The letter and number symbol following the name of each country indicates the country’s location on the endsheet maps. Number 1 to 25 refer to the front endsheet and numbers 26 to 50 the the back endsheet.

1970 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses

pp. 5–82

1970 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses

A few decades ago mankind in general gave good attention to religion. But times are changing! Most people in Christendom seem quite pleased with the new sophisticated attitude that the clergy have taken toward the changing world. The “new morality” idea is generally accepted as old standards become passé, and many religious leaders support the “God is dead” theory. Logically this raises in the minds of the parishioners of Christendom’s churches the question: If God is dead, God’s law is null and void too, is it not? So why follow the counsel set forth in the Bible? “Live the way YOU want to live,” is the thinking of most people in the world today.

On the other hand, there are great crowds of people from many nations who are very much interested in the Bible and in the God it tells us about. Such ones still want to cling to Bible teachings, though their faith may have been shaken by their religious teachers. They know things are bad because of the way people are conducting themselves today, in adultery, fornication, homosexuality, thievery, extortion and almost every other wicked act. These things are looked upon by many persons as not out of line with the normal procedure of life. “If you can get away with it, who cares?” is the attitude of the majority. However, Jehovah’s witnesses hold that the Bible is the Word of God and that the moral code set out in the Holy Scriptures is the proper and right one to follow. Nineteen centuries ago Jesus Christ lived according to God’s perfect law, and his teachings and actions showed that there was the implanting of Jehovah’s written word in his heart and mind.

Jehovah’s witnesses believe that Jesus is the Son of God as the Bible says, and is therefore the One that God, his Father, sent into this world “in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Jehovah’s witnesses believe that Christ Jesus will take away the sin of the world during his peaceful reign of one thousand years. Worldly-wise men will say that Christians with such faith are naïve or that Jehovah’s witnesses are strange people. However, it did not sound strange to the followers of Christ Jesus who lived at the time when Jesus was walking in the flesh here upon the earth. His faithful followers preached his message through much opposition. For some of these it even meant losing their lives for the sake of Christ. Nor has it seemed strange to millions of persons who have lived during the nineteen hundred years since the days of Christ Jesus’ earthly sojourn. But in these days in which we now live, and which are described in the Bible as the “last days” or the “critical times” of this system of things, there are relatively few people who truly accept the teachings of the Bible and who have the hope of living eternally because of the redeeming value of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for mankind. This is a strange teaching indeed to some, but it is nevertheless true. Jesus said: “This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.”—2 Tim. 3:1; John 17:3.

Due to believing that “all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching,” Jehovah’s witnesses follow the advice of James 1:21, where it says: “Put away all filthiness and that superfluous thing, moral badness, and accept with mildness the implanting of the word which is able to save your souls.” (2 Tim. 3:16) There is much said in the Bible about moral badness. The Bible writer James, the half brother of Jesus, was fully convinced that, if a teacher expects to sound down the truth successfully into the heart and the mind of an individual, then there must be a putting away of that which is bad, wrong, contrary to God’s Word; the individual must take the time and accept with mildness the implanting of the Word of God. When God’s Word is really implanted in one’s heart and mind it is able to save one’s soul or very life. As Jesus said to the Tempter: “Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah’s mouth.” (Matt. 4:4; Prov. 3:13-18) Can you accept that saying?

Jesus had some comments on the real food on which man must live. One day after talking with the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus said of them: “Let them be. Blind guides is what they are. If, then, a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” Continuing, in conversation with Peter, Jesus next said: “Are you not aware that everything entering into the mouth passes along into the intestines and is discharged into the sewer? However, the things proceeding out of the mouth come out of the heart, and those things defile a man. For example, out of the heart come wicked reasonings, murders, adulteries, fornications, thieveries, false testimonies, blasphemies. These are the things defiling a man; but to take a meal with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”—Matt. 15:14-20.

If a man’s heart is not right, but is filled with moral badness, then his reasoning will be wholly out of line with that which is decent, upright and righteous. Therefore his thinking ability will be of no benefit to him or to his fellowman. Due to his moral badness his reasoning will be absolutely contrary to the laws of Jehovah. Accordingly, the wise man, in Proverbs 18:7, said: “The mouth of the stupid one is the ruin of him, and his lips are a snare for his soul.” Just as Jesus said, it is not what goes into the mouth that is important, for that is disposed of easily through the digestive organs, but it is what comes out of the mouth, what one says, that shows what the individual really is! Usually one says what he is going to do. So Proverbs 6:12 records: “A good-for-nothing man, a man of hurtfulness, is walking with crookedness of speech.” When men discard God’s Word and think that they can work out life’s problems without God’s help, they are all wrong. Listen to the wise man, Solomon: “My son, to my wisdom O do pay attention. To my discernment incline your ears, so as to guard thinking abilities; and may your own lips safeguard knowledge itself.”—Prov. 5:1, 2.

The best thing any individual can do is to go to the highest authority so as to get a proper understanding of a matter. Therefore we should listen to the One who has all wisdom, namely, Jehovah God. Pay attention to what this one has to say and enjoy the benefits of adherence to such counsel. What God wants us to know now He has had recorded in his written Word. A reasonable person will incline his ear toward Jehovah’s expressions and try to discern exactly what God wants him to do. That is the way to guard one’s thinking abilities. Knowing the right course and thinking about it is a fine safeguard to protect one from letting one’s thinking abilities turn toward wicked reasonings, fornication, adultery, thievery and other wrong things. A wise person will keep his heart and mind on the high principles of truth and righteousness. When one’s thinking ability is correctly directed then one’s lips will say the right things, the things that are upbuilding, righteous and pure.

NEED FOR MENTAL CLEANSING

It is evident, therefore, that there must be a cleaning out of the mind if there is to be an implanting of right thinking. There must be a putting away of all filthiness of the flesh, and that superfluous thing, moral badness, so one can give one’s time and energies to accepting the implanting of the Word of God in one’s mind. One just cannot do both things at the same time. Sweet water and bitter water cannot come out of the same spring. (Jas. 3:11) It is absolutely necessary for one to change one’s ways of thinking and doing things if the truth of God’s Word is going to be implanted in one and grow.

Some nineteen hundred years ago when Jesus was sitting by the Sea of Galilee, great crowds came to hear his words of wisdom. He spoke differently from the way anyone else had ever spoken. As the crowd grew in numbers, Jesus went aboard a boat and rowed offshore. Then, using the surface of the water as a sounding board, he addressed a great crowd of people on the seashore. Very often Jesus used illustrations to make his points, and it is recorded in Matthew, chapter thirteen, that this was the method he used on this occasion. One of several illustrations that Jesus presented to the crowd concerned a sower of seed. In quite some detail he told of the sower dropping some seed along the roadside, also in rocky places and among thorns. He went on to say that other seed fell on some fine soil and began to yield much fruit. The persons listening to this parable, of course, could draw conclusions as to its meaning if they wanted to use their thinking ability. But if Jesus would explain the illustration, telling what he had in mind, the true meaning could be grasped by his hearers.

The disciples of Jesus were curious as to just what he meant, and so they questioned him: “Why is it you speak to them by the use of illustrations?” In reply Jesus said: “To you it is granted to understand the sacred secrets of the kingdom of the heavens, but to those people it is not granted. For whoever has, more will be given him and he will be made to abound; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” (Matt. 13:10-12) The twelve disciples of Jesus had already gained much good information, but they wanted more. They used their thinking abilities to get the understanding of “the sacred secrets of the kingdom of the heavens.” The apostles already had knowledge, and ‘more would be given so as to make them abound’ in knowledge. But as for the rest of the Jewish race, the indifferent ones, the unappreciative ones, even what they had as to knowledge about God and his Word would be taken away from them. By the year 70 C.E. they even lost their holy city Jerusalem, their temple, and any favor they thought they had with Jehovah God. How true that “whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.”

Similar to the people in Christendom today, probably the greater number of those who were on the seashore listening to Jesus did not have great respect for his words even though they were in a covenant relationship with God. That is why Jesus went on to say: “For the heart of this people has grown thick, and with their ears they have heard with annoyance, and they have shut their eyes; that they might never see with their eyes and hear with their ears and get the sense of it with their hearts and turn back, and I heal them.” (Matt. 13:15) It certainly was not the fault of Christ Jesus that the people’s hearts had grown thick so that they would not listen. People today do not want to listen to God’s word either. They do not want to get the sense of it in their hearts. However, in Jesus’ day his disciples wanted to get the sense of Jesus’ words. Do you want to? Then listen to what he said: “Happy are your eyes because they behold, and your ears because they hear. For I truly say to you, Many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things you are beholding and did not see them, and to hear the things you are hearing and did not hear them. You, then, listen to the illustration of the man that sowed.”—Matt. 13:16-18.

JESUS EXPLAINS

How kind and merciful it was of Jesus Christ to go into detail and explain to his disciples just what this illustration of the sower meant. You, too, if you are truly interested in the Word of God, can open your Bible and read it and get the sense of it. If you have discernment you will be able to see just what Jesus meant by the parable. Today we are in a very favored position, just as favored as Jesus’ first disciples were, because we can read, not only the illustration, but also Jesus’ explanation of it. We must take the time, though, to study the Word of God, using our thinking abilities. Let us see how Jesus explained the parable.

Persons who have taken the time to read the Christian Greek Scriptures, commonly called the “New Testament,” know that Jesus continually proclaimed the message concerning God’s kingdom. So this parable of the sower had something to do with the Kingdom. That is why in the 19th verse of Matthew 13 Jesus said: “Where anyone hears the word of the kingdom but does not get the sense of it, the wicked one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart; this is the one sown alongside the road.” Millions upon millions of people throughout the world, both inside and outside of Christendom, have heard the proclamation of God’s kingdom, but they did not get the sense of it. The reason is quite simple. “The wicked one comes and snatches away what has been sown.” Who is that wicked one? The Bible clearly points out that Satan is the god of this wicked system of things, and that he “has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.” (2 Cor. 4:4) So the wicked one, Satan the Devil, the god of this system of things, is going to keep in darkness everyone that he possibly can. Are you going to let Satan do that to you? If you never read and study your Bible, Satan will keep you in his darkness. He is not going to let this good word of the Kingdom sink down into a person’s heart if he has a chance to stop it. Satan is at work snatching away what has been sown. He is determined to keep the peoples of all nations in darkness. Even in Christendom he has his clergy and priests degrading God’s Word. They say it is a myth, just a story written by men, not by God.

There is no question about the Devil and his demons as being very active at this time during the “last days” of this system of things. He does not want to have anyone getting the sense of the Kingdom message. Therefore, as the “god of this system of things,” he promotes nationalism. He does not want mankind to appreciate what God’s kingdom is. He tries to keep all peoples busy glorifying and worshiping the rulers and nations, being involved in the “establishment,” rather than looking to the Supreme One of all the universe, Jehovah God. It can be clearly seen that people are kept busy on the broad road leading to destruction with little time to get the sense or meaning of God’s Word. Even though Jehovah’s witnesses call often each year at the homes of the people, the people do not want to get the sense of the message being brought to them. Have you listened and gotten the sense of what Jehovah’s witnesses are saying?

Jesus went on to explain about the seed “sown upon the rocky places.” He says: “This is the one hearing the word and at once accepting it with joy. Yet he has no root in himself but continues for a time, and after tribulation or persecution has arisen on account of the word he is at once stumbled.” (Matt. 13:20, 21) How often have you as a Christian witness of Jehovah found individuals who hear the word, get the sense of it, and at once accept it with joy? They say, “Here is the answer to all of the world’s problems,” and they start telling everyone they know about what they have learned. The truth from God’s Word brings light and understanding to them, and it appears that they will be learners and become disciples. But there was no place for the seed to take root in the rocky places. It is just as Jesus said: “After tribulation or persecution has arisen on account of the word he is at once stumbled.” Many have encountered the burning heat of opposition over the truth, just as Jesus foretold. In his prophecy about the time of the end, at Luke 21:16, 17, he declared: “Moreover, you will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death; and you will be objects of hatred by all people because of my name.” It is this intense opposition to the truth even from relatives and friends that stumbles some.

As the Bible shows, the one hearing the word is full of joy, but he has no root in himself due to being sown on rocky places. He tells his relatives, friends and neighbors—everyone he can, about his newly found hope. Then the persecution and tribulation begin, and they do not stop until he gives up his belief in the truth from God’s Word. Every possible obstacle is put in his way. Even if he goes to a clergyman and tells him what joy he has found in the Word of God, he most likely will find that he will be discouraged from studying the Bible. He may be told, “You had better be very careful with those Jehovah’s witnesses. They will lead you astray.” So from relatives, friends and religious sources the opposition grows. The hard underlying self-interest will not let the seed of truth take root. At once the individual is stumbled, with no deep implanting of the Word. The rocky places are much too rough and hard for roots and for growth.

Then Jesus went on to say: “As for the one sown among the thorns, this is the one hearing the word, but the anxiety of this system of things and the deceptive power of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.” (Matt. 13:22) Even though the seed took root and sprouted, there were just too many thorns around to allow for its maturing. Perhaps for a short period of time in the individual’s life he was able to hear the word and get the sense of it, but he keeps himself so involved with this system of things and its anxieties, and in particular with the deceptive power of riches, which seem to be the things that everyone is taught to reach out for, that these things, like thorns, just choke out the word, and the individual never produces fruit. Remember, we are in a system of things today that is wicked, selfish and unloving. It is true that each man’s hand is against his neighbor, and the love of the greater number of professed Christian persons has grown cold. So it does not take long to choke out the words of truth in one when the anxiety of this system of things and the deceptive power of riches get a stranglehold on a person. So this one too is unproductive. There was no room in the person’s life for the real “implanting of the word”; he is choked to death spiritually.

THE ONES LIKE FINE SOIL

However, Jesus went on to say: “As for the one sown upon the fine soil, this is the one hearing the word and getting the sense of it, who really does bear fruit and produces, this one a hundredfold, that one sixty, the other thirty.” (Matt. 13:23) It is quite evident that there must be a ‘hearing of the word and getting the sense of it.’ There must be personal study in order for one to get the sense of God’s Word. In order to promote personal study Jehovah’s witnesses did conduct 1,097,237 home Bible studies every week during 1969, where it appeared that they had found fine soil. A great number of these private home Bible studies brought results. Jehovah’s witnesses help people to hear the word of the Kingdom. They spent 239,769,076 hours talking to people of all nations and started tens of thousands of home Bible studies with interested persons. Not all persons continue with weekly Bible studies, but the 1969 field service report shows that over one million Bible studies were conducted regularly every week. These studies in God’s Word are necessary because they help to clean out the wicked reasonings of the heart. This will allow the truth to grow. One certainly cannot grow, figuratively speaking, on the busy roadside or on rocky places or in among thorns. There has to be good soil for fine growth. What kind of soil are you? We hope you are an individual who will accept with mildness the implanting of the Word and “put away all filthiness and that superfluous thing, moral badness.” If the seed of truth is going to sprout, there has to be good soil, something for the roots of the plant to go down into.

You can prove yourself good soil by getting rid of the wicked reasonings in the heart, like murders, adulteries, fornications, thievery, and so forth. (Matt. 15:19) God’s Word implanted in one will send up a strong plant, there to bear fruit. Are you growing as a Christian? Is the truth, the word of the Kingdom, deep down in you? Are the roots taking hold and sending up a plant that will bear fruit? In encouragement of all this, Jesus finished his illustration by saying: “This is the one hearing the word and getting the sense of it, who really does bear fruit and produces, this one a hundredfold, that one sixty, the other thirty.” (Matt 13:23) Many of the interested people that Jehovah’s witnesses talked to and then studied with proved themselves to be fine soil. They dedicated their lives to Jehovah and in 1969 alone 120,905 persons were baptized and became Jehovah’s Christian witnesses. Can we say the dedicated, baptized persons known as Jehovah’s witnesses are bearing fruit, this one a hundredfold, that one sixty and the other thirty? Admittedly someone is producing fruit! Just look back over the past few years: in 1966 there were 58,904 baptized; 1967 produced 74,981 baptized; in 1968 the number was 82,842; and now in 1969 the fruitage came to be 120,905 dedicated, baptized Christians taking up the preaching of “the word of the kingdom.” Marvelous! And we thank Jehovah for his rich blessing.

To implant something, whether a seed or the Word of God, means, first of all, to plant or set securely or deeply. The word “implant” literally means to plant in the soil so that the seed will take root and grow. Similarly, teaching is what makes for one’s performance of that which is learned. When the truth is implanted in good soil the learner is going to produce something, and this product is due to learning. Centuries ago when the Jews were so well protected by Jehovah and they were his chosen people, he gave the parents of all Israelite children instruction, namely, that they should inculcate the truth of God’s Word into their children’s minds. Jehovah wanted them to have knowledge and understanding. His command to parents was: “And these words that I am commanding you today must prove to be on your heart; and you must inculcate them in your son and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.”—Deut. 6:6, 7.

However, the Jews as a nation failed to accept the sound counsel that was given to them by their fathers, and so they went astray, and the anxieties of the nations and the deceptive power of riches choked out the word and they lost their relationship with God. In that respect there is no difference today with Christendom. Her church members do not accept God’s Word either. Most people do not want to be real Christians. The apostle Paul was cognizant of this matter in his day when he wrote: “For we have had the good news declared to us also, even as they also had; but the word which was heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who did hear.” (Heb. 4:2) From what Paul says it is evident that many Hebrews had the word of God declared to them; in fact, he describes two kinds of people, those who heard and did nothing about the good news, and others who heard and were united by faith with those who were declaring the good news. Today in Christendom, Jehovah’s witnesses keep going from house to house declaring good news, but most of the people have hearts that have “grown thick, and with their ears they have heard with annoyance.” (Matt. 13:15) It is not as though the people of the earth have not been given the opportunity of hearing the truth. They have! Why, for the past fifty years the good news of God’s kingdom has been preached, and with greater intensity world wide, especially in the last twenty-five years. But relatively few have responded. Yet, what must those persons do that do hear and get the sense of the word of the Kingdom?

“WITH MILDNESS”

Jesus’ half brother James very likely was well acquainted with Jesus’ parable of the sower, and as he commented on this matter of planting he may have had in mind that which Jesus spoke about. He really epitomizes the entire illustration by saying: “Put away all filthiness and that superfluous thing, moral badness, and accept with mildness the implanting of the word which is able to save your souls.” We want to keep in mind that the implanting of the word must be accepted with mildness. It is not going to be sounded down orally by Christian teachers into the minds of haughty and high-minded individuals. A person who has a know-it-all attitude cannot show humility. The soil must not be so hard that it is like a rock, impenetrable. When the Bible truth enters a mind that is searching for knowledge and understanding and it settles into the heart and mind of a person that has deep respect for the great Creator, then the seed will sprout and grow, and there will in due season be a coming to maturity. As Jesus said: ‘It will really bear fruit.’ Some persons produce a hundredfold, others sixty and still others thirty. How very true this is! When we see the accomplishments of individuals who have the truth and spend time preaching from door to door and conducting Bible studies we know that these persons are doing just what they should do. Did not Jesus say: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them”? (Matt. 28:19) In their lifetime Jehovah’s witnesses individually may bring as many as thirty persons to a knowledge of the truth, others sixty and still others a hundred. If “the word of the kingdom” is sown in good soil it will bring forth good fruit in time. Have you tried to be a Bible teacher? Have you responded to Jesus’ command, “Go . . . make disciples . . . baptizing them”?

There are more than a million Christian witnesses of Jehovah today that have taken the proper steps to save their lives by putting away the superfluous thing, moral badness, and all filthiness of the flesh. They believe Paul when he said: “You should put away the old personality which conforms to your former course of conduct and which is being corrupted according to his deceptive desires; but . . . you should be made new in the force actuating your mind, and should put on the new personality which was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty.” (Eph. 4:22-24) The only way that one could put on this new personality, “which was created according to God’s will,” would be by first getting rid of the old personality. Then a change can begin to take place. That new force actuating your mind would result from your accepting “with mildness the implanting of the word which is able to save your souls.” Paul was very interested in putting on this new personality, and that was why he said at 1 Corinthians 9:27: “I browbeat my body and lead it as a slave, that, after I have preached to others, I myself should not become disapproved somehow.”

The “word of the kingdom” was planted in this Saul of Tarsus, who became the apostle Paul. He proved himself to be good soil. He wanted to bear much fruit. He went—he preached—he baptized. In all this he was a good example for us today.

SOME MEN BECAME BELIEVERS

The apostle Paul was a great evangelizer! He was willing to go to the ends of the earth to declare the good news of God’s kingdom. When he was in Athens he got into quite a few discussions with the more learned men, the Epicureans and the Stoic philosophers. Quite a controversy was stirred up. “Some would say [of Paul]: ‘What is it this chatterer would like to tell?’ Others: ‘He seems to be a publisher of foreign deities.’ This was because he was declaring the good news of Jesus and the resurrection.” (Acts 17:18) It was not long before these men hurried Paul off to the judicial hill, the Areopagus, so that they could learn more about what he had to say. While Paul was standing in the midst of the Areopagus he said: “Men of Athens, I behold that in all things you seem to be more given to the fear of the deities than others are.”—Acts 17:22.

As we read on through the 17th chapter of Acts, from verses 22 to 34, we learn much of what Paul had to say about God. Paul told the Athenians that they had an altar on which were inscribed the words “To an Unknown God.” Paul seized upon the situation to make his point, for he told the crowd that was surrounding him that they were unknowingly giving godly devotion to the “God that made the world and all the things in it.” This was the very One that Paul was now going to publish to them. This “Unknown God” that Paul worshiped does not need anything, “because he himself gives to all persons life and breath and all things.” Paul continues and says: This God “made out of one man every nation of men, to dwell upon the entire surface of the earth.” These people could find God, for he was not far off so that he could not be reached. Paul pointed out to these Athenians that by Jehovah God we have life and move and exist, even as certain ones of the poets among them had said: “For we are also his progeny.”

Paul really stirred up the people when he told them that the God of the universe had set a “day in which he purposes to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and he has furnished a guarantee to all men in that he has resurrected him from the dead.” (Acts 17:22-31) That was something new! The men and women present to hear Paul’s discourse in the Areopagus certainly had something to think about. ‘In fact, all Athenians and foreigners sojourning there would spend their leisure time at doing nothing but telling something or listening to something new.’ Well, Paul certainly had something new to tell them, and some of them reacted favorably and became believers. But others, “when they heard of a resurrection of the dead, . . . began to mock, while others said: ‘We will hear you about this even another time.’”—Acts 17:21, 32.

One never knows what impression the “word of the kingdom” will make on another’s mind, or on what kind of soil the seed of truth may have fallen. Will it fall along the roadside, on rocky places or in among thorns? On the other hand, the seed can fall on good soil and produce fruitage. The apostle Paul was made very happy. He saw fruitage. The Bible account tells us that, when Paul went out from among their midst, “some men joined themselves to him and became believers, among whom also were Dionysius, a judge of the court of the Areopagus, and a woman named Damaris, and others besides them.” (Acts 17:33, 34) So the seed that Paul sowed brought forth fruitage; in this instance, a judge, a woman and others. Paul himself had earlier proved to be fine soil, for, when the “word of the kingdom” was sounded down into his own heart and mind, he became a real preacher, a producer of a hundredfold. Remember, he established the Corinthian congregation and he wrote to them: “You yourselves are our letter, inscribed on our hearts and known and being read by all mankind. For you are shown to be a letter of Christ written by us as ministers, inscribed not with ink but with spirit of a living God, not on stone tablets, but on fleshly tablets, on hearts.”—2 Cor. 3:2, 3.

True Christians keep in mind the command of Jesus: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them.” (Matt. 28:19, 20) Paul certainly tried to do this in his ministry, and he had fine success. That is what all people who have come to know Jehovah and his beloved Son, Christ Jesus, are required to do now. Real Christians today, like the apostles, must help people to whom they preach so that such ones can understand God’s Word. They must be teachers and help each disciple or learner to get the sense of the “word of the kingdom.” Jesus said: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matt. 24:14) This, Jehovah’s witnesses are really trying to do. When they do make disciples it is necessary for these to dedicate their lives and be baptized in water so as to make a full expression before Jehovah and Christ Jesus and their brothers that they are going to do the will of God henceforth as that will is set forth in his written Word.

But the discipling work does not stop there. Each one of Jehovah’s baptized witnesses must continue to be a learner. He keeps on studying God’s Word, the Holy Bible. He wants to observe all the things that Jesus commanded of his followers. This, of course, takes time. But we do not have to wait until we know all things before we ourselves begin the discipling work. Once we have learned of the wonderful things that Jehovah has done for mankind in providing his Son as our redeemer, and what he is doing through his kingdom, then certainly we should want others to hear the “word of the kingdom” too. We should want to implant the Word of God in the hearts and minds of others because we know the word is able to save one’s life. Remember what Paul told the disciple Timothy: “Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. Stay by these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.”—1 Tim. 4:16.

Thus the baptized believers who engage in the discipling work must go on bringing forth fruitage, some a hundredfold, some sixty and some thirty. Is that asking too much of a real Christian? When Jesus ascended into the heavens there were 120 baptized Jews dedicated to Jehovah who were ready to do the work Jesus started, and anxious to know what they should do. On the day of Pentecost all 120 of them were anointed by holy spirit to preach the Kingdom. There were thousands of others that had heard about Jesus and his message but had not taken a stand, and these had to make a decision. When Peter stood up before them and said, “Get saved from this crooked generation,” then “those who embraced his word heartily were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added.” (Acts 2:40, 41) Think of the work that Jesus did in his day and of the fruitage that he brought forth! Think, too, of the apostles Peter, John, Paul and the others in the early church, and think of the fruitage they produced! When we think, too, of the fruitage being brought forth now, it is very evident that many are becoming believers. What share have you had in all this?

A GREAT CROWD BECOME BELIEVERS

During the service year of 1969 Jehovah’s witnesses throughout the entire world in 203 lands and islands of the sea have been very active, as shown on the chart on pages 26 to 33. All those who have dedicated their lives to Jehovah and were baptized in symbol of that dedication must display their faithfulness. This is evidence that the Word of God has truly been implanted in them. They are determined to put away all filthiness and that superfluous thing, moral badness, and they are accepting with mildness the implanting of the word, which they know is able to save them. The good that has already been done for them they now want to do for others. So Jehovah’s witnesses continue faithfully preaching the good news world wide.—Matt. 24:14.

As one reads the annual report that has been compiled by the Society from its branches around the world one sees a marvelous thing that has happened. Jesus told his disciples to make disciples of others and Jehovah’s witnesses have done that very thing during the past year. (Matt. 28:19, 20) Just consider the number of persons baptized (none infants) during the past service year of 1969 and you will realize that Jehovah’s witnesses have been preaching and teaching at all times, seeking to do the will of Jehovah God. In twelve months 120,905 persons made a fine decision and were baptized. They wanted the Word of God implanted in their hearts and minds just as it is implanted in the minds and hearts of all of God’s dedicated people. They have taken a decisive stand on Jehovah’s side. Henceforth they will do Jehovah’s will as set forth in his written Word.

This has been a most joyful year for Jehovah’s witnesses because Jehovah God has blessed their efforts so much in preaching this good news in all parts of the earth. One of the outstanding events of the year was the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses held in North America and Europe in July and August at which 840,572 persons were in attendance. These, along with others who were not able to get to one of the assemblies, are determined to keep on with the preaching of this Kingdom good news. All are lovers of peace because they worship the God of peace. (2 Cor. 13:11) We still have work to do, and we find that, in the midst of their doing that work, Jehovah has blessed the efforts of his people so that a new peak in publishers of 1,336,112 was reached in the 1969 service year. Throughout the year there were on the average 1,256,784 ministers who could be counted on to spend time in the field ministry every month. Of course, these publishers of the Kingdom good news cannot all be in the work of spreading the message full time, but the dedicated, baptized disciples certainly are all ordained ministers. Out of all of these persons, however, there were 76,515 baptized ministers preaching full time as missionaries, special, regular and vacation pioneers. These spent anywhere from 100 to 150 hours per month spreading the good news of the Kingdom. The remaining number of persons, constituting a great congregation world wide, averaged each from ten to fifteen hours each month in the preaching of God’s kingdom and implanting the word of truth in the hearts and minds of other people.

In order to do this successfully it took a lot of time, and it is amazing to think that all of these 1,336,112 publishers together spent 239,769,076 hours in the preaching of the Kingdom good news. In what features of the ministry did they spend this time? Mainly in the house-to-house ministry, back-call and Bible-study activity, along with magazine distribution and public talks. What a joy it has been for these publishers of the Kingdom! They have indeed been striving to implant the word of the Kingdom in the minds of others. What a blessing for the people who have listened!

During the past service year 1,097,237 home Bible studies were conducted on the average each month throughout the entire year. Really, that is an amazing thing. Jehovah’s witnesses are truly anxious to disciple people of all nations and to help them get a knowledge of God’s truth from his Word so that they can take their stand on the right side, on the side of God’s kingdom, which is mankind’s only hope. On April 1, after 6 p.m., Jehovah’s witnesses, along with others who have expressed interest in God’s purpose, gathered for the annual Memorial of the death of Jesus Christ, and it is wonderful to know that 2,719,860 were present world wide that evening. Of this number, just 10,368 partook of the emblematic bread and wine, indicating that they were looking forward to being joint heirs with Jesus Christ in heavenly glory.

There are many other interesting things about the work that Jehovah’s witnesses are doing. For example, in the field of Bible and Bible literature distribution we find many things to cause rejoicing in the heart. Jehovah’s witnesses fully appreciate that they cannot spend all of their time with people in their homes studying the Bible. But they can leave literature in the homes for people to read so that they can learn more about Jehovah God. During the past year, in more than 160 languages, Jehovah’s witnesses distributed 14,474,862 bound books and Bibles, 11,111,743 booklets and 186,257,878 Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Additionally, they obtained 2,131,667 subscriptions to these magazines.

In order to keep up with this wide distribution of literature at all of the Society’s printing plants throughout the world, of which they have large ones in the United States, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, South Africa, England, Switzerland, Australia and Canada, they were able to produce 27,936,033 Bibles and bound books in 160 languages. They also produced 159,395,598 Watchtower magazines and 166,356,756 Awake! magazines.

The thousands of people who have dedicated their lives to Jehovah have been willing to spend time distributing this important Bible literature to aid in implanting the Word of God in the minds and in the hearts of others.

Jehovah’s witnesses feel the urgency of getting this work done under Jehovah God’s guidance. They feel the time is near at hand for the end of this wicked system of things. Upon seeing the perplexity of the nations, that do not know the way out, they rejoice to have a message of peace and hope for the people, one based on a sure foundation, the Word of God. Prophecy is being fulfilled now, and these are clearly explained in the publications of the Watch Tower Society. That is why Jehovah’s witnesses feel the urgency of telling everyone that he should become a disciple of Christ Jesus. During the years ahead we can assure you that Jehovah’s witnesses will make many more calls at the homes of the people as they continue to preach the good news of God’s kingdom and at the same time declare the vengeance of our God. Jehovah’s witnesses want to disciple people of all nations and teach them to observe all of the things commanded in the Scriptures so that they can be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the holy spirit. But before this can happen in the life of any person he must “accept with mildness the implanting of the word.”—Jas. 1:21.

“PEACE ON EARTH” INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

In the summer of 1967, during the closing remarks on Sunday of the “Disciple-making” District Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the following was said: “For 1969 the Watch Tower Society is planning an international assembly of Jehovah’s witnesses. If Jehovah wills, many of Jehovah’s witnesses in the United States, Canada and some other countries, will assemble at two eight-day conventions, Sunday to Sunday, that will commence in the early part of July 1969 in the eastern part of the United States.” It was mentioned that conventions would be held all the way across the United States to the Pacific and that, “we hope 300,000 to 400,000 persons will be in attendance at the six cities during these three weeks of 1969.” It certainly was Jehovah’s will that this international assembly be held July 6-13, 1969, in Buffalo, New York, and Atlanta, Georgia, two cities in the eastern part of the United States. These were both eight-day assemblies from Sunday to Sunday. In addition, an even larger assembly was held for seven days in New York city, starting on Monday, July 7, and then these three conventions ran simultaneously. What a joy this proved to be to all in attendance! There were 234,546 persons gathered together that first week. And by the end of three weeks the Society had held eight assemblies in the United States and Canada, with a total attendance of 492,310. Truly it was Jehovah’s will to have this “Peace on Earth” assembly.

All of the assemblies were peaceful. There were no riots, and the convention lived up to its name, “Peace on Earth” International Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Much has been said by radio and television about these conventions, and still more was written in newspapers and magazines about the peaceful gathering of people from all nations and languages. In New York city alone there were delegates from over one hundred lands and islands of the sea. At Yankee Stadium foreign-language sessions were held in sixteen languages. Every opportunity was given to those in attendance to hear the truth in their own language, or in a language that they understood.

Then, leaping the Atlantic Ocean, five more assemblies were held, in London, Copenhagen, Paris, Nuremberg and Rome, with another 348,262 persons gathered for the public meetings.

It is difficult to imagine that during the months of July and August, in only six weeks, 840,572 persons were in attendance somewhere in the United States, Canada or Europe to hear the principal talk, “The Approaching Peace of a Thousand Years.” Yes, many of mankind want lasting peace. Jehovah’s witnesses know that peace by God’s arrangement will last.

It is hard to put into words the joy of the people who attended these conventions, or to express their zeal and faith and warm Christian love for one another regardless of language, race or national customs. All of them came to listen and learn. The following chart shows for each assembly the attendance at the public meetings and the number baptized.

These people came to the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses because they had faith in God’s Word, and we are confident that the faith of all was strengthened as a result of their presence and association with Jehovah’s witnesses. This series of conventions will continue in October, beginning in the Far East in Korea and Japan, and then move southward to Australia and, after that, across the Pacific to Hawaii and, finally, to Mexico City before the end of 1969.

THE PROGRAM

These conventions were arranged to take care of the spiritual needs of all persons regardless of language. In New York city the entire convention program was presented in English, Spanish and French. On two days before the opening of the convention at Yankee Stadium special sessions were held in Kingdom Halls in eight languages other than English for the benefit of delegates that came from abroad. During the assembly week itself morning sessions in Yankee Stadium were held in fourteen different languages. What a pleasure it was for the people speaking these languages from all parts of the world to get together and meet one another. How glad they were, too, to receive the new songbook which had just been printed. This publication, “Singing and Accompanying Yourselves with Music in Your Hearts,” was released in Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Swedish during the international assemblies. A joyful song, indeed, in many tongues ascended to Jehovah from the happy throngs.

The Watch Tower Society carefully prepared the program, and each portion of it was a delight to hear. In many of the assembly cities world wide the program ran a full eight days. In a few places the program was crowded into seven days, and sometimes even less. But the same material was enjoyed by all through having additional sessions during some mornings.

THE FIRST DAY

The opening day of the eight-day convention featured the theme “We thank you Jehovah with all our heart.” (Ps. 92:1) Appropriately, on this day Brother N. H. Knorr spoke in Atlanta, Georgia, giving the keynote address on the subject “Acquaint Yourself with God and Keep Peace.” Brother F. W. Franz delivered the same keynote address in Buffalo, New York. Both speakers focused attention right from the start of the convention on the generous Provider of this grand spiritual feast, and the One to whom all our worship is due. Both speakers reviewed the visions of Jehovah that were had by Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel and the apostle John. The audiences in these two cities, as well as throughout the world later, were deeply impressed with the awesome majesty of the Supreme One of the universe. Truly Jehovah’s witnesses at all of the conventions who heard the keynote address felt better acquainted with the wonderful God Jehovah, whom they serve.

On the opening day of all of the conventions the chairman for each convention recounted some of the numerous reasons that we have for giving thanks to Jehovah. He pointed out the great increase in the number of praisers of Jehovah. He emphasized the spiritual abundance and peace that we all enjoy, along with Jehovah’s protection, the faithfulness of our brothers, the loving provision of the ransom by Christ Jesus and the establishment of God’s kingdom. Throughout the entire assembly each one could have the feeling that the deliverance into God’s new order was very near.

We were forcefully reminded that we should appreciate what Jehovah has done for us in providing loving oversight in the congregations. The drama featuring the story of King Saul and David, Abigail and Nabal highlighted this point on the first day’s program. It was a full day of fine spiritual food.

THE SECOND DAY

That the Bible truthfully is the Word of God was the theme for the second day, or the first day in the case of those assembling at seven-day conventions. The text was found at 1 Thessalonians 2:13.

In the afternoon the listeners were delighted with demonstrations setting out sound evidence for sincere persons that the Bible really is the Word of God. Jehovah’s witnesses fully appreciate that many persons today are lacking in faith and object to the Genesis account of creation. These persons claim it is unscientific and that the account in the Bible is based on myth. Unbelievers scoff at the miracles recorded in the Bible. However, the program presented a fine defense of the Bible, considering not only these objections but many more.

This interesting discussion was followed by a forceful talk entitled “Loyal Advocates of the Word of God.” This discourse exposed the disloyalty of the clergy of Christendom toward Jehovah God and his Word of truth, the Bible. It also put the challenge to each individual who believes that the Bible is God’s Word to prove it, not only by words, but by what he does in his personal way of life. At the conclusion of this discourse the audience gave an enthusiastic response to the announcement of the speaker that what they had been hearing could now be had in a pocket-sized publication entitled “Is the Bible Really the Word of God?” It has already been published in thirteen languages. An outstanding witness has been given with this book since its release. By the close of the service year the Society had already printed 5,000,000 copies in thirteen languages.

The truthfulness of what God’s Word says about those who ignore the counsel of the Scriptures was emphasized on this second day in a drama entitled “Thorns and Traps Are in the Way of the Independent One.” This drama graphically illustrated the experiences of people who have forsaken God’s Word in order to achieve financial or social success in the world. Realistically the parable of the prodigal son was recounted, confirming the truthfulness of Proverbs 22:5, as well as showing the love of Jehovah in allowing those who wish to turn back to Jehovah and conform to his way to do so.

After this day could the convention get any better?

THE THIRD DAY

The following day’s program revolved around the scripture that says: “A man of faithful acts will get many blessings.” (Prov. 28:20) Each one attending the convention was urged to examine his own life. “What Are You Living For?” That was a question thoroughly discussed. The audience was asked, Are you living for worldly associations? For the pleasures of drink? Opportunities to toy with sexual immorality? Illicit satisfaction of fornication and adultery? Or, are you truly interested in life in God’s new order? In very straightforward but tasteful language the facts were laid out so that no one listening could miss the point. Plain counsel from God’s Word was given. The situations that easily lead to violations of God’s law were identified. The end results were vividly contrasted with the blessings that come to those who are faithfully following the Word of God. What course will you pursue? “It all depends on what you want,” one speaker declared. “But is it worth it to forfeit life in God’s new order for a night of drunken carousing or a fling at immorality? Certainly not!” This very pointed information was needed due to the appalling rise in immorality in this world. Jehovah’s people must be on guard that the world’s ways are not allowed to take root among them.

Another fine drama rounded out the afternoon program, pointing out the need for overseers to handle problems that come up. It is their responsibility to help keep Jehovah’s organization clean.

In the evening our attention was drawn to the subject “Making My Home a House of God.” With much Scriptural support, the proper exercise of headship was discussed. Points were presented on the need to show readiness to forgive, doing things together, and being concerned for one another. Is there communication among family members, between husband and wife, between children and parents? This caused many to examine their own homelife on these matters. One speaker asked, “How well do you know each other? How well do you know your children?” For one’s home to be a house of God, peace must prevail and Bible principles must govern. Even if one’s mate is not a believer, the one serving Jehovah should apply godly principles. For such faithfulness there will be many blessings.

THE FOURTH DAY

“Call out for understanding itself,” was the dominant theme of another day’s program. (Prov. 2:3) The speakers on that day pointed out that circuit and district servants, as well as congregation servants and ministerial servants, have the responsibility to promote peaceableness. They need to have an understanding of God’s Word and of their brothers. They must listen to the problems of others. The short demonstrations were very beneficial in driving home the points. The question was asked of the audience, “Do you appreciate what the servants do in your behalf?” The response showed that they did.

The key discourse of the day was again given either by the president of the Society, the vice-president, or the secretary-treasurer. The subject was “With All That You Acquire, Acquire Understanding.” What is understanding? If you understand something you do not see just some isolated aspects of a matter, but you are able to see the entire picture. We should be able to come to right conclusions if we have understanding. Very early in the talk the speaker delighted his audience by announcing the release of another new publication, entitled “Aid to Bible Understanding.” This volume, containing over 1,200 articles, was just the first part of a work that is eventually to include thousands of articles on Bible accounts of people, places and events. At a time when most reference works on the Bible tend toward higher criticism and put the opinions of men above God’s Word, how fine it is to have a source of information that upholds the truthfulness of God’s Word. It was announced that we would be using this publication in the Theocratic Ministry School during 1970 in countries where the English language is spoken. Later in the day the new Aid book was examined and Bible questions on a variety of subjects were answered in a very well designed program.

THE FIFTH DAY

A full day was also built around the theme “Youths, may ‘years of life and peace be added to you.’” (Prov. 3:1, 2) Should there be a “generation gap” in the Christian home? one of the speakers asked. Youths were cautioned against music that glorifies loose living and hair styles and dress that identify one with rebellious or immoral groups in the world. The youths were urged to be guided by Bible principles. They were encouraged to show respect for mature persons, to benefit from the experience of such mature ones and to stick close to Jehovah and his organization. Only in that way will years of life and of peace be added to any individual. The fine point was emphasized that it is not rights but duties that God’s Word calls upon us to pay attention to. The speaker showed that we “should not think that just because something is common in the world it is our right.” Remember, we have duties toward God. It is only by Jehovah’s undeserved kindness that we are alive today.

The afternoon program concluded with the significant talk “Peace with God amid the ‘Great Tribulation.’” This was a stirring talk and thought-provoking. It gave all of us a fresh look at Jesus’ prophecy concerning the end of the system of things. Matthew 24:1-22 was discussed, emphasizing that all of this prophecy had a first-century application leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. It also applies to our day, to antitypical Jerusalem, namely, Christendom. The question raised was, How is the tribulation “cut short” as Jesus said it would be? The Watchtower magazine will give us a full discussion, but we might say that if anyone, young or old, wants to be a survivor of that “great tribulation” and have years of life added to him, it is vital that he get into a proper relationship with Jehovah God now and that he maintain that relationship on through the time of tribulation that is ahead. Jehovah’s witnesses have a responsibility now to help all persons to gain peace with God amid the “great tribulation.”

In the evening, the problems faced by young folks as they grow up in the midst of a corrupt world were laid bare for the entire audience to see as they watched a startling modern-day drama entitled “Let No Man Ever Look Down on Your Youth.” The conventioners leaving after this program had a lot to talk about. This drama depicted in a vivid manner the problems resulting from a divided home, unavoidable association with worldlings in school, and the influence of certain ones who associate with the Christian congregation but who do not truly love Jehovah and his righteous ways. Among the things discussed were temptations to fornication, sexual abuse among young boys, and the use of drugs. These things were shown to be common among youths that are not guided by the Bible. The responsibility of the parents was emphasized. If one really wants to be a Christian, regardless of what course one would take, it would be good for one to ask oneself, ‘Would Jesus do this?’ Both young and old, the program showed, can be protected from wrong ways if they will pay attention to the counsel of God’s Word and apply that Word in their own lives.

Many conventioners said at the close of this day, ‘What more can we learn?’

THE SIXTH DAY

There were still three days of the convention program scheduled. Many thought that everything had been covered. However, the next day’s program developed the theme “May ‘the word of Jehovah keep moving speedily.’” (2 Thess. 3:1) Evidence shows that Jehovah’s Word is now very widespread. Throughout North America and Europe 27,442 individuals presented themselves for water baptism during the assemblies. This great number were immersed at the thirteen conventions in symbol of their dedication to Jehovah God. What a thrill it was to see them rise to their feet at all of the conventions and to declare their complete faith in Jehovah and their desire to do his will forever! This evidence of the effect of God’s Word upon people of all nations was reinforced by further stirring reports from all parts of the earth. Throughout the various days of the convention, delegates made reports from 94 branch offices of the Society. Here was clear evidence that people from all nations, peoples and tongues were dedicating their lives to the doing of Jehovah’s will.

There are opportunities for each one of us to contribute to the speedy movement of God’s Word. While all of Jehovah’s Christian witnesses are dedicated servants of Him and share in the field ministry, many can enjoy the grand privilege of pioneer service. Many practical suggestions were offered to the conventioners on how to enter the pioneer service and how to stay in that work.

But whether a person is going to stay in the full-time ministry as a missionary, special pioneer, regular pioneer, circuit or district servant, or member of the Bethel family depends considerably on how he views security and what it means to him. “What is your security?” those in the audience were asked. Is it your home? your bank account? your job? Or, are you wisely listening to Jehovah and trusting in him? You might lose your home in a fire or storm. Bank accounts can vanish overnight, at is were, if there is a collapse of the economy. Jobs can easily be lost. Certainly these things are not what bring genuine security to individuals. Only Jehovah can supply true security, both now and at the time for the execution of his judgment. How wise it is to trust in Jehovah God and not in gold!

Jehovah’s service should occupy the first place in our lives. We should want to do his will. This is emphasized many times in the Scriptures; and the portion on the convention program dealing with the subject “Are You a Modern-Day Jonah?” brought some fine points to the attention of the audience. No one wants to be ‘on the road to Joppa,’ but rather we should want to keep on ‘the road to Nineveh,’ to do the work that Jehovah has given into the hands of his servants to be done. This is not the time to run away from responsibility. The entire program for the day strongly encouraged all to rely on Jehovah and to do things in the way he wants them done, thus having a part in the speedy movement of God’s word in the earth.

In harmony with the theme of the day, The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures was released as an aid to persuasive teaching of God’s Word. This new publication will prove to be excellent for family Bible reading, using “correct words of truth,” and it came as a tremendous surprise to all in attendance at this marvelous assembly. Surely there could now be nothing more released to the assembled multitudes. The Kingdom Interlinear Translation was in itself a monumental work.

THE SEVENTH DAY

The next to last day of the convention had as its theme “Take your stand . . . solid in the faith.” (1 Pet. 5:9) Fittingly the program began with experiences reflecting the steadfastness of Jehovah’s witnesses behind the Iron Curtain. The question of whom we serve was frankly discussed in the form of a symposium that included “You Are No Part of the World,” and “Appreciating the Organization That Is Educating Us for Life.” Merely saying that a person is one of Jehovah’s witnesses is not sufficient. The truth of the matter is evident in how the person spends his time and energy. If we truly serve Jehovah then we keep separate from the world, avoiding its politics, its materialism, its dishonesty, its immorality. At the same time we enjoy the finest association on earth within the organization that is educating us for life, and truly the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses was the place to be to enjoy this finest of association.

The day’s program reached its climax in the talk “Final Woes to Enemies of Peace with God.” This dealt with the sounding of the seven symbolic trumpets referred to in Revelation 8-11. At the conclusion of the talk a powerful Declaration was presented to the audience. This very clearly set forth the position and the attitude of Jehovah’s witnesses world wide. It exposed the clergy of Christendom for playing false to Jehovah and betraying the confidence of those who trustingly look to them for religious guidance. It showed that peace and prosperity will never be brought about by radical, political movements that are not at peace with God. Instead, it pointed out that Jehovah’s Messianic kingdom is man’s only hope for peace, happiness, prosperity and life. Jehovah’s witnesses at this grand assembly made known their determination to continue exposing those whom the Bible shows to be enemies of God while loyally directing the attention of all men who are seeking righteousness to the kingdom of Jehovah God. This Declaration was enthusiastically endorsed both by vocal expression and by prolonged applause. Now it is the responsibility of each one of Jehovah’s witnesses to apply what was publicly endorsed.

To aid all of us to do that with force, a very fine new publication was released entitled “Then Is Finished the Mystery of God.” This 384-page publication provides a verse-by-verse discussion of the first thirteen chapters of Revelation. The closing chapter of the book carries one right on through the rest of the Revelation.

This thrilling program was followed in the evening by practical counsel on how to stand firm in the faith despite any opposition that might come. We must stand firm under the most severe pressure. It was shown that we should be happy even in the face of persecution, not because of the persecution, but because we can endure without losing faith. To help us do that, the day concluded with a drama that discussed each part of the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6:11-18.

THE EIGHTH DAY

When you are doing something that you enjoy, time flies, and this seemingly long week of eight days was in reality moving by much too quickly. Here we were at the last day of the grand spiritual feast. As the daylight began to break through, the conventioners began streaming back to the convention grounds. The seating facilities in all convention locations were taken long before the time for the program to begin. The theme for this final day was: “Jehovah himself will bless his people with peace.” (Ps. 29:11) How evident it was that the spirit of peace prevailed at these assemblies. The speakers at all the conventions pointed out that we can continue to enjoy that peace by regularly associating with our home congregations and by zealously sharing in the preaching of the good news of the Kingdom.

“Do Not Miss the Purpose of Jehovah’s Deliverance” was the title of the drama presented on the final day. Those who were on hand can still hear the prophet Daniel saying: “Why now should I doubt the power and ability of the Almighty God Jehovah? But what Jehovah will do and how he will do it are for him alone to say. . . . But, my son, do you really believe these inspired messages?” And they have not forgotten the words of the faithful Israelite who said: “Our deliverance isn’t just for our own benefit, is it? Jehovah preserved us alive for his worship, not for our own sakes alone.” So our continued enjoyment of peace depends on our recognizing the reason why Jehovah has freed us from Babylon the Great and our acting in full harmony with it. It was a stirring drama, full of feeling. All knew that there still remained work to be done.

At the public meeting on the final day the glorious prospect of “The Approaching Peace of a Thousand Years” was vividly portrayed. How clearly it was pointed out that this peace is not something that men or nations can bring about. Only Jehovah God by his Messianic kingdom will do so. He is the one who will bless his people with peace, and Jehovah’s witnesses are joyfully preparing for it now.

What a thrill it was to see a total of 840,572 persons assembled in both North America and Europe to hear this outstanding public talk given during the months of July and August, 1969. The attendance at the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses far exceeded our expectations. All enjoyed taking home with them a booklet or brochure carrying the entire talk in printed form. In some places, particularly North America, the Society was able to prepare a 32-page brochure containing, not only the public talk, but also the Declaration of Saturday afternoon, and many other key thoughts from the convention program. It was something worth taking home, and we feel sure that it stimulated the interest of those who were there for the public meeting.

Then came the closing remarks that reviewed the assembly and directed attention to the urgent ingathering work that still lies ahead. How happy everyone was that this was truly a “Peace on Earth” assembly for Jehovah’s witnesses! It was impressed on the minds of all present that we have come to be in a very favored position as Jehovah’s servants. It was clearly shown that only Jehovah God can bring enduring peace. How grateful all of us were that it was his will that we have this peaceful assembly in 1969. We know that we can enjoy peace one with the other, a peace that is unknown among any other people around the earth. Jehovah’s witnesses have had great assemblies on the earth, but this, we feel, was the richest spiritually, and all of us together feel the importance of God’s message. We are better acquainted with Jehovah and his purposes, and by his undeserved kindness we will carry forward his will right down to the end of this system of things.

OTHER CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS

Of course, many other things happened at the convention which were outstanding. Suppose we just review a few events having to do with each of the thirteen conventions.

First of all, Brothers Knorr and Franz, president and vice-president respectively, thought it would be good if they could attend all of these assemblies, Jehovah willing. It was determined that when the president was at one assembly the vice-president would be at the other. Since there were more than one convention going on at the same time, it meant considerable traveling for both. However, the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses started out with three assemblies, and so the secretary-treasurer, Grant Suiter, also delivered some of the principal speeches. Brother Knorr was able to open the convention in Atlanta with the keynote speech, “Acquaint Yourself with God and Keep Peace.” He flew there on Saturday and had the pleasure of looking over the grounds and facilities of the Atlanta Stadium and the convention organization before the assembly began. What a joy it was to see that convention open!

While Brother Knorr was enjoying association with the brothers in Atlanta, Brother Franz was in Buffalo opening the assembly with the keynote address. Brother Knorr returned to New York that Sunday night so as to open the convention in New York, which began on Monday. A full day’s program was scheduled here, beginning at 9 a.m. and running until 9:05 p.m. Meanwhile, Brother Suiter flew to Atlanta to handle the early days of the convention there. There were no delays whatsoever in the flying schedule. All of us were able to keep our appointments at the right time. Following the three eastern assemblies, Brother Franz flew to Vancouver and Brother Knorr to Los Angeles. They flew back and forth, taking certain parts of the program in those two cities. Brother Knorr opened the convention in Los Angeles and finished there, while Brother Franz opened in Vancouver and finished there also.

However, Kansas City was to begin on a Friday and end on a Friday because we could not get the convention site from Sunday to Sunday. Thus Brother Suiter opened the convention in Kansas City, while Brothers Franz and Knorr were still on the West Coast. By Monday, though, Brother Franz was able to get to Kansas City and Brother Knorr to Chicago, and then they changed places again during the week. It was possible for the president of the Society to give the public talk in Kansas City and in Chicago. These were exciting days! There were many delegates in attendance from all parts of the world at all of these assemblies. What a pleasure to talk to many of them individually!

THE MISSIONARIES APPRECIATED THEIR TRIP

The Society arranged through the generous gifts of Jehovah’s witnesses around the world to assist the missionaries to return home once more and to attend the convention nearest their home. Thus it seemed only proper that we should have a missionary dinner, to which all missionaries in active foreign service could be invited.

One thing all the missionaries wanted me to do somehow was to say, “Thank you so much for your love and kindness to us missionaries.” This is a good place to do it.

The first missionary dinner was held in Buffalo. We had a nice time together in a private room in the armory where the cafeteria was arranged for the Buffalo convention. There were 59 missionaries present, and Brother Knorr was delighted to be with them. The brothers fixed up a very fine meal. Many of the missionaries were able to give experiences, and all enjoyed fellowshiping with one another. After Brother Knorr flew on to Atlanta, he was able to meet with 61 missionaries, all of them still active in foreign service. They certainly enjoyed being together.

The largest missionary meeting was in New York, where 478 missionaries from all parts of the world gathered in the Kingdom Hall of the Bethel home. Brother Knorr called on different ones in the audience to come to the platform to give experiences. Some were a bit surprised when they were called on, but all of them did very well without any notice beforehand.

It seemed that the Canadian missionaries from all parts of the world wanted to get to Vancouver, and many of them did. They had a grand time as 119 gathered together there. In Los Angeles 106 assembled in a private room to relate their experiences. In Kansas City there were 50 missionaries and in Chicago 105.

In London the missionaries, along with Brothers Franz and Knorr, were able to gather together in a building close to the cafeteria and a short distance from Wembley Stadium. There were 133 missionaries in attendance. This, too, was another happy occasion. In Paris there were 35 missionaries present. Some, it seemed, had forgotten their English and we had to have a few interpreters to translate their French into English so the rest could understand. In Copenhagen the missionaries, mostly Scandinavian, all gathered together at the branch office Kingdom Hall and then went to the dining room for a smorgasbord. In Rome 21 missionaries were able to give experiences and spend about three hours together. At Nuremberg, Germany, the missionaries had a very delightful time together, with 76 in attendance. The missionaries were there from everywhere on earth—north, south, east and west.

At all of the conventions Brother Knorr tried to select some to speak who were from the first class of Gilead or early classes, and this proved to be a fine encouragement to younger missionaries who have been in foreign service for only a short period of time. Just imagine being in the missionary field for twenty-five years, still enjoying it, and looking well to the interests of the Kingdom.

The theme of Brother Knorr’s talk to all the missionaries was, “Where Is Your Home?” Really, the earth is man’s home. God put man here in the very beginning and told him to multiply and fill the whole earth. So it does not make a lot of difference where we are on this earth. It is our home. As long as we have Jehovah’s favor and we are doing his work, that is what is important. Who knows what grand work yet remains to be done even after the battle of Armageddon? These missionaries are able to speak the languages of many who will be resurrected throughout the earth, and maybe they will have something special to do after Armageddon in God’s new order.

So it can be reported that the missionaries had a grand time, not only attending the feast that was provided in a spiritual way through the convention itself, but also being able to get together, see former classmates and other missionaries that they have come to know over the years, and they say “Thank you” again for making all this possible.

ATLANTA

Atlanta received many more requests for rooms than could be cared for. Before the convention began it became evident that the stadium would be overcrowded. Some 9,163 requests for rooming accommodations had to be returned to brothers living north of the Ohio River and west of the Mississippi River. These brothers were notified soon enough so that they could go to either the Buffalo or the New York convention, or else plan on Chicago or Kansas City. We were very sorry about this, but there were just not enough accommodations, even though the brothers in Atlanta worked very diligently to find rooms for the delegates. This points up the fact that the Lord’s people are certainly cooperative. If it is not possible to be accommodated at a particular convention, they arrange their affairs to go to another. In addition to the English assembly in Atlanta, they had a fine Spanish assembly there. It was well attended by about 550 Spanish brothers.

The publicity that was given to the convention in Atlanta was very good. The Atlanta Constitution and Journal published numerous reports of considerable depth and detail. Lead headlines on page one of the newspapers frequently announced the theme discussed at the convention. The reports were thorough, and they quoted extensively from the speakers and participants in the various dramas. So accurate were most of the reports that they sounded much like what the Society itself might have published in a convention report. The Atlanta Journal quoted official Thomas O. Duvall as saying: “In all the twenty-five years I have spent in this business, I have never had anything like this group of people to work with because mainly they are patient and courteous, there is no shoving or misbehaving, and they are always smiling.” That was the general consensus of all people in convention cities concerning Jehovah’s witnesses, because they were certainly a happy and peaceful people that had come together to worship Jehovah God in spirit and in truth.

BUFFALO

Even before the convention opened in Buffalo the Courier-Express of July 2, 1969, under the heading “Jehovah’s Witnesses Worthy of Emulation,” said: “More convention delegates should act like the Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Right behind the stadium that was used in Buffalo there was a very fine swimming pool that was used for the immersion of 985 of our newly dedicated brothers and sisters. Thousands of persons observed this baptism. It was reported that an editorial was read over the radio and featured on television a number of times which said in effect: ‘Buffalo witnessed a happening last week which should leave a permanent impression. The Watchtower Convention here was a model of decorum and logistical efficiency. . . . The Society members came to Buffalo, appeared to enjoy themselves, did their business quietly and with dignity and left us. The movement of 40,000 to 50,000 people a day could hardly be kept a secret; they could have made a roar, but they chose to speak lightly.’ Of course, they did speak from door to door in the field service, as practically the entire city was covered. The brothers in Buffalo had a delightful time and the weather was excellent.

NEW YORK CITY

Yankee Stadium is a name well known to Jehovah’s witnesses around the world, and we have filled this stadium a number of times. A few outstanding features about this convention were these: A large number of French-speaking delegates came from France; Quebec, Canada; the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique; and French Guiana in South America. The Society arranged for a full assembly program for the French-speaking brothers in a very large tent just about one block from the stadium. The French delegates, representing all parts of the world, truly enjoyed themselves.

The Spanish-speaking delegates also heard the entire program in Spanish, meeting in tents several blocks to the north of the stadium. During the course of the convention they were delighted to receive the new book Is the Bible Really the Word of God? in Spanish.

The attendance at the French public meeting came to 2,684. At the Spanish public address there were 14,444 in attendance. The rest of the 122,011 attending the New York convention were packed into Yankee Stadium in the seats, on the playing field, in the aisles and in the cafeteria tents. It was indeed a great crowd, and very inspiring to see. The attendance in New York city was the second largest for the summer, next to Nuremberg, where over 150,000 were in attendance at the public meeting.

Of course, in New York all of the brothers from foreign lands and thousands from the United States and Canada were very much interested in going through the Bethel home and factory. The Society arranged to run the factory on July 6, the Sunday before the convention opened in New York city, since we were not able to have the assembly on that day. The police granted special permission to the Society to operate all day, and there was a constant stream of visitors going through the home and the factory on Saturday and Sunday before the convention. Likewise during the mornings of the convention week when there were no sessions the Bethel family worked so the brothers could tour the home, office and factory.

Additionally the Society arranged for special bus tours to Watchtower Farm, one hundred miles to the north of the city. The Society has a large dairy there, hundreds of acres planted with vegetables and a large canning department. This, too, was enjoyable for many to see. It got them outdoors and gave many of the Europeans an opportunity to see the Eastern part of the United States, with its highways, rolling hills and natural beauty. The brothers enjoyed these tours to the full.

All of the Bethel family worked during the entire convention week. They were assigned duties at the convention, but they were able to hear the program when they were not on duty at book counters, refreshment stands and in other departments. On behalf of the Bethel family it should be said that they were very happy to have with them for one month before the convention began, during all of June, the branch servants and some assistants from all parts of the world, 133 being in attendance at special branch meetings. So the Bethel home was alive with visitors from all parts of the world during June and July. The month of May was also busy for the Bethel family as all the circuit and district servants in the United States were here for a week of training and schooling. All of this proved to be most exciting to the Bethel family. So to us here at Bethel it seemed as though the convention started early in May and ran right straight through July. We were busy, but we enjoyed it.

LOS ANGELES

It was reported that twenty-one countries were represented in Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium. They had a unique platform running all the way from first base to second base and on to third base on the baseball diamond. This included a display of national settings representing various parts of the world where the Kingdom good news is being preached. Juniper bushes and bamboo clumps reminded the audience of the daintiness of Asia and the Far East. They even had an eskimo igloo representing Arctic life. They had an African, or South Sea island hut with a palm-frond roof, an American Indian wigwam and a sixteen-foot replica of France’s Eiffel Tower. So they tried to tie into their picturesque stage all parts of the world. Right in the center at home plate directly in front of the stands there were twisted and broken ruins of implements of war. At nighttime these were lit up and it looked as though there were flames underneath that were melting down this war equipment. Then on each side of this pile of rubble of war instruments was prominently displayed a plow and a sickle, showing fulfillment of the peaceful pursuits spoken of in Isaiah 2:4. Although man’s walk on the moon was prominently advertised and occurred on the afternoon of the public meeting in Los Angeles, still Dodger Stadium was packed out, and those present were certainly more interested in peace on earth than walking on an uninhabitable moon. It was reported that one television commentator said that the old-fashioned personal contact among people was the key to the phenomenal success of Jehovah’s witnesses, because in this age when man can almost touch the stars he cannot talk with his neighbor.

But Jehovah’s witnesses certainly are talkative, and one of their principal themes of conversation concerned the need for love of God and love of neighbor. The Los Angeles convention was like all other assemblies, peaceful and harmonious.

POMONA

The Sierra Madre and San Bernardino mountains were the backdrop for the colorful stage at the Spanish convention in Pomona, California. Attendance on the opening day swelled to 11,150, which was almost the peak that was estimated for this convention. However, at the public discourse on the closing Sunday there were 14,853 in attendance. The grandstand was packed to capacity and an overflow crowd of nearly three thousand assembled in a small park alongside it. It was the pleasure of the vice-president, Brother Franz, and the president, Brother Knorr, to make trips from Los Angeles to Pomona to address these Spanish-speaking brothers. They showed great enthusiasm because of these visits. Spanish-speaking people came from sixteen nations, with a large delegation there from Mexico. It would have been nice to have had them at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, but there just was no room to house this great throng near that stadium. So the Society arranged for them to gather in Pomona, where they had sufficient facilities for their eight-day assembly.

VANCOUVER

The largest crowd that ever was accommodated in Empire Stadium gathered there at the “Peace on Earth” assembly. There were 44,442 in the Stadium, and 21,167 were seated in the Coliseum and the Agrodome. This made a total attendance of 65,609 under sunny skies. It was a real pleasure to be at this convention where there were eight days of sunshine. In the distance were snowcapped mountains, and the brothers enjoyed the cool breeze that came from the mountains.

The crowd that appeared at Vancouver was far beyond expectations. It originally had been planned that only the Empire Stadium would be used. However, four weeks before the convention began it was evident that we had to obtain the Coliseum and other facilities to take care of the great numbers of persons who wrote in for rooms.

A person who wrote to the Vancouver Sun newspaper and whose comment was published in that newspaper said: “I have been a resident of this city for over forty years and reside close to the P.N.E. Grounds. I would like to express my gratitude to the International Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses. A more tidy, considerate crowd of people have never gathered in this area before.”

During most of the convention in Vancouver the program was duplicated, being put on twice. The speakers would appear in the Coliseum to give their talk and then they would go over to the Empire Stadium and deliver the talk once again. Others would follow the reverse process, appearing first in the Empire Stadium and then going over to the Coliseum. This worked out very well up to the time of the Saturday afternoon meeting, when the Empire Stadium and the Coliseum were connected by wire.

Delegates were on hand in Vancouver from thirty countries. One television cameraman who was taking pictures of the great crowds and the activity at the stadium said: “What has impressed me most is the fact that not once have I been pushed or shoved in a crowd of over 50,000.” How good it is to be peaceful!

Another interesting feature of the convention in Vancouver was that there was an Italian program arranged as well as a Ukrainian program. These brothers were able to hear a summary of the program in their languages during the mornings.

KANSAS CITY

Everyone was wondering how the public talk would be attended at Kansas City, since it was scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. on a Friday evening. As the crowd began to gather it was evident that every available seat in the 35,000-seat stadium would be filled. There were temporary seats put on the track around the inside of the stadium and the final count showed 40,009 in attendance.

During the drama “Thorns and Traps Are in the Way of the Independent One” a thunderstorm broke loose with lightning and driving rain, but the drama went on. The scene where the prodigal son was in a far-off land recounting the things that had happened to him was made even more striking by the storm.

Said the Kansas City, Missouri, Call: “Jehovah’s witnesses are an unusual people. They are not content to preach and pray. They live their religion in their everyday life and teach their children how to live and act, generation after generation. They are quiet, soft-spoken, well mannered and well behaved. Each Witness is a preacher and a teacher—dedicated to carrying the word and the message as they know and believe it to other people, on a door to door basis. . . . We do not adhere to some of their beliefs, but in this country where freedom of religion is one of our basic cornerstones, we do not have to agree with them in order to commend them on the type of convention they have conducted here.”

It was a novel experiment having a convention begin on a Friday and end on a Friday. But there was nothing else that could be done in order to accommodate such a large crowd in that part of the country.

CHICAGO

Many persons expected difficulties in Chicago, but it was certainly a “peace on earth” assembly. Everything was quiet. Said an officer of the Chicago police department: “This is the first time that people have told us what a fine job we are doing. With people like this you can’t help but do a fine job. They do everything for you. We can spot them right away from the local people. You can tell the difference because they have a smile on their face.”

Another police officer said: “When you have 40- or 50,000 people in one place, you expect somebody to get out of line or start a fight. I haven’t seen one person do anything wrong. These people treat you like a real policeman; they even smile and say good morning. I’ll be honest; I used to think that you people were troublemakers. Now I think that you are all peace-loving people.”

Chicago was the fourth city in the United States to have a Spanish convention. This was held in a tent right outside the stadium, and at the public talk there were 1,879 Spanish-speaking people present. The president of the Society also addressed this group, as did the vice-president when he was in Chicago. It was fine that the Society could arrange for sessions of this kind for large groups of Spanish-speaking brothers in the United States.

It was very interesting on Sunday afternoon to observe large crowds coming into the ball park. After filling all the seats, the crowds came to the front of the stands and sat on the playing field. As it had rained earlier in the day, the outfield of the playing area was still quite wet, but the Chicago ball park has a special material on its infield in place of grass; this dried off immediately in the afternoon sunshine, and this portion of the field was filled in completely with people. Several thousand seats were also put on the track around the inside of the ball park, and this made it possible to accommodate a crowd of 56,261.

After the convention in Chicago the president of the Society flew to New York, and the next morning he was on his way to London. The following day the vice-president came on to London.

LONDON

Large Wembley Stadium was used for the convention, along with the Empire Pool, a fine building a few blocks away. This was tied in with sound equipment so all could hear the program. All of Jehovah’s witnesses in London were truly surprised by the attendance at the public meeting, namely, 82,416. Since there are just about 58,000 Kingdom publishers in the British Isles, there must have been well over 20,000 of the public in attendance for the Sunday afternoon public address.

This was a very international assembly, with many Witnesses from Africa, particularly Nigeria, Togo, Ghana, Sierra Leone and neighboring countries. It was interesting to see them moving about the convention grounds in their flowing robes and bright eye-catching headwear. They were often stopped by total strangers so that they might engage in conversation with them. When the Declaration was presented on Saturday afternoon there was a crowd of 68,021, and they repeatedly interrupted the discourse with loud, enthusiastic applause and at the close endorsed the Declaration by a thunderous “I do.” It is interesting to know, too, that the rooming department handled requests for delegates from sixty-three nations.

The British brothers arranged for a very interesting display under the title “The Bible in Britain,” including both models and actual books. It included such items as a display of the Geneva Bible of 1608, a folio edition of the Geneva Version of 1607, the English Hexapla of 1841, a photostat of the fragment of John’s Gospel that is dated within a short period after the writing of the account, portions of Origen’s Hexapla and other items of interest. Between sessions there was always a crowd of people looking at this display and enjoying the history concerning the Bible.

The Sunday Telegraph of London, dated August 3, 1969, started its article by saying: “Jehovah’s witnesses, the most profoundly unwarlike of Christian sects, organized their international assembly at Wembley Stadium with absolute military precision. An army of volunteers has handled every aspect of the event.” Also, the London Observer of August 3, 1969, said, under the heading “Awaiting Peace of One Thousand Years”: “Perhaps it was the knowledge of this deliverance that made the crowd so happy. They had a calm and enviable certainty. Whether or not you agreed with the tenets of their faith, their optimism was evident. And there seemed none of the hysteria or stage management associated with Billy Graham. . . . Racialism seems unknown among witnesses. Many come from the urban working classes.”

