Just as a tree bears good fruit if it is consistently watered, so, too, spiritually nourished families bear godly fruitage, to Jehovah’s praise. Typical is the family of Uwadiegwu, who lives in West Africa. Though Uwadiegwu and his wife have eight children, both serve as regular pioneers, or full-time ministers of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He says: “Our family has maintained a regular family Bible study for over 20 years. We have taught the children God’s Word from when they were infants, not only during our family study but in the ministry and at other times. All our children are proclaimers of the Kingdom good news, and only the youngest, who is six years old, is not yet baptized.”

Teamwork involves giving children spiritual responsibilities when they are ready for them. One father, a Christian elder with 11 children, wakes up early in the morning and conducts studies with several of them before he leaves for work. The older ones, after their baptism, take turns helping their younger brothers and sisters, which includes sharing in teaching them the Bible. The father supervises, commending their efforts. Six of the children are baptized, and the others continue to work toward that goal.

Good Communication, Shared Goals

Vital to united families is loving communication and shared spiritual goals. Gordon, a Christian elder who lives in Nigeria, is the father of seven children ranging from 11 to 27 years of age. Six of them are pioneers, like the parents. The youngest, recently baptized, regularly shares in the disciple-making work with the rest of the family. The two adult sons are ministerial servants in the congregation.

Gordon personally conducted Bible studies with each of his children. Besides that, the family has a comprehensive program of Bible education. Every morning they gather to consider a Bible text and then prepare for the congregation meetings.

One of the goals set for each family member is to read all articles in the Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Recently, they added daily Bible reading to their routine. By talking about what they read, family members encourage one another to continue the habit.

The weekly family Bible study is so well established that nobody needs a reminder​—everyone looks forward to it. Over the years, the content, structure, and duration of the family study have varied with the ages and needs of the children. The family has drawn close to other faithful servants of God, and this has had a beneficial effect on the children.

As a family, they do things together and set aside time for recreation. Once a week they enjoy a “family evening,” which features quizzes, tasteful jokes, piano playing, storytelling, and general relaxation. Occasionally, they go to the beach and other places of interest.

Relying on Jehovah

None of the above minimizes the difficulty of rearing large families. “It is a great challenge to be a good father to eight children,” said one Christian. “It requires abundant material and spiritual food to sustain them; I must work hard to earn enough money to support them. The older children are in their teens, and all eight attend school. I know that spiritual training is vital, yet some of my children are stubborn and disobedient. They sadden me, but I know I sometimes do things to sadden Jehovah’s heart, and he forgives me. So I must patiently continue to correct my children until they come to their senses.

“I try to follow Jehovah’s example in that he is patient with us because he desires all to attain to repentance. I study with my family, and some of my children are working toward the goal of baptism. I do not depend on my own strength to achieve results; my power can accomplish little. I try to draw ever closer to Jehovah in prayer and to apply the proverb that says: ‘Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your path straight.’ Jehovah will help me to accomplish the training of my children.”​—Proverbs 3:5, 6.

Never Give Up!

Sometimes the training of children may seem to be a thankless task, but do not ever give up! Keep at it! If your children do not respond positively to or appreciate your efforts now, they may do so later. It takes time for a child to grow up to be a Christian bearing the fruitage of the spirit.​—Galatians 5:22, 23.

Monica, who lives in Kenya, is one of ten children. She says: “My parents taught us Bible truth from our infancy. Dad would study the Christian publications with us every week. Because of his work, the study was not always on the same day. Sometimes, as he was coming home from work, he would see us playing outside and tell us that in five minutes we were all to come inside for our Bible study. After our Bible study, we were encouraged to ask questions or discuss any problems.

“He made sure that we associated with godly children. Dad regularly visited the school to ask the teachers about our conduct. On one visit he heard that my three older brothers had fought with other boys and that they were sometimes rude. Dad punished them for misbehaving, but he also took time to explain from the Scriptures why they needed to conduct themselves in a godly way.

“Our parents showed us the benefits of attending meetings by preparing meeting parts with us. We were trained to become ministers by having practice sessions at home. From infancy we accompanied our parents in field service.

“Today, two older brothers are special pioneers, one sister is a regular pioneer, and another sister, who is married and has a family, is a zealous Witness. My two younger sisters, 18 and 16 years old, are baptized publishers. The two younger boys are being trained. I have been serving at the Kenya branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses for three years. I love and appreciate my parents because they are spiritual people; they set a fine example for us.”