As a need greater it's important to remember that you will need to make your own arrangements as respects to EVERYTHING. Plane tix, accommodations, money, knowing the local laws, etc. The brothers in the area are happy to assist in any way, but all of those things need to be taken care of and done BEFORE arriving to your destination. That would make things easier for you and it would also be loving on your part, showing wisdom and discernment following the counsel at Luke 14:28.
Maybe you wrote to Bethel for suggestions and help as to where to actually serve. Thats great! But some think that because they get info from Bethel that means they have been ASSIGNED BY Bethel to go and serve. That is not the case. Its just info. The only ones actually assigned to serve somewhere are SKE and Gilead graduates. Remember, you are a needgreater. YOU are making the decision to move and serve. YOU are actually giving yourself the assignment, no one else. With that info in mind, its good to also remember this:
DO NOT expect the brothers who are already serving there to do everything for you.
Believe it or not, there have been instances where certain ones will come to serve for a time and just show up at the local congregation meeting asking the friends to find them a place to stay, drive them everywhere, pay for certain things, etc.
Thats not how it works. Obviously the friends are happy to see willing spirits and help out new ones. They have no problem helping you get situated, showing you around, what to do and how to do certain things. However, the local needgreaters do not provide a service, so to speak, in that respect. And contrary to what some may think, they are not on vacation like a visitor would be. It's good to remember that these friends LIVE in that country or area and they have busy lives like everyone else. They have jobs, go to school, service, meetings, pay bills, etc.
Early preparation and prayer to Jehovah for guidance and direction are the best ingredients for a successful experience as a need greater.
-Be ready for change
Depending on where you go to serve; the scenery, economic situation, culture, food, weather, etc... can be shocking to some when they arrive. Even though you may have done some research beforehand, actually experiencing what you’ve learned can be quite different.
Its good to prepare yourself ahead of time, knowing that you may not have all of the same luxuries and conveniences you’re used to from where you’re from. For some, this is hard to handle. Best thing to do, as with almost anything, is to pray to Jehovah for guidance and help. Then to be positive. Look at these changes as a learning experience, as a challenge. Asking yourself: “How much am I willing to put up with for Jehovah?
They may take some getting used to, but most of the time you’ll find the things you thought you couldn’t be without you really don’t actually need anyway; and that the alternative is working out just fine. To be able to do all of the above you need to be humble. Let the experience change you, or rather Jehovah, because it really will be Him doing it.
Always keep Jehovah first
Remember why you’re there…for Jehovah. You are there to serve where the need is great. Maybe you asked for a month or 3 months off from your job, saved for a year, maybe you even quit your job; maybe you sold your house, left friends, left family, to do this. Jehovah is the one who helped with all of that, so of course it's good to always make sure that he is in the forefront. It's easy to get distracted with all of the fun things you can do where you’re serving: beaches, mountains, etc. All these things should be appreciated and experienced. It is now a part of your life.
But remember that you didn’t make the move for those things primarily… it was to help in the preaching work and the congregation. Matthew 6:33 is a perfect scripture to keep in mind on this subject. Jehovah knows exactly what we need and what we want. If we make sure we put him first, he will make sure we, not only are provided for, but also make sure we ENJOY the assignment that we’ve giving ourselves.
If you are thinking of serving as a need-greater these are some good things to keep in mind to avoid having problems and difficulties in the future. It's a privilege to be able to serve Jehovah in this capacity and the only way to be successful is to think ahead and let Jehovah guide you through the process.
Please let us know what you think or if you have any questions about anything! Until next time!