PARIS

After the very fine convention in London the vice-president, F. W. Franz, flew on to Copenhagen, Denmark, to open the convention there on Tuesday, and the president, N. H. Knorr, flew to Paris. In Paris under clear skies the assembly opened at the Colombes Stadium, located in a northwest suburb of Paris. The stadium has a seating capacity of 25,000 and standing room for 38,000. Arrangements were made in the stadium, which was oval-shaped, for the Portuguese convention, and also for the gathering together of many Polish-speaking brothers from France, as well as some who had come from other countries. In fact, there were representatives of seventy-eight different nationalities from all races, and their attitude reflected the theme of the assembly, “Peace on Earth.”

The convention opened with fine weather, and the weather remained perfect from start to finish. There was sunshine every day. This was a blessing, because the Portuguese and Polish meetings and half of the French audience were unprotected from the weather. Of the 47,480 that attended the public meeting, 2,731 were in attendance at the Portuguese meeting and 600 were in attendance at the Polish meeting. There were a number of English-language sessions for those traveling from English-speaking countries, and during the week the crowd exceeded 800.

One of the most surprising events at this convention was the fact that 3,619 persons were baptized, including 202 Portuguese brothers and sisters. This was about 10 percent of the regular average attendance at the Paris convention. This shows that the people in France, Belgium and Portugal are truly interested in our work and are taking a stand for Jehovah’s kingdom and are dedicating their lives to Jehovah.

On August 6, 1969, in its second edition, the popular Paris evening paper France-Soir said: “What worries the clergy of other religions is not the means of spectacular distribution of publications used by Jehovah’s witnesses, but, rather, their making converts. Each of Jehovah’s witnesses has the obligation to witness or proclaim his faith by using the Bible from house to house, working according to the direction of the organization. . . . The doctrines of Jehovah’s witnesses are based on the Bible. . . . They believe in one God (Jehovah), reject the trinity, immortality of the soul, the existence of hell and of purgatory.” Excellent television coverage was also given.

As at every other convention, when the new book Is the Bible Really the Word of God? was released in French, it was received with great enthusiasm. It will now be used extensively in the field, and that may result in many more converts to the true religion.

In Paris the Portuguese brothers had their finest assembly of all time. Their previous peak attendance at any convention in the history of the work in Portugal was 825 in 1968 at Toulouse, France. It was estimated that about 70 percent of the Portuguese brothers were able to attend the Paris convention, and they certainly enjoyed themselves. There were sixty-five delegates at this convention from one Lisbon congregation and there are only ninety publishers in the congregation. One sister had saved funds for two years in order to have enough money to make the trip and return. At the Portuguese sessions there were brothers from Angola, the Azores, the Cape Verde Islands, Madeira and Mozambique.

Some 5,000 who attended the French sessions came from Belgium, and there were about 1,000 French-speaking brothers and sisters from Switzerland. According to the report, there were over 1,300 in Paris from the United States and 200 from Canada. There were 170 there from England and 120 from Africa.

Europeans like to camp, so some twenty acres of land were set aside for the conventioners. Thirty-one large dormitories were erected as well as 547 family-sized tents. The ground was also prepared for the setting up of personal tents, of which there were over 1,000. Also, 92 caravans were parked in this area. So there was sufficient ground provided for those who like to live out of doors. The housing problem was not too great in Paris because many of the people leave the city during the summer season. Brother Franz spent time in Paris during the last half of the convention and his talks included the public address and closing remarks. From there he flew to Rome.

COPENHAGEN

There was a unique arrangement in Denmark for this convention. The large rectangular stadium was used for the Danish, Swedish and Norwegian assemblies. The longer and larger seating side of the stadium was used for the Danish-speaking brothers. The Swedish delegates used the other long side and one end, and the Norwegians assembled on the opposite end. Another small stadium nearby was set aside for the Finnish brothers.

The grounds inside the two stadiums were decorated beautifully with what some called hanging gardens of flowers of many descriptions fixed up in a unique way to attract the eye and make the entire green field a garden spot. What was done in the main stadium was also done in the Finnish stadium. The brothers did very beautiful work in making up these flower arrangements. Each of the platforms was enclosed in glass, and all talks were given in the four languages simultaneously.

Some convention delegates living in the home of a man invited him to the convention. The man laughed at the thought of peace on earth, but when he came to the assembly grounds he said to his lodgers: “Well, here you really live peace.”

The rooming work in Denmark was a gigantic undertaking requiring more than 60,000 hours by the time 14,000 private accommodations had been listed. In addition, mass accommodations had been provided for 2,000 persons in various gymnasiums, and it was necessary to assemble cots, foam-rubber mattresses, pillows, etc., for these. Another 2,000 were accommodated in hotels in Copenhagen. Since many of the delegates brought their own tents, it was necessary to rent about sixty acres of land to provide for some 17,000 persons on the camping grounds. There were delegates from thirty countries, all enjoying peaceful fellowship. The principal talks were delivered by the Society’s president or the vice-president. As they spoke through interpreters they had to wait for a small green light to go on at their speaker’s stand which indicated the interpreters were through and the English speaker could continue with his next sentence. The speaker was kept busy watching for green lights.

A middle-aged man impressed by the assembly said: “In my church there are only five or six elderly women who come each Sunday. It is always the same ones and they do not learn anything. But these Jehovah’s witnesses, they get people to work day after day with sweat rolling off of them for months and not one looks unhappy. They, are all happy. They must have something we lack.” Well, there is no question about that. The churches in Denmark have small attendances and the people are lacking in spiritual food, and very likely it is due to the fact that the clergy themselves no longer believe the Bible. They have their own philosophies on life and are teaching the precepts of men rather than the Word of God.

What a joy it was to see a great crowd gathered together every day in the week and then to observe the big public meeting attendance of 42,073. Everything was packed out and overflowing into the park outside the large stadium where all could hear the Danish translation. This was indeed good to see.

Here again, in four languages this time, the book Is the Bible Really the Word of God? was released. This was done simultaneously in Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish. What a joy this was to all in attendance!

NUREMBERG

Monday morning Brother Knorr was off to Nuremberg, there to stay two days and then to go on to Rome. In the meantime Brother Franz was off for Rome from Paris, and then he was to come to Nuremberg for the middle of the week, returning to Rome to close that convention. At the Nuremberg assembly sessions were held in six languages. Delegates were there from seventy-eight countries.

It would be difficult to describe the size of the convention grounds, but when you get 150,645 people together at a public meeting and have seating space for all of them it takes room. Besides that you have need of space for cafeterias, and sleeping areas for those who are tenting. And, of course, you have to have space for the parking of thousands upon thousands of automobiles. In fact, the conventioners arrived in 20,000 automobiles, 250 buses, 43 special trains and 4,000 arrived by plane.

The convention itself was held in a location prepared many years ago by Hitler for Nazi party parades. After the fall of the Nazi regime Jehovah’s witnesses held a convention at this location in 1946 and again in 1955. Now they returned for the “Peace on Earth” assembly in 1969. There was ample room in Nuremberg for such a large convention. However, it was observed that trees and bushes had grown up in the bleacher seating area, and these had to be cleared out. The general area that was used for the seating of the audience had to be cleaned out completely and made ready for thousands of chairs. There was a tremendous amount of preconvention work that had to be done in getting the grounds ready for this great gathering. Those persons who sat in the most distant part of the grounds found it difficult, when looking at the platform, to locate the speaker. Many of the conventioners had field glasses and used them frequently to watch the speaker and the dramas that were enacted. The sound, however, was perfect, and no matter where you were in the assembly area you could hear distinctly.

As a backdrop for the platform itself there was a tremendous painting based on the Society’s 1969 calendar, showing the flight of the Christians from Jerusalem prior to the great tribulation that came upon that city and its temple in 70 C.E. So large was the painting that it required about 450 pounds of paint for it and the other decorations on the platform.

The officials of the city of Nuremberg were most cooperative, and they opened up their schools to accommodate Jehovah’s witnesses. There were 40,000 Witnesses who stayed in the schools of Nuremberg, which were used as dormitories. Additionally, large dormitory tents were erected on the assembly grounds, and many thousands of private tents were pitched in among the trees and other open areas to be used by the conventioners. Nuremberg had the greatest attendance of delegates, and also the largest baptism—5,095.

In addition to the vast German assembly grounds, there was also a very large stadium nearby that was used by the Dutch brothers. There were about 20,000 in attendance. These came from the Netherlands, Belgium, and other countries. This stadium gave them a fine place in which to hold their convention.

The Greek brothers met in a very large tent that was erected by the convention organization. This accommodated 5,000 Greek-speaking brothers and sisters, the greatest number of whom came from Greece, with some from other countries.

Another tent accommodated about 350 Turkish brothers from Turkey and other parts of Europe.

The Yugoslavian branch servant had requested permission from the Yugoslavian government for an official permit for all Yugoslavian witnesses of Jehovah to leave the country. Their joy was indescribable when permission was granted. A very pleasant wooded area was the site of the assembly for the brothers from Yugoslavia. Here they had a large, divided platform in the middle of the sports playing field. One-half of the platform served the Croatian-speaking brothers and the other half the Slovenian brothers.

All of these meetings were in session simultaneously. It was a real joy for the president and vice-president of the Society to address all of these language groups and to have the opportunity of personally greeting many of the brothers from the different lands.

Despite the threat of a thunderstorm, which finally broke at the conclusion of the public talk, the audience listened attentively to the public address given by the president of the Society on the subject “The Approaching Peace of a Thousand Years.” In the morning of the last day, Sunday, there was rain, but those who had come to the morning sessions were prepared for it. They had their rainwear, and they kept it through the afternoon session. All the meetings where the talks of the president and vice-president had to be interpreted heard only summaries of the material. So in the concluding remarks, as well as in other talks, only half as much could be said in the allotted period of time. At all of these conventions after the public talk the full lecture was released either in a special brochure or in booklet form free to all in attendance. So while they heard only part of the talk, as it was epitomized, they were able to get the full material in printed form and read it when they returned home.

Enthusiasm was great in Germany when the brothers received the new book Is the Bible Really the Word of God? in German and Dutch. Other publications were released in some other languages, all of which were joyfully received.

The Nuremberg convention was outstanding in its size, in organization and in the large number of delegates that assembled in various language groups. It was also very interesting to see how well this large crowd was able to move about in getting into and out of the convention grounds. Nuremberg saw people who love Jehovah God and observed that they can dwell together in peace and unity regardless of numbers.

ROME

The work in Italy is just booming, and what a joy it was to observe a public meeting crowd of 19,438 persons, all Italian-speaking, whom Brother Franz addressed. They packed out the huge auditorium and overflowed into the park section outside. In addition to this large crowd, there were 6,210 Spanish-speaking brothers in a separate auditorium. Here again, the percentage of those being baptized was great. About 10 percent, or ten persons out of every one hundred of those in regular attendance were baptized. What had happened in Paris happened a week later in Rome as far as the baptism was concerned.

The news media were particularly interested in the convention in Italy. Prominent newspapers and magazines carried favorable reports. There were many more persons attending the Italian convention than there are Italian publishers in Italy, and it is felt that now many more people will associate with Jehovah’s witnesses because of this fine convention in Rome.

One of the outstanding features of the assembly was the gathering together of the Spanish brothers. The greater number in attendance came from Spain. These brothers would not introduce themselves by their last name, but they were just as friendly as anyone else. Of course, we who are associated with Jehovah’s organization know that the work in Spain is banned, and Jehovah’s witnesses cannot meet there publicly, as they did in Italy. So they only use their first name on their lapel badges, but the warmth, friendship and love that these brothers have were identical to that at all other gatherings.

These two language sessions in Rome were not one whit behind any of the other conventions held throughout the world. They had the new release, Is the Bible Really the Word of God? in Italian and in Spanish. The Italian brothers also received the book “Your Word Is a Lamp to My Foot,” and the public meeting booklet The Approaching Peace of a Thousand Years. The Italian brothers love to sing and they received the new songbook, as well as another booklet, Blood, Medicine and the Law of God.

It is very difficult to sum up this entire assembly. It would take many, many more pages to tell you all the outstanding features of each gathering. For more details readers of the Yearbook can turn to the Watchtower and Awake! magazines of August, September and October. Probably the best way to feel the excitement and joy is to talk to someone who was in attendance at one of the conventions. Jehovah did pour out a blessing far greater than any individual could contain. The peace that was manifested at these conventions was certainly in full accord with the theme of the conventions, namely, “Peace on Earth.” Jehovah’s Christian witnesses love peace, and they will continue to preach peace in all the world, for God’s kingdom is a kingdom of peace. But before that peace comes to all mankind there must be the destruction of the enemy of peace, the one who has taken peace from the earth. Satan the Devil is a wily foe, and he seeks those whom he might devour. He has kept the world in turmoil, hatred, and strife, and he has been trying to get every man’s hand to rise up in anger against his neighbor. On the other hand, Jehovah’s witnesses are preaching peace on earth. So under Jehovah’s direction and by his undeserved kindness all of God’s dedicated people will continue to declare “glory to God in high heaven, and peace on earth for men whom he favours!” (Luke 2:14, Moffatt) Many lovers of righteousness today are fleeing from Babylon the Great so as to gain God’s favor, and so we will continue to preach peace on earth to those who want it, and we will show them how to gain it and help them to have that great pleasure of giving glory to God in high heaven. Those who drank deeply of the truths of God’s Word as expressed in this delightful “Peace on Earth” assembly will always have in mind that “the fruit of righteousness has its seed sown under peaceful conditions for those who are making peace.”—Jas. 3:18.

WHO ORGANIZED THESE CONVENTIONS?

Jehovah’s witnesses are known world wide, and in most large cities throughout the world you will find Kingdom Halls of Jehovah’s witnesses. But many people ask, who is behind the work of Jehovah’s witnesses? Very simply stated, Jehovah God is behind these witnesses, and they are anxious to serve God. You will often hear them quote the text from Psalm 83:18, which says: “That people may know that you, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.” Jehovah’s witnesses love God and they want to serve him. But you may ask: How about the organization we see here in the earth? Just what makes it go? What keeps it together? Who is its organizer?

The modern-day witnesses of Jehovah are Christian witnesses, and, of course, the real organizer of Christians was Christ Jesus himself. He encouraged people who believed in Jehovah God and in himself as man’s redeemer to come together in congregations and worship Jehovah in spirit and in truth. It is over nineteen hundred years ago that Jesus organized God’s people for great activity. So, right down until this twentieth century, Christians, Jehovah’s witnesses, have gathered together in congregations to do a work. They have a legal organization known as the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society of Pennsylvania. This organization they use as a servant or steward to plan their activity and to provide them with spiritual food. This organization helps them with their understanding of the Word of God.

The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania was incorporated by dedicated Christian witnesses of Jehovah in the year 1884. A number of dedicated men formed this Society in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. The purpose of this Society was to preach the good news of God’s kingdom, and to help people live in a Christian way. This the people could do by studying the Bible and then living by its teachings.

There is a board of directors that is elected by those who make up the membership of this legal corporation, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. This board of directors has officers, a president, vice-president, and secretary-treasurer. These officers and directors see that the work is done in accordance with the purpose of the corporation. They see to it that the Holy Bible is studied and that material is prepared for publication that helps people to understand the Bible. This material is prepared by many persons throughout the world who are keen students of the Bible and who can write well. It is then sent to the headquarters organization at 124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York, and through a writing staff the material is edited by brothers who are of the anointed remnant and published in The Watchtower and Awake! or in bound books and booklets for distribution in many languages throughout the earth.

So really the governing body of Jehovah’s witnesses is the board of directors of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, all of whom are dedicated to Jehovah God and anointed by his holy spirit. They are keenly interested in advancing the knowledge of God and promoting his purposes world wide. Jehovah’s blessing has been upon the Watch Tower Society and the other societies that cooperate fully with the Pennsylvania corporation. The charters of these other corporations are similar to that of the Pennsylvania corporation. Some of such corporations are the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., International Bible Students Association of England and of Canada. These, too, are interested in promoting Bible education throughout their countries.

In this day, with such a conglomeration of nations and rulers, it has been found necessary to establish corporations in different parts of the world. Therefore corporations have been established not only in England and Canada, as mentioned, but also in Germany, Brazil and elsewhere. All of these corporations have been organized by Jehovah’s witnesses, people dedicated to doing the will of Jehovah God. They all look to the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania as the mother organization that supervises the printing and publication of all the literature that has proved so beneficial to Jehovah’s witnesses in their study of the Bible, and in their proclamation of the good news of God’s kingdom.

Jehovah’s witnesses do not honor any men, but they worship God. They do have deep respect for men who have been put in positions of overseership and who carry the responsibility of advancing Kingdom interests throughout the world. So the board of directors of the Pennsylvania corporation of the Watch Tower Society has the full cooperation of all the other societies throughout the world. Persons dedicated to Jehovah God do see eye to eye. If only all people could appreciate the words of the psalmist: “Know that Jehovah is God. It is he that has made us, and not we ourselves.” (Ps. 100:3) When an individual gets to appreciate that, then he will appreciate, too, that Jehovah God has an organization and that he is working through such organization. Jehovah’s witnesses are a people made up of all languages, nationalities and tongues. They use the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania to arrange conventions, such as those just described, the “Peace on Earth” International Assemblies, to build printing plants for the publication of Bibles, the Watchtower and Awake! magazines, and other Bible textbooks and booklets. This corporation also sends out special ministers, such as circuit and district servants, to visit all the congregations of Jehovah’s witnesses throughout the world. These servants come under the direction of branch servants who are appointed by the president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.

Jehovah’s witnesses are very much interested in education in Bible truths. So the Watch Tower Society has organized the Theocratic Ministry School, the Kingdom Ministry School, the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead and regular meetings for the study of the Bible and the publications of the Society. All of this serves to bind Jehovah’s witnesses together in all parts of the earth as they do the marvelous work of declaring the good news of God’s kingdom in all nations for a witness to them. After that work is accomplished the end of this wicked system of things will come.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL

The chart on pages 26 to 33 of this book shows that there are 25,694 congregations of Jehovah’s witnesses throughout the world. Each of these congregations has a Theocratic Ministry School. Jehovah’s witnesses feel it advisable to be enrolled in this school, which schooling never terminates. Therein they receive good training in speaking. Individuals are regularly assigned to speak on various Bible subjects. They have to do research in this school, so most congregations of Jehovah’s witnesses maintain small libraries in their Kingdom Halls for the use of the congregation.

This schooling is not only for Jehovah’s witnesses; many persons who have not yet dedicated their lives to do God’s will join the school. Some are young persons who have begun coming to the congregation meetings of Jehovah’s witnesses, while others are older individuals. These enroll in the school because of the great spiritual benefit it is to them. These students soon find out that they are able to express themselves much better, and they are given good training through an advanced speech training course. This school is in session for about one hour each week. It is usually tied in with the service meeting in the various congregations throughout the world. The school starts with an instruction talk on some important subject, chosen by the Society; the Theocratic Ministry School servant, or some other capable individual in the congregation, gives this talk. Following this there are four student talks given, generally two by male members and two by female members of the congregation. These persons talk 6 or 7 minutes. The Theocratic Ministry School servant gives good counsel to these individuals on how they covered the assigned material, if it was presented properly and clearly, etc. Each one of Jehovah’s witnesses is sincerely trying to use delightful and “correct words of truth” from the Word of God. They want to express the truth to others in an appealing and helpful way. This Theocratic Ministry School helps one do this.

Every one of Jehovah’s witnesses knows that wisdom is vital and that they must turn to the Bible for this wisdom. That is why the wise man said, as recorded in Proverbs 4:7: “Wisdom is the prime thing. Acquire wisdom; and with all that you acquire, acquire understanding.” Jehovah’s witnesses want to understand the Bible, and they want to help others understand the Bible. Since 1943 Jehovah’s witnesses have been enjoying the Theocratic Ministry School. It has helped them improve their presentation of the Kingdom message, and every individual in the school knows that he is making progress year by year as he improves in the use of grammar, pronunciation, argumentation, logic and understanding of the Holy Scriptures. Jehovah’s witnesses are anxious to help people of all nations understand the truth. So with simplicity they hold forth to the world a knowledge of God’s Word. Would you like to be in a school that never has a graduation, but continues year after year so that the student can always observe the progress he is making? If you are not enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School in your congregation, then now is the time to see the Theocratic Ministry School servant.

KINGDOM MINISTRY SCHOOL

This school was especially organized by the governing body of Jehovah’s witnesses of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania for the benefit of the overseers in the congregations of Jehovah’s witnesses. The training period is just two weeks in duration, but all day long. The congregation servants, assistant congregation servants and Bible study servants in the congregations of Jehovah’s witnesses are invited to attend this school. Generally these brothers come to the branch office location for the schooling; but if this is not convenient, they go to some Kingdom Hall in a city where they can receive this two-week course. The classes usually consist of twenty-five students, but all of these men are ordained ministers.

It must be remembered that many new persons are coming into Jehovah’s organization each year. During the 1969 service year 120,905 were baptized in symbol of their dedication. Sometimes within two or three years, or a little longer, many of these men become ministerial servants and have to take on special responsibility within the organization. This school is to help them better appreciate their responsibilities and to study some of the deeper things of God’s Word the Bible. They delve into a study of the doctrines of God’s Word, also the modern-day organization and what their privileges are as overseers or ministerial servants.

During the past few years in the United States of America the Kingdom Ministry School has been based in Brooklyn, New York. During the year 1969 there were twenty-four sessions of two weeks each conducted; however, only three of them were held in New York and twenty-one were in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at the Society’s office building and Kingdom Hall located at 4100 Bigelow Boulevard. We were too crowded in Brooklyn during the past year to accommodate the usual classes of fifty students each. So the school was temporarily transferred to Pittsburgh. It will probably operate there for a while yet until we have sufficient room in Brooklyn to accommodate the students once again.

In the United States during the past year there were 1,207 brothers who went through the two-week training period. Of this number 439 were congregation servants, 729 were assistant congregation servants and 39 were Bible study servants. They came to Pittsburgh or Brooklyn from all parts of the United States.

The Kingdom Ministry School had its beginning in 1959 in the United States, and schools of a similar nature were started in the branch offices throughout the world after that. During the ten and one-half years of its operation in the United States 10,329 students have been given this special schooling.

The brothers who get this training pay their own way to and from the school. Many of the brothers take their two-week vacation period to attend the school. Classes are arranged for a year in advance. In many countries all the overseers of the congregations have been given the schooling as well as the assistant congregation servants and Bible study servants. In Canada, England, Germany, and a few other countries, as well as the United States, the school is continuing to operate. From time to time, when there are enough new overseers and ministerial servants to be trained, the school is opened again by the branch office and twenty-five students are called.

This schooling has proved to be very advantageous world wide in helping the brothers who are overseers or ministerial servants and who are very interested in the sheeplike ones in the congregation. One group that finished a two-week session wrote this: “We knew we had the truth when we came here, but we are more firmly convinced of how deeply rooted in the Bible Jehovah’s organization is. You have given us a deeper sense of respect, love, hard work and Christian responsibility. So now we will go home in front of Jehovah’s people as better shepherds. Thanks to Jehovah, and the Society, for the wonderful teaching we have received here.” Letters of this kind are numerous, and the Society is very happy that it can operate the Kingdom Ministry School and keep it going to aid the congregation servant, his assistant, and the Bible study servant.

The brothers in the cities where the school is conducted, such as Pittsburgh in the United States, are very kind in that they accommodate these students free of charge in their homes. The Society arranges for the group to be fed at the place where the school is conducted. When the school is held in the branch office, the students stay in the Bethel home, if that is possible, and eat with the Bethel family. It is marvelous to see how anxious the brothers and sisters in the various congregations are when it comes to helping to keep the school going in different parts of the world for the blessing of their fellow workers.

WATCHTOWER BIBLE SCHOOL OF GILEAD

This is a special school that the Watch Tower Society organized in 1943. Its purpose has been to prepare full-time ministers for the missionary field. This school has helped greatly in opening up the Kingdom work to the ends of the earth. Those persons invited to the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead are fully ordained ministers, having spent at least two years in the full-time pioneer or special pioneer service, somewhere in the world. They have filed application for this training and have expressed a desire and willingness to go off into the missionary field anywhere on earth where the Society may send them. This certainly shows a fine Christian spirit. Did not Jesus say to his disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them”? The missionaries are doing this, and we would like to tell you a little bit about last year’s school.

During the 1969 service year the missionary students attending the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead saw many exciting events. We refer, not so much to changes in this world’s deteriorating system but, particularly, to the rapid upward trend and spiritual prosperity of Jehovah’s organization of his people. For one thing, there was the great international assembly of Jehovah’s witnesses to look forward to and prepare for. Even the 46th class had an anticipatory share by working many evenings and weekends preparing and recording some of the dramas to be presented on the program. Their successors, the 47th class, were able to provide actors for parts on four of the dramas staged at the New York assembly.

The 46th class graduated on September 8, 1968, at the Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s witnesses, used for circuit assemblies for the New York city congregations. The ninety-nine graduates and the more than 1,900 others in attendance were encouraged by Brother Knorr to consider the counsel of Jesus’ half brother James, to take a good look at themselves in the “mirror” of God’s Word to be sure they are doers of God’s word from the heart. (Jas. 1:23-25) What they really were, Brother Knorr told the graduates, would reveal itself to the people in the many lands to which they were being sent. It would also determine whether their service to God would be a blessing to these people, with Jehovah’s smile of approval. The Society’s vice-president, F. W. Franz, basing his remarks on Proverbs 20:27, pointed out that what one ‘breathes’ out in expressing oneself reveals what one really is. Therefore care should be exercised to see that our “breathing” is of the right things.

The 47th class began sessions on October 21, 1968, with an enrollment of ninety-seven students. Four languages, Spanish, French, Japanese and Portuguese, were taught to this group, to prepare them for assignments in Central and South America, Africa, Japan and Brazil, to which lands, except for a few other special assignments, the entire class would be sent. Of course, an intensive study of the Bible constitutes the major part of Gilead School’s curriculum. Students must read the entire Bible, starting when they receive their letter of invitation to the school. Thus they are better prepared to benefit from the Bible courses, which consist of a verse-by-verse study of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, also two other subjects designed to cover the Bible from the doctrinal standpoint and, finally, the practical application of the Bible’s principles of everyday living in Jehovah’s organization and the Christian ministry.

The students were favored in having Brother Knorr and the other directors of the Society present throughout the duration of the term, and profited much from lectures by these brothers and by many others of the Society’s headquarters staff, who were able to give instruction from their years of experience in the various features of ministerial and organizational service.

It may be beneficial to set forth here a typical everyday schedule followed by the Gilead student during his five-month course. This will be of particular interest to those contemplating missionary service in foreign lands as well as to the thousands who have recently associated with Jehovah’s witnesses and have made a dedication of their lives to Jehovah.

7 a.m. Discussion of daily text, conducted by the Society’s

president, followed by breakfast

8–11:50 a.m. Fifty students, in two groups of twenty-five each,

attend classes in Bible and languages; the other half

of the student body receives practical training in

various departments of the Bethel home, office and

factory, under supervision of departmental overseers

12:15 p.m. Dinner

12:50– All students attend lecture in school lecture

1:50 p.m. hall. A Society director, overseer of a Bethel

department or an instructor gives a one-hour talk on

Bible, ministerial or organizational subject

2–5:50 p.m. Half of student body alternates in same program as

morning sessions

6 p.m. Supper

7-10 p.m. Study in dormitory room or in school’s 10,000-volume

library

Saturday afternoons and Sundays are set aside for attending meetings of the congregation in New York city to which the student is assigned, and for field service and study. Friday evenings are filled by attendance and participation in the congregation’s Theocratic Ministry School and service meeting.

This busy program keeps everyone spiritually healthy and equips the student for the very active schedule he will follow in the missionary home or branch home of the Society to which he will be assigned after graduation.

Graduation of the 47th class was held on March 9, 1969. Again the Assembly Hall was packed out. Brother F. W. Franz appropriately dealt with the shepherding and “harvesting” work that the ninety-seven graduates would be doing, making application of the Scripture text at Isaiah 61:5. He contrasted their work and the fruitage that their fellow missionaries have produced, with that of Christendom’s ministers and missionaries. These latter, with their shrinking congregations, priestly rebellions, schisms and other troubles, say, in effect, as did the people of ancient Judah when unfaithfulness to God had brought drought and crop failures: “The harvest has passed, the summer has come to an end; but as for us, we have not been saved!”—Jer. 8:20.

Brother Knorr’s theme fittingly enlarged on the importance of Christian fruitage. He stressed the need of ‘getting the sense’ of God’s Word of truth, and cultivating that truth in our own hearts, as well as working to implant and cultivate the Word in the hearts of those we teach. (Matt. 13:18-23) At the conclusion of his talk he announced, to the joy of all present, that most of the students would be remaining with the Bethel family until after the international assembly in New York.

The afternoon session proved most enjoyable. The student body had prepared two full-scale dramas, one on “the prodigal son” and the other portraying events in King David’s life, highlighting his dealings with Saul and his being saved from bloodguilt through the wise and loving action of Abigail.

By remaining until the assembly the 47th class was privileged to associate with the nearly four hundred United States circuit and district servants called in for a “refresher” course during the month of May. The Gilead School’s facilities were used for these four weekly sessions. Then, during June, 133 branch servants and assistants likewise used the Gilead classrooms for a month-long training program specially arranged to fit their needs. Those of the graduates assigned to foreign fields were thereby able to get acquainted with the branch servant of the country of their assignment as well as to get firsthand information on what they would need and what they might expect to experience in their new field of activity. Because of these special training periods, Gilead School’s usual spring and summer class was canceled, the 48th class to begin in October 1969.

All the Bethel family eagerly look forward to the start of Gilead’s 48th class. Nearly all the student body has arrived and registered. The class will consist of only a little more than half the usual number. This is because the worldwide demand for literature is so great that many brothers are being brought in as new members of the Bethel family and all available rooming accommodations are being filled by these. The situation should soon be relieved so as to call in the usual number of about 100 for the 49th class next spring, for by then the expanded facilities will be ready for full occupancy.

The School is very appreciative of the fine new instruments released at the assembly. Particularly useful will be The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures and Aid to Bible Understanding. These will be invaluable helps in the Bible and history courses, while the book “Then Is Finished the Mystery of God” will greatly enrich the course called “Greek Scriptures I,” in which the Bible book of Revelation is considered verse by verse.

It is a joy to be living in this time, seeing the work of God and observing that Jehovah has a large “army” of willing volunteers to carry on his work. To date, 4,863 men and women have graduated from the school. It should cause all to consider seriously: “Am I doing all I can to take up full-time service, even missionary service in foreign lands, making the most of the Society’s fine provisions?” Happy are those taking the ‘road to Nineveh’ in obedience to Jehovah’s urgent call, and not evading responsibility by taking the ‘road to Joppa and Tarshish,’ as was emphasized by the drama on Jonah’s experiences, at the international assembly.

BETHEL HOMES

“Bethel” is a Hebrew word meaning “house of God.” The Watch Tower Society has established Bethel homes in all parts of the world. Bethel should be the house of God where true worship is carried on and where people dwell together in peace and show their love for Jehovah God by the works that they perform.

The Bethel home in Brooklyn, New York, is the largest in size and members. According to the record on August 31, 1969, there were 1,124 in the Brooklyn Bethel family. This family, along with all other families in the 94 branch offices throughout the world, totals 2,126. In 1959 in Brooklyn there were 571 members of the Bethel family; now, ten years later, the family has grown to 1,124. Of this number, about 150 are sisters. No wonder with this growth the Society has had to carry on a great building program. During the past few years the Society acquired another half block in the Brooklyn residential area so as to house more members of the Bethel family. They built a new seven-story structure at the corner of Pineapple Street and Columbia Heights. This is just across the street from the main office at 124 Columbia Heights. Since our acquiring of the property in Brooklyn on Columbia Heights, the entire area known as Brooklyn Heights was declared a ‘historical district.’ This means that all building comes under the supervision of the Landmarks Preservation Commission. The building that was finally designed and accepted by the Commission was according to their wishes. Commenting on this matter, the New York Times of October 4, 1967, said editorially: “The [Watchtower] Society has made extensive changes in the building as originally planned to insure that it will conform to the character of the area. This kind of cooperative concern on the part of landowners is as important as laws in preserving the quality of any neighborhood.” This new structure was dedicated May 2, 1969. So now in Brooklyn Heights the Society has three half blocks of buildings, all connected by tunnels under the street.

We very much appreciate having this new structure. It certainly relieved the pressure on the Bethel home as far as accommodations are concerned. To give the reader a comprehensive idea of these three half blocks, we set out herewith pictures of the three buildings.

We had a special dedication program for the opening of this new addition. Following some opening remarks on its use, the entire family, along with students of Gilead, enjoyed a tour of the new premises. All were very pleased with what they saw. These new premises include, on the lower floors, a very up-to-date laundry, a garage, and a fine area for a library. Over the garage in the rear of the building there is an immersion pool that the circuits in New York city are now using for baptisms each Saturday morning.

This new building was put to good use at the time that sessions of the branch servants from all parts of the world were here in June 1969. In fact, the branch servants were among the first ones to use this new home. Since that time the inside painting work has been completed and now regular members of the family are moving in to occupy various rooms in this fine new structure.

It is hoped that by the end of this year the Kingdom Ministry School, which we had to move to Pittsburgh, can return to the Brooklyn headquarters and that we will be able to accommodate the fifty overseers and ministerial servants that attend the Kingdom Ministry School each two weeks, as well as house the students of Gilead School for missionary training.

You can imagine what it means to feed this large family. Just think of over 1,100 people sitting down at tables and being served at one time. It takes about one good-sized steer to furnish the meat for one meal. There may be some leftovers that go into stew. Or, perhaps you would like to prepare the 350 chickens that are needed to feed this family just one meal. In a week’s time the family will consume around 12,600 eggs. Where do we get all the food? The Society for some years has operated its own farms. We now have three farms, one called Mountain Farm in New Jersey—about 80 miles from New York, where much food such as apples, peaches, pears and vegetables are raised; Kingdom Farm, near Ithaca, New York—about 250 miles from New York city where the Society has about 500 acres of field crops and a considerable number of milk cows for furnishing the Bethel family with cheese and fresh butter; and Watchtower Farm—about 100 miles from New York city consisting of about 1,500 acres. The greater portion of our food supply comes from Watchtower Farm, where we have 620 head of cattle, 350 hogs, and 6,600 chickens. We have a very large vegetable farm here, too, where over 100,000 quarts of vegetables are canned or frozen.

During the past year, 1969, the Society completed the construction of a new slaughterhouse. Our meat is inspected by the state government and is then brought into New York city for our family meals. At the close of the year we were just completing a new dairy barn, which will accommodate around 120 dairy cattle. New installations are being made for the pasteurization of the milk, and we hope to increase our production of cheese and butter. All those who work on the farms are ordained ministers, and they devote their evenings and weekends to attending congregation meetings and conducting Bible studies in the homes of the people.

The whole purpose of this large organization is to produce Bible literature for the spreading of the good news of God’s kingdom. Everyone’s work, no matter where it might be, reflects itself in the cost of these publications. It is because of this Bethel home and farm operation that the Society is able to distribute literature in over 160 languages at such a nominal cost. Every one of the men and women working in the Bethel home is dedicated to Jehovah and wants to see this good news of the Kingdom preached in all the world for a witness. Thus all of these persons have a share in making possible the actual production of Bible literature by taking care of all the various necessary departments, and they also share individually in going from house to house, conducting Bible studies in the private homes of the people and sharing in congregation meetings.

Families such as this are found in the 94 branch offices around the world. The other branch offices are not nearly as large as the one in Brooklyn, but all of them are doing the same kind of work. The members of all the Bethel families throughout the world total 2,126. During the past year the Society also finished building new Bethel homes and Kingdom Halls in Barbados, Brazil, Cyprus, Dahomey, Fiji and Puerto Rico. Arrangements or construction are under way for new branch offices in Chile, Cameroun, Guadeloupe, Switzerland, Taiwan and other countries during 1970.

It is essential that the Society continue to expand its facilities, and within a few years we feel sure our present facilities in Brooklyn for housing the Bethel family and for printing literature will become too small. This is the day that Jehovah God wants the Kingdom news, as well as his vengeance upon the wicked system of things, preached far and wide. As one continues reading this Yearbook he will see that outstanding advances have been made in countries throughout the world in the preaching of the good news. It is no wonder that more people are required in the Bethel family to take care of this greater activity. We rejoice in this great prosperity that Jehovah has brought to his people. The Bethel family is anxious to do all the work it possibly can in order to keep Jehovah’s witnesses in the field supplied with the literature they need to preach the Kingdom good news.

BROOKLYN PRINTING PLANT

The 1969 service year has been the finest year of production to date at the Society’s Brooklyn printing plant. We were able to use the new eleven-story factory building to the full. In the 1967 service year, before we had the new building, we were able to produce around 8 million Bibles and books in the Brooklyn plant. In 1968 we were able to move into the new building and use it part of the year and we made slightly more than 12 million Bibles and Bible textbooks. During the 1969 service year we have had the full use of the new factory along with the other three factory buildings, and we were able to operate a night shift for six months of the year in order to meet the demand for publications. It is wonderful to be able to report that we reached a total of 24,038,531 bound books and Bibles completed and sent to the shipping department.

It is because of the great demand for literature on the part of the branches throughout the world and in the United States that it became necessary to turn out such a tremendous amount of literature. In fact, we had to transfer some of the printing orders from Brooklyn to the German printing plant located in Wiesbaden, Germany; and the branch office there also arranged to run a second shift to produce more literature.

There are many new publications going through the factory all of the time. For example, right now in the Brooklyn plant there are ninety-eight new books in fifty-two languages that are being set on the linotype and being made into pages. Mats and plates are being prepared for the presses. It will take us some time to complete all of these publications, and there will be more to follow. Looking ahead to the orders that we will receive for these publications, plus those on hand, it appears that we will have about 17 million Bibles and Bible-study aids to print within the next six to eight months. By comparison, last year we were behind about 13 million books, as far as meeting the needs for the field was concerned.

Due to this backlog of orders we plan to start running a second shift again on September 29, 1969. Our factory will be in full operation during the day, and then during the night shift we plan to run about three lines of bookbinding machinery out of the eight we have. We will also operate about eight of the large rotary presses on the second shift. We would like to catch up with the backlog of orders, or get closer to the needs of the branches and get much of this literature shipped out to them during the winter months. It therefore may be necessary to run this night shift for three months, October, November and December. By that time we may be in a much better position to meet the needs of the field.

It is interesting to observe, too, that during the past year there was a tremendous call for Bibles, and we had one of our best years of Bible production. We produced 1,819,023 Bibles in English, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese and Italian. We hope that sometime during 1970 we will get started on the French and German editions of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

During the past year we have expanded our bookbinding equipment from five lines of production to eight complete lines, and now we are capable—if all goes well—of producing around 100,000 Bibles and Bible textbooks each normal day of 8³⁄₄ hours’ work in the Brooklyn printing plant.

The German printing plant on a normal day is able to produce between 10,000 and 12,000 bound books with their new equipment.

We also have a printing plant in Finland, which produces only Finnish literature. They are able to take care of all of Finland’s needs. They print magazines, bound books and booklets.

The book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life has had a phenomenal distribution. As you recall, it was released in July 1968. By September 1969, 18,500,000 copies of this book had been produced in fifteen languages. Right now we are processing this publication through the factory in twenty-seven additional languages, and we hope to get all of these out this year, along with many other new publications.

In addition to the tremendous book production, the Watchtower and Awake! magazines have continued to climb steadily upward. In the Brooklyn printing plant alone it was necessary to print 196,726,240 Watchtower and Awake! magazines. This is an increase of 27,576,890 magazines over the previous year. The report that follows gives you an overall picture of what was printed in the four printing plants situated on four square blocks in Brooklyn, about one-quarter mile from the Bethel home.

BROOKLYN FACTORY PRODUCTION REPORT

1967 1968 1969

Bibles 1,086,875 1,004,598 1,819,023

Books 7,165,985 11,126,398 22,219,508

Booklets 12,710,633 17,170,289 11,059,434

The Watchtower 79,753,610 88,074,200 100,275,490

Awake! 74,928,100 81,075,150 96,450,750

Convention Reports —— —— 2,591,000

Total 175,645,203 198,450,635 234,415,205

Advertising leaflets 110,994,600 120,583,807 102,287,901

Calendars 622,255 677,693 838,842

Miscellaneous printing 95,489,281 95,301,797 146,853,747

Tracts 4,485,250 18,331,800 18,343,650

Total misc. printing 211,591,386 234,895,097 268,324,140

The accomplishing of the above production required the use of 15,800 tons of paper, an increase of 3,291 tons over the previous year.

For many years the Society has found it advisable to produce many of its own raw materials, such as ink and adhesives. This in itself involves a considerable undertaking in that this past year we produced 238 tons of ink, an increase of 71 tons over the year before. Adhesives are necessary for our publishing plant. Our production required a total of 405,000 pounds, all of which was made in our Brooklyn factory.

There are many other things that go into the manufacture of books, such as cloth, board, thread, bogus, crash, and packing cartons, probably words that not too many persons immediately understand. Many of these items are ordered by the train carload. The incoming material and outgoing material runs into tens of thousands of tons every year. The handling of all this material and putting it into a beautiful printed Bible or Bible publication brings great delight to the Bethel family. Members of all the Bethel families around the world consider it a great honor and privilege to be serving the interests of the Kingdom and their brothers everywhere. They are providing their brothers and sisters with the equipment they need to preach the good news of the Kingdom. It can be said at this time that the Bethel family is looking forward to the coming year. They are cognizant of the fact that it will be a bigger year, require more work, more energy and a greater effort. Whatever they do will be done having in mind the honor and glory of Jehovah’s name, and the happiness the Word of truth will bring to those who love righteousness.

[Box on page 74]

GRADUATES OF GILEAD, 46TH CLASS

September 8, 1968

Adams, Christina

Ampy, Shirley Y.

Andreassen, Knud-P.

Austin, John E.

Barber, John Nathan

Barber, Anita Beryl (Mrs. J. N.)

Berry, Linda Mary

Bischof, Waltraud H.

Bjerre, Palle

Bjerre, Vita (Mrs. P.)

Bleich, Ruth E.

Bleich, Sarah Lydia

Bonsell, Pouline E.

Chappell, Nathan R.

Charley, Versa H.

Chase, Glenna Dean

Cimino, Peter

Cimino, Barbara J. (Mrs. P.)

Clay, Janet R.

Clinkscales, T. A.

Clinkscales, John E. (Mrs. T. A.)

Dani, Sheri M.

Davis, Kenneth P.

Davis, Harriet Ann (Mrs. K. P.)

Decker, Susan D.

Delgado, Madeline

Dellinger, Rebecca

Di Lorenzo, Andrea

Dubrosky, Michael

Dunbar, Herbert A.

Elliott, Elizabeth A.

Gavette, Frances E.

Guindon, Kenneth R.

Haagensen, Tove E.

Harkness, Ann

Hodges, Norman W.

Hodges, Jane S. (Mrs. N. W.)

Howard, Bryan R.

Jackson, Monroe S.

Jackson, Marcella (Mrs. M. S.)

Jauernick, Gerda B.

Johnston, DiAnne L.

Jones, Gregory B.

Kaue, Olaf

Kaue, Barbara I. E. (Mrs. O.)

Kyhe, Alfred

Lavinio, Peter Guido

Lavinio, Mary Jo (Mrs. P. G.)

Levett, Ernest R.

Levett, Ann Felicity (Mrs. E. R.)

Libby, Bonnita Gail

Libby, Linda Lee

Linden, David W.

Mahon, Edward

Mahon, Sheila M. (Mrs. E.)

Maurischat, R. E.

Maurischat, Lydia I. (Mrs. R. E.)

Michaelson, James P.

Minty, Sheila E.

Mitchell, Kenneth J.

Mitchell, Margaret (Mrs. K. J.)

Mitchell, Shirley L.

Monezi, Ionetti

Oberhössel, F. E.

Ovenell, Patricia M.

Petit, Betty Ruth

Piedmont, Dona Kay

Povilaitis, Susan C.

Povlsen, Povl Erik

Rinaldo, Dino G.

Sawula, Danielda M.

Schneider, Frank J.

Schön, Johanna L.

Simmons, Yvonne

Smith, Kathryn J.

Steinke, Horst

Stelling, Kenneth J.

Stelling, Mildred (Mrs. K. J.)

Storer, Albert

Storer, Jean (Mrs. A.)

Stroud, Peter D.

Stroud, Olga (Mrs. P. D.)

Sundvall, Seppo K. I.

Sundvall, Riita-L. (Mrs. S. K. I.)

Tarr, Linda Rae

Threlfall, Adrienne

Toews, Marjorie E.

Trahan, Arthurine

Trost, John Donald

Trost, Heather K. (Mrs. J. D.)

Walker, Brenda L.

Westby, Glen O.

Westby, Lavina F. (Mrs. G. O.)

Wetherell, B. A.

Wiekhorst, Rolf

Wiekhorst, Margret (Mrs. R.)

Yeargin, Beverly A.

Yurkon, Carol Ann

Zoryan, Shahan

[Box on page 75]

GRADUATES OF GILEAD, 47TH CLASS

March 9, 1969

Alvarez, Richard

Alvarez, Patsy Ann (Mrs. R.)

Ament, Ted Eugene

Ament, Helen Marie (Mrs. T. E.)

Andersen, Gunhild

Arias, Pete C., Jr.

Bachman, C. E.

Bachman, Angeline (Mrs. C. E.)

Bäuchle, Dieter

Bint, Godfrey John

Bolman, Jan Hendrik

Canales, Dimas

Coleman, Melvin G.

Coleman, Ann E. (Mrs. M. G.)

Cotton, Perry F.

Darner, Phil, Jr.

Darner, Karen Ann (Mrs. P.)

Dunkerton, Hugh R.

Evans, Paul

Evans, Marilyn E. (Mrs. P.)

Fone, Nicholas John

Fone, Mary Lovina (Mrs. N. J.)

Fukahara, Amy S.

Fukushima, Minoru

Fukushima, Janice (Mrs. M.)

Gates, Michael

Gibson, Jonathan

Gibson, Ann Louise (Mrs. J.)

Harada, Kirsten S.

Hunter, William M.

Hunter, Jane Poppy (Mrs. W. M.)

Ireland, David M.

Kavesos, Emanuel S.

Kavesos, Sheryl A. (Mrs. E. S.)

Kinoshita, Roberta

Kirkpatrick, M. L.

Knowles, Raymond

Koenig, Lon Sander

Latham, Terence

Martin, John D. G.

Martin, Valerie (Mrs. J. D. G.)

McDaniel, Vern Ellis

McDaniel, Nola C. (Mrs. V. E.)

Mijo, Melvin Hideo

Mizusaki, Arthur

Mizusaki, Toyo (Mrs. A.)

Morris, Arthur

Morris, Gwynneth (Mrs. A.)

Moskal, Edward G.

Moskal, Emily E. (Mrs. E. G.)

Nako, Thomas H.

Nako, Sandra Lee (Mrs. T. H.)

Nichols, Arthur S.

Nichols, Barbara J. (Mrs. A. S.)

Nielsen, Arne V. B.

Nielsen, Inger (Mrs. A. V. B.)

Odle, James William

Odle, Jo Frances (Mrs. J. W.)

Ostman, Nils Hȧkan

Ostman, Yvonne E. (Mrs. N. H.)

Pearce, Brian G.

Pearce, Jacqueline (Mrs. B. G.)

Pedersen, H. C. H.

Pfannkuche, John W.

Pfannkuche, L. J. (Mrs. J. W.)

Reed, Philip H.

Reed, Barbara Ann (Mrs. P. H.)

Ruiz, Anna Socorro

Ruiz, Bernard

Selby, Douglas W.

Sellas, James P.

Sellas, Jovita (Mrs. J. P.)

Sharp, Dayrell F.

Sharp, Adelheid S. (Mrs. D. F.)

Shaw, Charles E.

Shaw, Lenna K. (Mrs. C. E.)

Speaks, Melvyn H.

Steven, Larry D.

Steven, Constance C. (Mrs. L. D.)

Svensson, Jan Olof

Tate, Herbert K.

Tate, Ladarnia V. (Mrs. H. K.)

Terleski, Mike

Terleski, Sandra F. (Mrs. M.)

Tost, Manfred H.

Tost, Myrna C. J. (Mrs. M. H.)

Tripp, Michael John

Tutty, Pamela C.

Valtersson, Rune V.

Whitlatch, Ronal R.

Widell, Jan Billy

Wildig, C. G. R.

Wildig, June M. (Mrs. C. G. R.)

Wright, Max Partain

Wright, Melissa Joy

Wursch, Albin Leo

[Chart on pages 26-33]

1969 SERVICE YEAR REPORT OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES WORLDWIDE

(See publication)

[Chart on page 36]

ASSEMBLY CITY DATES ATTENDANCE NUMBER

AT PUB. MTG. BAPTIZED

Atlanta July 6-13 57,626 1,619

Buffalo “ 6-13 54,909 985

New York “ 7-13 122,011 2,972

Pomona “ 13-20 14,853 472

Vancouver “ 13-20 65,609 1,853

Los Angeles “ 14-20 81,032 2,324

Kansas City “ 18-25 40,009 1,019

Chicago “ 21-27 56,261 1,650

London July 29-August 3 82,416 2,215

Copenhagen August 5-10 42,073 1,407

Paris “ 5-10 47,480 3,619

Nuremberg “ 10-17 150,645 5,095

Rome “ 10-17 25,648 2,212

Totals 840,572 27,442

[Picture on page 76]

Brooklyn Bethel home constructed in 1950, showing 1927 structure on far end and 1969 building in foreground at right

[Picture on page 77]

Addition to Bethel home completed in 1960, with roof of 1969 building in close foreground

[Picture on page 77]

Latest addition to Brooklyn Bethel; three historical buildings and large apartment at right also provide housing for family

[Picture on page 82]

Completed in 1956

Purchased in 1958

Dedicated in 1968

Built in 1927; enlarged in 1937 and 1949

Watchtower factories in Brooklyn cover four city blocks

Country Reports (Part One)

pp. 84–202

Country Reports (Part One)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Population: 198,804,000

Peak Publishers: 359,146 Ratio: 1 to 554

It was a real joy to get the August report for the United States because it proved to be a thrilling climax to the 1969 service year. The publishers in the United States of America reached a new all-time peak of 359,146 publishers, even surpassing April’s peak of 357,851. Undoubtedly the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses stirred many to get into the pioneer service because we also reached a new all-time peak of 9,368 vacation pioneers in the month of August. And we reached a new peak in the number of pioneers generally, including the vacation pioneers, the special pioneers and the regular pioneers. This total came to 13,513.

On leaving the assemblies in the United States in July, the brothers went right into the field with a determination to get the good news of the Kingdom preached, and the congregation publishers averaged 11.3 hours and 15 magazines in August. Pioneers averaged 105.4 magazines and the special pioneers 169.3. This indeed is remarkable!

In addition to all of this, these publishers of the Kingdom good news placed more bound books in one month than ever before, namely, 936,913. In view of this report we feel sure that our factory will have to work a second shift for at least three months. We have every reason to rejoice in the fine report, and our brothers have enjoyed many very fine experiences. A few of them are related herewith.

“Get out of her, my people,” warns God’s Word at Revelation 18:4. In droves honest-hearted persons are responding to this command. A Baptist minister, after being witnessed to by his fleshly brother, enjoyed reading the Society’s magazines and soon began using material from them to preach to his congregation. They also liked what they heard. So he continued using information from the magazines. However, when preaching at other Baptist churches, he would teach according to the Baptist creed. When his own congregation heard of this, they approached him to ask why he would change and preach error. “Why not stick to the Watchtower literature?” they asked. So he did. When he received a copy of the Truth book in October 1968, he read it in two nights and saw that this was the truth. He took the Truth book to the officers of his church; they liked its contents and decided to ask the congregation if they wanted to consider a study of the Truth book. This was agreeable. After only a few weeks, the entire congregation saw they could no longer stay in false religion and voted to withdraw from the Baptist organization and associate with Jehovah’s witnesses. The congregation was dissolved, the church building was sold and all families but one began studying with Jehovah’s witnesses and now are attending meetings. Additionally, the former preacher and his wife are now sharing in field service.

The Bible-study folder has helped many to flee from Babylon the Great. A sister called back where she had left the Bible-study folder and found that the couple had read it and wanted a Bible study. Being well known in the community and prominent in the Presbyterian church, they immediately encountered opposition from friends and relatives. After five months of study, they withdrew from the church, now attend all meetings at the Kingdom Hall and have joined the Theocratic Ministry School. When a minister and others from the church brought up doctrinal points that they had not yet studied, such as blood, birthdays, Christmas, etc., they answered: “We have not learned about this as yet, but everything we have learned thus far has been from the Bible, so if Jehovah’s witnesses believe this, then they must have Scriptural reasons for doing so.”

Even the deaf are hearing. A sister contacted a deaf-mute who showed interest in the magazines. She asked the deaf woman to teach her the sign language so she, in turn, could teach her the Bible. She writes: “The first thing I wanted to know was how to say Jehovah, and it was a beautiful sign. She taught me the ABC’s and Genesis 1:1, as well as twenty other words in one day.” Was the progress slow? Six months after the deaf woman started studying in the Truth book she was baptized. Now she is giving student talks in the Theocratic Ministry School using sign language, which is translated for the audience by one of the other sisters. Now she and the sister who contacted her have seven studies with deaf-mutes.

The Truth, book has had very wide acceptance. An eleven-year-old sister spoke to her classmates regarding it. Initially, two of her classmates took a copy of the Truth book, but others saw the book and wanted a copy, so she finally placed thirty-seven copies in all, including the one placed with her teacher. She writes: “Now I’m busy making back-calls on my classmates. My teacher is reading the third chapter.”

Countless young people are responding to the call to leave Babylon the Great and are making changes in their lives as they do so. One young girl with “hippie” tendencies found the book “Let God Be True” in a box of old books. After reading it and recognizing the ring of truth, she began searching for Jehovah’s witnesses. A study was started in the Truth book and she progressed rapidly. In order to get the most out of her study she phoned the sister studying with her, asking all the questions she had in mind, explaining, “Then we can spend all of our time studying when you come over.” As she gained knowledge, she could see that her appearance was not the same as others at the Kingdom Hall and stated: “I need a more clean-cut look. Do you know anyone that cuts hair?” She is looking more and more like a sister as she makes her mind over.

Do you witness to your employer as opportunity affords? When a sister was called in to talk with her employer, the discussion turned to the coming bank Halloween party. When she explained why she could not have any part in it, the brief business talk turned into a two-and-a-half-hour Bible discussion. A copy of a special Awake! and the Truth book were placed and by the following day the employer had read both from cover to cover. Thereafter discussions were carried on at every opportunity. Eventually the employer talked to his wife and a home Bible study was started. Both are now regularly attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall. What started out as an attempt to aid the employee, turned out, through Jehovah’s blessing and guidance, to be something that would change the life course of a family and work for their everlasting blessing.

Besides all of this intense witnessing in the United States and reports of many fine experiences concerning people who have been aided to come to a knowledge of the truth, there are still some forces in the land that would like to interfere with the ministry of Jehovah’s Christian witnesses. In addition to the usual scattered threats by police and by mayors, there were a number of arrests, but in most cases the charges were either dropped or dismissed. One case was tried but no decision has been reached as yet. Another case was tried, a conviction resulted and an appeal has been lodged. A third case has not yet been brought to trial. Usually the district attorneys in the smaller towns and cities are quite well acquainted with the Constitution of the United States, and they know that there is freedom of press, speech and religion. So the ministers of the Kingdom are still going forth with great energy in the United States, declaring the good news of God’s kingdom to the people of this nation.

OTHER COUNTRIES

As you read along in this Yearbook and enjoy the accounts of experiences of the witnesses of Jehovah in the field you will note that the countries are not alphabetically arranged. If you wish to read about any particular country you can always look it up in the Index on pages 3 and 4. Under certain countries you will find other countries or islands listed. The reason for this is that these territories or islands come under the jurisdiction of a certain branch office. If you will check last year’s Yearbook you will find that Guam, Palau, Ponape, Saipan and Truk were listed under the United States. During the past year it seemed advisable to transfer these territories to the branch office located in Hawaii because they are able to give them better service, being closer and having faster air service. Also they are able to serve all these territories with circuit servants from Hawaii. So this year when you check under the Hawaiian branch you will find these islands listed. Bermuda still is under the jurisdiction of the United States branch and circuit and district servants are sent there to assist them with their Kingdom activity. Here are some interesting experiences from there.

BERMUDA Population: 50,000

Peak Publishers: 112 Ratio: 1 to 446

The good news has continued to spread nicely in this small island. In former years we were, to a great extent, insulated against the “distress of nations” and did not, perhaps, have the same sense of urgency as our brothers in other lands. Now, however, due to changing circumstances and constant encouragement from the Society there is an evident effort to “seek first the kingdom.”

We hope to see more of the brothers grasp the privilege of pioneering and have experiences such as the one from a pioneer sister who relates: “Early this year I was assisting a new publisher in the house-to-house ministry when we called on a very friendly young woman who invited us in and readily took the magazines. She said she was so happy we had called as she was in need of advice. Her marriage was on the verge of breaking up, and she wanted so much to save it. Most all the friends and religious leaders she had sought advice from had sided with her against the husband and had given no sound counsel but, in one instance, had condemned him to hell if he did not change from being an agnostic. On hearing this I explained about the wonderful counsel to be found in the Bible on marriage and showed her the Truth book, pointing out the chapter on ‘Building a Happy Family Life.’ From the study, which I was able to start right away, she learned of the God-ordained arrangement for happy families and the principle of wifely subjection. She said that she would try this ‘new approach’ to make her marriage work. Now she felt that she and not her husband was the one who had fallen down on the job. She has continued to make fine progress and now tells us how much happier her marriage is due to applying the information gained from studying the Truth book—something she now tells her friends about.”

A sister, baptized at the end of the last service year, already had around ten studies at the time of her immersion. She had to return to the United States shortly thereafter with her serviceman husband but was very conscientious in making arrangements with others to continue these studies. A sister who took one writes: “It was my happiness to take over this study with two fleshly sisters who had been studying for only a short while but who were showing keen appreciation for the truth. As a pioneer I recognized how valuable the Truth book was proving to be in showing sheeplike ones how to make important decisions quickly and in directing them to the organization early in the program of Bible study. But my appreciation of the book grew more as I watched these sisters arrange their schedules to include first one and then another of the meetings until they were becoming regular at the congregation book study, then the public talk and Watchtower study. Only recently I found out that one of them has been studying the book with her children. Both of these interested ones bring their children along to the meetings, at times with difficulty, as they are in divided households. It is surely a pleasure to note their eagerness to follow the suggestions given in the Truth book, such as the importance of speaking to others. They have already started to witness to friends and relatives and have brought several to meetings with them.” And what about the new sister who returned to the United States? She is pioneering.

ALASKA Population: 294,000

Peak Publishers: 728 Ratio: 1 to 404

It is a frequent experience to contact in the territory someone who had previously studied with Jehovah’s witnesses in another part of the country or who had been active in the ministry, but for one reason or another did not contact the organization upon arrival in this area. Moving from one home to another can easily distract one from Kingdom interests if one is not careful. There is much joy when one of these “lost sheep” is contacted and reunited with the brothers. In one congregation here the circuit servant reported that during his visit a father allowed his son to make a call at a nearby home. Soon the youth, full of joy and excitement, returned to the car to summon his father. He had found someone of unusual interest. This couple our young brother had located had studied in the “lower” states for some years but had not gone ahead with the truth as seriously as they should have. They had lived in Alaska for many months without being in contact with the Witnesses, but were eager to renew their association. A study was immediately arranged for the entire family, and they soon began attending meetings. Imagine the happy reunion when, a short time ago, the brother who studied with them years ago was visiting in Alaska and they were able to meet. By this time the couple had progressed so well that they had given up their tobacco habit and had been baptized as praisers of Jehovah.

Many people in outlying areas are not found so easily, and this is our concern. Therefore, in the summer months the congregations branch out into some of the hundreds of isolated villages to preach the good news and offer subscriptions. Then during winter months when the temperature can reach down to 60 degrees below zero, the brothers write letters to residents of these isolated villages and to men in remote construction camps. Imagine the thrill of one sister to receive an appreciative reply to her letter. “I still can’t believe all this happened. I am so thankful to you and especially to Jehovah for inspiring you to write this letter. Please write, as I have found a new friend through Jehovah.”

Do you sometimes hesitate to speak up at the door because you just recently learned the truth? You may be encouraged by the experience of a new sister. She was so nervous that her voice gave out while offering the magazines to a householder. Yet she placed the magazines and later developed the placement into a magazine-route call. It was suggested that she take the direct approach and offer to study the Bible with the householder, and, to her surprise, the offer was accepted. Now this interested person has been instrumental in contacting still others. As a result of personal initiative and full trust in Jehovah at least four persons are now studying the Bible regularly and a total of fifteen others have accepted Bible literature. What a wonderful reward for someone who felt hesitant to speak the truth. Surely Jehovah uses his people to find and feed the “sheep.”

ARGENTINA Population: 23,983,000

Peak Publishers: 16,583 Ratio: 1 to 1,446

There have been increases in all features of the work and a new peak in publishers. Most outstanding of all was our receiving 150,000 copies of the Truth book and placing all of them. The publishers have not been able to get enough of these books.

A special pioneer tells us: “I started a study in the Truth book. Three months have gone by and now the person is attending all the congregation meetings and is taking part in the service with me. I had explained about the six-month study and what we expect of the people. The result has been another praiser of Jehovah, which is the purpose of all Bible studies.”

A publisher tells how people are responding to the call of the “Good Shepherd”: “In August I started a study with a woman and her son. In September they came to the meetings in the Kingdom Hall; they also attended a study at my home. They have attended meetings regularly even though it was financially difficult to do so at times. In April they started out in the service with me and want to continue in May.”

A circuit servant tells us of the results of the circuit assembly program where the six months’ study was emphasized. “A publisher had been conducting a study with a lady for three years. She showed interest and seemed to want to learn the truth, but something was always in her way. No effort was made to attend the meetings, although she was invited and efforts were made to help her. After seeing the demonstration at the assembly, the sister decided that she would try it with this study. Upon returning to her congregation, she talked to the lady about what she had learned and how she would conduct the study now in the Truth book, but it would be for only six months. She also mentioned comments that the district servant made at the assembly, asking: ‘If a person continued to attend one of the churches of Babylon the Great after studying for a time and did not attend the meetings at the Kingdom Hall, then why continue the study? We should talk frankly to the person about the reason for not attending and obeying Jehovah.’ This comment moved the lady to action. She and her two children are now attending all the meetings. She is also taking an active part in preaching the ‘good news.’”

The Bible-study folder is having good effects on the people. A publisher offered the Truth book to a lady. She liked what she heard but did not want the book. The folder was given to her, and the publisher told her that he would return. Finishing the morning’s activity, the publisher returned by the same street. Now the lady called out that she wanted the book since her interest was aroused by having read the questions in the folder. Not only was the book placed, but a study was started. So do not forget to leave this folder at all homes.

All publishers were encouraged to take part in the vacation pioneer work at any convenient time. To our joy, 4,194 have been able to do so this service year.

A sister tells us of the arrangements she made with her family so that she could be a vacation pioneer. “I talked to my husband and children. It was agreed that my husband would take his meals with him to work, thus I would be free at mealtime to go out in the service. The four children of school age would help with some of the housework, even getting things ready for the meal. When my husband returned from work, he would start the evening meal. In this way all the family worked together so that I could take on the vacation pioneer service for one month. During the month I started a study with a woman, and now she and a son of thirteen years are attending the meetings at the Kingdom Hall.” When all the members of a family work together, it is often possible for one to be a vacation pioneer.

The work that can be done by the district and circuit servants to encourage vacation pioneer activity is outstanding. In the meeting of those interested in the pioneer work at the circuit assembly, seven filled out applications for vacation pioneer service and one applied for regular pioneer service from just one congregation of forty publishers.

A circuit servant says that he has been encouraging the pioneer service: “In nine congregations 450 have been vacation pioneers in the last six months. In my visit to another congregation of 110 publishers, 89 took the applications and from 15 to 20 will be sharing in the vacation pioneer service each month in the future. This same congregation has over 150 persons attending public talks. In large measure this good public talk attendance can be attributed to the vacation pioneers and the work they are doing.”

The branch servant, Brother Eisenhower, writes: “I want to thank you, Brother Knorr, for the opportunity that Brother Schemmel and I had to attend the month-long branch servants’ meeting and the ‘Peace on Earth’ assembly in New York. I feel that the meeting was a milestone in my theocratic activity. Outstanding in so many ways was the love shown by all the brothers who had part in the meeting, their interest in our problems, their way of seeing things and helping us to appreciate the time in which we are living and that the most important thing to do right now is to preach the ‘good news’ of Jehovah’s kingdom. Although this has been expressed, I again wish to say, ‘Thank you, Brother Knorr and the Bethel family, for making our visit so beneficial and such a blessing for the work in our country.’

“All the missionaries want to say ‘Thanks’ to all the brothers for their contributions to help them get to one of the assemblies.”

AUSTRALIA Population: 12,173,300

Peak Publishers: 20,624 Ratio: 1 to 590

How true the words of our heavenly Father when he said that his people would be willing in the day of his military might. This has certainly been our experience here in Australia during the past twelve months, and we thrill to the expansion that has taken place, thirty-two new congregations being formed this past service year and new peaks in publishers being reached practically every month.

The brothers are having wonderful success using the Truth book, being able to sound down the principles of God’s Word by making thorough use of its contents. After one family studied it and resigned from the church, the minister came around, but he proved to be no problem. Then a man from another church was sent, and he made the mistake of saying it was impossible for Jehovah’s witnesses to explain Philippians 2:10. Then a ladies’ night was arranged, presumably to win the mother of this family back; but, like Daniel going to the lions’ den, she went off courageously armed with scriptures in abundance on any given subject. She had “Make Sure” with her, the Awake! issue “Is It Later than You Think?” the Truth book, the Diaglott and three large encyclopedias, but her husband suggested, “You don’t have to prove any points tonight, dear; all you have to do is arrange a study with these people.” So she told all these ladies that before they would be in position to criticize Jehovah’s witnesses they should study the Truth book. As usual, Babylon the Great, when beaten by the “sword of the spirit,” resorts to slanderous literature against the organization. But this woman refused to read it, saying, “I know all about that slanderous thing; it is better for us to discuss scriptures.” This person has now joined the brothers in door-to-door work, even with her two small children; and the congregation is looking forward to seeing them continue their growth to maturity as they sound down the truth into their minds and hearts.

This experience shows the need for keeping an accurate record of our not-at-homes. A brother was driving home from the territory with window cards in the car windows advertising the circuit assembly public lecture. A young woman started waving frantically as he drove down the street. He could not make this out and did not think that she was really attempting to wave him down, but then he noticed that was her intention, true enough. When he stopped, the young woman related that she had seen his car in the street and noticed the window card and also the magazines in the back of his car and was very glad that he had stopped for her. She wanted a subscription for the “magazine that publishes world news so accurately.” She used to get the magazines in New Zealand and likes them very much. However, she had been waiting for the Witnesses to call on her for at least a year, but for one reason or another she was missed each time the territory was covered. Now a study has been arranged and she is keen to get her husband involved so that he will start coming along with her. How necessary, then, for all of us to keep an accurate record of our not-at-homes in order to make sure that all these sheeplike ones are contacted with the “word of life.”

One of our pioneers writes of the children in a sister’s home where she stayed: “I was thrilled to observe some of the activities of the children. One little one arrived home one day and, rather than play, she gathered a lot of study equipment. I thought that maybe she was going to do personal study, but no. Ten minutes later there was a knock at the door. I opened it, to find a little girl standing there with a Paradise book. She made her way to the lounge. I went on with what I was doing until, five minutes later, there was another knock. This time there were, not one, but two little girls, armed with Paradise books, Bibles, prayer books, etc. These also made their way to the lounge. Before I had much time to think, another knock came and in walked the fourth, apologizing for being late. Interested, I stayed around and listened. All the children sat on the lounge and the sister’s child sat out in front. Next, when all was quiet, a prayer was given asking Jehovah to bless each one so that they might understand the truth and also thanking him for everything. Then the study proceeded. First a review, which consisted of questions on the twelfth chapter of Revelation. Who was the woman? Whom did she give birth to?, etc. All knew the answers and the study proceeded for forty-five minutes. The study was then closed with a humble little prayer of thanks. The children were thanked for coming, and arrangements were made to see them all the next day for another study. So here was this little girl, six years of age, able to conduct a study with four of the neighbourhood children, even to the point of explaining Revelation and opening and closing with prayer. Doesn’t this make your heart glad, parents? How diligent we should be in training our children to praise the Creator while young!”

Are you an invalid? Do not be discouraged by that. A sister who is a widow and an invalid has to travel seventy miles each way by rail once every two weeks. She happened to notice that once the evening passengers had finished their newspapers they had nothing else to do. So this sister, who was vacation pioneering, packed her bags with magazines on her next trip. As she finds walking difficult and even standing in fast-moving trains almost impossible, she did not start visiting the carriages until the train started on the period of the journey that takes it up very steep hills. At that time it moves slowly and our sister was able to talk comfortably to the passengers and visit them. She relates that she met many interested people, some already having subscriptions for the magazines, and placed thirty-two magazines in just half an hour. The interesting thing about it is that our sister, until the last eighteen months, had been inactive for many, many years due to discouragement, but now she is enjoying the blessings of Kingdom activity to the full. What a blessing to develop this positive attitude in the strength that Jehovah can give!

