Yearbook—2001

Title Page/Publishers’ Page

2001 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Containing Report for the Service Year of 2000

“Stand Complete and With Firm Conviction in All the Will of God.”—Col. 4:12.

That scripture, our yeartext for 2001, is taken from an earnest prayer by Epaphras, a first-century disciple, in behalf of fellow Christians. We too should pray earnestly in behalf of others. And it should be our determination, with God’s help, to conduct ourselves personally as mature Christians, fully convinced of the certainty of the fulfillment of Jehovah’s promises as we expend ourselves whole-souled in doing God’s will.

[Picture Credit Lines on page 2]

COVER: Luanda Harbor in Angola: © Giacomo Pirozzi/Panos Pictures; globes on back cover and pages 43, 47, 51, 56, 61, and map on page 81: Mountain High Maps® Copyright © 1997 Digital Wisdom, Inc.; page 90: Kuito, Angola: AP Photo/Nicky de Blois

Contents

3 A Letter From the Governing Body

6 Highlights of the Past Year

31 Worldwide Report: 2000 Grand Totals

Acts of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Modern Times:

67 Angola

149 Argentina

225 French Guiana

A Letter From the Governing Body

HOW favored we are! As Jehovah’s Witnesses, we are privileged not only to know Jehovah, the only true and living God, the Creator of the universe, but also to bear his name and serve him. What greater blessing could there be!—Isa. 43:12; Heb. 8:11.

We have the hope of salvation and the commission to preach the good news of the Kingdom so that others too may worship Jehovah and share our hope. (Matt. 24:14; Rom. 10:13, 14; 1 Thess. 5:8) We also have the joy of being an international brotherhood of worshipers who love and actively help one another. How rewarding all of this is!

The Bible appropriately invites us: “Serve Jehovah with rejoicing. . . . Come into his gates with thanksgiving, into his courtyards with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. For Jehovah is good; his loving-kindness is to time indefinite, and his faithfulness to generation after generation.” (Ps. 100:2-5) Serving Jehovah with rejoicing is directly related to having a strong personal relationship with him. He makes possible such a relationship, and we are privileged to cultivate it. When we have that kind of relationship, we know that Jehovah is always available to help and strengthen us in times of need. We are confident that he will provide the spiritual strength and direction needed to meet the challenges of living in the last days of this system of things. Regardless of the pressures that we face, we are joyful in our ministry, and we thank Jehovah every day because, as his Word reminds us, ‘he cares for us.’—1 Pet. 5:7.

During the past year, Jehovah has indeed blessed us abundantly. At the “Doers of God’s Word” District Convention, we were thrilled to be with many thousands of others of like precious faith, singing and feasting together at Jehovah’s spiritual table. At our Congregation Book Studies, we have enjoyed the faith-strengthening experience of studying together the book Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy! And on top of all of this, how thrilling it was for us to receive Volume I of the new publication Isaiah’s Prophecy—Light for All Mankind! ‘Our cup is well filled.’—Ps. 23:5.

What a joy it is to know that millions of us, spiritual brothers and sisters, are united in serving Jehovah! How encouraging to read about new peaks reached in connection with the field ministry! We rejoice at the multimillions who attended the Memorial of our Lord’s death—and did so in spite of world conditions. As we view the worldwide field, it is obvious that “the harvest, indeed, is great.” (Luke 10:2) Last year 5,555 Bible students every week, on an average, progressed to the point of symbolizing their dedication by water baptism. While the harvest is greater in some parts of the earth than in others, we all take delight in what Jehovah is doing. We see unmistakable evidence of his blessing on the united efforts of his servants.

The building of new Kingdom Halls has been a further cause for great rejoicing! We are so pleased to see the wholehearted support of this work by our brothers and sisters in developing countries. Hundreds of Kingdom Halls have already been built with the help of Kingdom Hall Construction Groups that have been given needed training. These brothers move from one congregation to another within their own country to take the lead in Kingdom Hall building projects. Since thousands of Kingdom Halls yet need to be built, the cry is for more volunteers within the developing countries to assist in this necessary work. If you live in such a country, can you make yourself available? Oh, how much our dear brothers and sisters appreciate having their own Kingdom Hall in which to meet for worship! And how grateful they are to the global brotherhood for the financial help to make it possible!

News of legal victories thrills us. Yet, in many places there are also influential people who would like to suppress the worship of Jehovah. As we deal with these situations, we are confident that, when it comes to helping, it does not matter to Jehovah how many the opposers are or how vulnerable his servants seem to be. (2 Chron. 14:11) We warmly commend all you brothers and sisters who continue to stand firm for true worship.

Continue to strengthen your faith and to rely heavily upon Jehovah for direction as you joyfully fulfill your Christian responsibilities. (Prov. 3:5, 6) There is no reason to become disheartened, no matter what the enemy may be permitted to do. Remember the encouragement given by Elisha to his anxious attendant: “Do not be afraid, for there are more who are with us than those who are with them.” (2 Ki. 6:15-17) Today, Jehovah’s heavenly army is as ready to protect the interests of pure worship as it was in Elisha’s day. We face the future with confidence. Jehovah is in control. The nations are no match for him. He has enthroned his Son with full ruling authority. “Happy are all those taking refuge in him.”—Ps. 2:1-6, 12.

Please remember that all of you dear brothers and sisters are constantly in our warmest thoughts. Our earnest prayer is that every one of you may “stand complete and with firm conviction in all the will of God.”—Col. 4:12.

Your brothers,

Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Highlights of the Past Year

DURING the year 2000, Jehovah’s Witnesses around the globe prominently displayed in their Kingdom Halls this scripture: “We are not the sort that shrink back . . . but the sort that have faith.” (Heb. 10:39) What is stated in that text is characteristic of the spirit shown by them around the world as they carry on their ministry. True, some find it difficult to talk to strangers; certain circumstances may make them feel rather nervous. Yet, with faith in Jehovah, they continue to obey his commandments.

The worldwide report on page 31 provides a few highlights of what they accomplished with Jehovah’s blessing during the service year that ended on August 31. Further details are found in the chart on pages 32-9. Additionally, special mention must be made of the conventions that were held.

Conventions for Doers of God’s Word

In December 1999 a call was sent out for all of Jehovah’s Witnesses, along with other interested people, to attend the “Doers of God’s Word” District Convention. The first of these conventions was held in Long Beach, California, U.S.A., from May 19 to 21, 2000. Before this convention series is completed early in 2001, hundreds more will have been held worldwide.

The program focused attention upon Jehovah, the Doer of wonderful things. We were encouraged not to forget all his doings but to laud him with all our heart. (Ps. 9:1; 103:2) Practical counsel was given on family life and coping with thorns in one’s flesh. We were urged to work hard at cultivating spirituality, not to be forgetful hearers but to be obedient to God’s word, and to keep telling others about Jehovah’s wonderful works. The experiences and interviews, along with the talks, emphasized the practical value of what was being discussed and did much to touch the heart. A powerful Bible drama, “Warning Examples for Our Day,” helped to fortify us against conduct that could ruin a person’s relationship with Jehovah. And we were built up by in-depth discussions of prophecies from the Bible books of Isaiah and Zephaniah.

Among the convention sites was the Népstadion, the largest stadium in Hungary. More than 22,000 were on hand for the opening day. Those who had heeded the encouragement to be present right from the start will never regret it. At the conclusion of the morning program, there was a special talk by Gerrit Lösch, a member of the Governing Body, during which the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures in Hungarian was released. That same month at other conventions, the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures was also released in Romanian and Albanian.

In Albania, though there were to be more conventions in various locations later in the month, Witnesses from all over Albania, as well as Kosovo, responded to the invitation to attend the opening-day program in Tiranë. How they rejoiced when the Bible in Albanian was released! Said one young brother: “Reading this translation not only made the Bible clearer and more understandable for me but also made me love the Bible more!” And a regular pioneer sister in her 60’s, formerly a Communist member of the parliament, wrote: “How wonderful! Only after studying this translation have I been able to appreciate how beautiful the Bible is, with its prose, poetry, and flowing accounts. You can imagine the whole touching scene so clearly. When I read how Jesus performed miracles and was rebuked and mocked, I felt deep emotions that I had never felt before!”

At the conventions in the Czech Republic, in addition to the other good things provided at conventions in many lands, the delegates were delighted to receive the Reference Edition of the New World Translation, with copious marginal references and footnotes, as a further aid in their careful study of God’s Word. When announcement of this release was made, many conventioners in Prague and Ostrava rose to their feet with prolonged applause.

In the early part of the service year, of course, district conventions featuring the theme “God’s Prophetic Word” continued to be held in some parts of the earth. An earnest effort was made to reach people of as many nations and languages as possible with that vital information. In Mexico, as an example, 190 “God’s Prophetic Word” District Conventions were held, with a total attendance of 1,073,667. The program was presented directly in Spanish, English, Maya, and Mexican Sign Language and was interpreted into Mazateco, Mixe, and Tzotzil. Linguistic barriers came down as people of all sorts benefited from the insight that the Bible gives us regarding the marvelous things that God has in store for humankind.

Coping With Difficult Situations

Again during the past service year, an outstanding witness was given concerning Jehovah God and his Messianic Kingdom. A peak of 6,035,564 publishers shared in this activity. On an average during the year, 805,205 shared in the pioneer service. During April the total pioneers swelled to 1,418,062! More than a billion hours were devoted again this year to giving a public witness. Many who shared in the work did so in the face of situations that submitted their faith to fiery tests. Yet, in one situation after another, Jehovah’s Witnesses gave evidence that they are “not the sort that shrink back.”

As an example, for many months the Democratic Republic of Congo has been torn by war. In the eastern part of the country, largely cut off from direct communication with Kinshasa where the branch office is located, there are more than 30,000 Kingdom publishers. In some areas, soldiers frequently stop civilians, including Jehovah’s Witnesses, question them, and sometimes beat them. Yet, the Witnesses do not stop preaching. There are some 50 million people in this land. These too need the opportunity to hear the good news. On an average, publishers there devoted about 13 hours to the field ministry each month during the year.

Outstanding faith is also shown by the brothers and sisters in Liberia. The daily challenges they face include not only dealing with severe economic hardship but also struggling with the debilitating effects of such diseases as malaria and typhoid. Nearly everyone, young and old, is affected. So the response to the call “Can We Make April 2000 Our Best Month Ever?” was a forceful testimony to the faith of the brothers, their zeal for Jehovah, and the power of Jehovah’s spirit in their lives. There was a new all-time peak of 3,193 publishers. The combined total of auxiliary and regular pioneers was 32 percent of all the publishers reporting. With all this activity, the Memorial attendance of 16,875 exceeded everyone’s expectations, and in May the report showed that 10,164 Bible studies were being conducted.

Sri Lanka’s 19-year-old civil war continued unabated. During the month of April 2000, heavy fighting in the northern Jaffna Peninsula resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of people. Five congregations, including 600 publishers and associates, were affected. The publishers found it necessary to live on Kingdom Hall property and in abandoned homes nearby. What is it like to be living amid such conditions? An elder there wrote: “All around, poverty and malnutrition are very evident. . . . The brothers have lost their homes and belongings. Land mines have been planted all over. The brothers are without jobs; the children cannot go to school. Life is miserable. But the brothers are keeping up, with Jehovah’s spirit and spiritual help. . . . We see Jehovah’s hand, and we thank him.” These brothers continued with all their meetings, even finding safe places to hold their circuit assembly, though in smaller groups than usual. Instead of diminishing their efforts in the field, they increased what they were doing to take the good news to their neighbors.

The economic situation in Ukraine makes travel very difficult in some areas. Yet, for some years, a sister in her 80’s, who treasures the privilege of serving Jehovah, has walked four hours each way to reach the territory where she preaches. She also walks six miles [10 km] in the mountains to get to the meetings.

Jehovah’s Witnesses in Romania serve in the face of intense opposition by the clergy of the Orthodox Church. In anticipation of a visit by Willy Gournon as zone overseer, the brothers rented a football stadium in Bucharest for a special talk. But because of pressure from the Orthodox patriarchate, the contract was canceled. Nevertheless, a few days before the scheduled visit, an influential person intervened to help the brothers rent the beautiful Sala Palatului (Palace Hall), where an audience of 2,184 heard a talk on the timely subject “Keep Testing Whether You Are in the Faith.” With tested faith, more than 38,000 publishers in Romania continue without letup to preach the good news. Among them, an average of 3,569 are pioneers, though most of these also find it necessary to hold full-time secular jobs.

In Ethiopia the government upholds the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion, but the clergy instigate the members of their churches against the Witnesses. On any given day in the field service, a Witness there may receive many harsh verbal scoldings. But the opposition does not end with that. Fanatic householders also beat publishers with sticks and strike them with stones. Yet, with firm faith, 6,166 of Jehovah’s Witnesses continue to carry the good news of peace to the 62 million people in that northeastern section of Africa.

When Bejoma, at 61 years of age, learned the truth, he was illiterate. Hungry for the truth, he asked for a Bible study to be conducted with him every day. He also applied himself to learn to read and write so that he could teach people in his home village there in Madagascar. While still an unbaptized publisher, he returned to his village and began to hold meetings. The following year he got baptized. Three years later he enrolled as a pioneer. But witnessing in his village has not been easy. Great pressure has been put on interested ones. On one occasion, the whole community gathered in an effort to make them change their minds. Family members have resorted to spiritism in dealing with them. Relatives have threatened to shoot Brother Bejoma if he goes to the home of certain interested ones, so their Bible study is held at the brother’s home. Despite all this opposition, the preaching work and the meetings do not stop. At the time this was written, there were four publishers. About 40 were attending the meetings.

Extremist Jewish religious activists in Israel continued to hold noisy demonstrations protesting the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses. They followed publishers in their house-to-house and park witnessing, creating disturbances so as to interfere with conversations with interested persons. In prominent locations the opposers also mounted large photographs of publishers to warn the public against having conversations with the Witnesses. This past year they also threatened employers with a boycott of their products and services if they would not fire any employees who are Jehovah’s Witnesses. As a result, on TV and in the newspapers, much publicity has been given to Jehovah’s Witnesses and their beliefs. With Jehovah’s blessing, the number in Israel who serve him increased by another 7 percent this past year.

Because of the combats between armed groups in Colombia, it became necessary to prepare, under the direction of the Governing Body, a special tract entitled “You Are the Light of the World.” Nearly ten million tracts were distributed. The tract helped to make clear the neutral position of Jehovah’s Witnesses regarding armed conflicts. It explained what Jehovah’s Witnesses do to teach moral values to the people, to provide instruction to those in prison, to help the deaf, to assist victims of natural disasters, and to give people a hope for the future. In Colombia, 107,613 of Jehovah’s Witnesses are busy making known “the good news of peace.” (Eph. 6:14, 15) The tract distribution covered both congregation territory and isolated areas. Two pioneers in the Cauca Department prayed for the opportunity to preach to an armed group active in that area. Their prayers were answered one day when they arrived in a town and found many of the group there. The pioneers were able to distribute many tracts in that place. After reading the tract, the mayor of a town in the Chocó Department requested permission to present all of the Society’s videos on the local television station.

In many lands, great patience is needed to obtain permits in order to build a Kingdom Hall, where people can gather to study God’s Word. However, in Kassándra, northern Greece, obtaining a permit from the Town Planning Department to build a place of worship was just the beginning. Threats against a building contractor, excavators, companies that supply mixed concrete and other building materials terrorized them so that they withdrew from the project or refused to do business with the brothers. Access to municipal water and electrical supplies was denied for this project. As work was under way on the construction site on October 21, 1999, church bells rang. A mob led by the local mayor and priests invaded the construction site, bent on destroying everything. Apprised of the situation, the minister of public order in Athens assured the Witnesses that full police support would be given. In the course of the project, over 300 policemen from various cities all over northern Greece were involved. On October 30, a fine Kingdom Hall was ready for use. Our brothers surely gave evidence that they are “not the sort that shrink back.” It is hoped that the outcome in this case will beneficially influence the building of houses of worship in other parts of Greece.

As is well-known, years of strained relations between Albanians and Serbs living in Kosovo led to international intervention in 1999. Hundreds of thousands of people fled to neighboring countries for safety. After many returned, Witnesses from Albania, and later from Austria, visited the brothers in Kosovo. What did they find? Devastation everywhere. During the winter, electricity, water, and heating oil were in very short supply. Temperatures in their places of meeting were often very cold, but meetings were not canceled. Brothers and sisters gave comments and talks by candlelight, and it was so cold that they could see their breath as they sang praises to Jehovah. Two homes belonging to Witnesses had been destroyed, but a fine witness was given as brothers and sisters from Albania and Italy helped them to rebuild. Because of the whipped-up ethnic hatred around them, great care is needed as the publishers share in the ministry, but they eagerly seize opportunities to witness—at the market, in the post office, on the street, and in their neighborhood.

In mid-December 1999, the coastal state of Vargas, Venezuela, suffered the worst natural disaster in the country’s history. After torrential rainfall, a mountainside virtually collapsed onto the heavily populated coastal area, killing an estimated 50,000 people and leaving 400,000 homeless. Among those who had to flee from their homes were over 1,200 Witnesses. In the face of the disaster, what did the 11 congregations remaining in the Vargas area do when a call went out for auxiliary pioneers in April? The report shows that 112 enrolled—an average of ten per congregation—to join the 77 regular pioneers already serving there.

In Suriname, two brothers who are unable to walk get around on tricycles that they pedal with their hands. Both serve as pioneers. One was injured in both legs; the other has had both legs amputated. In the rainy season, they may get stuck in the mud, but they always arrive at their Kingdom Halls with smiles on their faces.

While all congregation meetings are important, the Memorial is outstandingly so. On April 19, 2000, at the meeting in Awaso, Papua, there were 11 interested persons who had traveled in a small boat for 17 hours through rough seas in order to be present. After the Memorial observance, the audience could not hold back their tears when they learned of the zeal shown by these interested ones and of their love for the Christian brotherhood. “We wanted to celebrate Christ’s Memorial with fellow worshipers of Jehovah; so the trip was all worth it,” they said.

Reaching More People With the Good News

The apostle Paul wrote: “Both to Greeks and to Barbarians, both to wise and to senseless ones I am a debtor.” (Rom. 1:14) By means of the ransom, Jehovah has made it possible for people of all sorts to have eternal life. Knowledge of that was entrusted to Paul, and Christ commissioned him to be an apostle to people of the nations. Paul realized that he was obligated to do everything possible to share that good news with others. He did so zealously. Similarly, in our day, “the faithful and discreet slave” takes seriously the commission to preach the good news in all the inhabited earth for a witness. (Matt. 24:14, 45-47) Of course, for people in all the earth to understand clearly the import of the good news, they need to hear it or read it in their own language. This requires extensive translation work.

During the past year, Bible literature was produced for the first time by Jehovah’s Witnesses in 22 languages in addition to those used in the past. These added languages are spoken by over 31 million people. Besides these, the Quechua-speaking people in Bolivia and Peru who are not schooled in reading were not overlooked; the Knowledge book was made available for them on audiocassette. Biblical material is now produced by Jehovah’s Witnesses in 360 languages.

The Watchtower and Awake! are two of the foremost publications used to spread Bible truth. Preparing four separate magazines in English each month is itself a big undertaking. But providing magazines monthly, semimonthly, or quarterly in many languages requires much more. This past year it involved the preparation of 4,078 separate issues. The Russia branch alone now translates The Watchtower not only into Russian but also into seven other languages, spoken by 36 million people in 13 countries.

The Yearbook is regularly translated into 31 languages and Examining the Scriptures Daily into 114. Additionally, this past year 119 other books, 265 brochures, 34 booklets, and 273 tracts were translated in order to spread Bible truth. The New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures was made available in four more languages (Albanian, Hungarian, Romanian, and Shona) during the year, and the complete New World Translation was released in Xhosa. Also, 24 videocassettes were produced. Besides these, the Society is currently producing Braille publications in 11 languages. And this past year the convention drama was presented on videocassette in the American, Brazilian, Japanese, and Korean sign languages. All of this is done so that the life-giving message in God’s Word will reach as many people as possible.

Sharing Bible truth with people who speak Creole is another challenge. Creole is a language that has developed from a mixture of two or more other languages and has been simplified. It has become the primary tongue of a people and reflects their culture. Yet, people who speak Creole generally do not read it. However, Jehovah’s Witnesses are teachers, so in Mauritius and Réunion, they are learning to read and write the local Creole in order to be able to read to people in their mother tongue and teach them to do the same. Since there was no standard for writing the Creole languages of Mauritius and Réunion, the Society developed an orthography that would be suitable. Then Creole editions of the brochures Apply Yourself to Reading and Writing and What Does God Require of Us? were printed as tools for the ministry. After starting to use these, one sister reported that she had started five new Bible studies. A brother said: “Since using these new tools, we find that persons studying with us understand better the thoughts presented from God’s Word. Even though they do not read Creole easily, when we read it for them, they grasp the point really wonderfully.”

Another factor in reaching more people with the good news has been the simplified literature distribution arrangement. Jehovah has blessed the faith shown by his servants in this matter. The voluntary donation arrangement is explained to people, but no charge is made for the literature. As of January 2000, that arrangement was extended to all lands where it was not already in operation. The Central African Republic branch wrote: “This means that anyone, no matter what his or her financial situation may be, can have the necessary printed material to become a disciple of Christ. This arrangement has been greatly appreciated by both the publishers and the public.” Indonesia said: “Accordingly, the brothers looked for those interested in reading our publications more than those who could afford the printing cost.” The South Africa branch reports: “Magazine production has more than doubled, with some languages increasing more than fourfold! . . . All of this indicates that more ‘seeds’ of truth are being sown now than ever before.—Matt. 13:3-8.”

A further aspect of the year’s work involved sending temporary special pioneers into certain areas for a limited period. This made it possible to benefit people who had not yet received a witness. Côte d’Ivoire reported good results. Some city officials welcomed the pioneers and were reluctant to let them leave. In Sipilou, the deputy mayor kindly provided free accommodations and even let them use his yard for meetings. When two pioneer sisters assigned to Tiemelekro went to say good-bye to the mayor, he responded: “No! You can’t just leave that way. . . . I assume that you made disciples during these three months. That’s why you came to me in order to get a piece of land for building your church. I am now ready to give you that land. So please tell me who is going to replace you!”

Many individual Witnesses also seized opportunities to share Bible truth with people who would not otherwise have been reached. When a sister in the Marshall Islands accepted work as a teacher on the outer atoll of Jaluit, she found that she was the only Witness on the island. She zealously proceeded to preach to all her neighbors, conducting nine home Bible studies and taking the lead in a weekly meeting for the group. When a ministerial servant from Majuro went there on April 19 to give a talk for the Memorial of Christ’s death, there were 175 in attendance. Our isolated sister had invited as many as she could to that important event. In order to help these people to grow spiritually, the brother and his wife now plan to move to Jaluit to work along with the sister who is already there.

“Speaking With Boldness” to Overcome Misinformation

Christians of the first century were no strangers to controversy. In Iconium, for example, when a great multitude accepted the teachings of Christianity, opposers “stirred up and wrongly influenced the souls of people of the nations against the brothers.” Instead of backing off, Paul and Barnabas “spent considerable time speaking with boldness by the authority of Jehovah.”—Acts 14:1-7.

Today opposers continue to stir up public opinion against Jehovah’s Witnesses, sometimes using the media or other public avenues to further their aims. In response, the Public Affairs Office in Brooklyn and Public Affairs Desks in many of the Society’s branch offices spend considerable time in providing information that is used boldly to make known the truth to editors, journalists, and others.

In May 2000 the Society arranged for a new video, Transfusion-Alternative Strategies—Simple, Safe, Effective, to be shown at a medical conference in Geneva, Switzerland. The video includes interviews with some of the world’s leading surgeons and demonstrations of techniques used in bloodless surgery. It introduced medical doctors in Europe to ways of treating Jehovah’s Witnesses and others without using donor blood. Doctors in attendance immediately submitted orders for some 300 copies of the video.

In Belgium, a historical exhibit was arranged regarding the use of the name Jehovah in Bible translations. The exhibit highlighted the work of early translators and printers, such as William Tyndale, and the obstacles they faced in making the Bible available to the public. Visitors included students from 13 schools.

More than 70,000 people visited the itinerant Purple Triangles Exhibition in Brazil last year. Jehovah’s Witnesses hope that, as in ancient Iconium, many people will not allow their minds to be closed by those who distort the facts but will listen with appreciation when Bible truths are presented to them.

‘Legally Establishing the Good News’

In harmony with the precedent set by the apostle Paul in “the defending and legally establishing of the good news,” legal issues were given attention by Jehovah’s Witnesses in various lands this past year. (Phil. 1:7) In such places as Azerbaijan, Benin, Romania, and Sweden, it was possible to get Jehovah’s Witnesses formally and officially recognized, not merely as an association, but as a religion, thus providing greater protection under laws guaranteeing freedom of worship.

However, in the Republic of Georgia, bordering the Black Sea, opposers sought to have the legal registration of Jehovah’s Witnesses revoked. At a trial involving one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, extremists identified with the Orthodox Church packed the entrance to the courthouse and used physical force to bar entry to anyone who refused to kiss a hand-held wooden cross. Religious icons and wooden crosses were held aloft during the proceedings, and votive candles were burned in the courtroom during the recess. Violence erupted inside the court as extremists turned on lawyers, journalists, and Jehovah’s Witnesses. The brothers in Georgia have filed an appeal of the adverse decision to the Supreme Court of Georgia, where they hope that reason and truth will prevail. In the meantime, the 14,855 publishers in Georgia devoted 2,887,835 hours during the year to teach people the liberating truths of God’s Word.

The court case in Moscow, Russia, that was designed to liquidate the legal representation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in that city has not yet been concluded. In the meantime, brothers in Moscow have not been permitted to build much-needed Kingdom Halls. However, on November 23, 1999, a favorable decision was rendered by the Constitutional Court of Russia. It resulted from a case on behalf of the Yaroslavl Congregation. Because the congregation could not document its existence for the 15-year period required by the 1997 law on religions, local authorities demanded that the congregation cease importation and distribution of religious literature and that a brother from Germany cease his activity in the city. The court ruled that the 15-year requirement could not be applied to congregations that are part of a “centralized religious organization” that is already legally registered on a nationwide basis, as is the case with Jehovah’s Witnesses. The reregistration of Jehovah’s Witnesses by the national Russian Ministry of Justice was approved on April 29, 1999. While such matters were being handled by the Legal Department, the publishers in Russia devoted a further 24,782,467 hours to their public ministry last year. They registered a further increase of 7 percent and reached a peak of 114,284 publishers.

The brothers in France also continue to deal with a difficult situation. Over the past four years, they have obtained 921 favorable decisions from trial courts and 65 from appellate courts on the issue of exemption from property tax for Kingdom Halls. As a result of the Tax Department’s policy of vigorous appeal of such decisions, the issue went to the French Conseil d’État, the highest administrative court in France. On June 23, 2000, that court ruled that Jehovah’s Witnesses qualify as a religion under French law and that their Kingdom Halls are therefore entitled to exemption from property tax. More important, the court held that the activities engaged in within those Kingdom Halls “do not adversely affect public policy.” However, just 11 days later, in another case, one designed to uphold the Tax Department’s action in imposing a 60-percent tax on donations made to the religious activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses in France, a trial court in Nanterre issued a written decision to the effect that Jehovah’s Witnesses cannot claim tax exemption because they are not a recognized religion in France. The brothers are preparing a petition to the Court of Appeals in Versailles. Meanwhile, the French National Assembly has given first reading to a bill that is designed to facilitate the disbanding of any so-called sectarian movement if such a movement or its directors have been convicted in court twice. While adversaries ‘frame trouble by decree,’ Jehovah’s Witnesses put their trust in the Great Judge before whom all men must render an account.—Ps. 94:20; Rom. 14:10.

Filling an Urgent Need for Kingdom Halls

As the number of people who love and serve Jehovah continues to grow, there is a great need for Kingdom Halls in which they can assemble for worship. To deal with this need, Regional Kingdom Hall Offices are now in operation at the Society’s branch offices in Australia, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, and South Africa. From these locations, qualified brothers visit other branches to help them to develop organizational arrangements commensurate with their needs. At present, assistance is being provided to 72 countries in Asia/Oceania, Eastern Europe, East and West Africa, Central and South America, and islands of the Caribbean.

Over 100 international servants are busy training local brothers so that they can function together within their respective countries as Kingdom Hall Construction Groups. With this arrangement, in 30 countries, 453 Kingdom Halls have been completed thus far, and another 727 buildings are under construction. Emphasis has been placed on developing standard Kingdom Hall plans for each country that utilize local building materials and methods. In Kenya quarried stone is used; in Togo it is common to use brick; in Cameroon concrete blocks that are later plastered are popular. In this way, local brothers are quickly able to acquire the skills necessary to fulfill key roles within a national program.

As the brothers in the various lands have learned what is being done, many have displayed a keen desire to participate. Hundreds of capable local brothers and sisters have volunteered. In certain lands where local circumstances would otherwise make it impossible for them to share, arrangements are made to provide food and housing for approved applicants so that they can give their full attention to this urgent work of constructing and renovating Kingdom Halls in their own country.

What effect does the construction of these Kingdom Halls have on the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the community? From Benin, West Africa, comes this report: “You will be happy to know that the Kingdom Hall in Krake was dedicated yesterday. This congregation of 34 publishers has an average attendance of 73 on Sunday, but for the dedication, 651 were present. The brothers have had to endure much prejudice and ridicule in this town in the past because the former Kingdom Hall was very primitive compared to some churches. Now the new Kingdom Hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in the town. Most of those in attendance were townspeople who now have changed their opinion after having witnessed what the brothers were able to do in just a few weeks’ time.” The Nafisi Congregation in Malawi says: “Now that we have a beautiful Kingdom Hall, it is giving a fine witness. As a result, it is easy to start Bible studies when preaching. Everywhere people are amazed.”

With the increases in recent years, the need for Kingdom Halls had become desperate in Liberia. However, there was no way the brothers could afford to build. They are barely able to afford the rent for their own meager accommodations. In many places they were simply meeting in brothers’ houses, with large audiences overflowing into the street. Alternatively, they met in some sort of temporary structure. There seemed to be no solution to this problem until news came of the marvelous arrangement for Kingdom Hall construction in lands with limited resources. Funds contributed by the brothers in other lands were to be used to build halls where there was genuine need. Five new halls have already been built in the past six months. The brothers have demonstrated their “readiness” in spite of what they ‘do not have’ (in terms of funds) by their tremendous willingness to give their physical strength to the work. (2 Cor. 8:12) The New Georgia Congregation, for example, made over 1,000 cement blocks by hand in one day!

New and Expanded Branch Facilities

To care for the growing number of Jehovah’s Witnesses and to equip them for their ministry, it has also been necessary to provide suitable branch facilities. A number of these were dedicated within the past year. Such facilities worldwide are staffed by a total of 19,587 ordained ministers, all of whom are members of the Order of Special Full-Time Servants.

SOUTH AFRICA: The branch facilities in Krugersdorp seemed more than adequate when they were completed in 1987. Why, just 12 years later, were they dedicating an enlargement of the office block, three new residence buildings, a trucking garage, and a spacious new export shed?

One reason is the increased freedom enjoyed by Jehovah’s people as a result of the end of the Cold War. Bans on Jehovah’s Witnesses were lifted in such countries as Rwanda, Malawi, Mozambique, and Angola. Since the completion of the branch facilities in 1987, ten of the countries to which South Africa sends supplies have seen a total increase in publishers of 148 percent! (Mozambique alone had a 523-percent increase in those 12 years.)

Furthermore, a new government in South Africa and the dismantling of apartheid resulted in greater freedom of movement to and from other countries in Africa. The South Africa branch has thus been able to do more to send supplies to neighboring branches. In addition to printing magazines, brochures, and other material, this branch stores literature and processes congregation orders for a number of nearby countries. As the construction of Assembly Halls and Kingdom Halls gains momentum in Africa, more branches are obtaining building supplies from South Africa.

Other factors: The South Africa branch territory itself enjoyed a 62-percent increase in Kingdom proclaimers since 1987. In the last few years, the Translation Department had to be enlarged to handle the additional work of translating the Bible into seven local languages—Afrikaans, Sepedi, Sesotho, Tsonga, Tswana, Xhosa, and Zulu. Little wonder, then, that crucial areas of the South Africa branch had to be expanded.

Thus, on October 23, 1999, enlarged branch facilities were dedicated in South Africa. On hand for the occasion was Daniel Sydlik, a member of the Governing Body, who delivered a stimulating discourse entitled “Dedications Reflecting God’s Glory.”

JAPAN: A few weeks later, on November 13, expanded branch facilities were dedicated in Ebina, Japan. The additions included two 12-story residence buildings and a 4-story service building. Over 70 skilled international servants and volunteers working together with some 2,000 local long-term and short-term workers had brought the project to completion in three and a half years.

This dedication program took place 50 years after the first Watch Tower missionaries arrived in Japan following World War II. Some of those missionaries, still serving in Japan, were present for this occasion, along with all the traveling overseers in Japan, other long-time servants of Jehovah, and 344 delegates from 37 other lands.

When the first missionaries arrived in Tokyo and restarted the preaching activities after World War II, only a handful of Jehovah’s faithful worshipers were to be found in Japan. Now there are over 221,000 active Kingdom proclaimers spreading the good news in every corner of the land. Additionally, Bible literature printed in Japan in 27 languages is shipped to other countries, and at the direction of the Governing Body, the branch is giving direct help to the field activities of some Asian countries.

At a special meeting the day following the dedication, Theodore Jaracz, a member of the Governing Body, spoke to an audience of 61,323 in the Yokohama International Stadium. Altogether, with 41 locations throughout the country tying in, there was a total attendance of 269,376. The program, which included reports from foreign delegates and a talk by Brother Jaracz on the subject “Being Taught by Jehovah—Beneficial Today and Eternally,” gave strong encouragement to all present to keep on making spiritual progress.

BENIN: This country in West Africa is proving to be a productive field in the spiritual harvest. There are 6,343 publishers of the good news, and well over half of these got baptized during the 1990’s.

To serve this growing throng of true worshipers and those in Niger, new branch facilities, a new Assembly Hall, and a missionary home were dedicated in Abomey-Calavi, Benin, on January 1, 2000. Gerrit Lösch, a member of the Governing Body, used the occasion to emphasize two vital points: (1) The principal reason we serve Jehovah is, not our hope to gain everlasting life, but our love for him. (2) Read God’s Word, the Bible, every day. What practical reminders!

MYANMAR: A few weeks after the dedication in Benin, new branch facilities were dedicated in Myanmar. The branch office had been established there in 1947. In 1977 the Society came into possession of land on which to build suitable facilities. But, oh, what obstacles had to be overcome! It had not been possible for Jehovah’s Witnesses to get registered, so how could they get a permit to build? It would be necessary to import building materials, but how could that be done, since such permits were never granted to any organization? Bringing brothers from abroad to help with construction also seemed impossible, since visas for such work would be granted only for projects sponsored by the government itself. To top it all off, a woman went to court claiming that the property that the Society had held for over 20 years was actually hers. Suddenly, however, the problems melted away. Government policy changed on every point that had been an obstacle. And as construction began, the court rejected the claim of the woman who sought to take the property.

Most of the construction materials were sent as a gift from the brothers in Australia; more came from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Brothers came from Australia, Britain, Fiji, Germany, Greece, New Zealand, and the United States to help with the work, and the local Witnesses assisted. When the completed facilities were dedicated on January 22, 2000, during a visit by John E. Barr, a member of the Governing Body, those present felt compelled to say: “Jehovah has done a great thing in what he has done with us. We have become joyful.”—Ps. 126:3.

That well expresses how Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide feel as they review the events of the past year.

