When I was only two, my folks moved to Dallas, Texas, and they began the full-time ministry as pioneers three years later. At night they slept on a cot by the road and put me in the backseat of the car. Of course, I thought this was fun, but it soon became evident that they were not prepared for pioneer life just yet. So Dad started a business. In time, he built a small trailer in preparation to start pioneering again.

Serving God With My Parents

In 1931 all of us attended the thrilling convention in Columbus, Ohio, where we received the name Jehovah’s Witnesses. Although I was only eight, I thought it was the prettiest name I had ever heard. Shortly after we returned home, Dad’s business burned to the ground, and Dad and Mom took this as “the Lord’s will” that they start pioneering again. Thus, beginning in the summer of 1932, we enjoyed many years in the full-time ministry.

My folks pioneered in central Texas to stay near Mom’s parents, who were still in San Antonio. Moving from assignment to assignment meant that I changed schools quite often. At times thoughtless friends would say, “Why don’t you settle down and have a home for that child,” as though I wasn’t properly cared for. But I thought our life was exciting and that I was helping Dad and Mom in their ministry. Actually, I was being trained and prepared for what was later to become my own life-style.