AUSTRIA Population: 7,322,800

Peak Publishers: 9,081 Ratio: 1 to 806

Bearing in mind the admonition of the apostle Paul to ‘buy out the opportune time,’ the publishers in our country have made fine use of their opportunities in the past year to strengthen the faith of others in God’s promises.—Eph. 5:15, 16; Col. 4:5.

Since it is the custom in Austria for persons in many fields of occupation to receive tips, a circuit servant has made it a practice to give magazines to gas station attendants as his acknowledgment of good service. In one such instance the attendant replied that he had recently returned from Australia, where some of Jehovah’s witnesses had lived in his neighborhood. The brother immediately seized the opportunity to ask for the gasoline station attendant’s address so that someone could call on him. Arrangements were made and, after only a few calls, a home Bible study was started. How much more joy this brother’s “tip” has brought the gasoline station attendant than a small sum of money would have.

At meetings we can find many fine opportunities to encourage new ones and strangers. During the course of a Watchtower study, the conductor observed a woman whom he did not know personally, and he spoke to her afterward. In their conversation he learned that she had known of the truth for seven years but, because her husband had been opposed, she had taken the course of least resistance. Since her conscience had continually plagued her, however, she had sought association with God’s people. The brother invited her to start attending the congregation book study. There he spoke with her again and made arrangements to visit her husband. The first call on the husband lasted from 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. At the next call a Truth book study was started. By the time the first chapter had been completed, the whole family was attending the public talks and Watchtower studies. Before the second chapter was finished, they were beginning to come to the other meetings too. They have made fine progress in the truth. Taking loving interest in each individual attending meetings has borne fine fruits.

To successfully assist inactive publishers calls for great ingenuity sometimes. A special pioneer sister worked hard for several months to help a family start studying again. The wife was an inactive publisher, the husband an interested person. At first the efforts seemed to be of little avail, for the wife repeatedly remarked that she was no longer interested. But the special pioneer continued looking for opportunities to help the family and finally found one, by way of the couple’s child. The child was often at home alone, so the sister started to help it with its schoolwork and to build up its self-confidence. Soon it was possible to begin a Bible study in the Paradise book, which the parents rather liked. For a while the study was conducted with the child alone, but, later, first one of the parents would sit in and then the other. Finally, the entire family was regularly taking part and they made rapid progress. The wife has now become one of the most zealous publishers in the congregation and the husband has been immersed and is enjoying the blessings of field service and is taking part in the Theocratic Ministry School.

There is much work still to be done in helping all of these individuals and still others, and we will endeavor to keep on buying out time and opportunities for Jehovah’s praise and for salvation—our own and that of those who listen to us.—1 Tim. 4:16.

BAHAMAS Population: 145,000

Peak Publishers: 380 Ratio: 1 to 382

Another year can be chalked off the Devil’s old system, bringing us closer to the approaching thousand-year reign of peace. How we long for that time to come! As our text for the year reminds us, we can ‘lift up our heads because our deliverance is getting nearer.’

The experiences of the brothers confirm the trend that the work took during the year—increases, new peaks and urgency. A pioneer brother tells of a chain reaction that illustrates the trend, as well as the effectiveness of the Truth book as a study aid. He said: “In May 1968 I started a Bible study with a young man. As soon as the study was started in his home, his younger sister and first cousin manifested their desire to join in with us. Before long another music student of mine heard about this Bible study and asked if he could join us. However, one study a week was not sufficient for him, so it was arranged for him to meet with me three or four times each week. One study was held at his home, and this was the way his mother started studying. After a few weeks had passed, the first young man with whom I started studying invited his fiancée to sit in on the study. She showed immediate interest. At this point, there were six studying. A few more weeks passed and the fiancée of the first young man invited her girl friend to the study. So the study grew in size. Along came the month of April 1969, and five of this group started field service, they by now having attended meetings for several months.

“Well, the question now was, Had this chain reaction come to a halt? No, for the first young man who started studying back in May of 1968 introduced me to another young man who plays in the same band as he does, as well as this man’s wife. Yes, they also wanted to study. After the very first study they saw the importance of the organization and started attending the Watchtower study. In the case of this latter couple, I was again called upon to conduct more than one study with them each week. Nine studies weekly were held. To show how serious these two were about the study, and the extent of their preparation, they often have a closed-book study.

“So summing up what happened, from a single study a chain reaction got under way that has resulted in regular meeting attendance on the part of eight out of nine persons, field service on the part of seven, and five being baptized. Four of them attended the New York assembly. What a wonderful climax, after a year’s study, for these four!”

Have you ever gotten a good supply of literature, thinking it would last you a good while, and then, all at once, it is almost all placed before you get home? This happened to a brother who lived on an island over two hundred miles from the branch office. After having spent some time in Nassau doing secular work, he prepared to return to his island by boat. He obtained fifteen Truth books, among other things. As the boat pulled out of the harbour he took his personal copy and began reading. Soon a passenger approached him and inquired what he was reading. The brother explained that it was a Bible-study aid. The passenger wanted one, and the brother was happy to oblige. Only a few minutes later one of the crew spotted the brother reading his book, made inquiry, and immediately wanted a copy. He took it with him into the control room while he relieved the navigator. It was not long before the navigator came seeking one for himself. He disappeared into the crew’s quarters, and it was not long before a third crewman came in quest of the Truth book. By this time the second crewman said he enjoyed reading the book so much that he wanted four more for relatives and friends. The next day the brother was talking to the only remaining crew member who did not have a book, the captain. He was bewailing world conditions, and this naturally led the brother to offer him the Truth, book. The captain was delighted to get two copies. Before the trip was over the third crewman returned and asked for two additional copies. All told, the brother placed twelve books, arriving home with three. So he immediately had to send in an order for Truth books.

As we looked at the number of islands that lay unworked, and the limited time that remained to reach them and get the people warned, we wondered how it would be done. Now we feel that the need is getting filled. Three families, composed of sixteen members, have sold all their possessions, purchased three boats, and will soon be going to some of our out islands to assume the responsibility of preaching to the people and searching out the sheeplike ones. Another brother and his wife constructed their own boat and soon will be helping out in another part of the Bahamas. Local brothers have made plans to move out from Nassau to other islands to carry on the ministry. With these fine examples, we are sure that others will soon follow suit. Thus, we see that Jehovah is accomplishing what he has purposed to in his own time and way.

BARBADOS Population: 252,024

Peak Publishers: 804 Ratio: 1 to 313

Six mountaintops called Barbados, Bequia, Carriacou, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent rise prettily out of the limpid, turquoise-tinted Caribbean sea. This is our territory, and a peak of 1,260 of us have the privilege of witnessing to approximately 600,000 persons living in the area of the Barbados branch. Included in that peak of fellow Witnesses are 34 missionaries and special pioneers, all of whom received some help to attend a “Peace on Earth” assembly this year, either one of the larger northern conventions or our own inter-island version to be held in November. All are unanimous in wanting their expressions of gratitude passed on to all you friends around the world who made their traveling possible. May Jehovah bless your generous and kind spirit. Each island in our branch was represented at the New York convention, and more than 150 were able to attend one of the larger assemblies.

We have really enjoyed the last twelve months of service, and there has been a variety of activities to keep us busy: arranging for charter flights for the conventions, aiding missionaries with their itineraries, completing the new branch office and Kingdom Hall and publicly dedicating them to Jehovah. Incidentally, 870 attended the dedication held on March 29, 1969. Now with our new service year we are anxious to apply the thoughts of 2 Corinthians 13:11, to be “readjusted,” as The Kingdom Interlinear Translation puts it, to the things learned at the conventions and to enjoy the gradual application of information and direction that all the branch servants discussed during their four weeks at Brooklyn Bethel during June.

It is not strange that you should think of our Caribbean home as a place of sea and sun; however, not all who live here can see the sea and sun, but they can “see” the Sun of Righteousness through eyes of faith. In this connection we have a most heartwarming experience to tell you. Unknown to a special pioneer who was having a discussion in a certain home, an elderly member of the family, stricken with blindness, listened attentively to the Scriptural discussion. Evidently visions of Kingdom blessings were painted in her mind’s eye, for when the pioneer was leaving, the lady quickly dispatched her maid to ask the pioneer, “Would you come back and study with me?” Promptly they began to study in the Truth book. Though not being able to read, she showed a good grasp of the message, aided by a bright and retentive sixty-seven-year-old mind. Within a few months she was attending meetings at the nearby Kingdom Hall. At the meetings she was again impressed by the varied comments of both young and old, and she too wanted to share. So a loving provision was made for different publishers to drop by and help her prepare for all the meetings so that she could have a complete share. Her name is on the enrollment list of the Theocratic Ministry School, and we are eagerly awaiting her first talk.

The special pioneer concludes: “She is always willing to do whatever she can to share in preaching the good news and cooperates with all the arrangements made. Right now, as we go through the questions in the ‘Lamp’ book, she is overjoyed with the prospect of registering her dedication.” Although she cannot see the sea and sun, she rejoices to be able to “see” the King of Righteousness, who will shortly restore her sight in the new order.

BEQUIA Population: 6,000

Peak Publishers: 28 Ratio: 1 to 214

The brothers were delighted that their overseer and another special pioneer were able to get to the “Peace on Earth” assembly in New York city. These two special pioneers have rendered much kind assistance to the brothers, and we are confident that the fine counsel from the convention will be faithfully passed on to the brothers. Bequia is one of the larger islands in that group called the Grenadines that break the surface between Grenada and St. Vincent. The pace of life is leisurely and pleasant. A result is that many Bible studies do not progress quickly. However, if Jehovah is patient, then we can afford to be, since this is his work and he will bring the increase in his own due time. Among the brothers, of course, the spirit is much different. They regularly meet together to build one another up and encourage to faithfulness. The spirit of self-sacrifice is much in evidence too. One brother took a job as a sailor on an oceangoing vessel. After a while it became evident to him that the situation was not contributing to a happy and well-balanced family life, particularly on the spiritual side. Finally he decided he could not afford to be away from his family any longer. The job on the high seas was very remunerative compared to the one he has now, but he knows that money cannot purchase the happiness and balance that come to a family whose chief concern is the worship of Jehovah and who stick together for that worthy purpose. Some of our experiences have not quite jelled as yet, and “if God spare life,” as we say, we hope to tell you more next year.

CARRIACOU Population: 8,000

Peak Publishers: 24 Ratio: 1 to 333

The humble brothers of the Harvey Vale congregation, many of them quite elderly, have a new sense of confidence in speaking the truth as a result of the Truth book’s publication. The brothers credit the Truth book with aiding three new publishers to take up the ministry in the past year. Witness the lady who said, “All what you used to tell me I can now see so clearly in this book.” This lady has severed all connections with Babylon the Great, a step that usually brings on intense persecution and ridicule from immediate relatives and friends who are steeped in false religion. Since then she has been regularly pressing the attack on false religion by preaching with the congregation and assembling for instruction at the Kingdom Hall.

After a period of twelve years the brothers were blessed with a circuit assembly, which was well supported by the brothers from the neighbouring island of Grenada. This was indeed a joyful occasion for the twenty-three aged publishers on Carriacou. A fine witness was given to the island’s approximately 8,000 inhabitants. One thing that impressed the local people was the zeal and devotion of the youthful publishers from the mainland. They were not familiar with young persons’ being in the organization, as it is not uncommon for many to refer to the religion of Jehovah’s witnesses as the “Ole people religion.” This no doubt incited many people to attend the public lecture.

The district and circuit servants were privileged to stay at the government guest house with the chief government officer on the island. He was visibly impressed by the conduct of the brothers. Prior commitments prevented him from attending all the sessions, but as a gesture of his appreciation he left his car for the brothers to use while he was away.

GRENADA Population: 105,000

Peak Publishers: 171 Ratio: 1 to 614

Despite the tropical beauty of our area, there are still many people who wish to emigrate to other countries for various reasons. Such is the case on Grenada, and as a result of constant emigration the increase in island praisers of our God does not appear to be as great as it really is. There have been some fine strides forward here, and the five congregations are happily caring for their respective assignments in this verdant paradise. At the beginning of the last service year, Brother Knorr assigned a missionary couple to the St. George’s congregation, and how the brothers have appreciated the help! The friends here really do show enthusiasm for theocratic activity. When the announcement was made of the “Peace on Earth” International Assemblies, the brothers began to prepare right away; and, with much sacrificing and saving, more than half of the 77 publishers in the St. George’s congregation were able to attend the New York convention. One sister, who is a headmistress, wrote to the school board for a leave of absence. When her request was denied, she sent her letter of resignation, whereupon she received a letter granting leave.

A sister who enjoys vacation pioneering when she can writes us this encouraging happening, reflecting her delight in the effectiveness of the Truth book. “Just after the release of the Truth book,” she says, “I was given the name of a lady to call on. She had studied years ago, but now there was a possibility of developing more interest. She liked the idea of the six-month arrangement with the Truth book. I could not help but be amazed at her lively interest in the study and that she applied all things learned directly to herself. Soon she was attending the meetings. Shortly thereafter she expressed appreciation for the need to have all aspects of her life, including the moral, in harmony with Jehovah’s righteous precepts. But a change of this type is often accompanied by economic hardship and is quite a crucial point for many. I rendered all the Scriptural help I could short of making the decision for her. Then one night just after completing Chapter 21 she told us of her decision and her plans to make her life completely acceptable to Jehovah. I asked her what had helped her most in her resolve to do what was right. She leafed through the Truth book and said: ‘I can only say that this book has done it; it just makes you know before many chapters whether you want to be a Witness or not.’ She is reading other Society publications on her own and is hoping to be in attendance at the ‘Peace on Earth’ inter-island assembly in Bridgetown, Barbados, in November.”

ST. LUCIA Population: 110,000

Peak Publishers: 117 Ratio: 1 to 940

Island living is greatly enhanced by knowing the truth and having the knowledge that these islands will be even more beautiful in the very near future when all their inhabitants will effectively care for their earthly trusts under God’s kingdom. We are having some fine success in finding members of the “great crowd” who anticipate coming out of the “great tribulation” that will affect even this island. One of these was a lady who obtained a Paradise book, but in view of the limited number of publishers in that area and since she lived a little out of the way, she had to be content to read and study the book on her own. Even personal reading was enough to convince her that her Catholic church teachings ran counter to what the Bible taught. It made good sense to her to stop attending mass, since it did her no religious good; besides, she could better spend the time reading her Bible along with the Paradise book. As with Cornelius, her prayers went up as reminders until finally our special pioneer brother called. The Truth book was placed, the six-month study course introduced and the study began. To make up for lost time, she wanted the study twice a week. The study progressed smoothly, with the requisite changes being voluntarily made along the way, until by the time the book was finished our new friend had dedicated her life to the service of Jehovah. We think there may be quite a few more like her.

Is there any chance you could come to live on this or another of the islands under the branch to help look for more friends of peace? Perhaps you could retire here or start a little business, as one family did several months ago. This the government encourages. If you write the branch office in Barbados, the brothers will be happy to do all they can to assist you to make a move.

ST. VINCENT Population: 95,000

Peak Publishers: 116 Ratio: 1 to 819

What would you say if a “queen” asked you to study with her? Probably you would say Yes, as one of our sisters did in Kingstown. We should add, though, that the “queen” was not of noble birth, but had this appellation given to her by judges appointed to pick the Carnival Queen. This is no small thing on the islands, since carnival time is the highlight of the year for most islanders. This woman, like many other Vincentians, had read some of the Society’s publications and even had some acquaintances in the truth. In telling of her background the sister writes: “She even had a relative in the truth living in America. Various reasons caused her to reject the idea of studying before now, an emotion-based view on the blood issue being her strong objection. It so happened that she accepted an invitation to our circuit servant’s Sunday talk, and during the discourse some reasonable points on blood, illustrating God’s viewpoint, were presented. Shortly after that, I was pleasantly surprised when she asked me to study with her. It has been a model study and very progressive. She began attending all our congregation meetings and now does public witnessing with us. In addition to this, she is enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School. I know she is grasping the truth well because she has been witnessing to a young cousin who lives with her, and the cousin is making just as rapid progress in Christian understanding. They both have had their share of opposition and ridicule from friends, relatives and business associates. But their view is that they have gained much more by comparison. The former ‘queen’ attended the New York ‘Peace on Earth’ assembly and saw many thousands of subjects of God’s kingdom. Now, rather than having subjects herself, she is content to be among the more than one million subjects loyally serving Jehovah and his king, Jesus Christ.”

We have a part-time, unofficial, floating congregation here. It consists of three brothers who work on the banana boats that ply the waters between the islands and England. When in port they attend meetings onshore; however, when on the high seas they conduct all their meetings aboard and have a good schedule for this. This year they were at sea during Memorial, and so one was assigned to give the Memorial talk. Fourteen of their crew mates attended, and now one of the sailors is studying and attending meetings with the first three brothers. So, if you ever happen to travel the Atlantic by boat and you pass a banana boat with strains of Kingdom songs coming from it, chances are you have found our floating congregation.

BELGIUM Population: 9,631,910

Peak Publishers: 12,061 Ratio: 1 to 799

A major problem in Belgium is nationalism. Belgium is made up of two language groups, Flemish and French. At present a growing confusion has taken hold of the Belgian Catholics. In Flanders demonstrations have taken place in the churches, particularly in Antwerp and Vilvorde. Flemish Catholics protest against the celebration of the mass in French for the French-speaking population living in those territories. It is not uncommon at all to read slogans such as the following written on the walls: “Stop saying mass in French in Vilvorde.” Many sincere persons are shocked at seeing the divisions existing inside the Catholic church. Certain authorities have said that the church is going through the most serious period since the Reformation.

Because of the confusion existing in the Catholic church, it is not unusual for people to ask for a Bible study, as shown by the following experience: “An interested person went to a town to sell polish from house to house. In one house she saw a Bible prominently displayed on a table, and she immediately asked the lady why she had placed the Bible there. Her reply was that she wanted to draw the attention of Jehovah’s witnesses when they passed by in the street. ‘I want to have a Bible study,’ she said. The peddler in polish took her address. Continuing her work from house to house, she was invited indoors to drink a cup of coffee. Immediately her attention was drawn to the Society’s calendar, and she asked if she was in a home of Jehovah’s witnesses. The lady said No but that each week she received a Bible study. Arrangements were made for the Witness who conducted this study to visit the first lady contacted. Now, in spite of opposition from her husband, she has been baptized.”

Numberless are the ways in which persons are drawn to take an active part in witnessing. What do you think of this way? An interested person had difficulty in undertaking Jehovah’s service in spite of the help given him. Then early one morning at about 6:45 a medical student knocked on his door and asked: “Are you one of Jehovah’s witnesses?” Rather embarrassed, he replied, “Yes.” The student explained that he had seen a copy of The Watchtower in the interested person’s auto and, wishing to know more about Jehovah’s witnesses, came to his door early that morning. “I want to have a Bible study!” he said. Arrangements were made immediately and since then this interested person has become a regular publisher.

It is never too soon to invite someone to the Kingdom Hall. After working all morning and being constantly rebuffed, a brother rang at the office door of an income-tax expert and, to his surprise, was immediately ushered into his office. He very briefly presented the book “Things in Which It Is Impossible for God to Lie.” The offer was accepted immediately; the publisher asked if he might call back to have his opinion on the book, and the person agreed.

The following week the brother called back and the gentleman told him that he had read about two-thirds of the book. He liked particularly the chapter “Your ‘Soul’ Is You,” and he began to discuss intelligently the things he had learned from the book. When he subscribed for the two magazines, the brother told him that a series of public talks had been organized in the Kingdom Hall and left him four invitations for the coming month.

The following week he was at the Kingdom Hall. He was very much impressed by the talk and the warm friendly atmosphere that prevailed, so he stayed for the Watchtower study that followed. When the announcements were made at the end of the study, he learned that we also have a service meeting, so he asked if he might attend. Since then he has never missed a meeting.

A week later the brother began a Bible study in his home. However, as he began the application of the truth in his home, his wife became very much opposed. Realizing his responsibility as head of the house, he took his two children out of the Catholic boarding school, put them into the public school and started taking them to all the meetings with him. Now his wife was really alarmed. She made a special trip to the monastery at Maredsous and returned armed with some literature supposed to expose the errors of Jehovah’s witnesses. The brother examined the literature together with the husband, and he was convinced that it was Jehovah’s witnesses who had the truth. Enraged now, his wife left him. She rented a furnished apartment and lived alone.

The publisher continued to study with the man at his home and, although sometimes heavy in heart, he never once missed a meeting at the Kingdom Hall. Jehovah blessed his efforts to preach the good news, and his accountant, bookkeeper and stenographer all subscribed for The Watchtower and Awake! His two children liked the truth and began to preach with him in the service. After two months his wife came back to him and to her home; however, she requested that no one speak to her about the Bible.

During the months that followed he read every publication that exists in the French language and bought all the bound volumes of the magazines that were available. He was baptized eight months ago, and now a congregation book study is held in his home.

But what about his wife? Well, two months ago she said that she was very much dissatisfied with her Catholic religion and would like to have real faith, so she asked a publisher to study the Bible with her. She has studied eight chapters of the Truth book, and we are very happy to tell you that she, her husband and the two children attended the “Peace on Earth” assembly. We feel certain that just attending the assembly will prove to have helped her to find real faith.

The Belgian brothers wish to express their thanks for the wonderful assemblies that they had the joy of attending. Five thousand French-speaking brothers were at Paris; 5,000 others, Dutch-speaking, went to Nuremberg, and more than 1,000 Italian brothers went to Rome.

BOLIVIA Population: 4,334,021

Peak Publishers: 869 Ratio: 1 to 4,987

A number of families came from various countries to serve where the need is great for the first time in the history of the work in Bolivia. This meant many sacrifices and adjustments for them, but the majority have persevered and have been richly blessed. We are happy to have more than a score of such ones serving with us now.

In October a missionary took over a home Bible study that had been conducted about three months in the “Good News” booklet without much progress. When the study was transferred to the Truth book in November, the student, on learning it was to be completed in six months, wanted to study two times a week to advance more rapidly. She began to attend the meetings on Sundays, and, on attending the district assembly in January, was thrilled with what she learned. She soaked up the truth like a sponge. Her mother, who is president of the Legion of Mary, began to worry, because she saw her daughter was taking her study of the Bible seriously. She told her mother she did not want to continue her studies in the university, which would take five more years, because the end was coming and she would never exercise her profession. The mother, who worked with a young gynecologist who was a friend of the girl, asked him to convince her that she was being deceived. But the doctor himself began studying in the Truth book with the missionary’s husband and began attending all the congregation meetings. Besides enrolling in the Theocratic Ministry School, he started several home Bible studies of his own, and turned one with another young lady over to her. As a result, the doctor and the second young lady were baptized at the international assembly in New York city.

The first girl, who is under age, began to receive strong opposition in her home. Her parents came to the Kingdom Hall and angrily prohibited the missionary from entering their home, but the girl continues studying in the missionary home and has begun to publish the good news. She has expressed her desire to get baptized. All of this resulted from just five months of study in the Truth book, showing the rich blessing of Jehovah upon progressive studies conducted with this fine new instrument.

Another experience illustrates how the Truth book helps persons to take action on what they are learning. A missionary, conducting a study with a woman on Chapter 7, explained how the demons can use images as an instrument to influence persons. The woman was surprised to learn this and did not want to leave herself open to such influence. She wanted to know what she could do with the images of her relatives who lived with her. The sister explained that she could not destroy the property of others, but she could destroy her own images. However, when she returned the next week she noticed there were no images or false religious pictures at all in the house. The lady explained that after she destroyed her own images she put the others within reach of the children and, as she expected, they broke them; so when she asked permission to throw them out, it was granted. According to the woman, if more images are brought into the home they, too, will have an accident.

BRAZIL Population: 92,200,000

Peak Publishers: 57,641 Ratio: 1 to 1,600

The service year of 1969 will long be remembered in Brazil for a number of reasons, the main one being the dedication of our fine new Bethel home in São Paulo and the transfer of the branch office there from Rio de Janeiro. It is certainly proving to be a wonderful place from which to carry on the work in our territory, and it has caused all of Jehovah’s servants here to repeat the words of the psalmist in Psalm 119:171, 172, “May my lips bubble forth praise . . . May my tongue sing forth your saying.”

The Truth and Evolution books have both done a wonderful work in aiding our brothers as they ‘bubbled forth praise.’ In just the month of July over 100,000 books were placed, which is 44 percent of the total placed during the whole previous year. One doctor, a teacher in a clinic, liked the Evolution book so well that he ordered forty of them for his students in the biology class and he regularly uses the information and illustrations in the book.

A brother who works in an automobile factory had had little success in arousing interest in the truth among his fellow workers. When the Evolution book was released he decided that this was just what he needed. He went first to one of his foremen who had offered him the most resistance, especially on the subject of the origin of man. Much to his happy surprise, the book was accepted. Others in that section, when they learned that the foreman had taken the book, came and requested copies. The brother used his lunch hour to good advantage and placed twenty-nine books. The following day he ate lunch with workers in another section where he had previously worked and took orders for thirty more. On returning to his desk he found others looking for the “man with the blue book” and received more orders. Such a stir was caused that the brother was called into the office of the superintendent to explain what was going on. Present also was the supervisor of the section. A brief explanation was given, with encouragement to take the book for investigation. Both men, satisfied with the explanation, took the book. The final result of these few days’ work was that the brother was able to report five hours of field service, sixty back-calls and eighty books placed; and, above all, he had the joy of knowing that at last the resistance against the truth had been broken.

In these “last days” Christian parents have a great responsibility to ensure that their children in school are not taught subjects that might weaken their faith or cloud up the pure waters of truth. So it was that one sister wrote to the director of the school where her three children attended asking that they be excused from classes of religion since they received Bible instruction at home. Two days later she received a note asking her to come to the school to talk to the director. She wrote to the branch office, saying, “I picked up my sword and went off to battle,” expecting opposition. Much to her surprise, the director kindly asked her to sit down and, referring to her note, asked her if she would teach the Bible to some other children in his group. Happily the sister agreed. The first week eight students appeared, but after three months there were more than forty children of different beliefs receiving instruction in the Word of life by means of the Paradise book. A study has also been started with the mother of one of the children. Parents, are you certain about what your children are learning at school?

When we receive a knowledge of the truth, we naturally hope that our relatives will also accept it and walk with us on the way to life, but it does not always work out that way. One brother not only hoped that that would happen, but took steps to help his relatives. In August 1968 he was assigned as a regular pioneer, and he chose as his territory an isolated place where many of his family lived but where there was not one witness of Jehovah. His parents had never heard nor seen God’s name. He began to work the territory three weeks before the date set for him to begin pioneering, so that by the first month of pioneering he had three studies, including one with one of his cousins. Early in all his studies he would show the need to explain to others the things learned, and so it was that by December he had thirteen others ‘singing forth God’s sayings’ with him. In January they began to build a Kingdom Hall on their own, and all the meetings are now held there regularly. Now, after eleven months of pioneering, there are twenty-four publishers reporting Kingdom service, nineteen of them being his own relatives. How his ‘lips bubbled forth praise’ when he saw fourteen of these relatives all baptized at the same assembly!

BRITISH HONDURAS Population: 116,669

Peak Publishers: 396 Ratio: 1 to 295

During the dry season congregations chartered transportation to spend whole days working in outlying areas, and special pioneer brothers visited the remote villages showing the Society’s films and offering the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. Many persons expressed their appreciation for this service. The Truth book has been a real aid in the ministry. One sister, a special pioneer for many years, reports that, on regaining her health and returning to a territory she had worked in years before, she began to look up those who had shown interest in the past. In one case husbandly opposition caused the wife to hide, and the study was again discontinued. Then came the Truth, book, and the whole family began studying. Within a few months the father, mother, sons and daughters were attending meetings. The parents and one daughter symbolized their dedication at the “Peace on Earth” assembly.

In another town a special pioneer had conducted a study for five years with a couple living out of wedlock. With the advent of the Truth book it was explained that at the end of six months they should have made a decision as to whether they would serve Jehovah or not and that the study was not an indefinite thing. Happily, they did finally rearrange their lives to be in harmony with God’s law, and the man was baptized at the “Peace on Earth” assembly.

We are happy that Jehovah has sent more workers into the “vineyard,” and we look forward to an even greater harvest during the coming year due to the excellent cultivating and planting work done by the brothers here in the year past.

BRITISH ISLES Population: 53,942,339

Peak Publishers: 58,096 Ratio: 1 to 929

We have to tell you, Brother Knorr, what a marvelous year of joy and increase this has been. At Memorial we were delighted to have 108,511 attending. April saw a 9-percent increase in Kingdom proclaimers, and this increased to 10 percent in May and in June. For many years we have been just holding our own in the British Isles, so such fine forward movement has indeed been a joy. The year was climaxed by our Wembley international assembly, attended by 82,416. What rewards for the patience and faith of our British brothers over this past decade!

A sister has an “opposed” husband. She recontacted a Mrs. S————, who had stopped her study because her husband absolutely hated the Witnesses. The sister encouraged her to study once more, using the Truth, book, and the woman agreed to do so. The study progressed to the point where Mrs. S———— felt it necessary to inform her husband what she was doing. He fell into a rage, grabbed his wife and three young children and forcibly took them round to the sister’s home, where he cursed our sister and threatened he would dismiss his wife and children from the home if the study continued. You can imagine the feelings of the sister, having an opposed husband in her own house and now facing this violent man, a weeping wife, and three bewildered children. Mr. S———— returned home and that same evening struck his wife again because she said she was going to the meeting the next night.

The following day Mrs. S———— was warned that if she left the house for the meeting she would find the door closed on her and the children. Fearing that her husband would prevent her from leaving for the meeting, Mrs. S———— met the children at school and went directly to the hall for her very first meeting. When she got home, she found the door wide open, with her husband overcome by his own wrong actions. He could not fathom how a faith could lead his wife to withstand such treatment, and was most anxious to learn how she had enjoyed the meeting. “If that religion could be such a force in her life,” he said, “It should be in mine too!” A brother was invited to call immediately to start a study with the man. Since he had burned all his wife’s books, he agreed he would have to buy some more. A study was arranged for the next night, and the Following Sunday, three days after his violent outburst against the meetings, Mr. S———— turned up with his wife and children at the hall, his wife’s face now showing severe bruising and a black eye from the beating he had given her. They have been to every Thursday and Sunday meeting since, both comment freely, and Mr. S———— has proved to be a diligent Bible student.

About eighteen months ago a nun on holiday from a convent got into conversation with a Witness who continued the contact by correspondence after the nun’s return to the convent. The nun saw the importance of what she was learning but could not think what she would do if she left her convent, since she was now aging. Shortly afterward she was given a medical checkup and moved to a Roman Catholic home for elderly ladies, just a few doors from the local congregation book study. Arrangements were made to help her study the Truth book. She quickly saw the need to be free from Babylon the Great, was immersed in March this year and now participates regularly in the ministry.

A young apprentice carpenter, John K————, did repair work at a sister’s house, took an Evolution book and saw the truth of it. He was invited to attend meetings. At that time he belonged to a gang of boys who wore leather jackets with a skull-and-crossbones sign painted on them and who rode powerful motorbikes, deliberately taking risks with their lives in competition with one another. He realised this painted jacket was unsuitable for the Kingdom Hall, so took the pains to scrub off the “sign of death” from it, after which he sold the bike. Within a month he was asking, “How can I join the Witnesses?”

His mother began to oppose him viciously, realising he was taking the truth seriously. She visited the home of the sister where the boy was having his study, saying the boy was “hypnotized” and “brainwashed” and calling the sister a “wicked woman.” Then she called in the forces of Babylon the Great, including the local rector and curate and a lay preacher. She even made her son, John, attend church discussions, but he stood for the truth, becoming all the more convinced where it lay. Now the mother threatened legal action, but the solicitor advised her that the boy was within his rights and no harm was being done him. Next she threatened to drag him from the meeting and throw a brick through the sister’s windows. Things came to a climax when the boy announced that he was going next morning in the house-to-house service. But by the following day the storm had passed. The mother roused her son in plenty of time to get to the rendezvous, and he was able to place magazines that first morning. Now John has been baptised.

Recently the congregation has had a new visitor—none other than Mrs. K————! Evidently she asked her rector for a Bible study but had been told, “We used to have a Bible class, but there is not enough interest now.” The churches and chapels she had been attending had not shown any warmth or friendliness. But what a difference she is finding now that she comes to the Kingdom Hall!

MALTA Population: 320,764

Peak Publishers: 37 Ratio: 1 to 8,669

The work in Malta has gone steadily ahead this past year, particularly in the maturing of those already associating. During the year about thirty who had been associating with the congregation left the island, so the figures do not fully reflect the year’s results.

Incidental witnessing is one way to contact Maltese people. The circuit servant emphasized the importance of including in our prayers petitions that we be guided into contact with those of sheeplike inclinations. One enthusiastic new publisher adopted this procedure. Shortly afterward a person she did not know approached her in the shopping centre. Getting into conversation, she said: “I have often watched you, and I have noticed how relaxed and happy you seem to be, and your obvious peace of mind. I wish you would tell me how you can be that way in these times.” The questioner proved to be an ex-nun who, after many years in a convent, had obtained her release because she disliked the insincerity she saw.

The publisher did not hesitate to give a “reason for the hope” in her. A Bible study was started in the Truth book, with fruitful results. Although the student does not read English and there is no Bible-study aid available in Maltese, and progress is therefore slowed up, she is nonetheless regularly attending all congregation meetings.

We are particularly happy to say that about half of our publishers and associates were able to attend the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly in either London, Rome or New York. What a source of strength and encouragement this has been for them!

BURMA Population: 26,000,000

Peak Publishers: 469 Ratio: 1 to 55,437

While the Kingdom message was being preached in only five places in Burma fifteen years ago, today the truth has penetrated to various races and tribes living in interior towns and remote villages; all together, thirty-six places. It is being proclaimed in not less than eleven different languages or dialects of Burma, plus many different foreign languages.

The truth of the words of the apostle Paul at 2 Corinthians 4:17 can be seen in the following experience. An interested person who was studying with a pioneer was unexpectedly stricken with a disease that disabled him completely in both legs. He could no longer work for his living. However, he continued to study with the brother. The village and religious elders called on him to ask him to stop studying with the pioneer, and they promised to appoint him the pastor of the village. He did not accept their offer but continued to study with the brother. Then his wife threatened to leave him if he would not stop the study. All her pleadings and threats did not change his decision to become a Witness, so his wife left him, but after three days she came back. During her absence he lived only on water as he could not do anything for himself. Though weak physically, he was strong spiritually and sent in his resignation to his former church.

A clean moral standard is a must for Jehovah’s witnesses. A special pioneer met an elderly man who showed great interest in the truth from the very first call. Regular calls were made on him, and the truth sank into his heart. On the fifth call the man asked the pioneer what would prevent him from serving Jehovah. The subject of clean morals was discussed. It was at this point that the pioneer found out that the man was living an immoral life with another woman, while his legal wife was still alive. He was told that he should leave the second woman and go back to his legal wife. Though the man said he was willing to do anything for the truth, the woman did not agree to this. So a traveling minister suggested to the pioneer that a Bible study be started with the woman to help her see the importance of a clean moral life. This was done and she quickly saw the importance of having a clean moral standing before Jehovah God in order to gain life. One day while the man was away on business, she decided not to live with him anymore. So when he returned she told him to go back to his legal wife. He said he would do that the next day as he was very tired then. But she was determined that he should leave that very same day. The reason she gave was, “I too want life.” Now, after cleaning up their lives, both of them have become dedicated servants of Jehovah God, and at the time of writing this report they are both vacation pioneers.

The Society’s publications have a strong effect on sheeplike persons, as the following letter shows: “I was on my way back home from one of my business trips. I felt terribly lonely and dreaded the journey ahead, which was to last three days by steamer. I tried to get something good to read on board the steamer. By chance, my eye caught sight of a book in the possession of a fellow traveler with the appealing title ‘The Truth Shall Make You Free.’ I requested him to loan me the book, and he kindly consented. I found it to be very interesting, easy to understand, and quite different from all the other books I had ever read. I was fully absorbed in reading it day and night, amidst the noise of the crowded passengers and din of the engine. But now it was time to disembark and I had two more chapters to read! Since he would not sell me the book, I had to return it to him reluctantly. I felt dejected, lonely and lost again. Not long after, on a visit to a friend’s home I saw a book entitled ‘Let God Be True.’ Seeing that it was published by the same Society as the previous book I had read, I tried to borrow the book, but my friend said he was reading it himself. The only alternative for me was to write to the lady whose name and address was written on the inner cover of the book, requesting her to send me a copy of each of the books by return mail. My, was I glad when I received the books a few days later as a free gift parcel from the lady. Both of these books opened my eyes to dedicate my life to the true God Jehovah, and since then I have never felt lonely and dejected again, rather, I am ever busy in proclaiming his coming kingdom by Christ Jesus.” Today this man is a congregation servant and a pioneer in his hometown.

CAMEROUN Population: 5,150,000

Peak Publishers: 12,240 Ratio: 1 to 421

A wonderful witness has been given in Cameroun this year, as well as in Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Tchad, all territories under this branch.

Something long looked forward to by the brothers was the building of a new branch office and Bethel home. Construction work began on May 1, and at the time of this writing the finishing touches are being put on the building. We hope to move into the new premises before our national assembly in December. Here are some experiences we enjoyed during the service year.

The construction of the new branch office in Douala has opened up an unexpected avenue of witnessing. The building is prominently located in the city of Douala and construction has been observed by almost everyone. This has prompted many persons to remark: “If you believe the end of the world is coming in a few years, then why are you putting up a new building now?” The brothers tactfully show that careful study of the Scriptures proves that 6,000 years of human existence on this earth is nearing its close, and then they direct attention to what the Bible teaches about the conclusion of this system of things and the importance of using the remaining time wisely.

Marriage ties can be greatly strengthened by an accurate knowledge of God’s Word. A circuit servant writes that in one town a man seventy years of age and a woman sixty-one years old had lived together for forty-five years without the benefits of civil marriage. When contacted by Jehovah’s witnesses, they began to make steady progress in their knowledge of the truth. They quickly understood that in order to have Jehovah’s blessing they should comply with the law of the land for registering marriages. They immediately arranged for a civil marriage, presenting themselves to the local marriage officer for the ceremony. The officer was surprised at this action and wondered why they wished to get married, since, at her age, the woman would not leave the man and no other person would want to take the woman away from the man. The interested person answered: “We want to do this because the law of the land requires it.” On the day for signing the marriage certificate, the mayor of the town invited many people to witness the marriage ceremony as an example for all to follow.

A young man who wanted to serve God was greatly comforted by the Scriptures. One day while standing in front of his church, he noticed a Witness walking by, so he called him over to ask where he lived, since he had some questions he would like to ask. The brother at once invited him to his home. During the discussions that followed, the man explained that he had always wanted to be a “pastor.” How was it that the brother was a “pastor” at so young an age, whereas he had been studying for years and was not yet a pastor? When the brother explained Jesus’ ministry and teaching methods, showing him that long years of seminary training were not necessary to be an evangelist, the man agreed that Jesus’ methods were the best. Then followed a long discussion comparing his religious teachings with what the Bible had to say on these various subjects. He was invited to the Kingdom Hall where the brother was giving a public discourse that day. The man stayed for the Watchtower study as well.

More discussions followed at the brother’s home. Finally the interested person asked: “If I want to become one of Jehovah’s witnesses, should I submit a letter of withdrawal from my church to the pastor?” The brother referred him to paragraph 10 on page 135 of the Truth book, where an excellent explanation is given of the text found at Revelation 18:4. The brother suggested that the occasion would present an opportunity to give a witness to the pastor. Taking down all the scriptures on the subject, the interested man said he needed these, since he expected his parents would certainly oppose his change of religion. He then wrote a letter to his pastor explaining his reason for leaving the church; primarily this was because the church was not preaching the good news of God’s kingdom. Since then he has faithfully attended all meetings of the congregation, has had an active share in the preaching work and is looking forward to getting baptized at the next circuit assembly.

We would like to thank the Society for sending the funds to construct the new branch home. This will contribute immensely to the good operation of the work here.

EQUATORIAL GUINEA Population: 244,574

Peak Publishers: 321 Ratio: 1 to 762

The former territories of Fernando Po and Río Muni, known as Spanish Guinea, were granted independence by Spain during the year and are now known as Equatorial Guinea. The newly independent government has shown itself in favor of freedom of religion.

During the year six missionaries arrived to help the local brothers witness to the inhabitants on the island of Fernando Po and the mainland, Río Muni. There is a great thirst for the Bible and Bible knowledge, which at last is being quenched by the zealous activities of the Witnesses.

Up to the present time much of the witnessing has been done by English-speaking brothers from Nigeria who are employed on plantations or hold jobs in the cities. Now a Spanish congregation has been formed, and it is hoped this will help the native Spanish-speaking people gain accurate knowledge of God in the language of the country. All the missionaries are Spanish-speaking, so now meetings are also conducted in this language.

Love for God and one’s neighbor is truly the only means of uniting persons from all the nations. In one town several Witnesses were gathered together for their weekly Bible study when police interrupted the meeting because of a neighbor’s complaint that this was an illegal meeting. All the brothers were ordered to go to the police station. On the way the police asked the brothers if all those at the meeting were from one tribe. “No,” said the brothers, “we have at least four different tribes represented here.” The police then separated the different tribes and began to reason among themselves, wondering how the two tribes that are at war with each other in Nigeria could ever join together here to do something in common? The police told the brothers this convinced them that their study was really nonpolitical, and they allowed them to return to their meeting, to the shame of the rebuffed neighbor.

GABON Population: 600,000

Peak Publishers: 248 Ratio: 1 to 2,419

One of the outstanding methods of getting the good news preached in the territory during the year was by means of radio broadcasts every Sunday morning. For fifteen minutes each week our missionaries answered questions on various doctrinal and organizational matters. Many persons expressed their appreciation of these enlightening broadcasts. By this use of radio the message of God’s kingdom is getting into many homes, and it forms the basis for many discussions with interested persons when the brothers visit their homes.

For a while the missionaries in Libreville rented two houses side by side. When one missionary couple left, the second house was given up and was soon rented to a Spanish couple. At first the water in the house was not turned on, so the missionaries let them come to their house to get water. Every day when the woman came to draw water, the missionaries would mention something about the Bible. One day While a missionary was repairing his car, the woman came over from next door with a big book and asked: “Is this a Bible?” “Yes,” replied the brother. “Would you like my wife to show you how to study your Bible?” A study was started. The woman read the Truth book in one night. The next day she removed all her religious images from the house. Next, the missionaries invited the couple to the Watchtower study. They both came, along with their two little daughters, and have been attending ever since. They have started out in field service and are literally “on fire” with the truth.

How powerful God’s Word can be in changing bad habits is illustrated by a plantation owner who grew plants producing opium. He himself was also a drug user. After studying with Jehovah’s witnesses, he gave up the drug habit but felt that more should be done. In his house he had two sacks of this drug worth over $400. He called the special pioneer who had been studying with him and then proceeded to drag the two sacks out of the house. After pouring gasoline over them, he ignited the fluid and the fire consumed all the drugs. His neighbors, upon seeing the blaze, came running to his house and marveled at what he had done. Some felt he had gone out of his mind, but he explained to them that he did not mind being called a fool for the sake of Christ.

TCHAD Population: 2,700,000

Peak Publishers: 58 Ratio: 1 to 46,552

It appears that the work is beginning to open up in this country that is almost entirely surrounded by desert. During the year more special pioneers were appointed to help in the harvest work. A total of eight are now preaching daily to sincere persons who are searching for the truth of God’s Word.

Some good news was heard on April 24, when it was announced over Radio Tchad that Jehovah’s witnesses had been granted legal recognition by the Minister of the Interior. The brothers rejoiced greatly over this good news. They are now free to have circuit assemblies and to carry on their preaching work in a more organized manner.

A special pioneer related his desire to see a local person accept the truth, since the congregation was made up entirely of persons from other countries. He made a determined effort to follow up the interest shown by a native who was a Catholic. This man had several books that contradicted the teachings of Jehovah’s witnesses. When he learned that the pioneer had also formerly been a Catholic, he began to show interest in finding out the difference between the two religions. A study was started and soon he accepted what the Bible taught. After two months he began attending meetings and shortly thereafter was baptized. This man began to preach to other natives, and two more local persons began to preach. When the district servant visited Fort Lamy, there were over fifty persons at his public talk. Out of these, twenty-five, including five natives of the country, were preaching the good news. It is wonderful to see people of all the nations drinking the water of truth that leads to life.

CANADA Population: 20,479,000

Peak Publishers: 44,700 Ratio: 1 to 458

The 1969 service year, climaxed by attendance at the “Peace on Earth” International Assemblies, brought much joy to Jehovah’s witnesses in Canada.

All of us in Canada are thrilled by the progress of the preaching work in the French-speaking province of Quebec. After years of religious oppression and persecution, hundreds of arrests and court cases, mobbings and persecutions, the preaching of the good news of the Kingdom in Quebec is now being carried on without difficulty, and it brings real pleasure to all who share in it. Babylon the Great is definitely losing its hold on the people. The younger generation especially is seeking something to satisfy its spiritual needs. The potential is truly great, and many families and pioneers from other parts of the country have moved to Quebec to serve where the need is greater. Interested people are accepting the truth very quickly. An experience from a special pioneer in an outlying area in the province of Quebec illustrates this fact.

He and his wife met a young man nineteen years age and started a six-month Bible-study course with him, using the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. The pioneer’s experience continues: “The third week of the course we discussed Chapter 3, which mentions the fact that the trinity is not based on the Word of God. He [the nineteen-year-old interested person] seemed to accept the truth in this regard. But the next week he told us that he was going to terminate his study. On my asking why, he explained that the teachings of the ‘little blue book’ were not in accord with his beliefs. Then we had a discussion using Chapter 14 of the Truth book, ‘How to Identify the True Religion,’ as the basis. We left, with the young man stating that he would go to his priest for an explanation of the trinity. Two days later he visited us with many questions on the teachings of God’s Word and the organization of Jehovah’s witnesses. The discussion began at 8:00 o’clock in the evening and continued until 2:30 in the morning. At the end of the discussion he said, ‘I have found the true religion!’ He explained to us that since our previous visit he had read almost all of the Greek Scriptures in order to know how the true organization of God should function, and after our discussion he knew that the true organization was Jehovah’s witnesses. He asked for not just one study but perhaps four each week. However, he was finally satisfied with three. This interested person began to attend all the meetings and has missed none of them up to the present. He underlines his answers in The Watchtower and makes comments at the meeting. He also has presented the truth to his brother, who has asked for a Bible study with the aid of the Truth book. Now he also attends all the meetings. Rapid progress is being made, as already he has tasted the preaching work, spending one whole day with the pioneers.” Experiences such as this are becoming more and more common, as people are accepting the truth rapidly at the present time.

The fact that the “sheep” hear the voice of the Good Shepherd and rapidly answer his call is also illustrated by another experience from the province of Quebec: A publisher placed a copy of the Truth book with an interested person. When the publisher returned just five days later, he was greeted by the person with real joy. The man said: ‘I read your book right through within three hours on the day you left it with me, and I know this is the truth. I would like to be baptized in symbol of the dedication that I have made.” The publisher was stunned at this response, and replied, in surprise: “You can’t be baptized now. You need to study, come to meetings and go out in the service first.” His reply? “Fine, let’s study. Come on in.” During that first study his wife phoned and he told her that he was busy studying with Jehovah’s witnesses at the moment and he asked her to call back. Her reply was that he could make a choice right then and there between her and Jehovah’s witnesses. His reply was: “My mind is made up, dear. I will choose Jehovah God, but all that that means is that I will be a better husband to you.” Her hostility cooled a little, and she is now more favorable toward the truth. On inquiring about the meetings he learned of the service meeting and Theocratic Ministry School coming up the next evening, which he attended. Enjoying them thoroughly, he acquired a copy of The Watchtower for the following Sunday, during which study he commented several times from a well-marked magazine. All of this within ten days of having read the Truth book! The publisher found out later that even before the first back-call had been made this sheeplike individual had resigned from the Roman Catholic Church and had seen to it that his children had no part in religious or patriotic activities at school. As he himself explained at a circuit assembly in Quebec recently: “I am so proud to bear the name of my God, Jehovah. This morning I had a share in the service for the first time and I am so happy. I placed my first Truth book, and I am sure it will take only two or three visits and they will be in the truth too! I guess I am still too new to symbolize my dedication by water baptism, but I will be baptized at the next assembly. Again I want to say how proud I am to have Jehovah as my God and all of you as my brothers and sisters.” Experiences such as this imbue Jehovah’s witnesses in Canada with greater zeal to carry on the work of making disciples.

Indeed, we in Canada have experienced Jehovah’s rich blessing during the past service year, and we rejoice to be associated with our brothers all around the earth in preaching the good news of the Kingdom.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC Population: 2,030,000

Peak Publishers: 1,197 Ratio: 1 to 1,696

We rejoice when we review the work that was accomplished here during the past twelve months. This has been by far the most wonderful year of theocratic activity ever seen in this land. With substantial increases in all features of the ministry, what else could the brothers do but rejoice? They have been turning the minds of the people toward the fast-approaching peace of a thousand years. They have not permitted materialism or anything else to discourage them, but have really put their hearts into the ministry.

We are certainly happy to see so many people now flocking to the meetings at our Kingdom Halls as well as the larger gatherings. Forty-five persons, one of whom was over sixty years of age, walked about eighty miles to attend a circuit assembly. They arrived dusty and tired, with swollen feet, but very happy to be among their brothers. At this assembly twelve persons were baptized in water. All twelve attended the meeting that considered the vacation pioneer ministry, and all twelve filled out application forms to enter this branch of the ministry.

Those really having a desire to serve Jehovah in the full-time ministry overcome obstacles in their way when they put their trust in Jehovah God. One sister who had this desire was illiterate. She was encouraged to learn to read and write first. Nine months later the Society was very happy to receive a letter from her, written by her own hand, and also a recommendation from the local congregation for her to enter the pioneer service. She is enjoying the pioneer service now, and during her first month she conducted eleven home Bible studies.

Good leadership on the part of mature ones in the congregations always brings Jehovah’s blessings. Not only did one overseer talk about the vacation pioneer ministry, but both he and his wife enrolled as vacation pioneers in April. Imagine their joy when others followed their good example. That month there were nineteen vacation pioneers, including the complete servant body, in this congregation of forty-five publishers.

A group leader in the Evangelical Church looked forward with great eagerness to being united with Jesus in heaven. But one morning when he was going to church he stopped to hear what a Witness was saying to a neighbor. John 3:13 was read. It was quite a shock to the man, but it was enough for him to see that something was not just right with the teachings of his church. The Witness answered his many questions with the help of the Bible, and a Bible study was started immediately. Thereafter, the man followed the Witness from house to house so that he could hear the truth repeated over and over again, and now he is helping others to learn the real hope for mankind to live on a paradise earth.

When Bible students stand firm for Bible truth, they receive great blessings. This was seen in the case of a young man who began to study the Bible with Jehovah’s witnesses even though his father was opposed. One evening the father tried to break up the Bible study, but the son said to him: “Before I started to study the Bible, I was like all the others, sometimes staying at the public bars all night. Now I am studying the Bible. I have changed my conduct. Which is better? My former way of life? or the present?” The father was unable to answer and let the study continue. During a succeeding study the father brought food for the minister who was conducting the study with his son, and now even attends the meetings in the Kingdom Hall. The son legally married the woman with whom he had been living and has now symbolized his dedication to Jehovah by water immersion.

Ten local brothers were thrilled to be able to attend the Paris international assembly and to see for the first time what a large organization Jehovah has on earth at this time. This is the first time any citizens of this country have had such a blessing in another land.

CEYLON Population: 12,200,000

Peak Publishers: 275 Ratio: 1 to 44,364

In this small tropical island with luxuriant vegetation, it is easy to adopt the free, easygoing attitude of many of the inhabitants. People are generally friendly and hospitable, which makes our ministry, sharing the Kingdom good news with them, a delightsome experience despite the tropical heat.

There are positive signs of an awakening among sheeplike persons in the Roman Catholic Church, among both clergy and laity, as shown by the experience of a special pioneer. “A Catholic lady refused to study the Bible with us unless we first discussed the matter with the priest. Before this could be arranged, we met a ‘Catholic brother’ who said he was not qualified to answer her questions but to see the priest. She was disappointed to hear this from a ‘brother.’ We went to meet the priest, who invited us in and expressed his willingness to answer the lady’s questions. The first question was regarding God’s name. He admitted it was Jehovah. Regarding the next question, he admitted that hell was not a place of torment, but of concealment, the grave. To the vital question, ‘Is it all right to study the Bible with Jehovah’s witnesses?’ he replied that she could go right ahead. He said that the Catholics had made a mistake in not going from house to house to teach the Bible. He already had a copy of the New World Translation and on this occasion subscribed for one of the magazines. Fully satisfied, she started a regular study of the Bible, began attending the meetings, and in April started sharing in the house-to-house ministry.”

That angels, although invisible, are nevertheless very active in the separating work, noting righteously inclined hearts of sheeplike persons, is shown by this experience. “I had been a devout Catholic from my childhood to the beginning of September 1968. As a God-fearing, loyal and faithful adherent of the Catholic faith, I took an active interest in the ‘Lay Apostolate.’ However, I must confess that I entered a state of mental disturbance when open rebellion erupted among the clergy and leading theologians of the Catholic church following the conclusion of the second Vatican council, in 1967. I had none to go to at this critical hour but God alone. I made a fervent appeal to him to guide me safely. I am happy to say that divine light shone on me and my family late in August 1968 when one of Jehovah’s witnesses made a surprise visit on us.”

How was this visit made? Well, the circuit servant who was serving the congregation in the locality where this man lived happened to be working his street. A local publisher pointed to his house and remarked, “They always take the literature but will not go any farther.” The circuit servant reasoned that if they always took the literature they must surely be “sheep” and decided that every effort must be made to feed them. When the call was made, the man’s wife answered the door and received the two publishers hospitably. She listened to the sermon with interest and, true to prediction, readily took the offer of two bound books. Arrangements were made for a return visit the following evening at a time when her husband would be at home. On the return visit, after the introductory formalities, one of the first things he said was, “I am greatly disturbed over the crisis prevailing in the Catholic church today and I want correct advice and guidance.” Asked if he had a Bible, he answered, “No.” A copy of the Douay Version was produced, and he was invited to read what Peter wrote at 2 Peter 1:19: “We have the more firm prophetical word: whereunto you do well to attend, as to a light that shineth in a dark place.” He quickly got the point that the only reliable place to get what he wanted was the Bible. Shown the similarity and yet superiority of the New World Translation, he obtained a copy immediately and a study of it was started. The circuit servant, who happened to be serving congregations nearby the following two weeks, was able to conduct two more studies with him and his family before handing it over to another publisher. They made rapid progress and before long were attending the congregation meetings. He concludes by saying: “I must admit that, thanks to Jehovah and to Jehovah’s Christian witnesses, I, my wife, son and two daughters have at last come to know the truth and the only organization that teaches the pure and undefiled doctrine as mentioned in the Holy Bible, the congregation of Jehovah’s Christian witnesses. My only prayer to our heavenly Father is that he help me to gain mature knowledge as early as possible by persistent study of the Holy Bible and other aid books and thereafter assist this band of lowly and humble apostles in preaching the good news of the Kingdom.” Did Jehovah answer this prayer? Today, less than a year from the time he began studying the Bible, he is a happy, regular proclaimer of the Kingdom good news.

We wish to express our appreciation to Jehovah and his organization that, due to the generosity of our brothers, all the missionaries will have the opportunity of attending a “Peace on Earth” International Assembly near their home, and assistance was extended to some of the local special pioneers also. Further, how gratifying it was to see twelve other publishers raise the necessary funds and, despite severe travel restrictions, realise their ambition to attend the London assembly.

CHILE Population: 9,500,000

Peak Publishers: 6,450 Ratio: 1 to 1,473

On considering the joys of this service year, Jehovah’s witnesses in Chile feel as His liberated people must have felt when singing Psalm 126:3: “Jehovah has done a great thing in what he has done with us. We have become joyful.”

Not the least of our joys was Brother Knorr’s visit in December. A special talk was arranged in the delightful Velodromo stadium in Santiago, and the brothers in the city were advised. However, word got around very quickly to other parts, and 4,083 were in attendance, some coming from great distances. All were overjoyed to hear of the Society’s plans to construct a new branch building, as the present one not only is inadequate but has to give way to a new highway. During the visit a site was chosen. Since then it has been purchased and plans have been drawn up and approved for construction. At the end of the service year the foundation was being poured, and the brothers doing the work are eager to finish it as quickly as possible. The brothers throughout the country are showing great interest in this project and rejoice in this evidence of what Jehovah is doing with us.

The joy of being among Jehovah’s liberated people is seen in many experiences. One person wrote, expressing joy for what Jehovah has done for him: “Since boyhood I attended the Catholic church, but it never filled the emptiness that I felt in my heart for God. As the years passed, this emptiness only increased, and I prayed to God for the truth. Shortly thereafter, one of Jehovah’s witnesses came to our home and started a regular Bible study with my wife. When I came home from work, my wife enthusiastically told me the things she was learning. Arrangements were made so that I, too, could sit in on the study, and I found that this was exactly what I was looking for. No longer was there an emptiness in my heart for spiritual things. We quickly arranged our lives so that we could be among Jehovah’s people as a dedicated, baptized family.”

Student unrest is as prevalent in Chile as in other parts of the world, and as a result, many of these young people are seeking the true God with the desire to serve him and sing his praises. One young man came to a meeting and asked for a Bible study. He was a young university student who desired to know about the government that would bring security and happiness to mankind. He had always been interested in just government and, hoping to change things for the better, was among the leaders of the radical groups in the university. However, he soon realized that this was no way to bring about changes for a better world, so he turned to the Bible as the last hope. His joy at learning about the Kingdom government knew no bounds, and almost at once he desired to go into the field service to tell others. In addition, he talked to two other students, and they attended the home Bible study that was being conducted with him. Now this young man is conducting six Bible studies of his own, and several of them are attending meetings. He looks forward to being baptized at the national assembly in November. “Needless to say,” writes the missionary holding this study, “the Bible study with these three university students is a real delight to me.”

COLOMBIA Population: 20,462,926

Peak Publishers: 6,004 Ratio: 1 to 3,408

“‘The truth will set you free.’ (John 8:32) How clearly this was manifest when my wife and I first arrived in Colombia several years ago to serve where the need is greater,” a brother writes. “We placed a Bible with an Adventist woman. The truth quickly overcame her sincere arguments, and soon she was studying with us in the ‘Good News’ booklet. Due to our limited Spanish, we had to let the Scriptures speak for themselves. Soon she started attending meetings. One day the overseer talked on the importance of leading clean moral lives. Immediately the woman came to explain her marital situation, and soon she made her decision to separate from the man with whom she was living consensually. She continued to progress. Oftentimes she made business trips to another city, and each time she carried an ample supply of Watchtower and Awake! magazines with her to offer from door to door in her spare time. While thus engaged she met her legal husband, who accepted the magazines and quickly became interested in the truth. The truth freed him from his consensual partner, and he and his wife decided to start living together again. She got baptized and entered the pioneer service. Although an accident left him with a crushed leg, he finally got baptized after a series of operations. His wife is now a special pioneer.”

When showing the Society’s films in rural sections of the country, a circuit servant often has gratifying experiences, as reported here: “In Mata de Caña 300 persons attended the film showing. The police inspector lent us an amplifier and microphone free of charge and suggested that the film be shown in front of his house so that, if anyone tried to interrupt, he could handle the matter. Everyone listened attentively and went away with a much better opinion of our work.” “In another isolated settlement where there is a group of seven publishers just about everyone attended the film showing. They all cooperated to make it possible. The only person with an electric generator requested that the local bar and the houses that he supplied electricity to shut off their lights in order to provide sufficient current to show the film. The police inspector gave permission to use the street, so the people erected posts and used bed sheets for a screen. Three hundred and fifty attended the ‘theater’ in the street.”

“Remember, now, your grand Creator in the days of your young manhood,” Solomon wrote. (Eccl. 12:1) A mother was surprised and pleased while in the service at her ten-year-old daughter’s ability in the service. From a nearby store where she was drinking a soft drink with her young son, she kept her daughter in sight as she offered the magazines to an elderly woman. When her daughter went inside and stayed for a while the mother thought she would go to the house, but just then the girl appeared and told her mother her experience. The woman had called in her nephews to listen, she had asked questions and had taken the magazines but wanted to have the Truth book on the next visit. Upon making the back-call the mother expected to take over the study that was started, but the woman wanted the young girl to conduct it. Because opposition arose and the family burned all the woman’s literature, books have to be taken along for the weekly home Bible study. Now the woman is attending meetings regularly and is thankful for a young child’s visit to her home to acquaint her with the good news.

CONGO (Brazzaville) Population: 1,000,000

Peak Publishers: 1,366 Ratio: 1 to 732

What would you do if you were only seventeen years old, associated with an isolated group of fourteen publishers and had to walk nine miles to attend meetings at the Kingdom Hall? Would you accept the responsibility to oversee this group of publishers, of which the majority were illiterate, organize and conduct the meetings and take the lead in all features of Kingdom service even though you had not yet been baptized? This was a challenge to one young lad when the brother responsible for this group of publishers left to enter the special pioneer service. The young boy met the challenge and, as a result, his zeal and enthusiasm have stirred up three other boys about his age to cooperate wholeheartedly with him. Furthermore, these young lads have progressed rapidly toward spiritual maturity. At the beginning of the 1970 service year all four symbolized their dedication to Jehovah by water immersion.

A greater number of publishers in the Congo have shared in the vacation pioneer service during this year. The figure jumped from 296 vacation pioneers in 1968 to 519 in 1969. Many of these brothers have expressed joy over the blessings they have received in this service. The following experience is one enjoyed by a brother while engaging in vacation pioneer service.

A Bible study was started with a humble person who had accepted a book and a booklet. As the study progressed the man revealed that, as he put it, “I had fear to approach Jehovah’s witnesses after having read the contents of Matthew 24:4, 5, where it warns us of false prophets. I had the conviction that my Catholic religion was the right one. Now I see by means of this study that it is not so; rather, the contrary is true.”

As they studied, this individual’s joy increased greatly as well as his understanding of Jehovah’s purposes. His appreciation for the truth became manifest, and at each study he expressed his gratitude to Jehovah for having been directed to the true religion, which leads to eternal life.

Foreseeing that persecution awaited him, the publisher began to prepare him for this by strengthening his faith. The brother writes: “I decided to explain to him the contents of Matthew 10:36-38, part of which says: ‘Indeed, a man’s enemies will be persons of his own household.’

“As soon as we received the Truth book, we began studying it. When we came to Chapter 3, ‘Who Is God?’ his attention was particularly drawn to paragraph 23, where it quotes the apostle John’s warning: ‘Guard yourselves from idols.’ (1 John 5:21) The very next sentence asks: ‘Why not look around your home and ask yourself whether you are doing this?’ (Deut. 7:25) The following week it was a real joy to observe his home freed from its images.” He soon began to attend the meetings at the Kingdom Hall, though somewhat fearful of other members of his church who held him in high esteem as a good Catholic. Last April during his church’s Easter festival his wife wanted their baby to be presented for baptism. Her husband objected, explaining very kindly that, according to the Bible, baptism of babies is wrong. This so shocked his wife that she took the matter to the priest, who immediately requested to speak with her husband. Courageously he told the priest: “There are two authorities: that of God, which is clearly set out in the Bible, and that of the church, the one that you support. Can you give a passage in the Bible that authorizes you to baptize very young children?” To this question the priest did not even reply. This sheeplike one then added: “Neither Jesus nor his apostles baptized babies!”

This, however, was not the end of his difficulties. His brothers and his cousins, even his wife, continued opposing his stand. Despite all the attempts the priest and his family made over a period of time to make him change his decision and return to the church, he continued to grow strong in the true faith. He has been a publisher since last April and at the present time is studying the “Lamp” book in order that he may symbolize his dedication to Jehovah during our forthcoming “Peace on Earth” assembly.

CONGO (Kinshasa) Population: 17,000,000

Peak Publishers: 13,799 Ratio: 1 to 1,232

Jehovah has certainly blessed this past year of service in the Congo (Kinshasa), as we can see by the figures indicating much increase. This past year’s peak of 13,799 is a 57-percent increase over the previous year’s peak. Indeed, this is very encouraging. It also shows the great responsibility of the brothers to assist the new ones and to help them advance to maturity. But this is not an easy task, as this country is so vast, and the population speaks eight major languages and more than three hundred tribal dialects. In order to help them, we are very busy with translations and mimeograph work. But we rejoice in the fact that we are now using the magazines, the Kingdom Ministry, and other publications of the Society in five languages, and that the Society has just approved the publication of booklets into two other languages.

The assemblies are also very beneficial in helping brothers attain to maturity. This past year, in order to give a greater opportunity to everyone to take advantage of the program of the district assemblies, eight of them were organized in the country. This arrangement proved to be most profitable for the brothers, because a total attendance of more than 26,000 was counted. The program, all or in part, was presented in eight different languages. Some groups of brothers had to walk seven days, a distance of more than 200 miles one way, to get to their assembly. Others traveled two days and two nights by little canoes.

All these theocratic provisions, including the Kingdom Ministry, are really helping the brothers and other interested persons to free themselves entirely from Babylon the Great, whose hold is particularly strong in this part of the world. The Congo (Kinshasa) edition of Kingdom Ministry, which is now published in five different languages, has recently included articles to help the brothers to become completely free from the superstitious practices that are so common here, such as those connected with polygamy, worship of the dead, use of charms and other objects connected with magic and fetishism, fertility worship, rites dealing with circumcision and sexual initiation, etc. While understanding the general principles that distinguish the truth from Babylonish practices, the brothers sometimes were in doubt as to some local customs, whether they could be practiced or not. The articles in Kingdom Ministry helped them to see that certain of these customs were purely pagan and thus had to be avoided.

Another article published in Kingdom Ministry about having a balanced viewpoint on the use of alcoholic beverages seemed to help quite a few brothers, especially those who were making and selling a local strong drink. Many were unaware or did not fully realize that the government prohibited the making and selling of such a drink, and they engaged in this activity because it meant “easy” money. Because of this some of the brothers were also overindulging in drinking, but after this article was studied in the congregations, reports were received showing that the brothers completely abandoned the making and selling of this drink. They readily found other means of making a living that were in harmony with Bible principles and that did not violate Caesar’s law. In the areas where this change came about, it was also noted that the brothers were now exercising moderation in the use of alcoholic drink.

A young brother was accidentally hit on the face by a rock thrown by another youth who was throwing rocks at a mango tree in order to knock down some of the fruit. While many people passing by stopped, expecting the brother to start a fight with the one who hit him with the rock, the young brother remembered the wise counsel given at Romans 12:17, “Return evil for evil to no one,” and he remained calm. The onlookers started to mock at him, but the youth who threw the rock approached him to excuse himself and to ask the brother who he was. This gave the brother the opportunity to explain the reason behind his remaining calm and avoiding anger, and it resulted in the youth’s becoming a good friend and one interested in the truth of God’s Word.

The publishers and pioneers in the Congo appreciate the urgency of the Bible’s message, and they realize that a great work is yet to be accomplished in this vast territory, whether ‘in favorable season or in troublesome season.’—2 Tim. 4:2.

COSTA RICA Population: 1,706,115

Peak Publishers: 3,011 Ratio: 1 to 567

With deep satisfaction, our brothers in Costa Rica can look back on another outstanding year in Jehovah’s service. Despite the fact that magazines did not arrive for four months during the year due to dock strikes in various parts of the world, new peaks in magazine placements were reached and more magazines were placed than ever before.

Have you ever felt that there is not much use in trying to give a witness to a person who is more than seventy or eighty years old because such persons are generally “too set in their ways”? One special pioneer writes that she is very glad that she did not hold back. She writes: “While working in the territory I injured my leg and called to an elderly gentleman for assistance. As he assisted me to my home I took the opportunity to give him a witness about the new order and the blessings that God has in store. He was delighted with the message and came to my home the next day for more ‘good news.’ I started a Bible study with him in the Watchtower magazine. He came immediately to all the congregation meetings, and he has never missed any of the five meetings each week since then. This man was a devout Catholic who prayed daily, and his house was full of images. After just a few studies he informed me happily, ‘I’ve dumped all my images and idols into the river.’ Despite serious opposition from family and priest, he is a zealous publisher now and is seriously considering baptism despite his age which, by the way, is ninety-five.”

The Truth book is making a tremendous impression on honest-hearted persons everywhere. One missionary writes: “While doing magazine work I found a young man who took the magazines and who asked me to be sure to come back, as he had some questions that he wanted answered. When I called again he inquired: ‘Is there a true religion?’ ‘Are all religions the same?’ I quickly turned to the chapter in the Truth book entitled ‘How to Identify the True Religion,’ and we simply began to read the paragraphs together. The man shortly exclaimed, ‘This answers all my questions!’ Even though this gentleman was raised in a Catholic home for boys and had learned the doctrines and practices of the Catholic church well, by means of the Bible study he is slowly learning the truth of God’s Word from this fine Bible-study aid.” Have you tried to start a study using this publication?

With such fine equipment as the Truth and Evolution books and the new publication Is the Bible Really the Word of God? in our hands, we in Costa Rica look forward to another outstanding year in Jehovah’s service in 1970.

