They Offered Themselves Willingly​—In Ecuador

A YOUNG brother in Italy was under pressure. He had just graduated from high school with the highest grades in his class, and now relatives and teachers were urging him to pursue higher education. Some years earlier, though, Bruno had dedicated himself to Jehovah, promising to put God’s will foremost in his life. What choice did he make? He explains: “I told Jehovah in prayer that I would live up to my dedication and put him first. But I honestly added in my prayer that I wanted, not a dull life, but one filled with a variety of activities in his service.”

A few years later, Bruno found himself in Ecuador, South America. He says: “Jehovah answered my prayer well beyond my expectations.” To his surprise, when he arrived in Ecuador, he met many other young adults who also had moved there to serve Jehovah to a fuller extent.

YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ‘TEST JEHOVAH OUT’

Bruno, like thousands of other young people around the world, accepted Jehovah’s invitation: “Test me out, please, . . . whether I shall not open to you people the floodgates of the heavens and actually empty out upon you a blessing.” (Mal. 3:10) Moved by love for God, they decided to ‘test Jehovah out’ by willingly offering their time, energy, and resources to support his interests in a country where there is a greater need for Kingdom proclaimers.

Soon after these willing workers arrive in their new assignment, they see firsthand that “the harvest is great, but the workers are few.” (Matt. 9:37) For example, Jaqueline from Germany enthusiastically wrote to the Ecuador branch: “I’ve been serving in Ecuador for just over two years, and I already have 13 Bible studies, 4 of whom attend meetings regularly. Isn’t that great?” Chantal from Canada relates: “In 2008, I moved to an area on Ecuador’s coast where there was only one congregation. Now there are three congregations and more than 30 pioneers in that area. Nothing compares to seeing so many new ones making progress!” She adds: “I recently moved to a city 9,000 feet (2,743 m) up in the Andes Mountains. The city has over 75,000 inhabitants but only one congregation. It’s such a productive territory! I’m greatly enjoying my ministry.”

Bruno: “I began my service here in Ecuador in the intriguing Amazon region. Later, I helped with the expansion of the Ecuador branch office. Now I’m serving at Bethel. Back in Italy, I made the choice to put Jehovah first, and he is truly fulfilling my desire for an exciting, varied life in his service.”

Beau: “I have grown so much closer to Jehovah because in Ecuador I can devote all my time to spiritual activities. At the same time, I have the added blessing of traveling to fascinating places​—something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Anna: “I didn’t think it was possible for me, a single sister, to enjoy a life like that of a missionary. But now I know that it is possible. Thanks to Jehovah’s blessing, I am so happy making disciples, building Kingdom Halls, and making new friends.”

Elke: “In my home country of Austria, I often prayed to Jehovah for just one Bible study. Here, I have 15 Bible studies! Seeing the happy faces of progressive students gives me so much satisfaction.”

Joel: “It’s a great experience to arrive in an unknown place to serve Jehovah. You learn to rely on him so much more, and it’s exciting to see his blessing on your efforts! In my first year here from the United States, the group where I’m serving grew from 6 to 21 publishers. We had a Memorial attendance of 110.”