A Precious Asset Today

7, 8. What commendable record of sacred service do many present-day Christian women have, and of what can they be assured?

⁷ As in the first century, faithful Christian women today play a key role in the outworking of God’s purpose, especially in the evangelizing work. And what a fine record these sisters have! Consider the example of Gwen, who faithfully served Jehovah for over 50 years until her death in 2002. “Gwen’s zeal as an evangelizer was almost legendary in our city,” says her husband. “To her, every human was a potential recipient of Jehovah’s love and promises. Her loyalty to God, his organization, and to our family​—not to mention her loving encouragement when we were down—​has been a great support to me and to our children throughout our full and rewarding life together. We miss her very much.” Gwen and her husband were married for 61 years.

⁸ Tens of thousands of Christian women, single and married, serve as pioneer ministers and missionaries, being content with life’s necessities as they spread the Kingdom message in territories ranging from bustling cities to isolated regions. (Acts 1:8) Many have put aside owning a home or having children in order to serve Jehovah more fully. There are those who give loyal support to husbands who serve as traveling overseers, while thousands of sisters serve in Bethel homes around the world. Without doubt, these self-sacrificing women are among “the desirable things of all the nations” that fill Jehovah’s house with glory.​—Haggai 2:7.

9, 10. How have some family members expressed appreciation for the fine example set by Christian wives and mothers?

⁹ Of course, many Christian women have family responsibilities to care for; yet, they keep Kingdom interests to the fore. (Matthew 6:33) A single pioneer sister wrote: “My mother, by virtue of her unwavering faith and fine example, played a key role in my becoming a regular pioneer. In fact, she was one of my best pioneer partners.” A husband says of his wife, a mother of five grown girls: “Our home was always clean and tidy. Bonnie kept it simple and uncluttered so that our family could focus on spiritual pursuits. Her contribution to the careful management of our finances made it possible for me to work part-time for 32 years, enabling me to devote more time to our family and to spiritual matters. My wife also taught the children the value of hard work. I have nothing but praise for her.” Today both husband and wife serve at the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

¹⁰ A husband writes concerning his wife, a mother of grown children: “The qualities I admire most in Susan are her intense love for God and for people, as well as her understanding, empathy, and honesty. She has always held the view that Jehovah deserves the very best that we can give to him​—a principle that she applies to herself both as a servant of God and as a mother.” With his wife’s support, this husband has been able to accept a number of spiritual privileges, including serving as an elder, pioneer, substitute circuit overseer, and Hospital Liaison Committee member. How precious such women are to their husbands, to fellow Christians, and above all, to Jehovah!​—Proverbs 31:28, 30.

12. (a) How do some Christian sisters demonstrate their loyalty to Jehovah? (b) Some of our sisters are coping with what feelings?

¹² Consider, as an example, our Christian sisters who have not married because they loyally obey Jehovah’s counsel to marry “only in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:39; Proverbs 3:1) God’s Word assures them: “With someone loyal [Jehovah] will act in loyalty.” (2 Samuel 22:26) Yet, for many of them, remaining single is a challenge. Says one sister: “I resolved to marry only in the Lord, but I have shed many tears as I watched my friends marry wonderful Christian men, while I continue alone.” Notes another sister: “I’ve served Jehovah for 25 years. I am determined to remain loyal to him, but feelings of loneliness often sadden me.” She adds: “Sisters like me long for encouragement.”

16, 17. (a) What did one son say about the love shown by his mother? (b) How did the mother’s spiritual outlook affect her children?

¹⁶ Consider the example of Olivia, a mother of six. Her unbelieving husband abandoned the family just after the last child was born, but she readily took on the responsibility to train her children in God’s ways. Olivia’s son, Darren, now 31 and serving as a Christian elder and a pioneer, was about 5 years old at the time. Adding to Olivia’s anxieties, Darren developed a serious health problem that still troubles him. Reflecting on his childhood, Darren writes: “I still recall sitting in my hospital bed eagerly awaiting Mom. She would sit by me and read the Bible to me every day. Then she would sing the Kingdom song ‘We Thank You, Jehovah.’b To this day, that is my favorite Kingdom melody.”

¹⁷ Olivia’s trust in and love for Jehovah contributed to her success as a single mother. (Proverbs 3:5, 6) Her fine attitude was reflected in the goals she set before her children. “Mom always encouraged us to pursue the goal of the full-time ministry,” says Darren. “As a result, four of my five sisters and I entered the full-time ministry. Yet, Mom never boasted about these things to others. I try hard to imitate her wonderful qualities.” True, not all children grow up to serve God as did Olivia’s. But when a mother does her best to live by Bible principles, she may rest assured of Jehovah’s guidance and loving support.​—Psalm 32:8.