Sunday Sitdown: Randy Turk, Jehovah’s Witnesses volunteer minister

[Guest Nicole]

SOUTHBRIDGE - People may see Randy Turk, 40, and his wife, Lisa, 43, dressed in their Sunday best any day of the week knocking on doors in their hometown of Southbridge or other communities. The couple, married nearly 20 years, isn’t selling anything during the 70 hours a month they walk the pavement and try to meet with residents. Mr. Turk says they are trying to “draw people closer to God.”

Mr. Turk has been a Jehovah’s Witness for 27 years, one of more than 8 million followers of the religion worldwide.

To support their volunteer ministry work, the couple work as sales representatives for Nature’s Best Oils. Mr. Turk also does consulting work for an auto parts manufacturing company in Michigan.

How is your religion different from other Christian religions?

“As Christians, we closely follow the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ. We believe that he is the key to salvation. We also believe in using God’s personal name, Jehovah. We appreciate that God’s kingdom is a real government that will bring about positive changes to the earth. We are focused on upholding the teachings of the Bible rather than religious traditions.”

Why do you go door to door?

“I love talking with my neighbors. Today, people are stressed. Some have even lost hope. Our desire is to share a positive message with people from the Bible. We strive to follow the example Jesus set in his ministry. His preaching work was motivated out of love. Our motive is the same.

“Our preaching efforts are not just in Worcester County. Jehovah’s Witnesses speak to people about the Bible in over 240 lands throughout the world. Our Bible-based literature is translated in hundreds of different languages. All around the globe, Jehovah’s Witnesses work very hard to share the Bible’s hope for a grand future.”

What response do you get from people?

“Most people are very friendly. Some prefer that we are brief and get to the point. Since we appreciate their time, we try to share an encouraging thought in just a few minutes.

“In Worcester County, there are many people who respond to our message in a different language. If I cannot communicate with them, I direct them to our website, jw.org. It is available in over 900 languages.

“Many people are interested in what the Bible has to say. Most readers of our Bible-based literature are not even Jehovah’s Witnesses. Around the world, there are millions of people who study the Bible with us. Since people are busy, some may have only 15 minutes a week to study the Bible. We are more than happy to visit at a time and place convenient for them.”

How would you like people to respond to you if they are not interested?

“We realize that most people have their own beliefs and that not everyone is interested in our message. If they are not interested, they can kindly inform us. However, I always appreciate being given a few minutes to share something positive from the Bible.”

How are Kingdom Halls different from other churches?

“Kingdom Halls are a great place to worship God. It is a place where Bible study programs and lectures are held each week. All meetings begin and end with song and prayer. On Sundays, there is a 30-minute Bible discourse designed for the general public. After that, there is a question-and-answer discussion. Participation is always voluntary. No collections are ever taken. You can go to any Kingdom Hall and receive the same program of Bible instruction. I enjoy up-building association and the opportunity to praise God at the local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

Can anyone attend a service?

“Everyone is invited to attend. Every meeting is open to the public. Families are invited to attend and learn together. People are not obligated to join or become a member. I encourage everyone to experience the happiness and love found at the Kingdom Hall.”

http://www.telegram.com/news/20171028/sunday-sitdown-randy-turk-jehovahs-witnesses-volunteer-minister