[Picture on page 6]

“Isaiah’s Prophecy—Light for All Mankind” being released by Samuel Herd

[Pictures on page 6]

Bible drama “Warning Examples for Our Day”

[Picture on page 8]

Delegates in Hungary rejoicing over new Bible

[Picture on page 14]

Joyful Witnesses gathered for a meeting in a garage in Kosovo

[Pictures on page 24]

Kingdom Hall in Krake, Benin—before and after

[Pictures on page 27]

(1) Myanmar, (2) Benin, (3) South Africa, (4) Japan

Worldwide Report 2000 Grand Totals

Watch Tower Branches: 110

Number of Lands Reporting: 235

Total Congregations: 91,487

Worldwide Memorial Attendance: 14,872,086

Memorial Partakers Worldwide: 8,661

Peak of Publishers in Kingdom Service: 6,035,564

Average Publishers Preaching Each Month: 5,783,003

Percentage of Increase Over 1999: 2.3

Total Number Baptized: 288,907

Average Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 805,205

Total Hours Spent in Field: 1,171,270,425

Average Home Bible Studies Each Month: 4,766,631

During the 2000 service year, the Watch Tower Society spent over $66.3 million in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments

[Chart on page 32-39]

2000 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

BOLIVIA

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

FRENCH GUIANA

GEORGIA

GERMANY

GHANA

GIBRALTAR

GREECE

GREENLAND

GRENADA

GUADELOUPE

GUAM

GUATEMALA

GUYANA

HAWAII

HUNGARY

ITALY

JAMAICA

LUXEMBOURG

MADEIRA

MALAWI

MARQUESAS ISLANDS

MARSHALL ISLANDS

MARTINIQUE

MEXICO

MOLDOVA

MONTSERRAT

MOZAMBIQUE

NEVIS

NEW CALEDONIA

NEW ZEALAND

NICARAGUA

NIGERIA

NIUE

NORFOLK ISLAND

NORWAY

PANAMA

PERU

POLAND

PORTUGAL

PUERTO RICO

RÉUNION

ROTA

SABA

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

TINIAN

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

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

BOTSWANA

BURUNDI

CAMEROON

CENTRAL AFRICAN REP.

CHUUK

CONGO, REP.

CÔTE D’IVOIRE

CROATIA

CZECH REP.

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

FAEROE ISLANDS

FRANCE

GABON

HAITI

HONDURAS

HONG KONG

ICELAND

IRELAND

JAPAN

KAZAKHSTAN

KENYA

KIRIBATI

REPUBLIC OF KOREA

KOSRAE

KYRGYZSTAN

LATVIA

LEBANON

LESOTHO

LIBERIA

LIECHTENSTEIN

LITHUANIA

MACAO

MACEDONIA

MADAGASCAR

MALTA

MAURITIUS

MAYOTTE

NAMIBIA

NAURU

NETHERLANDS

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

PARAGUAY

PHILIPPINES

POHNPEI

RODRIGUES

ROMANIA

RUSSIA

RWANDA

SÃO TOMÉ & PRÍNCIPE

SLOVENIA

SOUTH AFRICA

TANZANIA

TONGA

VANUATU

YUGOSLAVIA, F.R.

1 to 5001+

AZERBAIJAN

BANGLADESH

BULGARIA

BURKINA FASO

CAMBODIA

CHAD

COMOROS

ETHIOPIA

THE GAMBIA

GUINEA

GUINEA-BISSAU

INDIA

ISRAEL

LIBYA

MALAYSIA

MALI

MONGOLIA

MYANMAR

NEPAL

NIGER

PAKISTAN

SENEGAL

SIERRA LEONE

SRI LANKA

TAIWAN

TAJIKISTAN

THAILAND

TURKEY

UGANDA

Worldwide Report

◼ Africa

Africa is our planet’s second-largest continent and has one fifth of the earth’s total landmass. Along the equator, we find tropical forests and an immense variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and lions. To the north is the Sahara, the largest desert on earth. In what some have called the Dark Continent, the light of God’s Word shines with increasing brilliance.—Matt. 4:16.

In Ghana six-year-old Marie was dragged before her teacher by classmates who accused her of neither closing her eyes nor saying “Amen” during class prayers. The teacher demanded an explanation. Marie calmly explained: “You pray to Jesus, but I have learned through Bible studies with my family that we should pray only to Jehovah through Jesus. So how can I say ‘Amen’ when you pray?” The teacher was stunned and said to the class: “Leave her alone, she is one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Later, Marie’s mother sent the teacher a copy of My Book of Bible Stories. The teacher uses it as a textbook to teach the class when it comes time for lessons in Bible knowledge.

Alfred, who lives in Guinea, learned something about the truth in 1996 and obtained some Bible literature. After a short time, he returned to his village. His brief contact with Jehovah’s Witnesses had convinced him that it was his responsibility to tell others what he knew. Alfred also decided that while waiting for a reply from the Witnesses to whom he had written, he would build a Kingdom Hall. In 1998 he built a simple hall, but the people in the village tore it down. He built a second hall, and it too was destroyed. The same thing happened a third time.

Alfred brought the matter to the village chief. A meeting was arranged with Alfred and all his opposers. After listening carefully, the chief authorized Alfred to build a Kingdom Hall and provided a choice piece of property on the main road at the entrance of the village. Using bamboo and other materials from the forest, Alfred and his Bible student, Daniel, spent 14 days constructing a new Kingdom Hall.

As soon as the hall was finished, they started having meetings where they discussed the brochures they had. The village chief attended regularly. When the branch office learned about the matter, arrangements were made for special pioneers to visit regularly, teaching them how to conduct studies properly and how to help interested ones. When the circuit overseer visited the village, 69 of the 400 inhabitants attended his talk.

Joshua and Susan, who live in western Kenya, were hospitalized as a result of a serious road accident. Friends from their church visited them and said that the accident must have been a punishment from God. Having read the Bible along with magazines they had obtained from Jehovah’s Witnesses, the couple knew that God does not cause such accidents. They told the visitors that if they had no other comfort, they should not come back. As soon as the couple were released from the hospital, they contacted Jehovah’s Witnesses. By November both had started in the field ministry, and they were baptized in February 2000. Joshua is a regular auxiliary pioneer, and Susan was an auxiliary pioneer in April.

Otis was a fighter during the civil war in Liberia. One day he and a “friend” were on their way to a neighboring country to sell a car they had stolen. His “friend,” however, deliberately ran over Otis, breaking his legs and spinal cord, and then he made off with the car. This left Otis mutilated and paralyzed from the hips down. Though Otis often thought of committing suicide, things changed when his father began studying the Bible with a special pioneer. As Otis lay paralyzed on his bed, the message of hope that he heard from his father’s room filled him with joy. He asked for the study to be held in his room so that he could share in it. Moved by the things he learned, Otis made changes. He gave up smoking and started to work on his personality. Today, Otis no longer worries about his disability. He is now a publisher of the good news and is constantly on the watch for those who pass by his house so that he can share his hope with them. When asked what convinced him that he had really found the true religion, he explained that it was the personal interest the Witnesses showed in him. Otis said: “Every day the brothers stopped to visit me. This made me feel like a human again.”

A man called Avelino was a subscriber to our magazines, but no Witnesses lived in his area in Mozambique. In time, a Bible study was started through correspondence. Avelino began to share his newfound knowledge with others. Soon a group began to meet together to read articles from the Watchtower magazine and the book Reasoning From the Scriptures. Aware of this, some brothers traveled to preach in that area. To their surprise, they found 30 people associating with the group. A public talk was given, and 90 people attended. When the next convention was held in Nampula, ten people from the group were present. One of them remained in the city and read the entire book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life in only a week. As a result of this interest, two regular pioneers moved to the area. The group is making excellent progress.

In Rwanda the number of publishers reached a new peak of 7,435 in June. On the average, 1 of every 5 publishers shared in some form of pioneer service each month during the service year. Over 12,000 Bible studies are being conducted, and 30,716 attended the Memorial. During the past four years, 51 Kingdom Halls have been constructed and dedicated, with 115 more halls planned. Despite the demands of construction, the publishers are averaging about 20 hours per month in the field ministry.

A young man who lived in The Gambia hoped to move to Canada to become a Pentecostal minister. Meanwhile, he worked as the secretary in the local Pentecostal Church. He and his wife agreed to a study in the brochure What Does God Require of Us? During the study, they were shown features of the New World Translation, including “Bible Topics for Discussion” in the back of the Bible. After that, rather than singing religious songs as they had previously done each morning, they would consider one of the topics, looking up all the scriptures cited. When a letter arrived from the church inviting him to a two-year course at a seminary in Canada, the young man responded: “Why do I need this? We now have the truth!” After six months of Bible study, he and his wife got baptized and are now actively sharing with others the wonderful truths that they have learned and that have brought them so much benefit.

◼ The Americas

The Americas include two continents. They extend from the frigid Arctic through the hot and humid tropics and reach toward the Antarctic. More plant and animal species can be found in South America than anywhere else on earth. On both continents the good news is being preached zealously.

A man in Bolivia greatly neglected his wife and two children. He had deep-rooted vices, including heavy drinking and the chewing of coca leaves. He accepted a Bible study and gradually overcame his bad habits. Disturbed that his wife adamantly refused to share in his Bible study, he told her that he might quit his Bible studies and return to his former way of life. That shocked his wife, since she much preferred the husband he had become. She asked him why he was discouraged. He explained that he did not want to go to the Kingdom Hall without his family. At that the wife agreed to study the Bible. She also attended the district convention where her husband was baptized.

The preaching work among Brazil’s estimated 1,700,000 deaf people gained momentum during the 2000 service year. Eighteen special pioneers fluent in Brazilian Sign Language (BSL) were assigned to serve in urban centers that have sizable communities of people who are deaf. Moreover, with the formation of a BSL translation team in September 1999, it was possible to present on video for the first time the Bible drama, principal talks, and Kingdom songs at the “Doers of God’s Word” District Convention. The Society is currently preparing several video publications in BSL to help deaf people grow in appreciation for Bible truth. There are now 16 sign-language congregations and 87 groups throughout Brazil.

After studying sociology for four years at a university, Michael enrolled in a Roman Catholic seminary in Toronto, Canada. He hoped to become a priest. Michael recalls that the Roman Catholic monsignor serving as a professor stated in class that approaching God in prayer can be done in several ways, not only through Christ Jesus. Michael challenged the monsignor, quoting Jesus’ words at John 14:6: “No one comes to the Father except through me.” The monsignor retorted that his students should leave the Bible to him and concentrate on other studies.

Michael telephoned the Society’s branch in Canada and asked for spiritual help. He wanted to study twice a week, sometimes covering two chapters in the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life at each session. Subsequently, Michael left the religious institution and found employment in an office. On October 9, 1999, he toured the Society’s branch facilities in Canada. This experience had a positive effect on him, as he thereafter made it a point to attend all congregation meetings, take notes, and offer meaningful comments. Michael was baptized on February 19, 2000, and since September has served as a regular pioneer.

A sister in Costa Rica became discouraged because of the many problems and pressures that she faces. As a result of an accident, she is confined to a wheelchair. Since the death of her mother, she has been the sole caregiver to her father, who is blind and mentally impaired, and to her adult sister and brother, who are also mentally handicapped. She cooks, cleans the house, washes the clothes, and cares for her family—all from her wheelchair. Because she wanted to share in the ministry as fully as she could, the elders in her congregation lovingly helped her to analyze the opportunities that were open to her. One suggestion was that she spend 20 to 30 minutes daily in her wheelchair on the sidewalk. Many people pass by her house on their way to or from the nearby bus stop. She was encouraged to speak to them and offer tracts or magazines, even making return visits on those who passed by frequently. She did just that. She thought seriously about the apostle Paul’s expression found at Romans 1:14, 15: “Both to Greeks and to Barbarians, both to wise and to senseless ones I am a debtor: so there is eagerness on my part to declare the good news also to you there in Rome.” This sister realized that she too had a debt to her neighbors. As she talks about her ministry now, it is evident that she has truly found joy and satisfaction in her sacred service.

In Ecuador a missionary couple attempted to reach as many as possible in the downtown area of Guayaquil. However, because of strict security measures, they had not been permitted to enter a large high-rise building. Though they had been able to witness to about 20 employees and guards, mainly through the intercom, they had not spoken to any of the apartment owners. Consequently, they decided to talk to the general manager of the building. After the missionaries explained that the purpose of their visit was to strengthen moral and spiritual values within families, the manager replied: “I think that everyone should listen to this!” He then dictated the following message to his secretary and asked her to put it on the bulletin board: “Mrs. Gabi März will be visiting the apartments in this condominium Sunday afternoon in an educational work for the purpose of improving moral values. If it is inconvenient for anyone to receive her, please advise me. General Manager.”

The missionaries began at the penthouse, where they started a Bible study with a school superintendent. On the floor below, they established three studies. One family attended the Memorial and later visited the branch office. In all, the missionaries started 16 Bible studies in this high-security area where no one had previously been able to visit.

Jessica, a 15-year-old regular pioneer who lives in Peru, is the only Witness in her family. The shoes that she used in the field ministry were badly worn, so she asked her father for a new pair. The father snapped: “Let Jehovah provide you with shoes!” The sister went in the service in her worn-out shoes, but on the way home, she passed the house of a brother who is a shoemaker. The brother called her in and said: “Come in, please. I made something for you today!” He then handed her a new pair of shoes. Her father, surprised that she was wearing new shoes, asked her where she got them. Jessica replied: “Jehovah provided them for me!”

The foreign-language field in the United States is ever expanding. Over 16,000 publishers serve in this field, employing 31 languages not including English and Spanish. During the 2000 service year, 11 new foreign-language congregations were formed, including the first Cambodian and Hmong congregations in the United States.

◼ Asia

This continent is the largest on earth and includes a wide variety of climate and vegetation ranging from the polar to the tropical. Within Asia are the Tibetan highlands, where we find the highest mountains on earth. In Asia multitudes have not heard the good news, yet much work is being done to reach as many as possible. We here include experiences from the islands of Japan and Taiwan, since they are closely linked to mainland Asia.

In Bangladesh, 140 attended the “God’s Prophetic Word” District Convention in the capital, Dacca. The brothers labored to clean the auditorium and then beautifully decorated the stage with flowers. One worker at the auditorium commented: “During my 14 years at this center, I have never seen such an organized, clean people like you. You people made the facility clean and holy.”

In response to the loving arrangement of the international brotherhood to assist with construction of Kingdom Halls, arrangements have been put in place in India to construct or renovate 250 Kingdom Halls. This arrangement has stirred local brothers to lend support in whatever way they can. An elderly brother donated nearly 4,500 square feet [420 sq m] of land to build a Kingdom Hall. However, the brothers who inspected the site found that it was not suitable because it would be flooded during the monsoons. When this was told to the elderly brother, he showed the brothers all of his land and asked them to select whatever site would be best for a Kingdom Hall. He said: “Before I die, I wish to see a fine Kingdom Hall in this locality, and I am willing to give everything I have for it.”

Kim Hyo-sook, who lives in Seoul, Korea, was not having much joy or success as a pioneer, so a circuit overseer suggested that she get a personal territory. She said: “I accepted this advice and soon became well acquainted and friendly with the householders in my territory. I adjusted the times of my visits according to their convenience. As a result, my return visits rose from 35 to over 80 a month, and I have seven home Bible studies. Now I am finding real joy.”

Sam, who lives in Israel, is the only Witness student in his school. He was also the only student in his class who refused to receive an advance copy of stolen examination papers. Following the exam, the school principal learned that everyone in the class had cheated except Sam. Sam was awarded the highest marks for the test. The incident resulted in a fine witness being given to a mixed class of Catholic and Muslim students along with their teachers.

An 83-year-old sister in Japan planned to travel by bullet train to visit her son. While she was gathering recent magazines for him, she remembered that she had many magazines that she had not placed, so she put them into her bag. Passengers, she had noticed, got bored on long journeys, and she wondered if she could place some magazines on the train. During the trip, the man sitting next to her asked her what she was reading so diligently. He was happy to accept magazines and began to read them with interest. Seeing this, several other passengers asked for magazines for themselves. When she arrived at her destination and found that her son had not yet arrived to meet her, she spent the time witnessing to people waiting for trains. By the time her son came, she had placed 40 magazines and had none left for him!

Although Buddhism has long been the traditional religion in Mongolia, many people there are atheists. For that country a four-page tract How Precious Is Life to You? was prepared. This tract deals with the dangers of tobacco use, a topic of great interest to the general public. In November and December 1999, a special campaign was arranged, and all 22 publishers participated. Hardly anyone refused a copy. Almost 10,000 tracts were distributed in the capital city, Ulan Bator, within the first ten days. Many government officials made favorable comments about the campaign. This special activity was publicized on TV and radio several times and in articles in three newspapers. A number of Bible studies were started.

The truth reaches the most distant places. In Kazakhstan there is a penal colony with more than 1,000 prisoners. In 1997, two of Jehovah’s Witnesses visited the director of the colony, seeking permission to discuss Bible truths with some of the prisoners who had written to the local office of the Witnesses. A short time later, Jehovah’s Witnesses started to study with 20 of the prisoners. In 1998, four of them became unbaptized publishers and were given permission to hold congregation meetings. After seeing the positive effect of the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses on the prisoners, the administration gave permission to the publishers to broadcast public talks on the prison radio system. All the prisoners now have the opportunity to hear these broadcasts.

The administration of the penal colony has become more and more convinced that the religion of Jehovah’s Witnesses is not just some sort of mask that one puts on when it is convenient. One experience helped them to see this. The prisoners are not allowed to have money, since virtually anything, including drugs, can be purchased. However, one prisoner regularly received money in packages sent to him. As he progressed spiritually, his Bible-trained conscience started to bother him. Once, he offered some money to the elder who visited the colony. It was to be a contribution to the Kingdom work, but the elder refused because he knew that it was against the prison rules to take money out. The elder simply told the young man: “Do with the money as your conscience dictates to you.” The prisoner went to the head guard and put the money on his desk, stating: “My Bible-trained conscience does not permit me to have this money here. Do with it as you please.” The guard was so surprised that he said: “In all my 20 years working in the penal colony, I have never seen anyone willingly surrender his money!”

A sister taught in a school in Malaysia. One day, she talked to a colleague about Jehovah and his promises. The colleague said that she was deeply discouraged because the gods she worshiped had not helped her to solve her problems. She prayed to Buddha, various Chinese gods, and even Jesus Christ. Nothing seemed to help.

The woman was harassed by the demons night and day. At night, she got little sleep. During the day, the spirits disturbed her at work, and she could not do her job properly. Her life was so miserable that she consulted spirit mediums, but that only made matters worse.

The sister told her colleague that according to Proverbs 18:10, “the name of Jehovah is a strong tower.” He protects those who call on his name in faith. This sister encouraged her to pray to Jehovah God when the demons disturbed her again.

The very next day, the colleague told the sister that she called to Jehovah for help, and the demons left her. A Bible study was started, and the colleague made rapid progress. She threw away all things pertaining to false worship, and the demons stopped disturbing her. She was baptized during a recent circuit assembly.

For nearly 50 years, young Witness men in Taiwan have spent lengthy periods in prison because of their determination to maintain Christian neutrality. In recent years remarkable developments have taken place. Since more men were being drafted than could be effectively trained by the military, it was decided that the laws regarding national service would be adjusted to allow for some of the conscripted manpower to be directed to nonmilitary service. Officials used information on what had been done in other lands to accommodate those whose conscience objected to military service. Conscientious objectors who prefer a government-supervised term of nonmilitary work instead of going to prison must indicate that by filling out an application. Under the new arrangement, those who spend the 33 months doing this type of alternative service will have the weekends and apparently most evenings free, allowing them to participate in spiritual activities.

◼ Europe

Though Europe has long been classified as a continent, in reality it juts to the west as a gigantic peninsula of Eurasia. The apostle Paul brought the good news to southern Europe nearly 2,000 years ago. As you will see, the dynamic message of truth continues to flourish in this part of the earth.

One day a sister was sitting in a park in Zagreb, Croatia. She noticed a young man hiding behind the bushes. He was pale and shaking, so she thought that he was sick. She approached him and said: “Sir, I will be glad to take you to the doctor if you are not feeling well.” He said he was fine, though he was still trembling. She then asked: “Are you hungry? Do you want me to get some food for you?” He answered: “No. Please don’t come close to me. The police are looking for me, and they might suspect that we are together.” The sister asked: “What have you done?” He then admitted that he had robbed a store, adding: “It’s all here in my pocket. I am so afraid of the police and of being imprisoned.” The sister felt pity and wanted to help him. She invited him to have a seat next to her so that they could discuss the matter. She told him that Jehovah God would give him the wisdom to know what to say when returning to the store he robbed. He listened carefully but was still trembling with fear. She advised him: “Look for the manager, and confess that you stole the money and that now you want to return it.” While they talked, a neighbor passing by addressed her by name. That is how the man came to know her name.

Shortly thereafter, the sister was surprised to find a letter to her printed in the local newspaper. The letter read: “Mrs. Barica, I am very grateful for your kind advice. Thank you, thank you, thank you—you saved me from prison. I cannot express appreciation to you personally, since I don’t know your address. But I am writing you so that many who will find themselves in a similar situation can read about this and turn to the true God who helps, Jehovah! I returned the money. The manager said that the money stolen was 1,500 kunas. But I took 1,700 kunas out of my pocket. He said I could keep the 200 kunas because the missing cash amounted to only 1,500 kunas. I answered: ‘No, Sir, I did not have one kuna in my pocket, nothing to even buy bread with.’ Then the manager started giving me some items. He said: ‘These 200 kunas are yours.’ In addition to that, he gave me 500 kunas, two loaves of bread, two packages of milk, five small containers of yogurt, a pound of salami, and baby food. He said: ‘I am doing this because you are an honest man and admitted your mistake.’ I can only thank God and you that I did not end up in prison. Again, many, many thanks!”

Copenhagen, Denmark, has one of the major harbors in Europe. Besides ferries, more than 2,000 ships dock there every year. When the brothers entered one ship and asked some of the crew if they knew Jehovah’s Witnesses, they said yes. Then they added that they even had one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on board. The brothers wanted to meet their fellow believer. When they met him, they found that he was not yet baptized. He was from a small island in the Pacific Ocean that had only 2,000 inhabitants. There were no Witnesses on the island, but he had learned about the truth through literature he had received in several harbors around the world. He had read the literature himself and had also taken it home to his wife. They both agreed that they had found the truth. He was eagerly witnessing to the other crew members about the things he had learned. He received a subscription to our magazines, and the brothers promised to see to it that the nearest congregation was informed about him and his wife.

Publishers in Bremerhaven, Germany, regularly go to the harbor to offer literature to those working on the ships and to drivers who are loading or unloading their trucks. A brother reports having met truck drivers from 48 countries. “To meet the needs of all these people,” he explains, “we keep a stock of literature in our car in 39 languages.” Several Russian truck drivers have attended meetings while at the port. One Sunday afternoon, Fred and Christian spotted one of the world’s largest passenger ships in dry dock. The ship’s crew of 950 represented 50 nationalities! Once on board, the brothers were approached by a sailor from one of the Pacific islands, who asked: “Do you have that yellow book with the colorful pictures?” He was referring to My Book of Bible Stories. The brothers did not have it, and the sailor was visibly disappointed. So after placing all their literature, Fred drove to Bethel at Selters—a round-trip of at least ten hours—to pick up additional literature. The next day, they placed 900 magazines, 300 brochures, and 850 books with the crew! Fred also found the friendly sailor and gave him the yellow book he wanted. “When he found out that we had driven well over 1,000 kilometers [600 miles] to get the book,” Fred explains, “his eyes filled with tears.”

Early in 1998 a small private radio station in Luxembourg made a telephone survey of its listeners, asking about their life goals and expectations. Telephone numbers were chosen at random. When dialing one number, the radio broadcaster mixed up the area-code digits and found himself conversing with a woman 250 miles [400 km] away, near Nuremberg, Germany. He was impressed by her general knowledge and positive attitude toward life and asked her how she had developed such a fine viewpoint. She identified herself as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, realizing that this was an unexpected opportunity to sow Kingdom seed. The conversation aroused the interviewer’s curiosity, and the sister agreed to call him later. She did so time and again during the next two months. She explained more about God, life, and Jehovah’s Witnesses, and she was able to answer many questions. His interest afire, the broadcaster wanted to learn more. He phoned a congregation in Luxembourg and asked for a home Bible study and information about meetings. At the Kingdom Hall, he was impressed by the warm atmosphere and friendly manner in which he was welcomed. That got his home Bible study off to a good start.

Thirteen months after that first telephone call to the sister in Germany, he was baptized. In October 1999 he became a regular pioneer. How fine it was that the German sister identified herself as a Witness and then used the opportunity to sow Kingdom seed.

In Portugal, Antonio’s interest in the Bible’s message was kindled by discussions he enjoyed during visits by his fleshly brother who was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Antonio yearned to learn more about the Bible. He fervently prayed for help. Shortly thereafter, two Witnesses called at his home and began to study the Bible with him. As he progressed in knowledge, Antonio began to make changes in his life to harmonize with God’s will. First, his conscience moved him to give up hunting, a sport he passionately enjoyed. Later, as he came to understand the issue of Christian neutrality, he decided to resign from his highly respected position as mayor of a municipality, a post he had held for 15 years. Though he was pressured to reconsider his resignation, the counsel at James 4:4 strengthened him to refuse. Progress was rapid as he and his wife deepened their relationship with Jehovah and began attending congregation meetings. In a short time, they were sharing in field service and were baptized.

From Spain comes the experience of a brother who, many years ago, was harassed because of his faith by a workmate. The workmate ridiculed and criticized the brother’s religion for months. The brother reached a point where he felt that he could endure no longer, so he prayed to Jehovah to help him endure the difficult situation in a Christlike way, without returning evil for evil. To the brother’s surprise, the attitude of the workmate changed. He even apologized and assured the brother that he would never again speak badly of God in front of him. A short time later, the workmate left the company.

Twenty-four years passed before the brother met his former workmate again. This time it was at the Kingdom Hall where the brother was assigned to give a talk. The workmate told him that he had studied the Bible and had become a baptized Witness. He further explained that though many years had gone by, he had never forgotten “that Witness who with so much patience endured constant ridicule of him and his God.”

◼ Islands of the Earth

The islands of the earth range widely in size and are distinguished from continents, which are far larger. Though we have included the island continent of Australia here, the largest island is Greenland, covering 840,000 square miles [2,200,000 sq km]. The smallest islands cover less area than a city block. In between are thousands of islands. Consider a few experiences from some of them.

In Australia a sister met a woman in the house-to-house work who did not seem to show much interest in God’s Word. Though the woman accepted a tract, the sister thought that little would be accomplished by a return visit. Nevertheless, the sister persisted in trying, at first unsuccessfully, to find the woman at home. When the sister finally contacted her again, the woman explained that after the sister’s initial visit, she had purchased an expensive Bible. The sister began to study the Bible with her. Now the woman is making great changes in her life to conform to Christian principles. She attends all meetings.

While preaching from house to house in the Dominican Republic, a brother met a woman about 60 years of age. On finishing the conversation, the brother put out his hand to say good-bye. When the householder did not put hers out, the brother realized that she was blind. The brother promised to visit again.

When he returned, the woman said that she had told her daughter how surprised she was that someone had shown an interest in her even though she was blind. She then explained that she had been told that there was no hope of recovering her sight. The brother spoke about the God of hope and read to her some of the Bible accounts about how Jesus restored sight to blind ones. (Matthew 9:27-30) This made a deep impression on the woman.

The brother then inquired at the Foundation for the Blind to see if anything could be done for the woman. A consultation was arranged, and when the woman went in, she was told that an operation would likely restore her sight. The operation was a success. During all this time, she continued to take in Bible knowledge. After the operation, she started to read My Book of Bible Stories and finished it within several weeks. Next she studied the brochure What Does God Require of Us? and the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. She attended the meetings regularly before the operation, and since recovering her sight, she never misses them. She started to talk to others about what she was learning and about the help that she had received to recover her sight. She was baptized at the district convention in 1999.

While witnessing on the island of Réunion, a sister offered a woman our magazines. The woman replied: “It’s no good, I cannot read.” The sister offered to teach her to read, and the woman accepted with delight. The sister returned with the brochures Apply Yourself to Reading and Writing and Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! The reading lessons lasted a half hour, and the Bible study, another half hour. The woman made rapid progress both in reading and in understanding the truth.

Though her children tried to discourage her from studying, the woman told them that her lessons would continue. Soon she moved on to the Knowledge book and began to attend the meetings regularly. Recently, she was baptized. She is now literate, able to read the Bible and Bible-based publications.

A sister started a home Bible study with a young woman named Hina on the North Island of New Zealand. After two studies in the Require brochure, Hina informed the sister that she wanted to become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and that she was going to leave her boyfriend, a prominent member of a local gang. Courageously, she confronted him and told him of her plans. To her surprise, his response was, “Go for it.”

Later the boyfriend had second thoughts and planned revenge, not only on Hina but also on Jehovah’s Witnesses. He decided to riddle the Kingdom Hall with bullets. However, a former associate suggested that the boyfriend attend a meeting and check out the Witnesses before taking such drastic action. The boyfriend agreed, and that night he attended the Theocratic Ministry School. He was so impressed that he called a gang meeting and informed the gang members that he now wanted to become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses! Later at a formal gang gathering in a graveyard, he buried his patch (an identification of his gang membership), demonstrating that he was putting to death his past manner of life, which included drug use and an illegal alcohol business. He and Hina regularly attend meetings. They are now legally married, and Hina was recently baptized. Her husband is determined to qualify for baptism too.

The Trinidad branch launched a special campaign with the February 8 and 22, 2000, issues of Awake! The first issue featured a cover series on fatherless families, and the second discussed suicide. The target groups of the campaign included social-welfare organizations, police community service groups, schools, government ministers, members of parliament, nongovernmental organizations, and others who would be particularly interested in the subjects discussed.

An incomplete report showed that 14,941 magazines, 1,374 books, and 90 brochures were placed. The campaign resulted in 860 return visits and 29 home Bible studies, most with people who would not likely have been contacted through conventional methods of witnessing. Several government ministers and ministries sent letters expressing appreciation for the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Typical of the responses received was one from the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs. It said: “Thank you for the gift copies of . . . Awake! magazine . . . They have proven to be extremely informative. We will therefore be grateful if you could supply us with six additional copies for distribution to the various departments in the Ministry. Also, should you have any material that may assist us in furthering our policies in the area of family life, we would appreciate if you would forward the information.” The letter was signed by the attorney general himself.

Acts of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Modern Times

Angola

Do decades of civil war stifle belief in God? Do hardships and persecution crush all willingness to share with others the truth of God’s Word? The historical record of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Angola answers with a resounding no! The story of those who serve there will also strengthen your faith in Jehovah’s sustaining power.

Argentina

Imagine the challenge of declaring the good news throughout a country that covers over a million square miles [2.7 million km²], includes varied terrain, and is populated by people of diverse ancestry. Then think about how this work was done while Jehovah’s Witnesses were under a national ban for 30 years. See how the Witnesses in this South American country have overcome such obstacles.

French Guiana

Why would people exert themselves to proclaim the good news amid dangers in a dense rain forest? What would move people to negotiate river rapids by canoe in order to reach remote villages? A desire to reach honesthearted ones with Bible truth. Many have done just that in French Guiana, South America. Read their exciting story of faith and courage.

Angola

War and food shortage, the deadly ravages of disease, the suffering and death caused by men who act like wild beasts—under the symbol of the horsemen of the Apocalypse, the Bible foretold all of this for our day. (Rev. 6:3-8) The entire earth has been affected. Angola has not been exempt.

From one end of this country to the other, the effect of the wild ride of those apocalyptic horsemen has been felt. What has been the lot of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the midst of these conditions?

Many Witnesses have been the objects of vicious persecution. Some have been killed as innocent bystanders in brutal and endless civil war. Many have faced the cruel effects of famines brought on by political and economic turmoil. However, nothing has extinguished their faith in Jehovah God and their confidence in his Word. Their earnest desire is to prove loyal to God and to give a thorough witness to others about his purposes. And the love they show for one another gives convincing evidence that they are true disciples of Jesus Christ.—John 13:35.

Consider two examples showing the caliber of their faith. Over 40 years ago, a police inspector emphatically declared to one of Jehovah’s Witnesses: “As far as Angola is concerned . . . , the Watch Tower organization is finished, finished, finished!” Shortly afterward, he spoke threateningly to yet another Witness who was born in Angola. “Do you know what is going to happen to you?” the inspector demanded. The calm reply was: “I know what you can do to me. But the worst that you can do is kill me. Can you do more than that? But I will not turn away from my faith.” Despite years of brutal mistreatment in prisons and penal camps, that Witness, João Mancoca, has held firm to that resolve.

More recently, an elder from the province of Huambo wrote: “Our situation is perilous. Extreme food shortages and lack of medicine are devastating the congregations. We lack words to describe the existing situation and the physical state of our brothers.” But he also said: “Though our physical condition is serious, we are spiritually healthy. What is happening is exactly what was foretold in Matthew chapter 24 and 2 Timothy 3:1-5.”

What accounts for such positive reactions in the face of severe hardship? The faith and courage that result when people put their trust, not in themselves or in other humans, but in God’s Kingdom in the hands of Jesus Christ. They know that regardless of who at the moment seems to have the upper hand or how difficult a situation may be, God’s purpose will prevail. They are fully persuaded that God’s Son, ruling from heaven, will prove victorious and that under his rule earth will become a paradise. (Dan. 7:13, 14; Rev. 6:1, 2; 19:11-16) Jehovah’s Witnesses in Angola know from experience that even now God gives frail humans power beyond what is normal so that they can endure.—2 Cor. 4:7-9.

But before we explore further the history of Jehovah’s people in Angola, take a brief look at the country in which they live.

A Diamond in the Rough

Angola is situated in the southwest part of Africa, bounded by the Democratic Republic of Congo on the north, Namibia on the south, Zambia on the east, and the Atlantic Ocean on the west. It occupies a land area of 481,350 square miles [1,246,700 sq. km], roughly the size of France, Italy, and Germany combined. It is nearly 14 times as large as Portugal, which began to colonize Angola in the 16th century. As a result of Portuguese colonization, about 50 percent of the population profess the Catholic faith.

Portuguese is still the official language, but Angola is a polyglot society. Umbundu, Kimbundu, and Kikongo are the most widely spoken of the more than 40 languages used here.

Over the years, Angola’s rich resources have been siphoned off to other lands. During colonization, millions of slaves were sent to Brazil, which was then another Portuguese colony. The fertile soil of Angola once produced an abundant supply of bananas, mangoes, pineapples, sugarcane, and coffee. After the colonial yoke was removed, economic development was stifled by crippling civil strife. Even so, Angola still possesses rich resources of offshore oil and vast deposits of diamonds and iron ore. However, its richest resource is found in a humble and determined people, thousands of whom have shown a deep love for God’s Word and its promise of a bright future under God’s Kingdom.

“Send Out Your Bread Upon the Surface of the Waters”

The first reported activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Angola was that of Gray Smith and his wife, Olga, a pioneer couple from Cape Town, South Africa. In July 1938 they motored up from Johannesburg in a car designed to broadcast recorded Bible talks. The car was loaded with Watch Tower publications. On their three-month trip, the Smiths obtained subscriptions for The Watchtower and placed 8,158 Bibles, books, and booklets. They liberally spread Bible literature over a wide area, reaching people in Benguela, Luanda, Sá da Bandeira (now Lubango), and other towns in western Angola. However, World War II broke out the following year, so it was difficult to maintain contact with the people who had shown interest.

For a time, there were few tangible results from their preaching campaign. Nevertheless, the principle at Ecclesiastes 11:1 proved true: “Send out your bread upon the surface of the waters, for in the course of many days you will find it again.”

Some seeds of truth took years to germinate, as a report from Huíla Province illustrates. Many years after that preaching expedition by the Smiths, a certain Mr. Andrade would recall that when he was 41 years old and living in Sá da Bandeira, he had received certain Watch Tower publications from someone passing through in a car from South Africa. At that time, he obtained the book Riches and a subscription for The Watchtower. He wrote to the Brazil branch, and the branch made arrangements for him to benefit from a home Bible study by correspondence. However, later the Bible study was stopped when Mr. Andrade realized that his mail was being censored. He lost contact with the Witnesses for many years.

