Yearbook—1996

Title Page/​Publishers’ Page

1996 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Containing Report for the Service Year of 1995

“Become doers of the word.”

This inspired counsel, recorded at James 1:22, is our yeartext for 1996. It is a reminder for all of us, as well as for those we teach, that hearing the truth is only a start. To please Jehovah, we must do the things he commands.

[Picture Credit Lines on page 2]

Picture Credits: Page 123 background: Reuters/​Bettmann. Page 123 maps: Mountain High Maps™ copyright © 1993 Digital Wisdom, Inc. Page 186 background: Courtesy of Venezuela Tourist Bureau.

Index

3 Highlights of reports from around the world

33 Worldwide report for 1995 service year

Acts of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Modern Times:

67 Hungary

117 Mozambique

187 Venezuela

253 A Letter from the Governing Body

Jehovah’s Witnesses​—1996 Yearbook Report

THROUGH the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah God addressed his beloved organization, saying: “All your sons will be persons taught by Jehovah, and the peace of your sons will be abundant.” (Isa. 54:10, 13) Jesus Christ quoted those words when explaining the work that his Father was doing by means of him as a teacher. (John 6:45) Over a period of more than 1,960 years, that work of education has continued, preparing a little flock made up of people from “every tribe and tongue and people and nation” to serve with Christ in his heavenly Kingdom. (Rev. 5:9, 10; Luke 12:32) But the program of divine teaching is not limited to the little flock.

Jehovah also gave Isaiah a vision of a great throng of people out of all nations​—prospective children of God—​going up to the mountain of Jehovah to be instructed in His ways. (Isa. 2:2-4) In harmony with that vision, Jesus commanded his followers to “make disciples [or, make learners] of people of all the nations, . . . teaching them to observe all the things” that he had heard from his Father and had taught them. (Matt. 28:19, 20) Today that work of education is moving ahead at breathtaking speed.

During the past service year, there were, on an average, 4,950,344 who shared each month in giving a public witness concerning Jehovah’s Kingdom. The peak number of participants during the year totaled 5,199,895. Among these were people of all races, from nearly every nation. Some of these publishers of the good news are 80, 90, even 100 years old​—including a faithful anointed brother in Pennsylvania, U.S.A., who is over 102 years of age and has been pioneering for the past 46 years. There are also many youths, such as the 13-year-old in Germany who views her school as her personal territory and the young publisher in Italy who made sure that her teacher and each classmate received a copy of Kingdom News No. 34.

The year’s report shows that the program of divine education is currently being carried out in 232 countries, island groups, and territories. And those sharing in this work have been very busy. During the 1995 service year, they devoted 1,150,353,444 hours to the field service, made 421,827,907 return visits and, on an average, conducted 4,865,060 home Bible studies. Many took to heart the instruction they were given; as a result, 338,491 were baptized in symbol of their dedication to Jehovah. They came from a variety of backgrounds. Poland reports that those baptized were “mostly young people.” The Albania office says that a Witness who had formerly been an Italian Catholic nun helped an Albanian woman who was an atheist and an active Communist to become a baptized worshiper of Jehovah. Between them, these two are now conducting upwards of 50 Bible studies with others in Albania and are greatly enjoying doing so.

For many years The Watchtower and Awake! have been effective instruments in the global program of education carried out by Jehovah’s Witnesses. The primary focus of these magazines is the Bible and the marvelous things that it reveals in connection with God’s purpose for humankind. These magazines are truly international in outlook; they alert readers to significant events around the world and to ways in which people, regardless of where they live, can cope successfully with the pressures of life. This year, 456,995,181 magazines were actually placed with interested people. As of September 1, 1995, The Watchtower was being printed in 120 languages; Awake! in 75. Early in April some congregations gave special impetus to magazine distribution by arranging for a very special Magazine Day. A congregation in Piraeus, Greece, that generally reports 90 publishers planned four meetings for field service on their very special day. As a result of their united effort, 700 magazines were placed on that one day. During April the 538 publishers reporting in Albania placed 56,049 magazines​—104 per publisher! The branches in Guatemala, Chile, Trinidad, and Fiji also reported excellent response to arrangements for such very special Magazine Days.

Using Videos to Educate

In recent years, Jehovah’s Witnesses have also made use of videos as educational tools. Thus far nearly four million videotapes in over 30 languages have been produced. The new ones released during the past service year were entitled United by Divine Teaching (based on the international convention series of 1993-94), To the Ends of the Earth (highlighting Gilead School and the work done by its missionary graduates), The New World Society in Action (providing historic glimpses of the modern-day organization when it was about one tenth the size it is today), and the first three chapters of the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life in American Sign Language.

Well-made videos are appreciated by educated people. They can also be used to teach illiterates, young ones who have not yet learned to read, and people who have only a short attention span, as well as those who are deaf. A teenager who received the video United by Divine Teaching as a gift from a Witness relative was so moved by it that she promptly asked her stepfather to take her to the Kingdom Hall. In Lebanon the elders are endeavoring to go along with the publishers on all their progressive home Bible studies, and if possible, they show the video Jehovah’s Witnesses​—The Organization Behind the Name. The results have been excellent.

Global Distribution of Kingdom News

One of the outstanding aspects of the witness given during 1995 involved distribution of the tract Kingdom News No. 34. Anticipation had been built up for months in advance. Then on Sunday, April 23, after the public talk “False Religion’s End Is Near,” the Kingdom News was released, and simultaneous distribution in 111 languages began. It was distributed in another 25 languages later in the year. In many lands, new peaks in publishers and hours were reached during the time set aside for its distribution.

A pioneer in Mexico had broken her foot and was afraid that she could not do her part. But she obtained a wheelchair, sat in front of her house from 7:30 to 11:00 in the mornings, and called out to people passing by. In three days she had placed all the copies of the tract she had and requested more.

In Naples, Italy, the brothers made a special effort to distribute the Kingdom News to students. A special pioneer reports that one headmistress immediately recognized him as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. After reading the tract, she said: ‘I can’t find anything objectionable in it. Give me 841 copies. All my pupils should have one!’ Later, as the students left the school, hundreds of them had the tract in their hand. The Witnesses in Naples also visited a school run by Benedictine nuns. The “Mother Superior” was surprised to read that a permanent solution to mankind’s problems really exists. She requested 350 copies of Kingdom News to distribute to the children’s parents, and she did distribute them, evidently with great pleasure, at one of the school plays.

Reactions to the message varied. Many people were indifferent, some were angry, but others responded positively. In Alaska a college student of Buddhist background who gratefully accepted a copy of the tract agreed to a Bible study, and he was present for part of the district convention two months later. In Australia a “lapsed Anglican” wrote that he had been “searching for the truth​—the real meaning of life.” He was moved to request more information. A couple who were offered the Kingdom News on a beach in Belize finally accepted it when they were offered one again at a cabin in a remote part of Alaska. A Witness in Rwanda sent a copy in Kinyarwanda to her sister in Belgium and urged her to locate the Witnesses. She did; they were distributing the same publication. That very week she enjoyed her first Bible study.

The united effort of publishers in Cameroon moved some observers to ask: “What’s happening? Why are the Witnesses out preaching in such large numbers?” Some concluded that Armageddon must be near. A pioneer who distributed the tract in a very Catholic village there returned one week later and found an eager group waiting for him. They said: “Now we know the difference between Jehovah’s Witnesses and Catholics.” Thirteen Bible studies were started, and they asked to have a Kingdom Hall built.

In Denmark a young woman accepted a copy of Kingdom News and went indoors. However, she immediately opened the door again and asked, “Can you prove from the Bible what is said in this folder?” The publisher did, using the New World Translation. Then the woman asked, “Can you show me the same from my own Bible?” The Witness did. On the following visit, a regular study was arranged.

In Ethiopia the tract was put on a university notice board. In the Dominican Republic, its distribution was announced on the radio. In response to its distribution in Russia, one of the many letters received said: ‘This leaflet recommends starting an active study of the Bible. We have a lot of people who want to study, among them many youths.’ They urgently requested help.

In South Africa an elderly man who read the Kingdom News phoned the publisher who had left it and exclaimed: “I have found the truth!” That very day, he walked two miles to the Kingdom Hall, and he has not missed a meeting since then.

Zealous Full-Time Servants

In the forefront of the witness work are many who have arranged their affairs to be in the pioneer service. On an average, 663,521 served each month as pioneers. What fine work they did! A large proportion of these were regular pioneers, whose goal is 90 hours per month in the field ministry; upwards of 15,000 were special pioneers, whose schedule includes 140 hours of witnessing per month; many more were auxiliary pioneers, who devote 60 hours or more per month to proclaiming God’s Kingdom as mankind’s only hope. Were you able to share in such service during the year?

Among those in full-time service are 16,468 Bethel family members around the globe. Of this number, 5,709 serve at the world headquarters; all of these are members of the Order of Special Full-Time Servants. Additionally, 4,374 care for assignments that require them to travel from one assembly to another in an assigned district or from one congregation to another in a circuit. One of the principal activities of all such traveling overseers is taking the lead in the field ministry.

Our Most Important Meeting

The Memorial of Christ’s death, commemorated after sundown on April 14, was the spiritual highlight of the year. It focused attention on the loving provision made by Jehovah through Jesus Christ for the salvation of all who would exercise faith. (Matt. 26:26-30; Acts 4:12) Worldwide, the attendance was 13,147,201. In some places the number present was truly outstanding. A congregation of about 150 publishers in Lilongwe, Malawi, reported that 1,202 attended. The 25 publishers in Uzhoor, Russia, had 247 at the Memorial, and a congregation of 103 publishers in Ashgabad, Turkmenistan, said that 1,053 were in attendance. In Benin, West Africa, a congregation of 45 publishers had 901 on hand for this important event. In Buchanan, Liberia, within earshot of the civil war then under way, the congregation of 50 publishers had an attendance of 705.

Two special pioneers in Sivia, Peru, rented a hall for the Memorial and invited sincere, religious people, including those in local government offices, to attend. The pioneers were excited to have 93 in attendance, mostly gentlemen. The local Catholic Church had scheduled a religious procession for that evening but had to cancel it because the men who were to carry the “saint” were at the Memorial with Jehovah’s Witnesses. In frustration, supporters of the church stoned the building where the Witnesses were meeting.

Though the Memorial is the most important event on the theocratic calendar, it is by no means the only time when we gather for divine instruction. Each week, we meet to study the Bible with the help of The Watchtower. As of September 1, 1995, that magazine was appearing simultaneously in 100 languages, which fact contributes to the oneness of spirit among Jehovah’s Witnesses. For 116 years The Watchtower has been used by the faithful and discreet slave as a principal means of providing spiritual food to Jehovah’s servants. And what a rich program of instruction it gave us this past year! Along with this we enjoy four other weekly meetings. Each year, we also have a circuit assembly and a special assembly day. In addition, we keenly anticipate the annual district convention.

Conventions Around the Globe

The series of “Godly Fear” District Conventions that began in 1994 continued into the early part of the 1995 service year. In Zambia, for example, 49 of such conventions were held, with a combined peak attendance of 327,856. Public transport for a great distance is often too expensive for a large family, so the convention sites were scattered throughout the country. Nevertheless, some of those depending on donkeys or oxcarts still had to travel as much as eight days in one direction to reach the convention. Many walked while carrying loads on their heads; others used bicycles; some climbed onto the back of heavily laden trucks; yet others used buses, trains, or whatever public transport was available. Their united effort to attend the conventions was an outstanding expression of faith.

In the latter part of the 1995 service year, the convention series featuring the theme “Joyful Praisers” got under way. One of the brothers attending in Denmark made this observation: “This gave us yet another loving appeal to get our lives back behind the limits provided by Jehovah and to live lives worthy of the truth. Satan’s pressures keep growing, but it was good to be reminded of our many reasons to remain joyful even in the face of trials or disease. How touching it was to hear personal experiences from brothers and sisters! After this convention program, we feel even more privileged to belong to Jehovah’s organization.”

The office in Russia reports that in the district of Volgograd, about 310 miles [500 km] from Chechnya, all big public events were officially canceled because of the war at that time. But the “Joyful Praisers” District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses was not canceled. On the first day, 50 or 60 policemen were present. On Sunday, there were only 10 or 15, and most of these wanted literature and more information from the Bible.

In Sweden ten district conventions were held in the spacious Assembly Hall at Strängnäs. No international convention was scheduled this year, but the population of Sweden includes people from many nations. As a result, among the 1,102 at the English-speaking convention, there were individuals representing at least 60 nationalities.

One of the highlights of the program was the release of the new book, Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. The book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, released in 1982, has been published in 126 languages. It has proved to be a valuable educational instrument in all those languages. However, the conventioners showed keen interest as an accelerated program for disciple making was outlined in connection with the Knowledge book. They recognized the timeliness of such a provision. Already, the new book has been approved for translation into 131 languages; 86 of these, in addition to the English edition, either have been released or are printed and are ready to be released during the rest of the “Joyful Praisers” District Conventions. A man in Britain took the Knowledge book to bed with him. At eight o’clock the next morning, he told his wife that he wanted to study. Another man, in Albania, read the book straight through and, recognizing the importance of what it contained, asked to have a study three times a week. It appears that this new book will be a valuable instrument in the final part of the program of divine education being accomplished before the great day of Jehovah arrives.

Through the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah long ago foretold the spiritual abundance that His servants would enjoy, in contrast to other people. (Isa. 65:13, 14) Jehovah’s Witnesses are, indeed, a spiritually well-fed and happy people! And they are eager to share their spiritual abundance with others who are hungering and thirsting for truth.

Continued Emphasis on the Bible Itself

Our foremost textbook for divine education is the Bible itself. Much work has been done by Jehovah’s Witnesses to distribute the Bible. This has often involved using whatever translations were available in certain languages. However, in 1950, distribution of the New World Translation began. This excellent translation is now available in 25 languages. In 13 of these (in addition to English Braille and Portuguese Braille), the complete Bible has been published. In the other 12, the Christian Greek Scriptures has been printed. To date, 84,400,000 copies have been produced.

After 16 years of hard work, the entire Finnish edition of the New World Translation was completed. At its release this year, there was thunderous applause at the six district conventions in Finland. In addition, when they learned that a large-print edition was available, many older ones shed tears of joy. In August, at conventions in Hong Kong and Taiwan, Chinese Witnesses were also thrilled to receive in their language the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures. It was bound with the common Chinese Hebrew Scriptures. Two more editions in African languages have been completed and now await printing and binding. Currently, Bible translation is also being done in five other languages.

Watchtower Educational Center, at Patterson

In 1988 work began on construction of the Watchtower Educational Center, in a lovely location amid wooded hills and valleys at Patterson, New York, just 70 miles [112 km] north of Brooklyn Bethel. When completed, the main residence buildings will provide housing for 1,200.

By the spring of 1995, enough of the facilities had been completed that it was possible to conduct the 99th class of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead in this new location. Class sessions began on April 17, with a lecture on features of the New World Translation, presented by Albert Schroeder, who is a member of the Teaching Committee of the Governing Body and who served on the Gilead faculty when the school began in 1943.

During the weeks after the 99th class began, a number of departments of the Society’s headquarters offices were moved to the Patterson facilities. A few had been transferred earlier. As of September 1, those in Patterson included the Service Department, Writing Correspondence, Translation Services, Art Department, Photography Department, Video Services, and some aspects of the work associated with the Legal, Engineering, and Braille departments.

Kingdom Ministry School Promotes Godly Advancement

The apostle Paul exhorted Timothy, his fellow worker, to ponder over the inspired counsel he had been given and to apply it, so that his advancement would be manifest. Paul urged him to pay constant attention to his teaching. (1 Tim. 4:15, 16) The Kingdom Ministry School, which is part of the international program of theocratic education, has helped elders and ministerial servants worldwide to do just that! It has emphasized the fact that theocracy, or God rule, is an administration of love, for God is love.​—1 John 4:8.

In the United States alone, 71 classes were held during the past service year, and a total of 136,480 brothers attended (69,771 elders, 66,709 ministerial servants). There were 35 representatives from Bethel and more than 500 traveling overseers who shared in providing the instruction for classes held in the United States. In Zambia a special meeting for 76 traveling overseers was conducted prior to the Kingdom Ministry School. Thereafter, 57 classes of the school were conducted throughout Zambia, with a total attendance of 6,418 elders and 4,349 ministerial servants. The brothers in Malawi also benefited, with 28 traveling overseers, 1,573 other elders, and 1,424 ministerial servants there receiving the valuable instruction. During the 1995 service year, this school was conducted in most countries of the world.

Anticipation for the school ran high, and the many thousands who attended were not disappointed. All the instruction and counsel given was Bible based. From the first session to the last, the elders and ministerial servants displayed Beroean eagerness of mind to receive the instruction and guidance being provided through the ‘faithful slave.’​—Matt. 24:45-47; Acts 17:11.

From around the world, expressions of appreciation for the school have been received. Brothers in the Caribbean said: “From the opening prayer, it was evident that Jehovah is really concerned about his sheep, and he wants us as undershepherds to give them the maximum support and encouragement in a spirit of love.” From islands in the Pacific came this candid remark: “It was simply amazing what we gained from material we already knew. Or thought we knew!” Many newly appointed servants benefited. For example, in one location it was observed that 85 percent of the ministerial servants present were attending their first Kingdom Ministry School. Yes, the Kingdom Ministry School course has been a blessing for the entire organization, and the positive effects of it will undoubtedly produce an abundance of good fruitage.

Positive Effects of Ministerial Training School

During the year, classes of the Ministerial Training School also continued to be held. This school, with its own eight-week course, functions as an extension of Gilead School, which is now located at the Watchtower Educational Center, at Patterson, New York. More students attended the Ministerial Training School than in any other service year.

In the first five months of 1995, the school was inaugurated in the Central African Republic, the Dominican Republic, India, New Caledonia, Peru, Portugal, and Zaire. This now makes a total of 34 countries where the school has been held. During just the past service year, 79 classes were conducted and 1,836 students graduated. Assembly Halls, branch properties, and Kingdom Halls have provided suitable facilities for the classes.

An instructor said about the class held in the Dominican Republic: “The students were a fine group, . . . young men full of zeal, heartfelt appreciation, and eager to learn. . . . It was noticeable in their conduct, speech, manners, and dress. One could not help but feel gratitude to Jehovah and the faithful slave for providing this education for these young men.” A student from the first class in Portugal initially thought that it would not be possible to cover all the material. However, later he said that he had benefited by learning to study and work, not in the way he was accustomed to do, but in the way the faithful and discreet slave was recommending.

Typical of how the students have appreciated the instructors’ efforts are the following expressions. A letter from the 19th class in the United States said: “Our many thanks for the spiritual men that you directed to instruct us. Their many years of experience, their patience, their diligence, and their loyal devotion to Jehovah will have a lasting effect on us. A true blessing.” And the 20th class added: “The instructors have put their heart into their teaching, so that our love for our Grand Instructor and his organization has grown.” Truly it can be said of the students that their eyes have ‘become eyes seeing their Grand Instructor.’​—Isa. 30:20.

Besides the 34 countries where the school has been conducted, graduates of this school are serving in 67 other lands and territories. They have been assigned to most of the territories in Eastern Europe and the lands of the former Yugoslavia, as well as to Malawi and Mozambique, where the work had been banned for many years. Theocratic education provided through this school is having far-reaching results.

Brochures to Fill Special Needs

In recent years we have used a variety of brochures as educational tools. At our recent district conventions, we received another timely one​—Jehovah’s Witnesses and Education. This brochure is more international than was the former School brochure. Instead of answering questions that our own young folks have about school activities, the new brochure is directed mainly to educators. It is designed to help them to understand the moral principles that we uphold, to appreciate how we view secular education, and to be aware of the comprehensive program of ongoing education from which we benefit as Jehovah’s Witnesses. No doubt, many of our young folks have already taken copies to their teachers and school counselors.

At the Chinese convention in New York, a new brochure entitled Lasting Peace and Happiness​—How to Find Them was released. It was made available in both traditional and simplified Chinese. This brochure is designed for the Chinese field and will be given extensive distribution wherever possible. It is not at present scheduled for translation into English.

Other specially designed brochures have been prepared in the past couple of years to counteract the gross distortions regarding Jehovah’s Witnesses that the clergy and apostates have fed to officials and the media. Such brochures have been delivered to government officials, those in the legal field, and other professionals in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Bulgaria. In Greece such material was not only delivered to officials but also made available to the general public.

In Germany religious opposers have been especially active in using the media to blaspheme Jehovah and defame his people. (Compare Romans 2:24.) With the approval of the Governing Body, a brochure was produced that is entitled Jehovah’s Witnesses​—Your Neighbors. Who Are They? It is printed in German. In its initial distribution, it has been given to anyone that the brothers might meet in the field service who would evidently benefit from it. This brochure is also very helpful to officials, judges, lawyers, teachers, and other persons who are especially under pressure from the clergy of Christendom to take a negative view of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Many people are grateful to know the facts. One brother reports: “When we visited the principal of the school that our daughter attends, he requested an additional 20 brochures so that they could discuss them at their next meeting.”

It is beneficial to keep in touch with government officials so that they know us and the work that we are doing. Our brothers in Mexico have done that. Trusting in Jehovah to direct their steps, they have left literature with people in various areas of government. The results have been constructive.

Education for Medical Personnel, Judges, Social Workers

When it was organized in 1988, Hospital Information Services (HIS) was also designed to educate, in fact, to carry out a program of highly specialized education. First, selected elders were trained to visit hospitals in major cities in order to talk to doctors and the administrative staff about treating Jehovah’s Witnesses with methods that do not involve blood transfusion. The elders were also taught how to assist fellow Witnesses when these are confronted with faith-challenging medical situations. They do this either by reasoning with doctors about viable alternatives or by explaining various medical procedures and products to the Witness involved so that he can make informed decisions. At present, 6,465 trained elders serve as members of Hospital Liaison Committees (HLCs) worldwide.

Presentations have been made by these HLCs at the leading medical centers of the world. Most doctors and hospital staffs have expressed genuine appreciation for this effort to communicate and cooperate. Prior to this, there had, at times, been some unpleasant confrontations. Many doctors were not aware of all the medical alternatives to blood transfusions.

To acquaint physicians with these alternatives and to buttress the facts given in the presentations, the committees offered much material from medical literature to show what capable doctors have been doing successfully for years without using donor blood. Bound volumes of these articles are now in many major medical libraries. In addition, a file of articles is maintained at HIS in Brooklyn for use when responding to emergency calls from all over the world.

What have been the results of this educational program? Efforts to force blood transfusions on adults have dropped to practically zero in many lands. At most medical centers, there is now a spirit of friendliness and of cooperation with us. A Health Services Medical Director in Chile said: “Even though it is true that some years ago it seemed that your stand was just dogmatic, through time it has been proved that your position has scientific support. . . . Your international network works much better than ours.”

More than 58,900 doctors/​surgeons around the world are now kindly treating Jehovah’s Witnesses without making an issue of blood. One hundred and two hospitals worldwide have even arranged for special programs for bloodless medicine and surgery within their existing systems, to care for Jehovah’s Witnesses and for others who do not wish to have blood transfusions. These two developments make possible another service by the HLCs to the medical community: free consultation with these experienced specialists and/​or hospitals so that our medical problems can be treated.

Most of the problems that remain are those involving children, especially the newborn. Therefore, a second series of seminars was worked out to train HLC members to make presentations that would educate juvenile or family court judges, social service workers, and anyone else involved in the process of taking children away from parents for the purpose of forcing a transfusion of blood. These people needed to be helped to avoid the assumption that blood is the only treatment available. Seminars to deal with this have now been held in the United States, Western Europe, and the Pacific.

Presentations to judges and others involved in these cases include providing them with a copy of a specially designed handbook entitled Family Care and Medical Management for Jehovah’s Witnesses. This indexed manual contains details about our networked support system of congregation elders, HLCs, branch HIS Office, and HIS in Brooklyn. It also has legal/​ethical items as well as items from respected medical journals that explain what is being done in treating childhood diseases and medical problems without using blood. Judges, social service workers, and others are being helped to appreciate that Jehovah’s Witnesses are not religious fanatics who want to make martyrs of their children by refusing all medical treatment. They are learning that the real issue is whether loving parents have the right to decide which medical treatment will be used.

An American law professor stated: “Hospital Liaison Committees and Jehovah’s Witness lawyers have done a tremendous job to change the thinking of the court and the medical community. Most of the early decisions against the rights of Jehovah’s Witnesses were based on prejudice against the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses and in favor of the infallibility of the medical community in the United States. The trend in the case law has been turned around by Jehovah’s Witnesses in educating doctors and judges on the credibility of the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses and the extent to which medicine was massively overusing blood transfusions.”

Of course, we are not primarily educators in medical practice or legal rights. But this program of education has done much to fortify the position of Jehovah’s Witnesses in their determination to obey the divine prohibition on the use of blood.​—Acts 15:28, 29.

New Facilities Fill Pressing Needs

As the pace of the work of Bible education increases and the number of Kingdom proclaimers grows, more buildings are needed to accommodate new congregations as well as assemblies, schools, and branch offices.

During the 1995 service year, hundreds of new Kingdom Halls were built around the world, many of these being financed from loving “contributions for the worldwide work.” (2 Cor. 8:14, 15) The following are just a few of these. Thirty have been completed in Ukraine. In the Czech Republic, where there were no Kingdom Halls six years ago, there are now 35. In Germany, 58 new Kingdom Halls were built last year, including 15 in the eastern section of the country. A Kingdom Hall was erected in Greece in a village that has a population of just 600 but that has two congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses, with a total of 128 publishers. In an 18-month period, 81 new Kingdom Halls were erected and dedicated in Poland. But more are needed. In some parts of Poland, brothers rent fields, cultivate crops, and sell the produce, or they pick berries in order to get money so that in time they can build a Kingdom Hall. Forty halls were built in South Africa within the year. In rural areas of South Africa where money is scarce, some brothers in the congregation might sell some of their livestock to buy the cement, others would purchase the bricks or the roofing, and so forth. In this manner and with help from the Regional Building Committee, a Kingdom Hall soon took shape.

The 40 publishers in Brewerville, Liberia, urgently needed a suitable hall. At their meetings, held in an open-sided “palaver hut,” most of the audience of 150 were standing outside exposed to the weather. With financial help from loving brothers in other lands, they obtained needed materials, then molded their own concrete blocks, and built a beautiful Kingdom Hall that is a witness to all in that area. In Britain a complex of three Kingdom Halls at Edgware was designed so that walls could be opened up to make an Assembly Hall with 800 seats, suitable for foreign-language conventions there.

The number of Assembly Halls has also continued to multiply. After ten years of negotiation and work, another one was dedicated in Britain. Two more were dedicated in Italy and another two in the Republic of Korea. The 5th Assembly Hall in Spain was dedicated; the 15th, in Brazil. Others were built in Côte d’Ivoire and Sri Lanka. And around the world, more are under construction.

In addition to building being done at the world headquarters, work on new or expanded branch facilities was under way in 54 lands during the past year. Some of it was in preliminary stages. Other projects were completed. It was a joy to our brothers in the following six countries to have branch facilities dedicated during the service year:

REPUBLIC OF KOREA. Forty-two miles [67 km] south of Seoul, in Kongdo, stands the Korea branch. Since the branch was moved to Kongdo in 1982, it has been necessary to expand the facilities four times. The latest expansion nearly doubled the size of the branch. The new buildings were dedicated on October 8, 1994, with Lloyd Barry of the Governing Body delivering the discourse “Rejoice Before the Master Builder!” And Jehovah’s Witnesses in Korea do rejoice in the evidence of divine blessing on their ministry.

Seeds of Bible truth first reached Korea before World War I. Thirteen years ago, when the branch was moved to Kongdo, the peak number of publishers was 30,237. As of August 1994, the peak was 77,542, with 40 percent in the pioneer service!

Branch facilities needed to be enlarged. What has been added? The entire office building is new, with a spacious area for the Service Department, Hospital Information Desk, Correspondence Office, Accounting Office, and Translation Department. The Factory Office as well as the Electronics, Computer, MEPS, and Graphics departments are in new surroundings, and other factory operations have had their floor space increased. The Bethel Home has 56 new rooms, a new kitchen, a pleasant dining room, a new medical services room, a new library, and a new laundry. There is also an attractive and comfortable new Kingdom Hall.

The day after the dedication, at Suwon Gymnasium, a special meeting was held at which Brother Barry spoke again. Thirteen additional locations were tied in, with a total attendance of 95,883! Clearly, there are still many in Korea who are eager to learn Jehovah’s ways so that they can walk in his paths.

TAIWAN. The following weekend, on October 15, new branch buildings were dedicated in Taiwan, an island 90 miles [145 km] off the coast of China. Brother Barry also dedicated these facilities. He had first visited Taiwan 42 years earlier, when only a handful of Jehovah’s Witnesses​—mainly of the Amis tribe—​were associated.

Brothers from abroad as well as local Witnesses built the branch. In fact, at one time or another, 50 percent of the local publishers worked at the project. Some traveled as much as nine hours one way by bus in order to share in the work. Of an eight-woman Amis crew that helped to put in sod outside the dining room, the youngest was 60 years of age; the oldest, 84! This crew began work at 4:30 in the morning. They wanted to start at 4:00 a.m., but it was too dark outside. This same zeal is seen in their preaching activity.

On the dedication program, Cyril Charles, a Gilead graduate now living in Hong Kong, reminisced about his service in Taiwan in 1949, when he was 28 years of age. Living among the Amis, he had no electricity, no indoor plumbing, and no mattress. But the Amis people showed love for Bible truth. When Brother Charles was going to train a few in the house-to-house work, everybody desired to join in. En route to the territory, 70 from the south and another 70 from the north met Brother Charles. Soon 100 more joined them. All of them wanted to work from house to house with him. Since then, much training has been given to those who have shown a sincere desire to serve Jehovah.

Succeeding missionaries, who began to arrive six years later, spearheaded the work among the Chinese, who make up a large section of the population. Twenty-six ex-missionaries made it back to Taiwan for the dedication weekend. How pleased they were not only with the fine new branch facilities but also with the evidence that those they had taught have helped many others to become praisers of Jehovah!

Harvey Logan, the Branch Committee coordinator, and his wife, Kathleen, both Gilead graduates, have served here since 1962. In just the past ten years, they have seen an increase of 150 percent.

ECUADOR. During the next month, November, expanded branch facilities were dedicated in Ecuador. These are located 14 miles [23 km] from the port city of Guayaquil.

It was just seven years earlier, in 1987, on the same property, that a new branch building had been inaugurated. However, since then, the average number of publishers had increased 130 percent. In the same period, Bible studies had risen 120 percent. In 1987, Daniel Sydlik had given a talk to an audience of 14,322 at a soccer stadium here. In this same stadium on November 19, 1994, Brother Henschel gave a stirring discourse to 35,992! True worship is on the move in Ecuador, and the enlarged branch will provide a fine center from which education in Jehovah’s will can be pressed to the farthest corners of the land.

SRI LANKA. By January of 1995, the branch in Sri Lanka was also ready to dedicate its two fine new buildings. What a change after having moved the office from one bedroom to another in rented houses ever since the branch was formed in 1953! Here at last were facilities that would be an honor to our God, with grounds landscaped in a way that reflects our belief in Jehovah’s purpose for all the earth to be transformed into a paradise.

Among those present for the program were Claude Goodman, who had served here back in 1930-31; Matilda Rajapakse (née Chapman), who is now in her 90’s and who has been associated with the local congregations here for at least 80 years and serves as a regular pioneer; Douglas King, who had been the second branch servant (as it was then known); David Mercante, zone overseer from the world headquarters, who gave the dedication talk; and many more.

Sri Lanka is a large island off the southeast tip of India, where some 18,000,000 people live. For many of them, “Ayubowan!” is a common greeting; it means “May you live long!” Among Jehovah’s people, that is not merely a customary greeting; it is their heartfelt desire. In harmony with it, they want to reach all the people in Sri Lanka with the Kingdom message in their own languages. These new facilities will help.

Building the branch has in itself provided an education​—not only in construction methods but also in spiritual matters. The project drew the brothers in Sri Lanka closer to Jehovah’s global family of servants. Engineering expertise was provided by brothers in America and Australia. Brothers from abroad gave of themselves to supervise the construction and to teach local Witnesses how to do the work. Needed materials and funds came from other branches. Volunteers patiently overcame language differences in order to work together. All have grown in appreciation of the worldwide aspect of Jehovah’s organization and the spiritual bonds that make it function smoothly.

SURINAME. The branch dedication in Suriname was held on February 12, 1995. But what led up to it was amazing to watch and a joy to share in. Property for new branch facilities was obtained ten miles [16 km] west of the city of Paramaribo. Brothers from many lands came to help with the construction work. People from all over the city of Paramaribo came to see this evidence of loving international cooperation, and they watched in amazement as they saw our sisters driving bulldozers and other heavy equipment. Schoolteachers even brought their classes to let them see what could be done when people work together in one spirit. When the work was done, a program concerning it was shown on both television stations in Suriname.

For the dedication program, our brothers were present from the Netherlands, Germany, French Guiana, Guyana, Curaçao, and other lands. Dominick Piccone, as zone overseer, gave the dedication talk. The office in these facilities will help to coordinate the preaching of the good news throughout this country of 400,000 people.

CAMEROON. Witnesses in many lands are keenly interested in what is taking place in Cameroon. In fact, some of them were on hand on April 1, 1995, from Benin, Canada, France, Gabon, Nigeria, and the United States for the dedication of the four two-story buildings making up the new branch complex in Bonaberi, Douala. Among the guests were seven who had served as missionaries in Cameroon during the late 1950’s and 1960’s. Jean-Marie Bockaert, from France, served as the dedication speaker.

In 1948, only 81 Witnesses were active in Cameroon. Now there are over 24,000 who render glory to God, in spite of the severe restrictions that the Witnesses labored under for 23 years. Assuredly, these new Bethel facilities will be of great value to the brothers in overseeing the activity of Jehovah’s people as they extend to all in Cameroon the generous invitation to go up to Jehovah’s house, to learn his ways, and to walk in his paths, with a view to rendering him sacred service forever in his new world.

This has, indeed, been a year in which a gigantic program of Bible education has been carried out worldwide, and it will continue to accelerate right down to the end of the present system of things. After Armageddon, it will take on new aspects as billions of persons are raised from the dead and are educated in Jehovah’s ways. Then, as never before, the knowledge of Jehovah will truly fill the earth.

[Pictures on page 12]

Above: The book “Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life” being released in Germany

Left: New brochure on education being examined in Japan

[Picture on page 13]

A convention drama featured caring for faithful older ones

[Picture on page 13]

338,491 new disciples were baptized during the year

[Pictures on page 20, 21]

Watchtower Educational Center at Patterson, N.Y.

[Pictures on page 28, 29]

Branch facilities dedicated in

1. Taiwan

2. Suriname

3. Sri Lanka

4. Ecuador

5. Korea

6. Cameroon

Worldwide Report: 1995 Grand Totals

Number of Lands: 232

Peak Publishers: 5,199,895

Average Publishers: 4,950,344

Percentage of Increase Over 1994: 5

Number Baptized: 338,491

Average Pioneer Publishers: 663,521

Number of Congregations: 78,620

Total Hours: 1,150,353,444

Average Home Bible Studies: 4,865,060

Memorial Attendance: 13,147,201

Memorial Partakers Worldwide: 8,645

Number of Branches: 101

During the 1995 service year, the Watch Tower Society spent $57,955,025.64 in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments

[Chart on page 34-41]

(See publication)

1995 SERVICE YEAR REPORT OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES WORLDWIDE

Worldwide Report

Africa

Regardless of their cultural and religious background, people need the opportunity to hear the good news of God’s Kingdom. God’s will is that “all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Tim. 2:3, 4) Jehovah’s Witnesses in Africa are working in harmony with that expression of the divine will.

The Governing Body approved of establishing a branch office in Malawi, as of September 1, 1995, using rented buildings. Plans for appropriate buildings are being drawn so that construction can be undertaken. There is much work yet to be done in this country. Especially in the cities, where many people are literate, great interest is being shown in our publications. Malawians love the Bible and are basically humble, peace-loving people. Because there is such interest in our literature, polished presentations are not necessary at present. The Witnesses simply introduce themselves to the householder, and after formal greetings, they show the person what books or magazines they have with them. Often a householder will take a look through the whole pile of magazines that the publisher has and will even want to see what else is in his bag. Some publishers have offered their own underlined personal copies of older magazines, and householders have gladly accepted these. Even though people generally express love for the Bible, this does not mean that everyone wants to learn the truth. There are many so-called Christian denominations here. Some of these are quite hostile to Jehovah’s Witnesses and say that the Witnesses deserved the persecution that came upon them and that they wish that the Witnesses were still under ban. The majority of people, however, say: “We are pleased that you are now free to worship, and we welcome you in our homes.”

Polygamy is commonly accepted in Benin as well as in many other African countries. How does this affect sincere truth seekers? A woman who was the second wife of a man began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. She soon learned that Jehovah gave only one wife to Adam and that this was to set the standard for all future marriages. (Matt. 19:4-6) Her marriage could not be recognized by God, so what would she do? Would she leave her polygamous husband? Where would she go? There is no welfare system in Benin, and she had five children by this man. She put her trust in Jehovah and courageously moved out. (Heb. 13:4-6) This was a struggle because he left it to her to care for their five children both financially and spiritually.

Her determined stand had a beneficial effect on other members of the family. Happily, the husband began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. His first wife joined the study and was subsequently baptized. The husband now attends all the meetings and has decided to help care for the children he had by his second wife. The second wife was recently baptized and said soon afterward: “I am determined to serve Jehovah forever.”

