OVERCOMING DOUBTS

Do you wonder if you really have what it takes to succeed as a single pioneer in a foreign country? Anita, now in her mid-70’s, had serious doubts about her abilities. She grew up in England, where she began pioneering when she was 18 years old. “I liked teaching people about Jehovah,” she says, “but I never imagined that I could serve abroad. I never studied a foreign language and was convinced that I could not master one. So when I received an invitation to attend Gilead School, I was shocked. I was amazed that someone as insignificant as I am would receive such an invitation. But I thought, ‘If Jehovah thinks I can do it, I will try.’ That was over 50 years ago. Ever since, I have been serving as a missionary in Japan.” Anita adds: “At times, with a twinkle in my eyes, I tell younger sisters, ‘Put on your backpack and join me in the greatest adventure of all time!’ I’m happy to say, many have.”

MUSTERING UP COURAGE

Many sisters who have served abroad were initially hesitant about moving to a foreign land. How did they muster up the needed courage?

“Growing up, I longed for a purposeful life, one that would help others,” relates Maureen, now in her mid-60’s. When she turned 20 years of age, she moved to Quebec, Canada, where there was a great need for more pioneers. “Later, I received an invitation to attend Gilead School, but I feared going into the unknown without my friends.” She adds: “I also worried about leaving my mother who had to care for my ailing father. I spent many nights tearfully entreating Jehovah about these matters. When I spoke with my parents about my concerns, they urged me to accept the invitation. I also saw the loving support the local congregation gave to my parents. Observing Jehovah’s caring hand helped me to trust that he would also look after me. At that point, I was ready to go!” Starting in 1979, Maureen served for over 30 years as a missionary in West Africa. Today, while caring for her mother in Canada, Maureen still serves as a special pioneer. Looking back on her years of serving abroad, she states: “Jehovah always provided what I needed and when I needed it.”

“At first, I found it difficult to be so far away from my family,” says Diane, from Canada. Now in her early 60’s, she served as a missionary in Ivory Coast (now Côte d’Ivoire) for 20 years. “I asked Jehovah to help me love the people in my assignment. One of my instructors at Gilead, Brother Jack Redford, explained to us that at first we might be disturbed, even shocked, by the conditions in our assignment, especially when coming face-to-face with severe poverty. But he said: ‘Don’t look at the poverty. Look at the people, at their faces and their eyes. Watch their reaction when they hear Bible truths.’ That’s what I did, and what a blessing it was! When sharing the comforting Kingdom message, I would see the people’s eyes light up!” What further helped Diane to adjust to serving abroad? “I drew close to my Bible students and felt the deep joy of seeing them become faithful servants of Jehovah. My assignment became my home. I gained spiritual mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, just as Jesus promised.”​—Mark 10:29, 30.

Heidi, from Germany, now in her early 70’s, has been serving as a missionary in Ivory Coast (now Côte d’Ivoire) since 1968. “The greatest joy I have received,” she states, “is to see my spiritual children ‘go on walking in the truth.’ Some of my former Bible students are now pioneers and congregation elders. Many of them call me Mama or Grandma. One of these elders and his wife and children view me as family. So Jehovah has given me a son, a daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren.”​—3 John 4.

Karen from Canada, now in her early 70’s, served over 20 years in West Africa. She says: “Missionary life taught me to be more self-sacrificing, loving, and patient. Also, having fellow workers of many nationalities broadened my viewpoint. I learned that there are different ways of doing things. And what a blessing it is now to have dear friends all over the world! Though our lives and assignments have changed, our friendships remain.”

Margaret, from England, now in her late 70’s, served as a missionary in Laos. She relates: “Serving abroad allowed me to see firsthand how Jehovah draws people from all races and backgrounds into his organization. That experience greatly strengthened my faith. It gives me complete confidence that Jehovah is directing his organization and that his purposes will be accomplished.”