Yearbook—1999

Title Page/Publishers’ Page

1999 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Containing Report for the Service Year of 1998

“Look! Now is the day of salvation.”—2 Corinthians 6:2.

This is our yeartext for 1999. It highlights the grand opportunity now open to humankind. It also implies the need for prompt action. As Jehovah’s Witnesses, we have the privilege of helping people to see the opportunity and to take the needed action quickly.

[Picture Credit Line on page 2]

Picture credits: Pages 79 and 191: Mountain High Maps ® Copyright © 1997 Digital Wisdom, Inc.

Contents

3 A Letter From the Governing Body

6 Highlights of the Past Year

31 Worldwide Report: 1998 Grand Totals

Acts of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Modern Times:

67 Germany

149 Malawi

225 Uruguay

A Letter From the Governing Body

AS RECORDED at 1 Thessalonians 5:18, the apostle Paul exhorted: “In connection with everything give thanks.” During this past service year, there were bountiful provisions from Jehovah’s generous hand for which all of us have reason to give thanks. True to his promise, Jehovah opened up ‘the floodgates of the heavens and emptied out upon us abundant blessings’ that repeatedly made tears of joy and gratitude well up in us.—Mal. 3:10; Ps. 33:1.

As reflected in the 1998 Service Year Report of Jehovah’s Witnesses Worldwide, on pages 32 to 39, what a thunderous shout of triumph was heard throughout the earth! A new peak of 5,888,650 publishers joined their voices in praising Jehovah. (Ps. 66:1, 8) This included the 316,092 new ones who were baptized. The prospect that millions more may yet call upon Jehovah’s name is indicated by the 13,896,312 who attended the Memorial. We give thanks to Jehovah for this ingathering.—Ps. 30:4.

Early in the service year, publishers worldwide found delight in distributing Kingdom News No. 35. Faithfully and zealously supporting the campaign, they enjoyed fine experiences and many blessings. (Prov. 10:22; 28:20) Shortly thereafter, elders and ministerial servants benefited from the Kingdom Ministry School. They were thoroughly refreshed, and they highly valued the training. Shepherding, teaching, evangelizing, and working together in unity were emphasized. Letters reflecting gratitude to Jehovah recounted how much this training meant to them.

In May, district and international conventions began to be held. Delegates from 160 lands attended the nine international gatherings in North America. Graduates of Gilead and the Ministerial Training School, international servants, Bethelites in foreign service, as well as others with missionary status attended and were featured on the program. Many of them expressed their appreciation for the generous contributions that made it possible for them to attend a convention in their homeland.

Thousands of visiting delegates from around the globe were accommodated in the homes of their Christian brothers and shared in their family life. This served to deepen the intense love that unifies the worldwide brotherhood of Jehovah’s people. (1 Pet. 4:8; 5:9) Love and hospitality abounded to an extent never before experienced in connection with international conventions. Letters described moving scenes as hosts, with tears of joy and lumps in their throats, were introduced to their visiting guests, who responded with similar emotions. One host wrote: “Thank you for the most wonderful experience of our lives.” And a delegate from South Africa wrote: “The welcome that we received . . . was an experience that we shall never forget. . . . It will always enrich our appreciation for the worldwide brotherhood—a wonderful gift from our heavenly Father, Jehovah.”

Delegates to conventions in Britain, Germany, and Greece were imbued with the same spirit. These were enthused by the convention program, association with Witnesses from other lands, and a tour of the Society’s branch facilities. Many sent letters of appreciation and thanks for what they had experienced.

The conventions gave a tremendous witness. The public recognized that there was something significant behind the theme “God’s Way of Life,” as highlighted on the program cover and also as advertised on the lapel cards worn by our brothers.

The resolution presented at conventions this year expressed our determination to pursue this way of life henceforth and to give full expression to it in all we do—in our private lives, within the family circle, as part of the Christian congregation, and as a worldwide association of brothers.—Titus 2:11, 12; 1 Pet. 2:17.

Our having resolved to pursue this way places us in a very favorable situation. There is no question about the striking contrast between the spiritual condition of God’s people today and that of apostates and others who profess to know and worship God but who disown him by their works. (Titus 1:16) The inspired words found at Isaiah 65:13, 14, alert us to this difference: “Look! My own servants will eat, . . . drink, . . . rejoice, . . . cry out joyfully because of the good condition of the heart, but you [apostates] will make outcries because of the pain of heart and you will howl because of sheer breakdown of spirit.” What a heritage we have! May we be ever thankful for all that Jehovah is doing for his own people at this time.

Some of our fellow servants have undergone considerable suffering because of economic hardship, persecution, terrorism, and wars. Quite a number have been victims of disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions. But their hope has not diminished. Jehovah has sustained them in all their tribulation, so that they exult in his ways and are able to remain in an approved condition before him.—Rom. 5:3-5.

Despite experiencing difficulties in these trying times, we are a blessed and happy people. (Ps. 3:8; 144:15b) As we look to the future, our desire is to help many more to benefit from Jehovah’s way of life even as we have. There is still time for them even in their busy lives to learn Jehovah’s way and benefit from his patience, as our 1999 yeartext, at 2 Corinthians 6:2, indicates: “Look! Now is the day of salvation.” Yes, now is the time to act! May we be thankful for the privilege of making this known to all who will hear.

Unitedly with you we joyfully pursue God’s way of life.

Your fellow servants,

Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Highlights of the Past Year

Outstanding among the exciting events of the past year were the “God’s Way of Life” International Conventions. These gave tangible evidence that worshipers of Jehovah have truly become “a great crowd . . . out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues” whom Jehovah is preparing for life in his new world. (Rev. 7:9, 10) After attending one of these conventions, a Witness from Guadeloupe said that now, for the first time, he could truly ‘appreciate in his heart’ the reality of it.

Never before have we had so many international conventioners on the move. Tens of thousands of delegates traveled to other countries, even to other continents, to attend conventions. As they did so, the fact that they are truly part of an international family was abundantly evident.

From the end of May through August, “God’s Way of Life” International Conventions were held in various cities in the United States, Canada, and Britain, followed by more in Germany and Greece. Members of the Governing Body spoke at each of these conventions, often doing so through interpreters. Simultaneously, hundreds of district conventions were held throughout North America and Europe.

When the first of the international conventions opened in San Diego, California, on May 22, the conventioners were pleased to have in their midst 45 missionaries from 14 countries. Two weeks later, Spanish-speaking Witnesses met in the same stadium. Of the 25,181 at this convention, well over 3,100 were delegates from abroad. As speakers from Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Peru, Spain, and Uruguay shared in the program, the audience had to adjust to the distinctive accents. What a happy and enthusiastic audience they were!

The following week, in Pontiac, Michigan, the size of the convention audience increased to 42,763, and the number of countries represented mushroomed to at least 44. Delegations of more than 300 each were on hand from Britain, the Czech Republic, and South Africa. The conventioners had come from 14 countries in Europe, 8 in Africa, 20 in the Americas, and 2 in Asia. In some instances whole families, even entire congregations, assisted with expenses so that at least one from their midst could attend. The presence of so many delegates from other lands seemed to electrify the audience. And the talks given by members of the Governing Body—Brothers Schroeder, Barr, and Sydlik—deeply touched their hearts. What took place was, as one Witness said, ‘something that they would recount to future generations and probably to past generations too as they are resurrected!’—Compare Psalm 48:1, 12-14.

While the convention in Pontiac was in session, four others were being held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. These were in French, Portuguese, Greek, and Arabic. The brothers were deeply moved by what was done by members of the Governing Body, some of whom are well up in years, to serve them all. The attendance reached 33,242, with 4,071 delegates from other lands. Large numbers had come from France and Brazil; many from Belgium, Guadeloupe, and Martinique. Thirteen African countries were represented. Among the delegates was a longtime pioneer from Mali, West Africa, who was there because of the kindness of a businesswoman to whom she regularly delivers magazines. Said a Brazilian couple who had sold their car to finance their trip: “It was the best investment we ever made.”

The next two weekends in June, two more conventions were held in Vancouver, on Canada’s west coast. Combined attendance was 22,273, with numerous delegates from places as far apart as Southeast Asia and Northern Europe. Simultaneously with the last convention in Vancouver, another was being held in Toronto, Ontario. Besides the Canadians, delegates had come from Germany, Poland, Finland, Austria, and many more lands in Europe and Africa. The attendance reached 41,381. All together, at the Canadian conventions, delegates were on hand from 52 foreign lands—truly an international throng!

Back in the United States, from July 3 to 5, seven simultaneous conventions were held near the Pacific waterfront in Long Beach, California. These were in Chinese (both Cantonese and Mandarin), English, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese—all held in various facilities at the extensive Long Beach Convention Center. Attendances ranged from 552 for the Vietnamese to 12,659 for the English. Large delegations from the Orient and Italy enjoyed fellowship with those who had come from the Americas, Eastern Europe, and Africa. Among them were some who had put forth extraordinary effort to be present. Between sessions, delegates in their native garb moved about from one language group to another, shaking hands, hugging one another, exchanging addresses, and taking pictures. A brother who was involved in the convention arrangements there wrote: “All conventions are good; they all have a ripple effect that is felt for months afterward. This convention was more like a tsunami. It was powerful, and it had an enormous impact on the hearts of the delegates.”

The multiconvention weekend at Long Beach was followed by another Spanish convention—this one in Houston, Texas. The attendance of 34,257 included 2,820 delegates from 14 foreign lands, who were accommodated in 1,217 homes where local Witnesses hospitably opened their hearts to these visitors.

One of the most profound impressions on the delegates was the warm reception they received—the brotherly love showered on them by fellow Christians whom they had never met before. They had read about the international brotherhood. They knew that Jehovah teaches his people to show such love. (Heb. 13:1, 2; 3 John 5-8) But now they were personally experiencing it in ways that they never had before. At the airports, delegates were given an enthusiastic welcome by brothers and sisters, young and elderly. Arrangements had also been made for delegates from other lands to be housed with Witness hosts. What a blessing this proved to be!

In Texas, hundreds of busloads of delegates from abroad were taken to the Rosenberg Assembly Hall to meet their hosts. There, a throng of some 500 Witnesses cheered and applauded as the delegates arrived. At Belleville, Michigan, at all hours of the day and night, hundreds of Witnesses were on hand to welcome busloads of weary delegates. As the delegates entered the Assembly Hall, they were welcomed by many voices singing “Myriads of Brothers” and “We Are Jehovah’s Witnesses!” At the Mira Loma Assembly Hall in California, many were bilingual, so in English and Spanish, they sang alternate verses of “We Thank You, Jehovah.” It was a beautiful sight, and it was hard to find dry faces because of the tears of joy!

In Michigan, twice as many accommodations were offered by the Witnesses as were needed. Many phoned to beg for the privilege of caring for some of the visiting brothers. Those who were not able to house delegates helped with food and transportation. Some delegates found that besides welcoming them into their homes, their hosts were giving them their own beds while the hosts slept on the floor. In the evenings and after the conventions, groups of Witness families, even whole congregations, got together for a meal or a picnic with the delegates. They sang, took part in folk dances, and related experiences. It was truly a fiesta! Though many delegates could not speak the language of the host family—or could speak only a few words at most—they found ways to communicate. When it came time for them to part, it was more than difference of language that made communication difficult. They were choked with emotion. A foundation had been laid for lifelong friendships.

The visiting delegates were not the only ones who benefited from the homestay arrangement. A couple in Canada who opened their home to delegates wrote: “We all wondered what it would be like to have people that we didn’t know stay with us for a whole week. We found out that it wasn’t long enough!” A single parent wrote: “I had the grand privilege of hosting a couple from France, and for my children and myself, it was most enriching. I can only say that it was a wonderful, delightful, and unforgettable experience.” Another family, who had a guest from Togo, wrote: “We cannot describe the joy and the love that we shared . . . What a treasure! Jehovah gave us all we could wish for.”

For delegates from 87 countries, their tour routes also took them to the world headquarters of Jehovah’s visible organization, with major sections of its operations in New York State at Brooklyn, at Wallkill (90 miles [144 km] from Brooklyn), and at Patterson (70 miles [112 km] from Brooklyn). From May 28 through July 20, they came—more than 14,500 in all! It was, as so many said, “a dream come true.” Expressing how they felt, a tour group visiting the Watchtower Educational Center at Patterson arranged themselves in the dining room after the noon meal and sang in beautiful four-part harmony song number 42, “This Is the Way.” Deeply moved by what they saw and by the love and hospitality they experienced, many had tears in their eyes as they thanked the brothers and sisters who served as guides. It was not only the visitors whose emotions were stirred. Members of the Bethel family too said that those are days they would never forget!

The crowds that attended the international conventions in Europe shared similar feelings. During July, delegates began to arrive in Britain. From July 24 to 26, conventions there were held simultaneously in nine cities. Whether in English, French, Spanish, or Punjabi, they all had the same program. For talks given by members of the Governing Body, the convention sites were tied together electronically. Delegates from more than 60 lands had flocked together.

A highlight of the program was the interviews of missionaries and international servants. They were present from 45 lands. They shared with the audience the joys and the challenges of foreign service. Susan Snaith, from West Africa, acknowledged: “Especially during the first few months after you move to a new assignment, you can feel very homesick, so to know that your parents are behind you and encouraging you can really help you stay in your assignment.” Doreen Kilgour, a longtime missionary in South Africa, said: “The thing is, you must love the people. And if you really love people and help them to love Jehovah and also to walk in Jehovah’s way, this is what helps you to stay in your assignment.” Myrna Simms, from Ecuador, added: “Do not concentrate on the things that you have left behind, but concentrate on the work at hand. Do not look at the negative things. Look beyond those, and remember that we have a work to do!” And Anne Crudass, from war-torn Liberia, said: “We are supposed to encourage the local brothers and sisters, but actually, we have been greatly encouraged by them. We have seen their zeal, their faith, and their bravery during the war, their taking care of one another and risking their lives for one another. . . . We have experienced the love and the care of the brothers toward us personally. We have now been evacuated four times from our assignments, . . . and when we have been refugees, our brothers have been so concerned about our feelings and our spirituality that they have written us beautiful, upbuilding letters. . . . All these blessings have made it easy for us to return to Liberia, even when conditions there have been unstable.”

Within days after the conventions in Britain had ended, others began in Germany. Witnesses in the host cities extended invitations to the public. This afforded opportunity to explain to people that the international conventions, five of which were scheduled for Germany, are a feature of our global program of Bible education. The entire program was put on in 13 languages. For key portions of the program, all five convention cities (Berlin, Nuremberg, Munich, Dortmund, and Stuttgart) were tied together. Peak attendance was an outstanding 217,472, some 45,000 of these having come from abroad. Many were there from Eastern Europe. At least 150 missionaries, international servants, and Bethelites working in foreign assignments were included among the conventioners.

From August 21 to 23, before the service year ended, yet another history-making international convention was held, in Athens, Greece. In spite of angry objections by the clergy of the Greek Orthodox Church, 39,324 conventioners from 21 lands assembled. Wherever the delegates went, in Athens as well as other places throughout the country, a marvelous witness was given—by their conduct, by their dress and grooming, as well as by their preaching and by literature placed. The openhearted hospitality extended by the Greek Witnesses was such that, even though Jehovah’s people are accustomed to experiencing Christian love, many became choked up with emotion and gave way to tears of joy. And to see Greeks and Turks hugging and kissing one another with tears in their eyes and offering and accepting hospitality—well, this is a miracle that only Jehovah can perform!

Now we are in a new service year, and more international conventions are being held—in Africa, Latin America, Korea, and Australia.

Distribution of Kingdom News

Our field ministry is, of course, one of our foremost activities. It is a work assigned to us by Jehovah through his Son. And the message that we declare is what people desperately need. (Isa. 43:10-12; Matt. 24:14) During the past year, 5,888,650 shared in that work, devoting 1,186,666,708 hours to the field ministry. What a fine heap of witness! An exciting aspect of that ministry during the past service year was the distribution of Kingdom News No. 35, which featured the question “Will All People Ever Love One Another?” How appropriate to appeal to people on the basis of their desire to be loved, a desire that God implanted in humankind! The message was powerful, and many sincere people responded favorably to it.

Nearly 400,000,000 copies of that tract were printed in 166 languages. Of those languages, 27 were distributed in Russia, and in 10 of those languages, we had never had literature before. Many branches, recognizing the ethnic diversity of their territory, arranged for distribution of the tract in 10, 20, or even 30 languages.

When a Witness in Ghana was distributing the Kingdom News from farm to farm, she came across a man and his wife engaged in a bitter quarrel. The Witness flashed Kingdom News No. 35 before their eyes, with its captivating title “Will All People Ever Love One Another?” Immediately the couple calmed down. Our sister took time to discuss the tract with them, using her Bible to show them the reasons for strife and what God’s Kingdom will do for humankind. At the end of the discussion, the man said: “Certainly it was God who sent you here with this pamphlet.” They both eagerly accepted the offer of a home Bible study. Another 1,850 mailed to the Ghana branch their request for a free home Bible study. In Malawi, 1,900 of such reader requests were received; 2,717 in Zimbabwe; 1,346 in Poland; 2,525 in the United States. In Russia, 7,100 wrote to the branch to ask for someone to conduct a Bible study with them.

The attractive cover, the thought-provoking title, and the warmth of the information in the tract was just what was needed in war-torn Sri Lanka. Hundreds of coupons were sent to the branch, requesting a brochure, and a large proportion included a request for a home Bible study. Many of these who asked for a study are now publishers of the good news; some have even been baptized.

Thirty publishers in Cameroon hired a bus in order to distribute the tracts in a territory about 45 miles [70 km] from their Kingdom Hall in Garoua. During the morning they covered the territory with tracts, and in the afternoon they showed the video Jehovah’s Witnesses—The Organization Behind the Name to an audience of 182 persons. At the conclusion, many wanted more literature. A number of home Bible studies were started, and the congregation sent a pioneer to look after the interest.

When Kingdom News No. 35 was distributed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, many people accepted it eagerly; others, numbed by the hardships of life, accepted it reluctantly. Upon making a return visit on one of the latter, the publishers found that the woman was very sick and had no money to buy needed medicine. The publishers obtained the medicine for her. This touched her heart and led to a study with her and her four children. In another instance, a young man who received the tract thought that the Witnesses were boasting about themselves. Later he was on a bus that was attacked by highwaymen. Left at night without money in an area where he knew nobody, he went along with a Witness who had also been on the bus and who had also been robbed. They found a Witness home, where they were welcomed, housed overnight, and helped on their way the next morning. Back home, the young man told the story to his friends and said: “Jehovah’s Witnesses are not proud. True love is at work in among them, and they love their neighbor.” The same day, a Bible study was started with him.

A congregation in northern Chile encouraged the publishers to give the tract to everyone, everywhere. One publisher visited the local radio station. The announcer was so impressed with the message that he stopped the morning program and read the entire message of Kingdom News No. 35 to the radio audience.

In Italy, placing the Kingdom News with a nun waiting for a bus led to daily 10- to 15-minute Bible studies at the bus stop. After a month and a half, the nun’s appreciation for Bible truth moved her to leave the convent. She was grateful to learn that by means of God’s Kingdom, the earth will become a place where people will truly love one another, without racial or linguistic barriers. She returned to Guatemala, her home country, where she continued her study with her fleshly sister, who was already one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Watchtower Educational Center

The Watchtower Educational Center in Patterson, New York, plays a significant role in the global work of witnessing about God’s Kingdom.

By 1994, construction work at Patterson had reached the point where it was possible to begin moving certain major operations of the Society into the Watchtower Educational Center. Over a period of months, a portion of the Engineering Department, the Service Department, the correspondence division of the Writing Department, Translation Services (which currently works with translation teams in 116 lands), the Legal Department (which deals with legal needs in support of the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide), and the Art Department (which works out details for the visual appearance of books, magazines, brochures, and so forth), along with all the necessary support services, were transferred.

In March 1995, Gilead School was moved from Wallkill to the new facilities at Patterson. Since then, graduates of Gilead School have been sent out to 51 lands—into Central and South America, Africa, Eastern Europe, the Orient, and islands of the sea. Additionally, the school for Branch Committee members has provided specialized training for 336 brothers who came from and returned to the Society’s branches in 106 lands.

Now a new building equipped with audio/video facilities has been completed at the Watchtower Educational Center in Patterson. The moving of offices and equipment into this fine new facility began on April 20, 1998. The facilities that have been prepared will enable us to make more effective use of the potential in the audiovisual field.

Of course, the opening of this building does not represent the beginning of the Society’s work in this field. In addition to what is done at the world headquarters, about 30 of the branches already do some recording for audiocassettes. These may involve the Bible or local-language magazines, brochures, and convention dramas. Various audiocassettes are now available in 61 languages. In a few languages, the tape recordings are given world distribution. Compact discs (CDs) that contain various arrangements of our Kingdom songs are also produced, and in nine languages there are CDs that contain research material (Watchtower Library).

Video programs are produced in 41 languages. The scripts originate at the world headquarters, and a library of more than 2,100 video source-tapes has been accumulated from which material can be drawn. Actual video recording is done not only at Patterson but also in many other parts of the world. Editing of the original master videotapes and the English edition is now being done in the Society’s new audio/video facilities at Patterson. At the Society’s studio in the Netherlands, non-English programs are prepared for duplication. Recording of the narration is done in a number of audio-recording branches, and then this is sent to the Netherlands to be mixed with the program’s music and sound effects and to have needed visual text added, thus completing the video duplication master for each language. Japan does some of this work for the Orient.

Use of videocassettes for sign languages has mushroomed. This has resulted, in part, from appreciation for the fact that sign languages are distinct and are not merely visual presentations of spoken languages. When they began to receive sign-language videos, some who are deaf saw them as evidence that Jehovah had not forgotten them but that he cares for deaf people too. The Society produces videos that superimpose sign-language interpretation on already existing audiovisual presentations. There are also videos that provide complete visual translation of the contents of existing printed Watch Tower publications. In most cases, these are used to conduct home Bible studies with people who are deaf, so the videos include study questions, which makes interactive use of such videos possible. Additionally, singing has been videotaped in sign language, and this is used to lead an audience in giving expression to the songs. The Society will be providing support for video recording of sign-language projects from its facilities in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, Denmark, and the Netherlands. In most of these branches, editing of the sign-language programs will also be done.

Witnessing in sign language has greatly increased in recent years. There are 17 sign-language congregations in Korea, where special attention has been given to this need for a number of years. Nineteen of such congregations function in the United States. Russia has one congregation and 43 smaller groups. Other places also show good response to the attention given to the unique needs of deaf people. Worldwide, there are about 80 of such congregations and many more smaller groups. As is true of Jehovah’s servants who speak audible languages, their deaf brothers and sisters look forward eagerly to the time when differences in language, whether audible or visual, will no longer be a barrier to free communication. But even now, using many languages, we all speak the “pure language” and thus have the privilege of unitedly making known the goodness of Jehovah.—Zeph. 3:9.

Eyewitnesses of Fine Works

The zeal of Jehovah’s servants as they share the good news of the Kingdom with others makes Jehovah’s heart rejoice. On the other hand, their exemplary conduct and fine works often go unnoticed by others and, sadly, are at times misunderstood. Are there effective ways to inform and educate reasonable but misinformed individuals about these things?—1 Pet. 2:12.

Working under the direction of the Writing Committee, the Public Affairs Office endeavors to dispel misinformation about God’s servants so that people will be more receptive to the Kingdom message. To that end, this office endeavors to promote understanding of Jehovah’s Witnesses on the part of the public by providing positive information that can be sent to the media, educators, and other professionals.

Raging ethnic and sectarian violence presents a staggering problem to the world community. In order to help young people reject prejudice and violent behavior, educators are seeking ways to teach their students ethical values. What can Jehovah’s Witnesses share with them? A Witness in Sweden sent the video Jehovah’s Witnesses Stand Firm Against Nazi Assault to a prominent official. As a result, government representatives invited the Witnesses to share in a nationwide Holocaust information project called Living History. They wanted our brothers to inform school children and people in general about Jehovah’s Witnesses during the Nazi era. Thereafter, teachers were encouraged to invite Jehovah’s Witnesses to give classroom lectures on ethics and morals, based on experiences during the Holocaust.

Elsewhere, use of the video Jehovah’s Witnesses—The Organization Behind the Name has proved effective. In Côte d’Ivoire, after it was shown on national television, many people showed increased appreciation for Jehovah’s Witnesses and their organization.

Some opposers have attempted to use misconceptions about medical use of blood as an excuse to restrict our activity in Russia. (Acts 15:28, 29) The Russian health system itself suffers from problems with its blood supply and would benefit from information about alternative treatment. Many doctors who would be willing to treat patients without the use of blood want more knowledge and training in this field. Because of adhering to Bible standards regarding life and blood, Jehovah’s Witnesses have been able to provide information in the fields of science, medicine, and patients’ rights that is of value to the medical community and the public in general.

The Public Affairs Office together with Hospital Information Services planned a series of short presentations at St. Petersburg and Moscow hospitals. Prominent doctors from the United States and Europe who cooperate with Jehovah’s Witnesses in their decision to refrain from using blood were invited to speak at events in the spring of 1998. The chief of the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at one U.S. hospital that provides a bloodless center explained: “Our experience shows that bloodless surgery reduces health-care costs while improving patient care.” He told a group of 400 Russian physicians: “Blood transfusion has been viewed as lifesaving, but more and more we are seeing some of its most devastating effects on patients.” The importance of these symposiums was well publicized in the press. Prominent Russian specialists as well as representatives of the Health Ministry and health committees were present. Shortly afterward, reports by the media quoted statements from well-respected people in the medical community about the danger associated with blood use and acknowledging that a decision to refuse a blood transfusion should not be viewed as unreasonable.

Additionally, during the past year, concerted efforts were made in selected countries to contact individuals and organizations that are especially concerned about the breakdown of the family. They were offered the book The Secret of Family Happiness. What was the response?

At an elite Catholic school in Madrid, Spain, the director ordered 90 Family Happiness books, one for each member of the school staff. The director of a home for problem youths in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, requested a book for every unit leader in the home, since he thought that they could use the information to help the youths. In Ukraine, newspapers, radio, and TV reported on the campaign being conducted by Jehovah’s Witnesses to strengthen families. The directors of 256 organizations and institutions have invited the Witnesses to give lectures to their workers about strengthening families. (Eph. 5:22–6:4) As a result of the campaign, some teachers have begun to attend congregation meetings.

Another issue targeted during the year was the role of women. The April 8, 1998, issue of Awake! featured the cover series “Women—What Does the Future Hold for Them?” It discussed the discrimination that women face, the value their work has in society, and the positive outlook the Bible holds out for them. (Prov. 31:10-31; 1 Tim. 5:1, 2) A special effort was made to distribute this information to groups and organizations that are concerned with issues affecting women. Who but Jehovah’s people can provide such information and in more than 230 lands?

The brothers in the Japan branch sent a covering letter, a press release, and a copy of Awake! to more than 3,000 women’s organizations. In Puerto Rico interested people, including some social workers and a university professor, called the branch to request copies of the special Awake! issue. A member of the House of Representatives of the legislature read the magazine and was so impressed with the worldwide educational program of Jehovah’s Witnesses and their genuine interest in the community that she invited the Witnesses to her office. In one city the executive assistant to the mayor was so interested in the material that he requested 100 copies for five departments of the municipal government.

We cannot change the negative view that many people in this world have about us. But we believe that Jehovah will continue to bless activities that result in sanctifying his great name. As a result of being made eyewitnesses of our fine works, those “rightly disposed for everlasting life” see reasons to be among those who glorify God.—Acts 13:48.

‘Lengthening the Tent Cords’

Long ago, Jehovah prophetically said to his organization: “Make the place of your tent more spacious. . . . Do not hold back. Lengthen out your tent cords, and make those tent pins of yours strong.” (Isa. 54:2) Now, in fulfillment of Revelation 7:9, millions who eagerly look forward to life on earth under the Messianic Kingdom are coming into association with the theocratic organization. Room is needed for them too.

In order to provide suitable places for Bible instruction, the building of Kingdom Halls is a high priority in many lands. In Ghana a survey showed that there are at present 237 Kingdom Halls and that another 275 are under construction. Ukraine reports that 84 Kingdom Halls have been completed and 61 others are being built. In South Africa brothers working with a Regional Building Committee help local brothers lay the foundation for their Kingdom Hall, then they leave a block-making machine with them. Local Witnesses, mostly sisters, make the blocks and stack them to dry. When the blocks are ready, volunteers working with the Regional Building Committee return and quickly erect the hall. This system enables them to build good halls at minimal cost.

Having suitable Kingdom Halls helps to speed up the ingathering work. A Kingdom Hall was built in Madagascar to care for two congregations. Within a few months, two more congregations were formed in the same area, and there are prospects for another. But a country in Africa that reports over 28,000 publishers has only one Kingdom Hall for every 10 congregations; another, with over 38,000 publishers, has one Kingdom Hall for every 26 congregations. A branch office in Eastern Europe that reports over 100,000 publishers says that they have just one Kingdom Hall for every 13 congregations. Some countries show a deficit of over 1,000—even 2,500—Kingdom Halls. So, as the service year ended, arrangements were being set in motion for international volunteers to help with erecting an additional 8,000 or more urgently needed Kingdom Halls in specified lands where the brothers locally do not have sufficient building skills and material resources to provide meeting places for the many who are flocking into Jehovah’s organization.

As the number of publishers increases—and 316,092 more were baptized this past year—additional branch facilities are also required. At present, 17,781 in Bethel families around the earth render service as members of the Order of Special Full-Time Servants.

KENYA: New branch facilities were dedicated in Kenya on October 25, 1997. Milton Henschel, of the Governing Body, was present; so were others who had shared in the work in Kenya in earlier days. From all over East Africa, enthusiastic Witnesses came—some on foot—to attend the special program arranged for that weekend.

This branch has oversight of the preaching and disciple-making work in an area in East Africa where a total of more than 29,000 publishers are active. Intrepid pioneers from South Africa first began witnessing in Kenya back in the early 1930’s. Not until 1949, however, with the arrival of the newly baptized Mary Whittington, from England, was a continuous witness given. The first Gilead-trained missionaries, William and Muriel Nisbet, arrived in 1956. Brother Nisbet’s brothers Robert and George were among the early pioneers who had given a witness in Kenya back in the 1930’s. Many other missionaries, special pioneers from Zambia and Tanzania, and other brothers serving where the need is greater have also played a major role in the development of the work in Kenya. It took 41 years to reach the 1,000-publisher mark in Kenya. Now, well over 1,000 are baptized each year!

FRANCE: On the weekend of November 15-16, 1997, Jehovah’s Witnesses in France dedicated new branch facilities 65 miles [100 km] west of Paris, in Louviers. Brothers and sisters from 42 branches were present for the dedication program, which featured talks by Lloyd Barry and Daniel Sydlik, of the Governing Body. And how thrilling it was, the following day, to see a crowd of 95,888 for the special program held at the Villepinte Exhibition Center, north of Paris! This was the largest gathering of Jehovah’s Witnesses ever in France.

The 50-percent increase in the number of publishers during the 1980’s had resulted in an urgent need for more space at Bethel. Ten years, however, were needed to bring this project to fruition. Initial attempts to build in the vicinity of our existing buildings met with fierce opposition. Opponents continue to try to interfere with the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses in France. Nevertheless, the 121,000 Witnesses in France do not let up in their publishing of the good news of God’s Kingdom, confident that many more of the 100 million French-speaking people worldwide will gratefully accept the invitation to “take life’s water free.”—Rev. 22:17.

SPAIN: In this land, too, many honesthearted people are responding favorably to the good news of God’s Kingdom. Since the branch complex outside Madrid was dedicated in 1983, the number of Witnesses in Spain has increased from 53,000 to more than 103,000. Printing of Watchtower and Awake! magazines for Spain and Portugal has also burgeoned, from 6,500,000 copies yearly to nearly 23,000,000. “With 150 Bethel workers living several miles away, we had a dire shortage of accommodations,” explains John Heidelberg, the home overseer, “as well as an acute need for adequate literature storage and shipping facilities.”

The dedication of enlarged branch facilities, on March 28, 1998, was the culmination of five years of hard work in which over 25,000 volunteers—mostly from Spain, some from abroad—had collaborated. William Malenfant and Gerrit Lösch, both of the Brooklyn headquarters staff, shared in the dedication program. Though space was limited for that program, the following day 65,775 assembled in Madrid and Barcelona to enjoy another excellent program.

ROMANIA: For well over 80 years, Jehovah’s Witnesses have been carrying on their public ministry in Romania. In 1990 when a 43-year ban on their activity was lifted, there were about 19,000 publishers. Now there are over 37,000, and more than 82,000 attended the Memorial in 1998. A suitable branch office was needed in Romania. Thus, one of the highlights of the year was the dedication of their new branch on May 2, 1998. Brothers from 19 countries, including Gerrit Lösch, of the Governing Body, were present to share with them in that happy occasion.

As the 1998 service year was ending, there were 397 experienced international servants and 150 international volunteers who were working along with local Witnesses on various construction projects. These involved major construction in 38 countries and smaller projects in 23 other lands. Thousands of Kingdom Halls will now be added to their construction agenda. Truly, in many ways much is being done to make the figurative tent “more spacious” and to ‘lengthen the tent cords.’

[Pictures on page 6]

Members of the Governing Body spoke at each international convention

[Pictures on page 11]

Reports from missionaries were a highlight

[Pictures on page 12-14]

Outstanding love and joy were manifested by conventioners

[Pictures on page 21]

Audio/video facilities at Patterson

[Pictures on page 29]

Branch facilities dedicated: (1) Spain, (2) Kenya, (3) France

Worldwide Report: 1998 Grand Totals

Watch Tower Branches: 106

Number of Lands Reporting: 233

Total Congregations: 87,644

Worldwide Memorial Attendance: 13,896,312

Memorial Partakers Worldwide: 8,756

Peak of Publishers in Kingdom Service: 5,888,650

Average Publishers Preaching Each Month: 5,544,059

Percentage of Increase Over 1997: 3.6

Total Number Baptized: 316,092

Average Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 698,781

Total Hours Spent in Field: 1,186,666,708

Average Home Bible Studies Each Month: 4,302,852

During the 1998 service year, the Watch Tower Society spent $64,414,274.00 in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments

[Chart on page 32-39]

1998 SERVICE YEAR REPORT OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES WORLDWIDE

(See publication)

[Maps on page 40-42]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

ATLANTIC OCEAN

INDIAN OCEAN

PACIFIC OCEAN

PUBLISHER TO POPULATION RATIO

1 to 30-500

ALASKA

AMERICAN SAMOA

ANDORRA

ANGOLA

ANGUILLA

ANTIGUA

ARGENTINA

ARUBA

AUSTRALIA

AUSTRIA

AZORES

BAHAMAS

BARBADOS

BELAU

BELGIUM

BELIZE

BERMUDA

BONAIRE

BRAZIL

BRITAIN

CANADA

CAPE VERDE

CAYMAN ISLANDS

CHILE

COLOMBIA

CONGO, DEM. REP.

COOK ISLANDS

COSTA RICA

CUBA

CURAÇAO

CYPRUS

DENMARK

DOMINICA

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

ECUADOR

EL SALVADOR

ESTONIA

FALKLAND ISLANDS

FIJI

FINLAND

FRANCE

FRENCH GUIANA

GEORGIA

GERMANY

GHANA

GIBRALTAR

GREECE

GREENLAND

GRENADA

GUADELOUPE

GUAM

GUATEMALA

GUYANA

HAWAII

HUNGARY

ITALY

JAMAICA

KOSRAE

LUXEMBOURG

MADEIRA

MALAWI

MARQUESAS ISLANDS

MARSHALL ISLANDS

MARTINIQUE

MEXICO

MOLDOVA

MONTSERRAT

NETHERLANDS

NEVIS

NEW CALEDONIA

NEW ZEALAND

NICARAGUA

NIGERIA

NIUE

NORFOLK ISLAND

NORWAY

PANAMA

PERU

POLAND

PORTUGAL

PUERTO RICO

RÉUNION

ROTA

ST. EUSTATIUS

ST. HELENA

ST. KITTS

ST. LUCIA

ST. MAARTEN

ST. PIERRE & MIQUELON

ST. VINCENT

SAIPAN

SAMOA

SAN MARINO

SEYCHELLES

SLOVAKIA

SOLOMON ISLANDS

SPAIN

SURINAME

SWAZILAND

SWEDEN

SWITZERLAND

TAHITI

TOGO

TOKELAU

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS

TUVALU

UKRAINE

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

URUGUAY

VENEZUELA

VIRGIN ISLANDS (BRITISH)

VIRGIN ISLANDS (U.S.)

