Monday, September 27, 2010

Comings, Goings, Mural, Travels







Since the last entry on the blog, we’ve seen some comings and goings here in Matthews Ridge, as well as other good things that have been happening here. On September 17, Micah Gillen and Blake Weigum left Matthews Ridge. These brothers from the Spokane, Washington area had been here in Ridge for roughly 6 weeks. On Friday they traveled over to Mabaruma, about 60 miles to the north of Matthews Ridge, to visit and help in that area before flying back to the United States. They were very helpful while here in Matthews Ridge, caring for many parts on the meetings and conducting quite a few Bible studies. We enjoyed having their company, and we’re sure they found their visit here to be an encouraging and eye-opening experience.

On September 16, Andrew Roybal arrived back in Matthews Ridge. He enjoyed the opportunity to visit family and friends, but he has said how glad he is to be back in Matthews Ridge.

Recently we were able to hang up a mural painting that Ellie Garner, a sister who visited Matthews Ridge this past December/January, had painted. As you can see from the picture included with this entry, the painting is a beautiful depiction of Paradise in a tropical area like Matthews Ridge. We’re very glad to have it displayed in the Kingdom Hall here, and many have commented on what a nice painting it is.

This past Wednesday, I had an opportunity to travel to Port Kaituma. I decided I would take a day-trip there and preach in that town since it is not covered by any congregation and it does not regularly get worked in the door-to-door ministry. The day went very well, as I was able to cover a good-sized area, and there met many receptive people. I was also able to make arrangements to make a start again of a group Bible-study we had been holding in that town. I talked to those that regularly attend to let them know that we will plan to come every week that it is possible from now on to have the study as we were doing before. I even got to pick up some needed supplies that we have not been able to get here in Matthews Ridge. The day was going along generally as planned, until I got a flat tire about 30 to 40 minutes drive out of Port Kaituma. I flagged down a 4-wheeler and asked the driver if he had an air pump. He did, and we were able to pump the tire up. However, after he left, I got on the bike to start it, and the tire again went completely flat. I had very few tools with me, and so I decided to hide the bike in the bush and try to catch a ride back to Matthews Ridge. I was able to get on a bush truck that was headed for a mining camp that was generally in the same direction as Matthews Ridge. I had to get off in a town called Falls Top, realizing that the bush truck would turn off towards the mining area soon after. A few hours later, a pick-up truck was passing by, so I stopped to see if they could carry me to Matthews Ridge. They weren’t planning to, but we went back and forth on how much they would charge to take a side trip there. We agreed on a price, and I finally got into Matthews Ridge at about 7:00pm. We took the back tire off the other motor bike on Thursday, and on Friday morning I got on a truck headed to Port Kaituma with the spare tire and some tools. The truck dropped me where I had stashed the bike, and after a bit I got the tire changed and was able to safely drive home.

Garrett and Andrew have been busy conducting the read and write class held weekly after the public talk and Watchtower consideration. They’ve been working hard at caring for this assignment that has both its challenges and joys.

Andrew and Garrett also had a good experience here in the last week starting a Bible study with one of the shop owners named Eddie. In the past this man, while always friendly, did not seem to show much interest in learning more about Jehovah and his Word. We stop at his shop often for a cold drink, and while doing this, Garrett and Andrew talked with him about whether he would be interesting in spending a few minutes each week learning from the Bible. He agreed, and on Thursday night, they went down after Eddie closed up the shop for the night, and had a first study with him. It always makes us very happy to see people begin to show an interest in learning the truth for the first time.

The pictures included with this entry are of Andrew and Garrett conducting the read and write class, of the Paradise mural Ellie painted, and of Micah and Blake with two of the Bible students, Beatrice and Victoria.