Some missionaries serve in the traveling work. In order to visit congregations, they may have to travel by whatever mode of transportation is available. This was true of Edgar Mangoma. The circuits he served took in the Fly River and Lake Murray. “When serving the two congregations on the lake, I went by canoe​—sometimes with and sometimes without a motor. In the latter case, it would take me up to eight hours to get from one congregation to the other. Usually, three or four brothers accompanied me, knowing they had to paddle all the way back after dropping me off. How I appreciated them!”

The good example of missionaries, including their humility and love for people, has resulted in an excellent witness. “The villagers were astonished to see me staying with interested ones in their homes and sharing meals with them,” wrote a circuit overseer. “In fact, some local people have said to me: ‘Your worship of God is genuine. Our pastors do not associate with us like you do.’”

Do foreign sisters find it difficult to adjust to life in Papua New Guinea? “For the first few months, I found it very difficult,” recalls Ruth Boland, who accompanied her husband, David, in the traveling work. “Many times I felt like giving up. But I am glad I didn’t, for I came to appreciate and love the brothers and sisters. My husband and I thought less and less about ourselves and more and more about others. Indeed, the joy we began to experience was unsurpassed. Materially we had nothing, but spiritually we were rich. And we saw Jehovah’s hand in so much that happened​—not just in connection with the advancement of the good news but also in our own lives. When you have nothing materially​—that is when you truly rely on Jehovah and see his blessing.”

[Box/​Pictures on pages 147, 148]

“Jehovah Is Our Greatest Teacher”

JOHN TAVOISA

BORN 1964

BAPTIZED 1979

PROFILE As a child, he was cruelly persecuted by his teachers and his fellow students and was forced to leave school after only two years. He now serves as a circuit overseer.

◼ I WAS born in the village of Govigovi in Milne Bay Province. My father started to study the Bible when I was seven years old, and he taught me the things he was learning.

At about that time, I began to attend a public school. When my two teachers, who were Anglicans, learned that I was associating with the Witnesses, they began to persecute me. Fellow students did the same, even attacking me with sticks. As a result, I was forced to leave school after only two years.

About a year later, I saw one of the teachers at the local market. “You are a clever boy who would have done very well at school,” he said. “But because of your religion, you will end up being a servant to your fellow students.” When I told my father what the teacher had said, his reply warmed my heart. “If the world will not educate you,” he said, “Jehovah will.”

Father and a special pioneer brother helped me to gain the most valuable education of all​—the knowledge that leads to everlasting life. (John 17:3) My native tongue was Dawawa, but they taught me the Bible in Hiri Motu, which became my second language, and in Tok Pisin, which became my third. I was baptized at the age of 15. Two years later, I started pioneering.

In 1998, I was invited to attend the Ministerial Training School. At the time, I had a limited knowledge of English. So, to prepare me for the school, the branch assigned me to an English-language congregation in Port Moresby. Thus, English became my fourth language.

At the graduation, I was assigned to the Alotau Congregation in Milne Bay Province. Six months later, I was greatly surprised​—and thrilled—​to be appointed as a circuit overseer. My first circuit included New Britain, New Ireland, Manus Island, and other neighboring islands. I married my dear wife, Judy, in 2006, and we special pioneered for one year, after which we took up circuit work together.

When I visit congregations, I often tell young ones: “Jehovah is our greatest Teacher. So let him teach you, for he can equip you to be truly successful in life.” That, to be sure, is an important lesson I have learned.

[Picture]

With my wife, Judy