We get invited to meet without the Jehovah’s Witnesses

The person who was having bible study with the Jehovah’s Witnesses has been out of town for the past week or so. I have talked to him on the phone several times. As I mentioned I was preparing to approach him and suggest he revise the current approach that was being used. It turns out I did not have to raise the issue. When I talked to him last week, he said that he was thinking he may not continue to study with the Jehovah’s Witness and asked what if Sister Anderson and I just came by?  We told him that we would be happy to take that approach if that is what he wanted. 

Bible Study with the Jehovah’s Witnesses’

Several weeks ago the Branch President gave us the name and phone number of someone that we might contact to see if they were interested. He said he wasn't sure what the reaction would be, but said to go ahead and try to contact him. I called this individual on the phone and explained that we were here on a mission and that President Dokos had given me his name. This individual explained to me that he was having a bible study in his home and thought that was adequate. I then asked him if anyone could attend the bible study, or in other words, could we come? He said that would be okay and then mentioned that he was studying with the Jehovah’s Witnesses’. I asked him if they would be offended if we came. He said no that would be fine.  Well the first Wednesday we had a conflict because of another commitment and then last week he was out of town, so this week was the first time we were able to attend. I am very much aware that when there is contention, the spirit can’t be present. This is a principle that I was slow to learn as a young missionary in Denmark years ago, so I wanted to be sure that we did not do anything to drive away the spirit.

 

We attended the Bible Study, tried to be very respectful and not too disruptive. I had to remind myself that the Jehovah’s Witness missionaries are potential converts as well, even though that may be more of a long term proposition. So we made an effort to be very respectful of them, but also share our thoughts and comment as we deemed appropriate. I felt good about the meeting, but am thinking about the possibility of suggesting to the person that has the bible study in his home, that he might consider revising the way the bible study is currently conducted. We will see how that goes.