Yearbook—2004
Title Page/Publishers’ Page
pp. 1–2
Title Page/Publishers’ Page
2004 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Containing Report for the Service Year of 2003
“Keep on the Watch . . .
Prove Yourselves Ready.”—Matthew 24:42, 44.
Consistently, God’s Word reminds us that Jehovah’s day will arrive with shocking suddenness. Hence, our yeartext for 2004 reflects Jesus’ deep love for his disciples, whom he wants to preserve through “the great tribulation.” (Rev. 7:14) How do we remain spiritually watchful and ready? By allowing nothing to distract us from our study of God’s Word and from our privileges of sacred service. This Yearbook contains many examples of loyal Witnesses, who took to heart Jesus’ loving admonition. May you imitate their faith.
[Picture Credit Line on page 2]
Presses on pages 13, 22, and 23: Copyright by MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
Contents
p. 2
A Letter From the Governing Body
pp. 3–5
A Letter From the Governing Body
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
“MAY you have undeserved kindness and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 1:3) How we yearn for the time when every breathing thing will give Jehovah the glory that he deserves! (Ps. 150:6) As we await that grand day, we continue proclaiming the good news of God’s Kingdom and making disciples.
The evangelizing ministry is the present focus of Jehovah’s works in the earth. (Mark 13:10) Because we are keenly aware of Jehovah’s interest in this work, we approach it prayerfully, realizing that each human has the opportunity to benefit from the ransom provision. (Rev. 14:6, 7, 14, 15) True, we face challenges, but how grateful we are to be “clothed with power from on high” to accomplish this ministry!—Luke 24:49.
It is satisfying to look back over the past service year and contemplate what Jehovah has accomplished through his loyal servants. Empowered by holy spirit, God’s people have displayed Christlike love, overcoming hatred worldwide. Such love was evident at our conventions. From June through December 2003, delegates from more than a hundred lands traveled to 32 international conventions held on six continents. Missionaries, international servants, and Bethelites in foreign service were interviewed at district and international conventions.
At these conventions, we received the publications “See the Good Land” and Learn From the Great Teacher. Additionally, it was announced that a revised Pioneer Service School textbook is scheduled for introduction toward the end of the 2004 service year. Progressively, long-time pioneers who have attended the school will join classes comprising newer pioneers.
Divine support and human generosity have made possible the construction of many more Kingdom Halls, especially in lands with limited resources. Because of the growing worldwide need for spiritual food, branch expansion projects are under way in many lands. The brochure Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! now appears in 299 languages, with a total printing of 139 million copies; Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life has surpassed 93 million copies in 161 languages; and over 200 million copies of the brochure What Does God Require of Us? have been printed in 267 languages.
We extend a warm welcome to the 258,845 who symbolized their dedication by water baptism during the past service year! Although your support of God’s Kingdom has made you special targets of Satan’s hatred, it has also made you special recipients of Jehovah’s blessing and spiritual protection as you run the race that is set before you. (Heb. 12:1, 2; Rev. 12:17) Yes, be assured that “the One guarding you cannot possibly be drowsy.”—Ps. 121:3.
The 2004 yeartext, “Keep on the watch . . . Prove yourselves ready,” is most timely. (Matt. 24:42, 44) Christians are described in God’s Word as temporary residents in this dying system of things. (1 Pet. 2:11; 4:7) Hence, we need to stay focused, to keep our lives simple, and to examine our hearts carefully. “The great dragon” wants to devour us, assimilating us into his system of things.—Rev. 12:9.
Essential to maintaining our vigilance is daily Bible reading. It can help us to ‘let our Yes mean Yes’ regarding our dedication and to “make fast our hold on the confidence we had at the beginning firm to the end.” (Jas. 5:12; Heb. 3:14) Daily Bible reading can help us remember how far the world has deviated from God’s unchangeable standards. (Mal. 3:6; 2 Tim. 3:1, 13) Bible knowledge can help us to shun “artfully contrived false stories” and to remain faithful to Jehovah.—2 Pet. 1:16; 3:11.
Parents, as you bring up your children in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah, are you helping them to set spiritual goals and to “keep on the watch”? (Eph. 6:4) Are you training them to view their future as the wisest person ever to walk the earth viewed his? Jesus could have been the greatest carpenter, inventor, or physician who ever lived, but instead he pursued the full-time ministry. May his example move you to help your children put Kingdom interests first in their life.
The faithful slave class, represented by the Governing Body, is filled with heartfelt thankfulness to the “great crowd” for helping us fulfill our responsibility to have ‘this good news of the kingdom preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness.’ (Rev. 7:9; Matt. 24:14, 45) You dear ones have Jehovah’s assurance that he remembers “your work and the love you showed for his name, in that you have ministered to the holy ones and continue ministering.” (Heb. 6:10) As you read the exciting experiences and note the results of your united efforts in the pages that follow, know that you have played a vital part in giving this worldwide witness.
May you face the future with courage as you continue to ‘look intently toward the payment of the reward,’ letting no human or demon deprive you of it. (Heb. 11:26; Col. 2:18) Yes, trust in Jehovah, confident that he will help all who love him to attain to the fullness of life.—John 6:48-54.
Be assured of our joy in serving along with you to the praise of Jehovah’s glory.
Your brothers,
Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Highlights of the Past Year
pp. 6–13
Highlights of the Past Year
JEHOVAH foretold that “in the final part of the days,” people would flock to his figurative mountain to be taught by him. (Mic. 4:1, 2) Over the last year, that prophecy continued to be fulfilled as many more acted in harmony with the 2003 yeartext, “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.” (Jas. 4:8) A key provision that helped many to cultivate a closer relationship with Jehovah was the series of “Give God Glory” District and International Conventions.
“Give God Glory” Conventions
“Since Jehovah’s inanimate creation can bring him praise, how much more so should we who can think and speak glorify our Grand Creator!” exclaimed one of the speakers at the above-mentioned conventions. He then quoted Revelation 4:11, which states: “You are worthy, Jehovah, even our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created.”
The “Give God Glory” Conventions afforded a special opportunity to praise Jehovah, thanks to the 32 international gatherings. These were held in Australia, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Ghana, Hawaii, Hungary, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United States. Missionaries and others in foreign assignments were able to return to their home countries, where they were interviewed concerning their Kingdom activity in far-flung territories. Thousands of foreign delegates also attended these conventions.
A special treat for the international delegates was a visit to the branches in the host countries. The United States branch had the privilege of extending hospitality to over 6,750 delegates from 36 countries, serving them almost 15,000 meals! After one noon meal, a busload of brothers and sisters from South Africa sang for the Bethel family in four-part harmony in six languages: Afrikaans, English, Sepedi, Sesotho, Xhosa, and Zulu. So powerful and beautiful was the singing that many listeners were moved to tears.
In another tour group, a delegate whose lapel card showed that he had traveled halfway around the world said: “To spend all this time with your spiritual brothers and sisters is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I will never forget it. It is a foretaste of the new system.” A brother from Britain who had left the truth at age 17 but returned in recent years was moved when he saw a painting depicting the prodigal son. Later, while enjoying the noon meal with the Brooklyn Bethel family, he reflected on Jehovah’s mercy, and tears welled up in his eyes. A brother from Spain confided that in 29 years of marriage, his wife had never seen him cry. But he wept when his tour group was welcomed by a joyful throng of Witnesses at the international airport in Houston, Texas.
For large conventions, obtaining suitable facilities at a reasonable cost can be a challenge. Often, though, the good name that Jehovah’s Witnesses have built up over the years works in their favor. This is illustrated by what one branch reported: “After a diligent search, we found only one venue that would be suitable to accommodate some 50,000 delegates who were expected to attend the convention. However, after contacting the stadium officials, the brothers found that the cost would be too high. A few days after the branch representatives made their inquiries, the same officials approached the branch and requested a further discussion. Later, one of the senior managers commented: ‘Initially, we had little concept of what you were asking. But once we understood the nature of your conventions and your capacity to provide much of the organizational infrastructure, we were very excited about it. We are impressed by your high level of organization, your detailed planning, and your professionalism.’” The outcome was that the stadium was made available to Jehovah’s Witnesses for their convention at a reasonable rate.
Convention Releases
Are you a diligent student of God’s Word? Then no doubt you were thrilled to receive the 36-page, full-color brochure “See the Good Land.” The diagrams, maps, pictures, computer renderings, and many other features should enrich your personal study. So be sure to keep a copy of “See the Good Land” with your study Bible and the study aids that you regularly use. And remember to take your brochure to congregation meetings when talks and discussions involve Bible lands.
During the talk “Our Children—A Precious Inheritance,” the speaker released the beautifully illustrated, 256-page book Learn From the Great Teacher. Parents who deeply appreciate this divine inheritance will enjoy studying this fine new publication with their little ones. “Children,” says the book, “need moral guidance, principles by which to live. And they need these from their tender years on. Heartbreaking things can and do happen when children do not receive help until it is too late.”
Learn From the Great Teacher includes over 230 pictures—almost double the number found in the Bible Stories book. Every picture and group of pictures has a caption, most in the form of a question. The answers can be found on the same page. These and the many other questions throughout the book can be a fine stimulus for conversation, allowing children to express themselves from the heart. For example, the caption on page 101 reads: “Why is it important to remember to say thank you?” And parents, be sure to read the prologue, “What Children Need From Parents.” If you apply the suggestions mentioned there, your family will reap the greatest benefit from this fine study aid.
Video Welcomed by the Deaf
In the year 1915 in the United States, a pilgrim, or traveling elder, named John A. Gillespie signed songs to the small deaf audience attending a convention of the International Bible Students, as Jehovah’s Witnesses were then known. Now there are over 1,200 congregations and groups of deaf publishers and interested ones around the world. How are these being fed spiritually?
At present, Bible study aids are available in 18 sign languages, and the number continues to grow. Those who use American Sign Language (ASL) received a special treat in September 2002. Starting that month, Watchtower study articles became available on video as a monthly edition. This provision is helping deaf people in ways that others might easily take for granted.
Consider: Most Witnesses who are not deaf can quote a variety of scriptures from memory. This is because they hear or read exactly the same words each time. Deaf publishers, though, do not always enjoy such consistent renderings. Why not? Because the Bible is not available in ASL, and those handling parts at congregation meetings do not always sign Scripture texts in precisely the same way. But this began to change with the introduction of ASL video publications. And now, with Watchtower study articles also available on video, deaf audiences can enjoy a consistent rendering of Bible passages.
Additionally, ASL congregations and groups no longer have to assign interpreters as readers for the Watchtower Study. In hearing congregations, an assigned reader might spend an extra hour or so preparing his Watchtower so that he can read well. But in a congregation of deaf publishers, those scheduled to sign an article would often spend many hours in preparation. Now, that valuable time can be used in other spiritual activities. How do the brothers and sisters feel about this new provision?
A group of deaf publishers in the state of Rhode Island, U.S.A., wrote: “We were overcome with joy when it was announced that we would have The Watchtower on video. In fact, some of our publishers were moved to tears.” A Watchtower Study conductor in Florida said that now so many raise their hand to comment that he has “the pleasant experience of having too many hands to choose from!” He added that “improvement in the quality of the comments is also evident.” Another elder wrote: “The results have been outstanding! The comprehension of even deep concepts has been wonderful.” Yes, thanks to Jehovah’s rich blessing, a growing throng of deaf ones rejoice in the privilege of knowing and glorifying God.—Rom. 10:10.
Help for Translators
The spiritual food provided by the faithful steward class is now available in at least 390 languages. (Luke 12:42) Translation, therefore, represents a major and constantly growing part of the work of Jehovah’s organization.
Proper translation is not simply a matter of substituting one local-language equivalent for each word that appears in the original text. Rather, it is a matter of conveying the precise thoughts. Clearly, then, translators need to understand the original text thoroughly before they begin to translate. At times, this can be a challenge.
Hence, at the direction of the Governing Body, a group of qualified brothers appointed to serve as instructors received training in a program called Course in Improved English Comprehension. After completing the course, which was held at the Watchtower Educational Center at Patterson, New York, the brothers visited translation teams worldwide during the 2002 and 2003 service years. They spent about three months with each team, going through the course and giving practical, on-the-job assistance. Thanks to this program, translators now feel better equipped to grasp the full sense of the English text.
Said one translation team: “In his kindness, Jehovah saw fit to help us be better qualified to handle our assignment. Now we feel much more confident. With Jehovah’s blessing, we look forward to seeing good results.” A translation overseer stated: “In the past, many of us labored for hours over difficult English expressions and sentences. This slowed down our work. So the Course in Improved English Comprehension has been most welcome. It showed us how to analyze the English text in a systematic way, and it gave us useful strategies for handling difficult text. As a result, we now experience less anxiety and are able to produce a more accurate translation faster.”
Another team wrote: “This course was more practical than any similar secular education in that it was tailored to our specific needs. We believe that this provision will help translators throughout the world, making it easier for sheeplike ones to ‘get the sense’ of the truth.”—Matt. 13:23.
To date, some 1,660 translators working in more than 150 languages have benefited from the course. Additionally, the program has been adapted to help those translating into sign languages and those translating Spanish text into the indigenous tongues of Central and South America.
Equipped to Be Better Teachers
Both Jehovah and his only-begotten Son—“the Word”—place a high value on communication. (John 1:1, 14; 3:16; Rev. 19:13) Reflecting that same view, the faithful slave class continues to work hard to help God’s people improve their preaching and teaching skills. With that goal in mind, Jehovah’s organization prepared the book Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education. Many publishers have expressed their appreciation for this textbook since its introduction into the Theocratic Ministry School in January 2003.
“There is no other religious group that cares so much about helping its members, both young and old, to communicate effectively,” wrote an elder in the Philippines. An elder in Brazil said: “For me, January 2003 was a teaching milestone in the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Another stated: “I have noticed that the younger ones in the congregation are showing more interest in participating in the school. Some have read the textbook from cover to cover and completed all the exercises—all this before the material has been considered at the school!” A traveling overseer has made fine use of the Ministry School book on shepherding visits. He writes: “Such chapters as ‘Apply Yourself to Reading,’ ‘Study Is Rewarding,’ and ‘Know How You Ought to Answer’ are of great help in preparing for meetings and the ministry.”
A sister in Britain said that “the inclusion of the exercises is an excellent part of the teaching process. If we want to develop the skills taught in the school, we need to practice these in our everyday lives. The exercises enable us to do this.” From Japan, a brother with a speech impediment writes: “Every time I have a reading assignment, I fight with the fear of not knowing whether I will be OK on the platform. I realize that my own negative thinking has made matters worse. So when I received my last assignment, I wrote down the points in the Ministry School book under the subheading ‘How to Speak Clearly’ (pages 87 and 88) and in the box ‘Coping With Stuttering’ (page 95). True, I do not expect to overcome my stuttering problem right away, but I am determined not to give up!”
“In Burundi,” writes the Kenya branch, “brothers have expressed appreciation for the new textbook, now available in the Kirundi language. In a country where many have had limited formal education, Theocratic Ministry School students can now understand the counsel points better. As a result, they are more enthusiastic when presenting their parts.”
The book has also helped some to improve their writing skills. Says an elderly, infirm sister in Mexico: “In the Ministry School book, on pages 71 to 73, I found some practical suggestions on writing letters. I witness this way because of my physical limitations. Even so, I used to avoid writing to my relatives. But with the guidance provided in the new book, I can now give them a better witness.” A district overseer in South Africa commented: “This is truly an outstanding handbook. It takes not just a mechanical approach to speech qualities but a spiritual one, showing how these qualities are the product of Christian love and concern for others.”
