Convention Day 3
Convention Highlights
There were so many amazing points in this convention. One point I that sticks out was something from Br. Splane's closing talk:
There are three things that help us apply what we learn
- humility - that was something that Simon the Pharisee lacked. The Pharisees heard God's word, even may have quoted the scriptures, but they lacked humilty. When the woman who was known to be a sinner cleaned Jesus' feet, all Simon could think of was the woman's past, and what it would look like to be seen with her. He judged her critically and judged Jesus too.
- Help from Jehovah - Jesus hides his teaching from the wise and intellectual ones. So we need his help to understand
- Good heart attitude - We read the bible with the view to draw close to Jehovah and to our brothers and sisters. We know we need to make improvements. Rather than focus on the faults of others, we look to Jesus words: "remove the rafter from our own eye" instead of focusing on the "straw of in our brother's eye"
** We have to allow the word of God to change us **
Reflections
Sweden is a beautiful country with a high respect for nature. The beauty of being in Sweden is only magnified by the people we met both locally and internationally.
Jehovah allowed us to meet special full-time servants - missionaries and need greaters in every activity, every day during our convention. It was something special. We met Gilead graduates that are serving in various places in Africa, various places in S. America. Their example and experiences gave us an encouragement we didn't realize we needed.
We heard experiences of Jehovah's hand guiding these friends. We met friends in from Israel. We hugged them. We met ones who were returning to Jehovah, and encouraged them to continue working to return to Jehovah.
International conventions provide a unique opportunity to experience an environment that is the closest thing to what Paradise would be like in the future. Enoch was "transferred" because Jehovah allowed him to see his reward. We can experience a small amount of what Enoch experienced being transferred into the spiritual paradise.
Gallery
Friends from Italy
This was an interesting composition I had to take. We see our delegates walking the lighted path. And a local walking up the cold steps. From what I've been told, the general social culter in Sweden is usually pretty cold. People usually keep to themselves and it takes time for people to warm up to you. Stark contast to anyone wearing a blue lanyard and attending the conventions. Locals observed hugs first then surprised the conversation started with: Where are you from and what is your name?"
We saw this sweet couple making their way and offered to carry their bags. The served in Bethel while it was still in Sweden for 47 years. Wonderful example
Venezuela meets Philipiines
Pia and Tom sat in front of us. They were so sweet. Tom shared how Jehovah changed his life. He showed pictures of who he was before Jehovah. and now we see much he's changed. Amazing example of Jehovah's transforming power
Our seatmates behind us
Filipino friends in Sweden
Sweet family. The daughter went straight to Shula to give her a gift
Before heading back on the train, this family was one of the last to give us a gift. Next time we're in Sweden we will visit them