WALLIS & FUTUNA ISLS.

YAP

ZAMBIA

ZIMBABWE

1 to 501-5000

ALBANIA

ARMENIA

BELARUS

BENIN

BOLIVIA

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

BOTSWANA

BURUNDI

CAMEROON

CENTRAL AFRICAN REP.

CHUUK

CONGO, REP.

CÔTE D’IVOIRE

CROATIA

CZECH REP.

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

FAEROE ISLANDS

GABON

HAITI

HONDURAS

HONG KONG

ICELAND

IRELAND

JAPAN

KAZAKSTAN

KENYA

KIRIBATI

KYRGYZSTAN

REPUBLIC OF KOREA

LATVIA

LEBANON

LESOTHO

LIBERIA

LIECHTENSTEIN

LITHUANIA

MACAO

MACEDONIA

MADAGASCAR

MALTA

MAURITIUS

MAYOTTE

MOZAMBIQUE

NAMIBIA

NAURU

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

PARAGUAY

PHILIPPINES

POHNPEI

RODRIGUES

ROMANIA

RUSSIA

RWANDA

SABA

SÃO TOMÉ & PRÍNCIPE

SIERRA LEONE

SLOVENIA

SOUTH AFRICA

TANZANIA

TONGA

VANUATU

YUGOSLAVIA, F.R.

1 to 5001+

BANGLADESH

BULGARIA

BURKINA FASO

CAMBODIA

CHAD

COMOROS

ETHIOPIA

THE GAMBIA

GUINEA

GUINEA-BISSAU

INDIA

ISRAEL

LIBYA

MALAYSIA

MALI

MYANMAR

NEPAL

NIGER

PAKISTAN

SENEGAL

SRI LANKA

TAIWAN

TAJIKISTAN

THAILAND

TURKEY

UGANDA

Worldwide Report

Africa

On a global scale, the gathering of people who are “rightly disposed for everlasting life” continues at a rapid pace. (Acts 13:48) In much of Africa, the influx of people who want to walk in Jehovah’s way of life is particularly great. To assist in this, during the past service year, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures was released in Yoruba (spoken by 23 million people), and the Christian Greek Scriptures in Tsonga (spoken by 4 million).

During the past five years, Angola and Uganda reported increases of more than 70 percent in the number of public praisers of Jehovah. Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Mozambique, and Rwanda have each increased by far more than 100 percent. Guinea-Bissau shows a growth of 300 percent. Nigeria regularly averages more than 200,000 publishers. In both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, there are more than 100,000 Kingdom proclaimers giving a fine witness, often in the face of severe problems.

Burkina Faso is a field where many are eager to learn what the Bible contains. In a three-month period during the year, four special pioneers preached to 169 villages within an 85-mile [140 km] radius of the capital city, Ouagadougou. In some areas, roads are almost nonexistent, and as they went from village to village, these zealous pioneers would walk ten or more miles [15 km] a day in temperatures up to 110 degrees [45 C.] in the shade. They spoke with people who had never heard about Jehovah or met any of his Witnesses. In recent years the authorities have made an effort to teach the local people to read and write in Mooré, the mother tongue of these people. But there is very little material to read. To fill the need, the Society has been producing a number of publications in their language. The pioneers report: “The reaction of the population is very touching, and that encourages us. . . . We see their joy at finally having publications in their own language, especially ones that talk about God’s good news.” During the three months in this area, the pioneers distributed 3,615 books, 22,228 brochures, and 368 magazines.

In a city in Nigeria, publishers were about to go witnessing in an area where tension was mounting dangerously during a period of ethnic strife. Heeding advice given to them, they started to go home. But a crowd of irate youths stopped the publishers’ car and demanded fuel with which to burn houses. The brothers explained their neutral stand, but the youths would not listen. (John 17:16; Rom. 12:18) Then the publishers gave each one in the crowd a copy of Kingdom News No. 35, which posed the question “Will All People Ever Love One Another?” The youths admired the tract, applauded the brothers, and let them go home peacefully.

While working isolated territory in Rwanda last year, a Witness met a man who was very happy to receive the Knowledge book and to have a Bible study. Right from the beginning, the man showed appreciation for the congregation meetings. (Heb. 10:24, 25) Though missing one leg from the knee down, he would cross a lake in a dugout canoe and walk four hours to get to the meeting place. He attended regularly, enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School, and helped his children to learn about their Creator. How he rejoiced in the hope that soon he would be able to walk again with both legs!—Isa. 35:6.

A man named Jackson studied with the Witnesses in Monrovia, Liberia, but the war forced him to flee to a village in Bopolu, his home district. After some time the branch received a letter from him urgently requesting help to build a Kingdom Hall and organize the interested people. Why? He explained: “Starting from half past six every Sunday morning, I am busy with Bible studies up to nine o’clock in the evening . . . I can no longer handle the number of people who are in need of Bible studies, so I have assigned four of my Bible students to help by conducting a number of Bible studies themselves. . . . The greatest problem I am presently facing is how to care for this growing congregation. I myself am a child and need spiritual milk; how can I feed the others?” A circuit overseer who visited Bopolu reported that Jackson was conducting Bible studies with 37 people and that there were even more who wanted to study. The circuit overseer advised that a special pioneer was urgently needed in Bopolu. Finally, Jackson himself qualified to serve as an unbaptized publisher.

Literacy classes are conducted in 372 of our 637 congregations in Mozambique. Presently, some 5,800 students are attending these classes, and 1,525 learned to read during the past year. It is worthy of mention that among Jehovah’s Witnesses in Mozambique, the literacy rate is now 72 percent. The literacy classes have done much to help people here come to an accurate knowledge of Bible truth.—1 Tim. 2:3, 4.

One morning when two boys, aged four and five, from two families were being dropped off at school in Windhoek, Namibia, the principal explained that the class was going to have a birthday party. She had read the School brochure, so she asked one of the parents what she should do. The sister explained our stand but said that the boys were capable of making their own decision.

When one of the sisters returned at the end of the day to get her child, the principal told her: “You can be so proud of these two boys! I sent the two of them out of the classroom when the children sang ‘happy birthday.’ When it came to the cake, the younger one asked if it was a ‘happy birthday’ cake. I told him that it was, and he replied, ‘No, thank you.’ The other boy said the same.” Later, one of the boys asked the teacher if she knew God’s name and then witnessed to her about Jehovah. The other boy, of his own accord, took her the video Jehovah’s Witnesses—The Organization Behind the Name. As a result of their good example and courageous witnessing, she came to the Memorial when she was invited. A Bible study was started with her by one of the parents, and she said: “I have committed myself to doing things God’s way now, and I am determined not to let anything stand in my way.”

A zealous elder in Zambia uses the Society’s publications on audiocassettes effectively in street witnessing. How? He parks his car by the roadside and plays the audiocassette of The Secret of Family Happiness. Passersby are invited to come over and listen to what is being read, and they soon ask what it is. Our brother explains that they have heard a portion of the book Family Happiness. As a result, in one month he was able to place 29 books and start two Bible studies.

The Americas

The harvest is currently greater in some lands than in others, but it is still proving true that ‘the fields are white for harvesting.’ (John 4:35) In the past five years, Brazil has had an increase of 33 percent in Kingdom proclaimers; Mexico, 36 percent; Cuba, 64 percent; and Colombia, 65 percent. In the United States during the same period, 209,249 symbolized their dedication by water baptism, and a new peak of 1,040,283 shared in the field ministry!

A special pioneer serving in the southern part of Honduras conducted a study that was truly a joy. By the time they reached chapter 12 of the Knowledge book, the student became an unbaptized publisher. Within two months he was already conducting two progressive Bible studies of his own and both were attending meetings. After three and a half months, one of these students became an unbaptized publisher of the good news. Three months later the second student joined in witnessing. When the original student was ready to get baptized, so was his first student. The other one is also making good progress. What next? The original student, now our brother, is already conducting another Bible study, with a married couple. What a joy the disciple-making work is!

An earnest effort is being made to give a thorough witness in the Amazon River region of Brazil. The branch has assigned 21 pioneers to preach in that area using four large boats. All these pioneers have experience in navigation, and what is more important, they maintain a willing, self-sacrificing spirit. The boats operate along the Madeira, Purus, Solimões, and Tocantins rivers as well as in the region around Marajó Island. These rivers extend for about 6,000 miles [9,700 km], and an estimated 370,000 persons live along the river banks or not far from them. A recent letter from the pioneers on one of the boats reads in part: “We finally reached the town of Chaves . . . We held a public meeting and showed the United by Divine Teaching video. Seventy persons attended. One man received the Live Forever book and read it through during the week of our stay there. He told us: ‘If you start a church here, I want to be a member.’”

Others may be difficult to reach, not because they live in remote areas, but because they travel to such places at vacation time. Nearly one million of those who go to Alaska each summer endeavor to see 20,320-foot [6,194 m] Mount McKinley! Could we reach them there with something that might help them to think about God and his purpose? Local Witnesses obtained a special permit to set up a literature table at Denali National Park. Appropriate topics from Awake! were chosen, such as “Mountains—Masterpieces of Creation” (October 8, 1994), “Who Will Save Our Animals?” (July 8, 1997), “Can Our Rain Forests Be Saved?” (May 8, 1998), and “The Iditarod—Ten Centuries in the Making” (October 8, 1995). As a result of this effort to go where the people are, they reached visitors from Australia, Greece, Canada, England, Germany, Italy, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and China! They also witnessed to many from other parts of the United States.

The territory in Mexico is now being worked frequently—every week or two in many cities. In the settlement of Las Nubes, Chiapas State, the majority of the inhabitants are Jehovah’s Witnesses. There are only three homes of non-Witnesses. In San Antonio Buenavista, there are now eight congregations and only 64 homes of non-Witnesses to visit. The Witnesses there walk several hours to reach territory in which to witness and to conduct Bible studies.

At the end of a meeting in a Kingdom Hall in Nicaragua, a Witness greeted two young women. She thought they were Witnesses visiting from another congregation. When our sister realized that this was not the case and that they had simply come out of curiosity, she offered them a Bible study. They agreed. They both belonged to a religious group known as Young Life, in which they were regional leaders. One of them, Karelia, began to teach her group the things she was learning from her study of the Bible. She started with God’s name. A church pastor tried to discourage that, saying that Jehovah is not really the divine name. Karelia replied that if this were the case, the pastor could not continue to use his Bible because it contained the name Jehovah. He was left speechless. Thereafter, Karelia taught her group the truth about the Trinity and the cross. Soon the pastors took away her privilege of praying at their meetings because she prayed to Jehovah, in the name of Jesus Christ. She was not invited to their next rally. So at one of their meetings, she announced that she was leaving the group to become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She made that decision after having studied only the first four chapters of the Knowledge book. In less than seven months, she got baptized.

Asia

The Orient too is responding to the invitation: “Praise Jah, you people!. . . Every breathing thing—let it praise Jah.” (Ps. 150:1, 6) In every country in Asia, Jehovah’s Witnesses have preached the good news, and as people have the opportunity to hear the message, the number of Witnesses grows. In some lands, that growth is rapid. Israel, Bangladesh, and Macao have all seen increases of more than 100 percent during the past five years. Nepal, Georgia, and Kazakstan report growth far in excess of 200 percent. In the Republic of Korea, some 85,000 regularly share in preaching the good news. In Japan, upwards of 222,000 are loyally serving Jehovah.

What a joy it was, on April 30, 1998, when the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses received legal recognition in Kyrgyzstan! The chairman of the state commission responsible for registration was surprised when the brothers presented to him a copy of the Knowledge book, which had already been published and was available for distribution in the Kirghiz language.

Though not yet baptized, young children sometimes accomplish much toward attracting people to true worship. A three-and-a-half-year-old boy of a Witness family in India was friendly with his neighbors and treated them as if they were his elder brother and sister. The boy regularly invited his neighbor “brother” to go with him to the congregation meetings on Sundays. But the neighbor went to movie theaters on the weekend. Finally, however, he gave in and agreed to go to the meeting. Then the boy insisted that the neighbor should be dressed properly to go to the Kingdom Hall. When he tried to make excuses, the boy caught hold of his hand, led him into his room, and showed him what would be appropriate to wear. When at the meeting, the young man was surprised to find that he liked what he was hearing. From then on he and his fleshly sister never missed the meetings. Later, when he found out that the young boy obeyed his parents whether they were present or not—because “Jehovah is watching”—the young man was truly amazed. He and his sister now look forward to becoming baptized Witnesses.

A publisher in Kagoshima, Japan, is making good use of the Society’s videos. Convinced that these are extremely effective tools to reach people’s hearts, she decided to watch all of them with her unbelieving husband. To begin with, they watched Jehovah’s Witnesses—The Organization Behind the Name. As a result, her husband agreed to have a regular Bible study. Then the video United by Divine Teaching impressed him with the reality of the worldwide brotherhood and stirred within him a desire to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Yet, because of his job and pressures from his relatives, he felt that this was impossible. However, upon watching Volumes 1 and 2 of the video The Bible—A Book of Fact and Prophecy, he began to make personal application of Bible principles. Soon he was out in the field service as an unbaptized publisher. Finally, the video Jehovah’s Witnesses Stand Firm Against Nazi Assault impressed upon him that Jehovah strengthens his people. He was now ready for baptism, and he did get baptized in October 1997.

Valkim, a very religious woman in Myanmar, joined the Methodist Church. When her pastor left that church and became the pastor in another church, she followed him because she was not finding real joy where she was. Later the pastor made another move, became affiliated with the Evangel Church, and became a pastor there. Again Valkim followed him. In time, however, she felt greatly disillusioned about all religion because her spiritual need was not being satisfied. Not long after that, her three children died within three years. She was desperate. Her friends suggested that she watch videos and read novels to get some relief. The depression did not let up. Then one day Valkim went to visit a relative who had become a Witness of Jehovah. An elder happened to be at the house at the time of her visit, and he was told of the woman’s plight. He invited her to the meetings at the Kingdom Hall and said that after the meetings she could ask whatever questions she had. She accepted the invitation. Upon receiving Scriptural answers to the things that had perplexed her, she was at last satisfied. She readily agreed to a Bible study. Progress was rapid, and she is now a baptized publisher.

It often takes patience to reach across barriers of religious prejudice to share the good news. But some listen gratefully and show their appreciation by making an earnest effort to attend the congregation meetings regularly. Nataliya, who is about 60 years of age, lives in the mountains of Kazakstan. She has to take two buses in order to get to the meetings at the Kingdom Hall, 20 miles [30 km] from her home. The first bus takes her 8 miles [12 km] down the valley, and the second one, the other 12 miles [18 km] to the Kingdom Hall. In wintertime, because ice and snow make it dangerous, the bus often does not travel into the mountains. But it is not too dangerous for Nataliya to go by foot down to the valley to get the second bus. She says: “I have to go home,” that is, to the Kingdom Hall. She explains: “I have two homes. One home is where I sleep, and my other home is the Kingdom Hall.”

The Israeli population is a patchwork of races, languages, and religions. Witnesses in Israel are frequently invited into a home to explain the reason for their visit. Many express sincere appreciation for the Kingdom message. However, within the ultraorthodox Jewish community, there is a small minority that is disturbed by this increasingly favorable response to the Kingdom message. In December 1997 a demonstration attended by some 300 was organized outside the district assembly in Jaffa, near Tel Aviv. Most of the demonstrators were bused in from other parts of the country and had no idea whom they were demonstrating against.

Organized violence has led to incidents in which sisters have been severely beaten by a mob and brothers have been ambushed while making return visits. The opposers try to stir up hatred against our brothers by shouting slogans referring to us as Nazis and saying that we pay people to convert to our religion. Though the organizers of this hate campaign against us know that this is not true, many misguided individuals believe these lies and are ready to do whatever is asked.

Opposition has not deterred the brothers, nor has it stopped interested ones from finding the truth. The vast majority of Israelis are outraged by such illegal conduct. Many passersby who see the religious elements demonstrating in front of Bethel stop to ask questions and are glad to hear the Biblical answers. Attracted by the demonstrations, some have even begun to study with Jehovah’s Witnesses and attend their meetings.

In Lebanon a caring sister was able to help a young girl who had been raised in association with Jehovah’s people. Until she was 15 years old, she attended meetings and seemed to be doing well. Then suddenly she quit associating with the congregation and did not want to discuss Bible truth. Almost a year passed during which she kept away from the congregation. Finally, after consulting with the elders and praying, a sister phoned the girl to ask whether she would welcome a visit. The answer was: “Why do you want to visit me? If you want to talk to me about the truth, please don’t come.” The sister assured the girl that she missed her and that she would like to tell her about her recent trip to Europe. She promised that she would respect her wish; however, she added: “I do, in fact, have a few questions to ask you, and your answers could benefit me to help young folks like you.”

When they met, our sister told the girl about the trip to Europe and the convention she attended. She expressed the joy she had experienced in being among the brothers and commented on the love they showed. The girl seemed happy to hear about it and was impressed. Then the sister asked her some questions: “During the past year, you have lived your own life without being bound by the truth. Now, please tell me: Have you been happy and satisfied? What was missing in the truth that you found in the worldly way of life? What about the ones you were associating with during this past year—do you now feel that they have been better for you than the ones you were associating with before?” She asked the girl to think about the questions and then give her answers at a later time.

Ten days later they met again. In answer to the questions, the girl said, among other things, that she was bored and was trying to fill her time by working at home, listening to music, and watching TV and videos but was not happy. She also said that she had a boyfriend and was expecting him to marry her. Patiently, the sister used some scriptures, some “Young People Ask” articles from Awake!, and the book Making Your Family Life Happy to help her to appreciate what real love is and how a boy who truly loves a girl would show his love and his interest in her. During a number of visits, as they discussed together the first five chapters of the Family Life book, the girl came to the conclusion that her boyfriend was not the husband she wanted.

A Bible study was started with her again, and steady progress was made. Then another young man professed interest in her and in the truth. Though he was studying, he made no progress. She cut off all relations with him, since she decided she wanted to marry someone who would serve Jehovah wholeheartedly along with her. One year later she got baptized. She obtained a part-time job and then enrolled as a pioneer. Rather than being bored, she now serves as a happy pioneer. She is also able to help other young ones who think that the world will make them happy, even as she once thought it would.

How can all the sheeplike ones be located among the more than 130,000,000 people in Pakistan? Our brothers did their part this past year by zealously distributing such publications as Kingdom News No. 35 in Urdu and English. However, months later requests for the Require brochure and for Bible studies kept coming in, even from cities where there are no Witnesses. It is evident that the angel flying in midheaven, referred to at Revelation 14:6, is having a significant part in the work.

Europe

This is Jehovah’s “day of salvation.” (2 Cor. 6:2) The opportunity is still open for people to choose life. Eastern Europe is one of the areas where many are presently making that wise choice. Since 1993 there have been increases of over 100 percent in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Estonia, Lithuania, Moldova, and Ukraine. Over 300 percent in Latvia and Russia, in spite of growing opposition from various sources. More than 500 percent in Belarus. In Albania, an extraordinary 830 percent! It is evident that there are many more people who, when given needed encouragement, are grateful for the opportunity to choose life.

A Witness in Austria called on a lady who always said she had no time. On her next visit, the Witness just held up the tract Life in a Peaceful New World, and before the lady could say “I have no time,” the Witness gave her the tract while making the brief remark: “It concerns the future of your family.” What the lady read made her want to know more. When the Witness returned, the lady asked for the book You Can Live Forever in Paradise On Earth, which she had seen on display outside a Kingdom Hall. In the meantime the family received a leaflet announcing a Bible class sponsored by the local church. She and her husband went along. But when they asked the priest questions, he replied that during this class there should be only meditation, no discussion. However, their questions were answered when the Witness made her next return visit, and a Bible study was started. As expected, opposition arose. The husband was the church sexton and a member of the parish council. Because of pressure, he discontinued the study for some time. Contact was maintained by means of telephone and by delivering magazines. After three months the study was resumed. As his appreciation for Jehovah grew, he withdrew from the parish council and stopped serving as sexton. Both he and his wife are now baptized Witnesses, and their children are unbaptized publishers.

Many Europeans have immigrated to the United States to find riches. This is what Aleksander, a man from Latvia, did. But he did not find life to be easy in this land of promise; financially he got to be in dire straits. However, he did find spiritual riches. Studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses, he realized that he had found the truth, something more precious than gold. Being enthusiastic by nature, he soon wanted to share his newfound beliefs. Before departing for the United States, he had divorced his wife, Inara, leaving her behind to take care of their son, Kim. Nevertheless, as a result of many letters and phone calls from Aleksander, her former husband, Inara started to study with the Witnesses in Latvia. Finally Aleksander got baptized in New York, and Inara got baptized in Lithuania. After an absence of five years, Aleksander returned to Latvia and remarried his former wife, much to the joy of Kim, who was by then nine years old.

Jesus taught us to love even our enemies. (Matt. 5:44, 45) Some of them too change their ways so that they can be pleasing to Jehovah. This became evident when an elder from the Taurage Congregation, Lithuania, was going over the questions with a baptism candidate from the city of Panevėz̆ys. During the discussion, the candidate, an elderly woman, mentioned that it was difficult for her to put on a mild personality because of the nature of the work that she had done for many years. She had been a jailer in a women’s prison in Panevėz̆ys. The elder’s interest was aroused. He asked if she had worked there during the 1960’s. She said, “Yes,” so he inquired: “Did you know any women who were Jehovah’s Witnesses and who were incarcerated for the truth at that time?” She remembered two or three, including Petrute, the sister who had recently helped her to learn the truth. She also remembered a sister who had been put in jail together with her infant daughter. Well, when the elder heard that, he excitedly told her that she was talking about his mother, who had been arrested for witnessing, and that all her children, except the infant, were taken away by court order and placed with relatives. The elder was three years old at that time. Now he was going over baptism questions with his mother’s former jailer. How happy he was that she had embraced the truth!

Although the total number of Witnesses in Finland increased only a little last year, they rejoiced to have a new peak of 20,103 publishers. There are still people in that country who are searching for the truth. For example, a Witness couple were making plans to get better acquainted with a neighbor family. However, before they could carry out their plans, the neighbor lady came to their door. As they talked, the discussion shifted to spiritual matters, and our sister offered the Knowledge book to the woman.

When she took the book home, her husband read it within a couple of days, but only to criticize, because he was prejudiced against Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, he found himself wanting to know more. Soon they told the Witnesses that for a long time, they had been searching for a religion that had the truth. They had investigated several religions. Jehovah’s Witnesses were left out because everyone speaks against them. They thought: “The Witnesses can hardly have it when the other religions don’t.”

A study was promptly started with the family. The couple said: “As we studied, many well-known scriptures fell into place in a new way. We felt that a cloak of mist had been removed, as the truth came through little by little. When we saw a picture of the Paradise in one of the books, we thought at once: ‘That’s where we want to be!’”

Soon they began to go to the congregation meetings. The wife recalls: “We were greeted very warmly—I just could not believe it!” Her husband was impressed by the orderliness and punctuality. Their son, 12 years of age, was observing something else: “In our family I noticed that my father and mother, as a result of the study, became nicer, and the atmosphere at home became more positive and relaxed.” The husband now appreciatively says: “Jehovah has been long-suffering with us. He did not want us to get destroyed, but he has led us to repentance.” In about seven months, the entire family got baptized.—Rom. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9.

A man in Switzerland learned the truth at a time when he was working as a chief mechanic, high up in the mountains. He loved that job, but he returned to factory work with reduced pay in order to be able to attend the congregation meetings regularly, down in the valley. He prayed to Jehovah for help so that he would care well for the responsible job entrusted to him and would also give proper attention to his other responsibilities.

At the end of the year, the director called him into his office and told him that they were very satisfied with his work and the spirit he showed. He just wondered why the brother left his job every day at 4:00 p.m. When our brother answered that he had two other contracts to fulfill, the director looked at him in astonishment and asked what he meant. “You see,” said the brother, “when I got married, I promised my wife that I would care for her and would spend time with her. In addition to the job for feeding my family, there is a spiritual dimension, my relationship with God, that needs time. So these three activities must harmoniously fit into my daily life.” He added that actually the secular job took the greater part of his day—nine hours of work plus the time to travel to and from the factory. The director grasped the point and assured him that he could continue to quit work at 4:00 p.m. Thus he was able to witness to the director, and he also uses opportunities to talk to other fellow workers, some of whom had not been reached before.

For many years Fernando cleaned windows in the establishment in Spain where Carlos, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, works. They had brief conversations, but Fernando showed no particular interest in the truth. However, after he visited his sister-in-law in Barcelona, Fernando had questions. He found that her neighbor—formerly a drunkard and a troublemaker who regularly beat his wife—had completely changed and was now a good husband. He was told that the man had become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. But how was such a change possible? Carlos explained to Fernando that the Word of God can make such changes in people. (Heb. 4:12) Now Fernando was interested. Within a short time, he too was making changes in his life, and he is now a publisher of the good news.

Islands of the Earth

There are 84 islands and island groups where Jehovah’s Witnesses are busy witnessing about God’s Kingdom. On some islands, there has been outstanding response to Bible truth. In French Polynesia, in the South Pacific, there is 1 Witness for every 114 of the population. Guadeloupe, in the Caribbean, is populated by 410,000 people, but as a result of persistent preaching there, the ratio is 1 Witness to 52 of the population. St. Helena, in the South Atlantic, has a ratio of 1 to 31.

La Digue, one of the Seychelles group in the Indian Ocean, is a very small island. There are only about two thousand inhabitants, which means about 500 homes. But good things are happening there. Freddy, who was born and grew up on the island of Mahé, learned things that profoundly changed his life after he moved to La Digue. He had been raised as a Catholic, and at 18 years of age, he entered a school for the training of priests. He thought he would learn the Bible there, and he persistently asked for a copy, but instead, he was told to learn church traditions. Completely disappointed, he left the establishment after a few weeks to seek God on his own. He got himself a Bible, and he would discuss it with anyone who was willing. However, his way of living was not as straight as his intentions. He got involved in immorality, abuse of drugs, overdrinking, and the martial arts.

Later, when living on La Digue, he met missionaries who were Jehovah’s Witnesses. Soon a Bible study was being conducted with him, sometimes two or three times a week. When he learned the name of God, he was really moved, and the following day he said: “How good it is to know to whom one is praying and not to be speaking any longer to someone unknown. I prayed all night using his name, and it is the first time that I really felt that God listened to me.”

One day he said: “There is a young man who is very interested. I know that you do not have the time to study with him. Perhaps I could study with him because I have learned a lot already.” The missionary encouraged him to consider his own situation before God first. Two days later Freddy said: “I understand that being a Witness for Jehovah is not just knowing the counsel but applying it in my life. I realize that I am not in a position to represent Jehovah. How can I preach to others while my family life is not in order?” So he separated from his concubine until they could legalize their union. The following month, they got married. When further adjustments had also been made, Freddy was glad at last to have the privilege of sharing in the field service. He has since been baptized.

Elsie, a woman in Mauritius, was known in her town as Gros Mama, the sorceress. Everyone was afraid of her. She practiced dark rituals in the cemetery and was known as a spirit healer with great powers. How did she come to learn the truths from the Bible? Through much patient, personal interest and Jehovah’s undeserved kindness. After Elsie’s daughter began to study, a Witness went to visit the mother too. The Witness found that not only was the mother deeply involved in spiritism but she did not know how to read, she had serious family problems, and she was a heavy smoker. Nevertheless, Bible discussions were started, using My Book of Bible Stories. Three times a week, the Witness visited her, constantly encouraging her and urging her: “Put your confidence in Jehovah.”

Changes did not come easily. In her struggle to stop smoking, she had to learn that Jehovah sees all that we do and that we cannot hide anything from him. (Heb. 4:13) She had seen the picture in the Live Forever book showing early Christians burning their books on magical arts, and the meaning of it had been discussed with her, but she did not immediately stop her demonic rites. (Acts 19:19) However, after a terrifying experience, she took everything that she had used in false worship and threw it into the river.

Then, when people came to her for occult services, she would explain to them that what she used to do did not please God. She encouraged them to study the Bible. She told them that only Jehovah could protect them from evil, and she encouraged them to trust in him. Though Elsie died recently, some of her former clients are now servants of Jehovah.

House-to-house activity is not permitted in every village on the islands of Wallis and Futuna, in the South Pacific, but it is possible to visit relatives and do informal witnessing. A Bible student there gave a copy of Kingdom News No. 35 to one of his friends, a man well-known as a drunkard, who had long hair and an unkempt beard. He frequently beat his wife and children. After several discussions, the man agreed to attend the Congregation Book Study. He was so appreciative of what he learned that he asked to go to the Kingdom Hall and to take his wife with him. The public talk that week was “A Clean People Honors Jehovah.” They were impressed. They asked for a Bible study. The Bible student who had invited the couple arranged for them to come to his home and there to meet two Witnesses. When the interested couple arrived, the man was unrecognizable. He had shaved, cut his long shaggy hair, and was wearing clean clothes. Even his way of speaking was different. He was like a brand-new man. Since then, they have regularly attended all the congregation meetings. It is evident that our work is not to judge others but, rather, to share Bible truth with them. If their hearts are right, Jehovah’s spirit will help them to make the necessary changes in their lives.

Many in Taiwan have to face real tests of faith in connection with funerals, ancestor worship, and related matters. Meihua, a newly baptized sister, lovingly visited her dying father-in-law in the hospital for months. When he died, her mother-in-law insisted that if she did not worship him, his soul would have no peace and he would come back to haunt the family. Despite all pressures, Meihua stood firm. Her mother-in-law wanted to force her to leave the family and return to her own parents. While not agreeing to share in worship of the dead, Meihua decided to ask them to allow her to pay her respects in her own way. Surprisingly, they agreed! She prepared an appropriate prayer. When the time came, in front of the whole family and with tears streaming down her face, she offered a sincere prayer asking Jehovah to help the whole family to understand that her father-in-law was no longer suffering but was in peace. She made mention of the resurrection and how her father-in-law could benefit. (Acts 24:15) The result was amazing. Her mother-in-law, her unbelieving husband, and the entire family now respect her as a fine, courageous woman. She continues to express her appreciation to Jehovah by having a zealous share in the ministry.

Acts of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Modern Times

Germany

Jesus Christ told his followers: “Because you are no part of the world, . . . on this account the world hates you.” (John 15:19) Read for yourself what that has meant for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany. As you do, you will see how, despite hatred, they have been able to do a work that has greatly benefited people of many lands.

Malawi

Located in the southeastern part of Africa, Malawi is a land of much natural beauty. Its people in general are friendly and eager to help. But there was a time, not long ago, when Jehovah’s Witnesses in Malawi were subjected to treatment that shocked the world. The record of their faithful endurance provides a remarkable example of integrity under adversity.

Uruguay

Most Uruguayans do not view religion as a major concern in life. Yet, for 75 years Jehovah’s Witnesses have been zealously telling them about the opportunity to become wholesome subjects of God’s Kingdom. More than 10,000 have accepted the invitation. During just the past 20 years, the number giving this vital witness in Uruguay has more than doubled.

Germany

GERMANY is a hub of international activity. About 15,000,000 people from abroad come as tourists in an average year. Many of them spend vacations in the Bavarian Alps, the Black Forest, along the scenic Rhine River, or visiting cultural centers in the cities. Others whose travel takes them to Germany may be there for business reasons. Germany is one of the major trading nations of the world, with business connections around the globe. For a number of years, the country’s thriving economy attracted so many workers from other lands that this had a noticeable effect on the makeup of the population in the larger cities. This has also affected the ministry of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany.

Their ministry has been affected further by events that took place during and at the end of World War II. Under the dictatorship of Adolf Hitler, the Witnesses were the object of savage and sustained attack. With the blessing of both Catholic and Protestant clergy, Hitler vowed to exterminate the Ernste Bibelforscher (the Earnest Bible Students), as Jehovah’s Witnesses were then known in Germany. But Jehovah’s Witnesses did not compromise their faith. They stood firm in the face of merciless assault.

Twelve years after the Witnesses were banned in Germany, Hitler and his political party were gone. In contrast, Jehovah’s Witnesses were busy telling people about God’s Kingdom and what it means for mankind. The record of what they experienced during the Nazi era and how they dealt with it continues to provide the basis for a witness—now to the whole world.

What had made it possible for the Witnesses to emerge victorious? It was not some cleverness on their part. Surely, it was not their numbers. There were fewer than 20,000 of them in all of Germany at the start of World War II, in contrast with the colossal Nazi regime. The explanation lies in what Gamaliel, a wise teacher, said long ago, as recorded in the Bible: “If this scheme or this work is from men, it will be overthrown; but if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them.” (Acts 5:34-39) Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany proved loyal to God, even under threat of death, and Jehovah proved true to the promise that he would “not leave his loyal ones.”—Ps. 37:28.

Using Well Their Postwar Opportunities

Those who had survived the experiences of the war years could see that there was work to do. They had just lived through events that were part of an unmistakable fulfillment of what Jesus Christ had foretold would mark the sign of his presence and of the conclusion of the system of things. They had been in the midst of a war that was on a scale unprecedented in history. They had experienced what it means to be delivered up to tribulation, to be betrayed, to be objects of hatred by the nations, and to be killed. They were in the midst of the foretold food shortages. People needed to be told the meaning of these events. Even in the concentration camps, Jehovah’s Witnesses had never quit preaching. But they knew that Jesus had foretold: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations.” (Matt. 24:3-14) There was still more to be done, and they were eager to get on with the work.

Quickly after the war, the Witnesses in Germany reorganized the work of Kingdom proclamation. Erich Frost, released after nine years, promptly arranged for mature brothers to visit, reorganize, and strengthen the congregations. Some of the Witnesses were so weak from hunger that they fainted during the meetings, but they were determined to be present to benefit from the spiritual food. On the first day after her release, Gertrud Poetzinger walked all day toward Munich, hoping to find her husband there. But in the evening when kindly people provided her food and lodging, she stayed up till past midnight, witnessing to them about Jehovah’s purposes. Konrad Franke, on being set free, started out right away in the pioneer service, although at first he had only his striped prison garb to wear.

In 1947 there were 15,856 Witnesses in Germany who were again sharing publicly in the field ministry, boldly making known that God’s Kingdom is the only hope for lasting peace and security. Jehovah blessed their zealous ministry, and by May 1975, thirty years after the war had ended, there were 100,351 Kingdom proclaimers busy in West Germany.

During those years, it was not only the German field that was receiving a witness. Zealous Witnesses in Germany found that their ministry was affecting people of many nations. How was that?

A Missionary Field at Their Doorstep

To meet the needs of its prospering economy, Germany began to recruit Gastarbeiter, or “guest workers” from other countries, in the mid-1950’s. Large numbers came into the country from Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and what was then Yugoslavia. By 1972 the foreign labor force had swelled to well over 2.1 million.

After the tide of guest workers from the 1950’s into the 1970’s, Germany was swept by a wave of refugees from Africa and Asia in the 1980’s. In the 1990’s, they were joined by refugees from Eastern Europe and the Balkans. As a result of what were then liberal laws offering political asylum, Germany came to have the highest number of foreign-born residents of any nation in Europe.

Jehovah’s Witnesses saw this as excellent missionary territory that had come right to their doorstep. Since “God is not partial” and since people uprooted from their homeland certainly need the comfort that only God’s Word can give, Jehovah’s Witnesses felt keenly obligated to preach the good news to these people. (Acts 10:34, 35; 2 Cor. 1:3, 4) But reaching the 7,500,000 foreigners in Germany in their own language has been no small task.