Elke, a missionary sister in Burkina Faso, befriended Djara, a ten-year-old girl at the Kingdom Hall. Djara attended all the meetings with her mother. In time, however, the mother abandoned the truth, and for several months Elke had no contact with Djara. Then, at the district convention, Djara was present and found Elke. What a surprise to see her! She and her brother had begged their parents until they got permission to attend the convention. Both children paid careful attention, taking notes. However, they were tempted to go to a local radio station to see “Papa Noel” (Santa Claus) on December 25, while the convention was still in session. They asked Elke’s opinion. She told them that they would have to make their own decision but that if they came to the convention, they would make Jehovah God very happy, and he could give them everlasting life in the Paradise. They were at the assembly on December 25.

A study was started with Djara, and arrangements were made for her to attend the meetings. After the second meeting, she expressed the desire to give comments. At one of the meetings, she happened to have 50 francs (10 cents) spending money with her. She used 20 francs (4 cents) to buy something to eat and, on her own, put the other 30 francs (6 cents) into the contribution box at the Kingdom Hall. Djara has learned to pray to Jehovah for even the small desires of her heart. During a period of time when the family was having difficulties, she also experienced the truth of Psalm 27:10 and found that she had many mothers, brothers, and sisters in the congregation.

The spread of AIDS has had a devastating effect on the population of central Africa. It has mainly touched educated people who are at the prime of productivity. Years ago, the idea of “one man/​one wife” and of faithfulness to one’s mate was ridiculed by many. Now, in an attempt to stop the plague, the message being publicized on radio, television, and street posters as well as in community gatherings is the standard that was formerly ridiculed. Many who knew that Jehovah’s Witnesses faithfully teach the Bible had not progressed; they felt that there were too many restrictions. But how grateful our brothers are today that Jehovah and his organization insist on high moral standards! One of the elders in Central African Republic said this: “Because of the truth, I have succeeded in establishing a family that enjoys divine blessings. The truth has freed me from the snares of demonism, which could have caused me to be mentally unbalanced. It has also helped me to avoid premature death due to AIDS, the tragedy that most of my former companions have experienced. In appreciation for all that Jehovah has done for me, I have made room, even with my family responsibilities, to share in the pioneer service.”​—Ps. 116:12-14.

A family in the capital of Ethiopia was richly rewarded for being hospitable. (Heb. 13:1, 2) Often, relatives from the rurals have business in the city and need a place to stay. Many of them have chosen to stay with this very warmhearted Witness family, where a rare atmosphere of godly devotion has attracted them. The family has used appropriate occasions to share the good news from God’s Word with the visiting relatives. As a result, by the time of the “Godly Fear” Convention, 22 of these relatives had become baptized Witnesses, another 28 relatives were unbaptized publishers, and 6 other relatives had started studying. Over 50 of this extended family were at the convention, and among them they conduct well over 50 home Bible studies!

Asia and Islands of the Pacific

By means of the printed page, the good news had reached the Orient before the 20th century began. Material in printed form is still being used to search out deserving ones. As a result, many thousands are personally experiencing what Jesus said, namely, that the truth can set one free.​—John 8:32.

A zealous sister in Hong Kong writes: “Hospitals, streets, parks, railway stations, bus stops, markets, car parks, and elevators are my fields for informal witnessing. When I leave home, I always pray to Jehovah, and I make sure that I have a variety of books, magazines, and tracts with me.”

Encouraged by the circuit overseer, a Witness in Japan made it her goal to place 130 magazines a week, and this in frequently worked territory. She examines new copies of the magazines as soon as they arrive in order to locate articles or statements that might appeal to various types of people. She has also learned to keep an accurate record of those on her magazine route. The result? She has 220 calls on her route. However, when it appeared that a woman on her route was not reading the magazines, she prayed to Jehovah that since the magazines are precious, cost money to produce, and are printed by brothers at Bethel who work day and night, would he please indicate whether the householder was reading the magazines. ‘If not, let her refuse them,’ she asked. Then she called at the house. This time, the husband of the woman came out and took the magazines, saying: “Thank you for delivering these magazines regularly. I am reading them and really like them.” Upwards of 206,000 in Japan who have benefited from such magazines now eagerly share precious Bible truths with others.

A sister in Quezon City, the Philippines, says that she was able to start seven new Bible studies by making use of tracts. Explaining how it was done, she wrote: “One morning at 11 o’clock I met a mother busy preparing lunch for her family. I said that I understood her situation and so would be brief. I told her that our main purpose was to bring real comfort to all families who feel depressed, that this comfort comes from God’s Word, and that it is explained in this free Bible tract Comfort for the Depressed.” After this simple explanation, our sister was invited into the house and was able to start a study.

The number of publishers in Australia has doubled in the past 16 years. The instruments provided by Jehovah’s organization have helped to open the hearts of many people. When the son of one of our brothers was killed in an accident, the family decided to make a gift of the brochure When Someone You Love Dies to each one who attended the funeral. They distributed 189 brochures in this way, and then another 46 copies were sent to unbelieving relatives. As a result, many of them softened their attitude toward the Witnesses. One of those who received the brochure at the funeral was president of the Catholic School Association. He was said to be one of the best fund-raisers they had ever had. He and his wife studied the entire brochure together, looking up the scriptures in their Catholic Bible. They soon realized that what they were reading was the truth, so the man promptly resigned from the Catholic School Association and refused to do any more fund-raising. In spite of efforts to get him to change his mind, he held firm. He also took a dozen brochures to distribute to other members of the Catholic Church.

A young man in Thailand had heard a missionary witness to his older sister, but he did not express interest. He was involved in spiritism. Then one day he picked up a Bible, opened it at random, and read 1 Peter 2:9, where it says that God called his people “out of darkness into his wonderful light.” This scripture puzzled him, and he began thinking of the missionary. The very next day, she was at his door. When he told her that he had wanted her to visit, she replied that the angels had probably directed her. Then, to his utter amazement, before he said anything about the scripture he had read, she opened her Bible and read the very same text. He was so surprised that he cried. He agreed to a Bible study, which the sister turned over to an elder.

However, the young man’s involvement with the demons made it difficult for him. Beset by financial and other problems, he had made a “contract” with a spirit to the effect that if he allowed it to dwell in him, it would help him and provide for him. As a result, he had been able to build up a business without much effort and had come to own a factory in which he employed many workers. He readily recognized that there are wicked spirits and realized that these spirits are powerful, but he felt gratitude to the spirit that he viewed as “benevolent.” He attended some meetings, but the demons prevented him from grasping and retaining what he heard there. Then the night before an assembly, he had what he described as a life-and-death struggle with the demon for whom he had been a medium. The young man gained the upper hand, but after that he slowly but surely lost all the material advantages he had received from the demon. As he put his trust in Jehovah, however, God provided for him​—not the excessive wealth he had before, but everything he really needed. (1 Tim. 6:8, 9) He now serves happily as an auxiliary pioneer.

In the Solomon Islands, some communities have resisted our efforts to preach the good news, so the branch decided to send four pioneers to one such highly populated area on Santa Isabel Island for a few weeks to distribute Kingdom News No. 34. It seemed unfortunate that, after only one day, the engine on their canoe quit working and the pioneers had to return to Honiara. However, another island, N’Gela, had recently become accessible by ferry from Honiara, so the pioneers were sent there to witness. Was this arrangement simply second-best, or was the spirit that is channeled through the heavenly Head of the congregation directing matters? (Compare Acts 16:6-8.) Some days later, word came by radiotelephone: “Please send more literature. We had 17 at our first meeting on Friday.” In a few more days, additional literature was requested, and the pioneers reported that 30 had attended the Sunday meeting. When the pioneers were able to return to Santa Isabel Island, they found that had they tried to witness in that area during the previous weeks, it would have been very difficult because the governor-general was paying a visit to mark a centennial occasion, and virtually the whole area was immersed in the celebrations. However, among the interested ones they now found was a local chief who, very disillusioned with the hypocrisy in the Anglican Church, asked for a Bible study. He has since attended a circuit assembly and has invited Jehovah’s Witnesses to come to his area to teach the people.

Europe

Vast quantities of the literature used in spreading the good news are printed in Europe. And what a year it has been for the Bethel families that share in this work!

Never before have so many books, brochures, and magazines been produced in Germany in one year as was the case during the 1995 service year. As an example, in the month of June alone, the printery there produced 10,835,200 magazines and 7,984,359 brochures, and every day, the bindery turns out about 100,000 books. At present the Germany branch packs magazines, other literature, and forms for 7,600 congregations in 30 countries, with a total of some 625,000 publishers. A large portion of the literature now being produced is for the Eastern countries, where there was very little access to Bible literature for many years. Britain, Italy, France, Spain, Finland, and Sweden also share in filling the international demand for Bible literature.

More than just literature is sent to lands where there is great need. Qualified Witnesses from other countries have also been invited to move into these areas to help in the disciple-making work. As an example, 14 special pioneers moved from Poland to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, to help with the work. Within two months they were already conducting over 100 Bible studies.

Ten months out of the past service year, there were new publisher peaks in Russia (along with 9 of the 14 other former Soviet republics). The increase was 50 percent! A peak of 77,985 publishers reported. Displaying outstanding zeal in May, the publishers averaged 17.6 hours in the field ministry. During both May and June, they placed over a million magazines and made over a million return visits. (Similar expansion was experienced also in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia, and Ukraine.)

There was just one congregation in Moscow six years ago. Now there are some 40, and almost all of these could be divided into 2 or 3 congregations if more elders were available. In Murmansk, in the north of Russia, there is only one congregation at present. There are many excellent young ministerial servants, but the congregation cannot be divided because there is only one elder. This congregation has about 800 publishers. Ryazan and Ulyanovsk are cities that have over 500,000 inhabitants each but have no congregation. However, eight special pioneers took up work there in May, and that month they started 51 Bible studies in their new territory. What a joy to help these truth-hungry people!

An experience related in Awake! magazine made the wife of a traveling overseer in Austria consider the possibility of reaching persons in government offices. She says: “I searched the telephone directory and other printed sources for addresses of social services. Then I looked for suitable Awake! articles for people who work in such fields. I started out with much throbbing of the heart, trembling, and prayer. After getting beyond the secretary, we experienced that the men in responsible positions are generally very friendly. When we expressed appreciation for the services rendered​—since Jehovah’s Witnesses also benefit from these—​there was usually a reaction of surprise. Then I stated the reason for my calling: ‘I have searched out articles in our magazines that concern the particular work that you do. Please take time to consider these at your own convenience.’ In this way I have been able to distribute just about 1,800 magazines during the first six months.” Now our sister says that she is finding much joy in this special activity. She calls on school principals, district commissioners, the police, institutions for social services, and judicial authorities.

A young man in Croatia had been born with a heart defect that greatly limited his activities. At age 17 he came in contact with the good news through a neighbor and began to attend all the meetings. Though his parents did not encourage him, he became convinced that he had found the truth. He had studied only a portion of the Live Forever book when his physical condition worsened, and it became evident that death was near. While his mother was sitting next to his bed, crying because she realized that he would die soon, he spoke to her earnestly about the resurrection hope. (Acts 24:15) He expressed conviction that he would be raised to live again but added that whether they would see one another in the new system would depend on her and on his father. His mother was deeply touched. Two weeks after his death, his parents requested a home Bible study, and they are continuing to make good progress.

In Iceland two of our Christian sisters found ways to help their workmates to get better acquainted with Jehovah’s Witnesses and the good news of the Kingdom. Although their workmates celebrated birthdays and Christmas, our two sisters did not participate. However, one day the sisters brought a nice cake and some homemade bread to share with their workmates during the coffee break. The workers wanted to know what the occasion was. The sisters explained that because their workmates had been so considerate of them and of their beliefs, they now wanted to offer them something good to eat with their coffee. This opened the way for a fine discussion, many questions were answered, and everyone listened with much interest. Later on, they made a gift of a special issue of Awake! to every one of their workmates, each copy marked with the individual’s name. Again, questions were asked, and a good witness was given. When the sisters stood up to leave, one woman looked them over and said: “Despite everything, you do look quite normal.” Yes, these workmates were getting a more positive view of Jehovah’s Witnesses and the message they proclaim.

In a congregation in Denmark, a pioneer made a special effort to help unbelieving mates. He started a Bible study with Klaus, who attended some of the meetings together with his wife, who is a Witness. Klaus appreciated the study and progressed well. The pioneer also wanted to help another unbelieving mate, so he invited Klaus and his wife together with this couple for a meal. The brother’s intention was to start a Bible study with this man. During a walk after the dinner, he tried to speak to the man alone, but it was impossible because Klaus was preaching to the man all the time. By the time the brother finally got an opportunity to speak to him, Klaus had already started the study. At the recent visit of the circuit overseer, Klaus, now an unbaptized publisher, attended the meetings for field service​—all ten of them. His study with the non-Witness husband is also progressing well.

Those who would live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (2 Tim. 3:12) That persecution may come from family members, and it may even come upon young ones. When she was 12 years old, Monika, who is now with the Miechów Congregation in Poland, learned knitting from one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. That Witness also instilled in her a desire to study the Bible. However, Monika’s grandmother opposed. To discourage Monika, she stopped cooking for her and would not buy her any clothes. She beat Monika when the girl talked about the Bible and followed her constantly in order to prevent her from studying with the Witnesses. But Monika studied privately in the barn and on her way to school.

When she graduated from secondary school, she planned to pioneer and expressed the desire to serve where the need was greater. She wanted to get away from her hometown and as far away as possible from her opposed grandmother. How downhearted she was when the circuit overseer said that her territory would most probably be her hometown! She recalls: “I tried not to let him know how I felt, but with my head drooped, I walked away to think everything over once again. I told my future service partner: ‘You know, I think I am behaving like Jonah. But Jonah did go to Nineveh after all. Thus, I too will go where I was assigned, if this is Jehovah’s will.’ ” Four years have elapsed, and now she says: “I can see that the wise decision was to follow Jehovah’s direction. My negative attitude was the main problem. Now I experience much joy because in one month I managed to conduct 24 Bible studies. Thanks to Jehovah, I even set up a study with my once opposed grandmother.”

The Americas

In Mexico a large-scale exodus from Babylon the Great is taking place. Many thousands of people from all walks of life are responding to the Bible’s urging: “Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins.” (Rev. 18:4) Most of these people are leaving the Catholic Church. In 1995 a peak of 443,640 publishers were actively serving Jehovah in Mexico. More are eager to join them, as is indicated by the 569,842 home Bible studies that were being conducted and the 33,077 who presented themselves for water immersion during the service year.

Some of those who no longer want to be identified with Babylon the Great are young folk. Witnesses in Chile went to Requinoa, a remote part of their territory that could be reached only after a long walk along a dusty road. As they approached a house, an elderly woman was already on her way out to meet them. “How nice that you came out to greet us!” the Witnesses said. She replied: “It is to fulfill a promise I made to my grandson who died a short time ago.” Whenever her grandson, who was only 12 years old, would see the Witnesses coming, he would run to her and say: “Grandma, here come los de la Biblia [the Bible people].” And he would request money to obtain the magazines. “He would always read them,” she recalled, “but what he liked most was a red book that shows a paradise [You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth]. He would read to me and teach me, since I do not know how to read. Three weeks ago for some unknown reason he became sick. Everything possible was done to help him, but the doctors sent him home to spend his last hours with us. He was dying.”

With the family around his bed, he closed his eyes. She continued: “We thought he was dead and were crying with grief, when all of a sudden he opened his eyes and said to us: ‘Mommy, Grandma, tell me that I am not a Catholic. I’m not, am I?’ ‘No, you’re not,’ we said. ‘I’m not,’ he continued, ‘because I’m one of those who come on the road, los de la Biblia, and I am going to live in the Paradise.’ Then he took out his red book and showed us pictures. Turning to me, he said: ‘Grandma, promise me that each time you see los de la Biblia coming on the road, you will go out to receive them for me.’ I said that I would. Then he said: ‘I am not Catholic, I am one of los de la Biblia, and I am going to live in Paradise,’ and with that he died. That’s why I came out to meet you when I saw you coming on the road.” The brother consoled her with scriptures about the resurrection. Hopefully, that family can be helped to develop a firm faith, so that, if Jehovah permits, they will be able to live with their grandson in Paradise.

Just as older ones must prove their loyalty to Jehovah, younger ones too are often called upon to prove their faith in the face of opposition. Fourteen-year-old Michael, in Costa Rica, had studied the Bible for only a few months when his high school required him to participate in ceremonies that he felt conflicted with what he had learned from the Bible. Although not yet baptized, he took a firm stand, and he and six Witness classmates were expelled from school. More trials awaited Michael. His father issued an ultimatum: “Renounce that religion, or I will disown you as my son.” On another occasion, his father drove him to the city, parked the car, and showed him a briefcase, saying: “Look, son, there’s $8,500.00 in this briefcase. It’s all yours if you return to our religion and quit their faith.” When Michael refused, his father smacked him across the face with his hand. Then he took him to a Catholic church and screamed that he was to kneel and make the sign of the cross before the Virgin Mary or else face severe punishment for refusing to do so. The youngster replied that although he was obliged to respect his parents, his exclusive devotion was to Jehovah. His father replied that he did not know Jehovah and, furthermore, that Jehovah was of no consequence to him. After that, Michael’s father refused to see him for two years! However, years later, a while before his father died, he sought out Michael and asked him to read the Bible to him. He asked Michael to forgive him, encouraged him to continue serving Jehovah, and requested a Bible study.

A woman in Panama City, Panama, listened when the Witnesses called at her home. She obtained a magazine and invited them to return. Why? She had never forgotten that when she was a teacher in a mountainous part of the country, she had some Witness children in her class. They would never participate in patriotic ceremonies in spite of pressures she put on them. One day when macaroni mixed with a sauce that contained strangled chicken was served to the children, these children refused to eat it, even though she urged them just to pick out the macaroni and forget the sauce. They explained that the Bible forbids the eating of blood. (Acts 15:28, 29) She did not share their views, but she could not help being impressed. Never before had she known anyone to manifest such integrity on account of religious beliefs. Thus, when the Witnesses called on her years later, she invited them to return so that she could learn more about the basis for their beliefs. A Bible study was started, and she began to attend all the meetings. Now she, her husband, and three children are serving Jehovah because of the excellent example of the young Witnesses in her school.

A woman in El Salvador who admired Jehovah’s Witnesses asked Omar if he would study with her six-year-old son. Omar agreed. When he went for the study, he was surprised. The little boy, Mario, had got up early in the morning and taken his bath. He was dressed and was waiting for the brother to arrive. The study was started in My Book of Bible Stories. The boy’s mother listened while tending to her sewing. She said that she was just interested in having her son educated like the children of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The brother asked her permission to take little Mario to the meetings and eventually to assemblies. The boy made progress, and Omar helped him to have the full-time service as his long-term goal. In time, the mother also accepted a study and was baptized, Mario’s younger brother became a publisher, and his father now attends some meetings. And Mario? He is a regular pioneer. How happy Omar is that he agreed to study with that six-year-old boy!

Skillful use of the Bible can get a fine response from honesthearted ones, as the following experience from Jamaica shows: “A young lady who was introduced to me said she had lots of questions that she wanted answered. Arrangements were made for a discussion. The first time we met, she said she did not wish to go into any of our publications, neither did she wish to be invited to any meetings. She wanted her questions answered from the Bible. Most of her questions were about the Sabbath and the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Only the Bible was used​—the King James Version. Each time she read scriptures in answer to her questions, she marveled at the clarity and reasonableness of the Scriptural answers. This went on for three weeks. At the next visit, she had no more questions, so I asked her, ‘What now?’ She said she wanted ‘to go into the red book,’ that is, the Live Forever book. Chapter 22 was chosen, ‘Identifying the True Religion.’ After that chapter, we started from chapter 1. Then she asked about our meeting times. She began attending all meetings; when her job interfered, she resigned. After just a few months of study, she enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School and became an unbaptized publisher.”

A circuit overseer in Bolivia had a free day between visits to small isolated groups, so he used it to go in the field ministry with the congregation in whose territory he had rooming accommodations. He wondered who would be caring for the group. The conductor arrived with another brother. The brother who was the conductor had a talking watch, and when it announced that it was 8:15, he asked for someone to read the day’s text, requested voluntary comments, and then concluded with his own brief comment. After the prayer he assigned all there to work in pairs, even assigning a sister who was not present. “How strange!” the circuit overseer thought. A little later they were in the territory, and the conductor asked, “Exactly where are we, and in what direction am I facing?” At this, the circuit overseer realized that the brother was blind. After getting oriented, the conductor proceeded to make the territory assignments. And at midmorning he even arranged for a changing of service companions. What a fine example of willingness to be used by Jehovah and of trust in him to compensate for any lack! When the circuit overseer commented to the local elders how very encouraging it was to see the brother serving in this way, they replied: “Yes, and that brother never lets us or his group down.”

There is still unassigned territory in Nicaragua, and Jehovah is raising up willing workers to care for the spiritual harvest. During a four-month campaign, 100 temporary special pioneers, self-sacrificing young brothers and sisters, were sent out to a total of 22 locations. Did they get results? For the Memorial, they reported, collectively, an attendance of 2,674. Five new isolated groups were established as a result of their efforts. Additionally, brothers and sisters, single and married, have come from Canada, Costa Rica, England, Germany, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Spain, and the United States to serve in Nicaragua as pioneers. These, along with the missionaries who were assigned here during the year, are doing excellent work.

Studies are not difficult to start in Nicaragua. On the way to the meeting, a missionary was approached by a man who first asked whether the group were Jehovah’s Witnesses. Then he said he would like to study the Bible. When they called on him, he recounted his experiences during the war in Nicaragua. On one occasion when he had been ordered to arrest some Witnesses, they had received him so hospitably that he could not carry out his orders. But now he was deeply perturbed. He had participated in much killing during the war. Would God forgive him? Isaiah 1:15-18 was used to answer his question, after which the man broke down in tears of gratitude and relief. A study was promptly started. When he realized that to please God, he needed to leave his girlfriend and return to his wife, he at once responded: “I want to serve Jehovah 100 percent, not 80 percent.”

Hated by the World, yet Known for Their Love

On the last night before his death, Jesus Christ told his apostles: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” He added: “If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, on this account the world hates you.” (John 13:35; 15:19) Like Jesus, Jehovah’s modern-day Witnesses are hated by the world yet known for their love.

Nevertheless, such treatment often turns out for the furtherance of the good news, rather than otherwise. Fair-minded men are at times moved to speak up in behalf of the Witnesses. Some even join them in worshiping Jehovah.

When an elder visited a group of publishers in the Caucasus Mountains, the house they met in was surrounded for two hours by a hostile crowd who demanded that the elder and other brothers in the group be turned over to them. However, the police intervened. At the police station, the brothers seized the opportunity to give a witness. The chief of police became interested. He and his family now study the Bible regularly with Jehovah’s Witnesses.

In Belarus, pressure from the Orthodox and Catholic churches has intensified against Jehovah’s servants. People are told not to listen to Jehovah’s Witnesses but to call the police if a Witness tries to start a conversation with them. But the clergy tactics have backfired. Now people are curious to learn who Jehovah is and who Jehovah’s Witnesses are.

Two weeks before a convention was due to begin in Irkutsk, Russia, two priests visited the director of the stadium, demanding that the convention be canceled. The director asked why. Their answer: “Jehovah’s Witnesses are a false religion. They are not Christians.” The director answered: “It is not my business to investigate which religion is true and which is not. I judge people according to their actions, not by their faith. Four years I have been cooperating with Jehovah’s Witnesses, and I am convinced that they are the best people. Thanks to them and their labor, the stadium is in excellent condition. If not for them, the stadium would probably have stopped functioning and I would not be its director. As for their methods, it is their right, but who prevents you from doing the same? Why don’t you rent the stadium and attract people in the same manner?” This answer made the priests furious, and they threatened him. But the director simply said that at least for now, it is not priests who manage the stadium, but he does.

Though Jehovah’s Witnesses are, as Jesus foretold, “objects of hatred by all the nations,” they are also well-known for their outstanding love. (Matt. 24:9) Such love is readily evident when Jehovah’s Witnesses share in theocratic construction projects. One of these is in Solnechnoye, Russia, where offices and Bethel facilities are being prepared for use in connection with the preaching of the good news in Russia. There are 530 brothers and sisters on the construction site from 30 different lands. What a fine spirit they show! Many of them take their vacation time in order to help. Others gave up their jobs or sold their homes to serve here for a longer period of time. Their keen interest in the Russian people is also reflected in the zeal of many as they apply themselves after working hours to learning the Russian language.

Such loving help has been channeled in other directions too. On June 8, at their own expense, 100 Norwegian Witnesses traveled to Iceland in order to assist their brothers in the simultaneous building of two Kingdom Halls, one in Keflavik and the other one in Selfoss.

Some who were opposers have a change of heart. For example, one day a young sister was calling from house to house in Ukraine and met an elderly man who threatened her with bodily harm if she came again. Our sister asked him to accept a brochure and promised not to trouble him further. But she lost her record of what house she should avoid and, later, inadvertently rang his bell. When she saw who opened the door, she was gripped with fear. She prayed to Jehovah. It was the man who spoke: “Lady, I have read your brochure and changed my opinion. I would like to start to study the Bible.”

Visitors to our conventions readily see evidence of the spirit that exists among Jehovah’s people. An official in charge of a convention site in Swaziland watched in amazement after the final session as hundreds of brothers and sisters helped with the dismantling and the general cleaning. His whole outlook changed. As he said, “women, men, white men, black men, and young ones all working harmoniously and happily to produce a clean facility in a matter of hours. . . . We would welcome you to use these grounds every week, if you wanted to.”

Love also moves Jehovah’s people to act in times of economic hardship. (1 John 3:17, 18) Dande Valley, in the northeastern part of Zimbabwe, was hard hit by drought this year. When other congregations in the country were informed of the situation, they responded wonderfully. Brothers donated bags of maize, as well as clothing and money. Others made available their trucks to deliver the relief supplies. When the relief team reached a remote congregation, they found a couple whose last meal had been two days earlier. The wife is a Witness; her husband, who was sick, is not a believer. He had lost all hope, but our dear sister had expressed the conviction that her God, Jehovah, would provide them with food. When our brothers arrived, she shed tears of joy.

Danger to the dikes made necessary the evacuation of ten of our congregations in the Netherlands. Immediately, nearby congregations responded. Phone calls from all over the country offered accommodations. There were more than enough. Later, when brothers returned to their homes, they were assisted by skilled brothers from our Regional Building Committees and other volunteers to reinstall their furniture, kitchen equipment, and so forth. Again this year, with the cooperation of brothers in a number of countries, relief supplies were also delivered to our brothers in war-torn Bosnia.

All of this gives tangible evidence that we are “harmoniously joined together in love.” (Col. 2:2) How wonderful it is to be part of an international family made up of people who truly love one another!

Acts of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Modern Times

Hungary

Since the start of their activity in Hungary over 95 years ago, Jehovah’s Witnesses have endured harsh persecution at the hands of clergy and rulers alike. Though banned in 1939 and arrested in large numbers in the 1950’s, they did not stop preaching the good news. Now legally recognized, they continue their ministry with more zeal than ever before.

Mozambique

Here is a record of true Christians who, though stripped of all their material possessions, were rich because of their faith, because of the evidence that they could see of God’s love for them, and because of their intense love for one another. Now a new era in the advancement of true worship has opened up on the east coast of Africa, in Mozambique.

Venezuela

For more than 50 years, efforts have been put forth to reach everyone in Venezuela with the good news of God’s Kingdom. Jehovah’s Witnesses have liberally sown seeds of Kingdom truth, and God is making them grow. Throughout the country, Kingdom Halls are overflowing and the number of praisers of Jehovah is growing. Read this heartwarming report.

Hungary

THE 25th of July, 1991, was a joyful day for the Kingdom work in Hungary. This date marked the arrival of the first missionary trained by the Watch Tower Society and assigned to serve in Hungary. László Sárközy and his wife, Karen, landed at 1:03 p.m. at Ferihegy airport to the south of Budapest. They had flown from Toronto, Canada, where he had served after graduating from the Ministerial Training School. For Brother Sárközy it was a return home after more than 27 years.

Modern-day Hungary is a country of more than 10 million inhabitants in south-central Europe. More than 95 percent of the population are of Magyar (Hungarian) descent, and approximately two thirds of these are listed as Roman Catholics. The roots of Catholicism in this land reach back over a thousand years. Not long after the introduction of Roman Catholicism, István (Stephen) was crowned king by Pope Sylvester II. Subsequently, Hungary took the title Regnum Marianum (Realm of [the Virgin] Mary).

Yet, not everyone in Hungary is Roman Catholic. The first complete Bible published in Hungarian, in 1590, was translated by a Protestant, Gáspár Károli. This much-revised translation, which contains the divine name, is currently the most widely used Hungarian Bible. The presence and influence of non-Catholics was acknowledged by the government in 1868 when a law went into effect that allowed individual freedom of choice with regard to religious education. In 1989 the Hungarian government extended this right to include Jehovah’s Witnesses. Missionaries of Jehovah’s Witnesses could now be sent into the country. However, the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses was by no means new to the Hungarian people.

Bible Truth Spreads in Hungary

Ninety-three years before the arrival of László and Karen Sárközy, Zion’s Watch Tower (issue of May 15, 1898) had published the following announcement about a brother in Canada: “We bid Goodbye to a dear brother who starts for his native land, Hungary, to tell the good tidings to his countrymen. A professor for years in the schools of his native land, he is well educated in Latin and German as well as Hungarian, and we trust that he may be used of the Lord to find and to seal some of the elect.”

His activity evidently yielded results. Five years later, when Charles Taze Russell and his traveling companions visited Zurich, they met, among others, two fellow believers from Hungary. In addition, several letters from Hungarian brothers published in the German edition of Zion’s Watch Tower in 1905 show that some were receiving Bible literature by way of Germany.

In 1908, Andrásné Benedek​—a humble Hungarian woman who had become a Bible Student, as Jehovah’s Witnesses were then known—​returned to Hajdúböszörmény, in eastern Hungary, to share with others the good news that she had learned from God’s Word. Four years later, two more Bible Students returned from the United States. They had learned the truth about God and his purposes by attending some of Brother Russell’s public discourses. Brother Russell made it a practice, after such programs, to approach those in the audience whom he had seen attend several times before. He would ask: “Where are you from? What is your nationality? Would you like to return to your relatives and share the truth with them?”

One of these two Bible Students, Károly Szabó, returned to the town of Marosvásárhely (now Tîrgu-Mureş, Romania), which was then in Hungary. The other brother, József Kiss, worked with Brother Szabó distributing literature in that vicinity before returning to his own hometown, Abara (now Oborín, Slovakia). Their activity brought results, for Brother Szabó’s family accepted the truth, and later more people in that area took their stand for the truth and joined in preaching the good news.

Hungarian Field in North America

Andrásné Benedek, Károly Szabó, József Kiss, and the professor from Canada are only a few of the many who learned the truth in North America and returned to Hungary in order to preach the good news. That so many came back to their homeland reflects the fact that the Hungarian field in America was being well worked.

Indeed, The Watch Tower of August 15, 1909, reminded the brothers that there were “thousands reading Magyar in all the principal cities of the Eastern and Central States” of America. Therefore, the brothers were encouraged to order and distribute free of charge the Hungarian edition of tracts called Peoples Pulpit. By the end of the following year, some 38,000 copies had been circulated in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Other Hungarian literature published during the following years included Studies in the Scriptures, the Scenario of the Photo-Drama of Creation, The Watch Tower, The Golden Age, and the booklet Millions Now Living Will Never Die. Later, the Society used radio programs in Hungarian to spread the good news. Five stations broadcast 27 Hungarian programs in 1930.

Dealing With Obstacles in Hungary

On a speaking tour in Europe in 1911, during which Brother Russell visited at least ten countries, he hoped that when in Budapest he would be able to speak on “Zionism in Prophecy.” However, a Jewish rabbi in New York who fiercely opposed the work being done by Brother Russell influenced his associates in Austria-Hungary to resist plans for such a meeting.

Later, Károly Szabó wrote to Brother Russell, saying: “The work in Hungary is much more difficult than in America, because the friends, with few exceptions, are very poor, and the work must be done on a much smaller scale. . . . There are at present forty-two small classes in various counties . . . The eleventh and twelfth of May we had a little convention, about 100 being present. . . .

“The pastors and priests of various denominations have sought to stop our work in a legal way. We were haled before the court. We have been able so far to defend our course.”

The Truth Reaches the Capital

Before World War I, a street cleaner in Budapest found one of the Bible Students’ tracts under some garbage he was removing. The tract included an address in Marosvásárhely. He showed the tract to his wife, and she read it with great pleasure and interest. Immediately, she wrote to ask for more literature. Literature was sent, and later someone visited her personally.

As a result, a small study group was soon formed, and this woman, Mrs. Horváth, volunteered her home for the group’s meetings. This location, in Tisza Kálmán Square (now Köztársaság Square), was the first used by the Bible Students in Budapest for their meetings. When Sister Horváth died in 1923, her flat continued to be used as a meeting place by the brothers, and it served temporarily as an office.

Kiss and Szabó Imprisoned

Thanks to Jehovah’s blessing on the zeal of Brothers Kiss and Szabó and others, when World War I broke out, there were study groups in various towns outside the capital​—Hajdúböszörmény, Bagamér, and Balmazújváros in eastern Hungary, and Nagyvisnyó in northern Hungary. Not only was there a group in Marosvásárhely but there was also one in Kolozsvár (Cluj), both of which cities are now in Romania.

The clergy were annoyed by the zealous activity of Brothers Kiss and Szabó and incited the government to take action against them. Both were arrested and sentenced to five years in prison. However, during the 1919 revolution, they were released, and immediately they started to build up communication between the congregations. This became more difficult, though, as a result of the Treaty of Trianon in 1920, which stripped Hungary of much of its territory and consigned this to surrounding countries.

Postwar Activities Organized From Cluj

After the world war, more who had learned Bible truth in the United States returned to Hungary. Among them were József and Bálint Soós, fleshly brothers, who had been baptized in 1918. After arriving in their homeland in 1919, they promptly started spreading the good news with the help of the Society’s publications. Jehovah’s blessing on their efforts was evident. A congregation was formed in Tiszaeszlár, and then other congregations sprang up in the neighboring villages.

The year after the arrival of the Soós brothers in Hungary, the Society sent Jacob B. Sima to Romania. A few days after his arrival in Cluj, he met with Károly Szabó and then with József Kiss in order to reorganize the work in both Hungary and Romania. They searched for a suitable place for an office. The preaching of the good news in Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, and Albania came under the supervision of this office.

Since it proved impossible to find adequate facilities in Cluj for the branch office, the Society undertook the construction of an office and printery there in 1924. At the end of that year, The Watch Tower reported: “The Society’s printing plant at Cluj during the year has manufactured 226,075 volumes of books, and 129,952 books have been distributed. In addition, copies of The Watch Tower and Golden Age to the number of more than 175,000 in each of the two languages [Romanian and Hungarian] have been distributed.”

Worldly observers were amazed at what was taking place. Az Út (The Way) magazine said: “Currently [1924] there is no other printery in Romania with such modern equipment. . . . How Lilliputian our . . . distribution activity is in comparison to [that of the Bible Students].”

Loving, Courageous, and Hated

Progress in the spreading of the Kingdom message in Hungary itself, however, did not wait until the printery in Romania was ready to go into operation. In 1922 there were 160 persons who gathered in Hungary to commemorate the Lord’s death. In that same year, under the Society’s direction, arrangements were made to print 200,000 copies of the resolution A Challenge to World Leaders, and the brothers were officially granted one day to distribute it. Copies reached many public offices and high officials by mail.

György Kiss was one who set a fine example for his Hungarian brothers during that period. He was a big, loving, courageous man. During World War I, he had been condemned to death for his neutral stand, but later his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment, and after the war he was freed. He used his added years of life well, helping to establish many congregations. He also served as a pilgrim, a traveling speaker for the Bible Students.

For his fearless and successful activities, Brother Kiss was especially hated by the clergy as well as by the State Police. Although he was frequently arrested and maltreated, it was difficult to sentence him because he knew the law well and defended himself skillfully against the charges. Brothers pleaded with him to show more caution, but he continued traveling the country, visiting the congregations and endeavoring to strengthen others spiritually. He was a good example, fitting the apostle Paul’s words “gentle toward all, qualified to teach, . . . instructing with mildness those not favorably disposed.”​—2 Tim. 2:24, 25.

On July 20, 1931, brothers were expecting him at the blossoming congregation in Debrecen, near the Romanian border, but he never arrived. They concluded that his enemies had done away with him and that he had ‘gone home’ to his heavenly reward.​—John 14:2.

More From the United States

Throughout the 1920’s, people who had become Bible Students in the United States continued to return to Hungary with an evangelizing spirit. These included János Varga, who first went to Hajdúszoboszló in the eastern part of Hungary and later served as a pilgrim, also József Toldy, who went to Nagyvisnyó in northern Hungary and zealously engaged in evangelizing there.

János Dóber, who had learned the truth when he attended a talk given by Brother Russell in 1910, went to western Hungary and commenced preaching with great zeal in Zalaudvarnok. In a very short period of time, a group was formed, and under his zealous lead, this group preached in all the surrounding towns and villages. However, he often faced hard opposition, and at times he wanted to return to America. But his wife would ask him: “Darling, why did we return home to Hungary? Was it not to preach?” And János would regain his composure.

Opposition From Inside and Outside

As the preaching of the good news reached into more areas and increased in intensity, opposition also intensified. In 1925 the government withdrew its permission to distribute the Society’s literature. In order to continue to provide the brothers with spiritual food, it became necessary to publish the Watch Tower magazine in Cluj under periodically changing titles, such as Christian Pilgrim and Gospel.

