"Jehovah Is Near Those Broken At Heart"

Have you ever felt like you just can't go on any longer? Have you ever just wanted to drop everything and just go home? Have you've ever missed someone so much you'd do anything just to give them a hug and kiss? Have you've ever prayed, begged, and cried, to Jehovah to help you not to be afraid, not to be weak, not to feel pain in your heart, not to complain, not to be sad?

I felt all this last week. I miss everyone soo much!! I miss my congregation; the elders, my fellow pioneers, the publishers, the kids(even if they are as noisy as they can be during the meetings.) I miss everyone! I miss my brother, sister-in-law and beautiful niece! I miss my cousins, aunts and uncles. Even if I didn't see them often or only at assemblies. I miss my girls, y'all know who you are! I miss my homies in NY! And I miss you!;)

But even tho I miss everyone like crazy! I am thankful to Jehovah for giving me the privilege to help out where the need is great. I definitely wouldn't exchange this "chance of a lifetime" for anything!

Another thing I am grateful to Jehovah for, is for our loving elders in the congregation. On Tuesday I received encouragement from one of them. He kindly shared a few scriptures with me. And I am going to share them with you all.

1 Kings 18:27- Elijah mocked these Baal worshippers. Was he courageous, fearless, brave, for doing this? Indeed, he was.

1 Kings 19:2,3- Elijah becomes afraid! Of who? Of Jezebel. A woman. One person. Yes, his courage failed him.

1 Samuel 17:45- David faces Goliath! Was he courageous, brave, fearless? Indeed he was!

Psalms 86:6- How do you think David felt at that very moment? Would you say depressed? Yes.

2 Corinthians 2:4- Paul wrote with many tears. Was Paul courageous, brave, fearless? Yes he was! But also an emotional man.

Would you say all these 3 men were emotional persons? Yes.

Why do you think Jehovah allowed these courageous men to write down about their emotional state?

I think one of the reasons is for us to know that we can be courageous and at the same time at one point feel afraid, depressed, and sad. It's normal.

When you are told, it's normal to be afraid, it's normal to feel depressed, it's normal to cry, isn't it such a huge relief? A burden taken off your shoulders!

Psalms 34:18- (w11 6/1 19; w07 3/1 28; cl 256-257; g99 6/8 12; w98 4/1 31)

I quote from one of the WT's: "How does Jehovah respond to those who are “broken at heart” and “crushed in spirit”? Does he keep distant from them, feeling that they are unworthy of his love and attention? On the contrary! Like a loving parent who holds and comforts a child in distress, Jehovah is near to his worshippers who cry out to him for help. He is eager to comfort and soothe their broken heart and crushed spirit. He can give them the wisdom and strength needed to cope with any trials they may face.—2 Corinthians 4:7; James 1:5."

Jehovah is eager to comfort and soothe us. We all know how it feels to be eager to do something, right? Jehovah feels this even more than we do.

Psalms 126:5- those with tears, what are they doing? Sowing seed. But what will happen? Reap a joyful cry.

It's ok to be emotional. To be afraid, depressed and to cry. But let us not stop sowing the seed of the Kingdom News! Even if its with tears in our eyes.

I was encouraged deeply! Jehovah hears our cry for help. And I am so thankful that I received an answer so quickly.

My brothers and sisters, no doubt that we are all going through hardships. Keep strong and take refuge in our loving God, Jehovah. Soon we will all dwell together in peace for all eternity!

Very quickly I would like to share an experience. On Saturday while we were at the stand, a little young boy around 11 years of age stopped and was immediately drawn to the Young People Ask book. The orange one. His mom quickly told him, "don't you see its bible literature, don't take anything." But he paid no attention. So we asked him if he knew English, and he said "no, well kind of." And read the tile of the book and translated it for us. We then showed him both Spanish and English version of the books. He grabbed the orange one in english and flipped through the pages and we saw his desire to obtain the book. So we told him, "you can take the book, it's free." His eyes brighten up, and he said, "really?!" And he took it with him. The joy that little boy had was amazing! It is then when you once again are reminded of the many reasons why Jehovah has been so patient about destroying this system of things. So lets keep on preaching the Good News of God's Kingdom! And may all honor and glory go to our loving Creator, Jehovah.