In order to share Bible truth more effectively with these people from abroad, many German Witnesses learned a new language. What fine evidence that they truly love their neighbor, in harmony with what Jesus taught his followers! (Matt. 22:39) Although most of these Witnesses were unable to be missionaries abroad, they were eager to take full advantage of opportunities within their own country. Thus, by August 1998, more than 23,600 publishers were preaching the good news in 371 foreign-language congregations and 219 publisher groups. Of course, foreign-language congregations are formed not to segregate but, rather, to make it easier for people without sufficient knowledge of German to learn the truth in their mother tongue. Many publishers have come to recognize that a second language may reach the mind but it often takes the mother tongue to reach the heart.

Though foreigners are resented and mistreated by some groups in Germany, among Jehovah’s people they are welcomed with genuine Christian love. Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Hungarian, Japanese, Persian, Romanian, Tamil, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese are among the 24 languages in addition to German in which Jehovah’s Witnesses here currently hold meetings. At the 1993 “Divine Teaching” District Conventions in Germany, roughly 10 percent of the 194,751 persons in attendance were at the foreign-language conventions. And the number baptized at these was almost 14 percent of the total.

Among those who have responded appreciatively to the Kingdom message is a Hindu family who left Sri Lanka in 1983 because of the war there and who hoped to get medical treatment for their six-year-old son. Sadly, the boy died. But the family has come to know Jehovah, who will raise the dead and grant them the opportunity to live forever. (Acts 24:15) There is also a Nigerian who as a teenage girl had fought in the Biafran war. After she moved to Germany, her life changed when she learned what Jehovah is teaching people about living together in peace.—Isa. 2:3, 4.

Among the Italians who have become Jehovah’s Witnesses while in Germany, it is not unusual to hear the proverb, “Non tutti i mali vengono per nuocere” (“Not every misfortune turns out to be a disadvantage”). How appropriate! Many of those Italians, as well as people from other countries, came to Germany to escape economic problems, only to find something of greater value than material goods—the truth about God and his purpose.

The Witnesses’ zealous activity among these people has been noticed by others. The Halberstadt Congregation received this letter: “We are the central camp for asylum seekers and, at any one time, we care for people from over 40 nations. . . . These people, who stem from a variety of different cultures, have had to leave behind family members, homeland, language, and tradition. They have oftentimes had traumatic experiences, and they face an unsure future. . . . That is why many of them look to religion for support and hope. We are grateful for your generous gift [of Bibles in various languages] enabling these people to find comfort and confidence by reading the Bible in their own language.”

A Few of the Foreign-Language Groups

ENGLISH: Refugees from Nigeria, Ghana, Sri Lanka, India, and elsewhere benefit from the work of the English congregations. Steven Kwakye, from Ghana, is one who benefited. In Germany when a young man from Bangladesh told Steven that he was trying to avoid the Witnesses, Steven suggested that he send them to him instead. When Steven was a young man, a Witness in Ghana talked to him. Now, away from the pressure of his relatives, Steven wanted to learn more. Today he is a Christian elder, and his family shares with him in serving Jehovah.

TURKISH: Rasim’s wife and sons had been Jehovah’s Witnesses for over ten years, though Rasim himself continued in the Islamic faith. He became aware, however, that interpretation of the Koran differed so much from one mosque to the next that some Muslims would not go to any mosque other than their own. On a visit to Turkey, he went to both a mosque and the meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses. At the mosque, he heard interpretations of Islam that were different from those taught in Germany. Unity was lacking. But upon returning to Germany, he said: “The same love and the same program can be found in the Kingdom Hall here as in the Kingdom Hall in Turkey. This is the truth.”

HINDI: In 1985 two Witnesses called at the door of Sharda Aggarwal just after she had prayed to find a god to whom she could pour out her heart. Her husband had lung cancer. She was despondent, feeling that the Hindu gods were ignoring her prayers. She asked the Witnesses if Jesus was God. Their explanation convinced her that her prayer had been answered. Jehovah sounded like the kind of god she wanted to learn about. Although initially hesitant about turning her back on the gods of Hinduism for fear of displeasing them, she soon threw away their pictures and accepted Jehovah as the true God. She was baptized in 1987. Today she is a regular pioneer, grateful to be serving a personal God in whom she can confide. Her husband and her son are both ministerial servants.—Ps. 62:8.

POLISH: In 1992 a Polish congregation was formed in Berlin, and during the same year, a special assembly day was held in Polish. Even though it took place in a section of Germany where there are many people of Polish background, no one expected to see the Assembly Hall, the neighboring Kingdom Hall, and the cafeteria packed out. An almost unbelievable total of 2,523 persons came! Some of these were Polish Witnesses who were associating with German congregations, but they were delighted to see the work of Kingdom preaching opening up in the Polish field, and they themselves were grateful to be able to hear Bible truths spoken in their mother tongue.

Even Russian, Serbo-Croatian, and Chinese!

RUSSIAN: After the end of the Cold War, many people who had grown up in Russia and who spoke Russian but whose ancestors were German returned to the land of their forefathers. There were also members of the Soviet armed forces serving in what was then East Germany, along with their dependents. All humans are born with a spiritual need, and theirs had not been satisfied.

The Schlegel family are ethnic Germans who in 1992 moved from the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine to the land of their forefathers. There they were contacted by one of Jehovah’s Witnesses who originally came from Uzbekistan and who had become a Witness in Germany. After studying the Bible, the entire family got baptized.

Sergej and his wife, Zhenya, were atheists. But when shown the Bible’s answers to their questions, especially regarding the future, they were astonished. Humbly, they developed faith in Jehovah and made adjustments in their lives, even though that meant Sergej’s changing his employment and forgoing entitlement to a pension that would soon have been his.

Marina, a nurse in a military hospital, had been searching for the meaning of life. When she received the book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, she read it immediately and soon realized that she had found what she was searching for. After she returned to Russia, she visited others who had studied with Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany, to encourage them. Soon she began pursuing her purpose in life as a pioneer.

As of August 1998, there were 31 Russian congregations and 63 smaller groups, with a total of 2,119 publishers—a 27-percent increase over the previous year.

SERBO-CROATIAN: Johann Strecker, traveling overseer in the Serbo-Croatian field, states that at least 16 different nationalities used to live in the former Yugoslavia. He says: “It is marvelous to see how the truth now unites them.” When Munib, a Muslim who had served in the Yugoslavian army for eight years, was invited to a meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany, he found Croats, Serbians, and people with Muslim background peacefully gathering together. To him, this was almost unimaginable! For one month he simply observed. When he became convinced that the peace and unity among the Witnesses is real, he agreed to start studying the Bible. In 1994 he got baptized.

Rosanda, a Roman Catholic from Croatia who had spent several years in a convent, came to visit relatives who had become Witnesses in Germany. After attending the Theocratic Ministry School and the Service Meeting with them, she admitted: “You have the truth. I always wondered how the first Christians preached the gospel. When I saw the two sisters on the platform, the way the one was preaching to the other, the thought flashed through my mind: ‘That must be exactly the way the first Christians did it.’” Today she is a pioneer, following the example of the early Christians.

Some of the German Witnesses who learned the languages of these groups in order to witness to them later actually moved to those countries to serve when that became possible.

CHINESE: Work in the Chinese field in Germany has opened up more recently. “The majority of people from China have never heard of us, much less ever read the Bible,” explains Egidius Rühle, a former missionary in Taiwan. He adds: “Since most Chinese are eager to learn, they soak up knowledge like a dry sponge soaks up water.”

When the 12th class of the Ministerial Training School was introduced to the Selters Bethel family in October 1996, how gratifying it was to meet the first Chinese student to attend the school in Germany. He had learned the truth in Germany. He, in turn, had witnessed to a Chinese professor of geology and had given her the book Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? She read the entire book within a week. Now, instead of teaching evolution, she conducts home Bible studies—16 of them at the end of 1996.

Eager to Share What They Learned

Literally hundreds of foreign residents have learned the truth in Germany over the years and then returned to their native lands to carry on the preaching of the good news. Many now serve as elders or ministerial servants or in other responsible positions. Petros Karakaris is a member of the Bethel family in Greece; Mamadou Keita serves as a missionary in Mali; and Paulin Kangala—known by many as Pepe—is a missionary in the Central African Republic, along with his wife, Anke.

Since the beginning of the 1990’s, over 1,500 Greek-speaking publishers have returned to Greece, some of them as qualified elders. Others have moved to Sweden, Belgium, England, and Canada to further the preaching work among the Greek-speaking populace there. And yet probably in no other country in the world, with the exception of Greece itself, are there as many Greek-speaking publishers as there are in Germany.

What Was Happening in East Germany?

At the end of World War II, Germany was occupied by the armies of Britain, France, the Soviet Union, and the United States. The defeated nation was divided into four occupation zones; each of the four conquering powers received jurisdiction over one zone. (Berlin, the capital, was also divided into four occupation sectors.) Since the Soviet occupation zone was the eastern part of the country, it soon became known as the East Zone. In 1949, sovereignty was restored to this part of Germany, and it became the German Democratic Republic. But in reality, the term “East Zone” simply gave way to the name East Germany. When the three remaining occupation zones became the Federal Republic of Germany in 1955, then, consistent with popular usage, it became known as West Germany.

After the fall of the Nazi state, Jehovah’s Witnesses living in the East Zone promptly availed themselves of the opportunity to hold meetings publicly and to share zealously in the field ministry. By mid-1949, upwards of 17,000 were reporting field service in East Germany. But the relief that they felt after the fall of the Nazi regime was short-lived. Congregation meetings were again broken up by the police. Literature was confiscated. Roads were blockaded to prevent the Witnesses from attending a convention. Brothers were arrested. On August 31, 1950, an official ban was imposed. The Witnesses in East Germany were again forced underground, this time by a Communist regime, not to emerge until almost 40 years later.

Persecution in East Germany was most severe at the beginning of the ban. In 1990 the German newspaper Berliner Morgenpost reported: “Between 1950 and 1961 [when the Wall was constructed], East German officials arrested 2,891 of Jehovah’s Witnesses; 2,202 of them, including 674 women, were brought to trial and sentenced to a total of 12,013 years imprisonment. During incarceration, 37 men and 13 women died either of mistreatment, sickness, malnutrition, or old age. The courts sentenced 12 men to life imprisonment but later reduced their sentences to 15 years.”

Of course, that was only the beginning. The ban lasted for four decades. There were periods of apparent letup in pressure on the Witnesses. Then homes would be invaded and more would be arrested. Although there is some uncertainty as to exact numbers, the Society’s own historical records show that during the years of the ban, 4,940 Witnesses in East Germany were imprisoned in 231 different places.

Meeting Discreetly

Even under such difficult conditions, Jehovah’s Witnesses generally found a way to obtain Bible literature for study. Hundreds of courageous brothers and sisters risked their freedom and at times even their lives to care for spiritual needs. Sisters often played a key role. Before the Berlin Wall was erected in 1961, they would travel into the Western sector of Berlin, obtain literature from the Society’s office there, and take it back with them. When East German spies began to watch the office to see who got literature, some of the couriers were arrested. So other tactics were used. The sisters acting as couriers would pick up the literature at the homes of other Witnesses in Berlin and make their way home. Despite the fact that some were arrested, dragged into court, and given prison sentences, the flow of spiritual supplies never completely dried up.

Was it possible for them to hold Christian meetings under such circumstances? Understandably, some felt a bit of anxiety at first. But they realized that assembling with fellow Christians was important if they were to stay spiritually strong. (Heb. 10:23-25) They arranged to do it discreetly, in small groups. For security reasons, they called one another only by first names. The meetings were generally held after dark, at different places, and on different days. During the summer the meetings could not begin before 10:00 p.m. Nevertheless, the brothers took it all in stride.

Though Kingdom Halls could not be used, a friendly farmer in Saxony offered the use of his barn. It had a back door that opened onto a path that was concealed by bushes. For an entire winter, that barn accommodated a group of about 20, who met by candlelight. Soon, the farmer too became a Witness.

Above all, they arranged to celebrate the Lord’s Evening Meal. Manfred Tamme recalls an occasion when he supplied some of the incarcerated brothers with Memorial emblems: “I filled a hair-tonic bottle with wine and asked to have it passed on to an imprisoned brother. The official opened the bottle, smelled its contents, and said: ‘This is supposed to keep your hair from falling out?’ ‘Well, at least that’s what it says,’ I replied. He screwed the lid back on and handed the bottle to the brother for whom it was intended!”

Learning to Witness Under Ban

The work of preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom did not stop in East Germany. The Bible was not banned, so the brothers often started conversations simply by referring to the Bible. Since they had little or no literature to offer, they developed Bible discussions on the basis of a chain of scriptures worked out on various subjects. Of course, preaching was dangerous. Each day in the service could be the last in freedom. The Witnesses made prayer their “permanent companion,” as one of them expressed it, adding: “It put us at ease and gave us composure. We never felt alone. Constant vigilance, however, was mandatory.”

In spite of efforts to be cautious, there were times when they came face-to-face with the police. On one occasion when Hermann and Margit Laube were calling at homes recommended by people they already knew, they saw a police uniform on the coatrack behind the man who answered the door. Margit’s face paled; Hermann’s heart pounded. They said a silent prayer. Surely this would mean imprisonment! “Who are you?” asked the man tersely. Margit was the one who replied: “I am sure I know you from somewhere, but I just cannot think where. Yes, you are a policeman. I must have seen you on duty.” In a somewhat more friendly tone, he responded: “Are you Jehovah’s?” “Yes,” Hermann answered, “we are, and you must admit it takes courage for us to knock on your door. We are interested in you personally.” They were invited into the house. After a number of calls, a Bible study was started. In time, he became a Christian brother.

Some of the witnessing was done right in the prisons. Wolfgang Meise was in the prison in Waldheim. One day he received a letter from his wife saying that she had been “in Berlin and had enjoyed some Knorr soup.” (Knorr is the brand name for a popular soup in Germany.) Wolfgang used the opportunity to explain to a fellow prisoner that this meant that there had been a convention in Berlin and that N. H. Knorr, the president of the Watch Tower Society, had spoken there. The man never forgot the sparkle in Wolfgang’s eyes, reflecting the joy he felt, as he explained his wife’s letter. About 14 years later, after having moved to West Germany, that man began studying the Bible, and two years later he got baptized in Würzburg.

Hildegard Seliger, who had already spent many years in Nazi concentration camps, was sentenced by a Communist court in Leipzig to ten more years. Later, a woman guard in the prison at Halle told Hildegard that she was viewed as being especially dangerous because she ‘spoke about the Bible all day long.’

Despite the Ban, Constant Increase

The zeal shown by the brothers bore good fruitage. Horst Schramm reports that at the beginning of the 1950’s, there were 25 publishers in the Königs Wusterhausen Congregation, but when the Berlin Wall fell, there were 161. Yet, 43 publishers had moved to the West, and several had died. For a fact, in some congregations more than 70 percent of the Witnesses now active learned the truth under ban.

Take, for example, the Chemnitz family. Bernd and Waltraud learned the truth and were baptized while still quite young, during the early days of the ban. After they married and started raising a family, they did not allow the ban to prevent them from rearing their children to become servants of Jehovah. In the 1980’s, while the work was still banned, Andrea, Gabriela, Ruben, and Esther, following the lead of their parents, dedicated themselves to Jehovah and were baptized. Only Matthias, the youngest, was baptized after the ban was lifted. Jehovah richly blessed this couple’s determination in the face of opposition. What a reward for them to know that today all five of their children are members of the Selters Bethel family!

An elder who helped compile the monthly field service reports for the Society says: “In all the 40 years of ban, not a single month went by in which no one was reported as having been baptized.” He then elaborates: “Baptisms were generally small-scale and carried out in private homes. After a talk, the baptism candidates were immersed in a bathtub. Getting them totally submerged was often the problem. Despite such minor difficulties, every one of them still recalls with joy the day he was baptized.”

When it was once again possible to publish field service reports for East Germany, what a joy to learn that during the 1980’s there had been as many as 20,704 active publishers in that area! Now, of course, separate reports are no longer necessary. During 1990, the number of publishers for reunited Germany swelled to 154,108.

Reorganization to Strengthen the Brotherhood

During the period when the Communist rulers were endeavoring to keep Witnesses in that part of the world cut off from their Christian brothers in other lands, significant changes were being made worldwide in the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses itself. These changes, made in an effort to conform more closely to what the Bible says about the first-century Christian congregation, served to strengthen the international brotherhood and prepare the organization for rapid growth during the years to come.—Compare Acts 20:17, 28.

Thus, starting in October 1972, congregations were no longer supervised by just one individual, known as the congregation servant, who cared for necessary work with the help of assistants. Instead, a body of elders was appointed to supervise each congregation. By 1975, fine results from this change were already becoming apparent.

However, a longtime traveling overseer, Erwin Herzig, remembers that the change was not welcomed by all. It served to reveal “the heart condition of some of the congregation servants,” he says. Although the vast majority had loyal hearts, the change cleaned out the few who were ambitious and more desirous of “being number one” than of serving their brothers.

More changes were in the offing. During the 1970’s, the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses was enlarged and then reorganized, its work being divided among six committees that began functioning on January 1, 1976. A month later, as of February 1, 1976, oversight of the branch offices worldwide was adjusted. No longer did a branch operate under the jurisdiction of an individual branch servant. Rather, each branch was supervised by a Branch Committee appointed by the Governing Body.

Brothers Frost, Franke, and Kelsey had each previously served for various periods as branch servant in Germany. Brother Frost had found it necessary to leave Bethel for health reasons. (He died in 1987 at 86 years of age. His life story is in The Watchtower of April 15, 1961.) When a five-member Branch Committee was established in Germany in 1976, it included both Konrad Franke (who had been repeatedly imprisoned during the Nazi era) and Richard Kelsey (a Gilead graduate who had by this time been serving in Germany for 25 years). Also included were Willi Pohl (a survivor of the Nazi concentration camps and one who had attended the 15th class of Gilead), Günter Künz (a graduate of Gilead’s 37th class), and Werner Rudtke (a former traveling overseer).

These original members, with the exception of Brother Franke, who died in 1983, are still serving on the Branch Committee. (Konrad Franke’s life story appears in The Watchtower of March 15, 1963.) Two other brothers served for a time before their deaths: Egon Peter, from 1978 to 1989, and Wolfgang Krolop, from 1989 to 1992.

At present the Branch Committee has eight members. In addition to those already mentioned, there are Edmund Anstadt (since 1978), Peter Mitrega (since 1989), also Eberhard Fabian and Ramon Templeton (since 1992).

When the adjusted arrangement for branch oversight was inaugurated in 1976, there were only 187 in the Bethel family in Wiesbaden, West Germany. Since then the staff has expanded to 1,134, including individuals from 30 nations. This mirrors to some extent the international aspects of the work in which the branch is privileged to share.

Printing Facilities to Meet Expanding Needs

In the mid-1970’s, the branch facilities in Germany were located in a part of Wiesbaden known as Kohlheck, once a sleepy suburb at the edge of a forest but now a rapidly growing section of the city. Already the Society had increased its property holdings in this area 13 times. But the number of Kingdom proclaimers in West Germany had grown to some 100,000. A larger office was needed to supervise the field. A more extensive printery was required in order to provide Bible literature. Obtaining additional property for expansion was becoming very difficult. How was the problem going to be solved? The Branch Committee prayed for Jehovah’s direction.

Late in 1977 the members of the newly appointed Branch Committee began considering the possibility of constructing a new Bethel home at a different location. But was this really necessary? The general feeling was that the end of the old system must be very near. However, another factor also needed to be considered. Printing methods were changing, and the Society was under pressure to adopt these if printing on a large scale was to continue during whatever time might be left for the old system. Interestingly, experience gained in dealing with the situation in East Germany during the ban on Jehovah’s Witnesses there made it easier for the brothers in Wiesbaden to make changes, once these became necessary. How was that so?

The Decision to Do Offset Printing

Providing Jehovah’s Witnesses in East Germany with literature became increasingly difficult after the Berlin Wall was erected in 1961. To make this easier, a special edition of The Watchtower in a smaller format was prepared for them. It contained only the study articles. Producing this edition entailed typesetting the articles a second time. Printing on extra-thin paper was difficult, and folding the printed sheets was also a challenge. When the brothers found an automatic folding machine capable of doing the job, they discovered that it had been constructed in Leipzig, East Germany—paradoxically, where Jehovah’s Witnesses were banned and the very country for which this less-conspicuous edition of The Watchtower was designed.

To simplify the work, a brother who had learned to do offset printing before coming to Bethel suggested reproducing the magazines by that means. Study articles could be photographed, reduced in size, and then exposed onto an offset plate. A small sheetfed offset press was made available to the branch as a gift. In time, it became possible to publish not just the study articles but the entire magazine, first in black and white and eventually in full color. In the same manner, even small-size books were produced.

When Nathan Knorr, then president of the Watch Tower Society, visited Wiesbaden in 1975, he watched the operation with interest. “Not bad,” he said after examining the printed material. When it was explained that this was a special edition for East Germany and that we were pleased with the new method of producing it, Brother Knorr replied: “Brothers undergoing so much deserve the best we can give them.” He at once granted permission to purchase additional machines to perform the work.

Thus, when Grant Suiter, a member of the Governing Body, visited Germany in 1977 and mentioned that the Society had long given serious consideration to going over to offset printing and had now decided to do so on a large scale, the brothers in Wiesbaden already had some experience with it. Indirectly, the East German ban had prepared them for this change.

More was involved, however, than just accepting the idea that a change in printing methods was necessary. Brother Suiter explained that larger and heavier printing presses would be needed. But where could they be put? It was one thing to dream of web offset presses printing in full color and quite another thing to make this dream a reality. Several possibilities for further expansion in Kohlheck were investigated, but all were found to be problematic. What should be done?

A New Branch Complex

The search for property in another location began. On July 30, 1978, some 50,000 Witnesses gathered at a convention in Düsseldorf and a crowd of almost 60,000 in Munich were informed, to their surprise, that plans were being made to purchase property upon which an entirely new branch complex could be built.

During the course of nearly a year, 123 sites were investigated. Finally, selection was made of property located on a hill overlooking the village of Selters. With the approval of the Governing Body, the purchase was made on March 9, 1979. Further negotiations with 18 property owners made it possible to obtain another 65 parcels of adjoining property, thus providing 74 acres [30 ha] for development. Located about 25 miles [40 km] north of Wiesbaden, Selters offered easy access for trucking. Frankfurt’s Rhein-Main International Airport was less than 40 miles [65 km] away.

The biggest construction project in the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany was about to get under way. Were we really up to the job? Rolf Neufert, a member of the Building Committee, recalls: “No one, except for the brother who was our architect, had ever worked on such a large project. The difficulty of the task is hard to imagine. Normally, such a big and complicated project would be tackled only by an office with years of experience and all the necessary experts.” The brothers reasoned, however, that if Jehovah wanted them to build, he would also bless the outcome.

Forty different building permits had to be obtained, but local officials cooperated nicely and this was greatly appreciated. Oh, there was some opposition at first, but it came mainly from the clergy, who arranged meetings to stir up opposition but to no avail.

Witnesses throughout the country volunteered to help with the work. The spirit that they showed was outstanding. There were 400 regular workers, on an average, at the construction site daily, along with approximately 200 “vacation” workers at any one time. During the four years of building, no less than 15,000 different Witnesses volunteered their services.

One brother recalls: “Regardless of weather, regardless of difficulties, whether it was warm or cool or even freezing cold, things moved ahead. At times when others would have closed down operations, we were just getting started.”

Some help also came from other lands. Even traveling thousands of miles to help out was not too far for Jack and Nora Smith, along with their 15-year-old daughter, Becky, from Oregon, in the United States. They were at the international convention in Munich when it was announced that the Society was planning to build new branch facilities in Germany. “What a privilege it would be to work on a new Bethel construction!” they said. They let it be known that they were available. Jack recalls: “While doing preconvention work in 1979, we received an application and an invitation to come as soon as possible. We were so excited that we could hardly concentrate on our work or on the assembly.”

To accommodate construction workers, buildings already on the property had to be remodeled. By the winter of 1979/80, the first house had been completed. In September 1980 the foundation was laid for a new Bethel home. Work also started on the printing plant, and none too soon. The 89-foot-long [27-meter-long] web offset press ordered in January 1978 was due to be delivered early in 1982. By then, the printery, at least in part, had to be finished.

It was possible to do most of the work ourselves. A brother still says in amazement: “None of us had had any experience working on such a large project with a constantly changing work crew. We often thought that in one area or another we had reached a standstill, because for certain jobs the needed specialists were unavailable. But many times just at the last minute, an application from a qualified brother would suddenly turn up. As brothers were needed, they appeared.” They thanked Jehovah for his direction and blessing.

The Move to Selters

A lot of work was involved in moving the furniture and personal belongings of some 200 Bethel members, not to mention all the machines and equipment needed for their work. It was a job much too big to be done at one time. Gradually, department by department and as construction work proceeded, the Bethel family made its way to Selters.

Among the first to move were those working in the printery, since it was the first part of the complex completed. Little by little the machines in Wiesbaden were dismantled and moved to Selters. Meanwhile, on February 19, 1982, printing in full color on the new rotary offset press in Selters began. What a cause for celebration! By May, the Wiesbaden printery became silent. After 34 years, our printing in Wiesbaden had come to an end.

The first big job for the new offset press was printing the book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. This new publication was planned for release at the 1982 district conventions, and Germany was asked to produce it in seven languages. The problem was that the bookbindery was still in Wiesbaden. In fact, it was not moved to Selters until over a year later. So after the book signatures rolled off the press in Selters, they were rushed by the Society truck to Wiesbaden for binding. Despite the extra work this involved, the brothers succeeded in finishing 485,365 copies out of the 1,348,582 in the first printing, enabling international crowds at conventions in several countries to rejoice over the new release.

Understandably, there were mixed emotions about moving. For some members of the Bethel family, Wiesbaden had been their home for nearly 35 years. But before long the Bethel complex in Wiesbaden was divided and sold to various individuals. Only one small section of the former bookbindery was retained and remodeled into a Kingdom Hall. Typical of the international unity of Jehovah’s people, this hall today houses four congregations—two German, one English, and one Russian.

Dedication Day

After the finishing touches had been put on the Selters Bethel complex, a dedication program was held on April 21, 1984. All who had shared in the project strongly felt that Jehovah’s hand had been with them. They had looked to him for direction and had thanked him as seemingly insurmountable obstacles had been cleared out of the way. They now saw tangible evidence of his blessing in these completed facilities, which were already being used to promote true worship. (Ps. 127:1) Indeed, this was a time of special rejoicing.

Earlier in the week, the complex opened its doors to visitors. Various officials with whom the Society had dealt were invited to tour the premises. Neighbors were also welcomed. One visitor let it be known that he had come, thanks to his pastor. He explained that the pastor had grumbled about the Witnesses so often in recent years that the entire congregation was tired of hearing him. On the preceding Sunday, he had once again lashed out against the Witnesses, warning his flock not to accept the Witnesses’ invitation to the open house. “I was aware of your invitation,” the visitor explained, “but I had forgotten the date. Had the pastor not mentioned it last Sunday, I certainly would have overlooked it.”

After the preliminary tours, the day for the dedication program finally arrived. When the program began with music at 9:20 a.m., what a joy to know that of the then 14 members of the Governing Body, 13 had been able to accept the invitation to be present! Since it was impossible for everyone who had in one way or another contributed to the success of the project to be personally present, arrangements were made to tie in 11 other locations throughout the country by telephone. In this way a crowd of 97,562 persons was able to enjoy the fine program.

Among those present at Selters on that memorable day were many who had proved their faith while incarcerated in the Nazi concentration camps during World War II, along with a few who more recently had been released after imprisonment in East Germany. Included among them were Ernst and Hildegard Seliger. Brother Seliger had begun his career in the full-time ministry just 60 years earlier, and between him and his wife, they had spent more than 40 years in prisons and concentration camps under Nazi and Communist regimes. After attending the dedication program, they wrote: “Can you imagine how we felt being allowed to attend this wonderful spiritual banquet in our spiritual paradise? From start to finish, listening to the marvelous program was like hearing a divine symphony of theocratic unity and harmony.” (For details of tests of faith that they underwent, see The Watchtower of July 15, 1975.)

‘Houses to the Name of Jehovah’

People are often amazed to see Jehovah’s Witnesses build Kingdom Halls within a few weeks—or possibly just days—construct large Assembly Halls with volunteer labor, and finance million-dollar Bethel complexes with voluntary donations. Residents of Germany have had many opportunities to view all these activities firsthand.

The first Assembly Hall in West Germany was dedicated in West Berlin in the early 1970’s. Others followed, so that by 1986 all West German circuit assemblies were being held in halls owned by the Witnesses.

Jehovah’s blessing has been evident as the brothers have worked on these projects. In Munich, as a result of the cooperation of city officials, property for an Assembly Hall was obtained at a most reasonable price across the highway from the giant Olympic Stadium, at the edge of the beautifully landscaped Olympic Park.

Diligent efforts were made to hold equipment and construction expenditures to a minimum. Because a power plant was being relocated and had electrical switch cabinets and a telephone switchboard for sale, the brothers were able to purchase these for less than 5 percent of their original price. Demolition of a building complex at just the right time made it possible to obtain needed washbowls, lavatories, doors, windows, and hundreds of yards of water, gas, and ventilation pipes at a modest price. There were further savings as a result of making their own chairs and tables. In keeping with the city’s landscaping policy, the brothers had to plant 27 linden trees on the Assembly Hall property. A nursery going out of business had just the required number, each of exactly the required height, and these were purchased at one tenth of the regular price. After Munich finished paving most of its cobblestone streets, tons of cobblestones were available at a cost of next to nothing, and these were used to pave the walkways around the hall and its adjoining parking lot.

Similar stories could be told about the other Assembly Halls in Germany, each individually designed and beautiful in its own way. Every one of them is truly, as King Solomon described the temple in Jerusalem over 3,000 years ago, “a house to the name of Jehovah.”—1 Ki. 5:5.

Additionally, construction of Kingdom Halls proceeds apace to care for the needs of the 2,083 congregations in Germany. There are now 17 Regional Building Committees. Before the first of these was formed in 1984, the Witnesses owned only 230 Kingdom Halls in all of Germany. Since then, up to August 1998, an average of 58 new halls have been built annually—more than one a week for the past 12 years!

In matters of construction too, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany look beyond national borders. They are part of a global family. Upwards of 40 from Germany have served as international servants, willing to share in construction work wherever the Society would send them and for as long as needed. Another 242 have served for varying lengths of time on such projects in other lands.

Traveling Overseers Shepherd the Flock

An important factor in the spiritual condition of the organization has been the work done by traveling overseers. Such men are truly shepherds of the flock of God. (1 Pet. 5:1-3) They are, as the apostle Paul described them, “gifts in men.”—Eph. 4:8.

After World War II, traveling overseers visited the congregations, built them up, and worked with them in the field ministry. Included were such brothers as Gerhard Oltmanns, Josef Scharner, and Paul Wrobel, all of whom had been baptized in 1925. There were also Otto Wulle and Max Sandner, both of whom had been baptized during the 1930’s.

As the need arose, other brothers were added to the list of traveling overseers. From the end of the world war down to the present, upwards of 290 brothers have shared in the traveling work in West Germany and more than 40 others in East Germany. They have truly given of themselves to advance Kingdom interests. For some, this meant that they did not see their grown children or their grandchildren often. Others, while caring for their assignments, also arranged to spend time regularly with aging or ill parents.

Some of these traveling ministers have served in this strenuous and yet rewarding work for decades. For example, Horst and Gertrud Kretschmer have been in traveling work throughout Germany since the mid-1950’s. Brother Kretschmer still recalls that when he was at Wiesbaden Bethel for a short stay in 1950, Erich Frost lovingly laid his hand on his shoulder and said: “Horst, never worry. If you stay faithful to Jehovah, he will look after you. I have experienced this; you will experience it too. Just stay faithful.”

As of 1998, there are 125 brothers in Germany who are serving as circuit or district overseers. These are mature men, with an average of 30 years of full-time service to Jehovah. Their wives too are zealous in the ministry and are a special encouragement to the sisters in the congregations that they visit.

Traveling Overseer Goes to Brooklyn

Martin and Gertrud Poetzinger were well-known among Jehovah’s people in Germany. Both had faithfully served Jehovah before, during, and after Hitler’s Third Reich. After their release from Nazi confinement, they had immediately resumed full-time activity. For over 30 years, they had been in traveling work, serving circuits all over Germany. Thousands of Witnesses had learned to love and respect them.

In 1959, Brother Poetzinger attended the 32nd class of Gilead. Gertrud, who did not know English, had not accompanied him but nevertheless rejoiced with him in his privilege. Being separated from her husband was nothing new. Nazi persecution had forcibly separated them for nine years and this after only a few months of marriage. Now, when Jehovah’s organization was asking them to separate voluntarily for the sake of theocratic activity, they did not hesitate, much less complain.

Neither had ever served Jehovah for personal benefit. They had always willingly accepted theocratic assignments. Nonetheless, it came as a surprise when, in 1977, they were invited to become members of the Bethel family at the world headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A. Brother Poetzinger was to become a member of the Governing Body!

They were instructed to stay at the Bethel in Wiesbaden until they could obtain U.S. residence papers. Their wait turned out to be longer than they had expected, stretching into several months. While Martin brushed up on his English, his energetic wife, Gertrud, also studied it. Learning a new language is no small task for a woman in her mid-60’s. But anything for the sake of Jehovah’s service!

Several English-speaking members of the Wiesbaden Bethel family found great joy in helping Martin and Gertrud with the language. Each time Gertrud became too upset while studying English, her husband kindly admonished: “Take it easy, Gertrud, take it easy.” But Gertrud had never been good at ‘taking it easy.’ Her whole life in Jehovah’s service had been characterized by whole-souled involvement and determination. With this same spirit, she applied herself to learn the language, and in November 1978, as soon as the permanent entry visas had been received, she accompanied her husband to Brooklyn.

Although there were mixed emotions when they departed, the brothers in Germany rejoiced with them in their new privileges of service. They were also deeply moved when, about a decade later, they heard that on June 16, 1988, at the age of 83, Martin had finished his earthly course.

After her husband’s death, Gertrud returned to Germany, where she serves as a member of the Bethel family. She still does not “take it easy.” And it appears she never will. In addition to caring for her Bethel assignment, Gertrud often spends her vacations auxiliary pioneering. (For more information about the Poetzingers, see The Watchtower, issues of December 1, 1969; August 1, 1984; and September 15, 1988.)

Special Schools Help Fill International Needs

Since 1978, not long before the Poetzingers left for Brooklyn, the Pioneer Service School, a ten-day course of practical training, has served to fortify the pioneers in Germany. Every year, the school convenes in circuits throughout the country. All pioneers who have been on the list for at least a year and have not previously attended are invited. By early in 1998, there were 16,812 who had attended the school. In addition to German, class sessions have been held in English, French, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, and Turkish.

Some who attended the Pioneer Service School did so despite very difficult circumstances. A little over a week before Christine Amos was to attend the school, her son was killed in an auto accident on his way home from a meeting. Under these circumstances, would she benefit from the school? How would her husband fare if left home alone during this period? They decided that she should go to school; having her mind engrossed in spiritual matters would be a blessing. Her husband was invited to work at Bethel during that time. Shortly after that, both of them were invited to Selters to share in construction work. When that was completed, they enjoyed sharing in construction projects in Greece, Spain, and Zimbabwe. And now they are again pioneering in Germany.

Among those who have attended the Pioneer Service School are some who have been able to make pioneer service a career—one that they find constantly challenging and deeply satisfying. Inge Korth, a pioneer since 1958, says: “The full-time service offers a special opportunity to show my deep love and gratitude toward Jehovah on a daily basis.” Waldtraut Gann, who began to pioneer in 1959, adds: “Pioneer service is a protection in this wicked system. To sense Jehovah’s helping hand brings genuine happiness and inner contentment. Material values cannot be compared to it.” Martina Schaks, who pioneers with her husband, adds: “Pioneer service is a ‘school for life,’ since it helps me develop certain qualities, such as self-control and patience. As a pioneer I feel very close to Jehovah and his organization.” For others, pioneer service proved to be a stepping-stone to Bethel service, missionary work, or circuit work.

