So what is the ministry like there?

If' you read our blog while we were in Nigeria you may have been impressed by our tales of the ministry in Africa.  Now you shouldn't think that just because we went back to Africa that we will have the exact same experience.  Now, I would say that it seems like in the majority of Africa you can have AMAZING territory.  Here in Johannesburg, it's a bit varied.  Some congregations have that same type of territory. Others are a bit more westernized.  There are congregations that have both types.  However, our congregation doesn't have both.  Our congregation's territory is what you might call pretty upscale.  Here is a typical street:

And here is a typical sight when we go to the houses:

And this is what we typically do when we get to that house:

The person was home by the way, and we left the invitation in the gate basket.

This was a big first for us.  I feel like we go out in service in the "Beverly Hills" of Joburg.  Intercoms are totally new for us.  However, we have gotten somewhat used to it.  Talking to intercoms isn't the only new experience for us though:

Matt in Bryanston doing street work.

Street work!  I try to explain to people that where we are from, we have streets, but the people are in the cars in the streets, not walking around willy nilly. They seem pretty impressed that we come from such an exotic place. ;)  At first I would have to say that we felt a bit scared and intimidated. We still do sometimes, but it feels a lot more natural.  And it's so nice to talk to people. At home, I would have my days where I hoped no one would answer.  Here though, I am finding that street work is my favorite, all I want to do is find someone to talk to!  So being here is definitely broadening our horizons!   I even approach people when they are working along in the gardens.  Before I'm like, oooooh they are busy, I don't want to bother them. Next house please!  Now I know that I shouldn't have done that, but I have to be honest about it.  Here I'm like, "look, a person to talk to. Hooray!"  It's really nice to be able to do that.  Most of the people you see doing this type of ministry are quite friendly too which makes it nice.

Tomorrow night we have a kingdom ministry article about intercom witnessing so that should keep bolstering us up for that.  We hope to join some friends in their rural territories soon and that will be nice as well.  There is also train witnessing which we hear is awesome. Later this year we have unassigned a couple hours away, so we will have lots of variation coming up!