The clergy also intensified their action against the brothers. For example, Zoltán Nyisztor, a Catholic priest, edited a booklet, entitled Millennialists or Bible Students, that stated: “Russellism is worse and more detestable than Red Bolshevism, since . . . Russellism disguises a call for anarchy in the clothes of religion; it portrays revolutions, persecution of churches, and the crushing or annihilation of clergy as God’s plan.”

The churches were often the instigators of the brutal treatment meted out to the brothers by the police. Evidence of such brutality could be seen in the scars borne by Károly Szabó when he returned to the United States.

Added to this persecution were internal difficulties stirred up by Satan and his demons. In Cluj, Jacob B. Sima started pursuing selfish goals, losing sight of the preaching of the good news of God’s Kingdom and wanting to draw attention to himself. This led to a major division.

Shortly afterward, the Watch Tower Society’s Magdeburg office (Germany) was given direction of the work in Hungary, and they asked Lajos Szabó to go to Budapest to help organize the preaching work and the translation of The Watch Tower. Thereafter, the Hungarian Watch Tower was printed in Magdeburg with the title A Magazine for Those Who Believe in the Blood of Christ.

Help From German Brothers

In 1931 the Bible Students worldwide realized that in view of what is clearly stated in God’s Word, it would be most appropriate for them to be known as Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Isa. 43:10) The booklets The Kingdom, the Hope of the World and Explanation, published in Hungary, discussed why the name Jehovah’s Witnesses was being adopted and, in harmony with that name, focused attention on Jehovah and his purpose in connection with his Kingdom.

The 1933 Yearbook reported: “When the Kingdom booklet appeared, this was made a special occasion to give the capital of Hungary an extensive witness. At a fixed time 90 German friends went there, and in the course of five days about 125,000 Kingdom booklets and 200,000 tracts were spread.”

The distribution of Kingdom booklets was one of many occasions when German Witnesses assisted their Hungarian brothers. When Hitler came to power in Germany and started persecuting Jehovah’s Witnesses, many brothers and sisters had to leave Germany, and some transferred to Hungary. Among these were Martin Poetzinger, who had already spent a year in Bulgaria and who, years later, became a member of the Governing Body, and Gertrud Mende, who became his wife.

Gerhard Zennig, who was also a German-speaking Witness, worked with Brother Szabó at that time. Although Brother Zennig was not physically strong, he was brutally manhandled, especially by a police detective called Balázs. Heinrich Dwenger, who was sent directly from the branch office in Germany, is also remembered with love by the brothers in Budapest. With his mildness, goodness, and mature counsel, he was of great help to the Hungarian brothers. The German pioneers dubbed him “pioneer-father” because he lovingly cared for them.

During this period, Fascism started to have a strong influence on Hungary. The German brothers were forced to leave, and the Hungarian brothers suffered increased persecution. Many of them were brutally maltreated by the police and then were given long prison sentences.

Meetings Held Cautiously

In the late 1930’s, our meetings were possible only when they were held secretly and in small groups. Available literature usually consisted of just one Watchtower per congregation, and this was circulated among the brothers.

Ferenc Nagy from Tiszavasvári recalls: “The Watchtower Study of that time did not resemble those of today. After everybody whom they expected had arrived, the doors were shut. Sometimes the consideration of an article lasted up to six hours. I was about five years old, my brother a year younger, but we enjoyed sitting in our small chairs and listening to the long studies. It was really a pleasure. I still remember some of the prophetic dramas. The way our parents raised us had good results.”

Etel Kecskemétiné, now in her eighties and still faithfully serving in Budapest, remembers that in Tiszakarád the brothers would hold meetings in their fields during the noon meal breaks. Since they worked together in cultivating the land of first one Witness and then another, the officials could not prevent such meetings. During fall and winter, the sisters would sit together to spin yarn, and the brothers would join them. Although the police inquired about their activity, they were unable to stop them. If such opportunities to meet were not available, they would gather somewhere early in the morning or late at night.

Resourceful Proclaimers

When preaching at the doors was banned, the Witnesses found other means to share Bible truths. The use of portable phonographs was relatively new at that time, and there was no law against playing these. In view of that, the brothers would ask the householder for permission to play a recorded message. If this was granted, a recording of one of Brother Rutherford’s talks was played. In order to do this, the brothers made phonograph records in Hungarian containing the talks given by Brother Rutherford, and they utilized both portable phonographs and transcription machines with large horns.

Regarding those powerful recorded Bible messages, János Lakó, who later married the daughter of Sister Kecskemétiné, recalls: “I had the happy experience of hearing one in Sátoraljaújhely. One of its sentences engraved itself upon my mind: ‘Monarchies, democracies, aristocracies, Fascism, Communism and Nazis, and all suchlike efforts to rule shall pass away at Armageddon and will soon be forgotten.’ We were amazed at the forceful presentation of Bible truths. In 1945 the talk, which had so impressed me, now sounded like a prophecy.”

Hardships Continue

Persecution continued with increased fury. After a Catholic priest visited the Budapest office of the Society and obtained all the information he could, a slanderous campaign was launched in the press. This was accompanied by warnings from the pulpit and on the radio. Throughout the country literature was seized, and the Witnesses were cruelly beaten. In Kisvárda a number of Witnesses were taken to the town hall. One by one they were led into another room and fiendishly beaten and tortured. Reporting on this, the 1938 Year Book of Jehovah’s Witnesses asked: “‘Easter,’ the Sunday of the great procession. What did they celebrate on this resurrection day? The resurrection of the Roman Inquisition?”

When the clergy could not get certain officials to do their bidding, they employed other means. The 1939 Year Book reported: “The friends are often thrashed and abused by reckless fellows who are urged on to do it and often paid for it. We found out that in some places the local clergymen had rewarded each of these fellows with 10 kilograms [22 pounds] of tobacco, for having laid wrong charges against God’s children.”

Outlawed

In 1938, András Bartha, who had worked at the Society’s office in Magdeburg, Germany, for five years and then had served in what was then Czechoslovakia, found himself in Hungarian territory after parts of Czechoslovakia and Carpatho-Ukraine were annexed by Hungary. Brother Bartha was promptly assigned to look after the Society’s work in Hungary. The activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses had already been banned in Germany under the Nazi State. Their meetings were prohibited in Czechoslovakia. Then, on December 13, 1939, their activity was also outlawed in Hungary.

That same year, two internment camps were erected in Hungary, one 20 miles [30 km] from Budapest and the other in the town of Nagykanizsa, in southwest Hungary, 16 miles [26 km] from the Yugoslav border. These camps were soon filled with people they called unreliable​—criminals, Communists, and Jehovah’s Witnesses, who were accused of being a threat to society.

At the same time, a Budapest central police superintendent organized a detective squad to uncover the “leadership” of Jehovah’s Witnesses and to analyze the function of this illegal organization and its foreign connections. Arrests, physical and psychological abuse, and imprisonment followed.

Did all of this bring the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Hungary to a halt? No, but it did require that every publisher heed Jesus’ counsel to be “cautious as serpents and yet innocent as doves.” (Matt. 10:16) The 1940 Yearbook gives an example of how a pioneer sister used caution. She wore a black kerchief on her head and another around her shoulders. After she had worked a part of a community, she saw one of the householders coming toward her with two police-soldiers. The sister took refuge in a side street, changed her black kerchiefs for some of another color, and moved quietly on in the direction of the two police-soldiers. These asked her whether she had seen a woman wearing black kerchiefs, to which the sister replied that she had seen one, evidently in a hurry, running in the other direction. The police-soldiers and their spy went running off to catch her while the Witness quietly went home.

A faithful pioneer sister later recalled how the authorities, under pressure from the clergy, had her arrested. For a time she was under police surveillance and was obligated to report to the police twice a month. But as soon as she left the police station, she would mount her bicycle and go into her territory to preach. For her persistence in witnessing, they locked her up​—first for five days, then for ten, fifteen, and thirty days, for forty days twice, then for sixty, for one hundred days twice, and, finally, for eight years. And why? For teaching people the Bible. Like the apostles of Jesus Christ, she obeyed God as ruler rather than men.​—Acts 5:29.

As Brother Bartha had become fully occupied with translation work, in 1940 the Society entrusted János Konrád, a former zone servant (circuit overseer), with the direction of the work in Hungary.

More Internment Camps

In August 1940 part of Transylvania (Romania) was taken over by Hungary. The following year, persecution in this area intensified. In Cluj, Transylvania, another internment camp was erected, and hundreds of brothers and sisters, young and old, were taken to this camp. Later, the Witnesses there were subjected to much brutality because they would not renounce their faith and return to their former religion. When news of this reached the Witnesses outside the camp, faithful ones throughout the country united in prayer in their behalf. Shortly thereafter, an official investigation at the Cluj camp exposed corruption, so the commanding officer and a majority of the guards were transferred, and some were even imprisoned. This brought some relief to our brothers, and for this they gave thanks to Jehovah.

Meanwhile, in southwestern Hungary, in a camp situated near Nagykanizsa, married couples were interned together, their children being looked after by Witnesses still at home. In all of these camps, pressure was put on Jehovah’s people. They were offered freedom if they would just sign a document renouncing their faith and promising that they would give up all connection with Jehovah’s Witnesses and return to their former State-approved faith.

The situation of Jehovah’s Witnesses became even more perilous on June 27, 1941, when Hungary joined the war against the Soviet Union. This led to many trials in connection with refusal of military service.

Country Servant Arrested

The detective squad dealing with Jehovah’s Witnesses became increasingly active, raiding the homes of many brothers. Brother Konrád received frequent summonses, raids were made on his home, and he was obliged to present himself at the central police department twice a week.

In November 1941 he assembled all zone servants (circuit overseers) and told them that he was sure he would soon be arrested, so he indicated that József Klinyecz, one of the zone servants, should supervise the work in the event of his arrest.

The very next month, on December 15, Brother Konrád was arrested. For several days he was brutalized in an unspeakably barbaric manner in an effort to get him to divulge the names of the zone servants and the pioneers, but his tormentors had no success. Finally he was handed over to the district attorney. After all of that, he was sentenced to just two months in prison. But at the end of his sentence, he was not released. Instead he was transferred to the concentration camp at Kistarcsa on the premise that he was a menace to society.

Two Country Servants

Meanwhile, in 1942 the Central European Office in Switzerland officially assigned Dénes Faluvégi to supervise the work in Hungary. Brother Faluvégi, who was mild-tempered and yielding by nature, was nevertheless capable of inspiring others by his own zeal for the truth. He had been a schoolteacher in Transylvania and had shared significantly in the organization of the work in Romania after World War I.

However, Brother Klinyecz, the zone servant to whom Brother Konrád had entrusted temporary responsibility for the work in the event of his arrest, was not pleased when the assignment was given to Brother Faluvégi. He considered Brother Faluvégi incapable of facing up to the difficult task.

Brother Klinyecz had always been a zealous and courageous brother, firmer by nature than he was mild-tempered. He was zealous in the field service and well known and loved by the brothers throughout the country. The brothers came to be divided into two camps​—one side recognizing the Society’s appointment of Brother Faluvégi, the other side sharing Brother Klinyecz’s opinion that the responsibility for supervision needed to be in firm hands in such difficult times.

Some congregations were simultaneously visited by two zone servants​—one sent by Brother Faluvégi, the other by Brother Klinyecz. Sad to say, in such situations, instead of encouraging the brothers, at times the two zone servants quarreled between themselves. Understandably, this grieved the faithful brothers.

Racehorse Stable in Alag

In August 1942 the authorities decided to put an end to Jehovah’s Witnesses in Hungary. For this purpose they prepared ten collection points where the Witnesses, men and women, young and old alike, were brought together. Even persons who were not yet baptized but were known to have contact with Jehovah’s Witnesses were taken to these places.

The Witnesses from Budapest and its vicinity were taken to a racehorse stable in Alag. On both sides of the stable, along the outer walls, straw was spread out on which the brothers and sisters slept at night. If somebody wanted simply to turn around during the night, he had to get formal permission from the guards. During the day they were forced to sit in a row on wooden benches facing the wall while guards paced up and down the stable with fixed bayonets. No talking was permitted.

Next to the stable, there was a smaller room where the detectives, under the direction of István and Antal Juhász, two fleshly brothers, carried out the “interrogations.” They tortured the brothers, using methods some of which are too degraded to mention.

The sisters were not spared either. The stockings of one sister were forced into her mouth to muffle her outcries. Then she was forced to lie face down on the ground with one of the detectives sitting on her and holding up her feet while another beat her unmercifully on the soles of her feet. The strokes and her cries could be heard clearly in the room where the brothers were.

“Court” in Alag

The “interrogations” were brought to a close by the end of November. In that month a courtroom was improvised in the dance hall of a restaurant in Alag where the court of the general staff of Heinrich Werth handled the case of 64 of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Upon entering this courtroom, they saw literature, Bibles, typewriters, gramophones, and records that had been confiscated during the house searches.

The case was opened without any of the 64 accused having been questioned by the military prosecutor or having been able even to speak with the attorney that the court had commissioned to defend them. The questioning of all the defendants took only a few hours, and the Witnesses were given no real chance to defend themselves. One sister was asked if she was prepared to take up arms. She replied: “I am a woman, and as such I don’t have to take up arms.” At that she was asked: “Would you take up arms if you were a man?” She replied: “I shall answer that question the day I become one!”

Later the sentences were pronounced. Brothers Bartha, Faluvégi, and Konrád were to be hanged. Others were condemned to life imprisonment, and the remainder were sentenced to two to fifteen years in a penitentiary. That same afternoon they were taken to the military prison on Margit Boulevard in Budapest. The three brothers who had been sentenced to death expected to be executed any minute, but precisely one month after their entering prison, their attorney came and informed them that their death sentences had been commuted to life imprisonment.

At the other nine collection places, the questionings were conducted with methods similar to those used at the stable in Alag. The convicted brothers were eventually transferred to the penitentiary at Vác, in the north of the country.

With Nuns as Prison Guards

The sisters were generally interned in Budapest on Conti Street, at the counter-intelligence prison. Those sentenced to terms of three or more years were transferred to the prison for women in Márianosztra (Our Mary), a village near the Slovakian border, where they were guarded by nuns who treated our sisters in a most fearful manner. Witnesses who had previously been in other prisons were also taken there.

Whoever was not prepared to obey the prison rules set by the nuns was put into the dungeon. Among these rules were obligatory church attendance and the Catholic salute, “Praised be Jesus Christ.” If the prisoners were given anything, the expression of thanks was to be, “May God reward you for this.”

Of course, our faithful sisters did not conform to these rules. Every time they refused to go to church, they were put into the dungeon for 24 hours; it was on these occasions that our sisters would say: “May God reward you for this.” The Witnesses were also deprived of all the usual privileges, such as receiving packages, corresponding with relatives, and receiving visitors. Only a few compromised to avoid further hardship. After a time, however, for the faithful ones, there was a letup in the harsh treatment.

Bor Concentration Camp

In the summer of 1943, the brothers under 49 years of age from all the prisons in the country were assembled in one of the provincial towns and ordered to take up military service. The faithful brothers, although they were again brutalized, remained firm and refused, also declining the military clothing they were offered. Nine of the group, however, took the military oath and accepted the uniforms. But their compromise brought them no relief. All the 160 collected there, including the nine defectors, were transferred to a concentration camp at Bor (Serbia). Two years later, one of those defectors, rifle in hand, was pale and shaking as he found himself on a squad delegated to execute, among others, his own fleshly brother, a faithful Witness.

Both en route to the camp and in it, brothers had some harsh experiences. But the camp commander did not generally insist on having the brothers do work contrary to their consciences. On one occasion when some of the soldiers used torture to try to force the Witnesses to violate their consciences, the commander even apologized.

Károly Áfra, a brother in his seventies who is still serving Jehovah faithfully, relates: “There were some attempts to break our faith, but we remained steadfast. On one occasion we were to make a gun emplacement out of concrete. Two brothers were selected for the work. They refused and said that they were imprisoned for their not doing anything in connection with war. The officer told them that if they did not work, he would have them executed. One of the brothers was taken away by a soldier to the other side of the mountain, and a shot was heard. The officer turned to the other brother: ‘Now your brother is dead, but you can think it over.’

“The answer of the brother was: ‘If my brother could die for his faith, why could not I?’ The officer ordered the other soldier to bring back the ‘shot’ brother and, patting the other one on the back, said: ‘Such brave men deserve to stay alive,’ and he let them go.”

The brothers knew that the reason they were alive was to serve as Jehovah’s Witnesses. There were thousands of other prisoners in the camp at Bor, and the Witnesses gave many of them a thorough witness about Jehovah and his Kingdom. Throughout the country during those difficult years, Jehovah’s Witnesses​—whether in prison, in concentration camps, or elsewhere—​made good use of opportunities to give a witness. They met kindly disposed people everywhere, even among important officials, who admired the courageous endurance of the Witnesses. Some officers even encouraged them: “May you continue to endure in your faith.”

The Witnesses had already been in Bor under dangerous and trying circumstances for 11 months when the rumor started that partisans intended to attack the village. The decision was made to evacuate the camp. When the Witnesses learned, two days before the planned departure, that they would have to undertake the journey on foot, they immediately started constructing two- and four-wheeled carts. By the time of departure, they had so many carts that officers, soldiers, and other prisoners came to look with amazement at what Jehovah’s Witnesses had accomplished.

Before being taken to the road (together with 3,000 Jewish prisoners), each brother was given one and a half pounds [0.7 kg] of bread and five tins of fish, which was not nearly enough for the journey. But Jehovah provided what the officers did not. How? By means of the Serbian and Hungarian inhabitants of the territory through which they passed. These gladly gave them the bread they could spare. The brothers gathered this bread together, and during a pause they would divide it in such a just way that each one received a piece, even if it was a mere morsel. Although hundreds of the prisoners were turned over to German soldiers for execution along the way, Jehovah’s hand of protection was over his Witnesses.

Integrity Tested Again

Near the end of 1944, when the Soviet army was drawing close, the Witnesses were called upon to move toward the Hungarian-Austrian border. Finding that all able-bodied men were at the front, the Witnesses helped the women in the area do the heavy work on their land. Where they were lodged, the brothers seized opportunities to witness.

In January 1945 the commander informed the Witnesses that all men able to work should report to the town hall of Jánosháza. From there a German officer took them outside the village to dig trenches. When the first six who were selected refused, the officer immediately ordered: “Have them executed!” The six brothers were lined up, the Hungarian soldiers stood with their rifles ready to shoot on command, and the remaining 76 brothers were watching. Quietly one of the Hungarian soldiers urged the watching brothers: “Go over and also throw down your tools or they will shoot them.” They immediately followed his advice. The German officer was so perplexed that at first he just stared incredulously. Then he asked: “They don’t want to work either?” Brother Bartha answered in German: “Oh, yes, we do want to work, but we cannot perform tasks contrary to our faith. The sergeant here can confirm that we have done everything with the utmost conscientiousness and efficiency, and we still do, but this job that you have in mind for us we shall not do.”

One of those brothers later recalled: “The officer then declared that we were all under arrest, which was really rather laughable because we were all convicts anyway.”

Other Integrity Keepers

Like those brothers mentioned above, hundreds of other brothers and sisters all over the country fought the same fight for their faith in many other concentration camps and prisons.

In the spring of 1944, when many Jews were transported from the internment camp at Nagykanizsa to camps in Germany, there were two of Jehovah’s Witnesses among them, Éva Bász and Olga Slézinger, Jews by birth, 20 and 45 years of age respectively. They were both zealous, purehearted worshipers of Jehovah God. Sister Bász was a very delicate girl, but she had been serving as a pioneer before her arrest. She was in the field ministry in Dunavecse when the police arrested her and took her along to the town hall.

At the instigation of the mayor of the village, she underwent degrading treatment. Sister Bász recalls: “All my hair was shaved off; I had to stand naked with ten to twelve policemen present. Then they began an interrogation and wanted to know who our leader in Hungary was. I explained that we had no other leader than Jesus Christ.” Their response was ruthless beating with their batons. But Sister Bász was determined not to betray her Christian brothers.

Next, she recalls: “These beasts tied my hands and feet together over my head, and all of them humiliated me by raping me, all except one of the policemen. They tied me so firmly that I still had marks on my wrists when I came to Sweden three years later. I was so maltreated that they hid me in the basement for two weeks, until the most severe injuries were healed. They did not dare to let other people see my condition.” Sister Bász was sent to the Nagykanizsa camp and from there, together with Sister Slézinger, to Auschwitz.

She continues: “I felt safe when with Olga; she could be humorous in trying situations. Doctor Mengele had the task of separating the new arrivals who were not fit for work from the able-bodied. The former were sent to gas chambers. When it was our turn, he said to Olga: ‘How old are you?’ Boldly and with a humorous twinkle in her eyes she answered: ‘Twenty.’ In reality she was twice that age. But Mengele laughed and let her go to the right side and stay alive.”

Yellow stars identifying them as Jews were sewn on their clothing, but they protested, insisting that they were Jehovah’s Witnesses. They tore off the yellow stars and demanded that purple triangles be sewn on to identify them as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Though severely beaten for this, they responded: “Do with us whatever you like, but we shall always remain Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

Later they were brought to the concentration camp in Bergen-Belsen. It was about this time that a typhus epidemic broke out in the camp. Sister Slézinger became so sick that she was removed from the camp along with many others and was never seen again. Shortly afterward, this territory was freed by the British army. Sister Bász was taken to a hospital, after which she moved to Sweden, where she quickly contacted the brothers.

Many of the brothers who were imprisoned in Hungary were later deported to Germany. Most of them returned after the war, but not all. Dénes Faluvégi was one who died while being transported from the concentration camp at Buchenwald to the one at Dachau. He had faithfully served Jehovah for more than 30 years.

Faithful Witnesses Until Death

When the Nagykanizsa camp was dissolved in the autumn of 1944, the Witnesses who had not already been deported to Germany were set free. However, since the battlefront made it impossible for them to return home, they decided to take jobs on the surrounding farms until the situation improved. Then, on October 15, 1944, the Nyilaskeresztes Párt (Arrow Cross party), supported by the German Nazi party, took power and immediately started calling up young men for military service.

Soon the brothers were arrested again because of their neutrality. Five of the young brothers who were arrested were taken to Körmend, about six miles [10 km] from the Austrian border, where a military court was in session in the local schoolhouse. The first to be tried was Bertalan Szabó, who was sentenced to be executed by a firing squad. Before the execution, he wrote a heart-moving farewell letter, which you can read in the book Jehovah’s Witnesses​—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom, page 662. Afterward, two other brothers, János Zsondor and Antal Hönis, were taken before the court. They too remained firm, and they too were executed.

Sándor Helmeczi was imprisoned at the same place. He recalls: “At a certain hour of the day, we were allowed to use the lavatory in the courtyard. They rearranged the schedule so that we would see what happened. They wanted to say thereby: ‘Now you know what will happen to you too.’ That was a very sad moment for us​—to see our beloved brothers fallen lifeless. Then we were led back to our cells.

“After ten minutes we were called to come out, and we were told to clean away the blood of our brothers. Thus we saw them up close. The face of János Zsondor remained quite normal. His smiling, friendly, and mild face showed no trace of fear.”

At the same time, another brother, 20-year-old Lajos Deli, was publicly hanged in the market square of Sárvár, about 25 miles [40 km] from the Austrian border. In 1954 an ex-officer, an eyewitness, recalled what took place that day:

“There were many of us, civilians as well as military men, who were fleeing westward. Passing through Sárvár we saw the gallows erected in the market square. There was a young boy with a very pleasant, peaceful face standing under the gallows. When I asked one of the onlookers what the boy had done, I was told that he had refused to take up either weapons or spade. There were several recruits of the Arrow Cross party around, carrying machine guns. Everyone heard when one of them said to the young man: ‘This is your last chance, take it or we’ll hang you!’ The youngster did not respond; he was not in the least impressed. Then in a firm voice he said: ‘You can go ahead and hang me, but I would rather obey my God, Jehovah, than mere men.’ He was then hanged.”

According to the 1946 Yearbook, 16 Witnesses were killed between 1940 and 1945 because of their conscientious objection to military service; 26 more died as a consequence of ill treatment. Like their Lord they conquered the world because of their faith.

A New Start After the War

Most of the brothers who returned home did so in the first half of 1945. They had never ceased bearing witness to the truth, even though since 1942 they had been unable to function in an organized manner. By the end of 1945, however, there were 590 who were turning in reports again. The following year the number rose to a peak of 837, more than at any time in the prewar era.

The extreme economic instability following the war put a great burden on everyone. Prices sometimes doubled within an hour. It was necessary to reckon prices in terms of food, and the standard was an egg. Thus, when the brothers provided funds to the Society’s office for literature, they did so by taking food to the office​—eggs, cooking oil, flour, and so forth. These things, then, had to be stored and sold. Bills for paper and printing were often paid with food. Some relief came on August 20, 1946, when a new currency was introduced. Far more encouraging, however, were the many bales of clothing and the large quantities of foodstuffs sent as a gift by our Christian brothers in other countries.

Soon it became possible to hold large meetings openly right in Hungary. In 1945, for a public talk delivered in Sárospatak, upwards of 500 were present. The brothers were overwhelmed with joy. In October 1946 a national convention was held at Nyíregyháza with 600 in attendance. In 1947 another national convention was held​—this time in Budapest, the capital. The Hungarian state railway even gave a 50-percent discount to those traveling to the convention by special train, a train that had a sign reading: “Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” The attendance this time reached 1,200. That same year, a villa was purchased in Budapest to be used as a branch office of the Watch Tower Society.

József Klinyecz’s Remorse

It is now appropriate to mention again József Klinyecz, who, though zealous for the field ministry, had caused serious division among the brothers in 1942 because of his unyielding attitude. After the war he addressed an eight-page letter to the Society’s headquarters in Brooklyn in which he made accusations against Brothers Konrád and Bartha. In his answer Brother Knorr, who was then president of the Watch Tower Society, pointed out to Klinyecz that the preaching of the good news of the Kingdom was again under way in Hungary and that he would do well to share in it instead of using his time writing accusations against the brothers. “Who are you to judge another man’s servant?” Brother Knorr asked, citing Romans 14:4.

After thinking about what he had read, József Klinyecz went to Brother Konrád and said: “I have received Brother Knorr’s letter, and reading it has deeply affected me. I have examined my course of action up until now and reconsidered my whole life. I have asked Jehovah’s forgiveness in prayer, and now I have come to you to ask you also to forgive me if you can!” Brother Konrád lovingly replied: “If Jehovah has forgiven you, who are we not to forgive you?”

At that, Brother Klinyecz started to weep. He acknowledged that his heart had already hardened to such a degree that, before this, if one of the brothers had come to him in the way he was now doing, he would have thrown him out of his home. How different and how refreshing was the welcome he had received! Immediately after this, Brother Klinyecz got started again in the field ministry, and later he took up the pioneer service. How kindly and mercifully Jehovah deals with those who repentantly return to him and walk in his ways!​—Isa. 55:6, 7.

A Changing Political Climate

In 1948 the Communist Party gradually took power in Hungary. That year the Witnesses were still able to hold their circuit assemblies, but often under difficult circumstances. Consider what occurred in connection with the assembly held in the theater of Sátoraljaújhely.

The brothers planned to broadcast the program not only in the auditorium but also in the square in front of the building. While testing their outside loudspeakers, they advertised the public talk. Promptly the brother responsible for organizing the convention was summoned to the police officers’ lounge. János Lakó explained to them: “We are going to have a circuit assembly and therefore announced the public talk. We already informed you of this at the police station.” The policeman replied: “But at that time you did not mention the loudspeakers. Remove them at once!”

When Brother Lakó related to others of the brothers what he had been told and under what circumstances, they advised: “As it was forbidden to you, do not you do anything. But we could try something. One policeman forbade it, but who knows whether another one would allow it.”

At that they wrote a request in duplicate in connection with the use of the outside loudspeakers and handed it in at the police station. The officer on duty tried to contact his superiors by telephone, but without success. The brothers told him that it was enough to file it and to stamp their copy. So he did.

As expected, policemen appeared during the public talk and ordered the brothers to disconnect the loudspeakers.

“Why should we if we have permission?”

“Where is it?” asked the policemen.

“The organizer has it.”

“Have him come here.”

He was found, and he showed the permit to the policemen. They stood there for a while and listened to the talk. The hall was packed, and many others heard it over the loudspeakers outside. All went well that day. Nevertheless, more severe problems lay ahead.

Given Another Label

Before the war the newspapers had repeatedly branded Jehovah’s Witnesses as “Communists” or as those “preparing the way for Communism.” However, with the Communist Party in power, such a label no longer served the objective of opposers. Thus, in 1949 articles appeared almost every week accusing them of being “mercenaries of American imperialism” who were financed by the United States.

In 1950, Communists, clergy, and the press formed a united front against Jehovah’s Witnesses. The brothers often heard from interested ones that when they had told their priest they were officially leaving the church, the clergyman said: “What? Jehovah’s Witnesses are agents of imperialism, and you want to join them?” Arrests became frequent​—302 in that year. Public talks were possible only at funerals, but there were 72 of these within the year. In spite of the trouble, the brothers managed to report a peak of 1,910 publishers.

Principal Overseers Arrested Again

Then, on November 13, 1950, detectives came to the Society’s Budapest branch office and conducted a search. They made such a mess that the office rooms resembled battlefields. The branch servant, János Konrád, and the translator, András Bartha, as well as a circuit servant, János Lakó, were arrested along with four other brothers and were taken to the prison at 60 Andrássy Street.

János Konrád wrote about it: “At the interrogations there, they did not use as much and as painful physical torture as at the police interrogations, but the brainwashing and mental torture in the middle of the night were sometimes worse than the physical torture had been.

“Our trial took place on February 2, 1951. The charge: ‘Coleadership of an organization aiming at the subversion of State and society, and treason.’ The president of the court, Judge Jónás (who during the counterrevolution five years later was in such terror that he took his own life), sentenced the seven of us to from five to ten years in prison. This sentence had evidently been prearranged, for there was no deliberation whatsoever, and previously, during one of the interrogations, a brother had been told by the one who interrogated him: ‘We shall lock you up for ten years, and when those ten years are up, our People’s Republic will be stronger than it is now, and the people will be ideologically trained and immune to your trying to influence them with the Bible. Then we shall be able to release you.’”

Brother Konrád continued: “We were sent to the prison at Vác, north of Budapest. But it was a joy for all of us to be put together into the same cell. At last we were able to exchange thoughts and experiences! We passed the day following a schedule, starting with the day’s text, which we took turns in preparing. We did not even possess a Bible; nevertheless, we started ‘reading’ the Bible from the beginning by citing the passages we could remember. We ‘read’ Watchtower articles in the same way. And we prayed daily that Jehovah would help our brothers on the outside to remain steadfast.

“We did not remain together for very long, however, for we were separated and put with worldly prisoners​—the authorities concluding that if we remained together we would strengthen one another in our convictions and would never ‘improve.’ Later on we were reunited, this time because they feared that we might convince our worldly cellmates of God’s truth. This game repeated itself throughout our imprisonment.”

A New Committee Starts to Work

In spring of 1953, almost every mature brother entrusted with responsibility was arrested. The arrests were made suddenly, unexpectedly, in connection with raids on the homes of the brothers. A complete reorganization of the work in Hungary was necessary. Three circuit overseers were now to serve on the new committee: Zoltán Hubicsák, József Csobán, and György Podlovics.

In November 1953 the three members of this committee were arrested and taken to the state security prison of Békéscsaba. Strangely enough, they were set free after ten days. Only later was it learned that József Csobán had buckled under pressure and agreed to work for the authorities. However, the committee was reorganized: Mihály Paulinyi replaced József Csobán, who became district servant.

One of the main responsibilities of the committee was to translate the study articles of The Watchtower and to make sure that a copy of each reached every circuit. Circuit overseers then duplicated it and distributed one copy to each congregation.

In addition to that, the spiritual food also had to reach the brothers interned in labor camps. Perhaps the best known of the labor camps was Tólápa, a coal mine in the north of the country. At its peak, 265 brothers were put to work there by the authorities. In the mines the brothers were working with the regular miners, many of whom were well disposed toward Jehovah’s Witnesses. They smuggled literature in and reports out for them.

Two main goals were being pursued by our enemies in those years​—force the Witnesses to accept military service and force them to enter the Union of Free Churches. They failed to reach either of these goals, so they tried another scheme.

Smooth Words in Prison

In 1955, János Lakó again was moved to the same cell as János Konrád. A certain Mr. Szabó approached Brother Lakó and made some suggestions. “We could not discuss things with Konrád,” said Mr. Szabó, “he is so stubborn. You are more intelligent. We are ready to set you free and authorize your activity. Konrád will remain here, but the congregation can meet together. You may be Jehovah’s Witnesses, you can pray as much as you want, but do not agitate others.”

“That would mean we would be the kind of witnesses who don’t bear witness,” replied Brother Lakó. “I can’t promise that.”

“Well, think it over. I shall visit you again.” When he came again, among other questions he asked was: “How is Konrád doing?”

“He is fairly well.”

“When did you last see him?”

“Just now, we are in the same cell.”

“And did you tell him what we were talking about?”

“Of course, he is my brother!” Angrily the government agent went away and never visited Brother Lakó again.

In the same year, the Communists offered permission to publish The Watchtower in Hungary if two pages of Communist propaganda were included. Of course, the brothers could not agree to that.

Another Attempt to Deceive

In the summer of 1955, about a hundred brothers were released from the camp in Tólápa. After they had enjoyed their restored family life for just six weeks, they were ordered to go to the village of Szentendre, near Budapest.

Upon arriving in Szentendre, the brothers were ushered into a large hall. An officer told them that they would not have to take up arms because the government had a special provision that they would appreciate. Rather than carrying weapons or transporting ammunition, all they would need to do was help build roads, bridges, railway lines, and similar things. A few months later they would be able to return home to their families. The provision sounded good at first to many of the less experienced brothers, but some mature brothers sensed a trap and immediately asked: “Would we be expected also to help construct military projects?” No direct answer was forthcoming.

Then the brothers asked if they would have to wear uniforms. The officer answered that caps would be supplied, and if they liked they could also have uniforms so that they would not have to wear out their own clothes. This seemed reasonable to some. Now came the order: “Those of you who are prepared to work for two or three months and then return to your families can go to the depot and exchange your civilian clothing for uniforms and boots. Those who are not prepared to do this can reckon with prison sentences of five to ten years.”

This was a hard test for the brothers. Several of these brothers had already spent four years in prison or a detention camp. Now, after tasting six weeks of freedom, they were to be sent into some obscure mine or quarry, and everything they had been through would start all over again. Some reasoned that it would be only a few months and then they could return to their families and serve Jehovah freely. About 40 of the 100 slowly moved over to accept the uniforms.

The other brothers prayerfully concluded that what was being offered was nothing but military field service and that they would become a labor brigade in the army. Desiring to maintain their Christian neutrality, they rejected the proposal.

Now one part of the hall was occupied by those who had accepted the uniforms while the other part was occupied by those who had not. Then a corporal entered the room and shouted at a Witness near him: “Can’t you salute?” The brother replied that he was a civilian and not a soldier. It was only then that the corporal noticed that the brothers were divided into two groups, one in uniform and the other in civilian clothing. He turned to those in uniform and, taking a commanding posture, he told them: “Men! Attention! You who have accepted military field service, from today on you must salute when somebody of higher rank enters the room and must stand at attention to report. From today on you are soldiers and obliged to obey all orders.”

A dismayed silence spread over the room, followed by great indignation voiced by those in uniform: “We’re not soldiers! We didn’t agree to any military service! We only agreed to work!” Hearing the tumult, the officer who had first addressed the brothers reentered the room and saw that the corporal had spoiled things. He immediately attempted to reason with the brothers. But the majority of the brothers had already taken off their uniforms and asked to be given back their civilian clothes. The soldier in charge of the depot did not want to give them back. Only the next morning, thanks to the brothers’ firm efforts, did they receive their clothing back.

Shortly, several high-ranking officers entered. The brothers were made to stand in rows. One of the officers demanded: “Those of you who are willing to take up field service, step out!” Nobody moved. He now demanded: “Those who are not prepared to take up field service, step out!” As if the correct button had been pushed this time, everybody stepped out.

Food for the Prisoners

During the 1956 revolution, our brothers were set free, but only for a short time. Two weeks later, the Communists regained power. During the following months, the authorities tried to rearrest all of those who had been in prison when the revolution began​—Jehovah’s Witnesses as well as others.

Yet, spiritually, our brothers continued to be fed. When Sándor Völgyes was imprisoned, he asked his wife to bake cakes and to put Watchtower articles into them. A complete Watchtower study article was copied by a sister onto both sides of two thin sheets of paper. However, when Brother Völgyes received his cake, he could not “eat” it immediately because he shared his cell with worldly people. He cut it open the next day in the lavatory at his workplace. Then copies with larger letters were made by writing on folded toilet paper. This was usually done on Saturday afternoons and on Sundays, when there was relative peace and quiet throughout the prison.

Liberty to Those Taken Captive

In March 1960, Brother Bartha, having served a nine-year sentence, was freed. He continued to serve Jehovah faithfully until his death in 1979. Many brothers today still remember him as an untiring translator and a sincere friend with a good sense of humor.

Gradually all the brothers were freed. Yet, the authorities made frequent contact with them. It became apparent that they were trying to penetrate the defenses of Jehovah’s Witnesses with smooth talk and persuasion instead of with night sticks.

“Witnessing” via Radio

In the late 1960’s, the public press often attacked Jehovah’s Witnesses. Sometimes propaganda against them was also broadcast over the radio. However, on one of these occasions, a one-hour drama that was meant to include a warning against Jehovah’s Witnesses really gave a witness. The following report tells about it:

“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.’”