In order to help fill the pressing need for more missionaries, a Gilead Extension School was established in Germany in 1981, to make this fine course available to German-speaking pioneers. Since the new Bethel complex in Selters was not yet finished, the first two classes were conducted in Wiesbaden. After the move to Selters, three classes were held there. German-speaking students from Luxembourg, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, besides 100 students from Germany, attended these five classes. After graduation, the students were dispersed to a total of 24 other lands, including places in Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Pacific.

By the mid-1970’s, there were 183 full-time servants from Germany who had attended the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead. By the end of 1996, thanks in part to the Gilead Extension School, this number had risen to 368. How gratifying to know that as of January 1997, about half of these students were still serving as missionaries in foreign assignments! Among these are Paul Engler, who has been in Thailand since 1954; Günter Buschbeck, who served in Spain from 1962 until he was assigned to Austria in 1980; Karl Sömisch, who served in Indonesia and the Middle East before being transferred to Kenya; Manfred Tonak, who after serving in Kenya was asked to fill a need at the branch in Ethiopia; and Margarita Königer, whose missionary service during the past 32 years has taken her to Madagascar, Kenya, Benin, and Burkina Faso.

Yet another school, the Ministerial Training School, provides instruction for unmarried elders and ministerial servants and has been a regular feature in Germany since 1991. German-speaking brothers from Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Switzerland have joined those from Germany to enjoy the superb training the school offers. And after graduation some of the students have taken on additional responsibilities, being sent to Africa, Eastern Europe, and other areas of special need.

The Bethel Home and the printery at Selters have themselves, in effect, also proved to be a “school,” where brothers have become equipped to fill needs as the way was opened in Eastern Europe. Bethel life taught them to work with all sorts of people and to realize that Jehovah can use people of all sorts, despite human imperfection, to get his work done. Brothers who had worked in the Service Department had come to appreciate that problems can be solved by consistently applying Bible principles and carefully following directions of the Governing Body. They had been taught by brothers who, even under great pressure, continued to manifest the fruitage of the spirit, to show a balanced attitude, and to put absolute trust in Jehovah. What valuable lessons to share with their brothers in other branches!

Overcoming a Barrier With Education and Love

During the past decade, a worldwide program of education has been carried out to fortify the position of Jehovah’s Witnesses in their determination to obey the Biblical prohibition on the use of blood. (Acts 15:28, 29) This has involved overcoming a wall of prejudice and misinformation. In connection with this program, Hospital Information Services was introduced to Germany in 1990. In November of that year, a seminar in Germany was attended by 427 brothers, many from Germany but the rest from nine other countries. This strengthened international ties. The elders were highly appreciative of the help they received. An elder from Mannheim noted: “We were equipped to make our viewpoint clear with firmness and due respect but without being shackled by fear.” An elder who was present from Austria said: “I have never attended a seminar at which such a broad field of information was dealt with in such a simple and easy manner.”

Since then several other seminars have been held to instruct the 55 Hospital Liaison Committees that have in the meantime been formed in Germany to serve Witness needs as regards nonblood medical treatment. The work these committees have done has borne good fruitage. By August 1998, over 3,560 doctors throughout Germany had expressed their willingness to cooperate in treating Witnesses without blood. Included in this number are one fourth of the doctors that the magazine Focus several years ago designated “the 1,000 best doctors in Germany.”

In January 1996, Hospital Liaison Committees began distributing the specially designed handbook Family Care and Medical Management for Jehovah’s Witnesses. (This handsome handbook, which is designed for exclusive use by medical personnel and officials, contains information about available nonblood medical alternatives. A concerted effort has been made to put it into the hands of judges, social workers, neonatologists, and pediatricians.) Most judges expressed appreciation, frequently commenting about the handbook’s high quality and its practicality. Many were surprised to learn of the numerous nonblood alternative treatments available for people unwilling to accept blood transfusions. Said a judge at Nördlingen: “This is exactly what I need.” A professor at the University of Saarland used material in the handbook as the basis for discussion and a written examination for a group taking an advanced course in civil law.

Since Hospital Liaison Committees now operate throughout the world, international cooperation in emergency situations is possible. In situations where certain medications were prescribed by a doctor but were not available in the country where the patient was, our international network facilitated the obtaining of these and the mailing of them from Germany. Additionally, arrangements have been made for brothers and sisters from over a dozen countries to be put in touch with cooperative doctors in Germany, with a view to working out arrangements for such treatment as they could afford.

Of course, brothers living in Germany also benefit from this international cooperation. In 1995, on a trip to Norway, a sister had an accident and was admitted to the hospital. Upon being notified, her son in Germany immediately asked Hospital Information Services for help. They notified the Norway branch office. The following day the sister was visited by a Norwegian Witness who, in order to be of greater assistance, had driven 80 miles [130 km] to pick up an interested person who spoke German. Later the son expressed his appreciation, writing: “What an organization! What love! . . . Words often fail to express what one feels. Something like this is truly unique.”

Thus by education and love, great progress has been made in overcoming a formerly formidable barrier. Just prior to this, another barrier was also removed.

Suddenly—The Berlin Wall Falls!

The suddenness of the event amazed the world! People around the world watched on television. In Berlin thousands celebrated noisily. The barrier between East and West had been removed. It was November 9, 1989.

Over 25 years previously, in the morning hours of August 13, 1961, Berlin citizens had been stunned to discover East Berlin officials constructing a wall separating the Communist-controlled sector from the rest of the city. Berlin was being physically divided into east and west, thus mirroring the nations of East and West Germany. Perhaps more dramatically than anything else, the Berlin Wall came to symbolize the struggle between two superpowers during the Cold War.

Then, on June 12, 1987, just over two years before the astonishing events of 1989, U.S. President Ronald Reagan, speaking within sight of the Brandenburg Gate and with the Berlin Wall at his back, demanded: “Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this Wall.” But was there any indication that his request would be granted? Was it anything more than Cold War rhetoric? Not really. As late as early 1989, Erich Honecker, head of the East German regime, said, as if in answer, that the Wall “will continue to exist in 50 and also in 100 years.”

Yet, with unexpected suddenness the Brandenburg Gate was opened and the Berlin Wall crumbled. A member of the Selters Bethel family recalls attending a congregation meeting on the evening of Thursday, November 9, and upon returning home turning on his TV set to watch the late evening news. In disbelief, he followed reports that the border between East and West Berlin had been opened. Citizens of East Berlin were freely entering West Berlin for the first time in 27 years! He could scarcely believe what he saw: cars crossing the border, their horns honking in celebration as more and more West Berliners—some roused from their beds—headed for the border to line the route and reach out to embrace their unexpected visitors. Tears flowed freely. The wall had fallen—literally overnight!

During the next 24 hours, people all over the world found it difficult to tear themselves away from their television sets. Here was history in the making. What would it mean for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany? What would it mean for Witnesses throughout the world?

A Trabi Comes to Call

On the following Saturday morning shortly before eight o’clock, as a Bethel brother headed for work in Selters, he met a fellow member of the Bethel family, Karlheinz Hartkopf, who now serves in Hungary. Excitedly, the brother said: “I’m sure it won’t be long before the first brothers from East Germany will show up here in Selters!” Brother Hartkopf, in his usual calm and matter-of-fact manner, responded: “They are already here.” In fact, in the early morning hours, two brothers had arrived in their East German two-stroke Trabi car and were parked outside the Bethel gate, waiting for the workday to begin.

The news spread rapidly through Bethel. Before everyone had a chance even to see and greet these unexpected but welcome visitors, however, they were already on their way back to East Germany, their car packed full of literature. Though the literature was still officially banned there, as was the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the excitement of the moment gave the brothers renewed courage. “We have to be back for the meeting tomorrow morning,” they explained. Imagine the joy of the congregation when these brothers showed up with cartons of literature that had been in such short supply for so very long!

During the next few weeks, thousands of East Germans poured across the border into West Germany, many of them for the first time in their lives. They were clearly enjoying a freedom of movement they had long gone without. At the border they were met by waving West Germans. Jehovah’s Witnesses were also there, greeting the visitors—however, with something more substantial than just an outward show of emotion. They freely distributed Bible literature to these visitors from the East.

In some border cities, the congregations put forth special efforts to reach the visiting East Germans. Since the literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses had been banned for decades, many knew little or nothing about it. Instead of door-to-door activity, “Trabi to Trabi” service came into vogue. People were eager to investigate anything new, including religion. In some instances publishers simply said: “You have probably never read these two magazines, because they were banned in your country for almost 40 years.” The often-heard reply was: “Well, if they were banned, they must be good. Let me have them.” Two publishers in the border city of Hof each placed up to 1,000 magazines a month. Needless to say, local and neighboring congregations soon cleared out their surplus magazine stock.

Meanwhile, the East German brothers were enjoying their newly found freedom, although initially somewhat cautiously. Wilfried Schröter, who learned the truth under ban in 1972, recalls: “During the first few days after the wall fell, we were naturally a bit afraid that everything might suddenly be reversed.” Less than two months later, he attended an assembly in the Berlin Assembly Hall. Regarding that assembly he later reported: “I was simply overwhelmed by being able to associate with so many brothers. I had tears in my eyes when we sang our Kingdom songs, as did many others. The joy of experiencing a ‘live assembly’ was tremendous.”

A similar expression of appreciation comes from Manfred Tamme. During the ban, meetings had been small, and no sound equipment had been needed. But now he says: “Although I had been a special pioneer for over 30 years, for the first time in my life, I now was speaking through a microphone. I still remember how terrified I was when I heard my voice coming from the loudspeakers.” Nevertheless, he says, “it was wonderful suddenly to be sitting with the entire congregation in a rented hall.”

And it was rewarding to hear other voices, like the one Manfred heard a few months later. He reports: “In January 1990, I was in a sauna for medical treatment. There I met the former authorized agent of the National Police Force. During a friendly discussion, he said: ‘Manfred, I now realize that we were fighting the wrong people.’”

Spiritual Food in Abundance!

“Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah’s mouth.” Jehovah’s Witnesses everywhere are well acquainted with that fundamental truth quoted by Jesus Christ from the inspired Hebrew Scriptures. (Matt. 4:4; Deut. 8:3) With the loving help of the international brotherhood, even during the years of ban, Witnesses in East Germany received spiritual food, but in limited supplies. How they longed to have access to the spiritual abundance being enjoyed by their brothers in other lands!

As soon as the Berlin Wall fell, individual Witnesses began taking supplies of literature with them to the East. About four months later, on March 14, 1990, official recognition was given to Jehovah’s Witnesses in the German Democratic Republic. Now the Society could make direct shipments. On March 30 a truck containing 25 tons of spiritual food pulled out of the Selters complex and headed east. The 1991 Britannica Book of the Year subsequently noted: “During just two months, the West German branch office of the Watchtower Society shipped 275 tons of Bible-based literature, including 115,000 Bibles, to East Germany alone.”

At about that time, a brother from Leipzig wrote to a fellow Witness in West Germany: “One week ago we were still secretly importing food in small amounts; soon we will be unloading a truck with four tons of it!”

“The first literature shipment came so soon,” recalls Heinz Görlach from Chemnitz, “that we were hardly prepared. After the first shipment arrived, I could reach my bed only with difficulty—my entire bedroom was full of cartons. I felt as though I was sleeping in a treasure vault.”

The brothers in Selters were also experiencing in a small way what the new situation meant for those who had been cut off for so long from the things Witnesses in freedom often take for granted. An overseer in the printery reports: “An elderly, modestly dressed brother stood watching one of our printing presses. His tour group had already gone ahead, but he lingered, still deep in thought, watching the magazines flooding out of the machine at top speed. With tears in his eyes, he approached one of the brothers; it was apparent that he was deeply moved. Attempting to say something in broken German, his voice faltered. But we understood his smile as he pulled a few sheets of paper from the inside pocket of his jacket, handed them to us, and hurried on. What had he given us? An almost illegible Watchtower in Russian that had been copied on the sheets of a school exercise book. How long had it taken to make this copy of the magazine? We have no way of knowing but, for sure, hundreds of times longer than the split second we need to produce a magazine on the press.”

No more did the Witnesses in each study group have to make do with a few small-print or handwritten magazines that they could keep for only a few days. Now everyone had his own copy—with illustrations in full color—plus additional copies to use in field service.

Adjustment to Worshiping Openly

Having greater freedom presented challenges of its own. Preaching under government ban required courage. It also taught those who did it to rely fully on Jehovah. However, after the ban was lifted, Ralf Schwarz, a Christian elder in Limbach-Oberfrohna, said: “We have to be more careful not to be sidetracked by materialism and the anxieties of life.” In some cases, after East Germany was integrated into the Federal Republic, in October 1990, Witness families in the East moved into more humble quarters so that they could pay the rent without having to work extra time and miss meetings when the rents went up.—Matt. 6:22, 24.

Even during the difficult years under Communist rule, the brothers had continued to share in the field ministry. They even went from house to house—but discreetly, perhaps calling at one house on one block and then going to another block to work another house. Some did it even when danger of imprisonment was greatest. Martin Jahn, who was only 11 years old when the ban was imposed, explained some of the changes that they now faced: “The territories all had to be redone so that publishers could now work entire sections of houses. We were accustomed to the old system of working only certain house numbers or certain floors. This had been the normal way to do it for so long that we had to be patient with those who found adjusting difficult. No longer lending literature but, rather, placing it was new for both publishers and interested ones. Since we were used to doing it the other way, publishers sometimes ended up with more literature in their bags after field service than they had to begin with.”

There were also changes in the attitudes of the people. During the years of ban, many people had viewed Jehovah’s Witnesses as heroes because the Witnesses had the courage to stand up for their convictions. This brought them respect. With greater freedom, many welcomed the Witnesses with a measure of enthusiasm. Within several years, however, things changed. People became engrossed with the way of life that goes with a market economy. Some of them began to view visits of the Witnesses as disturbing to their peace and quiet, even as annoying.

Witnessing under ban had taken courage. Adjusting to the new situation required no less determination. In fact, many Witnesses agree with what was stated by an overseer in a Western European country where the work had long been banned, namely: “Working under ban is easier than doing so in freedom.”

Opposition Fails to Slow Down the Work

Although the preaching of the good news in East Germany took off with renewed vigor, Christendom’s clergy showed little concern at first. However, when it became evident that people were really listening to Jehovah’s Witnesses, clergy discomfort grew. According to the Deutsches Allgemeines Sonntagsblatt, a minister from Dresden who viewed himself as an expert on religions claimed that “Jehovah’s Witnesses are like the Communist Party.” So now instead of claiming that the Witnesses were American spies opposed to Communism, as the clergy had done during the 1950’s, the clergy were trying to connect the Witnesses with the Communists. Of course, people who knew that the Witnesses had been banned by the Communist government for 40 years realized that this was a gross misrepresentation.

What was the objective? The clergy hoped that Jehovah’s Witnesses would again be banned, just as they had been during the Nazi era and again under Communist rule. Though religious elements, supported by apostate forces, strove to prevent Jehovah’s Witnesses from enjoying constitutionally protected freedoms, the Witnesses were making full use of opportunities to give a witness, as Jesus Christ had commanded.—Mark 13:10.

Some Who Embraced the Truth

Among those who responded to the Kingdom message were some who had been deeply engrossed in the old system. For 38 years Egon had been an East German policeman. He was none too pleased when his wife began studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses. He was impressed, however, by their friendly, loving, and disciplined behavior, as well as by the timely Awake! articles they often brought to his house. Attending a special assembly day with his wife, he was shocked to come face-to-face with a brother he had once arrested. It is not hard to imagine that he felt ill at ease, yes, even guilty. But in spite of the past, a friendship developed between the two. Now both Egon and his wife are baptized Witnesses.

For 19 years Günter had been a member of the State Security Service, and he had risen to the rank of major. Embittered and disillusioned after the collapse of the system for which he had worked so long, he met the Witnesses for the first time in 1991. He was impressed by their conduct and by the understanding they showed for him and his problems. A Bible study was started and, although he was an atheist, he eventually became convinced that God does exist. By 1993 he was ready for baptism. Today he is happy working in support of God’s Kingdom.

Another man, lacking faith in God and wholly convinced that Communism was mankind’s only hope, had no qualms about infiltrating himself into Jehovah’s organization in order to pass on information about their activities to the State Security Service. After being “baptized” in 1978, he lived a lie for ten years. But he now admits: “The behavior of Jehovah’s Witnesses, which I experienced firsthand, and a study of the Creation and Revelation Climax books convinced me that much of what enemies say about the Witnesses is untrue. The proofs of the existence of a Creator are overwhelming.” Shortly before the Berlin Wall fell, he was faced with a hard decision: either find an excuse to withdraw from Jehovah’s people and keep on supporting a system in which he no longer believed or admit to being a traitor and then strive to become a genuine servant of Jehovah. He chose the latter. His sincere repentance led to a Bible study and to a second baptism, this time one based on accurate knowledge and true dedication.

Now They Could Tell About It

After the ban was lifted, Witnesses from the East could speak more freely about their experiences under Communist rule. During dedication ceremonies of an administrative building of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Berlin on December 7, 1996, several elders who had played a vital part in keeping the flock in East Germany spiritually strong reminisced about the past.

Wolfgang Meise, a Witness for 50 years, recalled what had occurred in June 1951, when he was 20 years of age. In a publicized show trial, he was sentenced to four years of imprisonment. As he and several other convicted brothers were being led off, some 150 Witnesses who were also in attendance at the trial surrounded them, shook their hands, and began singing a Kingdom song. Heads popped out of all the courthouse windows as people tried to see what was happening. That was not the sort of impression that the authorities wanted to leave on the minds of the public. This put an end to such show trials of the Witnesses.

Egon Ringk recalled that during the early days of the ban, individual Watchtower articles were typed out with six to nine carbon copies. “In order to provide the congregations with spiritual food, a West Berlin brother, a truck driver who drove back and forth between West Berlin and East Germany, put himself at our disposal. The ‘food’ was transferred quickly—in just three or four seconds—during which time two large teddy bears of equal size were also transferred from one vehicle to another. After arriving home, their stomachs were ‘emptied’ to reveal important messages and information about new appointments.”—Compare Ezekiel 3:3.

Experiences were related about the courage shown by couriers who had obtained literature in West Berlin before the wall was built and smuggled it into East Germany. There was, of course, the possibility that access to West Berlin might someday be cut off. It was to discuss just such a possibility that a number of East German brothers were invited to a meeting on December 25, 1960. “This was obviously at the direction of Jehovah,” Brother Meise stated, “because on August 13, 1961, when the wall was suddenly built, our organization was prepared.”

Hermann Laube related that he first came in contact with the truth as a prisoner of war in Scotland. Back home in East Germany, once the ban went into effect, he saw the need to supply the brothers with as much spiritual food as possible. So the Witnesses set up their own printing operation, using a makeshift printing press. “But without paper, the best press is of little value,” Brother Laube noted, recalling the day he was told that there was only enough paper left for three more issues. What now?

Brother Laube continued: “A few days later, we heard someone knocking on the eaves of the house. It was a brother from Bautzen who said: ‘You’re a printer. Several rolls of newsprint are lying in the Bautzen dump, leftover rolls from the newspaper printing plant, which they plan on burying. Could you use them?’”

The brothers wasted no time. “That very night we drummed up a group, and off we went to Bautzen. No, it was not just a few rolls but almost two tons of paper! It borders on the incredible that our rickety autos were able to transport the paper, but in a short time, all of it had been moved. We then had enough paper to keep us going until the Society arranged to supply us with the thin-paper, small-print publications.”

Circumstances demanded the greatest care to keep the identity of individual members of the flock secret. Rolf Hintermeyer recalled: “Once, after having met brothers, I was caught and taken to a building for interrogation. I had several slips of paper containing addresses and other information. Upon arrival we had to climb a winding staircase. This gave me the chance to swallow the slips. But since there were so many of them, it took quite some time. At the top of the stairs, the officials realized what I was doing and grabbed me by the throat. I also put my hands to my throat and stammered, ‘There, I’ve finally got them down.’ Upon hearing this they released me, which in turn gave me an opportunity really to finish swallowing them, now that they were smaller and moist.”

Horst Schleussner came into the truth during the mid-1950’s when persecution was at its worst, so he knew whereof he spoke when he said: “For a certainty, Jehovah God lovingly protected his servants during the almost 40 years that they were under ban.”

A Victory Celebration in Berlin

With that era of Communist oppression behind them, the brothers just had to celebrate. Above all, they longed to express to Jehovah in public assembly their gratitude for the opportunity that was now open for them to serve him with greater freedom.

As soon as the Berlin Wall fell in November 1989, the Governing Body gave directions to begin making plans to hold an international convention in Berlin. A convention organization was quickly set up. On the evening of March 14, 1990, the group was scheduled to meet to discuss convention arrangements. Helmut Martin still remembers when the appointed convention overseer, Dietrich Förster, asked him to announce to the assembled brothers that earlier in the day, official recognition had been granted Jehovah’s Witnesses in East Germany. Yes, the ban was officially over!

Since the convention was being planned at such a comparatively late date, the Olympic Stadium was no longer available on a weekend. So the convention was scheduled for Tuesday through Friday, July 24 to 27. When it came time to move in, the brothers had only one day to prepare the facilities and only a few hours to dismantle everything afterward.

Thus, on Monday, July 23, hundreds of volunteers were already in the stadium at five o’clock in the morning. Gregor Reichart, a member of the Selters Bethel family, recalls that “those from East Germany took to the work with gusto, as if they had been doing it for years.” A stadium official later remarked that he was pleased that “for the first time, the stadium got a thorough cleaning.”

Some 9,500 East Germans traveled to the convention aboard 13 chartered trains. Others came in 200 chartered buses. An elder reports that when making arrangements for one of the chartered trains, he told a railway official that three were being planned from the Dresden area alone. The official’s eyes grew wide in amazement as he asked: “Are there really that many of Jehovah’s Witnesses in East Germany?”

For those who traveled by chartered train, the convention started before they even reached Berlin. “We met at the Chemnitz railway station to board the train reserved for us,” Harald Pässler, an elder from Limbach-Oberfrohna, recalls. “The trip to Berlin was unforgettable. After long years of ban, during which we carried on our activity in small groups underground, it was suddenly possible to see so many brothers at one time. During the entire trip, we mingled in the various train compartments, speaking with brothers we had not seen for years, yes, even for decades. It was the indescribable joy of reunion. Everyone had grown several years older but had faithfully endured. We were greeted at the station in Berlin-Lichtenberg and directed by loudspeakers to different gathering points where our Berlin brothers stood awaiting us with large signs. What a completely new experience—our emerging from anonymity! We personally experienced what we had until then only read or heard about: We truly are a large international brotherhood!”

Indeed, for many Witnesses this was their very first convention. “We were all thrilled when we got the invitation,” recalls Wilfried Schröter. Because he made his dedication in 1972 under ban, we can understand his feelings. “Weeks ahead of time, we were in a fever of expectation. Never had I experienced anything like this, something true of many other brothers also. It was simply inconceivable that we would be seeing an international brotherhood gathered together in a huge stadium.”

How often brothers living in East Berlin had longed to travel the few miles across town to where their brothers were meeting in convention! And now they finally could.

Almost 45,000 from 64 countries were present. Among them were seven members of the Governing Body. They had come to rejoice with their Christian brothers from East Germany on this momentous occasion. It was in this stadium that the Third Reich had endeavored to use the Olympic Games in 1936 to impress the world with their achievements. Now the stadium once again reverberated with thunderous applause, though this time not in praise of athletes or out of national pride. These were members of a truly happy international family of Jehovah’s people, and their applause was in gratitude to Jehovah and in appreciation for the precious truths in his Word. On this occasion, 1,018 presented themselves for water immersion, most of them people who had learned the truth in East Germany under ban.

Perhaps those in attendance who could best understand the feelings of the East German brothers were the some 4,500 enthusiastic delegates from Poland, East Germany’s next-door neighbor. They too had endured many years of ban and had only recently experienced their first large convention in many years. One Polish Witness later wrote: “The brothers from Poland greatly appreciate the sacrificing spirit of their neighbors to the west, who provided them with free accommodations, free food, and free transportation to and from the convention grounds, without which it would have been impossible for many of us to come.”

Brothers from West Germany, for whom enjoying conventions in freedom was commonplace, were nevertheless deeply impressed. “It was heartwarming to see a number of our older faithful brothers—some of whom were persecuted not only during 40 years of Communist rule but also during the Third Reich—sitting in the reserved section where Adolf Hitler and other Nazi bigwigs once sat,” commented Klaus Feige, of the Selters Bethel family. This choice section of the stadium had lovingly been reserved for the elderly and disabled. What a striking symbol of God’s Kingdom, now triumphant over political forces that had conspired to halt its march to final victory!

Providing Places to Assemble

Promptly after the lifting of the ban in East Germany, arrangements were made for the brothers there to benefit from the regular program of assemblies that is enjoyed by Jehovah’s servants worldwide. Even before the circuits were fully reorganized, the congregations were invited to attend special assembly days and circuit assemblies in West Germany. At first, publishers in attendance were divided equally between those from West Germany and those from East Germany. This strengthened the bonds of brotherhood and also gave East German brothers an opportunity to learn convention procedures by working with their West German counterparts.

As circuits took shape, those in the East were invited to make use of Assembly Halls already existing in West Germany. Five—the ones in Berlin, Munich, Büchenbach, Möllbergen, and Trappenkamp—were close enough to the former border to make this feasible. Nevertheless, as soon as possible, work began on an Assembly Hall in East Germany. Located in Glauchau, near Dresden, it was dedicated on August 13, 1994, and is presently the largest Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany, seating 4,000 persons.

Attention was also given to the building of Kingdom Halls. These had not been allowed in the German Democratic Republic, but now they were needed in order to care for the more than 20,000 Witnesses in that area. The way that the building work was done made others stare in amazement.

About the construction of a Kingdom Hall in Stavenhagen, a newspaper wrote: “The way and the speed at which the structure is being erected has already left numerous curious onlookers amazed. . . . The building was put up by some 240 trained builders from 35 trades, all of them volunteers and all of them Jehovah’s Witnesses. All on a weekend without pay.”

Another newspaper wrote about a hall built on the Baltic Sea island of Rügen, in Sagard: “Some 50 women and men, as busy as bees, are preparing the building’s foundation. But things are not hectic. The atmosphere is strangely relaxed and friendly. Despite the obvious speed at which they work, no one seems nervous and no one snaps at fellow workers as happens on most construction sites.”

By the end of 1992, seven Kingdom Halls had been constructed and were being used by 16 congregations. Some 30 others were in the planning stage. By 1998, more than 70 percent of the congregations in what was formerly East Germany were already meeting in their own Kingdom Halls.

Stirring International Conventions

As government restrictions were lifted in one country after another in Eastern Europe, the Governing Body arranged for conventions to be held in those countries. These were occasions of spiritual upbuilding, occasions when encouragement was given to keep clearly in focus the work that God has commissioned his servants to do. (Matt. 6:19-24, 31-33; 24:14) Since many of the Witnesses in these lands had for years been able to meet only in small groups, these conventions made it possible for them to get to know fellow Witnesses and to be encouraged by the evidence of Jehovah’s blessing on their faithful endurance. Delegates were also invited from other lands so that the brothers could experience in fuller measure the international brotherhood of which they are a part. Among those delegates were many from Germany. They were well represented at the international conventions held between 1989 and 1993 in Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and the former Soviet Union.

The day before the 1991 “Lovers of Godly Freedom” International Convention opened in Prague, in what is now the Czech Republic, the newspaper Lidové noviny reported on the remarkable work done by a team of about 40 Witnesses to install “the sound equipment loaned to them by their ‘brothers from Germany.’” Not only did the German brothers loan sound equipment but they were also part of the team that installed it. They were happy to be able in this way to share with their Czech brothers some of the benefit of decades of convention experience. Whereas the German delegations to international conventions were for the most part limited to several hundred, 30,000 delegates were invited to this convention in Prague. And what a convention it was!

Dieter Kabus, who had served as a district overseer in Czechoslovakia in 1955 and who was at this convention as a delegate from Germany, wrote: “When the New World Translation [now printed on the Society’s presses] was released, everyone stood up from his seat, and the whole stadium broke out in spontaneous applause, which seemed to go on forever. We all embraced one another; thousands unashamedly gave way to tears of joy. We recalled the time in prison camp when we 16 brothers had only one Bible. Many stayed for an hour or longer after the program finished, singing songs and enjoying the wonderful association.”

The following year, 1992, German delegates were also on hand for the international convention in St. Petersburg, Russia. Some delegates may remember that not everything ran smoothly, at least as regards housing for the German delegation. But even this turned out for a witness. When it became necessary for a group of delegates to move from one hotel to another on short notice, the 50-year-old Russian translator for the group was so impressed by the Witnesses’ conduct that she exclaimed: “You’re not normal; you don’t shout and get upset!” What was of greater interest to these delegates, however, was the spirit shown by their beloved Russian brothers and sisters. After the convention one German delegate wrote: “Words cannot describe how the brothers appreciated the program. Without Bibles, without songbooks [at that time both still in short supply in Russia], they listened expectantly and attentively to what Jehovah had to tell them.”

The next year, over 1,200 German Witnesses attended the international conventions in Moscow, Russia, and in Kiev, Ukraine. What thrilling stories they had to tell when they returned home! Among the delegates was Titus Teubner, a traveling overseer since 1950, who said: “I had promised my wife that should the work ever open up in the East, I would be among those attending the first Moscow convention.” After actually doing so in 1993, he said: “It borders on the miraculous that in Red Square I could distribute magazines about the divine government.” Another delegate wrote: “We attended this convention to encourage our Russian brothers—and we undoubtedly did so. But the reverse was also true. Our Russian brothers encouraged us in a marvelous way through their example of love, gratitude, faithfulness, and appreciation.”

Members of the Selters Bethel family could not help but be grateful for the privilege of serving such faithful brothers and sisters. Appreciation of that privilege was further deepened when they heard reports from the Bethel truck drivers who came back from deliveries to other lands and who told of the eagerness with which they were welcomed, the joy of the brothers at having a part in unloading supplies even late at night, and the united prayers offered by the brothers before they waved good-bye to those who had made the deliveries.

More Building—To Fill Urgent Needs

In one part of Eastern Europe after another, bans were being lifted. Large conventions were being held. The preaching of the good news was being accelerated. The demand for Bible literature to fill the needs of that part of the field was rapidly escalating. How could it be met? The branch in Germany was invited to play a further role.

Already in 1988, before the Berlin Wall crumbled, the Governing Body had authorized a 50-percent enlargement of the branch facilities in Germany. At first the Branch Committee had found it difficult to see why such expansion was needed. A large, completely new complex had been dedicated just four years earlier. However, the brothers made application to the local government officials. Brother Rudtke recalls: “When we presented our plans, the Selters’ building commissioner said to me almost in a whisper: ‘I’d advise you to build as big as possible because the authorities will never give you permission to expand again.’ This caused us to think.” Remarkably, within a few months, permission had been obtained from all the different government offices, and the originally proposed 50-percent expansion had given way to 120 percent!

Actual construction got under way in January 1991. Apparently not all in the brotherhood, however, were convinced of the need, as evidenced by a slow response to announcements about the need for trained workers to share in the project, as well as by limited financial support. What could be done?

Evidently the brothers simply needed to be better informed, so special meetings were held with selected elders at all the Assembly Halls in Germany on October 3, 1991. It was explained that in the preceding decade, book production at the Germany branch had increased almost threefold. Bans had been lifted in Poland, Hungary, East Germany, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and the Soviet Union. Literature was being supplied to lands far beyond the German borders. Publishers in these countries were begging for literature. Selters was being asked to play a major role in providing it. Once the brothers clearly saw the need, their support was generous.

Actually, the initial lack of response turned out to be a blessing. How so? Instead of relying solely on volunteers from Germany, the branch decided to utilize a provision made by the Governing Body in 1985. At that time an international volunteer construction program had been inaugurated. Before work on the Germany branch was completed, 331 volunteers from 19 different countries had served along with the Bethel family.

There were also many Witnesses from Germany who helped with the work; most of these did it during their vacations. They included some 2,000 publishers from former East Germany, most of whom during the ban probably never dreamed that some day they would be able to work at Bethel.

Dedication Weekend

Whether by physical or financial support or by prayers, all of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany had assisted in this building project. Selters was their Bethel, a vastly enlarged building complex that they now wanted to dedicate to Jehovah. Thus, long before construction work drew to an end, arrangements were being made for the entire brotherhood in Germany, as well as many guests from abroad, to meet together in celebration.

The program started on Saturday morning, May 14, 1994, with emphasis on the “large door that leads to activity” opening up in Eastern Europe. (1 Cor. 16:9) It was faith-strengthening to hear brothers from these countries personally report on the fine increases already being enjoyed and the prospects for further growth. The enthusiasm of the day, enjoyed by 3,658 at Selters, carried over to Sunday. All of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany were invited to assemble in six stadiums rented for the occasion—at Bremen, Cologne, Gelsenkirchen, Leipzig, Nuremberg, and Stuttgart.

As tens of thousands hushed in expectation, the program began simultaneously at all six locations. After a brief review of the Saturday dedication program in Selters, there were further heartwarming reports from foreign delegates. The highlight was discourses given in Gelsenkirchen, Leipzig, and Stuttgart, in each case by a member of the Governing Body who was present. For the benefit of listeners in the other three locations, these discourses were transmitted by telephone tie-lines. All 177,902 in attendance were encouraged to stay strong in the faith and to resist any attempt to slow them down. Now was the time for action! Jehovah had unexpectedly opened the door to expansion in Eastern Europe, and nothing must be allowed to hinder this work from being accomplished. Before bowing their heads in thankfulness to Jehovah, they joined in singing: “Myriads on myriads of brothers/ Stand at my side to be/ Each one a faithful witness,/ Keeping integrity.” Rarely had there been a grander manifestation of the unity and determination characteristic of Jehovah’s people.

Although a glorious dedication weekend had drawn to a close, expansion continued. Early the next morning, construction workers were once again busy. A new warehouse arrangement, just recently set up by the Society to avoid needless duplication of work and expense, demanded additional shipping space in Selters.

In 1975 the Germany branch produced 5,838,095 books and 25,289,120 magazines. Two decades later, during the 1998 service year, production had increased to 12,330,998 books, 199,668,630 magazines, and 2,656,184 audiocassettes. This tremendous growth was chiefly due to the demand from countries of Eastern Europe.

As one ban after another was lifted, Selters began shipping literature to additional Eastern European countries. In fact, 68 percent of the literature production at Selters between May 1989 and August 1998, that is to say, 58,793 tons [50,583 MT], was sent to 21 Eastern European and Asian countries. This amounts to the equivalent of a line of 2,529 trucks, each loaded with 23 tons [20 MT] of literature.

Building, But Preaching Too

Since 1975, Jehovah’s Witnesses have done a great deal of construction. And like Noah, who besides being a builder was also “a preacher of righteousness,” the Witnesses endeavor to balance their responsibilities. (2 Pet. 2:5) They recognize that the building activity is an important element of true worship today. At the same time, they keep their eyes clearly focused on the importance and urgency of preaching the good news.

In fact, the Service Department notes that the extra activity in connection with the construction work at Selters actually led to a rise in time spent in field service. And, of course, putting up theocratic structures was in itself a witness. Quickly built Kingdom Halls as well as Assembly Halls have been a constant cause for amazement on the part of observers. Building done by Jehovah’s Witnesses, performed with zeal and devotion, thus helps direct attention to the good news that they preach. Honest people are curious to determine what the power is that motivates Jehovah’s Witnesses in a manner not seen in any other religious group.

Whatever Happened to Magdeburg?

One of the Kingdom Halls dedicated during this period was in Magdeburg. Back in 1923 the Society had moved its German office from Barmen to Magdeburg. In 1927/28 a dignified assembly hall seating about 800 persons was constructed there. Out of appreciation for the Watch Tower Society’s book The Harp of God, the brothers called it the Harp Hall. Its rear wall was embellished with a relief representation of King David playing the harp.

In June 1933 the Nazis confiscated the Society’s property in Magdeburg, closed the factory, and hoisted the swastika over the buildings. After World War II, the property was returned to the Witnesses, but not for long. In August 1950 it was expropriated by Communist officials.