CUBA

Jehovah has blessed us wonderfully. In comparison with last year, we have had an increase in every feature of the work. It is not that the opposition against the ministry has slackened, but Jehovah’s people are determined to make known the good news while there is yet time.

Even efforts to stop the spread of the truth have backfired. The Witnesses have been warned that they must not preach to others, and when some have been found preaching they have been put into prison. But what has been the result? Even in prison the brothers continue to talk about the truth, and as a result more become Witnesses. When the officials try to frighten those who show interest in the message, it only increases their interest, and those who are true “sheep” grow in appreciation for the truth. So often we find that opposition helps rather than hinders the spread of the Kingdom message. Every one of us is conscious of his responsibility to Jehovah. And we know that whether we are free or in jail, or if we are beaten, kicked or even killed for the sake of the good news or because of having Bible studies in our homes, still we will have a sure reward from Jehovah.

Continued attacks are made against the ministry of Jehovah’s witnesses in an effort to turn the people away from the truth. The papers and TV programs often have articles or programs depicting the Witnesses as being cowardly or immoral, persons who are not interested in progress and uncooperative in the advancement of the country. But we know that this is far from the truth and that Jehovah’s people have a wonderful privilege in helping sincere people to find the only real hope for mankind, which is the kingdom of God. The Society’s printing equipment was confiscated during the year, and now the homes of the brothers are being invaded in an effort to seize the personal Bible-study aids of the friends. But Jehovah can see to it that his people get the spiritual food they need in due season despite all such efforts.

A Witness talked to a woman who was very discouraged by world conditions. She could not understand why there was so much wickedness. She prayed constantly, but was unsatisfied and unhappy. So the Witness read her the scripture at John 17:3 and showed her how to study the Bible. She replied that she knew that Jehovah’s witnesses did not believe in the “saints” and she said she could not abandon her belief in the “saints” as it was a mission left to her by her mother. The sister showed her that God has the right to tell us how he wants us to worship him, showing her John 4:24. The importance of getting a knowledge of the truth was stressed, to help her see if what she believed was correct and pleasing to God. That same night the lady started to read the Bible. Every night she read from it and from the Paradise book. After a week she confided that she had not offered flowers or prayers to the “saints” since the last visit and that even her neighbors were surprised. That week she came to the public talk and the service meeting with her family.

At the next study the woman explained that she had been to the point of making herself a saint. For this she would have to pay a great deal of money; she would always dress in white with collars of different colors around her neck, and offer animal sacrifices. But now she wondered what to do. So the sister showed her what the Bible said about such things and how she could be pleasing to Jehovah. As a result, the woman cleaned her house of two bucketfuls of Babylonish imagery and now talks about the truth to others. Her daughters are also showing interest in the truth. She has lost some of her worldly friends, but she is happy now to have a truly Christian home. As the sister who made the call commented, “Now I can see how the angels guide our steps to find the ‘sheep.’”

CYPRUS Population: 613,000

Peak Publishers: 538 Ratio: 1 to 1,139

The situation in Cyprus still remains unsettled. About 4,500 soldiers from the U.N. are still on the island trying to keep the peace, but real peace comes to one only when he studies the Bible and gets to know the God of Peace, Jehovah. For Jehovah’s witnesses, this past year was a comparatively quiet one, and the brothers worked hard. (Acts 9:31) Our joy was great when we surpassed the 500-mark in publishers. In fact, in April we had ten more publishers than our 20-percent goal of 528.

Many Cypriots do not want religion to meddle in politics or in commerce, as they do in Cyprus, and they show their disapproval by not going to church. Others follow the worldwide trend of indifference and disbelief in God, and so, few, mainly old women, go to church today. Many are seeking something better, but their efforts, not being directed toward the Bible, are in vain. Jehovah’s witnesses keep on going from house to house, treasuring this freedom that is still ours, but we are facing a wall-like barrier of prejudice, which the priests and teachers have erected against us. People, usually, as is the case in small places, are afraid of the truth. They fear lest we prove them wrong, fear lest they have to change from something they followed for a long time, but their greatest fear is of man and his ridicule if they accept the truth. For one to be a witness for Jehovah in a small place one needs to be courageous. Really, we understand why God puts first the “cowards” among those who will not inherit the blessings of his kingdom, saying: “But as for the cowards . . . their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur.”—Rev. 21:8.

Apart from the 72,056 hours of witnessing, what a great heap of witness was given in Nicosia, the capital, when every weekend from thirty to fifty brothers came to build a three-story building that now serves as the Bethel home and office of the Society! The neighbors have seen what brotherly love can achieve. We were thrilled and honored to have Brother Franz, the vice-president of the Society, come to Cyprus at the end of August 1969, to deliver the dedication talk for this beautiful building.

A brother writes: “My wife and I started a study with a woman. Her husband joined us and he learned the truth. He started to speak to the other members of his family, his brothers and sisters; eight persons started to publish this year from this one family. One Sunday as I was returning with this new publisher from the work, we met the priest in his mother’s house. He was trying to persuade the family not to become Jehovah’s witnesses. The priest started to speak to us about Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, how faithful they were, and he finished by saying that we must be faithful to the holy trinity too. I explained to him that those men were faithful to Jehovah, the same God we are worshiping and not to the trinity, and asked him to show us even once the word trinity in the Bible. After some discussion on the subject, the priest became angry, threatened us, then got in his car and left. After the priest’s visit, four more from this family became publishers, making a total of twelve.”

DAHOMEY Population: 2,400,000

Peak Publishers: 1,608 Ratio: 1 to 1,493

The past service year for Jehovah’s people here in Dahomey has been a most encouraging one. Its beginning saw the new branch home come into full operation, and the blessing of Jehovah has been evident in the steady increase of publishers. Also the Society arranged for five local brothers as well as the missionaries to travel to the international assemblies. This was very much appreciated by all the brothers in the country and should prove to be a further stimulus to the work here.

God’s Word has power in “overturning strongly entrenched things . . . reasonings and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God.” (2 Cor. 10:4, 5) One of such “reasonings” is polygamy, which is a real problem here. One special pioneer wrote the Society after a few months in his new assignment: “We find that almost everyone here has at least three wives and some even have ten.” This can make the preaching of the good news very difficult, but the pioneer is pressing on to find those who will listen to God’s Word and let it help them to make the necessary changes in their lives in order that they might please God.

The pioneer tells us about such an interested person. “A study was started with a farmer after placing a magazine with him. At the first study it was found that this farmer had three wives. They began to hotly dispute what the Bible taught because they knew that their position would be affected if their ‘husband’ took the Bible seriously. The pioneer’s appeal to the Bible was so clear, however, that the farmer asked him to continue to come and study with him despite the opposition from his wives. After just a few studies the brother was thrilled to see the power of God’s Word making changes in the household. The farmer received him one day for the study with only one wife present. Although she had strongly opposed the truth at first, she now agreed to join the study. Now this farmer has a theocratic household, having legally married his first wife. At the last circuit assembly he symbolized his dedication to Jehovah and is now a zealous publisher. His wife is also attending the meetings regularly and is preparing herself to be baptized soon.”

A missionary relates how the Bible gave a young schoolteacher the strength to make a wise choice when the necessity arose. Although a Catholic, he was greatly disappointed because of the church’s many false teachings. A study was quickly arranged and soon he began to make excellent progress, appreciating the Bible and its wisdom more each day. During one of the studies the question of celebrations and birthdays came up. The missionary showed him from the Bible why a Christian does not take part in celebrations if they find their roots in paganism. A short time later his family decided to have a big celebration of his birthday because of his scholastic success. What would the young man do now? When the first visitors arrived he explained that he was getting ready to attend the meeting of Jehovah’s witnesses, which he had been doing for some weeks. At that meeting he enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School. Happy and greatly fortified by this forward step, he returned home where the party was in full swing. There he greeted all the guests and then quietly disappeared to his room, where he remained during all the rest of the festivities. After this forward step, he never looked back again. At the last circuit assembly he was baptized. There he said: “Now I am sure that I have reached the last step in my ‘voyage’ to find the right religion.”

The power of God’s Word can help us with many of our problems when we allow it to guide our steps, as testified to by this experience from a pioneer working in his new assignment. While preaching from house to house, he met an interested man. But during their discussion of the Bible, a second man came up and began beating the interested man. The pioneer learned that the interested man had just taken the other man’s wife away from him. He suggested that the two men stop their fighting so they could see what the Bible would say in this case. The two men finally agreed, and the pioneer was able to show them what the Bible says about no one separating a husband and wife. The man who had taken the other man’s wife admitted he had done wrong and returned the man’s wife to him. A Bible study was then arranged in the home of each man. Both men became very interested and in a few weeks were attending the meetings regularly, accompanied by the first man’s wife. Now both men are preparing to be baptized at the next circuit assembly. Certainly those who heed the Bible’s wise counsel find peace.

DENMARK Population: 4,873,091

Peak Publishers: 11,932 Ratio: 1 to 408

As we entered the spring campaign the brothers had great expectations because, in addition to Memorial activity and the fine public talk, we would also be distributing the special Awake! “Is It Later than You Think?” Enthusiasm built up until finally there were 1,855 vacation pioneers, making a total of more than 2,200 in full-time service. And we placed more than 545,000 magazines, nearly 200,000 more than during the previous April campaign.

We got the Evolution book late in March, and during April alone we placed more than 27,000 copies, which is excellent in view of the fact that we placed only 19,700 books during the entire previous year.

Sincere prayers helped a Salvation Army soldier get the truth, but it took awhile. Back in 1942 when he was dedicated as a Salvation Army soldier he prayed sincerely to be led of God. “I took my dedication seriously and also the point of instruction which urged prayer and Bible reading to know which way to go. I prayed to God to show me the right way. No sooner had I finished when someone knocked at the door and outside a young girl presented The Watchtower, which I took but never read. When the Salvation Army could not help me to understand the Bible, I left them and soon emigrated to Canada with my family. On the ship I sincerely prayed for the second time for God to lead my steps and, if there was a true religion, to lead me to it. On arriving in Canada we wanted help to find an inexpensive apartment. I phoned the Danish priest to see if he could help me. I dialed the wrong number apparently, because when I asked if it was the priest, the man replied: ‘No, at least not in the sense you likely mean.’ A friendly man explained that he was one of Jehovah’s witnesses, and I explained our problem to him. Within half an hour this man picked us up in a car and drove us to a fully furnished house that we could live in. That evening he brought some food items and copies of The Watchtower and a book. I was convinced that God had sent these people in answer to my prayers, but soon I moved to another part of the country and lost contact.”

Later, on returning to Denmark, this man saw a copy of The Watchtower while visiting a friend. The friend had studied a short time, then quit; he was convinced it was the truth but felt he could not live up to it. This impressed the man so much that he prayed the third time to God to lead him to the truth. He stated: “That very evening two publishers called on me and a study was started. Now I know that I have found the truth and only ask that Jehovah will use me in his work here in this ‘time of the end.’”

By a publisher’s showing kindness, a blind person came to “see.” The sister was in the hospital. One day all patients were to be weighed. As they waited, the sister noticed a girl crying, so she asked if there was some way she could help her. The girl replied that she was blind and unhappy, but she responded quickly to kindness, and soon the two were good friends. Every day they talked about the truth, and the young girl showed a real desire to gain spiritual sight. Later they were separated, but the sister sent the girl’s new address to the Society’s office and soon a study was started. She was baptized at our international assembly in August and has put forth a great effort to help other blind ones to see the light of truth. Already a young Greenlandic girl is being helped.

A study in the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life helped save a marriage. A couple in the full-time ministry contacted a woman with whom the wife soon started a Bible study. The woman explained that her marriage was about to break up, and she and her husband were separating. The sister urged her to do all she could to preserve the marriage, especially because they had three children. The sister also talked to her husband about the problem and he then talked to the husband of this woman. Even though the man did not believe in God, he turned out to be friendly and receptive. This couple were very impressed to note that, while most of their closest relatives and friends encouraged them to separate, it was Jehovah’s witnesses who encouraged them to follow Bible principles and try to preserve the marriage. A Bible study was arranged in April, with the husband also attending. On one occasion their fourteen-year-old son came to them with the Truth book and showed his parents Chapter 20, on building a happy family life, and encouraged them to try to follow it. In the course of one month the man really began to believe that God lives, and the whole family are now making good progress in the truth. They were in attendance at the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly in Copenhagen.

Denmark also looks after the witness work in the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

FAROE ISLANDS Population: 37,122

Peak Publishers: 45 Ratio: 1 to 825

The feeling of family and community solidarity was expressed when a sister who was a local Faroe Islander died. Though most people would never think of attending a meeting of the Witnesses, no fewer than 185 attended the funeral, the highest attendance ever for a talk by Jehovah’s witnesses. Many had to stand outside listening through open windows to hear what was said. A fine witness was given to the neighbors, many business people as well as a clergyman and other prominent members of local churches. Never had these heard so much Bible truth concerning the resurrection hope. As a result, the Witnesses are finding many more hearing ears in the territory.

On another of the small islands it drew quite a bit of attention when a local Faroe Island woman and her fourteen-year-old daughter began to witness. The local priest, also a near relative, asked this woman: “Who teaches the children Christianity now that they are excused from religious instruction in school?” “Their mother,” was the reply. He responded: “Then why are you still a member of the church when you prefer to be one of Jehovah’s witnesses?” When he learned that this would soon be changed, he explained that he should have visited the woman, especially since she was a near relative, but he had so much to do. (His house is about fifty yards from hers.) This woman has now followed the suggestion of the priest and has withdrawn from church membership.

One publisher brought his family from Denmark to serve where the need is great and opened a small barber shop. Now, while it can be difficult enough for an outsider to work up business and overcome local reserve, yet he experienced no problem when along with the usual display of newspapers and magazines he had copies of The Watchtower and Awake! on display. He states that, even when there are several customers in the shop, The Watchtower and Awake! are the most read magazines. He has witnessed to many and placed many books and magazines, since customers often ask for them.

The fifty-seven who attended the assembly in Copenhagen were much encouraged by it. Many had never seen more than a few fellow believers and now suddenly to sit among more than 30,000 every day was overwhelming.

GREENLAND Population: 43,792

Peak Publishers: 27 Ratio: 1 to 1,622

During the past service year several more families moved from Denmark to Greenland to serve where the need is great, but still there are publishers in only two towns in Greenland. The two special pioneer couples work together with the little congregation in Godthåb the largest town in the country, in hopes of establishing a stronger group before reaching out to other territory. During the summer, as opportunity avails, they travel along the coast visiting small villages, and, in addition, they make use of letter writing to reach out to the far distant isolated stations.

The congregation overseer in Godthåb sent a letter with some booklets and tracts to a man living several hundred kilometers away. Finally two years later came a reply from the man thanking the brother very much for his letter and apologizing for not having answered sooner. He had enjoyed the booklets very much and read them to his children in the evenings before bedtime. He also ordered all other literature published in the Greenlandic language.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Population: 4,070,100

Peak Publishers: 3,144 Ratio: 1 to 1,295

Throughout the earth very little peace can be found. However, there is one group of peace-loving people, the Christian witnesses of Jehovah. Peace is being increased to them through their accurate knowledge of the Bible, and the brothers in the Dominican Republic take this opportunity to express their gratitude to the Society for the loving provision of the “Peace on Earth” assemblies and the new publications, which help them to draw ever closer in their united bond of peace.

There has been a good increase in publishers, with a peak of 3,144 in the month of August. But outstanding this service year has been the number of Bible studies conducted, reaching nearly 6,000 per month.

Sometimes it takes many years for the seeds of peace to sprout, as the following experience shows: “It was in the year 1949 that two missionaries brought the message of truth for the first time to my house. Since the missionary home was only two blocks from my home and business, they frequently preached at my home as well as bought at my store, so I was acquainted with Jehovah’s witnesses, but I was not interested in their message.

“In 1959 my wife began to study with them, and although there was much opposition to their work because of the dictator, Trujillo, I permitted my wife to study, knowing they were good people, but still I had no interest myself. In 1964 I studied for a while with the Witnesses, but could not see the importance of it, so I stopped my study.

“However, in 1966 things changed for me. I moved to a new section just outside the capital. The Witnesses asked permission to use my home as a meeting place for an isolated group, which is now the Southwest unit of the Santo Domingo congregation. It was in this year during the visit of the circuit servant that I began to think seriously about Jehovah’s will. This brother knew I liked fishing and talked to me about the value of fishing for men. So now I am using a new kind of fishing pole, the Bible, to ‘hook’ men out of this dying ‘sea’ of humanity.”

This brother works for the telephone company, and during the month of April he placed 102 Truth books and six Bibles with fellow workers in the company. So, after many years the patient watering of the seeds of peace has produced peaceful fruitage in the life of this person.

How many have tried to start a home Bible study on the first visit when the only literature placed was a tract? One brother, a circuit servant in the northern part of the country, found satisfying results from trying this method. While visiting an isolated group, a study was started with the lady of the house in the tract Life in God’s New Order. Since the husband was not home, the brother went back that same week, found the husband and explained the home Bible-study arrangement, leaving this study to be conducted by a publisher in the group.

On his next circuit visit to this group, to his surprise, the man, woman and two children were at the Kingdom Hall. The couple are preaching and the children are making fine progress in the study. Now the man is conducting a study with another married couple who have already seen the need of leaving behind Babylonish practices and have stopped worshiping images and smoking. All this resulted from starting a study on the initial visit in one of the Society’s tracts.

ECUADOR Population: 5,508,000

Peak Publishers: 2,501 Ratio: 1 to 2,202

The religious upheaval in the Catholic church in South America has been strongly felt in Ecuador. Although the common people opened their eyes to many religious falsehoods and practices a long time ago, it is only in recent years that they have really felt the freedom they now enjoy to make an unhindered investigation of the Bible. Even many of the clergy, instead of threatening them with punishment, now encourage their parishioners to read the Bible and study with Jehovah’s witnesses.

Not only the clergy, but also the common people, recognize that Jehovah’s witnesses are authorities on Bible truth. In one neighborhood where an active publisher lives, a man bought a Bible and attended some Adventist tent meetings. Other neighbors who knew of this informed our brother. Because of the previous background of the man who had bought the Bible they no doubt were curious to know what Jehovah’s witnesses could do with him. So one Sunday after the meeting the brother made the acquaintance of this man and began a conversation on the Bible. During the following week they had three further meetings, and a Bible study was started in the Truth book, the man himself setting a limit of two months to determine whether the Witnesses have the truth. That Friday he accompanied the brother to a meeting. The following week, in addition to attending meetings, he went with the publisher on some back-calls as an observer and heard objections of both Protestants and a Catholic priest overcome. After a discussion with the Adventist pastor on Christmas, in which the pastor admitted that they still had some paganism left in their church, there remained no doubt as to who had the truth. Shortly after this came the New Year celebrations when people follow the custom of burning effigies of the old year. Normally these effigies represent political or socially prominent persons who have figured in the most outstanding events of the year. This time the people of the neighborhood made effigies of the brother and his Bible student. The brother was represented as a shepherd with the text of John 10:27 on his chest; the Bible student was represented as a sheep. While some considered this a means of mocking the brother, most spoke out in defense of Jehovah’s witnesses, saying: “They are good people, better than we are. Look at the change they have made in our neighbor.” Yes, they had before them a living example of a man who used to drink, fight and spend his time away from home but who had now changed almost to the point of being unrecognizable. This man continues to make excellent progress, attending all meetings, giving student talks and sharing in the ministry. He now awaits our national assembly for this year to be baptized.

One of the missionaries began a Bible study with a person on his magazine route. The study was started in the man’s car in a parking lot, but after the first study he invited the missionary to come to his home to study with the entire family. Unknown to the missionary, there were serious difficulties in the family, but for the first two weeks everyone was present for the study. The following week the son was missing and, on making inquiry, the missionary found out that the father had ordered him to leave home because of the disharmony that existed. The mother was very upset about this and asked the missionary to continue studying with the son. The son was located and, although now studying engineering in the university, he arranged to study twice each week after classes. Both father and son progressed rapidly in their separate studies and within a few weeks they were both seeing things in a different light, and the father asked the son to return home. The son began to publish, and interest in his university studies diminished. Three months later he was baptized and, although he had to wait another three months in order to become a vacation pioneer, he put in pioneer time anyway. After being a publisher for six months he became a vacation pioneer, and six months after baptism entered the regular pioneer ranks. He now consistently reports some 150 hours and eleven Bible studies every month. The father was baptized also and is an outstanding publisher; the mother and daughter are also sharing in the ministry regularly.

There is little to report from the Galápagos Islands this year, because the publishers who work there spent most of the year crossing the Atlantic in a 45-foot yacht that they acquired in England to help them earn a living and facilitate their preaching work on the islands. They returned recently, bringing with them two pioneers who have come from England to serve where the need is greater. As soon as they arrived, some people from the interior of the island of Santa Cruz heard that they had returned and sent two young men to find them and get four Bibles, four Truth books and four copies of any other publication, evidently for the purpose of arranging group studies. One of the young men who came as a messenger asked the brothers if they would baptize him. Of course, the meaning of baptism and some of the requirements were explained to him, and arrangements have now been made for the brothers to travel up into the hills to help these persons in their quest for the truth that leads to eternal life.

EL SALVADOR Population: 3,324,552

Peak Publishers: 1,376 Ratio: 1 to 2,416

The theme for the international assemblies of Jehovah’s witnesses around the world this year was “Peace on Earth,” and this has certainly been an appropriate one for the Witnesses in El Salvador. In a relatively quiet country, all of a sudden war broke out with Honduras in the middle of July. Unsettled conditions, nevertheless, have neither stopped nor slowed down the work of these active ministers, who have given the greatest testimony ever in El Salvador.

The “little blue book,” as the brothers here call the Truth book, has indeed proved to be a blessing in the field. It contributed a great deal to the increased placement of books during the year, which was more than double the highest number of books ever placed in one year, as well as to the highest number of Bible studies ever conducted with interested people here. It has shown people the urgency of abandoning false religion, as is demonstrated in the following experience: A Bible study was started with a young woman whose mother had previously shown opposition to the Kingdom message. As the study went on, the mother of the young woman was invited to attend the study, which she did out of courtesy. When considering the material in the Truth book dealing with religious images and pictures she realized that the images and pictures she had had for so long a time would have to be destroyed. Even some that she considered to be of great personal importance were taken out and destroyed that very same day. To the surprise of the publisher conducting the study, a son of this woman knocked at his door later that evening with something in his hands. He said: “Here are a few more images we did not get around to destroying this afternoon.” This woman is now dedicated and baptized, and she is regularly telling others about the truth that leads to eternal life.

That people of all kinds are interested in seeing true peace established upon the earth was seen in a family of three living in rural territory. A Bible study was started with the man, who is a crop-duster pilot, his wife and daughter, during one of their visits to the capital. Soon opposition from other members of the family came, particularly from another daughter, who is married but who would come to their farm visiting them regularly on weekends. Noticing the change as to the things they wanted to do during that time she was with them, that is, going to the meetings and also in the field service to tell others about the truth, she would tell them that they must be crazy if they were thinking of leaving their former religion, not taking advantage of their advanced years when they could ‘take it easy and enjoy life.’ However, this did not stop the family from their weekly study nor from traveling twenty-five miles each way to attend the meetings at the nearest Kingdom Hall three times a week. It was a joy to see the three of them symbolize their dedication by water baptism at a recent circuit assembly. Now everybody around the farm where they live knows about the Witnesses, and some of the neighbors have also begun studying and are attending meetings with them.

FIJI Population: 512,062

Peak Publishers: 403 Ratio: 1 to 1,271

Among the 800 enchanting tropical islands comprising Fiji, American Samoa, Cook, Gilbert and Ellice, New Caledonia, New Hebrides, Niue, Tahiti, Tonga and Western Samoa, which are populated by 1,105,393 people, Jehovah’s witnesses, during the past year, increased from 745 to 880, shrinking the ratio from 1,409 down to 1,256 inhabitants for every Kingdom publisher. A thrilling event for these joyful proclaimers of the good news was the dedication of their new branch building at Suva, capital of Fiji, from which their enthusiastic activity is administered in the above-named islands. With keen anticipation, they look forward to the next notable theocratic event in the South Pacific, the two international assemblies, one to be held at Suva and the other at Papeete, Tahiti. They enjoyed many fine experiences during the year and wish to share the following with you.

Do you, as parents, feel that your children are too young to be able to give effective sermons? Be encouraged by this fine result of a youngster’s competent delivery: A girl of twelve years, while at an assembly, went out in the field service and was able to witness effectively to a man and his family, placing literature with them. Dutifully she submitted a proper back-call follow-up slip so that proper attention could be given them by the local congregation. A brother, on following up this interest, was told by the man that he and his family were deeply impressed by the twelve-year-old child’s ability to deliver a lucid explanation of scriptures, while he, a father of a family, knew practically nothing of the Bible, let alone preaching about it! It inspired him to make an effort to learn about the Bible, because, if a child was capable of doing it, so could he. He and his family quickly progressed in their studies and soon he was almost as capable at delivering door-to-door sermons as the youngster. That young sister, now fourteen years old, was delighted to see the man stand with her and others to answer two questions before being baptized at a recent circuit assembly.

The Truth book, with its streamlined study course, helped a woman who had studied three years without results become a publisher and helped her husband into the truth as well. During this period her husband was away at sea, and when he returned he showed no interest in religion. As suggested by the sister studying with her, she requested her husband to help her prepare the study material each week in the Truth book, as his knowledge of English was superior to hers. The material appealed to her husband as well as herself, and before long he attended meetings with her. The study was changed to a family one, too. She has now begun publishing, and he is making fine progress and is already talking to others. Could you use this suggestion if your situation is similar?

AMERICAN SAMOA Population: 26,000

Peak Publishers: 46 Ratio: 1 to 565

In this land, which claims to be 100 percent Christian, it has been a rare thing over the years to find someone not affiliated with any church. In fact, in years past, publishers were discouraged in going from house to house Sunday mornings, for they found very few people at home as most were at church. But today there are getting to be more and more who are fleeing from Babylon the Great as they see through the deception with which she has surrounded herself.

A young man was found in territory that had been covered every two months. His inherited Congregationalist faith was dead; Mormonism to him, after five years of study, was illogical; Adventists were contradictory, and the Catholic church, he learned after marriage to a Catholic girl, was not Bible-based. With an open mind he listened to what the Witnesses taught. So many were his questions that for weeks it was impossible to conduct a methodical study with him. He was especially appreciative to learn how one can corroborate the truth of Bible doctrine with science, mathematics and even grammar, and that false religion is wrong on all these points. The thing that really clinched his appreciation was the reliability and dependability of the Witnesses. As an electronics man, his work took him fixing television sets, pinball machines and jukeboxes at unscheduled hours, and the brother conducting the study always endeavored to fit in with this. One extremely bad night, in the midst of a fierce storm, the brother arrived as usual for the study. On the way his umbrella had blown inside out twice, and during the study the roof of a neighbor’s kitchen was blown away. This reliability impressed the young man. He thought: If these Witnesses are willing to come in such inclement weather they must have something of real value. A regular study was then started. His wife joined him, and both began attending meetings.

COOK ISLANDS Population: 19,250

Peak Publishers: 9 Ratio: 1 to 2,139

It is gratifying to see the Kingdom work moving ahead in this country where twenty-three persons attended the April special talk, twenty-five came to the Memorial and an average of twenty support the weekly Watchtower study.

GILBERT AND ELLICE ISLANDS Population: 50,000

Peak Publishers: 10 Ratio: 1 to 5,000

Twenty-five islands, spread over 2,000,000 square miles of central Pacific Ocean, make up the Gilbert and Ellice island group. The group of brothers in the Ellice Islands is located on Funafuti. Although no Society publications in their language are available, these brothers are able to use The Watchtower, Bible and some booklets that are printed in Samoan, a closely related Polynesian tongue. Their circuit servant speaks to them in Samoan. Material translated from Sermon Outlines is provided for use at meetings, for personal study and for carrying on the preaching activity.

NEW CALEDONIA Population: 100,579

Peak Publishers: 137 Ratio: 1 to 734

The brothers in New Caledonia had an occasion for great rejoicing this year. In January 1969, for the first time since the work began in that country, the government lifted the ban on Awake! Needless to say, the brothers have since inundated the Fiji branch office with subscriptions for it.

A woman being studied with felt she could not progress because her husband’s atheistic outlook hindered her. However, she was encouraged to show her husband how world conditions were accurately foretold in detail by the Bible. She also used the book “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial” to show how accurate and specific the Bible is in giving factual details on locations of cities and other things. As a result, the husband became so engrossed in research on archaeology that he was stirred to relate back to his wife his own findings, to the mutual interest of both of them. The outcome of this was that his wife was stimulated by him to progress appreciably in her studies and meeting attendance, and he himself has now attended public discourses on the Bible and is reading it as well.

NEW HEBRIDES Population: 76,500

Peak Publishers: 12 Ratio: 1 to 6,375

In this group of islands it has been easy for people to ignore the rest of the world. However, it is becoming noticeable that some who were once active Catholics are now disturbed over the present state of affairs in the church and are more inclined toward Bible discussions or having Bible studies. A tract, published by the Society in Pidgin English, has recently become available. As Pidgin English is the communication language of people who speak different dialects and languages, the brothers are finding it to be a great aid in teaching the Bible.

The group study has now been divided into two, one in Pidgin English, attended by local brothers who are learning to be more capable in expressing themselves in this language, and the other in French and English. Two sisters who vacation pioneered for a month recently did a great deal to help the group and were able to care for many who manifested an interest in studying the Bible.

NIUE Population: 5,258

Peak Publishers: 15 Ratio: 1 to 351

Diagnoses by doctors that one may lose one’s life without a blood transfusion should not induce one to break God’s commandments. Facing a crisis just before the birth of her baby, a sister was told by her doctor that she needed an operation but that first she was in urgent need of blood to save her life. She refused a blood transfusion, saying she had every confidence that she could pull through without it. The doctor finally had to operate without blood and the sister recovered. However, beside her in the hospital was a clergyman’s wife who accepted a blood transfusion when she was operated on. She was very ill for a month thereafter and nearly lost her life. On the other hand, the sister recovered enough to be on her feet the day after her operation and was confined to bed for only three days.

TAHITI Population: 98,315

Peak Publishers: 132 Ratio: 1 to 745

A very warm Pacific Islands’ welcome, combining a mixture of Polynesian charm and French sophistication, awaits delegates to one of two international assemblies being held in Fiji branch territory this year. The assembly in Tahiti will have its own uniqueness, and its warm South Seas atmosphere will be certain to charm visiting delegates.

If groups of brothers take time off to travel some weekends, territory not often covered can be worked and sheeplike persons cared for. Brothers in the Papeete congregation enjoy doing this. Once a month up to fifty traverse a stretch of sea to work Mooréa, an island said to have inspired “Bali Hai” of the musical “South Pacific.” Strikingly beautiful with its sheer, jagged mountains and cliffs, Mooréa supports 4,500 warm and hospitable inhabitants, extremely receptive to the truth. Excellent studies started are showing good promise. Working this island has expanded the territory for the congregation, as the main island on which the Papeete congregation is located is regularly covered every three weeks. Good increase has resulted as sheeplike ones have rapidly been drawn to God’s organization.

TONGA Population: 77,429

Peak Publishers: 19 Ratio: 1 to 4,075

One should not be slow to fulfill a vow, the Bible counsels. This can have the effect of awakening interest of others in the truth. A brother was punctual about repaying a business loan, and this roused curiosity in the lender as to why he felt so conscientious about repaying it at the stipulated time when others were not so scrupulous, although it would have immeasurably pleased him if they were. The brother explained that he was now a true Christian and that as such he was Scripturally obligated to carry out Bible commands regarding honesty. His listener was duly impressed and was pleased to accept a Bible and another book. Later the moneylender related this incident to others at his work place. When the brother made a back-call on the moneylender he found that his coworkers also wanted copies of the New World Translation, and six were placed with them. On the next back-call he placed even more literature with them.

WESTERN SAMOA Population: 140,000

Peak Publishers: 97 Ratio: 1 to 1,443

Just four months’ study in the Truth book was enough to help a young couple differentiate between true religion and the false. About seven years ago the young couple studied the truth, but because of family opposition and pressure from their church they discontinued the study. While offering free home Bible studies to householders, a sister met the wife and a study was begun again, using the Truth book. A few studies later the husband joined them. A month later this couple began attending meetings. Family and church opposition started again. The wife’s mother threatened to do something to her if she persisted in going to meetings. A lay preacher’s wife asked one of this couple’s children where the parents went on certain nights. On being told by the seven-year-old child that his parents went to Jehovah’s witnesses’ meetings, she told him to tell his mother to quit attending meetings, otherwise she would be expelled from the village community. Neither of these threats affected the couple. Soon after this their priest visited them while the study was in progress. Enraged, he ordered the pioneer to leave and never to bother “his sheep” or enter the house again. The pioneer politely informed him that she would not leave; it was not his house and it was up to the couple, not him, to terminate her visits to them. Further, he had no right to order others around while not in his own home. Because of the faith that the couple had built due to the help of the Truth book, the husband said to the priest: “We know enough to realize we must study the Bible to get everlasting life, and this is what we would like to do.” The priest later returned with his bishop, but their efforts to deter the couple were to no avail. Within four months they began publishing, and they plan to be baptized at the international assembly in Fiji in November.

FINLAND Population: 4,696,211

Peak Publishers: 10,232 Ratio: 1 to 459

The number of those attending the Copenhagen assembly was a surprise to us. When the time came for the public address, there were 8,165 in the Finnish section to hear it, in addition to about 250 Finnish-Swedes in the Swedish section. The brothers greatly appreciated the abundant spiritual food and water of truth that they received at the convention. The new book Is the Bible Really the Word of God? was a great surprise to them, as they are used to receiving the Finnish editions some time after the English publication.

A publisher met a family who believed that a better society was possible through the ideology of communism. Although the family was strongly under the spell of that ideology, they still had a weak faith in God. At first they only took a few magazines at the door, and short discussions were had with varying success. The man had formed the opinion that Jehovah’s witnesses were strongly in favor of a capitalistic society and had no sympathy for anyone who had a different view of things. Of course, Jehovah’s witnesses’ neutral stand on the political goals and other endeavors of this world were explained to him. When the Truth book was released, the publisher decided to suggest a six-month course, which they accepted. After a few evenings of study, the publisher suggested opening and closing with prayer, and they agreed to that. After each study they expressed their joy at the things they had learned. The man especially expressed his gratitude. “I would not have believed that anything so interesting could be learned from you.” “People certainly do not know what a fine message you have to present.” “How could something like this have remained unnoticed by me before?” are some of the thoughts he has expressed at the conclusion of a study. Although the study has been conducted for only three months so far, they have already begun to attend meetings.

As the community and false religion cannot offer any future, many young ones have lost their hope in life and have become rebellious. They express this attitude in their manner of dress and their way of life. One young girl adopted this sort of rebellious attitude and ran away from home. Her style of dress was the same as most modern radicals. Her parents were very worried about her and asked the help of the police in getting the girl home. The police succeeded in finding her, but it proved to be useless, as she ran away time and again. Then she happened to meet a young pioneer sister who started to tell her about a better society that would replace this old one. She explained that the promise of such a society is true and why it is possible to trust in the promises that God has given. The girl wanted to hear more, so a regular Bible study was started with her. Soon the influence of the study began to be noticeable. First of all, she left the bad company she had been keeping. She contacted her home and let her parents know that she had met Jehovah’s witnesses, for which her parents were glad. Miniskirts, which had been exceptionally short, did not belong in her wardrobe anymore. After studying for three months, she became a regular attender at the meetings. When the study had continued for about five months, she was ready to begin publishing the good news. When it was announced in the congregation that those interested persons who intended to symbolize their dedication by baptism in water at the Danish convention should report to the congregation overseer, she was among the first. She was full of zeal when she said to the sister with whom she studies: “Just think, I will come back from the Danish convention a sister.” And that is what happened.

The good and balanced conduct of Jehovah’s witnesses, even after losing their jobs because of being Witnesses, brings results. An experience, told by a woman who was employed in the place of a sister, is interesting. She says: “When I went to interview the manager, I was told: ‘The woman in whose place you have been employed has become one of Jehovah’s witnesses and I want to get rid of her as soon as possible, as she causes difficulties for me.’ So when the woman in question was introduced to me I was very interested to see how strange Jehovah’s witnesses really were, so that they even had to lose their jobs. I was surprised when she instructed me conscientiously and in an admirably thorough way in my job. She did not say one word of complaint about the manager of the firm and did not gossip about her fellow workers. She was friendly to everyone, even when her religion was disparaged. I could soon see that she did not cause any difficulties for anyone. As I watched her balanced attitude in different situations, I became convinced that her ability to stand bad treatment came from her religion. I thought that perhaps she had been misusing her employer’s time, and I decided to put her to the test. I asked her to tell me about her religion. She briefly answered some of the questions I asked and then said, ‘Could we continue our discussion after working hours, as I would like to tell you more about these things?’ We met for this purpose several times, but soon I realized that the Bible study that had been suggested was essential, and so it was started in my home on a regular basis. My relatives began to oppose me, but, on the other hand, my husband admitted that I had become a better wife, as I had started to apply Bible principles in my life. Now I am a dedicated witness for Jehovah, and my employer got one of Jehovah’s witnesses in place of one of Jehovah’s witnesses. I have not yet lost my job, however.”

FRANCE Population: 49,778,540

Peak Publishers: 32,171 Ratio: 1 to 1,547

The past service year has been one of the best for Jehovah’s witnesses, for in April we were able to report, “We made it!” with a fine new peak of 32,171 publishers. The highlight of the year was the international assembly held in Colombes, near Paris. In all respects this was the greatest Christian assembly ever held in France.

Jehovah has even made it possible for people to learn the truth through the mouth of a child five years of age. A sister took her son to be registered at the infant school, and she informed the schoolmistress of their religion. The schoolmistress asked in a slightly mocking tone how the name Jehovah was spelled. Later she began to question the child concerning his faith. The child replied with pleasure, because in his home he was used to answering questions put to him by his mother when studying the Paradise book with him. One day he told the schoolmistress that the resurrection would take place on the earth and that there would even be animals in paradise. This woman was a strong Catholic, but she was shaken by the seriousness and the conviction of this child of five years. One day she called the teacher from the neighboring class, and having set this child upon her knees, she got him to repeat before the whole class what he knew about the resurrection. Then she questioned the other children, but not one of them was able to give her an answer. She then arranged to see the mother of this child and asked her how she was able to teach her young child so many things. The sister took the opportunity to give a good witness, and from that day on, she has regularly taken the schoolmistress the Awake! magazine. Later, visits were made on her at her home and a home Bible study was started. Now her husband and daughter, who is fifteen years of age, attend this study.

Another sister explained that she was going through a very difficult period when she heard of the truth for the first time. Her husband was a hard drinker and often had terrible fits of temper. He took no interest in the children, and family life became impossible. She was contemplating a separation from her husband when she came into contact with the truth. She accepted a study, understood the importance of attending the meetings, dedicated her life to Jehovah and symbolized this by being baptized. Then, with Jehovah’s help, she set out to save her husband. This was not easy. Her husband obliged her to be in the house when he was there. Appreciating the importance of the meetings, she had to face many violent scenes, sometimes having to flee to the homes of the brothers with her baby. Finally, the husband came to understand that he could not stop her from attending the meetings, and he showed a little more understanding. During seven terrible years she suffered his insults without returning the same, but, rather, she looked for occasions to speak to him of Jehovah and His purposes. Since he did not like reading, she would sometimes read him an article that she thought might interest him. One day he said to her: “You deserve a better man than me.” She replied that he was her husband, and it was up to them to be happy together. She was willing to help him. A brother came to work near their home. Later the sister invited the brother and his wife to come and spend the day with them. A friendship was struck up between the two men. The sister’s husband had many questions, and later he asked for a home Bible study. Still later he attended an assembly, and on returning home he asked his wife to forgive him for all the distress he had caused her. Since then he has changed his hours of work so as to be able to attend all the meetings of the congregation. He is the one who now organizes the family program for Bible study, and it is due to his help that his wife has been able to take up the vacation pioneer work for the first time. The truth has made them a happy family!

The branch office in Paris, France, also looks after the preaching work in Algeria and Tunisia.

ALGERIA Population: 12,150,000

Peak Publishers: 70 Ratio: 1 to 173,571

A young Algerian living in France spent several years studying in order to obtain a diploma as a turner. He was contacted by Jehovah’s witnesses and soon began to attend the meetings. This brought fierce opposition from his father, who, in a violent rage, brought his son to the police station and accused him of bad conduct. As proof of this he showed the policemen the Truth book that his son was reading. To his great disappointment, the policemen replied that they were well acquainted with this book, and that it could only give good counsel to his son. Seeing that this attempt had failed, the father then asked the chief of police to deport his son from France since he was not a good student. But the young boy took along his school reports, which were very good. A further failure for the father! Exasperated, he struck his son and forbade him to have any contact whatever with Jehovah’s witnesses.

Each year this young boy would spend his vacation with relatives in Algeria. The father, therefore, took the opportunity to take away all his son’s papers so that he would not be able to return to France. He said to him: “Here in Algeria you are a long way from them and I shall be at peace.” The nearest congregation was over 80 miles away. However, when the brothers heard of the young boy’s situation, they contacted him. This courageous young boy made great efforts to attend the meetings. After having refused several good offers of work because they would take him away from the congregation, he was rewarded by finding work with a family of persons interested in the truth. He is now enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School and is planning on being a pioneer.

TUNISIA Population: 4,470,000

Peak Publishers: 32 Ratio: 1 to 139,688

Two special pioneers gave a witness to the father of a Mussulman family. He found the message very comforting, so he asked the special pioneers to return in the evening to talk to his daughters. The elder daughter enthusiastically accepted the offer of a home Bible study and made rapid progress. Since the work in the home took up a lot of her time, she decided to take her book along with her to the office where she worked. One day the director asked her what she was reading. In answer to his question, she showed him the book. After having glanced quickly through the book, he congratulated her on her choice of reading material, and asked her if she would lend him the book when she had finished reading it. Seeing the good attitude of her superior, the young lady gave him a witness, telling him all she knew of the purposes of God as contained in the Bible.

Later on she expressed to her parents her wish to have a Bible. However, they refused, saying that she already had the Koran and that was sufficient. She was not discouraged by this, but she persisted and finally was able to get a Bible. Soon she learned that those who want to engage in pure worship have a continual fight. As she declared: “My parents are free to think what they like, but as for me, I know from now on what I must do.”

GERMANY Population: 58,373,000

Peak Publishers: 83,450 Ratio: 1 to 699

The 1969 service year in Germany was a year of thrilling highlights and happifying results for Jehovah’s witnesses, reflecting the love of the publishers for Jehovah God. The grand climax of the service year, however, was the assembly in Nuremberg; with 150,645 attending the public lecture, it came to a splendid conclusion. The association with our brothers from the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Yugoslavia, Turkey, Austria, Luxembourg, Switzerland and many other countries, as well as the peace that rested on this large family, are unforgettable and effectively emphasized the theme, “Peace on Earth.” The fact that 5,095 were immersed brought great joy to all and showed all present that the ingathering work has not ended, but rather there is still much work to be done.

The new songbook, released two months before the convention, was accepted with much joy and enthusiasm. One publisher wrote: “We received the new songbook with great appreciation. Every day we sing some of the songs. In reality each song is a prayer or it brings timely truths back to mind.”

The simple, clear manner in which things are stated in the Truth book is a big help for persons advanced in age, as shown by an experience reported by a sister: “In the house-to-house service I met a seventy-three-year-old lady. When I offered her the Truth book, she told me she already had it and asked me in. Following the counsel of the organization, I started a home Bible study. She made very rapid progress. Since December she has been attending the public talks and Watchtower studies regularly, and the other meetings she has been attending since January. About the middle of February she asked me to accompany her to the courthouse, as she wanted to have her name removed from the church registry. She accompanied me in the field service for the first time in March and reported her activity. How appropriate the comment in the Truth book on page 137, paragraph 14: ‘It is never too late in life to take a stand in harmony with what one knows to be the truth, thus setting one’s steps firmly on the way to eternal life.’ In April she was immersed. Her fast progress in knowledge of the truth can be attributed to this wonderful aid.”

With the Truth book every publisher can have a share in the Bible-study activity, thus helping others in these dramatic times to find the way to life. One circuit servant writes the following: “I wanted to tell you of a brother who four years ago, at the age of eighty, learned the truth. He was a member of the vestry board for twenty-seven years and after studying for two years he was immersed. He lives in a small village of about twenty-five houses. The publishers always found it difficult working here, as the people were not at all receptive. This brother, however, who is now eighty-four, conducts eight home Bible studies in this village. He conducts them regularly each week, and the servants who have accompanied him on his studies say he is very anxious to apply the teaching methods suggested by the Society.”

A brother who formerly was a sports enthusiast learned the truth through the six-month program and told the following at a circuit assembly. “I was astonished at the Bible knowledge that the Witness who visited me had. He answered each question from the Bible. He invited me to get my own Bible and to look up the texts myself. However, I told him it was not my intention to become one of Jehovah’s witnesses. He was very patient with me, explaining everything in detail, and arranged for a study. Then came the first problem. I was an athlete, and four times a week I was on the mats as a judo and karate fighter; besides this, my wife opposed my study. Then a happy accident occurred. I was injured in my sports activity and so was able to devote more time to studying. The study advanced quickly. I was already giving my workmates a witness. I gave up sports, attended all the meetings, took up the preaching work and was baptized. Having made the decision within six months, I want to support fully the provision to ‘learn the truth in six months,’ because with the aid of the Truth book people really can make a quick decision. I am happy to be a witness for Jehovah and thank him for the Bible-study arrangement. My wife, who at first opposed the truth, was immersed on Sunday.”

How powerful prayer and Bible study are when fighting the influence of demons can be clearly seen in the following situation. In the house-to-house field ministry a woman was found who claimed to be a staunch Catholic because she said her rosary daily, attended church regularly and also attended a Bible discussion that only a select group and a few clergy attended. However, the questions she asked the Witness were answered from the Bible, and she consented to have a Bible study. At the conclusion of one of the studies the activity of the demons was discussed, and this woman said that for eighteen years now every Thursday night at the same time she had been awakened by varied apparitions and beatings. She had pleaded for counsel and help from ten clergymen, but no one could help her or provide relief. As she had received a water painting, a coin collection and dream books about eighteen years ago from an acquaintance who practiced spiritism, she was encouraged to destroy these objects. After she had done this she was no longer beaten, but the apparitions did not stop. Through her continued study, however, she learned that demon power can be overcome only with the help of Jehovah. Willingly she followed the suggestion to pray to Jehovah for strength. The special pioneer couple who had this experience then wrote the following: “One Thursday evening we set our alarm clock for 2:30 and at that time we prayed for her. As we entered her home the next morning her mother came out to meet us and asked what had happened, as her daughter had had a restful night, the first one in eighteen years during which she neither heard nor saw anything. When a Lutheran minister visited this interested person on business, she related how Jehovah’s witnesses had helped to free her from the influence of the demons. The clergyman said: ‘Jehovah’s witnesses are right. You are an intelligent woman and know that these things (mentioning the articles that the special pioneers recommended she destroy) are derived from heathendom. Throw them all away; get out of the Catholic church and do not join the Lutheran church; it is just as bad.’ The interested person took his advice to heart.”

WEST BERLIN Population: 2,140,000

Peak Publishers: 5,412 Ratio: 1 to 395

One brother reports that he was able to help a family with a sixteen-year-old daughter accept the truth in six months. After completing the second chapter of the Truth book on the second evening, since all attending had seen the need to pray, a prayer was said. At the close of the third study their attention was drawn to the friendly invitation to ‘look around in their home,’ and immediately all objects not in harmony with the true religion were removed. Then the daughter became interested in the study. She quit associating with her beatnik friends with whom she had regularly gone to the “beat hut.” The invitation to attend the meetings was joyfully accepted, and since then she has been attending regularly. Getting out of Babylon the Great presented no problem for her. However, one problem had to be overcome. Due to her previous associations, she still dressed in the same manner as her former friends. She especially liked to wear minidresses. When the seventh chapter in the Truth book was studied, she quickly realized that the demons not only sought sensual lusts before the Flood, but that they are still the instigators of sensual lusts, and anyone who dressed as she did could well be a target for the demons. As a result, this young girl sat down at the sewing machine and let out all of her hems. Now she dresses appropriately. In exactly six months’ study time this transformation took place, and today she is our sister.

Persons interested in the truth progress much faster as soon as they come to attend the meetings. One brother took out a territory that included an eight-story house where only large families lived. It was not unusual to have up to nine children come to the door when the bell rang. Studies were started with two families. The husband of one family became an opposer and caused his wife and children a great deal of difficulty. Despite this, the wife together with her children attended nearly all the meetings, and she was baptized at the latest assembly. The other family took part regularly in the study and also made fine progress. The brother reported: “With the aid of the meetings they recognized the need of getting out of Babylon the Great, and this they did. Then they joined us in the field service. On one occasion a householder said, ‘With you Jehovah’s witnesses a person isn’t allowed to smoke.’ The interested person, the father of the family, still smoked. During this conversation he learned why smoking is an unclean habit, and from that time on he quit smoking.” By attending the meetings even the children learned to be steadfast. The six-year-old boy had just gone to school a few weeks when his teacher announced the first religious class. The little boy stood up and said: “I can’t take part as my parents are Jehovah’s witnesses and I want to become one too.” Now there are six new praisers of Jehovah, and right from the outset they were invited to attend the meetings.

GHANA Population: 8,500,000

Peak Publishers: 12,678 Ratio: 1 to 670

After seven years of slow increase it has been a real stimulation to see the large number of interested ones who have been seeking out Kingdom Halls and requesting Bible studies in their homes. So many Kingdom publishers have started in the past two years that fully one-quarter of our organization in Ghana consists of new ones. It is our obligation to supply strong and mature leadership in the congregations and circuits throughout the countries of Ghana, Ivory Coast and Upper Volta.

A newly baptized brother wrote that when he began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s witnesses he soon saw that his idols and jujus were not pleasing to the true God, so he burned them all. His parents strongly protested his action and some of his relatives went so far as to disown him entirely. Then suddenly he was struck by a severe attack of yellow fever. His anxious parents declared that it was because he had burned his jujus and urged him to go to a sorcerer to find a cure. The new brother defended his faith with the Bible and stood firm despite pressure. Unknown to him, his mother did go to a sorcerer on his behalf. Later his mother told him: “The sorcerer sent his demons to contact your spirit body and get information. After about five minutes we heard something and saw that the sorcerer started to shake with fear. He asked, ‘What is your son’s religion?’ We told him you were studying the Bible with Jehovah’s witnesses. After strongly warning us not to tell anyone, the sorcerer said that the demons had not been able to get information and had said, ‘The God that man is worshiping is Almighty and he is unapproachable.’” What a change in family relationships this brought, as not only his mother but also formerly opposing relatives now listen attentively whenever he explains the Word of God to them.

In a congregation in Kwahu a young man was making excellent progress despite the fact that his own father was considered a great fetish priest, having nine wives and a large number of children. The father’s fetish, Tigari, was reputed to be powerful enough to cause sudden death. Many lived in fear of its influence. All went well until the young brother began talking about the truth to his brothers and sisters. When some of these began showing interest, the father became furious. He called together all the relatives and in their presence declared that he was disowning his son and that he would no longer be part of his household. Further, he declared: “The fetish has told me that the boy will die in three days’ time. Otherwise, it should be considered too weak to kill even a fowl.” All the relatives were extremely afraid and just begged the brother to give up his “new religion” and make peace with his father. The boy refused. The relatives begged the father to change his declaration. He refused! There was nothing to do but wait, and that they did—apprehensively! Three days passed, seven days came and went, then a whole month, and still the young man was strong and healthy, continuing his activity with Jehovah’s witnesses. This astonished everyone and strengthened those who were showing interest in true worship. As a result, two fleshly brothers began sharing in the field ministry, and three others in the family have been attending meetings regularly.

Nketsiah is a young Witness attending primary school. He has always appreciated how his father has helped the family by means of a weekly family study of the Bible. This put him in a good position when, at school, a test in religious knowledge was scheduled for his class. A question on the blackboard read, “How many persons in one God?” Everyone wrote “three persons,” but Nketsiah, with a good grasp of fundamental Bible doctrine wrote “one person.” His answer was marked as incorrect, whereas all the others were marked as correct. After class, with Bible in hand, Nketsiah approached his teacher and supported his answer with appropriate texts. The teacher was amazed, but found it hard to say he was in error after marking all the papers otherwise. At first he threatened the boy that he would be put out of school if he did not stop challenging the teachers. Later, however, he asked Nketsiah where he had gained such Bible knowledge. The boy led the teacher to his father. A fine discussion ensued that day and arrangements were made for the teacher to enjoy a Bible study in his own home. He has made good progress and has been attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall.

IVORY COAST Population: 4,100,000

Peak Publishers: 341 Ratio: 1 to 12,023

Highlights of the year just past included a marvelous “Good News for All Nations” Assembly held in Abidjan in October 1968, with 646 attending the public lecture. Then 710 persons gathered at the various Kingdom Halls for the Memorial celebration on April 1. Six special pioneer brothers from Ghana joined the missionaries and other pioneers in May to expand theocratic activity. A firm organization has now been established in the country and everyone is eager to help all the interested people while there is yet a favorable season to do so.

Calling at a home, a publisher was invited in and given a seat before stating the purpose of the visit. As soon as his mission was known, the man of the house ordered him out and told him never to return to that house again. Efforts to placate the man were to no avail, so the brother quietly left. Outside, one of the man’s sons caught up with the publisher and apologized for his father’s conduct. Noting the young man’s sincerity, he spoke to him about his message and introduced the Truth book, which was quickly accepted. Of course, this obligated the publisher to return to that house after all in order to follow up the spark of interest generated in this young person.

With some apprehension the brother called at the home at a later date, not knowing exactly what he would find. He met the man of the house, but this time what a change in attitude! He was welcomed and given a seat. The man called out to the children, “Bring my book.” When it was brought, why, there was the Truth book. He had seen it and already had read it from front to back with deep interest. He had been seeking the publisher to apologize for his previous rudeness and to obtain further knowledge. A study was soon arranged, with all the children joining in. They study regularly and have been attending meetings at the local Kingdom Hall.

UPPER VOLTA Population: 4,955,000

Peak Publishers: 1 Ratio: 1 to 4,955,000

The light of truth has continued to glimmer in this interior country of West Africa. There are many Moslems and a large Catholic population. Our lone publisher of the Kingdom good news is an unbaptized person who has been aided by correspondence from a publisher in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. He began to do some public preaching in January and has maintained a fine share in the ministry ever since, conducting two home Bible studies with other interested persons. With Jehovah’s blessing we should, in time, see a group of Kingdom publishers grow in the capital city where the lone publisher is presently living.

GREECE Population: 8,750,000

Peak Publishers: 13,194 Ratio: 1 to 663

The big event of this service year was the “Peace on Earth” assembly, which the Society organized in Nuremberg, Germany, for the Greek-speaking brothers. For the first time in the history of our work, more than 5,000 Greek brothers attended the big international assembly. In spite of the many difficulties raised by certain local authorities, many were the brothers who finally managed to get their papers ready and travel abroad to attend this big assembly. How refreshing, how upbuilding all this was for us. Thousands of brothers and sisters came back relating with enthusiasm what they had seen and heard! All were asking when such an assembly will be held again, and all hope that it will become possible to have such a big assembly in Greece.

The Devil tried by all means to destroy the joy of the brothers returning from the assembly. As the buses and trains carrying the brothers arrived at the Greek frontier, the police, who were obviously forewarned, made incursions in a most brutal way and demanded that the brothers deliver up all copies of the “blue” book (ie., the new Truth book in Greek) which they had with them. The brothers protested these actions of the police, pointed out that they were intended for their private needs and for their families, but all of their protests were fruitless. The police agents insisted, and in a short time they gathered heaps of magazines of different dates and over 5,000 copies of the Greek Truth book, which they carried into the customshouse docks.

A tremendous witness was given through this action of the police. Many honest-hearted passengers expressed their surprise at this uncalled-for action of the policemen. All during the trip they had appreciated the association of these brothers who were their fellow travelers, and they were now at a loss to understand why the policemen snatched these blue books with such violence. Many people asked for and concealed a copy of the book in order to read it at home to find out why the police were so anxious to gather these publications. But even some of the police agents showed somewhat of a good attitude. When the brothers under pressure and violence surrendered the blue books, these good policemen told them: “Give us just one copy, and hide the others. Do not surrender them.”

I now quote here an experience showing how honest people take their stand with courage on the side of Jehovah’s people: “A friendly person attended the Memorial celebration for the first time this past April. Shortly after the celebration, the police broke into the house, wanting to ascertain whether all those attending were Jehovah’s witnesses. When their chief noticed that the identity card of this friendly person showed that he belonged to a sect of Babylon the Great, he asked him: ‘What do you want here? Most probably these people here are proselytizing you.’ The man definitely answered that he wanted to attend the Memorial. ‘But your identity card,’ said the chief, ‘shows that you belong to another religion.’ ‘Well, then,’ said the friendly person, ‘just cross it out and write “Jehovah’s Witness” instead, because from now on I will become one of them.’”

Another experience comes from brothers who are behind bars because of keeping integrity: “More than threescore young dedicated preachers are facing the consequences for the course of integrity they chose to take. However, they are well treated, and a fine witness is being given by their Christian attitude. But they had a problem. One who recently dedicated himself to do the Divine will, expressed the desire to be baptized. But how? Necessary facilities were not available. Well, they went to the chief and told him that, since they were allowed to play football every now and then, they decided that for the next game played the team losing the match would be penalized by the dipping of one of the losing players into a barrel full of water. ‘OK’ said the chief with a smile; ‘go ahead and do as you like.’ When the game was over, the boys gathered around the barrel and the immersion took place. The immersion talk had been given previously.”

GUADELOUPE Population: 300,000

Peak Publishers: 1,155 Ratio: 1 to 260

Christians have to be talkers and teachers. They have the truth. They may not be silent! They may not forget the doing of good and the sharing of things with others, the things they have learned from God’s Word. Jehovah’s witnesses have something wonderful to share. They have the life-giving good news of God’s kingdom to share, and they know that when they do this God is well pleased. This is just what our brothers have done in the French-speaking Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique and in South American French Guiana. Jehovah has been well pleased with the work of our brothers, and he has richly rewarded them with a very fine increase during this past service year.

Long-suffering can bring good results in time. Yes, even after many, many years. Never say that someone who seems to be strongly opposed to the truth will not accept it later on. This is what a brother said regarding his own wife. He has been in the truth for twenty-one years now, and for twenty years his wife had been opposed to the truth. He says: “Soon after I got in touch with the truth my wife became very much opposed. Not only was our family life very much disturbed, but I also had to endure all kinds of hardships as she tried to discourage me. Sometimes it was very hard. For instance, no meals were prepared when I arrived home from work. No clothing was cleaned and ready, and this was to prevent me from attending meetings. Sometimes it was filthy language on her part toward me or refusing to talk for days at a time to discourage me regarding the truth. Even witchcraft was used to throw a spell on me. But I turned each time to Jehovah in prayer, and I trusted Him to help me develop the good quality of long-suffering in order not to lose my Christian balance. I also hoped that one day her attitude of heart would change. To reinforce my faith and courage I entered the full-time service, and I have enjoyed that service for ten years now. This has helped me to endure.

“I always tried to show patience toward her, and little by little her rebellious attitude changed and our relationship became less tense. Whenever possible I would witness to her, trying to help her without shocking her feelings or reproaching her. Recently I presented to her a copy of the new book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, and tactfully suggested a home Bible study. To my great joy she accepted! But she requested at the beginning to have all the doors closed so as not to be seen by any neighbor. You know, here in tropical countries doors always are wide open. After a few studies she started to talk to her neighbors about the name of God, and there was no need to close the doors any longer! During the visit of our circuit servant to our congregation I encouraged her to attend the meeting on Sunday. She agreed to come. I can tell you that it was a very great surprise for the brothers who were accustomed to seeing me always alone at the meetings. There I was sitting beside my wife in the Kingdom Hall after more than twenty years! I thank Jehovah with all my heart for this rich blessing. She is now progressing well, and how grateful I am to Jehovah that he helped me cultivate the fruit of the spirit, long-suffering, because I can now see the result: My wife has started to walk on the path of life!”

FRENCH GUIANA Population: 40,000

Peak Publishers: 115 Ratio: 1 to 348

Psalm 37:5 says: “Roll upon Jehovah your way, and rely upon him, and he himself will act.” This is particularly true when a Christian stays faithful and keeps integrity even in great danger of death. A sister in French Guiana gave birth to a child that had been dead in her womb for two days. This brought many complications with regard to her health. Her body became infected, and she rapidly became very weak. The doctors asked for her blood type so as to give a blood transfusion. In spite of her very critical state she refused it. The doctors told her: “You yourself are a nurse. You know quite well the condition of your health. You are going to die if you refuse blood.” She answered: “If it is to be so, kindly, please, let me die in peace.”

Seeing that that kind of pressure was unsuccessful, the doctors tried to influence her in other ways. “Think about your three small children. They need your care. You ought not to leave them alone without a mother.” In spite of that and her concern about her children, she kept her integrity. Then they tried to use a very good friend of hers who was her workmate in the hospital to influence her. However, instead of dissuading her, the friend herself became very deeply moved by the sincerity and faith of the sister and failed in her endeavors. The doctors sincerely desired to do their utmost to save the sister, and in spite of her firm decision regarding blood they continued to give good care to her through other means. However, her state of health was so critical that finally they said: “It is finished. She will not pass alive through the night.” Despite the doctors’ predictions, the next day she was still living and even made a slight improvement. Little by little she gained strength and made a complete recovery. She said later: “Even though I was enduring great physical pain and though it was a very severe test to face, I can tell you that I prayed to Jehovah day and night and I did feel a great internal strength.” The improvement became more evident each day, and eight days later she was able to leave the hospital and attend the circuit assembly! Three months later she had the great privilege of attending the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly in New York with twenty-four delegates from French Guiana. Yes, she was there with her husband and her three children. Faithfulness toward the laws of God and integrity in all circumstances are always richly rewarded.

MARTINIQUE Population: 330,000

Peak Publishers: 462 Ratio: 1 to 714

The book “Let God Be True” is still working, as the following experience shows. Some time ago a sister asked a publisher if she would like to go along with her to pay a visit to a person who expressed the desire to get in touch with one of Jehovah’s witnesses. “On a Sunday morning we went and found the person, who received us with much hospitality. She told us the reason why she wanted to be visited. She said: ‘A few months ago, I was cleaning my sister’s apartment as she was away on vacation, and in the basket of wastepapers to be destroyed I found the book “Let God Be True.” As I am interested in matters regarding my Creator and his written Word the Bible, I was caught right away by the striking title of the book and I started to read it. Soon I realized that I had come to find a document of great value. When my sister came back from vacation I asked her where she got the book. She answered that she obtained it from her hairdresser, who is one of Jehovah’s witnesses. Since that time I have been looking forward to meeting you people.’

“She asked many questions and all were answered from the Bible to her very great satisfaction. When leaving we invited her to the meetings at the Kingdom Hall that afternoon. To our surprise, when we arrived at the Kingdom Hall half an hour before the meeting she was already there waiting for us! A home Bible study was started with her the following week. It was a real pleasure to see that person absorb the waters of truth as dry land receives the rainfall. She made good progress in a short period of time, and eight months later she expressed the desire to be baptized during a circuit assembly. She is now a zealous publisher of the Kingdom good news.”

GUATEMALA Population: 5,014,289

Peak Publishers: 1,883 Ratio: 1 to 2,663

Every year seems to bring even greater blessings than the previous year. The introduction of the Truth book, although always in limited supply, seemed to impel Jehovah’s witnesses in Guatemala to increased door-to-door work. Especially in rural areas the publishers enthusiastically covered the territory, planting the truth as never before. Some congregations and isolated groups placed more books in one or two months of this year than were placed in the entire previous year.

The 1969 Yearbook told of a faithful special pioneer who had helped a former Protestant group to learn the truth. Our brother works untiringly in the vineyard. In August of 1968 there were thirty publishers; in August of 1969 there were sixty. Now he reports that another man in an isolated area, before knowing the truth, being disgusted with the four Protestant groups, decided to build a small chapel on his own property. He invited others to help him, but to no avail; so he built it himself. When it was finished, the Protestant groups asked permission to use it, but he refused, saying that the place was for pure worship. Finally he relented and loaned the room to a Protestant missionary on a trial basis for two weeks, after which the owner told the missionary that he was like the rest and that he was still looking for the right religion for his “house of prayer.” In due time this sincere man heard about the Society’s publications; and when Witnesses were working in the village near his home, he went to look for them and found them resting under a tree. He listened to the message, obtained literature and then told them about his “house of prayer,” offering them the use of it. Arrangements were made for the special pioneer to give a Bible talk, and twenty-four attended. When a second public talk was given with about twenty-five present, a Protestant preacher tried to assert that Jesus was God. Neither the humble special pioneer nor the audience would have understood the grammar of John 1:1, but he knew how to “sound down” the truth into minds and hearts of learners. He asked, Who sent the life of Jesus into Mary’s womb for nine months? Was the universe without a God during this time? When Jesus was born, how was he nourished? Did Jehovah suckle at the breast of a mere woman? When Jesus began to walk, was it at the moment of birth or did he first crawl as other children? Their simple minds could see the points made. They reasoned that Jesus would crawl first as other children do. Then, was Jehovah crawling on hands and knees while yet controlling the universe? Most of the audience shook their heads indicating rejection of the trinity and acceptance of the Bible truth that Jesus was the Son of God, sent to earth to do his Father’s will.

From the talks a Bible study was started in the “Good News” booklet. The owner of the house had found the true religion, so he told the special pioneer that he wanted to give the chapel to Jehovah’s witnesses. The pioneer suggested that they continue to use it for Bible instruction, and a weekly study is being held, with various interested persons attending.

Many inquiries about serving where the need is great have been answered by the branch office during the year. Eighty persons from foreign lands are actually serving now in Guatemala, twenty-one of whom are pioneering. It touches the hearts of the Guatemalan brothers when they see how brothers from other lands have sold their property and reduced their personal belongings to a few trunkfuls or perhaps what could be loaded in a pickup truck and have come to help in the “fishing” work. With 825 publishers in Guatemala City, and a population of 600,000, the need is not nearly so great in the capital as it is in the provincial sections of the country. It is hoped that more of those who have come to serve where the need is great will quickly learn enough of the Spanish language and adapt their way of living to be able to move out to these smaller towns where the need is greater.

GUYANA Population: 710,000

Peak Publishers: 1,140 Ratio: 1 to 623

We had a visit of the president of the Society during the month of December and the zone servant during the month of May. Then about one hundred of the local brothers traveled to New York for the assembly. At the writing of this report we are looking forward to our “Peace on Earth” assembly. There is much yet to be done here in Guyana, and we are aware of that. The people here are friendly and will listen to us as we witness; however, many will not act quickly because of being afraid of what the neighbors will say.

The following experience emphasizes the need to start studies immediately and to make back-calls on all placements. A young man’s appetite was whetted for the truth in 1960 by reading a fellow worker’s Paradise book. But he could not get in touch with Jehovah’s witnesses nor could he get a book of his own. In 1964 a young publisher began to call on him, placing magazines regularly, even some books and a Bible, and extending invitations to come to the meetings; but no study was started. However, in 1968 a Witness couple contacted him, started a Bible study on the first call and then invited him to the meetings. Even though he had been invited before and had never accepted, this time he did and he has been attending meetings ever since. He said concerning his first meeting: “I was surprised not to see one statue or image. The meeting was so orderly, and after the meeting everybody was so friendly.” From this point on, progress was made in his spiritual growth, and at our “Peace on Earth” assembly in Georgetown he plans to symbolize his dedication by water baptism.

Emphasizing this same point again is the experience of a brother who plans to get baptized at our “Peace on Earth” assembly. He is now sixty-nine years old. He began reading our literature forty-seven years ago when he was twenty-two. But no one conducted a study with him until 1968 when he was in Montreal, Canada. After he returned to Guyana the study was continued, and as a result, he was able to qualify as a publisher and get baptized.

A special pioneer making an effort to obey 2 Timothy 4:2, traveled from his home village to another village about seven miles away. He traveled by “push cycle” (bicycle); the village that he traveled to is named No. 68 and is along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. When he got to the village he said that he first approached Jehovah in prayer for direction. He then went to the school, and he was warmly received. After introducing himself to the head teacher, he was asked to address the entire school. He spoke on the subject “Religion Approved by God.” Using James 2:22, 25, he stressed the importance of setting a good example. After he finished his talk, he showed them the Evolution book and offered it to the teachers. The first teacher that took one was so impressed with it that he accompanied the brother to see the other teachers, telling them of the value of the book. As a result, eight were placed.

