The success we find in the ministry does not emanate from the results we achieve. This is because we have done what Jehovah and his Son want us to do, which is to give a witness. (Acts 10:42) Even when we do not find anyone to speak with or when our message is flat out rejected, we still have joy because we know that our efforts are pleasing our heavenly Father. This joy, rooted in our dedication and faithfulness, sustains us through our journey of spreading the good news, much like the tireless search for a lost child, where every effort contributes to the ultimate goal of finding and guiding the lost back to safety.

As John made his way from door to door, sharing the good news of God’s Kingdom, each knock and every conversation were part of a larger mission: to find honesthearted individuals yearning for the truth. This mission was close to John's heart, much like the story of a little boy that had captured the community’s attention several years ago, a story he never forgot, thought of often, and used for inspiration, especially when he was in the house-to-house ministry.

Years ago, a three-year-old boy had wandered away from home, sparking a frantic search. Over 500 people combed through fields and forests, their hearts heavy with worry.

As the search for the little boy stretched into the night, a sense of urgency and dread settled over the community. Among the many who combed through the dense woods and open fields, fears grew that if they found the boy, it might be too late. The darkness seemed to heighten every crunch of dried brush and leaves and the cast of each shadow, amplifying the anxiety in their hearts.

At one point, a group of searchers stumbled upon what looked like drops of blood scattered across a patch of tall grass. The sight stopped them in their tracks, hearts pounding with a mix of hope and fear. The discovery seemed gloomy, each red stain a stark contrast against the green blades, and the volunteers couldn't help but fear the worst. They quickly called for more help, the radio crackling with urgency as the news spread.

Upon closer inspection, however, it was revealed that the suspected blood was actually droppings from a bird that had consumed berries from a nearby bush. The relief was palpable, as the volunteers let out a collective sigh, their worst fears momentarily halted. This incident, though, only strengthened their resolve. They pushed on, driven by the hope of finding the boy alive, each moment of fear giving way to renewed determination.

After 20 long hours, a volunteer finally found the child nestled in a cornfield. Action News captured the joyful reunion, and when the newscast reporter praised the volunteer for his discovery, the volunteer humbly replied, “It took hundreds of people to find him.”

This comment resonated deeply with John because it captured the essence of collective effort and shared responsibility. John saw a parallel between the search for the lost boy and his own ministry work. The volunteer's humility and acknowledgment of the collaborative endeavor highlighted that no single person could claim full credit for the success.

For John, this was a powerful reminder that in his mission to spread the good news, every individual effort, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, was vital. It reinforced the idea that finding and guiding honesthearted ones back to spiritual safety was a joint effort. This shared mission fostered a sense of unity and purpose among all the Witnesses, reminding John that every door knocked on, every conversation, and every moment spent in ministry contributed to the greater good. This collective joy and shared success in finding those who yearned for spiritual truth echoed everyone’s experience, reaffirming the importance of perseverance and cooperation in their sacred task.

Like the boy in the cornfield, they needed someone to find them and guide them back to safety. John thought of the Apostle Paul's words in Ephesians: “At that time you were without Christ…, you had no hope and were without God in the world.” (Ephesians 2:12) This passage resonated deeply with John as he continued his field service from house to house.

One sunny afternoon, John knocked on a door that was answered by a middle-aged man named Clarence. He listened politely as he spoke about God's Kingdom, his eyes reflecting a glimmer of curiosity and a touch of sorrow. John felt a tug at his heart and offered him a Bible study. To his joy, Clarence accepted, expressing a desire to learn more and find hope in his life.

As John left Clarence’s house, he couldn’t contain his excitement. He knew that this moment wasn’t just his victory. Every Witness who had ever knocked on a door or shared a kind word, had contributed to this moment. Clarence’s decision to study the Bible was confirmation of the collective effort of many dedicated individuals.

John thought of his fellow workers and the countless hours they had spent in their shared mission. He knew that Clarence's journey to becoming a disciple of Christ would bring joy to everyone involved. It was a reminder that the disciple-making work is a team effort. All are needed to cover the territory, and all rejoice when a new one starts attending Christian meetings. John now knew that with Jehovah’s backing and the support of their loving brotherhood, they have everything they need to be successful in the ministry.

Thank you for reading,
-Soli Jehova Gloria (1 Corinthians 10:31)