Joshua Shinga and I
You might remember, some time back, that I mentioned this fine African gentlemen, who was studying with me during 2007. In fact, he studied from March 2007 until October 2008 with me, and also began attending many meetings. He was well known to the brothers, and regularly gave heartfelt comments at the watchtower study. Our coordinator came to me and asked me why Joshua was not yet a publisher.
However, there was a reason why. Many people here who consider themselves married are only married by common-law, in many cases co=habiting for decades and bearing several children together. This is the case with Joshua. His wife, unlike the Shauris (who are both reaching out for more privileges since their baptism last spring) is uncooperative and undermines Joshua’s efforts to train his large family spiritually. Last October Joshua seemed to have given up on the truth, and we didn’t see much of him for about a year. We went to speak with him now and then at his little bike repair shop, but he didn’t share much with us during those occasions.
During that period, his 18-year-old son Joffrey began studying. He didn’t have the obstacles that his father has, and he was quite zealous. He’s been a publisher since June, and he’s working towards baptism. I’ve recently done a story about Joffrey, and I’ll provide a fuller update soon. Joffrey’s younger brother Samwele is also studying with a brother in the congregation.
Since last month, though, Joshua has made a clear decision to take his stand. He is back at the meetings, and has made it his goal to become a publisher of the good news. He still doesn’t have his marriage certificate but he’s working towards it. (- Hebrews 13:4.)
How thrilled I was to see Joshua at a recent Sunday meeting with all five of his children!
His wife still is not interested in joining her family at Christian meetings, but we keep going to meet her and to reassure her of our love for her and the warm welcome she’ll receive.
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