check it out. Check-it check-it check-it check-it check it out.






[Thanks C.Baur.]

Okay, I uploaded the talk, but the link doesn't seem to work. I'll have it up by next week. Yall come back now, ya hear?!

Here's the talk I talked about called "Jehovah's Table". You can download it here. Go down until you see "Download for free with FileFactory Basic", follow the instructions and you're set.

The password is the answer to these three questions:

1. In what year was the name Jehovah's Witnesses adopted?

2. In what year was the "great crowd" identified? (Revelation 7:9)

3. In what year did brother Russell end his course here on earth?


The password will be in this format: 0000/0000/0000

If you need any assistance with the download or the link, you can email me.

Let me know what you think, kay?

Last night I received a CD in the mail. It was from a friend of mine from North Carolina. The CD had a talk on it given by a circuit overseer and it is called "Jehovah's Table". As many other talks, it's very good. I listened to it in my car this morning and got to hear all of it.

It was a talk about staying at Jehovah's table. But sometimes we may feel like we don't deserve to be there. When a brother or sister tells us how good we are doing, we may sometimes think, "If only you knew, you wouldn't be saying that". And that could make us feel worse. We may feel like someone who considered himself a dead dog. Because a dog was the worst thing anyone could be in ancient times. Now a dead dog? We may feel that way too, but Jehovah tells us and keeps on telling us to stay at his table. The brother gives it so well and is sort of known to make you shed a tear or two.

I will try to upload the talk tomorrow and post the link for download if anyone would like to hear it.

Only in Jehovah's organization...
can you go up to another brother or sister and address them as a "good-for-nothing slave", and not offend them. On the contrary, it may even draw you closer together! (Luke 17.10)

GOOO PLANET!