HAITI Population: 4,000,000

Peak Publishers: 1,674 Ratio: 1 to 2,389

Endurance produces excellent results, as the following experience, related by a congregation overseer, shows: “I presented the truth to a family that manifested much interest in a Bible study. However, the husband was actively opposed. He did not want his wife and his children studying with Jehovah’s witnesses, nor did he want them attending meetings in the Kingdom Hall. I did my best to help them progress spiritually and to know the course of conduct to follow in a divided household. They continued their Bible study secretly and attended meetings when the occasion was favorable for it. To their misfortune, the oldest daughter, an enemy of the truth, gave away their activity to the head of the family. As a consequence they underwent violent persecution, insults and threats of all sorts and were even deprived of certain immediate needs. I did not cease to comfort them,” reports the overseer, “showing them the words of Jesus saying that ‘you will be persecuted by those close to you, but by your endurance you will acquire your souls.’ (Matt. 10:36; Luke 21:19) Finally the oldest daughter, who had observed and denounced the activities of the others to the father, was set free by the truth. As strange as it might seem, she took on herself the duty of writing her father to ask him for freedom of worship for the family. Following this, three of them symbolized their dedication to Jehovah during the last national assembly. The three had the privilege of serving during the month as vacation pioneers. In the meantime three others were also baptized. Finally, although he did not yet accept the truth, the position of the father softened greatly in comparison to what it had been and, as a result of their endurance, eight members of this family are now zealous publishers of the good news.”

A special pioneer told us what happened after a group of about forty Protestants came to listen to a Memorial talk specifically to find something to criticize in the way Jehovah’s witnesses handle this occasion. After the Memorial he was approached by several Protestants who had been troubled by what they had heard. They wanted to have a more complete explanation about the unleavened bread and the wine. In addition, they wanted to know why we celebrate the meal each year and not every three months or each week as in Christendom. Having obtained the answers to these questions and having been satisfied by them, they decided they would no longer take the emblems in their churches, and this did not fail to get the attention of the local minister. In addition, twenty-five of them asked for a Bible study. Already three of these are participating in the field service and, of these three, one was the assistant minister or deacon. He even accompanied the circuit servant during the week of his visit. While they were preaching in the block where the minister lives, they came, quite naturally, to his door. On seeing them he said, “Isn’t everything you’ve taken out of my church enough for you? Have you come to get me too? I’m telling you now, I shall never be one of you.” And at that he slammed the door in their face. The neighbors who had observed the scene accorded the brothers a very warm reception after that, realizing that we really do have the truth.

HAWAII Population: 807,500

Peak Publishers: 2,980 Ratio: 1 to 271

The Truth book has proven to be a powerful instrument of Jehovah to attract new ones to his organization and aid others to be reactivated. During the year, the Society assigned the islands in the southwest Pacific known as Micronesia to the Hawaiian branch. Micronesia comprises the islands of the Marshalls, Truk, Ponape, Yap, Palau and Saipan. Guam also was assigned to the Hawaiian branch. Throughout this new territory, five circuit assemblies were held during the year, and a number of new missionaries were assigned to work there.

Two magazines were placed with a busy housewife. On the return call the publisher met the woman’s husband. The Truth book was placed and it was suggested that he read the chapter on “Why It Is Wise to Examine Your Religion.” Numerous questions were answered to satisfy his great thirst for the truth, and he began to read many of the Society’s older publications. He attended a public talk and learned that his secular work as a submarine designer was unscriptural, so he quickly resigned from his job. Fully convinced that he had found the truth, he and his family began to make rapid progress in Jehovah’s organization. Just three months from the time of the return call on his wife, he was baptized, and his wife followed him six months later. How grateful the sister is that she made the back-call on a magazine placement with a busy housewife!

A sister took the circuit servant along on a Bible study with a young housewife. It was discovered from the housewife that her unbelieving husband was concerned about her association with Jehovah’s witnesses, as he feared all family recreation would be eliminated upon her becoming a Witness. It was explained that recreation was fine for family relaxation if controlled and properly balanced with spiritual matters. She explained this to her husband, and the following Sunday he and the family attended the public talk. A Bible study was arranged. Putting Kingdom interests first, the husband gave up his work at night and, later, gave up his second secular job. The couple enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School. Prior to her baptism, the wife was conducting three Bible studies; and as for the husband, the day after his discharge from military service, he engaged in the field ministry. Both were baptized this year, and the wife has already enjoyed the privilege of vacation pioneering. What fine results from efforts put forth to aid an unbelieving husband into the truth!

A catechism teacher accepted a Truth book and, despite having many controversial questions, she finally accepted the Bible’s viewpoint. Her husband forbade the sister’s visits, and while she was intending to tell the sister this, the discussions were so interesting she never did so. The sister prayerfully considered the problem of the husband’s opposition and visited when the husband was home. She was received warmly, and many questions were answered. He agreed to a Bible study, and after two studies he attended a meeting. He then expressed his desire to go from house to house but was told he could not advocate two religions and would have to make a decision on which religion to choose before engaging in this work. The next week they both severed their connection with Catholicism; three members of the family immediately became publishers. Now knowing the truth, they decided against building a new home, and he quit his high-paying job, which demanded too much of his time. He purchased an entire theocratic library and spends several hours daily reading from it. Both husband and wife have expressed their desire to symbolize their dedication to Jehovah at the next circuit assembly. How long did it take for this family to experience such marvelous spiritual growth? Just three months!

A back-call was made on a householder with whom a magazine containing an article on the Ouija board had been placed, and an Evolution book was placed. The householder asked why Jehovah’s witnesses were disliked. When invited, she and three others attended the Tuesday-night book study; since then she has been regular at all the meetings. The publisher asked if she could study twice a week, but the woman requested a daily study if this was not being too selfish. After three weeks of study, she began to share in the field service. She was aided with a schedule to go out in service several times a week. She started a study with her landlady, and now her husband and the landlady attend meetings. She plans on being baptized at the next assembly.

GUAM Population: 99,464

Peak Publishers: 50 Ratio: 1 to 1,989

During the year the Kingdom Hall was expanded to seat 200, and two missionary rooms were added. We are grateful to the Society and to the local brothers for their generous assistance that made this possible.

Making calls on not-at-homes is vital to a thorough coverage of our territory and to search out the deserving ones. A not-at-home call was made, and the lady turned out to be a former publisher, inactive for many years. A study was started in the Truth book, which she already had, and she began to make fine progress. Her husband, a Catholic and reportedly a former leader of a village gang, had a reputation for being temperamental. The inactive publisher was encouraged to invite her husband to sit in on the study, and he responded. She mentioned that her brother and sister were formerly associated with the Witnesses. A call was made on them and a Bible study was started. Combining all of them into one study proved most successful, strengthening them to make a united front against opposing relatives and visiting priests and nuns. They attended the meetings after the first study, and now after two months of study they are regular at meetings and active proclaimers of the Kingdom good news.

MARSHALL ISLANDS Population: 18,200

Peak Publishers: 50 Ratio: 1 to 364

The following experience is typical of the fine response to the truth by the Marshallese people. A sermon was given to several families living in the same house. One man showed much interest. He was invited to the meeting, attended and continued to come regularly. He started telling others the Kingdom message, and soon his relatives came to the meetings. He expressed a desire to share in the field service but was told he would have to legalize his consensual “marriage.” He was married by a judge rather than in the Protestant church, and he fully appreciates that only Jehovah’s witnesses have helped them to live true Christian lives. He continues to study hard and desires to be a missionary someday, helping his people on isolated atolls.

One means of reaching those on the widely scattered atolls is through the weekly Sunday-morning radio program. One family from the Jaluit atoll listens to the program every week and considers it their means of receiving spiritual food. This family moved from the district center of Majuro, where they had begun to study and associate with the congregation. This family had a good standing with the Protestant church, but since learning the truth they have stayed clear of Babylon the Great and have maintained integrity in spite of opposition from family members and the church. They use the “Good News” booklet and the Truth book, translated into their language, as aids in gaining further knowledge of Jehovah’s purposes. Because of their expressed desire to serve Jehovah and dedicate their lives to Him, it was arranged to have them continue to study by letter and to go through the questions in the “Lamp” book.

PALAU Population: 11,200

Peak Publishers: 13 Ratio: 1 to 862

A fine potential exists in Palau. The Memorial was attended by 105 persons, and the meetings averaged 25 in attendance at the end of the service year.

A Catholic priest visited a family that was studying, urging them to attend mass and to avoid the Witnesses. One of them who had been studying three months boldly spoke out, saying: “Why should I go to church when you are not teaching the truth? I have learned from the Bible that there is no trinity or burning hell. Perhaps you can explain the trinity to me from the Bible.” The priest replied: “Well, I am not prepared to answer that, but I will look up some information for you.” The interested man then went into the definitions of the Hebrew and Greek words for hell, and this caused the priest to comment: “You do know your Bible. I’ll do some research on this too and then return.” Despite opposition from the priest and also from his family, he continues to study and progress spiritually. He is planning to attend the International assembly in Hawaii and be baptized.

The son of a village chief on an island distant from Koror studies, and he urged the missionaries to come to his village so the people could hear the good news. The only way to reach the village is by boat through crocodile-infested waters. During the circuit servant’s visit the trip was made possible. The brothers worked from house to house placing literature and inviting the people to a public talk to be given that afternoon. What a joy it was to have 114 persons hear the public talk and accept literature in Japanese or English. These friendly people are eagerly awaiting another visit, but in the meantime they are being spiritually nourished by the chief’s son, who eagerly tells others the things he learns.

PONAPE Population: 18,950

Peak Publishers: 38 Ratio: 1 to 499

Four years ago there were no Witnesses on Ponape; but at the end of this service year we had two missionaries, four regular pioneers and over thirty publishers.

Close attention to the youth in the congregation greatly strengthens and encourages them to take a firm stand for the truth, even at school. The largest elementary and intermediate school is located directly in front of the missionary home. Every day during the morning recess, the Witness students come over to the home and read their Bibles together, and after school they return to study the Paradise book for one hour. Their knowledge is reviewed upon arriving home. Their parents and the overseer discuss their report cards with them, giving attention to the portion on “work habits and conduct,” encouraging them to strive for an “excellent” rating on “respect for teachers and respect for property.” This has resulted in model conduct of the Witness children in school amidst delinquency and vandalism on the part of the worldly youths. All baptized youths in the congregation vacation pioneered during the summer school vacation, and each family had one or more members pioneering during June, when twenty out of thirty-six publishers were pioneering.

SAIPAN Population: 8,660

Peak Publishers: 9 Ratio: 1 to 962

During the past year more literature was placed as opposition of the predominantly Catholic populace is being overcome, and the first native publisher was started in the service. A housewife was studying but discontinued due to family pressure. About eighteen months ago a typhoon destroyed 90 percent of all the buildings, including this lady’s home. One evening the missionaries saw her standing where her home used to be, and they asked her what she thought of the storm. She answered, “I thought it was Armageddon.” The study was resumed. Her niece, who is a nun, along with other nuns call regularly to try to turn her away from the truth, but she makes a strong defense of it. She attended her first assembly in Guam and has begun witnessing.

TRUK Population: 26,600

Peak Publishers: 9 Ratio: 1 to 2,956

After two years of clearing legal technicalities, it has finally become possible for the Society to lease land and build missionary homes in Micronesia.

Due to lack of transportation, starting new ones to the meetings can be a problem. The following method was found to be effective, nearly doubling the meeting attendance in just one month. The meeting hall is about two miles from the missionary home, and between the two places several home Bible studies are conducted. Instead of riding, the missionaries began walking to the meetings, inviting these students to walk along with them. The first week they were joined by two persons, the next week by four, the third week by eight, and the fourth week the group had grown to ten. Nearly all of these are new ones that had never attended the meetings before. When they see faces they know among the group, it encourages them to go along.

YAP Population: 6,600

Peak Publishers: 6 Ratio: 1 to 1,100

We rejoice to see forty-five Bible studies being conducted and two newly baptized publishers working with the missionaries even under strong opposition from the clergy of Babylon the Great.

One government official, who was arranging for his five children to be baptized as Catholics, was contacted by the missionaries. A Bible study was arranged twice a week. Learning Jehovah’s righteous standard for marriage, he expressed a desire to legalize his marital arrangement. During the circuit servant’s visit the circuit servant performed the marriage, and the next day the man was baptized. He is now an active publisher and plans to attend the International assembly in Hawaii. Truly, the truth has a powerful transforming power.

HONDURAS Population: 2,494,900

Peak Publishers: 1,300 Ratio: 1 to 1,919

About a year ago two pioneer sisters decided to hunt out a family that reportedly wanted to talk with Jehovah’s witnesses. The two sisters only knew that this family lived on a nearby mountain. After more than four hours of walking and climbing under a blazing tropical sun, they reached the interested family. On this first visit only two members of the family were home, but an animated Bible discussion ensued. As these tired but happy Witnesses returned to their home below, they thought of the need to return and feed these newfound “sheep.” Shortly thereafter another strenuous trip was made, to be rewarded by not only two awaiting them, but twenty-five persons eager to learn the truth. A regular Bible study was established to be held every fifteen days. Now, less than a year later six of these new ones have become active publishers. Every week these new ones spend one day on the mountain witnessing to their neighbors and conducting their own Bible studies. Every Sunday they, along with others, make the six-hour round-trip journey on foot to be able to attend the congregation meetings and join in service with the local congregation.

Are we truly sounding down the truth in the hearts of new ones, including those still in their youth? One youth this year had a fine opportunity to prove that the truths that he was learning in a regular home Bible study were sinking deeply into his heart for future use. This lad was about to graduate from high school. However, the school authorities stated that he must salute the flag and sing the national anthem along with the rest who would graduate. When the lad explained his position, using the example of the three faithful Hebrews, the authorities tried to minimize the issue by saying that even though he wanted to follow an upright course, certainly it would not hurt if he took a little detour. They suggested that he salute the flag this once and then afterward confess it to his religious “superiors,” and then he would be forgiven and everything would be all right. Firmly, the youth stated that Jehovah’s witnesses are not like false religions and that he could not hide from his superiors for they were Jehovah God and Jesus Christ, who see all our acts. He explained that his own Christian conscience, rather than what some other Witness said, would not allow him to participate. The school authorities, angered by this, said that they would not grant him his diploma if he did not obey their wishes. The young lad explained that, even so, he could not obey them, for his record with Jehovah was far more important, resulting in everlasting life, whereas a diploma would not be useful after this system passed away. When this boy did not receive his diploma and the reason became known, it caused quite a stir in local circles. One person told him that he had become famous for his stand. His reply was that he was happy if the reason for this fame was due to keeping integrity to Jehovah. At the last circuit assembly this youth was baptized, and the next month he entered the vacation pioneer service.

A devout Catholic having family problems sought the spiritual advice of a priest, but, to her dismay, the priest had nothing to offer as a spiritual guide. About this time in October of last year a missionary sister placed The Watchtower and Awake! with this woman. The sister recorded the call in her notebook and made regular visits to establish a magazine route. At first the woman was very cool toward her, but as time passed, the woman thought about how this Witness was so concerned with helping her spiritually. At every call this sister always had a Scriptural thought of encouragement to express. Finally the woman invited the sister in and explained her family problems. The Witness helped the woman to see what the Bible offered for counsel. Shortly thereafter a Bible study was started. Soon this person began to attend the congregation meetings. One day she asked the Witness studying with her if “she was in a proper condition to go in field service.” The sister reviewed with her the requirements as outlined in “Your Word Is a Lamp to My Foot,” page 108. Then the woman humbly admitted that her conscience was bothering her, for various men would use her rooming house as a place to bring prostitutes. With kindness and tact the sister patiently helped the new one to see the need of rendering clean service even at the expense of self-sacrifice. That same week the woman cleaned up her rooming house. She refused to allow anyone a night’s lodging if it was for an immoral purpose, even though her business suffered badly and was the only means of support for her and her children. She even went so far as to change the name of her rooming house to include the word “Family.” In each of the rooms she put small signs saying, “Sir, please cooperate with this Family Rooming House. Do not bring indecent women. Thank you.” For the next twenty days she lost almost all her business. However, she was not worried, for she put her confidence in Jehovah. Now this person has a good clientele with respectable families frequenting her rooming house. She started to publish the same week that she cleaned up her rooming house and plans to be baptized at our coming “Peace on Earth” assembly. How blessed was the sister who took the time to record all calls where she placed literature and to return patiently time and again to nourish a spark of interest in a person’s heart.

HONG KONG Population: 4,000,000

Peak Publishers: 225 Ratio: 1 to 17,778

A wave of unprecedented prosperity swept Hong Kong during the past year. Many are pointing to this rapid recovery from the disturbances of 1967 as proof that Hong Kong can always overcome her problems as she has done in times past. This has given the people a false sense of security, and they place their entire hope and trust in material things. But Jehovah’s witnesses in Hong Kong think differently. They sense the urgency of the times and the need to keep busy in preaching this good news of the Kingdom for a witness. During the past year they have been more diligent than ever in attending their meetings and sharing in the ministry. More maturity is evident and there have been new peaks in almost every feature of the ministry.

The brothers were delighted when they received the Truth book in Chinese before the service year ended, and already it is having good effects. Its simple and direct approach appeals to those of honest heart. One Chinese housewife who has traveled a lot and who has known of the truth for fourteen years was quickly awakened to her Christian responsibilities when she studied the Truth book. She immediately began attending meetings, shared in the ministry and dedicated her life to Jehovah.

Two magazines helped one young woman to get started on the way to life. The missionary from whom she had taken them returned a week later and found her ready to study the Bible. After three studies she accepted the invitation to attend meetings. Her willingness to attend all the congregation meetings and read other publications of the Society rapidly built up her appreciation and love for Jehovah and his organization. Today she is a dedicated sister and is assisting two more to study the Bible.

The Hong Kong branch looks after the island of Macao also.

MACAO Population: 375,000

Peak Publishers: 7 Ratio: 1 to 53,571

In addition to giving another fine witness to the people in Macao during the past year, some of our brothers have paid special attention to their relatives with good success. One dedicated brother recalls that seven years ago he and his whole family studied the Bible together, but one by one they all drifted back to their former ways and only he progressed to dedication and baptism. He has always had the desire to help his family, and during the past year he made a special effort to revive the home Bible study with the aid of the Truth book. What a joy it was to see his father begin to grow in appreciation of Jehovah’s purposes. One of his young sisters also made fine progress and is presently having a share in the ministry. Another young sister attending a Catholic school has now become much more friendly and regularly attends the weekly meetings. Certainly, loving concern for one’s own relatives can result in getting them started on the road to everlasting life.

ICELAND Population: 202,191

Peak Publishers: 133 Ratio: 1 to 1,520

Being alert to each opportunity is good, as this very fine account by a special pioneer aptly illustrates: “Two years ago my wife and I visited a couple who had studied for some years without much progress. This evening their young daughter was at home, and we used the opportunity to offer her a home Bible study, which she accepted. The study was held regularly, and she soon began attending meetings. Then last summer she went to see her sister in Lebanon. While there, she tried to see the Witnesses, but in vain. However, she brought her sister home with her, and not long after that this younger sister phoned us and asked for a study herself. Naturally, we were happy to assist her. She also made rapid progress, so a third and even younger sister also got to be interested and started studying and attending meetings with her sisters, and their mother began going with them. Then a cousin of these sisters got to know of this and asked the oldest of them to come and explain the truth to her, but as her husband showed no interest, she arranged to meet them in her mother’s home. The sister invited us to come too. At the first call we had the opportunity to explain the truth for three hours and arrange for a home Bible study, which has been held regularly since. This interested woman is now planning to attend the meetings even though they are held seventy kilometers from her home. As matters developed, all three sisters decided to go to the ‘Peace on Earth’ assembly in Copenhagen this summer, and their mother went with them. There the oldest sister was baptized, and the next oldest has decided to follow her example at the next circuit assembly in Iceland. The others are also progressing well toward that vital step.”

That Copenhagen assembly was a milestone for the Icelandic brothers, too, as more than a hundred attended there, and a total of five were baptized. All told, 80 percent of the publishers in Iceland went abroad to attend assemblies this summer, at a great cost, of course, but they counted it more than worth it to attend this wonderful spiritual feast prepared by Jehovah for his people.

INDIA Population: 534,000,000

Peak Publishers: 2,831 Ratio: 1 to 188,626

We in India are quite excited to know that our publisher-to-population ratio outstripped India’s population increase this year. The ratio has improved more than 10 percent, with an average publisher increase over last year of 14 percent. It has certainly been a very happy and eventful year of service.

Those adhering to Hindu beliefs are mostly either too proud of their so-called philosophy or too steeped in superstition to make a meaningful investigation of Jehovah’s foretold purposes by a study of the Bible. But progress is being made, even among these. Six percent of our total publishers were formerly Hindus. Christendom’s false religious dogmas and evil practices have done much to prejudice the minds of sincere Hindus. It seems as though Christendom, in the past, as a “dragnet,” has gathered in many “fish,” and it is from among these that many are now being found who long for a clearer understanding of God’s Word and purpose, and they are responding to the invitation to ‘come, and take life’s water free.’ They are happy to find understandable truth and to ‘know God and obey the good news about our Lord Jesus.’ Actually 93 percent of the publishers in India were formerly associated with the various sects of Christendom, including 25 percent from the Roman Catholic organization. A letter received at the branch office recently well illustrates this. It said: “I am an ex-Catholic priest . . . During my theological course, as a result of my Aramaic studies, I couldn’t find any reason to agree with the Catholic doctrines of trinity, the divinity of Christ, the idea of hell and purgatory, etc. I left the Catholic church in my quest for truth according to the Holy Bible . . . I am now further stimulated in the way of truth by the frequent visits of pioneer workers of Jehovah’s witnesses, and I realize that I had been in close touch with these fundamental doctrines through my humble personal studies for the last ten years. Now also I am studying the details and principles of this well-systematized organization . . . I have purchased many books, such as The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, ‘All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial,’ New World Translation, ‘Babylon the Great Has Fallen!’ etc., and I am a subscriber to The Watchtower and Awake! On Sundays I travel thirty kilometers to attend the meetings and Bible class.”

A sister sitting in a doctor’s office got talking to another woman in the waiting room and mentioned that the time would come when there would be no sickness. The woman’s husband, overhearing this remark, thought it was some faith-healing propaganda and began to interrupt. He was then drawn into the conversation, and the result was that our sister was invited to their home for a further discussion. When she went she found a priest present. He, too, listened and arrangements were made for a still further visit. The next time our sister found several present, including a Seventh Day Adventist pastor. The following week the circuit servant was due to serve the congregation, so invitations were given to these people to attend meetings at the Kingdom Hall. They were present on three occasions that week and then home Bible studies were arranged.

Jehovah’s witnesses are noted for their honesty. In a rural area a sister was a schoolteacher. It was a common practice for the teachers to falsify their attendance records so as to create a good impression with the authorities. Our sister refused to do so. She was called before the headmaster to explain why she was reporting only actual attendance figures, since her reports were affecting the school’s averages. She was even threatened with transfer to some other school if she did not do as the other teachers were doing. Our sister remained true to her sense of Christian honesty and explained to her superiors what her understanding of Christianity really was. She still teaches at that school.

The degenerate ways of the “West” gradually seep through into India, as in the rest of the world, though we in India do not see so many of the “mini” miniskirts, or the unbrushed, shaggy-haired specimens of adult males as in London or New York.

INDONESIA Population: 110,000,000

Peak Publishers: 2,117 Ratio: 1 to 51,960

The Truth book is proving to be of great benefit to those not professing the Christian religion. An English-language teacher studied the first chapter of the book with a missionary. Realizing the urgency of the times after studying just the first chapter, she asked for more than one hour of study. Chapter 2 drew this comment from her, “The more I study this the more I love it, but my Islamic teachers will tell me I am making trouble for myself. However, I’m going to continue, as I’m not sure which is the right way to serve God.” Her reactions after having considered Chapter 3 were: “I am no longer praying five times a day as my former custom was over the past twenty-five years. Now I pray from the heart, and I no longer pray to Allah, but to Jehovah.”

In a small congregation of just sixteen publishers, fourteen took part in the vacation pioneer service. This fine example is the result of encouragement of the pioneer service. Most of the brothers thought that the vacation pioneer service was just not possible for them. The overseer thought differently, knowing that it is practicable. He served as a fine stimulus to the brothers and to the congregation. He knew, too, that they just needed some help. As a fine “shepherd,” he arranged a program to call on the brothers individually, working out a schedule for them, lovingly showing them how they could enjoy the two-week vacation pioneer service. This proves again that response to the vacation pioneer service depends much on personal help and encouragement.

A tactful illustration drove home to a person who was a heavy smoker the need to discontinue the filthy habit. Using the comparison of a worldly monarch visiting his subjects, the publisher pointed out that in welcoming him a guard of honor was selected. The king then inspected the guard of honor, closely scrutinizing their bearing, clothing and equipment. Applying the illustration, Matthew 25:31 was read, pointing out that the King of kings is now inspecting all mankind. He was reminded of the consequences, as revealed in Luke 19:44, to those not prepared for the inspection. This person who was having a Bible study was then asked if he thought anyone would be found smoking when under inspection by the king. The sheeplike person got the point and immediately discontinued smoking.

Principled love and loyalty to the Creator, Jehovah, produces fine fruits. A fifteen-year-old Moslem girl, studying with one of Jehovah’s witnesses, soon began attending meetings despite opposition from her religious parents who tried to hinder her and discourage her in many ways. On her expressing the desire to attend a circuit assembly, the parents threatened her with expulsion from the home if she attended. But the girl attended the assembly; so on returning home the parents told her to leave immediately. The girl respectfully and calmly replied that she would comply with her parents’ wishes. She proceeded to pack her belongings, but before taking leave she removed all her rings, and turned them over to her mother, together with other valuables that she had received from her. The mother could no longer restrain herself and broke down and wept, imploring the girl to remain. The father, observing the steadfastness, courage and faith of his daughter, no longer insisted that she leave the home, and the opposition ceased. The loyal love of the girl has left a lasting impression on her parents, and the girl is making fine progress in The Way.

IRELAND Population: 4,396,000

Peak Publishers: 876 Ratio: 1 to 5,018

The recent riots in Northern Ireland caused much suffering, and tension still runs high throughout the province. However, even in the worst-hit areas, the advancement of the good news continues, especially by visiting interested persons. Several of our brothers live in the districts where the rioting took place, but none were injured. Their peace and calm amid the fear and agitation that prevailed really stood out. Also manifested was the complete failure of Christendom’s churches to teach genuine Christian conduct as, regardless of the social issues involved, the fighting was between Catholics and Protestants. Pioneers reported that numerous back-calls had been lost as people fled or were burned out of their homes. On the other hand, there are already indications that some people are willing to give more consideration to the truth. Typical is a policeman who, before the outbreak of violence, just accepted magazines occasionally. Now he has requested a Bible study for himself and his wife, despite his being on constant call.

Illustrating the value of incidental witnessing and warm fellowship at the meetings is the experience of a young man who was a Catholic. He had been informed about Jehovah’s witnesses due to incidental witnessing by a very zealous brother who has since died. This initial witnessing prepared the way and, when contacted later, he agreed to have a home Bible study. His spiritual appetite was so whetted that he requested three Bible studies a week. During the second month of these studies when the congregation meetings were discussed, he immediately said he would like to attend. He attended the next meeting and was overwhelmed by the warm friendliness of the congregation. He could not imagine such warmth continuing. Week by week, as he saw this brotherly love undiminished, he was deeply impressed. The following month, when field service was explained, he expressed the desire to participate. When his secular work began to interfere with his regular attendance at meetings, he changed his employment, making sure that his new employer made provision for him to attend meetings and assemblies. He was baptized at the last circuit assembly and is now conducting a progressive Bible study with a fellow employee.

Although interested ones are responding quickly, it is still not without determined opposition, particularly from family and friends. Aiding such interested ones calls for constant love and alertness on the part of publishers and pioneers. One man accepted two magazines from a special pioneer. On the return visit he showed considerable interest, much to the annoyance of his wife, who walked out of the house, telling the brother: “Never come to this house again.” Before leaving, the brother gave the man additional literature and left his own address. Three weeks later the man arrived at the home of the special pioneer, saying he had read the literature and realized he had found the truth. Wondering how to aid his wife, he asked if he should continue to attend mass. The brother said that this would have to be his own decision, and asked: “Can you continue to say ‘Amen’ to what you hear there?” The reply was “No.” Then, appreciating the need to set the right example, he added: “Better to stop now than in three weeks’ time.” He immediately began regular attendance at the congregation meetings, and a Bible study was conducted in his car out in the rurals. He soon began to share the truth with others. His wife left him, and declared she would not return until he gave up his “new religion.” Although being severely tested in a number of ways, he has held firmly to the truth and was baptized at the circuit assembly. He is now sharing in all features of the ministry.

ISRAEL Population: 3,833,300

Peak Publishers: 170 Ratio: 1 to 22,549

Throughout another year of international tension and unrest in the Middle East, the New World society has continued to present a living example of the mutual trust and unity that is produced as a fruit of true worship among members of different racial groups. In Israel the congregations are composed of both Jewish and Arabic brothers and sisters as well as some from other national groups, yet the same harmony of thinking and action that characterize Jehovah’s people in all the world is clearly in evidence here. Border clashes and other incidents do not restrict the activity of the congregations; the Kingdom publishers continue to point enthusiastically to God’s kingdom as the only remedy to problems in the Mideast and elsewhere.

Several local publishers were able to attend international assemblies in Europe and the United States, and they returned thrilled with their first taste of such large gatherings.

It has been a year of progress and increase, with new peaks in the number of publishers being attained in December and April. A fine response to the Kingdom message was noted; for example, in the case of one family who studied some six years ago but who, through fear of neighbors, did not continue at that time. It appeared that they had forgotten what had been learned. However, the young daughter, who was twelve at that time, did not forget. Now old enough to decide for herself, she recently visited a local sister’s home to request a home Bible study. Her obvious enthusiasm and happiness over what she was learning quickly stimulated interest on the part of her parents, so that they plucked up courage to have the brothers visit them again. Their earnest appreciation, in turn, attracted others among their relatives, so that, from the various studies held, seven members of the family were baptized during the past year, with two now serving as vacation pioneers and the daughter making plans to enter the regular pioneer ranks. How important it is to include young members of the family in the home Bible study! At times it is their enthusiasm that stimulates others in their family to continue studying.

It is always a source of inspiration to observe physically handicapped publishers busily engaged in comforting others rather than expecting sympathy from them. One young sister, a polio victim and seriously crippled since childhood, radiates constant joy and enthusiasm for the truth. Although living fifteen miles from the congregation and having to travel by service taxi each way, she never misses a meeting or an opportunity for field service. She is able to share in the house-to-house ministry by visiting all the ground floor apartments while other publishers care for the upper floors. In addition, her incidental witnessing has been especially fruitful. A similarly handicapped girl is coming along well following a Bible study conducted by mail (she travels over twenty miles to the nearest congregation), and a deaf-mute girl is making steady progress. But her greatest thrill came through the results of a study that she started with a fellow pupil at a trades course. This young lady rapidly grew in knowledge and appreciation and was baptized at a recent assembly, serving since then as a vacation pioneer. We were all so happy that our crippled sister had the joyful privilege of traveling to the “Peace on Earth” assembly in Paris this year.

ITALY Population: 54,033,652

Peak Publishers: 15,346 Ratio: 1 to 3,521

Rich blessings have marked the last service year as a new milestone in the history of Jehovah’s witnesses in Italy. During the year we received seven new publications in the Italian language; there was the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly in Rome; we had a good increase in the number of publishers, and the witnessing work spread to include 64 percent of the country.

The assembly badge that we wear announcing the public talk gives many opportunities to witness. Here is an experience from one sister: “On the bus my assembly badge attracted the attention of a young lady, and I took the opportunity to explain something to her about our religion. She was sincerely interested. She said she had studied the Bible at the university, but did not know it thoroughly. I got her address and after the holidays I wrote her a letter and sent two magazines. She replied, thanking me for the magazines and saying, among other things: ‘I found the magazines very interesting. I read them at one draught.’ Besides, she said that she would like to have someone call on her. I arranged for a sister to visit her, and just twenty days later I got another letter, saying: ‘I want to thank you, and I haven’t got words enough to do it, for having given me the joy of knowing the truth about the true God, because in church I learned wrong things.’ Now this young lady studies regularly every week, showing an earnest interest in the truth.”

During the summer months many people who live in town leave for their holidays. However, this does not mean that a publisher needs to be discouraged if they cannot be found at home. A sister left some literature with a family, but she was later unable to find them at home for quite a while. However, she continued to go to that door and knock time and again. Finally, after some months, she found them again. They had spoken to their relatives who were on holiday with them about the literature they had received, and these, too, had shown interest in the truth. At the end of November a study was started with this family, with the relatives taking part also. They all showed appreciation for the truth and were invited to attend the public talks. After a short while they enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School, and in December of the same year they attended the circuit assembly, where they started out in field service.

Are you too new in the truth to start Bible studies? A publisher had been preaching for just two months when he found a family who wanted to study the Truth book. Though having a limited knowledge of the truth, he decided to hold the study. The first evening he found sixteen persons waiting for him for the study. He did not waver but started the study. On the second study twenty-two persons were there waiting for him. With the Truth book it was easy for him to hold the study, and he felt strengthened spiritually. Now, just a few months since the study was started, this publisher has symbolized his dedication to Jehovah by immersion, almost everybody with whom he studies attends meetings, and some have already undertaken preaching activities.

Taking every opportunity to witness gives good results. One day while walking on the road a sister saw before her a pregnant woman carrying two big shopping bags, and she would stop from time to time due to the weight of the bags. The sister walked up to her and offered her help. The lady appreciated this very much and, while walking together, the sister took the opportunity to witness. When the woman’s house was reached, the sister was invited in and saw that the woman had the ‘Impossible to Lie’ book. She had received it some time before. The next day a study was started, with the woman’s husband joining in. That week the local congregation was visited by the circuit and district servants. These people were invited to hear the talk and to see the film “God Cannot Lie.” They made rapid progress, and one month later when a son was born to the woman, they gave him a Biblical name and did not baptize him according to the Catholic custom. After six months of study, both husband and wife started preaching, and after another six months they got immersed.

The Italian branch office in Rome also sent in field reports on Libya, San Marino and Somalia.

LIBYA Population: 1,738,000

Peak Publishers: 46 Ratio: 1 to 37,783

In Libya the work is still banned. But with due precautions all theocratic activities take place regularly without trouble. The efforts the brothers put forth have had Jehovah’s blessing and during this service year new persons have joined the congregation.

Taking every opportunity to encourage people to study the Bible brings good results. One woman who had come over from Italy to join her husband met a family that studied with a sister. As she felt lonesome, this woman would go every day to visit this family. The sister that conducts the study says: “The first time I met her I spoke to her briefly about the importance of studying God’s Word, and then I started the regular study with the family on Chapter 16 of the Truth book, which deals with ‘Popular Customs That Displease God,’ even though I did not think it most fitting for someone who was listening in for the first time. To my surprise, at the end of the study she admitted that the examples cited proved beyond doubt that the cross could not be the symbol of Christianity, that images should not be worshiped, and that Catholic celebrations are not Christian. The next week she was there to listen again as well as every Saturday during her stay in Tripoli. Satisfied with what she had learned in those two months, she declared she would not eat blood sausages any longer and that, once back in Italy, she wanted to get to know others of our faith.”

SAN MARINO Population: 18,000

Peak Publishers: 10 Ratio: 1 to 1,800

The Republic of San Marino is sixty-one square kilometers in area and is situated in the north-central part of Italy. It also bears the name “Ancient Country of Freedom.” But, in spite of this name, the local police try their best to block the ministerial activities of Italian publishers, who for over fifteen years have been going there to preach. Now there is a local group of publishers, who cannot be kicked out when found preaching.

Often opposition gives the opportunity for a good witness. Two sisters were halted by the police and taken to the local police post. They were questioned and, upon being asked who sent them to carry out their door-to-door ministry, they replied with the scripture at Matthew 28:19, 20. The officer told them that he would keep them there for a week so as to find out something more, adding that the preaching activity was disturbing the local clergy, who had ordered a prohibition on the preaching activities of Jehovah’s witnesses. When the officer withdrew to talk things over with his assistant, the two sisters took the opportunity to give a good witness to the four policemen on duty there, leaving eight magazines with them. The officer then returned and told the sisters they could leave, but warned them not to preach anymore from door to door.

An Italian publisher is nicknamed “Jehovah’s-black-car-witness,” and when he enters the territory of San Marino he is kept under watch by the police. One day he had four brothers in his car when he noticed that he was being followed by a police patrol. He told the brothers he would do his best to outdistance the patrol to enable the brothers to get down in the city center, where they could carry out their preaching activities while he would act as bait and play at cat and mouse. He managed it quite well. As soon as the brothers had got off, he continued wandering around followed by the patrol, who stuck to him till the very boundary. The brother then made some back-calls in that section and at midday returned to San Marino from another side. He met the brothers and they all rejoiced, as that morning they had been able to preach without being disturbed and had also left a lot of literature. With happy heart they thanked Jehovah for the privilege they had of declaring His name.

SOMALIA Population: 2,660,000

Peak Publishers: 1 Ratio: 1 to 2,660,000

The isolated sister who lives in this country continues faithfully month after month to devote time to the preaching activity. It is difficult for a lone woman to preach in this predominantly Mohammedan territory. But, nonetheless, some witnessing has been done.

The sister uses every opportunity to witness to all those she contacts, mainly foreigners who happen to be in Somalia for work. Materialism is very evident because the foreigners have transferred there so as to earn more money in a short lapse of time. Thus, as they are very busy with material things, they have little time left for spiritual things. However, some people show interest in the truth and willingly read the literature the sister supplies to them. Should some brother want to move where the need is great, Somalia is one such place to go.

JAMAICA Population: 1,922,000

Peak Publishers: 5,437 Ratio: 1 to 354

More than eight hundred publishers from Jamaica attended the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly in either New York city or Atlanta last summer. All returned “feeling good at heart” because of the fine things learned at the assembly and the wholesome association enjoyed.—2 Chron. 7:10.

A man accepted the Truth book, but the publisher who placed it failed to make a return visit. In reading the book the man was impressed with the invitation to associate with Jehovah’s witnesses at their Kingdom Hall. He made it a point to find the Kingdom Hall and attend meetings. At the first meeting a brother noticed this stranger and approached him to make him feel welcome. The stranger pulled the book out of his pocket and told the brother that the book suggested that he associate with Jehovah’s witnesses and that was his reason for being there. A home Bible study was arranged, and this newly interested man continues attending the meetings.

In accord with the Society’s suggestion, attention is being given to brothers who have become inactive in their service to Jehovah. Some have responded to the love and interest shown them. A family of seven were inactive for nine years as far as the truth is concerned. Through the urgings of their grandmother, two teenage daughters began to associate again, but this was spasmodic. Later a sister offered to assist by conducting a home Bible study with the family. This was agreed to, but the agreeing was the easiest part. It was most difficult to get the family settled down for the study each time and almost impossible at first to get them to prepare their lessons. An argumentative spirit on the part of one of the young ones and interest in social affairs on the part of another gave the appearance of a lack of interest and the impression that the study would not continue. However, one of the young daughters showed interest, so the study continued. This was the lever that was needed, because through her interest in the truth and increased meeting attendance, her brothers and sisters, mother and father renewed their interest and joined the study. Soon the number increased to thirteen persons in attendance and, during the past service year, five of the children were baptized, together with one of their cousins and a friend who also attended the study. All are very grateful for the loving attention given to them, including the one son who is now a regular pioneer.

The Society’s branch office at Kingston, Jamaica, sends in a report on Cayman Islands also.

CAYMAN ISLANDS Population: 9,394

Peak Publishers: 15 Ratio: 1 to 626

A Spanish-speaking man visited the home of a publisher who took the opportunity to witness to him in Spanish. He was given a copy of the book From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained, which he read through. When the publisher called on him, he expressed delight over the information in the book. He said that what he read in the book seemed to be the truth and was supported by the Bible. This was different from what he was taught in the religion with which he was associated, so he stopped attending church. A regular study has been started with him in the Truth book, and arrangements have been made for a publisher who can read and speak Spanish to study with him. He has started to attend the meetings and says he is anxious to learn more.

JAPAN Population: 102,230,000

Peak Publishers: 7,637 Ratio: 1 to 13,386

Japan still has its earthquakes. But Jehovah is also ‘rocking’ this nation, so that its “desirable” ones are being shaken from their Shinto-Buddhist foundations. They are coming to ‘fill Jehovah’s house with glory.’ Thus, by the end of the service year, Japan could report twenty-five successive monthly publisher peaks, climaxing in 7,637 publishers in August for a 40-percent increase. And even without the help of district assemblies this year, for the first time more than one thousand new brothers and sisters were baptized.—Hag. 2:7.

A special pioneer placed the ‘Later than You Think’ Awake! with a man newly graduated from a university. Calling back just before the circuit assembly, he found this person greatly impressed by what he had read. He invited him to the assembly, and he came for the final two days. Between sessions they studied through the entire “Look!” booklet together. On hearing the baptism talk, this person said he hoped he might be ready for baptism at the next assembly. Though there was no Japanese Truth book yet available, the pioneer used selected articles from the Japanese Watchtower and Awake! magazines, as well as the English Truth book, and studied through this entire material in four months. By this time the young man had quit smoking, read five of the Society’s bound books, enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School and given talks, and gained much experience as a publisher in the field. In July he attended his second circuit assembly and realized his hope of the first assembly, being baptized.

The six-month intensive study program is bearing much fruit. A young lady who had long wanted to understand the Bible was contacted at the last call one morning; so interested was she that she traveled to the pioneer’s house two or three times a week for additional studies, and within four months she was preaching. A new subscriber for Awake! started to study in November, came to all meetings from January on and was immediately impressed by the warmth of God’s people; she studied twice a week from February, and was a publisher conducting a study herself from April. A nurse who started to study in August was attending all meetings within two months, obtained a transfer to a hospital department where she would have no “blood” problems, and was publishing by January, with plans for vacation pioneering. A Buddhist fourth-year college student surprised the publisher who witnessed to her by studying and marking the answers in the entire ‘Impossible to Lie’ book by the time of the second back-call; within just a few months she faced up to severe family opposition when withdrawing from her former Buddhist sect, and she has been bringing her sister and friend to the meetings, where she gives model comments. She is now a joyful publisher in the field. A sister who runs a store witnessed to a customer and started a study in November. The interested person became a publisher from February. She now studies with her children, one of whom has also become a publisher.

A sister who had no study had heard much at the service meetings about starting studies at the first call. She decided to vacation pioneer in order the better to apply these suggestions. She arranged five new studies during her two weeks of pioneering and three more during the rest of the month. A thirteen-year-old publisher was impressed by a service-meeting suggestion that each one should always have a further goal for progress. So he started to offer subscriptions, rather than magazines only. At one of his first calls he was delighted to obtain a double subscription, for The Watchtower and Awake!, from a storekeeper. Next day at school he talked with a friend who had previously taken magazines, and again he obtained the double subscription, as well as starting a study in the “Look!” booklet. His latest goal has been baptism at the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly in Tokyo.

It was with mingled feelings of joy and alarm that a new publisher received her first assignment in the Theocratic Ministry School. Could she do it? Trusting in Jehovah, she gathered her material. But how could she rehearse it effectively? She remembered a church lady whom she had met in service and who had shown some interest in the Bible. So she made a back-call on this person, giving her the talk “God’s People Are Instructed to Get Out of Babylon” and noting her reactions, so as to be better able to arrange for her partner to react the same way. As she concluded her rehearsal, the church lady expressed great interest and requested further information. Another call was arranged for the next week, and, to the publisher’s joy, a new study was started. She is very happy that she took her first Ministry School assignment so seriously.

Former Buddhists who become Jehovah’s witnesses are learning to live by Bible principles. One new Witness was faced with the double problem of a difficult pregnancy and cancer of the chest. Her husband demanded that she have an abortion, but this she conscientiously refused. She also refused the doctor’s prescription of blood for her cancer operation. As a result her husband divorced her and went off to live immorally with another woman. The sister went ahead and had a successful chest operation without blood. Then, in due course, she gave birth to a fine, healthy baby. Realizing that he had lost a very good wife, the husband now asked to come back to her. But she replied that, since she was legally and Scripturally divorced, she could now marry “only in the Lord.” The husband is now studying with Jehovah’s witnesses, in the hope that he may someday qualify to remarry his former wife.

KENYA Population: 10,209,000

Peak Publishers: 731 Ratio: 1 to 13,966

The 119 delegates who were able to attend the “Peace on Earth” assemblies in America and Europe want to express their deep thankfulness to Jehovah and to all the hardworking brothers whom he used to prepare such a rich spiritual feast. It makes us very happy to report unusually good progress in the whole of our territory, which includes Kenya, Burundi, Ethiopia, Seychelles, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

Our peak of 731 publishers for Kenya, which is a 62-percent increase, reflects the warm, friendly, Bible-loving disposition of the people here. There is an entire lack of the inhibitions of the so-called “developed nations.’’ We are greeted with a big smile and a friendly invitation to enter the homes, and we go ahead and introduce the Kingdom message in an entirely relaxed atmosphere. No ridicule here, but a deep respect for what the Bible says, as the following experiences show.

Most of those accepting the truth were formerly married according to tribal custom. Though such marriages are acceptable in the communities, they are not legally binding and can be dissolved for a number of reasons, many times by parents or relatives, outside the control of the marriage partners. So in order to conform with the Scriptural requirements, those dedicating their lives to Jehovah take steps to make their marriages legally binding. Seventy-seven couples have taken this step this year. Doing so has not been easy in the majority of cases, as it has meant expense and effort to travel to centers for the registration of the marriages, often hundreds of miles. This has meant saving for months to get the fare, and often, in addition, there has been considerable opposition from unbelieving relatives. Many interested persons attend these marriage ceremonies and thus are prepared to do likewise when they have advanced sufficiently in the truth.

Love of God and neighbor has caused many to return to the villages with the truth they received in town. As a result of one seed sown by a brother in his village in 1963, there is at present a congregation of seventy-one, including ten regular pioneers, and seven others have left there to serve elsewhere as special pioneers. Writes the overseer of that congregation, “We expect many more to pioneer, so you can always draw your supply from us.” One newly appointed book study servant takes time off from work each month to help his family and interested ones far away in his village. He says that when the group he studies with reaches ten, he will leave his job and go there permanently. Another brother regularly travels forty miles to visit his family. He has helped three of his brothers and his father to get the truth. His father resigned from his church and dedicated his life to Jehovah three weeks before his death. When three clergymen appeared to bury him, the four fleshly spiritual brothers told them their services were not wanted and made them stand to one side while a special pioneer conducted the funeral.

One interested man who had not been visited when the publisher worked his street waited outside his home the following week so he would not be missed again. He was delighted that the brother could answer his questions, which had caused much annoyance to his priest. After four months of study both the man and his wife started to preach. Though quite sick, the wife placed 44 books and 49 magazines in her first month, making 99 back-calls and starting 2 studies.

The Evolution and Truth books enjoyed a wonderful distribution during the year. In just one month a congregation of 22 publishers placed 965 of them.

BURUNDI Population: 2,224,000

Peak Publishers: 25 Ratio: 1 to 88,960

There has been substantial growth in Burundi both in numbers and toward maturity. By the time of the Memorial, when there was an excellent attendance of fifty-eight, the brothers had come together into a closer bond of unity than before. The work has really gone ahead with far better understanding among the brothers, and some who had previously reported through another country are now reporting to their own group. Added to this there has been good increase from among the people of Bujumbura, the capital city. A circuit servant has received a passport and now is able to visit the group regularly, and it is hoped that a special pioneer couple will also receive passports soon in order to be able to move to Burundi to give regular assistance to the group.

ETHIOPIA Population: 25,000,000

Peak Publishers: 384 Ratio: 1 to 65,104

Thirty-three delegates from Ethiopia attended the “Peace on Earth” assemblies in New York and London and have expressed deep appreciation for all that was seen and heard there. One brother expressed great joy for the release of the book Is the Bible Really the Word of God? and placed several copies on his return home.

Many experiences enjoyed show the power of the truth over Satanic influence. Two brothers, in the course of their preaching, came to a house where a man and a woman were fighting. They had recently been divorced, and the woman had returned to the house to claim some of her property. The brothers started to give a thorough witness with regard to living in peace, and the couple gradually calmed down and began to listen seriously. A back-call was arranged and the couple, after a number of further discussions, are now reconciled and their broken marriage has been restored.

In addition to training God’s people to express the message of God’s Word in a worthy manner, the Theocratic Ministry School gives a witness in other ways. One young sister was assigned to give a three-minute lecture on a subject at school along with the rest of her class. The teacher was so impressed that he requested her to put her lecture in writing. She gave him the outline she had used, and he showed it to the other students and also to other teachers. She had the opportunity then to tell many in her class where she received her training and so witnessed to many of them. Her second lecture was attended by all the schoolteachers, and she was selected to represent her school as a speaker.

SEYCHELLES Population: 48,100

Peak Publishers: 7 Ratio: 1 to 6,871

The work has moved ahead well in the Seychelles islands, with three new brothers immersed during the year, bringing the total number of publishers from four to seven. In addition to the fine service activity of the brothers, which was double the suggested goals of the Society, considerable time was spent in building a new Kingdom Hall. This was dedicated during the visit of the circuit servant in June, and twenty-three attended the special dedication program. During this same visit the circuit servant was interviewed by the director of Radio Seychelles and was able to give a very good witness about the work of Jehovah’s witnesses and the Scriptural help they are offering the people of the islands. This was later broadcasted and heard by thousands of the islanders.

SUDAN Population: 15,000,000

Peak Publishers: 49 Ratio: 1 to 306,122

This has been a very encouraging year for our brothers and sisters in Sudan. Previously it had not been possible to arrange for regular visits from outside the country, but this year three such visits were made and all have benefited as a result. There was a splendid response to invitations to share in the full-time service during the year. Up until just over a year ago three very faithful elderly sisters had been the only ones sharing in the pioneer ministry for a number of years. Then two of the younger publishers served as vacation pioneers and enjoyed the privilege so much that they extended their service several months, and one became a regular pioneer. Soon afterward another publisher took up regular pioneer service, and for the last few months two other young publishers have served as vacation pioneers. Of the 49 publishers, 11 attended the “Peace on Earth” assemblies in America and Europe, and they are now sharing their joyful experiences back in their home territory.

TANZANIA Population: 12,231,000

Peak Publishers: 1,116 Ratio: 1 to 10,960

Most of the people in Tanzania are nominally Christian, and among them there are many who have a deep respect for God and His Word. The preaching work has progressed steadily among them during the year in spite of strong opposition from the clergy of Christendom. These have been very active again this year in misrepresenting the brothers, and in some areas they have been successful in causing the authorities to make a number of arrests. Such false shepherds treat their own flocks as callously as they do the brothers. Recently three newly interested persons wrote their priest a formal letter of resignation. Rather than try to help them, he immediately reported them to the authorities as being Jehovah’s witnesses, falsely accusing them of being anti-Christian and succeeding in having them arrested.

Sometimes these church leaders become so obsessed by their authority that they make themselves ridiculous before their own followers. A newly interested man left his former church and told the priest why, showing him from the Bible that his teaching was unscriptural. The priest flew into a rage and, lifting up his crucifix, cursed the man, saying that he would be dead by the end of January, that his brothers would die by the middle of February, and that he would eventually destroy all of Jehovah’s witnesses in the area by his curses. Everyone in the village witnessed the priest’s ravings, and as time went by and they noted that the curse of the priest had failed, a number of villagers sought out Jehovah’s witnesses to study with them. The man came right along into the truth, and his four brothers are now studying and making fine progress.

Though a few have succumbed because of fear and constant pressure, most of our brothers have thrived in the face of opposition. One is a brother who has been a special pioneer for a number of years in difficult territory. He was preaching to the passengers on a bus on his way home when he encountered violent opposition from them and was thrown off the bus halfway to his destination. Soon afterward the bus overturned, killing all the passengers except one. The brother was very thankful that he had not missed that opportunity to preach.

A former bigamist tells of the abundant blessing he has enjoyed since he put away his second wife early in 1968. All his sisters and children to whom he witnessed have taken their stand for the truth and also two other persons. Now he cares for an isolated group of fifteen publishers and, having enjoyed vacation pioneer service, he has applied for regular pioneer work.

UGANDA Population: 8,134,000

Peak Publishers: 75 Ratio: 1 to 108,453

How would you like to attend a meeting where you could not understand the language of the instructor or anyone else in attendance? Suppose this was your first contact with the truth and you were unable to read or write and so were greatly handicapped in learning the unfamiliar language? Would you be willing and happy to attend the meetings regularly? The wives of some brothers in a congregation in Uganda have this problem, for there are many tribal languages, different from the principal languages in which the meetings are held. Yet these women are seen at the meetings regularly. Why is this so? It is because they experience things that are not bound by language—love, joy and peace—evidences that God’s spirit is there. These humble women appreciate, too, the change the truth has made in the lives of their husbands, who now have a loving regard for them rather than treating them as servants, as the custom is. These brothers are now helping their wives to read and write, conduct family Bible studies, and explain what is discussed at the meetings. One new sister so assisted now shares in field service and participates in the meetings, even giving student talks.

A brother started a study in the Truth book with a couple whose young child had recently died. The first chapters gave them much comfort and encouragement, and after a few weeks of study the brother noticed that the crosses they had been wearing had disappeared. They had been reading ahead in the book, and when they reached Chapter 16, “Popular Customs That Displease God,” they immediately recognized the cross as being a pagan symbol. Shortly thereafter they decided that they must get out of Babylon the Great, so the man made a journey of two hundred miles back to his hometown personally to deliver their resignation from the church and to make sure their names were erased from the roll. This spiritually rich couple were baptized in June after six months of study, and they are now working toward the goal of pioneer service.

KOREA Population: 31,139,000

Peak Publishers: 10,610 Ratio: 1 to 2,935

The 1969 service year in Korea has proved to be fast-moving and eventful. The increase has been outstanding. There were 2,226 baptized this year. There have been twenty-two consecutive peaks of publishers. There has been no internal loss of publishers from the organization during the year because more were reactivated than became inactive. The potential increase is also greater than ever before as reflected by the 23,796 who attended the Memorial and the peak of 14,818 home Bible studies reported in April.

The Korean edition of the Truth book first appeared on the scene in January, and already most of the first two printings are gone. The emphasis on studying it in six months and directing interested persons to the organization in that time has been especially effective.

It is thrilling to see our brothers gain skill in the ministry and make good use of the tools Jehovah’s organization has provided for us. One special pioneer was refused each few months when she called to offer the magazines to a certain lady. Sensing latent interest, the publisher laid the magazines aside and successfully got the woman to study a few paragraphs of the “Good News” booklet with her. She came back three days later for a second session and, before the lady knew it, she was having a Bible study twice a week. Going into the Truth, book, the sister stressed meeting attendance, and the lady responded. Personal appreciation of the material at the end of each chapter resulted in the lady’s throwing away a Buddhist image given her by her mother-in-law. In four months’ time she had weathered serious family opposition over her refusal to participate in ancestor worship and she had begun preaching to others. All this has resulted from the pioneer’s discerning interest although nothing could be placed initially.

Look at what this tract did! A publisher looking forward to his own baptism gave an experience at a circuit assembly telling how he had received a tract, read it, and was moved to call the branch office to get the address of the nearest Kingdom Hall. After the local brothers arranged a Bible study with him, he wanted to study two times a week, and he never missed a meeting from the first. He began preaching to his friends within eight weeks and is now conducting a Bible study with his younger brother. He related how happy he was to get that tract and how it had changed his life.

Interested people are capable of sensing the urgency of these times if the publisher himself reflects it. A sister in Kangkyung relates that an interested woman she found got so involved on the very first back-call that she forgot all about cooking the family supper that night. A study was started, but the lady wanted to study three times a week. She began attending meetings after the second study. In four months she was preaching, and the fifth month she was conducting a Bible study with someone else. She was baptized as soon as she qualified by completing the required study. Now she is planning to become a pioneer.

Part of their time each week the district servants devote to the pioneers to encourage them, but it is the district servants who come away encouraged after listening to these more than a thousand pioneers and their upbuilding experiences. One district servant asked a seventy-one-year-old regular pioneer sister her secret in getting so many of her studies to the meetings. She had twenty Bible studies and seventeen of them were attending the meetings. She answered that she always started to the meetings two hours early, making the rounds of those needing encouragement to attend. She is not the overly insistent type but is so sincerely interested in their welfare that the sheeplike ones respond. Because of her advanced age this sister works a very small territory near her home, working it over and over again. Recently the branch office noticed that her Bible studies had increased to 25. At a second look, her hours had also jumped to an average of more than 150 for the past five months! She had not planned on that, but said it was necessary to care for the “sheep.”

A sister tells of her unbelieving parents’ attempts to dissuade her from pioneering. One day they destroyed her books, including her Bible. She borrowed another sister’s Bible and went ahead. Next they cut off her hair, thinking to shame her. She tied a kerchief around her head and continued, always careful not to neglect her assigned duties in the home. She reported how much encouragement the brothers at the meetings gave during this period. The spiritual growth of her students also sustained her. Now she has realized her goal of becoming a special pioneer. Her faithfulness finally won over her parents too. Now that she is far from home they regret their treatment of her, and the father reads the Society’s publications regularly. Her own endurance helps her in encouraging others.

All ten of the missionaries in Korea were able to attend the “Peace on Earth” International Assemblies in North America and have returned refreshed. All of them are truly grateful for the generosity of our brothers in making this possible. Indications point to an outstanding assembly in Seoul in October, and all the Korean brothers eagerly await Brothers Knorr and Franz and the more than three hundred foreign delegates who will attend.

Country Reports (Part Two)

pp. 202–302

Country Reports (Part Two)

LEBANON Population: 2,520,000

Peak Publishers: 1,130 Ratio: 1 to 2,230

We have many things for which to be thankful. For the first time since 1963 we have averaged a 10-percent increase in publishers. Thirty-four overseers, assistant congregation servants and Bible study servants attended the two-week Kingdom Ministry School course, which was a stimulus to the work. Also, over forty from Lebanon attended the “Peace on Earth” assemblies.

Despite opposition, sheeplike persons are found and respond to the good news. A special pioneer writes: “While giving the sermon to an interested householder, we were rudely interrupted by a neighbor who entered the home and began to speak abusively of Jehovah’s witnesses. Then he grabbed my Bible, tore it up and stamped out of the house. This did not frighten the householder, but we were without a Bible. Her brother had one, so she sent her daughter to get it. The brother came instead and invited us to his home. We were able to give him a good witness from his own Bible. Arrangements were made for a back-call to discuss the subject of the trinity. He further requested that this subject be discussed in the presence of the local Catholic Action group. After this discussion, he was convinced of the doctrine’s falsity. Not willing to wait for the next visit, he visited us in our home. Then we had to return to his home, but the Catholic Action group and others in the community threatened to do us harm if we did. We made the call, and there were no difficulties. That week the interested person attended a meeting at our Kingdom Hall. The study with him was held twice a week. For convenience he wanted the study held in his brother’s home. This was done, even though his brother was an ardent churchgoer and at first refused to attend the study. But with encouragement and tact he began to attend and now is an ardent attender of all meetings at the Kingdom Hall, though it is many miles distant. In less than five months both began publishing, also the brother’s wife. All are planning on baptism at the coming assembly.”

There is a need to follow up all placements even though conversation with the householder may be brief. The circuit servant, working with another publisher, placed three booklets with a woman though the door was opened just a crack. It was a very brief call, but he encouraged the sister to return. About a month later the sister, along with a companion, made a visit and immediately started a study. On one of the visits the husband was at home and from another room listened in on the conversation between the sister and his wife. Soon he came out to take part in the conversation. However, he had his doubts about the Bible as being God’s Word. On the next visit the sister brought her husband with her, and a study was started with the husband also. Shortly both man and wife started coming to the meetings. The wife quickly got rid of all shackles of Babylon the Great, and she was out in the service and baptized at the latest circuit assembly. The man, though, had some cleaning up to do. He was a Mason, and it was difficult for him to give it up. It was patiently explained to him that his organization was religious and part of Babylon the Great and that for him to publish and dedicate himself to Jehovah he must “Get out!” Just a short time ago he got together all his things pertaining to the Masons and told the brother that he would appreciate it if he would burn all of them. He broke off all associations with them, and he, too, is now a publisher along with his wife and three children, aged thirteen, fourteen and fifteen. He and two of his children hope to get baptized at the coming “Peace on Earth” assembly to be held here in October.

One never knows where the seeds of truth will drop and take root. A brother writes: “I was doing the house-to-house work when I met a young man of the Moslem religion who accepted the Paradise book. I made an appointment to visit him three days later with the circuit servant. When we returned, he was waiting for us. We were amazed, for during those three days he had read the complete book. A study was arranged with him, his younger brother, his sister and aunt. After three weeks he and his brother attended the book study as well as the public talk. Being afraid to take his stand for true religion, the older brother stopped attending the meetings. However, the younger one continued, and the study was continued with him at another home, as his brother turned out to be an opposer and even tore up his Bible and books. The younger brother is the first at the meetings and the last to leave, and he has enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School and given two talks. Now he is a publisher of the good news and preparing himself for baptism.”

The branch office also looks after the work in Abu Dhabi, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Syria.

ABU DHABI Population: 12,000

Peak Publishers: 3 Ratio: 1 to 4,000

The brothers are keeping regular in service in this oil-rich sheikhdom. At the beginning of the year a sister moved from India to work there, and she has been able to witness to those with whom she works. She writes that one of them has “comprehended the subjects the name of God, the sin of Adam, and whether Jesus had brothers and sisters. He is progressing, and we hope that in time he will realize the need of fleeing from Babylon the Great.”

IRAN Population: 26,284,000

Peak Publishers: 19 Ratio: 1 to 1,383,368

People in Iran are listening to the truth, as shown by the following experiences. A man learned about the truth while in Germany; in fact, he studied with a Witness there. On his return to Iran he wanted to continue his study, but he lives near the Afghanian border. However, he has already made one trip to the congregation in Tehran, spending a few days there enjoying the meetings and further discussions in connection with the Truth book. Another man lives about 130 miles away from the nearest publishers. It is very difficult for the brothers to get to him. But this young man is coming to them quite regularly. One time he even spent his holiday in Tehran so he could catch up on his studying and association with the brothers. He is showing fine progress and is developing respect for Jehovah and his organization. These experiences give reason to expect the seed of truth to spread outside of Tehran.

IRAQ Population: 8,440,000

Peak Publishers: 3 Ratio: 1 to 2,813,333

Life is difficult in Iraq, but the three unbaptized publishers are doing what they can to comfort the people and give them the hope of life in God’s new order of things. During the Memorial the circuit servant was able to visit them. He gave the Memorial talk, and these new publishers were very pleased with its simplicity and lack of ritual. They were greatly encouraged by his visit, but they need mature assistance regularly. Will you go there to help them?

JORDAN Population: 2,520,000

Peak Publishers: 33 Ratio: 1 to 76,364

Toward the beginning of the year four special pioneers from Lebanon were assigned to Jordan. They have done good work in the field and in assisting the congregation. As a result, literature placements were the best since 1952. There are more Bible studies being conducted and a fine increase in publishers.

By the end of the year all the special pioneers sent to Jordan had left the country, but during the year one of the local publishers started in special pioneer work, so the country is not left without pioneers.

KUWAIT Population: 468,000

Peak Publishers: 7 Ratio: 1 to 66,857

The majority of the publishers in Kuwait are sisters, and this makes it difficult for them to engage in the public ministry in this Moslem land. But they are reporting field service regularly, and the one brother there is visiting the sisters and conducting the various meetings with them and giving some of the public talks. Most of the witnessing is done incidentally, but each publisher is conducting a Bible study. Seven attended the Memorial talk this year.

QATAR Population: 55,000

Peak Publishers: 1 Ratio: 1 to 55,000

In July 1969 a baptized brother moved from his native India to do secular work in this Moslem land. He is doing what he can to preach to the inhabitants. This is the first report from Qatar since September 1963.

SAUDI ARABIA Population: 8,000,000

Peak Publishers: 3 Ratio: 1 to 2,666,667

Both publishers in Saudi Arabia were able to attend the “Peace on Earth” assemblies held in Europe this summer. Both have good field service averages and are conducting some studies. By the end of the year one of the publishers had returned to Lebanon. So this leaves Saudi Arabia with one publisher of the good news.

SYRIA Population: 5,761,349

Peak Publishers: 146 Ratio: 1 to 39,461

Jehovah’s people in Syria are taking full advantage of the opportunities open to them to preach the good news of the Kingdom to others. The government accuses them falsely of being Zionists, but this does not deter the brothers. During the year an effort was made to contact officials of the Syrian government, leaving them documents showing the nonpolitical nature of our work. But this seems to have had little effect. The brothers, though, are able to carry on their ministry with little interference from the officials.

A call was made on a young man who is paralyzed and an effort was made to interest him in the truth. However, members of a Protestant religious sect interfered with the call and put the sister out of the house. The young man did not do or say anything in her defense. After three months it was decided to return to him again, a different publisher going to see him. The publisher was received well, and a Bible study was started. He has been overjoyed at the prospect of running and walking again, in God’s new order. Again these religious fanatics interfered with the study, but this time they failed. The fleshly brother of the paralytic came for a visit and was amazed at the change in his brother; he had become a happy person. He, too, learned of the hope of the new system and within three months began to publish the good news.

Brothers in Syria take full advantage of incidental witnessing as shown by this experience: “I work for the government, and one day I had to go to my director’s office to sign some papers. On entering, I found that the director was not present, but there was an old gentleman there. We exchanged greetings. He asked me about my schooling and what I did after working hours, etc. I explained that after work I spend my time reading the Bible and preaching the kingdom of God to other people in harmony with Matthew 24:14. He interrupted me and, in a very low voice, asked, ‘Are you one of Jehovah’s witnesses?’ Before answering that question I prayed to Jehovah in my heart, hoping that this man was not from the secret police, asking for strength to give a witness. Then I boldly said, ‘Yes, I am!’ This older man then clapped his hands together for joy, because he had been looking for Jehovah’s witnesses to continue his association with them, as he had associated with them in Lebanon. An appointment was made to see him at his home, and now a Bible study is being held with him.”

LEEWARD ISLANDS (Antigua) Population: 61,664

Peak Publishers: Ratio: 1 to 518

It was back in 1963 that Brother Knorr said he would keep in mind the possibility of paying a visit to the smaller islands in the eastern Caribbean. He kept it in mind for five years, and how happy all of us in the Leeward Islands were that he was able to visit here briefly during this past service year. The brothers came from five islands for his talk that stressed the high standard of Jehovah’s organization. We were glad to have an overflow crowd of 281 at our Kingdom Hall.

Appreciation for Jehovah and his righteous requirements is growing steadily in the hearts of peace-loving people in the Leeward Islands, including Antigua, Anguilla, Dominica, Montserrat, Nevis, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts and St. Martin.

In Antigua three families have been moved by learning the Bible requirements to put their lives in harmony with the high standards of Jehovah. One young woman had studied the Society’s publications for nine years, but with the introduction of the Truth book the material started to take effect. She commenced attending the congregation meetings regularly and would have liked to have participated in the ministry, but she was shown from the Bible that first she would have to straighten out her marital status. For many years she had been asking the man she lived with to marry her, but he kept putting her off, and nothing further was done. Since talking did not work, perhaps writing a letter would. She wrote him exactly what was in her heart: Either marry her or give her enough money to buy a bed, and she would go home to her mother with their small children. The following day he gave her money to arrange for the wedding, and in two weeks they were married. Now she is sharing in the ministry with the brothers as she had longed to do.

Soon after, the Anglican minister stormed into their home and handed the surprised husband an eviction notice, stating that by the first of August they were to have their house moved off the land that was owned by the church. The husband was shocked since they had lived there in an unmarried state for ten years, and now that they had straightened out their lives and his wife was showing interest in the Bible, the minister of his church was evicting them. The husband moved the house and now encourages his wife in the way of the truth.

In another family, after straightening out marital affairs, we have five happy publishers.

Another man who was having a Bible study, but delayed straightening out his marital affairs, was so impressed by the practical counsel at the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly in New York that he promptly made arrangements to get married. When those of us from the branch arrived back from the assembly, he met us with his marriage certificate rolled up in his hand, requesting help in the field service and inquiring when he could get baptized.

ANGUILLA Population: 5,810

Peak Publishers: 15 Ratio: 1 to 387

Much work has been done by the brothers during the last service year, and Jehovah has blessed their efforts with two new workers in the harvest.

During the political unrest this year Jehovah’s witnesses continued peacefully in the door-to-door ministry and conducted their Bible studies. This enabled people to see “the distinction between . . . one serving God and one who has not served him.” (Mal. 3:18) One person was moved to say: “Everyone is taking part in politics except Jehovah’s witnesses. Their religion must be the right one.” Another remarked to a brother in the service, “You people go about teaching the Bible, but our minister goes in the pulpit on Sundays and talks politics.” The special pioneer was encouraged by the progress made by one person he has studied with for three years. Being a staunch church member, her home was decorated with many religious pictures. After studying Chapter 16 in the Truth book, all the pictures came down except one, “the sacred heart of Jesus.” Later the special pioneer suggested studying Chapter 16 over again. When he came for the study, the picture of the “sacred heart” was gone. She has since had her name taken off the church membership roll and is now joyfully sharing in the field service.

DOMINICA Population: 63,609

Peak Publishers 177 Ratio: 1 to 359

For years the people in the small villages scattered along the coast of this island have been held under the control of the parish priests. Since Vatican Council II many changes have taken place, and one priest ordered all the images to be taken out of the church. The workmen doing the removing simply lassoed the images and brought them down in a cloud of dust as they smashed on the floor. To some parishioners this was shocking, but one villager remarked, “It looks like Jehovah’s witnesses have won the victory.” A seventy-six-year-old lady who had gone to this church all her life and was strongly rooted in the Catholic faith told the special pioneer who conducts the study with her: “I was afraid to listen to you when you first called at my home, for I thought you would pull me away from my church. But when you showed me what the Bible teaches, it made me think seriously about what the church was doing all these years.” When Chapter 16 of the Truth book was studied, on “Popular Customs That Displease God,” this elderly lady said, “Wait a minute,” and went into another room. She returned with a cross and chain. “Could I put that on my neck again? Never!” With that she broke it into pieces and threw them into the garbage. At the circuit assembly held in this village in May this lady and her son were baptized. Her nephew is now studying and participates in the door-to-door ministry. Truly the Word of God is alive and exerts power.