Mexico Branch

"Jehovah, I have loved the dwelling of your house
And the place of the residing of your glory."- Psalms 26:8

Surely, this is one of my favorite scriptures! Being able to stay a night or two in Jehovah's house is a grand privilege. It's indeed a little taste of Paradise. Being able to escape from the city for a couple days is priceless for me. No one is yelling "tamales calientitos", "el gas", "el agua", "llegaron los churros", and you don't hear not a single dog bark!!

On my first night, as I walked out into the dark, chilly, calm night, I took a deep breath and for the first time in Mexico City I smelled fresh air!! I could smell the grass, flowers, and trees around us!! And I felt like I couldn't take enough breaths to satisfy my need for fresh air. It was simply amazing!

Morning worship was great. It was a bit weird to hear it conducted in Spanish. But none the less it was great! I miss Spanish soo much!
Being in Bethel period, made me miss my friends back home even more! Soon tho I will see everyone!

We were able to visit the translation department. They said there's 68 languages (dialects) from Mexico to Panama. It takes 3-5 weeks to translate. And most people can't read so something that must be done is the audio recording of the literature. Something that helps a lot is that many pioneers have MP3 players to use in the ministry.

We also met a brother who is originally from Britain. But has been in the Spanish field for 40 years. So his British English is gone! It was funny to hear him speak English, it sounded like he was German. The brother spent 30 years in Honduras and has been at the Mexico branch for 10 years. It's great to see how he has become so engaged in the Spanish field that he nows speaks better Spanish than English. Brother's name is Raymond Walker. Look him up!

Again, I encourage anyone who hasn't gone to visit Bethel to go!!! Only if you "just tour" Bethel it's a privilege in itself. So please, GO!

On The Metro..

Today was once again an amazing day out in service!!

Have you've ever seen any of our literature in the garbage or possibly on the ground and felt the urge to pick it up?

Quick story: Today while taking the metro, Gina and I saw a man reading one of our Watchtower magazines. Ok, so? Happens all the time, right? Well, this incident was different! The Watchtower he was reading was super old, dirty, and wrinkled! Looked like he had picked it up from the garbage! Yes! He was possibly reading a WT that had been thrown away! How exciting?! Right?!

Immediately, I searched through my WTs to see if I had a recent Spanish issue to give him. But sadly, I didn't. Then I wanted to take a picture for y'all, but I was too slow, we had arrived at our destination. And we had to be at the stand at 4 o'clock on the dot! Then I thought, we should have preached to him, but again we only rode the metro for one stop and had to be on time for the stand. :/

But there is no doubt that people are learning about Jehovah in all types of different ways! From door to door, to informal witnessing, and even through the garbage!

Also, let us never underestimate what "an old issue"(less recent issue) of the WT can do for someone! With help of the Bible, it can change their lives! (Hebrews 4:12)

October Fall..Oh How I Miss You..

Greetings to all!! Hope that this post finds you all well!! How is everyone? Enjoying the fall weather? I am missing it terribly!! Fall and Spring are my favorite seasons! And I still wake up everyday hoping the leaves on the trees have changed colors!! Haha:( but sadly they won't. It is very weird for me, that it is mid October and the temperature goes up to 75! I feel like it's still summer. For many, you may say, "that's awesome!" Indeed, it is and I'm enjoying it! But I miss my Chicago weather!;)

Anywho, everything is going well here in Mexico City. Let me share with you a few things..

Service

We are busy trying to find those who speak English. I have written a few letters to those who work a lot. Hope to deliver them tomorrow. The stand has been fun as well. Today, for example, 2 folks took a brochure each. And one lady even gave us donation:)
I feel like I'm not getting much done, but I have to remember it takes time. I am praying to Jehovah I find someone who wants to study the Bible. I wish I had an awesome service experience for you guys, but I don't. Not yet at least!

