aw, that's great!
I had a great day out in service last Thursday. 12 hour day, first of all. Good, long day.
During that day, I went to visit my Ecuadorian grandpa in a recovery center. He just had a knee replacement. He's 87 years old, so he's hurtin'. It's funny. He's always been invincible. Rarely sick. But he's been developing knee problems, and finally last year he had to stop playing Tennis. He loved tennis. :(
He was kind of upset about this. He said basically that he has to accept it as a thing of the past. So the brother and I explained (in spanish, of course) that this wasn't true. We shared Isaiah 33:24 (no resident will say I am sick), and that if he put Jehovah first now and forever, he could be running around playing soccer or tennis or whatever he wants! Then we reinforced the fact that Jehovah must come first with John 17:3.
My grandpa's reaction? Well, he said he really felt good when he went to the meeting in spanish (he went to see me give my talk). So we asked him if he'd want to start studying. He said YES!!! My grandma's been a witness since my dad was maybe 10ish (give or take) so maybe 45 years. All these years my grandpa refused to study/go to meetings. He said "I don't have time, pilarica!" He was too busy playing tennis and doing other things to put Jehovah first. Now, he has no other distractions, and he's going to learn about Jehovah.
I can't tell you how happy this made me! I almost cried as we left the recovery center. We start the study next Thursday. He also said 2 other significant things. 1) He can't wait to spend time with ME. 2) He told an elder in my old congregation that he's sorry he wasted so much time with other things.
I pray that Jehovah bless him and I. I need to do a good job so he can live with me forever. ..I'm tearing up now. Gonna stop. Glad you had a good day out in service! May Jehovah bless you in your ministry and family.
Oh my gosh Todd....that seriously almost made ME cry!!! That's SOOO awesome!!! I'm really happy for you, and your grandpa!!! I'm definitely gonna keep you and him in my prayers, and I know that Jehovah will really bless his decision to study. That is SOOOO COOL!!!!
Side thought.....a 12 hour day? Are you trying to kill yourself man? But in all seriousness....I'm so happy it was a good day. I know that will keep you encouraged for quite a while. :)
WOW! flomo that is awesome!!! You must get this related to your CO, it sooo has to be in like the yearbook or something!!
I am ecstatic for you and your family (Gramma must be giddy)!!
That's great news!! Your grandma must be so happy too! :)
Awwwww, this is great. I think I saw him @ your talk,wasn't he there?
This is definately Jehovah blessing your grandmother for her continued loyalty to him, I'm so glad I met her! =)
todd that's awesome i love your grandpa and this is such amazing news!! i'm sure pilar is going out of her mind with excitement too.
Todd, I spent all weekend at the assembly but this is the coolest experience I've heard (not that the ones there weren't exciting and great but this..). I'm so excited for you! That really is amazing.
It reminds me of the story in the last watchtower we did on Sunday (August 1st?)..you know the old people story section? It was about a sister who went for years and years without her husband in the truth and he finally decided to study and I got so teary-eyed reading it because I was so happy for her.
I thought about that too!!! It was like, 42 years later when he came into the truth, or something like that.
Yeah! That was so awesome. I wanted to find her and give her a hug.
OH WOW TODD! this is SO awesome!!!!
isn't it!? I can't wait for Thursday
let me know how it goes! this is the gramps thats all energetic right?
haha, yep!
BTW, I was invited to a wedding in Cali. But I think it's no-cal. :(