In 1967, Zuleika Fareleiro, who was newly baptized, moved to Sá da Bandeira. She had relatively little knowledge of the truth, and at that time the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses was under ban in the country. Nevertheless, she was very desirous of sharing with others what she knew. She started a Bible study with a woman who told her that she knew a shoemaker who seemed to be of the same religion. Sister Fareleiro took some shoes to be repaired, and when she showed the shoemaker the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, his eyes lit up. She was able to start a Bible study with him. The man was Mr. Andrade, who by that time was in a wheelchair. He had been traumatized by witnessing the murder of his wife. The Kingdom hope thus appealed to him, and he took firm hold of it. He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1971 and served Jehovah faithfully until his death in 1981 at the age of 80. Despite his disability and advanced age, his regular and active presence at all the congregation meetings greatly encouraged others.

An Effort to Educate and Uplift Angolans

About 60 years ago, a man named Simão Toco was associated with a Baptist mission in northern Angola. When moving from M’banza Congo in Angola to Léopoldville in the Belgian Congo (now Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo), Toco stopped at the home of a friend. There he saw a copy of the magazine Luz e Verdade (now Despertai!). It contained a Portuguese translation of the booklet The Kingdom, the Hope of the World. Toco was interested in it, but his friend was not, so he told Toco to take it. In this way he too had come into possession of a piece of Bible literature published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

After arriving in Léopoldville in 1943, Toco established a choir, which grew in time to include hundreds of members. Because he was eager to educate and uplift his fellow expatriated Angolans, he translated into Kikongo The Kingdom, the Hope of the World. Gradually, he introduced into hymns that he composed the Kingdom hope and other Bible truths that he had learned. He also used that information in Bible discussions with some members of his choir. João Mancoca, another Angolan who was working in Léopoldville, began to associate with Toco’s Bible study group in 1946. Meetings were held on Saturday and Sunday nights, and Mancoca was always among the 50 or so in attendance.

In 1949 the members of the group felt the urge to tell others what they were learning, so many of them went preaching in Léopoldville. This drew the fire of the Baptist clergy and of the Belgian authorities. Soon, many from Toco’s group were arrested. João Mancoca was among them. They were held in prison for several months. Then those who refused to abandon the movement that was developing in association with Toco and who refused to stop reading literature that originated with the Watch Tower Society were deported to their homeland, Angola. Eventually, there were about 1,000 of them.

The Portuguese authorities in Angola were undecided as to what to do with them. Finally, those who had been sent back to Angola were dispersed to various parts of the country.

It was about this time, in 1950, that Bible truth was introduced in the second-largest city of Angola, Huambo, known then as New Lisbon. Progress took time, but eventually João da Silva Wima, Leonardo Sonjamba, Agostinho Chimbili, Maria Etosi, and Francisco Portugal Eliseu were among those in this location who became loyal servants of Jehovah. They also helped their families to learn about Jehovah and his righteous standards.

Toco himself and some others were sent to work on a coffee plantation in the north. But sadly, changes had already been taking place in Toco’s outlook. While Toco and his group were still in Léopoldville, followers of Simão Kimbangu, who were practicers of spiritism, had been attending their meetings. On one occasion during a meeting, they had experienced what some viewed as an outpouring of the spirit. But they did not ‘test to see whether this spirit was from God.’ (1 John 4:1) João Mancoca was not pleased as he saw study of the Bible being pushed aside in favor of relying on ‘the spirit.’

After they were returned to Angola, João Mancoca found himself in Luanda. Mancoca, along with Sala Filemon and Carlos Agostinho Cadi, urged the others in their group to adhere to the Bible and to reject practices that were not in harmony with it. Later, when Toco was being relocated to a place in the south, he passed through Luanda. It was obvious that he had become even more strongly influenced by the beliefs of the followers of Kimbangu.

In 1952, as a result of treachery on the part of one who was associated with their group, João Mancoca, Carlos Agostinho Cadi, and Sala Filemon were arrested and banished to Baía dos Tigres, a penal colony associated with a fishing station. The betrayer was an intimidating man who had two wives. His attempts to establish himself as leader of the group in Luanda nearly caused some to give up. But his dishonest ways soon got him into difficulty with the authorities, and he too was banished to the penal colony.

A Visitor With a Threefold Mission

During 1954 a number of letters were received at the South Africa branch from the group at Baía dos Tigres. They were eager to obtain Bible literature. In response, John Cooke, a Watch Tower missionary, was sent to Angola from France in 1955. He had a threefold commission: to investigate reports that there were 1,000 Witnesses in Angola, to try to help them if possible, and to see what could be done to establish the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses legally in Angola. After he met with numerous groups, his five-month investigation revealed that there were far fewer than 1,000 Witnesses. As the 1955 field service report for Angola showed, there were but 30 publishers of the good news in the entire country.

It took a number of weeks before the Portuguese authorities would permit John Cooke to visit João Mancoca and the small group who were at Baía dos Tigres, in southern Angola. Brother Cooke was permitted to stay there for five days, and his explanations of the Bible further convinced Mancoca and the others that he represented the organization that truly serves Jehovah God. On the last day of his visit, Brother Cooke gave a public talk on the theme “This Good News of the Kingdom” to a group of about 80, including the chief administrator of the penal colony.

During the months that he was in Angola, Brother Cooke was able to contact Toco as well as people in various locations who looked to him as their leader. Many of them proved to be simply sectarian followers of Toco and not interested in the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses. An exception was António Bizi, a young man in Luanda who was eager to learn more about Jehovah’s purposes. Toco himself was at the time being confined to a village near Sá da Bandeira, without the privilege of either sending or receiving mail.

Brother Cooke’s visit was a great source of encouragement to the small group of faithful ones at Baía dos Tigres. Brother Mancoca recalls that the visit confirmed that they “were not going in the wrong way.” It also revealed that, although the number of Witnesses was smaller than reported, there was potential for growth. Brother Cooke stated in his report that some with whom he met were “keen to learn” and that “it appears that there is a fine field here.”

More Encouragement Follows

The year after Brother Cooke’s visit, the Society sent another capable brother, Mervyn Passlow, a graduate of Gilead School, along with his wife, Aurora, to Luanda. They had a list compiled by John Cooke of some 65 subscribers and other interested people. At first, the Passlows had difficulty contacting the subscribers, since the magazines were delivered to post office boxes, not home addresses. But at this time a woman named Berta Teixeira returned to Luanda from Portugal. There she had met Jehovah’s Witnesses and had shown considerable interest in Bible truth. The office in Lisbon notified the Passlows that she would be coming, and they promptly started a Bible study with her. One of Berta’s relatives worked in the post office and helped them to find the addresses of the subscribers, many of whom became eager Bible students. Soon these were talking to friends and neighbors. Within six months the Passlows were studying with over 50 people.

A couple of months after the Passlows arrived, they began holding regular Bible studies in their room with the use of The Watchtower. By the end of the first month, the room was too small. Berta Teixeira ran a language school, and she offered the use of one of her classrooms for the meetings. After eight months the first baptism by Jehovah’s Witnesses in Angola was performed in the bay at Luanda.

Because of the situation then existing in Angola, the Passlows’ contact with the African brothers was limited. But some of them did visit the Passlows. One who came regularly for studies was António Bizi, whom John Cooke had found to be an earnest student. And João Mancoca, still under detention, sent them letters of encouragement.

However, shortly after the first baptism, the government refused to renew the visas for the Passlows, so they had to leave the country. They had done a fine work of planting “seeds” and watering those sown by others. (1 Cor. 3:6) They had also formed a bond of great affection with the Angolan brothers. Because of the hostility being shown by the police, the Passlows cautioned the local brothers, especially the Africans, not to try to see them off. But the bond of love was too great. Many were on hand to express their affection as they headed toward the gangway to board the ship.

Harry Arnott, a zone overseer, had visited the Passlows in 1958 while they were in Luanda. In February of 1959, when he once again sought to visit Angola as zone overseer, a small group including Brother Mancoca and Sister Teixeira were on hand to meet him at the airport. However, almost immediately the police intervened. They separated Brother Arnott from the group and searched through his possessions.

Eventually, however, Brother Arnott found himself in the same holding room as Brother Mancoca. When they saw each other, they laughed. The police inspector failed to see the humor in the situation. He spoke furiously to Mancoca: “Do you know what is going to happen to you?” Brother Mancoca, who by this time had spent six years in prison and had suffered repeated beatings, calmly replied: “I cannot cry. I know what you can do to me. But the worst that you can do is kill me. Can you do more than that?” He concluded with the firm declaration: “But I will not turn away from my faith.” He then looked across to Brother Arnott and smiled encouragingly. Brother Arnott recalls: “He seemed quite oblivious of his own predicament and was only concerned with ensuring that I was not discouraged by the situation. It was a most uplifting moment to see this African brother, after years of imprisonment, take such a firm and courageous stand.”

As for Brother Arnott, he was sent out of the country on the same plane that brought him in—but not before that brief but upbuilding contact with Brother Mancoca. After seven hours of interrogation, Brother Mancoca too was released.

One week after that incident, Brother Mancoca was finally baptized along with his friends Carlos Cadi and Sala Filemon. About that time, a room was rented in Sambizanga, a suburb of Luanda, and it was there that the first official congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Angola held its meetings. At that time, they were able to open and close the meeting with a song, and this singing attracted the attention of others nearby. Many were impressed by the fact that those in attendance at the Watchtower Study could actually participate during the meeting and that they were also permitted to ask questions after the meetings. This interchange, which was not available in the churches of Christendom, gave great impetus to the work there.

“Cautious as Serpents”

In 1960 supervision of the preaching of the good news in Angola was transferred from South Africa to the Portugal branch. This strengthening of ties between Jehovah’s Witnesses in the two lands was a contrast to the deteriorating political relationship between Angola and Portugal, which had long ruled Angola as a colony.

The independence of neighboring Belgian Congo and the subsequent civil war there greatly affected the political climate in Angola. The colonial government increased their vigilance, but they could not stop a guerrilla war for independence from breaking out in Angola. In January 1961 violence erupted in central Angola. This led to an attempted coup in Luanda in February. Then in March, after disputes over wages in the poverty-stricken Kongo region in the north, Angolans killed several hundred Portuguese settlers. This led to massive retaliation.

During the 1960’s, three major anticolonial movements emerged: the communist Popular Liberation Movement of Angola (Movimento Popular de Libertac̩ão de Angola; MPLA), the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (Frente Nacional de Libertac̩ão de Angola; FNLA), and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (União Nacional para a Independência Total de Angola; UNITA).

This civil war created immediate problems for the small group of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The press labeled them an “anti-Christian sect and socially pernicious.” Journalists misquoted articles from Awake! and wrongly claimed that the Witnesses’ purpose was “to justify, if not to incite, the acts of terrorism that the north of the Province has experienced recently.” Beneath a photo of Awake! was the caption “Religious propaganda poisons the spirits of the natives.”

During this same period, all of Jehovah’s Witnesses were kept under constant surveillance. All incoming mail was closely monitored, so communication with the Portugal branch was limited, and it was very difficult to receive Watch Tower literature. Those who did receive any of the literature through the mail were subject to interrogation by the police.

The colonial government was suspicious of any meeting of more than two people who were not members of the same family. Taking precautions, the brothers changed meeting places and gathered in small groups. In 1961, however, 130 attended the Memorial of Christ’s death. Brothers Mancoca and Filemon thereafter visited those who had attended to be sure that they had arrived home safely. The loving concern they showed strengthened their Christian brothers.

A Time of Severe Tests

Silvestre Simão’s experience gives an idea of what new Bible students had to face at that time. In 1959, while still in school, he received from a classmate the tract “Hell-Fire—Bible Truth or Pagan Scare?” He later said: “Reading this tract was the turning point in my life. Upon learning the truth about hell, which I had been taught to fear, I immediately stopped attending church and started to read the Society’s publications.”

In those tense times, the Witnesses did not readily invite to their meetings anyone who professed interest. However, after two years they felt it was safe to invite Silvestre. Following his first meeting, he asked questions about the Sabbath. What he heard convinced him that he had found the truth. But how highly did he value it? The following week, on June 25, 1961, when he attended his second meeting, his appreciation for what he had learned was put to the test. A military patrol stopped the meeting. All the men were ordered outside and beaten with galvanized steel pipes. One of the brothers recalled: “We were beaten like one would do to kill an unreasoning animal—yes, similar to the way men beat a pig with a club so it will die before it is sold in the market.” Silvestre Simão and those with him still bear the marks of that beating. They were then marched single file to a football stadium where they encountered a large group of furious Europeans who had just lost their families in the war in northern Angola. The soldiers and the crowd, including some of the Europeans, savagely beat the brothers once again.

Silvestre and the other brothers were then loaded onto trucks and taken to the São Paulo prison, which was controlled by the infamous secret police. The brothers were again brutally beaten and thrown, one on top of the other, into a cell. Badly wounded and bleeding profusely, they were left for dead.

João Mancoca was viewed by the authorities as the leader of that group, since he was the Watchtower Study conductor. After that terrible beating, he was taken away to be executed, accused of planning to attack the white men, according to the way the authorities misconstrued a paragraph in The Watchtower. Brother Mancoca asked what they would think if they found the same magazine in the hands of Europeans or a family in Brazil or in Portugal? He pointed out that this magazine is universal and is studied by people of all nationalities. To verify that, the authorities drove him to the home of a Portuguese family of Jehovah’s Witnesses. When they saw the same magazine there and learned that this family had studied the same material, they changed their minds about the execution. Brother Mancoca was returned to the other brothers at the São Paulo prison.

Not all were satisfied though. When they arrived back at the São Paulo prison, the warden, a thin Portuguese man, took Brother Mancoca “under his care.” The “care” included passing the whole afternoon under the hot sun with no food. Then at five o’clock, the warden took a whip and began using it on Brother Mancoca, who recalls: “I have never seen a person who uses the whip as he did. He said he would not stop until I fell down dead.” He continued the merciless beating for one hour, but eventually Brother Mancoca ceased feeling any pain. Then a sudden urge to sleep came over him right in the midst of the beating. The exhausted warden was convinced that Mancoca was dying, so a soldier dragged his body away and put it under a box. When the militia came at night to make sure he was dead, the soldier showed them the box Mancoca was under and told them that he was already dead. Amazingly, he recovered, and the same soldier was shocked to see him alive in the dining hall three months later. He then told Brother Mancoca the details of what had happened on that night. The sudden urge to sleep had saved the brother from certain death.

Brother Mancoca was able to rejoin the other brothers, and they conducted meetings in prison. Three times during the five-month internment in the São Paulo prison, public talks were delivered with some 300 in attendance. The witness given in prison strengthened the congregations outside because many prisoners who showed interest progressed to baptism after their release.

During the months spent in this prison, Silvestre Simão was able to join the group there in systematically studying the Bible, thus gaining needed spiritual strength. From there the members of the group were transferred to other prisons and labor camps where they were subjected to more savage beatings and hard labor. After four years of incarceration in various locations, Silvestre was released in November 1965. He returned to Luanda, where he joined the group of Witnesses meeting in the Rangel area. With his faith already tested, he was finally baptized in 1967. Others in the prison, including Brother Mancoca, were not released until 1970, only to be imprisoned again.

“Neither Will They Learn War Anymore”

The country was immersed in war. But the Bible says that when people learn Jehovah’s ways, they “beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears” and do not “learn war anymore.” (Isa. 2:3, 4) What would young men in Angola do?

In March 1969 the government began a brutal campaign against all who refused to compromise their Christian neutrality. Among the first arrested were António Gouveia and João Pereira in Luanda. Brother Gouveia was picked up at his place of employment and thrown into a filthy cell. Only after 45 days of imprisonment was his mother permitted to visit him.

Fernando Gouveia, António Alberto, and António Matías were among those arrested in Huambo. They were cruelly beaten three times a day. Even Fernando’s own mother did not recognize him after the beatings. Finally, when the brothers wrote a letter to the commander of the armed forces exposing the abusive treatment, the cruelty diminished.

António Gouveia recalls some things that helped them to endure. From time to time, his mother hid a page of The Watchtower in food she brought. “It helped us to keep our minds alert. It also kept up our spirituality.” He also says: “We would preach to the walls on whatever Biblical subject came to our mind.” To keep their spirits up, some brothers used a bit of humor. In a loud voice, as if making known an important event, they would announce the large number of flies they had killed in their cells.

Included among those imprisoned in Angola were six young men from Portugal who had been sent to perform military service but had conscientiously refused to do so. One of them, David Mota, recalls: “We felt Jehovah’s protection many times. Officials used various methods to try to break our integrity, concentrating on some among us who were not yet baptized. One tactic they repeated was to wake us up in the middle of the night, choose five from the group, then take one, put a supposedly loaded pistol to his head, and pull the trigger. Thirty minutes after we were ordered back to our bunks, the same tactic was repeated. We are all grateful to Jehovah to be alive. We finally won the respect of the authorities and were allowed to have meetings in prison. How happy we were to see six fellow prisoners baptized while in prison!”

Though the brothers were told that they would remain in prison until they reached age 45, they did not have to wait that long. Nevertheless, those were difficult times. What they experienced refined their faith. Today, most of those brothers serve as elders in the congregations.

Colonial Rule Suddenly Ends

On April 25, 1974, a coup d’état in Portugal toppled the dictatorship there. The 13-year-long colonial war in Angola was over, and the Portuguese troops began to withdraw. A transitional government that was supposed to operate for ten months was set up, effective January 31, 1975, but it lasted only six months.

Initially, Jehovah’s Witnesses benefited from this abrupt change. There were 25 of Jehovah’s Witnesses imprisoned for neutrality in the Cabo Ledo prison who received amnesty in May. Among them were the six from Portugal who had refused to take sides in any war, including the wars against African colonies. What would these European brothers do with their unexpected freedom? David Mota comments: “Strengthened by our intimate relationship with Jehovah in prison, all six of us decided to remain in Angola and immediately begin pioneer service.”

The climate of religious tolerance was a new experience for the 1,500 Witnesses in Angola. The secret police were gone, arrests stopped, and the Witnesses could meet freely. They scoured Luanda to find auditoriums, recreational centers, or any other places that could hold the growing number of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Until this time, the 18 congregations in the country had all been meeting in private homes.

Arrangements were made for a special service meeting at the Pavilhão do Ferrovia. Among the 400 brothers invited from several congregations was José Augusto, now a member of the Portugal Bethel family. He recalls: “Here I was for the first time seeing so many brothers and sisters together in a climate of freedom! We could hardly believe that this was happening. Excitement filled the air as everyone freely mingled, enjoying association with other congregations.”

Spiritual Joys in a Turbulent Time

There was a power struggle between the three rival national movements: MPLA, FNLA, and UNITA. Armed groups from the rival factions invaded Luanda and set up headquarters. “Initially, there was just sniper fire,” relates Luis Sabino, an eyewitness. “Then as the hatred increased, more powerful weapons were used. Tanks appeared on the streets, and rockets were fired. Hundreds of homes were destroyed, including those of our brothers.”

Wisdom dictated that congregation meetings should continue to be held at book study locations. “It was common for the meetings to be interrupted by bursts of machine-gun fire a short distance away,” Manuel Cunha recalls. “Everyone would lie low until the shooting stopped, and then the program would continue. At times, the lights were put out to avoid attracting attention. When the meeting was over, brothers would leave carefully.”

Despite the dangers, the brothers were determined to expand their ministry. Delucírio Oliveira explains: “Our work had been prohibited under the colonial government, so going freely from house to house was a new experience for most of the publishers. The pioneers took the lead and encouraged others to go along with them. Meetings for field service were well supported.” Yet, signs of war surrounded them. He continues: “It was normal to hear shooting while in field service. Sometimes we would have to step off the sidewalk to bypass fresh blood in our path. Other times, we would come across dead bodies in the street.”

Two of our sisters, one a pioneer, were in the field ministry when bombs exploded nearby. One of the sisters crouched as close to a wall as possible and suggested that they go home. The pioneer encouraged her to continue a little longer, with the assurance that they would stop if the bombing resumed. Later that morning, they started a Bible study with a couple who requested three sessions per week.

The unstable conditions did not prevent the brothers from holding their first circuit assembly in a public auditorium in March 1975. Luanda’s largest covered pavilion, the Cidadela Desportiva, was hired for the occasion. As a precautionary measure, only those regularly attending meetings were invited. Yet, the attendance reached 2,888.

Since all went well, the brothers invited interested people and those having Bible studies to the second assembly. Aníbal Magalhães relates: “What impressed us upon entering the pavilion were the large letters above the platform with the theme of the assembly, ‘What Sort of Persons Ought You to Be.—2 Pet. 3:11.’ Before the program began, the pavilion was completely filled. When the attendance of 7,713 was announced, we were overwhelmed. Many could not hold back tears of joy. What we were seeing clearly pointed to a great ingathering work ahead, and we thanked Jehovah for bringing us safely to this day.”

After the closing prayer, while the brothers were cleaning the facility, shooting erupted again, this time in the entire area. It was yet another reminder that they were ‘tabernacling among haters of peace.’—Ps. 120:6.

Torn Apart by War

The country was being torn apart by the three rival political groups, and Luanda became the main battlefield. Militias were formed through forced conscription of men and women, even children. Uniformed boys as young as 12 years of age began appearing on the streets with automatic rifles that they fired at random. Machine-gun fire, exploding grenades, rockets, and missiles contributed to many a sleepless night. Angola was plunged into an era of incessant war. As a result, an entire generation of young Angolans were conceived, born, and raised in an atmosphere of violence, with gunfire and bomb explosions for background noise.

To strengthen their Christian brothers and sisters, faithful spiritual shepherds regularly made brief visits to their homes on the way to and from work. They would check to see that everyone was all right and would often read one or two scriptures with the family.

Attending meetings and going in the ministry required courage and reliance on Jehovah. However, being identified as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses was often the best protection. Faustino da Rocha Pinto was on his way to the Society’s office when a soldier suddenly pointed a rifle at him and snapped: “Where are you going? What is your movement? Give us your briefcase!” When opening it, the soldier found only a Bible and some Watch Tower publications. Immediately, his attitude softened. “So, you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses! I am sorry; excuse me. Be on your way.”

On another occasion, a soldier snapped at a young sister: “What movement do you support?” She replied: “I am not associated with any movement. I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” At this the soldier said to his comrades: “Look at her! Look at her closely! Look at her skirt! See how she is decently dressed. She is not like other girls. She is one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” The sister was permitted to go on her way, with the kind warning to be careful.

Communication with the congregations, especially those in the provinces, became increasingly difficult as the fighting intensified. Troops would enter a town, pillage the homes, and burn what they did not take. This forced thousands, including many Witnesses, to flee to the bush. In Banga, where 300 were attending meetings along with the 100 publishers, all of them were forced to abandon their homes and take refuge in the bush for days at a time. The congregations in Jamba and Cela also fled with only ‘their soul as a spoil.’ (Jer. 39:18) Most of the European Witnesses who were still in Lubango left for Windhoek, in neighboring Namibia.

Getting literature to these brothers in the bush became nearly impossible. Some congregations, such as those in Malanje, Lobito, Benguela, Gabela, Huambo, and Lubango, were cut off for months at a time.

A Sad Time

As soon as the colonial yoke was lifted, thousands of Portuguese began to leave the country. As anarchy spread, flight became more urgent. Most were able to take very few of their belongings with them. To illustrate how strong the hatred for Europeans was, one political party declared that they would kill even mulattoes because of their forefathers’ union with white people.

Of course, our Portuguese and Angolan brothers did not share this animosity. There was a strong bond of brotherly love between them. The departure of the Portuguese meant that many close friends were leaving. By June 1975 all the Portuguese brothers who had taken the lead in the work had to leave. Oversight of the preaching work and shepherding of the flock of God were left in the hands of faithful local brothers. Most of these were family men who had full-time secular jobs. Though saddened by the departure of their Portuguese brothers, they were determined to carry on with Jehovah’s help.

What conditions did they face? The Portugal branch soon received this disturbing message from the Luanda office: “The city is now being shelled. The roads are blocked. Communication with other cities is interrupted. The port of Luanda is closed. The stores are running out of food. Looting and pillaging have begun. There is a 9:00 p.m. curfew. Anyone on the street after this can be shot.”

Forward Movement of Jehovah’s Servants

This period of political turmoil was a time of unprecedented spiritual growth. The peak number of publishers reached 3,055, a 68-percent increase over the previous year. Memorial attendance reached 11,490!

On September 5, 1975, long-awaited news was received. The minister of justice of the transitional government had declared Jehovah’s Witnesses a legally recognized “religious confession.” João Mancoca remembers: “There was total euphoria among the brothers. They had never known complete freedom to worship openly. It was as if the doors of prison had been thrown wide open. For the first time, meetings and circuit assemblies could be held with full knowledge of the general public. The circuit assemblies organized for the spring of 1976 proved to be a great impetus for the work and strengthened determination that would be needed in the years to come.”

Five circuit assemblies were planned, but caution dictated that gatherings of only three or four congregations at a time be held. Three brothers were also assigned to visit congregations on weekends as circuit overseers.

Over the years, circumstances in Angola had not allowed the overseers to attend any of the special schools prepared by the Society. So plans were made to hold the first Kingdom Ministry School for elders on May 19-24, 1976. Two Angolan brothers attended the school in Portugal and received training. On their return, they conducted it in Luanda, with Mário P. Oliveira from the Portugal branch on hand to assist.

The 23 elders greatly appreciated the Bible-based instruction to help them “shepherd the flock of God.” (1 Pet. 5:2) Carlos Cadi, then serving as a circuit overseer, remembers the impact of the school: “The elders were able to see Jehovah’s organization from a new perspective. The school exposed the brothers to the educational aspect of Jehovah’s organization. They learned how to help the brothers in the congregations to apply Bible principles in resolving problems. The school also helped the elders to see how they could better organize the congregation activity, making fuller use of the capabilities of ministerial servants who served along with them.”

Legal recognition also meant that Bibles and Bible literature could be imported. Within five months, some congregations received their first magazines. What a great blessing it was to have at last complete 32-page issues of The Watchtower and Awake! The brothers had moved quickly through the ‘large door leading to activity that had been opened’ to them. (1 Cor. 16:9) However, the unstable conditions in the country led to further serious problems.

Although official independence from Portugal took place as planned on November 11, 1975, fighting between the major political parties quickly turned into full-scale civil war. Independent republics were established, with Luanda as the capital of the Marxist MPLA. Huambo became the capital of the coalition of UNITA and FNLA.

The political propaganda of one group against another gave rise to unprecedented racial and tribal hatred. In the capital, cold-blooded killings—even burning people in the street—became the order of the day. Often the victims’ only offense was that they spoke a language that identified them as coming from a region outside of Luanda. This hatred for outsiders generated a tension that caused a large population movement as people from the north and the south of the country fled back to their provinces of origin. Some brothers, though, bravely stayed on in areas that were not their home provinces in order to care for the needs of their spiritual brothers.

“Viva Jehovah!”

Jehovah’s Witnesses once again faced brutal persecution. Witnesses in Luanda were called before neighborhood committees who tried to force them to buy political party cards. In this highly charged atmosphere, the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the MPLA accused the Witnesses of inciting the people to disobey the State, to disrespect the national flag, and to resist serving in the military. Explanations on the part of Jehovah’s Witnesses fell on deaf ears.

In March of 1976, a shipment of Bible literature was sent to Angola from Portugal. It contained 3,000 Bibles, 17,000 copies of the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, 3,000 copies of the book From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained, as well as magazines. All of this was confiscated by the authorities and burned.

On May 27, 1976, government radio broadcasts directed all neighborhood committees and State organizations to monitor closely the activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Catholic Church made daily announcements on its radio station that Jehovah’s Witnesses were subversive.

Witnesses were forced out of food lines. Mobs assembled outside the places where congregation meetings were being held. Children were harassed at school. The children of José dos Santos Cardoso and his wife, Brígida, were put under intense pressure to recite political slogans, sing the national anthem, and shout “Down with Jehovah.” They were abused for refusing. José Jr., nine years old at the time, suddenly spoke up and said: “OK, I will say ‘Viva [long live]!’” Everyone waited in expectation. Finally, the young boy shouted “Viva Jehovah!” Before they realized what he had said, they unitedly shouted “Viva!”

In “the Furnace”

The ruling party was determined to force the Witnesses to join the army. This led to further vicious persecution.

On February 17, 1977, Artur Wanakambi, a zealous brother in Huíla Province, tried unsuccessfully to explain his neutral position. He and three other brothers were paraded through the streets on their way to prison. Onlookers, including the street sweepers, were invited to beat them. The next day the wives of the three married brothers went to the prison to learn about their husbands’ whereabouts. After waiting for a considerable time, they were whipped unmercifully, leaving them battered and bleeding. That afternoon, the sisters found themselves in the same prison where their husbands were.

Brother Teles recounts what happened to another group of imprisoned brothers ten days later: “Thirty-five of us were put in ‘the furnace.’ It was a room seven meters long [23 feet] and three meters [10 feet] wide and high. In the reinforced concrete ceiling, there were two small air holes, not large enough to put one’s hand through. It was the hottest season, and the cell truly proved to be a furnace. Since they were determined to do away with us, they closed these two holes.

“On the fourth day, we entreated Jehovah to give us the strength to bear the merciless heat. We were reminded of the three faithful young men in Daniel’s day who were thrown into the fiery furnace. The next day, at about three o’clock in the morning, there was a loud bang at the door, and it opened. How relieved we were to have a breath of fresh air! It was the jailer. Still half asleep, he had opened the door and then collapsed. After about ten minutes, the jailer got up and closed the door without saying a word. We gave thanks to Jehovah for a few precious moments of fresh air.

“Several days later, seven more brothers were thrown in with us. There was no longer enough room to sit. We were beaten on several occasions. The heat increased, and fever blisters and the wounds from the beatings were smelling very bad.

“On March 23 we celebrated the Memorial, even though it was only a talk without the emblems. By then, we were 45 in all. Some of us spent 52 days in ‘the furnace’ and survived.”

After their removal from “the furnace,” they were sent to the work camp of Sakassange, 800 miles [1,300 km] away in the eastern province of Moxico.

Persecution “Legalized”

On March 8, 1978, the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the MPLA declared “the church ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses’” illegal and banned it. To ensure wide publicity, the announcement was made three times daily on Luanda’s radio station. The original decree was in Portuguese, but to make sure that everyone got the news, the announcement was also transmitted for one week in the Chokwe, Kikongo, Kimbundu, and Umbundu languages. Finally, the decree was published in the party newspaper, Jornal de Angola, on March 14, 1978. In reality, the ban merely “legalized” the brutality already being meted out.

Denunciations by the Organization for the Defense of the People (ODP) were increasing. Many of Jehovah’s Witnesses were rounded up and imprisoned without a trial. Surprise visits were made at factories throughout Luanda. At the Malas Onil suitcase factory, 14 Witnesses were arrested. In the town of Lubango, 13 others were arrested. A few days later, reports confirmed the arrest of 50 in Ndalatando. Within just one week after the ban, at least 150 brothers and sisters were imprisoned.

This was followed by arbitrary dismissals of Witnesses from their employment. No consideration was given to years of exemplary conduct, competence, or performance. In fact, some who were dismissed had occupied responsible positions related to the economic development of the country.

Women were not exempt. A military officer saw Emília Pereira in front of her home and asked why she was not a member of the militia. When she answered that she did not like anything that involved killing or shedding blood, he understood that she was a Witness. Upon admitting this, she was told to get into a waiting truck. Her two sisters came to see what was happening, and they were also pushed into the truck. Meanwhile, her father came home. The officer ordered him into the truck. As they were about to leave, a brother who lived nearby asked what was happening. He too was grabbed and forced into the truck.

They were taken to the prison compound, where the sisters were put into the women’s ward. One evening after another, the officers would try to assault these young sisters sexually, but the sisters would cling to one another, cry, and pray out loud. Their reaction thwarted the men’s evil intent, and they were not violated.

The brothers in the province of Malanje were also severely tried. The harsh mistreatment of 74-year-old José António Bartolomeu resulted in his death. Domingas António was so weak after her arrest and repeated beatings that she died during a malaria attack. Manuel Ribeiro was poisoned and died because he wrote a letter to his family from prison.

The week following the ban, a meeting was held with elders from all the Luanda congregations. They were given Scriptural encouragement and guidance regarding their future activity, and this was passed on to the congregations. Their resolve was strengthened as they considered the yeartext for 1978: “They will not prevail against you, for ‘I [Jehovah] am with you . . . to deliver you.’”—Jer. 1:19.

Appeal to Government Authorities

On March 21, 1978, the three brothers who served as directors of the Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Angola sent an appeal to the Political Bureau of the MPLA, urging that violations of law be determined by the courts and that illegal imprisonment of the Witnesses cease. Copies of this letter were sent to the president of the republic and the prime minister, as well as to the ministers of defense, justice, education and culture. No reply was received.

Following the apostle Paul’s example, a further appeal was made to the highest authority in the land. (Acts 25:11) This letter, sent by the Portugal branch, respectfully asked the president of the People’s Republic of Angola to review the record of Jehovah’s Witnesses and to grant them a hearing. The request was made that the courts investigate the facts regarding each of the Witnesses being detained. This time, the branch in Portugal received a reply saying that the matter would be investigated.

Deeply Touched by Firm Determination

Civil war continued to rage in Angola, so there were few visitors from abroad. However, in 1979 the country committee in Angola received word that Albert Olih, an overseer from the Nigeria branch, would arrive in August. How happy the brothers were!

Brother Olih said: “To me it was like being in an army barracks for a complete week. Everywhere you looked there were armed soldiers.” He was kept up at night by shoot-outs on the street.

The Angolan Witnesses had experienced rapid changes during the preceding years. From 1973, when the country was still under colonial rule, down till 1976, there had been a 266-percent increase in the number of publishers. Then when persecution intensified in 1977, followed by a ban in 1978, the growth had come to a standstill. Many of the Witnesses in the country had been baptized fairly recently—1,000 in 1975 alone. Though there were 31 congregations, many of these had no elders. Without the loving care of spiritual shepherds, some serious problems and cases of moral uncleanness had not been resolved. Entire congregations in such places as Malanje, Waku Kungo, and Ndalatando were now in prison camps.

On arrival, Brother Olih was given an extensive agenda outlining areas that needed to be discussed. Attention was given to ways in which local Witnesses could carry on their God-given ministry under the existing circumstances. Direction was given on how to provide literature despite limited access to paper. There was also discussion of the need for more literature in the local languages, but, of course, it would take time to find and train qualified translators.

Problems in the congregations were also given attention. Brother Olih emphasized that all, including elders, must live by Bible standards. None should feel that they were above the need for counsel. Questions were answered about qualifications for baptism, registering marriages, and visits to the congregations by circuit overseers. The Angolan brothers appreciated the Society’s arranging for them to receive Scriptural direction through such an experienced brother.

During Brother Olih’s visit, a meeting was held with the elders from Luanda and any who could come from other areas. At 10:00 a.m., they began arriving, one by one, so as not to draw attention to the meeting place. However, before the meeting started at 7:00 p.m., the location was changed twice because the place seemed to be under surveillance. When Brother Olih arrived at the third location, he found 47 elders seated in the yard waiting for him. When the greetings from the Nigeria Bethel family were conveyed, hands were silently waved in appreciation. His one-hour talk was a Biblical discussion of the arrangement for elders, emphasizing the need for more elders in the Christian congregation and outlining the duties involved. After the talk, the brothers asked questions for two more hours until they had to leave in order to get home safely before the curfew.

How did Brother Olih feel about the week that he spent with the Angolan brothers? “I must say, I benefited very much. I was deeply encouraged by the firm determination of the brothers and sisters to serve Jehovah despite their difficulties. I left Angola with prayers in my heart and tears in my eyes because of these brothers who, although suffering, smile because of the wonderful hope they have.”

