Friday, April 20 You must inculcate [these words] in your sons.​—Deut. 6:7.

[GrumpysWife]

Friday, April 20

You must inculcate [these words] in your sons.—Deut. 6:7.

 

After serving in a foreign-language field for over three years, Serge and his wife, Muriel, noticed that their 17-year-old son lacked joy in theocratic activities. “When we realized that this situation had hindered our son from making spiritual advancement,” explains Serge, “we decided to move back to our former congregation.” What factors might influence parents to move back? First, they should determine whether they really have enough time and resources to instill love for Jehovah in their children while at the same time teaching them a foreign tongue. Second, they may notice in their children a lack of interest in spiritual activities or in the foreign-language field in which they are serving. In such circumstances, Christian parents might consider moving back to a congregation that uses the language their children best understand until their children take a firm stand for the truth.—Deut. 6:5-7. w16.10 2:14, 15

[New World Explorer]

He knows that humans can better fill their spiritual need when they read his thoughts in the language of their heart.

[humblebee]

First, they should determine whether they really have enough time and resources to instill love for Jehovah in their children while at the same time teaching them a foreign tongue.

 

Perhaps it is sometimes better to have the child study the foreign language for a year before moving - just to see if they have an aptitude and eagerness for the lifestyle change. After all, languages are not everyone’s strong point! If a child cannot be already reasonably fluent in the new tongue before the move, how will they cope with making new friends, answering up in their new congregation and feeling valued from day one? ( Sprituality may suffer as a consequence) Very small children may cope but teens are painfully self-aware and may withdraw when not able to fully participate in their social scene. On the other hand, some teens just love a challenge - maybe it’s as simple as knowing your own child’s strengths & weeknesses! Just a few thoughts from my own perspective. . . but maybe you parents out there who have already gone through this can give some more valuable feedback?