Forest Meetings

In the 1970’s and 1980’s, because of the ban on assembling together, Jehovah’s Witnesses held their meetings in the woods. (Heb. 10:24, 25) These forest meetings were held all over the country from spring till fall. Most Budapest congregations met in the hills surrounding the capital.

Brother Völgyes remembers: “There was a circular opening in the forest among the hills, about 100 feet [30 meters] across, where the brothers assembled. It was in beautiful surroundings, and its quietness was made happy by the singing of birds. The sky was clear, and the air was filled with the aroma of herbs. It was an ideal place where the praise of our Grand Creator was manifest everywhere.

“The Theocratic Ministry School and the Service Meeting were regularly conducted there. When it rained, our plastic rain gear protected us. Not only congregation meetings but also assemblies were held there.

“Out of caution brothers were assigned as watchmen to warn of the approach of anyone suspicious. One day, however, at the end of summer in 1984, in spite of the precautions, plainclothes policemen appeared without warning.

“The loudspeakers were nailed to the tree trunks. The policemen disapproved of that, claiming that we damaged the trees as we hammered the nails into them. They also had some other environmental objections, for which one brother took the responsibility, so that the others would not be involved.

“After we had told them that this was a meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses, one of the plainclothes policemen inquired why we did not ask permission from the authorities to hold our meetings. ‘Because we would definitely not get permission,’ was our reply. ‘Just try it,’ the policemen suggested.” We did.

The Ban Is Lifted

Brothers Völgyes and Oravetz, members of the country committee, met with the higher-ranking officials of the Department of the Interior. They told them about the visit of the policemen and their suggestion to ask for permission to hold meetings. This took place on October 23, 1984. From that time on, congregations all over the country asked for permission to conduct their meetings. Sometimes it was granted.

Negotiations were later conducted with the State Office for Church Affairs. In 1987 it became possible for Milton G. Henschel and Theodore Jaracz, members of the Governing Body, along with Willi Pohl, from the Germany branch, to represent Jehovah’s Witnesses officially in these matters. Finally, on June 27, 1989, the ban was lifted. For the State Office for Church Affairs, the recognition of Jehovah’s Witnesses was the last action of that kind that it took. It was closed down four days later, on July 1, 1989.

Public Conventions

After the large-scale arrests of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the early 1950’s, it was very difficult for any of them to attend large conventions. From time to time, some of the brothers managed to get to large gatherings held abroad as was the case in 1963 with the “Everlasting Good News” Assembly series. From 1978 to 1988, a limited number of Hungarian delegates were also able to listen to district convention programs in their own language in Austria. The others assembled in the woods of their home country​—first unofficially, then, from 1986 on, with the knowledge of the authorities.

But in 1989 after Jehovah’s Witnesses were granted legal recognition, public conventions were quickly organized. The month after the ban was lifted, 9,073 attended the “Godly Devotion” District Convention in the Budapest Sports Hall. The following year, conventions were held not only in Budapest but also in Debrecen, Miskolc, and Pécs.

In 1991 our first international convention was held in the largest stadium in Hungary, the Népstadion, where 40,601 met to enjoy the warmth of brotherly love. John E. Barr, Milton G. Henschel, Theodore Jaracz, and Karl F. Klein represented the Governing Body and encouraged the Hungarian brothers as well as the visitors from 35 countries by delivering upbuilding talks.

Organizational Progress

With the regained freedom, the way was open for organizational adjustments to bring the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Hungary into line with what their Christian brothers were doing in other lands. For example, some circuit overseers had a secular job during the week because this was a general requirement under Communism. Thus, they could serve congregations only on weekends. However, in January 1993, after sufficient qualified brothers who were free from family obligations had been trained, the service to the congregations was enlarged to include Tuesday through Sunday.

During the 1980’s the Pioneer Service School had been held to only a limited extent. In 1994, all pioneers who met the requirements were invited. During a period of nine months, 401 brothers and sisters were given this special schooling.

The fine response to the educational activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses has made it necessary to organize Kingdom Hall building activity using methods for quick construction. The congregations have been meeting in schools, cultural centers, empty barracks, and even in the vacated offices of the former Communist party. However, in 1993, Regional Building Committees were set up, training was provided by brothers from Austria, and financial help came from Witnesses in many lands. In May 1994 the first quickly built Kingdom Hall went up in Érd, a town near Budapest. By the end of the 1995 service year, 23 Kingdom Halls had been built and 70 more were being planned.

To support Jehovah’s Witnesses in their determination to avoid violating the divine law forbidding misuse of blood, Hospital Liaison Committees have also been established. In Hungary, as in other parts of the world, there are doctors who are unaware of alternative medical treatments that do not require use of blood. Hospital Liaison Committees​—now functioning in Budapest, in Debrecen and Miskolc, and in Szeged, Pécs, and Tatabánya—​are helping to bring them up-to-date. About 120 professors, chief doctors, and surgeons already cooperate with the committees. In a recent example, involving two-year-old Dalma Völgyes, the Hospital Liaison Committee in Budapest contacted Hospital Information Services in Brooklyn and within three hours had in hand needed information on nonblood medical treatment that was successfully used in handling the case.

Graduates of Gilead and of the Ministerial Training School

László Sárközy was the first missionary trained by the Watch Tower Society to be officially sent to Hungary. About five weeks later, on August 31, 1991, four graduates of the first Ministerial Training School class held in Germany arrived: Axel Günther, Uwe Jungbauer, Wolfgang Mahrt, and Manfred Schulz. Early in October, Martin and Bonnie Skokan, Gilead graduates from the United States, joined them.

Fourteen brothers and sisters who attended either the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead or the Ministerial Training School now serve in Hungary. They have been assigned to serve at Bethel, in the special pioneer work, or in the traveling work. Meanwhile, István Mihálffy, the first brother from Hungary to receive such training, was sent to Ukraine to serve the Hungarian-speaking brothers as a circuit overseer.

At the beginning some had only limited knowledge of Hungarian, but they used what they had. Stefan Aumüller, from Austria, relates: “Because my knowledge of the Hungarian language was limited, my presentation was very simple. Usually, I opened the Live Forever book and asked the householder whether he wanted to study the Bible. As a result, I started many studies. When other publishers saw how effective this simple, direct method was, they also started to offer home Bible studies right away, with similar success. This has contributed to the congregation’s growth from 25 publishers in August 1992 to 84 reporting in June 1995.”

Lovers of Freedom Move Ahead

Hungary is called the land of the Magyars. Magyar, the name the Hungarians call themselves, is said to come from a word meaning “to speak.” Appropriately the Hungarian language is used by the 16,907 publishers here in speaking about the good news of God’s Kingdom. It is as King David said of Jehovah’s loyal servants: “About the glory of your kingship they will talk, and about your mightiness they will speak.”​—Ps. 145:11.

Jehovah’s Witnesses in 219 congregations and 12 circuits are doing this with zeal. In 1995 they devoted 2,268,132 hours to speaking to their neighbors about ‘the glory of Jehovah’s kingship.’ Each month about 14,000 Bible studies were conducted, and the Memorial in 1995 was attended by 37,536 persons. The number of publishers has been increasing steadily each year. From June 1989, when the Kingdom work in Hungary could be carried on openly again, until August 1995, the number of publishers increased from 9,626 to 16,907. At the same time, the number of regular pioneers increased from 48 to 644.

As was done in the days of Solomon when the temple in Jerusalem was dedicated to Jehovah, so too on July 31, 1993, the brothers in Hungary ‘rejoiced and felt merry of heart’ in connection with the dedication of the newly built additional residence and offices for the Budapest Bethel. (1 Ki. 8:66) The construction of our first Assembly Hall, to be located in Budapest, will be the next big project. At present the circuits in the Budapest area have their circuit assemblies and special assembly days in the EFEDOSZ congress center where the Communist party used to hold their conventions.

For many years the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Hungary had been under the supervision of other branches, such as Romania, Germany, Switzerland, and, most recently, Austria. Starting in September 1994, however, Hungary became a branch under the direct supervision of the world headquarters in Brooklyn.

Jehovah’s Witnesses have suffered persecution and religious intolerance since the very start of their activity in Hungary nearly a hundred years ago. However, instead of grinding to a halt, the preaching of the good news of God’s Kingdom moves ahead with even more vigor. With Jehovah’s help his Witnesses in Hungary are determined to say as did the psalmist David: “The praise of Jehovah my mouth will speak; and let all flesh bless his holy name to time indefinite, even forever.”​—Ps. 145:21.

[Full-page picture on page 66]

[Pictures on page 74]

János Dóber (above) and József Toldy (right) took Bible truth back to Hungary and did zealous evangelizing

[Picture on page 79]

Zealous pioneers in Budapest in 1934/35: (from left to right) Adi and Charlotte Vohs, Julius Riffel, Gertrud Mende, Oskar Hoffmann, Martin Poetzinger

[Picture on page 82]

Witnesses in concentration camp at Nagykanizsa

[Picture on page 83]

János Konrád, imprisoned 12 years as a Christian neutral

[Pictures on page 90]

Loyal to Jehovah till death: (top) Bertalan Szabó, by firing squad; (right) Lajos Deli, by hanging

[Picture on page 102]

Like many other Witnesses, János Lakó refused to compromise with his persecutors

[Picture on page 107]

Ilona Völgyes sent spiritual food hidden in cakes to her imprisoned husband

[Pictures on page 108, 109]

From a “forest convention” in 1986 to an international convention in the Népstadion in the capital in 1991

[Picture on page 110]

First quickly built Kingdom Hall in Hungary, in Érd

[Pictures on page 115]

Branch facilities and Bethel family in Budapest

Mozambique

“LET it be clear, Chilaule: This is Mozambique, and you will never be legalized in this country. . . . You can just forget it!” When agents of the now extinct Police for Investigation and Defense of the State (PIDE) angrily said that to one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, it was during the height of Portuguese colonial rule in Mozambique. Domination by the Roman Catholic Church was undisputed.

Yet, Jehovah’s Witnesses did not stop making open expression of their faith in Jehovah, nor did they stop telling others about his loving purpose. Their history in Mozambique gives eloquent proof of the quality of their devotion to Jehovah. They were strengthened by their confidence in the love of God and of his Son, the kind of love that was described by the apostle Paul when he wrote: “Who will separate us from the love of the Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or hunger or nakedness or danger or sword? Just as it is written: ‘For your sake we are being put to death all day long, we have been accounted as sheep for slaughtering.’ . . . I am convinced that neither death nor life . . . nor governments nor things now here nor things to come . . . nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”​—Rom. 8:35-39.

The history of Jehovah’s servants in Mozambique is a record of people who, even when stripped of all their material possessions, were rich because of their deep-rooted faith. They saw evidence of God’s love for them, and they had intense love for one another. But before we examine that history, let us take a look at the country itself.

Its Beauty and Peculiarities

Mozambique, which has an estimated population of 17,400,000, is spread out along some 1,550 miles [2,500 km] of the coast of southeast Africa. The climate is basically tropical, and the produce is that of the tropics​—coconuts, pineapples, cashews, cassava, and sugarcane. Seafood is also a prominent part of the diet.

The Mozambicans are, in large measure, a happy and good-natured people who love life. From among them have come athletes who are world famous. Of course, these are few in number. But there are upwards of 19,000 others who are coming off winners in a race that involves other values. These are Jehovah’s Witnesses, who have a history in Mozambique that reaches back to 1925.

Seeds of Truth Take Root

It was in that year that Albino Mhelembe, a Mozambican working in the mines of Johannesburg, South Africa, heard the good news of God’s Kingdom. The seeds of Kingdom truth took root in his heart, and soon he got baptized. Returning home, he began to preach to the members of his former church, the Swiss Mission, in Vila Luísa (presently Marracuene), in the southernmost province of Mozambique. The newly interested Africans were very zealous and often traveled 20 miles [30 km] to get to meetings. New groups were started, including one in Lourenço Marques, now Maputo.

About the same time, the work of preaching the Bible’s message was getting started farther to the north. Gresham Kwazizirah, an African in Nyasaland (present-day Malawi), had studied the book The Harp of God with the help of John and Esther Hudson, from South Africa. In 1927, Gresham, accompanied by Biliyati Kapacika, moved to Mozambique in search of employment. They entered the country through the Milange area and proceeded south to Inhaminga, Sofala. There they both found employment with the Trans-Zambézia Railway.

In Inhaminga they also found a congregation of a so-called Watch Tower movement and its pastor, Robinson Kalitera. When Kalitera heard the Biblical teachings set out in The Harp of God, his eyes were opened. Recognizing that he had been mistaken, he and his entire congregation began associating with Jehovah’s organization.

European Field Receives Attention

In 1929 the first European Witnesses, Henry and Edith Myrdal, arrived in Lourenço Marques from South Africa and began witnessing to the Portuguese population. Four years later they were joined by the de Jagers. Many seeds of Bible truth were scattered as a result of their move.

Then in 1935, two more pioneers, Fred Ludick and David Norman, paid a visit to Lourenço Marques. They stayed with the Myrdal family. However, on their fifth day of service, they were abruptly picked up at the Myrdal residence by the secret police, packed into the Black Maria (a van used for transporting criminals), and taken to a high-ranking official, a Mr. Teixeira. When David boldly declared that he knew that the bishop was behind the whole conspiracy, Mr. Teixeira jumped up and roared: “If you were my citizens, I’d have you here and now banned to the Island of Madeira, but because you are South African citizens I’ll have you deported at once!” That same day they were escorted to the border by two carloads of heavily armed policemen. However, on reaching the frontier, the brothers witnessed to their police guards, placed literature with them, and shook hands all around before continuing their journey.

Facing Severe Tests

Janeiro Jone Dede, a humble African farmer, learned the truth in 1939 in Inhaminga. Upon returning to his home in Mutarara, he shared the truth with his relatives, who were members of a religious group that practiced polygamy. He became a special pioneer, and two of his fleshly brothers, Antonio and João, served as regular pioneers. However, in 1946, Janeiro was arrested and sent to Tete, where he was made to clean toilets for the Europeans for four years. He was then transferred to the central jail in Beira, and from there he was transported to Lourenço Marques in a manner both strange and inhuman. He was sent by boat in a box filled with salt water, with only his head exposed. Upon arrival in Lourenço Marques, he emerged naked; his clothes had disintegrated. He was given a sack to cover himself. At his trial he was ordered to abandon his religion and his God, but in a manner similar to that of the apostles of Jesus Christ, he replied: “What matters is to obey God rather than men.”​—Acts 5:29.

After the trial, Janeiro was placed in an isolated cell and into a small wooden box, with only a tiny opening through which a few pieces of fruit were shoved daily. When he was taken out one week later, he was practically unable to stand. Along with his fleshly brothers Antonio and João, he was deported to São Tomé e Príncipe to serve a seven-year sentence. During this time the Dede brothers helped to form a congregation on those penal islands. When Portugal Dede, who was in South Africa, became aware of the deportation of his brothers, he returned to Mutarara to care for the congregation until their release from the penal colony.

And what about those Witnesses in the south? Under harsh persecution they too proved to be loyal Witnesses. Among them was Albino Mhelembe, who by then was up in years. In 1957 he and others from Lourenço Marques were also deported to São Tomé, but they continued to witness. Sional Tomo, though sent back from São Tomé after two years, was exiled again, this time to Meconta, in the province of Nampula. He died there, but he left behind a congregation as evidence of his ministry.

“I Will Be a Shepherd of God’s Flock”

That was the way Calvino Machiana answered when his teacher asked the class what they wanted to be when they grew up. Later, in Johannesburg, a former schoolmate witnessed to him. However, it was not until he returned to Lourenço Marques in 1950 that he finally severed ties with the Swiss Mission Church. When the colonial police, the PIDE, arrested and deported the more experienced ones of the group, the ones who were left behind lacked supervision.

Providentially, Nelli Muhlongo, a South African, came to visit relatives in the neighborhood where Machiana was located. Machiana learned that she was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and told her of the interested ones in the area. She called them together and started a group Bible study. There were six who participated in this study group. Sister Muhlongo asked Machiana to conduct, but he refused, saying: “I am not baptized.” She replied: “I am only here visiting. When I leave, you will have to take the lead.” So it was that Machiana came to be “a shepherd of God’s flock” sooner than he had expected.

“Zunguza, . . . Return to Your Country”

In 1953 young Francisco Zunguza left Beira for Cape Town, South Africa. His goal was to gain a scholarship to study medicine in London. Included in his baggage was the book Children, which a friend had given to him as a present. He stayed in Pretoria with an Anglican family, who one day saw him reading the book and asked if he was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He replied that he was not but was just reading the book. However, the family kindly put him in touch with one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, who then started a study with him. Two years after he arrived in South Africa, he got baptized.

Brother Zunguza recalls receiving the following counsel from mature brothers in the congregation: “Zunguza, it is best that you return to your country, Mozambique, and work there. You are now baptized. Why pursue other things? It’s not worth it.” (Compare Romans 11:13; Philippians 3:7, 8; 1 John 2:15-17.) Brother Zunguza accepted this counsel and without hesitation returned to Lourenço Marques, where he joined the small group located there. In time, he married and with his wife, Paulina, was used extensively by Jehovah’s organization in the traveling work throughout Mozambique. His love for God has undergone severe tests of endurance. Despite some 14 years in prison, in concentration camps, and under government restriction, he has remained faithful. Understandably, he is loved and greatly appreciated by his Mozambican brothers. As Brother Zunguza himself says, “it was best that I returned to my own country.”

Attempts at Obtaining Legal Recognition

Concerned with the persecution and the deportations by the colonial government, the South Africa branch sent Milton Bartlett, a graduate of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead, to Mozambique in 1954. During a stay of just a few days, he was able to speak with the American consul and with a high-ranking Portuguese official, who recommended that he apply to the governor-general for legal recognition. The official said, however, that because of the government’s concordat with the Vatican, even if a certain degree of freedom was granted, Jehovah’s Witnesses would never have the freedom that the Roman Catholic Church enjoyed.

That was followed up the next year when John Cooke, another Gilead graduate, visited the British consul in Mozambique. Even though the consul was friendly, he mentioned that the Catholic cardinal had recently made an attack in the press against all forms of Protestantism. The consul also added that the security police regarded Jehovah’s Witnesses as dangerous. In conclusion, he expressed the opinion that of all the “sects,” to use his expression, the Witnesses had the least chance of gaining legal recognition.

Nevertheless, Brother Cooke’s visit did yield good results. He was able to make a return visit on an interested young Portuguese man by the name of Pascoal Oliveira. Pascoal had been in contact with the truth some years before in Lisbon. A study was arranged with him and his parents. Pascoal later dedicated himself to Jehovah.

In 1956 the Nyasaland branch, which was then caring for the work in Mozambique, began sending special pioneers across the border to preach in villages in the northern region. Others too came to serve where there was a need in Mozambique, and their influence was especially felt in the border regions.

Exiles Return

In time, Janeiro Dede and his brothers returned from São Tomé. In São Tomé they had been able to preach freely, but upon returning home, they were given a lashing and were told to stop any preaching activity or they would be deported again, never to return. How like the treatment meted out to the apostles of Jesus Christ by the Jewish Sanhedrin!​—Acts 5:40-42.

Janeiro and his brothers did not allow these threats to stop them from serving Jehovah. In March 1957, Janeiro was appointed to be a special pioneer, and later, for more than ten years, he served as a circuit overseer throughout most of the country.

All-Night Witnessing

Newly interested ones continued to join the group in Lourenço Marques. One of the homes in which a study was held was that of Ernesto Chilaule, a Mozambican. Antonio Langa also lived there. Of Catholic background, Langa questioned doctrinal points and demanded proof, especially concerning the Trinity. The group feared that he would turn them in to the PIDE (Polícia de Investigação e Defesa do Estado). Langa, however, had a sincere interest in the truth and continued to listen to the study from outside the house, hiding on the staircase. Based on what he heard, he concluded that this was the truth.

One day a brother gave Langa the book “Let God Be True” as a present. On returning home from work the next day, Langa began reading the book at two o’clock in the afternoon and did not put it down until he reached the end, at two o’clock in the morning! Thereafter he began to attend the meetings regularly and insisted that his friend Chilaule also read the book so that they could start preaching.

They chose as their territory the animist Zionist (Mazione) groups in the outlying areas of Lourenço Marques. At night, when these groups met for their rituals to the sound of drums, with dancing, drinking, and music, the two would go to them and, after getting permission from the group leader, deliver a short talk. It was often dawn by the time they returned home. What zeal in spreading their newfound faith!

Baptism in Lourenço Marques

When the group reporting field service had reached 25, a letter was written to the South Africa branch asking for a representative to come to baptize the new ones. The reply that was received directed that Brother Zunguza himself should care for this. On August 24, 1958, at a meeting held in a discreet location, 13 persons were baptized​—the first in Lourenço Marques. Among this group were Calvino Machiana, Ernesto Chilaule, and Antonio Langa, along with their respective wives, as well as Paulina Zunguza.

In 1959, after Brother Zunguza had moved to Beira, Brother Chilaule was summoned by the PIDE. They had been intercepting his mail and reading it. He was interrogated for an entire morning. That afternoon, agents went to his house and confiscated all the literature. The brothers and interested ones who saw the police Land-Rover at Chilaule’s home feared that all of them would be arrested. Surprisingly, one week later all the books were returned. That was the encouragement the group needed.

Timely Visits Provide Encouragement

Meanwhile, Pascoal Oliveira and the small group of Europeans in Lourenço Marques received upbuilding visits from Halliday and Joyce Bentley, a missionary couple sent by the Nyasaland branch. Their visits, made twice a year, included Beira, some 450 miles [720 km] north of the capital, as well as other cities. Later on, Milton Henschel, from the world headquarters, also visited them and encouraged them to continue to build with Jehovah’s organization.

The first congregation of Mozambican Witnesses had already been functioning in the capital for a number of years when, in 1963, a congregation was formed for the European publishers there.

Courageously Proclaiming the Good News

After the colonial police, the PIDE, had returned Ernesto Chilaule’s literature, the African group in Lourenço Marques became fearless. On Sundays they would meet near the busy Xipamanine marketplace, under the shade of a tree. Using a sound-amplification system, they would consider the day’s text. The group would then divide into pairs to visit the homes and businesses around the market. At 11:30 a.m. they would return to their original meeting place for breakfast before commencing their widely announced public discourse at noon. Now and then, when some publishers were delayed in returning from their ministry, they would be called over the sound system: “It’s time . . . It’s time . . . Let’s get back because it’s time . . .”

A large crowd would begin to gather. In addition to those who had been personally invited and the brothers themselves, many curious onlookers who were drawn by the amplified sound would come. They would form a large circle in the busy area, and then the discourse would begin. Householders in the area would come out on their verandas to listen, many bringing out their Bibles to follow along as scriptures were read. The brothers continued this arrangement for some years, taking turns between the Xipamanine and Chamanculo marketplaces and Craveiro Lopes Avenue (now Avenida Acordos de Lusaka). This contributed to growth in the 1960’s​—from one congregation to four.

His Card First With the PIDE

A person contacted in this way was Micas Mbuluane. When he accepted the book “Let God Be True” and requested a Bible study, he asked: “How much will I have to pay for this?” There is never a charge for such studies, but the brothers suggested that he make his home available on the following Sunday for a discourse. He readily agreed. The speaker was Ernesto Chilaule, and there were some 400 people present. An informer from the PIDE reported the meeting to the police. The police chief summoned Micas to his office. Micas was worried. In his words: “Here I am a double Gentile, having been to only one meeting. What am I going to say?” (Locally, “Gentile” means an unbeliever; “double Gentile” emphasized the unworthiness he felt.) He immediately called the brother who studied with him in order to receive training in the few minutes he had before answering the summons.

Arriving at the police station, Micas was asked what his religion was. He replied without hesitation, “Jehovah’s Witness.” Then Mario Figueira, the police chief, proceeded with the interrogation: “So there was a large meeting held in your home, with a foreign influence, behind closed gates, and with the police locked out. For a certainty it must have had to do with Frelimo.” He was referring to the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frente da Libertação de Moçambique), the movement that at that time was fighting for the independence of Mozambique. Micas wondered how he should respond; this had not been covered in his “training.” He tried to explain diplomatically the entire arrangement that he had seen and participated in for the first time.

“All right, Micas, that’s enough,” Mr. Figueira interrupted. Putting his arms around Micas, he continued: “What you are speaking is the truth. From the beginning of history, God’s servants have been persecuted for speaking the truth, as you have been. I only ask one thing: Next time you hold such a large meeting, let us know so as to avoid any controversies. Go in peace. But tomorrow come back here, and bring two photographs so that we can open a Jehovah’s Witness card on you.” (At that time all responsible ones in the congregation had a card on file with the PIDE.) Micas likes to say with a good chuckle: “Me, a double Gentile, I had a card with the PIDE before I had one with the congregation!” Sad to say, this sympathetic treatment by agents of the police was not usual.

Events in Malawi Benefit Work in the North

Three of the “Disciple-Making” District Assemblies that took place in Malawi in 1967 were held near the border of Mozambique, thus making it easier for some Mozambican brothers to attend. But in October, President H. Kamuzu Banda declared Jehovah’s Witnesses a prohibited society in Malawi. Savage persecution broke out against them. Throughout the country, their property was destroyed, they were beaten, some were killed, over a thousand Christian women were raped. In desperation, many survivors sought refuge in Mozambique. Contrary to what might have been expected, the Portuguese authorities received them hospitably. Food was provided for them at two large camps near Mocuba, in the province of Zambézia. In one of these camps alone, there were 2,234 of our brothers. Their presence contributed much to the spreading of the Kingdom message in the north.

In Beira, the second-largest city in the country, the Mozambican Witnesses enjoyed greater freedom during this time than did those in the capital. They were able to hold their meetings but were restricted as to house-to-house preaching, especially in the European residential areas.

A Controversial Notice Causes Divisions

In 1968 the elders in Lourenço Marques received a summons from the PIDE. They were presented with a “Notice” that stated that Jehovah’s Witnesses were prohibited from proselytizing and that they should meet only with those of their own family. This “Notice” was to be signed as confirmation that the elders had received it.

Having understood that this did not in any way constitute a renouncing of their faith but was merely an acknowledgment of a notice, the elders signed. However, they were determined to continue to obey the Biblical injunctions to meet together and to preach, though doing so discreetly and in smaller groups. (Matt. 10:16; 24:14; 28:18-20; Heb. 10:24, 25) Regardless of their intent, a division resulted among the brothers. Some believed that the elders had compromised by signing this document.

In an effort to prove to the dissident group that they had not acted out of fear and that no compromise had been made, the elders formed a committee headed by Ernesto Chilaule. They approached the PIDE authorities to inquire as to the reason for the ban. “What is wrong with Jehovah’s Witnesses?” they asked. They were told: “We have no problem with you, but this religion is banned in Mozambique. Even if you do not do anything wrong, the government does not authorize this religion.” The officials added that if anyone wanted to practice this religion, he would have to go to another country.

The response given by Brother Chilaule and his companions was firm: “If the government decides that teaching people not to steal, not to kill, and not to do anything bad is wrong, then let us be arrested. We will continue to teach the truth, and that is exactly what we will do when we leave here.” These expressions again remind one of Jesus’ apostles before the Sanhedrin.​—Acts 4:19, 20.

Did this courageous action reconcile the dissidents? Sad to say, no. Despite all the help offered them, including repeated visits by a special representative from the South Africa branch, they continued to pursue an independent course, calling themselves “Free Witnesses of Jehovah.” They had to be disfellowshipped for apostasy. The Society later wrote that adopting a cautious course of action in the face of persecution is not an indication of fear but is in harmony with Jesus’ counsel at Matthew 10:16.

PIDE Strikes a Hard Blow

Less than a year after that rebellion, the PIDE arrested 16 brothers who were in positions of responsibility. Among these were Ernesto Chilaule, Francisco Zunguza, and Calvino Machiana. It was on this occasion that agents of the PIDE directed to Brother Chilaule the words at the beginning of this account.

More arrests ensued. How did the PIDE get the names and addresses of the appointed servants? During a raid on Brother Chilaule’s house, on a table they had found a file containing the Society’s letters with the names of the appointed servants, as well as the manual Preaching Together in Unity. With this information in their possession, they specifically searched out the congregation servant, the assistant congregation servant, the Watchtower Study conductor, the Congregation Book Study conductor, and others. These were thrown into the Machava prison without trial​—condemned to two years of imprisonment.

The South Africa branch encouraged the brothers in prison and provided help for their dependent families. Amnesty International made efforts to get the brothers released as well as providing some support for their dependent families. The brothers in Mozambique who were free arranged to provide food to those in need. Alita, Brother Chilaule’s daughter, says of this arrangement: “We never lacked our daily food. Sometimes it was even of a better quality than what we had been accustomed to.”

The Preaching Work Continues

Despite the “troublesome season,” Jehovah’s people could not stop their life-giving work of preaching the good news of the Kingdom. (2 Tim. 4:1, 2) Fernando Muthemba, who became one of the pillars of the work in this country, recalls that in his congregation both the congregation servant and the assistant congregation servant were arrested. Since he was the Bible study servant, it became necessary for him to take the lead. The Society instructed that a series of discourses be given based on the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. Using appropriate caution, he arranged for these to be given at night, at the book study groups. Each speaker would give his discourse to two groups every night. Thus many invited ones received this spiritual food, and their appreciation for the truth increased.

Intensive training was given to new ones so that they would be effective in their ministry and courageous in the face of persecution. Filipe Matola describes how he benefited from early training: “We were trained to share with others what we were learning, proving skillfully from the Bible all that we taught. After two weeks of study, we would start preaching informally. In the third week, we would begin bringing other interested ones to share in the study. In the fourth week, we began preaching from house to house. New ones were encouraged to endure under tests and imprisonment and to be fearless. Only one brother in a position of responsibility in the congregation was free, and he would say: ‘I do not know when I will be imprisoned. That is why you should all learn how to care for the congregation.’” When Brother Matola too was sent to Machava prison, his zeal did not cool off.

Preaching and Meeting in Prison

As soon as possible, the group in Machava prison organized all the meetings, with a view to keeping spiritually strong. How were they able to do this, since they were under guard? It was like this, said Filipe Matola: “We would take advantage of the occasions when we had access to the prison yard. The one assigned to give a talk in the Theocratic Ministry School would walk around with four others, as if they were strolling and having a conversation. He would then leave this group and do the same with a second, and so on, until he had given the talk to each group.”

Initially they tried holding the book study in the cells with the aid of a publication, but their study was discovered, and they were prohibited from continuing. They changed their method. Luis Bila, one of the other prisoners, recalls: “We would prepare individually, and then at a prearranged day and hour and without a publication in hand, we would walk around using the same method as for the Theocratic Ministry School, each one bringing out the main points of the material. This method was highly advantageous because we had to memorize the material, so that we would never forget it.”

Family members who were free aided by hiding literature under food and smuggling it into the prison whenever they came to visit. In this way the brothers were fed physically and spiritually.

There were also occasions when other prisoners were able to benefit from the meetings. On one occasion when 3 brothers shared one wing of the prison with 70 other prisoners, a public discourse was given. One brother served as chairman, and the second offered prayer. The three then sang, and the discourse was given. Attendance totaled 73.

Ernesto Chilaule shared his cell with a member of Frelimo who had been arrested by the PIDE for fighting for independence. Friendly conversations and a witness about the hope of the Kingdom of God were shared. They would meet again later under different circumstances.

Eager to Share the Truth in Inhambane

Inhambane, one of the southern provinces, became a stage for intensive activity carried on by a humble bricklayer. This man, Arão Francisco, after hearing a discourse in 1967 in Lourenço Marques, did not doubt that he had found the truth. He felt compelled to share with people back home what he had heard. This he did. After his returning to Lourenço Marques, he was baptized at about the same time that the large group of elders was arrested by the PIDE. Arão felt responsible for the interest he had stimulated among his own people and feared that he would be imprisoned before he could help them further. Some of the brothers tried to dissuade him, saying that he was still too new in the truth to go out on his own. He waited for a few months but could no longer resist a compelling desire to witness to his people. He gathered his wife and two children, and they started back for Inhambane. Beginning with only his family, he held all the meetings.

He spread the seeds of truth in the city of Inhambane, in Maxixe, and in other towns in the region, laying the foundation for congregations found there today. When a Catholic priest tried to intervene, saying, “You cannot form any groups here,” Arão courageously responded: “There are no limits for the good news that I bring. It can go anywhere.” And, indeed, as shown at Acts 1:8, that is what Jesus said would happen.

The local priest called a meeting to decide whether Arão should be expelled from the area. Arão asserted that he would not move. Not surprisingly, the priest called in his favorite ally, the PIDE.

PIDE Hunts a Preacher-Builder

One Sunday, when Arão was visiting other groups farther away, four PIDE agents attended the meeting in Inhambane. They claimed to be Jehovah’s Witnesses who were passing through. At the end of the meeting, however, they identified themselves and demanded to see Arão. Not finding him, they arrested eight of the brothers who were present.

Since Arão was building a house for the administrator of Ngweni, the agents went looking for him there. Arão heard the administrator tell them: “I cannot allow him to go because of religion. First he has to finish the work on my house.” The agents then asked: “You mean he is the one building this house?” “Yes,” the administrator replied, “and he also built the house in Maxixe and many others. This work that he’s doing on my house, no one around here knows how to do. He built the registration office in Maxixe, and he has yet to build the travelers’ lodge.” After hearing such a résumé, the agents said: “We will return to get Arão to build the house for the public works administrator.”

Arão was arrested and was used for the construction of various projects for the government. But even as a prisoner, he had many opportunities to witness.

An official of the PIDE would call Arão to his office at night to help him to study the Truth book. When other people arrived, the official, Mr. Neves, would quickly pick up some documents and pretend that he was conducting an interrogation. One day he said: “Arão, with what you have been teaching me, I’m converted. All my life, from the time I was in Lisbon until now, I have spoken with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Now when I retire shortly, I will become one of them. But before I leave I must free you. Work at finishing your present job, and I will speak to the inspector general about getting another bricklayer. To avoid any problems, I will not go back to Lisbon, but I will sell everything I have and go to America. Do you hear me, Arão? Don’t say anything to anyone.”

Mr. Neves was intent on keeping his promise and even freed the brothers imprisoned in Inhambane. However, freeing Arão was no easy task. The PIDE had come to regard him as their builder. Mr. Neves, by this time, had already retired but would go every day to see his friend and appeal to the inspector general to free Arão. As he had promised, only after Arão had been freed did Mr. Neves continue on his way. We wonder where Mr. Neves is now. Did he keep the rest of his promise? We sincerely hope so.

Political Changes Bring Temporary Relief

On May 1, 1974, a shout of joy was heard throughout the Machava prison. The “Carnation Revolution” (Revolução dos Cravos) of April 25 had put an end to dictatorship in Portugal, bringing about dramatic changes in her overseas colonies. On May 1, amnesty was granted to all political prisoners. Jehovah’s Witnesses, having been imprisoned for their political neutrality, were included in this amnesty. Mozambique now prepared to become an independent nation.

On being released, the brothers were encouraged by seeing increases in the number of Jehovah’s servants. They were also pleased to observe how strong spiritually the ones were who had remained free. (Compare Philippians 1:13, 14.) Taking advantage of their new freedom, they held a circuit assembly in grand fashion. Adding to their delight was the presence of two South African brothers dear to them​—Frans Muller, South Africa Branch Committee coordinator, who had shown keen interest in the welfare of the brothers in Mozambique, and Elias Mahenye, who had served for many years as circuit overseer in southern Mozambique.

At this assembly those who had been imprisoned were encouraged to work in union with Jehovah’s rapidly advancing organization. Brother Mahenye reminded the brothers: “PIDE has disappeared, but its grandfather, Satan the Devil, is still around. Strengthen yourselves and build courage.” He asked those who had been in prison to stand. There were several dozen. Then he asked those who had come into the truth during the brothers’ period of imprisonment to stand. Half the audience of approximately 2,000 stood up. Brother Mahenye concluded: “There is no reason for you to fear.”

These were timely words of encouragement. Dark clouds were forming on the horizon, and a supreme test of love for God awaited all of Jehovah’s people in Mozambique.

The year 1974 passed rapidly. During that year, 1,209 were baptized; 2,303 in 1975. Many who are elders today were baptized at that time.

However, revolutionary fervor was taking hold of the country. The slogan “Viva Frelimo” (Long Live Frelimo) became a symbol of the ten-year struggle for freedom and independence. There was nationwide euphoria, and to the majority, it seemed unimaginable for anyone not to take part. The prevailing sentiments were about to bring down a curtain on the short-lived freedom of the brothers, and it would be a curtain of iron.

Orders to Arrest

As preparations for independence day, June 25, 1975, began to take form, the neutral stand of Jehovah’s Witnesses became ever more evident. Responsible brothers tried to get an interview with the new government, but without success. The recently installed president practically gave an order when he shouted during a radio discourse: “We will put a definite end to these Jehovah’s Witnesses . . . We believe that they are agents left behind by Portuguese colonialism; they are former PIDE . . . Therefore, we propose that the people arrest them immediately.”

The storm had broken. So-called dynamizing groups were mobilized in the neighborhoods, with one common objective, to arrest all of Jehovah’s Witnesses​—at work, at home, on the streets, at any time of day or night, throughout the country. Everyone was compelled to appear at neighborhood meetings held at workplaces and in public areas, and anyone not joining with the crowd in shouting “Viva Frelimo” was identified as an enemy. Such is the spirit that prevails when nationalistic passions rise to fever pitch.