A Follow-Up Visit

The year after Brother Olih’s visit, the Governing Body sent Albert Olugbebi, also from the Nigeria branch, to serve the brothers in Angola. He recommended that they conduct sessions of the Pioneer Service School for the 50 regular pioneers. Also, he encouraged them to try to hold circuit assemblies every six months but with limited attendance.

During Brother Olugbebi’s visit, three meetings were held with groups of elders as well as brothers caring for responsibilities in congregations that had no elders. The attendance was 102. Scriptural counsel was given on the need for elders to uphold Bible principles and to become examples to the flock, not lording it over them. (1 Pet. 5:3) Questions were answered about the procedure to follow when making recommendations for appointment of elders in congregations where none were yet serving.

Among those in attendance at this meeting was Silvestre Simão, who had already had his faith tested during nearly four years in prison and labor camps. After serving as an elder for a number of years, he had been entrusted with greater responsibility as a circuit overseer when the European brothers were forced to leave Angola in the mid-1970’s. Now, with the arrangement to have circuit assemblies every six months, there was need for a district overseer. Though Brother Simão had six children, along with the secular responsibilities involved in caring for his family, he accepted this new assignment. He has cared for it in an exemplary manner for the past 20 years. He also serves on the Branch Committee.

Upon concluding his visit, Brother Olugbebi reported an encouraging development: While the Witnesses still needed to meet and to preach with caution, the vicious persecution against those of conscription age seemed to be subsiding. In fact, though there were then between 150 and 200 brothers still in prison or work camps, that number was reduced to 30 by March of 1982.

Distributing Spiritual Food—A Challenge

Throughout the period of the ban, providing regular supplies of spiritual food was a high priority. This often involved considerable risk.

First of all, it was very hard to get paper for use in mimeographing The Watchtower. Government authorization was required to purchase paper. Although there were over 3,000 publishers, for a time only 800 to 1,000 copies of the study articles could be produced because of limited paper supplies. Even so, using small presses, the brothers were able to produce copies of small books with flexible covers, such as The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life.

At great risk to themselves, Fernando Figueiredo and Francisco João Manuel accepted the assignment to reproduce literature. These energetic brothers found new locations where they could expand the duplicating operation. At times, locations had to be changed for security reasons. In some places, the mimeograph machine was located in a soundproof room with no windows or ventilation, making working conditions very difficult. In an adjacent room, other volunteers collated and stapled the magazines. They had to finish separating, stapling, and packaging so that the material could be distributed the same night. Any evidence of the work had to be cleaned up so that there would be nothing to attract attention. As production increased, two mimeograph machines were operating simultaneously in the “kitchen,” the place where literature containing spiritual food was being prepared. A team of brothers worked daily, typing stencils, proofreading, duplicating, collating, stapling, and delivering the magazines to the congregations.

Delivery of the literature to the scattered congregations outside of Luanda had to be handled by couriers. This was a dangerous assignment. One who served as a courier relates: “Some months after the ban was officially declared, I traveled to the province of Benguela in connection with my secular work. The Society’s local office had provided me with certain items to be delivered to the congregations in Lobito and Benguela. I did not know any of the brothers in these cities. The only reference I had for contacting them was a telephone number for one of the elders in Benguela. For security reasons, the only identification would be the code name Isaiah’s Family.

“Upon my arriving in Benguela, everything appeared to be going quite well. At the airport I was not searched, as was the custom, because of the nature of my work. The package I was carrying arrived intact. Once in the city, I immediately telephoned the brothers so they could come and get the package. The brother I spoke to said he was not feeling well, but he promised to send someone to the hotel to pick up the parcel. For some unexplained reason, during the four days I spent at the hotel, no one came to claim the package, despite my daily telephone calls to the brother.

“On the day of my departure, I had no choice but to take the package back with me to Luanda. Arriving at the airport, the head of the delegation insisted that all members of his delegation and their baggage be searched to set an example for other travelers. I saw only two options: (1) throw the package into the garbage container or (2) keep it with me and be arrested.

“After praying to Jehovah, Proverbs 29:25 came to mind: ‘Trembling at men is what lays a snare, but he that is trusting in Jehovah will be protected.’ I decided to confront the situation, as it would be a great waste to throw away so much spiritual food.

“I placed myself at the end of the line so it would not create a great public disturbance when the police found the literature and magazines. When there were two people left to be searched, I heard someone say, ‘Please, there is a man here who wants to contact a member of the delegation from Luanda concerning a package.’ When I heard this, I said to myself, ‘Jehovah heard my prayer. I am seeing the fulfillment of Isaiah 59:1: “The hand of Jehovah has not become too short that it cannot save,”’ and I hurried out. When I got to the brother, I only had time to say Isaiah’s Family. He replied and received the package. I had to return in a hurry as the plane was leaving, so I did not even have time to speak to the brother. Yes, Jehovah is ‘our salvation in the time of distress.’”—Isa. 33:2.

Caring for the Flock Despite Danger

War—the rider of the fiery-colored horse of the Apocalypse—continued to wreak havoc in the lives of the people of Angola. (Rev. 6:4) Towns and factories were bombed, roads mined, bridges dynamited, water supplies sabotaged, and villages attacked. The massacre of civilians became an everyday occurrence. Crops were destroyed, and farmers fled to the cities. War refugees flocked to Luanda. Food rationing and black-market conditions made daily survival a major challenge. But loving cooperation among Jehovah’s Witnesses helped many to survive in otherwise hopeless circumstances.

During this perilous time, Rui Gonçalves, Hélder Silva, and others risked their lives to visit congregations scattered throughout the country. Describing how such visits had to be organized, Brother Gonçalves wrote: “May 1982 saw the first visit by a circuit overseer to Tombua. The 35 brothers began arriving at the meeting location at well-planned intervals starting at 10:00 a.m. that day. They waited in silence. The ODP [Organization for the Defense of the People] was controlling all movement in town. I arrived under the cover of darkness, 11 hours later, at 9:00 p.m. Thirty minutes later, the meeting started and lasted until 4:40 a.m.”

Most of those who shared in the circuit work were married and had children. But they did their best to care for the spiritual interests of the congregations. One of the brothers, who is now a member of the Branch Committee, explained what was involved in a routine circuit visit: “Each congregation was scheduled to be visited for one week. However, the visits began on Monday rather than on Tuesday. This was because it was not possible for the whole congregation to meet together. Visits were made to each Congregation Book Study group. In large congregations several groups would be visited on the same evening. The hours of the meetings were staggered so the circuit overseer could go from one group to another. He would repeat the program for the benefit of each group. Therefore, during the week, he would give each of his talks from 7 to 21 times. The week’s activity was full and demanding, but the brothers persevered in providing encouragement to the congregations.”

Rui Gonçalves vividly remembers a harrowing trip to the town of Cubal in January 1983. It nearly proved fatal. He said: “The only way to visit this congregation was to travel with a military column for protection. After carefully checking the situation, the military authorized the 35 vehicles to start their journey. We traveled in Brother Godinho’s car, and ours was the third in a caravan of six vehicles. Only two hours into the journey, a missile was fired by guerrillas, and it destroyed the first military truck. This was quickly followed by another missile, which destroyed the second vehicle. Two bombs hit our car but did not explode. With the car in motion, Brother Godinho yelled for everyone to jump. As I scrambled for cover in the bush, a bullet destroyed much of my left ear, and I fainted.”

Before fainting, he saw three guerrilla soldiers pursuing the other brothers, but the brothers escaped into the jungle. Brother Gonçalves continues: “When I woke up, my head was covered with blood. Several hours later, I crawled back to the road. A military unit found me, administered first aid, and took me to the Benguela hospital.” He later learned that all the cars in the convoy had been burned or otherwise destroyed. Twelve persons in those cars were dead, and 11 more were severely wounded by bullets. The brothers traveling with Brother Gonçalves were the only ones not hit by bullets. And although Brother Gonçalves had lost most of his ear and some personal possessions, he concludes by saying: “We gave heartfelt thanks to Jehovah.”

Sharing Life-Giving Water

At a time when most Angolans were thinking only of survival, Jehovah’s Witnesses were eager to spread “good news of something better” throughout this large territory. (Isa. 52:7) How did they carry out this work?

A pioneer in Luanda explains that he, his wife, and his young daughter would go in the ministry together. After greeting the householder, they would request a drink of water for their little girl. If the water was given, they would tell the householder that they knew of a kind of water that would bring even greater benefits than the cold water that had kindly been given to their daughter. Inquisitive ones would ask, ‘What kind of water is this?’ The family would then describe the blessings of God’s Kingdom and the hope of everlasting life.—John 4:7-15.

They did not carry bookbags, Bibles, or literature in their ministry. But if the householder owned a Bible and wanted to read about these things, they would use the householder’s Bible to continue the discussion. Wherever interest was shown, they would call again. By using discreet approaches such as this one, the Witnesses were able to find interested people, and the congregations were blessed with regular increase.

A Man of God

Remote areas were also being reached with the good news. It penetrated the Gambos region, near the Namibian border, through the efforts of Tchande Cuituna. He first heard the Kingdom message in what was then Rhodesia. After working for a time in the mines of South Africa, he returned home and concentrated on cattle raising. He regularly made return trips to South Africa to obtain Watch Tower publications, and on one of those trips, in 1961, he was baptized. Thereafter, he zealously spread the good news among his people.

He would load his wagon with water, food, and Bible literature and go preaching from quimbo to quimbo (from one small village to another) for two to three months at a time. When his wagon broke down, he would continue the journey riding on his bull. Even at the age of 70, he traveled on foot with other publishers for distances of over 120 miles [200 km].

Tchande Cuituna came to have large herds of cattle that would roam the plains. In this patriarchal society, he was the recognized head. The day’s activity began with the sounding of a bell so that everyone could assemble to hear him consider a Bible text in the local language. On meeting days, the familiar sound of the gong told some 100 people to assemble for spiritual instruction.

Throughout the entire region of the Gambos, Tchande Cuituna became known as the man of God. By applying what he had learned from his personal study of the Bible along with the valuable publications of “the faithful and discreet slave,” Brother Cuituna provided an excellent example for others to follow. To reach as many people as possible, he translated the booklet “This Good News of the Kingdom” into the Nyaneka and Kwanyama languages.

The office in Luanda learned of Brother Cuituna’s activity from the field service reports he would turn in from time to time through the brothers in Windhoek, Namibia. In an effort to bring Brother Cuituna into closer contact with other Witnesses, in 1979 the Luanda office sent Hélder Silva, a circuit overseer, to reach him. He well remembers the journey.

Brother Silva writes: “We traveled by car for 100 miles [160 km] to Chiange. From there the remaining 45 miles [70 km] were on foot. A torrential rainstorm lasting some six hours made it almost impossible to continue. Sometimes we were in water up to our knees, but we could not stop, as the area had many ferocious wild animals. Because of the mud, we found it easier to walk barefoot, with our belongings suspended on a stick over our shoulder. Finally, we reached the Liokafela region and our destination, the quimbo (village) of Cuituna. We were hungry and exhausted, so the womenfolk gave us sour milk, the local corn drink called bulunga (kissangua), cocoa, and a corn puree called ihita (pirão de massango). After resting by a warm fire, we were ready for the anticipated activities.” This visit marked a step forward in organized preaching of the good news in the Gambos region.

No one who was present will forget the baptism of 18 new brothers and sisters in August of 1986 in the Caculuvar River. These were the first baptisms to be held in the Gambos region during the 40 years since the Kingdom message had been introduced there. The pioneers who had come to share in the work in this area were beaming with joy. Words cannot convey the happiness of Brother Cuituna as he witnessed the baptism. Jumping with joy, he said: “I feel like King David when he accompanied the ark of Jehovah.” (2 Sam. 6:11-15) Brother Cuituna continues to serve as a regular pioneer.

The Work in Southern Angola

In 1975, 18-year-old Tymoly, a tall woman from the Huíla region of southern Angola, was introduced to the truth through the efforts of a pioneer named José Tiakatandela. Tymoly appreciated the Bible’s message, but her parents strongly opposed her. She was deprived of food for days at a time, beaten, and finally pelted with stones. With her life in danger, she walked 40 miles [60 km] to reach Lubango. There she was able to attend the congregation meetings. With the help of the congregation’s class for reading and writing, she progressed to the point where she could enroll in the Theocratic Ministry School. She was baptized in 1981. Tymoly also learned to sew in order to earn a living, and she makes her own modest attire. Three men and four women from her ethnic group who heard the Kingdom message in 1978 were baptized in 1980.

Then in 1983, José Maria Muvindi, from Lubango, enrolled as an auxiliary pioneer for three months. He went south, preaching in the rural areas around the towns of Jau and Gambos. He traveled down into Namibe Province, spreading the good news among the Mukubais, the predominant tribe. Seeing the great need in these territories, he enrolled as a regular pioneer. Other pioneers followed.

When Brother Muvindi preached in the area, Bible truths touched the hearts of many of these people. They began to make needed changes in their lives. In order to serve Jehovah acceptably, they had to abandon unscriptural practices, such as polygamy, immorality, drunkenness, and superstition. They began to wear more than the traditional tchinkuani, or loincloth. A steady stream of couples began to travel to Lubango to get legally married. For some, this meant leaving the village for the first time in their life! A civil registry office in Chiange that had been closed for ten years was reopened to accommodate the sudden influx of people from the Gambos region who wanted birth certificates and identity cards in order to register their marriages.

Sadly, Brother Muvindi died from hepatitis in 1986, but his zealous ministry bore good fruit. Through his efforts and those of others who worked in these regions, many received a witness. Today, there are in this area nine congregations as well as ten groups that have not yet been organized as congregations, all of which are promoting true worship in that region.

Surveillance Increases

With the forming of the Popular Brigades of Vigilantes (BPV) in 1984, renewed pressure was brought on our brothers. The mission of the BPV was to guarantee that a close watch was kept on those not integrated in the revolutionary process. How did the BPV fulfill its mission? Domingos Mateus, serving as a circuit overseer at that time, well remembers: “On every corner in Luanda, you would see a Popular Brigade Vigilante, identified by a blue armband with the initials BPV. He was authorized to search any passerby. It became increasingly difficult for brothers to bring publications to the meetings. In December 1985 a total of 800 brigade groups were enlisted for duty in Luanda, making it impossible even to hold congregation meetings.

“At ex-Largo Serpa Pinto, a group of approximately 40 brigade members were screening the entire area. Accompanying them were members of the Popular Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola, a group armed with machine guns. It was common to hear them open fire when they were chasing someone or they wanted to stop a person for interrogation.

“One congregation scheduled a large meeting in the home of a brother. Shortly before the program began, we realized that a member of the BPV was watching the brothers as they entered and was writing down their names in a notebook. Despite the danger, the brother who lived there did not panic. An idea came to mind. Quietly, he made his way to a position behind the man, and when he got quite close, he started to shout, ‘Neighbors, look! a thief, catch the thief!’

“Caught by surprise, the brigade member ran off, dropping everything he had in his hands. As the neighbors came down from the apartment building and others leaned out their windows to see what was happening, the brother entered his home and told the elder: ‘Brother, you can start the meeting now, the situation is under control.’ All the meetings scheduled in that home for the week of the visit had no further problems or disturbances.”

“The Soup Has Been Spilled”

Communication by Jehovah’s Witnesses with their Christian brothers outside the country became increasingly difficult. However, António Alberto worked for a foreign-owned petroleum firm. He assisted by carrying important mail between the brothers in Angola and the Portugal branch.

But one day in 1987, the police at the airport intercepted a packet that contained correspondence about circuit visits and other sensitive matters. Brother Alberto felt sick at heart. At noon, he went home to see his family, since he was certain that he would soon be arrested. He telephoned the brother who had oversight of these matters and said simply: “Grandfather, the soup has been spilled.”

After that, Brother Alberto bravely went to the home of the man in charge of police security at the airport. The brother explained that he had been in prison during colonial rule with some Portuguese young men, that they kept in touch by correspondence, and that a package containing that correspondence had been confiscated at the airport. The chief of security gave him a card to present to the man who had confiscated the package, asking that it be delivered to his office. When the brother presented this message to the man at the airport, the officer became very distraught. Why? Because he could not deliver the correspondence to the chief of security—it had been burned! To Brother Alberto’s great relief, no harm was done.

Determined to Walk in Jehovah’s Ways

The ongoing war also brought renewed pressure on Jehovah’s Witnesses to break their Christian neutrality. In February 1984, 13 young men were arrested for refusing to take up arms. Of these, just three were baptized Witnesses; the others were unbaptized publishers and Bible students. Despite threats and physical abuse, they proved unwavering in their decision to walk in Jehovah’s ways. (Isa. 2:3, 4) Sadly, when they were being transferred by airplane to Luanda, the aircraft crashed on takeoff, and everyone on board was killed.

In April 1985 a group of nine—including baptized Witnesses, unbaptized publishers, and interested persons—refused to violate their neutrality. (John 17:16) They were transferred by train, then by helicopter, into a heavy-combat zone. When the soldiers tried to force them to join in the battle and Manual Morais de Lima refused, he was shot to death. Another brother was hit by a mortar that severely wounded his leg, so he was taken out of the combat zone and sent to a hospital. Two of the brothers were told, “The helicopters that brought you here do not belong to Jehovah,” so the only way out was on foot—120 miles [200 km] through a territory in which there were guerrilla troops and wild animals. On arriving in Luanda, they were imprisoned again! Nevertheless, they were still convinced that being governed by love for Jehovah God and for one’s fellowman is the right way to live.—Luke 10:25-28.

In another instance, four Witnesses were sent to a remote military camp in southernmost Angola. The soldiers felt certain that the intensity of the war would force the Witnesses to take up arms to protect themselves. Instead, as Miguel Quiambata recalls, some officers, impressed by the steadfastness of these men and realizing that they were harmless, granted them freedom of movement in the area. They used that freedom to teach others about Jehovah’s provision for eternal life through his Son, Jesus Christ. In 1987 when they celebrated the Memorial of Christ’s death, there were 47 present, and soon the meeting attendance was up to 58.

About 300 of Jehovah’s Witnesses were still in prison in 1990 because of their Christian neutrality. Some had served multiple sentences, each one of more than five years. Others had been detained for four years without any trial. Even after an amnesty was granted, some prison authorities withheld knowledge of the amnesty from the brothers and kept them in prison. Others delayed in releasing them because the Witnesses were considered their best workers and could be trusted to do jobs outside the prisons without trying to escape. And that amnesty did not prevent the arrest and execution of two more Witnesses in 1994.

At a later time, while distributing Kingdom News No. 35, a pioneer sister met a former military man who stated that he had been present at the execution of three Witnesses who had refused to take up arms. When asked if the world would be a better place if all were Jehovah’s Witnesses, he acknowledged that if they are capable of facing death because of refusing to kill their fellowman, the world would certainly be at peace if all were Jehovah’s Witnesses. He accepted the brochure What Does God Require of Us?, agreed to a home Bible study, and began to attend the congregation meetings.

Waters of Truth Continued to Flow

To the prophet Ezekiel, Jehovah gave a vision of water of life flowing forth from God’s great spiritual temple. It flowed under and around obstacles, through rugged land, and imparted life where there had formerly been a death-dealing environment. (Ezek. 47:1-9) Today, despite obstacles, the life-giving water of truth has flowed into more than 230 lands, including Angola.

At times the obstacles have seemed formidable, but the water of life that comes from God has found a way around these. Throughout the 1980’s, censorship was so strict that only infrequent courier messages from abroad reached the Luanda office. Yet, Bible literature containing refreshing truths found its way across the border between Angola and Namibia, where it was relatively easy to cross. In this way publications in Portuguese and local languages were obtained. This arrangement worked in that area for several years.

Help came from many sources. A number of professional people assisted the brothers in obtaining Bibles. Even military personnel, some with relatives who were Witnesses, took great risks to aid the brothers in Angola. Several shipments of office supplies, including a valuable duplicating machine, were sent in the names of influential individuals. One such man later chose to join Jehovah’s people in serving under the direction of God’s “Prince of Peace.”—Isa. 9:6.

In 1984, Thierry Duthoit and his wife, Manuela, moved to Angola from Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). They came to be dearly loved by the local brothers. Brother Duthoit was tall and often mistaken for being Russian. Under the government at that time, the many Russians in Angola had complete freedom of movement.

This mistaken identity was used to good advantage to bring into this war-wracked country literature telling how Jehovah God by means of the Messianic Kingdom would bring true peace to humankind and would cause it to flourish to the ends of the earth. (Ps. 72:7, 8) Brother Duthoit established a number of business contacts with airline pilots who agreed to transport boxes of Bible literature into the country. Then Brother Duthoit would pick these up at the airport and deliver them to the brothers. He also obtained badly needed medicines for ailing brothers.

Through Brother Duthoit, responsible brothers were introduced to Mr. Ilídio Silva, a businessman, who donated two duplicating machines. These were very difficult for the brothers to obtain, since the government kept an inventory of all office machinery in the country. Mr. Silva was blessed as well, as he eventually became a baptized servant of Jehovah.

With electronic duplicating equipment, it became possible to produce a 20-page edition of The Watchtower. This included important secondary articles that the Angolan brothers had previously missed. In a short time, 10,000 copies per issue were being distributed on average. Examining the Scriptures was also mimeographed, and this was greatly appreciated. From Portugal, selected material from “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial” was sent so that it too could be mimeographed. Later, it was possible to receive that material in booklet form. This helped to enrich the program at the Theocratic Ministry School. How refreshing all these spiritual provisions were!

Evidence of divine blessing included growth in the number of people praising Jehovah in this land. By the end of the 1987 service year, the number who reported activity as his Witnesses reached 8,388, an increase of over 150 percent since the ban in 1978. The number of congregations had also multiplied, from 33 to 89. Although great care was exercised before newly interested ones were invited to meetings, attendance was about 150 percent of the number of publishers. The publishers were averaging some 18 hours in the field service each month, and home Bible studies reached a peak of 23,665! True, there were economic problems, and there was a scarcity of food. But the confidence that our brothers have in Jehovah’s promises enabled them to hold their heads high. They were determined to keep on “speaking the word of God with boldness.”—Acts 4:31.

Special Training for Circuit Overseers

The traveling overseers, who were constantly giving of themselves in behalf of the congregations, also needed encouragement. How thrilled they were to learn of arrangements for them to attend a special seminar for traveling overseers in Lisbon, Portugal, in November of 1988!

Imagine their joy in having daily association with the Portugal Bethel family! Luis Cardoso, one who attended the seminar, summarizes how they felt: “This was an especially thrilling time for me. We were so warmly received by the Bethel family in Portugal. It seemed that the brothers could not do enough for us. Those proved to be 34 days of tightly-packed, joyful activity and learning for us.”

First they spent two weeks working with traveling overseers in the circuits in Portugal so that they could learn by observation. During the next two weeks, they attended the seminar. It dealt especially with their field of theocratic activity and prepared them for the Kingdom Ministry School classes in which they would be participating as instructors. The following week, they attended Kingdom Ministry School classes that were being conducted for elders and ministerial servants in Portugal. This gave the brothers from Angola opportunity to observe how the traveling overseers in Portugal taught the local elders what they had learned at the seminar.

“This seminar taught me what it means to be a good student,” says Brother Cardoso. “I learned to study and do research as I had never done before. By their example, the brothers taught us how to show consideration for our wives so that we could work together unitedly. This unforgettable time was capped when the brothers showed us the ‘Photo Drama of Creation.’ I had heard so much about it, and now actually seeing it was thrilling.”

As a follow-up to that period of instruction, in October 1990, Mário Nobre, a circuit overseer from Portugal, was assigned to work with the Angolan circuit overseers as they served congregations in their home country. He spent two months training the brothers, and his kind, patient approach was greatly appreciated.

With special delight, Brother Nobre relates this experience that he had a few days after his arrival in Angola: “Arrangements were made for me to give a public talk in a congregation with 198 publishers. I was amazed to see 487 in attendance. To my surprise, the presiding overseer asked me to give the talk again. Only half the congregation had been present! Of course I accepted, and 461 attended the second talk, for a grand total of 948!”

During his stay, Brother Nobre learned much about the daily life of the brothers in Angola. He found that the streets in Luanda were dangerous because of gunfire, but he adapted quickly to the situation and focused his attention on the extraordinary interest in the Kingdom message shown by the people. Regarding his accommodations, he says: “The brothers gave me the best they had. Everything we had was the bare minimum, but it was sufficient.”

Severe Drought

Early in 1990, the rider of the black horse of the Apocalypse—famine—left his mark on southern Angola when a severe three-month drought took a heavy toll. (Rev. 6:5, 6) Crops were destroyed. There was much suffering. According to Lisbon’s Diário de Notícias, at least 10,000 died as a result of the drought.

When news of the situation reached the Portugal branch, the brothers immediately dispatched two large shipping containers through brothers and businessmen who showed interest in Bible truth. One container went to Benguela, the other to Luanda.

The South Africa branch transported 25 tons of relief supplies through Namibia by truck. When the brothers arrived at Windhoek, they requested permission from the Angolan consulate to enter Angola to deliver the supplies to their Christian brothers. Though the official knew that the Witnesses were not recognized in his country, he gladly issued the necessary papers so that relief could reach those suffering people. Provision was even made for a military escort to ensure safe delivery.

When the truck reached the makeshift bridge at the Cunene River, the brothers had to transfer everything to a smaller truck and then put it all back when they got safely to the other side. After passing more than 30 military checkpoints, the truck reached Lubango. This successful mission paved the way for three additional trips, each carrying tons of precious relief supplies.

Flávio Teixeira Quental, who was present in Lubango when the first truck pulled in, recalls: “When we saw the truck arrive about three o’clock in the afternoon, we felt a great joy and comfort, along with surprise and some trepidation. Where would we store 25 tons of literature, clothing, and food? Our Kingdom Hall did not have doors or windows, and our house was too small for all those boxes. We quickly organized the brothers to do guard duty all day and all night, and we put everything in the Kingdom Hall.”

All the supplies were promptly distributed. Brother Quental continues: “This was a time of war. . . . At this time we often had only one magazine for the whole congregation. How grateful we were to Jehovah, his organization, and our dear brothers who risked their own lives for brothers they did not even know! This called to our mind the kind of love that Jesus has shown for mankind in giving his human life in behalf of others.”—John 3:16.

A letter of appreciation from the elders in Benguela stated: “This last weekend was filled with much activity as 32 volunteers distributed the supplies received. We thank those whose kind hearts were moved to send us this gift.” Despite the famine, none of the brothers there died from starvation.

A Promise of Human Rights

On May 31, 1991, a cease-fire agreement was signed between the rival factions in Angola, bringing in a period of relative peace. A new constitution was agreed on, promising human and political rights. The 16-year-long civil war had left the country devastated. Some 300,000 people had been killed. Life expectancy for a man was 43 years; for a woman, 46. Unemployment and inflation were rising. The educational system had been severely disrupted. Major rehabilitation was needed. Would it include relief for Jehovah’s Witnesses from the ban that had been in effect since 1978?

On October 22, 1991, a request for registration of the religious association of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Angola was presented to the minister of justice. A news release was also issued to make this request public knowledge.

The very next day the Jornal de Angola published an article that said, in part: “According to the spokesman of the Witnesses in Angola, there is optimism as to the recognition of the Association, and the preliminary reception obtained from the Ministry of Justice was satisfactory.” The article also reviewed the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Angola, as well as their record in such lands as Portugal and Mozambique, where bans on the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses had been lifted.

For the first time in Angola, favorable publicity was being given to Jehovah’s Witnesses! Several days later, the director of the newspaper said that he had received many phone calls, even from people in influential positions, congratulating him for printing the article.

“An Experience I Will Never Forget”

Already Jehovah’s Witnesses were beginning to gather together more freely. Congregations with 100 publishers reported that 300 to 500 people were showing up at the meetings! How would the Witnesses, who until then had been forced to meet in small groups in private homes, accommodate such crowds? Some brothers with backyards put up a sheet-metal roof and offered the space for congregation use. Many congregations simply met in the open. The publishers were encouraged to invite only well-advanced Bible students to the meetings and assemblies because there was no room for all the others. Places for worship were urgently needed.

Douglas Guest and Mário P. Oliveira were sent from Portugal to help the brothers assess the work at hand and to consider future needs. During their stay, special meetings were held with elders and pioneers from the 127 congregations in Luanda. There was opportunity to meet with elders from 30 congregations outside the capital. All parts of the country were represented. What an upbuilding time it was!

For Brother Guest too it was a deeply moving experience. He had worked closely with these brothers by means of correspondence for more than 30 years. Recalling this visit, he said: “Remarkable was the absence of any complaints about their lot in life. An inner peace radiated from their smiling faces, revealing that they were spiritually alive and well. All they could talk about were the prospects of expanding the preaching work in their country. It was an experience I will never forget.”

Legal Recognition Once More

On April 10, 1992, the government’s official paper, Diário da República, declared that the Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses had been legally approved. Jehovah’s Witnesses were fired with determination to make the most of the opportunities that this afforded them. Quickly, a new peak of 18,911 publishers was reached—30 percent over the preceding year’s average. The 56,075 home Bible studies—an average of three per publisher—pointed to a bountiful harvest ahead.

The South Africa branch was now advised that they could begin shipping The Watchtower, Awake!, and other literature to Angola. Two trucks were purchased to facilitate local distribution to the congregations. How thrilled the brothers were when 24,000 copies of the May 1, 1992, Watchtower and 12,000 copies of the May 8, 1992, Awake! arrived! Soon there was an adequate supply of books with which to conduct home Bible studies. Prior to this, in order to conduct studies, some publishers would memorize every question and answer in the study publication.

Facing Difficult Times—Again!

Violence was not all a thing of the past. After the elections in September 1992, the country was again torn apart by civil war. Intense fighting broke out on October 30 in five major cities: Lubango, Benguela, Huambo, Lobito, and especially Luanda, where it was reported that 1,000 were killed in the first days of fighting.

Hospitals were crowded far beyond their capacity. Dead bodies lay in the streets. Epidemics spread. Supplies of electricity, food, and water could not be obtained for several weeks. Stealing and pillaging were rife. Much of the civilian population was traumatized.

Several of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Luanda were killed; others were reported missing. When reports of the dire circumstances confronting our brothers were received in Portugal, the branch immediately dispatched food and medical supplies.

During this period of fighting between political factions, the strict neutrality of Jehovah’s Witnesses was observed by the public. Favorable remarks were heard about the fact that they were the only ones not involved in politics and not taking sides in the struggle for power. Interested people began approaching Witnesses on the street to ask for Bible studies.

As the Witnesses themselves viewed their situation, they were convinced that what they were experiencing was the fulfillment of Bible prophecy, and this made their confidence in God’s Kingdom even stronger. They appreciated the timeliness of studying the book Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand!, especially the portion on the activities of the wild beast in these last days.

A Message From the Governing Body

Shortly after the renewed outbreak of violence, the Governing Body sent the Portugal branch a heartwarming letter expressing concern for the brothers in Angola. The letter considered, among other things, the immediate needs of the Angolan brothers. In conclusion, the Governing Body asked that their warm love be conveyed to the brothers in Angola.

Upon receiving this message in Luanda, the brothers expressed their sincere gratitude to Jehovah for such a loving organization that so tenderly cares for his people in times of distress. Especially was this loving expression comforting to the families of the brothers who lost their lives during this violent time.

Landmark District Convention

By January 1993, conditions in Luanda were somewhat calmer, and it was possible for many publishers from various parts of the country to attend the “Light Bearers” District Conventions in the capital. Some had come great distances on foot. One sister from Huambo Province walked seven days with her four small children, the oldest being just six years of age. She arrived exhausted but in happy anticipation of the spiritual feast they were about to enjoy.

The Industrial Fair Pavilion was rented for two consecutive weeks. Generators and sound equipment were supplied from Portugal. Even though the brothers invited only those regularly attending meetings, the pavilion was packed to overflowing for both conventions. The combined attendance reached 24,491. It was the first time that the brothers in Angola had been able to enjoy a complete three-day district convention program, including the drama. There were 629 new ministers baptized at those conventions, and the conventioners rejoiced to receive the brochure Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! in Kikongo, Kimbundu, and Umbundu, as well as the brochure Does God Really Care About Us? in Portuguese.

Government officials closely observed the fine conduct of the Witnesses who attended. The contrast with what was happening in Luanda could hardly have been greater. On the day that the first convention began, violence against returning refugees broke out in various boroughs of the city. Many were killed and hundreds injured. Looting was rampant. Homes were destroyed, including those of some brothers. This dark cloud of renewed violence made the contrast with the spiritual light enjoyed by Jehovah’s people seem all the more marked.—Isa. 60:2.

Congregations Cut Off From the Office

Because of the renewed fighting, most congregations in the provinces were gradually cut off from contact with the Luanda office. The resistance army set up its headquarters in Huambo in January 1993, and fierce fighting followed. The brothers fled en masse to the bush while this beautiful city was practically destroyed. For four months there was absolutely no news from the 11 congregations that had been in that city. Finally, in April a short message was received: “Memorial attendance of 11 congregations in Huambo: 3,505. Up to the present, we have nothing to mourn.” What welcome news that none of the brothers had been killed!

In the months and years that followed, more reports came through, revealing a record of faithfulness and endurance. One congregation reported: “The worst time was a two-month period when the fighting was so bad that no one dared venture into the streets during the daytime. The brothers grouped together in the basement of an apartment building. At night they would go out to find water to boil so they would have something to drink the next day. People who tried to cross the street from one building to another would often be shot down by snipers. How did the brothers obtain food? They pooled their resources to buy rice from soldiers at an exorbitant price. One cup per day was allotted to each person. When they could not obtain food, they would try to dull the hunger pangs by drinking boiled water. They could not receive literature, but in order to keep spiritually strong, they read again and again the magazines and books they had. As a result, they now feel even closer to Jehovah.”

A congregation in Kwanza Norte Province was cut off from the Luanda office for two years. Though isolated, the local Witnesses faithfully kept a record of their field service and a record of the contributions received. Their own situation was very difficult, but they did not touch those funds for any personal use. And they personally kept on making small contributions to the worldwide work. These funds were turned in when they were finally able to get in touch with the office. What an example of appreciation for Jehovah’s visible organization!

Bethel Expansion

At the end of 1992, the Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses was able to purchase the three-story home that had been rented as an office for the country committee. That same year, they were also able to rent a warehouse that was ideal for literature storage and that was later used for a small printing operation. Two years later, plans were under way to renovate the three-story home and to add a three-story annex.

Purchasing materials locally for this project was impossible, so the proposed building was prefabricated in Portugal and shipped to Angola in containers. Carlos Cunha, Jorge Pegado, and Noé Nunes came from Portugal to lend their building skills to the project. The project overseer, Mário P. Oliveira from Portugal, relates: “When construction work started in July 1994, Bethel was a beehive of activity as one container after another arrived. Practically everyone in the family helped unload the containers that brought all the tools and construction materials, including paint, tiles, doors, window frames, and so forth. The Bethel family had read about time-saving procedures, but now they could hardly believe their eyes at seeing how fast the three-story building went up.”

At the conclusion of the project, a letter of appreciation was received from a local brother who said: “I thank Jehovah that I was permitted to share in the construction of the new Bethel. In the beginning it seemed like a dream, but it has become a reality. It was an outstanding privilege to be able to be present for the consideration of the daily text, which gave me much encouragement. I also got to know all the members of the Bethel family by name, some of whom I had only seen as speakers at conventions. I ask Jehovah that if a new Bethel or any other construction is undertaken in the future, I may have the great privilege to be allowed to share in the work.”

Since then, to care for growing needs, an 11-acre [4.5 ha] plot of land some six miles [10 km] outside of Luanda has been purchased. Hopefully, this will become the location of a new office and Bethel home.