In 1993, after German reunification, a major section of the property was returned to the Society, and reimbursement was made for much of the rest. Included in the section returned was the former Harp Hall. After several months of renovation of the property, Magdeburg had a suitable and needed Kingdom Hall.

“This is the third time these premises have been dedicated—first in the 1920’s, then in 1948, and now again in 1995,” Peter Konschak explained during dedication ceremonies. Willi Pohl, representing the Germany Branch Committee, delivered the dedication talk. As a young man, he had served at the Magdeburg Bethel. In fact, in 1947, when Hayden Covington from the world headquarters visited and spoke to the brothers in this very hall, Brother Pohl served as his interpreter. “You can imagine how I feel delivering this talk,” he confided to the 450 invited guests.

Today, the several Magdeburg congregations that regularly meet in the former Harp Hall are living proof of the truthfulness of Jehovah’s words to his servants, as set down by Isaiah over 2,700 years ago: “Any weapon whatever that will be formed against you will have no success.” Or, as King Hezekiah once reminded his men: “With us there is Jehovah our God to help us and to fight our battles.”—Isa. 54:17; 2 Chron. 32:8.

A Translation Office

A significant aspect of the work done at the Germany branch involves translation. The German Translation Department was transferred from Bern, Switzerland, to Wiesbaden in 1956. At that time it was composed of only four persons. Alice Berner and Erika Surber, who were in that group, served there faithfully until death. Anny Surber, one of the original four, still serves in this department. It has grown over the years, so that now, in most cases, not only Watchtower and Awake! magazines but also bound books are received by the German Witnesses in their language at the same time that these are released in English.

Besides German translation, a certain amount of Russian and Polish translation work had also been going on in Germany as far back as the 1960’s. This had been looked after by the Foreign Service Department, which cared for the work in several countries where the work was banned, including East Germany, Poland, and the Soviet Union.

Once it became possible, some experienced translators from Poland and a number of prospective translators from the Soviet Union were invited to Selters. There they had the necessary equipment as well as comfortable surroundings in which to be further trained for their work. They could also draw upon the experience of the German translators, who offered helpful hints on how to deal with problems common to all translators, regardless of language. Those translators soon came to be dearly loved by the members of the Selters Bethel family.

Of course, the arrangement for training was temporary. In time, the translators were to return to their native countries. So after the new Bethel complex near Warsaw, Poland, was dedicated in 1992 and after the translators had completed a major project, the Polish translators in Germany joined the rest of the Polish translation team in Poland.

Before they left, however, more prospective translators—Russians and Ukrainians—began to arrive for training. The first five made their appearance on September 27, 1991, and others later. All together, more than 30 have come.

In January 1994 the Russian translators left to take up residence in the Bethel then under construction in Solnechnoye, near St. Petersburg. The Ukrainian translators, on the other hand, are at the time of this writing anticipating a move in the near future to a new Bethel home that is planned for Ukraine. From time to time, other translation teams have also worked in Selters and benefited from the help they were given. All of this serves as a constant reminder of Jehovah’s purpose to gather people “out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues” with a view to their making up “a new earth,” the foundation of a human society devoted to serving the only true God, Jehovah.—Rev. 7:9, 10; 2 Pet. 3:13.

A Place for International Seminars

The convenient location of the Germany branch has attracted many visitors. Frankfurt lays claim to having continental Europe’s biggest passenger gateway in the form of the Rhein-Main Airport. Since Selters is less than 40 miles [60 km] from the Frankfurt airport, many Witnesses, even though they are traveling through to another destination, have found it refreshing to make a short visit to tour the facilities and to enjoy for a brief time the hospitality of the branch family.

Selters has also proved to be a good location for international seminars and for meetings at which representatives from various branches can consult with one another. Thus, the Publishing Committee of the Governing Body arranged for representatives from 16 European branches to meet with brothers from Brooklyn for four days in 1992. Their objective was to coordinate their work in order to ensure that there would be an ample supply of spiritual food for all the branches in Europe, including those in lands that were economically disadvantaged.

Even before this, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany were offering Bible literature free of charge to all people interested in reading it. This certainly refutes the charge made by opposers that the Watch Tower Society sells literature in a money-making operation.

Following the seminar in Selters, this arrangement was extended to all of Europe. This has proved to be of special benefit in Eastern Europe, where large numbers of people display a hunger for spiritual things but are often hard-pressed from an economic standpoint. How, then, are the expenses for the worldwide Kingdom work covered? By unsolicited donations made by Jehovah’s Witnesses and other appreciative people. And why do they make such donations? Some do it because they see the value of giving everyone possible the opportunity to learn how applying Bible principles can improve his life now. (Isa. 48:17; 1 Tim. 4:8) Others are also motivated by the desire to share in this way in making it possible for the good news of God’s Kingdom to reach people in all lands before God brings the present wicked system of things to an end.—Matt. 24:14.

A second seminar held later in 1992 centered on a proposal that the Germany branch ship literature directly to individual congregations within European countries rather than send it to the branch offices for reshipment, as had been the arrangement up till then. At a third seminar, in April 1993, measures were taken to include six Central European countries in this arrangement. In February 1994 a seminar for Eastern European countries was held in Vienna, Austria, and provision was made to benefit congregations in 19 additional countries.

The advantages of this arrangement are obvious. Expenses are reduced because there is no need to store literature in each branch; thus, large individual shipping departments in each country are no longer needed. In some countries this arrangement has eliminated the need to expand existing Bethel facilities. And when new Bethel homes are constructed, they no longer need to be so large, since literature storage, packing, and shipping are taken care of in Germany.

Whereas in 1989 the Germany branch stocked some 2,000 items in 59 languages, in 1998 it had 8,900 items in 226 languages. As of April 1998, the branch at Selters, Germany, was supplying 742,144 publishers in 8,857 congregations in 32 countries with their literature needs.

Hatred of True Christians—Not All in the Past

On the last evening before his death, Jesus Christ told his apostles: “Because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, on this account the world hates you. . . . If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:19, 20) So, it was to be expected that after the fall of Hitler’s Third Reich, persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses would not cease altogether in Germany. Likewise, where bans imposed by Communist regimes were lifted, though there was generally greater personal freedom for people, persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses did not cease. It simply took on other forms.—2 Tim. 3:12.

Now, replacing the former persecutors of Jehovah’s people, apostates took up the cudgel to beat their former Christian associates. (Matt. 24:48-51) During the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, these apostates became more vocal, their false accusations more numerous and virulent. Producers of some TV talk shows presented the apostates as being “experts” on Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, some honest people questioned the wisdom of judging the Witnesses on the basis of statements of such disgruntled former members. After one such TV show, a young man phoned the Society’s office in Selters and explained that some years earlier the former Witness who was interviewed had studied the Bible with him. For personal reasons the young man quit his study. But upon seeing the TV program and recognizing his former instructor, the young man became quite upset. He asked: “How can he say such things? He knows what he is saying about the Witnesses is not true.” The result was that the young man resumed his Bible study, this time with an elder in the local congregation.

Of course, there are many people who accept without question what they hear on TV or read in the newspapers. In view of the frequency of the attacks on Jehovah’s Witnesses by the media, the Society prepared a 32-page brochure specifically to counteract this flood of misleading propaganda. It is entitled Your Neighbors, Jehovah’s Witnesses—Who Are They?

The brochure contains factual information taken from a 1994 survey in which approximately 146,000 Witnesses in Germany took part. The survey results easily refuted many of the mistaken ideas people had about the Witnesses. A religion of old women? Four of every ten Witnesses in Germany are males and the Witnesses’ average age is 44. A religion made up of people brainwashed from childhood? Fifty-two percent of all Witnesses became Witnesses as adults. A religion that breaks up families? Nineteen percent of the Witnesses are single, 68 percent are married, 9 percent are widowed, and only 4 percent are divorced, a goodly number of whom were divorced before they ever became Witnesses. A religion opposed to having children? Almost four fifths of the married Witnesses are parents. Composed of people of below average mental ability? A third of the Witnesses speak at least one foreign language, and 69 percent regularly keep up with current events. A religion that forbids its members to enjoy life? On a weekly basis, each Witness spends 14.2 hours on various forms of relaxation. At the same time, he gives priority to spiritual pursuits, spending an average of 17.5 hours a week on religious activities.

An issue that received special attention in the brochure dealt with “little Oliver.” Shortly after his birth in 1991, doctors discovered a small hole in his heart. In due time, Oliver’s mother arranged for an operation, and in harmony with her religious beliefs, she found doctors willing to perform it without blood. But opposers twisted the story in an attempt to discredit Jehovah’s Witnesses. Even after the operation had been successfully performed without transfusing any blood, a newspaper made the case headline news, implying that Oliver, despite the opposition of a “fanatic” mother, had now been rescued by being given ‘lifesaving blood.’ That downright falsehood was refuted in the brochure.

Initially, the brochure was intended only for people who raised questions about false charges being made against the Witnesses. However, in 1996 the cover was redesigned, on the back a free home Bible study was offered, and 1,800,000 copies were distributed throughout Germany.

Providing the Media With Factual Information

In that same year, yet another step was taken to deal with the persistent efforts of opposers to use the media to paint a distorted picture of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Walter Köbe was appointed chairman of a committee in charge of Information Services. He explains: “The massive campaign launched by opponents has forced us to give a supervised response by making information more readily available.” Individuals with the potential for doing effective public relations work were located. Seminars were held to train them. The country was divided into 22 suitable regions, and by 1998 there were hundreds of trained information service workers caring for needs in these areas. They give particular attention to personal contact with editors and journalists.

In connection with the work of this department, arrangements were also made for public showings of the video Jehovah’s Witnesses Stand Firm Against Nazi Assault. The world premiere of the German edition of the Stand Firm video was on November 6, 1996, at the concentration camp memorial in Ravensbrück, where many of Jehovah’s Witnesses had been incarcerated. Members of the press and leading historians were in attendance.

By September 1, 1998, crowds totaling over 269,000 persons had gathered for 331 public showings of this video. Those present included not only Witnesses but also representatives of the press, government officials, and the public. Hundreds of newspapers commented on these showings, in articles that were altogether positive in tone. Of these video presentations, 176 included an exhibition dealing with the Nazi persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

In ever larger numbers, representatives of the media are sharing the feelings of the journalist who in November 1993 wrote in the Meissner Zeitung: “Those of the opinion that Jehovah’s Witnesses blindly and credulously follow an unrealistic Bible teaching will be surprised to discover how precisely they have identified their Exemplar, Jesus Christ, and how they convert this knowledge into a life of purpose.”

After Half a Century, Still Standing Firm

Over half a century has passed since Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany were released from the concentration camps. But their record of integrity has not faded into forgotten history. By means of it, a powerful witness is still being given to the world. Some who were in the concentration camps because of their uncompromising faith are still alive at the time of this writing, and they are as zealous for Jehovah’s service now as they were then. Their courageous stand testifies that Jehovah can preserve his people. Listen to what some of those concentration camp survivors, speaking for hundreds like them, say, and note their ages (as of early 1998), as shown in parentheses:

Heinrich Dickmann (95): “In Sachsenhausen I was forced to watch as my brother August was executed in front of the entire camp. I had the chance to gain immediate release by renouncing my faith. Because I refused to compromise, the camp commander said: ‘Think it over and see how much longer you’ll be alive.’ Five months later he, not I, was dead. My motto was: ‘Trust in Jehovah with all your heart.’ It still is.”

Änne Dickmann (89): “I consider it [the concentration camp experience] as training to help me maintain integrity to the great Creator and Life-Giver, Jehovah. All my experiences enriched my life and brought me closer to God. Faith and love for God is what has motivated me all these years. I was never pushed.”

Josef Rehwald (86): “I look back with satisfaction on this difficult time of testing because despite pressure and suffering, I maintained Christian faith and neutrality. I am convinced I survived only with the help of Almighty God, Jehovah! My Christian conviction now is even stronger than it was then, and my wish is to continue standing uncompromisingly on God’s side.”

Elfriede Löhr (87): “When I recall the things I experienced during eight years of imprisonment under Hitler, I must say nothing was unexpected. It was clear that, on the one hand, the way of truth means struggle and persecution but, on the other hand, joy and victory. I do not consider the time to have been wasted or without benefit.”

Maria Hombach (97): “I bubble over with joy in knowing I had the unique privilege of proving my love and gratefulness to Jehovah under the cruelest of circumstances. No one forced me to do this! On the contrary, the ones who tried to force us were our enemies who tried by threats to get us to obey Hitler more than God. But without success! Having a good conscience, I was happy even while behind prison walls.”

Gertrud Poetzinger (86): “I was sentenced to three and a half years of solitary confinement. As I was being taken back to my cell after being sentenced, the officer said: ‘Thank you. You have encouraged me to believe in God once again. Stay as courageous as you are, and you will have no problem getting through the three and a half years.’ How true! It was while I was in solitary confinement that I especially experienced Jehovah’s love and the strength he gives.”

Yes, concentration camp survivors continue to stand firm. Now over half a century after their release, the course of integrity of these Witnesses is still speaking out as a witness to the world and a praise to Jehovah. What an encouragement for all of God’s servants!

The preaching of the good news is not yet finished in Germany. Since the end of World War II, upwards of 800,000,000 hours have been devoted to telling people here about God’s Kingdom. At the same time, the ministry of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany has touched the lives of people in many other lands. They view themselves, not as a separate national group, but as part of a global family made up of worshipers of Jehovah.

A striking evidence of this international unity was seen in 1998 when 217,472 persons attended the five “God’s Way of Life” International Conventions held in Germany. Delegates came from many lands; the entire program was presented in 13 languages. The conventions emphasized the need for continued faithfulness and for persistence in preaching the good news. With Jehovah’s help, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany are determined to continue loyally on God’s way of life.

[Map on page 79]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

WEST GERMANY

Hamburg

Meckenheim

Selters

Frankfurt

Wiesbaden

Reutlingen

Munich

EAST GERMANY

Berlin

Magdeburg

Glauchau

[Full-page picture on page 66]

[Picture on page 69]

“Triumphant Kingdom” International Assembly, Nuremberg, 1955

[Pictures on page 73]

German Witnesses have helped many immigrants to benefit from Bible truth

[Picture on page 88]

Wiesbaden Bethel complex in 1980

[Picture on page 90]

Branch Committee (left to right). Front row: Günter Künz, Edmund Anstadt, Ramon Templeton, Willi Pohl. Rear: Eberhard Fabian, Richard Kelsey, Werner Rudtke, Peter Mitrega

[Pictures on page 95]

Some of the ten Assembly Halls in use in Germany

1. Glauchau

2. Reutlingen

3. Munich

4. Meckenheim

5. Berlin

[Picture on page 99]

Martin and Gertrud Poetzinger

[Pictures on page 100, 101]

Branch facilities in Selters

[Pictures on page 102]

Some from Germany in foreign missionary service: (1) Manfred Tonak, (2) Margarita Königer, (3) Paul Engler, (4) Karl Sömisch, (5) Günter Buschbeck

[Pictures on page 110]

As bans were lifted, large shipments of literature were dispatched to Eastern Europe

[Pictures on page 118]

Berlin convention, 1990

[Pictures on page 124]

First Kingdom Hall built in former East Germany

[Pictures on page 132, 133]

Dedication program—at Selters (shown above), then at six stadiums throughout Germany

[Picture on page 139]

Tools to counteract a flood of misinformation

[Pictures on page 140, 141]

Though confined in concentration camps (where Jehovah’s Witnesses were identified by a purple triangle), these loyal Christians (here shown at Brandenburg in 1995) remained firm in faith

[Pictures on page 147]

Opposite page, clockwise: Heinrich Dickmann, Änne Dickmann, Gertrud Poetzinger, Maria Hombach, Josef Rehwald, Elfriede Löhr

Malawi

WELCOME to the warm heart of Africa! With its lovely climate and friendly people, Malawi is indeed a warm country with plenty of appeal. Especially appealing to many is the heartwarming message of Bible truth being preached by more than 40,000 Witnesses of Jehovah God.

There was a time, however, not too long ago, when these humble servants of God faced much tribulation. Instead of their being shown warm friendship by their neighbors, they were subjected to the fierce heat of persecution, horrors reminiscent of the pogroms against the Jews and the Inquisition of the Middle Ages. The record of what they experienced and how they endured is a remarkable example of integrity under adversity. Before we tell their story, though, take a look at the country itself.

A Look at Malawi

Although it is a very small country, Malawi boasts a beautiful variety of mountains, rivers, and lakes. Mount Mulanje, in the south of the country, is particularly breathtaking. From the low surroundings of the verdant tea estates below, it rises majestically to a height of 9,849 feet [3,002 m] above sea level, making it the highest mountain in this part of Africa. Probably the best-known attraction, however, is 360-mile-long [580 km] Lake Malawi. The famous explorer David Livingstone called it “the lake of stars” because of the way the sun glistens on its surface. In it are found hundreds of species of fish—more, it has been said, than in any other freshwater lake in the world.

The friendliness of Malawi’s 11 million inhabitants is welcoming. They flash broad, warm smiles and manifest an eagerness to help. Love for God’s Word is also evident. The Bible has been available for about a hundred years in Chichewa, Yao, and Tumbuka, major languages spoken in Malawi. Almost every household owns at least one copy, and many people read it regularly. Most Malawians are poor in a material way, but by accepting the help offered by Jehovah’s Witnesses, some have found great spiritual wealth within the pages of their Bibles.

The activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Malawi stretches back to the early part of this century. It was introduced to the people here in quite a dramatic way.

‘Like Wildfire Catching the Grass’

Our story begins with Joseph Booth, a colorful but controversial character. Fired with enthusiasm after reading some publications of the Watch Tower Society, he met C. T. Russell in 1906. He convinced Brother Russell of the need for a representative of the Watch Tower Society in southern Africa. Since Joseph Booth had previously worked in Malawi, or Nyasaland as it was then called, it appeared that he might render valuable service. Unknown to Brother Russell, though, was the bad reputation that this man had in this part of the world. He had become known as what a writer later described as a “religious hitchhiker,” using one denomination of Christendom after another in order to pursue his own aims. As a result of this, Booth was very unpopular with the local authorities and was no longer even welcome in Malawi. Once again, though, this experienced “hitchhiker” had successfully thumbed a ride!

Knowing that he could not go directly to Malawi, Booth first established a base in South Africa. There he met up with Elliott Kamwana, an old acquaintance from Malawi. Before long, Booth instructed this young man to return home. On his arrival, in 1908, Elliott Kamwana began a campaign of public preaching, loosely basing his message on some of the Watch Tower Society’s publications. McCoffie Nguluh, who died as a faithful elder a few years ago, had his first contact with the truth back then. He described Kamwana’s preaching as being like “wildfire catching the grass.” The effects of Kamwana’s preaching, with his dramatic open-air baptisms, did indeed spread rapidly, like a bushfire, through Malawi. Thousands responded, and many “congregations” were soon established.

However, neither Booth nor Kamwana had ever left “Babylon the Great.” (Rev. 17:5; 18:4) Their aims were really politically motivated. It was not long before the dubious preaching methods of Elliott Kamwana were attracting the unfavorable attention of government authorities in Malawi. He was soon deported to the Seychelles. By 1910, Joseph Booth had also moved on and was finished as far as the Watch Tower Society was concerned. Sadly, these two men had done more harm than good, but there was one redeeming feature: Many publications containing Bible truth had been distributed throughout the country. During the next few years, honesthearted ones, such as McCoffie Nguluh, would respond favorably to what they read.

“Watch Tower Movements” Cause Confusion

Following this unsatisfactory start in Malawi, the Society sent William Johnston, a well-qualified brother from Glasgow, Scotland, to investigate the situation. He found that many so-called congregations had been established but that their grasp of Bible truth was poor. However, there were some genuine truth-seekers. From among these Brother Johnston trained a few local men to take the lead before he moved to South Africa. Then a long time passed before further attention was given to the work in Malawi. Terrible confusion developed. This caused adversity for the Bible Students, as Jehovah’s Witnesses were then known, and tested their integrity.

In imitation of the charismatic style of Elliott Kamwana, many movements sprang up that mixed some Bible truth with false doctrines and unscriptural practices. Because such movements used Watch Tower publications to some degree, they often included Watch Tower in their name. This caused problems for our few genuine brothers in the country. Without their having proper oversight and needed spiritual food, it is remarkable that the activity of these genuine brothers did not fade out altogether. Yet, they continued to meet together and to witness to others, and they endeavored to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.—1 Pet. 2:21.

Taking advantage of the situation, the local religious leaders slandered the Bible Students by falsely identifying them with the movements that had dishonestly adopted the name Watch Tower. In time, however, the difference between these local sects and our brothers became clearly evident. Prompted by disturbing reports from members of Christendom’s clergy, the chief commissioner of police made an investigation in the early 1920’s. In disguise, he personally attended several meetings of the Bible Students. His reaction? Disgust at the wicked lies being circulated about them. Nevertheless, the confusion caused by these false “Watch Tower movements” continued for many years.

Organizing the Work

In 1925 the Society once more turned its attention to Malawi. John Hudson spent 15 months in the country, giving talks in the congregations. He endeavored to help our brothers to appreciate the importance of keeping in touch with the Watch Tower Society, which was being used by “the faithful and discreet slave,” and accepting its leading and direction.—Matt. 24:45-47.

Gresham Kwazizirah, from Ntcheu, was one who benefited from Brother Hudson’s visit to Malawi. In the same year that Brother Hudson went to Malawi, Gresham got baptized. He was promptly confronted with a serious test. At the instigation of clergymen of his former church, he was charged with subversive teaching. As a result, he was placed in custody. What would he do? Would fear cause him to renounce his faith? After a month, following an investigation by the provincial authorities, Brother Kwazizirah was cleared of the charges and released. Of far greater importance, however, was the fact that he had determined to be loyal to Jehovah and his organization. Jehovah could use people who manifested such a spirit. Following a period of work in Mozambique, Brother Kwazizirah himself enjoyed many privileges as he shared in spreading the Kingdom message and building up the congregations in Malawi. (See The Watchtower, November 1, 1972.)

Brother Hudson’s visit also proved to be a real stimulus to McCoffie Nguluh and Junior Phiri. These two brothers later moved to South Africa, where both served faithfully for many years. Richard Kalinde likewise benefited from his association with John Hudson. Before leaving the country, Brother Hudson arranged for Richard Kalinde to provide oversight for the preaching of the good news until further help arrived.

However, not all were happy with Brother Hudson’s visit. Brother Nguluh described the reactions of such ones. “We shall not get our teaching from men in Cape Town,” they said. “We shall do what we think is right.” Unwilling to accept the Society’s direction, these set up their own “Watch Tower movements.” On the other hand, those who were genuine truth-seekers showed a more humble attitude. They kept in touch with the Society’s office in South Africa and showed appreciation for the instruction and guidance provided through that channel. It soon became evident to the branch there that this small nucleus of sincerely interested ones needed more help.

A Permanent Representative in the Country

An exciting event in the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Malawi occurred in 1933. Application for the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society to have a permanent representative in the country was made. The governor said that he “would welcome such a move,” and he approved the request. At last, arrangements could be made to carry on the preaching of the good news in Malawi on a more consistent basis. Accordingly, under the direction of the South Africa branch, a literature depot, along with an office, was established in May 1934, with Bert McLuckie overseeing the work.

Having been baptized in 1930, Brother McLuckie was still quite new in the truth. However, he had proved himself to be a very effective pioneer in his previous assignments in Madagascar and Mauritius. On arriving in Malawi, he obtained a small two-room facility in the capital, Zomba, in the south of the country. One room was used for the literature depot and office; the other for sleeping accommodations. Brother McLuckie, who was single at the time, described this new assignment as a lonely one, “bringing greater responsibility than ever before.”

Of great assistance to him was Richard Kalinde, who became a close companion. The main task at first was to clear up the confusion that affected our brothers as a result of the existence of the false “Watch Tower movements.” This did not prove to be as difficult as had been expected. For one thing, most of the officials recognized that the indigenous sects had nothing to do with the genuine Watch Tower Society. Also, the office in South Africa had given Bert McLuckie clear guidelines on how to handle the situation. Following through on these, he visited group after group in all parts of Malawi, with Brother Kalinde acting as his interpreter. Such visits to the congregations helped many to withdraw their support from the improper “Watch Tower movements” and their leaders.

Jehovah’s blessing was evident. A solid theocratic organization was finally being established. Field service reports were also collected for the first time. In 1934 these showed an average of 28 publishers.

New Assignment at Zomba Depot

After working in Malawi for about a year, Bert McLuckie was recalled to South Africa. Subsequently, he served loyally in Jehovah’s service in other parts of southern Africa for more than 60 years, before his death in 1995. Another member of the McLuckie family, his brother Bill, replaced him in Malawi.

Prior to this, Bill McLuckie was pioneering in South Africa, though he had not yet been baptized. George Phillips, the branch servant in South Africa, asked Bill if he would like to take up an assignment in Malawi. On accepting, he was told: “Of course, you will have to get baptized first.” Bill got baptized and arrived at the Zomba depot in March 1935. He was 26 years old. This faithful brother proved his integrity in Malawi under much adversity until his deportation in 1972.

What was it like in those early days? Bill McLuckie, 89 years of age in 1998 and living in South Africa with his family, still remembered the cramped surroundings of that depot in Zomba. He said: “The bedroom was no wider than a fireplace [four feet six inches] [1.4 m]. It was rather stuffy, so I used to keep the windows open at night until a policeman stuck his head in one night and said: ‘Bwana [Sir], you had better close these windows. Leopards stroll about these streets at night.’ So I closed them.”

Despite the uncomfortable conditions, it proved to be most advantageous to have the depot in the capital city. With the government offices and police headquarters nearby, Brother McLuckie was able to respond quickly to any charges made against the Society as a result of the continued confusing of Jehovah’s Witnesses with the false “Watch Tower movements.” As his brother had done before him, Bill McLuckie worked patiently with the officials to iron out any misunderstandings. Jehovah’s Witnesses had come to have a favorable reputation.

Cleaning Up the Organization

Bill McLuckie worked hard with the brothers to build up appreciation for Jehovah’s standards as set out in the Bible. This included helping the brothers to understand that such unscriptural practices as sexual immorality, spiritism, and misuse of alcohol could have no place in the lives of Jehovah’s Witnesses. (1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Rev. 22:15) Of invaluable help in this work was Gresham Kwazizirah. He served extensively in the traveling work, especially in the north of the country. Brother McLuckie described him as being made of “mature, honest material.” Brother Kwazizirah became known for loyally upholding the Bible’s righteous standards at all times. Whenever he came across any who were engaging in immoral conduct while professing to serve Jehovah, Brother Kwazizirah would boldly confront them. If they admitted their unchristian conduct, he would take away their publications, telling such ones that they were not true Jehovah’s Witnesses. He would also prevent them from sharing in the field service anymore. Many cleaned up their lives as a result of such firm action. It was Brother Kwazizirah who sadly reported that Richard Kalinde had taken up practices that were inconsistent with the Christian way of life. Consequently, this formerly zealous brother could no longer be used to represent Jehovah’s clean organization.

Because of this firm position regarding the Bible’s high moral standard, Jehovah’s Witnesses came to be known as people of integrity. This often proved to be a protection for them.

Jehovah’s blessing upon a clean organization became evident as the number of those actively praising him increased. By 1943 the average monthly figure for publishers was 2,464 associated with 144 congregations—a fine increase from just 28 publishers ten years earlier!

Waking Up Malawi

During 1944 the expression “the New World,” which was frequently used in Watch Tower publications, made a real hit with the population of Malawi. As explained in those publications, it referred to Jehovah’s new system of things—a new human society ruled over by God’s heavenly Kingdom in the hands of Jesus Christ. (Dan. 7:13, 14; 2 Pet. 3:13) From the Bible, those publications showed that in the new world, the earth will become a paradise; humans will live at peace with the animals; wars will cease; earth’s abundance will be available to everyone; sickness and death will be no more; even the dead will be raised and given the opportunity to live forever.—Ps. 67:5, 6; Isa. 2:4; 11:6-9; Luke 23:43; John 5:28, 29; Rev. 21:3, 4.

One brother, when delivering a talk on this subject, explained it this way, using some local flavor: “When Adam sinned, no children were born to him in the garden; all were born in the ‘bush’ and, friends, we are still in the ‘bush.’ We have not yet returned to the garden. But the time is near now when we will leave this matekenya (jigger-flea) world to enter the new, fully established world of Jehovah.”

Discourses about God’s new world had such an impact that in one part of the country, a crowd of interested people followed the brothers around from place to place, drinking in the Bible’s promises of Paradise. In another area, after a number of local clergymen had listened to a talk about the new world, they were so moved by what they learned that they went en masse to a European missionary and said: “Why have you kept these things hidden from us? Today we see young boys and girls calling on the people and telling them the most wonderful things they have ever heard! And here you have given us doctrines to preach that are now revealed to be false!”

In 1946 the number of Kingdom publishers in Malawi passed the 3,000 mark, and the brothers were really waking up the country.

Of course, not everyone was happy about the message of God’s new world. Earlier, the government had banned the importation of Watch Tower publications, which told about that new world. This had little effect, however, since there was a sizable stock of literature already in the country. Now, in an effort to offset the impact of the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses, some clergymen tried to imitate the expressions and methods of the Witnesses. “We too are preaching the new world,” they claimed. A few even attempted to make return visits on their members, but in a few weeks, they gave up.

The religious leaders also endeavored to persuade village headmen to refuse to let Jehovah’s Witnesses preach in their areas. It was customary to ask for permission from the village headman before giving a talk in a village. But if the headman had come under the influence of the local religious leaders, no public meeting could be held there.

However, many village chiefs warmly welcomed Jehovah’s Witnesses. The brothers often received invitations to come and give talks. One village chief heard such a talk in a small town called Lizulu, where he learned the true condition of the dead. (Eccl. 9:5; Ezek. 18:4) Shortly afterward, he attended a funeral service conducted by some religious leaders. The audience was told that the child who had died “is now an angel in heaven.” The old chief grunted, climbed stiffly to his feet, turned to his headman, and asked for some snuff. Then, snuffing vigorously, he moved off the scene, saying: “Huh, at Lizulu we heard where the dead are. This is all lies!”

A Special Visit

A very special event took place in January 1948, when N. H. Knorr and M. G. Henschel, from the Society’s headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, visited Malawi. This was the first visit ever by brothers from the world headquarters. A meeting was arranged at the Blantyre Town Hall for the Europeans and Indians living in the city. Considering that there were only 250 Europeans living in Blantyre at that time, an attendance of 40 to hear the public talk was encouraging. The next day, the visiting brothers attended an open-air assembly held for the African brothers. Bill McLuckie, who was by then fluent in Chichewa, acted as interpreter. For the public talk in the afternoon, there was an attendance of 6,000. As there was no public-address equipment, the brothers on the program had to speak with strong voices so that all could hear. At one point heavy rain interrupted the talk, and the public began to scatter to the shelter of trees or houses nearby. But the Witnesses remained, and Brother Knorr brought his talk to a close while holding an umbrella over his head. The very fact that this mzungu (white man) stood in the rain to finish his talk to an African audience showed the public that Jehovah’s Witnesses are truly interested in their welfare, for local Europeans would never have done that.

The visit of Brothers Knorr and Henschel gave tremendous impetus to the work. That year, 1948, the number of publishers passed the 5,600 mark, and new ones were joining the ranks very fast. In some places it was hard to find sufficient territory for witnessing!

Branch Operations Begin

In the meantime, the Society’s depot had moved from Zomba to Blantyre, the commercial center of the country, situated farther to the south. Then on September 1, 1948, after the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Malawi had for many years been under the supervision of the South Africa branch, a branch office was established in Malawi, with Bill McLuckie as the first branch servant. The needs of the field in Malawi could now be cared for directly, with supervision from the world headquarters.

By that time there were a number of mature, experienced brothers who could serve as circuit servants to visit the congregations in order to strengthen the brothers. Circuit assemblies were being held twice a year, and Gresham Kwazizirah served as district servant for the entire country. In the office, Bill McLuckie was kept very busy too—often working at his typewriter until the early hours of the morning.

There was still much to be done, and more help was needed. So Peter Bridle and Fred Smedley, graduates of the Gilead missionary school, were warmly welcomed on their arrival in 1949. These and other graduates of Gilead gave much-needed assistance to the hard-pressed branch servant. Now it was possible to give more attention to the way that the congregations and assemblies were operating.

“I’ll Never Make This!”

Coming to Malawi, especially back then, could be a startling change for someone from Europe or North America. There were none of the modern conveniences to which such a person might have been formerly accustomed. No electrical appliances could be found in the African bush. What a local person might view as a normal part of life might be distressing to a foreigner. How would a new missionary adapt?

Recalling his first impressions upon arriving in Malawi after a tiring train journey from the port of Beira, in Mozambique, Peter Bridle says: “When we eventually arrived at the Shire River, it was just getting dark. Big beetles were flying around. They gathered around the lamps and absolutely blotted them out. They were around one’s neck, crawling in and out of clothing. I said to Jehovah: ‘I can’t stand this. This is going to be too much for me. I’ll never make this!’ We then crossed the river and went into the train, which was in the station. Its lights were very, very dim. I soon realized why—it was to stop those insects from coming in. We were served a meal, which started with soup. We could hardly see across the table to the other person, the lights were so dim. As we ate the soup, we sucked it through our teeth to keep the insects out, and I said to Jehovah: ‘Please, I think this is too much for me this time. I won’t make this!’”

On a later trip to the same area, Brother Bridle had problems delivering a public talk. Why? He explains: “The mosquitoes were unbelievable. When I gave a talk one evening, I had my trousers tucked into my socks. There was a towel over my head and tucked into my shirt. I had elastic bands round my sleeves, so that just my hands and my face were showing. I was giving the talk through an interpreter. I would say a sentence and then wipe mosquitoes off my face. Then I wiped both hands and my face again. As soon as the interpreter finished, I would say another sentence and then do the same again.”

In spite of these situations, Peter Bridle and others like him did make it, with Jehovah’s help. The majority of the missionaries assigned to Malawi served faithfully for many years. Their whole-souled efforts brought many blessings to the Malawian field.

More Mature Local Brothers

Meanwhile, more local brothers were progressing to Christian maturity. These brothers too benefited from association with the missionaries. One such brother was Alexander Mafambana—Alex, as he was most often called. Alex was a very capable individual. He was born in Mozambique, was the son of a chief, and was to have succeeded his father as chief. But after moving to South Africa to find work, Alex came in contact with Jehovah’s Witnesses and gained an accurate knowledge of Bible truth. He concluded that doing what was expected of a chief would involve compromising Christian principles. In order to avoid problems, he decided to settle in Malawi. Before long, Brother Mafambana became a pioneer, and in 1952 he began helping at the branch office in Blantyre. His knowledge of several languages was especially helpful in processing letters from the field. In 1958/59 he had the opportunity to attend the missionary school of Gilead, and he graduated with the class that included Jack and Linda Johansson, who were also assigned to Malawi.

Another brother who learned the truth in South Africa was Kenneth Chimbaza. After his baptism there in 1942, he returned to Malawi. It was not long before Brother Chimbaza gave evidence that he was developing the qualities of a mature Christian. After pioneering for a while, he served extensively as a traveling overseer. Some of the missionaries who arrived later enjoyed working along with Brother Chimbaza and his wife, Elisi, and their young son, Maimba. In this manner they were introduced to the way of life in Malawi.

Truly, such mature brothers proved to be precious “gifts in men.”—Eph. 4:8.

Missionaries Promote Increase

The missionaries who served faithfully in Malawi are still remembered with fondness, especially by the longtimers who had an opportunity to work along with them in those days. Some of these missionaries found that their new assignment required that they make major changes in their way of life, but love moved them to do it.

Malcolm Vigo arrived as a single man in 1957. After supper on his first night at the branch office, he eagerly wanted to know what his assignment was going to be. Lonnie Nail, a Gilead graduate who had arrived the preceding year and who was then branch servant, informed him that he would be assigned to the traveling work. After a language course or orientation period? No, there was no such provision at that time. He would start the very next day!

