Hope

Here we see John and Tom having their first study in the Good News brochure. John printed it off of jw.org in Ponapean. They are studying lesson 6 about the good news for the dead. You see, Tom is a widower. His wife died in October. They had nine kids together. The oldest is 20 and doesn't live at home. The youngest, Arthur, is 4. His second oldest son, Jeremy, is studying with a sister in another congregation that knows ASL. He is deaf. He watches the sign language videos over and over again and loves what he is learning. 

The first time we met Tom, we had such a nice heartfelt conversation about death and how God feels about it. It touched us deeply to have him share his feelings with us and see how starting to understand the truth about the condition of his wife has lifted some of his burden.

Tom's sister-in-law, Senda, studied from 1993-2003. She had her first study in the Ponapean Bible Teach book at the same time as Tom. She is married and has three kids. They all live together ( you can do the math--it's not uncommon to have a large amount of family living together. In this case, the family is helping Tom and his kids.) Senda is a load of fun and really likes to laugh, so we have a very lively study. She has been reading the Bible Teach book everyday along with her Bible since I left it with her last week. To let you know just how much she values her Bible that she brought with her to Guam in 1992, she has protected it through typhoons and earthquakes. It looks like it too, but it is precious to her.

Another First!

Here is Norensa giving her first talk last Thursday. She prepared  the talk a week and a half ahead of time. She  was poised and enthusiastic. Even though it was in the Chuukese language, we could tell she did so well! We are so very proud of her. She made the very mature decision to study with a sister in her own congregation, Nozomi. That happened earlier this month too. We miss her very much, but are so happy to see her spiritual progress. You'll be hearing more about her!

Memorial Night

Ernie gave a very encouraging and lively talk.

Ernie and Louise

The Peter family...there is an extra girl on the left. She is their neighbor. She comes to their apartment to join their study. She said this meeting was the best religious meeting she's ever been too. She had her first personal study this Friday. She is a senior in high school and just got to Guam from Pohnpei three months ago. 

The Toves family (we couldn't find dad for the photo)...their oldest son (in the back) got leave from the military to be home from where he is stationed to come to the Memorial with his family. We are hoping that they will start studying again. We think they will--look at those smiles! 

It was a wonderful night! We shared the hotel ballroom with another congregation. We are in the earlier time slot, so we had to go out quickly. It was hard for all of us to leave the vestibule we were crowded into. It was exciting to see all of the visitors! Next time, we hope we have more time for more photos of the congregation. 

Kasalehlie oh Kalahngan ong Kumwail

Some of our students went back to Pohnpei this month. Some we've only know a little while and others, we've known for a few years. All of them became dear to us and we are sad to see them go. We are very happy that our good friends in Pohnpei are looking after them. 

Bigger is Better?

This is a ficus tree! 

Invite Them All

Just like all of you, we were inviting neighbors to the Memorial. John didn't miss anyone!

This is one of the few dogs that didn't try to bite us.

Our service group had such a great time during this month. At the apartment complex in the first photo, one sister found three families who used to study. They are all studying now.When she first went back, she knocked at the wrong door and started a study with that family too! 

Lost and Found!

Just before we went to Pohnpei, Iulide moved. She is the lady who used to live in a tour bus in the country.  Anyway, she moved and I didn't have time to search for her before we left. It took some time, but we found her and she has resumed her study. It was thrilling to find her!

New Congregation

Starting March 1, the Chuukese language group became a congregation!

Last month, two new students had parts on the Theocratic Ministry School.

Both did so well. We are so proud of them and look forward to their future parts on the school.

Norensa (right) was Tabitha's householder.

You can see what Chuukese looks like. It is the last scripture on the yeartext. The first one is Iloko.

Marbelta (left) was Paige's householder.