Yet, it is well-known that Jehovah’s Witnesses, though neutral as to political matters, uphold law and order, treat officials with respect, are honest, and are conscientious about payment of taxes. Through the years, the Mozambican government would confirm this fact. In the meantime, however, the situation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Mozambique proved to be like that of the early Christians who were put to death in the Roman arenas for refusing to burn incense to the emperor, and like that of their brothers in Germany who were thrown into concentration camps for refusing to shout “Heil Hitler.” Worldwide, Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for their refusal to compromise their obedience to Jehovah and to Jesus Christ, who said of his followers: “They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.”​—John 17:16.

Mass Deportation​—To Where?

In short order the prisons in Mozambique became overloaded with thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Many family members became separated. The intense propaganda generated such hostility against the Witnesses that, although the elders did not encourage it, many preferred to turn themselves in, feeling more secure with their brothers and relatives who were already in prison.

From October 1975 on, the Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) and South Africa branches received a flood of reports from circuit overseers, various responsible committees, and individual brothers, conveying a dismal picture. These, in turn, were passed on to the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. As soon as the worldwide brotherhood received news of the dire situation of the brothers in Mozambique, incessant prayers in behalf of these persecuted brothers went up to heaven from all parts of the earth, in harmony with the counsel at Hebrews 13:3. Only Jehovah could sustain them, and this he did in his own way.

Most likely it was not the intention of the higher governmental authorities to inflict on Jehovah’s Witnesses the brutal sort of treatment that was actually experienced. However, some of the lesser authorities, in a determined effort to change deep-seated, conscientious convictions, tried with violent means to squeeze out a “Viva.” One of many examples is that of Julião Cossa of Vilanculos, who was beaten for three hours in an effort to make him compromise his faith, but to no avail. When these tormentors did occasionally succeed in getting a forced “Viva” from someone, they still were not satisfied. They would demand that the Witness also shout “Down with Jehovah” and “Down with Jesus Christ.” The atrocities suffered by our brothers are too numerous to relate and too horrible to describe. (See Awake!, January 8, 1976, pages 16-26.) However, they knew that, as the apostle Paul wrote to the first-century Philippian Christians, their courageous stand in the face of tribulation and persecution was proof of the depth of their love for God and gave assurance that He would reward them with salvation.​—Phil. 1:15-29.

The suffocating conditions resulting from overcrowding in the prisons, aggravated by filth and lack of food, caused the death of more than 60 children in a period of four months in the prisons of Maputo (formerly Lourenço Marques). The brothers who were still free did their best to try to sustain their brothers in prison. During the final months of 1975, some Witnesses sold their belongings in order to continue to provide food for their imprisoned brothers. Yet, identifying themselves with those in prison meant jeopardizing their own freedom, and many were arrested while tending to their brothers’ needs. This was the sort of love that Jesus said his true followers would have for one another.​—John 13:34, 35; 15:12, 13.

Paradoxically, during this same period, some Witnesses in the province of Sofala were treated quite differently. Upon arrest they were taken to the luxurious Grande Hotel in the city of Beira and given food while waiting to be taken to their final destination.

What destination? This was a mystery, even for the drivers of the many buses and trucks that would transport them.

Destination​—Carico, Milange District

Between September 1975 and February 1976, all of Jehovah’s Witnesses who were detained, whether in prisons or in open fields, were transferred. The unrevealed destination was yet another weapon used by the police and other local authorities to try to intimidate the brothers. “You’ll be eaten by ferocious animals,” they were told. “It is an unknown place in the north, from where you’ll never return.” Unbelieving family members joined in a chorus of weeping and lamentation, insisting that the believers capitulate. However, very few compromised. Even newly interested ones courageously threw in their lot with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Such was the case of Eugênio Macitela, a zealous supporter of political ideals. His interest had been aroused upon hearing that the prisons were full of Jehovah’s Witnesses. To find out who they were, he had requested a Bible study, only to be arrested and deported one week later. He was among the first to be baptized in the concentration camps, and today he serves as a circuit overseer.

The Witnesses showed no sign of fear or apprehension when they were taken from the prisons and loaded into buses, trucks, and even airplanes. One of the most impressive caravans left Maputo on November 13, 1975. There were 14 buses, or machibombos as they are called here. The seemingly inexplicable joy of the brothers moved the soldiers in charge to ask: “How can you be so happy when you don’t even know where you are going? Where you will be going is not good at all.” But the joy of the brothers was not dampened. While unbelieving relatives cried, fearing for the future of their loved ones, the Witnesses sang Kingdom songs, such as the one entitled “Bravely Press On.”

At each city along the way, the drivers telephoned their superiors to find out their destination, and they were ordered to advance to the next stop. Some of the drivers lost their way. Finally, though, they arrived at Milange, a town and district seat in the province of Zambézia, 1,100 miles [1,800 km] from Maputo. There the brothers were received by the administrator with a “welcoming talk,” a diatribe filled with threats.

They were then taken 20 miles [30 km] to the east, to a place on the banks of the Munduzi River, the area known as Carico, still in the district of Milange. Thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses from Malawi, who had fled a wave of persecution in their own country, had been living there as refugees since 1972. The unexpected arrival of the Mozambican brothers was a surprise for the Malawians. And it was a surprise for the Mozambicans to be received by brothers speaking a strange language. It was, however, a most pleasant surprise, and the Malawian brothers received the Mozambican Witnesses with such warmth and hospitality that the drivers were impressed.​—Compare Hebrews 13:1, 2.

The district administrator was the man who had been in Machava prison with the brothers years before. On receiving each group, he would ask: “Where are Chilaule and Zunguza? I know they will be coming.” When Brother Chilaule finally did arrive, the administrator said to him: “Chilaule, I don’t really know how to receive you. We are in different camps now.” He held to his ideologies and did not make matters easier in any way for his former cellmates. He was, as he said of himself, “a goat governing among the sheep.”

Loving Support From the International Brotherhood

The international brotherhood of Jehovah’s Witnesses expressed their loving concern for the brothers in Mozambique. They inundated the country’s postal system with messages appealing to the Mozambican authorities. Workmates at a telecommunications firm used to ridicule Augusto Novela, a Witness, and say that Jehovah’s Witnesses were just a local sect. But they were silenced when the telex machines began receiving messages from all over the world. The overwhelming response testified to the fact that Jehovah’s people are truly united by love.

After about ten months, a government minister, on a visit to inspect the camps, acknowledged that the brothers had been imprisoned because of false accusations. However, it was still too early to expect freedom.

The Challenges of a New Life

A new chapter had opened in the history of Jehovah’s people in Mozambique. The Malawian brothers in the area had organized themselves into eight villages. They had gained much experience in adapting to a new life-style in the bush and had developed their skills in building houses, Kingdom Halls, and even Assembly Halls. Those who did not have prior experience in agriculture also learned much about that sort of work. Many of the Mozambicans, never having planted a machamba (cultivated field), were about to experience for the first time hard work in the fields. In the first few months, the new arrivals benefited from the loving hospitality of their Malawian brothers, who took them into their homes and shared their food. But now it was time for the Mozambican brothers to build their own villages.

That was not an easy task. The rainy season had begun, and the region was generously blessed with water from heaven as never before. However, when the Munduzi River, which cut through the center of the camp, overflowed in a region normally afflicted with drought, the brothers saw this as a symbol of how Jehovah would care for them. Indeed, in the 12 years that followed, the river did not once dry up as it had done before. On the other hand, “the muddy, slippery terrain, caused naturally by the rainy weather, made for an additional challenge to former city dwellers,” as Brother Muthemba recalls. Furthermore, it was not easy for the women to cross the river while balancing themselves on improvised bridges that were nothing more than tree trunks. “For men who were accustomed to offices, our challenge was to go into the dense woods and cut down trees to build our houses,” recalls Xavier Dengo. These conditions turned out to be a test for which some were not prepared.

We recall that in the days of Moses, complaining started among “the mixed crowd” that accompanied the Israelites out of Egypt and into the wilderness and that it then spread to the Israelites themselves. (Num. 11:4) Similarly, among those who were not baptized Witnesses, a group of complainers manifested themselves right from the beginning, and some of the baptized ones joined them. They approached the administrator and let him know that they were willing to pay any price to be sent back home as quickly as possible. But this did not result in any prompt homeward trip as they had hoped. They were kept in Milange, and many of them became like a stone in the shoe for the faithful ones. They became known as “the rebels.” They lived among the faithful brothers but were always ready to betray them. Their love for God had not held up under test.

Why the Halls Fell

The Malawian brothers in the camps had enjoyed considerable freedom of worship. When the Mozambican brothers arrived, they initially benefited from this. Each day, they would gather in one of the large Assembly Halls for a consideration of the day’s text. It was often a Malawian circuit overseer who presided. “It was strengthening,” recalls Filipe Matola, “after months of imprisonment and traveling, to hear spiritual exhortations in the company of so many brothers.” However, this relative freedom did not last.

On January 28, 1976, government authorities, accompanied by soldiers, went through the villages and announced: “You are forbidden to worship or pray in these halls or anywhere else in the villages. The halls will be nationalized and used by the government as it sees fit.” They ordered the brothers to bring out all their books, and then they confiscated these. Of course, the brothers hid what they could. Following this, flags were raised in front of each hall, and soldiers were stationed as guards to ensure compliance with the decree.

Although the halls were built of stakes and appeared rustic, they were quite strong. Yet, in a relatively short time, all of them began to disintegrate. Xavier Dengo remembers that on one occasion he and the administrator had just arrived at one of the villages when the hall actually began to collapse, even though it was not raining nor was the wind blowing. The administrator exclaimed: “What is going on? You people are bad. Now that we have nationalized the halls, they’re all falling down!” On a later occasion, the administrator said to one of the elders: “You must have prayed for the halls to fall down, . . . and your God made them fall.”

Organization in the Villages

Nine Mozambican villages sprang up parallel to and facing the existing eight Malawian villages. These two groups, united by the “pure language,” would live together for the next 12 years. (Zeph. 3:9) The area of each of the villages was divided into blocks, lined by well-maintained streets, each block encompassing eight plots of approximately 80 feet by 110 feet [25 m by 35 m]. The congregations were grouped according to blocks. After the ban had been proclaimed in the camps, they could not build conspicuous Kingdom Halls. So, instead, they built special L-shaped houses to serve the purpose. A widow or other single person would live in these to give the appearance that they were residences. Then, when meetings were held, the speaker would stand at the corner of the “L” and thus be able to face the audience on either side.

Around the perimeter of each of the villages were its machambas. Each congregation also tended a “congregational machamba,” which all shared in cultivating as their contribution toward congregational needs.

The size of each village varied according to the population. A 1979 census showed that Mozambican Village No. 7 was the smallest, with just 122 publishers and 2 congregations, while No. 9, the largest and most distant, had 1,228 publishers and 34 congregations. The entire camp had 11 circuits. This whole camp, composed of the Malawian and Mozambican villages and dependent areas, came to be known to the brothers as the Circle of Carico. The last census we have on record is that of 1981, when the population of the entire Circle of Carico was 22,529, of which 9,000 were active publishers. Later there was further growth. (The then president, Samora Machel, declared the population to be 40,000, according to the brochure Consolidemos Aquilo Que nos Une [Consolidating That Which Unites Us], pages 38-9.)

Chingo’s Time​—A Difficult Time

Of course, Jehovah’s Witnesses had not been taken to Milange simply to become an agricultural colony. It was not without reason that the government called the camp Reeducation Center of Carico, as is evidenced by the administrative center in the middle of Malawian Camp No. 4, manned by government staff, with offices and residences. There were also a camp commander, his soldiers, and a prison where many of our brothers were incarcerated for varying periods, according to the decisions of the commander.

The most notorious commander of all was Chingo. His two-year period as commander became known as Chingo’s time. Determined to break the uncompromising stand of Jehovah’s Witnesses and “reeducate” them, he resorted to every psychological tactic known to him, as well as to violence, in order to achieve his aim. Although having virtually no formal education, he was a fluent and persuasive speaker, with a penchant for illustrations. He used his gift to try to indoctrinate the brothers with his political philosophy and to weaken their love for God. One of his schemes was “the five-day seminar.”

“The Five-Day Seminar”

The commander announced that a “five-day seminar” had been scheduled and that the Witnesses should choose the most capable men from the villages, ones who would be able to pass on information of interest. These would be sent to a seminar to be held in some distant location. The brothers refused, doubting his intentions. However, “the rebels” who were present pointed out the brothers in positions of responsibility, including the circuit overseers. Among these were Francisco Zunguza, Xavier Dengo, and Luis Bila. A truck left carrying 21 men and 5 women. They traveled hundreds of miles to the north, to an area north of Lichinga, in the province of Niassa. There the men were thrown into a “reeducation camp” with criminals, while the women were taken to a camp for prostitutes.

Here they were subjected to severe tortures, including what their tormentors called “Christ fashion.” The victim’s arms were held straight out to the sides, as if on a cross, and then a stake was placed parallel to the arms. Nylon line was wrapped tightly around the arms and the stake for the entire length of both arms, from the fingertips of one hand to the fingertips of the other. With circulation completely cut off from the hands, arms, and shoulders, he was kept in this position for a considerable length of time in a futile effort to squeeze out of him a “Viva Frelimo.” Because of this cruel and inhuman treatment, Luis Bila, a faithful elder, suffered a heart attack and died.

The sisters were subjected to a treatment of “exercises,” requiring that they run almost endlessly, sometimes into and out of water; perform somersaults up and down mountains without letup; and be subjected to countless other indignities. What a seminar! What “reeducation”!

In spite of this cruel treatment, the majority of these brothers kept their integrity; only two compromised. One of the brothers managed to send a letter to the Minister of the Interior in Maputo, exposing this treatment. It had an effect. The governor of Niassa came in person by helicopter. He immediately stripped the commander and his aides of all authority and declared: “These can consider themselves under arrest for practicing acts that Frelimo never intended.” When the other prisoners who had suffered similar treatment heard this, they shouted for joy, saying: “Thanks to you, we’ve been freed,” to which the brothers replied: “Give thanks to Jehovah.”

After a while they were transferred to other camps, where the treatment consisted of only forced labor. In all, it was almost two years before they were returned to Carico​—and Chingo was there to receive them. He continued to make unsuccessful attempts to weaken their loyalty to Jehovah by conducting similar “seminars.” Finally, when about to leave Carico, he gave a discourse in his characteristic illustrative style. Admitting defeat, he said: “A man applies many blows to a tree, and not having many more left to fell it, he is replaced by another who, with just one blow, completes the job. I applied many blows but failed to finish. Others will come after me. They will use other methods. Do not give in. . . . Continue firm in your stand. . . . If not, they will receive all the glory.” By keeping their love for Jehovah strong, however, the brothers endeavored to make sure that only Jehovah would receive glory.​—Rev. 4:11.

Those Who Remained in the Cities

Were all the Mozambican Witnesses in prison or in the detention camps at this time? Even though their enemies searched them out with a fine-tooth comb at workplaces and in virtually every neighborhood, there were some who escaped. Not everyone was eager for them to be sent to prison or to be otherwise punished. But the Witnesses were constantly in danger of being apprehended. Everyday activities such as buying foodstuffs or getting water at a public faucet were risky.

Lisete Maienda, who remained in Beira, recalls: “I was denied a card necessary to buy food because I did not go to the required political meetings. Happily, a friendly shopkeeper would call me in private and sell me a few kilograms of flour.” (Compare Revelation 13:16, 17.) Brother Maienda was fired from his job at the port of Beira six times, but each time, his employers would come back looking for him because his professional qualifications were so valuable to his company.

Although witnessing and meeting together were high-risk affairs, the light did not go out in any of the principal cities of the country. The Maienda family in Beira were joined by a group of youths in the Esturro neighborhood who were courageous and thirsting for the truth. Together they kept the light shining in the capital of Sofala Province. The zeal of the group in Beira was so great that, in spite of the danger, they would cross the border into Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in order to obtain spiritual food.

The branch office in Salisbury (now Harare) worked boldly and untiringly to care for all the brothers who were scattered about in the northern region. Thus, when news reached the office that a group was still meeting in Tete, the branch dispatched two brothers to give attention to the needs of that group, since, like Epaphroditus, a fellow worker of the apostle Paul, they were longing to see the brothers. (Phil. 2:25-30) One of these brothers was the much loved Redson Zulu, known throughout the north for his stirring talks in the Chichewa language. At great risk he and his companion traveled through the bush by bicycle to minister to their isolated Mozambican brothers.

Similarly, the light of truth continued to burn in the province of Nampula. A group of unbaptized ones remained there and, in their own way, continued to hold meetings. At first, the attendance was 8, but this soon grew to 50. When a brother was sent from Carico to be hospitalized in Nampula, he got in contact with one member of that unbaptized group, a person who worked in the hospital. The brother sent word to the Society, and the branch office instructed him to study with the group in order to prepare for baptism those who were ready. Five got baptized. They received further help when a Witness from the Netherlands who was in Nampula on secular work opened up his home for meetings. In time, some of that group qualified to shoulder responsibility as elders.

Relief at the Central Prison

In 1975, one group of prisoners after another was sent up north from the prisons of Maputo, while others kept arriving to take their place. Then, about the end of February 1976, the government decided to stop its ceaseless transporting of Witness prisoners.

A few months later, President Samora Machel paid a visit to the central prison of Maputo. Sister Celeste Muthemba, one of the prisoners, seized the opportunity to give a witness to the president. He listened in a friendly manner, but after his departure the sister was strongly reprimanded by the prison authorities. However, one week later an order came through for her release, along with a document that guaranteed her protection from further harassment for political reasons and the right to her former employment in the central hospital. Furthermore, authorization was given for the release of all of Jehovah’s Witnesses from that prison.

Those in Maputo organized themselves into congregations. Before long, 24 congregations were formed into a circuit stretching from Maputo northeast to Inhambane. Fidelino Dengo was assigned to visit them. Additionally, the South Africa branch appointed a committee of elders to care for the spiritual needs of these groups. They developed cautious methods of informal preaching. They made arrangements for the brothers to attend conventions in neighboring Swaziland. And right in Mozambique, when some returned from Carico, the brothers held assemblies disguised as “welcome home” parties.

And in Carico? What were the arrangements for spiritual activities there?

“O.N.” Committee Supervises the Camps

The Malawian brothers, under the oversight of the Zimbabwe branch, had formed a special committee to care for spiritual needs in the camps. When the brothers from the south of Mozambique were brought to Carico, they too benefited from the arrangement already operating there. Two of the brothers from the south, Fernando Muthemba and Filipe Matola, were added to the committee.

The O.N. Committee (Ofisi ya Ntchito: Service Office, in Chichewa) corresponded with the Society and organized assemblies and conventions. They compiled reports for the whole camp and periodically met with the elders in the villages. They also supervised the work of the 11 circuits. Theirs was a heavy responsibility, particularly so because of the precarious relationship of the brothers with the government authorities.

Preaching and Making Disciples in the Camps

A considerable number of interested ones and Bible students who accompanied the brothers to Milange in 1975 were baptized in November 1976.

Many who had been regular pioneers continued preaching right on through their imprisonment and transfer to the camps. But to whom did they preach? In the beginning they studied with those not yet baptized, including children of the brothers. A family with many children was viewed as a “good territory.” The parents studied with some of the children, and the rest were divided up among the single publishers. In this way many kept active in the disciple-making work.

However, this was not enough for those who truly had the evangelizing spirit. A zealous pioneer began spying out territory outside the camps. Of course, it had its risks because of the limitations imposed by the camp authorities. He realized that he would have to establish some pretext for leaving the camps. What could he use? Having prayed for Jehovah’s direction, he decided to sell salt and other consumable goods to people outside the camps. He asked a high price so as to avoid any real transaction, while creating an opening to give a witness. The method caught on. In time, many of these “vendors” could be seen offering their products outside the camps. Covering the scattered territory involved traveling long distances, leaving at dawn and returning at night. It was sparse “vegetation” for so many “locusts.” But in this manner, many persons living in the area learned the truth.

“Production Center of Zambézia”

Because of the diligent work of these industrious “reeducation students” and the blessed rains watering the region, agricultural production flourished. The Witnesses in the camps came to have bountiful harvests of corn, rice, manioc, millet, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, beans, and local fruit such as mafura. The grain stores of the Circle of Carico were overflowing. The raising of fowl and small animals such as chickens, ducks, pigeons, rabbits, and pigs enriched their diet with protein. The hunger they had experienced initially became a thing of the past. In contrast, the rest of the country was experiencing the greatest food shortage in its history.​—Compare Amos 4:7.

In recognition of this agricultural success story, the government began to call the area of these camps the “Production Center of Zambézia.” With income received from sale of excess produce, the brothers were able to acquire clothing and even some radios and bicycles. Though prisoners, they were well equipped because of their diligence. They scrupulously complied with the government’s tax laws; indeed, they were among the major taxpayers in the region. In harmony with Biblical standards, conscientious payment of taxes, even under these circumstances, was one of the requirements for anyone to be considered for any privileges in the congregation.​—Rom. 13:7; 1 Tim. 3:1, 8, 9.

Cultural Exchange

There occurred in Carico a mutual exchange of skills and culture. Many learned new skills, such as bricklaying, carpentry, and sculpting in wood. Together they developed abilities in toolmaking, working in cast iron, building quality furniture, and more. Besides their benefiting personally from skills learned or refined, they were provided another source of income because of this activity.

The greatest challenge in cultural exchange involved language. The Mozambicans learned Chichewa, spoken by the Malawians. This became the principal language spoken in the camps, and most of the literature available was in Chichewa. Slowly and gracefully, the Malawians also learned Tsonga and its variations, spoken in the south of Mozambique. Many also learned English and Portuguese, which would prove valuable to them later in special privileges of service. One elder recalls: “You could meet a brother or sister speaking your language fluently, and you would not know if he was Mozambican or Malawian.”

How Did Spiritual Food Get Into the Camps?

It came from Zambia via Malawi. By what means? One circuit overseer replied: “Only Jehovah knows.” In the camps the O.N. Committee would assign young Malawians, many of them pioneers, to cross the border on bicycles and, at a predetermined location, meet those who had been sent to deliver correspondence and literature. In this way the congregations were supplied with up-to-date spiritual food.

In addition to this, the O.N. Committee members would cross the border and make their way to Zambia or Zimbabwe to benefit from the annual visits of zone overseers sent out by the Governing Body. By these and other means, the brothers in Carico maintained strong ties with Jehovah’s visible organization and thus remained united in his worship.

Congregation meetings required special arrangements. Because the brothers were constantly watched, many of the meetings were held at dawn or earlier. Those in attendance would gather outside, as if eating porridge in the yard, while the speaker stationed himself inside the house. Some meetings were held in riverbeds or inside natural craters. However, preparations for a convention involved much more work.

Conventions​—How They Were Organized

After receiving from the Society all the material for the program, the O.N. Committee would withdraw to Village No. 9 for several weeks. In this relatively remote place, they would work through the nights under the light of a lantern, translating talk outlines, recording dramas, and appointing speakers. Particularly useful was a manual duplicating machine that they had received from Zimbabwe. Their work would not stop until the entire program for the series of six conventions was complete.

In addition to this, a team was assigned to find and prepare an appropriate location to serve as the convention site. This could be on the side of a mountain or in the woods, but not less than six miles [10 km] away from the camps. Everything had to be done without the knowledge of the authorities or “the rebels.” Small portable radios were borrowed, and with these a sound system was set up for audiences of over 3,000. There was always a stream nearby, where a baptismal pool could be prepared by building a dam. Stage, auditorium, cleaning, maintenance, were all arranged for beforehand. Finally, the convention site would be ready​—at a different location each year.

An arrangement was worked out that would allow all in the villages to attend. It functioned well because the brothers demonstrated a wonderful spirit of cooperation. They could not all attend at the same time; a deserted village would have attracted the attention of the authorities. Therefore, neighbors took turns​—one household attending on one day, while the other household attended on the next. The family that stayed behind would move around in the neighbors’ house; thus, no one would notice the absence of the family. Did this mean that some missed out on parts of the convention? No, for each day’s program was presented twice. Thus, a three-day convention would last six days; and a two-day assembly, four days.

A network of alert attendants provided a chain of communication. It extended all the way from the camp’s administrative center to the convention site, with a man positioned every 1,600 feet [500 m]. Any suspicious movement that might constitute a threat to the convention would put this line of communication into action, relaying a message 20 or 25 miles [30 or 40 km] in just 30 minutes. This would allow enough time for the convention administration to make a decision. It might mean closing down the assembly and hiding in the woods.

José Bana, an elder from Beira, recalls: “On one occasion a policeman warned us the night before that they already knew about our assembly and were going to break it up. The matter was taken to the responsible brothers. Should they cancel the assembly? They prayed to Jehovah and decided to wait until the following morning. The answer came​—a torrential downpour during the night overflowed the Munduzi River, turning it into a sea. Since the police were on the other side of the river, everyone could attend the assembly, without the need for anyone to stay behind and without the need of the human communication chain. We sang Kingdom songs to our heart’s content.”

Apostasy and Village No. 10

A movement that stirred up much trouble was started by an apostate group that called themselves “the anointed.” Originating mainly from the Malawian villages, this group claimed that the “time of the elders” had ended in 1975 and that they, as “the anointed,” should be the ones taking the lead. The material in the Society’s book Life Everlasting​—In Freedom of the Sons of God was a great aid in helping some who had doubts to understand what was involved in the genuine anointing. But the influence of the apostates spread, and many who listened to them were led astray. As part of their doctrine, they said that it was not necessary to send in reports to the Society. They would simply throw these into the air after saying a prayer.

It is estimated that about 500 were disfellowshipped as a result of this apostate influence. They decided of their own accord, and with the permission of the authorities, to build their own village. This became Village No. 10. Later on, the leader of the movement was attended to by a train of young women, many of whom bore him children.

Village No. 10 and its group continued in existence throughout the remaining period of life in the camps. They caused many difficulties for the faithful brothers. Some who were initially influenced to join the group later repented and returned to Jehovah’s organization. The apostate community was finally disbanded when life in the camps came to a close.

“The Camp Is Our Prison, and the Houses Are Our Cells”

Up to the beginning of 1983, life in the camps had a certain semblance of normality. However, our brothers did not forget that they were prisoners. It is true that some, on their own, managed to return to their cities. Others would come and go. Nevertheless, the community as a whole remained. It was only natural that they longed for the homes from which they had come. They exchanged letters either through the postal system or by the hands of a few brothers who daringly visited the camps to see relatives and old friends​—although some of these brothers were caught and imprisoned.

Xavier Dengo used to muse: “You Malawians are refugees, but we are prisoners. The camp is our prison, and the houses are our cells.” In effect, though, the situation of our Malawian brothers was very much the same. Whatever normality the villages seemed to have was about to come to an abrupt end.

Armed Invasion Brings Panic and Death

At the beginning of 1983, armed members of the resistance movement began invading the Carico region, forcing the commander of the administrative center to seek refuge at the district seat in Milange, 20 miles [30 km] away. For a relatively short period, the brothers seemed able to breathe easier, although they were still under some surveillance by the authorities.

However, tragedy struck on October 7, 1984, while preparations for the district convention were being finalized. An armed group approached from the east. As they made their way through Village No. 9, they left in their wake a trail of panic, blood, and death. After killing Brother Mutola in Malawian Village No. 7, they killed Augusto Novela in Mozambican Village No. 4. In Mozambican Village No. 5, Brother Muthemba was alerted by the sound of gunfire. When he saw the body of a brother on the ground, he cried out to Jehovah for help. The armed men burned and sacked houses. Men, women, and children ran wildly in every direction, desperately seeking cover. This violent attack was only a prelude of more to come. After crossing through the camps, the group chose an area just north of Village No. 1 to set up their base.

On subsequent days they made daily incursions into the camps​—robbing, burning houses, and killing. On one of these occasions, they killed six Malawian Witnesses, including the wife of Fideli Ndalama, a circuit overseer.

Others were taken prisoner to the group’s base. Young men in particular were subjected to efforts at forced recruitment into their militarized movement. Many of the young men fled from the villages to hide in the machambas (the fields that they cultivated), and family members took food to them there. Young women were recruited as cooks, but then the invaders endeavored to force them to serve as “lovers.” Hilda Banze was one who resisted such pressure, and consequently, she was beaten so severely that she was left for dead. Happy to say, she recovered.

The armed group demanded that the population supply them with sustenance and carry their gear. The brothers found this demand to be incompatible with their position of Christian neutrality and therefore refused. Their refusal was met with rage. Neutrality and human rights had no place in an isolated world where beatings and weapons were the only recognized law. Some 30 brothers died during this turbulent period. One of these was Alberto Chissano, who refused to give any support and tried to explain: “I do not take part in politics, and that is the reason why I was brought here from Maputo. I refused in the past, and it will not be any different now.” (Compare John 18:36.) This was too much for the oppressors, who furiously dragged him away. Knowing what was certain to happen, Brother Chissano bid farewell to the brothers with an air of unwavering faith. “Until the new world” were his last words before being severely beaten and mortally wounded. The brothers on the medical team tried to save him, but it was to no avail. It would indeed be “until the new world,” for not even the threat of death could break his faith.​—Acts 24:15.

Delivered From a Fiery Furnace

Something had to be done to alleviate the unbearable tension. The O.N. Committee met with the elders and ministerial servants to discuss how to attempt a dialogue with the resistance movement. However, men from the resistance movement had already sent out an invitation to all in the area to come to their base. The elders decided to go, along with a considerable group that volunteered to accompany them. Two brothers were instructed to speak on behalf of all the villages. Isaque Maruli, one of the appointed spokesmen, went by his house to inform his young wife and to say good-bye. Alarmed by what might happen, she tried to dissuade him. He spoke consolingly to her and asked: “Do you think we have survived until now because of some cleverness on our part? And do you think we are more important than the other brothers?” She silently displayed her agreement. They prayed together and then said good-bye.

Present at the meeting were not only the Witnesses but also non-Witnesses who were willing to support the armed movement. The brothers, however, numbering some 300, outnumbered the others. It was a heated meeting, with people shouting political slogans and singing military songs. An announcement was made: “Today we are going to shout ‘Viva Renamo’ [Resistência Nacional de Moçambique (National Resistance of Mozambique), the movement fighting against the Frelimo government] until the leaves fall off these trees.” The commander, the soldiers, and the non-Witness population became impatient with the silence of the brothers. A political commissioner who was presiding over the meeting explained the ideology of his movement. He told of the determination of the upper command to dismantle the villages and have everyone spread out and live among the machambas. He then gave opportunity to those in attendance to express themselves. Our brothers explained their neutral position. They hoped that their reasons for not participating in supplying food, carrying the gear, and so forth, would be understood. As for dispersing from the villages, they had already been forced to do this.

The commander did not like the courageous response of the brothers at all, but providentially, the commissioner was more understanding. He calmed the commander and sent the brothers away in peace. They thus came out alive from what they described as a “fiery furnace.” (Compare Daniel 3:26, 27.) Yet peace was not guaranteed. The single most shaking event was to come a few days later.

The Massacre of Village No. 7

Although the sun was shining, Sunday, October 14, 1984, turned out to be a dark day in Carico. Early in the day, the brothers had held their congregation meeting, after which some visited the villages to fetch remaining supplies before quickly returning to their new homes in the fields. Without warning, an armed group left their base and proceeded in the direction of Mozambican Village No. 7. They captured a brother on the outskirts of Village No. 5 and demanded: “Show us the way to Village No. 7; you are going to see what war is.” On arriving at the village, they rounded up all who happened to be there. They made them sit in a circle, in the order in which their villages were numbered. Then the interrogation began.

“Who is the one that beat and robbed our mudjiba [an unarmed lookout, or informer]?” they demanded. The brothers, unaware of what the men were talking about, answered that they did not know. “Well, if no one is going to speak, we’ll make an example of this man sitting here in front.” And they shot a brother in the forehead at point-blank range. Everyone was shaken. The question was repeated again and again, each time with a new victim awaiting the shot. Women, holding on to their babies, were forced to watch the barbaric execution of their husbands, as did Sister Salomina, who watched her husband, Bernardino, die. Women too were murdered. Leia Bila, wife of Luis Bila, who had died of a heart attack in the camp near Lichinga, was one of these, and her small children were thus orphaned. Neither did the executions spare the young, such as Fernando Timbane, who, even after being shot, prayed to Jehovah and tried to encourage the others.

When ten victims had thus been brutally executed, a disagreement arose among the executioners, putting an end to the nightmare. At their order, Brother Nguenha, who would have been the 11th victim, rose from the “chair of death.” He recounts: “I had prayed to Jehovah to care for my surviving family, for my days had come to an end. I then stood up and felt an uncommon courage. It was only later that I felt the emotional shock.”

The survivors were then compelled to burn the remaining houses in the villages. Before leaving, the armed men warned: “We came with an order to kill 50 of you, but these are sufficient. They should not be buried. We will keep watch, and if any body disappears, ten will die for each missing body.” What a strange and hideous order!

With the sound of the shots echoing through the area, and as the news spread with those who had managed to escape, a new wave of panic swept over the villages. In desperation the brothers fled to the woods and the mountains. Only later was it discovered that the accusing questions that had triggered the massacre had been instigated by a disfellowshipped person who wanted to join the resistance movement. He had also become a thief. He had made the false accusations against the brothers in his own village in an effort to win the favor and confidence of the group. Later, when the group discovered that they had been fooled, they apprehended the originator of these lies and put him to death in a most barbaric fashion.

The Dispersion Begins

The entire Circle of Carico was grief-stricken and confused. The elders, also in tears, sought to console the families who were mourning the loss of loved ones in the massacre. The thought of remaining in the area was unbearable. A natural dispersion, therefore, began to take place. Whole congregations sought out distant places, up to 20 miles [30 km] away, where they could feel more secure. Some decided to stay around the machambas. Thus, the elders on the O.N. Committee had their work doubled. They had to walk many miles in order to ensure unity and the physical and spiritual security of the flock in all the widely dispersed congregations.

News of this sad predicament reached the Zimbabwe branch, which then arranged for members of the branch office to visit the brothers and build them up. They also consulted the Governing Body in Brooklyn about the need for food, clothing, and medicine in the camps at Milange. With deep concern about the welfare of the brothers, the Governing Body gave instruction to use available financial resources to care for their needs, including, if deemed advisable, making provision for them to leave the Milange area and return to their home regions. That option seemed advisable indeed.

Near the beginning of 1985, members of the O.N. Committee, as they had done every year, left Milange to meet with the zone overseer, who had been sent out by the Governing Body. Don Adams was there from Brooklyn. In a meeting that included the Branch Committees of Zambia and Zimbabwe, the members of the O.N. Committee presented their concerns in relation to the Circle of Carico. They were counseled to consider whether it was wise to remain in Carico. Attention was directed to the Bible principle set out at Proverbs 22:3: “Shrewd is the one that has seen the calamity and proceeds to conceal himself.” With this in mind, they returned to the camps.

Leave? How? And to Where?

The counsel was immediately conveyed to the congregations. Some promptly acted on it, as was the case with João José, a single brother who later shared in the construction of the Zambia and the Mozambique branch facilities. With a group of others, he crossed the border into Malawi and then to Zambia without any major problems.

The situation, however, was not so easy for others. Many families had small children to consider. Members of the resistance movement constantly watched the roads, and anyone traveling on them was subject to attack. The border with Malawi presented another challenge, especially for the Malawian brothers, as Jehovah’s Witnesses were still despised and hunted there. Thus, the perplexing questions were: How would they leave? Where would they go? Having lived all these years in the bush and without any documents, how could they cross borders? “We also do not know,” was the response of the members of the O.N. Committee, in what proved to be an extremely tense meeting with all the elders. “One thing is certain​—we have to disperse,” they stressed. They concluded: “Each one say a prayer, make your plan, and act.”​—Compare 2 Chronicles 20:12.

In the ensuing months, this became the principal theme of the meetings. The majority of the elders supported the idea of leaving and encouraged the brothers to follow through. Others decided to stay. Eventually, a scattered exodus began. Malawian brothers who made an attempt to go home were blocked at the border for the old reasons and had to return. This dampened the enthusiasm of those who had decided to leave and strengthened the argument of those in favor of staying. An “invitation” to another “important meeting” at the military base proved to be the deciding factor for most.

Exodus En Masse

On September 13, 1985, just two days before the announced meeting, Brothers Muthemba, Matola, and Chicomo, the three remaining members of the O.N. Committee, met together once more. What should they recommend to the brothers regarding the “invitation”? The meeting lasted all night. After much prayer and pondering, they decided: “We will have to flee tomorrow night.” Immediately, as far as it was possible, they spread news of the decision as well as of the time and place to meet. The congregations that agreed to leave showed up. It was the last act of the O.N. Committee in the camps.

Starting at 8:30 p.m., after offering prayer, the brothers began a timed exodus. Their exodus was a secret well kept from the soldiers and “the rebels.” To be caught would have meant disaster. Under cover of darkness, each congregation had 15 minutes to move out, with each family allotted 2 minutes. The long single-file line snaked silently through the bush, with no one knowing what the break of day would bring at the border with Malawi, if indeed they made it there. The spiritual shepherds of the O.N. Committee were the last to leave, at 1:00 a.m.​—Acts 20:28.

After walking for about 25 miles [40 km], Filipe Matola was overcome with fatigue as a result of going without sleep for two days. He dozed beside the trail while waiting for the last of the elderly ones to pass by. We can only imagine what joy he must have felt when his “nephew,” Ernesto Muchanga, came running from the front of the line, with the good news: “‘Uncle,’ the brothers are being received into Malawi!” “This is an example,” Matola exclaimed, “of how Jehovah opens the way, when there seems to be no way out, like at the Red Sea.”​—Ex. 14:21, 22; see Psalm 31:21-24.

During the next several months, they experienced what it was like to live in refugee camps in Malawi and Zambia, before returning to Mozambique and getting back to their own cities. But what happened to those who remained in the area of Carico?