Legal Developments
On June 17, 2002, the Supreme Court of the United States rendered a historic decision in Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. v. Village of Stratton. In its 8 to 1 decision, the highest Court of the land held that ordinances requiring a permit to canvass or solicit were unconstitutional as applied to the public ministry of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
In the wake of this victory, the Legal Department at the United States branch contacted municipalities throughout the country. As a result, problems related to our preaching work were resolved in 238 municipalities that previously attempted to apply to our public ministry an ordinance regulating canvassing or soliciting. Furthermore, because of the Stratton decision, Kingdom publishers in 216 other municipalities no longer need to check in with the police or other town officials prior to engaging in the field service. May Jehovah continue to level any such obstacles.—Isa. 40:4; Matt. 24:14.
Brothers continue to be arrested and imprisoned in Armenia for conscientious objection to military service. The prosecutor in Yerevan, the capital city, has appealed the convictions of several brothers for the purpose of obtaining longer prison sentences. The judges have granted his appeals, ordering harsher sentences.
In February 2003 the European Court of Human Rights declared as admissible an application by two former missionaries of Jehovah’s Witnesses to be heard by the Court. Ordered to leave Bulgaria in 1995, the couple felt that their right to freedom of religion and freedom from discrimination had been violated. The Court found that the complaint was “not ill-founded.”
Shortly after the conclusion of a congregation’s observance of the Lord’s Evening Meal in Asmara, Eritrea, police surrounded the meeting place and detained all 164 in attendance—men, women, and children. They were held in custody and interrogated throughout the night. The next day the authorities released the children and most of the sisters and interested ones. The others were moved to the largest prison in Asmara, where some were held for almost one month before being released. Apart from this incident, ten brothers are still in a prison camp because of their conscientious objection to military service. Three have been incarcerated for nine years.
Vicious attacks continue against our brothers in Georgia. District conventions were forcibly canceled by local officials and armed police who marched into conventions already in session. They took over the platform and dismissed the audience. In one instance they blocked off nearby roads to prevent the brothers from coming to the convention. The principal persecutor of Jehovah’s Witnesses is standing trial, but he is not under arrest. His trial has been postponed at least 19 times. On occasion his supporters have taken control of the courtroom, physically and verbally attacking the brothers. The Tax Department retroactively annulled the Witnesses’ tax registration number, which they need to import literature and to make transactions.
Good news comes out of Kosovo and Romania. On May 20, 2003, the 90 Kingdom publishers in Kosovo were legally recognized and their charter was registered. Similarly, on May 22, 2003, Romania issued a ministerial order officially confirming the status of Jehovah’s Witnesses as a religion. Article 3 of the order states: “The Christian religion ‘The Religious Organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ has all the rights and obligations provided by law for the religions recognized by the Romanian State.” The order was issued in compliance with a Romanian Supreme Court of Justice ruling from the year 2000.
In Russia the trial seeking to ban Jehovah’s Witnesses in Moscow was suspended indefinitely on May 22, 2003. Without imposing a time limit, the judge ordered another “expert” study of the influence of psychological factors found in the literature published by Jehovah’s Witnesses during the past ten years. The scientific validity of such studies is questionable. Meanwhile, the European Court of Human Rights has started to process an application filed by the brothers. The application objects to the judicial harassment and discrimination experienced by the Witnesses in Moscow for the past seven years.
The Council of Ministers of the northern part of Cyprus, by means of its Decision No. E-1516-2002 of August 8, 2002, lifted the ban that prohibited Jehovah’s Witnesses from entering the northern part of the island. Pioneers had been deported from there in 1997, when the ban was imposed. Two Kingdom Halls that had been appropriated were returned to the brothers.
In Uzbekistan, Marat Mudarisov was found guilty of supposedly “inciting religious hatred and luring minors” into his faith. He was given a suspended sentence. In reality, all that he was “guilty” of was preaching the good news to his neighbors and conducting weekly Bible discussions at congregation meetings. Recently, an appeal was filed with the Supreme Court of Uzbekistan, and Brother Mudarisov’s unjust conviction was overturned.
Coping With Trials
As the present system of things nears its end, violence and political instability continue to increase, often causing great hardship. During the past year, civil war continued to wrack Liberia and its capital, Monrovia. “For a week street battles raged and the whole city was plunged into pandemonium,” says a Reuters news report. “After the retreat of the dissidents calm seemed to return, but then on 24 June there was a renewed, more intensive attack which resulted in extensive destruction of infrastructure and human life.” In one part of the city, the brothers had to lie flat on the wet floor of their Kingdom Hall because of bullets and shelling, explained the branch office. “The destruction in the city was terrible,” the brothers wrote. “We could smell the stench of dead bodies.” A cholera outbreak claimed additional lives.
Regularly and systematically, armed men looted homes and Kingdom Halls. Knowing that anything of value would be stolen, many brothers resigned themselves to obtaining life’s essentials and no more, explained a missionary couple from Monrovia. Families did not even replace stolen beds but slept on mats on the floor. Those unable to return home lived as refugees or fled to a neighboring country.
“People are just living one day at a time,” writes the branch. “Yet, it is very encouraging to see that the brothers are eager to attend the meetings and to share in the field service when conditions allow.” When relief supplies arrive, said the afore-mentioned missionaries, “among the first things that the brothers request are Bible-based literature and, in some cases, a witnessing bag to replace the one they lost.”
Regional Printing
On September 1, 2001, seven brothers from different parts of the world were selected to serve as a Printing Study Group. The Governing Body asked these brothers to make a study of all the printing branches around the world and to recommend ways to use these existing facilities to a greater degree. On the basis of the study group’s recommendations, on October 17, 2001, the Governing Body gave approval to regionalize the printing, with each region taking care of its own printing needs. The regions are Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.
The new arrangement went into operation at the beginning of 2002. The results have been encouraging. Consider book production. In the year 2000, the United States branch produced almost 50 percent of the books for the world. But now, under the regional printing arrangement, it produces just 26 percent. This has resulted in a reduction in shipping costs, staff, machines, and needed floor space in the United States printery and in more efficient use of existing facilities in other countries.
In conjunction with the change to regional printing, the Governing Body approved the purchase of seven new MAN Roland Lithoman printing presses. These will replace aging and less efficient equipment, thus helping to care for future printing needs. Five of the new presses, some of which have already been installed, are for the branches in Brazil, Britain, Japan, Mexico, and South Africa. The other two are for the printery at Wallkill, New York, where they are slated for installation in April and May 2004. Each press is 133 feet [40 m] long, will produce 90,000 magazines or magazine-size signatures for books per hour (25 per second), and will be able to print in full color on all pages.
Additional Changes in Brooklyn and at Wallkill
Along with the new presses, Wallkill will also receive new bindery equipment that is capable of producing hardcover books and deluxe Bibles at the rate of 120 per minute. The Shipping Department, which will be moved from Brooklyn to Wallkill, will benefit from a new high-rise storage system that will allow literature to be stored in less than half the floor space used in Brooklyn.
The vacated buildings in Brooklyn will be used for other purposes. Additionally, in June 2003 the Governing Body announced the possible sale of the million-square-foot [95,000 sq m] building located at 360 Furman Street, which has housed the Shipping and other departments. The other departments in the building have been or soon will be moved to different parts of the Brooklyn complex.
Kingdom Hall Construction
During the 2003 service year, 2,340 Kingdom Halls were completed around the world. This represents an average of 195 halls per month, or just over 6 per day! Since November 1999 when the construction program in lands with limited resources began, 7,730 Kingdom Halls have been built. In many areas, once a hall is finished, meeting attendance soars and halls are soon filled to capacity.
When the program began in Africa, there were 550 suitable places of worship in 38 countries on that continent. Less than four years later, those same 38 countries had over 5,060 Kingdom Halls—an average of 1 for every 3 to 4 congregations. In a report on the impact of Kingdom Hall projects on the public, the Malawi branch referred to a new dictionary published by the Christian Literature Association of Malawi. “The dictionary,” says the branch, “includes an entry for Jehovah’s Witnesses and correctly translates our name into Chichewa. Then to show how one might use the name in a sentence, the dictionary adds: ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses have built many churches.’”
The branch office in another African land wrote: “When the brothers went to a certain official’s office to register our application to build a Kingdom Hall, the man immediately tore up our papers and threw them away. When this happened the third time, the brothers left the matter in Jehovah’s hands. Soon thereafter, the authorities entrusted one of these brothers, who was known for his honesty, with the job of distributing certain loans to government officials.
“Among those applying for a loan was the very same official who had torn up our papers. So on seeing our brother, he promptly left the office, only to return a week later hoping to find a different loan officer. But this time our brother approached him, asked for his application, and approved the loan. Feeling ashamed, the official asked the brothers to resubmit their application papers. He personally presented these to his superior for approval and obtained a land grant for the Kingdom Hall. With newfound respect for the Witnesses, he said: ‘They do not pay back evil for evil.’”
The Ukraine branch relates: “While looking for a tract of land, the brothers in the city of Artsyz contacted a regional architect. They shared with her photographs of completed Kingdom Halls. Impressed, she said: ‘Such a Kingdom Hall should be close to our district administration area, as it would adorn the city center.’ Then she proposed a piece of land. Afterward, the main architect for the region added: ‘This is the first time that I’ve seen a religious community agree on the plans before initiating construction. Usually, it is just the opposite.’”
At a Kingdom Hall construction site in the city of Lysychans’k, a businesswoman from a neighboring city remarked: “I’ve been watching you. I think you should build a Kingdom Hall like this in my city. I’ll even support your efforts to secure a suitable site.” The brothers then told her that only five Witnesses live in that area—too few to form a congregation and build a hall. “Well, how many do you need?” she asked and then added: “Enroll me as the sixth one.” Perhaps she was joking. Nevertheless, she agreed to a Bible study.
New Assembly Halls
During the last service year, Assembly Halls have been completed and dedicated in Nhandeara and Goiânia, Brazil; El Trébol, Santiago, Chile; Morne Daniel, Dominica; Machala, Ecuador; Syracuse, Sicily, Italy; Gerehu, Papua New Guinea; Lomé, Togo; Newburgh, New York, and West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.A. Concerning the project in Newburgh, a local businessman said: “Your organization is amazing! You use volunteers who have different backgrounds, talents, and skills, and they all work together harmoniously. I have never seen anything like it!” A local building inspector was impressed not only with the workmanship but also with the brothers and sisters. “I enjoy coming here,” he said. “I feel better when I am around you people.”
When the project in Newburgh was near completion, a fire broke out, damaging about 20 percent of the structure. Instead of giving in to discouragement, the brothers responded overwhelmingly to help restore the building. As a result, the restoration project was completed in less than a month, making it possible for the dedication program to be held right on schedule, on October 19, 2002. Commenting on the volunteers, a local newspaper said: “Their faith burns hotter than the flames that scorched about one-fifth of the 60,000-square-foot building.” In recognition of the precious unity of God’s people, the brothers obtained permission to give the public road leading to the Assembly Hall the name Unity Place.
Branch Dedications
In the midst of civil and political strife, the brothers in Côte d’Ivoire assembled peacefully on March 29, 2003, to dedicate a number of new buildings at the branch in Abidjan. These included a new Kingdom Hall, two residence buildings, and a services building with a large dining room, a kitchen, a laundry, storage rooms, and maintenance shops. The new facilities are across the street from the original branch, which was built in 1982. Volunteers from 15 countries, many of whom came at their own expense, assisted the 110 members of the local construction team. Sébastien Johnson, zone overseer visiting the branch, delivered the dedication talk, “Set Your Heart Upon Pure Worship.”
On Saturday, February 15, 2003, the dedication of the new branch in Guyana was attended by 332. Richard Kelsey, from the Germany branch, delivered the dedication talk. He called attention to Jehovah as the Master Builder of the universe. However, Brother Kelsey pointed out that Jehovah’s greatest act of creation, which was also his first, resulted in a glorious spirit creature—his only-begotten Son. Many early missionaries returned for the dedication program, some for the first time in scores of years! Considering that Guyana has just over 2,000 publishers of the good news, all were thrilled to see 4,752 people from 12 countries attend a special program on Sunday.
At the inauguration of the Bethel extension in Haiti, old-timer George Corwin’s voice shook with emotion as he told of his recent visit to St. Marc, a seaport town 40 miles [60 km] north of Port-au-Prince. As a missionary in St. Marc over 40 years ago, he helped form their first congregation. Now the town has four large congregations. His Bible students, now long-standing, faithful Witnesses, were thrilled to welcome him. When Brother Corwin arrived in Haiti, the country had just under 900 publishers, and the branch office—a small, rented house—had a staff of two.
A new branch was built in Haiti in 1986, but it also became inadequate. The newly dedicated, enlarged branch accommodates a Bethel family of 40, who serve more than 12,000 publishers. Volunteers from Australia, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, and the United States shared in the construction work. They also trained Haitian volunteers in valuable building skills.
Because of local shortages, the heavy equipment and almost all of the building materials had to be imported. This sometimes slowed down the work but did not stop it. Dedication day arrived on Saturday, November 23, 2002. The 3,122 in attendance included 240 delegates from 13 countries. David Splane of the Governing Body delivered the dedication talk. The following day, over 20,000 attended a special program at the Sylvio Cator Stadium in Port-au-Prince.
“Let us get up, and we must build.” (Neh. 2:18) These encouraging words, uttered by faithful Jews in Nehemiah’s time, appeared in the insert to the June 2000 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry in Hungary. Jehovah’s people from all over the country were invited to share in the construction of a new branch complex in Budapest. Representing all 251 congregations in the country, 13,741 volunteers shared in the project, which took two years and involved the remodeling of a former military installation. The dedication program, attended by 554 guests from 22 lands, was held on May 10, 2003. Governing Body member Guy Pierce delivered the dedication talk, “Jehovah Keeps Making It Grow.”
Branch expansion has been a regular feature in Mexico. The 14 new buildings, dedicated March 15, 2003, complement those dedicated in 1974, 1985, and 1989. Laying the 860,000 square feet [80,000 sq m] of foundation for the new buildings was a special challenge for two reasons. First, because the site had once been a lake, the soil’s load-bearing capacity was poor. Second, the region is subject to earthquakes. Hence, to provide a firm, safe foundation, workers had to drive 3,261 pilings into the ground, each to a depth of about 80 feet [24 m]! Planning and construction took 12 years and involved 28,600 volunteer workers from Mexico and 734 from abroad.
Three members of the Governing Body shared in the dedication program. Guy Pierce spoke about the greater happiness that results from having a close relationship with Jehovah. Theodore Jaracz explained how the blessings of a faithful course in God’s service far outweigh the trials that Christians face in this time of the end. And Gerrit Lösch, speaking in Spanish, delivered the dedication talk, “Worship the God of Truth!”
On November 23, 2002, the Peru branch dedicated a number of facilities, including a beautiful new five-story office and residential building. Gerrit Lösch gave the dedication talk, “Expansion Results in Praise to Jehovah.” The following day, Sunday, 59,940 gathered at the San Marcos Stadium in Lima, where a special program focused on Jehovah’s rich blessing on the Kingdom work in Peru. And how that blessing has been evident! In 1946 when the first missionaries arrived to spearhead the work, there was just a handful of publishers and interested ones in the country. Now Peru has 87,318 publishers and 916 congregations.
At the Russia branch, 600 guests and the 350 members of the Bethel family—together representing 30 different countries—gathered on May 17, 2003, to witness the dedication of new residence buildings, offices, and storage facilities. The previous dedication had been held just six years earlier, so why the need to expand so soon?