Missionaries assigned to the traveling work soon learned that in addition to serving the congregations, if they were going to drive a vehicle, they had to be mechanics. They also found that roads were often no more than faint tracks in the bush. Of course, the local brothers appreciated their efforts and did all they could to make life easier for them. Usually, a neat grass-roofed house and toilet would be built for use by the missionary and, if married, his wife. But for the sisters who traveled with their husbands, the eerie noises of the night could be particularly scary! It took a while to get used to the chilling “laugh” of hyenas and the “orchestra” of noises from the great variety of insects.

Jack Johansson recalls that setting up a convention in the bush was quite a challenge. First the site was cleared, and then in most instances everything was built out of materials found right there in the bush. But brothers and sisters, young and old, were happy to offer their support. At a convention site near Mulanje, an elderly brother with a happy face approached Brother Johansson, saying: “I also want to help in this work.” That did not seem unusual. But later Brother Johansson learned that the brother had spent nearly a month walking some 500 miles [800 km] to the assembly site, and the first thing he did on arriving was volunteer to help with setting up the convention facilities! With such a willing spirit, the brothers and sisters transformed the bush into a “stadium” with seating for 6,000 people!

The missionaries contributed toward improved organization of the congregations and circuits in Malawi. Such brothers as Hal Bentley, Eddie Dobart, Keith Eaton, Harold Guy, Jack Johansson, Rod Sharp, and Malcolm Vigo did good work as district overseers. The local Witnesses responded well to the loving counsel and direction they received. As a result, the congregation meetings and the preaching of the Kingdom message became better organized. At the same time, the brothers and sisters were being stabilized in the truth, in preparation for adversity that lay ahead.

Europeans Get a Witness

Some of the missionaries were in time assigned to work in the branch office, and they were kept very busy there too. This afforded some of the wives an opportunity to witness in the European part of the field in Blantyre and Zomba. Phyllis Bridle, Linda Johansson, Linda Louise Vigo, Anne Eaton, and others did much good work in this territory. At times, the Europeans were prejudiced against our work, often as a result of continued confusion with the “Watch Tower movements.” But these sisters made good use of opportunities to set matters straight and to talk to them about God’s Kingdom.

Most Europeans and Asians in Malawi owned their own businesses or had lucrative work contracts. Generally, they were satisfied with their lot in life. Nevertheless, some Europeans and local English-speaking people did respond favorably to the truth. A few got baptized—one of them in the bathtub at Bethel!

“An Interchange of Encouragement”

As the missionaries spent time with the local brothers and sisters, genuine racial harmony developed among them. This was well expressed in a note written by Alex Mafambana to some of his missionary friends: “If there is a ‘gap’ in the world, it is between East and West. As for us, we possess the most uniting bond ever created: Agape!” How different this was from the attitude of those outside Jehovah’s organization! Europeans generally considered themselves superior to the Africans and had little to do with them. Nevertheless, one thing needed to be cleared up. That was the use of the title Bwana by the local brothers. This title was often used when greeting Europeans, including the missionaries. It implied that Europeans were the lords or masters of the Africans. So whenever a local brother would address a missionary with the title Bwana, the missionary would remind him: “Jehovah’s Witnesses are brothers, not Bwanas!”

The benefits were not one-sided. The missionaries learned a lot from working along with their African brothers and sisters. Many firm friendships were forged. True to the apostle Paul’s words, there was “an interchange of encouragement.”—Rom. 1:12.

Praising Jehovah in Song

Anyone who spends time in Africa soon notices that the people love to sing. This they do without accompaniment, using only their voices, and in beautiful harmony. Malawi is no exception. Even when there was no songbook available in Chichewa, the brothers made up their own songs. Taking the popular melodies from the songs of Christendom, they changed the words to sing about such themes as the Kingdom, the ministry, and Armageddon. Although these songs were not written down, all the brothers knew them and sang them beautifully. At assemblies, when enthusiasm ran high, they would often sing the chorus after each verse, not only once but twice! When Brother Knorr visited in 1953, he was especially moved by this beautiful harmonizing. In his report, he said: “It must be mentioned that the singing was unusually delightful.”

When the Society’s new English songbook, Songs to Jehovah’s Praise, arrived at the branch in 1950, it was decided that a songbook should also be produced in Chichewa. But how could the brothers be taught to read music? They could all sing, but they were not accustomed to reading notes. The branch decided to use tonic sol-fa notation, which uses the “do, re, mi” method of indicating musical notes. Some of the brothers had learned it at school. Peter Bridle, who put much effort into this project, remembers what was involved. He says: “We sat down together with the translators and worked on it. We had to make sure that the translated words fitted well enough with the music. So bit by bit, we produced the songbook.”

The Chichewa edition of Songs to Jehovah’s Praise was very popular with the brothers. The branch printed it on an old mimeograph machine, using any paper they could obtain. As a result, those early songbooks were not especially robust and often needed replacing. But the brothers did not mind. They were happy just to have the songs to sing. Two or three thousand copies would be obtained by the brothers every time an assembly was held! Eventually, Brooklyn took over the printing of this songbook, but not before some 50,000 copies had been produced locally!

New Facilities for the Branch

Over the years, the Kingdom work in Malawi had been supervised from a number of different locations, generally with cramped quarters. In the mid-1950’s, however, the decision was made to put up a building designed specifically to accommodate the branch office, with living quarters for the Bethel workers. To that end, in 1956 a piece of property was purchased in Blantyre. In May 1958 the building was ready for occupation. How thrilled the brothers were!

A few years later, the branch office had a very well-known neighbor. The building next door, Mudi House, became the official residence of the prime minister of Malawi, Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda.

Sadly, after all the hard work involved in building the branch office and Bethel Home, this fine facility did not stay in the hands of the Society for very long.

An Encouraging Visit

In 1963, Milton Henschel from the Society’s world headquarters paid another visit to Malawi. He arrived soon after the convention in Liberia during which he, along with many local brothers and sisters, was physically mistreated by soldiers. A large national assembly was held near the airport, a few kilometers out of Blantyre. Brothers from all over Malawi attended, from “Nsanje [in the south] to Karonga [in the north],” as one old-timer put it. The audience of some 10,000 really appreciated the fine talks delivered by Brother Henschel and other speakers. Rarely did gatherings of Jehovah’s Witnesses receive mention by the press, but this time a write-up about the assembly appeared even in one of the national newspapers.

The political situation was becoming tense in the country, so it was especially encouraging to the brothers to attend this assembly. They heard how Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide take a firm stand for Bible principles. Regarding that assembly, Brother Mafambana, the chairman, said: “Remember, some delegates cycled over 400 miles [600 km] each way to attend. They felt that it was their Christian responsibility to attend and were prepared to face hardships to meet that requirement. This is evidence of the firm Christian faith held by so many.”

Rumblings of Trouble

Early in the 1960’s, the spirit of nationalism was running high in Malawi. In harmony with an agreement made with Britain, full self-rule was to be granted in mid-1964 after a general election. In the meantime, Dr. Banda was installed as an internal prime minister for the colony. Before the general election, the government arranged for a voluntary registration of voters to take place from December 30, 1963, to January 19, 1964.

It was at this time that Jehovah’s Witnesses in Malawi first found themselves thrust into what the San Francisco Examiner (published in the U.S.A.) later described as “a religious war . . . a very one-sided war, pitting force against faith.” Jehovah’s Witnesses were not the ones that declared war. In accord with Bible teachings, they show respect for secular rulers and conscientiously pay their taxes. (Luke 20:19-25; Rom. 13:1-7) However, because Jesus Christ said that his followers would be “no part of the world,” Jehovah’s Witnesses also maintain a position of strict neutrality as to the wars of the nations and their political affairs.—John 17:16; Acts 5:28, 29.

As the fever of voter registration gripped the country, the Witnesses exercised their right not to register. When party officials noticed their neutral stand, however, violent persecution broke out. Efforts were made to force the Witnesses to change their minds and buy party membership cards. During this period reports were received at the branch office, showing that more than 100 Kingdom Halls and well over 1,000 homes of our brothers had been burned or torn down. Hundreds of fields and food stores were torched. Sadly, as a result, many families of Jehovah’s Witnesses now found themselves without food or shelter. Some fled for their lives into neighboring Mozambique. Many suffered severe beatings. Among these was Kenneth Chimbaza, a traveling overseer. Not many years after experiencing such mistreatment, he died, evidently as a result of injuries that he had sustained.

Integrity Under Trial

The experiences of keeping integrity under persecution were numerous. For example, there were two sisters not far from Blantyre who had 11 children to look after between them. Their husbands had succumbed to political pressure and bought party membership cards. Now the sisters were pressured to buy cards. They refused. The party officials told them that they would be back the next day to see if the sisters had changed their minds. Sure enough, the following morning a large crowd came to fetch them. They were then taken to a public place, threatened with rape, and beaten for refusing to buy party cards. The sisters stood firm. They were then given permission to go home, only to be brought back the next day. Again they were beaten, and this time stripped naked in front of the crowd. Still, the sisters would not compromise.

Now the persecutors changed their method. “We have phoned your office,” they said, “and have spoken to Johansson and McLuckie and Mafambana. They told us that you should buy your own cards, as they themselves have already bought their cards, like all other Jehovah’s Witnesses in [Malawi]. So you are the only two women left in the whole country who have not bought cards. You had better get yours now.” The sisters answered: “We serve only Jehovah God. So if the brothers at the branch office have bought cards, that does not make any difference to us. We will not compromise, even if you kill us!” (Compare Romans 14:12.) Finally, the two sisters were allowed to go free.

These two humble, faithful sisters were not able to read or write, but they had deep love for Jehovah and his law. Their firm stand echoed the words of Psalm 56:11: “In God I have put my trust. I shall not be afraid. What can earthling man do to me?”

Efforts to Clarify Our Position

As serious incidents escalated, the Society worked hard to get the authorities to put a stop to the persecution. Contact was made with the prime minister’s office, and an interview was granted with Dr. Banda on January 30, 1964. On that occasion, Jack Johansson was able to explain clearly the neutral stand of Jehovah’s Witnesses, basing his discussion on Romans chapter 13. The prime minister seemed quite pleased with what had been said, and when Brother Johansson left, Dr. Banda thanked him very much.

Just four days later, however, an attack was made on a group of Witnesses in the Mulanje region. Elaton Mwachande was brutally murdered. An arrow was shot through the neck of Mona Mwiwaula, an elderly Witness, and she was left for dead. Remarkably, this sister survived, and her testimony was later used to bring the hooligans to trial. When news of this horrible incident reached the branch office, an urgent telegram was dispatched to the prime minister’s office.

The result was another meeting with Dr. Banda as well as two of his ministers, on February 11, 1964. Harold Guy and Alexander Mafambana accompanied Jack Johansson. This time, though, the mood was very different. Waving the telegram in the air, Dr. Banda said: “Mr. Johansson, what do you mean by sending a telegram like this one?” The brothers calmly tried to assure the prime minister of our neutral stand and obedience to the laws of the land. But the prime minister and his companions argued that Jehovah’s Witnesses were deliberately provoking their attackers. The meeting ended on a negative note, with Jehovah’s Witnesses being blamed for the confused situation in the country. Brother Johansson was even threatened with immediate deportation. However, it appears that Dr. Banda’s anger was directed more toward the incompetence of his two ministers who were unable to present sound evidence of provocation by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Interestingly, in the trial that followed the murder of Brother Mwachande, the acting judge, Mr. L. M. E. Emejulu, found no evidence that Jehovah’s Witnesses had in any way provoked their attackers, as the government had claimed. The judge stated: “I see no evidence of provocation. It is true that Jehovah’s Witnesses determinedly propagated their faith and sought to win converts, but they were alive to their civic duties and they did all they were asked to do . . . They only refused to join any political party.”

As the excitement of voter registration wore off, the prime minister appealed for peace and calm in the country. “No trouble to the Europeans, police, Indians, even the Jehovah’s Witnesses,” he said. “Forgive them!” In July 1964, amid much excitement, the colony of Nyasaland became an independent republic and changed its name to Malawi. The persecution finally came to an end, but not before the lives of eight of Jehovah’s servants had been violently snuffed out.

A Brief Period of Calm

As 1964 drew to a close, a time of comparative quiet had come for our brothers. Some formerly bitter enemies became curious to learn more about the “secret” that enabled their victims to take a firm stand despite all the persecution. As a result of this, the preaching of the Kingdom message surged forward once more.

In the early part of 1966, there was another opportunity to explain the neutral position of Jehovah’s Witnesses to Dr. Banda. The Watch Tower Society had requested permission for more missionaries to enter the country. Dr. Banda, who controlled the issuing of permits to Europeans entering Malawi, had asked why more missionaries were needed. This resulted in a meeting between Dr. Banda and Malcolm Vigo, the branch servant. Dr. Banda stressed that he did not want anyone engaging in politics. Brother Vigo assured him once again of our obedience to the laws of the land and our neutral stand in matters of politics.—Rom. 13:1-7.

By 1967 the average number of publishers had risen to more than 17,000. During this period of calm, two more Gilead graduates, Keith and Anne Eaton, arrived in the country. When they met the Johanssons at the branch office, Linda enthusiastically assured them, “You’ve come to the most peaceful country in Africa!” Little did they know that serious trouble was brewing.

Situation Worsens Again

Following a brief language course, Keith Eaton, along with his wife, Anne, was assigned to the district work. At the start, they were favored with the loving assistance of Kenneth Chimbaza and his family. Always willing to help, young Maimba was especially delighted to carry Brother Eaton’s witnessing bag whenever they shared in the field service.

In April 1967 when Brother Eaton was serving a circuit assembly at Thambo Village in the Phalombe area, he heard a disturbing radio broadcast. Dr. Banda accused Jehovah’s Witnesses of deliberately provoking party officials and members of the youth movements known as the Malawi Young Pioneers and the League of Malawi Youth. It was also claimed that the Witnesses not only refused to buy party membership cards but also persuaded others not to do so.

As in 1964, the issue of party cards was being pushed to the fore. Although the purchase of these cards was voluntary, refusal to buy one was viewed by party officials as an act of disrespect. Later it was said that buying a card was “one way in which we, the people of this country, can show appreciation to [Dr. Banda] for developing this country of Malawi.” Incensed at the firm stand Jehovah’s Witnesses took on the matter, party officials renewed efforts to force the brothers to comply. Reports of harassment and beatings again began to reach the branch.

On one occasion, Malcolm Vigo was requested by some party officials to visit a brother from the Jumbe Congregation who had been arrested for refusing to buy a party card. Before entering the room, Brother Vigo prayed silently. It was obvious from the outset that these officials were hoping that Brother Vigo would tell them that the Watch Tower Society had clearly told its members that it was wrong to buy party cards. Instead, he stressed that the Society does not tell anyone what to do and that each person must make his own decision on the matter. The party officials were not happy with this explanation. Questions were fired from all sides. In their eagerness to trip him up, the officials would pose another question even before Brother Vigo had answered the previous one. After two hours of questioning, the brother was finally released. No party card had been bought.

Banned!

The situation came to a head in September 1967 during the annual convention of the ruling party, the Malawi Congress Party. One of the resolutions passed there stated: “[We] recommend strongly that the Jehovah’s Witnesses denomination be declared illegal in this country.” The reason? The resolution stated: “It endangers the stability of peace and calm which is essential for the smooth running of our State.” Then, in his closing speech to the convention, the president declared: “Jehovah’s Witnesses are giving trouble everywhere. Because of this the Convention passed a resolution yesterday saying that Jehovah’s Witnesses should be banned. I can tell you this, the Government will certainly look into the matter very quickly.”

Were Jehovah’s Witnesses really a ‘danger to the stability of Malawi’? Hardly! The Witnesses in Malawi were later described by one observer as “model citizens” who “pay taxes diligently, tend the sick, battle illiteracy.” Nevertheless, the government did indeed “look into the matter very quickly.” An executive order imposing a ban was soon signed, and it took effect on October 20, 1967. The entire nation was notified by a large boldface newspaper headline: “Malawi Bans ‘Danger’ Sect.” Although it was stated that the action had been taken because Jehovah’s Witnesses were “dangerous to the good government of Malawi,” it was obvious that the real reason was their refusal to buy party membership cards. In line with their strong Bible-based convictions, Jehovah’s Witnesses simply chose to “obey God as ruler rather than men.”—Acts 5:28, 29.

Advance Preparation Pays Off

Before the ban was imposed, the brothers in the branch office realized that some sort of official action was going to be taken against Jehovah’s Witnesses. Although they did not expect a total ban, they did begin to take precautions. Special meetings were held in various parts of the country in order to give direction and encouragement to the circuit and district overseers. Practical guidelines were given regarding congregation meetings, the field ministry, literature supplies, and sending letters. This information proved invaluable as the situation worsened.

The congregations diligently followed through on the suggestions as these filtered down to them. No longer were any of the Society’s forms used. Instead, congregation service reports were written on plain paper and sent to the branch office through couriers. Meeting times were changed according to the needs of each congregation. One congregation decided to conduct its meetings at half past five Sunday morning, before the rest of the village awoke. As for the preaching work, no ban would stop Jehovah’s Witnesses from spreading the good news of the Kingdom. Just as was the case in the time of the apostles, our faithful brothers and sisters took the position: “We cannot stop speaking about the things we have seen and heard.”—Acts 4:20.

Shortly prior to the ban itself, the branch office received information from a knowledgeable source that the Government Gazette was preparing to announce a ban on Jehovah’s Witnesses. Acting on this, the brothers quickly moved all important files and documents, even some equipment, to the homes of various brothers. Literature supplies too were shipped out of the branch in large quantities to congregations all over the country. One congregation, in order to protect this valuable spiritual food, filled two large oil drums with books and buried them for later use. When the police finally arrived at the branch in November to confiscate the property, they seemed surprised that there was so little in the way of literature, files, and equipment.

Missionaries Deported

As expected, the foreign missionaries were ordered to leave the country. Before leaving, however, they did what they could to strengthen the brothers and sisters so dear to them. Malcolm Vigo visited and encouraged brothers whose homes had been destroyed by hooligans. Finley Mwinyere, a circuit overseer, was one of these. Brother Vigo said: “When we arrived, we saw Brother Mwinyere standing and looking at his burned-out home. The encouraging thing was the spirit he showed. His desire was to get right back and strengthen others in his circuit who had suffered. He was not weighed down by his personal loss.”

Jack Johansson traveled north to Lilongwe to visit some 3,000 brothers and sisters who were in detention. He was able to speak with and encourage many of them. They were still in good spirits. In fact, he came away feeling uplifted himself and described it as a faith-strengthening experience. Brother Johansson was later told by the officer in charge that the situation was embarrassing. Mentioning just one implication of the ban, the officer stated that now when the electrical service in Lilongwe broke down, it would probably never be restored. The best and most reliable workers were in prison!

The eight foreign missionaries did not leave Malawi voluntarily. As far as they were concerned, they had done nothing wrong. The Sharps and the Johanssons were taken directly to the airport under police escort and put on a plane leaving the country. The other two couples were taken to Chichiri Prison in Blantyre, where they spent a few nights—Malcolm and Keith in one cell and Linda Louise and Anne in another. Then, under police escort they were taken to the airport and deported to Mauritius. Eventually, the Vigos, along with the Johanssons, were reassigned to Kenya, and the Eatons to Rhodesia.

With saddened hearts the missionaries left behind their dear brothers and sisters. But the Malawian Witnesses were not left without help. There were spiritual shepherds, loving overseers, in the 405 congregations throughout the country. (Isa. 32:2) Alex Mafambana supervised the work locally, and oversight of the Malawi field was transferred to the Zimbabwe branch (then called Rhodesia). In the following years, the branch in Harare, Zimbabwe, arranged for the Malawian circuit overseers and others taking the lead to travel to Zimbabwe to attend district conventions and refresher courses. Through these faithful brothers, circuit assembly and district convention programs were relayed to the congregations.

A New Wave of Atrocities

Once the ban became public knowledge, however, party officials and members of the Malawi Young Pioneers and of the Youth League took the lead in a new wave of terrible persecution. The police and courts, although sometimes sympathetic, were powerless to stop the violence, now that Jehovah’s Witnesses were classed as illegal in the country.

As the persecution intensified, Kingdom Halls, homes, food stores, and businesses of Jehovah’s Witnesses in all parts of the country were destroyed. In some places the attackers even arrived in trucks to haul away the possessions of the Witnesses. While the value of such material loss may have been very little in a monetary sense, for our Malawian brothers and sisters, it represented everything they owned.

Also, reports of beatings were received from all over Malawi. For some of our dear sisters, the persecution was especially harrowing. Many were the reports of rape, mutilation, and beating of Christian women. The sadistic attackers spared nobody. The elderly, the young, and even some pregnant sisters were put through such cruel ordeals. Some suffered miscarriages as a result. Once again, thousands were forced to flee their villages. Many found refuge in the bush. Others went into temporary exile in neighboring Mozambique. By the end of November 1967, the brutal wave of attacks on Jehovah’s Witnesses had claimed at least five more lives.

Reaction to the Ban

Even vicious beatings did not deter Jehovah’s Witnesses. Very few compromised. Samson Khumbanyiwa was one whose home and furniture were destroyed, all his clothing was torn to pieces, but his faith was not destroyed. With conviction he said: “I know that I am never alone, and Jehovah has protected me.” The integrity of these men and women of faith is a credit to Jehovah—an answer to the taunt made by Satan: “Everything that a man has he will give in behalf of his soul.”—Job 2:4.

The persecution even woke up some honesthearted individuals in Malawi. This was in harmony with what Jesus Christ himself had foretold. After warning his followers that they would be persecuted, even haled before rulers, he concluded with these encouraging words: “It will turn out to you for a witness.”—Luke 21:12, 13.

A husband who for some time had opposed his wife’s activity as a Witness was actually helped to see matters more clearly as a result of the persecution. One morning less than two weeks after the ban was imposed, a mob descended on his home. They knew that the man was not a Witness, and they shouted that they had come only for his wife. At first he would not open the door. But after they threatened to burn down the house with everyone in it, he reluctantly let them in. Quickly he found himself bound with chains and ordered to buy a party card. He realized then that his wife must indeed have the true religion. He refused to buy a card that day. He and his wife were beaten. But right after that, he began to study the Bible. The following year, this man dedicated his life to Jehovah, joining his wife as a servant of Jehovah.

Both from within Malawi and from outside the country, people voiced their concern over what was happening to innocent Christians. Some were heard to say: “Now we know that we must be coming to the end of the world, when God’s people are forbidden in our country!” The articles appearing in the February 1968 issues of The Watchtower and Awake! aroused a public outcry from around the world. Thousands of letters poured in, expressing indignation and urging the government to take action to stop the atrocities. In some post offices, additional help was needed to cope with this sudden influx of mail. So intensive and sustained was the international reaction to this situation that eventually the president issued a decree stating that the persecution must stop. At a later time, Dr. Banda even said that nobody should be forced to buy a party membership card. “I want people to be free to renew cards, from their own hearts, not to be forced,” he said. Gradually, then, another wave of persecution began to subside. This allowed some of our brothers to return to their homes and to get on with the important work of Kingdom preaching—however, using less conspicuous methods, since the ban had not been lifted.

Working Underground

During this time, Brother Mafambana faithfully cared for the work locally. He kept in touch with the Rhodesia branch and received timely direction through that office. But the police were constantly on the lookout for him, so he had to be very careful. Many times he narrowly missed being arrested. Sadly, in 1969 he died from what appeared to be cancer. After that, Kenneth Chimbaza gave oversight to the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Malawi until he suffered a brain hemorrhage and died in 1971. Surely, the many good works of these two integrity keepers will be warmly remembered by Jehovah in the coming “resurrection of the righteous ones.”—Luke 14:14; Heb. 6:10.

As conditions eased, the Malawian brothers adapted themselves to the new situation. Informal witnessing soon began bearing fruit. Despite the ban, the pioneer activity flourished. In 1971 there were 925 pioneers zealously sharing the good news, along with thousands of congregation publishers. There was even one special pioneer left on the list—Gresham Kwazizirah, still loyally serving in his advancing years, in spite of much adversity and many personal trials. He continued to serve Jehovah faithfully right up until his death in 1978.

With the brothers proving themselves to be as “cautious as serpents,” congregation reports and other correspondence continued to reach the branch office in Rhodesia. (Matt. 10:16) These showed that the zealous underground preaching activity was very successful. A peak of 18,519 publishers had been reached just prior to the ban in 1967. By 1972, though the ban was still in force and many had fled to Mozambique, a new peak of 23,398 publishers reported, and they averaged more than 16 hours in the ministry each month.

“New Territories” Receive a Witness

Although the Witnesses were very careful as they preached, some were nonetheless arrested and imprisoned. Yet, even then they were not discouraged. They kept right on preaching, using the prison as their new territory.

Baston Moses Nyirenda spent seven months in prison in 1969. Some other prisoners asked why he would not join their United Church. What a fine opportunity to witness! Using an old battered Bible that was shared by all the inmates and that had many pages missing, he pointed out Bible truths to them. This led to a Bible study. Even the leader of that church studied. Before his release from jail, Brother Nyirenda rejoiced to be able to help four persons come to a basic understanding of God’s Word.

Activity in the English Congregation

After all the foreign missionaries had been deported as a result of the ban, Bill McLuckie, who had married Denise, a South African, was still living in Blantyre. There he ran a small business to care for his family responsibilities. The McLuckies’ home became the new meeting place for the Blantyre English Congregation. Of course, these meetings had to be held in a more casual way in order not to attract attention. So there was no singing or clapping of hands.

It was during this time that Guido Otto, who was serving at the Rhodesia branch, began to take literature into Malawi secretly. Guido’s father was running a small hotel on the shore of Lake Malawi, so Guido’s visits did not seem at all odd to the officials. Little did they know just how much Bible literature Guido brought through each time! The literature was stored in a secret underground cellar at the McLuckies’ home. When it was being dug, passersby had sometimes asked what it was for. “It’s just a toilet,” they would be told.

One night, in the middle of a meeting, a vehicle drove up in front of the house. Who could it be? The police? The brothers did not know what to do with their study books. The door opened, and Guido Otto walked in cheerfully. What a relief!

After that, as Denise explains, “Bill told the brothers that the first thing they must do if anyone tried to come in was to put all the literature into a basket that we had on hand. Then I was to drop the basket into a hole in our bedroom floor. This led into the cellar. A tea trolley was also set out each time. If anyone came in, it would appear as if we were just visiting and having tea!”

As conditions got increasingly difficult, however, the meetings could no longer be held in just one place. Various homes were used. Sometimes the group met in a forest, dressed as if they were on a picnic.

In spite of these difficulties, the brothers still managed to reach genuine truth-seekers by witnessing informally to English-speaking people. A few came into the truth. Among these were Victor Lulker, Daniel Marne, and Mike Sharma, who serve in the Blantyre Congregation down to this day.

Court Cases in Blantyre

When the police did raid the McLuckies’ home in 1971, they found some of the Society’s publications. Brother McLuckie was charged and required to appear before the magistrate in Limbe, Blantyre. The local Witnesses heard about it and, risking their own freedom, turned out in large numbers to support the McLuckies. When the magistrate’s verdict of “not guilty” was announced, the brothers burst into loud applause! But the prosecution appealed. The case now went to the high court. This time Bill McLuckie was found guilty and sentenced to seven years in prison. However, they did not really want to put him in jail, so he was ordered to leave the country instead.

Thus, in October 1972, Bill McLuckie’s 37 years of loyal service in Malawi came to an end. Before leaving, he organized brothers to come and quietly take all the literature that was in his secret cellar. Brothers carried off books by the carload! Some were later stopped at roadblocks, but the police did not notice even one of the cartons. Before the McLuckies left the country, the entrance to the secret cellar was sealed with concrete. Long will the faithful, self-sacrificing service of Bill McLuckie be remembered in the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Malawi!

Third Wave of Violence Triggered

Just as the brothers were settling into a new routine, trouble flared up once more. In 1972 during the annual convention of the Malawi Congress Party, some very disturbing resolutions were adopted. One of these resolutions called for all of Jehovah’s Witnesses to be dismissed from their places of employment. Ruthlessly, without exemption, this was carried out. Firms that wanted to retain trusted Witness employees were not permitted to do so. Businesses operated by Witnesses were seized and their assets confiscated. But worse was to follow.

Another one of the resolutions adopted at the convention stated that “all [Jehovah’s Witnesses] who live in the villages should be chased away from there.” This effectively called for Jehovah’s Witnesses to be cast out of human society! Thousands of their homes were burned or pulled down. Their crops and animals were destroyed. They were forbidden to draw water from the village wells. They lost literally everything they owned in looting sprees all over the country.

Members of the youth movements again took the lead in this wave of persecution, the most intense and brutal to date. Organizing themselves into bands, ranging from a dozen or so up to as many as a hundred, they went from village to village, searching out Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Countrywide our brothers were hunted down. In Blantyre a group of brothers were rounded up and taken to the local party headquarters, which had been the Society’s branch office before it was confiscated in 1967. Among them was Greyson Kapininga, who had served in the branch as a translator before the ban. After the brothers steadfastly refused to buy party membership cards, the persecutors rubbed a mixture of salt and hot pepper into their eyes. Then they beat the brothers with planks that had large spikes in them. Whenever a brother cried out in pain, the thugs would beat even harder, saying: “Let your God come and save you.”

The vicious attacks claimed many lives. In Cape Maclear, at the southern end of Lake Malawi, bundles of grass were tied around Zelphat Mbaiko. Petrol was poured on the grass and set alight. He was literally burned to death!

Sisters also suffered terribly. Following their refusal to buy party cards, many were repeatedly raped by party officials. In Lilongwe, Sister Magola, along with many others, tried to flee the trouble. However, she was pregnant and could not run very fast. A mob, acting like a pack of wild dogs, caught up with her and beat her to death.

At the campus of Bunda College of Agriculture, just outside of Lilongwe, six brothers and one sister were murdered and their bodies were horribly mutilated. The principal, Theodore Pinney, protested the atrocities in person to Dr. Banda. The result? He was deported!

Thousands Flee

With genocide looming on the horizon, a mass exodus of Jehovah’s Witnesses began in October 1972. Thousands fled west into Zambia. At the border, a United Nations observer confirmed that “many of the refugees bore cuts and gashes apparently inflicted by pangas, the huge knives common to [Africa].”

The Witnesses were placed in refugee camps at Sinda Misale, located in a triangle of land where the borders of Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia converge. However, disease spread rapidly because of unsanitary conditions. In a short time, over 350 persons, many of them children, had died. News of the plight of the refugees quickly reached their Christian brothers in other places. Relief supplies fairly flooded in! Jehovah’s Witnesses in South Africa donated tons of tents, clothing, and other urgently needed supplies. With Karel de Jager and Dennis McDonald in the lead, a small fleet of trucks arrived at the camps from the South Africa branch. Spiritual needs were not overlooked. One truck brought 21 cartons of Bibles and Bible study aids. How happy the Malawian brothers were to see this evidence of the true Christian love that Jesus described!—John 13:34, 35.

Soon, however, the Witnesses realized that they were unwanted guests in Zambia. By December, the Zambian authorities forced the refugees back into Malawi. What a disappointment! With seemingly nowhere to run, would our brothers finally give up? Michael Yadanga summed it up this way: “I’ve lost my teeth because I would not buy a card. I’ve lost my job because I would not buy a card. I was severely beaten, my property was destroyed, and I was forced to flee to Zambia—all of this because I would not buy a card. I am not going to buy one now.” Their integrity was still intact. It is true, as the psalmist says: “Many are the calamities of the righteous one, but out of them all Jehovah delivers him.”—Ps. 34:19.

These Malawian Witnesses, both men and women, were proving that they had faith like that of servants of God described in the Bible in Hebrews chapter 11. Like those ancient worshipers of Jehovah, Malawian Witnesses “were tortured because they would not accept release by some ransom,” that is, by a compromise or a renunciation of their faith in Jehovah God. Like them, they “received their trial by mockings and scourgings, indeed, more than that, by bonds and prisons.” Like them, “the world was not worthy of them.”—Heb. 11:35, 36, 38.

Refuge in Mozambique

On their return from Zambia, they were faced with vicious persecution in Malawi once more. Staying in Malawi was out of the question. So they fled again—this time to Mozambique. At the time, Mozambique was still under Portuguese control. The authorities there treated our brothers kindly. Those living in the south of the country fled across the border near Mulanje to refugee camps in Carico, where many stayed until 1986.

Mozambique was also very accessible from Malawi’s western border, between the towns of Dedza and Ntcheu. There the brothers needed only to walk across the main road, which acted as the border, in order to seek refuge. The camps in this part of Mozambique were situated near Mlangeni, and it was to there that the majority fled.

These camps in Carico and near Mlangeni became home to some 34,000 men, women, and little ones. Whole congregations of God’s people, led by their elders, trekked to the camps. As they did so, the authorities in Malawi ordered that no one should assist them with transport.

As they settled in the camps, a new way of life began for these servants of Jehovah. Materially, it was difficult at first. They were starting out all over again. Before long, though, houses were erected in straight lines. The camps were kept neat and clean. In order to supplement the rations distributed by the Society and by secular aid agencies, many brothers began planting their own crops. Others managed to sell what they made by hand or to find part-time jobs in the surrounding villages. While not well-off in a material sense, our brothers were satisfied to have the necessities of life. (1 Tim. 6:8) And spiritually they were rich!

Organization in the Camps

Such elders as Kennedy Alick Dick, Maurice Mabvumbe, Willard Matengo—and later, others—served as a Country Committee. They were well respected and loved for their tireless efforts in providing for the brothers’ spiritual needs. These loyal elders took to heart the Bible’s admonition: “Shepherd the flock of God in your care.” (1 Pet. 5:2) They organized many spiritual activities in the camps. Following the routine that is customary in most homes of Jehovah’s people, they saw to it that there was a spiritual start to each day, with a discussion of the day’s text. Studies of the Bible with the help of the Watchtower magazine, public talks, and even assemblies were all held regularly. The refugees realized that such spiritual provisions were vital.

At first, all the meetings were held at one central location—the central platform. Here, thousands would meet daily for Bible instruction, as well as to receive direction with regard to various duties in the camps. Later on, the congregations were encouraged to construct their own Kingdom Halls and conduct meetings there. Eventually, five circuits were organized in the various camps.

The brothers serving on the Country Committee as well as others had benefited much from training received from the missionaries before the ban. This helped them to organize the camps. On the whole, the refugee camps operated in much the same way as a large district convention. Departments were set up to care for various needs, including cleaning, food distribution and, of course, security.

Even with almost all of Jehovah’s Witnesses now living in exile outside of Malawi, some persecutors were still not satisfied. Enemies occasionally crossed the border and assaulted brothers living in camps close by, so special precautions had to be taken to protect Jehovah’s people.

The Country Committee assigned a group of brothers to be attendants and watchmen, guarding all the entrances to the camps. Batson Longwe was given oversight of these attendants at Mlangeni camp. His assignment involved a lot of moving around within the camp, checking on the brothers at their various posts. He soon earned himself the nickname “7-2-7.” Indeed, from morning till night (seven to seven), every day, faithful Brother Longwe was seen in all parts of the camp, playing his role in protecting his Christian brothers and sisters. Down to this day, Batson Longwe is still addressed as “7-2-7” by most of his brothers. Although some may have forgotten his real name, anyone who spent time in the camp at Mlangeni warmly remembers his loyal service in their behalf.

The temporary exile in Mozambique not only provided relief from persecution but also helped to prepare the brothers to meet trials and challenges that yet lay ahead. They drew closer to their brothers and sisters, and they learned to rely more heavily on Jehovah. Lemon Kabwazi, who later served as a traveling overseer, says: “There were advantages and disadvantages. Materially, we were poor. But spiritually, we were well cared for. Because we lived so close together, we really got to know our brothers and love them. That helped us after our return to Malawi.”

Hunted Again!

Unfortunately, this respite from violence at the hands of persecutors was brief. When Mozambique received its independence in June 1975, a spirit of nationalism gripped that country too. The neutrality of Jehovah’s people was not understood by the country’s new leaders. Refusing to compromise, our brothers were forced back across the border from the Mlangeni area and into the hands of their persecutors.

