LOCAL Jehovah's Witnesses have joined those across Australia and the globe in returning to door–to–door ministry, following the easing of COVID–19 restrictions.
Joshua Wilson, spokesperson for Jehovah's Witnesses in Victoria, said many people had welcomed the September 1 return.
"Even if people don't want to talk to us, I think it's actually comforting just that we're there, because it's another sign that things are getting back to normal," he said.
Mike Swan, an elder in the Wangaratta area's Jehovah's Witnesses congregation, said the period of restrictions had been challenging.
"I've spent many years talking to people face–to–face, so to not be able to do that was difficult, but that is when adaptability comes into play," he said.
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"Instead, we dusted off our letter–writing skills, and I think we were actually able to contact more people, because even if they weren't at home, they still received our letters.
"Some people responded really positively to receiving letters, and while people are not so keen on writing back these days, we have heard that our letters were displayed on the fridges of a lot of homes."
Mike said lockdown periods may have even allowed people the chance to reflect on and give more attention to the messages than they usually would amid busy schedules.
"I think in lockdown most of us were happy to receive any sort of communication, and with the world scene causing concerns such as employment issues, child school bullying, suicide rates, and a general feeling of helplessness, the messages of the Bible can be welcome," he said.
Over the more than two years in which they were unable to door–knock, Mike said local Jehovah's Witnesses were still able to continue their efforts to assist people – mowing lawns and making meals for elderly or ill neighbours; helping new residents settle in; providing comfort to those who lost loved ones during the pandemic; and driving unwell locals to Melbourne for hospital appointments.
"Those little acts of kindness go a long way," Mike said.
He said the resumption of door–to–door preaching, which aimed to follow the example of Jesus, allowed local Jehovah's Witnesses to share a new Bible course, 'Enjoy Life Forever', which was designed to answer questions people have about the Bible's content, and offer hope for the future.
"Visiting door–to–door in a biblical method, and has proved to be a most effective method of reaching people," Mike said.
"Most people are very friendly. Obviously, if they are busy, or they have their own faith, we respect that. My wife and I have enjoyed some very pleasant conversations, and people have enjoyed talking about faith and global issues with us."