The Russia branch, located at Solnechnoye on the outskirts of St. Petersburg, cares for the Kingdom-preaching work in ten countries. Well over 100 languages are spoken in this vast region, which embraces 11 time zones. Thus, translation represents a major and growing part of the work at the branch. At present the brothers translate Bible-based literature into 34 languages. Additionally, since the last dedication, the number of publishers in the region had grown by over 40,000—almost 7,000 a year! “And the growth continues unabated,” writes the branch. So in response to Jehovah’s rich blessing, the brothers in Russia were delighted to ‘lengthen out their tent cords.’—Isa. 54:2.
Present at the dedication on Saturday were many faithful older ones who had suffered much persecution during the Soviet era. All listened attentively as David Splane delivered the dedication discourse, “I Will Fill This House With Glory,” based on Haggai 2:7. He explained that although new buildings are beautiful and bring praise, it is chiefly the godly conduct and spiritual qualities of each individual Christian that glorify Jehovah and adorn true worship. On Sunday, 9,800 braved the cold drizzle to enjoy a special program at the Kirov Stadium in St. Petersburg.
Worldwide, a total of 19,848 ordained ministers staff such branch facilities. All are members of the Worldwide Order of Special Full-Time Servants of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
[Chart/Pictures on page 12, 13]
SOME EVENTS OF THE 2003 SERVICE YEAR
September 1, 2002
September 1: Watchtower study articles are made available on video in American Sign Language.
November 23: Branch dedications in Haiti and Peru.
January 1, 2003
January 1: Congregations begin using the new textbook Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education.
February 15: Guyana branch dedication.
March 15 and 29: Mexico and Côte d’Ivoire branch dedications.
April 16: Police in Asmara, Eritrea, detain 164 attending the Memorial.
May 1, 2003
May 10 and 17: Hungary and Russia branch dedications.
May 20: Jehovah’s Witnesses are legally registered in Kosovo.
May 22: Romania officially confirms status of Jehovah’s Witnesses as a religion. Trial seeking to ban the Witnesses in Moscow suspended indefinitely.
August: New MAN Roland Lithoman press installed at Britain branch.
August 31, 2003
August 31: In developing lands, 7,730 Kingdom Halls have been completed since November 1999. 6,429,351 publishers are active in 235 lands.
[Pictures]
Haiti
Peru
[Graph on page 11]
(See publication)
Growth in the number of languages:
All publications
“The Watchtower”
“Awake!”
400
300
200
100
1880 1920 1960 2000
[Picture on page 14]
Instructors for Course in Improved English Comprehension, and their wives
[Picture on page 22, 23]
Press compared to a city bus
Press statistics:
Length: 133 feet
Height: 18 feet
Weight: 201 tons
[Pictures on page 28, 29]
Recently dedicated branch facilities in (1) Guyana, (2) Hungary, and (3) Côte d’Ivoire
Worldwide Report 2003 Grand Totals
pp. 31–42
Worldwide Report 2003 Grand Totals
Branches of Jehovah’s Witnesses: 109
Number of Lands Reporting: 235
Total Congregations: 95,919
Worldwide Memorial Attendance: 16,097,622
Memorial Partakers Worldwide: 8,565
Peak of Publishers in Kingdom Service: 6,429,351
Average Publishers Preaching Each Month: 6,184,046
Percentage of Increase Over 2002: 2.2
Total Number Baptized: 258,845
Average Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 825,185
Total Hours Spent in Field: 1,234,796,477
Average Home Bible Studies Each Month: 5,726,509
During the 2003 service year, Jehovah’s Witnesses spent over $80 million in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments.
[Chart on page 32-39]
2003 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
ARMENIA
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
FAEROE ISLANDS
FIJI
FINLAND
FRENCH GUIANA
GEORGIA
GERMANY
GHANA
GIBRALTAR
GREECE
GREENLAND
GRENADA
GUADELOUPE
GUAM
GUATEMALA
GUYANA
HAWAII
HONDURAS
HUNGARY
ITALY
JAMAICA
KOSRAE
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
SÃO TOMÉ & PRÍNCIPE
SEYCHELLES
SLOVAKIA
SOLOMON ISLANDS
SPAIN
SURINAME
SWAZILAND
SWEDEN
SWITZERLAND
TAHITI
TINIAN
TOGO
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
BELARUS
BENIN
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
BOTSWANA
BURUNDI
CAMEROON
CENTRAL AFRICAN REP.
CHUUK
CONGO, REP.
CÔTE D’IVOIRE
CROATIA
CZECH REP.
EQUATORIAL GUINEA
FALKLAND ISLANDS
FRANCE
GABON
HAITI
HONG KONG
ICELAND
IRELAND
JAPAN
KAZAKHSTAN
KENYA
KIRIBATI
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
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
SERBIA & MONTENEGRO
SIERRA LEONE
SLOVENIA
SOUTH AFRICA
SRI LANKA
TAIWAN
TANZANIA
TONGA
VANUATU
1 to 5001+
AZERBAIJAN
BANGLADESH
BULGARIA
BURKINA FASO
CAMBODIA
CHAD
COMOROS
EAST TIMOR
ETHIOPIA
THE GAMBIA
GUINEA
GUINEA-BISSAU
INDIA
INDONESIA
ISRAEL
MALAYSIA
MALI
MONGOLIA
MYANMAR
NEPAL
NIGER
PAKISTAN
SENEGAL
TAJIKISTAN
THAILAND
TURKEY
UGANDA
Worldwide Report
pp. 43–64
Worldwide Report
◼ EUROPE
Number of lands: 46
Population: 728,162,887
Number of publishers: 1,476,554
Number of Bible studies: 697,044
The path to the truth can be a long one. In 1951, Steponas was serving time as a political prisoner in a camp in Kazakhstan. There he worked with Edvardas, a zealous young Witness from Lithuania who had been imprisoned for printing the Watchtower magazine. Edvardas shared his Bible-based hope, and Steponas became convinced that he had found the truth. In 1955, Steponas was released. In parting, Edvardas said to him: “Maybe we will meet again someday.” Although Steponas was not baptized, the Soviet State Security Committee believed that he was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Police raided his apartment and confiscated papers that listed the addresses of the brothers. As a result, he lost contact with God’s people.
Forty-seven years passed. During that time, Steponas lived in a small village in northern Lithuania where there were no Witnesses. Then in the spring of 2002, he managed to obtain some literature and mailed a coupon to the Lithuania branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses requesting the book The Secret of Family Happiness. He explains: “I sent the coupon, hoping that contact with the brothers could be reestablished.” A special pioneer couple traveled to meet him and to study the Bible with him. Less than a year later, Steponas was baptized at the age of 80.
Did he ever meet Edvardas, who almost half a century earlier had said: “Maybe we will meet again someday”? Indeed, he did! On the day following his baptism, these two men, now spiritual brothers, warmly embraced each other and rejoiced.
In Britain, Tim and Sam, both 11 years old and unbaptized publishers, were engaging in field service with Tim’s mother. The boys needed new bags to carry their Bibles and literature, but money was a problem. Earlier, before starting in the field service that day, the mothers of the two young publishers made this a subject of prayer. At the last house to be visited that morning, Tim spoke to the householder and read a Bible verse to her. She interrupted him to ask what his religion was. When Tim replied that he was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the woman scolded him and said to his mother that she could not understand why Witnesses let their children die rather than allow them to accept blood transfusions.
Tim’s mother suggested that the woman ask the boys how they felt about this, and she did. Tim explained that he would always choose alternative treatment rather than go against his Bible-trained conscience. Sam then said that his own sister had received alternative treatment and had fared better than patients who had received blood.
The householder again turned to Tim’s mother. This time she expressed disapproval of taking young children from door to door. Both boys responded that they enjoyed preaching, adding that they preferred this to roaming the streets like others of their age. Impressed by their reply, the householder asked the boys to wait a moment while she went into her house. What a surprise they had when she returned and presented each of them with a smart, new leather bag, ideal for their ministry! She sold these items for a living. Her changed attitude also allowed the boys to arrange for a return visit. As they were leaving, the householder’s 94-year-old mother, who had been listening, came to the door and asked Tim’s mother to visit her at her home.
Two sisters in field service noticed the following message posted at a bus stop in Portugal: “I am a student of psychology preparing a thesis on the subject of superstition. If you can help me, please reply by E-mail to the following address . . .” That afternoon the sisters were featuring an article in The Watchtower entitled “Do Superstitions Control Your Life?” So they decided to answer the E-mail and offer the magazine.
A week later the woman who had posted the message sent them the following reply: “Thank you for your attention. I am sorry for the delay in answering. I would like to receive the magazine you mentioned. Recently, every time the Witnesses have approached me, I have been either rushing to work or catching a bus and have not been able to talk with them. I understand you offer Bible courses, and I am interested in having one.”
The sisters said: “On our first visit, she asked many questions. We gave her the Knowledge book and arranged to study the Bible with her. She is always well prepared for her study and now attends all the congregation meetings.”
While engaging in street witnessing, Lina, a publisher in a city in southern Germany, was approached by a woman named Tatjana. “Do you recognize me?” Tatjana asked. Lina replied that she did not. “That is hardly surprising,” continued Tatjana. “We met only once, and that was five years ago.” She went on to explain: “In the spring of 1998, you approached me on the street and offered me the brochure What Does God Require of Us? I was rude to you, but your kind and friendly manner made me want to take the brochure home and read it. The contents moved me deeply.” Later, two Witnesses who did not know Lina called at Tatjana’s home. Because of what Tatjana had read in the brochure, she agreed to a Bible study. When she met Lina again, in 2003, she was already a baptized Witness. In fact, both she and Lina were auxiliary pioneering that month!
A sister in Pskov, Russia, received from the branch office the address of a man living in a remote area. It took her a long time to reach this place. When she finally arrived, she learned that the man had not been aware that he had asked for a Bible study. At a kiosk he had bought a magazine that had as a bookmark a cutout coupon from one of our tracts. The man said that he thought some prize was being offered, so he sent the coupon in hopes of winning something. The sister replied: “You won a free Bible study!” The man and his family showed interest, and a Bible study was started. The study is conducted twice a month, since the family lives far from the sister’s home.
◼ OCEANIA
Number of lands: 30
Population: 34,355,946
Number of publishers: 93,718
Number of Bible studies: 47,270
Fourteen-year-old Alyce, who lives in Australia, used material from our magazines in preparing school assignments. One week she wrote an essay on the question, “Where Is This World Headed?” It explained the significance of our times according to Bible prophecy. Her teacher asked her what religion she belonged to. Alyce explained that she was studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses, and she gave her teacher some of our magazines to read.
Though all of this interested the teacher, another teacher dissuaded Alyce’s teacher from pursuing the matter. However, after observing Alyce’s fine conduct for a few months, her teacher decided to find out more. Concerned that Alyce might be involved in a dangerous religious cult, she went to the local library and borrowed the book Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom. She read the entire volume in one weekend! Convinced that she had found the truth, she telephoned Alyce’s mother for more literature and began to study the Bible with the Witnesses. Within a month, she was attending all the meetings and had persuaded her husband and her mother to attend the Sunday meetings. They too began to study the Bible and are making good progress. Within three months, the teacher became an unbaptized publisher and gave her first student talk in the Theocratic Ministry School. A few months later, both Alyce and her teacher, Linda, were baptized on the same day.
Imagine living on an island where you are the only worshiper of Jehovah! In the Marshall Islands, that is the plight of a sister whose husband accepted a job on Mejatto atoll. Neighbors invited her to attend the Protestant church, but she refused. Instead, she concentrated on teaching her children by using My Book of Bible Stories. She also shared her beliefs with neighbors, carrying her youngest baby as she went from house to house. Eventually, some showed interest, and this isolated sister now conducts several Bible studies using the Require brochure. Each month she sends a field service report to her former congregation. With children in tow, she makes the long trip by boat to attend the Memorial and assemblies held on the island of Ebeye. Members of the congregation in Ebeye send letters of encouragement to her, relating field service experiences and things they have learned at the congregation meetings. They, in turn, are encouraged by this isolated sister’s faithful example.
Many remote villages in Papua New Guinea have no electricity. People there use either generators or batteries to run electrical appliances. To help those in her village understand more about the Bible, a newly baptized sister wanted to show some videos produced by Jehovah’s Witnesses. After earning money by selling food she had grown, she approached a local businesswoman who owned a television, a VCR, and a generator to ask if she could rent these three items. Our sister explained that she wanted to invite the whole village to watch some Bible-based videos that she believed would help them spiritually. The businesswoman immediately reduced the charge to a token amount, saying that she too would like to see the videos. Almost everyone in the village came. Afterward, many commented that they had had no idea that the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses was done on such a large scale. They were also impressed by the worldwide brotherhood, something they had not seen in their own church. The sister received many invitations to the homes of people who had previously refused to talk to the Witnesses but who now wanted to learn more about our beliefs.
On Savaii, the largest island of Samoa, some community leaders have banned Jehovah’s Witnesses from preaching in their villages. A sister who lives in such a village remained steadfast for the truth when arranging for her son’s funeral. Since the funeral was to be held at her home, brothers and sisters from the two congregations on the island helped to clean the house and grounds and to arrange for a generator. People in the village saw this loving help. The way the brothers organized and conducted the funeral was a major departure from Samoan custom.
Two days after the funeral, the village council called a meeting and discussed the event. All its members were impressed by how the Witnesses helped the family, both before and after the funeral. The village chiefs were so moved by the way the funeral was conducted that they unanimously agreed to change the funeral customs to Faa-Molimau a Ieova (The Way of Jehovah’s Witnesses). Two days later, the annual Memorial of Christ’s death was held in a small Kingdom Hall some miles away. Three pickup trucks carried families from this village to attend. Now our brothers and sisters can witness freely in this village, one of the largest on the island. Two special pioneers are conducting six Bible studies there. A Congregation Book Study is attended not only by interested villagers but also by a village chief.
In Fiji a young man was sitting under a tree thinking about his life and future. He invited a passerby to sit with him. The passerby happened to be a brother, who used the opportunity to give a witness. Though the young man had already heard about the Bible’s promise of a paradise earth, the discussion with the brother rekindled his interest. He decided to return to the island where his mother lived and start studying the Bible. Once he arrived there, family members who opposed his new faith destroyed the crops that he had begun to cultivate. The headmen of the village then ordered him to leave, saying that they would allow no religion other than their own. Next he went to his father’s village on another small island. There he built a canoe from old corrugated iron, and each week he paddled several miles across rough seas to meet with the Witnesses. Family opposition continued, and he was forced to live like a hermit on an isolated part of the island. Finally, he was able to move to the main island, near a large congregation. He continues to make spiritual progress as an unbaptized publisher.
◼ THE AMERICAS
Number of lands: 56
Population: 857,137,983
Number of publishers: 3,095,083
Number of Bible studies: 2,898,369
One Sunday morning in September 2002, a sister in the United States made a return visit on a shop owner. Since he was busy with customers at the time, the sister wandered around the store. She noticed a woman who rushed in to buy a mala, the Hindu equivalent of Catholic rosary beads. A mala is a string of brown beads used to repeat prayers to the many Hindu gods. The woman, whose name is Shwe, seemed to find a mala that she was happy with, and that is when our sister approached her and said: “Excuse me. May I ask, Is that mala made of sandalwood?”
“Yes! I have been praying to god for a good mala, and I found it today. Smell it!”
“Oh, it smells so good! Which god are you going to pray to with it?”
“Oh, sometimes to Ganesa or to Siva or to Durga. I am going to pray to them with this mala.”
“Let me ask, Have you figured out which one is the greatest god?”
“I am confused about that. I do not know who is the greatest god.”