MONTSERRAT Population: 13,430

Peak Publishers: 31 Ratio: 1 to 433

Without doubt the most interesting and outstanding event of the year for Jehovah’s witnesses in Montserrat was the circuit assembly held in March. The Secondary School auditorium and Home Economics facilities were utilized. A search for rooms to accommodate the fifty-eight brothers who came over from Antigua by chartered plane was successful. The local radio station gave us excellent coverage. Everyone on the island knew of the assembly and received an invitation to attend. How many would respond to the invitation? With beaming faces we watched as 132 filled the auditorium. A good witness was given. A businessman who had delegates in his home remarked on the warm and friendly atmosphere he observed at the assembly. “When I go into the church across the street,” he said, “hardly anyone talks to another. It’s your religion that makes the difference.” Following the assembly the home economics teacher commented, “You people left the school so clean you could eat right off the tables.”

Nearly three hundred persons attended the funeral of a seventy-year-old brother who died suddenly in January just four months after having symbolized his dedication. Formerly prominent on the island as a boxer and estate foreman, he was mourned by many former associates. Many island officials attended the funeral discourse delivered from the front porch of the small Kingdom Hall, and many favorable comments were heard.

NEVIS Population: 12,770

Peak Publishers: 30 Ratio: 1 to 426

Many persons are dedicated servants of Jehovah God today because a thoughtful relative took the time to interest them in the good news of the Kingdom. A native of Nevis learned the truth in Bermuda. When he returned to his native island for a visit, his former sports-minded friends could not understand why he did not have the interest in sports that he had formerly. The reason? He had an assignment-that of helping members of his family to learn about the new system of things. Almost every evening he would get family groups together and discuss Bible subjects and stress the need for a systematic study of the Bible. When the brother had to leave, the local congregation carried on with the Bible studies. At the circuit assembly held here in April the mother of one family symbolized her dedication by water baptism and the youths are attending the Kingdom Hall and sharing in the meetings. With assistance from the overseer they too are progressing toward dedication. What a fine reward for taking time to assist one’s relatives!

ST. EUSTATIUS Population: 1,335

Peak Publishers: 1 Ratio: 1 to 1,335

The sister here continues to preach the “good news” and to aid her children to study the Bible regularly. When the circuit servant and his wife visit, a Theocratic Ministry School is held, with the children acting as householders. They enjoy this very much and clap for each student talk, especially for their mother’s talk. Can you imagine how they would enjoy attending meetings at a Kingdom Hall? Six interested persons attended the public talk during the latest visit of the circuit servant.

ST. KITTS Population: 38,113

Peak Publishers: 96 Ratio: 1 to 397

The special pioneers are thrilled with the fine success they are having in conducting Bible studies with the Truth book. One special pioneer sister writes: “We really do appreciate the direct way in which the Truth book is written. I had conducted a study with a lady for one year. When we studied Chapter 15, ‘Get Out from Among Them,’ I asked her: ‘If what the other religions teach is false, what are you going to do?’ Her reply was: ‘I will inform the minister that I no longer wish to be a member of his church.’ This she did. The following Sunday the minister’s entire sermon was concerning this lady. He told his parishioners that when Jehovah’s witnesses called at their homes they could give them water to drink or something to eat, but when it comes to the Bible they were not to enter into a discussion, because Jehovah’s witnesses know their Bibles and ‘they will tie you up.’ The parishioners were also instructed to go to the home of this lady and make her see the error of her course and help her return to church. He said he would call later. Not one of the parishioners obeyed and neither did the minister call. The lady is now a zealous publisher of the ‘good news’ and desires to be baptized at the earliest opportunity.”

ST. MARTIN Population: 9,547

Peak Publishers: 55 Ratio: 1 to 174

Jesus said, ‘My sheep know my voice,’ and so honesthearted ones in St. Martin are recognizing the voice of the Right Shepherd. A young man on the French side of the island obtained a copy of the Watchtower magazine. What he read impressed him deeply. He wrote the branch office requesting a correspondence course to learn more about the Bible. He was provided with even better than a correspondence course. A capable brother from the local congregation gave personal assistance by conducting a Bible study using the Truth book twice each week. He had no end of questions, and one hour for each study was not enough to answer them. His progress in understanding was rapid. After three months he was attending the congregation meetings and learning to make expression before others of his newfound truths. He attended the circuit assembly held in the neighboring island of Anguilla and there received training in the field service. He returned to St. Martin filled with zeal for Jehovah and within a short time was conducting a Bible study with a person he contacted in the ministry. He attended the international assembly in New York, where he symbolized his dedication by water baptism.

LIBERIA Population: 1,100,000

Peak Publishers: 537 Ratio: 1 to 2,048

News that a delegation of twenty-six Witnesses would fly to the “Peace on Earth” assembly in New York stirred the interest of the “Roving Reporter,” a popular radio program. The producer invited three brothers to answer questions over the air about the assembly, such as: “Why such a theme as ‘Peace on Earth’ when this world is anything but peaceful?” After fine Scriptural answers, the topic came up as to whether the churches are losing their influence. To discuss this, a second interview was arranged and broadcast a few days later. The information presented was appreciated so much that a third invitation was extended for the brothers to discuss the results of the assembly upon their return from New York. In all, forty-one delegates from Liberia attended international assemblies.

Do you witness to children? At one door a circuit servant met a ten-year-old lad whose parents were not at home. The brother carefully explained about the world in which suffering and death would end and left the tract Life in God’s New Order. The boy was so impressed by the witness that he interested his father in reading the tract. At the next call the circuit servant met the father, who began asking questions based on the tract. During the discussion the Truth book was placed and a study demonstrated. The family accepted an invitation to attend both the Saturday and Sunday talks of the circuit servant. Soon they became regular attenders at all the meetings and now are preparing to publish the good news. And it all started because time was taken to give a good witness to a young boy.

True worship requires a complete break from superstitious customs. A Lutheran evangelist studied with a special pioneer and learned that his church had loaded him down with false Babylonish doctrines while permitting him to practice pagan superstitious customs. Resisting such customs of his family and tribe would surely bring down their wrath on him. Would he accept the freedom offered by the truth or stick to his man-pleasing religion? The test came when he was asked to contribute toward the payment of a fine levied on the family when his uncle broke a law of the tribal secret society. The evangelist refused to be involved and was promptly expelled from the family. Then his mother died and strong pressure was put on him to make sacrifices to the “spirit” of the deceased. Again choosing freedom-giving true worship, he explained in a powerful witness why he could not engage in this superstitious custom. Since then he has enjoyed Jehovah’s blessings and plans to be baptized soon.

“You will die in a few months’ time!” This was the prediction made by the relatives of an old native woman because she threw away all her “juju medicine” upon accepting the truth of God’s Word. Despite this dire warning, she continued in Jehovah’s way and symbolized her dedication by water immersion. When the circuit servant visited the following year, did he report on the death of this old illiterate sister? Far from it! She was very much alive physically, and one of the happiest publishers in the group spiritually.

LUXEMBOURG Population: 334,790

Peak Publishers: 513 Ratio: 1 to 653

An outstanding feature of the past year was the dedication of the new missionary home and Kingdom Hall. It is a very fine building, accommodating ten full-time preachers, and the branch office.

“I had a fine opportunity to witness in a doctor’s waiting room by offering the Watchtower and Awake! magazines. I pointed out to the waiting patients that many people wet their fingers to turn over the pages of the magazines they are reading and which are available in the waiting rooms, and that this is actually uninviting and not healthful either. Therefore I have my own clean reading material with me, which, of course, is quite different too. I emphasize the importance of these magazines, and there are always people who are willing to read them. I appreciated it very much when I was able to place thirty magazines during two visits to the doctor.”

Witnessing to our fellow workers brings good fruits too. This we learn from these two experiences: “My husband was working as a cook with one of Jehovah’s witnesses. The Witness took every opportunity to speak to him. In the evening when my husband came home from work he told me all the things he had learned from the Witness, and each time we had sharp differences of opinion. I found it ridiculous for a man to be speaking about religion. It just happened that my husband as well as the Witness left their jobs and for some time they did not see each other. So my husband was very happy when the Witness visited us. As a result, I became interested too, and now we both are happy to be Jehovah’s witnesses.”

“One of my fellow workers was a Witness, and oftentimes we discussed Bible prophecy. Later I changed my job and did not have any contact with him. Reading the daily newspaper with all its bad happenings, I remembered what I had been told by the Witness about Bible prophecies. I always had great respect for the Witnesses, so I visited my former worker for further information. I agreed to a Bible study, and now I am happy to be one of their brothers.”

MALAGASY REPUBLIC Population: 7,011,563

Peak Publishers: 370 Ratio: 1 to 18,950

How important it is to look after interested ones when a publisher moves away. One publisher writes: “A brother asked me to take over a Bible study with a man, his wife and their daughter when he had to move to another city. The daughter showed much zeal, preparing well for the study and asking many questions during the study when she did not understand. One day as we were discussing the interfaith movement she said: ‘Well, this only makes matters worse. Would it not be better for me to quit these contradictory religions and join the one that follows the Bible?’ She left the church and soon began preaching from house to house. Later she asked, ‘What do I have to do to get baptized?’ After her baptism she vacation pioneered, and now she is an enthusiastic special pioneer.”

The importance of calling back on not-at-homes is shown by what this special pioneer writes: “While making a back-call I noticed someone in the house next door, where no one had been at home on my previous visit. After finishing my visit I called at this home. The people were very happy to see me, saying, ‘You must be sent by heaven because we have a big problem.’ The problem was that they wanted their two small children baptized on the following ‘Christmas Day’; however, the pastor, who played favorites with his church group, would not accept the request of these humble people. They asked me, ‘Would you baptize our children?’ I explained the Bible views on baptism, which they readily accepted. A Bible study was started, and they started regularly attending the meetings, having completely changed their minds about having their children baptized.”

The following experience from a missionary shows we must sound the truth down into the heart: One man was studied with for some time. Jehovah’s righteous principles on marriage had been thoroughly discussed when the Living in Hope booklet was studied, and he was in agreement and declared that he was legally married and so started out in the preaching work. Now, many people in the Malagasy Republic feel that a marriage is legal when an arrangement between two families is made and the couple start to live together. This is their custom. This was the case with this person; so it was brought to his attention that his “marriage” was not in fact a marriage because it had not been legalized, so he could no longer go out in service. When he realized this he literally ran to the authorities, and in three weeks he had his marriage legalized. The very next Sunday morning, there he was at the Kingdom Hall with his briefcase, ready to go in the service.

MAURITIUS Population: 802,096

Peak Publishers: 199 Ratio: 1 to 4,030

Another fine year of service has passed, a year of many blessings for all of us working throughout the islands of the Indian Ocean, namely, Mauritius, Réunion and Rodrigues.

One week before the circuit assembly a man who had studied for over seven years but had never taken his stand for the truth asked to be baptized. The committee kindly but firmly explained that baptism was a symbol of dedication to Jehovah but that he had never done anything to show that he was dedicated to God. They suggested that he wait another six months during which time he would be able to show that he had really entered into a special relationship with Jehovah. Even though he pleaded that a special concession be made for him, the committee stood firm, though he went away with tears in his eyes. This so jolted him out of his rut that the following weekend he was out in service. The broad smile on his face at the end of the morning’s work showed clearly the pleasure he had found in overcoming the fear that had held him back so long. Since then he has become one of the hardest workers in the congregation, and since his baptism he has vacation pioneered and is looking eagerly forward to sending in his regular pioneer application.

A thirteen-year-old publisher placed two magazines with a young man paralyzed from the waist down. On the return visit the offer of a study was made and accepted. The young man read the Truth book through the first week and on being brought the ‘Impossible to Lie’ book he carefully read that through too. He quickly saw the need to make changes in his life. Since the age of thirteen he had been bedridden after a fall from a tree. During this time his mother had been practicing witchcraft, and he had been used by the demons to pass on their messages. He explained to his mother what the Bible said; together they burned their images and he, balancing on his crutches, destroyed the stone altar in the garden.

Three young girls walked into the Kingdom Hall one day and stayed through to the end of the meeting. When approached afterward, they said that they had come of their own accord, as they realized that what Jehovah’s witnesses have been saying for many years is all coming true. A study was arranged with them and they are making fine progress, even though they are persecuted by their relatives. They are regular attenders at all meetings.

RÉUNION Population: 442,406

Peak Publishers: 367 Ratio: 1 to 1,205

God’s Word is an effective aid to anyone who desires to change his personality. The following experience shows the truthfulness of this: While going from door to door a full-time minister placed a Truth book with a young woman. “I’ll take it just to please you,” she said. “My husband is not at all interested in religion.” Making the return call, the pioneer could not help but wonder what the reaction of the husband would be. To her surprise, he said: “Great was my astonishment to learn, as I read through the book, of the many blessings that Jehovah has reserved for us under his kingdom. Up to this moment, in fact, I was convinced that a world of justice would never exist. I cannot let it rest here; my wife and I have made a firm decision to study the Bible.” One week later they were attending all meetings, and within two months the husband had started preaching and was enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School. He had written a letter to the priest of his village to say that he had broken all ties with the church and that he had begun to serve God in harmony with his Word the Bible. He made a number of changes that worked out to the benefit and the happiness of his family. He gave up hunting, which used to keep him away from his family on weekends, and he also gave up sport, which used to consume much of his time. Both he and his wife are zealous publishers; the husband already conducts three Bible studies with others, and both are looking forward to the next assembly to symbolize their dedication to Jehovah.

RODRIGUES Population: 23,390

Peak Publishers: 15 Ratio: 1 to 1,559

The Anglican church came to the fore during the year as persecutors of true Christians, their priest being the instrument used to expel three of our young publishers from school for refusing to repeat Anglican prayers. The priest struck one of the children and tore his book bag. When the matter was presented to the Ministry of Education in Mauritius, the officials said they had heard nothing like it except what they read about the Dark Ages. Due to very poor communications, about three months passed before the authorities in Rodrigues invited the parents to send their children back to school again. However, by this time all had found alternative means of educating their children.

The publishers had been told not to visit a certain house as the man did not want the Witnesses to call. One sister did not have a clear conscience when so doing, so she sent her young son and he placed two magazines with the woman. Next time around she sent her daughter, who also placed two magazines. Together they made the back-call, and the mother started a study with the woman. A while later the husband of the lady came to the sister’s house to do some repair work, so she took the occasion to witness to him. Afterward he was less opposed to his wife’s study of the Bible. The Anglican priest came to the woman and told her she was a “Judas”; he insulted her, told her she was illiterate and that the publisher that studied with her was illiterate. How could they know better than he who had been to a university? The lady replied that it was a case of God choosing the foolish ones of the world, that he might put to shame the wise men. (1 Cor. 1:27) After that visit she told her husband that she had put her foot in Babylon the Great for the last time. She has never been to church since and is now a publisher of the good news. Her husband also attends meetings occasionally.

MEXICO Population: 46,482,410

Peak Publishers: 42,802 Ratio: 1 to 1,086

In Tamalin, Veracruz, the majority speak the Mexicano dialect and are illiterate. There was a meeting of the school professors with the school director and department of education inspector. Everybody in town was supposed to attend, including Jehovah’s witnesses. However, the Protestant sects and spiritualists were not present and only a few Catholics. Jehovah’s witnesses were represented by a brother who took the booklet Learn to Read and Write with him. When the brother was asked what was done in the meetings, the brother presented the booklet and commented that we teach reading and writing and related cultural subjects. He was commended. To investigate they went to the hall on a Saturday when the Theocratic Ministry School was in progress, and a man whom they knew as illiterate was giving a six-minute student talk. When the brother, who speaks Spanish with difficulty, finished, the school director said, “It isn’t possible that this man we have known as an illiterate can converse in Spanish, much less speak to an audience, but it is so.” Again the brothers were commended for their good work.

A circuit servant went with a sister to conduct a study she had had for two years. He noticed that the house was full of images. After the study the man and his wife were asked if they had any questions. Their response was that they understood everything, but wanted to know how life would be in the new order. This was explained, and then the circuit servant said, “Do you know who will be the only ones who will live under such conditions?” They hesitated; so they were shown from the Scriptures that only those who dedicate themselves to Jehovah and worship and serve him will do so. Then their question came: “Do you mean that these images that we call ‘saints’ should not be in this house?” The Bible answer was given. They asked permission to stand up, and they went directly to the images and broke them up and burned them. Then they asked: “Now can we go in the field service?” After ascertaining that they were legally married they were informed they could go in the service. Now they do this as well as attend all of the meetings. Frankness and clarity in showing what to do and how to do it are necessary to help people on the way to life.

A brother visited a family that had several questions they wanted answered. After three visits a study was started and good progress was made, but then the family had to go to Mexico City to renew the contract of the eldest daughter with a moving-picture studio. The girl was offered one million pesos ($80,000)—the solution to all her financial problems for ten years or more. She did not sign immediately but returned home and asked the brother: “What should I do? We have studied and we know that kissing and other actions in romantic scenes is toying with immorality and I understand this is not right.” The mother said that she did not want her daughter to continue in her career, but they wanted to know what to do, because the new contract would solve all of their financial problems, paying for the mortgage on the house, school tuition for the younger daughters, food, clothing, as well as all the comforts to which they were accustomed. Bible principles were considered and they were shown that it was a personal decision. On the next visit, great was the brother’s joy when the young lady said: “I know that this contract would solve my family’s financial problems and that all I need to do is dial the phone number of the producer and ask him to send me the contracts, but I have decided not to sign them. My mother agrees with me, because we do not want to do anything contrary to Jehovah’s will.” They all continue to study as a happy family, even though it was necessary to sell the house, television set, refrigerator and other things. They look forward to getting baptized.

MOROCCO Population: 13,750,000

Peak Publishers: 153 Ratio: 1 to 89,869

The following experience shows the need to be patient in teaching non-Christians the truth, and the results that can be obtained. A missionary sister contacted a young, twenty-year-old Jewish girl on a Saturday and offered her the magazines. Since she observed the sabbath, the magazines were refused. Following the young lady’s request, the magazines were brought back Sunday morning and were accepted. A brief sermon was presented, followed up by the presentation of the Paradise book. She refused the book, saying that she read and understood the Bible perfectly. Then the missionary went on vacation and contact was lost during this period. When she was next contacted she said: “Where have you been? I have so many questions for you!” She was then called on regularly every Sunday morning. The discussions always ended with Jesus, and each week the same scriptures on the Messiah were shown. One Sunday morning she came running out to greet the missionary, saying: “I found something here in Isaiah 7:14!” Well, the missionary had been showing her that very text for six months and it just then got through to her! Soon after that she started to participate in the field ministry, doing so in secret because of the opposition of her parents. When her parents found out what she was doing, she was threatened with all sorts of violence. Then she decided to get baptized, which presented an even greater problem. To be able to get baptized without raising too much suspicion from her parents, she took her bathing suit out of the house a month ahead of time. In spite of strong opposition she was baptized. This, of course, was not the end of her problems. A month later was Jewish Passover time and it fell on the same night as the Memorial. She started gradually and tactfully to tell her parents that she was baptized and why she could not celebrate the Passover with them. After some discussion, she came to the Kingdom Hall for the Memorial ten minutes late but all smiles. Upon arriving home she was beaten, her hair was pulled and she was thrown to the floor, but she remained undaunted. She is very happy to be one of Jehovah’s Christian witnesses and is continuing as a fine publisher. Near the close of the service year, she had the privilege of being among the happy throng at the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly held in New York as one of the delegates from Morocco.

The need to use every opportunity to give a witness is borne out by this experience. A special pioneer coming to conduct a home Bible study rang the doorbell. The lady who studies was not at home, but the next-door neighbor opened her door and asked, “Did you ring at my door?” As soon as she realized that it was not her bell that had rung, she closed her door. The following week exactly the same thing happened. This time the special pioneer went to her door and rang the bell. When she answered, the brother asked her if she had any idea of his purpose in calling on her neighbor. Of course, she did not know, and the opportunity was taken to give a good witness. After about ten minutes her husband, who is a mathematics teacher, arrived, and the brother was invited to come inside. After an hour discussion, the man said, “You are really making me think over my communist, atheistic ideas, but I am not convinced yet. Anyway, you can be sure that I shall buy a Bible.” On the third call a study was established with both of them. Wonderful discussions were held, and after only two months both gave up smoking, having been heavy smokers. Upon being commended for their regular meeting attendance, the husband said: “Now with all honesty I can say that I am deeply convinced that this is the truth, and nothing will stop me from taking my stand for Jehovah.” In the third month of their study they showed their stand for Jehovah by taking a zealous part in the preaching activity. They plan to be baptized at our next local assembly.

Morocco also has oversight of the work in Gibraltar.

GIBRALTAR Population: 24,680

Peak Publishers: 38 Ratio: 1 to 649

Should we witness at our place of employment to people who seem to be opposed? One of our brothers who was baptized this year gives his own experience as an answer. “I was opposed to Jehovah’s witnesses and their work. One of my fellow office workers became one of Jehovah’s witnesses and discussed the truth with some of the other employees. Since the only way to get out of listening to him would have been to leave the office, I listened. I then asked questions with the idea of going to the priest to get good arguments for combating these teachings. Alas, neither he nor I could come up with valid arguments to overturn the Witnesses’ teachings. A while later this same office worker invited me to listen to a recorded radio discussion held between a Witness and several clergymen on Christian doctrine. I was so impressed that I requested a home Bible study. This created tremendous problems, especially with my family. The worst opposer was my brother. I encouraged him to look into it before taking such a strong position and to investigate what the Bible says. Being an intelligent young man, he took my advice. Today he studies, attends all the meetings and is anxiously waiting to be able to share in the field ministry. My wife will be baptized at the London international assembly and now even my father-in-law is studying.”

NETHERLANDS Population: 12,800,000

Peak Publishers: 17,405 Ratio: 1 to 735

How would you react if door after door were slammed in your face while working from house to house? It all depends on the perseverance you have. A special pioneer sister experienced this door-slamming but, although discouraged somewhat, she tried to put more enthusiasm into her presentation. At the next door a young lady invited her in after she heard that the sister wanted to talk about the Bible. The lady asked whether she was a Witness, and then asked about many doctrines of the Dutch Reformed Church, with which she lately disagreed more and more. She also said that that week her mother had prayed to God to send somebody to speak Bible truth, and she had promised that if such one would come she would open herself up for God’s spirit. At that moment the mother herself came in and the conversation became very interesting. She told the sister that she had never wanted to contact the Witnesses, although she had a brother who is a Witness himself. The church had forbidden them to talk to the Witnesses. Now her brother had sent her a Truth book and an Evolution book with a scripture from Proverbs 16:25. This gave her a shock, but started her thinking also. She remembered how her son was irritated because a bar had been set up in the church basement and the young people were more interested in the bar than in the Bible. This boy tried to instill more spirituality into his friends by discussing Bible doctrines. So, he had to prepare for it, and he chose the subject of the trinity. The Truth book became his reference work, but after studying Chapter 3 he quit believing in the trinity. The sister readily started a Bible study that is held regularly. The mother felt that her prayer was answered, and she and her son have started to attend the meetings regularly and to witness to their relatives. The daughter, whom she met first, wants to attend the meetings with her fiancé the father is becoming more and more friendly, and the youngest daughter with her boyfriend also wants to talk with this pioneer sister now. What fine results because the sister did not let herself be discouraged in difficult territory.

People and circumstances change, and this is a reason why we always should have a positive attitude as far as the prospects for Bible studies are concerned. A brother wrote this experience about his mother: Because he and his family took positive steps concerning the truth he was abandoned by his mother, who managed to have all her other children, his own fleshly brothers, turn their backs on him. His mother withdrew all the financial assistance she had given him, and this meant much to him because of being in poor circumstances. However, while progressing in the truth he overcame this difficulty. He always maintained some contact with his mother and did not repay evil for evil, but she did not want the truth. One day, after a fine day of field service, he and his wife decided to see the mother, and he put a Truth book in his pocket, just in case. At the end of a general conversation and just before going home he said that he had something that his mother could read to get an answer that would explain her disappointment in the Catholic church. Then he left. Three days later his mother called him and wept over the phone about her former bad conduct with reference to him and his wife. She had read the whole book and understood the ideas so well that on her own initiative she threw away all her religious wall decorations, her religious literature and her horoscope, and now she asked for a Bible study. This was immediately arranged for, and she is planning to visit her other sons to give them a witness.

NETHERLANDS ANTILLES (Curaçao) Population: 141,393

Peak Publishers: 307 Ratio: 1 to 461

Here in Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire we have enjoyed another exciting year in the service of Jehovah. The highlight of the year was the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly. Over ninety from Curaçao and Aruba attended the assembly in New York, with three from here getting immersed there. Another twenty-four attended the assembly in Nuremberg and three more were immersed there. Most of the brothers are home now, greatly stimulated by these wonderful assemblies.

Excitement on the other side of the ledger was the riot here in Curaçao on May 30. When one hears of riots and revolutions in other places they should never think, “It can’t happen here.” That was the attitude of many people in Curaçao until May 30. When our zone servant visited during the first week in May he gave an outstanding talk to over 500 at the Buena Vista Kingdom Hall. In his talk he warned against being complacent and having the attitude that conditions would always be calm and quiet. After he left one publisher remarked that he sounded a bit gloomy in his talk. Less than four weeks after that, rioting, looting and burning such as was never dreamed of took place here in Curaçao. As a group, Jehovah’s witnesses were without a doubt the calmest people on the island. Even some of those studying the Bible with us said they were comforted by the things they had learned from the Bible and were pleased to know why such things are happening now.

Incidental witnessing has proven to be profitable, and many of the publishers take advantage of the opportunities they have to do this. One brother in Curaçao is an eye specialist. In his busy clinic he keeps a stack of books (mostly the Truth and Evolution books) and magazines handy in various languages. He finds wonderful opportunities to give a witness to patients who are depressed or discouraged. Often literature is placed, subscriptions are obtained and even home Bible studies arranged for by this doctor in his clinic. Prejudice is being overcome by this brother’s preaching in his clinic, because many people in Curaçao think that only am ha-arets (very ordinary people) ever become Jehovah’s witnesses. Some are so surprised to learn that this doctor is a witness of Jehovah that they change their attitude toward the organization.

ARUBA Population: 59,424

Peak Publishers: 150 Ratio: 1 to 396

The population of Aruba increased less than 500 during the last year. Many people continue to leave Aruba in order to find employment elsewhere, and some of our brothers have left too. For this and maybe other reasons, there was a slight decrease in the number of publishers, but still a good witness has been given in Aruba during the last service year.

The majority of the people in Aruba are Catholic at least in name, but like so many Catholics around the world, many are bewildered because of all the changes being made in the Catholic religion. Even some of the priests are confused. One Dutch priest in Aruba had several long, friendly discussions about the truth and the Bible. He took literature from the missionary and local overseer, also subscriptions for both magazines in Dutch, and these he now receives regularly.

As the following experience will show, it is a good idea to carry a copy of the Truth book along while doing magazine work. While doing magazine work on magazine day in Aruba, one brother was invited in by a lady who told him that she had just lost a son in death two days before. The brother had the Truth book with him, so he brought it out and turned to the chapter on “Where Are the Dead?” He discussed some points, looking up certain scriptures from the Bible. The lady was so pleased and comforted by the explanation that a home Bible study was started at once.

BONAIRE Population: 7,844

Peak Publishers: 2 Ratio: 1 to 327

Bonaire means “good air.” Bonaire is a beautiful island with a lot of stones on top of the ground. It has been stony ground as far as the seeds of truth are concerned. Theocratic progress has been slow there over the years. Still there is interest to be found. Recently a publisher from Curaçao who was visiting Bonaire for the weekend placed two books, two booklets, and twelve magazines and obtained two new subscriptions in two hours on a Saturday afternoon. Arrangements have been made to send two special pioneers to Bonaire to help with the work there.

One publisher from the congregation in Bonaire was baptized at the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly in Nuremberg.

NEWFOUNDLAND Population: 510,000

Peak Publishers: 832 Ratio: 1 to 613

A remarkable thing happened in the small congregation of Aspen Cove, Newfoundland, showing the blessing and direction of Jehovah on our work. Recently four families, along with other individuals in the community, showed a desire to learn the truth. They began regularly attending the congregation meetings at the Kingdom Hall. Paying more than the usual attention to the things said, they appreciated that what they were hearing was the truth. They wanted to make more rapid progress. Of their own initiative they wrote to the brothers in the congregation and actually asked if they would please come to their homes and study the Bible with them. Without hesitation they were introduced to the six-month Bible-study course using the Truth book. All families are making very fine progress. Seven have stopped smoking and severed their relationship with worldlings. Some are now sharing in the ministry, and the congregation reported a 45-percent increase in publishers. All praise goes to Jehovah for granting these blessings.

Showing an intense interest in people in our territory assignments can be most rewarding. A special pioneer arranged a study with a lady, and each time she would conduct the study she would hear noises upstairs. She inquired if someone else was home. The lady of the house stated that it was her mother but did not appear anxious for the pioneer to meet her. Each time the study was conducted the pioneer would make inquiry about the mother. After several months, the householder finally said, “Would you really like to meet my mother?” She cautioned the pioneer not to get offended if the mother got upset, explaining: “The Pentecostal clergyman has been here to see her several times, and she spoke very abusively to him, and she may do the same to you.” The special pioneer approached the seventy-six-year-old mother and first asked about her health. It appeared as though tears were in her eyes, so quickly the pioneer produced the Truth book and, opening it to the first picture, used the Bible to show the mother how the earth is to become a beautiful paradise. She was delighted with this Bible explanation and took the book, showing an intense desire to have a personal copy. Since receiving her copy she has read it through three times. As other people come to visit her, she discusses the hope of life on a paradise earth with them. As a result, the special pioneer has been able to add three more Bible studies to her total, and these are all visiting one another, discussing the information they are studying and greatly rejoicing in their newfound knowledge of Bible truth.

The Watchtower and Awake! magazines have played a big role in spreading the good news of the established Kingdom. The special issue of Awake! on the theme “Is It Later than You Think?” was left with a Catholic lady in an outlying area of the territory. This lady was very difficult to contact during the winter months because of impassable roads. So three months elapsed before another contact was made. In the meantime what was happening? The lady read this special issue of Awake! over and over again, keeping it by her bedside so she could read it before going to sleep. Her appreciation for the value of The Watchtower and Awake! prompted her to send for a subscription for both. She reads each issue as soon as it arrives and looks up the Scripture texts cited to enhance her knowledge. One Bible truth really impressed her, as she stated: “I have learned that it is wrong to worship God through idols. I have read in the Scriptures that some of the early Christians burned books on these matters worth 50,000 pieces of silver.” (Acts 19:18-20) A Bible study has been arranged with this sincere person. This former Catholic has severed all connections with her church and expresses her joy and happiness in finding the truth that leads to everlasting life.—Rev. 18:4.

We are pleased that more than six hundred brothers and sisters from Newfoundland were among those who attended the “Peace on Earth” feast this year. All were happy to receive the “vehicles” for use in the ministry. What a fine climax to a most satisfying and rewarding year of service. Truly Jehovah is blessing his people with spiritual prosperity in these urgent days. How pleased we are to see His hand in directing our work, and we do thank him for the increase he has given. May all praise always go to our God, Jehovah.

NEW ZEALAND Population: 2,780,839

Peak Publishers: 5,266 Ratio: 1 to 528

One small congregation of fourteen publishers enjoyed an increase as a result of a study started with two youths. Soon after the study was begun the mother of the youths asked the congregation servant for spiritual help on behalf of her daughter who was having marital problems. The Bible study that was started with this young couple produced an unexpected chain of fruitfulness. Observing the marvelous change for the better in the marriage, another daughter asked for a Bible study in which the mother soon started sharing. In turn, yet another daughter, a daughter-in-law and the father of the family requested Bible studies. The husband of the couple who were having marriage problems has had his sister at the meetings and is now conducting a Bible study with his parents. At the end of the service year several of these persons were planning baptism at the international assembly to be held in November. What a thrill to see the Word and spirit of Jehovah operating in such a wonderful way!

In this day of exciting increases, sometimes the most unlikely prospects can prove to be fruitful. A pioneer’s fleshly sister had stated that the religion of Jehovah’s witnesses was never to be mentioned to her. However, when this unbeliever visited the pioneer for a short stay, the pioneer invited her to accompany her to the service rendezvous one morning to hear the discussion of the day’s text. Surprisingly the invitation was accepted. The pioneer sister is still amazed at the result. A double subscription for the magazines was requested. As the “unbelieving” sister left to travel home she accepted a Truth book and some tracts. Reading the Truth book on the journey home, this now-interested person prayed to Jehovah to help her. Within a few weeks she began attending meetings in her own town and began placing Truth books with others. How thankful the pioneer sister is that Jehovah’s spirit moved her to make that unorthodox invitation to attend the service rendezvous!

Many honest-hearted persons are now searching for the truth and, having looked fruitlessly in Babylon the Great, they are quick to recognize the Fine Shepherd’s voice when they hear it. A pioneer sister tells of calling on a young Catholic girl who had always firmly rejected the Witnesses and yet who on this occasion invited her inside, saying that she had ended her association with the Catholic church and was searching for the true religion. Representatives of three other religions had been invited to have discussions with her but were dismissed when they expected her to accept their teachings without question. This she was unable to do. Now, would Jehovah’s witnesses be any different? Questions flooded forth, and later she admitted she was somewhat disconcerted that the pioneer sister seemed to have all the answers soundly backed up with Bible proof. A Bible study was started and then interrupted because of personal problems. Then the Truth book became available, and when the study was started again the ex-Catholic girl began attending meetings right away, and she was sharing in the field service when five chapters of the Truth book were yet to be studied. Now baptized, she has her own Bible students attending meetings. So typical is this experience of many in these days that it highlights the urgency of our being in the field as often as possible to enable thirsty ones to hear the Fine Shepherd’s voice.

To the list of innumerable experiences testifying to the effectiveness of the Truth book, we add another to show its power to aid even young children. After a few weeks’ study with a young mother and her two boys, aged eight and ten years, the older boy was moved to ask if it was proper for him to attend the one hour of religious instruction given by a clergyman each week at school. Principles were discussed and the decision was left to the family. Soon after, when the clergyman began to teach the trinity doctrine at school, the boy of his own volition privately approached the instructor and said he could not remain in the class if such things were to be taught. At the boy’s request, his mother sought and obtained exemption for him from attending this class. A little later the time came for the boys’ birthday celebration. The mother let the boys think about it. The ten-year-old was definite in rejecting the idea as pagan. The younger lad made out a list of guests to invite to celebrate his birthday, but after second thoughts threw it into the fire. Both had acquired this firm approach to Bible principles through study of the Truth book.

NICARAGUA Population: 1,841,759

Peak Publishers: 1,166 Ratio: 1 to 1,580

Our three missionary homes are still vitally needed to care for the many new ones and to provide training in organizational matters. Fully one-half of all our publishers did not know the truth five years ago. The growth has been so rapid that in some areas there are not enough mature ones to train those just starting in the service.

Have you ever sent a gift subscription to someone in another country? A brother in California did so. He sent one to a friend in Managua. The branch office arranged for a back-call to be made. Both the husband and wife became very interested, and as this gift subscription is expiring one year later, they intend not only to renew it but to symbolize their dedication by baptism, as they are both publishers now.

How would it affect you if you had some close member of your family disfellowshiped? Would it strengthen your faith in Jehovah or weaken your own spirituality? We hope the following words from a sister will encourage you: “When I started publishing I had very little understanding of Jehovah. I had many problems. Then my brother was disfellowshiped. I could understand, however, that Satan was waging war. A short time later, my sister was also disfellowshiped. I looked for a way to overcome my sorrow and to draw closer to Jehovah. I could only think of applying for the vacation pioneer work in order to serve Jehovah even more, not less. I received so many blessings that I continued on as a regular pioneer. Now how happy I am to be a special pioneer and to enjoy peace with Jehovah and to feel really protected.”

We are very happy to have the aid of seven families who are serving with us where the need is greater. One married couple who graduated from the first class of Gilead had to leave the missionary work when their family came along. But the missionary spirit never left them! They are now serving with us along with their two sons. The father and his sons are special pioneers and the mother is a regular pioneer. The father is also an overseer, and his sons are assistant ministerial servants. What an encouragement they have been to the brothers! Another brother serving here with his family notified his employer that they would be attending one of the “Peace on Earth” assemblies in the States and said that he wanted him to understand this before working for him. The employer agreed that he could take the time off; and later, to ensure the brother’s return, the company paid the air fare for the brother, his wife and two children to Chicago and back. All of these brothers have a real pioneer spirit, and we are truly grateful for their fine assistance.

NIGERIA Population: 55,620,286

Peak Publishers: 54,179 Ratio: 1 to 1,027

War or no war, “this good news of the kingdom will be preached” in the Nigeria branch territory.

The neutral stand of the brothers during the war has been a great source of protection for them. Many authorities on both sides have come to appreciate that Jehovah’s witnesses have nothing to do with the conflict. Although the brothers generally have not been officially persecuted because of their neutral stand, some sisters and young brothers have gone through fiery testing of their integrity because of efforts to conscript them into the armies.

Many relief shipments of tons of food and clothing have been dispatched to the needy brothers in the war area. The Society was able to send members of the Bethel family to visit and encourage our brothers now in “refugee camps” located in areas ravaged by the civil war. The visiting brothers were able to deliver relief materials donated by our brothers from other parts of the country. As expressed in letters from a camp near Port Harcourt, the visit left them “impressed, refreshed and happy as if the longed-for Kingdom has been inherited.”

Proper Christian subjection, including the payment of taxes, does not go unnoticed, as shown by a recent event in Obafemi. The natives rioted over the payment of taxes, resulting in the loss of several lives, and the army was called in to quell the violence. As the brothers gathered for their weekly study, soldiers entered and demanded an explanation for the meeting. Upon finding out it was a Bible meeting of Jehovah’s witnesses, the officer in charge of the group asked the soldiers to leave, adding, “Jehovah’s witnesses are not tax agitators.”

Some fine experiences have been enjoyed by the brothers as a result of their honesty. The following experiences demonstrate that the good example of Jehovah’s witnesses can change even violent opposers: A man who was an ardent churchgoer as well as being a polygamist (not unusual here) drove the brothers from his home whenever they called, charging them with being false prophets. One day as he was returning from work he dropped an envelope containing a considerable sum of money. It happened that a pioneer sister and two other publishers returning from back-call work picked up the envelope, which had the man’s name on it. The following day they went to his house to return it. On seeing the publishers at his door he began to shout and curse as before, but when the envelope was produced, he was struck dumb. Looking in the envelope, he saw that the money was intact. As a result, his whole attitude changed. He took literature and a Bible study was arranged. He then called his wives and children to come and see “the true children of God.” Soon he stopped attending church. Then he called his family together and arranged for his “junior wives” to be married off to others. Now he is an active witness for Jehovah, all as a result of honest conduct.

The congregations and isolated groups in war-torn eastern Nigeria have been organized into fourteen circuits that are now operating. The circuit servants are demonstrating courageous leadership. These mature, willing brothers continue fearlessly to visit and serve the congregations and isolated groups.

The brothers meet regularly every Sunday for their public talks, and the book “Your Will Be Done on Earth,” which has been covered twice, is being used for the Sunday study as sufficient copies of The Watchtower are not available for the brothers. Service meetings are based on material from old copies of the Kingdom Ministry as well as sample copies of the current issues received from abroad. Many brothers are still using the 1967 Yearbook, as that was the last one that everyone received. The other meetings are being held with fine support. The zeal of the brothers is high as they continue the Kingdom work despite pressures from hard times.

Niger is also cared for by the Nigeria branch.

NIGER Population: 2,870,000

Peak Publishers: 31 Ratio: 1 to 92,581

The small group of eleven special pioneers and a handful of publishers are working diligently in this sparsely settled Moslem land. Although the increase is not extraordinary, it was very encouraging to have four new ones baptized during the past service year.

One of the outstanding events of the 1969 service year was the dedication of the first Kingdom Hall in Niger, a new Kingdom Hall in Zinder. Already it has resulted in greater interest in the truth as well as increased meeting attendance.

A new publisher who was baptized at the circuit assembly in Niamey wrote a letter of appreciation to the branch office in Lagos for sending special pioneers there. The new brother writes: “This is to show my gratitude to Jehovah and his organization for sending pioneers to speak the truth that leads to perpetual life. It has made it possible for many people to come to know Jehovah and his purpose. I thank, too, the pioneers who volunteer themselves to come to this land where the sun in burning like fire; yet without discouragement they continue to let their nets down for a catch.” He mentioned that his desire is to become a pioneer himself in order to render help to those still outside Jehovah’s organization.

NORWAY Population: 3,834,800

Peak Publishers: 5,075 Ratio: 1 to 756

The brothers in Norway appreciated very much the opportunity to go to Copenhagen to attend the international “Peace on Earth” assembly. They had a delightful time.

This experience shows the importance of using all opportunities to preach. A sister had to travel a great distance to attend an assembly, so while on the bus she presented the good news to a woman who was sitting next to her and offered her the Truth book. She explained how the book could be used as an aid to Bible study, and mentioned that Jehovah’s witnesses offer free Bible studies in the homes. The sister felt very encouraged after this successful “visit,” and great was her joy when on her way back home she happened to sit next to the very same woman. She told the sister that she had read the whole book but that she ought to study it. The sister asked: “When do you want the study started?” “Now, right here in the bus,” said the woman. The study has continued, and this interested woman is now walking on the road that leads to eternal life.

Under special conditions it may be wise to start studies directly in the Bible. A sister met a woman who had been a member of the Mormon Church for ten years. She proved to be very spiritually minded, and a study was started on the first call. But the sister had to be very cautious. She could not mention that the Mormons were at fault, and she could not show her any literature. Hence, the study was conducted solely in the Bible. However, the woman soon had confidence in her and after four months she accepted ten of the Society’s books and read them all. After another two months she started to attend all the meetings, and she also started out in the service.

What a handbill can do is well illustrated by this experience: During the circuit servant’s visit a publisher invited a young man to the public talk. The young man put the handbill in his pocket but did not show any special interest. However, the following Sunday both he and his wife came to the Kingdom Hall and attended the public talk, the Watchtower study and the concluding talk of the circuit servant. After the meeting they approached the publisher and wanted to talk more with him later, so he arranged for them to visit him one evening the same week. They came at the appointed time and the discussion lasted until twelve o’clock. When they were about to leave, the man asked somewhat timidly: “We wondered if we could have a Bible study.” And his wife said: “Yes, that’s why we came tonight.” The publisher joyfully arranged for a study, and after nine months they started out in the service. They also witnessed to their relatives, and the man’s sister and her husband became so interested that they attended the assembly in Copenhagen. During the assembly they, too, asked for a study.

The importance of working the same territory many times is shown in the following experience: As two brothers were about to ring a doorbell, the door was opened and a woman came out asking if they were Jehovah’s witnesses. Several times she had refused to talk with the Witnesses, but after a while she realized that she did not really know what they believed. Now she wanted to know and had been waiting for someone to call. A study was started right away. On the second study her brother and sister-in-law were present. They also wanted to know what the Bible teaches. In spite of opposition from her friends who told her that they did not want to visit her anymore if she continued to study with the Witnesses, the study has continued with all three persons. The woman and her sister-in-law have started to attend meetings, and they accept everything they are taught from the Bible. The woman’s brother has expressed his desire to be a follower of Christ and a witness of Jehovah.

OKINAWA Population: 972,000

Peak Publishers: 374 Ratio: 1 to 2,599

In Okinawa a woman in many cases is treated more as a house slave than as a wife. The custom is that the woman stays home, raises the children, and at all times attends to her husband’s needs when he is there. He has no objection to her going to church sometimes, but when she starts “walking in the truth” and starts believing and acting on the truth, the husband also starts acting.

So when the wife of a schoolteacher accepted the truth, her husband did everything he could think of to stop her. No matter how he opposed her she would not stop, but she became stronger each time. For every word he said she had an answer from the Bible. So he began to get all kinds of books to gain information to refute her, but it all proved useless against the truth of God’s Word. Since she was so busy with her religion, he thought, he would make himself busy by getting a musical instrument and enjoy himself and try to find peace of mind; but it did not help. He even threatened that if she did not stop he would kill himself. Then one day he saw his wife, who was also a schoolteacher at that time, being ridiculed and criticized by other teachers concerning her Christian stand. Instead of joining the persecutors of his wife, he now took her side on the issue. In order to give an answer to their charges he started to read the Society’s publications, and the more he read the more he became convinced that his wife had the truth. He started to attend meetings with his family. He made rapid progress, got baptized and is now an overseer of one of the largest congregations in Okinawa. He now visits many opposing husbands and helps them see the need to study God’s Word and find real happiness as he has done. He is now a very happy man over a happy congregation and with a happy family of seven, all doing very well serving the happy God.

Another sister was very severely persecuted by her husband. One day when she came home from meeting, he tied her up, pointed a knife at her and said, “If you do not quit this religion I’m going to kill you.” The sister just closed her eyes and prayed to Jehovah silently and did not say anything to him. Knowing that he could not scare her, he cut the cord that bound her. Then again he came home one night angry that his wife was going out witnessing and to meetings. She and her children were already sleeping under the mosquito net. He started scolding her and put fire to the mosquito net, saying that if she would not stop he would burn them all up. When the fire started burning furiously, his wife under the net calmly prayed to Jehovah. Then the man got frightened and began to put out the fire himself. Another time her husband was drinking beer while waiting for her to come home from the meeting. He said, “I told you to stop this religion and you keep disobeying.” He broke the beer bottle at the bottom and jabbed her with it. Blood started dripping from her head so she went to bandage it up, and she went to bed that night all bandaged up. The next day she left home early. Her husband, thinking that she had gone to the hospital, felt bad and was worried all day. But instead of going to the hospital, she enjoyed a whole day of service. After that her husband stopped opposing her so much, knowing that it was impossible to stop her. Then she enrolled as a pioneer. The husband now began to realize that since she had gotten the truth, his wife had become a very good wife, managing their home very well and also training their children so well that he could see a great difference between them and the neighbors’ children. Now he is becoming so favorable to her religion that recently he sent her to driving school to obtain a driver’s license. Then he bought a car for her and said that she could do God’s work better with it.

Another sister’s endurance has helped her children to embrace the truth. To stop her from studying, her husband tore up all her Bibles and books. When this did not stop her, he kept constantly persecuting her verbally as well as beating her sometimes. He constantly kept up his grumbling and attacks to wear her out. On meeting nights he would bring his friends so that she had to stay home and serve them. Realizing his scheme, she prepared all their needs ahead of time, putting all their food and things before them and then would say: “Excuse me, I must go to the Bible study. I will be back by 9:30, so please help yourself while I’m away. The husband looked at her with his mouth open but did not have the courage to stop her before his friends. When she got back, everything was a mess. But she patiently cleaned up and continued to endure his constant attacks on her. He has been persecuting her for nearly three years now, but even with all this persecution she enjoyed vacation pioneer service during the circuit servant’s visit in March of this year. Seeing their mother’s endurance, patience and joy amid all this opposition, her two daughters began to study, realizing there must be something worth while in their mother’s beliefs for her to take all this abuse and still remain joyful. Before she got the truth she had been going to all kinds of Japanese religions, but there was no joy in her. Now, even under these severe pressures, they could discern that she was joyful and happy. She now has had the joy of seeing one of her daughters get baptized, and another, who is married, has started out in the service. Her youngest son who is back home from college has taken sides with his mother, seeing the unreasonableness of his father’s actions. The husband stubbornly still keeps opposing her, but says of her, “If it were not for this religion and Jehovah, she is the best wife in the world,” not yet realizing that it is Jehovah and the true religion that have made his wife the best in the world.

PAKISTAN Population: 128,000,000

Peak Publishers: 151 Ratio: 1 to 847,682

Bible studies provide a source of immeasurable joy to both publishers and householders alike. This proved to be true for a sister who for many years rarely conducted a Bible study, even though she is regular in the ministry. She and her companion, while sharing in house-to-house work, met a lady whose mother and sister knew of Jehovah’s witnesses. When the study arrangement from the Truth book was presented, both she and a young man, a family friend, eagerly joined in the study. From that day on, the sister’s joy and the joy of the interested persons have increased with each successive study. Now both persons are sharing the good news with their friends. Both have attended meetings, much to the delight of the sister, and the young man, who was raised a Catholic but whose father is a Muslim, is regularly attending congregation meetings and studying and talking about a hope the like of which, he says, he has never heard before.

The teen-age daughter of the family, who moved from West Pakistan to East Pakistan last year, writes her thoughts and experiences after a year of serving where the need is greater with an isolated group: “Since coming to Dacca a year ago, to our great joy we find the Muslim people very receptive, and most of our literature placements have been with them. At present our small group is conducting five Bible studies with Muslims, among whom is a young boy with whom I study. He first subscribed for The Watchtower a year ago, and after a month he began to attend the Watchtower study regularly, then gradually the Theocratic Ministry School. At present we are studying the Truth book, but because of family opposition he leaves his Bible and book with me. Despite these difficulties, he manages to prepare before each meeting and shares in making comments. Now he feels that Jehovah’s witnesses really have the truth, and it is my joy to help him find it in this newly opened territory.”

AFGHANISTAN Population: 14,000,000

Peak Publishers: 6 Ratio: 1 to 2,333,333

Afghanistan is under the supervision of the Pakistan branch and has developed rapidly over recent years, but along with material progress have come problems previously unknown, such as student revolts. Now many persons are asking what these changes mean and what the future holds. In order to give tactful answers to these questions (because open preaching is still not possible), the brothers keep literature and Bibles in many different languages. It is wonderful to observe someone reading the Bible for the first time in his life and to see how surprised some are to find in 2 Timothy chapter 3 such a fitting description of our generation.

Just prior to leaving for the “Peace on Earth” assemblies in Europe, a brother wrote: “I just received a letter from a student whom I contacted in a restaurant. I always keep alert for such opportunities to talk to people. Since he was concerned about student revolts, I showed him from the Bible the meaning of such conditions. I made arrangements to meet him again, and for six weeks we studied together for two hours several times a week. Then it was time for him to leave here to return to his hometown. And from there I just received his letter, written in Persian: ‘I have started preaching about what I learned in our studies, but I still need your help. I have found a friend who speaks English, so please send me the Truth book so that he can translate it.’ This, then, was the result of our unique study, conducted with the student using an Arabic book and myself an English one while we carried on our conversation in Persian.”

PANAMA Population: 1,417,100

Peak Publishers: 1,711 Ratio: 1 to 828

Many brothers are getting good results by going out into the isolated and hard-to-reach sections. The district servant reports that after a circuit assembly in an outlying section he visited a congregation up in the mountains with the circuit servant. There are no roads that go on farther into the mountains from their Kingdom Hall, so the brothers there have to walk several hours to get to some of their territory. About one of these trips he says: “We started out at eight in the morning and walked until noon before reaching the place. After a refreshing drink from a green coconut, we met the group with which we were to work and started calling at the homes in the village. The place was small, and within an hour we had finished. By that time we were ready for the fine rice-and-chicken dinner some of the sisters had prepared for us. Then the congregation book study was held in an orange grove with over sixty in attendance. At the conclusion all were invited to come to the Kingdom Hall on Sunday for the special meeting, and we left for the trek back to the congregation headquarters where we were lodged for the week, getting there after sunset. Yes, we were physically tired, but very happy to have had such a part in spreading the good news. The week’s visit ended on Sunday with first an hour in field service, then a baptism of four new publishers, followed by the public talk. Time was taken out for those who had come from afar to prepare and eat some rice, and after that activities were resumed with the Watchtower study and an encouraging talk by the district servant. The day’s program finally ended with a wedding being performed in the Kingdom Hall for a couple who had studied and learned what Jehovah’s requirements are regarding Christian marriage and who had arranged their lives in harmony with Bible principles so that they, too, could take up the preaching of the good news. What a blessing and joy we had had!”

Many of the publishers are seeing the need of urgency in teaching others the truth and have accepted wholeheartedly the Society’s suggestion of teaching the truth in six months. A sister reports: “Imagine my Joy over the results of a study with a young girl whom I found working as a maid for one of my students. She had heard some of the truth before, but because of opposition from the family she was living with she had left that home and procured employment with this lady so that she could get time off to attend the meetings each week. I began to study with her and, because of her intense interest, decided to study twice a week. Within a few weeks she was accompanying me in the house-to-house ministry, and in the course of six months we had studied the Truth book and two other books, as well as the questions on basic Bible doctrines as shown in the ‘Lamp’ book. From the very beginning she had a burning desire to return to visit her parents who lived quite a distance away in the country to tell them all about the truth before it was too late. So within seven months from the time she first heard the truth and began studying she was baptized, enrolled as a vacation pioneer and on her way to her assignment—back home to take them the message of God’s kingdom. The circuit servant visited there just before the end of the service year and reported that she is having fine success. All but one of her brothers and sisters are studying with her, and she is conducting fourteen Bible studies with others in the community.”

The Evolution book is very popular among younger people. One special pioneer reported visiting a local high school and placing books with several of the teachers. Permission was asked and granted to speak with the students in several rooms about it; so the pioneer and another local publisher were able to place over a hundred and thirty books in the school, laying a foundation for many back-calls.

PAPUA Population: 600,597

Peak Publishers: 486 Ratio: 1 to 1,236

The branch office in Papua looks after the work in a number of different places. These include Bougainville, Manus Island, New Britain, New Guinea, New Ireland and the Solomon Islands.

Moved by the Society’s counsel that brothers help their unbelieving wives, a brother decided to teach his wife how to read. This he did using the Paradise book and the Bible. At first his wife laughed at the points made by her husband, but gradually the ring of truth prevailed. She left her false religious association and was finally baptized. She is now a fearless Witness herself, taking advantage of every opportunity to witness to others. Several women from a nearby rubber plantation came to use her sewing machine. She witnessed to all of them. When one of the women showed interest, she started a home Bible study with her. In six months the woman became a publisher. Within a year after starting to study she was baptized, and she began vacation pioneering right away. From that she progressed to regular pioneering. All this because a brother followed the Scriptural counsel to help his unbelieving wife.

Even those with physical disabilities can share in vacation pioneer activity. One sister who has been crippled with polio since she was a child is a very zealous publisher despite her handicap. But she wanted to share in the vacation pioneer work too. How could she get around so that she would be able to meet her goal of hours? After starting her work as a vacation pioneer she arranged with the local ferryman, who carried persons across the river in his canoe, to help him with his work. So, as she paddled people across she would take the opportunity to witness to them all. She has placed much literature and witnessed to many pastors from Christendom’s churches. These persons are very difficult to reach in the regular house-to-house activity, so her handicap has turned out to be an advantage in this case. Encouraged by her experiences, this sister regularly enrolls as a vacation pioneer, and her face radiates the joy she receives from her work.

BOUGAINVILLE ISLAND Population: 72,490

Peak Publishers: 2 Ratio: 1 to 36,245

Although the Kingdom work got established here only during the last two months of the service year, prospects seem good. Already the brothers are well known to the many Europeans and local people. Some work has been done, and as the brothers get settled we look forward to being able to share some of their experiences with you. It is reported that there are very good prospects for employment for brothers here, as full-scale copper-mining operations are due to commence here soon. We plan full-scale “fishing” activity for the area too! Would you not like to join in that work?

MANUS ISLAND Population: 20,647

Peak Publishers: 15 Ratio: 1 to 1,376

Keeping the Kingdom Hall neat and clean each week should never be regarded as a thankless task, one that goes unnoticed. The brothers on Manus Island spent many hours keeping up the grounds and keeping the hall itself in good repair.

Imagine the surprise the overseer received when he was asked to go to a large public gathering being addressed by the District Commissioner and the local Member of Parliament. The Kingdom Hall had won first prize for neatness and cleanness in the institution section, and he was to collect the prize! What a witness was given to the town! Such was the interest created that many persons, including the District Commissioner, came to see the Kingdom Hall. Two Catholic priests came one night and wanted to see the Kingdom Hall. Many questions were asked, and a very good witness was given. So even routine tasks like cleaning the Kingdom Hall and keeping up the grounds, when done whole-souled as to Jehovah, can result in a very fine witness being given.

NEW BRITAIN Population: 154,188

Peak Publishers: 96 Ratio: 1 to 1,606

For many years the work on this island has been confined to Rabaul, but now some of those who learned the truth there have moved back to their villages in other parts of the island. Good increases are being experienced, despite violent opposition by the clergy.

Much determination is needed to shepherd some “sheep,” as one brother found out. He arranged for a study with a man who seemed very interested, but on making the back-call the man was not at home. Upon calling at a different time a fine study was held. A time was arranged for the next study, but when the brother arrived no one was at home. When calling at a different time, again a fine study was held. This went on for several weeks. The brother suspected that the man was running away deliberately, not because he had a bad heart but because of harsh opposition. It was later found that the man would run away to his plantation whenever it was time to study or he heard the brother’s motorcycle coming. The brother was aware of this and so would cut off his engine and coast into the person’s yard. The man would be caught unawares and, as always, would thoroughly enjoy the study. Finally, something had to be done in order to help this man throw off the shackles of fear and make progress. One day when the brother came, the wife told him that her husband had gone off into the jungle to work. The brother asked which way he had gone. Reluctantly, the wife showed him the trail. The brother followed the man into the jungle and found him among the trees on his plantation. They had a talk based on the Bible, and Matthew 10:28 was used to good advantage to help him change his attitude toward his opposers. After this discussion he never again ran away from a study. He has since stood firm in face of a raging mob that threatened to beat up the brother. Not long afterward he was baptized, and his wife and son began to publish the good news with him. Now he is an assistant overseer showing determination himself in helping sheeplike ones.

NEW GUINEA Population: 1,357,455

Peak Publishers: 351 Ratio: 1 to 3,867

Publishers here have had good success using the direct approach in offering home Bible studies. One overseer wrote: “The first day of offering a Bible study on a six-month basis brought gratifying results. At the fifth house that morning I offered the study to a man and was thrilled when he replied: ‘Yes! Come inside. I would love to have a study.’ He told his wife and children to leave the room, and we had our first study. After the study I suggested that his wife and children sit in on the next study. The next week the whole family attended the study. Now the whole family come to meetings, give student talks and are enjoying a share in the witness work. He has also interested his brother in the truth and is even having discussions with his former pastor, who is amazed at what he has learned and who wants to know more himself. What a joy it brings me to see him now using the direct approach in offering Bible studies to others!”

We cannot afford to compromise where counsel about keeping clear of anything connected with demonism is concerned. A sister writes: “For some time I have been studying with a family. They made good progress as regards Bible knowledge, but had not progressed much in changing their way of life. There was much dissension in the family. Often I left the study feeling exhausted and at the point of tears. Many times when the subject of demonism was being discussed the mother would get agitated and seem anxious to say something, but she would get such glares from her family that she would not say anything. Finally the mother was immersed. Two weeks later at the Watchtower study, counsel was given that anything in our homes that had been used in demon practices should be destroyed. Immediately her hand went up. Her family had a drum that had been used by a witch doctor in casting ‘love’ spells. Many nights they had visits from demons causing voices and knockings. She wanted to burn the drum right away, but her husband and son opposed her. The drum belonged to the son. It had been given to him when he was a year old. The father was told that while he kept the drum no harm would come to the boy.

“The boy was then shown the scriptures concerning demonism. He let Jehovah direct him and talked to his father. The father was very angry, but the next morning he awakened everyone early, chopped up the drum and threw it on the fire. The results were astounding. Not only have the knockings and voices stopped, but the attitude of the whole family has changed. What a joy they are to study with now! The father and mother thank Jehovah for the family peace and freedom from the demons. Both parents are planning to attend the international assembly in Port Moresby.”

NEW IRELAND Population: 50,129

Peak Publishers: 28 Ratio: 1 to 1,790

Jehovah has blessed the work here, and the brothers have enjoyed many fine experiences in spreading the good news on this island. Early in the service year a truck was made available for the pioneers to use in witnessing, and it was put to good use. There is a road that runs for almost two hundred miles right down the island and most of the villages are located near this road. The pioneers have found a group of interested persons about one hundred miles down the east-coast road. They are now conducting weekly meetings with them, and an average of nineteen regularly attend these meetings.

Some of the group have progressed quickly and are already taking a stand for pure worship. One man had a lot of interest in the political field, being convinced that only the earthly governments could bring peace to the earth. However, after a few discussions using the Bible he began to realize that it is only Jehovah’s kingdom that can bring lasting peace and blessings to man. After just a few months’ study the man broke all ties with politics and Babylon the Great. Now he is putting all his energy into sharing the Kingdom hope with others in his village.

SOLOMON ISLANDS Population: 139,730

Peak Publishers: 503 Ratio: 1 to 278

Endurance over a long period of time can have marvelous results. Eleven years ago a lone man accepted the truth. He was opposed by the whole village, his family and his parents. His father encouraged everyone to make it hard for him so that he would come back to his old mission. But the man stood firm against the opposition and was finally baptized eight years ago. He endured the pressures, but finally he withdrew from the village and built his house a short distance away. All this time he continued to be zealous in the preaching work among his taunters. About two years ago things started to change. Some persons wanted Bible studies. Soon they started to move to live near this brother’s home. A group study was started and it expanded rapidly as others joined the growing village. Even a family of heathens came and joined the group. Alter all of those years of enduring opposition, what a joy it was at the end of last year for this brother to see several of his Bible students get baptized, among them his wife and a brother! Another brother is publishing, along with twenty more in the group. Over forty attend all five meetings that are regularly held in their new Kingdom Hall. The brother is now a regular pioneer and is often joined by his former taunters when they vacation pioneer. This encourages us to keep steadfast even though the situation seems hopeless at first. Truly, a person’s work is “not in vain in connection with the Lord”!

Newly interested ones can do much to aid onlookers to take a stand for the truth if they stand firm when being persecuted. One girl accepted the truth when she left the Anglican hospital for lepers and visited her stepfather, one of Jehovah’s witnesses. When she returned to the hospital, she refused to join in the prayers conducted there. The “Father” became angry, called her names, and even slapped her across the face. He then demanded that the girl be given no food until she joined in the prayers. The matron pointed out that government funds subsidized the hospital and that treatment was for persons of all religions. The bishop in the area was appealed to, but he said that he could do nothing because the girl was of another tribe. The “Father” then contacted those of her tribe, one of whom worked in the hospital, and they berated her for a couple of hours, swearing at her. Finally the girl took her bed and ran away. When the matron found out, she stopped the persecution and sent a letter telling the girl to come back. This stand of the young girl was noted by many because she was not frightened by the mission leaders as many people are. Her half sister, although initially opposed, was so impressed by her firm stand for the truth that she has begun studying.

PARAGUAY Population: 2,258,000

Peak Publishers: 681 Ratio: 1 to 3,316

The effectiveness of the work of Jehovah’s witnesses was sharply impressed on the mind of a young man studying for the priesthood, according to the experience he related to the circuit servant who called on him. This young man had gotten together a group of the more zealous Catholics in his town of ———— in order to visit the people in another town to encourage them to be better Catholics. On one of his first calls a woman asked him: “Aren’t you Jehovah’s witnesses?” When he replied, “No, we are Catholics,” she said: “Well, at last you are taking an interest in the spiritual welfare of the people. It’s about time that you started doing the same as Jehovah’s witnesses.” The young man had to admit to the circuit servant that Jehovah’s witnesses serve as an excellent example of zeal and interest in their fellowman. He said that as they would approach the houses everyone would ask them if they were Jehovah’s witnesses. He could certainly appreciate the difference between the activity of Jehovah’s witnesses and that of the Catholic church in that town. The young man accepted the “Good News” booklet and asked to be called on again so that he could better understand our faith.

Kind acts can have an even greater effect on those who oppose the truth than kind words, as shown by the following experience. For four years a man had been receiving visits from a special pioneer, but he failed to take a stand for the truth, due largely to the intense opposition of his wife, his mother and some of his other relatives. Then suddenly he fell ill and became a patient in a hospital for some time. During this time none of his so-called worldly friends came to visit him, but the brothers did come regularly and brought not only words of comfort but also other help. His wife was so impressed by the kind and loving interest on the part of the brothers, in contrast with the lack of interest on the part of their other friends, that she agreed to have a home Bible study. Very shortly after this, as she began to appreciate what Jehovah requires of a true Christian, she “cleaned house” religiously speaking and destroyed all her idols and objects pertaining to Babylon the Great. It was indeed a happy day for her husband, herself and their son, along with ten others from this congregation, when they were baptized at a recent circuit assembly.

Interest was found in an isolated, sparsely populated area. The area did not have enough people to keep special pioneers busy as a permanent assignment, yet the sheeplike ones had to be fed, so a special pioneer was assigned on a temporary basis with the objective of establishing an isolated group. Thus the interested ones would have association and opportunities for service. Immediately upon arriving, the pioneer established home Bible studies in the Truth book with all the interested ones and tried to have at least three studies a week with each one. During the second month he introduced the interested ones to all the meetings of the Society, including the public talks, and these were all held in the home of an interested man. The attendance ranged from fifteen to twenty for every meeting. After two months one man began to publish, and he rapidly progressed to the point where he could give some leadership to the others. When the special pioneer left after four months of intense activity among the interested ones, three were publishing, all the meetings were being held, and excellent prospects for further increase were visible in this newly established isolated group. Regular visits from the circuit servant will help to keep them strong spiritually.

PERU Population: 12,500,000

Peak Publishers: 3,852 Ratio: 1 to 3,245

Parents should never think that teaching their children is in vain, even if they do not get a response right away. One sister came into the truth, but her husband and daughters remained violently opposed to any efforts to give them a witness. The oldest daughter was a fanatical Catholic and determinedly took the younger daughters to their first communion and to mass regularly, always with the approval of their father. Nevertheless, as opportunity afforded, the wife would witness, although at the same time she suffered much abuse in her own home. The time came when her oldest daughter took a trip to Venezuela. There she found many of her Catholic friends involved in spiritism. This confused her, as she remembered her mother’s telling her that spiritism was contact with the demons. Being sincere, she tried to tell her friends that good Catholics should not meddle with spiritism, but they just laughed at her and called her a fanatic. She did not like that! As soon as she returned home she called her mother and said: “Mom, maybe you are not so wrong after all. I think that I would like to see what the Bible really does have to say.” Now the mother has at least one more of the family on her side to help work on the rest of those resisting the treasure she so lovingly offers them.

There are many times in our house-to-house ministry when opportunity arises to speak to young children. One missionary sister found herself confronted by a young girl at her first call. The girl said her mother was not at home and she was all alone. So the missionary explained that she was teaching the Bible and asked the child, “Do you know what God’s name is?” The answer was a polite, “No.” So the sister showed her in the Bible God’s personal name, Jehovah, left her a Bible tract for her mother, and went on to the next door. In the next house, she remembered, lived a lady who had been curt and sharp and quick to shut the door on the last visit. But she knocked anyhow. Sure enough, the same lady came to the door, and just as the missionary was ready to open the conversation, a small, sweet, little voice piped up and said, “Lady, do you know what God’s name is?” The little girl from next door had walked over the few short paces separating the two doors and was the first to speak. The householder looked down at her surprised, and answered: “Why, no, I do not believe that I do. You tell me—what is it?” She got her answer from the child, and the missionary took up the conversation from there and had an animated discussion terminating with a book placement, principally because the sister had taken time to witness to the little girl.

A special pioneer working in isolated territory in the jungle came across a young lady who had obtained the book From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained while visiting in one of the larger towns. In the rush of things and for lack of time, she forgot about the book packed among her things. Months later when she had to visit her sick mother she knew that she was going to have much time on her hands, so she looked among her things for something to read. She took along her Paradise book. At first she just looked at the pictures, but then she started reading it thoroughly. She noted the questions at the bottom of the page and accustomed herself to trying to answer each one. But the numbers between parentheses puzzled her, and she did not know what they were for. Some time later one of her relatives sent her a Bible as a gift, and she noted that some of the names in the Bible were the same as those in her Paradise book. Although she had never seen a Bible before, she figured out how to use the chapters and verses noted in her book with her Bible. As she read, she constantly made corrections and changes in her life to line up with what she now knew to be the right religion. When she read about Daniel and saw the picture of him praying, she prayed to Jehovah God the same way he did. All these little changes in her life did not go unnoticed, as her mother one day exclaimed: “Daughter, what has happened to you? You have changed so much since you have been reading that book.” The only thing the daughter could say was, “Mother, this book has taught me who God is, and I believe it.” How happy the special pioneer was finally to locate this “sheep.” Since the pioneer group was only passing through the village on their coverage of the isolated territory, arrangements were made to have a study through correspondence with her. The pioneer was struck with the thought that Jehovah’s holy spirit can very easily see that a piece of literature gets into the most isolated place into the hands of those who might prove themselves to be of his “sheep” class.

PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC Population: 37,000,000

Peak Publishers: 49,257 Ratio: 1 to 751

“I myself, Jehovah, shall speed it up in its own time.” (Isa. 60:22) Certainly there has been a speeding up of the ingathering work in the Philippines during the service year just ended. There were 5,746 more publishers in the field each month than in the previous year, and the number of those baptized, 6,381, is the largest ever recorded in this land.

One major factor in this growth is the use of the six-month study course in the Truth book, which was released at our nine district assemblies during the year. A special pioneer reported starting four new studies in the month following the release of the book, while another helped three persons to dedication in a little over six months by applying the six-month study suggestion immediately.