Those Who Remained

The decision of the O.N. Committee did not reach all the widespread congregations before the exodus began. Some individuals who did hear the announcement decided to remain and go to the meeting at the military base. The Maxaquene Congregation, along with others, had not heard the announcement but had already decided to flee. Before going to the meeting, these brothers left their families prepared for flight. Some 500 brothers showed up at the meeting. It was brief and to the point. The commander said: “It has been decided by our superiors that all here present should come to our main regional base. It will be a long journey. There you will spend up to three months.” And the trip began right then.

Taking advantage of lax vigilance on the part of the soldiers, brothers who had decided to flee slipped away. They joined their families and escaped in whatever way they could toward the Malawi border. Others, whether in compliance with the orders of the armed movement or for lack of opportunity, began the trip toward the southwest to the base at Morrumbala, arriving there several days later. Once there, they were put under further pressure to support the movement. Their refusal resulted in severe torture and innumerable beatings, during which at least one brother died. Three months later they were finally allowed to return to their homes.

Many continued dwelling in the Carico area, completely under the control of the resistance movement. They found themselves isolated from the rest of Jehovah’s organization for the next seven years. They were a sizable group, comprising some 40 congregations. Did they survive spiritually? Would their love of God be strong enough to keep them from succumbing to despair? We will return to them later on.

Refugee Camps in Malawi and Zambia

Not all who fled from Carico were readily received into Malawi. The Maxaquene Congregation, after crossing the border and while resting, were discovered by the Malawian police and were ordered to go back. The brothers pleaded with the police, explaining that they were fleeing from war in the area where they had been living. The police were unsympathetic. Seemingly without an option and in desperation, someone shouted: “We are going to cry, brothers!” And that is exactly what they did, and so loudly that it attracted the attention of the neighborhood. The police, embarrassed, pleaded with them to stop. A sister entreated: “Let us at least prepare some food for the children.” The police conceded to her request, saying that they would return later. Happily, they never did return. Later, someone in authority came to the aid of the Witnesses, bringing food and directing them to the refugee camp where the rest of the brothers were situated.

Mozambican Witnesses of Jehovah were now inundating the refugee camps in Malawi. The Malawian government received them as refugees of war. The International Red Cross provided assistance, bringing supplies to relieve the discomfort and difficulties caused by the inclemency of the open-air camps. Some went on to Zambia, where they were directed to other refugee camps. Filipe Matola and Fernando Muthemba now worked in association with members of the Malawi Country Committee, searching out Mozambican brothers in these camps in order to provide them with spiritual comfort and with the financial aid that had been authorized by the Governing Body.

On January 12, 1986, A. D. Schroeder, a member of the Governing Body, gave spiritual encouragement as well as an expression of warm love from the Governing Body to those brothers. Though unable to enter the camps, he gave a discourse in Zambia that was translated into Chichewa, recorded, and then taken to the camps where the Mozambican brothers were located.

Gradually these refugees were helped to get to their next stop​—in Mozambique. For many this was Moatize, in the province of Tete. Yes, in Mozambique a change was taking place in the government’s attitude toward Jehovah’s Witnesses, although not all local officials were yet giving evidence of it.

Back Into Mozambique

Group after group slowly began to overflow the townships to the east of the city of Tete. Abandoned train cars, previously used as public privies, were used to house them. After being cleaned, many of these were used as meeting places for the Memorial of Christ’s death held on March 24, 1986.

Brothers from all over Mozambique waited there for months without knowing how they would be transported back to their places of origin. This wait had its share of tribulation. They tried to devise some form of employment to help support themselves or to save some money for an air ticket, but without much success. Because of war, travel by road was not possible. They were not always treated kindly by local authorities, who still tried to force them to repeat political slogans. To this the brothers boldly replied: “We were taken to Carico because of this issue. There we served our term and were abandoned to the mercy of armed attackers. We escaped by our own means. What do you still want from us?” With this response they were left alone. However, the youths continued to be harassed and jailed in an attempt to recruit them into the government’s army to fight the continuing armed insurgency in the region. Many young brothers used whatever shrewd means they could to get away and go into hiding.

The committee in Malawi decided that Fernando Muthemba should go to Tete in order to provide aid to the brothers there. When Brother Muthemba arrived in Moatize, the authorities decided to inspect his luggage. Just in time, the brothers were able to rescue the literature in his possession. So when the police searched through his bags, what did they find? “Just some rags,” he says. The disappointed police asked, “Is that it?” Yes, that was it. That was all the baggage of a man who had borne such heavy responsibilities in the camps. As with everyone else, he had come back stripped of all he had. In fact, at that moment, the physical appearance of the brothers was not at all pleasant​—dirty, dressed in rags, hungry, and obviously ill-treated. They fitted well the inspired description of many of God’s servants of the past: “They went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, while they were in want, . . . under ill-treatment; and the world was not worthy of them. They wandered about in deserts . . . and caves and dens of the earth.”​—Heb. 11:37, 38.

At Last, Transportation to Maputo

In Maputo a committee appointed by the Society proceeded to contact various government and nongovernment agencies, trying to find transportation for the brothers in Tete and in Zambia. How happy Isaque Malate and Francisco Zunguza felt when, on going to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, they were informed: “Over 50 flights have already been authorized to bring back Jehovah’s Witnesses”! They were grateful that the government had given the authorization.

Unaware of this arrangement, the brothers in Tete, who were all in camps near the airport, would go every day to the airport in hopes that some cargo plane would take at least a few of them. Moved with emotion, Fernando Muthemba speaks of May 16, 1987: “It was 7:30 a.m. When I looked at the airport, I saw two large Boeings that were to begin the ‘air bridge’ flights to evacuate all of Jehovah’s Witnesses to Maputo.” What a thrilling prospect! After 12 years​—return to their cities!

Unfortunately, their appearance was far from presentable. Emídio Mathe, an elder in the Maxaquene Congregation, borrowed a pair of trousers from someone who had more than one pair so that he could arrive in Maputo reasonably dressed. The brothers awaiting their arrival in Maputo also took clothes to the planes so that the refugees could disembark with some dignity. Were they ashamed? “No,” responds Emídio, “although we had been stripped materially, we had the hope that Jehovah would one day use us to have his name put on high. We were not concerned with material goods; we did not feel ashamed. We went about ragged, but our faith in Jehovah was unbeaten.” The brothers in South Africa and Zimbabwe gladly contributed tons of food and clothing to their returned Mozambican brothers.

Additional transportation was provided by the government for the Witnesses returning to other provinces. For those returning to the province of Sofala, to the area known as the Beira Corridor (because of the protection provided by Zimbabwean soldiers), there would yet be trouble. Eighteen of them, including one elder, were captured and taken to a base of the resistance movement.

‘Jehovah Is Great, Jehovah Is Great!’

After interrogating them and realizing that these were Jehovah’s Witnesses, the commander of the base summoned a religionist who led a church in the area under the control of the resistance movement. He said to this man: “These are Jehovah’s Witnesses, and now they will pray with you. Treat them well.” To the brothers’ surprise, this pastor (who some time before had obtained some Watch Tower publications while in Zimbabwe) shook his head and exclaimed: “Jehovah is great . . . Jehovah is great!” He continued: “We had prayed to Jehovah to send us at least one person to teach us.”

The following day he gathered his church of 62 members and asked the elder to speak to them. The brother began by saying that all their images needed to be removed. (Deut. 7:25; 1 John 5:21) They promptly complied. He also showed that Jehovah neither approves of nor authorizes the expelling of demons by his servants today and that ritualistic drum beating is no part of true worship as outlined in the Bible. (Matt. 7:22, 23; 1 Cor. 13:8-13) In conclusion, the leader of the group stood up and said: “Starting from today, my family and I are Jehovah’s Witnesses.” The entire congregation, with the exception of one couple, expressed that same desire.

During the four months that the brothers remained there, they held meetings regularly. When the time came for them to leave, they took along with them a good number of this group, many of whom had previously been active members of the fighting factions.

Many joined Jehovah’s people during this period, for despite their difficult living conditions, the brothers never let up preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom and making disciples.​—Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20.

Return to Life in the Cities

The brothers were grateful to get back to the cities. But without documents, places to live, or secular work, life continued to be hard for them. It was a new phase in their life of challenges. The nation itself was undergoing convulsions, scourged by civil war, hunger, drought, and unemployment. Could Jehovah’s people raise themselves erect in the midst of such dire straits?

The government came to their aid, creating the Department of Social Reintegration. Many Witnesses were restored to their former employment, occupying important positions in firms in the public or private sector. Others became entrepreneurs.

Many were able to return to their former residences, as relatives were still occupying them. For others, however, the situation was not so easy. Their houses had been taken over by strangers or by unfriendly relatives or had been nationalized by the State. Showing meekness, the returning Witnesses chose not to cause any disturbance, contrary to what the government might have feared. Witnesses who had not been sent to the camps opened their homes to take in their homeless brothers. Gradually they found or built places in which to settle. With Jehovah’s blessing on their diligence, many today have a good home, to the surprise of those who had observed the pitiful condition in which they returned. It is notable that in the midst of rampant poverty, not one of Jehovah’s Witnesses needed to resort to begging. After a few years, when the way was opened for people to own their own home by purchasing it from the State, the first person in the entire country to do so was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses who had been in Carico. Maputo’s literature depot is presently operating from this location.

However, obtaining a house or getting any other material benefit was not the brothers’ primary concern. Finding places to hold meetings for worship was more important. After all, was that not the primary reason why Jehovah had brought them safely home? That certainly was what the brothers firmly believed. (Compare Haggai 1:8.) They promptly improvised Kingdom Halls of all sorts​—in backyards, in living rooms and kitchens, in shacks of tin and straw; sometimes​—a luxury—​they met in rented schoolrooms or hospital auditoriums. Most of the 438 congregations in Mozambique meet even now in these makeshift Kingdom Halls. The exceptions are rare. One such is in Beira, where, with the help of the Zimbabwe branch and their valiant construction team, the brothers overcame many obstacles and finally, on February 19, 1994, dedicated the first two brick Kingdom Halls in Mozambique.

Special Committees​—Legal Recognition

In order to care for the material and spiritual needs of the brothers as they reorganized their lives, the Governing Body appointed special committees in Tete, Beira, and Maputo, to be supervised by the branches in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Under this arrangement the congregations could receive closer attention. To provide much-needed Bible literature, depots were set up in these cities. These also served as distribution centers for relief supplies of food and clothing. Assemblies and conventions were organized, although some obstacles still had to be overcome before these could be held openly.

Then on February 11, 1991, thrilling news echoed throughout the country, to the delight of Jehovah’s people worldwide. The government of Mozambique had granted legal recognition to the Associação das Testemunhas de Jeová de Moçambique (Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses of Mozambique). Fernando Muthemba, who had loyally helped to care for the brothers in Carico, would serve as its first president. Jehovah’s people in Mozambique were also rejoicing to have in their midst their first Gilead-trained missionaries. These were in missionary homes in Maputo and in Beira. Yet another home was being prepared in Tete to receive more missionaries who were to arrive shortly.

Missionaries Bring Joy to Their Brothers

A true missionary field opened up in Mozambique. Self-sacrificing and desirous of sharing in the spiritual rebuilding and harvesting work in Mozambique, Gilead graduates and experienced special pioneers who had already been serving in other fields eagerly accepted the invitation to serve here. They came from five continents, many of them from Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil and Portugal. Their new assignment was not without challenge, for in 1990 and 1991, the country was just beginning to pull itself out of the economic quagmire caused by war and drought. Hans Jespersen, a Danish missionary who had served in Brazil and who presently serves as district overseer, recalls: “There was practically nothing in the shops, and the signs of war and its consequences were clearly evident.” A steady economic recovery, however, is already evident. Nevertheless, many of our brothers in the northern and rural areas continue to live under extremely difficult conditions.

The missionaries faced much that was new to them. For example, prior to the signing of a peace accord between the Frelimo government and Renamo, the assignments of the missionaries sometimes required that they travel in colunas (long convoys of vehicles escorted by government-armed forces), and at times these came under attack. But they experienced great joy in getting to know their brothers; and for many of these brothers, meeting Witnesses of other races and nationalities was a dream come true.

In a remote part of the north, a child walked all day with his father to see a missionary from Australia. Observing the expression of wonderment on the child’s face, the father said: “Didn’t I tell you that we have white brothers?” Many, on greeting the missionaries, expressed their delight, saying: “We only knew about you from experiences in the Yearbook.” Mozambican Witnesses who were still in refugee camps in Zambia in 1993 said: “When we heard in Zambia that there was a missionary home in Tete, we did everything we could to come back so that we could see this with our own eyes and in order to continue our service here, 18 years after being taken to Carico.”

The main objective of these missionaries in Mozambique is to preach the good news about God’s Kingdom. Doing so has been very gratifying. The first missionaries in Maputo and Beira recall: “The spiritual hunger was so great that enormous quantities of literature were placed daily.” The Society’s four-color publications are unique in this country and attract much attention from the public. The missionary homes are often used as central bases where Bible studies are conducted, as many students seem to prefer this.

At present, there are six missionary homes throughout the country, with 50 missionaries serving in various assignments. Some missionaries travel each month on routes established by the branch to collect reports and deliver correspondence, magazines, and literature. Included in one of these routes is the former location of the Circle of Carico in Milange.

What happened to the Witnesses who remained in this area and became isolated from the rest of their brothers?

The Circle of Carico Opens

On October 4, 1992, the General Peace Accord between Frelimo and Renamo was signed in Rome, putting an official end to 16 years of civil war in Mozambique. This widely celebrated event made possible the raising of the curtain that had shut off the region of the former Circle of Carico. And what came to view? Upwards of 50 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses, emerging from an isolation that had lasted for seven years. How had they survived spiritually during such severe isolation?

In February 1994 an interview was held in Milange with 40 of the responsible brothers. Also present were a thousand others who had walked more than 20 miles [30 km] just to see the missionaries. The elders who had remained after the exodus recounted: “After many of us were beaten at the military base, we were allowed to return, to live in the machambas of the extinct villages. In time, Renamo authorized us to build Kingdom Halls and hold our meetings. They promised​—and held to it—​that while we were in our halls or on the way to our worship, we would not be molested. However, they said that they would not be responsible for what happened if on a meeting day someone was found at home or even outside the Kingdom Hall.” And what about preaching? Their answer is touching: “Without clothes and stripped of everything, we lived like beasts, but we did not forget that we were Jehovah’s Witnesses and that we had the obligation to preach the Kingdom.” What an eloquent demonstration of appreciation and love for God!

In 1993 the district overseer and his wife witnessed an unparalleled event at a circuit assembly held in Milange, something that confirmed that these brothers had indeed kept on making disciples. When the speaker delivering the baptismal discourse asked the candidates to stand, 505 out of an audience of 2,023 stood up to present themselves for baptism! But there is more.

“Saul” of Carico

Saul of Tarsus, a vehement persecutor of the followers of Jesus Christ in the first century C.E., became a zealous servant of Jehovah. Carico also had its “Saul.” He is a man of fine facial features and meek appearance, and presently he serves as a ministerial servant and a regular pioneer. There does not seem to be anything that distinguishes him from his workmates as they sweat at hard physical labor to make a living. But listen as he pauses from his work to tell his story:

“In June 1981 the area where I was living was taken over by the resistance movement. I was taken along with the other men to their barracks. They explained to us the noble aims of their struggle and the importance of supporting the liberation of our people. I received military training and participated in successful battles. This became my life’s routine for the next seven years. Because of my loyalty to the movement, I was promoted to the position of commander. I commanded seven small armies. Many regions came under our control, and one of these was Carico. I sent out a detachment of men to penetrate the villages where Jehovah’s Witnesses were, to gain their support. I authorized the burning of their houses and the killing of some of them. My commandos said to me: ‘We will kill all of them, but we’ll never change them.’ In time, I was sent out to other bases.”

Although this commander had no qualms about persecuting Jehovah’s people, Jehovah, in his mercy, granted him an opportunity to change. He explains: “After seven years of not seeing my wife, I asked for personal leave to visit her. And it was in a refugee camp in Malawi that I had my first personal contact with the truth. Initially I rejected it. Later, as I heard about the new world, the Kingdom of God, and a world without wars, I asked myself: ‘Can someone who has done so many bad things benefit from this?’ The answer I was given from the Bible was: ‘Yes, by having faith and obeying God.’ I accepted a Bible study, and in June 1990, I was baptized. Since then I have been a pioneer, helping many of my fellow excombatants. In one camp alone, I helped 14 persons to become servants of Jehovah. I have served where there was a greater need, and I have had my share of suffering for reasons of neutrality. I am very grateful to Jehovah for his mercy and for his overlooking the times of my ignorance, forgiving me on the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.” (Acts 17:30) This is but one of many examples showing why the Mozambican brothers so often say, with deep appreciation: “Jehovah is great.”​—Ps. 145:3.

A Branch Office in Maputo

Who would have guessed? It happened sooner than was expected. The Governing Body approved the opening of a branch office in Mozambique. Since 1925, when the miner Albino Mhelembe brought the truth from Johannesburg, the work in Mozambique had been cared for by the branches of South Africa, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. Finally, in Maputo, as of September 1, 1992, in a large house acquired and refurbished by the Society, in an area with many embassies, the Mozambique branch began its work of overseeing this vast field. Starting with a small family of seven members, the recently appointed Branch Committee had a challenging job ahead of them. They would have to organize the work in the field, care for the spiritual​—and even material—​needs of the brothers, assist with the building of Kingdom Halls, and build the new branch facilities. A big job indeed. But help began to arrive.

Teams of international volunteers who have come from various parts of the world are now working with their Mozambican brothers to build the new branch facilities in a pleasant location along the beachfront. The Bethel family itself has grown to 26 regular members. The brothers and sisters from the Maputo area also help. As a united group, they are all working to exalt the worship of the true God, Jehovah, in this part of the earth.​—Isa. 2:2.

“Keep Holding Men of That Sort Dear”

A challenging work is also done here by the traveling overseers. There are men such as Adson Mbendera, who used to visit the congregations in the north and who later served as a member of the O.N. Committee in the camps; Lameck Nyavicondo, who is remembered with appreciation by the brothers in Sofala; Elias Mahenye, who came from South Africa to serve, suffered atrocities, and forewarned: “PIDE [the colonial police] has disappeared, but its grandfather, Satan the Devil, is still around. Strengthen yourselves and build courage.” (1 Pet. 5:8) Not expecting any conveniences, they have given up whatever comforts they might have had in order to serve their brothers.

Just recently in the area of Milange, where the “prison” villages used to be, a circuit was established. The brothers who live in that area are especially grateful to Jehovah to be benefiting more fully from the care provided through his visible organization. Orlando Phenga and his wife have counted it a privilege to leave Maputo to serve there, where he and thousands of others had played a role on the “Stage of Carico.” To the west of the city of Tete, helping to reintegrate others that were isolated for years by war, Benjamin Jeremaiah and his wife travel for days on foot to places where many people have never seen an automobile. Raymond Phiri, a self-sacrificing single brother, has had to sleep on a mountaintop, along with the rest of the congregation he was serving, to escape possible attacks, and there he prepared his reports for the office. Also, Hans and Anita Jespersen serve the countrywide district and have come to know both the spiritual riches and the material poverty of their brothers.

All these brothers manifest the sort of spirit that moved the apostle Paul to write regarding Epaphroditus: “Keep holding men of that sort dear.”​—Phil. 2:29.

Moving Forward With Godly Zeal

Besides maintaining integrity through severe trials, the faithful ones in Mozambique have been manifesting their love for God and fellowman in another way. In the public ministry, they are making generous use of their newfound freedom and of Jehovah’s abundant provisions in the way of magazines and other literature. They can be seen preaching freely in the streets, in public squares, and in marketplaces such as Xipamanine. The results are evident as the number of praisers of Jehovah rapidly grows.

In addition to the new publishers, the increase has been enhanced by the return of brothers from the refugee camps in neighboring countries. Entire circuits have returned. Quickly they build Kingdom Halls, using whatever material is available. They do this even in temporary refugee communities, such as Zóbuè, on the Malawi border, and Caboa-2, outside of Vila Ulongue. Not waiting for better times, many are joining the ranks of the pioneers. There are now upwards of 1,900 sharing in such full-time service. They express great appreciation for the training received at the Pioneer Service Schools, which began functioning here in 1992.

Can you guess who the instructors were at a recent school in Maputo, where almost the entire class was made up of ones who had been in the Circle of Carico? Francisco Zunguza, the Mozambican record holder for number of times imprisoned because of his faith, and Eugênio Macitela, who was arrested and sent to Milange after having studied for only one week. Both of them presently serve as circuit overseers. And one of the students was Ernesto Chilaule. He has a recollection that he likes to share: “When I pass by that street where the building of the now extinct PIDE is, I look at that window and remember​—it was there that the agents said to me: ‘Let it be clear, Chilaule: This is Mozambique, and you will never be legalized in this country.’ And, behold! Just down the street is our legal branch office!”

How rewarded Brother Chilaule must feel because his little Alita, who used to fetch food from the congregational provisions while her father was in the Machava prison, is now the wife of Francisco Coana, one of the members of the Branch Committee! Brother Coana was that zealous pioneer in Carico who ingeniously “sold” goods to those outside the camps so as to be able to preach to them. Certainly Jehovah has blessed the thousands of faithful ones who, up north in the district of Milange, in the Circle of Carico, constituted a beautiful tribute of love, faith, and integrity to the honor and glory of Jehovah.​—Prov. 27:11; Rev. 4:11.

But the battle is not over. There are new dangers, challenging ones. The permissive worldly spirit that has spread around the earth can claim victims here too and has already done so. Immorality, materialism, and indifference caused by the apparently easier times have taken their toll. However, faithful servants of Jehovah in Mozambique continue earnestly to maintain constant vigilance. They have survived tremendous tests of faith. It is their determination, with Jehovah’s help, to continue to give evidence that they love Jehovah with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength and that they love their fellowman as themselves. They have unshakable faith that God’s Kingdom will soon transform the earth into a paradise, not only where war and hunger will cease but where they will have the great joy of welcoming back from the dead their loved ones, including all who proved faithful to God even to death in the Circle of Carico.​—Prov. 3:5, 6; John 5:28, 29; Rom. 8:35-39.

[Maps on page 123]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

ZAMBIA

ZIMBABWE

SOUTH AFRICA

MALAWI

MOZAMBIQUE

Tete

Milange

Carico

Mocuba

Inhaminga

Beira

Maxixe

Inhambane

Maputo

Inset map: Many brothers were exiled to São Tomé, some 2,500 miles [3,900 km] away, in the Atlantic Ocean

[Full-page picture on page 116]

[Picture on page 131]

Ernesto Chilaule was told: “You will never be legalized in this country. . . . You can just forget it!”

[Pictures on page 140, 141]

In Carico refugee camp, our brothers (1) cut wood and (2) trampled clay for making bricks, while (3) sisters carried water. (4) They found ways to hold assemblies. (5) Xavier Dengo, (6) Filipe Matola, and (7) Francisco Zunguza helped provide spiritual oversight here as circuit overseers. (8) Kingdom Hall built here by Malawian Witnesses is still in use

[Picture on page 175]

Witnesses gathered for “Godly Devotion” District Convention near Maputo in 1989, soon after they returned from camps

[Pictures on page 177]

Top: Elders and circuit overseers at a location where missionaries deliver literature and mail each month

Bottom: Missionaries in Tete receiving lessons in Chichewa

[Pictures on page 184]

Branch Committee (from left: Emile Kritzinger, Francisco Coana, Steffen Gebhardt), with picture of branch facilities now being built in Maputo

Venezuela

GETTING to know Venezuela may seem like taking a world tour. What might you see? Perhaps an Indian hunting in the jungle with a spear. A well-dressed senora shopping in a luxurious boutique. Guests dancing to an African-style drumbeat at an evening fiesta. A small boy pulling his poncho around him against the cold mountain wind as he runs to round up his sheep. And more than 71,000 of Jehovah’s Witnesses​—young and old, from many backgrounds—​busy talking to others about the true God and his Kingdom.

The majority of Venezuelans find their roots in a mixture of Indian, Spanish, and African ancestries. Since the second world war, many European immigrants from Italy, Portugal, and Spain have become a notable part of the population. And an observer cannot help but be impressed by the number of young people everywhere.

Venezuela, situated on the north coast of South America, is indeed a land of remarkable contrasts. The 1,750 miles [2,800 km] of Caribbean coastline fanned by tropical breezes contrasts with snowcapped mountains and lush jungles. There are not only vast plains called the llanos but also breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, such as Cuquenán, with a single 2,000-foot [600 m] drop, and Salto Angel, or Angel Falls, the highest in the world, plunging 3,212 feet [979 m] from an underground river that originates in the rocky mesa above. The capital, Caracas, with some 4,000,000 inhabitants, is a modern metropolis with sophisticated shopping centers. A network of good roads connect it to the interior. But looking down at the prosperity of Caracas are hundreds of thousands of people who live in hillside squatter settlements.

The Religious Climate in Venezuela

The vast majority of Venezuelans are Roman Catholic, although the church no longer has the hold on people that it once did. The native Indians, while often nominally Catholic, have their own rites and superstitions, as do those of African descent. Witchcraft and spiritism are very popular here. Many people wear amulets to protect them against the evil eye. The María Lionza cult, which is similar to voodoo, is widespread. Also, evangelical religious groups are growing in numbers.

“Saints” and “virgins” play a large part in the lives of Venezuelan Catholics. Each area of the country has its own particular “saint” or “virgin.” Most homes have religious pictures. In some homes, above the front door, there is a cutting of a plant to ward off evil spirits, or a Bible on a table is left open to Psalm 91 in the belief that this will afford the household certain protection.

Often, next to the picture of their favorite “saint” is one of Simón Bolívar, who achieved independence from Spanish rule for Venezuela and four other South American countries. Attesting to the honor in which he is held, here in Venezuela you will find Simón Bolívar International Airport, Simón Bolívar University, Simón Bolívar Avenue, Bolívar City, and Bolívar State. Also the currency is the bolivar. Every town in Venezuela has a central plaza, nearly always called Plaza Bolívar. Sayings attributed to him are often seen carefully painted on public walls.

Along with this, however, an outstanding characteristic of the Venezuelans is their deep respect for God and a professed belief in the Bible. Hardly ever is a person ridiculed for wanting to talk about spiritual things. This receptive attitude provided fertile soil for the planting of seeds of truth about Jehovah God and his purposes.

Women With Real Missionary Spirit

While much of the world was still trying to cope with conditions resulting from the first world war and while Adolf Hitler was stirring up trouble in Europe, two of Jehovah’s Witnesses living in Texas, U.S.A.​—a woman named Kate Goas and her daughter Marion—​decided they would like to do more to spread the message of peace contained in the Bible. They wrote to the Brooklyn, New York, headquarters of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society asking where they could best be used; they explained that they had a knowledge of Spanish. Their assignment? Venezuela.

They arrived by ship in 1936 and rented a room in the capital, Caracas, which back then had a population of 200,000. Already, over a decade earlier, some Bible Students​—as Jehovah’s Witnesses were then known—​had visited Venezuela and had distributed thousands of Bible tracts in the principal cities, but they did not remain in the country. However, Kate Goas and her daughter were not in Venezuela for just a brief visit. Though rather refined and delicate in appearance, Kate carried an enormous bag of literature and a phonograph as she called from door to door. She and her daughter systematically covered all of Caracas. This having been accomplished, they moved into the interior of the country, traveling long distances by bus on dusty, unpaved roads. They preached in such places as Quiriquire, El Tigre, Ciudad Bolívar in the east, and Maracaibo in the west.

However, in July 1944 they had to return to the United States because Marion had contracted malaria. Kate Goas, in a letter to the Society dated August 2, 1944, wrote the following: “We have placed lots of literature . . . After witnessing practically throughout the Republic, we continue to find people that like our literature and read it each time we come round . . . Now, after a two-year constant witness in Caracas, seven persons, six sisters and one brother, have taken their stand for righteousness, having been baptized . . . These brethren are very happy in their Christian knowledge of Jehovah and his Kingdom . . . A good witness has indeed been given over and over again in all Caracas, and the content of the literature is well known . . . Yours for His Theocracy, Kate Goas.” The “one brother” here mentioned was young Rubén Araujo, about whom we will hear more later. (Incidentally, the seven who had been baptized by Sister Goas were rebaptized in 1946 by a brother, in harmony with the Bible pattern that shows baptisms being performed only by males who were in an approved relationship with Jehovah.)

Laying the Foundation for an Expanded Witness

At the time that Kate Goas wrote her letter to the Society, plans were being made in Brooklyn to send to Venezuela missionaries trained at the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead. Nathan Knorr and Fred Franz, at that time the president and the vice president of the Watch Tower Society, traveled to Latin America repeatedly to lay the groundwork for expanded missionary work there. They scheduled a visit to Venezuela for 1946. Three missionaries, graduates of Gilead School, had been assigned to Venezuela, but so far they had not received their visas. Who would organize things for the president’s visit on April 9-12, 1946?

One of the three missionaries was sent ahead on a tourist visa. He arrived by air and stayed at the home of Jeanette Atkins, a hospitable person who had learned the truth from Kate Goas. But three weeks after his arrival, the missionary mysteriously disappeared. His landlady and friends checked with the police and the airlines, finally discovering that he had returned to the United States with a bad dose of homesickness!

Before that occurred, however, Brothers Knorr and Franz had a most beneficial visit with the group in Venezuela. Rubén Araujo recalls that on the very day of their arrival, a meeting was held in the patio of the home of Jeanette Atkins, where 22 people heard talks by the visiting brothers.

Among those present was Pedro Morales, who was all fired up with the good news. “In the late 1930’s,” he later said, “Kate Goas and her daughter placed the book Riches with me in the main market of Maracaibo. Years later, I began reading it, and it opened up the Bible for me. When I got to the part about marking deserving ones in the forehead, it was like fire! (Ezek. 9:4) This started me looking for people who had this literature. I found four people who had been receiving books from a Trinidadian. We met together to study Riches every night, using each one’s home in turn as a meeting place.”

When Pedro received an invitation to go to Caracas (a distance of about 430 miles [700 km]) for the meeting to be held during the visit of Brother Knorr, he and a friend determined to make the trip. But there were problems to be dealt with. Pedro continued: “My pregnant wife started to have birth pains, and my business needed my attention. What to do? I got a midwife to stay with my wife and left the candy business in the care of my three children, aged 14, 12, and 10. Then we left by bus for Caracas, a hard trip, two days on unpaved roads.” What a joy it was for him to meet the Witnesses in Caracas! While there, he received a telegram from Maracaibo: “Wife well. Child better. Myself in the business. Justo Morales.” His own brother had arrived unexpectedly from Colombia and taken charge of things.

On the very first day of those special meetings in Caracas, Brother Franz spoke on “Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Crucible.” Then Brother Knorr continued the theme while Fred Franz interpreted. What an eye-opener this discussion was! It focused attention on what the Bible says Christians must expect at the hands of the world, and it gave details of the intense persecution that Jehovah’s Witnesses had experienced in Europe during World War II.

The next day a baptism took place at Los Chorros, in a water basin at the foot of a waterfall. Ten people got baptized that day, including Winston Blackwood (who had been contacted by Sister Goas in Quiriquire) and his son Eduardo, Horacio Mier y Terán and his younger brother Efraín, Pedro Morales, Gerardo Jessurun from Surinam (Suriname), Israel Francis, and José Mateus.

Pedro Morales and two other brothers from the west of the country were overjoyed when Brother Knorr said that the Society would send missionaries to Maracaibo as soon as the government would permit. Pedro himself became a regular pioneer and continued in that service until his death.

Love for Bible Truth Impelled Them

Before the arrival of the missionaries, the Society’s headquarters office in Brooklyn had been receiving reports from the tiny group formed by Sister Goas. There was just a handful of publishers, with very little literature. Books often had to be lent to interested people. The report sent in for March 1946 showed nine proclaimers of the good news in Venezuela, with Josefina López looking after the group, since she was the most active one in the group.

Rubén Araujo recollects the sterling example set by Sister López: “I was a teenager at the time . . . Josefina López was a mother of four sons and two daughters and very enthusiastic about what she was learning from Sister Goas. Almost every day after school, I would go to her house and discuss with her the new things she was learning about the truth. Although a busy housewife, Sister López managed to go out preaching from house to house and to conduct Bible studies every day after lunch, after her husband and oldest boys went back to work in the afternoon. She was a good example to all of us and really had the pioneer spirit, averaging between 60 and 70 hours a month as a publisher. After more than 40 years, there are still living letters of recommendation on her behalf in Caracas.”

Another in the original group was Domitila Mier y Terán, a widow. She had always had an inclination toward spiritual things. Her father had a Bible that she loved to read, and when he died, she searched his house to find it. His Bible was the only inheritance she wanted. What she found was just a part of the Bible, the rest having been torn by misuse. Yet, she treasured even that portion and used it until she was later able to buy a complete new Bible for herself. One day a friend who had acquired the Society’s book Reconciliation brought it to Domitila, saying that as an avid Bible reader, Domitila would appreciate it more. In an earnest effort to locate the publishers of the book, Domitila visited the Adventists and other Protestant groups. Finally, to Domitila’s delight, Kate Goas called at her home, and immediately Domitila agreed to study the Bible with her. Two of her sons, baptized during the first visit of Brothers Knorr and Franz, later served as circuit overseers, and a third, Gonzalo, as a congregation elder. Yet another son, Guillermo, though present when Kate Goas first called at their home, was not baptized until 1986.

“And How Long Are You Going to Stay?”

On June 2, 1946, shortly after Brother Knorr’s visit, the other two missionaries from the group assigned to Venezuela arrived. They were Donald Baxter and Walter Wan. Young Rubén Araujo was on hand to meet them in Caracas. Eyeing them dubiously, no doubt with the previous missionary’s experience still fresh in his mind, Rubén asked in his broken English: “And how long are you going to stay?”

Rubén had arranged for a Watchtower Study, and it was held the very day that the missionaries arrived. He tried to put into practice the instructions that Brother Franz had given him. He did the best he could, but it was a one-man study. Rubén read the question. Then he answered it. Then he read the paragraph. He remembered that the study was not to exceed one hour, so he obediently stopped on time even though he had covered only 17 paragraphs, which was not the whole lesson! Experience would come with time and patience.

Today, reflecting on the sudden departure of the first missionary, Rubén Araujo adds: “A short time after that, the emptiness that he left was filled by the two new Gilead graduates. How happy we felt about this gift from Jehovah’s organization in the form of these missionaries to aid us in the Venezuelan Macedonia!” (Compare Acts 16:9, 10.) Previously, Brother Knorr had said to Brother Baxter: “Stay in that assignment, even if it kills you!” Well, it did not, and Brother Baxter still serves in Venezuela nearly 50 years later.

Getting Adjusted to New Surroundings

The first missionary home in Caracas was at 32 Bucares Avenue, in a section called El Cementerio. This is also where a branch office was opened on September 1, 1946, with Donald Baxter as branch servant. Living conditions were far from ideal. The road was unpaved, and there was no running water. Understandably, the missionaries were quite relieved in 1949 when the branch and missionary home moved from El Cementerio (the cemetery) to El Paraíso (paradise), a location with running water.

Brother Baxter recalls the missionaries’ “teething” problems with the language and their feelings of frustration. They were eager to use their Gilead training to help, but when they arrived they were unable to communicate. However, this temporary difficulty was more than offset by favorable results in the field. Regarding the first street witnessing that they did, Brother Baxter recalls: “We decided to go to the area in the center of town known as El Silencio and see what would happen. My partner, Walter Wan, stood on one corner and I on another. People were very curious; they had never seen anything like this before. We hardly had to say anything. The people actually lined up to obtain the magazines, and we placed all our magazines in 10 to 15 minutes. How different this was from what we were used to in the States!” Walter Wan said: “On taking inventory, I found to my amazement that during four eventful days of praising Jehovah on the streets and in the marketplaces as had Jesus and the apostles, I had placed 178 books and Bibles.”

The first report sent by the branch to the headquarters office in Brooklyn, New York, showed a total of 19 publishers, including the two missionaries and four regular pioneers. Those pioneers were Eduardo Blackwood, Rubén Araujo, Efraín Mier y Terán, and Gerardo Jessurun. Eduardo Blackwood had begun to pioneer during the month of Brother Knorr’s visit, and the other three had enrolled soon afterward. Nine were preaching in the interior of the country. Winston and Eduardo Blackwood, who lived in El Tigre, were witnessing as far south as Ciudad Bolívar and as far east as the oil camps near Punta de Mata and Maturín. Pedro Morales and others were preaching in Maracaibo. On the east side of Lake Maracaibo in the oil camps of Cabimas and Lagunillas, Gerardo Jessurun, Nathaniel Walcott, and David Scott were preaching. Later they were joined by Hugo Taylor, who in 1995 was still serving as a special pioneer. All together, they were covering a vast area of the country. Brother Baxter and Brother Wan soon found out from personal experience what it was really like.

Setting Out to Visit All the Groups

During October and November 1947, the two missionaries traveled both to the far west and to the eastern part of the country to see what could be done to help the small groups. Their objective was to organize these groups into congregations. “We traveled by bus, which really was quite an experience in Venezuela,” recalled Brother Baxter with a smile as he thought about that memorable expedition. “The seats in the buses were small and close together, as most of the Venezuelans are small; so we two North Americans found there was hardly enough room for our legs. On top of the buses, it was not uncommon to see beds, sewing machines, tables, chickens, turkeys, and bananas, along with the baggage of the travelers. If a passenger was going only a short distance, he would not bother to put his chickens or small articles on top but would bring them into the bus with him and pile them up in the aisle between the seats. The bus broke down, so for several hours, until another bus came along, we were stranded in a wilderness where only cacti and goats lived. After that we ran out of gas.”