From other lands, brothers and sisters eager to help arrived in Angola. Eight missionaries arrived in May and June of 1994. Brothers made several trips from South Africa to help set up a new printing press and to teach local brothers how to use it. Brothers from Portugal came to help the office with computers, bookkeeping, and other organizational matters. Bethelites in foreign service from Canada and Brazil contributed their skills. How much the brothers appreciated their willingness to help with the work as well as with the training of local brothers in valuable trades!

Conventions Give a Favorable Witness

Arrangements were made in 1994 to hold district conventions in more locations. For the first time, two of them were held in the provinces: one in Benguela, with an attendance of 2,043, and the other in Namibe, where a peak of 4,088 attended. Total attendance reached 67,278, and 962 were baptized.

The director of one facility was so impressed by what he saw that he offered the use of his arena for two weeks free of charge. An interested person said: “How beautiful the kind manners that I observed! I did not come to spy on you; I desire to continue with you. I ask that you do me the great favor of sending me an instructor as soon as possible, so that I can firmly follow your example.”

For the “Joyful Praisers” District Convention in August 1995, the Witnesses secured a large stadium in the heart of Luanda. The brothers replaced a large portion of the wooden seating, applied a fresh coat of paint, and made repairs to the water system. How would the public respond to the invitation to attend? The answer was overwhelming! The first weekend, the crowd spilled out onto the football field and filled all the space under the bleachers. The delegates were thrilled to learn that 40,035 had attended. The following weekend, another 33,119 came. A total of 1,089 were baptized.

Since there were fewer than 26,000 of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the entire country, where had all these people come from? They were Angolans who were showing interest in the Biblical message being taught by Jehovah’s Witnesses. A reporter from a news agency in Luanda said: “Something never seen before is happening here in the Coqueiros Stadium. About 60,000 people of all social levels are here attending the district convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It is really notable; men, women, children, and old people all gathered together . . . listening to encouragement to praise their God, Jehovah.”

Those who observed the delegates arriving were impressed by the fact that despite their limited resources, the delegates were all neat and clean. During sessions, everyone was attentive. It seemed that the only ones walking around were attendants who were taking the count. A vice-minister of the government who attended the entire Sunday morning session remarked: “I am amazed! What a difference between the people inside this stadium and those outside. I am impressed by the practical value of your program. Congratulations!”

The Angolan Witnesses had read about large conventions of Jehovah’s people in other parts of the world. But here they were attending one in their own land. What a blessing after years of perseverance through very difficult times! They were awestruck. Their hearts were filled with thanks to Jehovah for letting them be a part of his special family on the earth at this momentous time in human history.

Angola Becomes a Branch

The preaching of the good news was expanding rapidly. During the years from 1994 to 1996, publishers increased in number at an average of 14 percent each year. Peak publishers reached 28,969, and the number of home Bible studies exceeded 61,000. When the Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses was registered in 1992, there were 213 congregations; by 1996 that had increased to 405. The Memorial attendance of 108,394 that year pointed to a further bountiful ingathering.

Changing the office in Luanda to a branch could expedite the handling of local needs. Thus, on September 1, 1996, a branch office went into operation in Angola. The Governing Body appointed to the Branch Committee three brothers who had already been faithfully serving on the country committee: João Mancoca, Domingos Mateus, and Silvestre Simão. Two others, missionaries, were designated to serve along with them: José Casimiro and Steve Starycki.

To help in preparing for the transition, Douglas Guest, from the Portugal branch, visited Angola in June 1996. He spoke to the 56-member Bethel family on the need for them to set a fine example in all things. A special program for 5,260 elders and pioneers, along with their wives, from the greater Luanda area featured interviews of Branch Committee members and other older brothers, recalling highlights of the history of Jehovah’s people in Angola. Brother Guest spoke to them about the courage that results from trusting in Jehovah and looking to Him for strength.

Making the Truth Available in Their Own Language

Revelation 7:9 says that “a great crowd” of people “out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues” would join in worshiping Jehovah. Angola is certainly included in this prophecy. There are 42 languages and many more dialects spoken in Angola. Of these, Umbundu, Kimbundu, and Kikongo are the most widely used native languages.

For years, congregation meetings had frequently involved interpreting study material from Portuguese into at least one local language. In order to have study material of their own, people needed to learn Portuguese, yet opportunities for education were very limited. One of the first publications available in Umbundu was the booklet “This Good News of the Kingdom.” In 1978 when one of the elders received a copy, he commented: “With this booklet in Umbundu, Moçâmedes [now Namibe] will have more than 300 publishers. Most people in this area speak and read this language. This is a real blessing!” So great has that blessing been that in Namibe there are now 1,362 publishers in 21 congregations.

But more needed to be done in order to reach the hearts of the Angolan people by providing the good news in their own languages. The groundwork needed to be laid for a full-fledged Translation Department. Shortly after Jehovah’s Witnesses were legally registered in 1992, three prospective translators were sent to the South Africa branch to receive preliminary training. Computers were obtained. Then Keith Wiggill and his wife, Evelyn, came from South Africa to give assistance in organizing the new department and using the Society’s Translation Tools computer programs.

An increasing supply of literature in the native languages began to be provided. In Umbundu, such brochures as Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! and Does God Really Care About Us? were published. Then they were made available in Kikongo and Kimbundu, along with a variety of tracts. In 1996 the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life and the brochure What Does God Require of Us? were released in all three languages. A district overseer reported that in one of the host congregations he served, he used a very simple and direct presentation and was able to start 90 Bible studies in one week! The following year saw the number of congregations increase from 478 to 606.

What a blessing it was for the brothers to be able to hear and read Bible truths in their own tongue! In 1998 the first complete Umbundu-language district convention was held in Huambo. The attendance was over 3,600. With appreciative hearts, delegates were heard to say, “Jehovah has not forgotten us!” The evidence of that loving concern was enhanced when the The Watchtower became available in Umbundu, starting with the issue of January 1, 1999.

Urgent Need for Kingdom Halls

For many years, because of bans on their activity, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Angola had not been able to have Kingdom Halls. Since 1992, the number of congregations in Luanda alone has grown from 147 to 514. For the entire country, the number of congregations has increased by more than 200 percent, to 696. Average meeting attendance is between 200 and 400 persons in many congregations. Assemblies and conventions in 1998 reported attendances four times the number of publishers! Suitable meeting places are urgently needed.

The city of Lubango got its first Kingdom Hall in 1997, Lobito in July 1998, and Viana (just south of Luanda) in December 1999. With the help of the current international Kingdom Hall building program, progress is now being made.

A movable, steel-frame, open-air Kingdom Hall has been designed for use in Angola. Why movable? Despite efforts to obtain a clear title to a piece of land, someone may come along even after a building has been erected and claim that he is the rightful owner of the lot. The Kingdom Hall is designed so that it can be moved if necessary. As for the open-air style, it is more comfortable in this hot climate. In May of 2000, materials for the first prefabricated unit arrived. There are just 24 Kingdom Halls of various sorts in the country, and another 355 will be needed during the next five years. It is hoped that what is now being done will help to meet the urgent need.

In addition to the work on Kingdom Halls, a steel-frame, open-sided Assembly Hall with seating for 12,000 is being planned for the future.

Respecting the Sanctity of Blood

To fill yet another need, in October 1996 a Hospital Liaison Committee (HLC) consisting of ten caring elders began to serve the hundreds of congregations in the greater Luanda area. The local Witnesses were thrilled to have well-trained brothers available to help them obtain medical treatment that takes into consideration their desire to ‘abstain from blood.’—Acts 15:28, 29.

The medical facilities that survived the war had received very little maintenance since the mid-1970’s. Medications were scarce. With these difficult conditions, would doctors be willing to cooperate with Jehovah’s Witnesses in establishing a program of bloodless medicine and surgery? At first, most doctors and hospital administrators responded negatively or put off the appointments. Then a medical emergency arose.

A brother from the province of Malanje was taken to the Américo Boavida Hospital in Luanda for surgery on a stomach tumor. An HLC member accompanied the brother’s wife to visit the surgeon. Dr. Jaime de Abreu, the chief of surgery at the hospital, received the two Witnesses. To their surprise, he was familiar with Jehovah’s Witnesses and their stand on blood, and he had heard about the bloodless program when on vacation in Portugal.

With the cooperation of Dr. de Abreu, a successful operation was performed without blood. Later, the brothers from the HLC met with Dr. de Abreu and his team to provide additional information. Now five doctors are cooperating with the Witnesses by respecting their stand on blood.

More Workers for the Harvest

Once the many organizational and literature needs were addressed, more attention was turned to the great interest being shown in the field. How well the words of Jesus apply to Angola: “Yes, the harvest is great, but the workers are few”! (Matt. 9:37) Reports revealed dozens of cities needing help to care for those showing interest in the truth.

In response to this need, the Society sent 11 more missionaries to assist in “the harvest.” Some were assigned to the coastal cities of Benguela and Namibe. But Jehovah has raised up the majority of the workers from among the Angolan people themselves. During just the past five years, 21,839 people have been baptized, thus joining the throng of dedicated praisers of Jehovah in this land.

The Eyes of Jehovah Are Upon Them

It has been impossible to send experienced brothers to all the places where there is interest in God’s Word. What has been the result? Greater evidence has been provided that the work is directed, not by man, but by God’s spirit. (Zech. 4:6) Jehovah’s eyes are upon all his servants, as well as others who sincerely want to know and serve the true God.—Ps. 65:2; Prov. 15:3.

Some villagers from the province of Kwanza Norte traveled to Luanda and obtained magazines from Witnesses who were distributing copies on the street. After seeing what good news these contained, the villagers decided that they should follow the example of the Witnesses in Luanda and share the magazines with others. They also discerned the need to assemble together, so one man in the group did his best to conduct meetings. However, since their village is remote, news that Jehovah’s Witnesses had been legally registered three years earlier had not reached the local authorities. Because of this, the villagers were not allowed to meet publicly. Undeterred, they met in the bush.

Eventually, news arrived at the Luanda office that people in Quilombo dos Dembos wanted help to organize a congregation. A circuit overseer was sent to the village in October 1997, and 140 people attended the meeting during his visit. He always carried with him a copy of the statutes of the Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses, so he was able to provide evidence to the local authorities that Jehovah’s Witnesses are a legally functioning organization. The group is now happy to meet together publicly, and they have in their midst pioneers, who now assist the many interested ones.

In 1996, Ana Maria Filomena found herself in a small town in the province of Bié. She did what she could to spread the good news, and soon a group of interested people assembled each week for a book study and a Watchtower Study. Ana Maria conducted the meetings because there was no baptized brother available. One day she was informed that a local high-ranking military commander would be at their Sunday meeting to see for himself what was being taught there. He came, along with two soldiers. Evidently, he was pleased with what he heard because before leaving he said: “Continue your work without fear in this territory.” That small group is now the Umbundu Kuito-Bié Sul Congregation, with 40 publishers and a Sunday meeting attendance of 150.

Because congregations in the province of Uíge were isolated for about two years, they had not received needed spiritual food. A Witness there explained the problem to a relative who was involved with regular flights that transported supplies. The relative kindly offered to transport the circuit overseer, a special pioneer, and 900 pounds [400 kilos] of literature on the next flight at no cost. On arrival, the brothers found a congregation that was caring for five isolated groups. Each group was holding meetings with 50 to 60 interested people in attendance.

Early in 1996 in this same province, a circuit overseer visited a congregation that had been isolated from the rest of the organization for over four years. What did he find? Although there were only 75 publishers, a total of 794 attended his public talk! Clearly, living in an isolated area had not dampened the zeal of these brothers to preach the good news to others.

From the area of Gabela, some distance south of Luanda, came similar reports of great interest in the truth. A pioneer there conducts five Congregation Book Studies—a different one each night of the week. He too ‘begs the Master of the harvest to send more workers.’—Matt. 9:37, 38.

“The Most Tragic Conflict of Our Times”

The activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses in proclaiming the good news throughout Angola is all the more amazing when considered in the light of conditions within the country. A United Nations report described Angola’s civil war as “the most tragic conflict of our times.” In view of the human suffering involved, that description would be hard to dispute. Even after the cease-fire, it was reported that 1,000 people a day were being killed. In March 2000, The New York Times said: “The war in Angola, a nation of 12 million people, has left a million dead, and three million are now displaced from their homes.”

Even if all the guns stopped, the aftermath of war would remain. Angola has one of the highest concentrations of land mines in the world and an estimated 70,000 amputees as a result of mine explosions—the highest in the world. Incredibly, mines continue to be laid by the warring parties. This causes farmers to abandon their fields and contributes to the desperate shortage of food for the population.

Amid the violence, Jehovah’s Witnesses have not escaped unscathed. In the province of Kwanza Norte, four Witnesses and an interested person were killed by the cross fire between government troops and the resistance army. Some have been killed in accidents involving land mines and random bombs exploding in marketplaces. In 1999, four Witnesses lost their lives while attempting to deliver food and other supplies to fellow Christians in Huambo. Thankfully, such incidents have been rare.

Along with others, Jehovah’s Witnesses have suffered greatly from shortages of food, clothing, and shelter. When the civil war escalated in 1999, an estimated 1,700,000 persons, including many of Jehovah’s Witnesses, were forced to flee from their homes. People fleeing the war often move in with relatives who live in already overcrowded houses. Although hard-pressed to provide for their families, the elders continue to care for the spiritual needs of the brothers. Words cannot convey the depth of appreciation of these Witnesses for fellow Christians in Italy, Portugal, and South Africa who have responded to their plight and provided many containers of food, clothing, and badly needed medical supplies.

Living Examples of Faith

Just as intense heat was used in ancient times to purify gold, so the trials endured by servants of God produce faith of a tested quality. (Prov. 17:3; 1 Pet. 1:6, 7) Thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Angola, both young and old, have faith of such tested quality.

Carlos Cadi, a longtime minister who over half a century ago learned precious Bible truths along with João Mancoca in the Belgian Congo, observes: “The courageous and determined stand of our brothers, including the many who gave their lives, has provided a powerful witness. This has resulted not only from their actions but also from their boldly speaking out to many in authority.”

One who has provided such a witness is Antunes Tiago Paulo. He was treated brutally by men who sought to break his Christian neutrality. Today, he serves as a member of the Angola Bethel family along with others who were similarly tortured: Justino César, Domingos Kambongolo, António Mufuma, David Missi, and Miguel Neto. Alfredo Chimbaia, who spent more than six years in prison, now serves, along with his wife, in the circuit work.

A sister saw her husband torn from the family and killed by a rival tribe. She was warned that if she wanted to stay alive, she must flee to the Democratic Republic of Congo. To get there she had to walk with her four children. It took ten months. Before beginning the trip, she had not realized that she was pregnant, and before reaching the Congo, she gave birth. Sadly, though, the child later died. She prayed constantly. She said that in such a situation when you have no options, you must throw your burden on Jehovah. (Ps. 55:22) If you do not, you will indulge in self-pity and ask, “Why me, Jehovah?” This sister was so grateful just to be alive that upon reaching Kinshasa, she served as an auxiliary pioneer during her first month there.

“God Is Not Ashamed of Them”

What the apostle Paul wrote about men and women of faith in ancient times well describes Jehovah’s servants in Angola. His words might be paraphrased as follows: ‘What more shall we say? For the time will fail us if we go on to relate all the examples of faith of those who escaped the edge of the sword, from a weak state were made powerful, and were tortured because they would not accept release by some compromise. They received their trial by mockings and scourgings, indeed, more than that, by bonds and prisons. They were tried, they were in want, in tribulation, under ill-treatment; and the world was not worthy of them.’ (Heb. 11:32-38) Though they were despised by those who persecuted them, though many live in want because of war and anarchy, “God is not ashamed of them, to be called upon as their God,” because they keep their eyes firmly fixed on the fulfillment of his promises.—Heb. 11:16.

Although they continue to experience the harsh effects of the furiously riding horsemen of the Apocalypse, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Angola are keenly aware of God’s blessing. During the past year, the more than 40,000 publishers in this land devoted over 10,000,000 hours to telling others about the good news of God’s Kingdom. They were busy conducting, on an average each month, more than 83,000 home Bible studies with interested people. The earnest desire of Kingdom publishers in Angola is to help as many people as possible to have the opportunity to choose the real life that God makes possible through Jesus Christ. And how they rejoiced when, despite the unstable conditions in the country, over 181,000 assembled for the annual commemoration of the Lord’s Evening Meal! They see abundant evidence that the fields are still white for harvesting.—John 4:35.

Along with their Christian brothers worldwide, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Angola have absolute confidence in the final triumph of their heavenly King and Leader, Jesus Christ. (Ps. 45:1-4; Rev. 6:2) Regardless of the trials they face, their determination is to be loyal servants of him and faithful Witnesses of their loving God, Jehovah.—Ps. 45:17.

[Blurb on page 68]

‘Though our physical condition is serious, we are spiritually healthy. What is happening is exactly what was foretold in the Bible.’

[Blurb on page 73]

They studied the Bible and began to preach. Soon they were deported to Angola.

[Blurb on page 78]

“The worst that you can do is kill me. Can you do more than that? But I will not turn away from my faith.”

[Blurb on page 82]

He was convinced that he had found the truth. But how highly did he value it?

[Blurb on page 85]

In prison they would preach to the walls on whatever Biblical subject came to their mind.

[Blurb on page 89]

Signs of war surrounded them, but they pressed on in their ministry.

[Blurb on page 91]

Christian shepherds regularly made brief visits on their way to and from work. They would often read a few scriptures with the family.

[Blurb on page 96]

“OK, I will say ‘Viva!’” Everyone waited. Finally, the young boy shouted “Viva Jehovah!”

[Blurb on page 103]

“I left Angola with prayers in my heart and tears in my eyes because of these brothers who, although suffering, smile because of the wonderful hope they have.”

[Blurb on page 108]

“He would give each of his talks from 7 to 21 times. The week’s activity was full and demanding.”

[Blurb on page 111]

In this patriarchal society, he was the recognized head. He came to be known as the man of God.

[Blurb on page 116]

Under pressure to break their Christian neutrality, they proved unwavering in their decision to walk in Jehovah’s ways.

[Blurb on page 124]

“How grateful we were to Jehovah, his organization, and our dear brothers who risked their own lives for brothers they did not even know!”

[Blurb on page 128]

The strict neutrality of Jehovah’s Witnesses was observed by the public.

[Blurb on page 138]

There are 696 congregations but just 24 Kingdom Halls.

[Map/Pictures on page 81]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

Atlantic Ocean

DEM. REP. OF CONGO

ANGOLA

Luanda

Malanje

Lobito

Benguela

Huambo

Lubango

Namibe

Baía dos Tigres

NAMIBIA

[Full-page picture on page 66]

[Pictures on page 71]

Gray and Olga Smith

[Picture on page 74]

John Cooke (center), with João Mancoca (right) and Sala Filemon (left), who were among the first to take a firm stand for true worship in Angola

[Picture on page 87]

Enthusiastic assembly during a window of freedom in 1975

[Picture on page 90]

A country devastated by war

[Pictures on page 102]

The “kitchen,” where spiritual food was prepared

[Picture on page 104]

Silvestre Simão

[Pictures on page 123]

Relief supplies for Angola being loaded in South Africa

[Picture on page 126]

Above: Special meeting with elders and regular pioneers in Luanda

[Picture on page 126]

Douglas Guest (left) in Angola in 1991, with João and Maria Mancoca and Mário Oliveira

[Picture on page 131]

Original office used by Jehovah’s Witnesses in Luanda

[Pictures on page 134]

“Joyful Praisers” District Convention attended by 73,154 in Luanda

[Picture on page 139]

A metal-roof structure that serves as one of the 24 Kingdom Halls in Angola

[Picture on page 140]

Branch Committee (left to right): João Mancoca, Steve Starycki, Silvestre Simão, Domingos Mateus, José Casimiro

[Picture on page 140, 141]

Angola Bethel family in 1996, when the branch was formed

[Pictures on page 142]

A few of the many Bethel family members who proved their faith under harsh mistreatment: (1) Antunes Tiago Paulo, (2) Domingos Kambongolo, (3) Justino César

[Picture on page 147]

Carlos Cadi

Argentina

Argentina, stretching some 2,500 miles [4,000 km] down the southeastern side of South America, is a land of remarkable diversity. Within its boundaries lie the rugged Andes Mountains, with peaks soaring more than 20,000 feet [6,000 m]. In the north are tropical forests where jaguars and tapir roam. In the frigid waters off Tierra del Fuego, in the south, penguins and whales play, and waves swell to a height of 100 feet [30 m]. On the plains, gauchos (Argentine cowboys) on horseback patrol sprawling cattle ranches.

Wherever you go in this land, you will find Jehovah’s Witnesses. They are in every major city and town throughout the country. Numbering over 120,000, they preach in the mountains, in the jungles, on the plains, and all along the coast. They are found amid the skyscrapers of the capital and in the remotest country village. The geographic diversity of the country has not thwarted the preaching of the good news—neither have cultural and language barriers nor have economic difficulties. The good news is being preached, just as Jesus said it would be.—Mark 13:10.

This has not come about by mere chance. Dedicated men and women full of zeal and faith have demonstrated their determination to declare the Bible’s message in whatever circumstances they have found themselves. They have taken to heart the apostle Paul’s counsel to Timothy: “Preach the word, be at it urgently in favorable season, in troublesome season.” (2 Tim. 4:2) Yet, they do not take credit to themselves for what has been accomplished. They recognize that only by means of Jehovah’s spirit has it been done.—Zech. 4:6.

A Foundation Is Laid

The foundation for the work done here goes back many years. The record of how the truth has reached into the most remote parts of the country is faith strengthening indeed. In 1923, George Young, from Canada, came to South America. After extensive witnessing in Brazil, he turned his attention to Argentina. Within months, 1,480 books and 300,000 copies of other Bible publications were distributed in 25 principal towns and cities of Argentina. Before continuing his missionary tour in other countries of South America, he remarked: “The smile of God’s approval upon the effort to spread the message of the kingdom has been very manifest.”

In 1924, J. F. Rutherford, then president of the Watch Tower Society, assigned a Spaniard named Juan Muñiz to serve in Argentina. Two years later Brother Muñiz established a branch office of the Watch Tower Society in Buenos Aires to look after the Kingdom-preaching work in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Brother Muñiz realized that there was a large German-speaking population in Argentina, so he requested help in order that they too might hear the good news. In response, Brother Rutherford sent Carlos Ott, a German full-time minister, to assist that language group.

There were also many Greeks in the country. In 1930, Nicolás Argyrós, of Greek origin, learned the Bible’s message and began preaching to the hundreds of Greek-speaking people in the Buenos Aires area. Later, as his Spanish improved, he spread the seed of God’s Word in 14 of the 22 provinces of Argentina, concentrating his efforts on the northern half of the country.

Around the same time, a Polish man, Juan Rebacz, became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and along with another Polish Witness, he entered the full-time ministry. Accompanied by two other full-time ministers, they covered the territory in the southern part of Argentina.

The report for 1930 shows that hundreds of thousands of pieces of literature were distributed not only in German, Greek, and Spanish but also in Arabic, Armenian, Croatian, English, French, Hungarian, Italian, Lettish, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Ukrainian, and Yiddish.

So it was that in just seven years, the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work had taken root among the Spanish-speaking inhabitants and other language groups. The season was indeed favorable for continued growth.

Vast Territory Is No Obstacle

The territory to be covered was huge, roughly equivalent to one third of the area of the United States of America. Yet, for the Witnesses, its vastness was no obstacle to spreading the Kingdom message. Some traveled on foot, others by bicycle, by train, or by horse and wagon.

In the early 1930’s, Armando Menazzi, from the central province of Córdoba, became convinced that he had found the truth. He sold his auto-repair shop to serve as a full-time minister. Later, he bought an old bus and converted it into a camper, making it possible for ten or more publishers to travel together and spread the good news. Their trips took them to at least ten provinces in northern Argentina.

By the 1930’s, Argentina had the most complete railroad system in Latin America, extending almost 25,000 miles [more than 40,000 km]. This proved to be an outstanding asset for the expansion of the preaching work. Some pioneers were assigned to preach in settlements along a segment of the rail line. For example, José Reindl had as his territory the entire Western railroad line, from Buenos Aires Province on the Atlantic Coast to Mendoza Province on the Chile border, an area extending more than 620 miles [1,000 km]!

Jehovah’s Witnesses who were employed by the railroad took advantage of the opportunity to carry the Bible message to distant places in Argentina. Epifanio Aguiar, who learned the truth in the northeastern province of Santa Fe, was transferred by the rail company farther north to Chaco. He began preaching there right away. When his work required him to travel 1,200 miles [2,000 km] south to Chubut and later back north to Santiago del Estero, he spread the Kingdom message in those provinces.

Sister Rina de Midolini, a zealous pioneer, witnessed in Médanos, some 30 miles [50 km] from the city of Bahía Blanca. She carried her bicycle on the train and made good use of it when she arrived at her destination. People called her the Bible lady who rides a bicycle. She was so well-known that one day when the engineer of the train noticed that she had not arrived for the return trip, he delayed the train’s departure for her!

Gilead-Trained Missionaries Arrive

The early Witnesses traveled widely and distributed much literature, pointing people to the hope of God’s Kingdom. In time, though, it became evident there was a need for systematic Bible education and improved organization. In 1945, Nathan H. Knorr, then president of the Watch Tower Society, visited Argentina and instructed the congregations to begin the Course in Theocratic Ministry (the Theocratic Ministry School) in Spanish. He also encouraged brothers from Argentina to take up the pioneer work and to set for themselves the goal of attending the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead.

Soon, two Argentines attended Gilead School, returning to Argentina in 1946. They were followed in 1948 by missionaries assigned from other lands. Among them were Charles and Lorene Eisenhower, Viola Eisenhower, Helen Nichols, and Helen Wilson from the first class of Gilead, as well as Roberta Miller from the fourth class. Later came Sophie Soviak, Edith Morgan, Ethel Tischhauser, Mary Helmbrecht, and many others. Over the years, 78 missionaries have been sent to Argentina. Their evangelizing spirit has encouraged local Witnesses to imitate them. While there were 20 pioneers in the entire country in 1940, by 1960 this number had increased to 382. Today, there are over 15,000 pioneers in Argentina.

Coping With Troublesome Seasons

For many years the season for preaching in Argentina had proved favorable. However, as Jesus foretold, not all would approve of the activity of his followers. (John 15:20) Thus, when Brother Knorr visited Argentina in 1949, the police suddenly canceled the permit to assemble at a very fine hall in Buenos Aires. Instead, the assembly was held in a Kingdom Hall, but not without interference. At 4:40 p.m. on Sunday, the police interrupted Brother Knorr’s talk and arrested him together with those who were present. The police gave no reason for the arrests. The authorities made the brothers stand for hours in a large courtyard until early the following morning. Then they were released.

Clearly, a wind of opposition had begun to blow against the worshipers of Jehovah in Argentina. That same year, because of the influence of the Roman Catholic Church, a bill was passed requiring that all religious groups register with the Department of Cults of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The following year the government under Juan Domingo Perón officially banned the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Argentina. The decree prohibited public meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses as well as their preaching activity. However, the Watch Tower Society’s branch office was not closed.

Generally speaking, the authorities allowed the Witnesses to continue their activity without any great difficulty. Nevertheless, government officials often enforced the ban by canceling an assembly or by closing a Kingdom Hall. At times, the Witnesses also faced arrests and harassment when they had meetings in private homes or when they shared in their public ministry.

Consequently, the Witnesses endeavored to ‘prove themselves cautious as serpents.’ (Matt. 10:16) When witnessing to others, they used only the Bible. The congregations were organized into small groups of 8 to 12 publishers. For the first few years of the ban, meeting places were changed regularly. The brothers found inconspicuous places to meet—be it a milking shed, a structure with a thatched roof, a farm kitchen, even under a tree. The important thing was to meet together.—Heb. 10:24, 25.

To encourage the brothers, Brother Knorr revisited Argentina, along with Milton Henschel, in 1953. Because of the ban, they could not hold a big assembly, since that would draw public attention. Still, they arranged for what was called a nationwide assembly. Brother Knorr flew to Mendoza from Chile, and Brother Henschel came into the country from Paraguay. Traveling separately, they spoke at local “assemblies” held at 56 locations. Some of these gatherings were held in picnic settings on farms owned by local Witnesses. In Buenos Aires both brothers visited the assembled Witnesses, conducting a two-hour meeting for each group. On one day, nine such meetings were held. All together, 2,505 attended this very different kind of assembly.

The Ban Eases

When the military government of Juan Perón was overthrown in 1955, larger groups were formed. Where congregations had a Kingdom Hall, the brothers were encouraged to meet there, though posting no sign identifying it as such. With Jehovah’s blessing, the number and size of the congregations steadily increased despite occasional harassment by the authorities.

In 1956 the branch decided to hold small assemblies in various parts of the country. The first one was in the city of La Plata, about 40 miles [60 km] from Buenos Aires. The 300 in attendance had difficulty singing the first song—“Be Glad, You Nations, With His People!” They were choked with emotion. It was the first time in six years that they had been able to meet with so many fellow believers and sing together.

Still, the ban was on. When an attempt was made to hold a national convention at Les Ambassadeurs hall in Buenos Aires in December 1957, the police closed the hall as the delegates were arriving. Four brothers were detained by the police and charged with holding a meeting without police permission.

Since the Constitution of Argentina guarantees freedom of religion and assembly, the brothers took the matter to court. On March 14, 1958, a decision was rendered in favor of the Witnesses! This was the first legal victory for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Argentina.

Another change of government took place in 1958. Now it seemed that legal recognition of the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Argentina might be obtained. A special letter explaining the activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses and their situation in Argentina was sent to all legislators, editors, deputies, and judges. Though a fine witness was given, no legal recognition was granted.

The Witnesses did not give up. The following year a petition for religious freedom was prepared and sent to the government. It bore 322,636 signatures. Charles Eisenhower, as the representative of the branch, visited government authorities. From overseas more than 7,000 letters appealed for legal recognition. Still, no legal status was granted. However, the attitude of the government toward the Witnesses relaxed considerably. Consequently, the brothers took advantage of the increasingly favorable season to strengthen the congregations spiritually.

In 1961 the Kingdom Ministry School was organized to train traveling overseers as well as congregation overseers. At first, the month-long course was conducted in one of the Kingdom Halls in the center of Buenos Aires. Later, the school was transferred to the branch office. With more qualified overseers to care for the flock of God, the number of publishers and pioneers increased every year during the 1960’s, reaching a peak of 18,763 publishers and 1,299 pioneers by 1970.

Branch Expansions

The increase in the number of Kingdom proclaimers in Argentina required enlargement of the branch office. Since 1940, the branch office of the Watch Tower Society had operated at 5646 Honduras Street in Buenos Aires. That building was demolished, and by October 1962 a new and larger building, built on the same property, was ready for occupancy.

By the end of the 1960’s, the branch again had become too small to keep up with the increase. A plot of land behind the branch building was purchased, and the local Witnesses constructed a new residence and office building. In addition, a building was purchased on Fitz Roy Street, adjacent to the old branch building and the new property. The demolition of the old branch building started in October 1970, and local Witnesses with building skills made up the major work force. Branch workers pitched in to help after their regular working hours. On weekends, Jehovah’s Witnesses from nearby congregations joined them.

Eventually, the three buildings were connected, making them a single complex. F. W. Franz, then vice-president of the Watch Tower Society, gave the dedication discourse in October 1974. The brothers in Argentina thought that surely the completed branch complex would suit the needs of the field until Armageddon. Little did they realize that this was only a beginning.

In the same year that the branch was dedicated, the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses decided that The Watchtower and Awake! should be printed locally. Since Jehovah’s Witnesses were not at that time legally recognized as a religion in Argentina, Asociación Cultural Rioplatense (River Plate Cultural Association) was formed in December 1974 to provide a legal entity that could import machinery for printing. A press came from France, a paper cutter from Germany, and a stitcher from the United States. All were gifts.

The pressroom workers, however, soon learned that it is one thing to have the machines but quite another to operate them. Although many difficulties had to be overcome, what joy they had when The Watchtower of April 15, 1975, rolled off the first web offset press ever to be used by the Watch Tower Society anywhere in the world! This was a milestone in the history of the printing done by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

“Divine Victory” International Assemblies

Early in 1974, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Argentina enjoyed international conventions held in Río Ceballos and Buenos Aires, featuring the theme “Divine Victory.” Some 15,000 delegates attended.

Preparations for adequate accommodations for so many visitors began months ahead of time. Many non-Witnesses lodged the visiting delegates, who gave a fine testimony of love, not just “in word” but also “in deed.” (1 John 3:18) The authorities approved the use of a huge field that accommodated a tent city with neatly arranged rows of tents and trailers, complete with streets having Scriptural names. All of this had a positive impact on the community.

Dark Clouds on the Horizon

Though the brothers had enjoyed increasing freedom of worship, troublesome times lay ahead. In June 1973, Juan Perón had made a comeback from his more than 17 years in exile and had taken office as president. Guerrilla conflicts between Peronist and non-Peronist factions were tearing the country apart. Political violence intensified, and on March 24, 1976, the military took control of the government.

The military government dissolved the Congress and began a campaign to wipe out the leftists. “In the process,” explains The World Book Encyclopedia, “they violated the civil rights of many people. Thousands were imprisoned without a trial, tortured, and killed. Many of these victims have never been found. They are called los desaparecidos (the disappeared ones).” Police surveillance of the activities of citizens increased. Although Jehovah’s Witnesses maintained their neutral stand amid the political chaos, in July 1976 the magazine Gente published an article with photographs of children, allegedly Jehovah’s Witnesses, turning their backs to the flag. It was a gross distortion of the truth! The four Witness children in the area had not even attended school on the day the picture was supposedly taken. Furthermore, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not show such disrespect for national symbols. Nevertheless, through such propaganda, many began to view the Witnesses with hostility.

Evidently, the social unrest made the government nervous about any seeming trace of dissension. At this time Carlos Ferencia, who was a traveling overseer, was visiting a congregation in a very dangerous area. He had just received a letter from the branch office informing him of an imminent ban on the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Argentina. As Carlos was walking and thinking about the letter, a car passed him, turned around, and headed right for him. Three men got out and pointed their guns at him. One of the men gruffly demanded to see his personal identification documents. Carlos explained that he was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Nevertheless, they took him to the police station. He prayed to Jehovah that the letter would not fall into their hands.

The policemen took Carlos to a poorly lit room, and shining a bright light in his face, one of them shouted: “What do you have there in that bag?” The contents of his book bag were emptied on the table—a Bible, some magazines, and the letter!

One of the policeman exclaimed: “The Watchtower! The Watchtower! Subversive, subversive!”

But the officer in charge chided him: “Oh, be quiet. Haven’t you ever seen The Watchtower, you fool?”

Meanwhile, Carlos was trying to stay calm and to show respect. After the police examined the publications, they ordered him to put everything away. However, an officer interrupted and said: “What is in that envelope?”

Carlos handed the envelope with the Society’s letter to the officer, waited a few seconds, and then asked: “Excuse me, may I say something?”

“Sure,” the officer replied, looking up from the letter.

Carlos continued: “I understand that you are looking out for the safety of the community.” That captured the officer’s attention. Carlos then showed him from the Bible that the current violent situation fulfilled Bible prophecies.

When he had finished, the officer said: “I’m with you, my friend.” He then returned the letter without having read it.

A Ban on the Already Banned Work

How did the branch office know that a ban was imminent? In late August 1976, the federal police had raided the Society’s branch. The inspector in charge said that it was reported that the branch was storing firearms. Humberto Cairo, who was a member of the Branch Committee at the time, escorted them to the literature storage area. Of course, there were no guns. The only guns were the ones that the police were pointing at Humberto! The police led him up to the second floor to the office of Brother Eisenhower, the Branch Committee coordinator. There the inspector wrote a report of the results of the search and had the brothers sign it. He then told them that the government was preparing a decree on Jehovah’s Witnesses. Immediately, the Branch Committee composed the letter directing traveling overseers to prepare for a government ban.

But the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Argentina had been under ban since 1950. Would it be possible to ban the already banned work? The answer came quickly. Tomás Kardos, a Branch Committee member, recalls what took place on September 7, 1976, the day the new ban took effect. “At five o’clock in the morning, some noise in the street awakened us. A flashing red light penetrated the shutters. My wife got up quickly, looked out the window, turned to me, and simply said: ‘They have arrived.’”

Four heavily armed policemen jumped out of a patrol wagon. Guards were immediately posted at the offices and the factory. Brother Kardos continues: “We wondered if we could have our usual consideration of the daily text and eat breakfast. The officers did not object. So that morning, we discussed a Bible verse with one armed policeman guarding the door and another sitting respectfully at the table. All of us wondered, ‘What next?’”

The decree dated August 31, 1976, proscribed the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the entire country—in effect banning activity that had already been under ban since 1950. The police locked up the branch office and the printery. Shortly thereafter, all Kingdom Halls in the country were shut down.

Despite this situation, the brothers were determined to imitate the example of Jesus’ apostles by obeying God as ruler rather than men. (Acts 5:29) The Argentine Witnesses kept on preaching the Bible’s message “in troublesome season.”—2 Tim. 4:2.

Overcoming Difficulties

Since the branch office was officially closed, the Branch Committee decided to relocate the offices and the printery. Humberto Cairo had to change the location of his office frequently—every month or so—working from apartments, businesses, homes, or offices of his fellow believers. Charles Eisenhower once worked from a wine store owned by a brother. The Branch Committee held their meetings in garages in downtown Buenos Aires.

The living quarters for the Bethel family were not closed down, so the branch workers ate and slept at the Bethel Home and discussed the day’s text together as a family. Then they commuted to their respective work areas. Those whose offices were nearby came back to Bethel and had lunch with the members of the family who looked after the home.

The police were suspicious of the activity of those living at Bethel. Several times, the entire Bethel family of about ten were taken to police headquarters for questioning. The police wanted to know all about the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Argentina. Who looked after local congregations, and where did they live? Brother Eisenhower clearly remembers such sessions: “We had to be truthful without compromising the work or the brothers. It was quite difficult, since the authorities were very insistent with their questions.”

“Suspend the Tea”

Just before the 1976 ban was imposed, the Society had arranged for the worldwide distribution of a special issue of Kingdom News. What would be done if the government imposed further restrictions on the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses? Pablo Giusti, a traveling overseer at the time, recalls: “Since we did not have the answer, we had to consult the branch. If the branch thought it wise to postpone the campaign, the elders would receive a telegram with the message, ‘Suspend the tea.’ Little did we imagine the misunderstanding that would arise from this instruction!”

Soon after the government decree went into effect, Brother and Sister Giusti visited the Malargüe Congregation for the first time. This was in the south of Mendoza, where the border police had their headquarters. The Giustis had only the address of an elder who lived and worked in the National Highway Service building on the outskirts of the town. The elder was not there, but a worker mentioned that he might be in a nearby woods, where he often went to exercise. As they made their way down the lane, Brother Giusti noticed how isolated and desolate it was. It struck him as an ideal place to meet together without arousing suspicion. Since it was Sunday, he wondered if he would find the congregation meeting together. However, the brother was alone, exercising. The Giustis were in for a surprise!

After introducing themselves, Pablo asked about the congregation. The brother said: “Oh, here in Malargüe we suspended everything.”

Pablo replied: “What do you mean by everything?”

The answer was direct and simple: “We received a telegram that said ‘Suspend the tea,’ so we suspended the meetings, the preaching . . . everything.” Fortunately, it was the only congregation that did this.

Whirlwind Visits

When the branch was closed down, members of the Branch Committee met with circuit overseers to give them instructions on how to carry on their work. They were told to find part-time secular work and to establish a permanent address to minimize suspicion about their activities. Most of them sold a variety of products in the morning and then served congregations in the afternoon.

The circuit overseers made a whirlwind tour of their circuits with instructions from the branch. In just one week, the elders in each circuit of about 20 congregations were visited. The circuit overseers gave instructions on how to conduct the meetings and how to witness in view of the changed circumstances. The elders were also told that the length of the circuit overseer’s visit would not necessarily be an entire week but would depend upon the number of book study groups in the congregation. The meetings would take place in private homes, with each group receiving a one-day visit.

During the ban, circuit overseers played a key role in keeping local publishers in touch with the Branch Committee. Mario Menna, who served as a circuit overseer during the ban, recalls: “It was a real privilege to serve the congregations and comfort the brothers in those years. We tried to encourage them by sharing recordings of assembly programs, new publications that we obtained from neighboring countries, or upbuilding experiences.”

What Would Missionaries Do?

The social unrest was worsening. Since foreigners were not viewed favorably, the missionaries were given an opportunity to receive other assignments. Some accepted that invitation and served faithfully in their new assignments.

Others remained in Argentina. Mary Helmbrecht, from the 13th class of Gilead, was serving in Rosario, Santa Fe. On the morning the ban took effect, she went to a house and rang the doorbell. It was a warm summer morning, and the door was open. A radio was blaring. Suddenly, Mary heard a bulletin that said that the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses was banned in all of Argentina! “When the woman came to the door,” says Mary, “I composed myself and preached to her as usual. We continued preaching all morning as planned. We felt that there were no major problems where we were, so we decided to stay. We were thankful that we did. The ones in the congregations who were too frightened to preach saw that nothing happened to us, so they soon joined us.”—1 Thess. 5:11.

Hidden Treasures

The local Witnesses showed courage and resourcefulness during these unfavorable times. Robert Nieto relates: “A sympathetic justice of the peace tipped us off that the Kingdom Halls were going to be closed and that the literature would be confiscated. Right away we went in two cars to our Kingdom Hall to get the large amount of literature that we kept on hand. As we were leaving, we saw behind us the police and the army arriving to fulfill the order to close the Kingdom Hall and confiscate the literature. However, they could carry out only the first part of their commission, since the only books left in the hall were the ones in the library.”

At another location, congregation elders cautiously entered their Kingdom Hall at night and quietly removed their literature. Later, they packaged it in small parcels and distributed it among the brothers.

In Tucumán, Nérida de Luna hid literature in her home. She relates: “We hid books in huge flowerpots and urns, on top of which we put artificial plants, then we concealed the boxes of literature in the laundry room. One morning, two soldiers searched the whole house including the laundry area while we stood by praying fervently. They didn’t find anything.”

Supplying the Spiritual Food

Of course, what literature local brothers could retrieve and hide was soon exhausted. However, Jehovah continued to provide spiritual food for them. Though the printery on Fitz Roy Street was closed, the printing operations continued at other locations in Buenos Aires. The magazines were also printed in the provinces of Santa Fe and Córdoba. Printed pages were sent to other locations to be assembled. At first, the congregations received just one magazine per study group, but later this was increased to one per publisher. One of these printeries operated in the attic of a house just two blocks from the presidential offices.

Rubén Carlucci, who was involved in the printing and shipping of literature during the ban, remembers an occasion when the owner of the house where the printing was being done came to warn them that the military police were searching from house to house. Immediately, the brothers stopped printing and quickly loaded onto a truck everything except the press. Rubén recalls: “The search was so extensive that we were surrounded and could not leave the area. We spotted a restaurant nearby, went in, and waited for the search to end. We had to wait four hours, but it was well worth it, since our brothers received their precious literature.”

“Pepita the Gunfighter”

The Watchtower and Awake! were secretly put together for a time in a building under construction in the capital. The building was originally meant to be a Kingdom Hall. Luisa Fernández, a longtime member of the Bethel family, was involved in the operation. One morning, just as Luisa and her fellow workers got started, someone knocked on the door. It was a police inspector! He informed them that the neighbors had filed a complaint because of the noise from the machinery. “That was all too understandable, since the stitcher was so noisy that we had nicknamed it Pepita la Pistolera (Pepita the gunfighter),” says Luisa.

Just then, a Branch Committee member arrived and explained what we were doing. The inspector said: “If no one is here when I return this afternoon, then I didn’t see anything.” Immediately, the brothers began to load everything onto trucks. In two hours, there was not a trace of the magazine-assembling operation.

Where did they take the machinery? Though the printery at the branch had been closed, it was possible to enter the building through the back door. Luisa and others moved everything into the old Bethel printery and continued to assemble the magazines there without being noticed!

Better Than a Cookie Factory

In order to produce and deliver the magazines to all of Argentina, it was necessary to set up magazine-assembling plants in other parts of the country as well. Leonilda Martineli, who has been a special pioneer since 1957, participated in such an operation in Rosario. When the printed material arrived to be assembled, the assigned brothers and sisters set up a long table on which they placed the pages in numerical order. Then starting at one end, each worker began collating the pages until he reached the other end. When a pile of finished magazines was stacked, the air had to be pressed out to fit more magazines in a box. Since no hydraulic press was available, a plump sister volunteered to do the job. When a good-sized stack was ready, she sat on them until they were nice and flat. Then another person packed them neatly in boxes. This system worked so well that the workers urged the sister not to go on a diet!

In the city of Santa Fe, the Gaitán family offered their home for magazine assembly. In spite of precautions, neighbors observed boxes being brought in and out of the house. They thought that the family was producing cookies. Later, in 1979, the branch moved the operation from there to another location. The neighbors were puzzled and later asked if the cookie factory had been shut down. Sister Gaitán recalls: “The ‘cookies’ that we made were delicious and much more nutritious than the neighbors realized!”

Delivering the Literature

Delivering the magazines and other literature to the brothers was yet another challenge. In the greater Buenos Aires area, a route was organized to supply magazines to strategically located literature depots. On one occasion, Rubén Carlucci was delivering the magazines and had only one more stop to make when a policeman signaled him to pull behind the patrol wagon. Rubén nervously obeyed, praying all the while to Jehovah for help. When he pulled over and stopped, the officer came to the truck and said: “Would you be kind enough to give me a push? My vehicle will not start.” Rubén, breathing a sigh of relief, was more than willing to oblige. He then happily went off to finish his deliveries!

Dante Doboletta, who was serving as a circuit overseer in the area of Rosario, Santa Fe, picked up the magazines at the assembling plant and distributed them to all the congregations in his circuit. This meant traveling 120 miles [about 200 kilometers] round-trip at least twice a month. To avoid being seen, he did those rounds late at night, leaving after he finished his activity with a congregation and sometimes returning at sunrise. On one occasion, he saw a long line of cars stopped at a checkpoint where more than 30 heavily armed soldiers carefully checked each person’s documents and baggage. One soldier asked Dante: “What do you have in the car?”

“My things,” answered Dante.

The soldier said: “Hurry up and open the trunk.”

To that Dante replied: “We are Jehovah’s Witnesses. What could we possibly be carrying?”

Another soldier overheard the conversation and said: “Let them go. Jehovah’s Witnesses never carry arms or contraband.” For two years, Dante was able to deliver the literature without being searched.

Not Forsaking the Meetings

From the very week the ban was imposed, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Argentina did ‘not forsake the gathering of themselves together.’ (Heb. 10:25) Meeting in small groups, they frequently changed the meeting place and time. This meant added work for the elders, who often had to conduct the same meeting several times in different homes.

In the small town of Totoras, the only house available for meetings was located in the middle of town. So the local Witnesses took added precautions. The owner of the house, Brother Reverberi, made what looked like an ordinary table with a drawer for odds and ends. However, the top could be lifted up, and there was space inside to hide books and magazines. When someone knocked on the door, all literature was quickly concealed in the table!

The publishers dressed informally at the meetings. The sisters sometimes had rollers in their hair, wore slacks, and carried a shopping bag. The meetings were fondly known as mateadas. Maté is a tea often taken with cookies or cake. Getting together to drink maté is a very common custom in Argentina, so this setting served as an ideal camouflage for spiritual gatherings.

However, there were tense moments. Teresa Spadini was a faithful, hospitable sister, who had an excellent reputation in the neighborhood. During a circuit overseer’s visit, a group of 35 gathered in her house for the meeting. Suddenly, a patrol car pulled up in front, and a police officer knocked on the door. Immediately, the brother who was giving the talk sat down with the rest of the group. When Teresa answered the door, the officer said: “Teresa, may I use your telephone?”

When he looked at the group gathered, Teresa explained: “We’re having a family reunion.” As the officer called the police station, those in the group held their breath, thinking that he would request a patrol wagon to take all of them away. However, to their relief, the call had to do with another matter. When he finished, he turned to Teresa and thanked her. Then he looked at the group and said: “Sorry for the interruption. Enjoy your reunion.”

Dealing With Police Raids

When a group met for a baptism, a neighbor reported the meeting to the police. Since the brothers had already planned to have an asado, or barbecue, as a cover for the real purpose of the meeting, they continued as planned. Grilled meat is a favorite dish in Argentina, so no one minded this delectable camouflage. When the uninvited “guests” arrived in an army truck, the brothers and sisters hospitably invited the soldiers to join the friendly gathering. The soldiers declined and left without finding out what was for “dessert”!

Sometimes the words that Jehovah’s Witnesses use among themselves proved to be a protection. On one occasion when neighbors called the authorities to inform them of a meeting in a private home, the officers arrived after everyone had left, with the exception of the elders. The police knocked on the door, and the sister who lived there answered: “Everyone is gone except the servants.”

The officers replied: “Well, we do not want the servants. We want the ones in charge!” They left empty-handed.

Preaching Under Ban

In spite of restrictions, the preaching activity continued. Of course, under those difficult circumstances, the brothers were cautious. Usually no more than two Witnesses worked a territory at the same time. Sara Schellenberg recalls how she visited people in Buenos Aires. She says: “We made miniature territory maps that fitted in the palm of our hand. On the back was a sheet of paper folded accordion-style with a list of all the house numbers. We called at only one house on each side of a block and then checked it off the list so that the next publisher working that territory would go to a different house. Then we went to another block and called at another home.”

Shortly after this strategy was instituted, Cecilia Mastronardi was preaching alone. As she knocked on a door, a police officer riding a motorcycle suddenly appeared. “He asked me what I was doing there,” says Cecilia. “The only thing I could think of was to witness to him and present the book Did Man Get Here by Evolution or by Creation? He accepted the book, handed me the contribution for it, and bid me a friendly good-bye. I then realized that he hadn’t stopped to arrest me. He lived in the house where I was calling!”

A wide variety of methods were employed to disguise the preaching activity. One sister purposely began working for a cosmetics company so that she could go from house to house and talk to her customers. María Bruno, who is now 86 years old and has been a regular pioneer for 29 years, carried a purse containing plants that were peeking out, beckoning housewives who were interested in talking about gardening. In this way she could engage in conversations that led to planting seeds of truth.

Juan Víctor Buccheri, a shopkeeper who was baptized right after the ban took effect, also wanted to tell others about the good news he had learned. He had religious pictures and posters of famous sports and entertainment figures on his shop walls. So he replaced them with pictures of landscapes that had Bible texts below them. What a surprise for his customers! Brother Buccheri witnessed to those who inquired about the pictures or scripture citations, and by so doing, he started more than ten Bible studies. Some came into the truth and are still faithful brothers today.

The People With the Green Bible

Difficulties during the ban trained the publishers in Argentina to be better ministers. Since they made initial calls using only the Bible, they became skillful in locating Bible texts to overcome objections and to comfort people.

To avoid arousing suspicion, they sometimes used a Bible other than the New World Translation. When using the Torres Amat, a Catholic Bible in archaic Spanish, one brother met an unexpected response. After listening to the scriptures being read and not understanding them, the householder suggested that she bring him a Bible that was much easier to understand. Much to his surprise, out she came with the New World Translation!

During those years, the New World Translation had a green cover. Consequently, the community had been warned not to listen to the people who carried a green Bible. However, since few were in agreement with governmental restrictions, such a prohibition only served to arouse people’s curiosity. One householder asked a sister what color her Bible was. When the sister truthfully answered that it was green, the lady said: “Good, I want to hear what the people with the green Bible have to say.” The sister was invited in and had an animated discussion.

Who Has the Books?

For a while, Argentine Witnesses continued to preach using the literature that they had concealed. But in time such supplies were exhausted, and it was impossible to import new literature. Yet, sealed up in the branch warehouses were 225,000 books that had been impounded.

The federal police decided to confiscate the impounded books and sell them to a paper recycling company. A hauling service was contracted to go to Bethel, pick up the books, and take them to a recycling plant. It happened that the driver had studied the Bible with a neighbor who was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. When he saw what he was hauling, he asked his former neighbor if Jehovah’s Witnesses would like to buy the books from him. The necessary arrangements were made, and with police authorization the books were transported to a place designated by the branch! Hence, despite the ban, 225,000 books became available to recycle in a way far different from what the authorities had anticipated!

Jehovah also provided for his people through courageous brothers who volunteered to bring in from other lands books published by the Society. Norberto González, a regular pioneer, relates: “On one occasion, a Branch Committee member from Uruguay entrusted us with 100 copies of the Kingdom Ministry School textbook to be delivered to the responsible brothers in Argentina. We were able to get this vital information into the country. All of us jumped for joy when we were safely through customs.” Perhaps a brother who could not jump quite so high was one who had hidden the material in his wooden leg!

The Argentine Witnesses learned to value the literature published by the Watch Tower Society as never before. At the start of the ban, each study group received only one copy of The Watchtower. That single magazine was circulated among all the publishers, who copied the questions and answers for the study so that they could participate. (Phil. 4:12) The cover of The Watchtower was blank to disguise its content, but the spiritual food inside was exquisite. The brothers were sustained and unified by these special provisions.

How to Conceal an Assembly

The Argentine brothers were fed spiritually through meetings in small groups using what literature was made available, but how could they benefit from the three annual assemblies, which Jehovah’s Witnesses in other parts of the world enjoyed? The first assemblies after the ban went into effect were called pilot assemblies. Only the elders and their families attended them. Later the elders repeated the program in their own congregations. Héctor Chap, who has served tirelessly as a traveling overseer for many years, says: “At times, we were able to hold the assembly in fields. Out in the country, we were surrounded by farm animals. We barely noticed them because we were so involved in listening to what was being said. Many brothers taped the program for the ones who could not attend. Later, they were in for a good laugh—talks were accompanied by the mooing of cows, crowing of roosters, and braying of donkeys.”

The brothers fondly called the assemblies “picnics” because they were often held out in the country. A favorite spot in the province of Buenos Aires was a rural area close to the Santa Fe border, named Strago Murd. The location was ideal since it was surrounded by trees, providing a good cover. But those attending the “picnic” were shocked one day to find that the beautiful trees had been cut down! Although there was no concealment, they went ahead with their “picnic,” using one tree stump as a speaker’s stand and the others as benches for all those in attendance.

Another location the brothers used for assemblies was a factory owned by one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The owner of the factory had a large panel truck and used it to pick up those who wanted to attend the assembly. The driver went around, packed 10 to 15 brothers at a time into the truck, returned to the factory, and unloaded them behind the closed garage door. In that way about 100 people could gather together unobserved by neighbors and police. Others of the Argentine Witnesses traveled to Brazil and Uruguay during those years in order to benefit from the spiritual provisions at the assemblies.

Meetings in Prison

Even before the 1976 ban, many of our young brothers faced tests of loyalty as a result of their Christian neutrality. Because they followed the Bible principle found at Isaiah 2:4, not to “learn war,” many were sentenced to from three to six years in prison.

Yet, even in prison they devised ways to study the Bible and to hold the meetings. They also eagerly shared the Kingdom message within the penitentiaries. Elders from neighboring congregations willingly visited these faithful young men to give encouragement and to provide vital spiritual food.

Omar Tschieder, who has been serving at Bethel since 1982, was imprisoned from 1978 to 1981 in the Magdalena military prison in the province of Buenos Aires. He was there for refusing to wear a military uniform. This prison was made up of several pavilions, with 20 cells that faced the same corridor, each cell seven by ten feet [2 x 3 m] in size. The imprisoned Witnesses used the three cells at the end of the hallway for their meetings. Only 10 or 12 could meet together at one time, so there were often 8 to 14 meetings each week.

The brothers arranged for one of them to watch through the peephole and alert the group if anyone approached. They devised several signals to warn the group. Sometimes the watchman simply knocked on the wall. At other times a thread was tied between the watchman and someone in the audience. At the sign of danger, the watchman pulled the thread, and the one at the other end alerted the group. Another way was to utter a statement having a password in it. For example, the watchman might shout: “Does anyone have an envelope?” Upon hearing the password “envelope,” the brothers took cover. Each had an assigned place to hide—under the bed, behind the door—wherever they would not be visible to the guard who might look through the peephole. All of this flurry of activity took place silently in seconds. They had to be well organized!

Once during a meeting, the brothers quickly hid after they were warned that a stranger was entering the pavilion. A prisoner who was not one of Jehovah’s Witnesses opened the door and put something on the table. As he was going out, he turned around and asked, “Why are all of you hiding?” At that very moment, a guard was blowing a whistle, looking for volunteers to do some cleaning. So the brothers replied, “We are hiding from him.” The visitor readily sympathized and quickly departed. The brothers finished their meeting without further interruption.

A Secret Prison Library

The good conduct of the Witnesses resulted in their being entrusted with additional responsibilities in the prison. The brothers operated the prison printing presses and were in charge of the theater, the infirmary, and the barbershop. To further Kingdom interests, they took full advantage of their well-earned privileges. For example, the blueprints of the Magdalena prison showed that the theater was a rectangle, though the corners of the wall were rounded. So behind the walls was a space about eight feet high, six feet wide, and four feet deep. [2.4 m by 1.8 m by 1.2 m] This was perfect for a library, stocked with Bibles and the Watch Tower Society’s publications!

Héctor Varela, who spent three years in that prison, explains that the brothers could enter this area by removing a wall panel in the projection room and then climbing over a workbench. Books were also hidden in cupboards in the dining rooms.

Occasionally, the brothers were granted permission to leave the premises and briefly visit their families. These brothers often took advantage of this opportunity to bring back the latest issues of the Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Rodolfo Domínguez, now a traveling overseer, relates what took place on one such occasion. He says: “We had put The Watchtower and Awake! under our clothes. When we arrived at the prison, there was a long line because the guards were doing a thorough search. Little by little we advanced to the inspection point. Then just as our turn came, the guard changed, and the search was called off!”

“We held all the congregation meetings in prison,” continues Brother Domínguez. “In fact, I gave my first public talk there.” Imprisoned Witnesses even presented full-costume Bible dramas, something that was made possible by bringing in personal items during family visits. Guards did not suspect how the sandals, togas, and the like would be used.

Making Disciples Behind Bars

The preaching and disciple-making work flourished even behind bars. One of those who benefited from the zeal and fine conduct of the brothers in prison was Norberto Hein. He was serving in the Argentine armed forces when he was sent to prison on a drug charge. In several prisons he met young Witnesses who were detained for conscientious objection. He was impressed by their attitude, and while he was imprisoned in the Puerto Belgrano prison, he asked for a Bible study. Within one month, he finished studying the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. Afterward, he was transferred to the Magdalena prison, and in 1979 he was baptized in prison.

“The baptism talk was given on a Sunday about nine o’clock in the evening,” Norberto reminisces. “There were about ten of us in attendance, although other brothers were outside the cell keeping watch. After the talk, I went with two brothers to the dining room where there was a huge tub for washing pots and pans.” The “baptism tub” was full of cold water, which Norberto remembers vividly because it was winter!

Despite being persecuted for associating with Jehovah’s Witnesses, he continued steadfast in serving Jehovah. (Heb. 11:27) Norberto and his wife, María Esther, have faithfully served at Bethel for more than 15 years.

‘Don’t Ask God to Punish Me’

Though many prison officers were tolerant of the Witnesses, some were not. One head guard in a military prison deprived the brothers of food and blankets whenever he was on duty. This guard was vicious. Hugo Coronel relates: “One morning before dawn, this guard kicked open my cell door, dragged me out, and pointing to five armed soldiers, told me that my hour had arrived. He tried to get me to sign a paper renouncing my faith. When I refused, he told me to write my mother a letter because I was about to die. Infuriated, he next put me against a brick wall, told the firing squad to raise their guns, and gave the order ‘Fire!’ I heard only the firing pins click. The rifles were not loaded. It was merely a trick designed to break my integrity. That guard, sure that I would be weeping in fear, came over to me. Seeing that I was calm, he lost control and began shouting. I was taken back to my cell, a little shaken but happy that Jehovah had answered my prayers to be steadfast.”

A few days before Hugo was to be transferred to another prison, the head guard announced to the entire barracks that the next day, he was going to force Hugo to put on a uniform. Even Jehovah could not prevent it, the guard said. What happened? “The next day,” says Hugo, “we found out that the guard had been decapitated in a terrible auto accident. This had a tremendous impact on the entire prison population. Most felt that God had punished the soldier for his boasts and threats. In fact, the guard that took me to my cell that night begged me not to ask God to punish him also!” Hugo now serves as an elder in Villa Urquiza, Misiones.

One thing is certain—these young men who refused military service maintained integrity under very difficult circumstances. The prison authorities threatened to shoot some. Others they beat, deprived of food, or put in solitary confinement. Despite the treatment these brothers received, their faith and integrity gave a powerful witness to military personnel and other prisoners alike.

Benefiting From Regular Family Study

Children were also called upon ‘to make a defense before everyone that demanded of them a reason for the hope in them.’ (1 Pet. 3:15) When Juan Carlos Barros’ sons, aged seven and eight at the time, were attending public school, the principal demanded that the older son salute the flag in front of the whole class. When he refused, she shouted, hit him, and pushed him toward the flag. Even so, he refused to salute it. She then took both boys to her office and tried for an hour to force them to sing patriotic songs. When her efforts failed, she decided to expel them.

This case reached an administrative court. During the hearing, the judge took the boys aside to question them. Their ready answers made the judge so upset that he started trembling, pounded the table with his fist, and left the room. He came back 15 minutes later but was still visibly shaken. Yet, the decision was in favor of the Witnesses! After rendering a favorable decision, the judge said to Brother Barros: “What a nice family you have! If all families had such high principles, the country would be in better shape.” Brother Barros says: “This experience drove home to me how beneficial it is to have a regular family study so that our children are prepared to stand firm.” Eventually, in 1979, the Supreme Court of Argentina ruled that the children had a right to an education.

Favorable Season Again

Ever since 1950, the branch presented to every new government their request for Jehovah’s Witnesses to be legally recognized as a religion. Acquiring legal recognition involved a number of steps. First, it required the forming of a legal entity with a certain number of members and with social and religious objectives, such as teaching the Bible to people. Next, this legal entity had to be registered. The government had to agree that the objectives were legal. If the government approved, then a registration number was assigned. With this number, application could be made for legal recognition as a religious organization. Until 1981, Jehovah’s Witnesses were turned down on the pretext that their social and religious objectives were illegal because the work was banned.

In November 1976, only two months after the renewed ban on the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses took effect, the branch office petitioned the Argentine national court to lift the ban. In addition, the branch appealed cases involving the expulsion of Witness children from school for declining to participate in patriotic ceremonies, the imprisonment of brothers for their conscientious objection, and the confiscation of the Watch Tower Society’s publications.

On October 10, 1978, these appeals were also presented to the Inter-American Human Rights Commission. The commission determined that the government had violated the human rights of Jehovah’s Witnesses and recommended that the ban be removed.

On December 12, 1980, the de facto military regime accepted the recommendation of the Inter-American Human Rights Commission and lifted the ban. This allowed Jehovah’s people in Argentina to meet freely. What joy this brought to the brothers! Though the activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses were no longer prohibited, however, their religious organization was yet to be legally recognized.

Finally, on March 9, 1984, the government recognized the Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses as a religion. The long years of fighting for legal recognition were over. At last, Kingdom Halls could be identified by signs! What rejoicing there was among the brothers in Argentina! All echoed the words of the psalmist: “Jehovah has done a great thing in what he has done with us.”—Ps. 126:3.

But the legal recognition meant far more than a sign on a Kingdom Hall. Ciríaco Spina, a Christian elder in Buenos Aires, said: “When the ban was lifted and we were able to have large assemblies again, we wanted to use the best facility available in order to honor our God, Jehovah. We had repeatedly tried to use the new City Stadium of Mar del Plata, but because of not being legally recognized, we had never been granted its use. Then in 1984, thanks to Jehovah, the Witnesses obtained legal recognition. Now we have the use of both the City Stadium and, in recent years, the new Sports Center for our assemblies.”

It had been years since the brothers enjoyed the encouraging atmosphere of a large gathering, so the branch decided to take full advantage of the upcoming visit of the zone overseer, Fred Wilson. In less than two weeks, arrangements were made to accommodate brothers from Greater Buenos Aires in the Vélez Sarsfield Stadium, the first large meeting since the ban was lifted. Despite short notice, a crowd of nearly 30,000 attended the joyful spiritual “festival” on February 15, 1984.—Ps. 42:4.

The Aftermath of the Ban

Under the military regime, thousands of people disappeared and were executed. Surprisingly, despite the government’s strong stand against Jehovah’s Witnesses, not one of the Witnesses was among those who disappeared.

Not only were their lives spared but they received better publicity because of the ban. Before the ban, those who asked the Witnesses what religion they belonged to would look puzzled upon hearing the response “Jehovah’s Witnesses.” This was not so after the ban. Susana de Puchetti, who has served as a full-time minister for 37 years, said: “When the ban ended, we were no longer called Sons of Jehovah or The Jehovahs; neither were we confused with evangelical groups. During the ban, our correct name was mentioned frequently over the radio and in the newspaper. There was a happy result—people finally recognized the name Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

Legal Exemption From Military Service

About the same time, Dr. María T. de Morini, the under secretary of worship who had taken action to recognize the Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses as a religion, arranged for a significant meeting of representatives of the Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the secretary of worship, and the defense minister. The purpose of the meeting was to consider exemption from military service for Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Branch Committee had hoped to have regular pioneers exempted from the military, but the authorities were willing to go further.

The authorities were willing to apply the exemption to anyone regarded as a student, and all those who were enrolled in the Theocratic Ministry School were considered theology students. When a baptized brother reached the age of 18 and was required to report for military service, the elders of his congregation would fill out and sign a form attesting to his good conduct. This form was sent to the branch office to be signed and then forwarded to the registry of worship. They, in turn, issued a certificate that the brother had to present to the military authorities in order to be excused from service. This efficient system was used until obligatory military service was discontinued in the 1990’s.

Surprising Growth Everywhere

Between 1950 and 1980, the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses was banned by the government. The brothers zealously continued to preach the word during that troublesome season. As a result, Jehovah blessed them with increase. In 1950 there were 1,416 publishers in Argentina. By 1980 there were 36,050!

With legal recognition came further increase in harmony with Isaiah 60:22, which states: “The little one himself will become a thousand, and the small one a mighty nation. I myself, Jehovah, shall speed it up in its own time.” Just a glimpse at reports from all over the country demonstrates the truthfulness of these words. For example, since the lifting of the ban, the 70 publishers in the Francisco Solano Congregation in Greater Buenos Aires have increased to 700 now in seven congregations.

Alberto Pardo, who serves as an elder in Cinco Saltos, Río Negro, remembers when there were only 15 publishers in Cinco Saltos. Today there are three congregations and a total of 272 publishers, a ratio of 1 Witness to 100 inhabitants. Marta Toloza of the Carmen de Patagones Congregation in Buenos Aires says: “It is marvelous to think of the little group that met in a small room back in 1964 and compare it with the 250 brothers and sisters in three Kingdom Halls today.”

Because of the rapid growth in Palmira and the surrounding towns, it was necessary to have the public talk and Watchtower Study twice each weekend so that the brothers and sisters would be more comfortable in the Kingdom Hall. A bigger hall was rented for the Memorial, since the attendance was consistently more than 250. Since 1986, congregations have been formed in four different towns that were originally assigned to the Palmira Congregation.

The original José León Suárez Congregation in Greater Buenos Aires with 33 publishers has expanded to five congregations. Juan Schellenberg, an elder there, says: “Every time we formed a new congregation, our territory got smaller. Now we have a small section of territory just 16 blocks long and 8 blocks wide. We cover our assigned area once or twice a week. Many people we preach to are apathetic, but we still have good experiences and are able to start some Bible studies. The Kingdom Hall is centrally located, so most of the 100 publishers can walk to the meetings.”

The Pioneer Spirit Flourishes

With the lifting of the ban, an extensive field of activity opened up. There were many territories where the need for Kingdom proclaimers was great.

In December 1983 ten temporary special pioneer couples were sent for three months to open up the preaching activity in areas that were seldom covered by Jehovah’s Witnesses. The couples selected were already regular or auxiliary pioneers and were recommended by the circuit overseers. The goal was to give an extensive witness by placing literature and striving to start Bible studies. Those who expressed interest would be cared for either by publishers in nearby congregations or through correspondence. This campaign produced excellent results. Now congregations exist in nine out of the ten towns where those pioneers served.

One of the temporary special pioneers was Argentina de González. Along with her husband, Argentina was assigned to Esquina. They arrived there with their four children. Three times a week, one of the bedrooms in their house was transformed into a meeting place. As they went from house to house, almost everyone invited them in. First, the householder wanted to know where they were from, how many children they had, and where they were staying. “After we satisfied their curiosity,” says Argentina, “they were quite willing to listen to our message. I was able to start seven Bible studies, one of which was with a woman and her four children. They started to attend the meetings right away and never missed a meeting. In just a few months, the mother was baptized along with her daughter, who later became a pioneer. It makes me happy to know that all are still faithfully serving Jehovah.”

Self-Sufficient in Whatever Circumstances

Some with the pioneer spirit were willing to adapt to severe weather, isolation, and primitive living conditions. When José and Estela Forte were sent as special pioneers to Río Turbio in the province of Santa Cruz, there were no other Witnesses or Bible students in the area. To add to the challenge, Río Turbio is situated in the extreme south of Argentina where the temperature often drops well below zero degrees Fahrenheit [-18°C.].

The Fortes stayed in a small room in a house that belonged to some relatives of Witnesses, and they traveled 190 miles [300 km] to the nearest congregation in Río Gallegos. Once as they were returning from a meeting, the engine of the car overheated on a deserted highway, because water had leaked from the radiator. The temperature was dangerously low, and they began to experience what the local people call el sueño blanco, an overwhelming sleepiness that leads to death. They prayed to Jehovah that they would not fall asleep. How grateful they were when they reached a nearby ranch, where they were able to warm themselves and fill the radiator!

At first, the Fortes concentrated their preaching in the most populated area and soon had more than 30 progressive Bible studies. Within a short time, a group was formed in the town. Next, efforts were made to contact people in the mountains and the rural areas. Once a year, José made a six- or seven-day preaching trip on horseback. On one occasion, José and his companion approached a ranch where a woman with an aggressive guard dog met them. When they identified themselves as Jehovah’s Witnesses, the woman looked at them and burst out laughing. “Not here too!” she said. Asked why she had reacted in such a way, she explained that she had lived around the corner from Bethel in Buenos Aires. She added: “I never imagined that Jehovah’s Witnesses would make it to such an out-of-the-way place and, to top it off, dressed like gauchos.” The woman invited them to have something to eat, and they had an animated Bible discussion. The persistent efforts of the Fortes bore fruit; there is now a thriving congregation made up of 31 publishers in Río Turbio.

A Floating Kingdom Hall

Determined to take advantage of the favorable season in which to preach, some took on the challenge to witness to the islanders in the delta area of the Paraná River, near Buenos Aires. Witnessing in the delta is no small undertaking because of the distance between islands, the kind of transportation available, and the unpredictable weather. The trip made in private boats is costly, and it can be dangerous. Yet, persistence brought results. By 1982 an isolated group was formed as a part of the Tigre Congregation.

To cut costs, Alejandro Gastaldini, a brother from the Tigre Congregation, built El Carpincho, a 23-foot [7 m] light plastic boat with a propane-powered motor. About the same time, Ramón Antúnez and his family from Buenos Aires offered their sailboat to further Kingdom interests in the delta. These zealous brothers enthusiastically took the lead, inviting publishers from other congregations to support their ministry on the weekends. Studies began to blossom and bear fruit as entire families embraced the truth.

Since few living on those islands had boats and there was little public transportation, most interested people found it difficult to attend meetings. So the brothers helped one another to meet together and to strengthen one another spiritually. For example, to make it possible for all to attend the Memorial, a boat went around to pick up baptized Witnesses and interested ones so that they could observe the Memorial on board.

Later on, Carlos Bustos, his wife Ana, and daughter Mariana were assigned as pioneers in the delta. The branch helped out by purchasing a motorboat called Precursor I, equipped with a kitchen, a bathroom, and sleeping space for three. Mariana’s bed in the stern was called el sarcófago because it was so narrow that it resembled a coffin!

At present, 20 publishers live in the delta area, serving Jehovah as a part of the Tigre Congregation. Most of the brothers now have their own boats and are thus better equipped to care for their theocratic responsibilities. However, the dream of building their own Kingdom Hall seemed unattainable. Why?

Because of the constant flooding in the area, land suitable for building is very expensive. For a small group with limited funds, this obstacle seemed insurmountable. However, while land was scarce, water was abundant. So why not build a floating Kingdom Hall? The branch took the lead in building such a Kingdom Hall, and it was completed in June 1999. Now elders from the Tigre Congregation take turns visiting the Kingdom Hall to conduct weekly meetings for the group.

Reaching the Korean Population

Jehovah’s Witnesses in Argentina not only try to reach people in a variety of geographic locations but also make efforts to preach to people of different nationalities. Before the second ban was imposed, a Korean brother, Hwang Yong Keun, and his family immigrated to Argentina in 1971 and began associating with a Spanish-speaking congregation. The fruitfulness of the disciple-making work among the Koreans and the immigration of more Witnesses from Korea made it possible to form a Korean group in Morón, in the province of Buenos Aires. Soon they were holding all five congregation meetings each week, leading to the establishment in 1975 of the first Korean congregation in Argentina. A year later, they dedicated their first Kingdom Hall to Jehovah.

During the ban, the Korean congregation was divided into smaller groups. Since the Korean brothers longed to meet together as a congregation, arrangements were made for them to meet once a month in a park for a public talk and Watchtower Study. Since the police did not understand a word of Korean, they had no idea that the meetings were of a religious nature!

After the ban was lifted, the Korean field saw a steady increase. Since Koreans are scattered throughout the country, preaching to them often requires traveling hundreds of miles in search of deserving ones. Two or three times a year, the Korean Witnesses traveled to distant provinces trying to locate Korean merchants. Jehovah has blessed their diligence. Today, an average of 288 Korean publishers in four congregations are preaching the word zealously.

Until recently, the Korean congregations were visited by a Spanish-speaking circuit overseer who needed an interpreter for the meetings, field service, and shepherding visits. In 1997, however, Steven and June Lee (Yi Sung Ho and Kim Yun Kyeong), graduates of the 102nd class of Gilead, were assigned to serve the Korean congregations in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Since the Lees are of Korean descent and speak the language fluently, the brothers benefit greatly from their visits. All are very grateful for this loving arrangement of our impartial God, Jehovah.—Acts 10:34, 35.

The Lees have to adapt continually to the climate, water, and food of the three countries. In a six-month period, they are in Argentina for three months, in Brazil for two, and in Paraguay for one. Although they serve the Korean congregations, they still have to speak the local languages. In addition to speaking Portuguese in Brazil, the Lees have to get acquainted with two distinctive accents of Spanish. Yet, they enjoy this truly international circuit. After two years, the number of pioneers in the circuit has increased from 10 to 60!

Deaf Ones Praise Jehovah

In the 1970’s, another group with special needs became evident when some deaf people began to attend congregation meetings. For such ones to benefit from the meetings, sign-language interpreters were needed. By 1979 a group was meeting in the home of Coco and Coca Yanzon, a deaf couple in Villa Devoto in Buenos Aires. It was just a beginning.

The number of deaf people who embraced the truth continued to grow during the ban as well as in the 1980’s and 1990’s. In the 1980’s, deaf brothers and sisters, along with their interpreters, were assigned to selected congregations in Greater Buenos Aires. The entire program was interpreted for the deaf, enabling them to benefit from the meetings.

However, the deaf yearned to participate more fully in the congregation. So in 1992 the branch decided to gather them and the interpreters into one sign-language congregation. In this way, the deaf publishers began to have an active share in teaching, commenting, and preaching in their own language.

“The sign-language congregation was the answer to my prayers,” says Silvia Mori, a deaf sister who is raising her child alone. “I feel very happy to have more contact with deaf brothers and sisters. Before, we were divided up among different hearing congregations and saw one another just once a week.”

Elba Basani, another deaf sister, says: “When there was no sign-language congregation, I tended to be discouraged, but now I feel very happy because I am able to auxiliary pioneer, keep busy in serving Jehovah, and have more contact with my spiritual brothers. I am very grateful to Jehovah.”

Since sign language is a visual means of communication, the Society’s videos are particularly effective. The video Jehovah’s Witnesses—The Organization Behind the Name is already available in Argentine sign language. In addition, video versions of the brochure What Does God Require of Us? and other publications are being prepared. Now there are four sign-language congregations throughout Argentina, with a total of 200 publishers, including 38 deaf brothers serving as elders and ministerial servants.

Help for English-Speaking People

Toward the end of 1993, corporations from abroad began operating in Argentina. Some of the employees sent to Argentina were baptized Witnesses who did not speak much Spanish but who could understand English. To care for their spiritual needs and to reach those in the growing English-speaking field, the first English-speaking congregation in the country was formed in Buenos Aires. Some Argentines who had learned English made themselves available to support the new congregation.

Since this congregation was established in June 1994, ten persons have been baptized, and many others who are temporarily in Argentina can enjoy and benefit from the meetings presented in a language they understand.

A Young Mapuche Opens the Door

Helping “all sorts of men” to “come to an accurate knowledge of truth” involves reaching native Indians living on reservations. (1 Tim. 2:4) In the southwestern province of Neuquén, there is a Mapuche Indian reservation where the community chief did not permit Witnesses to enter because of the past conduct of other religious groups. A young Mapuche woman, Patricia Sabina Guayquimil, obtained some publications from her mother, who received them while working outside the reservation. Patricia wrote to the branch requesting more information. Mónica López, the sister assigned to reply, sent Patricia the book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth and explained the Bible study arrangement. Patricia accepted, and they studied through correspondence for a year without ever meeting each other.

One day there was a knock on Mónica’s door. She was overjoyed to see Patricia, who had come to town in an ambulance, accompanying her sister who was about to give birth. In the short time that they could spend together, Mónica showed her the Kingdom Hall, explained how the meetings are conducted, and invited her to the upcoming circuit overseer’s visit.

After returning home, Patricia continued to make excellent progress. In fact, one morning when the day’s text stressed the importance of preaching, she saddled her mare and witnessed to her neighbors from seven o’clock in the morning till the early evening hours. Her witnessing activity opened up the way for Jehovah’s Witnesses from outside to preach on the reservation. Patricia was baptized in 1996, and she continues to extend “the good news of salvation” to the Indian community. (Ps. 96:2) Other Indian reservations are regularly being visited by the Witnesses.

Kingdom Halls Needed

As Jehovah’s Witnesses in Argentina eagerly expanded their preaching work in the favorable season after the ban, there was a need for suitable Kingdom Halls. Some Kingdom Halls were poorly built. For example, the walls of one hall in the northern province of Santiago del Estero were made of plastic. Luis Benitez, who has been involved in Kingdom Hall construction projects for many years, relates: “On a trip to Formosa, Brother Eisenhower and I found brothers meeting in a building that had walls four feet [1.2 m] high but had no roof, doors, or windows. For seats, the brothers used boards resting on bricks. When we asked them what they did when it rained, they said, ‘Some bring umbrellas, and the rest get wet.’”

After the ban was lifted in 1980, the elders of the congregation in Trelew, in the province of Chubut, soon realized that they had no place big enough to hold the large number of people who came for spiritual instruction. A sister who worked for a family that owned a meeting hall asked for permission to use the hall for meetings. This was granted, and the congregation met in the hall free of charge for seven or eight months. Next they used a brother’s upholstery shop for a while. However, the congregation could not use the place all the time, so they had to arrange to meet in smaller groups in the homes of the brothers. It was obvious that they needed a more permanent place to meet. The congregation members were determined to build their first Kingdom Hall. After five years of looking for a place to meet, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Trelew finally had a Kingdom Hall to dedicate to Jehovah. But soon the increase in the number of publishers again made it necessary to build another Kingdom Hall.

Throughout the country, congregations needed Kingdom Halls. Something had to be done to provide appropriate buildings for true worship.

The Branch Comes to the Rescue

Responding to this need, the branch developed a Kingdom Hall construction program. It provided a loan arrangement to finance the construction as well as professionally drawn plans for comfortable, practical, and modest halls. Additionally, suggestions were given on how to organize the building work. Qualified brothers were assigned to give technical assistance. With this program, Kingdom Halls were built in two months, and later, in just 30 days.

The congregations in Trelew that needed another Kingdom Hall benefited from this simplified construction program. Only 60 days after the building began, they enjoyed meeting in their new hall. It served as a great witness to the townspeople, who saw an empty lot that was little more than a garbage dump suddenly adorned by a beautiful Kingdom Hall. The builders in the area were so impressed that they wanted to hire the brothers!

Assembly Halls for Larger Gatherings

Meanwhile, the Argentine brothers recognized the need for Assembly Halls to accommodate larger gatherings. In Oberá in the northern province of Misiones, one family donated a plot of land, and the local brothers made a covered shelter without walls. An assembly was held there in 1981, with 300 in attendance. On the same property, there is now a more permanent structure that accommodates 2,200.

After the Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses was registered in 1984, two Assembly Halls were dedicated to Jehovah in the Buenos Aires area—one in Moreno in 1986 and the other in Lomas de Zamora in 1988. The one located at Lomas de Zamora was originally an abandoned factory and warehouse. On July 9, 1985, some 1,500 volunteers showed up to start an 18-day project of uninterrupted hard work. They cleaned the building and converted a portion of the factory into an auditorium that comfortably accommodates 1,500 people. Some worked all night to get the hall ready for the first assembly, which was held on July 27, 1985. Today, there are four Assembly Halls, including the one that was dedicated in 1993 in Córdoba.

Where Can District Conventions Be Held?

Because of the constant growth, it became increasingly difficult to rent adequate facilities for district conventions. Auditorium rents were high, and the management often did not respect the terms of the contract. It was inconvenient as well as inefficient to transport and assemble the sound system and other necessary equipment. Additionally, in the large open-air stadiums, the audience was exposed to the weather, making it harder to benefit fully from the program.

To solve these problems, land was purchased at Cañuelas, a rural area southwest of the capital city. A Convention Hall would be built and used for district conventions as well as other assemblies. This would supplement the four Assembly Halls already operating in the country.

The spacious 9,400-seat Convention Hall was ready for the first district convention in October 1995, less than six months after the project started. (Joel 2:26, 27) In March 1997 this facility was dedicated to Jehovah. Carey Barber of the Governing Body gave the enthusiastic dedication talk, and the next day he also participated in a special meeting held in the large River Plate Stadium. The stadium was packed with 71,800 brothers from all over the country, including a group who traveled 1,900 miles [3,000 km] from Patagonia.

New Branch Facilities

By December 1984 a new peak of 51,962 Kingdom proclaimers was reached. This increase created a need for more literature, and that, in turn, required a larger printery. To fill the need, a building complex at 1551 Caldas Street in Buenos Aires was purchased and refurbished to increase factory and office space. The branch also purchased an abandoned ceramic factory at 3850 Elcano Avenue, Buenos Aires, tore it down, and built a beautiful new residence complex.

Altogether 640 full-time workers shared in the building project, including 259 from the international construction program. Additionally, hundreds of others came to help out on the weekends. Having on site over 200 volunteers from overseas gave rise to some interesting situations. One brother filled out a form requesting 12 white palomos (male pigeons). The Purchasing Department overseer wondered why the birds were being requested. As it turned out, the brother needed 12 pomos (tubes) of white paint!

At the time of that project, Argentina was experiencing hyperinflation. The cost of construction materials sometimes increased three times a day, posing challenges for those involved in purchasing. During this period, the brothers at the construction site never forgot the most important work—that of preaching the word. One supplier often sent representatives to the work site; they always received, along with an order for materials, a thorough witness. In all, 20 magazines and five books were placed with this company’s employees, and at the owner’s office, copies of the magazines were on display.

The construction itself proved to be a witness. The brothers used the tilt-up construction method in which concrete, steel-reinforced wall panels are cast on site and later lifted into place by a crane. It was an unusual building technique and attracted the attention of local builders. On Saturday mornings, students from the architectural college came to observe and were given a tour.

In October 1990 this beautiful complex was dedicated to Jehovah. Theodore Jaracz of the Governing Body gave an inspiring dedication talk based on Isaiah 2:2-4. Many who had shared in planting early seeds of the truth in Argentina, along with guests from other branches, shared in the joyous occasion.

Further Expansion

No sooner were the new branch facilities dedicated than further expansion involving the factory complex on Caldas Street began. A three-story building with a basement was built on an adjoining lot to provide for literature storage. A group of 25 volunteers finished that project in eight months.

Just as a need for more office space arose, a building one block from the Bethel home was put up for sale. As the city was becoming increasingly strict about issuing building permits, acquiring property with a finished structure was a reasonable option. Although the building was more than 30 years old, it was made of high-quality materials, with an interior of hardwood and an exterior finished with marble. The building, acquired and refurbished, now accommodates the administrative offices as well as the Purchasing, Service, Construction, and Accounting departments. It was dedicated in 1997 at the same time as the Cañuelas Convention Hall.

Helping a Neighboring Country

During the ban, Jehovah’s Witnesses in neighboring countries, such as Brazil and Uruguay, helped Argentine brothers to obtain spiritual food. Now, the Argentina branch fills the need of neighboring Chile. Since January 1987, magazines have been sent to Chile, first via a commercial service and since 1992 in the Society’s own trucks.

The trip to Chile requires crossing the Andes mountain range at an altitude of 10,200 feet [3,100 m]. It calls for great skill on the part of the driver to maneuver a semitrailer through snow-covered mountains on a winding road; one section has 31 treacherous hairpin curves. But the long trip is rewarding, since the Chilean brothers receive their magazines in good time.

Four-Color Printing Makes Magazines More Appealing

As the world became more picture oriented, the Society considered printing The Watchtower and Awake! in full color. The goal was to produce our magazines in as attractive a form as was economically reasonable. The Watch Tower Society in the United States sent a reconditioned four-color web offset Harris press to the Argentina branch. The press had to be disassembled, packed, and shipped from Wallkill, New York. When the precious cargo arrived in Buenos Aires on October 10, 1989, it had to be reassembled. Experienced brothers from the world headquarters traveled to Argentina to supervise the job and to train operators.

Four-color printing greatly increased magazine placements. To illustrate, in 1991, the year after the four-color printing began, magazine placements increased by nearly a million, from 6,284,504 to 7,248,955!

International Conventions Provide Mutual Encouragement

After being under ban for so many years, the Argentine Witnesses hungered for the opportunity to host another international convention. Finally, in December 1990 they were able to welcome nearly 6,000 foreign delegates from over 20 lands to Buenos Aires for the “Pure Language” International Convention. John Barr and Lyman Swingle of the Governing Body attended and gave encouraging talks. The four-day program was presented at both the River Plate and Vélez Sarsfield stadiums, with a combined attendance of over 67,000.

Though united in worship, the cultural diversity of the delegates was colorfully evident. One could observe Spanish sisters in their beautiful national costumes, Japanese women in traditional kimonos, and Mexican delegates in black suits and wide-brimmed sombreros.

When the convention concluded, no one wanted to leave. The different national groups spontaneously started singing Kingdom songs in their languages, waving their handkerchiefs. This went on for almost an hour before the conventioners finally went home. A press photographer stated: “This has never happened before in Argentina . . . Such emotion and such warmth!”

Think of the excitement on the part of Argentines to be invited to attend an international convention in another land! That happened in 1993. The destination? Santiago, Chile. More than one thousand traveled from Argentina to attend. Fourteen chartered buses made the 870-mile [1,400 km] trip from Buenos Aires to Santiago. Even the spectacular scenery the delegates enjoyed while crossing the Andes Mountains during the 26-hour journey could not compare with the joy of being united with some 80,000 fellow Christians from 24 countries at the four-day “Divine Teaching” District Convention.

Later, in 1998, the Argentina branch was invited to send delegates to São Paulo, Brazil, and to San Diego, California, for the “God’s Way of Life” International Conventions. Sara Bujdud, a longtime special pioneer, thoroughly enjoyed the convention in San Diego along with the more than 400 delegates from Argentina. She comments: “The Governing Body’s arrangement to place us in the homes of the brothers was very loving. It gave us a glimpse of what life will be like in the new world when racial and language barriers no longer exist.”

“The Tongue of the Taught Ones”

As a result of the zealous preaching of the brothers and the spiritual programs, including international conventions, many responded to the truth and joined the growing ranks of publishers. By 1992 a peak of 96,780 was reached. The number of Witnesses had doubled since they were legally registered in 1984.

Clearly, there was a need for more shepherds to care for the increasing flock of Jehovah’s sheep. (Isa. 32:1, 2; John 21:16) Hence, Jehovah provided a program for training single elders and ministerial servants to look after the congregations—the Ministerial Training School. In 1987 that school started in the United States, and in November 1992 its counterpart in Argentina was inaugurated. The old Bethel complex became an ideal place to conduct the school.

The 375 students, including 91 from neighboring countries, have shown extraordinary appreciation for this privilege. Taking two months off from their secular work for the Ministerial Training School was a challenge. Some gave up or lost their jobs. Yet, Jehovah provides for those who put Kingdom interests first in their lives. Many were blessed with better paying jobs under better terms than they had before.—Matt. 6:33.

Hugo Careño was working for a bank when he was invited to attend the first class. The pay was good, and the schedule was such that he could pioneer. He prayed fervently to Jehovah and approached his boss, but he was told that a leave of absence to attend the school was impossible. At that Hugo said: “I really must go, but I would be grateful if you would hold my job until I finish the course.”

After the board of directors considered the matter, his request for a leave was granted. Upon graduation, though, Hugo was appointed to serve as a special pioneer, which meant spending 140 hours a month in the ministry. Hugo prayed intensely before advising his boss that he was leaving. How did his boss react? “We are very sorry to lose you,” he said, “but we wish you well in your new endeavor.” Hugo, who now serves as a traveling overseer, said: “I have repeatedly seen that Jehovah sustains us when we choose to put his service first in our lives.”

These graduates are building up the congregations to which they were assigned and are attesting to the truthfulness of Jesus’ words: “Wisdom is proved righteous by its works.” (Matt. 11:19) The quality of the meetings has improved, resulting in increased meeting attendance. Using the training received, the brothers, as they engage in shepherding the flock of God, endeavor to discern “how to answer the tired one with a word.” (Isa. 50:4) Some of the graduates are now serving as circuit overseers, and many others, as substitute circuit overseers.

Help to “Keep Abstaining . . . From Blood”

As the number of publishers increased, so did the number of Witnesses needing medical care. Because they strive to live by the Bible’s command to “keep abstaining . . . from blood,” it proved practical to implement a network of support services to assist them.—Acts 15:29.

The medical community was reluctant to refrain from administering blood transfusions when they thought them necessary. Additionally, most judges readily authorized forcing blood transfusions on Witness patients. In one case a judge ordered a blood transfusion for a patient who had a valid legal document expressing his refusal to receive blood under any circumstances.

An international seminar initiating the Hospital Liaison Committee (HLC) program was held in Buenos Aires in February 1991. Three brothers from the Hospital Information Services in Brooklyn served as instructors for 230 brothers from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Those who attended the seminar learned how to identify the needs of Witness patients and how to assist doctors with information about treatment without blood.

Today, 17 HLCs, made up of 98 elders, are active in major cities throughout Argentina, giving vital information to the medical community and providing loving support to Jehovah’s Witnesses. Their work is complemented by hundreds of other self-sacrificing elders who make up Patient Visitation Groups that call on Witness patients to help and encourage them. Currently in Argentina there are some 3,600 doctors who willingly cooperate in treating Jehovah’s Witnesses without blood.

Relief Work Motivated by Love

Argentina, of course, is not immune to natural disasters. How do Jehovah’s Witnesses cope with such adversities? On November 23, 1977, an earthquake registering 7.4 on the Richter scale caused serious damage in the entire west-central part of Argentina. Though the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses was under ban at the time, the brothers immediately organized the relief work. Moved by love, Witnesses nearby shared in the operation, despite the difficulties involved.—1 Thess. 4:9.

On the day of the disaster, Witnesses from the neighboring provinces of Mendoza and San Luis headed toward the affected area in every kind of vehicle imaginable. Because of the immense cracks caused by the earthquake, the authorities closed almost all the roads leading to the city of Caucete, which had been devastated. Taking alternate routes through neighboring towns, the Witnesses brought food, clothing, and first-aid supplies. As they approached the city, they saw what they thought was smoke ascending from the ground, but it was really dust resulting from the quake. Within moments people had lost their homes and material belongings, and some had lost their lives. Moaning filled the air. In Caucete, more than a thousand houses were totally destroyed, including all of the homes of the brothers. Quickly, the Witnesses erected temporary shelters. About a hundred Witnesses shared in the relief work.

María de Heredia, a regular pioneer in the Caucete Congregation, relates: “My neighbor’s daughter was about to give birth and was having contractions. The brothers put up a big tent on my neighbor’s property to provide shelter. That same night there was a bad storm. My appreciative neighbor exclaimed: ‘Who would believe that no one from our church has shown up to find out if we are dead or alive. Jehovah’s Witnesses came to our aid when we needed shelter!’”

In April 1998 the Witnesses again mounted a relief operation. Torrential rain caused severe flooding in northern Argentina, particularly in the provinces of Corrientes, Formosa, Chaco, and Santa Fe. In a 72-hour period, the city of Goya, Corrientes, had 24 inches [60 cm] of rain. The water flooded the homes and ruined the belongings of 80 percent of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the area. The flood swept away crops and animals as well as bridges and highways, cutting off access to the city. Brother Heriberto Dip, the circuit overseer in the affected area, worked with local elders, divided the territory into sections, and checked on the brothers in their homes. Some were evacuated by canoe to the Kingdom Hall. Food, clothing, and medical supplies were provided for all.

When Jehovah’s Witnesses in the nearby province of Entre Ríos learned about the plight of their fellow believers in Goya, they responded quickly. In just two days, the 12 congregations in Paraná, in the province of Entre Ríos, collected nearly four tons of nonperishable food items and clothing and loaded these supplies onto a truck that they had borrowed from the Highway Department.

Delivering the relief supplies was far from easy. Two bridges had been washed out. At the first crossing where a bridge had been, the brothers paused to help the highway crew lay hundreds of sandbags. Then they unloaded their cargo, carried it across the river, and loaded it onto trucks that were waiting for them.

On the second leg of the trip, they had to travel on a road so heavily flooded with rushing water that it was hard to control the trucks. At dusk, they reached the second crossing, where military personnel with a good-sized boat agreed to make several trips to get the goods to the other side.

There the relief crew finally met the brothers from Goya and continued on their journey with them. The brothers from Goya were truly moved by the love and determination of their fellow believers, while those from Paraná were encouraged by the firm endurance of the flood victims.

The congregations in the flooded area also gave a witness by their consistent displays of love. In one case a sister’s unbelieving husband expressed his great concern and sadness over the difficult economic situation the rain had caused. The sister assured him that the congregation would help them. The next day, his melancholy gave way to joyous wonder as the elders arrived at their home with an ample supply of provisions! By the time government and civil relief supplies finally reached the people, Witnesses had already received assistance four or five times.

Pioneer Spirit Not Dampened

Though the brothers affected by the flood were deprived materially, they were determined to preach the word. A number of publishers in the flooded area increased their preaching activity. In one congregation, many enrolled as auxiliary pioneers, though 80 percent of their territory was under water!

Congregations made arrangements to preach in downtown business territories, in hospitals, in bus terminals, and in high-rise buildings. Though the rain continued, the pioneers could work in those areas and still keep themselves comparatively dry. The auxiliary pioneers also learned to work as a team, supporting the field service arrangements and manifesting a positive spirit. As a result of experiencing Jehovah’s loving care during the very difficult circumstances, many of them are now serving as regular pioneers.

The Scene of the World Is Changing

Recognizing that “the scene of this world is changing,” the Argentina branch encouraged circuit overseers to adjust their service schedules so that they can contact more people. (1 Cor. 7:31) In some localities it is hard to find people at home during the day because more people are working full-time. So it was suggested that street or business witnessing be done early in the day in order to leave the door-to-door preaching work for the evening. Telephone witnessing and informal witnessing are also being emphasized. The publishers are encouraged to be alert to any opportunity to speak to people.

While preaching from house to house, a sister noticed a man playing with his children in the park across the street. Though somewhat hesitant, she and her companion approached him. They struck up a conversation and were surprised by his positive response. The man even gave them his address. The sister and her husband called on him and found the man and his wife eagerly awaiting their visit. After several conversations, a Bible study was started. Jehovah’s Witnesses had often called at their home, but the wife had never shown interest. The family is now progressing well, attending and participating in the meetings.

In the southern province of Santa Cruz, Claudio Julian Bórquez takes advantage of his position as a tour guide to witness informally to tourists who visit Glaciers National Park. This park is home to 13 major glaciers, including the nearly three-mile-wide [5 km] Perito Moreno, which attracts tourists from all over the world. When tourists marvel at the beauty of the glacier, this brother calls attention to the Creator and distributes literature in different languages. Yes, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Argentina are using every opportunity to preach the word to “all sorts of men.”—1 Tim. 2:4.

Street witnessing is another means of reaching people with the Bible’s message. Victor Buccheer, who is very active in street witnessing, invited an irregular publisher to join him. The publisher had to be at work by 8:30 a.m., so they decided to start street witnessing at 5:30 a.m. This early-morning activity helped the publisher and his family of nine to be regular in the ministry again. They were able to start Bible studies and to place as many as 176 magazines in a month. This encouraged others to join in the early-morning street witnessing.

Longtime Missionaries—Still Active Ministers

Over the years, many missionaries have served in Argentina, learning a new language, adapting to different customs, enduring health problems, and braving hardships during the bans. Some have had to leave the country because of assignment changes, health problems, or family responsibilities. Gwaenydd Hughes, a brother from the sixth class of Gilead, later got married and reared two sons; he continued serving Jehovah faithfully until his death. Others, such as Ofelia Estrada and Lorene Eisenhower, died while continuing in their assignments. Yet, a number of devoted missionaries from the early classes of Gilead still remain active in their assignments.

Helen Nichols and Helen Wilson, of the first class of Gilead, were assigned to Argentina in 1948. In 1961 they were sent to the northwestern province of Tucumán. At that time, there was only one small congregation in the city of San Miguel de Tucumán. Today, there are 13 congregations and seven Kingdom Halls in that city and 5 more congregations in the surrounding area. What a joy it has been to these missionaries to have had a share in this increase!

Charles Eisenhower, from Gilead’s first class, began his missionary service in Cuba, where he served from 1943 to 1948 and saw the number of publishers there grow from 500 to 5,000. Then he was assigned to Argentina, where he served as a missionary, then a circuit overseer, and then a district overseer until April 1953. At that time, he was assigned to be branch overseer. He has been privileged to see the number of publishers in Argentina grow from 900 to over 120,000. Brother Eisenhower, who serves as Branch Committee coordinator, observes: “There is nothing that can bring more happiness to young men and women than to be devoting their lives fully to Jehovah’s service.”

The Joy of Serving Jehovah

Argentine Witnesses who have taken up the full-time ministry as a career are also happy to use their lives in serving Jehovah. Marcelo and María Oliva Popiel were baptized in 1942 and 1946 respectively. They have both been special pioneers for 44 years. For the Popiels, the ban of 1976 was not a new experience, since they had experienced the restrictions on their work right after the ban in 1950. They helped the newer ones to deal with the restrictions brought on by the renewed ban and encouraged them to continue their service faithfully. Marcelo cherishes the years he has served Jehovah. He says: “It is a joy to have served Jehovah loyally. We are very grateful to Jehovah for giving us the privilege of serving him and for letting us spend the best years of our lives doing a truly worthwhile work.”

Pietro Brandolini, who was baptized in 1957 and who has been serving as a special pioneer for almost 40 years, shares the same feelings. He is happy to have used his life in the full-time ministry, for he has received blessings more numerous than he could ever have hoped for. He enthusiastically says that Jehovah has always taken care of him, both spiritually and materially.

Pietro is over 70 years old, and at times he has health problems. Yet, he is still active as a special pioneer. Recently, he met a man who works as a teacher in a Catholic school. Pietro offered him a Bible study, which the teacher gladly accepted. After the fourth study, the man told Pietro that he believed that he was learning the truth. Pietro warned him that when the priests at the school found out about his study with Jehovah’s Witnesses, he might lose his job. However, the man said that he was not worried, since he could find work elsewhere. How happy Pietro was to hear that the schoolteacher viewed the truth of God’s Word as something so valuable!

Zealous for Fine Works

Many others have recognized the urgency of the time and have proved themselves to be “zealous for fine works.” (Titus 2:14) Currently, there are more than 120,000 publishers in Argentina, and upwards of 7,000 of these have made room in their lives for regular pioneer service. Hernán Torres is one of them. As he is almost 70 years old, blind, and confined to a wheelchair, it takes extra effort for him to meet the hour requirement for pioneers. Some days, he gets up early and goes to an area in the nursing home where he lives. There he talks to others about the Bible, makes return visits, and delivers magazines to the residents who are on his magazine route. If the weather is fine, he sits outside the home and preaches to those who walk by. On other days, a brother or sister accompanies him in the door-to-door ministry. Since he cannot see, his partner lets him know whom he is addressing. If a man answers the door, his companion taps him once on the shoulder. If it is a woman, two taps. If it is a young person, three.

Another regular pioneer, Rolando Leiva, is a barber. In his barbershop, he has a display of the Watch Tower Society’s publications. The most recent issues of The Watchtower and Awake! are always on view. The customers are used to having only Watch Tower publications available to read. “Since I charge so little for haircuts, my customers are willing to accept my conditions,” says Rolando. As he works on a customer, he observes in the mirror those who are waiting. “When I see someone reading a magazine with interest, I start a conversation with him while cutting his hair.” By doing so, Rolando obtained 163 subscriptions during one service year! He has also started many Bible studies with his customers. Eight of the studies he presently conducts were arranged through informal witnessing in his barbershop.

Young ones are also showing their zeal in preaching the word. Elber Heguía, a 13-year-old brother, has been pioneering for two years in the Centro Congregation in San Pedro, in the province of Jujuy. When a sister gave him the address of a man whom she met while doing street witnessing, Elber followed through on the call and was surprised to find a man who teaches martial arts. He approached the instructor and explained why he was there, after which the man accepted a copy of the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. The man enjoyed the book and requested copies for his martial arts students. As a result, Elber placed 50 books, 40 brochures, and several magazines. He started a Bible study with the instructor and 25 of his students. Some are progressing well.

Witnesses to and From the Most Distant Part of the Earth

Zealous publishers originally brought the good news to Argentina from other countries, and the Argentine brothers have imitated their self-sacrificing spirit. The Bethel family has grown to 286. Another 300 brothers and sisters share in other aspects of special full-time service.

Others have made themselves available to serve in countries where there is a greater need. (Isa. 6:8) For example, in the 1980’s, the Governing Body arranged for 20 brothers from Argentina to serve as missionaries in Paraguay without having attended Gilead School. More recently, a large number of single sisters, as well as others, have moved there to serve where the need is greater. They have willingly adapted to a hot and humid climate to declare the good news. Many of the 73 Argentine brothers and sisters now serving in Paraguay are endeavoring to learn the native Guarani language in order to reach a greater number of people.

Over the years, many have gone to serve in Bolivia and Chile as pioneers and as traveling overseers. When the work opened up in Eastern Europe, an Argentine brother who speaks Hungarian made himself available and is now serving in Hungary as a circuit overseer. A married couple inquired about moving to assist in the preaching work in Benin, Africa, and were sent there as missionaries. Their love reflects the attitude of all of Jehovah’s people who reside in the spiritual paradise, where national boundaries do not exist.

In Argentina the ardent proclaimers of the good news of the Kingdom have been willing to ‘preach the word, being at it urgently’ both “in favorable season” and “in troublesome season.” (2 Tim. 4:2) Thanks to their persistent efforts, more than 120,000 people in Argentina are today praising Jehovah and are enjoying his rich blessing.—Prov. 10:22.

[Graph/Picture on page 186]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF WITNESSES DURING THE YEARS OF THE BAN

1950 1960 1970 1980

1,416 7,204 18,763 36,050

[Full-page picture on page 148]

[Pictures on page 150]

They helped lay a foundation for the preaching of the good news in Argentina: (1) George Young, (2) Juan Muñiz, (3) Carlos Ott, (4) Nicolás Argyrós

[Picture on page 152]

Using this bus, Armando Menazzi along with other zealous Witnesses preached throughout at least ten provinces

[Picture on page 156]

Brother Knorr (right) at one of the assemblies held in 1953 during the ban

[Picture on page 161]

The first web offset press used by Jehovah’s Witnesses

[Picture on page 162]

“Divine Victory” International Assembly in Río Ceballos, in 1974

[Picture on page 178]

An assembly held in the woods during difficult times

[Picture on page 193]

A floating Kingdom Hall in the delta area of the Paraná River

[Picture on page 194]

Steven and June Lee serve an international circuit for the Koreans

[Picture on page 200]

One of the southernmost quickly built Kingdom Halls, in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego

[Pictures on page 202]

Assembly Halls in Argentina: (1) Moreno, (2) Córdoba, (3) Lomas de Zamora, (4) Misiones

[Picture on page 204]

Cañuelas Convention Hall

[Pictures on page 208, 209]

1990 international convention

[Picture on page 215]

Severe flooding in northern Argentina left many without shelter

[Pictures on page 218]

Early missionaries still serving in Argentina: (1) Filia Spacil (2) Edith Morgan (3) Sophie Soviak (4) Helen Wilson (5) Mary Helmbrecht (6) Charles Eisenhower

[Pictures on page 223]

(1) Branch Committee (left to right): M. Puchetti, N. Cavalieri, P. Giusti, T. Kardos, R. Vázquez, C. Eisenhower

Branch facilities: (2) offices, (3) printery, (4) Bethel Home

French Guiana

The jungle is everywhere, like a huge green carpet spreading from the Tumuc-Humac Mountains in the south to the Atlantic Ocean to the north. Cutting through this dense rain forest, the Maroni and the Oyapock rivers flow from south to north before emptying into the sea. The land between these rivers is French Guiana.

The rains, which last more than half the year, create a lush environment. But not many humans penetrate the interior of the country. There are few good roads away from the coast, and rapids make river travel a challenge. The names of the rapids signify the danger they present—Saut Fracas (Crash Rapids), Gros Saut (Big Rapids), Saut Tambour (Drum Rapids), Saut Laissé Dédé (Rapids That Leave You Dead), A Dieu Vat’ (That’s the End of It).

The forest contains over a thousand species of trees, dazzling orchids, and other plants that thrive in the moist, tropical environment. More than 170 species of mammals, 720 species of birds, and countless species of insects make their home here. There are huge anacondas, caimans, jaguars, and anteaters, but they are not often seen, since they make a stealthy escape when they detect human presence. Over the paths and above the rivers, bright-blue butterflies drift nonchalantly, and brilliantly colored birds dart from tree to tree.

Just as colorful as the plants and wildlife is the great variety of people and cultures. Amerindian villages are scattered along the coast and rivers. The populace includes the Galibi, Arawak, Palicur, Wayana, Emerillon, and Oyampi.

The majority of the population of this small South American land is concentrated along the coast and in the capital, Cayenne. Living in river communities on the Suriname border are the Bush Negroes, descendants of escaped slaves who were brought from Africa to work on plantations. They speak a creole language called Sranantongo. About a hundred years ago, Asian immigrants arrived from Singapore, Vietnam, and China. In 1977 the Hmong began arriving as political refugees from Laos. Along with Asians, immigrants from Martinique, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Brazil, Suriname, the Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, Lebanon, Peru, and metropolitan France make up over half the population of over 150,000.

A Harsh Life

The first Europeans arrived here about the year 1500, but their initial attempts to settle in this land did not succeed. The environment was too harsh. However, the territory now making up French Guiana became a French colony in the 17th century. Later on, long-term convicts were sent from France to penal camps for forced labor in such places as Cayenne, Kourou, and Saint-Laurent. Political prisoners were consigned to Devil’s Island, where only a small number survived. Those prison camps have long been closed. Now, Kourou is the location of a European satellite-launching center. Although French Guiana is 4,400 miles [7,100 km] from Europe, it is still officially an administrative district of France, a French overseas department, and thus also part of the European Community.

In the latter half of the 19th century, nearly 300 years after a legend concerning a city of gold in this land was reported by Sir Walter Raleigh, gold was finally discovered. In spite of the dangers, by the 1920’s, driven by gold fever, some 10,000 men had penetrated deep inside the rain forest in the hope of striking it rich.

Then came others who also had the courage needed to deal with the rigors of life in French Guiana. However, these pioneers came to give, not to take.

Seeds of Bible Truth Planted

These courageous pioneers brought with them good news from God’s Word. They told people about God’s purpose to put an end to sickness and death, to help people of all nations to live together as brothers, and to make the earth a paradise. (Isa. 2:3, 4; 25:8; 33:24; Rev. 7:9, 10) They were sharing in the work foretold by Jesus Christ when he said that this good news of God’s Kingdom would be preached “in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations” before the end would come. (Matt. 24:14) This important evangelizing work reached French Guiana in 1946. Most of the early Witnesses of Jehovah who came to French Guiana were from such French overseas departments as Guadeloupe and Martinique as well as from Dutch Guiana (now known as Suriname), which lies just to the west.

The first seeds of truth were planted by Brother Olga Laaland, a zealous minister from Guadeloupe. In December 1945 he made a trip to visit his mother and his fleshly brothers, who lived near the Mana River in the interior of French Guiana. Reaching his mother’s village required traveling several days by river canoe. Along the way, he took advantage of overnight stops—at small open sheds covered with leaves of palm trees—to preach and distribute Bible literature. When he arrived at his mother’s village, Haut Souvenir, he joyfully shared with his family the good news of the Kingdom. To his surprise and chagrin, they called him a demon. In this hostile atmosphere, in 1946 he commemorated the Memorial of Jesus’ death with only his young brothers in the audience. Soon his mother, influenced by the local priest, chased him away, shouting: “Demons cannot live here in my house!” Her negative reaction did not dampen his zeal.

On the return trip, he preached when stops were made at gold mines and degrads, or trading posts. One night he and the other passengers were sleeping in a hut on the riverbank. A tropical downpour caused a huge tree to fall with a terrifying crash. In panic, Olga dived into the river, not knowing that the waters were infested with piranhas. When he was unharmed, the men there were persuaded that he must have godlike powers, so they viewed him with deep respect. This made them more open to the message he was bearing.

Brother Laaland eventually reached Mana, a village of 800 inhabitants on the Atlantic Coast. During his initial six-month stay there, he organized meetings and regularly taught ten persons the Bible truths that bring true freedom. (John 8:32) The people nicknamed him Père Paletot (Father Jacket) because he used to wear a jacket, in contrast to the local priest, whom they called Father Dress. Though Brother Laaland ran out of literature, he delivered public talks and zealously preached to all who would listen. He developed a reputation as an energetic speaker, not averse to lively discussions with the local clergy.

Nearly two years after visiting his mother, Brother Laaland returned to Guadeloupe. No one had been baptized as a result of his preaching, but he had planted many seeds. The fruitage would come later.

Workers From a Variety of Lands

In 1956 the Watch Tower Society asked Wim van Seijl from the Suriname branch to go to French Guiana. He relates: “With a small plane, we went from Saint-Laurent to Cayenne and stayed for about three weeks in a small hotel. We worked a great part of Cayenne with the book La Vie Eternelle [Everlasting Life], placing several hundred copies. There definitely was interest, but because of our lack of knowledge of the French language, it was difficult to start studies. Our introduction from house to house was: ‘Yesterday we arrived in Cayenne by plane to preach the good news.’ After two weeks, we still started with ‘Yesterday we arrived in Cayenne,’ since it was the only introduction we knew in French! In an old theater that was no longer in use, we showed the film The New World Society in Action. The narration was translated by a man into patois and was then translated by a woman into French.” There was considerable interest, but how would it be cultivated?

More Witnesses from Suriname came to help. Paul Naarendorp and Cecyl and Nel Pinas were among them. Quite a few of those who came could speak French.

Help came also from an unexpected source. In Dunkerque, France, a family had been studying the Bible. Only the 16-year-old son, Christian Bonecaze, continued to show interest. When the family moved to Cayenne, Christian spoke to his schoolmates about the things he had learned from the Bible. One showed interest, and so did his three sisters. Christian wrote to the Society for help.

About that time, Xavier and Sara Noll had returned to Martinique after graduating from Gilead School in 1958. The Society asked Brother Noll to go to French Guiana to help the small group there. It was a ten-day trip by small boat, during which Xavier had to sleep on the deck.

On arriving in Cayenne, Brother Noll was received hospitably by the interested ones. They invited him to have his meals with them during his stay, and they arranged for him to have a pleasant room in a hotel that was run by a former convict. Every day Brother Noll had Bible studies and spiritual discussions with Christian and the family that was so hospitable. Their knowledge of Bible truth became deeper. Within a few weeks, Christian expressed a desire to get baptized; so did his friend and two of his sisters. Though a downpour made it impossible for Brother Noll to give the baptism talk on the beach as planned, he gave it for the group right in their small automobile. Then they proceeded with the immersion, the first one conducted by Jehovah’s Witnesses in French Guiana.

During his stay in the country, Brother Noll used his time well in the field ministry. In a week he had placed nearly all his literature. He kept just one magazine to show people as a basis for obtaining subscriptions. Within three weeks he obtained 70 subscriptions, including about a dozen in Chinese. How did he explain matters in Chinese? He showed his class picture from Gilead School, pointed to the Chinese students in the class, and used lots of gestures. “It worked very well,” he says. Among others to whom he witnessed was Michel Valard, whose brother was a priest but who himself had been searching for gold in the interior of the country. After Brother Noll left, Christian Bonecaze took the lead in the activity of the small group there in Cayenne.

Shortly after this, in 1960, the branch in Guadeloupe was assigned oversight of the preaching of the good news in French Guiana. How beneficial it was for them to receive help on a more regular basis! A foundation had been laid, and now progressive building could be done. To that end, in 1960, Octave Thélise was sent from Martinique to serve as a special pioneer. He proceeded to visit those who had subscriptions to our magazines and those who had obtained other Watch Tower publications. In that same year, Théophanie Victor, also from Martinique, moved to French Guiana to serve, and soon she was assigned to be a special pioneer.

Earlier, in 1954, Mr. van Pardo, a Dutchman, and his Martinican wife had moved to Paramaribo, Suriname, where the wife was contacted by the Witnesses. The following year, they moved to Saint-Laurent, just across the Maroni River, which separates Suriname from French Guiana. Two Witnesses from Suriname, Brothers Pinas and Libreto, crossed the Maroni River by canoe every three months for a period of about five years to help the couple grow in knowledge of Jehovah and his requirements. In December 1960, at a convention in Paramaribo, Suriname, during a visit by Milton Henschel from the Watch Tower Society’s world headquarters, the Van Pardo couple along with two others from French Guiana got baptized.

In May 1961, Nicolas Brisart, the branch overseer from Guadeloupe, visited the group of 16 publishers in Cayenne to participate in the first circuit assembly there. In addition, he showed the film The Happiness of the New World Society to an audience of 250. The excellent response prompted him to show another film—The New World Society in Action. There was a similar fine response when the films were shown in Saint-Laurent. The deputy mayor of Saint-Laurent was so impressed that he said: “It is the first time in my life that I have seen something like that.” While shaking hands with the brothers, he asked: “Did you ask the mayor for permission to use the town hall to show your film? I’ll talk to him about it tomorrow.” Permission was granted not only to show the films but also to present a public Bible talk every night. In all, over 500 persons saw the Society’s films and heard talks based on the Bible during that memorable visit. The deputy mayor said: “We need the kind of people you are, you Jehovah’s Witnesses.” About two years later, in March 1963, the first congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses was established in Cayenne. The meetings were held in a small house on the outskirts of the city in a place called Petit Monaco.

How the Truth Reached Them

Among those in that first congregation were Brother and Sister Sylvestre, both originally from Martinique. How did they become Jehovah’s Witnesses? One day in 1952 when Mrs. Sylvestre was going to the grocery store, a former inmate of Devil’s Island saw her and asked her to take some books to her husband. Where he got the books she did not know, but they were Watch Tower publications. She knew that her husband liked to read them, so she took them along. She recalls: “As I dropped the books on the table, my eyes caught sight of the title ‘Let God Be True.’ I immediately took interest in this book that spoke about God. When my husband came home, I related to him what I had read about the name of God, the worship of idols, and what the forbidden fruit really was. Never before had I heard such things. I was immediately convinced that this was the truth. Right away, I stopped attending my religious meetings. Although I had never met the Witnesses, I started to talk to my friends about what I was learning through this book, and I encouraged all around me to read it. Nine years later, a lady, Théophanie Victor, came to my door and offered me two Awake! magazines. As she was leaving, I asked her which religion she belonged to. ‘The Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses,’ she answered. ‘Well,’ I exclaimed, ‘I have been waiting for you for nine years now! May I have an appointment with you?’” In time, she and her husband took a firm stand for the worship of Jehovah.

Michel Valard, who had earlier been contacted at his workplace by Xavier Noll, was also among those who embraced the truth when the Witnesses in this country were few. When he began to attend meetings held by the Witnesses, he gradually realized that he was getting satisfying answers to his questions. Sister Victor offered to study the Bible with him, and he immediately accepted, but Jeanne, his wife, was very upset about it. As a result, he had to study outside the house. Yet, he was convinced that what he was learning was the truth, and he wanted to share it with Jeanne. So he selected articles from the magazines that he knew would arouse her curiosity and put these where she could not help but see them. Eventually, she too agreed to have a Bible study, and in 1963 both of them got baptized. Their children also accepted the truth, and one of them, Jean-Daniel Michotte (Jeanne’s son before she married Michel Valard), serves as a member of the Branch Committee.

It was while studying in France that Paul Chong Wing, a young teacher from French Guiana, came in touch with the Witnesses. He was disillusioned by the world situation and the attitudes of the people. He had pursued Freemasonry, but it did not answer the questions that were puzzling him. He used to tell himself that there must be truth somewhere, and he resolved to look for it. His contacts with Jehovah’s Witnesses convinced him that he had found it. On returning to French Guiana, he got in touch with Michel Valard, and to his great joy, he learned that there was a Kingdom Hall very near his home. He got baptized in 1964, and his wife, the following year. He progressed rapidly. The need for capable and willing men in the congregation was so great that he was appointed to be the congregation servant just one year later. He helped to form a number of congregations. Now he serves as a member of the Branch Committee.

Supporting Isolated Publishers

The congregation in Cayenne was growing, but the publishers there did not limit their efforts to their local territory. Brothers from Cayenne periodically made weekend visits to support the small groups of isolated publishers in Saint-Laurent, Mana, and Iracoubo. The schedule on such trips was full. First they drove along the coast from Cayenne to Saint-Laurent, at the border with Suriname. At 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, a meeting including a public talk and the Watchtower Study was held. After an overnight stay, they drove north to Mana in order to begin the meeting there at 8:00 a.m. After a lunch on the way back on the road to Cayenne, they stopped at Iracoubo to hold the same program, starting at 3:00 p.m. Then they headed home to Cayenne.

These were marathon weekends, but those who participated have unforgettable memories. The trip involved traveling 150 miles [250 km] each way. The roads were red dirt and full of holes. After a tropical rain, the roadway was flooded and was sometimes under three feet of water. The brothers had to wait a few hours to allow the waters to subside before they could continue. It was necessary for a caravan of five or six vehicles to travel together because the holes in the road were so deep that the cars often got stuck. When this happened, the brothers had to cut small trees from the forest and put the trunks across the holes. Then everyone pushed the cars across. The first car to pass over a large hole helped to pull the others across. There were also delays as they waited for ferries at Kourou and at Mana. While waiting, the brothers were attacked by mosquitoes, but they used their time to offer magazines to passersby.

The isolated groups of publishers were greatly built up by these visits, and their expressions of gratitude far overshadowed any problems encountered in the journey. The benefits were not one-sided. The brothers from Cayenne were also greatly encouraged by the hospitality and zeal shown by Brother and Sister van Pardo, Sister Fantan, Sister Barthebin, and Sister Defreitas. Arrangements were later made for Brother and Sister Fléreau from Guadeloupe to serve as special pioneers in this area, and they did excellent work cultivating the interest. In fulfilling the commission given by Jesus to “make disciples of people of all the nations,” Jehovah’s Witnesses have not neglected those in French Guiana.—Matt. 28:19.

Progress—Slow but Sure

By 1970 there were 129 publishers in the Cayenne Congregation, and isolated groups were active in Saint-Laurent and Kourou. The numbers were small, but Jehovah’s Witnesses were becoming well-known in the country. Yet, progress was slow. Another ten years passed before the number of Kingdom proclaimers in the country doubled.

Spiritual progress was impeded by the difficulty that some had in accepting the Bible’s counsel on disfellowshipping and repentance. Divisions appeared among the publishers. Some supported decisions by the body of elders; others did not. Traveling overseers from Guadeloupe came to review with the brothers the instructions from the Governing Body on this matter. Those who accepted the direction that came through Jehovah’s channel blossomed.

Another factor that influenced the spirit of the publishers was the people’s attitude toward our preaching in Cayenne. The Catholic Church was very influential. The clergy despised the Witnesses and influenced their flocks against them. This did not deter the brothers. In fact, their zeal caused a stir in the community. When people did not open their doors, the Witnesses would go around to the rear of the houses to search out people who might be hiding in the backyard. Some brothers engaged in heated arguments about the Sabbath with Adventists and about hellfire and the immortality of the soul with Evangelists. Those discussions could last from morning until evening!

David Moreau, who traveled from Martinique to serve as a circuit overseer, recalls one of those arguments. “We were talking to a young man when a pastor of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church came and shared in the discussion. He insisted on talking about the Sabbath. Virgo, our brother, said that he had come to speak about God’s Kingdom, but the discussion turned out to be about the Sabbath anyway. The pastor declared: ‘The Sabbath is from God. Even in the Paradise to come we will still practice the Sabbath!’ He quoted Isaiah 66:23: ‘It shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.’ Brother Virgo now asked the pastor: ‘So according to this verse, what was last Wednesday?’ The pastor, perspiring abundantly, tried several answers but was unable to make the link between last Wednesday and the verse. ‘It was the new moon, man! So, look! You practice the Sabbath, but you forget the new moon! You’re removing more than an iota from the Bible.’” Virgo later said to David: “I never go out in the service without checking the calendar to see when the new moon is, in case I meet an Adventist.”

Although the brothers had become skilled at defending their beliefs, some were focusing more on winning arguments than on searching out sheeplike ones. Training was needed to witness effectively to the population, and Jehovah provided the needed help.

Missionaries Open Up the Interior

In the late 1970’s, missionaries trained at Gilead School as well as pioneers from France who were assigned directly to missionary service began arriving in French Guiana. The important work of training and strengthening the congregations began. The brothers were taught how to give a more tactful, effective witness. The missionaries also took the lead in preaching among the various language groups in the country. Soon local brothers followed suit and began to learn English, Portuguese, Sranantongo, and Galibi, which is an Amerindian language. At present, the branch office in French Guiana provides literature for distribution in 18 languages.

In April 1991, Jonadab Laaland and his wife, both graduates of Gilead School who had been serving in New Caledonia, were assigned to the Kourou area to strengthen the congregation there. Jonadab’s father, Olga Laaland, had done some of the earliest planting of seeds of Bible truth in French Guiana. Over 280 publishers now praise Jehovah in Kourou.

Missionaries also spearheaded efforts to open new territories, especially in the difficult-to-reach interior. They were undeterred by the fact that this involved exposure to such tropical diseases as malaria, encounters with snakes, putting up with swarms of insects, navigating powerful rivers and dangerous rapids to reach isolated villages, and braving torrential rains and mud.

Elie and Lucette Régalade did much fine work in Cayenne and Saint-Laurent. They also worked previously untouched territory along the upper part of the Maroni River on the western border of the country. Along with a small group of brothers, they made a three-week preaching expedition to all the river villages from Saint-Laurent to Maripasoula. This trip had to be interrupted so that one in the group could be treated in Saint-Laurent for a severe case of malaria. But preaching campaigns into the interior continued so that people there could hear the good news.

To reach Saint-Élie, a village established by 19th-century explorers in search of gold, requires a seven-hour canoe trip from the coast on the Sinnamary River through the center of the country. This is followed by a two-day, 20-mile [30 km] walk through the jungle with a heavy bag on one’s back. Any who witness there have to bring enough food for three days and a good supply of literature. At night they need a fire to keep animals away and, likely, a hammock to sleep in. But what a pleasure it was for two missionaries sent from France, Eric Couzinet and Michel Bouquet, to make that trip and give a thorough witness to the 150 inhabitants. Twenty persons attended the slide talk that was given during their stay.

It is among these people that the brothers found Fanélie, who was trying to satisfy her spiritual need. She had formerly been a Roman Catholic. Recently, she had joined the Adventists. No one from her religion ever visited her in Saint-Élie. She used to send in Bible courses by mail, but she never received an answer. When she met the Witnesses, she realized that only they were making efforts to visit people in such remote places as Saint-Élie. Fanélie studied with the brothers every day for a week. Soon thereafter, she moved to a bigger city for six months. During that period, she studied three times a week. When she returned to the village, she was an unbaptized publisher. Fanélie was caring for her non-Witness husband and five young children, but her zeal for the truth moved her to spend over 40 hours each month in witnessing to others. She also helped to organize meetings for interested ones. When she arranged for the Memorial, 40 attended. Since then, Fanélie has moved to the coast, but she continues to be active in the ministry. She rejoices that one of her daughters has been baptized and that her husband now studies.

Kaw, Ouanary, and Favar, in the eastern part of the country, are other communities that were first reached by the missionaries. Brother Couzinet well recalls his first preaching tour to those places in 1987 along with some local Witnesses. They took a ferry and then drove along a 25-mile [40-km] red dirt road to arrive at a swamp. When they stopped the car, they heard frightening roars. He thought that it must be jaguars ready to attack. But the brothers traveling with Brother Couzinet assured him that it was just a group of howler monkeys disturbed by their arrival. They met a couple who had been searching for the truth. This couple moved into Cayenne, progressed to baptism, and now serve in the Portuguese field in French Guiana.

Gradually, many other remote territories were visited. Grand Santi, Papaïchton, and Saül are some of these places that benefited from initial visits by the missionaries. Most of the previously untouched territories are now regularly visited by Kingdom publishers.

Preaching in Maripasoula

Maripasoula, a very important village on the upper Maroni River, was reached with the Kingdom message as early as 1963. For professional reasons, Adrien Jean-Marie, who was then a Bible student, had to go there three times a year. He was bubbling with enthusiasm for the truth, so he used the opportunity to give a thorough witness and always left behind many Bible publications.

Although others also witnessed in Maripasoula, it was difficult to communicate with the local Sranantongo-speaking inhabitants. Known by locals as Taki-Taki, Sranantongo is based on English and draws elements from Dutch, French, Portuguese, and various languages of Africa and India. The Suriname branch sent Sranantongo-speaking special pioneers to Maripasoula for periods of three to six months, but the population responded negatively. Eventually, the brothers were expelled from the village on the pretext of being foreigners from Suriname. In fact, it was mainly because they were Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Cornélis and Hélène Linguet were sent in as special pioneers in 1992. Their knowledge of Sranantongo greatly facilitated their preaching, and because they were of French nationality, they were more readily accepted by the people. For three days each week, they preached in Maripasoula, and for the next three days, they witnessed in Papaïchton, a village one hour from Maripasoula by canoe. At first, they held meetings in their home in Maripasoula. After two years of work, eight persons attended the Memorial. This couple persevered in this remote territory. Their love for the people helped them to endure in the face of numerous problems. Eventually, their patience was rewarded, and two congregations developed.

One who responded to the Bible’s message is Antoine Tafanier, considered to be an important member of his community because he is a close relative of the Gran Man, the supreme authority in the animistic community. Tafanier had two concubines, a common practice along the river. So when Tafanier took his stand for the truth, he had to make adjustments in his life, either marrying one of the two women or remaining single. The two women, living in separate homes and knowing that he was going to choose between them, had a terrible fight. Today, Antoine Tafanier is a happy baptized Witness serving Jehovah along with one wife. What about the other woman? After a time, she also started to study the Bible and is now a baptized servant of Jehovah.

Appreciation for Jehovah’s Witnesses grew in the area. A local association made a meeting place available to them free of charge for three years. When the time came to build a Kingdom Hall, half of the galvanized sheets were donated by these sympathizers. Another local association was in charge of the television station and broadcast the five videotapes of the Watch Tower Society that were then available. The video Jehovah’s Witnesses—The Organization Behind the Name was particularly appreciated by the village residents.

The Witnesses were now established in this formerly hostile area. By 1993, both Maripasoula and Papaïchton had Kingdom Halls, and people living in this area along the Maroni River were having regular opportunities to hear the Kingdom message.

Along the Oyapock River

What was being accomplished along the eastern border of the country, where the Oyapock River flows between French Guiana and Brazil? In 1973, Adrien Jean-Marie gave a good witness in the town of Saint Georges. His first visit lasted three days. During the same year, he returned twice and was able to organize a public meeting with 20 in attendance. A few Bible studies were started by correspondence, but that did not work well because the students were not used to writing letters. In Tampac, a Bush Negro village on the same river, Brother Jean-Marie also found those interested in the Bible’s message.

Ten years later, in 1983, Etiennise Mandé and Jacqueline Lafiteau were sent to give a further witness and to help interested ones in this remote area. When possible, brothers from Cayenne would fly to Saint Georges for a weekend to lend support by sharing in the field ministry with the sisters and by giving public talks. However, much patience was required before fruitage was evident. Sister Mandé recalls: “I started several Bible studies. But before long, the local priest started to oppose our work. Some would say: ‘The priest told us not to pay attention to the Witnesses or to welcome you into our home because you are agents of the Devil.’ Several of my students stopped their studies.” With persistence, though, results did come.

Michel Bouquet and Richard Rose, a special pioneer, also shared in developing interest in the truth in that area. Much witnessing had been done in Saint Georges, but starting in 1989, they were assigned to concentrate on the territory outside that community. Recently, Brother Rose and his wife had the privilege of being the first pioneers from French Guiana to attend Gilead School. They presently serve in Haiti.

Once a foothold was established on the French Guiana bank of the Oyapock River, arrangements were made to work a small territory across the river in Brazil. The town of Oiapoque has 10,000 inhabitants, and it is about 20 minutes from Saint Georges by canoe. The brothers soon realized that there was more interest there than in Saint Georges, so they concentrated on that territory. Brother Moreau recalls: “We used to stay overnight at the back of a store. It was not easy under those conditions, although a nice woman who called herself a ‘sister’ was offering us a place to sleep and a barrel of water to wash ourselves. The young local pioneers laughed when my wife Marylène complained about the smell of the water. Everyone washed in the darkness of the backyard and went to bed. The following morning, however, we discovered with horror that a big rat had drowned in the barrel and had come up to the surface.” But that did not overshadow the good experiences they were having in the ministry.

In this town of Oiapoque, Brother Bouquet took the initiative to buy a parcel of land. He and Brother Rose, along with other pioneers and brothers from Cayenne, worked to build an 80-seat Kingdom Hall with an attached apartment.

In the 1990’s, a special pioneer couple, the Da Costas, arrived in Oiapoque to help. They made it a point to visit all the schools and offer the headmasters the practical book Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work. They also asked permission to offer this book to all the pupils. This was granted. After hearing what the book contained, all the students and all the teachers asked for copies. They placed 250 books.

Brother da Costa reports: “We had an excellent discussion with the commander of the local military camp, and we offered him a copy of the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. He accepted it and asked for help in dealing with the drunkenness and immorality of his men in the camp. We offered to give a talk to the men. He liked this idea and promised that there would be a small group the following week. When we came to give the talk, we found 140 soldiers waiting for us. All paid good attention to what was said. We left 70 magazines; we had no more with us because we did not expect to see so many people at our meeting. This arrangement continued for weeks. Because these soldiers do not stay long in one spot, we lost track of most of them.” Yet, many responded favorably to the help given.

A young woman named Rosa had studied the Bible with the Witnesses in Brazil, but she had not fully responded to the good news. When she heard about a chance to make a lot of money by working in a gold mine in French Guiana, she abandoned her apartment and her Bible study and arrived at Oiapoque with the intention of entering French Guiana illegally. Of course, to live among men at a gold mine in the midst of the forest would not be safe for a woman. Before she left for the mines, a concerned sister in Oiapoque helped her to reconsider her situation. She was deeply moved by the Bible’s counsel at Matthew 6:25-34, and she changed her mind. Rosa dedicated her life to Jehovah and returned home. After several years of separation, she was reunited with her husband.

There is now a congregation of 25 publishers in Oiapoque. The efforts of the five publishers in Saint Georges are also bearing fruit. The first resident of Saint Georges to take a stand for the truth was Jean René Mathurin. Today he serves as a ministerial servant, and his wife, as a regular pioneer.

Joyful Assemblies

In Bible times, worshipers of Jehovah were instructed to assemble regularly for worship. (Deut. 16:1-17) Similarly, assemblies and conventions have been a highlight for modern-day worshipers of Jehovah in French Guiana. Even when the publishers were few in number, the brothers did not shy away from the responsibility of organizing assemblies. A brother relates: “In the 1960’s, our district conventions lasted eight days. There were four Bible dramas. The actors had to learn their roles by heart, and the handful of publishers had to work very hard. Fortunately, a large number of brothers from Martinique and Guadeloupe used to come to assist with the assemblies.” Their presence was deeply appreciated by the brothers. Many still warmly remember the days when most of the local brothers would go to the airport to welcome the delegates arriving from Martinique and Guadeloupe.

These gatherings were truly occasions of rejoicing. Each assembly was a spiritual feast, and the brothers felt as did the Israelites to whom Jehovah said: “You must rejoice before Jehovah your God.”—Lev. 23:40.

The more experienced brothers were kept very busy. They cared for organization of the convention, gave discourses, and often acted in several dramas. It was not unusual for a brother to be in three dramas and give five or six talks.

The fact that substantial meals were prepared and served at lunchtime added to the work. The menu sometimes included pig, lizard, agouti, turtle, and armadillo. In some cases while at the convention, the brothers had to hunt or fish for the food that was served.

Finding places to assemble has always been a challenge. In the beginning, the Valard’s home was used. The brothers built a shed in the yard, and every year the shed was extended to cover the growing audience. When the attendance surpassed 200, however, it was necessary to look for a larger place. At first, the only places available for them to rent were handball or basketball courts. The brothers would construct a stage and ask the attendees to bring their own chairs. It was not easy, but the brothers viewed the situation in a positive way. The young ones never hesitated to give up their seat to older ones, even if that meant standing up all day.

For years, dance halls were rented for assemblies. When the Saturday session finished, the brothers had to empty the hall quickly because the musicians were arriving to prepare for dancing that would last all night. Early in the morning, the brothers went back to clean the hall and make it ready for the Sunday morning session. Of course, this was not the sort of place that people generally viewed as suitable for a religious meeting. When the brothers met in the Guyana Palace, Au Soleil Levant, and Au Canari, it brought mockery from people in the territory. As time passed, however, these places too were no longer large enough to accommodate the growing number of people attending the assemblies.

Finally, the brothers decided to build their own Assembly Hall, following the model of Assembly Halls in Martinique and Guadeloupe. It had a metal framework with a roof of galvanized sheets. It was large enough to accommodate about a thousand people, yet it could be easily dismantled. The next order of business was to find a piece of land where this Assembly Hall could be erected for use. Jean-Daniel Michotte made part of his property available. This arrangement lasted for several years.

An Extraordinary Building Project

As interest in the truth grew, a larger Assembly Hall became necessary. The brothers began looking for property large enough to construct a 2,000-seat Assembly Hall. After searching for several years, they found a well-situated 7.5-acre [3 ha] property at a reasonable price. Since the local brothers did not have the needed background in engineering and construction, the France branch was asked to assist. The project that was devised was truly extraordinary. It was carried out in 1993. The construction included a 21,500-square-foot [2,000 sq m] Assembly Hall, five Kingdom Halls, three apartments for special pioneers, and three missionary homes, and they were all built in just eight weeks!

Much of the material was shipped from France in 32 large containers. Tractors, trucks, buses, blocks, galvanized sheets, and other building materials, as well as a large supply of food, were among the cargo. Regional Building Committees in France that were involved in the project worked very hard.

During the course of the project, some 800 brothers and sisters came from France at their own expense to work with 500 local brothers and sisters on four different sites. The westernmost site was 150 miles [250 km] from the easternmost site, so good communication was needed. The French brothers came in shifts during the two-month period, but at one point there were 500 from France working with 422 local Witnesses. Providing accommodations for all the workers was a challenge. Many local families hosted two or three French workers; no one stayed in a hotel. Transportation for the workers was also required. One brother relates: “I would make a detour and drop off some workers at the site on my way to work and then pick them up after work. We did our best to make the workers feel at ease.”

While the main group was in Matoury at the site for the Assembly Hall (which was also designed to accommodate a Kingdom Hall), others were in Sinnamary to build a Kingdom Hall and a small missionary home. In Mana, another Kingdom Hall and a missionary home were being constructed. In the Sranantongo section of Mana, a Kingdom Hall with an apartment for the special pioneers was being built. In Saint-Laurent, a 330-seat Kingdom Hall and a missionary home for six were built. Two congregations meet there. This large Kingdom Hall is used for the Sranantongo conventions, often attended by up to 600 persons.

After this mammoth construction task, some of the French brothers decided to settle in French Guiana. In addition to contributing their building skills, they have blessed the congregations by serving as elders, ministerial servants, and members of building committees. Later, some shared in the construction of new branch facilities.

Need for a Branch Office

The French Guiana branch office started operating in 1990 in a rented home at Montjoly, a town near the capital. David Moreau was appointed to serve as Branch Committee coordinator. While serving in Martinique since his graduation from Gilead School in 1981, he had frequently cared for assignments in French Guiana. With him on the Branch Committee were Jean-Daniel Michotte, Paul Chong Wing, and Eric Couzinet. Later, Christian Belotti was assigned to serve along with them. The congregations greatly appreciated receiving direction locally through mature brothers who were very familiar with their needs.

When the branch was formed, there was a ratio of 1 Kingdom publisher for every 173 persons in the country. The 660 publishers included 14 missionaries assigned to various parts of the country. The ongoing growth of publishers—in some years as high as 18 percent—made it necessary to look for more suitable office facilities. In 1992 the branch office was moved to Matoury, a short distance from Cayenne. Then in 1995 the Governing Body granted approval to construct a building better suited to our needs. Two years of work were required for the new complex to become a reality. What a great source of rejoicing it became to the brothers, and what an excellent witness was given!

Challenges of the Ministry

Preaching the good news in this country requires hard work, self-sacrifice, and love. Sincere Bible students observe this. One of these said to the Witness who was studying with her: “Really, I can see the love and the devotion that you manifest toward me. For months, even when it was raining, you came regularly to teach me about the knowledge of the good news. So in return, every Sunday, I’ll be at your meetings.” That is what she did, even bringing some friends.

At times, to reach the place where a study is to be conducted, the publishers have to walk over a tree trunk laid over a ditch. This becomes more challenging when the trunk is partially floating. David Moreau, with arms stretched out to keep balance, was walking ahead of a pioneer sister when he heard a splash behind him. The sister courageously climbed back onto the trunk, washed herself when she arrived, and conducted her Bible study as if nothing had happened.

In another location, Brother Bouquet arrived by canoe at a village when the ocean tide was out and the riverbank was thick mud. As he walked toward the village, he sank into the mud up to his knees. After about 80 feet [25 m], he finally reached dry ground. The kind villagers gave him water to wash his legs; then he began his ministry.

It is more than the remoteness of their villages and the differences in language that make reaching the Amerindians difficult. In an effort to protect these territories from the inroads of civilization, the government restricts public access. Systematic preaching is not permitted in their villages. Nevertheless, when Amerindians visit nearby villages to buy necessities, Jehovah’s Witnesses try to share with them the marvelous hope of a world free from all sickness, including malaria, which is a scourge to many people here.

For some, keeping appointments and attending meetings at a certain time require a major change in their thinking. Thirty years ago the natives never wore watches, and no one was in a hurry. Being on time for meetings was a new concept. One sister was grateful when she arrived during the prayer, only to discover that it was the closing prayer! On another occasion, a missionary who was preaching in Saint Georges asked a man whether the village of Régina was far away. The man answered: “Not far.” “So, how far?” he asked. “Only nine days walk to reach there.” This view of time also shows why some, though they like the truth, postpone making a decision to serve God.

Some have had to choose between tribal laws and Bible principles in connection with family life. At times, their decision to walk in Jehovah’s ways has resulted in an outpouring of fury by the village chief. In one village, the special pioneer and his wife who were serving in that area were sentenced to death by the village chief. To escape execution, they fled the village and then were transferred to another assignment 180 miles [300 km] away.

Despite these challenges, people from all backgrounds and walks of life are responding to the invitation: “Let anyone that wishes take life’s water free.” (Rev. 22:17) This past year, a peak of 1,500 shared in preaching the good news in French Guiana. On an average, 2,288 Bible studies were being conducted with interested people. On April 19, there were 5,293 who attended the Memorial of Christ’s death. It is our earnest prayer that many more will make the truth their own, thus becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ.

[Full-page picture on page 224]

[Picture on page 228]

Olga Laaland

[Picture on page 230]

Left to right: Christian Bonecaze and Xavier Noll

[Pictures on page 234]

Michel and Jeanne Valard

[Picture on page 237]

Constance and Edmogène Fléreau

[Pictures on page 238]

(1) A wooden path through the rain forest, (2) Eric Couzinet and Michel Bouquet with supplies, (3) An Amerindian village

[Picture on page 241]

Elie and Lucette Régalade

[Pictures on page 251]

An eight-week international building project: (1) Assembly Hall in Matoury; Kingdom Halls and other accommodations in (2,3) Mana, (4) Saint-Laurent, and (5) Sinnamary; (6) Witnesses from French Guiana, along with hundreds from France, shared in the work

[Pictures on page 252, 253]

Branch office and Bethel Home in French Guiana, with the Branch Committee (left to right): Paul Chong Wing, David Moreau, Jean-Daniel Michotte, Eric Couzinet

How Did This Yearbook Benefit You?

A good report from a distant land is refreshing, as stated at Proverbs 25:25. There are many such reports in this “Yearbook.”

◂ In the reports, did you observe events that fulfill certain Bible prophecies?

◂ As you read this Yearbook, what evidence of Jehovah’s loving care for his servants especially impressed you?

◂ How did you benefit from the way that fellow Christians in other lands view the very difficult situations that confront them?

◂ What did you learn from the experiences of your Christian brothers that can help you to make your own ministry more effective?

◂ In what ways will the examples of faith recounted in this book affect your life?

◂ Which experiences did you mark because you felt that someone else would be helped if you shared these with him?