A schoolteacher was so thrilled with the Truth book that she asked to study it twice a week. She completed it within three months and was baptized less than six months from the initial contact. Now she has permission from the head teacher to conduct a study at school with those who desire it, and nine of her pupils were studying when the service year ended.

When the six-month study course was offered to a lawyer who had not been willing to study previously, he was so enthusiastic that the first study lasted for three hours. All connections with Babylon the Great were severed after only a few studies, and he and his entire family are now attending meetings regularly. Another person, a nurse, after four months of study in the Truth book disposed of her religious images and missals as well as her favorite horoscope books.

The failure of Christendom’s religions to teach the Bible has caused many to turn to the truth. A young man who had gone from one religion to another searching for understanding finally was satisfied when his aunt, a Witness, was able to answer his many Bible questions. However, his wife, a sincere Catholic, could not believe that her church could be mistaken. To prove her husband wrong, she ordered a Catholic Bible from her parish priest and, when she and her husband went to collect it from the priest, he said: “The Bible is a nice book. You see, I’ve just read the first two books and it’s really very good! You know, we have been having a convention, and each day we are assigned certain subjects in the Bible to report on. This is the first time we have really read the Bible. We never did this in the seminary.” When the wife heard this she interrupted, “You never did, Father?” He replied, “Ah, well, if we ever read it at all, it was very little,” emphasizing how little by putting his thumb and forefinger together with a tiny gap in between. He continued: “We concentrated on the rituals, church doctrine, prayers and commentaries on the Bible. That’s all we had. You can ask any priest—he’ll tell you if he’s honest enough. It is only recently that a study of the Bible has been encouraged by the church.” After hearing that voluntary confession, the wife changed her viewpoint entirely, studied the Bible diligently, and both she and her husband were baptized together early in the service year.

Pioneers who answer the call to move where the need is great have many fine experiences. One pioneer in Davao moved to a distant mountain territory on the recommendation of the circuit servant. In a Protestant village he found many hungering for the truth, so much so that they followed him from house to house until the last house was simply full of people. He studied with these humble people in a large group, and it was not long until many of them were regularly attending the meetings. However, a test came when it was found that most of them were married only by tribal law. When they realized God’s requirements on this matter, they all went to the nearest municipality to legalize their marriages. It can be imagined what a witness this gave to the town officials, especially since some of them were grandparents! Later they received persecution because of their neutral stand and their children were often beaten at school, but they stood firm. How great the joy of the pioneer was when he saw twenty-two of these persons baptized at the circuit assembly! The congregation there has almost doubled its publishers as a result, and each is now averaging nineteen hours a month in field service.

Sticking to God’s righteous principles regardless of the cost brought blessings to a Christian couple in Quezon City. The sister, expecting her eighth child, became very ill during the seventh month of her pregnancy. A doctor in a Manila hospital informed her that a normal delivery would result in death to both mother and child and recommended a cesarean section in order to at least save her life. However, he refused to perform this operation without blood; and when the couple stood firm for the sanctity of blood, he discharged her from the hospital. They were able to find a sympathetic doctor elsewhere who respected their principles, and he not only performed the operation without blood but also saved the life of the premature child. Now mother and child are healthy, and the whole family is happy that no compromise was made on God’s law.

A letter received at the branch office shows that children at a very early age can be taught appreciation sacred things. It reads: “Enclosed is the amount of one peso [25c] as my personal donation to the Society. Perhaps you wonder why I am contributing this small amount, since I am only six years old. When Daddy brought me to Bethel with him I asked him where the money came from and he told me the brothers all over the world contributed voluntarily. So I saved 10 percent of the spending money I get for doing household chores for my parents. I still cannot write what I want to say, so I just asked my mother to write for me so that I can send my love to you brothers serving at Bethel.”

PORTUGAL Population: 9,470,000

Peak Publishers: 6,037 Ratio: 1 to 1,569

This has been a year filled with one grand blessing after another. Month after month new peaks were reached in many aspects of our ministry, all reflecting outstanding growth and expansion. The brothers recognize the urgency of the times and are gladly saying: “‘Come!’ . . .let anyone that wishes take life’s water free.” The “Peace on Earth” assembly in Paris was the greatest event in theocratic history for the Portuguese brothers, as 2,767 Portuguese were present. It is a pleasure to report on six countries, Portugal, Angola, Azores, Cape Verde Islands, Madeira and Portuguese Guinea.

If you do secular work, is it possible to seize opportunities like this one to give a witness? A brother sold a washing machine to a man and his wife at his business establishment. Later, some mechanical trouble developed, and the couple phoned the brother to come and repair the machine. When the work was completed, the couple thanked the brother for his diligence and kindness, and then remarked about the tragic state of affairs in the world. Our brother agreed, but also said we are living at a time when there is every reason to rejoice. When asked why, he said it would be impossible to explain without referring to the Bible. Immediately the couple said: “Do you know anything about the Bible? There is one right behind you on the bookshelf.” A Bible study was started, and within four months the couple were attending meetings and publishing the good news. Six months after the first study, both the man and his wife symbolized their dedication to Jehovah by water immersion.

A mother and daughter began to study the “Good News” booklet last October. Both were very sincere Catholics, attending mass daily, taking communion, attending confession, going on a yearly pilgrimage to Fatima and regularly contributing to the church. Their home was full of images, and candles were always burning. After several months of study, the mother cleaned out of the home all saints, images and candles. Next she stopped contributing to “the sacred heart of Jesus.” The priest’s aunt was sent to visit them in order to find out what had happened. Upon learning they were studying with the Witnesses, the priest’s aunt tongue-lashed them for not attending church and displayed great alarm at the removal of all the images from the home. Her attempts to embarrass the mother and daughter were in vain. The mother and daughter then asked the priest’s aunt to explain who the true God really is. Could she tell them what his name is? Where is it in the Bible? Now the priest’s aunt was the embarrassed one! A bold defense of God’s name was made. The mother and daughter are regularly attending congregation meetings and are happy to be counted among those who have come out of Babylon the Great.

There is no reason to fear opposition. This is often the outcome: An interested lady was studying the Bible in her home with a Witness when the police called saying a tenant in the building had phoned advising them there was a meeting of the Witnesses being held there. The police observed there was no meeting in the home, but only two women studying the Bible. The women were taken to police headquarters and advised they should not assemble with Jehovah’s witnesses. Later, a letter was written to the apartment owner, accusing this interested lady of studying the Bible with a prohibited religion. When the husband, who was not studying, noted all this talk against the Witnesses, he became determined to find out just what was so bad about these people. He started to attend his wife’s study and found himself learning many things that had previously puzzled him. It is a pleasure to say that this man and his wife are now regularly attending congregation meetings.

ANGOLA Population: 5,300,000

Peak Publishers: 203 Ratio: 1 to 26,108

A sister writes her own experience: “Five years ago I started to study the truth, quickly made progress and even shared in the door-to-door ministry. However, a trip to Europe interrupted my Bible study. When I returned, the anxieties of life succeeded in crowding out any time for God’s Word, and I admit I took time only to attend the Memorial celebration each year. Last year I again attended the Lord’s evening meal. However, I was shocked into my senses when a person approached me, radiant with joy, and said: ‘You are the sister who knocked at my door and first told me about the blessings of God’s kingdom. I have never forgotten you and many times wondered where you were. Of course, meeting in homes as we do, it is hard to locate one another. You know, I have been a baptized publisher for several years already.’ I was deeply stunned and could not stop thinking about this sister’s words, her happy spirit and joy. Without knowing it, I had helped someone come to a knowledge of the truth. But what was I doing about the truth? Nothing! I decided to request a Bible study, and before the month was through, it was being held regularly. Soon I was attending all meetings, and what a joy it is to tell you that I symbolized my dedication to Jehovah by being baptized at the marvelous ‘Peace on Earth’ assembly in Paris!”

A number of brothers still remain in prison, some for over eight years now. At the time of writing this report, three responsible brothers have been in jail for over two months. What a joy to say, though, that all the brothers, whether in jail or out, reflect the same spirit as that related at Philippians 1:12-14!

AZORES Population: 348,000

Peak Publishers: 100 Ratio: 1 to 3,480

The following experience shows how the truth is liberating new ones from Christendom’s bondage: A married woman was enjoying a Bible study in her home. But as soon as she stopped attending mass, her mother complained to the priest. The priest sent a nun to visit the woman and instruct her to burn the Bible. The nun tried to intimidate her, relating accounts of how the Witnesses are greatly persecuted. A strong warning was given to stop the Bible study. When the publisher returned for the next weekly study, she noticed that the woman was disturbed. The nun’s visit was recounted, so the publisher showed the woman what the Bible says about Christians’ being persecuted. The woman carefully noted the Scripture references and said she personally wanted to present this information to the nun when she called the next time. Several days later when the nun appeared, the daughter confidently explained why she would continue to study the Bible rather than destroy it, and why Christians expect persecution. The nun replied: “I see you are becoming quite well versed in Scripture. Well, we admit the Bible is God’s Word, although there are some differences in Bible translations. So what you do is your decision; but whatever that is, don’t stop attending mass.” The married daughter has severed all contacts with the church and continues to study. Her nephew also studies now, and a fine witness is being given to other relatives.

CAPE VERDE ISLANDS Population: 218,000

Peak Publishers: 5 Ratio: 1 to 43,600

The “sheep” are hearing the voice of the Right Shepherd even in these faraway places. As a devout Catholic, a young man diligently studied his religion. Desiring more knowledge, he enrolled in a special catechism course. He became seriously disturbed at not being able to understand the “holy trinity.” On completing the course he returned the diploma he was given because he was not satisfied with the priest’s answer about the trinity doctrine. Shortly after, he met the only person on the island with a knowledge of the truth and asked him to explain this doctrine. The publisher gladly showed him what the Bible says, as, for example, at John 14:28. A regular Bible study was started, and this man was among the three baptized this year. He also had the privilege of attending the “Peace on Earth” assembly. He said: “Attending this assembly is like drinking a glass of cool, clean water after you have been drinking lukewarm, muddy water all your life.”

MADEIRA Population: 300,000

Peak Publishers: 64 Ratio: 1 to 4,688

The transforming power of God’s Word can readily be seen in this experience: A lady had traveled to the United States for the express purpose of acquiring wealth. She was envious of her brother who lived in a spacious home and was materially well off, while she lived in a very modest home. Shortly after she returned to Madeira, her daughter received a witness and told her mother what good things she had heard. The mother became interested, but contacts were difficult since sickness occurred in the family and the mother was constantly at the hospital. Finally a regular study was started with the mother, who quickly perceived that she had found the true religion. Until this time the mother had practiced witchcraft, gambled greatly and was involved in contraband practices. Now her conscience bothered her greatly, since she knew God did not approve of such things. Her faith grew stronger until one day, after only three months of studying the Bible, she decided to end her illegal practices, quit gambling and abandon witchcraft. The very day after she canceled a bet she had previously made, her “lucky” number was drawn in the lottery and the prize was $7,000. Firm in her resolve to serve Jehovah rather than return as a captive to any so-called gods of “fortune,” she has made a clean break and is now a publisher, already having made her dedication to serve Jehovah.

PORTUGUESE GUINEA Population: 625,000

Peak Publishers: 1 Ratio: 1 to 625,000

A sister accompanied her husband during the year to this overseas province, since he had been transferred to serve here. She viewed this as an excellent opportunity to make known the good news in this land where black magic is so prevalent. She writes that in their practice of spiritism entire communities will spend up to fifteen days in continuous feasting and ritualistic ceremonies and force even passersby to share in the eating of animal sacrifices. All this is done in fear of so-called departed spirits. In spite of such demonistic beliefs, the sister now conducts seven Bible studies, and one of the students will soon be ready to share in field service. Due to a grave illness on Memorial night, resulting in the death of her oldest son, this sister faithfully celebrated the Lord’s evening meal thirty days later, together with a small group of eight people. What a happy event, to report the celebration of the Memorial for the first time in this land!

PUERTO RICO Population: 2,756,400

Peak Publishers: 5,442 Ratio: 1 to 507

Many have been the blessings showered upon Jehovah’s servants in Puerto Rico during the past year. Almost one thousand new Kingdom publishers have been added to the ranks of God’s people; Kingdom Halls have up to 200 percent in attendance; a fine new branch office and Kingdom Hall was built by brothers and dedicated, and over one thousand brothers and sisters were able to attend the International assembly in New York. From all walks of life the “other sheep” are coming into the fold, and many and varied are the experiences of the brothers in the field, not only in Puerto Rico, but also in the Virgin Islands and Tortola, which are also cared for by the branch office in Puerto Rico.

Can young people stand firm for the truth? In answer a mother writes: “My teen-age sons always bear witness at school, and this produced fruit when a young lad whom we will call ‘George’ began studying the Bible with them. Soon this young boy was talking to his parents about the good things learned, but to his dismay this brought censure from them because they were Roman Catholics. His mother even came to our home to have the studies stopped. One evening my sons and George were standing outside our home when George’s father drove up, leaped out of the car and chased after his son. Then he turned on us in a blind rage and accused us of ‘making his son crazy’ and, since he was intoxicated, called us vile names and offered to fight my husband. A quiet answer caused him to drive off, but still in a rage. Shortly thereafter George was locked out of his house for a whole night, and later he was evicted from his home completely with nothing more than the clothes on his back. A kind Witness took him in for a while until his family finally took him back again. Still he had a hard fight for the faith because he became strangely quiet and said he was struggling with a voice that told him to curse Jehovah. We learned that his mother had asked a spiritist to curse the boy, and so it appeared that the demons were trying to break him down, but by prayer and study this new problem was overcome. Then George began to work in his spare time to obtain money to attend the international assembly in New York, and there his strong faith and firm stand were rewarded as he symbolized his dedication to Jehovah by water immersion.”

Unity of thought and teaching helps meek persons accept the truth, as can be seen from the experience of a brother who talked freely to a fellow worker about the Kingdom. The man took the magazines, but he would mock the brother and laugh at the idea of being able to live in a new order without sickness or death. He said the magazines were just for his wife. Then he moved away, and for a year the brother did not hear from him. But how great was his joy to learn after a year that the man was studying the Bible. Why the change? Well, a publisher of the good news called at his new home, so the man thought he would ask him questions to see if this Witness would give him the same answers as his previous fellow worker. He was amazed to receive not only the same answers and Scripture texts but also the answers to many other points in his mind. At once he realized that this was the truth. Now he is a dedicated witness for Jehovah and conducts two Bible studies. His wife has joined him and conducts four Bible studies. A congregation book study is conducted in his home, and due to his sowing the seed among his family, his father and all of his natural brothers are attending the meetings at the Kingdom Hall.

The importance of helping all members of the family cannot be overemphasized, so a sister who conducted a Bible study with seven members of a family of nine tried her best to include in the study another son who lived in the house. At last she was able to talk with him, and even though he had been a “hippie” for many years he agreed to join in the study. He attended mass at the Catholic church but said he found it empty and without hope. Soon the whole family, including the young man with his long hair and without socks on his feet, attended the Memorial celebration. So much did he enjoy the discourse that he started coming regularly to the Kingdom Hall, and soon began to apply Bible principles to his life, including his manner of dress. He had been visiting a psychiatrist in order to find a solution to his problems, but soon he realized that such visits were a waste of time because he had found the solution in God’s promise of His kingdom. Using his time wisely, he preached to all his friends, including many among the “hippies,” and even though many mocked and scorned, some of his friends have come to the Kingdom Hall to hear for themselves the “good news of the kingdom.”

TORTOLA Population: 8,800

Peak Publishers: 40 Ratio: 1 to 220

The truth has taken a firm hold on the island of Tortola, and so many interested persons are coming to the little Kingdom Hall that oftentimes the attendance is double the number of publishers. Interesting to note is the fact that with thirty-six publishers, around fifty requests for rooms were sent in for the district assembly in Puerto Rico.

The zealous efforts of one young Witness are producing good results, as is shown by the following letter sent in to the branch office: “All through the school term I tried to witness to my teacher, who is a Baptist; but he would not listen and refused to take any literature, saying that my religion was false and not based on the Bible. Then one day we had to write an essay on what we wished to be when grown up, so I wrote my essay identifying myself as one of Jehovah’s witnesses and pointing out that we stand for the truth and Bible principles. I explained our work and the hope of the Kingdom and concluded by saying that I wanted to be a minister of Jehovah forever. To my surprise the teacher read my essay to the whole class, saying he had enjoyed it, and when he finished all the children cheered. Since then I have placed a Truth book with the teacher and hope to start a Bible study with him.”

Even on small islands Satan is busy trying to break down the faith of God’s people. A young woman, a schoolteacher, began studying in her home but did not succeed in convincing the rest of her family to study. Soon her mother began to oppose her daughter and finally stopped the Witness from coming to her home. Even though the daughter had left the Methodist Church, the mother told the publisher that they were in a religion already and her daughter was not going to leave it to become one of Jehovah’s witnesses. The daughter then arranged to study at the Kingdom Hall, even though her mother threatened to throw her out of the house if she continued. When the news came of the international assembly in New York in July, the young lady approached the school authorities to arrange her vacation so as to be able to attend. This was granted, but once again Satan got busy, and three weeks before the assembly the vacation was canceled. Now what would she do? With faith in Jehovah she quit her job, went to the assembly and was among the more than 2,900 who were baptized. She is now waiting for the time when she can enter the full-time pioneer ranks.

VIRGIN ISLANDS (U.S.) Population: 41,000

Peak Publishers: 219 Ratio: 1 to 187

Jehovah’s people on the islands of the sea have been rejoicing greatly this past year, and great strides have been made toward maturity. It was fine to see that around one hundred, or almost 50 percent of the publishers, could attend the international assembly in New York city in July.

We can be sure that a firm stand for the truth will bring the blessing of Jehovah. A young publisher was having great opposition from her husband until he told her that she would have to decide between him and this “new religion.” He threatened to leave home if she attended one more meeting. When she went to the next meeting, he packed up his belongings and moved out, leaving his pregnant wife alone in the apartment. Shortly thereafter the sister was baptized. Five months passed and the husband, realizing that his wife was not giving up her worship of God, came home with a changed attitude. Now it is hoped that it might be true in this case: “Wife, how do you know but that you will save your husband?”

‘My sheep hear my voice,’ said Jesus, and this is true even in remote areas. A pioneer writes: “I was working isolated territory, and, after placing a Truth book with a young Catholic woman, I invited her to the Kingdom Hall, although I did not think she would be able to come. You can imagine how delighted I was when the following Sunday I heard a familiar voice make a comment at the Watchtower study, and there was this young lady participating in her very first meeting. She arranged to study at my house since I could not visit her in the country, and now after sixteen months she is baptized, conducts several Bible studies, has applied for vacation pioneering and hopes to be a regular pioneer later on.”

RHODESIA Population: 5,070,370

Peak Publishers: 11,131 Ratio: 1 to 456

It brings great happiness to be able to submit such a fine report on the faithful activities of our brothers and sisters in Rhodesia, Malawi and Mozambique.

A cause for outstanding joy during the year has been the fact that we have been able to hold circuit assemblies again for our African brothers, the first since 1965. Although there are still a few circuits where they cannot have them, all the brothers are benefiting by combining some of the circuits. In one circuit the assembly was held at the very place where the local authorities had just a few months previously denied entry for religious purposes to three of the Bethel brothers. The circuit servant wrote: “Thank you for encouraging us to go ahead in the belief that, if Jehovah willed, we would have the assembly. Our assembly went well from start to finish.”

How much do you appreciate spiritual things? In an area where a circuit assembly could not be held the overseers were invited to meet for a weekend with the district and circuit servants for special meetings. Here is what the district servant wrote about their appreciation for this arrangement: “One overseer walked for two days to get to the meetings. Another was going to walk over twenty miles back. When asked why he did not take a bus, he replied that he wanted the shilling to buy sugar for the visit of the circuit servant. He preferred to walk that distance.” Needless to say, he did not have to walk the twenty miles or more.

There is no shortcut to spiritual growth. To the extent that one applies himself, he is going to progress. A missionary tells how she was able to help a young Portuguese woman make very rapid advancement by encouraging her personally to study other publications of the Society besides the Truth book, which they were studying together. “Going through What Has Religion Done for Mankind? in about a week, she saw that Christmas, Easter and birthdays were all pagan. She immediately applied what she learned and told everyone she wasn’t celebrating these days anymore. When I commended her for this, she said, ‘Well, if I compromise now, it will be harder later on, won’t it?’

“I was longing to get this person into the service. Since we have a growing Portuguese population, I suggested she come along and translate for me. She readily agreed. However, I explained that before she could represent herself as one of Jehovah’s witnesses she should show her desire to be one by attending the meetings and receiving instruction. Her answer was, ‘I will start right now.’ She has been coming ever since. She is now conducting four studies of her own, and at one time had seven. She is planning on baptism very soon—all this within ten months.”

One source of many blessings this year was an arrangement we had for getting unassigned territory worked. About twenty-five of our regular pioneers were invited to spend from two to five months in territory where no Witnesses were known to live. Because of this arrangement more isolated groups came into existence, more territory was covered and many were contacted and helped who had at one time been associated with Jehovah’s people. As one of the pioneers said: “I have never found so much joy as I am presently experiencing in this area. Here many people are interested in the truth. I am writing to ask if it will be all right for me to remain here indefinitely. If I leave, these people might cool off because of staying a long way from a congregation. So I am asking if I can continue as a special pioneer.” Several of these brothers have asked to become special pioneers.

This report would not be complete without mentioning the “Peace on Earth” International Assemblies. We are very happy that about seventy delegates from Rhodesia attended one or more of these assemblies overseas.

MALAWI Population: 4,042,412

Peak Publishers: 17,201 Ratio: 1 to 235

The 1969 service year was marked by intermittent periods of persecution for Jehovah’s people in Malawi. A number of the sisters were again physically abused and raped. Brothers had their houses burned or pulled down, all their belongings stolen or destroyed, and others were prevented from cultivating their land so that they and their families were without food. In some cases, hooligans came and uprooted the new shoots of maize after brothers had laboriously planted and cared for their fields. There seems to be no end to the inhuman tortures these hooligans can devise. This can be seen from the case of a brother who was forced to lie prone on his stomach while they laid bricks on his back and then danced on the bricks until he vomited as a result of the ill-treatment.

Many expressions of appreciation have been received for the relief supplies of food provided for the Malawi brothers. As a result of the donations of Jehovah’s people world wide, it has been possible to distribute over 296,000 pounds of maize and 22,750 pounds of beans to needy brothers. In a few instances, however, hooligans came and stole from the brothers food that had just been donated to them. At the end of the year there was just one circuit in which relief supplies of food were needed.

What has been the effect of the brutal measures taken against our brothers and sisters? In some cases it has resulted in brothers’ being able to give a fine witness. (Luke 21:13) This is illustrated by the experience of one congregation overseer of whom the hooligans wanted to make a public spectacle. He was covered from head to foot in dust, decorated with all sorts of flowers and then escorted from house to house by the gang and was told to tell everyone he was one of Jehovah’s witnesses. Needless to say, the brother was pleased to have this opportunity to share in what might be called “legal” house-to-house work!

Many of the Malawi people have a deep respect for God and his Word. They know that persecution is a mark of true Christianity. A young man of twenty-five was very zealous in politics and sold political cards. He lived in a village where the brothers had preached for over fourteen years with no apparent results. In January 1968 this man began to show interest after realizing that “this must be the true religion because of this persecution.” He attended the meetings during the circuit servant’s visit in November and, when he returned home, told his wife of the good things he had learned. She, too, became interested and a Bible study was conducted with both of them and both continued to associate with the congregation. When it became known that this young man wanted to be one of Jehovah’s witnesses, the local leaders of the Malawi Congress Party sent their youths to ask him to sell political cards, but he firmly refused. They told him he would be killed, but he said: “If I die, not because of stealing or adultery, but because of the Word of God, I am glad.”

The young man continued to preach steadfastly and walked forty miles to be baptized in March. As a result of his preaching, his wife, his elder brother and his brother’s wife were also baptized in June.

The Bible comforts us with the words: “Any weapon whatever that will be formed against you will have no success.” (Isa. 54:17) The truth of these words is emphasized by the experience of a young man who was chased for a mile by his father with a spear in his hand. Eventually the father threw the spear at his son, but missed the mark. Why did the man take this drastic action against his own son? Because the boy was believed to be studying the Bible with Jehovah’s witnesses and attending their meetings. But the man’s action was to no avail. The young man continues in his association with God’s people and is now contemplating baptism.

Due to their not being able to witness openly from house to house in many areas, the brothers have become expert in other methods of witnessing. One of the circuit servants was impressed by the fine increase in the congregation he was visiting. From a discussion with the overseer he learned that a number of persons had been freed from the grip of Babylon the Great by brothers who were alert to witness at every opportunity. A witch doctor abandoned his superstitious practices, had a regular Bible study and accepted the truth because a brother fearlessly engaged him in conversation and discussed paragraph 46 in the Living in Hope booklet with him, dealing with spiritistic practices. A leader of the Presbyterian Church became interested because a brother, after asking him how he was as he passed him on the road, tactfully mentioned that the man was spiritually unwell and illustrated it by asking him Bible questions that the Presbyterian was unable to answer. A well-respected member of the Roman Catholic Church accepted the truth along with all his family because of an incidental conversation with a brother concerning the trinity, resulting in a Bible study in his household.

Following the Society’s counsel, the brothers have used this time while their public ministry is prohibited to concentrate on their internal ministry. As a result of this, 1,218 persons were taught to read during the year in the schools operated by the congregations, compared with a total of 269 in 1968 and 436 in 1967. Emphasis on the regular weekly family study has also resulted in an improvement in the spiritual structure of many families. The commendable attitude of our brothers in Malawi is summed up by the conclusion of one of the brother’s letters to us. He writes: “I hope Jehovah will open the way for finding the ‘other sheep’ before Armageddon. Will you, please, pray for us?”

MOZAMBIQUE Population: 6,650,000

Peak Publishers: 2,838 Ratio: 1 to 2,343

It is noteworthy that every year since 1957 has seen an increase in publishers in Mozambique. However, it was not until 1966 that the 1,000-publisher mark was passed. In the three years since that we have seen the number of publishers surpass 2,000, and now the number is moving rapidly toward 3,000. The 1969 service year showed an increase of 34 percent over 1968. This phenomenal growth has been accomplished in spite of the fact that Jehovah’s witnesses are viewed in Mozambique as they are in Portugal, since Mozambique is administered as a Portuguese overseas province. Thus the brothers have to work very carefully.

An interested person living in Mozambique who has been corresponding with a sister in Portugal wrote to the brothers caring for the work in Portugal as follows: “For some time now I have been following the way of God, and I now consider myself one of Jehovah’s witnesses. My study has been entirely by means of correspondence, since to my knowledge there are no Witnesses living in this city. I have already given a witness to many people, and I am happy to say that at least two people show much interest in the Kingdom message. I would very much like to be baptized and be able to associate with other brothers to learn the right manner to preach the good news from house to house. It is my desire to dedicate myself to the service of God.”

A circuit servant has made good use of the Society’s tracts. He has found the one entitled “What Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe?” to be especially helpful in awakening interest and starting studies. After asking questions on the tract, he then introduces one of the Society’s booklets or even the Watchtower magazine. This procedure of using this tract in the ministry and helping others to do the same has helped to get a congregation of thirty-four publishers established in one area and other studies started elsewhere.

As a result of a disfellowshipped man’s joining the secret police and giving information about the brothers, many of the responsible servants in some of the congregations in southern Mozambique have been arrested and are in prison along with the circuit servant. However, Jehovah’s organization is ready to meet with such emergencies, as is shown by the fact that servants from nearby congregations have accepted additional responsibilities and have moved in to help those congregations whose servants have been imprisoned.

It was reported from the Lourenço Marques area that on May 20 and 22 there were two meetings held by members of all religions to try to solve the problem of what to do about Jehovah’s witnesses when they come around preaching. They decided that when the Witnesses call they should notify the police to come and arrest them, or else they should shout and attract attention. These two meetings were called by the Catholic church. But in spite of this the brothers continue to preach in harmony with Matthew 10:16. The brothers say they try to organize small groups but find it difficult since so many want to attend. It appears that the more the Devil tries to interfere, the more the increase!

SENEGAL Population: 3,500,000

Peak Publishers: 158 Ratio: 1 to 22,152

The branch in Dakar looks after the interests of the Lord’s work not only in Senegal, but also in Gambia, Mali and Mauritania, for which reports are herewith given.

In view of the delicate situation in this territory, the work of making disciples calls for great patience and loving and tender care of those who have been skinned and knocked about by Christendom’s religious shepherds. People in general are disappointed by the poor example of their religious leaders who not only fail to condemn and uproot immoral practices but even openly condone them.

How diligently we must follow the perfect example of our Great Teacher Jesus Christ in his loving concern for the lost “sheep” is demonstrated by the following experience: “Occasionally the Society sends out subscription expiration slips, and we are encouraged to contact these former subscribers to invite them to renew their subscriptions and also to assist them to progress. But to what extent should we go in our efforts to locate these persons? I received slips for a man whose subscriptions for both The Watchtower and Awake! had expired. I made diligent efforts and many inquiries in order to try to locate him but without success, as another publisher had originally obtained the subscriptions. What should be done? Destroy the slips? Rather, I decided to write to the address shown. You can well imagine my surprise one day when I was in the service, when a man came running up to me waving his arms with a letter in his hand and asked me if I knew who had sent it! How happy I was to inform him that it was the letter I had sent him. The first thing he said was that he wanted to resubscribe and also continue with his Bible study. The publisher who had originally contacted this man had left the country so he had lost all contact with the truth. Now I am happy to conduct a home Bible study with this interested person, the result of taking the time to write to someone who could not be contacted directly. He may well prove to be one of the ‘sheep’ of Jehovah mentioned in Matthew 18:14; we certainly keep praying so.”

Traveling offers an excellent opportunity for incidental witnessing. There are many ways to strike up a conversation with your fellow passengers, and sometimes all you have to do is open a magazine. Soon its attractive titles will capture the attention of the person sitting next to you. This is what happened in the case of a traveling missionary who writes: “Sitting down at the side of a young African man, I took out the latest copies of the magazines. Before I had occasion to strike up a conversation with him, to my astonishment he took the two issues right out of my hand, saying, ‘I just love those magazines! Can I have them?’ During the discussion that ensued I found out that his brother was very interested in the truth and had attended meetings. Unfortunately the man had not had the same opportunity, owing to the demands of his secular work. On arriving at Senegal I left him with my personal copy of the Truth book, taking his name and address so that a study could be started with him when he arrived in America to take up his new post. Within two weeks a brother visited him from the nearby congregation. The man had made inquiries among all his friends as to the location of the Kingdom Hall. He had read the Truth book all the way through and was thoroughly convinced that it was in complete accord with the Bible. The brother spent two hours discussing the subject of the Kingdom with him and arranged a home Bible study. However, when this young man learned that it was only for one hour, he requested three studies weekly! Two visits were finally agreed on and, along with one of his friends, this man is now making fine progress in the truth.”

GAMBIA Population: 316,000

Peak Publishers: 7 Ratio: 1 to 45,143

In spite of the many obstacles and difficulties that the brothers in Gambia have to cope with, they continue steadfastly in their efforts to help humble ones. Taking advantage of the needs of poor people for secular education and medical assistance, the false shepherds of Christendom use coercion, false accusations and other unchristian methods to keep people away from the truth. This was illustrated in the case of the funeral of a faithful brother whose family was not in the truth. After many years of serious illness the brother fell and was injured in his room, and later he was taken unconscious to the hospital, where he fell asleep in death. His wife, who opposes the truth, refused to allow the brothers to conduct the funeral service. She claimed that her husband was a Catholic; and while he was unconscious in the hospital, she invited a Catholic priest to rebaptize him and say prayers, etc., and now she wanted a Catholic burial. It was even falsely announced in the church that it was the brother who sent the call for the priest and confessed to the priest before his death. All this was to prejudice the people against Jehovah’s witnesses. However, the special pioneer writes: “Behold a man I knew from the day I entered the country, Sunday, December 21, 1958, with whom I slept my first night, and who was baptized in the year 1961; and until the date of his death, December 17, 1968, for ten complete years our dear brother never attended any church or church ceremony at all. What a false and corrupt religion this is! Really, these people are vultures waiting for the people to die in order to benefit from even their death! From this sad experience the brothers have learned to make a documentary agreement before death in order to have a decent Christian burial and glorify the name of the loving God, Jehovah, by stressing the wonderful hope of the resurrection.”

MALI Population: 4,200,000

Peak Publishers: 6 Ratio: 1 to 700,000

There is little change in conditions in this isolated territory. The special pioneer and the few publishers in Bamako have put forth a good effort during the service year. It was very encouraging to see some improvement in their ministry, especially during the second part of the service year. Without any interference from the Adversary, they have been able to share in all features of the work. They are receiving the spiritual food regularly and through the visits of the circuit servant they are stimulated in their Christian lives and activities. During his last visit the circuit servant wrote: “The brothers in Bamako manifest a very good mental attitude, and their zeal keeps increasing. Although they were somewhat discouraged by the persecution last year, they have recovered their moral force and determination by Jehovah’s help and spirit and are determined to stay in their assignment as long as it depends on them.”

MAURITANIA Population: 1,000,000

Peak Publishers: 2 Ratio: 1 to 500,000

Conditions continue to be most unfavorable for our work in this sunburned, desert territory. However, we are grateful to Jehovah to have been able to accomplish some witnessing in three different localities of this vast desert territory during the last part of the service year. Due to his secular work, a young brother was moved to two different places, and he did good work at each place in his efforts to witness for the name and kingdom of Jehovah. He placed some literature, but due to moving he was not successful in conducting a Bible study.

SIERRA LEONE Population: 2,180,623

Peak Publishers: 819 Ratio: 1 to 2,663

The branch in Sierra Leone looks after the work in Sierra Leone and in the republic of Guinea. We have reports from both places.

One missionary took seriously the admonition appearing in the Kingdom Ministry on ‘letting the blind ones see’ by visiting a local school for the blind, where she obtained a list of names of graduates who could read Braille. True to Jehovah’s promise at Isaiah 29:18, “And in that day . . . out of the darkness even the eyes of the blind ones will see,” one young man employed at the school was attracted to the truth. Every day during his lunch period he came to the missionary home for his daily Bible study. He soon completed the “Good News” and Living in Hope booklets and then started to study the Truth book in Braille. Progress was very rapid. In a few weeks he enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School and within five months qualified to share in the ministry, setting a fine example in the congregation for less handicapped ones.

A circuit servant wrote about the benefits of taking time to teach his two-year-old son the meaning of all the pictures in the Paradise book. During the month of July alone, the son was instrumental in assisting his mother to place twelve Paradise books and eight other bound books. As the mother took her son from house to house, she would just ask the boy to point out to the householder the meaning of some of the pictures during her presentation. The people were so impressed that a number of them quickly voiced their desire for the literature.

One never gets too old to change his religion or his way of life. An elderly widow, although a church member, would make and sell bootleg liquor and, often after going to church on Sunday, would get drunk. Could this woman change her course in a period of six months with the aid of the Truth book? A few weeks of study saw many changes taking place. She soon destroyed her cross and religious calendars, and burned her prayer book and books on astrology. She then stopped cooking for the dead, resigned from her church and stopped making illegal liquor and getting drunk. She started to attend the meetings at the Kingdom Hall and within a few months qualified for the ministry. Although her former associates saw the remarkable changes in her life, they still tried to get her to return to church. Her adamant refusal to go back to her former way of life has won her great admiration by the majority in her village.

Adhering to Christian principles concerning marriage affairs and registration brings manifold blessings. During the year a large number took steps in order to qualify for the ministry. One man had three wives, but upon learning that a Christian is to be the husband of only one wife, he dismissed the two younger ones from his compound. This won him deep respect from his senior wife and she started taking the truth more seriously. But even one of the younger women, although disappointed at being dismissed as the man’s wife, knew how hard it had been for the former husband to take this step and thus knew it must have been only his high regard for Bible principles that gave him the courage to do so. This increased her own respect for Bible principles, and she asked for a Bible study with Jehovah’s witnesses. This young woman soon found what she could do with her own life, now a single one, and she dedicated it to Jehovah, symbolizing it by being baptized.

Kingdom Halls are springing up throughout towns, villages and bush country. In one of the larger towns where there are only nine publishers, the brothers decided to build a Kingdom Hall. The project became the center of attraction, and the brothers were chided for building such a large structure, since there were only a handful of Witnesses in the town. But when the people saw the brothers’ determination and how they were working day and night, their jeers turned to cheers. Several of the townspeople volunteered their labors and transport. Others gave donations. How happy these few brothers were to find over two hundred attending their first meeting. Several prominent officials were present and expressed their delight that the brothers now had a permanent hall in which to meet.

GUINEA Population: 2,500,000

Peak Publishers: 118 Ratio: 1 to 21,186

A few years ago all the publishers in the capital at Conakry except one left the country. This left little hope of the congregation’s surviving there. However, we are happy to report that, after our sending two special pioneers there during the year, the congregation has been revived with a small nucleus around which to build for the future. What has been most encouraging is the fact that the government officials permitted the brothers in the capital to open a Kingdom Hall with a sign on it. While there are only five congregation publishers reporting, they now have an average of twenty to thirty persons regularly attending their meetings.

Do we always appreciate what strenuous efforts some of our brothers have to make to attend an assembly? A head of a Protestant mission, after two years of study, got up enough courage to take a positive stand for the truth. His earnest desire was to attend a circuit assembly and be baptized. But how could he do that when he lived eighty miles away from the assembly town with no transport and little money? By walking, of course; and that is what he did. Although achieving his goals of attending and getting baptized, he found expenses at the assembly town were greater than he expected, and soon his money was exhausted. He did not plead or beg the brothers for help, but found employment at the assembly town to pay his expenses, including enough for his return journey home.

One special-pioneer brother was selected to represent the Guinean brothers at the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly in Paris, and the local brothers write that they are thrilled to hear the experiences encountered on his trip. Again we wish to thank all the brothers world wide for their generous contributions that made this possible.

SINGAPORE Population: 1,865,000

Peak Publishers: 201 Ratio: 1 to 9,279

A young Chinese man who was a Baptist was very disappointed with the church when the pastor, accompanied by some richer members of the church, refused to speak to him when they met in the marketplace. He tried another church, the Adventists, but found their explanation of the sabbath not too convincing. In this state, he came into possession of an old copy of The Watchtower in Chinese. It made sense to him, and immediately he sat down and wrote to the Society’s branch address. However, it happened to be the old address, and he never got an answer. He figured that there must be people distributing the magazine, so he asked his people to keep watch for someone selling The Watchtower. “Regardless of cost, obtain some copies,” he said. Well, one day a Witness called, but a visitor in the home answered the door and said they did not need any of those magazines. Later on when the others in the house learned who had called they said, “Those are the people we want to see!” Someone went out and found the Witness and obtained magazines. From then on things moved. The young man got the new address and wrote, and a call was made on him. He showed great interest, attended the next meeting, and has been a regular attender since. He has begun witnessing from door to door. He recently married and his wife is also making fine progress in the truth. So lost “sheep” continue to be found.

It has been noticed that people are changing these days. Even Roman Catholics who rarely listened to the message are now giving a hearing ear. One Catholic lady who was contacted took the magazines and manifested interest. A back-call was made, a book placed and a study arranged. But she had one question, “Is it true that Jehovah’s witnesses refuse blood transfusions?” This kind of question usually brings the call to an abrupt end, but in this case it was the other way around. The woman had been a nurse and was impressed by a man who refused to allow a blood transfusion for his son. At that time she was very angry, but now, some years later, she thought that the man had integrity, different from other people, and she wondered what his religion was. She would look into Jehovah’s witnesses. During the week she got sick, and while she was ill in bed her eight-year-old daughter brought in the Truth book opened at the picture in the front and asked for an explanation. She told the child that she was sick and asked her to put the book back. However, the child wanted to know what the picture was about, so she took it to school and during the catechism class asked the nun. The result was a letter from the nun to the mother asking why she was studying such a book as this. The mother felt moved to reply, saying among other things, “All I am doing is studying the Bible, and this I have a right to do.” The publisher explained the meaning of the illustration on the next call, and the woman is now studying the good news and looking forward to the joy of living when her child can put her arms around the neck of a lion. She is glad she listened to Jehovah’s witnesses.

The branch in Singapore also looks after the work in Malaysia, for which a report follows.

MALAYSIA Population: 8,967,000

Peak Publishers: 164 Ratio: 1 to 54,677

Although race riots broke out in the nation’s capital in May, Jehovah’s people continued with their peaceful work of helping people of all races to learn the truth that leads to eternal life. The Truth book in English and Chinese is being received with tremendous response. A sister who works in a bank wrote to say: “When I read in the Kingdom Ministry the experiences of others who were buying out time for the ministry, I was encouraged to imitate their fine example. The next morning when I went to work I took with me twenty Truth books, and right away I placed them all among the staff. The following day I took along another twenty and was successful in placing all of these in neighboring offices. This was very encouraging for me because I had thought that very few of these people would accept our literature. However, I continued taking along some books for two weeks, and during my lunch period and before office work started I kept placing books. As a result, I was able to place 113 books within two weeks. All this has made me very happy, and I am now helping some of the seeds sown to grow.”

Another sister writes: “While witnessing in a poorer class of territory I met an Indian boy who was interested in the Bible. No literature was placed, but I promised to call back, and I did. A book was placed and a study was started. After the second study he came to the Kingdom Hall, but then family opposition set in. His mother cut off his allowance of money, so he walked to the hall, three miles from his home. His faithfulness was rewarded, for after two months of walking his father presented him with a bicycle! However, family opposition was not the only problem he had to overcome. As the study progressed he confessed to using drugs and having the unclean habit of smoking, besides other undesirable, worldly ways. This was due to the unwholesome influence of worldly association. But he soon realized that to gain Jehovah’s favor he would have to exert himself to put on the new personality. He put forth the effort, and one by one he got rid of his bad habits, including cutting off association with his worldly ‘friends,’ who began taunting him. After two months of regular study he enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School. A month later he expressed the desire to participate in the field ministry. Having been informed of the high standard required to qualify as God’s minister, he worked hard at meeting the requirements, and five months after his first study he had the joy of reporting as a publisher of the Kingdom good news. Truly the Word of God exerts power, especially so when it is so clearly presented in these ‘last days.’”

SOUTH AFRICA Population: 19,167,000

Peak Publishers: 20,445 Ratio: 1 to 937

Here in South Africa we have just completed a most enjoyable and exciting year in the service of Jehovah. We got off to a good start early in the service year with the “Good News for All Nations” District Assemblies and the release of the wonderful little Truth book. Then things really started moving, after a few years of apparently standing still. The number of publishers increased rapidly, and by April we reached a new peak. We also had the joy of seeing the greatest number ever baptized in any one year. A further impetus was provided when more than five hundred brothers from this country planned to attend the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly in London. Excitement ran high when it was learned that for the first time African brothers from this country would be granted passports to attend an overseas assembly. Ten of these were full-time workers who were sent by the Society by means of the convention travel fund. We wish you could have seen the happiness and appreciation of these brothers. They, and all the others who have been assisted, wish to thank all the brothers world wide for their loving contributions toward this fund.

In addition to giving oversight to the work in South Africa, the branch also cares for Ascension Island, Botswana, Lesotho, St. Helena, South-West Africa and Swaziland. First we report on South Africa.

This year a special effort was made to reach the many farmers on large stretches of land in this country. Most of these farms are miles apart and can be reached only by car. At the Society’s office these farm territories were properly mapped out, and congregations were encouraged to apply for farm territory. The response was good. Some congregations accepted territory more than two hundred miles from their homes. Thousands of miles were covered in order to reach these farmers with the good news of the Kingdom. One car group covered about two hundred square miles, during which time they visited one hundred farms and placed ninety Truth books. Many truth-hungry people have been found and are now being assisted by means of correspondence or by return visits from these brothers. Some congregations have arranged to go back once a month over long distances to care for these sheeplike ones.

Kindness and tact can often assist a person to accept the truth. A sister relates: “When my husband first became interested in Jehovah’s witnesses I made every effort to make it unpleasant for him. The brother who came to conduct the study always came by bicycle in fair weather or foul. He never missed a week. When we had bad weather for a whole month, with continuous rain for days, I thought at last he would not be here for the study. (I had to sit in every time, but always showed hostility so that they seldom spoke to me directly but remained polite.) But right on time the brother was there for the study. This shook me and started me thinking, Why all this trouble to study the Bible? Then one day my husband invited the pioneers to lunch. Out of sheer spitefulness I burned the food. After the meal the pioneers came up to me and thanked me for the lovely meal they had enjoyed. Their politeness was too much for me, so that night I took up some of the literature and the Bible and started to read with real interest. My husband never said a thing to rebuke me while I did these terrible things to him and to the two Witnesses who visited him. As a result of the brothers’ kind attitude I continued investigating and am now a Witness myself, happy that Jehovah was patient with me. My daughter is now a pioneer in the congregation, and we are happy to be a united family in Jehovah’s service.”

A sixty-nine-year-old clergyman of the Nazareth Baptist Church who had served as a minister since 1920 and who twice a year had to visit nearby countries as well as congregations in various parts of this country as guest speaker came in contact with the truth. A study was started in the Paradise book. This sincere man began to see the great difference between the teachings of his church and the truth. He asked his whole family to join him in the study. By December 1968 he had made up his mind. He requested many copies of the Paradise book and other booklets, which he offered to members of his former church when he gave them a farewell sermon. He told them that he was leaving the church because he had found the way leading to eternal life. He also visited all the other congregations in other provinces and in nearby countries where he used to preach. In February of this year he dedicated his life to Jehovah and later was baptized at a circuit assembly. His family joined him in the preaching of the good news of the Kingdom. His daughters are enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School, and the whole family is making fine progress in the truth.

Can a person who was a robber, gambler and murderer be changed by the truth? Such a man found himself in prison serving out a fourteen-year sentence. Later he was transferred to a work colony on the farms where there was a prison library. Although not interested in religion, the Paradise book caught his attention. He read it again and again and became convinced that this was the truth. Through the warden, who was studying with Jehovah’s witnesses, he obtained some magazines. Like soft rain on fertile soil the truth was sinking into his heart. He started going from cell to cell with the good news. When he was released recently, he immediately contacted the Witnesses and informed them of seven “ready made” Witnesses who are looking forward to getting baptized as soon as they are released. At the time of writing this experience this once lawless man has become a zealous, dedicated brother and a law-abiding citizen.

The good conduct of Jehovah’s people at their assemblies does not go unnoticed. A sister and her son took a taxi to a hospital for medical treatment. The taxi driver recognised the sister as one of Jehovah’s witnesses, as he used to be the caretaker at a hall that was often used for district assemblies. He told the sister about something the Witnesses did not know of, something that went on behind the scenes. The Council controlling the renting of this particular hall was prejudiced against Jehovah’s witnesses, as most of them belonged to the Dutch Reformed Church. But, as all people in the community had the right to hire the hall, they rented it to the Witnesses on the first occasion, having asked the caretaker, now the taxi driver, to look for complaints against the Witnesses so that they would have grounds for refusing the use of the hall in the future. The Monday morning after the assembly they called him in to report on the complaints he had against Jehovah’s witnesses. He answered: “My only ‘complaint’ against them is their outstanding conduct, cleanliness and their respect for the Council’s property. Children pick up papers around the hall; lavatories are spotless; and to crown it all, on Sunday evening when their sessions closed, the men took off their good suits, put on working clothes and cleaned the hall.” Ever since that fine report we have had no difficulty in obtaining this hall for district assemblies.

ASCENSION ISLAND Population: 1,217

Peak Publishers: 7 Ratio: 1 to 174

The work on Ascension Island received a real boost when the pioneer from St. Helena island moved there with his family for nine months of the service year. A thorough witness was given to those on the island with some very fine results. Several families and individuals began to associate after studying for only a short time.

Is 10 p.m. too late to conduct a home Bible study? Not with one family! The man worked shifts until after 9 o’clock some weeks, so it was arranged to have a regular study at 10 p.m. As it was very hot, they would have the study on the verandah, in the open where the neighbours could see them, and this resulted in ridicule from the neighbours. As the man progressed and realised it was the truth he was learning, he commented: “Now I see why more people are not Jehovah’s witnesses, because they are afraid of what their neighbours would say and think.” The family began attending meetings and enjoyed them. After hearing at the Tuesday book study how urgent the time is and about the work still to be done, the man started witnessing to all his workmates the next day and was overjoyed to find one man who asked for a Bible and book so that he could study.

The pioneer brother and his family had to move back to St. Helena. They keep in touch with some of their Bible students by writing letters, and the only sister on the island continues to give them personal assistance. Can you perhaps come and help the “sheep” on this island?

BOTSWANA Population: 543,000

Peak Publishers: 187 Ratio: 1 to 2,904

The truth is reaching out into the farthest corners of this land. In the northwest, in the swampy region, was found a woman who comes from a Bushman tribe. Bushmen are among the most primitive peoples of the earth. These little hunters still use the bow and poisoned arrows. But she accepted the truth and is now in a position to witness to other Bushmen in their click-language. Hence the prospect of seeing some of these primitive people among the Armageddon survivors is brightening.

There was great excitement among the brothers when they heard that one of the special pioneers had been invited by the Society to attend the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly in London. When the brother received the letter of invitation from the Society, informing him that the Society would pay his fare, he gratefully acknowledged it, but said he would not accept it since he would not be able to pay for his food and accommodation in London. However, that very same day a family phoned the branch office and offered financial assistance for one of the African brothers who was invited and who might not have the necessary funds for personal expenses. How extremely grateful this brother was to benefit from this offer and be able to attend the assembly!

A constant effort is being made to spread the Kingdom message into the more densely populated areas by appointing more special pioneers. However, the demand for more workers still far exceeds the supply. During the year a couple from England moved in to serve where the need is greater, and they have been assigned to witness to the English-speaking population. But more helpers are needed in this section of the field also.

LESOTHO Population: 968,000

Peak Publishers: 343 Ratio: 1 to 2,822

The brothers in Lesotho have had a very good year in preaching the good news, and Jehovah has blessed them with a fine increase. Sheeplike persons from all walks of life are accepting the truth. To give the work a further stimulus and help build up the organizational ability of the brothers in Lesotho, a white special pioneer couple from South Africa were asked whether they would be willing to accept a special-pioneer assignment in Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. Would you give up a comfortable flat in a city with a happy congregation, to live under primitive conditions with people whose language you could not speak? Would you accept such an invitation if it meant forfeiting an overseas trip to an international assembly? This is what this couple did. The wife’s parents had invited this couple to accompany them to the London assembly and offered to pay their air fare. But in order to free themselves from secular work so as to be able to accept the invitation to Lesotho, this couple requested that the air fare rather be given them to pay off their debt on the car. The parents agreed, and now the couple are enjoying some wonderful experiences as special pioneers in a congregation that needs them and loves them and views them as a gift from Jehovah.

The district servant relates the following experience: A local brother conducted a home Bible study for some time with a man who had been a lay preacher in the French Mission Church for twenty-eight years. During our visit to the congregation, he was assisted to change the study from the ‘Impossible to Lie’ book to the Truth book and the study was conducted several times during the two weeks. By the termination of our visit this man said that many stumbling blocks had been removed from his path and that now he was determined to inform his family of his decision to be baptized as one of Jehovah’s witnesses and encourage them to take a like course. He was also determined to return to each of the churches in which he had preached during the past twenty-eight years and ask for an opportunity to tell these congregations the truth. What a fine example set by a man seventy-six years of age!

ST. HELENA Population: 4,701

Peak Publishers: 36 Ratio: 1 to 131

The arrival of the Truth book on the island gave a great stimulus to the work, bringing Bible studies up to 1.5 per publisher. One brother relates how the book helped a family who were spiritually “dead” for ten years: “They came along to the circuit servant’s talk on Sunday afternoon for the first time and stayed for the Watchtower study and final talk. Since then the family have attended the Theocratic Ministry School and service meeting and are progressing well.”

A fine witness was given again on this island. But a generally easygoing attitude is still the greatest obstacle, even affecting the brothers at times and making progress slow. Previously, wars, crimes and political disturbances had never really affected the people on this island. But this year a commercial take-over brewed into political strife, and the people were roused into a frenzy. Who took the lead in this? The clergy, singing “Onward, Christian Soldiers!” Posters of a violent nature were everywhere, disturbing the islanders for quite a few months. The next posters that went up around the island were advertising the public talk for the circuit assembly of Jehovah’s witnesses with the title “God’s Way Is Love.” What a contrast! A man, seeing the poster, came up to us and said: “This is what we need.” And the man against whom the islanders were so bitter came to the public talk, listening attentively and looking up all the scriptures. Even the Seventh-Day Adventist leader came to attend the talk.

SOUTH-WEST AFRICA Population: 574,000

Peak Publishers: 179 Ratio: 1 to 3,207

With the use of the Truth book in Afrikaans many new home Bible studies have been started and more people are taking a firm stand for the truth.

Age does not prevent a sister who is in her seventies from sharing in street magazine distribution. To her, Magazine Day is the highlight of the week’s activity because she cannot walk from house to house to share in the regular preaching work. With the kind help of the other brothers in the congregation, she regularly makes her way to a busy street corner on Saturday morning, taking a chair with her. While sitting on the chair she offers the magazines to the public passing by and usually places about sixty magazines during four hours on the street. People are getting to know her now, and they often ask her for the latest copies. This faithful example has been a great encouragement to many of the younger publishers to have a regular share in the distribution of magazines.

Due to good behaviour, some prisoners in one of the local gaols are allowed to work in the homes of the prison staff. One of these works in the home of a sister. A special pioneer reports: “On visiting this sister I noted the prisoner’s genuine friendliness and good disposition. I left him two magazines to read, and when I called back he requested a Paradise book. Seeing his interest in the Bible, I offered him a study. He was so pleased and appreciative that we were able to complete the ‘Good News’ booklet in six studies. This meant much preparation on his part. At this point we received the Truth book in Afrikaans and were able to go directly to Chapters 14 and 15. He was able to see immediately the need to get out of Babylon the Great. Now that he has covered a few chapters in this excellent publication he has expressed the desire to be baptized in the near future as soon as he is released.”

SWAZILAND Population: 395,000

Peak Publishers: 640 Ratio: 1 to 617

During the year the work in Swaziland continued to make steady progress. To ensure that all people in Swaziland hear the good news before the end, arrangements were made during the branch servant’s visit from South Africa to reassign most of the special pioneers to territories where the need is greater. This is resulting in a fine witness being given throughout Swaziland.

One of the district chiefs called upon a pioneer brother to attend a rural political meeting. The brother did not attend, but instead busied himself with God’s work. The following day he was called before the chief to account for his absence from the meeting. He kindly explained his neutral position. The chief threatened to deport him from the country, but told him to wait until he returned from seeing His Excellency, the king of Swaziland. When the chief brought this case before the king, the king, who is well acquainted with Jehovah’s witnesses, said that they should be left alone. “These people do not belong to any political party. They are neutral and there is no reason to give them a hard time. They are a peaceful people.” When the chief returned he told the waiting brother that he was very fortunate that the king was in a good mood and had pardoned him. The brother happily continues with his preaching work.

SPAIN Population: 31,794,900

Peak Publishers: 8,392 Ratio: 1 to 3,789

The fulfillment of Jehovah’s promise by means of Isaiah that he would ‘speed up’ the increase of his people in his due time has been clearly evidenced throughout the year. Spurred on as never before to reach all honest-hearted persons with the Kingdom good news, publishers have been most diligent in thoroughly covering their congregational territories, and many have been able to move to areas where there is a greater need for Kingdom ministers. There are experiences herewith from Spain, Andorra and the Canary Islands.

With the aid of the Truth book, how quickly sincere persons take decisive action in favor of the basic principles of true Christian worship! A pioneer reports that when he returned for just the second study with an interested family, he noticed that objects of false religious worship had disappeared from the house, although he had made no comment about them. The husband explained that from what he and his wife had learned from their daily examination of the Truth book, not only had they cleaned house religiously speaking, but he had made the decision to disconnect their two television sets, in order to allow more time for Bible study, and, in addition, both had decided to stop smoking. The wife commented that she had already given a witness to her hairdressers. Now they are participating regularly in ministerial activity and have offered their home for Bible study meetings.

A married man told a Witness who called that he was not interested in Bible study, for he had become disillusioned with religion, but that he would not prevent his wife from studying. A Truth book was placed, and the publisher suggested that the husband take a few moments to examine it, so that he would be familiar with what his wife would be studying. When the publisher returned to conduct the first study, the husband was also present and exclaimed: “Last night my wife and I were still reading the Truth book at 3 a.m. We have already reached Chapter 16, and we have learned much. I was so impressed when I read that the Bible forbids the use of images in worship, I got up and disposed of the religious images in our bedroom.” The very next Sunday the couple was in attendance at the congregation’s Bible discourse, and now they too are sharing with others what they are learning.

A husband who felt that his wife’s sincere devotion to certain images of saints was credulous welcomed the offer of a study in the Truth book, In just a short time the wife came to appreciate that “God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth,” and made the necessary adjustments in her thinking and actions. But as the study continued the husband also found himself confronted with a very difficult personal decision. Since childhood he had dreamed of becoming a great bullfighter. And after long years of effort and great personal sacrifice, he had finally become a matador, fighting in the principal arenas of the nation. Now, just when his long-sought-after dream was being realized, he was caused to think more profoundly in regard to his own life and what he was doing with it. Rather than continuing to risk his life in the arena, he decided to dedicate his life to God and His service, and both he and his wife were baptized at the summer assembly in Rome.

Pioneers called on a crippled lady who had a bitter complaint against God: “What God should do is to see that I walk normally once again.” In time she agreed to a study in the Truth book, and within just a few weeks a marvelous change came about in her personality. She interested her husband in the study, and soon they offered their home for Bible-study meetings. She began to witness by correspondence, but still felt sad when she observed others in the group leaving to participate in the door-to-door ministry. With an important goal in view she has practiced walking with a cane in spite of the eleven metal pins in her femur. Now, with a progressive and bright mental attitude, she is overjoyed to be able to devote from six to eight hours weekly in the door-to-door ministry.

The 6,525 who attended the Spanish sessions of the international assembly at Rome were unanimous in their expressions of appreciation for the outstanding program provided. Strengthened spiritually, all are firmly determined to continue spreading the good news of God’s kingdom during the short time remaining.

ANDORRA Population: 18,200

Peak Publishers: 14 Ratio: 1 to 1,300

In spite of severe obstacles to spiritual progress in this tiny land nestled high in the Pyrenees, how good it has been to see native Andorrans take sides with Jehovah and symbolize their dedication to him by water baptism during this past year. Secular work keeps most Andorrans busy ten hours a day, seven days a week, which severely limits the time available for Bible study and association. However, they realize that “man must live, not on bread alone,” so adjustments are made according to the circumstances so that the Bible study meetings start as late as 10 p.m. Even the winter transportation problems and cold do not stop these hardy people from regularly congregating together. The use of the Truth book during the year has proved to be a marvelous instrument in helping not only the interested persons but also the publishers themselves to appreciate more deeply the urgent need to take a firm stand now on Jehovah’s side. One brother writes of his determined decision: “I needed Sunday afternoons off from my secular work in order to attend the Watchtower study, as well as one day during the week for ministerial activity. My employer at first seemed unwilling to grant my request, but when I told him that I would have to look for another job, he made a special arrangement for me. Later, he kindly approved my request for time off in August to attend the international assembly at Rome, even though he himself had to replace me at the store during this peak period of the tourist season.” How important it is then to keep on “seeking first the kingdom,” knowing that Jehovah is not oblivious to the material needs of his faithful servants.

CANARY ISLANDS Population: 1,154,200

Peak Publishers: 269 Ratio: 1 to 4,291

What a help the Truth book has been in aiding interested persons to take a firm stand quickly for Jehovah’s righteous principles. A married man found it necessary to care for his sick parents during more than fifteen years, with the result that in time he became an unbeliever. His wife continued to worship in the routine manner that she had been taught by the nuns when she had attended a religious school. Then they both agreed to a study of the Truth book with one of Jehovah’s witnesses. After just two months they exclaimed: “How happy we are to know the truth about so many things that previously were so confusing to us! And what particularly surprises us is that the Truth book’s explanation of Bible subjects is so easy to understand that even a small child could grasp it. In the beginning we felt unqualified, but now we not only have become familiar with basic Bible truths, but have been taught how to use the Bible, and already we are able to find the texts almost as rapidly as the speakers on Sunday!” Yes, this married couple are in regular attendance at the meetings and are making steady progress toward Christian maturity.

The Truth book has also been a fine help in aiding those who, for diverse reasons in the past, have fallen into inactivity. A person who had been separated from the congregation for more than two years finally agreed to a six-month study of the Truth book. Within four months he was in regular association once again and expressed his desire to do something that he previously considered as his main obstacle—preaching to others. As he himself declared: “Each time I study the Truth book, I understand more clearly the Word of God, and I can see that I was previously wasting precious time. It is astounding to see the truth so simply explained, and yet the world in general does not comprehend it! I need more books, for I now have the confidence to speak to and help others, and I find the preaching work a real pleasure.”

SURINAM Population: 375,000

Peak Publishers: 520 Ratio: 1 to 721

Sincere people do not need more than six months before they see the need to flee from Babylon the Great. (Rev. 18:4) A missionary writes: “In December I contacted a sincere Roman Catholic lady in the house-to-house work and placed the Truth book. I began a study with her on the initial call, and she made rapid progress. After our third study she saw clearly what she must do with all the images and ‘holy pictures’ if she wanted to please Jehovah. When I came for our fourth study, all the images were gone as well as her gold medallion of ‘the Holy Mother.’ She began attending meetings after the first month of study and has been a regular attender ever since, bringing her six children. In February her husband began to study and shortly thereafter both saw the necessity of removing the children from the Catholic school and transferring them to a public school. As they said, ‘We can’t be serving at the table of Jehovah and the table of the demons.’ In April she began in the ministry and in July attended the New York assembly. She has expressed her desire to be baptized at the next circuit assembly.”

Some people have to overcome many problems when they learn the truth, as in the case of a certain sister. Shall we let her tell her own story?

“Before I came in contact with the truth I already had many difficulties with the man with whom I was living. We were not married. I wanted to leave him, but I was afraid, since he threatened to do terrible things to me. I was advised by others to seek help through a spiritualist. He gave me many charms to use, but the situation got worse.

“Then a sister began a Bible study with me. I began attending meetings. The man I was living with became worse and worse, opposing me in every possible way, but I kept on.

“Through the Bible studies I learned that Jehovah requires his true worshipers to be entirely free from demonism. I did not delay in burning all the charms I had received. Since then I can say that the truth has made me free from a life of fornication and from demonism. Jehovah has given me the strength to clean up my life by moving to another house with all my children. Now I have dedicated my life to Jehovah.” How true Paul’s words are: “For all things I have the strength by virtue of him who imparts power to me.”—Phil. 4:13.

SWEDEN Population: 7,941,561

Peak Publishers: 11,150 Ratio: 1 to 712

“A man stood on the stairs, and a young girl lay in a hammock in the yard. We barely had time to mention our errand when she rose and came toward us: ‘Do you speak about the Bible and God?’ She was twelve years old, a Catholic and full of questions about the Bible. We showed her what the Bible said on all that she asked about, and she accepted everything from the Bible. We wondered what to offer her, and decided to offer a Watchtower subscription, since it was during the Watchtower campaign. ‘It is through this magazine that we have gotten our knowledge from the Bible,’ we explained. When she heard the subscription price she said: ‘That I want to have.’ She then spotted a copy of Awake! in my bag. ‘What magazine is that?’ she asked. ‘I want that one also. One cannot get too much knowledge.’ She also took the Evolution book.

“We were going to have our service meeting and Theocratic Ministry School that night, so we asked if she wanted to come and see what took place. Yes, but she first had to ask her mother if she would be permitted to go and so was to call and inform us, and then we would pick her up. So it happened, and when we arrived, the young man whom we had spoken to in the morning was at her side ready to go along, ‘if he would be allowed to do so.’ He was very much impressed by the school and by the fact that even old people sought to improve their ability as publishers. When we rode home, the girl said that she had already read an article in Awake! on the rosary, and added that she had used such a thing for the last time. ‘Now I know that I have found the truth, because you have used the Bible for all the answers you have given me. And now I must hurry to get home to mother and tell her all about it.’ And what have we learned from this experience? That one must never reckon that a child does not understand what we have to say, but if we meet children at the doors we must speak to them.”

A young pioneer brother met a long-haired “mod” who showed interest and a study was started, some of his companions also attending. Most of them were long-haired; some, university students. The evolution theory came up for discussion, and they were very impressed by the pioneer’s ability to refute their arguments. “Where have you learned all this?” they asked. “From The Watchtower and Awake! You may subscribe for them.” As a result, eight subscriptions were taken. The young men started to attend meetings, and the brothers wondered whether they were going to behave or not. They were, however, welcomed, and they sat and listened, meeting after meeting. “And think of our joy when some of them had their hair cut and they shaved and began to wear decent clothing. They are now just as well groomed as our public speakers. One has already started as a publisher.”

One young woman had attended some meetings of Jehovah’s witnesses with her aunt in Finland when she was a child. Later she got married and divorced in Sweden and thereafter took an interest in horoscopes. With some colleagues she visited Africa and there saw a snake charmer. One of the company took a snake and placed it around her shoulders, which gave her a shock. Thereafter she was given to gloomy meditations and soon was wholly bewildered. In this condition, though she started to read the Bible, she was sent to a mental hospital. After a short while she improved and was sent home. Then things began to happen. She saw accidents the day before they actually took place. She even saw—in a fully awake condition—the invasion of Czechoslovakia one month before it happened. All this made her very restless. She again started to read the Bible, but voices kept warning her. She spoke at length with her doctor and with the priest. Both were friendly but could suggest no explanation. She then remembered her aunt and called her up twice. The aunt promised to send someone to her through the organization, but this took time. She had not slept for weeks. So she looked in the telephone directory and found the congregation servant’s name and number. He and his wife went there immediately and had a three-hour interview with her, explaining about the demons, etc. That night she slept soundly and has since done away with everything that has any connection with spiritism. She has started at her place of work again, attends meetings in the congregation, and has a regular Bible study.

As this is being written a service year full of exciting happenings has reached its climax. We had peak figures for publishers several months in a row, in the fall and in the middle of winter! And in April, for the first time, we had over 11,000 publishers. In May we placed over 56,000 copies of the Evolution book, which was more than all the bound books placed during the whole of the previous service year. In June we began spreading the Truth book, almost 47,000 of them. In July came the unforgettable New York “Peace on Earth” assembly, which was attended by nearly 700 Swedes, and then in August came the climax for all of us here in Scandinavia: the Copenhagen assembly, where about 10,000 Swedes attended.

I want to express my own appreciation for the statement made by Brother Knorr at the special meeting for Gilead graduates, that the missionaries might get the privilege of living through Armageddon right where they now are, in their respective ‘foreign” assignments, and even be there to welcome the dead when the resurrection begins. This seems to me to be a very satisfactory solution to how things will begin to operate when the post-Armageddon activities start. The Lord surely knows how to arrange matters in a very natural way.

SWITZERLAND Population: 6,115,000

Peak Publishers: 7,071 Ratio: 1 to 865

More and more the people in this country and in Liechtenstein recognize that material prosperity does not bring real satisfaction, neither does it mean the solution to all their problems, but, rather, it often gives rise to other problems. As a result, sincere persons are often more ready today to begin a Bible study with Jehovah’s witnesses. Something that hardly ever happened in former years has repeatedly occurred during this service year, namely, that people have written the Society to ask for a Bible study. For instance, one man wrote: “I herewith request a private Bible study here in my home. Please let me know when someone can visit me.” Another young man wrote: “I feel the need to live in harmony with God, to comply with His thoughts and will, and to spread His Word among the people and arouse them out of their passivity. I therefore ask you to put me in touch with your organization.”

It has often proved effective when, right from the start, publishers have invited the people they study with to come to the meetings. An overseer spoke to a colleague and started a home Bible study with him. At the close of the first study the overseer invited him to the Kingdom Hall. He came with his wife, and neither have missed a meeting since that time. Two months later both the man and his wife joined in the service from house to house. The overseer writes: “This was only possible with the help of the Truth book and regular attendance at the meetings.”

The truth is the only means of defense against the power of the demons. A man, as he explained it, was being tormented continually by the “spirit” of his dead wife. As he was Catholic, he sought to be freed from these appearances by giving donations to his church, but without success. He grew shy of people and became sick and in need of medical aid. When the publishers found him, they offered him the Truth book, drawing his attention to Chapter 7, “Are There Wicked Spirits?” A study was started. In fact, this man wanted the Witnesses to visit him twice a week to study the Bible with him. With little delay he fled Babylon the Great. As he wrote a publisher: “I bless the day on which I was visited by Jehovah’s witnesses, for since that time I have found deep happiness and, after thirty-two years, a definite aim in life.”

The publishers throughout the country, and especially the Bethel family, look forward with joyful expectancy to the time when the new Bethel home in Thun will be ready for occupancy. The erection of the building should be finished about the end of November and then the work on the interior can begin; so in the spring of 1970 the factory and Bethel home should be ready for dedication. We deeply appreciate that, with these new facilities, we shall be able to serve more efficiently not only our brothers in our own country, but also a large number of publishers in many other countries. Our prayers of gratitude ascend continually to Jehovah for the rich blessings he showers upon us.

LIECHTENSTEIN Population: 21,237

Peak Publishers: 7 Ratio: 1 to 3,034

As certain so-called “saints” have been dethroned and many time-honored religious customs are not practiced as hitherto, the people are often heard to exclaim: “One hardly knows what to believe anymore!” This naturally gives the Witnesses a fine opportunity to explain Jehovah’s purposes.

A new tenant took over an apartment, and there he found a thick Bible. The former tenants had thought it was not worth while to take this big old book along with them. A publisher who called there was interested to see this Bible, which turned out to be a Van-Ess translation, which contains the name Jehovah in many places. From the pages of this old Bible this family learned of God’s purposes and blessings, and their appreciation was aroused to gain further understanding.

A young girl from Yugoslavia who was interested in the truth found a position in the household of the reigning prince. As is customary, she was expected to attend prayers in the castle chapel. When she declined to do so, she was told that Her Highness would be displeased if she did not join them in the chapel. This interested person answered: “But God will not be pleased with me if I go there.” And so they left her in peace.

This young girl did all she could now to get in touch with Jehovah’s witnesses, but she hardly knew where to begin. The language barrier made it very difficult for her to make herself understood, so she took the Paradise book and went to the nearby railway station in Switzerland. She showed the people the book, and with many gestures she tried to find where people were living who distributed such literature. But no one understood her. Disappointed, she wrote to her home country for help, and finally through the branch offices she was put in contact with the brothers. This young girl is greatly appreciated by the others serving in the household of the prince, as she is a good and reliable worker. On this account she was permitted to go to Nuremberg, where she shared with great enthusiasm in the assembly with her Yugoslavian brothers and sisters. She was one of the 5,095 persons who were baptized there.

TAIWAN, REPUBLIC OF CHINA Population: 14,000,000

Peak Publishers: 1,087 Ratio: 1 to 12,879

While there was some further cleansing of the organization and another slight decrease this past year in Taiwan, there were some very notable and encouraging trends evident that have promoted much optimism among the brothers. One is that the results of the six-month Bible-study program have started to become evident. While we did not have the Truth book to use at the time of our district assembly in September last year, a program that approximated the material in the Truth book by using the “Good News” and Living in Hope booklets was instituted. With what results? An indication of the results is the fact that forty-eight persons were baptized during the year to compare with seventeen the previous year. Then, at the beginning of June the first shipment of the Chinese Truth book arrived and was shipped out to the congregations.

When the six-month Bible-study program was introduced in Taiwan, many wondered whether it would be effective with the Chinese people as they have generally taken some time before taking their stand for the truth. However, the following experience shows that those who really want life will take their stand quickly. An Awake! magazine was placed with a man who had little interest, but a few weeks later his brother came to the Kingdom Hall with a friend. He had some interest after reading the magazine and handbill that had been left. However, it was the third person in the chain, namely, the friend, who agreed to a Bible study. When he learned that he should prepare well, he immediately set about writing out the answers to all the questions in the “Good News” booklet. Four days after getting the Living in Hope booklet he had studied and marked it from beginning to end. After less than six months’ study, he requested to go in service. In less than a year from his first contact with the truth he was baptized and is now enjoying teaching others at his own two home Bible studies.

The experience of a Chinese couple who repatriated from Indonesia shows how Jehovah hears the cry of those who really are seeking righteousness. The wife spoke no Chinese but she was crying out for the truth about God. She asked her husband to take her to a church to learn about the Bible. He was rather disgusted with what he had seen in the churches in Indonesia and other places where he had been associated with them, but he told her that if she really wanted to serve God then God would send someone to teach her. She prayed that she might find the true religion, and it was not long before a missionary called on her. A study was immediately started in the English Truth book since she knew very little Chinese. After finishing the second chapter she was asked if she had any questions. She responded, “How could I have questions? It’s so clear!” She soon started attending the Sunday meetings with her husband even though at first she had difficulty comprehending much of the talks, as she was just learning Chinese. Then she started attending the congregation book study and making comments at that meeting. She recently began sharing in the ministry and is now overjoyed that her husband has started studying. He is now lamenting having wasted almost a year while his wife was studying. Truly Jehovah knows his “sheep.”

Many times publishers will allow disappointing results on a number of back-calls to cause them to become lax in following up on other interested persons. One never knows which will prove to be a really sheeplike person, so it is necessary to follow through on all of these calls. A circuit servant’s wife working in a large town in central Taiwan met a young university student who was reluctant to take the Paradise book that was offered her. She said that if someone would take it to her at her university dormitory in Taipei she would obtain it there. Even though this type of call does not often work out, the missionary who was given the information made the call, and the girl took the book. A study was started. When she returned home, the local missionaries would study with her; and when she was in Taipei the missionary sister there would study with her. The girl started attending meetings, and when home she began to talk to her mother, who was a firm Buddhist. Her mother started studying and attending meetings, and now that the girl has graduated and returned home she is regularly giving student talks in the little, local congregation and she shares in the field ministry every Sunday. She will likely get baptized at the “Peace on Earth” assembly in Taipei. Surely it behooves us to follow up even slight interest.

We look forward to the occupation of the Society’s new branch office and missionary home, with its fine Kingdom Hall, at the end of September, and then to the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly to be held in Taipei in October. Both of these events will do much to promote the interests of true worship in Taiwan, and all the brothers here are very appreciative of these arrangements made by God’s organization.

THAILAND Population: 33,552,238

Peak Publishers: 353 Ratio: 1 to 95,049

The branch office in Bangkok gives oversight to the work of Jehovah’s witnesses in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

A brother writes: “I always thought that this world had a wonderful design, and that there must be someone controlling and governing it. All things are so complete in their existence, the course of the stars, the sun and the moon, everything being orderly and regular, according to law. So I came to the conclusion that there must be a Creator who governs and maintains things in this marvelous universe. Then came a witness of Jehovah working from house to house. My wife and I listened to the witness she gave concerning a coming state of perfection for the humble ones. Both my wife and I were glad to hear this good news and wanted to learn more. This we did, first at home, then also at the meetings. As we learned, we put away our objects of idolatry and demonism and conformed ourselves to God’s Word and got baptized.” They now rejoice in sharing the good news with others.

The truth is reaching far out not only geographically but socially too, even to higher circles as shown by the following experience: “A professor of one of the Bangkok universities visiting our town told of an instance at the university one day when there was a meeting of the faculty to listen to a foreign lecturer, with some high officials also present. During the meeting a young girl came in carrying a briefcase and offering The Watchtower. The foreign lecturer stopped his discourse and all present listened to what the girl had to say. Some of the dignitaries present questioned her and she answered with confidence, intelligence and coherence, to the astonishment of all. After relating this the professor remarked: ‘You know, there are quite a number of people in high places who fear Jehovah’s witnesses.’ I replied: ‘But they are good people who mean well toward all. Nobody needs to be afraid of them.’ The professor replied: ‘No, it is not that, but they fear Jehovah’s witnesses might have the truth.’”

A young member of a large family became interested in the truth, progressed to baptism, and then began to talk to the other members of his family. The older ones scoffed and persecuted him, but some of the younger ones listened even though they were beaten. Being unable to study at home, he studied with his younger brothers between sales at the market where they were selling goods. Defending his position one day, one younger brother said to the family: “If I become a monk, all of you will have to do obeisance to me, even father and mother, and I would not need to work. But here I work and no one needs to do obeisance to me; please let me go to the meetings.” The reply was another beating. His mother also beat him on the head with a bowl because he would not drink a potion made from watered down burnt paper from a witch doctor. After being forced from home he progressed to baptism, and now it looks as if the process is being repeated with another member of the family.

CAMBODIA Population: 6,000,000

Peak Publishers: 4 Ratio: 1 to 1,500,000

In this country, which has joined itself to the bloc of “neutral” nations, we now have four persons who are truly neutral toward the affairs of this world. Three publishers have come from abroad, and this now makes it possible for the brother who was previously isolated to have upbuilding Christian association.

Outstanding during the year was the thoughtfulness and the love expressed in a number of letters sent from Hawaii, the United States and Canada to this lone brother. These letters were very much appreciated by him. One letter was written by a brother who had just passed through a very disastrous flood in Los Angeles, yet he took the time to show this consideration. This shows that we really have ‘an association of brothers’ world wide.—1 Pet. 5:9.

LAOS Population: 3,000,000

Peak Publishers: 21 Ratio: 1 to 142,857

In spite of war in this tiny landlocked kingdom of Laos, the “angel flying in midheaven” keeps the door open for the message of the Kingdom to be sounded. Two new Laotian publishers have been started in service during the last service year. A solid foundation is being laid for further increase in the coming months.

When we invite interested ones to attend meetings such as the Watchtower study, and then find them losing interest after a few meetings, could it be because they have not been helped to prepare for the meetings so as to participate even in some small way? When asked by a missionary why he had stopped attending meetings, a young man replied: “I felt ashamed because everyone else was raising his hand to answer but I was not, as I did not know the answers.” Then and there the missionary helped him to prepare a couple of answers for the next meeting. He attended and happily participated. Now he has progressed to the point of preparing his own comments, is attending regularly and wants to share in the ministry.

Another publisher reports: “We met a girl in an office while doing door-to-door work. When we offered her the magazines she said she had been receiving them for some time now from her father, who works in Paris. He had written her often encouraging her to join the religion of Jehovah’s witnesses as it was the only true one. However, she did not know how to join it, or where to find it, and now we had found her! She took the Truth book immediately and a study was started. She has read and underlined the entire book and is asking for additional reading material.” Thus we can see the wisdom of the counsel to tell our loved ones about the truth.

VIETNAM Population: 17,000,000

Peak Publishers: 46 Ratio: 1 to 369,565

The high point for Jehovah’s witnesses in Vietnam this past year was their first circuit assembly in three years. With all the publishers enjoying this fine spiritual provision from Jehovah and with five being baptized at the assembly, all came to appreciate more fully Jehovah’s advancing organization. What a contrast this peaceful assembly was with the conditions in this country that has experienced war for many years now. But despite the activities of Satan to try to blind the people to the real issue, God’s people continue to help the people to realize that man’s only hope for peace is God’s kingdom.

One of the missionaries relates: “After meeting a seemingly very sincere woman, I was quite disappointed to return twice and find her too busy to talk to me. However, her daughter said she would like to buy a Bible. When I returned a few days later with the Bible, I started a study with the woman. She was a very good student, but coming to meetings was her problem. She had seven children to keep her busy and an opposed husband to discourage her. One afternoon I arrived for our study but she was absent. A letter from her explained that she must quit studying as she was wasting my time. ‘I’ll never be able to go to meetings regularly or go in the ministry,’ the letter read. Understanding she did have a problem that she felt she could not surmount, I called a few days later to discuss it with her. After reviewing the scriptures relevant to her responsibility first to Jehovah and then to her husband, she decided she must obey God rather than man and make an effort to come to meetings the first week of every month. After a couple of months I encouraged her to try to come every second week. Jehovah has blessed her sincere efforts to serve him, as now her family of seven children are studying the Bible and her two oldest children accompany her in the ministry every week. Her formerly opposed husband painted the yeartext for the Kingdom Hall and has agreed to have a rendezvous for service in his home.” This illustrates the need of getting to know the real problems of Bible students in order to be able to help them.

TOGO Population: 1,800,000

Peak Publishers: 1,229 Ratio: 1 to 1,465

In our part of the world the education of the people in general is not as high as in more developed countries. Many of our brothers were illiterate before being taught to read and write in the congregations. People ask whether they understand what they are doing. But look! Men and women go by foot forty miles to attend a circuit assembly without material benefits, and then they have to return forty miles by foot again. They have to know and understand what they are doing.

Another example: The family arrangement here cares for each member the same as insurance for people in developed countries. A fourteen-year-old boy learned about the truth, but the family threatened to expel him if he would not stop associating with Jehovah’s witnesses, which would mean the loss of any social security for him. The boy continued to make progress in spite of the threat, so he was expelled. The brothers tried to help him, but he would not accept it, saying: “Nobody shall say I became one of Jehovah’s witnesses for the sake of material benefits.” Now he is baptized and keeps on making fine progress to maturity. Surely, he too knows what he is doing.

Two of our brothers were sent to Germany for secular training. Immediately they associated with the local congregation and learned many things, especially in regard to pioneer service. When the time for the completion of their secular training came, they had to return to Togo. In most cases people cannot find any work after returning from their training, but their case was different. The factory in Germany offered them fine employment because the brothers had proved themselves honest and diligent. The factory would even pay their trip back. Now what would the brothers do? Would they accept this offer or take up full-time pioneer service? They chose full-time service, even though they had to pay for their own trip back. The brothers said: “Now we are not rich in regard to material possessions, but we are rich in the spirit. (2 Cor. 6:10) Our assignment is a virgin territory. After only one month we had to group together our Bible studies in order to care for them all. Now after three months in our assignment as special pioneers we conduct all the meetings like a congregation. On the average we have twelve at the Watchtower study and twenty at the Theocratic Ministry School and service meeting. What a rich blessing from Jehovah!” This shows again that the brothers know what they are doing.

Sometimes people from the outside contribute to the progress of our home Bible studies. One of the missionaries had a Bible study with a Catholic lady, but the study was discontinued due to lack of progress. The woman was told to call on the missionary if she would like to resume the study with progress in mind. Instead of calling on the missionary, she went to the Catholic church. That day the clergyman was talking about the importance of Bible study, and he said all should know the Bible as well as Jehovah’s witnesses. The woman started thinking. First the clergyman had said the Bible is a book of magic and not good for study, and he always talked badly about Jehovah’s witnesses. Now he said we should study the Bible, and the priest even put Jehovah’s witnesses before us as an example. Watching a group Bible study in the church, she realized that she had learned all these things far better and long ago by studying the Paradise book with Jehovah’s witnesses. As a result, she resumed the study with Jehovah’s witnesses having progress in mind, and with a clearer understanding of true religion and the false.

TRINIDAD Population: 935,059

Peak Publishers: 2,030 Ratio: 1 to 461

Once more it is time for some experiences from our brothers in the field in Trinidad and Tobago. It has been an enjoyable year, with many blessings. In December it was our privilege to have a brief but very beneficial visit by Brother Knorr. Then there was the activity in connection with the “Peace on Earth” assemblies and our first charter flight to an assembly in New York city. What a thrill to see so many of the brothers arrange to attend! What a thrill to the brothers who did attend as they gave attention to the sessions and also had the opportunity to visit the Society’s buildings! And now at the end of the service year, the government has acted on our petition and enacted a private bill to create a local association of Jehovah’s witnesses. We hope to be able to acquire land for a new branch building and to begin construction just as soon as possible.

Here is the report of an overseer who is friendly to strangers: “I developed the habit of approaching all strangers at our Kingdom Hall and welcoming them. In doing so, I always ask them if someone is having a Bible study with them. If they say No, I offer to arrange for this to be done. By this method I was able to start a study with a young man who had read the ‘Babylon’ book with interest and then decided to attend the meetings to see what they were like. He attended the meetings regularly and did not miss a session at the district assembly. Shortly he expressed a desire to be baptized, and he was at the next circuit assembly. He wanted to be a pioneer, so he began vacation pioneering. Then he began to study with a friend. Now the friend expects to be baptized at the ‘Peace on Earth’ assembly in October, while the young man plans to be a regular pioneer starting in November.”

Some who sigh and cry over world conditions take immediate action when contacted with the truth. A sister met an elderly woman while in the service. This woman was disgusted with her religion and had rejected many of its doctrines. She was very anxious to know the Bible. She gladly accepted the offer of a Bible study and was amazed at the truths soon learned. In rapid succession she began attending the meetings, participating in the service and preparing for baptism. As soon as she had been baptized, she began to do vacation pioneer work. In spite of ill health, she has been able to vacation pioneer several times, which actually improved her health. Now she no longer sighs with distress, but happily looks ahead to the blessings of the new order of things so near at hand.

God’s Word is alive and exerts power even to the extent of aiding one who is sincere to make necessary changes in his life to please God. A man who was separated from his wife and living with another woman who was also separated from her husband, was contacted and agreed to a Bible study in his home. In time he came to realise that his life was not in accordance with the Bible’s requirements and that he could not be accepted by Jehovah in this condition. He now had to get legal divorces for himself and his partner from their legal mates in addition to supporting eight children. To get money for all this was a big struggle. It took eight years of sacrifice to accumulate the money to obtain the divorces and get married, but he did it because he wanted to get into the new system of things. He has now symbolized his dedication to Jehovah, and his wife plans to do so at the next assembly.

TOBAGO Population: 38,861

Peak Publishers: 77 Ratio: 1 to 505

For the first time since March 1951 a new peak in publishers was reached, and this was a cause for rejoicing. A considerably greater witness was given than during the previous service year. There seem to be good prospects for further advancement in the coming service year.

Jehovah knows those who belong to him, and those who work in the field are privileged to direct such truth seekers to Jehovah and his organization. During the Watchtower campaign a young housewife took a single magazine and the ‘Impossible to Lie’ book from a special pioneer. After the pioneer had demonstrated studying four paragraphs in the book, the housewife wanted to know what she should do to please God. She was willing to have a study, but not until she got married to the man with whom she was living. She talked to him, and he agreed to get married soon. When the pioneer called back she tried to start the study immediately but was not successful. After three months the couple were married and two studies were begun, one with the woman, the other with the husband. In the sixth month of the study the woman started in the field service. Now she devotes two days a week to the service and conducts five Bible studies on Sunday morning. Although she was unable to be baptized this year, she is arranging to do so at the coming “Peace on Earth” assembly.

URUGUAY Population: 2,598,000

Peak Publishers: 2,940 Ratio: 1 to 884

Once again we have reports from Uruguay and also the Falkland Islands.

A store owner who studied the truth for only one month began to preach zealously to his customers and give them tracts and booklets. He kept the “Make Sure” book at hand to help explain the truth when the opportunity was presented. One young man showed much interest in the subject of the “end of the system of things” and wanted to learn more about it. To satisfy his inquiries, the local congregation overseer was called. The next day for two hours the overseer explained the truth from the man’s own Bible. He then revealed that he was a Pentecostal preacher in the “Assembly of God” sect. Being convinced of the truth, he began to attend meetings in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. At his second meeting he gave an enthusiastic comment in the Watchtower study. The following week, after having more Bible teachings cleared up, he burned all vestiges of false religion in his house, including pictures of Pentecostal meetings where he was shown on the platform. After one month he began to witness, and first of all he visited his former companions in false religion. He has awakened interest in quite a number of them, including members of his own family. Truly the sheep are responding to the command at Revelation 18:4: “Get out of her, my people,” and this includes those few who are sincere truth-loving members of the clergy.

For several months a study was held in the ‘Impossible to Lie’ book with a professional musician who is also a radio and television artist. He learned and understood the material very well, but would attend only an occasional meeting. When the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life arrived, the study was changed to this new publication. Immediately a change was noted in both his and his wife’s appreciation of the truth. The truth was now getting down into their hearts. Within a short time they saw the need of attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall. He now gives student talks in the Theocratic Ministry School and has begun to participate in the field ministry. He has turned down good offers to advance in the music and entertainment world in order to keep himself free to attend meetings and preach. Yes, by applying the fine new counsel on how to use the Truth book effectively, we will not only help people learn the truth, but also get it into their hearts so they will be moved by it and live by it.

FALKLAND ISLANDS Population: 2,300

Peak Publishers: 2 Ratio: 1 to 1,150

This year two single brothers spent two months in the Falkland Islands revisiting the interested ones and conducting studies with them. One new study was started with a lady who had subscribed for The Watchtower and Awake! last year. Appreciating the things she was learning, she had the opportunity to speak up in defense of the truth. One day a neighbor visited her and remarked that “those Jehovahs” were in town again and that if they came to her door she would slam the door in their faces. The interested person reasoned with this would-be opposer and asked how she would like it if she were to visit another country to share something good with the people there and then they slammed the door in her face. Well, this simple and forceful reasoning produced favorable fruits, because only a few days later the missionaries were knocking at her door. Although she was busy at the time, she invited them into her home and listened attentively, accepting the Bible-study aids offered her. The good influence of interested ones can often effectively combat opposition.

Several other studies have been continued regularly during the past year by correspondence and tape recordings. In spite of the lack of personal contact, good progress has been noted and these interested ones have been kept in touch with the organization. As a result of this loving attention, the interested lady from Pebble Island mentioned in last year’s report shows that she is now nearing the point of dedication, writing, “More than anything else I’d love to become a baptized Witness.” She has quit using tobacco and is witnessing to the inhabitants of other islands through correspondence. She writes, “Many thanks for giving me an idea on how to start off in writing to others.”

Although the public talks on tapes sent them are replayed many times and sent to other interested ones to hear, a personal contact with the Witnesses would be of much greater benefit. Yes, the need is still great for anyone wishing to move to the Falkland Islands to give constant help and encouragement to these hungry spiritual “sheep.” Will you consider it seriously?

VENEZUELA Population: 10,113,200

Peak Publishers: 6,333 Ratio: 1 to 1,597

One back-call visit was especially pleasant since the entire family participated in the discussion and asked questions. The father was disgusted with the conduct of those attending the Catholic church in front of their home. Why? Each week a dance was held till late, and much beer was sold to those attending. His conclusion was that it could not be the church of God. The publisher suggested that reading the Bible would help one to identify the religion that is pleasing to God. Each time that some point was explained, especially on the matter of the trinity, he would stare at the publisher in amazement. Despite making arrangements for further back-calls, the brother found the house closed up.

What a surprise one Sunday when the man came to the Kingdom Hall, happily greeting everyone. After the meeting he invited the publisher to his home and showed special interest in the matter of prayer, which subject was covered in the Truth book. By the way, he asked, “What is that little box in the Kingdom Hall that says, ‘Voluntary Contributions for the Construction of a Hall for the Worship of Jehovah’?” The Witness explained what was planned, but that it was difficult to find an appropriate piece of land that was not too expensive in the center of town. The man said, “I have some land available for you.” Thinking, of course, he meant to sell, the Witness asked, “How much would it cost?” Then he said clearly: “If you would like the land, I’ll give it to you. As it is for Jehovah, you can do what you like with it.” The publisher replied, “We would be very grateful to accept it, knowing Jehovah loves a cheerful giver.” The man gave the documents to the publisher the very next day.

The brothers are very happy and soon will begin building the hall right in the center of town. And what about the man himself? He continues to attend the Kingdom Hall and wants all his family to join him. Persistence in making back-calls results in many blessings.

A special-pioneer sister tells this wonderful experience about a member of her own family: “Whenever I had the opportunity to talk to my brother about the truth, he paid little attention, as he was studying in the seminary to become a priest. One day while reading the Bible to himself, he came across the passage at Exodus 20:4, 5. It seemed impossible to him that his own Catholic Bible spoke against the worship of images, but almost immediately he made the decision to leave the seminary, though lacking only three years to become fully ordained as priest. Informing the bishop of his decision, he was asked why, being such a good student, he would do a thing like that. Making reference to Exodus 20, my brother replied, that since they were not telling him the truth, he would look for it somewhere else.

“From that moment his life changed. He came to me and said, ‘You know by now I’ve left the seminary, but I feel bewildered.’ I said, ‘You need the truth,’ so at once I gave him the Truth book and arrangements were made for him to study with my husband. His progress was rapid. Within a month he began to preach. Many people were amazed to see ‘padrecito,’ as they called him, visiting them from house to house. Three months later he was baptized. He has since visited the seminary and explained the truth to his former fellow students. Many showed interest in what he said and six have begun to study the Bible. My brother is very grateful to Jehovah for having freed him from Babylon the Great.”

The truth frees men, and when it reaches the heart of a person it effects great changes. While going from door to door a publisher met a very sad young man who seemed bored with life. He had just been released from jail after serving a five-year sentence, the victim or product of bad associations. He was completely discouraged. Tactfully the publisher conversed with him, and he marveled at the things Jehovah will do in the new system. He had been attending the Adventist church but had not found the peace that his heart desired. On the return visit a study was started in the Truth book. His family opposed him, so he decided to live separately. He regularly attends the Kingdom Hall, is active in the service and is busy studying the questions for candidates for baptism, a step he anticipates taking in the very near future.

A publisher relates how the truth helped a sincere person overcome fear and rejoice in the knowledge of Jehovah. She says: “In the territory I frequently met a Portuguese woman who always listened and took magazines, though she never allowed strange persons to enter the house for fear they would do some harm. This person seemed meek and God-fearing, and I prayed to Jehovah that I could be of help to her. Soon a sister from Portugal began attending our congregation, and she accompanied me to this back-call. The lady was at mass, but we waited. The sister was able to give the sermon in Portuguese and arrange for a back-call. The husband warned his wife that perhaps these Witnesses were with a band of thieves and were trying to gain her confidence. The wife became frightened, but she asked God that if these women had the true religion she would have courage to open the door without fear. The sister returned and began a study in the ‘Good News’ booklet and later in the Truth book.

“As a result, the lady began attending the Kingdom Hall instead of going to mass. Her husband asked the priest to come so his wife could confess to him, but she said the only confession she had to make was that she reads the Bible and she would never stop doing that. Some time later the lady invited the publisher to help destroy all her images and said, ‘Thanks to Jehovah for knowing him and not worshiping dead gods anymore.’ Now the husband reads the daily text every day before going to work, and the lady conducts a study with the children and wants to be baptized at the first opportunity.”

As we end another service year most of the missionaries are back in their assignments, all happy with the wonderful experience of having had the opportunity to attend an assembly and visit their families. They thank the Society and the brothers throughout the world for this provision. We now look forward to another year of praise to Jehovah’s name in Venezuela.

YUGOSLAVIA

It certainly is fine to see what good progress the work has made in Yugoslavia in the past service year. The brothers receive The Watchtower in four different languages, and they also have the Truth book for their use in the field service. All these publications are produced in Yugoslavia. About 2,500 brothers from Yugoslavia were present at the international assembly in Nuremberg, Germany, and there they had the full eight-day convention program both in Croatian and Slovenian, two of their national languages. The brothers in Yugoslavia can also meet freely in their Kingdom Halls. They are thankful for the measure of religious Freedom they enjoy.

The following experience shows how sometimes hostile husbands react to efforts made to help them understand the truth. A sister had many difficulties with her husband on account of the truth. He was a devout Catholic and very much opposed to the religion of his wife. Therefore the sister asked the congregation servant to call on her husband and give him a witness. So two brothers called on this man. They were received in a most unfriendly manner. In fact, the man chased them out of his house and even threatened to kill them both. But the brothers remained calm and kindly and tactfully said good-by. The sister told the two brothers that her husband had thought about this the whole evening and, being restless, he went to see his clergyman that very same evening to discuss the subject of Jehovah’s witnesses with him. He came home late and very much upset, but this time he was angry with the clergyman. “What the clergyman said about the Witnesses cannot be true,” he said to his wife. “Now I realize that the clergy lie.” He asked his wife to have the two brothers come again in order to study with him! When the two brothers came, they were cordially received by the husband and a study was started. After a short time he was baptized, and he continues to make very good progress. The tactful behavior of the two brothers in the face of his unreasonable opposition had caused him to think and to change.

ZAMBIA Population: 4,100,000

Peak Publishers: 46,478 Ratio: 1 to 88

What a blessed year of Kingdom activity that was! That is how Jehovah’s witnesses in Zambia feel when they reflect on the 1969 service year. One of the wonderful blessings enjoyed by God’s dedicated servants during the first two months of the service year was the program for the “Good News for All Nations” District Assembly, which was attended by a total of 110,952.

Still things were not easy. Toward the end of December 1968 persecution flared up in five of the eight provinces. In the town congregations, more than eighty houses belonging to the brothers had window panels broken; large numbers of brothers and sisters were physically assaulted as they went about trying to make friendly visits on those who had shown a desire to worship with Jehovah’s witnesses. By the middle of January 1969 the situation became even worse in the rural areas. The Witnesses were being hunted like brute beasts from village to village. Well over one thousand brothers had their houses and property completely destroyed; several hundred brothers and sisters were badly beaten, some of them being admitted into hospitals and clinics. One of the brothers had nails driven into his head, and in another area a brother was beaten to death. Three sisters were raped, and many gardens belonging to the brothers were raided and crops slashed to the ground.

Much was done by the Society’s branch office in an endeavor to help the brothers and to make clear the religious position taken by Jehovah’s witnesses. While it is true that this helped in having the persecution stopped, the situation on the whole remained much the same; and, finally, toward the end of the service year a complete ban was imposed on the peaceful preaching activity of Jehovah’s witnesses in Zambia. ‘You can meet in your Kingdom Halls for worship, but you cannot go into public places and from house to house to preach to the people,’ as commanded by Jesus, so the Witnesses are told in Zambia.

Did you know that in Zambia we cannot use a public talk handbill to invite the public to a public talk at the Kingdom Hall or at an assembly? That is the position. But why? Well, in Zambia there is no such thing as a “public meeting” or “public talk.” Because of certain complications, only those who attend our meetings in our more than 800 congregations are invited to attend an assembly and to hear, not a “public” talk, but a “Bible” lecture. It follows then that if people of the public wish to attend an assembly of Jehovah’s witnesses in Zambia, they must first of all become active and regular worshipers with Jehovah’s witnesses by attending meetings at their local Kingdom Halls. It is just as simple as that. If they come without meeting these conditions first, then the door must remain closed for them. They will get no entry into the assembly arena.

Of course, this has caused much curiosity on the part of many people in Zambia who have known Jehovah’s witnesses for many years and who have even attended “public” talks arranged by Jehovah’s witnesses at the assemblies without any reservations. In one of the areas where assemblies were scheduled to be held, a group of twenty people wanted to attend the assembly. However, they knew that they would not be allowed in because they were not worshiping with Jehovah’s witnesses at the Kingdom Hall. So they planned to come to the assembly early, before the assembly started. They shared in preparing the site and built shelters for the delegates. Thus they identified themselves with Jehovah’s witnesses so that they finally made it!

The latest developments in Zambia have helped those who are righteously disposed to see that there is a great difference between Jehovah’s witnesses and the members of Christendom’s churches. They can now see that only Jehovah’s witnesses really know where the remedy is for world turmoil and suffering. They can see, too, that Jehovah’s witnesses lead a completely different way of life because they have the truth.

This is noticed even by government officials. The police officer in charge of one of the rural areas visited one of our district assemblies. The assembly servant took him on a tour of the assembly camp. He showed him the offices and explained the assembly organization to him. As this police official observed the peacefulness of the brothers and the orderliness of the whole arrangement, he remarked: “You people are wonderful. I am sure that if all the people in the world lived like Jehovah’s witnesses do, there would be no troubles, and policemen would not be living in fear.”

Other Countries Where Jehovah’s Witnesses Work Under Difficulty

pp. 302–313

Other Countries Where Jehovah’s Witnesses Work Under Difficulty

This year again we find that there are certain places in the world where the work of Jehovah’s witnesses is done with much difficulty, and yet in such lands the Lord’s people have continued to hold high the banner of truth and have done as much as possible to bring praise and honor to Jehovah’s name. Though greatly opposed for doing a work commanded by God to be done, they are happy and rejoice that they have been given the privilege by Jehovah to represent him, his Son Christ Jesus and the Kingdom that will bring everlasting peace and happiness to mankind. It is a pleasure to set out herewith some comments about the activity of these faithful servants of the Most High God.

ALBANIA

Information reaching the Society during the service year indicates that the brothers in Albania continue to worship Jehovah under great difficulty. Some of the brothers are in work camps and otherwise restricted; however, the brothers continue faithful to Jehovah and are seeking to do his will. By their endurance they encourage one another, and it is evident that Jehovah is helping them.

BULGARIA

There are some brothers in Bulgaria, and they speak cautiously about God’s kingdom with others. But the totalitarian rule of the Communist government is felt everywhere in the land, making it very difficult for our brothers to preach. Recently a sister of Bulgarian descent but of American nationality made a visit to Bulgaria. She carried some Bible literature with her. The Bulgarian border officials noticed it, and a few days later she was arrested and kept in prison for about three weeks. During this time she was often questioned by an examining judge. She was set free again, but had to leave Bulgaria without delay. It all shows that there is no freedom to preach for Jehovah’s witnesses in Bulgaria. But the Lord knows who are his “sheep” and he can care for them even in circumstances like those existing in Bulgaria.

CZECHOSLOVAKIA

Our old brothers cannot often do very much in Jehovah’s work now, but they do prove to be a real asset to the congregations by their faithful course and regular meeting attendance. In one congregation a young lady attended the meetings once in a while, not because she was really interested, but merely to please her parents. Recently when she attended a meeting she noticed a very old brother there. This old man was obviously ill and had difficulty walking and hearing. One could have thought, “Just what good does it do for this old man to be there?” At the conclusion of the meeting he was asked to say the prayer. He did it with such warmth that the young and indifferent woman was deeply touched and surprised. She also remembered that this old brother was always present a quarter of an hour before the meeting started, although he had to walk about two kilometers to the hall. All of a sudden this impressed her, and she concluded that actually this must be a very important matter. A study was started with her, but she did not keep the information to herself. Up till now she has found five interested persons. And by letter she wrote that she had never been so happy before. And it all started with the good example set by an aged brother.

Do we have to abandon all hope for brothers who have become inactive and who have kept away from the congregation for years? Not necessarily. A sister in a congregation was encouraged by the overseer to visit a married couple about eighty years of age who had not associated with the congregation for eighteen years! The sister made the call without delay. The old couple, having been dedicated Christians, were very much surprised at the interest shown in them. They listened attentively and gladly as the sister took out the “Look!” booklet and began reading from it. These old persons had tears in their eyes as they listened to the Kingdom hope, now being revived in them. Convincingly the sister told them that the time left is reduced. They all came to the conclusion that a Bible study should be started, and it was arranged to start it the very next day. The sister left the booklets with them, and the next day she found them waiting impatiently, with their Bibles ready. The difficulty in this study was not a lack of understanding, but the frequent interruptions by the tears on the part of this old couple when the wonderful Kingdom truths came back to their memories. Now, after a break of eighteen years, this old brother and sister enjoy again the blessed association of God’s people, and they look for opportunities to speak about the truth. Eighteen years is a long time, but there are many who could learn from this case.

EAST GERMANY

Two vacation pioneers preached from house to house in a small village. They met a woman who let them in with great joy. She showed them a copy of the “Let God Be True” book and told them she was studying it. They wondered who was coming and studying with her. “I do it all by myself,” was her answer. They at once made arrangements for a regular home Bible study with her. She had received the book years ago from her mother-in-law, but her husband was opposed to the truth and kept her away. Recently he had died. Now the seed sown a long time ago was able to grow. The study is attended by her, her daughter and two of her grandchildren. The woman has left the church and is beginning to preach to her neighbors and fellow workers. She also made arrangements for another daughter of hers and her husband to be called on by the Witnesses. How happy the vacation pioneers are that they made this wise use of their opportunities and preached from house to house.

Two sisters were encouraged by the fine experiences of others while working from house to house to start witnessing in a village. They were quite in suspense as to what experiences they would have. They were able to talk to a number of people, but there was not really very much response. On their way home the publishers were suddenly stopped by the policeman of the village. He took down their names and told them to go home never to return. At the edge of the village one of the sisters found a beautiful wallet. She picked it up, and they wrote a few notes, saying: “Beautiful wallet found, to be claimed at . . . ,” and they fastened these notes to the fences in several locations in the village. The policeman again came across them and angrily chased them out of the village. But what a surprise! The next day the policeman called on one of the sisters at her home. He was quite embarrassed. The wallet found belonged to his wife. And she was the one who had told him that the sisters were preaching in the village and instigated him to take action against them. The sister used the opportunity to give him a good witness about the fine principles written down in God’s Word. When she noticed that he listened, she asked him whether he would permit them to talk to the people in the village about these good things too. He did not outrightly agree, but just said that they might try again, because he need not see and hear everything. They now have two Bible studies and several back-calls going in the village, and they have met the policeman several times already, but he has remembered his word and has not seen or heard anything.

The relatives of a Witness couple complained to them that they had not been visited by them for a long time. The publisher used the opportunity to offer to see them once every week. The next week he called on these relatives and started a Bible study with them. The son of the family was enthusiastic about the ‘Impossible to Lie’ book. He planned on becoming a medical doctor but still had nine months to go before getting to the university. During this time he made very good progress in learning the truth, although his parents did not come along as fast as he did. The boy started to talk the truth to others. He took his stand on a neutrality issue. Then he made his decision. He gave up his plans to study medicine and got baptized. He has become a zealous preacher of the good news. His parents are making steady progress too.

HUNGARY

A brother in southern Hungary was making back-calls on interested persons when he was stopped by two policemen who took him to the police station. There he was questioned about his activity, and the police officer mentioned that he would bring the matter to the attention of his superior. The brother, however, continued his ministerial activity. His work was blessed and resulted in the forming of a study group of very zealous brothers and sisters, with some interested persons attending the study also. Quite a few times the chief of police of this town traveled on the same train as the brother when he went there to take care of the interest, and although the chief of police recognized the brother and knew what he was going to do, he never intervened. Then two of the interested persons decided to get baptized. When the son of one interested woman heard that his mother had decided to get baptized, he upbraided her severely. “Do you want to bring reproach upon our family?” he shouted. “When you die, the priest will not even bury you!” The chief of police, being a friend of this son, got to hear about it. When he met this man the next time, the chief of police said to him: “You should leave your mother in peace, you know, because she is doing something good. I talk to you as a believer in God. I know Jehovah’s witnesses. These are very honest people. Don’t hinder your mother in becoming a witness of Jehovah. The man who is a witness of Jehovah and who preaches in this town was brought to me by some officers. I did not take action against him, although I know what his activity is.” The son was so surprised to hear such words from a police officer that he regretted what he had said to his mother and asked her pardon. His mother is now a baptized and happy sister.

It is no wonder that Jehovah’s witnesses are known throughout Hungary, in view of their zealous activity. As a reaction, the public press quite often attacks our work. Recently there was even a play over the national radio station, lasting for one hour. The subject was Jehovah’s witnesses. The story was based on an actual experience in a young woman’s life. A young lady who was a teacher in the provinces was not taken care of properly by the Communist party. For example, she was not provided with a suitable room in which to live. In her class there were children of Jehovah’s witnesses. The brothers offered her a room, and the kind and loving atmosphere of their home impressed the girl. All the prejudice she had harbored against Jehovah’s witnesses was broken down, and she became a sister in the truth. The purpose of this radio play was to show that the Communist party should take good care of its people in order to avoid such conversions. As already stated, this actually happened in Hungary. The former schoolteacher is now the happy wife of a brother. Although it was not intended so, this radio play resulted in a witness for our cause. The brothers appreciated it especially when during the play the scripture at Psalm 83:18 was read: “That people may know that you, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.”

POLAND

The past service year saw us move a good step forward. The publishers are very enthusiastic about the new Truth book. Not only its contents but also its practical pocket size make it just the thing needed for the work here under ban. The number of Bible studies has gone up nicely.

How great the hunger for the truth is among the people was experienced by a sister who loaned her copy of the Truth book to the manager of the factory where she works. He took it home in order to read it with his wife and children. In order to do some more reading of it, he took the book along to the factory. Then he began talking to his colleagues about it. It did not take long before they borrowed it from him and started reading it also.

In our country the Catholic church for many years has wielded a tremendous influence, especially in the widespread rural areas. But now its internal crisis has brought a feeling of great concern to the clergy. The priests begin to wonder what true followers of Christ would be like today. Jehovah’s witnesses are a frequent topic of discussions among them. Many take a favorable view of us. This was disclosed by two priests who attended our Memorial celebration. When the meeting was over they commented that this was the way Jesus celebrated the evening meal with his disciples.

A young sister witnessed to her father by letter. When he received the letter, he went to the priest to show it to him. The priest read the letter and remarked that the man’s daughter had written him a fine letter. The father protested, saying: “But it is from Jehovah.” “No, not from Jehovah, but from Jehovah’s witnesses,” the priest corrected him, adding, “and they have the truth.” “And we?” the father asked. The priest answered: “We have deflected from the truth.” When the man heard this, he went to visit his daughter and told her about his discussion with the priest. It did not take long before the sister’s father also became one of the Witnesses. The priest left the Catholic priesthood and moved to another town where he continues to manifest interest in the truth.

But there are still other priests left. Sometimes people have a hard time when they begin taking a genuine interest in the truth, but the attraction of the words of life is powerful. A pioneer sister preached to an old man who lived somewhere out in the woods. The priest of the place learned of the sister’s visits there and he bribed a bandit to kill the sister. The man lay in wait for the sister outside the old man’s house. When the sister was ready to leave, the old man happened to step outdoors first. Thus the bandit hit him by mistake and injured him badly with an ax to his head. This shocked all the people in the neighborhood when they learned about it. But it did not kill the interest of the old man. A regular Bible study was started with him and his wife. They soon started to attend meetings. The meeting place was eight miles away, so the publishers wanted to take them home by car, but the old couple turned their friendly offer down. They felt it was always a joy for them to walk home and talk about all the good things learned at the meeting. The old man has started out in the ministry, and he is already putting in much time.

Being adaptable is a great asset to a publisher. An elderly sister worked as a house servant for a young teacher. She wanted to start a home Bible study with her, but wondered how to approach the matter. She suggested that the teacher could help her read and understand a magazine and in return she would clean up the teacher’s apartment. The teacher readily agreed. The next day the sister had along her copy of the Watchtower magazine, which she wanted to prepare for the meeting. The teacher read the main article to her, helping her to find and underline the answers. She explained to the sister that it was a theological magazine and offered her further assistance. Thus the sister got the study started with the teacher who otherwise might not have been willing to learn something from her house servant. When the teacher learned about the sanctity of blood, she ceased having blood sausage for herself and her children for their meals. The elderly sister is continuing her humble effort to help this person see the truth.

ROMANIA

A number of brothers have been arrested and sentenced to prison terms of several years. We can help them by daily remembering them in our prayers, so that they may have the necessary strength from above to endure all this until the day of complete liberation dawns.

Although the work is banned, our brothers preach the Kingdom message, but only by incidental witnessing. The following experience shows that sometimes the seed of truth, sown in the soil of a good heart, bears fruit after a long time. A man working in a town far from his home was looking for a private room to stay in overnight. When he found a room, the owner of the house, a witness of Jehovah, started a conversation with this stranger, and soon they were talking about the truth. The conversation was prolonged until the middle of the night. In the morning the stranger left. Years went by, but the stranger never forgot what he had heard that night from this brother. Often his thoughts turned back to what he had been told about a new order of righteousness to come. But he could find no one with this faith who could explain more about it to him. So one day the man decided to travel back to that town and find the house where many years ago he had heard the truth for the first time. The brother was still at the same address, and how surprised he was at this man’s visit and to see the great thirst he had for the truth, and to learn that he had kept that conversation of many years ago in his memory. The brother directed this interested man to the Witnesses in the place where he lives, and they instructed him in the truth. Today this man is a baptized and very zealous proclaimer of Jehovah’s kingdom.

TURKEY

For the first time many brothers experienced the happiness of assembling in freedom with their brothers, enjoying a spiritual feast in Nuremberg. Great were the expressions of thankfulness for this arrangement, and also for the hospitality on the part of the German brothers. One delegate said: “There are things which cannot be expressed in words. This is true of the joy I experienced at the convention. To see the happiness of my brothers from so many nations, to eat together, to pray and worship together, to listen to the fine counsel and the feeling of security—no movie, no pictures, no words can express it. One has to experience it.”

Faithful endurance and applying Bible principles can finally lead to a family reunion as can be seen from the following experience: A sister’s husband bitterly opposed her for years, even to the point of abandoning her completely. So the sister had to take care of herself and her four children, two of school age and one under school age. Despite also suffering from a heart illness, she did not want to be a burden to anyone, so she worked in different tailor shops. Most of the people belonged to the same religion as her husband, the Gregorian church. The husband was very well known to the workers in the various shops, to whom he spoke abusively about his wife and her religion. But the sister did not retaliate, neither did she harden her heart against her husband, but quietly lived her life and at every opportunity witnessed to the workers. Finally her fine conduct and her industriousness were observed by the workers. They saw that the sister really was convinced about her religion, and that she did not become one of Jehovah’s witnesses for the sake of money, as she had been accused. So some of the workers started to speak to her husband, defending her, convincing him that his wife really lived the life of a true Christian and that it was his obligation to return to her and to his children. Finally the husband did this. Now he tolerates his wife’s religion and even gave permission for his children to continue studying the Bible, associate with fellow Christians and preach to others. When one traveling minister of Jehovah’s witnesses visited his home, he was even invited to have a meal with the whole family, including the husband. Although he has not yet accepted a Bible study, still it is hoped that in time he may listen to more of the good news. But how happy the sister is that her faithful endurance has been rewarded by a family reunion!

Since Turkey is a Moslem country, it should not surprise us that from time to time fanatical elements try to create difficulties, even though the government tolerates Jehovah’s witnesses. Last year in November a Moslem who had been studying the Bible for nearly two years turned out to be a traitor and falsely charged the brothers with mixing in politics, reporting them to the police. One day a house was raided by the police and all thirteen persons who were present for a peaceful study of the Bible were arrested and taken to the police station. However, the investigating officer could not find any proof for the accusation, namely, that they were trying to overthrow the government in order to establish God’s kingdom. So all were released the next day. However, the case was handed over to the court due to pressure from some officials who do not like the good news. But the two hearings before the court held until now have turned out to be very favorable for the brothers. No guilt could be established, and it is hoped that the trial will eventually result in a favorable decision as happened several years ago. Since the newspapers widely publicized the arrest of these brothers, the brothers have had a good opportunity to explain the truth to many people, even to high officials, and so a greater witness has been given.

UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS

The preaching of the good news has made further progress, even though the people have been methodically indoctrinated by their government with atheistic propaganda for many years. But the authorities have not succeeded in rooting out from the minds of all the people the natural urge of man to worship God, and so the brothers continue to find people desiring to learn the truth about God from the Bible.

For some time all the brothers who have been sentenced to prison terms have been brought together in one camp to keep them from spreading their beliefs in other camps. But even here they have fine opportunities to witness by preaching to others and by their course of action. A brother was given some additional punishment in the camp and was put in isolation. He was assigned to share a prison cell with a cruel, unruly bandit who did not care about anything. This was meant to ruin the brother mentally and physically. He was treated very badly by the bandit, but the brother submitted himself to the treatment without kicking back. Many days went by. One night the bandit woke the brother up. He wept and asked the brother’s forgiveness for all the mean things he had done to him. The brother took the opportunity to give him a good witness, and the man listened carefully. From that day on he changed completely. He began to greet the prison guards as all of the prisoners generally do. Everybody was surprised. He asked to get assigned some work, which he had always refused before. When his mother visited him, he told her what he had learned from the Bible and roused her interest in the truth. She was so happy about it that she bought a lot of food to be passed on to the brother who had taught him these good things. Shortly thereafter he was transferred to another camp so the brother lost contact with him.

The great problem for many publishers is to contact people who can be preached to without getting straight into trouble. The authorities consider any discussion about God’s kingdom to be propaganda inimical to the Communist government. Often the publishers go into their territory and there try to get talking to someone about any general matter. If the person is willing to speak to him, the publisher asks him whether he knows someone who has a Bible that he might want to sell. That way the one talked to often reveals his own mind about the Bible and religion. When it appears advisable, the publisher then starts his sermon on the Bible, the Book of all books. This opens the way for a back-call, if the response is favorable.

In one section of the country there have been brothers who have even been able to use their vacation time to do vacation pioneer service. They camped in tents at the shore of a lake and went into a nearby city to do their initial preaching work. They contacted a number of people who were favorably inclined toward the message, although the majority of the inhabitants showed a negative response. The brothers had much joy in enlarging their preaching activity and reaching people outside their regular territory.

Many years ago a woman met the Witnesses in Germany. Then she moved to Russia. She looked for some Witnesses there, but did not find any. Then one day there was an item in the newspaper reporting that Jehovah’s witnesses had been arrested in such and such a city. Their activity was described in detail, but with many lies about it. The woman’s son read the article and brought it to his mother. The report also mentioned the name of a sister involved in the case. The woman decided to write a letter to this sister, just writing her name and the name of the city where she lived on the envelope, because no further details were given in the newspaper. The sister actually got the letter, in which she was asked to be so kind as to visit this woman. The sister made the trip and found this old lady waiting for her. She was so happy that the sister had come, and she had many questions. The sister was able to help her understand the truth, and she gave her some literature to read. Thus even a derogatory article in the newspaper can serve a very good purpose.

A young woman who was brought up in the Mennonite religion had many questions about things she read in the Bible. Her preacher sometimes gave her a short answer, but often he would say: “Read what you can understand.” Finally she was arrested with several others because of their religious activity and imprisoned in a camp. She got seriously ill and was transferred to a hospital in another camp. One day a fellow prisoner asked her why she was in prison. She mentioned the reason, and then asked her in turn why she was there. She said: “Also because of religion; I am one of Jehovah’s witnesses.” The young woman wondered about this answer while they were walking on together. She never had heard of the Witnesses, but she liked the name very much. She thought: Jehovah, being God, would have witnesses. Well, I have witnessed of him too.” So she said to her companion: “That is also what I am.” The Witness smiled. She then asked the young woman: “So, don’t you believe in an immortal soul getting to heaven at death? Yet you also believe in a resurrection, don’t you? But you would not need any resurrection if you have already gotten to heaven, would you?” The young woman felt that the sister was right. And then the sister continued in a friendly way, telling her: “You see, you are not in the right faith.” The young woman was quite surprised that her companion who had just made her acquaintance would tell her such a thing. A few days later she decided to ask the sister more about it. The sister told her that she would have to study the Bible in order to have the right faith. She brought her in contact with other Witnesses in the camp, and she was permitted to attend their secret meetings. In time she became one of Jehovah’s dedicated witnesses. She said she had lost everything, even her health, but now she was happy to have found what her heart had been longing for all her life.

UNITED ARAB REPUBLIC

The brothers in the U.A.R. have had a relatively calm year, with little or no interference from the authorities. The letters that the brothers wrote to the officials in protest of their mistreatment of Jehovah’s witnesses are believed to be a cause for this. There has been only one brother who was deported from Egypt this year because of being one of Jehovah’s witnesses.

The brothers are meeting together regularly in small groups. They also had the opportunity to have the “Good News for All Nations” assembly. The Memorial was celebrated without incident, with forty more in attendance than last year.

Witnessing to others is becoming easier, and more interest is being found. The brothers are returning to all the people they know even if they have not shown interest. Through this method they get the names and addresses of others who do show interest. One of the special pioneers reports that he is getting good results and has started several studies in this way.

1969—A Year of Praise

pp. 314–320

1969—A Year of Praise

Jehovah’s Christian witnesses enjoyed their finest year in these last days of this wicked system of things in the 1969 service year. So many things occurred that were outstanding in comparison with previous years, and this can be appreciated by reading this summary of the work accomplished.

Probably the quickest way of saying that 1969 was a year of praise on the part of Jehovah’s witnesses is by pointing out that 120,905 persons dedicated their lives to do the will of Jehovah God and were baptized during the service year. This, we might say, is a result of Jehovah’s witnesses world wide praising God. They have convinced many persons that the Bible is a book to be studied and that it is the course of wisdom to follow its teachings. Because of the knowledge gained in such study they are now praising Jehovah God along with hundreds of thousands of others who are doing the same thing. This is the story in brief:

The 1968 service year concluded with an average 1,155,826 regular publishers of the Kingdom preaching the good news every month. At the end of the 1969 service year the worldwide report showed that there were 1,256,784 publishers regularly declaring the good news of God’s kingdom each month. This was an increase over the previous year of more than 100,000 publishers who engaged in the house-to-house, back-call and Bible-study activity. This is truly outstanding! There are people in Babylon the Great who are heeding God’s message to flee so that they will not be sharers in her plagues and her destruction. They have sought refuge under Jehovah’s care and in Jehovah’s organization.

This tremendous increase, of course, makes Jehovah’s witnesses very happy, and when we look at the new peak in publishers for the 1969 service year we find that the final count came to 1,336,112. This means that that many persons have shared in the field ministry sometime during the past twelve months. That means that 114,608 more publishers shared in the work than at any time heretofore.

All of this is evidence that more than 100,000 persons took up the preaching work, as well as dedicated their lives to do Jehovah’s will in the future. So we can expect that 1970 will prove to be another grand year in declaring the Kingdom good news. Of these 1,336,112 publishers of the Kingdom, there were, on an average, 76,515 pioneers engaging in the field ministry. Every month throughout the year those who were regular pioneers endeavored to spend 100 or more hours in preaching the good news. Many were vacation pioneers who were able to spend only a month or two in such service, but we are very happy to see their diligence in wanting to spread the Kingdom good news. The majority of those serving were regular pioneers, and of the total number of pioneers, 12,612 were special pioneers, which means they spent 150 or more hours each month preaching the good news. The overall special-pioneer number of 12,612 also includes the missionaries working in foreign fields around the world. And the total of 63,903 other pioneers includes those in the circuit and district work world wide. There were 2,252 in the circuit work and 292 in the district work. These spend from 85 to 100 or more hours in the field service each month.

The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society gives financial assistance to the circuit and district servants, special pioneers and missionaries around the world. Last year the Society spent $6,265,364.28 helping these brothers and sisters to stay in these fields of full-time service. To assist the special pioneers and missionaries world wide the Society spent $5,478,221.51 and the balance of $787,142.77 was used to assist the circuit and district servants for their travels to visit and encourage the Lord’s people in the congregations. We very much appreciate the assistance that the congregation publishers gave the traveling representatives of the Society by entertaining them in their homes wherever possible. Of course, the expenses of housing and providing meals in this manner by local publishers are not included in the above outlay of funds.

The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society is very grateful to the brothers throughout the world for their contributions, making it possible to enroll many more special pioneers this year and to add more persons to do the missionary work.

Let us for a moment look at the witness that was given by the congregation publishers, the vacation, regular and special pioneers as well as the missionaries and those sharing in the circuit and district work. Let us consider first of all the total number of hours that were spent by all of these persons in preaching the Kingdom good news. The final figure came to 239,769,076. In the time spent preaching we include hours used in going from house to house, making back-calls and conducting home Bible studies, as well as time spent in incidental witnessing. The total number of back-calls came to 106,883,499. What really had an effect upon the newly interested persons was the teaching work done in the Bible-study activity. As we well know, we are doing a twofold work, that of giving the witness concerning the Kingdom good news, as outlined in Matthew 24:14, and, secondly, making disciples of people of all the nations, as Jesus outlined in Matthew 28:19, 20. This teaching work has moved forward steadily during the past year because weekly Jehovah’s witnesses were conducting 1,097,237 home Bible studies. As was already pointed out, more than 120,000 of these persons with whom Jehovah’s Christian witnesses have been conducting home Bible studies were baptized during the year, and they declared themselves as wanting to do the will of God. They have proved it by going out in the field service and walking in the footsteps of Christ Jesus, doing the same kind of work that he did.

The preaching work done by Jehovah’s witnesses is, of course, enhanced by the use of the Bible. All of Jehovah’s witnesses in all lands use the Bible in their home Bible studies. In addition to that, in carrying forward their witnessing work and their teaching work around the world they use other publications that the Society prints, such as bound books, which were placed with the people in the world to the number of 14,474,862 copies. They also distributed 11,111,743 booklets.

One of the principal publications that Jehovah’s witnesses today use in helping people appreciate the Word of God are magazines, The Watchtower and Awake! They distribute these magazines individually and also obtain subscriptions for them. During the past year the witnesses of Jehovah obtained 2,131,667 new subscriptions and distributed 186,257,878 individual copies of these magazines from house to house, from store to store and on the streets.

It is readily seen that a marvelous witness was given by the printed page, and Jehovah’s witnesses enjoy placing this literature. It shows persons what their responsibilities are in reading and following what the Scriptures teach. People need to know about Jehovah’s vengeance against this wicked system of things and the glorious good news concerning his kingdom, which will bring blessings to all families of the earth.

In addition to the wide distribution of literature, Jehovah’s witnesses also conducted Bible discourses in their Kingdom Halls world wide to the number of 1,053,316.

Jehovah’s witnesses are organized into congregations just as was done in the early days of Christianity. Around the earth there are 25,694 congregations and these, in turn, make up 2,252 circuits and 292 districts. The congregations that make up a circuit have two circuit assemblies each year, and then each year there is a district assembly. However, during the 1969 service year the outstanding feature was the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses, reported on in detail in the earlier part of this publication. The “Peace on Earth” International Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses certainly stimulated the activity of Jehovah’s witnesses. This is shown by what happened in August, the very last month of the service year. This is a month that usually does not produce new peaks in publishers. But we are very happy to report that many countries did reach new peaks in publishers in August, the last month of the 1969 service year. Without doubt we will start off the 1970 service year with some very fine field service reports.

The reason why Jehovah’s witnesses are so determined to carry on their preaching activity is that they are strengthened by regular meetings together. This encouragement to press on with the work at hand comes from a study of the Bible along with aids such as the magazine The Watchtower. They also regularly attend the Theocratic Ministry School and the service meeting. All of these meetings held in the congregations build up their spirituality and appreciation for God’s Word. Jehovah’s witnesses feel their responsibility, and at the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly one could clearly see the joy and happiness of these servants of the Most High.

Jehovah’s witnesses have established printing plants around the world, the principal one being in Brooklyn, New York. There is another large printing plant in Germany where bound books are produced. In many countries, such as Canada, England, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa and Australia, the Watchtower and Awake! magazines are printed. In combining the total printing activity in the various branches it is noted that during the 1969 service year 27,936,033 bound books were printed world wide in addition to 13,267,952 booklets. These publications are used by Jehovah’s witnesses in all parts of the earth to give a witness concerning God’s kingdom and to start Bible studies. These Bible studies in the homes of the people are definitely on the increase. That is how people really learn and decide in their hearts and minds what they will personally do about serving Jehovah God. The total printing of magazines during the past service year gives evidence of the great demand for these publications. There were 159,395,598 Watchtower magazines printed and 166,356,756 Awake! magazines, or a total of 325,752,354 magazines in the Society’s printing plants. The Watchtower magazine is printed in 72 languages and the Awake! in 26 languages.

It is with real anticipation that Jehovah’s witnesses world wide look to the 1970 service year. They have in mind their yeartext, which is found in Matthew 28:19, 20: “Go therefore and make disciples . . . baptizing them.” We feel sure that with this theme in mind throughout the year there will be an even greater witness given concerning God’s kingdom. We also feel that there will be a greater teaching program conducted in the private homes of people in all parts of the earth.

Following the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses it seems as though all of Jehovah’s Christian witnesses are going to be more zealous in their activity, recognizing the urgency of the times. While the witness will continue to be given concerning God’s kingdom with even more impetus, still we are confident that the teaching work will also increase, and improve. It may be that even more persons will be baptized, expressing themselves as having dedicated their lives to do Jehovah’s will.

We have every reason to rejoice in the work that was done during the past year. We fully appreciate that this could not be done without Jehovah’s blessing and direction upon his people. It is our hope through our preaching and teaching efforts that many more men and women and children will join themselves to Jehovah’s people and become believers and prove that they truly believe God’s Word by being baptized and taking up the ministry. This will require a diligent effort on the part of everyone already dedicated. Due to the fact that so many have associated themselves with Jehovah’s witnesses during the past year it means that a heavy responsibility falls upon those who have been in the truth longer to help the new ones to grow to maturity so that they will gain a full appreciation of what Jehovah wants of all of those serving him.

Jehovah’s witnesses feel just like the psalmist in saying: “Happy is the people whose God is Jehovah!” (Ps. 144:15) While we are a happy people, we must keep in mind that this old world of gloom and discontent is not pleased with our happiness. It will bring trials and persecutions upon those who are telling forth the good news. All of us in time will meet up with some trials and opposition. But remember: “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials.” (Jas. 1:2) Also remember what the apostle Peter said: “But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are happy.” “If you are being reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy, because the spirit of glory, even the spirit of God, is resting upon you.” (1 Pet. 3:14; 4:14) By Jehovah’s undeserved kindness we will press on during the coming years, preaching this good news and helping those who desire to learn. In all we do we want to bring glory and honor to our Father. Even as 1969 was a year of praise, 1970, too, will be a year of praise. We will let the words of Jesus ring in our ears: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.”—Matt. 28:19, 20.

The branch servants, in submitting their annual reports of activity to the office of the President, concluded with the request that the warm love and greetings of the brothers in their countries be passed along to the brothers and sisters everywhere in the earth. They also expressed their gratitude for your generous gifts in making it possible for the branch servants, missionaries, older members of Bethel families and some circuit and district servants and special pioneers to get to one of the great international conventions. They were very appreciative of the love of the brothers, and I want to pass this information on to every one of you because all of you together have made this fine contribution to help these brothers get to a convention and also to advance the work in foreign fields.

Above all, it is the love of our brothers world wide for one another that keeps us closely knitted together. It was Jesus who made a plea for unity and oneness in his prayer to his heavenly Father on the last night he was with his disciples. He said: “I make request, not concerning these only, but also concerning those putting faith in me through their word; in order that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, that they also may be in union with us, in order that the world may believe that you sent me forth.” (John 17:20, 21) So we will continue together declaring the great name of Jehovah God and telling the people about his beloved Son, Christ Jesus. We will let the world know that Jehovah through his Son has established a Kingdom for the blessing of mankind.

I would also like to send my warm love and greetings to all of you and to let you know, too, that I rejoice with you in this grand work that Jehovah God is accomplishing through his Christian witnesses in these “last days.” “May the God who gives peace be with all of you.”—Rom. 15:33.

Your fellow servant,

N. H. Knorr, President

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania

Annual Meeting

pp. 321–322

Annual Meeting

On October 1, 1969, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania had its annual meeting at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at its registered office, 4100 Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213. N. H. Knorr, its President, presided at the meeting and at 9:50 called on George M. Couch to bring to the attention of all present, a total of 2,376, the text for the day, as well as to give comments on it. At 10 a.m. the annual meeting was called to order and Brother Curtis A. Smith opened the meeting with prayer.

As was reported in last year’s Yearbook, there were 481 members in the Pennsylvania corporation. However, the Secretary and Treasurer, Grant Suiter, reported that ten died or resigned, making the membership as of October 1, 1969, 471. It was reported by the Secretary that 461 persons were present in person or by proxy so that there was a quorum to handle the Society’s business. One of the matters to be taken care of was the election of directors for three vacancies occasioned by the expiration of terms of M. G. Henschel, N. H. Knorr and L. A. Swingle. All of these individuals were renominated and were reelected by unanimous vote for a term of three years. After the election of these directors the President of the Society called on Brother Abrahamson of Denmark, Brother Piccone of Morocco and Brother Rosam of Canada, to give reports on their respective countries, as these three members of the corporation were present in person from foreign lands. They gave excellent reports on their countries and what was happening. This was enjoyed by all. Following these reports there were greetings read from all parts of the world. This was handled by Grant Suiter. Then followed a talk by the President of the Society on the subject “Go . . . Make Disciples . . . Baptizing Them.” This talk was greatly appreciated by all in attendance. The information will be published in the December 15, 1969, issue of The Watchtower in English. Then followed further comment on the work world wide, along with some very interesting experiences. The annual meeting adjourned shortly after midday. The meeting was closed with prayer by the President of the Society.

The very next day, October 2, 1969, the entire membership of the board of directors of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania met in the office of the President and they unanimously reelected N. H. Knorr as President, F. W. Franz as Vice-President, Grant Suiter as Secretary and Treasurer and J. O. Groh as Assistant Secretary-Treasurer. The other members of the board of directors are M. G. Henschel, L. A. Swingle and T. J. Sullivan. A brief report was made on the work accomplished by the Society during the last year, and the board of directors was given details on the receipts and disbursements of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania for the 1969 service year. All of the directors appreciate their respective privileges of service and they expressed themselves as looking forward with joy to the new service year and its many activities.

Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.

The annual meeting of the members of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., was held pursuant to charter and bylaws and the provisions of the law at the executive offices of the Society located at 124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York, on Saturday, January 4, 1969, at 11 a.m. At this time they transacted such business as normally comes before the members at the annual meeting. The President, N. H. Knorr, presided. Prayer was offered by T. J. Sullivan. All 56 members of this corporation were present in person or by proxy. A report was made on the cash receipts and disbursements for the service year ending August 31, 1968. This report was unanimously accepted. The business of the election of directors received attention. The vacancies occasioned by the expiring terms of G. M. Couch, F. W. Franz, J. O. Groh and Grant Suiter needed to be filled. These same directors were reelected unanimously. Reports were heard from H. E. Miller concerning the field service in the United States. G. M. Couch gave a report on the activities at the Bethel home and farms, and M. H. Larson gave a report on the progress of the Society’s printing establishment. Then followed a general report on the work by the President, N. H. Knorr. The annual meeting was closed by prayer offered by the President.

At 11:45 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 1969, immediately following the annual meeting, the members of the board of directors met and by unanimous vote the following officers were reelected: N. H. Knorr, President; F. W. Franz, Vice-President; Grant Suiter, Secretary and Treasurer; J. O. Groh, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer. The other directors of the New York corporation are G. M. Couch, L. K. Greenlees and M. H. Larson.

Yeartext for 1970

pp. 323–325

Yeartext for 1970

“Go therefore and make disciples . . . baptizing them.”—Matt. 28:19.

We should always keep in mind that when Jesus said the above words he was saying them with the backing of the highest authority in all the universe. Please remember that when Jesus approached and spoke to his disciples on a mountain in Galilee he said: “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth.” (Matt. 28:18) He received that authority from his Father in heaven. So when we listen to these words we should also have in mind that the one speaking them had already been raised from the dead and he had received the authority from his Father in heaven to do things. One of the things that had to be done and that was of greatest importance was for those individuals that he had taught for a few years now to follow out instructions and the command, “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.”—Matt. 28:19, 20.

Not only were these disciples to do this work, but all other disciples who became such by reason of the work of those first ones commissioned by Jesus, were likewise to disciple people of all nations. They would give not only the witness concerning the Kingdom, as stated in Matthew 24:14, but they must also make disciples of people of all the nations. Undoubtedly many persons would listen to the good news that was being preached and they would want to know more. These were the ones that had to be taught the truth of God’s Word.

So today we have the written Word of God, including the Greek Scriptures, which gives instructions to Christians regarding their responsibilities. One of these responsibilities not only is to walk in the footsteps of Christ Jesus and live a life in harmony with the teachings of the Lord Jesus, but also to be a minister. A disciple must preach and make disciples of others. The eleven who were with Jesus in the mountain in Galilee were told to go and make disciples. Thus this command of Jesus is far-reaching and comes right down to mankind in this twentieth century.

When one becomes a disciple of the resurrected Jesus Christ he does not live a passive, easygoing life, but he lives an expressive life. He must speak forth to others the convictions he has regarding the Lord Jesus Christ, and his Father, Jehovah God. He strives to make others to whom he speaks disciples of Christ Jesus. Those thus discipled, as it were, are baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the holy spirit.

But even that is not the end of the matter. The teaching work continues on after that. Jesus mentioned the need of teaching persons to observe all of the things that he had commanded. One does not learn everything in one day, one week or one year. While it is true that many Christian witnesses of Jehovah have read the Bible, maybe accomplishing that in a few months’ time, still they do not know everything that is in it. The Bible must be studied, not only individually, but in company with other Christian witnesses in order to appreciate fully the teaching that Jesus set forth, as well as what the holy spirit directed his disciples to put down in writing for our admonition and learning.

There is another matter that we should have in mind and that is that Jesus Christ did not set a time limit on making disciples. It was a broad statement. He said: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them.” That is exactly what Jehovah’s witnesses today are doing. In fact, thousands of missionaries have been sent out to the ends of the earth to accomplish this grand work. As the Yearbook for 1970 points out, world wide Jehovah’s witnesses have been able to bring to the point of baptism 120,905 individuals. These people of all nations and languages and backgrounds were baptized to be disciples of Jesus Christ. They are not baptized to be one of the “other sheep,” or one of the anointed members of the body of Christ. Whether in due time the dedicated, baptized person has the indication from God that he is begotten by God’s spirit to be a spiritual Israelite, or has been made a part of the “great crowd” of sheeplike individuals, one fact remains, and that is that the individual is fundamentally a baptized disciple of Christ. The same degree of faithfulness to Jehovah is expected of a disciple who is one of the “other sheep” as of one who is part of the anointed, spirit-begotten bride of Christ. A disciple is a disciple. So when Jesus said: “Go therefore and make disciples . . . baptizing them,” he meant that we should teach persons to observe all of the things that have been commanded. This takes time and effort. Jehovah’s witnesses are delighted that they have this privilege to carry on the discipling work in these “last days.” The Lord Jesus is still interested in the work that his people are doing, because he said: “Look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”—Matt. 28:20.

We can thus be assured that Jesus Christ is very much interested in what we are doing at this time in aiding people to flee from Babylon the Great, get an understanding of God’s Word and prove themselves to be disciples by dedicating their lives to Jehovah and getting baptized. Remember, the teaching work continues to help bring people on to maturity. Those who are dedicated, baptized disciples of Jesus Christ are the ones who will survive the approaching fiery destruction so as to enter into a truly Christian new order. Those thus baptized will surely pray for strength to continue on faithfully, doing the work that Jesus commanded, namely, to make disciples of people of all the nations. This can be done by preaching and teaching as Paul and the other apostles and disciples did. Because of the hard work of these faithful servants of God many were added to the ranks of Christ’s followers in the first century. It was of some of such added ones that the record in Acts 17:33, 34 says: “Some men joined themselves to him [Paul] and became believers, among whom also were Dionysius, a judge of the court of the Areopagus, and a woman named Damaris, and others besides them.” May our work bear like fruit as we seek to “make disciples . . . baptizing them.”