My Little Corner of the Universe

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

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.

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.