At each of the four locations visited, they found a group of about ten who were meeting in someone’s front room. The missionaries showed them how to conduct meetings, how to report their activity regularly to the branch office, and how to obtain literature for their preaching activity.

While in El Tigre, Brother Baxter noticed that Alejandro Mitchell, one of the new brothers there, had taken quite literally the admonition at Matthew 10:27 to preach from the housetops. He had set up a loudspeaker on top of his house, and every day for half an hour or so he would read aloud selected portions from the book Children or The New World as well as from other Watch Tower literature. He did it with the volume turned up so loud that he could be heard for several blocks! Not surprisingly, this upset the neighbors. It was suggested to him that it might be better to preach from house to house and to abandon the loudspeaker.

The trip to visit the various small groups was very beneficial. During the two months of traveling, the brothers were able to baptize 16 people.

Missionaries Arrive in Maracaibo

Maracaibo, in the northwest part of the country, is the second-largest city in Venezuela. Two of its outstanding features are its heat and its high humidity. It is also Venezuela’s oil capital. The new part of the city is a vivid contrast to the old town near the docks; that older part, with its narrow streets and colonial-style adobe houses, has hardly changed since the last century.

Six missionaries arrived in Maracaibo by cargo ship on December 25, 1948. They were loaded down with heavy winter clothing because they had just come from cold New York. In the group were Ragna Ingwaldsen, who had been baptized in 1918 and who still pioneers in California, Bernice Greisen (now “Bun” Henschel, a member of the Bethel family at the world headquarters), Charles and Maye Vaile, Esther Rydell (Ragna’s half sister), and Joyce McCully. They were welcomed into the small home of a couple newly associated with the Witnesses. Here the perspiring missionaries arranged their 15 trunks and 40 cartons of literature as best they could. Four slept in hammocks and two on beds made of book cartons until they found a house to rent for their missionary home.

Ragna recalls that the six of them looked very strange to the Maracuchos, as the inhabitants of Maracaibo are popularly called. Several of the missionaries were tall and blond. “Often when calling from house to house, we would have up to ten naked little children following us, listening to the strange way we spoke their language,” Ragna later said. “Not one of the six of us knew more than a dozen words in Spanish. But when they laughed at us, we would just laugh along with them.” When these missionaries arrived, there were only four publishers in Maracaibo. Early in 1995 there were 51 congregations with a total of 4,271 publishers.

His Prayer Was Heard

The couple that had kindly welcomed the six missionaries into their home were Benito and Victoria Rivero. Benito had received the book “The Kingdom Is at Hand” from Juan Maldonado, a pioneer from Caracas. When Pedro Morales later called on Benito to offer a study, Benito was enthusiastic; not only did he study but he immediately began to attend the meetings of the small group. He also encouraged his wife to attend, telling her​—because she liked to sing—​that the songs they sang were very pretty. She would go with him, but she really did not understand all that was being said, so she would often fall asleep.

One night at home, thinking his wife was asleep, Benito prayed aloud to Jehovah and asked him to enlighten her. She overheard the prayer and was deeply moved by it. Following Benito’s death in 1955, Victoria became a regular pioneer and then a special pioneer.

Reaching Rural Areas Around Maracaibo

Among those who embraced the truth in the Maracaibo area was the father of Rebeca (now Rebeca Barreto). She was only five years old when Gerardo Jessurun began studying the Bible with her father, who progressed to baptism in 1954. She holds wonderful memories of sharing in the preaching work as a young person. “We would hire a bus, and the whole congregation would travel out to the rural areas,” she recalls. “The countryfolk had little money but appreciated the literature. It was quite a sight at the end of the day to see the brothers and sisters pile onto the bus with eggs, squash, corn, and live chickens that had been given to them in exchange for literature.”

But not everyone was glad to see them. Sister Barreto recalls an incident that took place in the village of Mene de Mauroa. She says: “As we went from door to door, the local Catholic priest followed behind us, tearing up literature that people had accepted and telling them not to listen to Jehovah’s Witnesses. He stirred up a mob that included many young people and managed to get them into a furious mood so that they threw stones at us. Several brothers and sisters were hit.” The group of Witnesses ran to the prefecto of the town for help. Being kindly disposed toward the Witnesses, he told the priest that he would have to keep him in his office for a couple of hours ‘for his own protection against these preachers.’ The crowd, now without a leader, dispersed, and the Witnesses joyfully spent the next two hours, free of harassment, giving a thorough witness in the town.

More Help Arrives

The territory was vast, and additional help would be needed to care for it. More workers who had recently graduated from Gilead School arrived in September 1949 to share in the spiritual harvest. They were willing, yes, eager to have a part, but that does not mean it was easy for them. When the lights of the port came into view through the porthole of her cabin on the ship Santa Rosa, Rachel Burnham felt that she had never been more relieved to see anything in her life. She had been seasick ever since the ship had left New York. Although it was three o’clock in the morning, she excitedly woke up the other three girls. Her sister Inez and the other girls, Dixie Dodd and her sister Ruby (now Baxter), had enjoyed the journey but were glad to be arriving in their new assignment.

On hand to greet them was a group that included Donald Baxter, Bill and Elsa Hanna (missionaries who had arrived the preceding year), and Gonzalo Mier y Terán. They boarded a bus to take them from the port to Caracas. The driver seemed to want to make the journey extra hair-raising for the newcomers, and he certainly succeeded. Around hairpin turns, one after another, he went, often along the edge of a precipice and at a rate that seemed much too fast! To this day the sisters still talk about that ride.

They were assigned to the branch and missionary home in El Paraíso. Rachel served faithfully in the missionary field until her death in 1981; Inez, in 1991. The others of that group are still loyally serving Jehovah.

As Dixie Dodd looks back on the first months in their assignment, she says: “We felt so homesick. But we couldn’t even have gone to the airport if we had wanted to. We didn’t have enough money!” Instead, they focused their attention on the fact that Jehovah’s organization had entrusted them with an assignment as missionaries in a foreign land. Eventually, they stopped dreaming about going home and applied themselves to the work.

Misunderstood

For most of the new missionaries, the language was a problem​—at least for a while.

Dixie Dodd recalls that one of the first things they were told was to say “Mucho gusto” whenever they were introduced to someone. That very day they were taken along to a Congregation Book Study. En route on the bus, they repeated the expression again and again: “Mucho gusto. Mucho gusto.” “But when we were introduced,” says Dixie, “we’d forgotten it!” In time, however, they did remember.

Bill and Elsa Hanna, who served as missionaries from 1948 until 1954, long recalled some of their blunders. Once when Brother Hanna wanted to buy a dozen white eggs, he asked for huesos blancos (white bones) instead of huevos blancos. Another time, he wanted to buy a broom. Afraid that he had not been understood, he tried being more specific: “To sweep ‘el cielo’” (the sky), he said, instead of el suelo (the floor). With a touch of humor, the storekeeper replied: “What a lot of ambition you’ve got, Mister.”

When Bill’s wife, Elsa, went to the embassy, she asked them to remover (remove) her passport instead of to renovar (renew) it. “What did you do, Lady,” asked the secretary, “swallow it?”

Genee Rogers, a missionary who arrived in 1967, was a little discouraged at first when after each carefully rehearsed presentation, the householder would turn to her companion and ask: “¿Qué dijo?” (What did she say?) But Sister Rogers did not stop trying, and in some 28 years as a missionary, she has helped 40 people to learn the truth and progress to the point of water baptism.

Willard Anderson, who arrived from Gilead with his wife, Elaine, in November 1965, openly admits that language has never been his forte. Always ready to laugh at his own mistakes, Willard says: “I studied Spanish in junior high school for six months until my teacher made me promise I would never take his class again!”

But with Jehovah’s spirit, perseverance, and a good sense of humor, the missionaries soon came to feel at home with their new language.

Even the Houses Have Names

It was not only the language that was different for the missionaries. They needed to use a different system for keeping track of homes where they wanted to call again. In the early days, many houses in Caracas did not have numbers. Each house owner chose a name for his house. The better-class homes are known as quintas and often are named after the lady of the house. For example, one’s address might be Quinta Clara. Often it is a combination of the children’s names: Quinta Carosi (Carmen, Rosa, Simon). The owner of the first branch and missionary home that the Society rented had already named his house Quinta Savtepaul (Saint Vincent de Paul), and as it was on a main road, it quickly became well known as the place where Jehovah’s Witnesses met.

In 1954 when a brand-new house was bought to serve as branch office and missionary home, it was up to the brothers to use their imagination and choose a suitable name. Bearing in mind Jesus’ admonition to “let your light shine before men,” the name Luz (Light) was chosen for the house. (Matt. 5:16) Although the branch office was later moved to larger premises, early in 1995 Quinta Luz was still home to 11 missionaries.

The center of Caracas has an address system all its own. If you ask the address of a certain business or apartment building, you may be told something like, “La Fe a Esperanza.” ‘“Faith to Hope”? But that doesn’t sound like an address!’ you may say. Ah, but in the center of Caracas each intersection has a name. So the address you are looking for is on the block between Faith and Hope.

From Venezuela to Gilead and Back

Over the years 136 Gilead-trained missionaries, including 7 who benefited from the Ministerial Training School course, have come to Venezuela from other lands​—from the United States, Canada, Germany, Sweden, New Zealand, England, Puerto Rico, Denmark, Uruguay, and Italy. Between 1969 and 1984, no new missionaries arrived in Venezuela from Gilead, as it proved impossible to obtain visas. However, during 1984 a concerted effort to obtain permission for two couples to come into the country met with success, and two more missionaries arrived in 1988. Six local Witnesses have also benefited from Gilead training.

When Brother Knorr visited in 1946, young Rubén Araujo asked whether he might qualify someday to attend Gilead. “Yes, if you improve your English” was the reply. “Needless to say, I was very happy,” says Rubén. “Three years later, in October 1949, I received a letter of invitation from Brother Knorr to attend the 15th class, scheduled to begin during the winter early in 1950.”

The other five brothers who attended Gilead from Venezuela are Eduardo Blackwood and Horacio Mier y Terán (both of whom got baptized in 1946 during Brother Knorr’s first visit), Teodoro Griesinger (about whom more will be said), Casimiro Zyto (who had emigrated from France and became a naturalized Venezuelan), and, more recently, Rafael Longa (who has been serving as a circuit overseer).

Some Were Searching, Others Were Not

Back in 1948, Víctor Mejías, in Caracas, was thinking about a better world. He sincerely thought it could be attained by the efforts of men, and he was ready to do his part. Yet, he also had doubts.

That year, Josefina López, a very pleasant Witness, left the book “The Truth Shall Make You Free” with Víctor’s wife, Dilia. The title interested Víctor, so he started to read the book. He learned why humans by themselves can never produce a truly free world. Soon he and his wife were attending meetings with the Witnesses. He later said: “Although the ones attending were strangers, their faces were so friendly that this convinced me that they were different. I also remember being impressed when I saw Brother Knorr, the Society’s president, at an assembly at Club Las Fuentes in Caracas. He was so different from the religious leaders, heroes, and famous artists who all want to be seen by men. His humility and simple manner impressed me.” Soon Víctor too was sharing with others the truth that can make people free​—yes, free even from sin and death. A few years ago, when looking back on the decades that he has devoted to sharing Bible truth with others, Brother Mejías said: “These years have been the happiest of my whole life.”

In 1950, the year that Víctor Mejías got baptized, another young man in Caracas, Teodoro Griesinger, asked Ronald Pierce, who had recently begun his missionary service: “Explain to me the meaning of the number 666 in Revelation.” Teodoro had been left a large German Bible by his father and would read it from time to time. “It was not so much the past that interested me,” explains Teodoro, “but the future, things that were still to happen, mentioned in Revelation.” Satisfied with the explanation given by Brother Pierce, he agreed to Brother Pierce’s proposition to study the book “Let God Be True.” The book was in Spanish, Teodoro’s Bible was in German, and both teacher and student were speaking English. Progress was rapid. By 1951, Teodoro had enrolled as a pioneer, the following year he accepted an assignment as a special pioneer in Puerto La Cruz, in 1954 he graduated from Gilead School, and then he took up service as a circuit overseer in Venezuela.

At about the time that Ronald Pierce began to study with Teodoro Griesinger, a heavyset man, Nemecio Lozano, was living in an Indian village outside El Tigre in order to avoid the police. He was a bully and was handy with a knife. The chief of the Indians was afraid of him and did what he said, so, in effect, Lozano was chief. The Witnesses had been warned about him, but they preached to him anyway. He interrupted and said brusquely: “Look! I don’t want you to explain things to me. I want to read for myself.” But they had run out of literature. Well, he insisted on obtaining a brother’s personal copy of “The Truth Shall Make You Free”​—but only after he first made sure that none of the pages were missing! Would it really benefit someone like him?

Within a week he had read the book, had obtained some booklets to distribute, and had started out on his own to preach. When the Witnesses went back to see him, they anxiously asked him what he was telling the people. He replied: “You can have this booklet for the miserable sum of a medio” (a local coin). They tactfully explained how he could express himself better.

To attend meetings in El Tigre, 19 miles [30 km] away, he rode a horse or a bicycle, and at times he walked. Gradually, he replaced his former ways with Christian qualities. Soon he was devoting so much time to preaching that the circuit overseer encouraged him to enroll as a pioneer. In 1955 he was sent out as a special pioneer, and he and his wife, Omaira, still serve in that capacity.

Maintaining Spiritual Purity

In the early days, the light of God’s Word did not always shine with sparkling clarity in every locality. Some who were associated with the study group in El Tigre had ideas that they had brought with them from the world. Rafael Hernández and his wife, who had contact with the truth as far back as 1947, remember when there was a brother in the group that met in El Tigre who would read meaning into his dreams. And for a while some thought that as long as a couple were faithful to each other, there was no need for the marriage to be legally registered. But gradually those ideas were replaced as a result of sound Bible instruction.

However, in the late 1940’s, one of the ten who got baptized in 1946 during Brother Knorr’s first visit to Venezuela began to promote his own teachings in an attempt to raise up a personal following. Leopoldo Farreras, today an elder in Ciudad Guayana, recalls what occurred. He had been principal altar boy (monaguillo) in the Roman Catholic Church but had left it at the age of 20 because of the blatant immorality of the clergy. Now he saw someone else improperly using authority. Despite lack of experience and his youthfulness at the time, Leopoldo steered a steady course through these troubled waters in El Tigre and proved loyal to Jehovah and his organization.

A few years later, the wife of Leonard Cumberbatch, who is now an elder in El Tigre, began studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses. “My reaction was terrible,” Leonard admits. “We had always lived peacefully and lovingly together, but once she started studying the Bible, I became sarcastic. On one occasion she told me off for driving the car dangerously fast. I told her not to worry, that her God, Jehovah, would save her​—after all, she was going to live forever anyway. I didn’t slow down.

“I told her that the Witnesses were taking advantage of her, that I knew more about the Bible than they did, and that I wanted to talk to them. They accepted my challenge. It turned out to be an agreeable conversation. I failed to prove that they were teaching falsehoods, so I agreed to study the Bible with them. Five months after starting to study, I was baptized. I was named study conductor of a group in Anaco, as I had a car. Serving that group involved a round-trip of 100 miles [160 km]. Then I was asked to care for another group 19 miles [30 km] away. There are now congregations in these towns.”

El Tigre itself, located in the east of Venezuela, is an important trading center. It has also become an important center of true worship. Early in 1995, there were seven congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses in El Tigre, with a total of over 730 publishers of the good news.

A Jeweler Stops Making Images

Southeast of El Tigre is Ciudad Bolívar, on the south bank of the Orinoco River. It is a busy place, with much river traffic. In 1947 one of Jehovah’s Witnesses called on María Charles in that city. María says: “I am a jeweler by trade, and I was sitting at work in my shop one day when Alejandro Mitchell came by with a cloth bag hanging over his shoulder. I said: ‘What have you got there?’ He replied: ‘Ah, a special treasure.’ ‘Well, if it’s gold you’ve got, I’ll buy it,’ I said, ‘as that’s my business.’ He said that what he had was better than gold. ‘The only thing I know better than gold is the Bible,’ I said. Alejandro admitted that I was right and brought out a Bible and other literature.

“I loved to read but had never been able to understand the Bible, so I said to him: ‘I’ll buy the lot.’ That day I took 11 magazines from him as well as the books “The Kingdom Is at Hand,” Salvation, and a new Bible. So fascinated was I by what I read that I decided not to work in the jeweler’s shop for a week so that I could dedicate myself to my reading. When reading the book “The Kingdom Is at Hand,” I was impressed by the example of John the Baptizer and said to myself, ‘I’d like to be a fearless preacher like him.’”

María asked around for the Witnesses’ meeting place but was told there was not one in Ciudad Bolívar. The nearest one was in El Tigre, about 75 miles [120 km] away. Undaunted, off she went, found the place, attended a meeting, and left a note for Alejandro Mitchell to please call on her in Ciudad Bolívar.

Meanwhile, she discovered that a tailor nearby also had the book “The Kingdom Is at Hand.” He knew where a small group met to read The Watchtower. María went along and found Leopoldo Farreras, his mother, his sister, and a few others. She enjoyed the meeting and was so enthusiastic about the material that she raised her hand for every question!

When the study was over, Leopoldo Farreras asked her: “And where have you come from?” María replied: “From my jeweler’s shop, but I won’t be making any more images.” Smiling at her directness, Farreras asked her: “Why not?” “Because of what it says at Psalm 115:4-8,” replied María.

The group was not yet organized for public witnessing. It was actually this newest member, María Charles, who suggested that they obey the Bible’s command to preach. They fitted themselves out with testimony cards and literature and made a start in taking the good news to the inhabitants of Ciudad Bolívar in an organized way. The first few years were very difficult because the people feared the clergy. But the zealous group’s faithful efforts bore fruit. As of 1995, in Ciudad Bolívar there were nine congregations and a total of 869 publishers.

More Missionaries Arrive

There was exciting news at the branch office in Caracas in 1950. Fourteen more missionaries were going to be sent to Venezuela, and three more missionary homes were to be opened​—in Barquisimeto, Valencia, and Maracay. But would the missionaries be able to get into the country? The president had just been assassinated; there was a 6:00 p.m. curfew; communications had been affected.

The first plane to enter the country after the assassination landed at the airport near Caracas. Fourteen new missionaries disembarked. But no one was there to meet them. Under the circumstances, they simply were not expected. Ralphine (Penny) Gavette, one of the 14, recalls: “We got into three taxis armed with the address of the branch. Finding the street, Avenida Páez in Caracas, wasn’t the problem; but it is a very long avenue, and we couldn’t find the house. It was dark, past curfew, and the taxi drivers were getting nervous. At last, Vin Chapman, one of the missionaries, told the driver to stop and he’d go and knock on any door and ask directions, though his Spanish was very limited. When he knocked, Donald Baxter, the branch overseer, opened the door. What a relief!”

The missionaries assigned to Barquisimeto, about 170 miles [270 km] southwest of Caracas, found it to be a very religious city. In the 1950’s, the people there were steeped in tradition and resisted change.

But reactions differed, depending on what was being done and by whom. Regarding the first Saturday that the missionaries went out to do street witnessing, Brother Chapman recalls: “The five of us stood on the main corners of the downtown business section. We caused quite a sensation! There were hardly any Americans in Barquisimeto at that time and no young American girls. I couldn’t seem to place any magazines, but the girls placed them like hotcakes!” Another day, however, when they went to the open market to buy food, the four girls decided to wear their blue jeans. Within minutes nearly a hundred women had formed a circle around them, pointing and shouting: “¡Mira! ¡Mira!” (Look! Look!) They were not accustomed to seeing girls on the street in such attire. Naturally, the girls went straight home and changed their clothes.

Most people in this area had never seen a Bible. Even when a Catholic Bible was used, they did not want to accept what it said. Some would not even read a scripture out of the Bible, fearing that they would be sinning if they did. For the first year, very little progress was made in Barquisimeto.

At Last, the True Religion

Not everyone in Barquisimeto was blinded by years of Roman Catholic tradition, however. An outstanding example was Luna de Alvarado, a very elderly lady who had been a Roman Catholic for many years. When Sister Gavette called at her door for the first time, the woman said: “Senorita, ever since I was a young girl, I have waited for someone to come to my door and explain the things you have just told me. You see, when I was a girl, I used to clean the home of the priest, and he had a Bible in his library. I knew that we were forbidden to read it, but I was so curious to know why that, one day when no one was looking, I took it home with me and read it secretly. What I read made me realize that the Catholic Church had not taught us the truth and so was not the true religion. I was afraid to say anything to anyone, but I was sure that some day the ones teaching the true religion would come to our town. When the Protestant religion came, I thought at first that they must be the ones, but I soon discovered that they taught many of the same falsehoods that the Catholic Church taught. Now, what you have just told me is what I read in that Bible so many years ago.” A study was arranged immediately, and it was not long before Luna symbolized her dedication to Jehovah. In spite of severe family opposition, she served Jehovah faithfully until her death.

Eufrosina Manzanares also had a heart that moved her to respond to God’s Word. When Ragna Ingwaldsen first called on her, Eufrosina had never seen a Bible. But she agreed to let Ragna study with her. Ragna recalls: “She had been religious in a formal way, attending Mass every Sunday and always having a lamp lit to a statue of a ‘saint,’ which was in a niche in the wall. To make sure the lamp would never go out, she kept on hand gallons of oil for that express purpose!” But Eufrosina applied what she learned from the Bible. When she learned that certain things were not pleasing to Jehovah, she made changes in her life. Thus, she disposed of her images, quit smoking, and got her marriage legally registered. Later, her mother joined in the study. It was not easy for Eufrosina to get rid of her big cigars. When she was just two years old, her mother used to put a cigarette in her mouth to keep her quiet, and she had smoked ever since then. But now, to please Jehovah, she quit smoking, got baptized, and became a very zealous publisher.

Six years after the first missionaries were sent to Barquisimeto, there still were only about 50 publishers there. But Jehovah has blessed the persistent efforts to search out sheeplike ones. As of 1995, the 28 congregations in Barquisimeto were reporting a total of 2,443 publishers.

Valencia, a Fruitful Field

About halfway between Barquisimeto and Caracas is the city of Valencia, the fourth-largest city in the republic. The atmosphere of its older and narrower streets is that of old Spain, and like its Spanish namesake, Valencia is famous for its oranges.

From the group of missionaries that arrived in Venezuela in 1950, eight were sent to Valencia. Evelyn Siebert (now Ward) remembers starting out in Valencia with a memorized presentation. “In spite of our lack of knowledge of Spanish, we started many Bible studies,” she recalls. One of these was with Paula Lewis. Paula was a Catholic and very devoted to images, particularly to “The Sacred Heart of Jesus,” from which she regularly asked favors. She would go down to church each week, give her donation of three bolivares, and pray to the image that her husband would return home to stay with the family. As he continued to live apart from them, she decided to speak more forcefully to the image. ‘Lord, if I don’t get results this time, this is the last donation I’m giving you.’ She left her three bolivares and never went back.

Next month Evelyn Siebert called at her door. Paula was happy to listen, took the book “Let God Be True” (even though she did not know how to read), and, with Evelyn’s help, began to study the Bible. Paula and one of her daughters were among the first ones in Valencia to get baptized. Paula’s husband, Stephen, though at first wanting nothing to do with “this foolishness,” as he called it, reconsidered, went back to live with his family, and also became a servant of Jehovah​—this not as a result of devotion to an image known as The Sacred Heart of Jesus but because of his study of the Bible.

Two years after the other missionaries arrived in Valencia, Lester Baxter (Donald’s older brother) and his wife, Nancy, joined them. Lester had to work especially hard to master Spanish. Not only did he need it for his field ministry but, as the one brother in the missionary group, he was responsible to conduct all the meetings. The intense training yielded good results. Two years later, when the first district was formed in Venezuela, Lester was appointed to be district overseer. Thereafter, he served in the traveling work for 30 years.

Among the missionaries who served in Valencia were short, blond Lothar Kaemmer from Germany and blue-eyed, rosy-cheeked Herbert Hudson from Britain. They were roommates for a while and a living demonstration of how Bible truth affects lives. You see, Lothar as a youngster had been a member of the German Hitler Youth, and Herbert had been in the British Royal Air Force​—enemies during the war! But God’s Word had changed their outlook on life. As missionaries, they worked together to teach people how to live at peace​—first of all with God, also with one another.

Jump the Fence or Take a Firm Stand?

Alice Palusky, one of the missionaries there in Valencia, was calling on 18-year-old Gladys Castillo in 1953. Gladys liked what she was hearing; yet, she was somewhat suspicious because Alice was not using a Catholic Bible. So Gladys went to the cathedral in Valencia and spoke to the bishop. She explained that she was studying with “Protestants,” as she believed the Witnesses to be, but wanted a Catholic Bible in order to check all the scriptures. At the time the Witnesses were comparatively few and not well known in Valencia. What Gladys had in mind sounded like good sense to the bishop, so he provided her with a Bible. Amazed at what she read there in the Bible, Gladys realized that the Catholics were not practicing what the Bible taught. She decided to leave the church.

In 1955 when she was preparing to get baptized, a test of her faith arose. She was studying to be a schoolteacher, and there was only one more year before graduation. A celebration was planned at her college in honor of the Virgin Mary. Everyone was expected to attend a special Mass. Gladys recalls: “Those were the days of the dictator Pérez Jiménez, and expulsion from schools was common if someone refused to toe the line. The announcement was made that anyone not attending Mass should pick up his letter of expulsion, which would also deny him the opportunity to study elsewhere. This was a real test for me. The time arrived for going to Mass, and I considered hiding in the bathroom or jumping the fence and going home. Finally, I decided to take my stand. I explained to the director of the college that I would not be going to Mass because I no longer considered myself a Catholic but was studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Although he was very angry with me, he let me go home. I was not expelled. I was happy to have trusted completely in Jehovah.”

When Clergymen Received a Witness

Among others, members of the clergy received a witness. Marina Silva, one of the first persons to become a Witness in Valencia, recalls the day when the priest of the church that she had attended before becoming a Witness paid her a visit. She was able to talk to him at length. What she remembers most clearly is that when he was unable to locate the Scripture texts that Marina wanted him to look up, he admitted: ‘At the seminary we studied everything except the Bible.’ He agreed with her on many points; but when she encouraged him to leave the priesthood and serve Jehovah, he said: “Then who would provide me with my arepa?” (Arepa is local maize bread.)

Although Marina herself was formerly a devotee of “The Sacred Heart of Jesus”​—dedicating every Friday to this image—​Bible truth changed her life. She got baptized in 1953, became a special pioneer in 1968, and still continues in that special service. As she has shared in preaching the good news, Marina has had the privilege of helping to open up the work in San Carlos, Temerla, Bejuma, Chirgua, Taborda, Nirgua, and Tinaquillo.

When the message of truth first reached Tinaquillo, just southwest of Valencia, the initial reaction was hostile. Marina remembers that as the small group started to work the town, the local priest, “Monsignor” Granadillo, set up loudspeakers to warn the people. “The yellow fever has arrived in Tinaquillo!” he shouted. “Don’t listen to these people! Defend the town and your religion! Defend the mystery of the holy Trinity!” Marina decided to pay the priest a visit. She went to his house and waited till he came home.

She greeted him, saying: “I am part of the ‘yellow fever’ that you complained about this morning. I would like to make it clear that we are Jehovah’s Witnesses. We are preaching an important message about God’s Kingdom, a message that the church should be preaching but is not.” She bravely asked him for his Bible and showed him the scripture at Acts 15:14, where it is foretold that Jehovah would take out of the nations “a people for his name.” His attitude changed. He said that he was sorry, that he had not realized what kind of people we were. To everyone’s surprise he attended the public talk to which the sister invited him. After this he accepted the magazines on several occasions in the main plaza. Others observing this were encouraged to take them too. As of 1995, there were four congregations in Tinaquillo and a total of 385 publishers.

Seeds of Bible Truth Flourish in Maracay

You will recall that in addition to the missionaries sent to Barquisimeto and Valencia, some who arrived in 1950 were to give attention to Maracay. That is Venezuela’s fifth-largest city, just 74 miles [120 km] southwest of Caracas. It is located on the east side of Lake Valencia and is rimmed with hills.

With the arrival of the missionaries in Maracay, it became possible to hold meetings in that city too. At that time the missionary group was made up of single brothers. However, by the time that Leila Proctor, an Australian-born missionary, arrived in 1958, although between 12 and 20 were attending meetings, there was only one baptized brother in Maracay. That was Keith Glessing, who with his wife Joyce had graduated from Gilead School in 1955. Because of the shortage of brothers, the help of the sisters was needed in various ways. Sister Proctor recalls: “We sisters had parts on the Service Meetings and helped out with the accounts, the literature, and the magazines. After five months in my assignment, I was assigned a book study to conduct. At first, there were just one inactive publisher and me. The meeting was held by candlelight in a home with a dirt floor. Before long, despite my horrible Spanish, the attendance grew so much that the living room, kitchen, and patio were all full. It could only have been due to Jehovah’s holy spirit.”

So many in Maracay have demonstrated a keen desire to know and serve Jehovah that early in 1995, there were 30 congregations and a total of 2,839 publishers in that city.

‘I’ll Shoot You if It’s True!’

Among those in Maracay who were showing interest was María, the wife of Alfredo Cortez. Joyce Glessing had studied the Bible with her for six months. Then one day the husband came home and found this gringa, as American women are called here. He asked his wife what it was all about. By way of explanation, the wife gave him a magazine that Joyce had left with her. It contained an article about spiritism, linking this with Rosicrucianism. He read it with interest because he was involved in their beliefs.

When his wife told Sister Glessing about her husband’s interest in the magazine, arrangements were made for the missionary’s husband, Keith, to call on Mr. Cortez. He did, and a Bible study was started. After only three weeks​—somewhat prematurely—​the missionary invited Mr. Cortez to join him in the door-to-door work. He did, enjoyed it very much, and placed 16 magazines. Overjoyed, he went out that night with non-Witness friends to celebrate his success and got drunk, arriving home at three o’clock in the morning!

The next day he felt bad about it and thought, ‘Either I’m going to serve Jehovah properly or else just go back to my old life-style.’ With difficulty, he was persuaded to continue his Bible study. Gradually leaving behind his former way of life, he progressed to baptism in 1959.

Two weeks later a furious colonel, godfather to one of Alfredo’s daughters, came to see him, pointed a revolver at his chest, and threatened: “Is it true what I’ve heard​—that you’ve become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses? I’ll shoot you if you say it is!” Alfredo kept calm and confirmed that it was true and explained why. Disgusted, the colonel put away his gun and stomped off, saying that he no longer considered himself the girl’s godfather. Thanks to Jehovah’s spirit and Alfredo’s zeal in witnessing to anybody and everybody, he has been instrumental in helping 89 people to know the truth and dedicate their lives to Jehovah. He presently serves as an elder in Cabudare, near Barquisimeto; one of his sons is a special pioneer; and his daughter Carolina along with her husband serves at the branch.

Be Careful, It’s Carnival Time!

Carnival time in Venezuela is a time for parties and fancy dress​—and for water throwing! Children in particular take great delight in drenching unsuspecting passersby. It is usually not wise to venture out onto the streets the Monday and Tuesday of carnival week.

“I didn’t listen to the warnings,” admits Leila Proctor. “The first year that I was in Maracay, I thought I would conduct my Bible studies no matter what. Well, I did, but I arrived at my first study soaking wet, having been on the receiving end of a bucket of water poured on me from above. I walked to my second study partially dried out, only to be the target of two bucketfuls of water on the way there. I arrived drenched to the skin.” Other missionaries have similar tales to tell.

Leila, who is in the Caracas missionary home in Quinta Luz, now arranges her schedule a little differently at carnival time.

“He Heard My Heartfelt Prayer”

When Alfredo Amador was small, his father would show him the starry heavens and tell him the names of some of the constellations. “God made all those,” he would say. But Alfredo’s father died before his son was ten. Alfredo, who was then living in Turmero, Aragua State, began to have doubts about his religion. It did not seem right to him that the priest charged money to say prayers for the dead or that wealthy people could get their relatives out of purgatory more quickly than poor folks. Filled with doubts, he got caught up in drunkenness, sexual immorality, violence, and drug abuse. As he began reaping the consequences of what he had sown, he searched for a way out. Then he remembered those nights when he had looked up at the heavens with his father.

“One afternoon, feeling totally desperate and with tears in my eyes,” he relates, “I prayed that God would allow me to know him. It seems he heard my heartfelt prayer, for the very next morning, two of Jehovah’s Witnesses knocked on my door. Interesting discussions ensued, but I wouldn’t agree to a Bible study. I wanted to read the Bible for myself, though I did agree to go to the Kingdom Hall. The brother who visited me also took me along to an assembly nearby in Cagua. Listening to the different talks, I realized that this was the truth. When the baptismal candidates stood up to answer the questions, I did too!”

Alfredo was surprised that all the others who stood up were in one part of the auditorium, while he was in another. But he lined up with them to be baptized. At that, someone asked him what congregation he was from. He did not even know that congregations had names! He soon discovered that he was not really ready to be baptized.

Not long after that, he married the woman with whom he was living, and with the help of a systematic Bible study, he qualified to join the brothers in witnessing from door to door. In 1975 he got baptized together with his wife. Now he serves as a Christian elder in Maracay. He looks forward to the day, in God’s new system, when his father will return in the resurrection. Then he will be able to tell his father that the name of the Creator about whom he spoke many years ago is Jehovah, and he can encourage his father to get to know Jehovah well.

Disaster in Maracay

The sixth of September 1987 is a date that will long be remembered by those living in the area of Maracay. Torrential rains caused flooding and induced mud slides that swept away or completely inundated hundreds of homes.

Many of the nearly 2,000 publishers in Maracay were attending a district convention when the catastrophe struck. On returning, they found their homes and possessions gone. At least 160 people had died; hundreds more were never accounted for; 30,000 were left homeless. Although no Witness suffered loss of life or was badly injured, a total of 114 Witnesses and Bible students were among those left homeless, with no more possessions than the clothes on their backs.

The brothers quickly mobilized an efficient relief committee and administered abundant help in the way of food, medicines, clothes, and bedding. These supplies arrived by the truckload from concerned fellow Witnesses in other towns and cities until no more was needed. When the brothers in charge realized that there was more than enough to care for the Witnesses and Bible students, they also made food and some clothing available for neighbors who were in dire straits. The overwhelming generosity of the brothers and their readiness to help were truly faith-strengthening.

An Outstanding Desire to Congregate

The Venezuelans by nature are decidedly gregarious. They love to get together in large numbers​—for a meal, for a party, for an outing at the beach or in the countryside. When they come into Jehovah’s organization, this facet of their personality continues to be very pronounced. They love assemblies and conventions. For many of them, time, distance, cost, and inconvenience are no object just as long as they can be together.

In January 1950 there was great excitement as the brothers prepared for a two-day assembly in Maracaibo. Brother Knorr and Robert Morgan, from the world headquarters, were to be present. Pedro Morales was disappointed because publicity for the assembly was refused by the local press as a result of opposition from the church. However, as the time neared for the brothers to arrive by plane, he devised another method. He later said: “I arranged for all the children of the congregation to be out at the airport, each one with a spray of fresh flowers. This naturally aroused the interest of the newspaper reporters there, and they asked if they were expecting someone special. The children, who had been carefully briefed, would answer: ‘Yes, Sir, and he will give a talk at the Masonic Hall, Urdaneta Street No. 6, next to the police station.’ As the visiting brothers arrived, the reporters took pictures, and the information about the assembly along with the photographs came out in the newspapers. We got our publicity.”

Also, for two days before the Public Meeting, a local radio station, Ondas del Lago (Waves of the Lake), made announcements every half hour that this talk would be given and that it would be broadcast on the radio. The results were very favorable. In addition to the 132 at the assembly, there was a large radio audience. That year saw the highest rate of increase in the number of publishers ever recorded in Venezuela​—146 percent.

Another district convention remembered by many was held at Nuevo Circo bullring in Caracas, January 23-27, 1967. It was our first international one in Venezuela. There were 515 foreign delegates in the audience, including members of the Watch Tower Society’s board of directors. Bible dramas were new as a program feature at that time. Dyah Yazbek, who had supervision of one of them, recalls: “They caused quite an impression, not just because of the novelty and the message of the drama but also because of the 500 cameras of the visiting delegates snapping frantically to record the event!” Such an international assemblage attracted attention. Although there were fewer than 5,000 Witnesses in Venezuela at that time, attendance reached 10,463. During the following three years, the increase in the number of active Witnesses in the country was 13 percent, 14 percent, and 19 percent.

It is not unheard of for an interested person to attend a circuit assembly or a district convention even before having a formal Bible study or being inside a Kingdom Hall. This desire to congregate was outstandingly demonstrated in January 1988. Don Adams, from the Brooklyn headquarters, was visiting as zone overseer. A bullring in Valencia had been hired, and a two-hour program had been arranged. At that time there were just 40,001 publishers in all of Venezuela. Yet, 74,600 people showed up for the program; they had come from the farthest corners of the country. Some had traveled 12 hours or more by bus to be present; and when the program was over, they climbed back into their buses for the 12-hour return trip. But for the smiling, cheerful, uncomplaining Venezuelan Witnesses, it was worth it just to be among so many of their spiritual brothers and sisters for half a day.

Message Taken to the Andes

The Andes mountain range reaches as far north as Venezuela. Three principal cities found in the Andes region are Mérida, San Cristóbal, and Valera. The way of life and attitudes of the people are noticeably different from those in the coastal towns and the cosmopolitan areas.