At the border the returning refugees were met by the minister for the central region, Mr. J. T. Kumbweza Banda. He told them: “You left Malawi of your own accord, and now you have returned of your own accord. Go back to your villages and cooperate with the party chairmen.” Referring to the Malawi Young Pioneers and members of the Youth League, he added: “My boys are here to see that you do cooperate with the Party.” This gave little hope that conditions would improve.

Some who were forced to return to Malawi on that occasion were able to travel right across the country and out again through its southeastern border, to join their brothers who were in camps near Milange, in Mozambique. But that did not solve all the problems. For example, Fidesi Ndalama, who served as a circuit overseer in that area until the Milange camps were disbanded in the late 1980’s, lost his wife when the camp was attacked by guerrilla soldiers. But this mild-mannered brother continues to serve Jehovah zealously.

Others who were forced back into Malawi in 1975 had to remain there. Thousands of these filled the roads as they made their weary way back to their villages. For many it was like running the gauntlet.

Initially, most were allowed to settle again in villages from which they had come. But before long, the “boys” would arrive in an effort to force Jehovah’s Witnesses to “cooperate with the Party.” Gangs of Youth Leaguers surrounded the homes of our brothers, demanding the purchase of party membership cards. The answer at every home would be the same—“No!” Refusal brought all manner of inhuman treatment. Even women and children shared in beating these innocent Christians. Depraved sexual abuse, against men as well as women, was reported. There were sickening accounts of Christian men and women being tied together in an effort to force them to commit immorality.

Even in the normal routine of daily living, Jehovah’s Witnesses faced a constant challenge to their integrity. At hospitals, markets, schools, and on public transport, members of the Youth League were ever on the lookout for any who did not have party cards. True to the words of Revelation 13:16, 17, nobody was able to “buy or sell,” or just carry on a normal way of life, without having ‘the mark of the wild beast’—evidence that he was a supporter of the world’s political system.

Through all this adversity, Jehovah’s Witnesses stood firm, never compromising. But the persecutors did not give up either. More was yet to come.

Herded Into Prisons

Whole congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses were rounded up and herded into detention centers operated in a manner that evoked memories of Nazi concentration camps. Sadly, in some cases younger children and babies were separated from their distraught parents. Some of these young ones were left in the care of non-Witness relatives. Others were left with no one to provide for them. By January 1976, over 5,000 men and women were in prisons and camps throughout the country.

The conditions at first were terrible. Overcrowding bred death-dealing diseases. Cruel guards added to the misery. One of these taunted the brothers, saying: “As the government has arranged, we shall make you our tractors.” Baston Moses Nyirenda recalls that he was often forced to work from before sunrise until after sunset, with not one break for rest or food!

From the infamous Dzaleka detention camp, one brother managed to smuggle out this note written on a piece of toilet tissue: “Even though one is very sick, he or she is forced to go to work. Sick children are sent to Dowa hospital . . . They do not take care of patients who are Jehovah’s people. We call Dowa hospital a butchery of Jehovah’s people.”

It seemed as if the prison guards were trying everything possible to discourage our brothers and sisters and to break their integrity. They did not succeed! Jehovah’s people had learned to cope with adversity. A note written on a scrap of cement packaging contained these faith-strengthening words: “Pleasant news. Brothers and sisters all very happy faces, although persecuted and carrying stones.”

Many protest letters from other lands—from Jehovah’s Witnesses and from many other people—were sent to the office of the president, Dr. Banda. However, these appeals fell on deaf ears, and our brothers remained in detention.

“The Word of God Is Not Bound”

In spite of the conditions, the brothers managed to arrange for Christian meetings to be held in these prisons. Literature was smuggled in and distributed among the brothers. How was it done? Regarding a Yearbook that reached them in Dzaleka prison, Baston Moses Nyirenda says:

“There was a brother who was not a prisoner but who worked in the prison gardens. Because the guards were used to his coming in and out all the time, they never searched him. He hid the book under his shirt while he delivered vegetables to the guards. Then before leaving, he managed to get the book to one of our brothers. We were especially delighted to have the Yearbook because at that time it contained all the daily text verses and comments. We got to work quickly, copying all the texts and comments onto pieces of toilet tissue. Quite a few rolls were used! After two weeks the book was discovered by a guard. But by then we had already distributed copies all around the camp. We even managed to get copies over to our sisters in the section where they were being held.”

The Memorial of Christ’s death was celebrated in small groups in Dzaleka. A letter reached the Society, saying that “1,601 attended the assembly on our lovely day, April the 14th.” There were 13 who partook of the emblems in Dzaleka. The report also said: “Almost every cell sang songs before the talk, and they did so after the assembly.”

In time, conditions in the prisons began to ease somewhat. Some guards eventually became quite friendly toward the brothers. After his retirement from the prison services, one of the guards even embraced the truth. Now he is Brother Makumba. His son too has dedicated his life to Jehovah. It was just as the apostle Paul declared: “The word of God is not bound.”—2 Tim. 2:9.

Serving Jehovah Under Ban

The intensity of the persecution gradually wore off once again. By 1979, most of Jehovah’s Witnesses had been released from prison. Curiosity abounded among their neighbors. “Why were you sent to prison?” “Why is everyone persecuting Jehovah’s Witnesses?” Such questions opened the way for Bible discussions, and many themselves became servants of Jehovah. They could clearly see that if they became Jehovah’s Witnesses, they too would be objects of hatred, as Jesus had foretold; yet they recognized that Jehovah’s Witnesses indeed practice the true religion. (Luke 21:17; Jas. 1:27) Interestingly, there were more newly baptized ones coming from people encountered when witnessing than from among the children of those who were already Jehovah’s Witnesses.

How did Bible literature, for use at meetings and in the field ministry, get into the country at that time? During the late 1970’s, care for the Malawi field was transferred to the Zambia branch because Zambia has a common border with Malawi, whereas Zimbabwe does not. A number of literature depots in Zambia were strategically situated close to the Malawi border. Those very few brothers who had vehicles would drive into Zambia to collect large parcels of literature, which were then smuggled into Malawi. Because roadblocks were few in number during the earlier years of the ban, this method proved to be very successful.

With the necessary books and magazines in the hands of the brothers, meetings could be arranged. Of course, there could be no open gatherings in a Kingdom Hall. Instead, the brothers met secretly, often at night, and out of earshot of neighbors and other villagers. Some brothers in the villages had their ancestral plots of land, usually just outside the village. These were practical places to meet. Of course, a large crowd walking to the meeting at the same time would obviously attract attention, so the brothers traveled in small groups. Once everyone was there, the meeting could begin. There was no hearty singing of Kingdom songs—only muted voices. Neither was there any enthusiastic applause after a fine talk—just the soft rubbing together of the palms of the hands.

Nevertheless, all at the meetings appreciated the timely spiritual food and felt united with their brothers and sisters earth wide who were enjoying the same program of instruction. Such meetings also equipped the brothers well for the all-important preaching work. This they had to do very discreetly.

Courageous Couriers

Although literature was brought into Malawi without much difficulty for a time, during the mid-1980’s the situation changed. Roadblocks began to appear in all parts of the country. The police became more vigilant in searching vehicles. No longer could the brothers use automobiles to ferry literature from the depots in Zambia. What could be done?

Bicycles were put to use more extensively. Cycling through the bush, the brothers were able to bypass roadblocks and border crossings. It took great courage and strong faith to serve as a courier. But their loyal service was clearly blessed by Jehovah God. Consider these experiences:

Letson Mlongoti was cycling through Lilongwe with a sack of magazines on the back of his bicycle. When he noticed that large crowds including policemen and Malawi Young Pioneers were lining the streets in anticipation of a visit by the president, he grew very nervous. Then, to his horror the sack fell open when he was going around a corner. The magazines spilled onto the ground in front of everyone! People quickly gathered around him. Our brother expected the worst. But he soon realized that they were only helping him to put the magazines back into his sack. Relieved, although a little shaken, he was soon on his way again, thanking Jehovah for blinding the eyes of the police and the Malawi Young Pioneers.

Fred Lameck Gwirize was carrying an important consignment of congregation mail. He was cycling fast down a hill near Kasungu when he saw ahead of him a roadblock manned by members of the Youth League. Before reaching it, he stopped, turned around, and quickly cycled in the opposite direction. The members of the Youth League called out for him to stop. “Where are you going?” they shouted. The courier replied, “I was going so fast down the hill, I missed my turn!” To his surprise, they accepted his explanation. He thanked Jehovah for protecting him.

But a number of these courageous brothers were caught and spent time in prison. Most of them were family men.

A Regular “Tourist”

Starting in 1987, regular visits were made to Malawi by Edward Finch, a member of the Zambia Branch Committee. Malawi was a popular tourist destination, and Brother Finch had a relative in Blantyre, so it was easy for him to enter the country for a “holiday.” When he was just 19 years old and was pioneering in Rhodesia, his home country, Ed Finch had joined Guido Otto on some of his trips into Malawi to stock up the McLuckies’ secret cellar. Now, having graduated from Gilead School, Brother Finch was assigned a further role in connection with Malawi.

His visits were prompted by concerns in the Zambia branch that not enough Bible literature was getting into Malawi. When Brother Finch met with the Country Committee, they were thrilled to have a foreign guest there to encourage them and provide further direction. A series of secret meetings were held with the Country Committee, the circuit and district overseers, and the couriers. Everyone was enthusiastic about doing his part to provide for the needs of the congregations. Literature that had become stockpiled in the Zambian depots close to the border of Malawi again flowed into Malawi on a regular basis.

Brother Finch, often with his wife, Linda, made many encouraging “tourist” trips into Malawi. He traveled the length and breadth of the country, not to sightsee, but to encourage and train as many brothers as possible. His visits were especially appreciated by those brothers who were taking the lead during the ban. They were grateful for the love and patience he showed when working along with them.

Assisting the Couriers

It was impossible, of course, for the couriers on their bicycles to reach all the congregations in Malawi. So a small pickup truck was purchased in 1988 and used extensively within the country to deliver literature. The drivers became familiar with areas where roadblocks were set up and discreetly avoided these. Other courageous brothers also offered their services. Among these was Victor Lulker, who served in the English congregation in Blantyre. Using his private car and at great personal risk, he often transported literature during the night to the secret depots around the country. Prior to 1972, Cyril Long, who is now in South Africa, gave similar assistance. He was also able to obtain much-needed medical supplies for our brothers, at discount rates from a favorable pharmacy.

An important factor in providing spiritual food was the approval given by the Society’s headquarters in Brooklyn to print magazines on Bible paper, books with soft covers, and Watchtower study articles in a special format that became known as mini-magazines. When Ed Finch secretly met with the couriers in April 1989 and told them about these new special editions of our literature, the couriers were moved to tears. How they appreciated Jehovah’s loving provisions! Now they would be able to carry twice as much literature as before.

This literature was easier to fold up and hide away. The mini-magazines could even be read openly on public transport. Nobody knew what they were! “The faithful and discreet slave” truly lived up to its commission to provide spiritual “food at the proper time.” (Matt. 24:45-47) These precious “food” supplies helped Jehovah’s servants to maintain their integrity under adversity.

A Unique Congregation

Unfortunately, in 1990 the small truck used by the Society was involved in an accident with a police vehicle. When the police discovered what was in the truck, the two brothers were promptly arrested and sent to jail. One of these was Lemon Kabwazi.

On arrival at Chichiri Prison, Brother Kabwazi noticed that the ten brothers already being detained there were in a pitiable state. “Senior” prisoners were stealing all the blankets and were not allowing the brothers to hold their meetings. Brother Kabwazi knew that action was necessary. When his wife, Chrissie, visited him, he asked her to bring along to the prison some of his personal clothes. These he distributed among his brothers so that they could be properly dressed. The other prisoners were impressed. Brother Kabwazi then endeavored to befriend the “senior” prisoners who controlled all the blankets. How did he do it? “I arranged for a brother to buy ten kilograms [20 pounds] of sugar for me,” says Brother Kabwazi. “One kilogram [2 pounds] of sugar bought a blanket.” It also “bought” the friendship of the “senior” prisoners, who now allowed the meetings to be held unhindered.

With regular meetings being conducted in the prison yard, a congregation was soon formed. Its name? Corner Congregation—because meetings were held in one corner of the prison yard. In time, the Corner Congregation came to have a regular attendance of over 60 persons. With three elders and one ministerial servant, this new congregation was well looked after. Its territory too was very productive. There was always someone “at home” to talk with! From the five Bible studies that Brother Kabwazi conducted there, two persons have since been baptized!

“Healthful” Food

One problem facing Corner Congregation, though, was how to get literature supplies into the prison for use in the meetings. Brother Kabwazi had a plan here too. He arranged for a brother who had just been released from the prison to return with a parcel of food. When the prison guards checked the parcel, all they could see were cassava roots, a popular staple food in Malawi. But little did they know just how “nutritious” and “healthful” this cassava was! Thin slices had been cut from the center of each cassava root. In these roots were placed rolled-up mini-magazines, small sections of the Reasoning book, and Examining the Scriptures. After two such deliveries of this “healthful” food, the brothers had all they needed for use in their meetings and Bible studies. Brother Kabwazi recalls that they had so many issues of the mini-magazines that not once in the eight months he spent in prison did they have to repeat an article at the Watchtower Study.

Happily, Corner Congregation no longer functions today. Jehovah’s people in Malawi are not forced to hold meetings behind bars anymore!

Our Brothers Earn Respect

Gradually, the attacks against Jehovah’s Witnesses became more isolated. Nevertheless, incidents were still reported from time to time. As always, though, our brothers stood firm. As a result, many began showing respect for Jehovah’s people.

In the Mchinji area, Chief Mzama addressed a letter “To beloved people of God who live under my jurisdiction.” In it he said: “All the Witnesses who are in my district are very good people. My district comprises 13 villages.” After commending the Witnesses for being reliable taxpayers, adhering to high moral standards, and being clean, respectful, and industrious, he concluded: “I encourage all of you Jehovah’s Witnesses to continue abiding by your laws.”

Early in 1990, Austin Chigodi was among 22 persons arrested at a circuit assembly at Nathenje, near Blantyre, by members of the Youth League. After spending a year and a half in prison, Brother Chigodi, then in his late 70’s, was released. When some of the members of the Youth League saw that this elderly man was still alive and faithful to his God, they were deeply impressed. They even requested Bible studies. However, Brother Chigodi was very cautious, not wanting to endanger his brothers. The youths persisted. Eventually, studies were started. Happily, some progressed to baptism, and today a few even serve as elders and ministerial servants.

Another faithful brother, Samuel Dzaononga, endured four prison sentences in Dzaleka because of his neutral stand. Then in 1989, after yet again firmly refusing to purchase a party card, he was arrested for a fifth time. Members of the Youth League took him to the police post in Salima. How surprised they were when the officer in charge told them: “If you want this man to go to prison yet again, you had better be prepared to join him. It would be good for you people to know what this man has endured without ever compromising his faith. Are you willing to do that?” “No,” they replied. The officer then added: “In that case, you had better take this man back to his village and stop harassing him. He will never compromise his faith.” So, Brother Dzaononga was driven back to his village. On their arrival there, the village headman was called and warned not to allow our brother to be harassed again. From then on, Brother Dzaononga could be seen reading the Watchtower and Awake! magazines and witnessing to his neighbors—openly and without fear of being harassed.

Witnessing Informally

Throughout the ban, informal witnessing was done. But when opposition was not so intense, it was done even more boldly. Early in 1990 in the town of Ntcheu, the book Listening to the Great Teacher was placed with a young woman who showed interest in Bible truth. Since she herself was not able to read well, the brothers encouraged her to invite someone to read the book to her. “But you should find someone you can trust,” the brothers warned. At the time, her brother Simon was staying with her. Here was someone she could trust. While reading to his sister, Simon quickly recognized the ring of truth. In time a regular Bible study was started with Simon. “I could see for myself from the Bible that true Christians would be persecuted,” said Simon, “so I knew that Jehovah’s Witnesses are the true religion.” (2 Tim. 3:12) Making rapid progress, Simon Mangani was baptized that same year and today serves at Bethel in Lilongwe.

In Blantyre, a sudden rainstorm brought unexpected results for Beston Madeya, a regular pioneer. He found shelter on the veranda of a small church building. While waiting for the rain to stop, he overheard some people asking their pastor, “Do all good people go to heaven?” The pastor could not say. Eager to help them, Brother Madeya went inside the church and offered to answer the question. To his surprise they accepted. Many more questions followed, and before long seven Bible studies were being conducted.

Young ones at school also used opportunities to give a witness. When asked to submit an essay, Dorothy Nakula decided to write about the origins of Christmas. Her teacher was so impressed that he showed her essay to the other teachers. “Where did you get the information?” they asked. As a result, Dorothy placed 17 magazines with her teachers.

“Dear Uncle”

Although Jehovah’s servants had to endure much tribulation, they never felt alone. They knew that Jehovah sustained them, and they were confident of the love and support of the worldwide brotherhood.

Besides what was done by the branches in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and Zambia, mature local brothers worked hard to see that the flock in Malawi received loving care and spiritual food. The Country Committee, or Staff Office as it was called, played an important role in this. What did their work involve? Lemon Kabwazi, who served on the Country Committee for many years, explains: “Primarily, our responsibility was to make sure that the literature was getting through to our brothers. So we spent a lot of time organizing and encouraging the couriers and circuit overseers. We also visited brothers who had been victims of persecution, to determine how we could assist and strengthen them.”

Encouraging letters and supplies were sent to the various congregations. It was risky to use the postal services, so the brothers developed special codes and nicknames in order to avoid exposing one another. Letters from the Country Committee were signed “S.O.” In that way, even if a letter was intercepted, the authorities could not discern what it was all about. Circuit overseers were known by the circuit number they served, and circuit visits were referred to as “special weeks.” Even today, some are still heard to say, “We are having M-11 visit us for our special week soon.” What about the Country Committee itself? Letters from all over the country were addressed “Dear Uncle,” and the replies were sent to various “nephews” and “nieces.” Such a cautious approach helped to maintain communication during the many years of the ban.

The elders who served on the Country Committee truly demonstrated what is meant by seeking Kingdom interests first. (Matt. 6:33) Some, such as Ellyson Njunga, Havery Khwiya, Adson Mbendera, and Lemon Kabwazi, are still serving Jehovah as full-time ministers. Their faithful examples have encouraged many others to put the Kingdom first in their lives and to maintain integrity despite adversity.

Political Changes

When a new wave of “democratic” fervor began sweeping through southern Africa, Malawi was not left unaffected. During 1992, international pressure mounted against the government to improve its human-rights record. Responding to this, the president, Dr. Banda, announced: “Anyone forcing the people to buy party cards . . . is acting against the rules of the Malawi Congress Party.” He added: “This is very bad, very bad . . . I have never ordered anyone to do such a thing.” Dr. Banda thus stopped something that for 25 years had caused much suffering to our faithful brothers in Malawi.

Following this, Jehovah’s Witnesses found that most of their meetings and assemblies could be held openly and freely. No longer was any harassment or persecution being reported. At last there was a measure of freedom, and the brothers took full advantage of it. But they were not prepared for what happened next.

“Jehovah Is a Wonderful God!”

August 12, 1993—what a memorable day for Jehovah’s people in Malawi! The ban, which had lasted nearly 26 years, was finally lifted. At first the brothers did not even realize it. In 1967, when the ban was imposed, newspapers around the country had carried bold headlines regarding the action taken against the “‘danger’ sect”—Jehovah’s Witnesses. Now, when the ban was lifted, not a whisper was heard. Indeed, it was quite by chance that a brother stumbled on the tiny announcement in the Government Gazette. When the news slowly filtered through to the brothers, they were overjoyed, but they could not help feeling a little disbelief. Why? Brother Kabwazi said: “We prayed that the ban would be lifted one day. But we never thought it would happen while Dr. Banda was still alive.” He added: “Jehovah is a wonderful God!”

In 1967, prior to the ban, some 18,000 publishers had been actively associating with the congregations. How many were there now, after 26 years of often brutal opposition? A new peak of 30,408! The integrity of our brothers and sisters had triumphed over all adversity—to the praise of Jehovah’s glorious name!

Jehovah’s Witnesses were overjoyed at their newfound freedom. However, they also realized that more work than ever before lay ahead.

A Special Campaign

As soon as the news reached the branch office in Zambia, Ed Finch was dispatched to Malawi, not as a tourist, but to help reestablish the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Malawi on a legal footing. During his visit, he and Linda had opportunity to work along with the English congregation in Blantyre. Most of the publishers there had never done house-to-house witnessing. Understandably, they were nervous. With a little persuasion from the Finches, though, the publishers all went out into the ministry. How exciting it was when, after a couple of hours, they returned to discuss their experiences! Many householders had eagerly listened. Others congratulated them on the freedom now enjoyed by Jehovah’s Witnesses. After this, the brothers found it much easier to engage in the ministry.

At first, getting the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses registered again in Malawi proved to be quite difficult. No proof that the Society had ever been registered in Malawi could be found in any of the government offices. Then, one day, Ed Finch noticed a set of old volumes in the registry office in Blantyre. He brought down the volume marked “W.” Yes, there was the original registration! The legal side of things now proceeded quickly. By November 15, 1993, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, a legal agency used by Jehovah’s Witnesses, had been reregistered and Jehovah’s Witnesses were once again legally recognized as a religion in Malawi.

Toward the end of that year, a special tract campaign was conducted throughout the country. Appropriately, the tract What Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe? was offered in the three main languages. It served a twofold purpose. First, it helped the brothers and sisters to get busy in the public ministry once more, and second, it helped the public learn for themselves the facts about Jehovah’s Witnesses. Over one million copies were distributed, and many letters expressing interest flooded into the branch office in Zambia. Once again, public proclamation of praise to Jehovah began to be heard from house to house and on the streets in Malawi!

Reorganizing the Work

The first class of the Ministerial Training School for southern Africa was being conducted in Zambia when news about the lifting of the ban reached there. This generated much excitement among Bethelites and students alike. How thrilled two of the students were when they received assignments to Malawi! They were the first foreign full-time servants to be assigned to the country since 1967. These two brothers, Andrew Bird and Karl Offermann, are now serving at Bethel in Lilongwe. Bernard Mazunda, the first Malawian to receive such training, also in the same class, is now serving as a circuit overseer, along with graduates from later classes of the school.

In the meantime, brothers from the Zambia branch continued to deal with problems involved in reorganizing the work in Malawi. They soon discovered that although Jehovah’s Witnesses were no longer banned, their Bible literature was. A most profitable meeting was held with the Minister of Justice in order to clear up the matter. He immediately took steps to lift the ban on the Society’s literature. More than that, he offered his help in locating suitable land for a new branch office. As a result, a fine 30-acre [12-ha] plot was made available for purchase in Lilongwe. Work is already under way on the construction of a new branch facility on this centrally located property.

As congregations began to meet openly once again, how delighted many were to meet friends they had not seen since before the ban! Meetings went overtime, but nobody seemed to mind. The audience was no longer limited just to rubbing their hands together in appreciation for the brothers’ talks. Instead, there was enthusiastic applause for everyone who appeared on the platform. Kingdom songs no longer had to be sung with voices muted. The brothers could now sing out loud and clear. The song that quickly became everyone’s favorite was “We Thank You, Jehovah.”

Nevertheless, the brothers appreciated that they needed help to be brought up-to-date on organizational matters. The elders humbly and eagerly accepted direction from the Society’s office and other specially trained brothers. It did not take long to notice rapid improvements in organizational procedures in the congregations. The number of publishers too continued to rise. In the service year following the lifting of the ban, 4,247 new disciples were baptized and 88,903 attended the Memorial of Christ’s death.

More Help Arrives

Much excitement gripped the country when the news spread that two missionary couples who had served in Malawi prior to the ban would be coming back. Keith and Anne Eaton, who had been serving in Zimbabwe in the meantime, arrived on February 1, 1995, to assist with office work in Lilongwe. Later, Jack and Linda Johansson, who were in Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo), were assigned to the missionary home in Blantyre. Both couples have had permission restored to them to be permanent residents of the country. What happy reunions have been enjoyed between these longtime missionaries and the Malawian brothers and sisters who served with them before the ban!

In February 1995, Malcolm Vigo, who is now in the Nigeria branch but was branch servant in Malawi when the ban was imposed, was privileged to visit Malawi as the first zone overseer here in many, many years. His wife, Linda Louise, was with him. His reaction? “It was such a thrilling experience and a privilege! It felt like coming home.”

Meanwhile, other missionaries and qualified brothers from nearby branches were also assigned to Malawi. Letters poured in from the field. There was certainly “plenty to do in the work of the Lord.”—1 Cor. 15:58.

“Joyful Praisers”

Imagine how the Malawian Witnesses felt when, during July and August 1995, it became possible to hold district conventions for the first time in 28 years. As is true of most conventions in Africa, families brought along all their katundu (luggage), including blankets, pots and pans, and even firewood for cooking their food.

Most of those in attendance could not remember the last series of conventions held just before the ban. Either they had been too young, had been born after that date, or had not yet learned the truth. So for the majority, this was their first district convention. How appropriate that the theme was “Joyful Praisers.” On arriving at the convention sites, some rubbed their eyes in disbelief and said: “I am not dreaming, am I?” They were thrilled to be united with fellow worshipers worldwide for this convention program. All together, nine conventions were held in various parts of the country, and there was a combined attendance of over 77,000! A new tool for use in the field ministry, the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life, was enthusiastically received. Though it was released at the convention only in English, the brothers were pleased to know that translation into the Chichewa language was already under way.

There was an English convention too. Although it was small, it was quite an international affair. Visitors came from Mozambique, South Africa, Zaire, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Interestingly, this convention was held in the Kwacha Conference Center, in Blantyre, which had been specifically constructed by Dr. Banda to hold some of his political-party gatherings. Visitors listened eagerly as two local brothers, Widdas Madona and Lackson Kunje, were interviewed concerning their experiences during the years of the ban. Ed Finch was also there, and regarding that happy occasion, he says: “How long all of us had prayed for this day! Now there were many tears of joy flowing on the faces of those gathered. We had tears in our eyes and also big lumps in our throats as we watched Victor Lulker baptize his daughter Angeline, not secretly in a bathtub, but publicly.” As the convention came to its end with the stirring song “We Thank You, Jehovah,” hearts swelled once more and tears flowed freely. All nine of these conventions will be long remembered by the joyful praisers who attended them.

Branch Operations Resumed

On September 1, 1995, the office in Malawi once again became a branch, operating under the direction of the Governing Body. This time, the office was in Lilongwe. There were 542 congregations and more than 30,000 publishers, so there was much to do.

Now things really got moving! The ten Bethelites were hard-pressed at first to cope with the volume of work. Since then, more Bethelites and other brothers volunteering their support have been brought in to help. The Chichewa and Tumbuka translation teams have also transferred from Zambia back to the “home” of those languages.

The branch has been busy helping the brothers to cope with new situations that test their loyalty. These include flag saluting, immorality, drug abuse, and bad associations. The Hospital Information Services desk has been established in order to help those who are confronted with issues involving blood transfusion.

Of great assistance also have been two brothers, along with their wives, reassigned to Malawi from the traveling work in South Africa. They are doing fine work as district overseers.

More recently, on March 20, 1997, another exciting event occurred. During the lunchtime radio news, Witnesses throughout Malawi were delighted to hear that the government was returning the former branch property to the Society. It had been confiscated in 1967 by the former government and had been used as Southern Regional Headquarters of the Malawi Congress Party. But now it was back in the hands of its rightful owners—after a break of some 30 years. What a witness it was to the entire country when this news was repeated in every news broadcast in every major language throughout the day! Now this building is again being used as a place for regular Christian meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Jehovah Makes It Grow

Jehovah has truly blessed the work of his servants in Malawi since the lifting of the ban. Many householders have eagerly invited Jehovah’s Witnesses into their homes and accepted their literature and the offer of a free home Bible study. On the occasion of one of the recent “Faith in God’s Word” District Conventions, a woman was amazed to see the large crowd of Jehovah’s Witnesses gathering together near a town called Namitete. “Where are all these thousands of people coming from?” she asked. “It is amazing! You were under ban for so long.” Moved by what she saw, this woman joined the happy crowd of worshipers and listened to the program. After that, she too agreed to study the Bible.

Some former enemies have also responded to the truth, and some have been moved to apologize for their actions during the ban. “It was not us,” they say. “The government made us do these bad things to you.” The brothers are only too happy to welcome such ones to our meetings. Even the former government minister who “welcomed” our brothers on their enforced return from Mozambique in 1975 and told them to return to their villages and cooperate with the ruling political party has been having a Bible study with a pioneer in Lilongwe.

None of the Witnesses display a bitter spirit. None seek revenge. (Rom. 12:17-19) All they want to do is praise Jehovah God now that they have the freedom to do so. They are eager to learn how to use whatever tools will help them to be effective teachers in the ministry. By their using such instruments as Reasoning From the Scriptures and Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life, as well as the Society’s videos, they are helping thousands of interested people to start studying the Bible.

How long Jehovah will allow us to continue to search for people “rightly disposed for everlasting life,” we do not know. (Acts 13:48) What is evident, though, is that there is wonderful potential for spiritual ingathering in this country. June 1998 saw a thrilling new peak of publishers reporting—42,770! For the “God’s Way of Life” District Conventions held in 1998, the total attendance was 152,746, and the Memorial of Christ’s death, celebrated earlier that year, was attended by 120,412!

Yes, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Malawi see a very bright future indeed. Before Jehovah’s day arrives, they anticipate being able to help many thousands more to come to an accurate knowledge of God’s Word. They also look forward to the day when they can welcome family members and dear friends back from the dead—Christian brothers and sisters who were willing to die rather than compromise their precious faith. With eager anticipation, they wait for the day when Malawi will be part of a global paradise in which everyone will dwell in security and all who love and serve Jehovah will be able to enjoy perfect life forever.

Jehovah’s Witnesses in Malawi have endured serious challenges to their faith. Their integrity under adversity has been a source of encouragement to the entire worldwide brotherhood of which they are a part. And their eagerness to preach the good news in both ‘favorable season and troublesome season’ has been an example worthy of imitation. (2 Tim. 4:2) Those who get to know them cannot help feeling that in them they have found “the warm heart of Africa.”

[Map on page 191]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

ZAMBIA

Sinda Misale camps

MALAWI

Lake Malawi

Lilongwe

Zomba

Blantyre

Mt. Mulanje

MOZAMBIQUE

Mlangeni camps

Milange camps

MOZAMBIQUE

[Full-page picture on page 148]

[Picture on page 153]

Gresham Kwazizirah, baptized in 1925

[Picture on page 157]

Bill McLuckie in the Society’s Zomba office

[Picture on page 162]

A typical Malawian village

[Picture on page 165]

Alex Mafambana

[Pictures on page 170]

Witnesses arriving at convention near Mount Mulanje in 1966

[Pictures on page 177]

Witnesses banned; gate of branch property locked

[Picture on page 178]

Though Finley Mwinyere’s own home had been destroyed, his concern was to strengthen his brothers

[Picture on page 186]

Bill McLuckie with his wife, Denise

[Picture on page 192]

Central platform, where Bible instruction was given and camp duties were assigned

[Picture on page 193]

Batson Longwe, known as “7-2-7”

[Picture on page 194]

Nazipoli refugee camp near Mlangeni, with homes built by Witnesses for their families

[Pictures on page 200, 201]

Though previously imprisoned for their faith, Witnesses continued to serve with joy

[Picture on page 202]

Couriers who risked their freedom to get spiritual food to their brothers

[Picture on page 204]

During the ban, Ed and Linda Finch were regular visitors to Malawi

[Picture on page 210]

Elders gathered for school in an open-air classroom

[Picture on page 215]

Keith and Anne Eaton, Linda and Jack Johansson—happy to be back in Malawi

[Pictures on page 216]

Branch Committee (top to bottom): Lemon Kabwazi, Keith Eaton, Colin Carson

[Pictures on page 217]

Above: Witnesses enthusiastically volunteered to clean the former branch property when it was returned

Right: Brothers getting congregation literature supplies from the branch

[Picture on page 218]

Malcolm Vigo reunited with Widdas Madona, with whom he had served in the branch before the ban

[Picture on page 220]

A thatch-roofed Kingdom Hall. Kingdom Halls are needed for another 600 congregations!

[Pictures on page 223]

Joyful Witnesses continue to proclaim the Kingdom good news in Malawi

Uruguay

WHEN the Spaniards first came to Uruguay in 1516, they found no gold or silver, nor did they find the passage to the Orient that they were seeking. But in time they recognized the rolling terrain and mild climate as ideal for livestock. Here was a money-making opportunity. Employing methods all too often characteristic of the colonial powers, Spain launched an aggressive military campaign to exterminate the native Charrua Indians and take the land. During the 17th and 18th centuries, they virtually replaced the local Indian population. Later, thousands of immigrants from Italy and other lands arrived also. Hence, most people in Uruguay today are descendants of European immigrants, and Spanish is the official language.

Notwithstanding the predominantly European influence of the more than three million inhabitants, about 10 percent have native Indian ancestry and less than 3 percent are descendants of slaves brought from Africa. Religion is not of major concern to the majority of Uruguayans. The Catholic Church does not have the strong grip on the populace that it has in other South American countries. In fact, from the beginning of the 20th century, there has been a marked separation of Church and State. However, while there are many freethinkers, agnostics, and atheists, a considerable number of people still believe in God. A commonly heard statement reveals their stand: “I believe in God. I just don’t believe in religion.”

How would such people react if, instead of being taught the creeds of Christendom, they learned about the true God, whose loving purpose and kindly dealings with humankind are set out in the Bible? Would they prove to be among “the desirable things” that God welcomes into his spiritual house of worship?—Hag. 2:7.

A Small Beginning

In 1924 a man named Juan Muñiz, from Spain, came to seek honesthearted ones who would become worshipers of Jehovah. He was asked by J. F. Rutherford, then president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, to move to South America and oversee the preaching of the good news in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Soon after his arrival in Argentina, he sailed across the Río de la Plata to preach to the people of Uruguay.

During the next 43 years, until his death in 1967, Juan Muñiz was a fearless teacher of God’s Word and was instrumental in the spreading of the good news through several South American countries, including Uruguay. Many of Jehovah’s Witnesses from that period recall that he could captivate an audience for two to three hours without relying on any notes, just using his Bible.

Call for More Workers Answered

Shortly after arriving in South America, Juan Muñiz recognized a great potential for disciple making and realized that there was a great need for workers. He must have felt just as Jesus did: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. Therefore, beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.” (Matt. 9:37, 38) So in harmony with his prayers to Jehovah, “the Master of the harvest,” Brother Muñiz conveyed his concerns to Brother Rutherford.

In answer to his request, during a 1925 convention in Magdeburg, Germany, Brother Rutherford asked a German pioneer if he would be willing to help out in South America. His name was Karl Ott. Brother Ott accepted the assignment and came to be known as Carlos Ott among the Spanish-speaking brothers. After serving in Argentina for a while, he was assigned to Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, in 1928. He served in Uruguay for the following ten years.

Carlos got down to work right away. He proved to be both diligent and ingenious. Quickly he found a place on Río Negro Street where he could live and hold regular Bible study meetings with a few interested people. He also arranged for Bible lectures to be broadcast by radio. One radio station even agreed to broadcast the lectures free of charge.

Sometimes, Carlos would enter a restaurant and approach people at their tables while they were eating. One day, while engaging in this table-to-table witnessing, he met José Gajek, a German storekeeper who embraced Bible truth quickly. Soon José joined Carlos as one of the first proclaimers of the good news in Uruguay.

Determined to share in spreading the good news of God’s Kingdom full-time, Brother Gajek sold his grocery store and took up pioneering. He and Brother Ott covered a large portion of the country, preaching from house to house and presenting Bible talks in many cities and towns. Brother Gajek sowed seed abundantly in the hearts of many Uruguayans until his death in 1953. Many of his students became members of the Christian congregation and remain faithful to this day.

Russians Accept the Truth

During World War I, several Russian families moved to Uruguay and settled in the north. There they established prosperous farming colonies. They also kept their traditional respect for the Bible, reading it regularly. Hardworking and reserved in character, they formed an austere community that had little contact with Uruguayan society. It is here that another early publisher of the good news in Uruguay entered the picture. His name was Nikifor Tkachenko.

