Study by mail
Betty's father, Jasper Bell was an inquisitive man. Apparently one evening he read a small booklet produced by the International Bible Students Association as Jehovah's Witnesses were known when it was published.
Right away, he knew he had discovered pure gold. So many questions were being answered as he discovered new Bible truths. Although never baptised as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, he actively shared in preaching about the Kingdom of God throughout King Island. (see Permit to Preach)
He corresponded to brothers in Launceston and in Melbourne where the branch office of Jehovah's Witnesses was located at the time. One of these letters can be seen here.
PERMIT TO PREACH
Betty's father, Jasper Bell had been authorised to preach on behalf of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, 14 March, 1939.
Making Progress
With help from dear friends like the Havelberg family in Adelaide along with Cliff and June Walker in Ulverstone, Betty and Jeff progressed to baptism in 1962.
The picture shows attending the "'Peace Among Men of Good Will' or Armageddon—Which?" District Convention (as Regional Conventions were then known) which was held in 1970. From left to right, June Walker, Betty and Jennifer.
family is important
Mum always felt strongly about the importance of family. Her dedication to Jehovah was of prime importance and she felt the best way she could do that was to be there for us kids. She never forgot her siblings either, shown here in the photo.
From left to right, Betty, Jean, Hazel, Brian and Joan. Brian still lives on King Island and Jean is in Adelaide. Mum kept this photo close by during her final days. Just as she did with the photos of the grand-children and great-grandchildren. Family was important to her.
Friends along the way
Over the years, Betty made many friends in the congregations she and Jeff were part of including, Ulverstone (Tasmania), Margate, Rothwell and Buderim (Queensland). After Jeff passed away, these friends continued to provide a wonderful support network and became regular visitors to Mum.
Gary and Rodney wish to express their heartfelt appreciation for all of the support given over the years to both their Mum and Dad, especially as they grew older in Rothwell and later when Betty moved to Buderim Congregation on the Sunshine Coast. - Proverbs 17:17
The grass is greener
Mum was a lover of gardens. When she could, she enjoyed being in the garden. So a holiday to Tasmania, spending time in James and Leah's garden always brought her great joy.
We know that mum will be eager to 'get to the other side of the fence' and start gardening for real - enjoying life in paradise. - Luke 23:43
