Madison is doing "all right" in her ministry

Families with children often desire to serve where the need is great.  And then families often shy away from doing so because they worry that their children might suffer spiritually at the expense of their parents exuberance and sense of adventure.  Well, results are not guaranteed and your actual results may vary, but here is a remarkable story of Madison...

Things are different here in Panama.  Where in the US it is considered taboo to speak about the bible to a child without their parent's consent, it is perfectly acceptable to do so here (and in much of the Caribbean).  In fact, parents often encourage the Witnesses to speak to their children, even when the parents themselves are not interested.  It is not uncommon for children ages 8-14 to attend meetings without their parents!  All of this means that our young ones play a very important role in our ministry-- there are multitudes of children in Bocas and they are eager to learn about the bible.

The real weight of this fact was lost on me until last Thursday morning when we were preparing for our family's day in the ministry.  Every Thursday is "Bastiementos day".  Most of our congregation takes a boat ride to the neighboring island of Bastiementos where there is a large concentration of English-speakers and many bible studies are being conducted.  I asked Madison if there was anyone she wanted to work with in service.  "Yes," said Madison "but I have to make sure that I visit Myra." Who's Myra? "She's my bible study... I have to go see her after lunch because that is when she is out of school."  Oh, ok.  Somehow my daughter had secretly started a study without me even knowing!  "Oh and I have to study with Dianais too, after lunch today."  Oh, there is more?! "Yes, Dad!! But that is all today.  Oh, except there is a return visit with this other young girl up the hill- we are going to start on the Good News brochure today." Uh, Madison... how many studies do you have? "Well, Myra and Dianais today.  I think 'girl up the hill' is going to study, too. And then the only other study I have is Darlene in Bocas Town."  Ok.... so just four studies?!?  Wow, are the allergies bad today cuz my eyes are getting kinda watery?

Before thick-headed dad could even take notice, his 9 year-old daughter (I know honey-- you turned 10 this week but I am not ready for you to be double-digits yet!) has cultivated a fruitful, meaningful ministry that is all her own.  The hugely positive spiritual effect this has on her is remarkable and I thank Jehovah every night for giving her such a huge privilege and blessing.

So the day in Bastiementos was great.  Madison was able to find almost all of her studies home and conduct a study with them in either the Good News or Live Forever brochure.  Her service schedule is only getting busier... an 8 year old named Nayalis requested that Madison come back next week and study with her!

Here's a picture of Madi and Dianais on their study!