"...The eyes of the blind one will be opened.." -Isaiah 35:5

Today I accompanied a sister to pickup her passport. It was very far! It felt like it was to the end of the world! Well, on our trip there and back I must have seen at least 20 people who were blind. And a few were selling stuff on the metro. At one point, I felt so sad for them and I started to tear up. Why? Because I thought of how happy they would be if they knew the truth about God's Kingdom! And it's then when you realize the urgency of preaching to everyone! It is then when you realize all the sacrifices you do to declare the Good News is well worth it! It is then when I thank Jehovah for being patient and allowing many the opportunity to learn the truth. So lets keep on preaching the Good News of Jehovah's Kingdom to all people of all nations!!

Coyoacan

Coyoacán refers to one of the sixteen boroughs (delegaciones) of the Federal District of Mexico City as well as the former village which is now the borough’s “historic center.” The name comes from Nahuatl and most likely means “place of coyotes,” when the Aztecs named a pre-Hispanic village on the southern shore of Lake Texcoco which was dominated by the Tepanec people.
The urban sprawl of Mexico City reached the borough in the mid 20th century, turning farms, former lake and forests into developed areas, but many of the former villages have kept their original layouts, plazas and narrow streets and have conserved structure built from the 16th to the early 20th centuries. This has made the borough of Coyoacan, especially its historic center a popular place to visit on weekends.

To me Coyoacan is an old town where you can go to walk around in peace and eat lots of "antojitos" (food you often crave) Quesadillas, sopes, elotes, equites, hot cakes, coffee, hot chocolate, and many more! There's lots of little things you can buy too! Like a mini Chinatown but with typical Mexicans items.

Well, I spent a day in Coyoacan! With 3 of the sisters from the congregation. It was so much fun and ate so much! It felt nice to be out and about during the night and not be scared to get robbed! Haha.

My Parents

Thanks to Jehovah they are doing well. They are slowly getting adjusted to living here. My mom little by little is trying to find the joy in the ministry. It's still a bit hard for her but she's trying. I am praying to see if it would be a good idea for them to join me in the English.

Queretaro

So, a couple from Bethel invited me to go with them to Queretaro for a weekend!! Jehovah willing we will be going the last weekend of October. I can't wait!

Well, please feel free to email me with any experiences, comments, ideas, or opinions;D nancy.colin07@gmail.com


Much love to all!!

-your sister,

Nancy Colin

Service With Ecatepec Ingles

On Tuesday I had the privilege of going out in service with Ecatepec Ingles. I met up with 2 sisters from D.C. One came down with her parents 3 months ago to help out in the English field. Once again I am amazed to see first hand families simplify their lives, sell their homes, cars and personal items to move to where the need is great. The other sister was on vacation down here but had served in Queretaro for 4 years when she was 19. I told her I admired her because she had just turned 19, she didn't know Spanish and came down here by herself. And she is African American! We don't see many of our black friends here. Well at least not in the city.

Anaid and I found a man who's parents are witnesses and when he was living in the states he would attend the meetings. But hasn't since he moved back. We left him last months's magazines and invited him to the meetings. We hope he visits!! I think all together the group found 5 people who spoke English.

After service we went to Walmart for some packaged arrachera. We cooked it a sister's house and had fresh tortillas, salsa, avocado and black beans. Accompanied with aqua de melon! And homemade flan for dessert! It was absolutely delicious!! And what was even better was the company of the friends! Couldn't have asked for anything better!!

Special thanks to Danny Patiño who "introduced" Anaid and I via email. I was sooo happy to spend the day with "Americans" :D

But it's thanks to Jehovah who allows us to be a part of a worldwide brotherhood where you can meet a complete strangers and by the end of the day feel like you've known each other for years!!

"However, with reference to brotherly love, YOU do not need us to be writing YOU, for YOU yourselves are taught by God to love one another;" -1 Th. 4:9

Mexico Bethel

As many of you may know, I LOVE visiting Bethel in New York. (And i think that sentence is even an understatement) So, I made it a goal to visit Bethel here in Mexico as many times as I can. My first time was the first Thursday I was here. A couple from the Spanish congregation so kindly offered to take us.