Rodney Proctor, a district overseer who has served in the Andes, made this observation concerning the people who live there: “Many times a stranger is treated as a foreigner although in his own country. The church still exercises a strong hold, and generally speaking, the Kingdom message is not readily accepted. Some of the special pioneers had the experience of being in a town a whole year before they would get a reply when greeting people on the street. After the second year, some might start to study the Bible. Unlike other parts of the country, ‘What will my neighbors think?’ seems to be a deterrent to listening when the Witnesses call.”

In the early 1950’s, Juan Maldonado, a pioneer from Caracas, visited various cities in the Andes, staying for a few weeks in each, preaching as he went. The reception in San Cristóbal was not initially encouraging. Brother Maldonado was arrested several times because of his forthright preaching.

However, there was a family that showed interest in the truth, and he studied the Bible with them several times a week during his stay. But they were persecuted by relatives and the local priest to the point that the mother, Angelina Vanegas, could not obtain sufficient work to support the family.

After having served as missionaries in Barquisimeto, Vin and Pearl Chapman were assigned to San Cristóbal in December 1953. Angelina Vanegas and her family welcomed them as a wonderful provision from Jehovah and started out in service with the missionaries right away. A few months later, the mother decided to get baptized. The bathtub in the missionary home was very large, and Angelina very small, so there was no problem in obtaining suitable facilities.

Siesta or Salvation?

The Chapmans started a study with a very poor couple, Misael and Edelmira Salas. Edelmira was strongly Catholic. “My devotion was such,” she explains, “that on one occasion when pregnant, in order to fulfill a vow I had made to God, I made a barefoot pilgrimage from one village to another, then went on my knees from the door of the church to the altar. I then walked barefoot all the way back, and in so doing I became ill and lost the baby.”

By the time their next baby was born, Misael and Edelmira had begun to study the Bible with the Chapmans. One day when the baby was very sick, Edelmira decided to take her to the hospital. Before she left, the neighbors put pressure on her to get the baby baptized quickly, saying that if the baby died, it would be denied a burial and would go to Limbo. Edelmira decided that to be on the safe side, she should stop at the church on the way to the hospital and ask the priest to baptize her baby.

“I arrived at about noon, and the priest was not pleased at being disturbed during his siesta,” she recalls. “He told me to go away and come back at another time. I told him: ‘My baby is dying. Is it more important to save a baby from Limbo or for you to finish your siesta?’ Grudgingly, he condescended to have the baby baptized, but he sent his assistant, a sacristan, to do it.”

The baby survived, but that incident was the turning point for Edelmira. Now completely disillusioned with the church, she began taking her Bible study with the Witnesses seriously. Then she and her husband moved away to a town called Colón, where there were no Witnesses. When Casimiro Zyto visited San Cristóbal as circuit overseer, the missionaries asked him to visit Edelmira. How grateful she was for that visit! On that occasion she got baptized.

Thanks to her initial efforts, there is now a congregation in Colón. There are also three in El Vigía, where she helped to open up the work when the family moved there. After some years her husband also got baptized as did her three daughters.

Priest Encourages Violence

In another small village in the Andes, Luis Angulo was serving as a pioneer. Alarmed at the noise outside his house one day in 1985, he looked out and was astonished to see a table near his front door with an image of a “saint” on it. An angry crowd was clamoring for the Witnesses to get out of town, and they threatened to burn the house down. “We give you one week to leave town!” they shouted.

Brother Angulo recalls: “I decided that the best thing to do was to go to the prefecto of the town for help. The prefecto was sympathetic and got the police to bring in the ringleaders. ‘Who organized you to do this?’ he asked them. They eventually admitted that it was the Catholic priest. In a sermon during Mass, he had encouraged his parishioners to run us out of town, on the premise that we were endangering the spiritual welfare of the village. ‘That priest is crazy!’ exclaimed the prefecto. ‘Now go home and leave the Witnesses in peace, or you’ll all go to jail.’”

Not long after that, the priest was found to be involved in fraud, and as happens so often in such cases, he was simply transferred to another area.

A Changed Person

In Pueblo Llano, the next village, Alfonso Zerpa was very well known. He was involved in politics, was a drunkard, used drugs, smoked, ran after women, and terrified the local populace by tearing up and down the two main streets on his motorbike. However, after seeds of truth were planted in his heart in 1984, these grew rapidly. Alfonso began to see the need to make big changes and to put on the new personality.​—Eph. 4:22-24.

When he came to his first Public Meeting, he was the only one present other than the special pioneers. “Where is everybody?” he asked. Perhaps it was better that he was the only one. He had so many questions that the pioneers were busy till midnight answering them from the Bible. He never missed a meeting after that, and his wife, Paula, came with him. He cleaned up his person and his life and eventually qualified to be a publisher. The first territory he worked was those same two main streets in Pueblo Llano! Now courteous and dressed neatly in a suit and tie, he was able to give an excellent witness. He and Alcides Paredes, whom Alfonso had brought to the meetings and introduced as his best friend, are now elders who serve, with their families, in the Pueblo Llano Congregation. More than 20 of Paula’s relatives have also been helped to appreciate the truth.

Eventually the apparently insurmountable barriers to progress were overcome, and by 1995, San Cristóbal had ten congregations, Mérida had seven, and Valera had four. There are also many smaller groups and congregations all over the Andes region.

Men Wanted in Cumaná

The city of Cumaná, capital of the state of Sucre, is the oldest Hispanic city in South America. The truth was introduced to the people of Cumaná in an organized way in 1954 with the arrival of special pioneers. Later, Rodolfo Vitez and his wife, Bessie, who were missionaries, came to help. In time, he was assigned to circuit work​—but not before they had managed to rent a small hall, clean and paint it, and equip it with some old, discarded benches salvaged from a baseball stadium. With somewhere to meet, the number of people in attendance rose quickly. But they were nearly all women and children.

Penny Gavette and Goldie Romocean had been assigned to the missionary group in Cumaná, and their recollection is that after Brother Vitez left for circuit work, there were no men to take the lead. The men simply did not want to come. Says Penny: “They would tell us: ‘We don’t like that religion. It doesn’t allow us to get drunk and have other women. Our religion lets us do what we want.’ Even when there were 70 or 80 attending, there would still be only five or six men present, and we sisters were still having to conduct meetings from time to time.”

Gradually, however, men did begin to attend and progress sufficiently to be entrusted with responsibility in the congregation. Soon the little Kingdom Hall was bursting at the seams. Poor ventilation and crowding did not stop people from coming. Even though the missionaries felt that the Kingdom Hall at meeting time was like a Turkish bath, love for the truth moved those in attendance to sit and listen for two hours. In time, Jehovah opened the way, and a new Kingdom Hall was built.

The work in Cumaná has continued to grow. By 1995 there were 17 flourishing congregations, with a total of 1,032 publishers of the good news.

In Her Sister’s Footsteps

When Penny Gavette left home in California to attend Gilead School in 1949, her sister Eloise was only five years old. What Penny was doing made a big impression on Eloise. She remembers thinking, ‘I want to grow up to be a missionary too.’ Both were overjoyed, in 1971, when Eloise, herself a graduate of Gilead, was assigned to be Penny’s missionary partner in Cumaná.

Eloise, now married to district overseer Rodney Proctor, remembers the vast territory that she and Penny covered. “After two years of working in Cumaná, my sister and I decided we would like to give more attention to some of the smaller towns,” she relates. “We got permission from the branch to work the towns of Cumanacoa and Marigüitar and would spend whole days or weekends there. It was very hot, and we had to go everywhere on foot. In both places groups were formed.”

Good News Reaches Border Towns

In the eastern part of the country, rounded, forested hills south of the Orinoco River give way to tablelands north of the border with Brazil. These are impressive sandstone mesas up to 9,000 feet [2,700 m] high. This sparsely populated area is Venezuela’s richest source of gold and diamonds. However, treasures of another kind are being sought in the small towns in this area. These are spiritual treasures, “the desirable things of all the nations.”​—Hag. 2:7.

In 1958 a group of five Witnesses flew into this area in a small plane. They placed hundreds of magazines with the Indian population. Nearly 20 years later, when traveling overseer Alberto González went to Santa Elena with a group of brothers from Puerto Ordaz, 1,000 magazines were placed. The town had no electricity at the time, but a man lent them a generator so they could show slides, and these were enjoyed by an audience of 500 persons. Then in 1987 two special pioneers, Rodrigo and Adriana Anaya, arrived from Caracas.

Religious groups that had gone into these areas before laid a foundation on which the Witnesses have built. Catholics and Adventists taught the Indians to speak and read Spanish. They also brought the Valera Bible translation, which consistently uses the divine name Jehová.

But some of the Indians began to realize that the Catholic Church had not been straightforward in teaching what is in the Bible. For example, one Indian lady, when learning about God’s view of images, exclaimed: “To think they told us that it was wrong to worship the sun and that the Indian idols were false, yet at the same time, the Catholic Church’s own images are displeasing to God! I feel like going down to the church and beating the priest with a stick for having deceived me for so long!” She was persuaded not to do so, but she voiced the feelings of many inhabitants in that area.

The Indians there in the southern part of Bolívar State love our publications. Being lovers of nature, they are particularly attracted by the full-color pictures of God’s creations. It is interesting to witness the placement of a publication. The Indian will take the book in his hands, feel it, smell it, open it, sigh ecstatically over each colored illustration, and murmur approving comments in the Pemón language. Sometimes they are so eager that they will take literature out of the pioneer’s briefcase and start distributing it to members of their family. The local people are very hospitable and will often offer meals to those who take them the Kingdom message.

For the first Memorial after the arrival of the special pioneers, 80 people were present. Now there is a congregation. But deeply entrenched Indian traditions have made the progress slow.

Ready Response in the Amazon

The Amazonas area of Venezuela is in the south-central part of the country. Next to the Colombian border is the small town of Puerto Ayacucho. It is surrounded by untouched jungle with fascinating wildlife and numerous waterfalls.

In the 1970’s, Willard Anderson, a circuit overseer, visited Puerto Ayacucho, when only seven publishers were there. He found excellent response in the territory; one morning he placed 42 books. The group optimistically set out about 20 chairs for a slide presentation, but imagine their surprise and delight when 222 people turned up! There is now a thriving congregation made up of more than 80 Kingdom proclaimers in Puerto Ayacucho.

Goajiro Indians in Zulia

To the far west in Venezuela is the state of Zulia. The original inhabitants of this area are the Goajiro Indians. In some places, such as La Boquita, they live in houses that are made of woven reed mats and built on stilts. Their customs and clothing are colorful. The men, with bare legs, ride horses. The women wear long, multicolored, tent-shaped dresses, and their sandals have big wool pom-poms.

People with a sheeplike disposition are being found among these Goajiro Indians. Their initial reaction to the Bible’s message is often somewhat reserved because religious groups from Christendom have taken advantage of them. But some are responding favorably.

Frank Larson, a missionary, took one of the Society’s films into Goajiro country. The showing of the film was announced for 7:00 p.m., but no one came. However, after a cracked record of popular salsa music was played, 260 people showed up, and they enjoyed the film. On another occasion, over 600 gathered to hear a talk given by Mario Iaizzo, a circuit overseer.

Immigrants Who Zealously Share Bible Truth

In Venezuela, 1 out of every 6 people is foreign-born. Especially in the 1950’s, large numbers of immigrants arrived from Portugal, Italy, Spain, and the Arab countries. Often they arrived almost penniless, but over the years many of them have built up thriving businesses. These are very hardworking people; their lives are filled with concern about material interests. As a result, it is frequently difficult to reach them with the Kingdom message. There are also, of course, immigrants from other South American countries, notably Colombia.

Here in Venezuela one of the Witnesses with a very long record of theocratic service was Vilius Tumas, who had been baptized in Lithuania in 1923. Having survived the dark days of the Hitler regime in Europe, Brother Tumas moved to Venezuela after World War II. Until his death in 1993, he was a fine example of faithful service to his brothers in the town of La Victoria, where he served as a congregation elder.

Remigio Afonso, a native of the Canary Islands, serves as a traveling overseer in Venezuela. He has contacted other immigrants. He has found that some in a family may not be interested but that others in the same family may be eager to hear Bible truth. Thus, in Cumaná, an Arabic-speaking couple who operated a business did not want to listen, but their daughter did. “She asked me to bring her a Bible,” relates Remigio. “I said that I would, but she wondered if I would keep my word. We arranged a day and time, and I made a particular point of arriving punctually, which impressed her. She took the Bible as well as the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, and arrangements were made for a sister to continue the study I started.

“Soon after that, while I was visiting a congregation in Güiria, I saw a man sitting in the doorway of a shop opposite the Kingdom Hall, reading a book with a green cover. He beckoned me to come over. He was Arabic-speaking and asked me if the book he was reading was one of ours. It was in Arabic, but I could tell that it was ‘Let God Be True.’ He explained that he had received it as a gift in his home country and that he would neither loan it nor sell it to anyone! Having made sure he also read Spanish, I offered him the Truth book, which he readily accepted, and we started a study. He came to three meetings that week and even answered at the Watchtower Study.”

Two years later at a district convention in Maracay, a man with a briefcase greeted Brother Afonso and asked if he recognized him. “I am the man from Güiria,” he explained. “I am baptized and now conduct three Bible studies of my own.” The following year at a district convention in Colombia, after Brother Afonso had a part on the program, a young lady rushed up to him with tears of joy in her eyes and introduced herself as the girl from Cumaná to whom he had witnessed. She explained that she too was a baptized Witness. What joy such experiences bring!

Another example of one who came from abroad, made Venezuela his home, and has witnessed the progress of the work is Dyah Yazbek. He remembers preaching with his parents, brother, and sisters in villages and towns in Lebanon, where his father had accepted the truth in the 1930’s. It was a serious blow to the Yazbek family when the father, Michel, died two months after their arrival in Venezuela; but Dyah recalls: “Mother and we children continued in the truth, attending meetings at the North Congregation in Caracas. I was baptized at 16 and entered the pioneer service.” Financial reverses at home led to his cutting short his pioneer service at just three years. But after 28 years of secular work in banking circles, he felt that he was in a favorable position to resign without adversely affecting his wife, their three children, and his mother, who lives with them. Once again he enrolled as a pioneer. Brother Yazbek now serves as a member of the Branch Committee. Looking back over nearly 40 years, he remembers the district convention in Venezuela in 1956. There, for the first time, the attendance exceeded one thousand. “Now,” he states, “the total attendance at the district conventions exceeds one hundred thousand.”

Traveling Overseers Help

During the late 1940’s, when Donald Baxter was the only one in the branch office and when there were just six or seven congregations in the entire country, Brother Baxter would visit these groups as he was able to do so.

However, upon the return of 21-year-old Rubén Araujo from Gilead in 1951, he was assigned to visit the congregations and isolated groups throughout the country. The number of congregations rose to 12 that year. Having no automobile, Rubén would travel by bus or public taxi and at times by airplane or small boat (chalanas) when visiting remote places.

He still remembers a call he made on a Watchtower subscriber near Rubio, Táchira State, close to the Colombian border. The owner of the farm said he was Swiss and could not read Spanish. “But you can talk to my wife, as she likes the Bible,” he said. “After I spoke to his wife,” Rubén recalls, “she called her mother, an 81-year-old lady. When she saw the books I had, she asked if this work was connected with the book The Divine Plan of the Ages. Her eyes lit up, and she became excited. She asked, ‘You mean, you know about Mr. Rutherford?’ Her daughter was interpreting for her into Spanish, as the older lady spoke only German. She said she had been reading and rereading the book since she received it in 1920. She had also seen the ‘Photo-Drama of Creation’ and had heard the talk ‘Millions Now Living Will Never Die.’ Twelve years earlier, when she had come to Venezuela from Switzerland, she had lost contact with the Witnesses. ‘I’ve missed you people very, very much,’ she said. She demonstrated her joy by singing a Kingdom song in German, and I readily joined her with the same song in Spanish. We sang with tears of joy.”

Keith and Lois West, graduates of the 19th class of Gilead, shared in circuit work for 15 years. The circumstances that they encountered were not always easy. The visit to Monte Oscuro in Portuguesa State is a case in point. Keith reflects: “Because of heavy rain the night before, we couldn’t go the distance that we had hoped in the car, so we left the car and walked as far as the river. We took our shoes off and waded upstream and then had to climb the mountain, which took us to the little Kingdom Hall. There wasn’t a soul in sight. But a brother who had accompanied us said: ‘Don’t worry. They’ll be here.’ Promptly he beat on a metal tire rim, and finally about 40 people came. I gave my talk​—wet, muddy trouser legs and all. It appears that the combination of the cold river, the hot climb to the hall, and my giving the talk in wet trousers resulted in a painful muscle illness. For a while after that, I had to have help to get on and off Kingdom Hall platforms and had to rest frequently when preaching.”

The variety in accommodations is often a challenge for traveling overseers. Many times there is no running water. Corrugated metal roofs contribute to room temperatures of between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit [30-40° C.]. Screens on windows and doors are virtually unknown, so one’s room​—and sometimes one’s bed—​are shared with local fauna. And the relaxed, open, and gregarious life-style enjoyed by Venezuelan families sometimes requires adjustment on the part of foreigners used to more privacy. However, the friendliness and hospitality of the Venezuelans are outstanding, and the expression “Usted está en su casa” (Feel completely at home) is part of the welcome a traveling overseer receives on his arrival.

The Society’s motion pictures and slides were shown all over Venezuela by traveling overseers. The Venezuelans are great moviegoers. Hence, a circuit overseer can always count on having a capacity crowd. People sit on the floor, stand inside, or watch from the outside through the windows. One interested man obligingly painted the side of his house white so that it could serve as a screen. In a settlement in the mountains near Carúpano, a friendly storekeeper provided the electricity from his plant (the only electricity available for miles) and also the auditorium​—his rooster-fighting arena. He then shot off rockets so that the people living up on the hills would come down. Eighty-five of them did, many riding their donkeys. It was a drive-in movie with a difference!

Gladys Guerrero, in Maracaibo, has special affection for traveling overseers and their wives. When in the field service with young Gladys one day in the town of Punto Fijo, Nancy Baxter, the wife of the traveling overseer, noticed that the girl had a speech impediment. Gladys explained that it was something inherited from her father’s side of the family. Although she suffered much ridicule because of it, she had not been able to change. But she was deeply moved when Sister Baxter devoted time to teaching her how to pronounce certain words correctly and how to practice them. “Her patience paid off,” says Gladys. “Now I can speak properly.” Others too contributed to Gladys’ spiritual growth.

With Trust in Jehovah, They Pioneer

There are more than 11,000 pioneers in Venezuela at present. Many of these got started as a result of loving encouragement from others in full-time service.

Pedro Barreto got such encouragement. In 1954 the branch overseer invited him to enter the special pioneer work along with three other boys. Pedro was the oldest, being 18. What should he do? “I was young and inexperienced, and I didn’t know how to wash or iron clothes. In fact, I hardly knew how to bathe myself!” laughs Pedro. He had been baptized just the preceding year. After chatting with the branch overseer for an hour or so, Pedro made up his mind. The four boys were assigned to Trujillo, the capital of the state with the same name. Its people, especially then, were tradition-bound and very religious. Those four pioneers did much of the foundation work there. Among those to whom they preached were some of the more prominent citizens, including the head of the post office and the judge of the court of Trujillo.

One day in the main plaza, the four pioneers came face-to-face with a Catholic priest who was well known in Venezuela for his scathing, defamatory, and inaccurate articles in the national press concerning Jehovah’s Witnesses. As a crowd gathered, the priest told the people not to listen to what the boys had to say because, he claimed, they were disturbing the peace of the town and upsetting everybody. He urged the crowd to remember that the faith of the people belonged to the Catholic Church. “In the confusion and hubbub,” recalls Pedro, “the priest would say threatening things to me in a low voice and use foul language. So I would say out loud to the people, ‘Did you hear what he just said? . . . and he’s a priest!’ and I would repeat some of the things he was saying to me. He then said between clenched teeth: ‘Clear off or I’ll kick you out of here.’ So I said that there would be no need for him to use his feet. We would leave.”

This incident reached the ears of the judge previously mentioned. He commended the pioneers, saying that he admired very much the work they were doing. The message of truth preached by those four brave youths took root in Trujillo, and by 1995 there were two congregations in the city besides congregations and groups in most of the surrounding towns and villages.

Arminda López, Pedro’s sister, remembers that in the late 1950’s, while she was pioneering in San Fernando de Apure with three other sisters, Jehovah always provided them with the necessities of life, as he promises to do for those who seek the Kingdom first. (Matt. 6:33) One month their special-pioneer allowance did not arrive when they expected it, and their money had run out. The cupboard was literally bare. In order to forget their rumbling tummies, they decided to go to bed early. At 10:00 p.m., they heard someone knocking on the front door. Looking out the window, they saw a man with whom they conducted a Bible study. He apologized for the late hour but said that he had just returned from a trip and had brought some things he thought they could use​—a boxful of fruits, vegetables, and other groceries! All thoughts of bed were forgotten, and the kitchen suddenly became a hive of activity. “It must have been Jehovah who moved the man to come that night,” says Arminda, “as he was due to have his study the next day and could so easily have waited until then.” Arminda still serves as a regular pioneer, now in Cabimas.

Among the zealous pioneers, almost no problem seems too great. Age, poor health, or an opposed family member need not necessarily be an insurmountable obstacle. Although young ones are certainly represented in the pioneer ranks​—early in 1995 there were 55 regular pioneers between the ages of 12 and 15—​by no means do they have the monopoly on this branch of service. Many a sister whose husband is not a Witness rises early each morning in order to prepare meals and care for her children and household chores, so that she can meet with the group for field service each day and conduct Bible studies without neglecting her wifely responsibilities.

Also married brothers with families streamline their activities and successfully handle a pioneer schedule. David González started his pioneer career as a young, single man in 1968. Later, he served as a special pioneer with his wife, Blanca, until children came along. Now he and his wife as well as one daughter are regular pioneers. Along with shouldering responsibility for his three children, he is an elder and regularly serves as a substitute circuit overseer. How is it possible? He says that he has been able to do it by sacrificing unnecessary material extras and having a good schedule. He also has the full cooperation of his wife.

Then there are those in their twilight years whose circumstances have changed and who can now think of undertaking the pioneer service. These include folk whose children have grown up and others who have retired from secular work. There are also some like Elisabeth Fassbender. Elisabeth, born in 1914, was baptized in postwar Germany before immigrating to Venezuela in 1953 with her unbelieving husband. For 32 years she endured bitter opposition until his death in 1982. At 72 years of age, with the way now clear to serve Jehovah more fully, Elisabeth realized her longtime ambition by enrolling as a regular pioneer.

One thing that undoubtedly contributes to the successful pioneer spirit in Venezuela is the general absence of a materialistic way of life among a majority of the brothers. Most of them are not caught up in the constant struggle to get luxuries for their homes or to earn money for costly vacations. Without these extra financial commitments, a larger number of Jehovah’s people find that pioneer privileges are within their reach.

A Fruitful Field Under Cultivation

Venezuelans as a whole are a tolerant people, respectful of the Bible; and with very few exceptions, they profess belief in God. The Catholic Church’s stranglehold of years gone by has weakened, and many sincere but unhappy parishioners are looking elsewhere to satisfy their spiritual needs. The political involvement of the church and individual cases of wrongdoing by priests that come to light from time to time do nothing to rally support for the church.

Undoubtedly all these factors contribute to the relative ease with which Bible studies can be started here. As of August 1995, the 71,709 Witnesses of Jehovah in Venezuela were conducting more than 110,000 home Bible studies. It is not difficult for a publisher who preaches regularly and is conscientious in following up the interest to start progressive Bible studies. Generally speaking, the students will attend meetings and quickly make changes to conform to Jehovah’s righteous requirements.

In 1936 there were just two proclaimers of the good news reporting activity in Venezuela. In 1980 the publisher figure was 15,025. Fifteen years later the total Kingdom proclaimers exceeded 71,000. In 1980 there were just 186 congregations in the entire country. Now there are 937. And the numbers of those who love and serve Jehovah continue to grow.

A Time to Build

With the notable increase in publishers in recent years, many Kingdom Halls do not have adequate space for those who come to the meetings. The price of property, especially in inner-city areas, is prohibitive. In Caracas, where there are currently 140 congregations and land is at a premium, it is not uncommon for as many as five large congregations bursting at the seams to share the same facilities. On Sundays this provides an interesting sight for neighbors as one congregation files out after their meeting and another moves in, with endless handshaking and kissing as the brothers and sisters greet one another. Many have to stand during meetings, and ventilation is often inadequate. There is an acute need for more Kingdom Halls, and with the help of a central Kingdom Hall Fund in Venezuela, efforts are beginning to be made to cope with this need.

In spite of limited resources, the brothers’ generous response made possible the construction of Venezuela’s first Assembly Hall, in Cúa, Miranda State. Dyah Yazbek, who served on the construction committee, provides some details. “Construction of the hall in Cúa ran into some problems after the first year when, with the framework erected and still more work pending, adequate funds were not available. On October 12, 1982, we met with the local elders and ministerial servants and presented the situation to them, asking them, in turn, to sound out the brothers in the congregations. The result was that three months later, much to our surprise, 1.5 million bolivares were donated​—a considerable sum in those days. This enabled us to complete the project, including air-conditioning and comfortable seating. The hall has proved to be a real blessing to the 11 circuits that currently use it.” Venezuela now has two Assembly Halls, the other being in Campo Elías, Yaracuy State.

Better Branch Facilities

A committee of six mature brothers now administer work cared for by the branch. They are Teodoro Griesinger, Keith West, Stefan Johansson (present Branch Committee coordinator), Eduardo Blackwood (who also serves as one of the four district overseers), Dyah Yazbek (a regular pioneer and family man), and Rafael Pérez (a circuit overseer).

As work in the field has grown, it has also been necessary to enlarge the branch facilities. When Brothers Knorr and Henschel visited Venezuela in November 1953, Brother Knorr pointed out that it would be good for the Society to buy its own property for a missionary home and branch office. A large, new two-story house was found in the quiet, residential area of Las Acacias, Caracas. The branch and missionary family moved into Quinta Luz in September 1954, and the branch operated from there for 22 years.

When the number of Kingdom publishers had grown to over 13,000, the branch again moved to new facilities​—this time in the nearby town of La Victoria, Aragua State. This splendid new complex seemed positively enormous in comparison with the previous branch, and it was difficult for some to visualize its being used to full capacity. But in 1985 a new section was completed and dedicated because the earlier part was already too small.

In a few years, the branch had again become too small, and in 1989, 35 acres [14 ha] of prime building land was purchased for the construction of new branch facilities. Preliminary work has already been done, and it is hoped that the new facilities will be completed in the near future.

“Let Anyone Thirsting Come”

As the apostle John drew near the end of the writing of the book of Revelation, Jesus Christ saw to it that he included the following: “The spirit and the bride keep on saying: ‘Come!’ And let anyone hearing say: ‘Come!’ And let anyone thirsting come; let anyone that wishes take life’s water free.” (Rev. 22:17) That gracious invitation has been extended to the people of Venezuela for some 70 years now. With greater intensity than ever before, it is reaching into all parts of the land​—and with good results.

The increase of crime has not slowed down the work. Almost without exception, houses and apartments have wrought iron across the front door, sometimes boasting a thick chain or a large padlock. Mugging, even in broad daylight, is a constant danger. Caraqueños (those who live in Caracas) in particular are careful not to wear gold jewelry or expensive watches on the street. Unwary tourists are often the target of muggers. When preaching in poorer areas of the city, our brothers have to exercise great care. Generally, Jehovah’s Witnesses are respected. However, whole groups of publishers have been held up at gunpoint and made to hand over watches, money, and jewelry. But the zeal of our brothers in these dangerous areas remains unaffected, and a thorough witness is being given.

The patient and persistent proclaiming of the good news has benefited people of all sorts. An engineer and his family in Maracaibo had firmly rejected the efforts of their friendly Witness neighbors to discuss the Bible with them, and for 14 years conversation between the two families had never gone beyond polite greetings. Then, one day in 1986, the five-year-old son of the Witnesses talked over the fence to the neighbor’s little girl. As the conversation ended, the boy said: “If my daddy gave your daddy a Creation book, he’d see that Jehovah made us.” The next morning, feeling that perhaps Jehovah wanted him to try again to reach his neighbor, the father went next door and related the children’s conversation. “So on behalf of my son,” he said, “I would like you to accept this Creation book as a gift.” To the brother’s surprise, two days later this couple came to the Witnesses’ home asking forgiveness for their previous intransigent attitude and expressing appreciation for the wonderful book. A Bible study was started, and now the couple and their two older children are dedicated, baptized Witnesses of Jehovah.

In Barquisimeto, Ana had always turned the Witnesses away when they came to her door. She was a devotee of the María Lionza cult, and as such, she engaged in spiritistic practices. But she longed to be free from these things that held her in bondage. She prayed to God to help her to change her way of life. Soon after this, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Esther Germanos, called at her door. Ana could not help but wonder whether there was a connection between her prayer and the visit of the Witness. She accepted a regular Bible study, began to attend meetings, soon told her immoral tenants to move, cleared out of her house all objects related to spiritism, dedicated her life to Jehovah in 1986, and at last experienced the freedom that only the truth can bring!

Hernán had belonged to a group that practiced spiritistic rites, viewed sexual immorality as acceptable, and used considerable alcohol during religious rites to “fortify the spirit,” as they put it. When he first went to the Kingdom Hall, he would listen to what was said and then go directly to his church and give a similar talk. But after he attended an assembly, he began to take more seriously what he was learning. Then, one Sunday in 1981 when he arrived at the church, he found the one they called the spiritual mother frothing at the mouth. The others told him that she was possessed by Satan the Devil. He never went back. The following year he got baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He, his wife, and eldest son are now regular pioneers.

The Martínez household was at the point of breaking up. There were constant threats of divorce. The children used the situation to their own ends. In a desperate search for comfort, the wife located one of Jehovah’s Witnesses who had previously spoken to her about the Bible, and a study was started without the knowledge of the husband. Meanwhile, at work, the husband’s secretary witnessed to him, and arrangements were made for one of the elders to study with him. It was not long before he decided to share with his wife the things he had learned from his Bible study. What a surprise to learn that she too was studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses and attending meetings at a different Kingdom Hall! From that moment, studying the Bible together and attending meetings as a family became a regular part of their family life. That family, which was at the point of breaking up, now serves Jehovah happily and unitedly.

Beatriz had dreamed all her life about understanding the Bible. She married and, with her husband, moved to Caracas, where they became part of high society. There in the capital she made friends with an old man who had left the priesthood, unable to agree with the church’s fundamental teachings. On one occasion he told her: “The only valid baptism is total immersion such as practiced by Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Years later, divorced from her husband, Beatriz was facing a distressing personal problem. Desperate, she prayed to God. One night in particular​—December 26, 1984—​she spent many hours in prayer. The following morning the doorbell rang. Irritated, she looked through the peephole in her apartment door and saw two people with briefcases. Upset at being disturbed, she called through the door as if she were the maid: “The lady isn’t home, and I can’t open the door.” Before they left, the couple pushed a handbill under the door. Beatriz picked it up. “Know Your Bible,” it said. The words of the old ex-priest came back to her. Could these visitors be the people he had spoken of, Jehovah’s Witnesses? Could their visit be connected with her prayers the night before? She opened the door, but they had gone. She called down the stairs for them to come back, apologized for her initial reaction, and invited them inside. A study of the Bible was begun immediately, and some time later Beatriz was baptized as a Christian Witness of Jehovah. Happy at last that she had fulfilled her lifelong desire, Beatriz now spends a large portion of her time helping others to know their Bible.

With Jehovah’s blessing, congregations are growing fast. Kingdom Halls are packed and overflowing. New congregations are being formed. The number of Kingdom proclaimers is swelling as are the ranks of full-time ministers. The large Memorial and convention attendances portend that many more will join us in worshiping Jehovah before the end of this system of things.

As Jehovah’s Witnesses intensify their witnessing in the cities, villages, plains, and mountains of Venezuela and see the outstanding results, they are reminded of the apostle Paul’s words: “Neither is he that plants anything nor is he that waters, but God who makes it grow.”​—1 Cor. 3:7.

[Full-page picture on page 186]

[Picture on page 194]

Rubén Araujo, one of the first Venezuelans to become a baptized Witness

[Picture on page 199]

Inez Burnham, Ruby Dodd (now Baxter), Dixie Dodd, and Rachel Burnham leaving New York in 1949. Before the boat left the dock, everyone felt just fine!

[Pictures on page 200, 201]

Some of the missionaries who have served in the Venezuelan field for many years: (1) Donald and Ruby Baxter, (2) Dixie Dodd, (3) Penny Gavette, (4) Leila Proctor, (5) Ragna Ingwaldsen, (6) Mervyn and Evelyn Ward, (7) Vin and Pearl Chapman

[Picture on page 207]

Quinta Luz

[Pictures on page 208]

Top: Milton Henschel addresses convention at Club Las Fuentes, in 1958

Below: Nathan Knorr (left) with Teodoro Griesinger as interpreter, in 1962

[Picture on page 227]

In 1988 more than 74,600 packed out the bullring in Valencia for a special program

[Pictures on page 236]

Some who have served as circuit or district overseers (with their wives): (1) Keith and Lois West, (2) Alberto and Zulay González, (3) Casimiro Zyto, (4) Lester and Nancy Baxter, (5) Rodney and Eloise Proctor, (6) Remigio Afonso

[Pictures on page 244]

A few of those with long records of pioneer service: (1) Dilia de Gonzáles, (2) Emilio and Esther Germanos, (3) Rita Payne, (4) Ángel Maria Granadillo, (5) Nayibe de Linares, (6) Irma Fernández, (7) José Ramon Gomez

[Pictures on page 252]

Above: Branch office in La Victoria

Branch Committee (from left to right): Dyah Yazbek, Teodoro Griesinger, Stefan Johansson, Keith West, Eduardo Blackwood, and Rafael Pérez

A Letter from the Governing Body

HOW THRILLING it has been to relive in our mind’s eye the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the lands of Hungary, Mozambique, and Venezuela! Surely our hearts are filled with thankfulness to Jehovah that following “the day of small things,” he is now filling these lands with knowledge of him.​—Zech. 4:10; Isa. 11:9.

Take time now to glance back to the 1995 Service Year Report on pages 34 to 41. We must agree that a tremendous amount of Kingdom preaching and teaching has been accomplished by just over five million men and women, young and old, all devoted to Jehovah, all united in the work dearest to Jehovah’s heart​—the preaching of the good news of the Kingdom. Jesus said that “joy arises among the angels of God over one sinner that repents.” (Luke 15:10) Now think of the joy that Jehovah’s heavenly family must have experienced when they witnessed 338,491 become dedicated, baptized servants of their loving heavenly Father. We also rejoice, but surely our joy is only a reflection of what is experienced in the heavens. We say to all of you newly baptized ones, Welcome into Jehovah’s loving organization!

We trust that all of you who took such a positive step last year will continue to grow in knowledge of the truth. Keep in mind Jesus’ words: “No man that has put his hand to a plow and looks at the things behind is well fitted for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) Never forget, whatever trials you have to face, “the God of all undeserved kindness . . . will make you firm, he will make you strong.”​—1 Pet. 5:10.

What of the future? The prospect for speeding up the work is bright, with the use of our new Knowledge book. None of us can determine how long the door of opportunity will remain open for sheeplike persons to enter the safety of our spiritual paradise. Jesus said regarding the start of the great tribulation: “Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matt. 24:36) This very fact should make us all the more alert to “keep on the watch.” (Matt. 24:42) How tragic it would be at this late hour to fall out of the race for life! If we love Jehovah and his Son for all they have done for us, we will never let that happen!

The Educational Center at Patterson, New York, is now in full operation, making possible the training of more Gilead classes and of branch personnel, as well as whatever additional groups may seem appropriate as time goes on. Arrangements are available in many lands for brothers to attend the Ministerial Training School. Branch facilities are being built or renovated. All of this proves that “the faithful and discreet slave” is anxious to make every provision for giving as great a witness as possible before Jehovah indicates that our witness work is completed. (Matt. 24:45-47) Surely none of us want to be held accountable by Jehovah for the death of any who are wicked in God’s eyes because we failed to give the warning.​—Ezek. 3:18.

Therefore, we are very concerned about the millions of persons who apparently are favorable toward true worship but who hold back from dedicating their lives to serve Jehovah. There are some eight million in this category. What can we do to help these? Why not offer to study the new Knowledge book with them? The last four chapters in that publication should really stir their hearts to love Jehovah. We hope many will respond in this positive way and so be among those whom Jehovah will love forever!

Jesus said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:35) During the past service year, this love has been manifested to a very marked degree by our brothers around the world as they handled various situations​—in Eastern Europe, in Rwanda and Burundi, and in the Kobe earthquake disaster in Japan, as well as in other areas. As a result, many onlookers, such as the people in Makoko, near the Zaire border, have been greatly impressed. When they saw our brothers returning to Rwanda in fine form both physically and mentally, they cried out in admiration: “Your brothers in Europe and in the whole world truly love you; they have taken care of you in the camps while members of other religions died from famine and disease.” What a credit to Jehovah’s organization!

Exciting days lie ahead of us as we see the ongoing fulfillment of Isaiah 11:9: “The earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea.” So we have “plenty to do in the work of the Lord,” and we know that our “labor is not in vain in connection with the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:58) Of course it is not! We are laying a basis for the nucleus of a new world society. Never give up your precious relationship with Jehovah! Be determined always to manifest the attitude of the prophet Micah, who said: “As for me, it is for Jehovah that I shall keep on the lookout. I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.”​—Mic. 7:7.

May Jehovah continue to bless you richly as you work for the vindication of his sovereignty and the sanctification of his holy name.

Your brothers,

Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses