Making Decisions
Little did Jim and Phyllis realize that
my view of life had changed, but they found it when our family was invited to a
friend's party? In those days, on such occasions, tired attendance would rise,
and make a toast (glass) within the name of the King of England, and every one
would raise their glasses to drink. However, I made a decision to not stick
with Jim and Phyllis. How surprised they were to work out me sitting down! After
all, we weren't showing disrespect, but we as Christians felt we should always
be neutral and refrain from participating in such patriotic ceremonies.
However, my parents and other family
members were scared. They say that we are untrue, or crazy — or both! So, when
Phyllis and I attended the annual cricket team's awards ceremony, the same
thing happened in a patriotic celebration. As a result, we both left the group.
This was not as difficult as I thought it would be, for I realized that it was
Christ Jesus whom I had dedicated and trusted, the King of God's heavenly
Kingdom.
Making-decisions
Now Phyllis explained that I needed to
attend meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses regularly in order to build my faith on
solid Bible knowledge. At that time there was only one congregation in
Melbourne, so I started attending meetings there every Sunday afternoon. I was
soon convinced that this was God's true earthly organization.
Soon I was invited to share in the
door-to-door preaching work. At first I was a little hesitant, but one Sunday
morning I decided to go with them just to see how it was done. I was satisfied
when I was assigned to accompany an experienced Witness who spoke boldly in the
first door and received favorable comments from the householder. I thought to
myself, 'This wasn't too difficult, but I need some practice before I do that
too.' So imagine my surprise when, after leaving the first house, the Witness
said to me, "You can now walk alone."
“Alone?” I asked, puzzled! “You can't be
sure! What if someone asks me a question and doesn't know the answer? ” But my
roommate persisted. So, shaking with fear, I walked out on my own as she
continued to witness to people on the other side of the street. Somehow I did
well that first morning.
Making-decisions
From then on I began to take part in the
preaching work every Sunday morning. When someone in the apartment asked me a
question that I couldn't answer, I would say, 'I'll do some research and I'll
come back to see you.' Happily, Jehovah continued to strengthen and encourage
me to continue in my new way of life. I dedicated my life to him, and in
October 1939, I was baptized in a swimming pool in the city of Melbourne.
Shortly thereafter, Phyllis, now married to Jim, asked me why I had not started
pioneering.
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