In his native Bessarabia, Nikifor had been a staunch Communist. However, after immigrating to Brazil, he obtained the booklet entitled Where Are the Dead? published by the Watch Tower Society. He immediately recognized the ring of truth and became an avid student of the Bible. He soon started to preach among the Russian-speaking people in the São Paulo area of Brazil. Impelled by his desire to preach in his own language to his compatriots in Uruguay, he journeyed some 1,250 miles [2,000 km]. Thus, in 1938, Brother Tkachenko arrived at a Russian community called Colonia Palma in northern Uruguay and served with such zeal that he had soon exhausted his supply of Russian Bible literature.

The farmers responded enthusiastically. Entire families began to study and embraced the truth. They proved to be among “the desirable things” invited into Jehovah’s house. Tkachenko, Stanko, Cotlearenco, Gordenko, Seclenov, Sicalo are just a few of the families whose grandchildren and great-grandchildren have been the basis for such northern congregations as Bella Unión, Salto, and Paysandú. Some in these families have been special pioneers, elders, circuit overseers, and missionaries. As for Brother Tkachenko, he remained faithful until his death in 1974.

The Six Germans

Because of the violent persecution against Jehovah’s Witnesses in Nazi Germany, many German pioneers left their homeland to serve in South America. Early in 1939, six of these pioneers arrived in Montevideo, penniless and with few belongings. They were pleased to meet Carlos Ott, who was there to welcome them. The six were Gustavo and Betty Bender, Adolfo and Carlota Voss, Kurt Nickel, and Otto Helle. Just three days after their arrival, they were already preaching from house to house. Not knowing Spanish, they used a printed Spanish testimony card. All they could say in Spanish was “Por favor, lea esto” (“Please read this”). Despite their limitations with the language, the German group was left in Uruguay to care for the Kingdom work in the country when Brother Ott was reassigned to Argentina.

The first few months were not easy. Learning the language was a challenge. It was not unusual for them to invite people to the riñones (kidneys) instead of the reuniones (meetings); they spoke of abejas (bees) instead of ovejas (sheep); and they asked for arena (sand) instead of harina (flour). One of them recalls: “To preach from house to house and conduct Bible studies and meetings without knowing the language was a difficult task. Furthermore, we had no financial help. We were able to use contributions from our literature placements to cover our living and transport costs. Thankfully, by the end of 1939, we had placed 55 magazine subscriptions, more than 1,000 books, and 19,000 booklets.”

Bicycles and Tents

These six Germans were not easily discouraged. They soon began to cover the country with the good news in the most economical way possible—they bought six bicycles. Otto Helle and Kurt Nickel cycled for several days—384 miles [615 km]—to reach Colonia Palma in order to give support to Brother Tkachenko. Imagine their surprise when they discovered that he spoke neither Spanish nor German, and they did not understand a word of Russian! Feeling the effects of what had taken place at the Tower of Babel, they decided to preach with their limited Spanish in the nearby town of Salto while Brother Tkachenko continued to work with the Russians.—Gen. 11:1-9.

Meanwhile, in order to spread the Bible’s message to the cities and towns in the south, the Benders set out on a journey of hundreds of miles on roads covered with gravel and dust. On their bikes they carried a tent, a small cookstove, kitchen utensils, literature, a phonograph with Bible talks on records, as well as the clothing necessary for a period of several months. The equipment on each bike weighed as much as another person! With this limited amount of gear, they challenged the cold, the heat, and the rain. On some occasions when they waded through floodwaters, they had to carry everything on their shoulders in order to keep the books and the phonograph dry.

One essential piece of equipment was their tent. The Benders had waterproofed the tent cloth themselves, treating it with oil and garlic to keep the moths away. One morning they could hardly believe their eyes when they woke up to see the sky through dozens of holes in the roof of the tent. During the night the ants had had an irresistible meal of canvas coated with oil and garlic! The German couple had underestimated the voracious appetite of the ants.

“Nazi Spies”?

Being German nationals became one of the biggest problems for Gustavo and Betty Bender while preaching in the interior of the country. Why? World War II was in full swing, and the Uruguayan radio and newspapers gave sensational reports about the German advances in Europe. On one occasion while the Benders camped on the outskirts of a town, the radio announced that the Germans had dropped armed parachutists with bikes behind enemy lines. Immediately, panic-stricken townspeople concluded that the German couple camping outside the town were Nazi spies! The local police promptly headed for the Benders’ camp to investigate the situation, with the backup of a large group of armed men.

Gustavo and Betty were interrogated. The police noticed that certain items were covered by a canvas sheet. So they asked nervously: “What are you covering with that sheet?” Gustavo responded: “Our two bikes and Bible literature.” With a look of disbelief, a police officer ordered him to remove the sheet. No machine guns—but two bicycles and several books appeared, to the officers’ great relief. The officers extended a friendly invitation to the Benders to stay in a more hospitable place—the police station—while they were preaching in the town!

The six Germans preached faithfully for decades in Uruguay. After Gustavo Bender died in 1961, his wife returned to Germany, where she continued her pioneer activity. She died in 1995. Adolfo and Carlota Voss served as missionaries in Uruguay until their deaths in 1993 and 1960 respectively. And Kurt Nickel also remained in Uruguay until his death in 1984. At the time of this writing, Otto Helle, in his 92nd year, is still serving in Uruguay.

The Seeds Bear Fruit

These early proclaimers of the good news in Uruguay searched zealously for prospective subjects of God’s Kingdom. By 1944 there were 20 publishers and 8 pioneers reporting activity in Uruguay. It was a small beginning. Other “desirable things” were yet to be found.

María de Berrueta and her four children—Lira, Selva, Germinal, and Líber—started to attend Christian meetings in 1944. Shortly after, Lira and Selva began preaching and, in a few months, entered the pioneer service. They accompanied Aida Larriera, one of the first and very zealous publishers in the country. However, the Berrueta family had not yet symbolized their dedication by water baptism. During one of his visits from Argentina, Juan Muñiz noticed this anomaly. Thus, six months into their full-time ministry, Lira and Selva were baptized along with their brother Líber and their mother, María.

“Sustained by Jehovah’s undeserved kindness, we have never betrayed that dedication,” says Lira. In 1950 she was invited to Gilead School. As a missionary she was assigned to Argentina, where she served for 26 years. In 1976 she returned to Uruguay. Selva also attended Gilead School, in 1953, with her husband. They were assigned to Uruguay, where he served as a circuit overseer. Selva continued faithful until her death in 1973. Líber married and raised a family. He also enjoyed many privileges of service. Until his death in 1975, he was the president of the legal corporation used by Jehovah’s Witnesses in Uruguay, Sociedad La Torre del Vigía. What happened to Germinal? He stopped associating with Jehovah’s people. Yet, after some 25 years, the seed of truth sprang up again in his heart. Today, he is an elder in one of the Montevideo congregations.

Gilead Missionaries Arrive

In March 1945, Nathan H. Knorr and Frederick W. Franz from the Society’s world headquarters made their first visit to Uruguay. They were a source of encouragement to all. There was also another brother, Russell Cornelius, who arrived in Uruguay at about the same time. Brother Cornelius was not just visiting. To the delight of the brothers, he was the first Gilead graduate to be assigned to Uruguay. At that time he spoke only a few words of Spanish, but he was determined to learn. In six weeks he was able to give his first public talk in Spanish! He proved to be an invaluable help to the Kingdom work in Uruguay.

That same year, the Society sent 16 more missionaries. They were all young sisters. Their presence in Montevideo was soon evident, and one newspaper said that “blond angels with makeup” had come down from heaven to Montevideo! The sisters immediately set about preaching with zeal and enthusiasm. The effects of their ministry became manifest. Attendance at the Memorial jumped from 31 in 1945 to 204 the following year. Later, several of these missionaries were sent to cities in the interior of the country. Jehovah blessed their efforts as they preached in territories that had never before been reached with the good news.

Over the years more than 80 missionaries have served in Uruguay. Those who are still in their assignments are Ethel Voss, Birdene Hofstetter, Tove Haagensen, Günter Schönhardt, Lira Berrueta, and Florence Latimer. All of them have spent more than 20 years in their assignment. Sister Latimer’s husband, William, died in his assignment after 32 years of missionary service, many of which were spent in the traveling work.

A Well-Protected Meeting

Jack Powers, a graduate of the first class of Gilead, began to serve in Uruguay on May 1, 1945. He and his wife, Jane, worked tirelessly, advancing Kingdom interests here until 1978, when they had to leave the country to take care of their infirm parents in the United States. Jack remembers an unforgettable incident that took place while he was in Uruguay. In 1947, Jack arrived in Rivera, a city located in the north of the country near the Brazilian border. Although there were no local publishers, with the help of a brother from Brazil, he spent a month preaching throughout the city, placing more than 1,000 copies of the booklet One World, One Government, in Spanish.

As a grand finale to this month of activity, he decided to hold a public meeting in the Plaza Internacional. As the name indicates, the Plaza was centrally located right on the international border of Brazil and Uruguay. After several days of advertising the meeting, the two brothers took their places in the Plaza in expectation of multitudes who they hoped would swarm to hear the talk. Soon 50 armed policemen arrived to keep order during the meeting. What was the attendance? A total of 53—the two brothers, one person who came because of interest in the subject of the talk, and the 50 policemen. The meeting was orderly and very well protected indeed!

The following year, the Society assigned five missionaries to Rivera. Soon after the missionaries’ arrival, Nathan H. Knorr and Milton G. Henschel, from the Society’s headquarters, held a meeting in Rivera with 380 in the audience. Over the years, many people receptive to the Kingdom message were found in Rivera. Now, there are two congregations active in that territory.

Two Curious Neighbors

One of the largest cities in the interior of Uruguay is Salto, located on the east bank of the Uruguay River. This is a fruitful agricultural area famous for its oranges and other citrus fruits. Salto has also been productive in a spiritual sense, with five congregations in the area. However, in 1947 the missionaries in Salto had just begun their search for Jehovah’s “desirable things.”

That year, Mabel Jones, one of the 16 missionary sisters who had arrived in 1945, went up to Salto along with other missionaries for several weeks to build up interest in the assembly that was to be held there. Two neighbors, Carola Beltramelli and her friend Catalina Pomponi, watched Mabel curiously. On a Saturday afternoon as Mabel was returning home after sharing in the field ministry, the two curious neighbors approached her and asked Bible questions. Catalina Pomponi recalls: “I always had many religious anxieties. That is why I started reading the Bible on my own. I learned many things. For instance, I learned that prayers to God should be made in private, not to be seen by others. After that I often kneeled and prayed to God for understanding. When Mabel Jones spoke to us for the first time, we felt as if a veil was removed from our eyes. I came home, and I got on my knees to thank God. The following day both Carola and I attended the public meeting at the assembly.”

Despite the opposition they received from their husbands, Mabel’s two neighbors progressed rapidly and got baptized. In time Catalina Pomponi was appointed a special pioneer. Throughout her fruitful career of over 40 years in the full-time service, she has helped 110 persons to become baptized Witnesses of Jehovah. Carola Beltramelli also proved to be a zealous Kingdom proclaimer, helping more than 30 persons to baptism. Carola’s two sons became pioneers. The older one, Delfos, had the privilege of attending Gilead School, and he has helped to provide oversight in the branch since 1970.

In the Land of Maté

As the missionaries covered the rurals, they visited several estancias, large settlements for cattle and sheep raising. The people who live in the estancias are simple and hospitable. It is quite common for them to welcome the Witnesses by offering them the traditional drink, maté. Maté is a hot tea sipped from a gourd cup through a bombilla, a metal tube with a strainer at one end. For the Uruguayans, the preparation and serving of maté is almost a ceremony. After the tea is ready, the cup is passed around from person to person, everyone sharing the same bombilla.

Imagine the missionaries’ reaction when they were first invited to join in the collective drinking of maté. To their hosts’ amusement, as the missionaries drank the green and bitter brew, their faces contorted in a variety of ways. After the first try, some decided that it would also be their last. Future invitations to sip maté were politely declined.

‘If You Have Images, I Will Not Return’

A group of missionaries was assigned to the city of Tacuarembó, in northern Uruguay. This city is surrounded by large estancias and other agricultural establishments. In 1949, Gerardo Escribano, a young farmer with many questions about life, received an invitation to attend a public talk at the Kingdom Hall. He accepted the invitation on one condition: “If you have images or if I am required to repeat prayers, I will not return.”

Gerardo was pleased to find no images and no rites in the Kingdom Hall. Rather, he enjoyed a Scriptural talk that revived his interest in the Bible. He continued to attend meetings and in time became a dedicated and baptized servant of Jehovah. Over the years, he has enjoyed many privileges of service, such as special pioneering, circuit work, and district work. Brother Escribano and his wife, Ramona, have been in the full-time service for a combined total of more than 83 years. Since 1976, Brother Escribano has been a member of the Branch Committee together with Delfos Beltramelli and Günter Schönhardt, a missionary from Germany who for many years has contributed much to the spiritual upbuilding of congregations in the vicinity of the branch.

The Harvest Increases

“The harvest is great, but the workers are few,” said Jesus. (Matt. 9:37, 38) These words took on special meaning in the lives of the missionaries in Uruguay, who had such a vast territory to cover. As the years went by, it became evident that Jehovah was supporting and blessing the efforts of his workers.

In 1949, when Brothers Knorr and Henschel visited for the second time, 592 persons met in Montevideo to listen to Brother Knorr’s talk “It Is Later Than You Think!” On that occasion 73 were baptized. In those days there were 11 congregations in the country. Ten years later, during his fourth visit, Brother Knorr spoke to an audience of more than 2,000 in Montevideo. By then, there were 1,415 publishers and 41 congregations in Uruguay.

The decade of the 1950’s was characterized by growth in the number of congregations throughout the country. Still, many had to meet in private homes. In one case, the householder cleverly installed casters (wheels) on all his living-room furniture. Hence, when the time came to make room for the congregation meeting, all he had to do was wheel the furniture out of the way. In another case, the congregation met in a small room toward the front of a private home. As the congregation grew, the partitions were removed in order to accommodate the larger group. Eventually, most of the walls were removed, and the family agreed to live in a reduced space toward the rear of the house.

One outstanding tool that proved to be useful in acquainting the people of Uruguay with the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses was the motion picture The New World Society in Action. This film arrived in Uruguay in 1955. That year Líber Berrueta traveled into the interior of the country and showed the film to more than 4,500 persons. It moved many who had previously manifested limited interest in our work to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses.

A New Branch Office

As the number of publishers continued to grow rapidly, the need for suitable facilities to accommodate the branch office and the missionary home became evident. Over the years, various buildings had been rented to satisfy this need. But the time had arrived to purchase land to construct the Society’s own facilities. However, land in the center of the capital city, Montevideo, was too expensive. It seemed that there was no choice but to purchase land farther away, toward the outskirts of the city. Accordingly, a sizable lot was acquired in 1955. The construction drawings were approved, and the crews were ready to begin working on the site. Then, the brothers were shocked to learn that the local government had decided to build an extension of one of the main avenues right through the recently acquired property!

What were they to do? Negotiations with the authorities followed. As a solution, the officials offered to purchase the Society’s lot. However, the amount they were willing to pay was less than what the brothers had originally paid. The money would not be enough to acquire a similar lot.

“At one point, we concluded that perhaps it was not Jehovah’s time for the construction,” recalls Jack Powers. “But soon we came to a better understanding of Paul’s words at Romans 11:34: ‘Who has come to know Jehovah’s mind, or who has become his counselor?’ One of the officials suggested that perhaps we could trade our piece of property for one of the government lots that were not in use. He offered us a lot similar in size and ideally located right in the center of Montevideo, on Francisco Bauzá Street. Without hesitation, we accepted the offer. After all, the property was many times higher in value than the one we had purchased previously—and we did not have to pay one more cent! Indeed, the hand of Jehovah maneuvered matters in favor of his people!”

An Architect Makes a Decision

The building of the branch office progressed under the direction of Justino Apolo, a well-known architect. Justino had just begun to study the Bible with one of the missionaries. “I had always wanted to find the truth about God,” recalls Justino. “I was raised a Catholic, but over the years, I became more and more disappointed. I still remember very well the day I visited the church to make arrangements for my wedding. The priest asked me: ‘How many lights do you want on in the church during your wedding ceremony? The more lights that are on, the more it will cost you, but you would be certain to impress your friends.’ Of course, I wanted a nice wedding. So I asked for many lights. The priest then asked: ‘Do you want a red carpet or a white one?’ The difference? ‘Of course, the red carpet makes the bride’s dress stand out more,’ he explained, ‘but it does cost twice as much.’ Then came the subject of the ‘Ave Maria’ hymn. ‘Do you want one person to sing it, or do you want a chorus?’ The priest went on to sell me one ceremonial feature after another.

“I did get married in the church. But I was very irritated by all the commercialism in religion. When I started studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses, the difference was obvious. I quickly realized that I had found the truth.”

After many months of studying the Bible while working on Bethel construction and associating with the Witnesses, Justino realized that he had to make a decision. After the building was completed, toward the end of 1961, the architect made the right decision and got baptized. Now Justino serves as an elder and has helped to build more than 60 Kingdom Halls in Uruguay.

Branch Expansion Continues

On October 28, 1961, the joyful dedication of the beautiful new building took place. The first floor provided spacious facilities for the offices, a literature depot, and a comfortable Kingdom Hall. There were nine bedrooms on the upper floor accommodating the missionaries and the office personnel.

For the 1,570 publishers active in the country at the time, the new Bethel seemed capable of caring for any expected growth for years to come. However, growth was more rapid than expected. In 1985 a two-story addition doubled the size of the branch.

More recently the Society has obtained another fine piece of property on the outskirts of Montevideo. Construction of new branch facilities together with an Assembly Hall is well under way. With the help of an international team of workers, the project is expected to be completed in 1999.

Training for Overseers

To care for the increase of “desirable things” in Uruguay, not only branch facilities but also caring shepherds were needed. Between the years 1956 and 1961, the number of publishers doubled and 13 new congregations were formed. What a loving and timely provision the Kingdom Ministry School proved to be! When the Kingdom Ministry School started in 1961, many brothers in responsible positions in congregations made arrangements to attend these month-long courses. A number of them had to travel long distances, and some risked their jobs to attend the full course of the school.

For example, Horacio Leguizamón lived in Dolores, 190 miles [300 km] from Montevideo, where the Kingdom Ministry School was being held. When he asked his employer for a one-month leave, he was told that it was impossible. Brother Leguizamón explained how important this training was to him and that he wanted to attend even if it meant the loss of his job. A few days later, he was surprised to hear that his employer had decided to make an exception, enabling him to attend the school without losing his job.

Was the course worth going through all the trouble? “We have never experienced anything like it,” recalls one of the first students. “Being in the company of mature brothers from all over the country made us feel as if for one month we were living in the new world. At the school we became adequately equipped to face the challenge of shepherding the flock efficiently, with the loving support of Jehovah’s visible organization.”

The Kingdom Ministry School helped hundreds of mature Christians to become better equipped, and this resulted in the strengthening of the congregations, especially at a time when the problems of the old system of things were intensifying.

Poor—Yet Rich Spiritually

According to Uruguayan historians, the decade of the ’60’s marked the beginning of the country’s economic deterioration. The traditional export products, such as beef, leather, and wool, gradually decreased in value in the international market. A number of banks and major manufacturing companies failed, leaving thousands unemployed. People were worried about the uncontrollable inflation, the abrupt devaluation of the currency, the increase in taxes, and the difficulties in obtaining food and other basic necessities of life.

The economic crisis had severe social consequences. The impoverishment of the large middle class resulted in a considerable rise in crime. Discontent led to frequent, and sometimes violent, demonstrations against the authorities. Thousands of Uruguayans, particularly young ones, left for other countries in an effort to escape a crisis that was rapidly worsening.

On the other hand, within Jehovah’s organization the decade of the ’60’s yielded a spiritual growth that calls to mind the words of Isaiah 35:1, 2: “The wilderness and the waterless region will exult, and the desert plain will be joyful and blossom as the saffron. Without fail it will blossom, and it will really be joyful with joyousness and with glad crying out.” Fifteen new congregations were formed between 1961 and 1969, and the total number of publishers in the country peaked at 2,940.

On December 9, 1965, the government approved the bylaws of our legal corporation known as Sociedad La Torre del Vigía. This instrument has made it possible to obtain special permits and tax exemptions for the printing, importing, and distribution of Bibles and Bible-related literature. Also, the legal status made it possible to acquire properties and construct Kingdom Halls.

The “Great Assembly”

The year 1967 will always be remembered as the year of the “great assembly.” A delegation of some 400 Witnesses from the United States and Europe, including F. W. Franz and M. G. Henschel, arrived to attend the assembly. An audience of 3,958 enjoyed for the first time the presentation of a Bible drama with costumes. Also for the first time, the brothers were able to use Palacio Peñarol, a spacious enclosed stadium where Montevideo’s important social, artistic, and sporting events took place.

Many of the local brothers made extraordinary efforts to finance the trip and their accommodations. For six months one sister took a job hand-washing people’s clothing in order to save enough money for her trip. Another sister, whose husband was opposed to her being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, accumulated the necessary funds by making frozen refreshments and selling them to the neighbors.

What kind of impression did the convention leave with the stadium’s administrators? One of them stated that “the Palacio Peñarol has never before been so clean and free of bad odors!” The administrators were so impressed by the order and good organization of the Witnesses that they made their private offices available to the brothers in the convention administration. After that, the stadium was used for many district conventions until 1977. In that year, however, the government changed its attitude toward Jehovah’s Witnesses, and for several years thereafter, the Witnesses were restricted from holding conventions.

“Cautious as Serpents”

During the early 1970’s, the economy in Uruguay worsened. Acts of civil disobedience became more common. Labor and student demonstrations turned into violent and destructive rampages. Armed bands of urban guerrillas began to spring up in large cities. Terror spread as these bands engaged in robberies, bombings, assaults, and kidnappings. In the midst of the turmoil, the armed forces grew in power and took over the government in 1973.

The military ruled with an iron hand. All political and trade union activities were prohibited. Strict censorship of the press was instituted. Public meetings could not be held without previous permission from the authorities. Individual freedoms were severely limited. How were the brothers able to “preach the word,” even in this troublesome season?—Compare 2 Timothy 4:2.

Brother Escribano recalls: “In those days, as never before, we had to apply Jesus’ words at Matthew 10:16: ‘Look! I am sending you forth as sheep amidst wolves; therefore prove yourselves cautious as serpents and yet innocent as doves.’ Accordingly, the Society quickly gave direction to all the elders so that the publishers would receive the necessary training to continue zealously in the preaching work—but now with caution and good judgment.”

Some members of the clergy and religious groups had been giving support to the rebels. Hence, the new military government grew very suspicious of all religious movements, including Jehovah’s Witnesses. As a result, many were arrested throughout the country while engaging in the house-to-house ministry. However, in most cases they were released immediately after showing their Bible literature and explaining the nature of their work. After this initial spate of arrests, the brothers deemed it wise to make their presence less conspicuous by going out in smaller groups.

In some cases the military tacitly consented to the Witnesses’ house-to-house work. Once, they even tried to help—in their own way. A group of soldiers was patrolling an area where a sister was preaching. At one house, after the sister rang the bell, the householder reached out through a second floor window and in a very impolite manner asked the sister to leave. One of the soldiers who saw what had happened reacted immediately by pointing his machine gun at the householder and ordering her to come down and properly welcome the sister. The householder complied.

A Place for Assemblies

In June 1974 the branch office received a notice from the government requiring responsible brothers to appear before the secretary of the Supreme Court of Justice. Brother Beltramelli was one of them. He remembers: “We were nervous. We knew that the military government had the power to ban our work immediately, if they so desired. But what a relief when the official explained to us that the government was interested in purchasing a building that was being used as a Kingdom Hall! They even offered to assist us in obtaining another suitable place for a Kingdom Hall. As a result, we were able to purchase the Lutecia movie theater in Montevideo. It was located ideally on one of the principal avenues. And the money we received from the government was more than enough to convert the theater into a new Kingdom Hall.”

“We were convinced that Jehovah had something to do with it,” Brother Beltramelli reminisces. “The large auditorium in this theater could seat almost 1,000 persons. It would serve not only as a Kingdom Hall for the area but also as an Assembly Hall, which was desperately needed in view of the new restrictions on assemblies and conventions.”

Thus, for several years the former theater, although officially a Kingdom Hall for the local congregation, was actually used for circuit assemblies on a weekly basis. For these large gatherings, the brothers learned to be cautious. They entered and left the building as inconspicuously as possible and parked their cars in scattered locations throughout the neighborhood.

A Time to Build

Even during this turbulent period, the constant growth in the number of Kingdom publishers, along with the addition of new congregations, was a source of much joy. By 1976 the number of publishers had increased by more than 100 percent in less than ten years. But this also presented a great challenge: How could we accommodate so many new ones in the old Kingdom Halls, which for the most part were rented? “For everything there is an appointed time,” said King Solomon under inspiration. With 85 congregations and only 42 Kingdom Halls, it seemed clear that the “time to build” Kingdom Halls had arrived.—Eccl. 3:1-3.

Yet, the entire country was in the middle of a financial crisis, and the congregations did not have enough funds to build. Where would the money come from? Delfos Beltramelli, the branch coordinator, recalls: “During that period we felt the hand of Jehovah and the love of his people in action. The generous contributions from the brothers throughout the world allowed the branch to lend the congregations in Uruguay the money they needed.”

There was also a need for qualified workers, and the Witnesses in Uruguay responded to that need. Many have continued to make themselves available to help build Kingdom Halls in one place after the other. Avelino Filipponi was one of the tireless volunteers. After sharing in the construction of the branch in 1961, Brother Filipponi and his wife, Elda, served as special pioneers, and since 1968 he has served as a circuit overseer. For a number of years, he was also assigned to assist with the construction of Kingdom Halls by providing professional services and direction for the building projects.

“El Plomito”

Brother Filipponi remembers some experiences regarding the construction of Kingdom Halls: “In every location where we built a Kingdom Hall, the neighbors and passersby were always very much impressed with the enthusiasm and zeal displayed by the Witness workers. At one construction site, a six-year-old non-Witness boy from the neighborhood visited every day, begging to be allowed to work on the project. He was so insistent that he came to be known as el plomito, a local expression that means ‘the little pest.’ Well, the years went by, and we did not hear from the boy again. But at one assembly a brother approached me and asked: ‘Brother Filipponi! Do you remember “el plomito”? It’s me! I got baptized two years ago.’” Evidently, the seed of truth had been planted in this young boy during the construction of the Kingdom Hall.

Now there is one Kingdom Hall for every 129 publishers—a total of 81 Kingdom Halls. Undoubtedly, Jehovah has blessed the construction of suitable places of worship for his people in Uruguay.

Assemblies to Help Our Neighbors

A military regime had also been established in Argentina, the neighboring country to the west. There, the government closed down the Society’s branch office and the Kingdom Halls. Thus, the brothers in Argentina began to hold their meetings in small groups. However, during that time they were able to hold assemblies in public without government interference. How was that possible? By crossing the border and holding their assemblies in Uruguay! These large gatherings were organized by the Uruguayan brothers, but many parts of the program were handled by brothers from Argentina. It was a special privilege to provide accommodations for the thousands of brothers coming from Argentina. This resulted in a faith-strengthening “interchange of encouragement.”—Rom. 1:12.

One unforgettable convention took place in the Palacio Peñarol from January 13 to 16, 1977. There was a mixed audience of almost 7,000 Uruguayan and Argentinean brothers and sisters. At the conclusion of the convention, all in attendance joined in singing praises to Jehovah. Those in the audience took turns singing—the Argentineans sang one verse while the Uruguayans remained silent, then vice versa. Finally, everyone joined in the singing of the last verse. The mixed emotions of joy for having been together at the convention and sadness for having to say good-bye to their dear brothers brought tears to the eyes of many.

However, on January 13, 1977, while that large convention was being held at the Palacio Peñarol, a famous newspaper with a tendency to favor the Catholic Church published a front-page article under the headline: “Jehovah’s Witnesses: Their Authorization Under Scrutiny.” The article denounced the position of the Witnesses regarding the national symbols. It stressed that in Argentina the government had banned our work and that the same could happen in Uruguay. Shortly after the publication of the article, the government ceased issuing permits for our conventions and assemblies.

Restrictions Intensify

In 1975 the military government had launched a campaign designed to enhance patriotism and nationalism. This nationalistic euphoria brought difficulties to many brothers as they strove to maintain their Christian neutrality. They endeavored to “pay back Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” (Mark 12:17) Several young Witnesses were expelled from school because they conscientiously refrained from venerating the national symbols. Many brothers endured much ridicule and abuse at their places of work. Some Witnesses even lost their jobs because of their neutral stand.

In small cities and towns in the interior, local authorities were watching the Witnesses very closely. In some cases government spies visited Kingdom Halls, pretending to be interested people. For this reason the brothers saw the need to be increasingly cautious. At the meetings, they avoided discussing the subject of neutrality, thus averting any confrontation with the authorities.

On one occasion one such spy visited a Kingdom Hall just before the meeting started. He asked one of the brothers: “At what time will the congregation sing the hymn today?” The Spanish word himno can refer either to a national anthem or to a religious song. Knowing the man to be a spy, the brother answered: “Three times—at the beginning of the meeting, in the middle, and at the end.” Of course, the brother was referring to our Kingdom songs. The spy left immediately, completely satisfied with his own assumption that the brothers were going to sing the national anthem three times during the meeting.

Arrested—But Happy

Sometimes the police would raid the Kingdom Halls right in the middle of a meeting and arrest all in attendance. Then every brother and sister would be subjected to an interrogation. This proved to be an excellent opportunity for the brothers to give a witness to a good number of police officers. After everyone was interrogated—usually a process that would last several hours—all would be released.—Compare Acts 5:41.

In the Florida Congregation, located to the north of Montevideo, Sister Sely Assandri de Núñez was scheduled to give a student talk in the Theocratic Ministry School. She invited her neighbor Mabel to come and listen to her talk. Mabel had never visited a Kingdom Hall before. That night the police raided the meeting and arrested everyone, including Mabel. After Mabel had been detained for several hours, her husband was able to arrange for her release. This startling experience awoke in her a genuine interest in the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Soon after, she began studying the Bible and attending meetings. Now Mabel is a dedicated and baptized Witness of Jehovah.

Despite the almost 12 years of restrictions by the military regime, a steady stream of honesthearted people continued to flock into Jehovah’s organization. In 1973 there were 3,791 publishers in the country. By 1985, when this difficult period ended, that figure had gone up to 5,329, an increase of more than 40 percent! Undoubtedly, Jehovah had been blessing his people during that time of distress.

Assemblies Without Restrictions

In March 1985 a democratic government was established, and all restrictions were lifted. From then on, Jehovah’s people could engage freely in Kingdom preaching and teaching. The brothers were now free to hold their circuit assemblies and district conventions. Brothers and sisters were filled with joy over the opportunity to meet their fellow worshipers from distant parts of the country again. How encouraging to see that their brothers too had remained steadfast and were still serving Jehovah faithfully!

But where could we find convention sites that would accommodate an expected attendance of more than 10,000 people? None of the sites previously used would be adequate now. Again, Jehovah answered our prayers. During the years of military government, a new soccer stadium, Estadio Charrúa, had been built in the Parque Rivera, one of the largest parks in Montevideo. Although the stadium had been used exclusively for sporting events, we were able to lease it for a national convention in December 1985. Since then, the local authorities have been very cooperative in letting us use the stadium every year for our conventions, often with more than 13,000 people in attendance.

A significant witness was given at a circuit assembly held in the stadium of the city of Treinta y Tres in December 1990. From inside a Catholic church, the stadium, filled to capacity with Jehovah’s Witnesses, was in full view. One morning the priest pointed out through the window and said to his parishioners: “Do you see how many people are being gathered by Jehovah’s Witnesses? How do they get so many people? They have something that you Catholics do not have—the spirit of evangelizing! We are dwindling in numbers every day because we do not go out to preach as they do. Either we start evangelizing as the Witnesses do or our Church will die.”

Working Isolated Territories

In the 1980’s a special effort was put forth to reach the most remote areas of the country with the good news. During an annual visit to a place in the northeastern part of the country, a group of brothers placed several books in a village called Cuchilla de Caraguatá. The following year, the Witnesses visited a man there who would not listen to their message, claiming that he had the truth. “I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses!” he declared. He had been out of the village when the Witnesses were there the preceding year. But after coming home he read the literature that had been left and decided that it was the truth. He went around the village telling everyone that he was now one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Today in that village, there is a small congregation.

Even though Berta de Herbig lived in the remote town of Dolores, she appreciated the importance of attending meetings regularly. She walked seven miles [11 km] with her six children to the Kingdom Hall. Most of the time, she arrived about an hour before the meeting started. Her good example of endurance and determination as a mother has had a powerful effect on her children. Now after years of her faithful service, four of her children are active in the truth. One of them, Miguel Ángel, who later became a pioneer, would ride a bicycle for 36 miles [58 km] in order to reach an isolated group in La Charqueada-Cebollatí. Another son, Daniel, is presently serving as a special pioneer in the town of Treinta y Tres.

A Better Relationship

For years many health professionals in Uruguay looked down on Jehovah’s Witnesses because of not understanding their attitude regarding abstaining from the use of blood. (Acts 15:28, 29) A large number of hospitals in the country refused to admit Jehovah’s Witnesses. Others would admit Witnesses for surgery and then because they would not accept blood, would dismiss them just before the operation. However, during the past few years, the relationship between the medical profession and the Witnesses has improved considerably.

In 1986 the Hospital Central de las Fuerzas Armadas organized a convention to discuss alternative treatments for Jehovah’s Witnesses and brought together a number of prominent personalities in the fields of medicine and surgery, as well as lawyers specializing in the medical field. Jehovah’s Witnesses provided information and suggestions to the hospital authorities. As a result of this special gathering, many doctors in Uruguay changed their attitude toward the Witnesses and are now willing to treat the Witnesses and respect their Bible-based viewpoint on blood.

Subsequently, a number of widely publicized meetings were held, first in Montevideo and then in other cities. Prominent specialists have acknowledged that with the help of Jehovah’s Witnesses, they have learned new techniques for nonblood medical treatment. A professor of hemotherapy stated: “We have learned much and have adjusted our thinking, thanks to Jehovah’s Witnesses. In the past we had numerous confrontations with them simply because we did not understand them. Now we see that in many areas they have always been in the right. Evidently, they have spared themselves many headaches by refusing to take blood.”

Their Work Is Not in Vain

Truly it can be said that the hard work performed by zealous Kingdom proclaimers in Uruguay during the 1920’s and through the 1940’s was not in vain. A handful of zealous Kingdom proclaimers from abroad gathered and instructed thousands of “desirable things” in this beautiful country of rolling hills. (Hag. 2:7) In Uruguay there are now more than 10,000 publishers of God’s Kingdom. The more than 135 congregations have an average of almost five elders per congregation. At the latest Kingdom Ministry School, held during March 1998, 656 elders and 945 ministerial servants attended. Nearly all the congregations own their Kingdom Halls, many of which were built by brothers, with the financial support of the Society.

During the past 20 years, the number of publishers has more than doubled, and there are good prospects for future growth. As long as Jehovah holds back the winds of the approaching great tribulation, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Uruguay will continue to invite others: “Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.”—Isa. 2:3; Rev. 7:1.

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[Picture on page 227]

Juan Muñiz

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They lived in homemade tents and traveled throughout Uruguay on bicycles to witness (left to right): Kurt Nickel, Gustavo and Betty Bender, Otto Helle

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Early Uruguayan publishers (from left to right): María de Berrueta, Carola Beltramelli, Catalina Pomponi

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Missionaries still serving in Uruguay: (1) Florence Latimer, (2) Ethel Voss, (3) Birdene Hofstetter, (4) Lira Berrueta, (5) Tove Haagensen, (6) Günter Schönhardt

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New branch facilities under construction in 1998

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Branch Committee (from left to right): Günter Schönhardt, Delfos Beltramelli, Gerardo Escribano