Bethel here is composed of four "Bethels", betel 1, betel 2, betel 3, y betel 4. All in a row. Plus their residence buildings and others. There are a little over 1,000 Bethelites serving at this moment.

We started off our day in the cafeteria building. It was interesting, because the building has restrooms with showers for those friends who travel from far. I think it is such a great idea, so neat that you are able to freshen up before touring the complex. They also have vending machines and a seating area too. They have an outside seating area too. Well, while we were enjoying our coffee and cookies, we met a sister from Oxaca Ingles. She was the first American I met that is serving here in Mexico. I knew they're we're friends serving here from the states, but to see it in person really amazed me. Haha, I know, I'm a bit odd. Soon, after meeting the sister we see a whole group of friends both from the states and from here that are serving in the English. They were all in town for the English convention.

We next walk to the building across from the cafeteria to start our tour. As we walk in I feel like I'm walking into one of the lobbies in Brooklyn, Patterson or Wallkill! I felt like at home. For the first time since I had gotten here I felt so peaceful and happy. As we were waiting for our tour guide, I saw a family with 2 little girls, blonde with blue eyes! Such cutie pies! They all had their lapel badge on for the convention. Again, I was once amazed to see a whole family from the states serving here in Mexico as well.

As we are walking though the hall way I realized that it smelled just like Bethel in New York. I felt even more at home, haha. I have a really strong sense of smell, and I pay attention to how a certain place smells and I relate it to an emotion i.e. happiness, saddness, ect. Do I make sense?

I also realized that Bethel here has no original paintings! They have only one in their auditorium. So I thought to myself, "wow! No original paintings, and to think that I have had the privilege to see them all in Patterson." So, next time I visit Patterson, I am going to ask one of my friends for a personal tour and I want to spend extra time admiring each painting and really meditate on the hard work that goes into the painting and how fortunate we are to have Patterson close to home. At least closer than the friends here.

If anyone hasn't visited Bethel, I strongly suggest you take the time and effort to visit! You might say there is no time or money. But trust me there is time and Jehovah always provides! Even if you're broke by the end of the trip, it will be well worth it! Ask around and investigate how to do it to visit.
I should seriously make it a business if I ever go back to the states, hehe:D

As many times as I have visited Bethel I never and will never get tired of visiting and touring the complexes. It's a new experience every time I go. And I love it! Each time, I return with my spiritual battery recharged and ready to keep on preaching the Good News of Jehovah's Kingdom!!

Haha, I think I've side tracked from Bethel here in Mexico to Bethel in NYC. :D sorry..

The gardens here in Bethel Mexico are absolutely beautiful!! Flowers, nicely cut green grass and a bunch of mini palm trees surrounded us everywhere! And walking through the buildings with your brothers and sisters really gives you a taste of Paradise. No other feeling can fill my heart with so much joy, to imagine myself in Paradise with those whom I love.

In the printery, the brothers were using a new scanner type thing for when they package the literature. It's quite neat, and they said it reduced half the brothers they needed for that department. Below you will see a picture. They say only a few branches are using it. And soon they will be using it in Wallkill. Cool, huh?

Demonstrates how Jehovah is using technology to simplify how we do certain things and concentrate on what's more important, preaching the Good News to all nations!!


I also was amazed to learn how many dialects there are in Mexico! A little over 50 I think. And interesting that within one dialect there can be 3 different "dialects" or ways to speak it! Crazy! But amazing how Jehovah makes it possible for people to learn the truth in their mother tongue!!

I can't wait to visit Bethel again!! Here in Mexico as for the one in NYC too, yes, again!! As a matter of fact, a few of the girls in the congregation want to go with me when I visit in March to Bethel in NYC! And for those who know me, I LOVE offering myself to be a "tour guide"of NYC! And I love seeing the friends' faces when they are touring Bethel!! So Jehovah willing the sisters and I will be invading NYC at the end of Feb-march. *hint hint* for those who are in NYC ;D

Well, I hope everyone is doing well!! Sorry if I haven't responded to any of the questions y'all have asked me. But I will surely get to them!!

Please feel free to email me and/or comment!!

Send my love to all!!

~Your sister,

Nancy Colin!