The Island of Tsis

Tsis is a small island here in the lagoon. It is about a 25 minute boat ride from our island of Moen. Recently along with a branch representative we spent a day preaching on this beautiful little island. Along the way we could see Jehovah's clearly directing in our preaching work. When we arrived we were quick to search out the Mayor and inform him of our desire to preach on their island. However the Mayor had left for another island to visit family. So we spoke to one of the island leaders who quickly told us that we could freely preach on his island. We formed two groups. 

One of the groups ran into some opposition from the local state policeman. He forbade them to continue. The second group unaware of this continued to preach and during their  house to house preaching ran into the Assistant Mayor who gave them orders to continue to preach on their island. When the two groups met up, the first group was surprised that we were granted permission and thus we continued. However the opposition didn't stop there. 

A short time later a group of publishers ran into a village leader who was opposed to our work. He explained that the Mayor or the Assistant Mayor did not have jurisdiction over their island and explained that he did not want us to continue. So two brothers, a local brother and one of the elders asked if they could speak with him for a few moments. He agreed. During the conversation it seemed apparent that he did not want to change his mind. But after it was pointed out to him that we understood their law that only one religion, the Catholic religion, was allowed on their island, it was expressed that were not here to start a new religion, but only to preach the word of God. He was given the recent magazine that explained that everyone can draw close to God. He was shown in the magazine where it quoted James 4:8 and the brothers explained that it doesn't say how to join a religion, but rather draw close to God. Afterwards he quickly changed his mind and said to continue our work. One of the local sisters said: "it was like the wind as he quickly changed his mind." Nonetheless we enjoyed our beautiful day and the clear direction Jehovah gave us.

Our small service group. 

The local Catholic church.