“I used to get confused, too, when I was a Hindu and worshiped those gods. But now I know who the almighty God is. Let me show you. [She reads Psalm 83:18.] Jehovah God is the Almighty over all the earth. He is greater than Siva, Ganesa, and Durga. I can teach you about the almighty God at no cost to you.”
“You would really teach me about the true God? Today all of my prayers have been answered!”
“How so?”
“I have been praying every day for a good mala so that through it I can find the true God. I also prayed to find a true friend who can help me because I have no one. What is your name?”
“My name is Mala, and yes, I can be the friend who will guide you through the Bible.”
“I cannot believe that God gave me a living Mala!”
The two women arranged to study the Require brochure. Shwe attends the meetings regularly and is talking about her goal of baptism.
In Honduras a missionary sister who was struggling to learn Spanish entered an office building and placed magazines with the receptionist. Then the office phone rang, and the missionary sister thought that the receptionist invited her to sit down, so she did. She had misunderstood. The receptionist had asked her to leave. Meanwhile, a woman in an office nearby had been praying for help to break off an immoral relationship with a married man and to learn the acceptable way to worship God. When she heard the voice of our sister in the reception area, she believed that her prayer was being answered. However, when she heard the receptionist ask the sister to leave, she feared that the missionary would be gone before she could speak with her. However, the missionary later said: “Because of misunderstanding the receptionist, I was still there when the woman rushed in to talk with me. Both of us are convinced that this was Jehovah’s direction.” Years earlier, the woman had read publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and now she decided to give full attention to spiritual matters. She has since broken off her relationship with the married man and is studying the Bible and attending meetings regularly.
A special pioneer sister in El Salvador was assigned to a congregation whose territory had few people who responded positively to the truth. She prayed to Jehovah to help her find interested ones. One Sunday she met a young man with whom she had a Bible discussion. He accepted the Knowledge book and agreed to a return visit. The sister called back often, but he was never at home. She did meet his wife, who did not show much interest in the Bible. On the fifth visit, the wife invited her into the house, though she said, “only for ten minutes.” The sister asked her if the Knowledge book was handy. The woman found the book, and the sister briefly covered a few points from the book and demonstrated the Bible study arrangement. After three months of study, the woman began to attend the meetings and showed real signs of progressing. And her husband? As time went on, he joined the study. Then he began to attend meetings with his family. This couple is now working to legalize their marriage. Persistence along with prayer brought good results.
Margarita, who lives in Mexico, tells of the success she had with informal witnessing: “At a dressmaking class, I talked to one of my classmates about the Bible. She said that she had the impression that families of Jehovah’s Witnesses lived happy lives, since they always smiled and seemed so cheerful. I told her that her impression was correct and that true happiness comes to those who trust in Jehovah and conform to Bible principles.” Margarita started a home Bible study with her classmate, who now regularly attends meetings and is progressing in her knowledge of the truth.
In the Dominican Republic, Ana left a Require brochure with a man who appeared to be worried. His wife was in the hospital to undergo surgery for cancer. He said that his wife liked to read, so he would take the brochure along to the hospital. Later Ana met the man’s wife, who said: “We can begin studying. I am ready.” She later explained that while in the hospital, she begged God to guide her to the true religion. At that same moment, her husband brought her the Require brochure. She read it, realized that this was God’s answer to her prayer, and immediately set her goal to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Although she had to walk one hour each way to attend meetings at the Kingdom Hall, she made rapid progress and was soon approved as a publisher. “Now I can fulfill my vow to God,” she said. In less than six months, she was baptized at the district convention, and now she continues to serve Jehovah joyfully.
Martin, a 13-year-old publisher who lives in Paraguay, enjoys informal witnessing. One day while returning home from school and witnessing to a passerby, he noticed a small parcel in the street. Martin picked it up and discovered that it contained money. Since he could not see anyone looking for it, he put it in his pocket. As he continued on his way, he thought: ‘With this money I can pay for the three months’ tuition that I owe and help cover some of my parents’ expenses.’ Meanwhile, without realizing it, he turned down a street that he did not normally take. There he noticed a man who was obviously looking for something. He heard the man say that he had lost 115,000 guaranies ($18.25, U.S.) and that it was all the money that he had left to live on for the rest of the month. Martin immediately recalled the words of one of the elders who had gone over the baptism questions with him. The elder had said: “You will come face-to-face with many tests, and even more so now that you will be getting baptized.”
Martin needed the money badly. That day he did not even have enough to eat while at school, much less to pay his tuition. Nevertheless, without doubting that he was doing the right thing, Martin asked the man to verify how much money he had lost. The amount was exactly what Martin had found. Martin gave him the money along with a tract and told him that he was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Elated, the man thanked Martin over and over again and gave him a hug. The man gave Martin his address so that he could visit him. Martin was baptized with his parents at a recent circuit assembly.
◼ ASIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST
Number of lands: 47
Population: 3,931,574,927
Number of publishers: 568,370
Number of Bible studies: 417,308
A health problem curtailed the house-to-house ministry of Kumiko, a pioneer sister living near Tokyo, Japan. Thus, she spent more time witnessing by letter. Members of her congregation gave her the addresses of those who were difficult to contact because they were rarely at home. She wrote the letters, and the congregation publishers delivered them. For over a year, she received no reply. Still, she continued to write faithfully. Finally, after writing some 1,500 letters, she received a postcard that said: “Thank you for your letter. I’m very interested in what you said. I’m available on the following days, and I will wait for you to contact me.” With tears of joy, she visited this person, and a Bible study was started immediately. She says: “At first, I was a little nervous about letter writing, but now I’m confident that if we look for sheeplike ones with patience, Jehovah will surely bless our efforts.”
One morning while in the house-to-house ministry in India, a sister knocked at a door. A sad-faced woman opened it. Two small children sat on the floor with empty plates in front of them. Our sister shared the comforting message of God’s Kingdom and its blessings, and the woman paid close attention. Meanwhile, the hungry children repeatedly pleaded with their mother to serve them food. She refused. The sister said that she would be happy to wait until the children were fed. Then the woman began to weep, explaining that the food contained poison. She was about to serve it to them when she heard the knock at the door. Because of family problems, including a husband who was a drunkard, she had decided to kill herself and her two small girls. On hearing this, the sister threw the food out, ran to a nearby shop, and bought food items for the family. Together they cooked the food and gave it to the children. The Kingdom message greatly comforted this woman. She accepted a Bible study and is now a baptized Witness. Her two children come to the meetings with her. Recently, her husband started attending meetings and is making fine progress.
SARS! This word struck fear into the hearts of many in Taiwan. With apprehension, residents watched news reports of how this disease had affected Hong Kong. Then it hit Taiwan! Several hospitals had to be quarantined because of the spread of infection, and many people feared that they might become the next victims. Even before the government required it, the branch office helped the congregations acquire thermometers so that the brothers could take the temperature of everyone attending the meetings.
Then the government asked all registered religions to avoid preaching in certain residential areas. A special Service Meeting program helped the brothers see how they could adjust their activity to avoid difficulties. One special pioneer responded to the suggestion to call back even on those who had shown the slightest interest. As a result, she increased the number of Bible studies that she conducted. Now several of these new studies are making fine progress. She said: “What started as a negative development resulted in my enjoying a more productive ministry.”
While engaging in field service in Cyprus, a sister met a woman who said that she was busy. Through an open kitchen window, the sister spoke briefly, read Psalm 72:12-14, and arranged to call again at a more convenient time. When she did call, the sister was surprised to hear that the woman had been eagerly anticipating her return. Why? The woman had found the scripture most comforting—she had thought about it all day. The sister offered a home Bible study, and the woman readily accepted. Now the woman expresses appreciation for what she is learning from God’s Word.
Polo, a man in Cambodia, started studying with a missionary and made fine progress. He was attending all five congregation meetings in Phnom Penh. Then his employer told him to move to Battambang, a city near the Thai border. There is no congregation there, so Polo gave his cellular phone number to his Bible study conductor, and they continued to study by phone for 30 minutes every Wednesday and Friday. Polo also wanted to share in commenting at the Watchtower Study. Because the congregation was far away, he wrote out his three or four answers for the coming week’s study and left them with his Congregation Book Study overseer to have them read at the meeting for that week. His zeal has encouraged the congregation publishers. He also tries to witness to those whom he meets. On the bus ride to and from Phnom Penh, he witnesses to many people and encourages them to attend the meetings. His next goal is to become an unbaptized publisher.
In Mongolia two sisters met a man about 30 years old. He asked them to wait, went into his house, and brought out two books: Mankind’s Search for God and The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. He said that he had studied the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses in Poland 12 years earlier. On returning to Mongolia in 1993, he immediately sent a letter asking that the Witnesses visit him. However, at that time, there were no Witnesses in Mongolia, so he was not contacted. Sometime later, he went to India to study at a university, where he stayed for five years. During those years, from 1994 to 1998, he had no contact with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Then he returned to Mongolia, where he was finally able to contact the brothers. A home Bible study was started again, and in April 2003, he attended his first meeting. Now he is joyfully studying the Require brochure.
A Buddhist woman in Sri Lanka surprised two Witnesses by warmly welcoming them into her house, saying that they were the answer to her prayer! She explained that her young daughter had recently committed suicide because she had disciplined her. The Buddhist priest to whom she went to find some solace told her that her daughter would now be reborn and return to take revenge on her. This terrified the woman. One of her friends told her that Christian people do not believe such things. So this woman prayed that she could meet a true Christian, thinking that a Catholic person might be sent. Instead, two of Jehovah’s Witnesses called and comforted her with Bible truth. She now studies the Bible despite opposition from the Buddhist priest.
In Kyrgyzstan a young woman had attended the Evangelical church for many years. As she read the Bible, she saw the difference between what is written there and what is taught in her church. For example, she could not understand the church teaching that Jesus Christ is both the Father and the Son. Convinced that a son must have a father, she addressed a heartfelt prayer to the Father of Jesus Christ, asking Him to help her find answers to her Bible questions. The next day two of Jehovah’s Witnesses came to visit her. They asked: “What do you think? To whom did Jesus Christ teach his disciples to pray, and what name did he urge them to sanctify?” She was astonished to recall her prayer just a day before to the Father of Jesus Christ to answer these very questions. After the discussion, she had no doubt that God had answered her prayer. The woman agreed to a regular Bible study and began attending the meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses. When she learned that Jehovah is the Father of Jesus, she began praying to Jehovah using his personal name. Now she is progressing spiritually and sharing with her relatives the knowledge she has found.
◼ AFRICA
Number of lands: 56
Population: 755,145,559
Number of publishers: 950,321
Number of Bible studies: 1,666,518
On many intercity bus journeys in Zambia, passengers are entertained by videos that often have violent and immoral content. A missionary couple traveling by bus to the capital asked if it would be possible to play the video The Bible—Its Power in Your Life. The driver agreed. “We could see that the passengers watched intently, listening carefully,” recalled Ruth. “Afterward, we spoke to them, offering tracts and magazines. Their response was enthusiastic.” The couple asked the driver if he would play the video again, thinking that he would do so later. He immediately rewound it and played it again. Said Richard: “The passengers enjoyed the video a second time, and we were happy we took the initiative to ask.”
Miranda, a teenage student in Malawi, was showing the book The Secret of Family Happiness to a classmate during a school break. A teacher overheard the discussion and called Miranda into his office. He asked her why she had told her friend that she should get married. Miranda replied that she had not told her friend to marry. Rather, she had discussed how the book could help families find real happiness. Enraged, the teacher shouted at Miranda: “You are too young to give marriage advice!”
Upset and trembling, Miranda left the teacher’s office. Two days later the teacher again called her into his office. Miranda relates what happened next: “My teacher said that he was sorry for his angry outburst, and he told me that he and his wife had always quarreled and had finally separated. He asked me for a copy of the book I had shown to my classmate. I was happy to let him have one. Two weeks later he told me that the book was helpful and that he had shared it with his wife. Eventually, he and his wife were reunited.”
In South Africa an elderly man named Eric had studied the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses for many years, but the tobacco habit hindered his spiritual progress. After his wife got baptized, he decided to make that his goal too. He got several large-print copies of the Scripture text found at 2 Corinthians 7:1, which reads: “Since we have these promises, beloved ones, let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in God’s fear.” Eric put the texts in strategic places around his home. Every time he felt the urge to light a cigarette, he would read the text and pray for Jehovah to help him stop smoking. As a result, he has stopped smoking for more than ten months. Eric is now an unbaptized publisher and plans to get baptized at the next district convention.
While waiting for a ferry in the islands of the Seychelles, a missionary sister noticed a woman who was on her own. Though the sister was exhausted after a full day of preaching, she approached the woman and offered her a tract. She accepted it, saying that she was Hindu. A few days later, they met again, in the street, and the sister made an appointment with her for a Bible study. The woman’s husband, a doctor, was Catholic, but after having read Mankind’s Search for God and the Knowledge book, he agreed to join in the study. One evening, the couple invited the sister and her husband for a special barbecue. Both of them burned their religious images and cooked the meal over the fire! Soon they began to attend meetings and to share in field service. After their baptism, both started to auxiliary pioneer. Since the island is small, the brother is well-known in the community. “The doctor has now become a priest,” some quip. He is now serving as a ministerial servant, and his wife is enjoying her service as a regular pioneer.
Ishmael learned sign language so that he could help deaf people in Zimbabwe learn the truth. While on a bus one day, he noticed a deaf woman begging for money from the passengers. Ishmael witnessed to her and arranged to meet her again. When asked what her church taught about why she was deaf, the woman replied: “They say it is God’s will for me to be deaf.” Ishmael explained to her that it is not God’s will for people to be deaf but that such conditions result from inherited sin and imperfection. He also explained that God would soon do away with all infirmities. The woman replied: “I would like to find out why my church taught me lies.” When Ishmael met her the third time, she said: “From now on I am one of you. I do not want to listen to lies anymore.” A Bible study is being conducted with her, and she has been regular at congregation meetings and hopes to qualify soon as an unbaptized publisher.
In Ghana the struggle to earn a living leaves many people with little time to consider spiritual matters. A regular pioneer sister approached a young man in the house-to-house ministry and asked for just five minutes of his time for a Bible discussion. He replied: “I am always busy during the daytime. I only come home after 8:00 p.m. to sleep.”
The sister asked: “Is it possible to spare a little of your sleeping time to study the Bible?”
He said: “Only if you come after 8:00 p.m.” The following day, the sister and her husband went to the man’s house at exactly 8:00 p.m. He had just returned from work. A Bible study was started, and he soon began to attend meetings. Later he qualified as an unbaptized publisher and eventually got baptized. The changes he made in his life impressed his wife so much that she also agreed to a Bible study and soon qualified to be an unbaptized publisher. The neighbors and most of those aware of the young man’s past life-style could not believe their eyes when they saw him preaching from house to house. Many wanted to know what could transform such a person known for drunkenness, stealing, and the misuse of drugs. Subsequently, 22 people in the town requested Bible studies. Already 12 of them regularly attend congregation meetings and may soon qualify as unbaptized publishers.
[Picture on page 43]
Steponas and Edvardas, Lithuania
[Picture on page 47]
Alyce with her teacher, Linda, Australia
[Picture on page 51]
Mala, United States
[Picture on page 56]
Kumiko, Japan
[Picture on page 61]
Ruth and Richard, Zambia
Acts of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Modern Times
p. 65
Acts of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Modern Times
Moldova
For over 60 years, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Moldova suffered under the Romanian monarchy, the Fascist regime, and the Communist regime. Under the monarchy and the Fascist regime, extra pressure was exerted by the Orthodox Church. Nonetheless, Moldova now has one of the world’s highest ratios of Witnesses to population! Read how Jehovah fortifies all who fear him and grants victory to all who refuse to cave in to fear of man.
The Two Congos
What does the word “Congo” mean to you? For many, it calls up images of steaming jungle, so dense that sunlight does not reach the ground. Amid the cacophony of monkeys and birds, you hear the sound of drums that bear messages from distant villages. Perhaps you envision a river, mighty and dark, twisting slowly like a gigantic snake through the very heart of Africa. Congo is all of this and much more. Two countries share the name of the river that separates them. Your faith will be strengthened as you read how courageous men and women spread Bible truth throughout this fascinating region of the earth.
Moldova
pp. 67–66
Moldova
Lying to the east of the great arc of the Carpathian Mountains, Moldova is a fertile land of plains, deep valleys, ravines, and forest-clad slopes. This varied landscape of 13,000 square miles [34,000 sq km] is home to many different animals, including foxes, wolves, hare, badgers, deer, ermines, polecats, and wild boars.
The land’s rich, black soil and generally mild climate contribute to an abundance of fruits, grains, vegetables, and other farm products. Irrigation and drainage are amply provided by 2,200 natural springs and 3,000 rivers and streams, all of which flow south into the Black Sea. The rapidly flowing Dniester is the main artery and is navigable throughout most of the republic. For much of its length, the river either forms or runs parallel to the border of Ukraine, a country that lies to the north, east, and south of Moldova. The Prut River, a tributary of the Danube, is the border shared with Romania on the west.
Moldova’s Stormy Past
The land between the Dniester and the Prut—known for centuries as Bessarabia and Moldavia—lay on a main land route into Europe. In the first millennium B.C.E., the region was part of Scythia. Later it came marginally under the control of the Roman Empire. Its stormy history also includes invasion by waves of other peoples, such as Goths, Huns, and Avars. In the 13th and 14th centuries, Moldavia was vassal to the Tatars, and in the 16th century, it became part of the Ottoman Empire. In the 1812 Treaty of Bucharest, the Turks ceded control of Bessarabia and half of Moldavia to Russia, at which time the name Bessarabia was applied to the whole region.
In 1918, Bessarabia became part of greater Romania. However, it reverted to Russia temporarily in 1940 and again in 1944. Under the Soviet Union, the territory was known as the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR). Finally, with the collapse of Soviet Communism, the Moldavian SSR severed ties with Moscow, becoming the independent Republic of Moldova on August 27, 1991.a Chisinau, previously Kishinev, is the capital city.
In the 1960’s, Moldova saw rapid growth in population, but this has slowed down and steadied since 1970. The present figure stands at about 4.3 million people. Many Moldovans are employed in the country’s primary industry, wine growing, which produces about 3 percent of the world’s wines. Moldovan wines are particularly popular in Russia and Eastern Europe. (See the box on page 71.) But an even greater vineyard has enriched Moldova, one that produces the finest fruitage of all—sweet praise to Jehovah.
“A Vineyard of Foaming Wine!”
By means of the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah described spiritual Israel as “a vineyard of foaming wine.” As foretold, that figurative vineyard has filled “the surface of the productive land with produce” in the form of nourishing spiritual food. (Isa. 27:2-6) Consequently, anointed Christians have come to be joined by millions of “other sheep.”—John 10:16.
Jehovah’s people in Moldova have been thrilled to share in the fulfillment of that wonderful prophecy. Thanks to the constant flow of spiritual produce dispensed by Jehovah’s organization, Moldova now has a ratio of 1 publisher to every 229 inhabitants. In fact, in one village every fourth person is one of Jehovah’s Witnesses!
But as we will see, this growth has not come without fiery trials. For nearly 70 years, the Romanian monarchy, the Fascists, and the Communists banned, persecuted, and imprisoned God’s people. Nevertheless, in Moldova, as elsewhere, Jehovah has proved true to his prophetic words concerning his spiritual “vineyard of foaming wine.” Through Isaiah, he said: “I, Jehovah, am safeguarding her. Every moment I shall water her. In order that no one may turn his attention against her, I shall safeguard her even night and day.” (Isa. 27:2, 3) As you reflect on the history of Jehovah’s people in Moldova, may their example of courage and faith fortify you in your resolve to continue bearing precious fruit to Jehovah’s praise, no matter what obstacle the opposer Satan may throw in your path.
Russell Surveys the Field
Fruit-bearing branches on a literal vine start out as tiny shoots. The spiritual growth that started in Moldova was no different. Let us see how Jehovah made that delicate sprout develop into the sturdy fruit-bearing vine that we see in Moldova today. (1 Cor. 3:6) Our investigation takes us back to the late 19th century when Bible Student Charles Taze Russell visited the country during the course of a European trip.
In the September 1891 issue of Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence, Russell wrote that he had visited the home of a Jewish lawyer and Christian named Joseph Rabinowitch. “One of the most interesting of our experiences thus far,” said Russell, “was our visit to Brother Joseph Rabinowitch at his home in Kischenev, Russia [now Chisinau, Moldova]. He welcomed us warmly, as did all the family, all of whom are believers in the Lord Jesus. . . . We found him well acquainted with the teachings of DAWN [the Millennial Dawn series of books] and in deep sympathy with the same.” During their Bible discussions, the men agreed on many Scriptural points, hinted at by Russell’s reference to his Moldovan friend as “Brother Rabinowitch.”
Rabinowitch and his family were actively involved in helping Jews—of whom there were over 50,000 in Chisinau—to accept Christ and the Messianic hope. Attached to his home and office was “a new and very neat house of worship, which will seat about one hundred and twenty-five persons,” explained Russell. Rabinowitch also had a new, hand-operated printing press that he used to produce tracts particularly adapted to the Jewish mind. About six years later, in 1897, Rabinowitch wrote to Russell, saying: “My Dear and Beloved Brother Russell: At the close of the year I cannot help thanking you for the spiritual pleasure you are rendering me by your esteemed journal, ZION’S WATCH TOWER, which I receive regularly. It is to me like the merchant’s ship—bringing spiritual food from afar.” Despite this Jewish man’s love and zeal for Bible truth, however, 30 years would pass before Kingdom seed took firm root in Moldova and began to produce.—Matt. 13:1-8, 18-23.
World War I Leaves Many Disillusioned
The dramatic political changes that took place in Europe during the first world war created fertile soil for Kingdom seed in Moldova. When the Great War—as it was then called—came to an end, Moldova severed her ties with Russia, where the Communists had seized power, and united with Romania. Many Moldovan soldiers, having seen the horrors of war, came home disillusioned. Most had been raised with a strong allegiance to the Orthodox Church, but now they began to question its teachings.
One such man was Ion Andronic, who returned in 1919 to his native village of Corjeuţi. His interest in the Bible was aroused by discussions he had had with Adventists and Baptists while he was a prisoner of war. He brought a Bible home from the prison camp and discussed its message with his family and neighbors, arousing their interest too.
Ilie Groza was one of those neighbors. He had been in the United States during the war years and came home with a copy of the “New Testament,” which he had acquired during his travels. Being close neighbors, the Andronic and Groza families started to discuss God’s Word together. They also obtained literature published by the Bible Students, as Jehovah’s Witnesses were then known.
Ilie Groza’s daughter Ioana recalls: “I must have been only six years old when our family first obtained literature produced by the Bible Students. I am not sure where we obtained the literature, but I recall my parents and older siblings excitedly discussing the clear explanations of the Scriptures found in those publications.”
Ion Andronic later chose not to dedicate his life to Jehovah. But that was not the case with the rest of his family and most of the Groza family. “Our meetings were a family affair at first,” Ioana recalls. “My parents had four girls, and the Andronic family had several boys as well as girls. So it was not long before a romance budded, leading to the marriage of Vasile Andronic to my sister Feodolina.
“Soon our Bible-study group included Tudor and Daria Groza, a married couple distantly related to us. Tudor was a very keen Bible student. He even went to the branch office at Cluj-Napoca, Romania, to obtain literature and to find answers to his many Bible questions. In later years he proved to be a great spiritual support to our small congregation.
“The Iacuboi family, who also lived in our area, joined in the Bible discussions held at our house. Petru Iacuboi, the head of the family, had earlier extended hospitality to a man distributing Bibles. The visitor had stimulated Petru’s interest in the Scriptures. Petru looked into Baptist teachings for a little while before deciding that the truth was to be found elsewhere. That was when he joined our expanding group of Bible Students.
“Impelled by what we were learning, our group zealously shared the good news of the Kingdom with all our friends and relatives, many of whom lived in our village and in neighboring villages.”
Highlighting how quickly the Kingdom message spread in Moldova, a report in the December 15, 1921, issue of The Watch Tower stated: “From Bessarabia [as Moldova was then called] a brother, who was until recently an Advent preacher, writes: ‘About 200 in this place, besides many neighboring places all around, have received the truth.’”
In the early 1920’s in the village of Şirăuţi, a staunch member of the Orthodox Church, Ilarion Bugaian, came to a knowledge of the truth. He served Jehovah faithfully until his death. A Bible Student named Moise Ciobanu returned from Germany to the city of Bălţi. He had learned the truth while imprisoned in Germany during World War I. Before long, a group was formed that later became the first congregation in Bălţi.
Romanian Witnesses Help Out
To help cultivate the field and to strengthen the new ones associating with God’s people, the Romania branch sent qualified brothers to Moldova during the 1920’s. Among those early evangelizers was Vasile Ciucaş of Transylvania. He spoke Romanian and Hungarian. When Vasile visited the fledgling congregation in Corjeuţi, he always stayed with Ilie Groza and his family. Ioana fondly recalls those visits. “I must have been eight years old at the time,” she says, “but I still remember Brother Ciucaş’ visits. He was an exceptionally kind brother, and he always had such interesting stories to tell that no one wanted to go to bed! My sister and I used to vie with each other to sit next to him.”
The Romanian Witnesses, together with enthusiastic local publishers, continued to spread the good news to nearby villages. In the village of Tabani, seven miles [11 km] from Corjeuţi, Cazimir Cislinschii shared with others the good things he had learned from the Bible. Cazimir had heard the Kingdom message while serving in the army in Romania. One of the first people in Tabani to respond to Cazimir’s preaching was Dumitru Gorobeţ, a particularly enthusiastic student. Today, thanks to the zeal of Dumitru and others like him, Tabani’s population of 3,270 includes 475 Witnesses.
Early in the 1920’s, the Kingdom message also found its way into the village of Caracuşeni, between two and three miles [3-4 km] from Corjeuţi. Among the first villagers in Caracuşeni to accept the truth was Vladimir Lungu, baptized in 1927. Vladimir endured much persecution for his Christian beliefs and died faithful to Jehovah in 2002. During his lifetime, he saw so many people in his village accept the truth that now every fourth person in Caracuşeni, which has a population of 4,200, is a Witness!
Alexandru Mikitkov, another faithful brother, first learned the truth in 1929 while visiting the Romanian city of Iasi. His son Ivan says: “When Father returned to our home village, Ţaul, he immediately started preaching the good news, and very soon we had Christian meetings at our house.”
Ivan continues: “Father kept in touch with the branch office in Romania, and from time to time, mature brothers from Romania would visit us. Sadly, in 1931, during one of those visits, my baby sister died. Because our family was well-known, many villagers attended the funeral. Our visitor from Romania, Brother Vănica, conducted the funeral service. He gave an outstanding witness, exposing as a lie the rumor spread by the clergy that the Bible Students do not conduct dignified funerals. What is more, Brother Vănica’s discourse, which clearly explained the hope of the resurrection, planted fine seed in the hearts of some present. Before long, these too would take a firm stand for Bible truth.
“Brother Vănica’s spiritual encouragement also had a profound effect on my family. For example, my older brother, Dumitru, decided to become a colporteur (full-time minister). Keen to help as many people as possible, he soon left home to preach in untouched areas of Moldova. The family supported him wholeheartedly in his decision. But I must admit, I sorely missed my big brother. On the other hand, how joyful we were when he came home to visit, full of exciting experiences from the field!”
Clerical Opposition Mounts
From the start, Orthodox clerics opposed the preaching of the good news. But they became incensed when former members of their church, having learned Bible truth, refused to make the sign of the cross and to have their infants baptized.
When Ioana Groza was about ten years old, the local Orthodox priest pressured her to compromise her beliefs. She recalls: “My father had explained to us children that it was unscriptural to make the sign of the cross. But at school the priest insisted that we cross ourselves. I was scared of that man, but I was also afraid of displeasing Father. So instead of going to school, I would hide in a barn. Several days later, though, Father learned about my absenteeism. Still, he did not scold me but kindly asked for an explanation. When I told him of my fears concerning the priest, Father took me by the hand and we marched straight to the man’s house.
“In a firm tone, Father told the priest: ‘If you were the one who fed, clothed, and housed my daughter, then you might be allowed to tell her what to do religiously. Because you do not do these things, you will not interfere with what I teach my child.’ Well, I am pleased to say that for the rest of my school days, the priest gave me no more trouble.”
Usually, the clergy were the most influential men in the community. Like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, they used that influence to malign the good name of Jehovah’s servants so that their parishioners would either spurn the brothers or fear talking to them. One of the clergy’s favorite tactics was to exploit political enmities. For instance, people back then feared and mistrusted the Bolshevik “menace” across the border in the Soviet Union. Orthodox priests played on this fear by imputing political motives to the Bible Students’ refusal to make the sign of the cross, saying that they were Communists.
But that was not all that those scheming clerics did. They abused their office even further by inciting government officials to oppose God’s people, just as the scribes and Pharisees did in Jesus’ day.—John 18:28-30; 19:4-6, 12-16.
From 1918 to 1940, Moldova came under the rule of Romania, which was then a kingdom, or monarchy. The government in Romania appointed a minister of cults, who had jurisdiction over religious matters. Bowing to religious Orthodoxy, this man opposed the work of the Bible Students and sought to have them and their Bible-based publications banned. The charge, as you may have guessed, was that the brothers were in league with the Bolsheviks.
This official contempt for Jehovah’s people resulted in a government directive from the inspector general of Moldova to a certain chief of police, dated April 25, 1925. It stated: “Motivated by the Police Security Directive No. 17274/925, we have the honor to inform you that the Ministry of Internal Affairs decided to prohibit and stop the propaganda of the international ‘Bible Students,’ and we would like you to take the necessary measures to accomplish that purpose.”
The effect that such official opposition had on the brothers is reflected in a report that the Romania office submitted to world headquarters on October 17, 1927. In summary, the report stated that congregation meetings had been stopped and forbidden everywhere and that ‘hundreds of brothers had been arraigned before the military and civil courts.’ It also said: ‘Few meetings could be held during summer, as the congregations were and still are closely watched by the secret service and policemen, especially in villages, where most congregations are. Most meetings were held in the woods, in well-concealed places.’
The report continued: ‘As of March, the work of the traveling overseers was also curtailed. In that same month, the minister of the interior gave strict, confidential orders to find the colporteurs and to arrest all these “propagandists.” Within a short time, almost all the colporteurs were put in jail. And although neither we nor the brothers are frightened, having endured opposition from the beginning of the work in this country, this time the system of routing us is so thorough that we can hardly make a move.’
As the 1920’s drew to a close, courageous individuals and families continued to separate themselves from the Orthodox Church and to take a firm stand for Bible truth. This fact is reflected in a letter that a village priest wrote to his superior in the year 1928. The letter included a list of 43 names of adults and children in the priest’s parish in Şirăuţi. It said: “We have the honor to attach a list of the names of the members of the sect ‘Bible Students.’ Despite their efforts, they have not had any success, nor do they have a prayer house. Rather, they meet in private homes.”
In reality, the priest’s list of names belied his assertion that the Bible Students “have not had any success,” since most of the 43 persons named were former members of the Orthodox Church. One of the children mentioned was Agripina Barbuţă, who is now over 80 years of age and still active in Jehovah’s service.
When it became difficult to preach publicly, the brothers concentrated on informal witnessing, especially to relatives. Back then relatives spent considerable time socializing. The brothers took advantage of this custom to share the good news with others. Naturally, no legislation could stop family members from talking with one another.
Efforts to Legalize the Preaching Work
After the 1925 ban on the preaching work, the brothers at the branch office in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, submitted a 50-page, typewritten report to the minister of cults. Along with a brief statement of our teachings and beliefs, it included an official request to lift the ban. Subsequently, in September 1927, one of the brothers was granted a personal audience with the minister on three separate occasions. He left the final meeting hopeful that the law would be changed to favor freedom of worship. Regrettably, though, the government disregarded the brothers’ appeals. In fact, officials continued to frame trouble by decree, making things worse for Jehovah’s people, not better. (Ps. 94:20; Dan. 6:5-9) In this regard, an official document dated May 29, 1932, stated that “every kind of activity” of the International Bible Students “is totally prohibited.”
Yet, this attack against God’s people did not have the earmarks of a unified, coordinated campaign in Romania and Moldova. To some extent, local governments and officials made their own decisions about the Bible Students. So the brothers approached these officials in order to defend and legally establish the good news, at least in their local areas.—Phil. 1:7.
In some places these efforts bore fruit. That was the case in Bucharest, Romania, after the branch office moved there from Cluj-Napoca. In 1933, following a protracted struggle, the branch finally obtained legal registration for the Bible and Tract Society of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Bucharest.
Interestingly, even some high-profile judges openly disagreed with the restrictions imposed on God’s people. For instance, on May 8, 1935, the Cluj-Napoca Court of Appeals courageously ruled that the ban imposed on Jehovah’s Witnesses was unconstitutional. The ruling went even further, stating: “The confiscated booklets [produced by Jehovah’s Witnesses] promote love toward one another and belief in God and Christ. For this reason, it is incorrect to state that these booklets have a subversive character; they do not represent a danger to the security of the State.”
The Voice of Reason Goes Unheeded
However, the authorities, by and large, remained opposed to the work of God’s people. For instance, on March 28, 1934, the chief of the Security Office of the town of Soroca, Moldova, wrote to his superior, the regional police inspector in Chisinau, complaining that in 1927 in a certain village near Soroca, there were “only two families who were adherents of this sect, but they have converted . . . another 33 families.” He also wrote that the Witnesses “reject the church” and its “religious traditions and habits” and that “instead of asking for the services of the priest, they do their own worship.” He concluded his letter, saying: “[The Witnesses] continue to make new converts, and this threatens the established order and the security of the State.”
On May 6, 1937, the brothers in that very district wrote to the prefect asking that Jehovah’s Witnesses be removed from the list of illegal sects. The official response was made clear in a letter from the county chief of the district of Soroca to the prefect of that same district. Dated June 15, 1937, it said: “The activity of [Jehovah’s Witnesses] is prohibited by . . . the Ministry of Cults and Arts. Therefore, we cannot satisfy their request to be taken off the list of [illegal] sects, since they continue to work actively for the interests of that sect.”
Affirming that hostile stand, the official government journal, Monitorul Oficial, said, on July 12, 1939, that Jehovah’s Witnesses and any legal entities they might use are “totally prohibited.” As mentioned earlier, Moldova was then under the sovereignty of Romania, which was Eastern Orthodox and ruled by a monarchy. Regrettably, religious bigotry moved many officials to go beyond legal prohibitions in their treatment of Jehovah’s people.
Officials Become Brutal
The experience of Dumitru Gorobeţ and Cazimir Cislinschii shows that the flames of opposition to the preaching work were often fanned by religious hatred on the part of staunchly Orthodox officials. Dumitru and Cazimir first learned Bible truth in the village of Tabani. Because of their fine qualities and their zeal for the ministry, they soon became well-known and loved by the brothers. Then, in 1936, they were arrested and brought to a police station in the town of Khotin (now in Ukraine).
First the police cruelly beat Dumitru and Cazimir. Then they tried to force them to make the sign of the cross. But the two men stood firm, despite continued beatings. Eventually, the police gave up. They even allowed Dumitru and Cazimir to go home. But that was not the end of the trials suffered by these two faithful brothers. Under both Fascist and Communist rule, they endured many more hardships for the sake of the good news. Dumitru passed away early in 1976 in Tomsk, Russia. Cazimir died in November 1990 in Moldova.
In the 1930’s, the Romania branch supervised the work in Moldova. Martin Magyarosi, baptized in 1922, was branch servant at the time. Out of loving concern for the brothers, especially in view of the trials they were going through, he and his son-in-law, Pamfil Albu, visited many congregations in the north of Moldova to fortify and encourage God’s people. How timely those visits would prove to be! Why? Because Europe was soon to become the very epicenter of World War II. And Moldova, seen as a desirable possession, would be wrenched to and fro by her more powerful, opposing neighbors.
Europe Racked by World War II
On August 23, 1939, the Soviet Union and the Nazi government of Germany signed a nonaggression pact. A week later, on September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, igniting World War II. Then, on June 26, 1940, Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov presented the Romanian government with a demand that they unconditionally cede what was then known as Bessarabia to the Soviet Union. Romania gave in to this demand, and on June 28, 1940, Soviet troops marched into Moldova. In August 1940, the Soviets created the Moldavian SSR, with Chisinau as the capital.
However, the Soviet hold on Moldova was short-lived. On June 22, 1941, Germany violated the 1939 nonaggression pact and invaded Russia. Exploiting this turn of events, Romania declared itself to be on Germany’s side and set about wresting the Moldavian SSR back from the Soviets.
The scheme was successful, for by July 26, 1941, the Romanian army had pushed the Russians back to the Dniester River. Thus, after a little over a year of Soviet rule, Moldova again came under Romanian control. This time, however, it was a Romania ruled, as of September 1940, by an extremely nationalistic Fascist government headed by the dictator General Ion Antonescu. His regime would not tolerate those who remained politically neutral because of their loyal support for God’s Kingdom.
The Fascist Crucible
Antonescu’s Fascist government, in league with Hitler and the Axis powers, soon tried to impose its will on Jehovah’s Witnesses. Consider the example of Anton Pântea, born in 1919. Anton learned the truth as a teenager and was zealous in the house-to-house ministry. He came close to being beaten up on a number of occasions, but by boldly asserting his legal right as a Romanian citizen to speak about his faith, he managed to avoid physical abuse for some time. Nevertheless, the police finally caught up with him. Fascist officers dragged him to a police station, beat him all night long and then, surprisingly, set him free. Brother Pântea is now 84 years of age and still determined to remain faithful to Jehovah.
Another integrity keeper, Parfin Palamarciuc, learned Bible truth in Moldova during the 1920’s. He too became a zealous proclaimer of the good news, often staying away from home for weeks to preach in cities and villages from Chernovtsy to Lvov in Ukraine. Because Parfin refused to take up arms, Fascists arrested him in 1942 and court-martialed him in Chernovtsy.
Parfin’s son Nicolae recounted those events, saying: “A total of 100 brothers were condemned to death by this court-martial. The sentence was to be carried out promptly. The officers assembled all the brothers and selected the first ten to be shot. But first these individuals were forced to dig their own graves as the other 90 looked on. Before shooting the brothers, however, the officers gave them one more opportunity to renounce their faith and join the army. Two compromised; the other eight were shot dead. Then ten more were lined up. But before being shot they had to bury the dead.
“While the brothers were filling in the graves, a high-ranking officer arrived. He asked how many Witnesses had changed their minds. When told just two, he stated that if 80 had to die to get 20 into the army, it would be more profitable to consign the remaining 92 to labor camps. As a result, the death sentences were commuted to 25 years of forced labor. However, not quite three years later, advancing Soviet forces liberated the Witnesses from the Romanian camps. My father survived these and many other ordeals. He died faithful to Jehovah in 1984.”
Not Complying With Orthodoxy—A Crime!
Vasile Gherman was a young married man. His wife had just given birth to a baby girl when Fascists arrested him in December 1942. Vasile was charged with two “crimes”—refusing to perform military service and failing to have his daughter baptized in the Orthodox Church. He relates what happened: “In February 1943, my case, along with that of 69 other faithful brothers, was to be heard at Chernovtsy before a military court. Before the actual sentencing, the authorities forced us to witness the execution of six criminals. Hence, we felt sure that we were next on the list to receive the death penalty.
“We talked the matter over among ourselves and resolved to stay strong in faith and to make every effort to maintain a joyful disposition right through the trial. With Jehovah’s help, we succeeded. When, as expected, all 70 of us received the death sentence, we really felt that we were suffering for righteousness’ sake. None of us felt discouraged, much to the chagrin of our enemies. Then came a surprise. Instead of having us shot, the authorities changed our sentences to 25 years of forced labor at the camp in Aiud, Romania. But even that sentence was not fully carried out, for just 18 months later, in August 1944, the advancing Soviet army liberated the camp.”
In 1942 the Fascists conscripted about 800 men from the village of Şirăuţi, Moldova, to serve in General Antonescu’s army. Among them were a number of Witnesses, including Nicolae Anischevici. “At the beginning of the proceedings,” said Nicolae, “the police ordered us to participate in a religious ceremony. We Witnesses refused. We also refused to take up weapons. As a result, the police accused us of being Communists and arrested us. Before locking us up, however, they allowed us to explain to all present the reason for our neutral stand.
“The next day we were transferred to Briceni, the judicial center for the district. Here we were stripped and thoroughly searched. A priest of high military rank then questioned us. He was kind, showed understanding toward our conscientious stand, and arranged for us to be fed. What is more, he wrote that the reason for our refusal to bear arms was our belief in Jesus.
“From Briceni we were taken to the police station in Lipcani. There the police beat us mercilessly right into the night. Then they put us in a cell with two other brothers and, surprisingly, a woman, who turned out to be a spy. We were beaten daily for several days. Eventually, I was sent to Chernovtsy to face a court-martial. There I was given a lawyer, who proved to be very helpful. Even so, my health had deteriorated so much from the maltreatment that the military authorities thought I might die. In the end, they decided to send me home without sentencing me.”
Courageous Sisters Maintain Integrity
Sisters also felt the heat of Fascist wrath. One was Maria Gherman (no relation to Vasile Gherman but from the same congregation). Arrested in 1943, Maria was taken to the police station in Balasineşti. She recalls: “The police arrested me because I refused to go to the Orthodox church. First they transferred me to Lipcani, Moldova, and then to Chernovtsy, Ukraine, where I was sentenced.
“The judge asked me why I had refused to go to church. I told him that I worship only Jehovah. For this ‘crime,’ 20 other sisters and I were given 20-year prison sentences. Some of us were packed into a tiny cell with 30 other inmates. During the day, however, I was sent out to do housework at the homes of the rich. These people, I might add, treated me better than the prison officials did—at least, they gave me enough to eat!
“In time, we made contact with the brothers who were in another wing of the prison complex. This contact proved to be a blessing, for we were able to help the brothers obtain both spiritual and physical food.”
Like many other Moldovan Witnesses, these integrity keepers endured Fascist wrath only to face another assault on their faith. That attack was made by the next regional power, Communist Russia.
The Soviet Ploy—Deportation
In 1944, toward the end of the war when the tide had turned against Germany, elements within the Romanian government led by King Michael overthrew Antonescu’s regime. Romania then shifted her allegiance from the Axis powers to Russia. In that same year, the advancing Soviet army reasserted Russian control over the region, again integrating Moldova into the Soviet Union as the Moldavian SSR.
At first Moldova’s Communist rulers left Jehovah’s Witnesses alone. But this respite was brief. Christian neutrality, including the Witnesses’ refusal to vote in local party elections, soon became a hot issue again. The Soviet system allowed no room for political neutrality. So the government planned to solve the problem by deporting Jehovah’s Witnesses and other “undesirables,” starting in 1949.
An official document set out “the decision of the politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party” regarding those to be deported from the Moldavian SSR. They would include “former landowners, big traders, active accomplices of German invaders, persons who were cooperating with the German and Romanian police authorities, members of pro-Fascist parties and organizations, members of the White Guard, members of illegal sects, as well as the families of the enumerated categories.” All were to be sent to western Siberia “to time indefinite.”
A second wave of deportations began in 1951, but this time only Jehovah’s Witnesses were targeted. Stalin personally ordered this deportation, which was called Operation North. Over 720 Witness families—some 2,600 persons—were sent from Moldova to Tomsk, about 2,800 miles [4,500 km] away in western Siberia.
Official directives stated that individuals were to be given sufficient time to gather personal belongings before being taken to waiting trains. Furthermore, the railway cars were to be “well arranged for human transportation.” The reality was quite different.
In the middle of the night, up to eight soldiers and officials would arrive at a Witness family’s home. They would wake the family and show them the deportation order. Then they would give the family just a few hours to gather what possessions they could before taking the family to waiting trains.
The railway cars turned out to be boxcars. Up to 40 persons of all ages were crammed into each car for the two-week journey. There was no seating and no thermal insulation of any kind. One corner of the boxcar had a hole in the floor that served as a toilet. Before deporting the brothers, local officials were supposed to register each person’s possessions. Often, though, they would list only things of little worth; valuable items simply “disappeared.”
Despite all these injustices and hardships, however, the brothers never lost their Christian joy. Indeed, when the trains carrying the Witnesses converged at railway junctions, Kingdom songs could be heard emanating from other boxcars. Thus, the brothers in each train knew that they were not alone but were being deported along with hundreds of fellow Witnesses. Seeing and hearing one another reflect a joyful spirit in such trying circumstances lifted the hearts of all and fortified them in their resolve to stay faithful to Jehovah, come what may.—Jas. 1:2.
Faith Worthy of Imitation
Among the Moldovan deportees to Siberia was Ivan Mikitkov. Ivan was first arrested in Moldova in 1951, along with other Witnesses, and was exiled to Tomsk. He was assigned to fell trees in the Siberian taiga. Even though he was not confined to a labor camp, his freedom of movement was restricted, and the secret police kept a close eye on him. Nonetheless, he and his spiritual brothers witnessed to others at every opportunity.
Says Ivan: “We organized ourselves into congregations in this difficult new environment. We even began to produce our own literature. In time, some of those to whom we preached accepted the truth and got baptized. However, the authorities eventually noticed our activities and sentenced some of us to labor camps.
“Along with fellow Witnesses Pavel Dandara, Mina Goraş, and Vasile Şarban, I was sentenced to 12 years of forced labor under strict supervision. The authorities hoped that these stiff sentences would frighten others into silence, but that did not happen. No matter where our brothers were sent, they continued preaching. In 1966, I was released after serving my full sentence. I returned to Tomsk and remained there for three years.
“In 1969, I moved to Donets Basin, where I met Maria, a faithful and zealous sister, whom I married. In 1983, I was arrested again. This time I received a double sentence—prison for five years and deportation for another five years. Understandably, I found this sentence much harder to deal with than the former one because it meant separation from my wife and child, both of whom also had to endure hardships. Happily, though, I did not have to serve the full term. I was released in 1987 after Mikhail Gorbachev became general secretary of the Soviet Communist Party. I was permitted to return to Ukraine and later to Moldova.
“When I returned to Bălţi, the second-largest city in Moldova, it had 370 publishers and three congregations. Today it has over 1,700 publishers and 16 congregations!”
“Do You Want to End Up Like Vasile?”
Camp administrators and KGB (Soviet State Security Committee) agents devised some sadistic tricks in their efforts to weaken the brothers’ integrity. Constantin Ivanovici Şobe relates what happened to his grandfather, Constantin Şobe: “In 1952, Grandfather was serving his sentence in one of the labor camps in the district of Chita, east of Lake Baikal in Siberia. The camp officials threatened to shoot him and the other Witnesses if they did not renounce their faith.
“Because the brothers refused to compromise, the officials gathered them outside the camp, near the edge of a forest. It was getting dark when they took Grandfather’s best friend, Vasile, a little way off into the forest, announcing that they were going to shoot him. The brothers waited anxiously. Soon, a couple of rifle shots shattered the evening quiet.
“The guards returned and escorted the next Witness, my grandfather, into the forest. After walking a short distance, they stopped at a clearing. Several graves had been dug, and one was filled in. Pointing to that grave, the commanding officer turned to Grandfather and said: ‘Do you want to end up like Vasile, or do you want to go back to your family a free man? You have two minutes to make up your mind.’ Grandfather did not need two minutes. Right away he replied: ‘Vasile, whom you shot, I have known for many years. Now I am looking forward to being reunited with him in the resurrection in the new world. I have every confidence that I will be in the new world, together with Vasile. But will you be there?’
“That reply was not what the officer had expected. He marched Grandfather and the others back to camp. As it turned out, Grandfather did not have to wait until the resurrection to see Vasile. The whole thing was just a cruel hoax designed to break the brothers down.”
Communist Propaganda Backfires
To create hatred and suspicion toward Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Communists produced books, brochures, and films that slandered God’s people. One brochure was entitled Double Bottom—a term referring to the secret literature compartment that brothers built into the bottoms of suitcases and bags. Nicolai Voloşanovschi recalls how the camp commander tried to use this brochure to humiliate him in front of the other prisoners.
Says Nicolai: “The camp commander gathered all the inmates together in one of the barracks. Then he proceeded to quote passages from Double Bottom, including passages that contained slanderous statements about me personally. When he finished speaking, I requested permission to ask some questions. The commander must have thought that this would provide a chance for him to poke fun at me, for he granted my request.
“Addressing the camp commander, I asked if he recalled the first time he had interviewed me when I was inducted into the labor camp. He remembered the interview. Then I asked him if he recalled the questions he had put to me concerning my country of origin, citizenship, and so on while he was filling out my induction papers. Again, he replied yes. He even told the audience what my answers had been. Then I asked him to relate what he had actually written on the forms. He admitted that what he had written did not harmonize with my answers. I then faced the audience and said: ‘You see, this is the same way that this brochure was written.’ The prisoners applauded, and the commander angrily left the scene.”
The Plot to Divide and Conquer
During the 1960’s, the frustrated Soviet authorities implemented new methods in their efforts to disrupt the unity of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The book The Sword and the Shield, published in 1999, discusses some of the once-secret KGB records contained in government archives. It states: “A conference in March 1959 of senior KGB officers leading ‘the struggle against Jehovists [Jehovah’s Witnesses]’ concluded that the correct strategy was ‘to continue measures of repression with measures of disruption.’ The KGB set out to divide, demoralize and discredit the sectarians, as well as to arrest their most influential leaders on trumped-up charges.”
The “measures of disruption” included a concerted campaign to sow distrust among the brothers throughout the Soviet Union. To that end, the KGB began to spread malicious rumors, claiming that a number of key brothers had started to cooperate with the State security services. The KGB camouflaged their lies so cleverly that many Witnesses began to wonder whom they could trust.
Another KGB ploy was to train special agents to pose as “active” Jehovah’s Witnesses who would then try to obtain responsible positions in the organization. Of course, these spies would keep the KGB well-informed. The KGB also secretly approached genuine Witnesses, trying to bribe them with large sums of money for their cooperation.
Sadly, these devious methods had a measure of success in disrupting the unity of the brothers, including those in Moldova. As a result, an atmosphere of suspicion arose. Some brothers broke away from the organization and formed a splinter group that came to be known as the opposition.
Before these events, the brothers in the Soviet Union referred to Jehovah’s organization, the spiritual food it produced, and the responsible brothers it appointed as the channel. Now confusion and uncertainty about that channel began to mount. How were the brothers able to clear up the confusion? Surprisingly, they did so with the help of the Soviet State. Yes, the schemers themselves helped to resolve the very problems they had created. How so?
They Failed to Take God’s Spirit Into Account
Early in the 1960’s, Soviet authorities put many Witness “leaders” from all over the Soviet Union together in one camp about 95 miles [150 km] from the city of Saransk in the republic of Mordvinia, western Russia. Previously, vast distances separated the brothers, hampering communication and fostering misunderstandings. But now those who belonged to the so-called opposition and those who did not were all together. Hence, they could talk face-to-face and separate fact from fiction. Why did the authorities put all these brothers together? Apparently, they felt that the brothers would clash with one another, thus driving in further the wedge of division. Although clever, the scheme failed to take into account Jehovah’s unifying spirit.—1 Cor. 14:33.
One of the brothers incarcerated in Mordvinia was Gheorghe Gorobeţ. He recalls: “Not long after I was arrested and sent to prison, a brother who had been associating with the opposition was imprisoned with us. When he saw that the responsible brothers were still incarcerated, he was surprised, for he had been told that we were all as free as birds and living a life of luxury sponsored by the KGB!”
Brother Gorobeţ continues: “During my first year in prison, over 700 persons were incarcerated for religious reasons. The majority were Jehovah’s Witnesses. We all worked together in a factory and had time to talk with those who had joined the splinter group. As a result, many matters were clarified during the years 1960 and 1961. Finally, in 1962, the country committee caring for the Soviet Union wrote a letter from right there in the labor camp. The letter went to all congregations within the Soviet Union and began to undo much of the damage caused by the KGB’s campaign of lies.”
Identifying the True Channel
Brother Gorobeţ was released from the labor camp in June 1964, and he returned to Moldova immediately. When he arrived in Tabani, he discovered that many local Witnesses were still confused about whom Jehovah was using to feed and direct His people. A number of brothers would read only the Bible.
A committee of three spiritually mature brothers was appointed to help clarify matters. One of the first things they did was to visit congregations in the north of Moldova, where most of the Witnesses lived. The continuing faithfulness of these and other Christian overseers, despite their having suffered much persecution, convinced many that Jehovah was still using the same organization that had taught them the truth in the first place.
During the late 1960’s, it became evident to the KGB that the preaching work continued to advance despite persecution and other tactics. Describing the reaction of the KGB, the book The Sword and the Shield states: “The [KGB] Centre was disturbed by reports that, even in labor camps, ‘the Jehovah leaders and authorities did not reject their hostile beliefs and in camp conditions continued to carry out their Jehovah work.’ A conference of KGB officers working on operations against Jehovah’s Witnesses met at [Chisinau] in November 1967 to discuss new measures ‘to prevent the sectarians’ hostile work’ and ‘ideological subversion.’”
Harassed by Former Brothers
Regrettably, some individuals fell for these “new measures” and played right into KGB hands. Some had succumbed to greed or fear of man; others were former brothers who nurtured hatred for the Witnesses. The authorities started using these in an effort to break the integrity of the faithful. Witnesses who had endured imprisonment and labor camps said that being subjected to harassment by former brothers, some of whom were now apostates, was one of the most distressing situations they ever faced.
Many apostates came from the aforementioned opposition. At first, this group included some who were simply confused by KGB misinformation. But those who were still attached to the opposition in the late 1960’s included a number who demonstrated the wicked spirit of the evil slave class. Having disregarded Jesus’ warning, they began “to beat [their] fellow slaves.”—Matt. 24:48, 49.
Yet, the plot to divide and conquer God’s people failed, despite all the sustained pressure from the KGB and their minions. In the early 1960’s when faithful brothers started the work of reuniting the organization in Moldova, most brothers in that land were attached to the opposition. But by 1972, by far the majority had returned to working loyally along with Jehovah’s organization.
An Appreciative Persecutor
Faithful ones who remained in Moldova during the Communist era carried on with the preaching work as best they could. They witnessed informally to family, friends, schoolmates, and workmates. But they were cautious because many party officials in Moldova were fanatically committed to Communist ideology. However, not all Communists felt contempt for Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Simeon Voloşanovschi recalls: “The police searched our home and confiscated a great deal of literature, which the officer in charge itemized. Later he returned with his list and asked me to verify the items. While checking his entries, I noticed an omission—a Watchtower that discussed the family and how to make homelife happier. I asked the officer about it. ‘Oh, I took it home, and we read it as a family,’ he replied rather sheepishly. ‘Well, did you like what you read?’ I asked. ‘Oh, absolutely! We loved it!’ he said.”
Opposition Eases, and Growth Continues
During the 1970’s, the Communist authorities abandoned their policy of arresting and exiling Jehovah’s people. Still, individual brothers were apprehended and tried for witnessing or attending Christian meetings. The sentences, though, were milder.
The year 1972 saw the elder arrangement begin in Moldova, as elsewhere. Gheorghe Gorobeţ recalls: “The brotherhood accepted the new arrangement with much joy, seeing in it additional evidence that Jehovah’s spirit was at work. Furthermore, the increase in the number of appointed men helped the congregations in Moldova to grow spiritually and numerically.”
By this time, of course, the brothers had gained considerable experience in organizing the preaching work and in discreetly printing Bible-based literature. When Communist oppression began, literature was prepared at two locations in Moldova, and these operated only at night during the decades of intense persecution. So the workers had to lead two lives—one in the daytime, when they went about their normal activities like other citizens, and another at night, when they worked till the early hours of the morning producing literature for the congregations.
This situation changed, however, when opposition and surveillance eased. The brothers could now operate the underground printeries more efficiently and assign additional volunteers to care for the work. As a result, production increased.
The brothers also improved their printing techniques. For instance, they used special templates that could be prepared on a typewriter. They also modified the presses to print on both sides of a sheet of paper simultaneously. All these improvements boosted production even further. The days of handwritten copies of Bible study aids now seemed long gone!
Naturally, more literature meant that the brothers could do more personal Bible study. This along with much-improved communications helped to clear up any remaining traces of the earlier confusion. Yet, these improvements were just a foretaste of better things to come for Jehovah’s people in Moldova.
True Worship Thrives
Although a political and military Goliath in its heyday, Soviet Communism failed to stamp out true worship. In fact, by means of their program of deportation, the Soviets inadvertently helped to spread the good news to some of ‘the most distant parts of the earth.’ (Acts 1:8) Jehovah promised through Isaiah: “Any weapon whatever that will be formed against you will have no success . . . This is the hereditary possession of the servants of Jehovah, and their righteousness is from me.” (Isa. 54:17) How true those words have proved to be!
A change in government in 1985 made life much easier for Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Soviet Union. They were no longer followed by the secret police or fined for attending religious gatherings. Although the brothers in Moldova continued to have their regular meetings in small groups of ten or fewer, they started to use special occasions, such as weddings and funerals, to hold small circuit assemblies.
Then in the summer of 1989, the preaching work received a boost when three international conventions were held in the Polish cities of Chorzow (near Katowice), Poznan, and Warsaw. Hundreds of delegates from Moldova attended. What a moving experience it was for these faithful brothers who were used to meeting secretly in small numbers to be among international throngs of joyful Witnesses—all worshiping Jehovah together!
The brothers in Moldova experienced another spiritual treat when in 1991 they were able to hold circuit assemblies openly for the first time in the history of the work in that country. The year 1992 provided another landmark—an international convention in St. Petersburg, Russia. An even greater number of Moldovan delegates attended this convention than attended the three in Poland in 1989. Yes, Jehovah had opened the floodgates of heaven and had begun to pour out blessing after blessing upon his loyal, appreciative servants.
Training for Traveling Overseers
More freedom also meant closer contact between the country committee for the Soviet Union and the traveling overseers. In December 1989 these spiritually mature brothers, then numbering 60, gathered for instruction at Lvov, Ukraine. Keeping in mind that all in attendance had endured prisons, labor camps, and other forms of persecution, what a joyful, edifying occasion that class proved to be! Indeed, many had already established close friendships during those difficult former times.
Four of the traveling overseers in that class came from Moldova. Upon their return, they conveyed to the congregations the wise counsel they had received at Lvov, especially in regard to the preaching work. For instance, they exhorted the brothers to continue to preach God’s Word discreetly, despite newfound freedoms. (Matt. 10:16) Why the continuing need for caution? Because technically the work was still under ban.
Pressing Need for Kingdom Halls
From the time the preaching work first got established in Moldova, the brothers were conscious of the need to have their own meeting halls. In fact, in 1922 the Bible Students in the village of Corjeuţi constructed a hall, using their own resources. Called a house for meetings, it served their needs for many years.
In the late 1980’s, when official opposition began to ease off considerably, many towns and villages had congregations with several hundred publishers. These met in small groups in private homes. So had the time arrived to go ahead and build Kingdom Halls? To find out, the brothers approached various village administrators.
Some of these officials proved to be most cooperative. This was the case in Feteşti, a village of 3,150 inhabitants in the north of Moldova. In January 1990, local brothers met with the mayor, who informed them that in his village they could consider their work to be free of official restrictions. The brothers, still wary, found the offer hard to believe. So they asked him for permission to modify the home of a brother so that the congregation could use the house as a small Kingdom Hall, even though the congregation had 185 publishers!
The mayor approved the project, and the brothers went to work. However, they soon encountered a major obstacle. If they removed a particular wall for the project to proceed, the house would probably collapse! So work came to an abrupt stop. What would they do? The brothers decided to approach the mayor again to explain the problem. How thrilled they were when he permitted them to construct a brand new Kingdom Hall! Now the congregation threw themselves into the project, completing it in just 27 days.
So that all could fit into the new Kingdom Hall, the Feteşti Congregation was divided into two. Many new publishers, however, were not yet baptized. So why not incorporate a baptism into the dedication program? The brothers went ahead with this idea. Thus, after the baptism talk, all went down to a nearby river, where 80 persons symbolized their dedication to Jehovah.
Of course, many other congregations were also in urgent need of a Kingdom Hall. Having seen pictures of Kingdom Halls in the literature, some congregations decided that they could build something similar. So they pooled their resources, used loads of initiative, and went to work. And these were not just isolated cases. Between 1990 and 1995, the brothers erected over 30 Kingdom Halls—all with local labor and finances.
Selected Kingdom Halls were also used for circuit assemblies. However, these were so well attended that many had to listen to the program from outside the hall. Hence, the brothers began to give thought to building an Assembly Hall. Once again, they did not procrastinate. In 1992, in the space of just three months, they constructed the first Assembly Hall in Moldova—an 800-seat building in Corjeuţi. The following year, again using their own labor and resources, the Witnesses built a 1,500-seat Assembly Hall in Feteşti.
The timing of this construction activity seemed providential, for in the mid-1990’s, political change and an economic downturn contributed to the rapid devaluation of the Moldovan currency. As a result, the money needed to build an entire Kingdom Hall in the early 1990’s would not even pay for the chairs a few years later!
Kingdom Hall Construction in the South
Unlike the congregations in the north of Moldova, those in the south had fewer Kingdom Halls. Hence, as the work rapidly expanded during the 1990’s, many newly formed congregations in the south had problems finding suitable places to meet. Public schools had been used, but these became more difficult to rent.
Once again, Jehovah through his organization came to the brothers’ aid. At just the right time, the Governing Body, by means of the Kingdom Hall Fund arrangement, made funds available for the construction of Kingdom Halls in such lands as Moldova, where congregations have limited finances.
The brothers have used this provision to good effect. Chisinau is a fine example. In 1999, there was not one Kingdom Hall in the capital. But by July 2002, ten halls were serving the needs of 30 of the 37 congregations in the city, and three more were under construction.
Legal Recognition at Last!
On August 27, 1991, Moldova became an independent republic. Because the ban on the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses was of Soviet origin, it was no longer valid. Nevertheless, Jehovah’s Witnesses, then numbering about 4,000, were not yet legally registered as a religious organization.
After receiving helpful direction from the Governing Body, the Moldova office promptly approached the appropriate government agencies to seek legal recognition for Jehovah’s Witnesses. The new administration proved to be favorably disposed toward the request. It took some time for the necessary paperwork to be processed, but finally, on July 27, 1994, the office received the official document of registration.
What a memorable day that was for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Moldova! After enduring some six decades of bans, persecution, and imprisonment, they could now worship Jehovah and preach the good news openly. They could also begin to hold their own district conventions. Indeed, in August 1994, the month after they gained legal recognition, Jehovah’s Witnesses gathered at the largest stadium in Chisinau for the first district convention ever held in Moldova. What a thrilling occasion that proved to be!
Bethel Expansion
By 1995 the number of Kingdom publishers had climbed to over 10,000. A small office in Chisinau cared for certain aspects of the work in Moldova, but the Russia branch office—some 1,240 miles [2,000 km] away—had general oversight. The Romania branch, though, was only 300 miles [500 km] away, and most Moldovans spoke Romanian. Indeed, Romanian was made the official language of the republic. So after weighing all the facts, the Governing Body recommended that the Romania branch oversee the work in Moldova.
In the meantime, continuing growth began to tax the office in Chisinau, which was just a little apartment. Clearly, the time had arrived to establish a Bethel family. Among the first members were Ion and Iulia Rusu. Brother Rusu had served as a substitute circuit overseer from 1991 to 1994. Another member of the Bethel family was Gheorghe Gorobeţ, who served as a district overseer until he transferred to this new assignment. He lived off-site and commuted to Bethel daily. Guenther and Rosaria Matzura, graduates of the 67th class of Gilead, arrived on May 1, 1996, after having served for several years in Romania.
As the number of publishers continued to increase, so did the need for more Bethel workers. But space was limited. What is more, by 1998 the Moldova Bethel home was spread across five city apartments! Hence, the search began for a suitable site to build a single Bethel complex. Government authorities in Chisinau kindly offered the brothers a 32,000-square-foot [3,000 sq m] property right in the heart of the city, which they gratefully accepted. With the prospect of even further expansion in mind, the brothers also purchased an adjoining property.
A local firm was contracted to build the shell. International volunteers and local brothers and sisters did the balance of the work. Construction began in September 1998, and just 14 months later, an excited Bethel family moved into their new home, thrilled to be all together at last.
The dedication program for the new Bethel complex was held on September 16, 2000. Guests from 11 countries attended. On the following day, Gerrit Lösch of the Governing Body addressed an audience of over 10,000 at the local sports stadium. All in attendance felt the warm bond of love that unites Jehovah’s people worldwide.
At present, the Moldova Bethel family has 26 members. Some, like David and Miriam Grozescu, came from overseas to serve as Bethelites in foreign service. Others, like Enno Schlenzig, attended the Ministerial Training School in their home country and then accepted a foreign assignment in Moldova. So, what the Bethel family lacks in size, it more than makes up for in nationalities.
Training Harvest Workers
During the decades of bans and persecution, Jehovah’s people in Moldova shared the good news with others discreetly and, of course, informally. But now the time had arrived for them to share openly in the house-to-house work and in street witnessing. Obediently, the brothers applied themselves to these facets of the ministry, street witnessing in particular becoming very popular. As the number of publishers increased, however, balance was needed. Accordingly, the congregations were encouraged to focus on the house-to-house work, which they faithfully did.
Now more than ever, the publishers began to appreciate just how hungry their neighbors were for genuine spiritual food. To help care for that need, Jehovah’s organization provided the congregations with The Watchtower, Awake!, and other Bible study aids in both Romanian and Russian. At the same time, the publishers worked hard to improve the quality of their ministry by applying the suggested presentations outlined in Our Kingdom Ministry. They also made good use of the progressive training provided through the Theocratic Ministry School.
Further assistance, especially on an organizational level, has been given by mature, experienced brothers from other countries. Like trellises supporting fruit-bearing vines, these capable and willing international helpers have provided both support and stability to the congregations.
A Period of Rapid Growth
The rapid growth in the number of disciples in Moldova is clearly evident in the capital city, Chisinau, which has a population of 662,000. In January 1991, prior to Jehovah’s Witnesses’ receiving legal recognition, Chisinau had just two congregations with about 350 publishers. But by January 2003, that number swelled to 37 congregations with over 3,870 publishers! One congregation saw 101 Bible students start out as new publishers in just nine months! With such rapid growth, it is not unusual for congregations in the city to divide after only two years or so.
In August 1993, Moldova as a whole had 6,551 publishers. But by March 2002, that number swelled to 18,425—a 280-percent increase in nine years! Over that same period, the number of regular pioneers went from 28 to 1,232.
From Vice-Mayor to Pioneer
Among those who have come to a knowledge of Jehovah are many former Communists, some of whom even held political office. One such person is Valeriu Mârza, formerly the vice-mayor of Soroca, a town of about 39,000 people. On special occasions when parades were held, Valeriu was among the dignitaries in the gallery who were saluted by the marchers as they passed by. Hence, he was well-known in the city.
Eventually, however, Valeriu started to study the Bible and was baptized. How did people react when he witnessed to them? “Practically everybody invited me inside,” says Brother Mârza. “What fine opportunities I had for preaching, and what fruitful territory my wife and I found our town to be!” Before long, Brother Mârza was appointed a special pioneer. He and his wife also served at Bethel for a year. Now they have the privilege of sharing in the circuit work.
Pioneers Help Out
The publisher-to-population ratio in Moldova is now one of the best in Europe. Nevertheless, many villages and smaller towns still have no Witnesses. Because of difficult economic conditions, most publishers and pioneers are unable to serve where the need is greater. To help ensure that the good news reaches people in the entire territory, the Romania branch has appointed nearly 50 special pioneers in Moldova. Over 20 of these have also benefited from the training provided by the Ministerial Training School, which has been held in Romania, Russia, and Ukraine.
These hardworking evangelizers are obtaining some excellent results. For example, when special-pioneer couple Serghei and Oxana Zighel were assigned to Căuşeni in 1995, the town had just one group of 15 publishers. The Zighels assisted the local brothers in starting many new Bible studies. They also manifested a joyful pioneer spirit, with the result that many others joined them in full-time service. Now Căuşeni has two congregations with about 155 publishers—a ten-fold increase in just seven years! In the meantime, the Zighels have taken up the circuit work, which enables them to assist many more congregations.
Freedom but Not Without Difficulties
Human rule, no matter what form it takes, has its problems. Under the Romanian monarchy, the Fascist dictatorship, and the Communist rule, Jehovah’s people in Moldova had to contend with clerical opposition, bans, persecution, and deportation. Nowadays, Jehovah’s Witnesses, like their neighbors, have to cope with economic difficulties, which can push both parents into the work force. Others have trouble just finding a job.
All the while, crime and corruption are on the increase as materialism and moral decay take their toll. Can Jehovah’s people be victorious in the face of these subtle threats to their spirituality? Yes, indeed! They have learned through experience that Jehovah never deserts his loyal ones, who look to him for help when trials and temptations come their way.—2 Tim. 3:1-5; Jas. 1:2-4.
The present situation calls to mind the 14th chapter of Revelation, which discusses two symbolic harvests. One is the harvest of “the vine of the earth”—an evil crop that, true to prophecy, is proliferating during these last days. (Rev. 14:17-20; Ps. 92:7) Soon this “vine,” along with all its rotten fruitage, will be uprooted and hurled “into the great winepress of the anger of God.” How Jehovah’s servants yearn for that time!
In the meantime, anointed Christians and their companions rejoice in their spiritual prosperity. Yes, Jehovah’s “vineyard of foaming wine” will continue to produce an abundance of nourishing spiritual food, drawing sheeplike ones to its bounty. Why can God’s people be confident of this? Because Jehovah himself is safeguarding his precious vineyard. (Isa. 27:2-4) How that has been demonstrated in Moldova! True, Satan’s schemes—whether persecution, deportation, lying propaganda, or false brothers—have caused God’s people hardships but never spiritual defeat.—Isa. 54:17.
Yes, “happy is the man that keeps on enduring trial, because on becoming approved he will receive the crown of life, which Jehovah promised to those who continue loving him.” (Jas. 1:12) With those precious words in mind, may you be moved by the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Moldova to “continue loving” Jehovah, to ‘keep on enduring trial,’ and to “keep bearing much fruit.”—John 15:8.
[Footnote]
a Unless the context demands otherwise, the name Moldova will be used instead of Bessarabia and Moldavia. Keep in mind, however, that Moldova’s present boundaries are not the same as the borders of old Bessarabia and Moldavia. Part of Bessarabia, for example, is now within Ukraine, and a section of Moldavia is in Romania.
[Box/Picture on page 71]
A Wine Cellar for Russia and Eastern Europe
Moldova’s long summers and fertile soils make it ideal for wine production—an industry that goes back thousands of years. At the end of the third century B.C.E., wine production received a boost when the local population established links with the Greeks and later in the second century C.E., with the Romans.
Today, wine production is Moldova’s agricultural mainstay, with nearly 130 wineries producing up to 37 million gallons [140 million L] per year. Approximately 90 percent of the wine is exported, mainly to Russia and Ukraine, which import about 80 percent and 7 percent respectively.
[Box on page 72]
An Overview of Moldova
The land: Central and northern Moldova is a forest region that includes lush uplands and steppes, or grassy plains. The south is mostly cultivated steppe.
The people: Ethnic Moldovans make up about two thirds of the population. The balance comprises mainly Russians, Ukrainians, Gagauz, Bulgarians, and Jews, in that order. Most Moldovans belong to the Eastern Orthodox Church.
The language: Romanian is the official language. Many people also speak Russian, especially in the cities, making the use of two languages the norm.
The livelihood: Agriculture and food processing are the mainstay of the economy. The manufacturing sector is undergoing development.
The food: Crops include grapes, wheat, corn, sugar beets, and sunflowers. Livestock is primarily beef, dairy cattle, and pigs.
The climate: Temperatures range from about 25 degrees Fahrenheit [-4°C] in January to about 70 degrees [21°C] in July. Overall, the climate is warm with comparatively mild winters. Average annual precipitation is about 20 inches [50 cm].
[Box on page 83-85]
Outstanding Examples of Christian Neutrality
George Vacarciuc: Brother Vacarciuc was raised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In December 1942 the Fascists summoned him for military service. He refused to take up arms and was locked up in a totally dark cell for 16 days with very little to eat. Again the authorities summoned him, promising to cancel his sentence—which had not yet been read to him—if he did as previously ordered. Once more he refused.
For this, George was sentenced to 25 years in prison. But his term was cut short when Soviet forces arrived on September 25, 1944. Less than two months later, however, the Soviets tried to conscript him. Because he would not go against his Bible-trained conscience, he was sentenced to ten years of forced labor at various camps. For 12 months his family lost track of him. After serving five years, Brother Vacarciuc was released on December 5, 1949. He returned to his home in Corjeuţi and remained faithful until his death on March 12, 1980.
Parfin Goreacioc: Born in 1900, Brother Goreacioc came to a knowledge of Bible truth in the village of Hlina during the years 1925 to 1927. Together with his brothers, Nicolae and Ion, he learned the truth from Damian and Alexandru Roşu, the first Bible Students in the village.
In 1933, Parfin, along with other Witnesses, was arrested and taken to the town of Khotin, where he was questioned and then fined for preaching. In 1939, at the instigation of the village priest, Parfin was brought to the police station in the neighboring village of Ghilavăţ. Here police tied him face down on a bare plank bed and struck him repeatedly on the soles of his feet.
When the Fascists came to power, Parfin was again arrested and sent to prison. That same year, however, the Soviets liberated him, only to arrest him for refusing military service. They kept him in prison in Chisinau for several months and then released him.
In 1947 the Soviets arrested Parfin yet again, this time sentencing him to eight years of exile for preaching God’s Kingdom. In 1951 his children were deported to Siberia. However, they did not join their father. In fact, they never saw him again. Parfin became seriously ill while in exile and died in 1953, faithful to the end.
Vasile Pădureţ: Born in 1920 in Corjeuţi, Brother Pădureţ learned the truth in 1941 during the Fascist era. Hence, he too suffered at the hands of both the Fascists and the Soviets. To the latter, he courageously said: “I did not shoot Bolsheviks, and I am not going to kill Fascists.”
For this conscientious, Bible-based stand, Vasile was sentenced to ten years in a Soviet labor camp. However, the sentence was reduced to five years, and he returned home on August 5, 1949. When he was arrested for the third time, Operation North had begun. So on April 1, 1951, Vasile and his family boarded a boxcar for Siberia. After spending about five years there, they were allowed to return to Corjeuţi, Moldova. Vasile died faithful to Jehovah on July 6, 2002, while this report was being prepared.
[Box/Picture on page 89, 90]
‘I Would Not Exchange My Life of Service for Anything’
Ion Sava Ursoi
Born: 1920
Baptized: 1943
Profile: Served as a circuit overseer during the Communist era.
I was born in Caracuşeni, Moldova, and learned the truth before the outbreak of World War II. My wife died in 1942. At her funeral a mob chased me from the cemetery. Why? Because I had changed my religion. Later that year, the Fascist government attempted to draft me into the military. Because of my desire to remain politically neutral, I refused to serve in the army. I was sentenced to death, but later the sentence was commuted to a 25-year prison term. I was transferred from camp to camp. While I was incarcerated in Craiova, Romania, the Soviet army arrived and set us free.
I had hardly tasted freedom when the Communists put me back in prison. They sent me to Kalinin, Russia. Two years later, in 1946, they let me go home to my village, where I helped to reorganize the preaching work. Then in 1951, the Soviets arrested me again. This time they deported me, along with many other Witnesses, to Siberia. I didn’t return home again until 1969.
Looking back on my life, I remember many situations where Jehovah gave me the strength to maintain my integrity. I would not exchange my life of service to my Creator for anything in the world. Now I contend with the limitations of old age and failing health. But the sure hope of life in the new world, when my body will regain its youthful vigor, fortifies me in my resolve not to “give up in doing what is fine.”—Gal. 6:9.
[Box/Picture on page 100-102]
I Have Much to Sing About
Alexandra Cordon
Born: 1929
Baptized: 1957
Profile: Suffered under the Soviet regime and currently serves as a congregation publisher.
My love for singing helped me to find the truth and, later, to stay spiritually strong when my faith was tested. My story begins in the 1940’s when, as a teenager, I came in contact with a group of young people in Corjeuţi who enjoyed spending their free time singing Kingdom songs and discussing the Bible. The spiritual truths I learned during those discussions and from the songs made a deep impression on me.
I soon became a publisher of the good news. This led to my arrest in 1953, along with ten other Witnesses. While awaiting trial, I was incarcerated in a prison in Chisinau. I maintained my spiritual strength by singing Kingdom songs, which evidently angered one of the guards. “You are in prison,” he said. “This is no place to sing!”
I replied: “All my life I have sung. Why should I stop now? You can lock me up, but you cannot put a lock on my lips. My heart is free, and I love Jehovah. So I have much to sing about.”
I was sentenced to 25 years in a labor camp in Inta, near the Arctic Circle. During the short summer months, the other Witnesses and I worked in the nearby woods. Again, Kingdom songs, many of which we knew by heart, helped us to stay spiritually strong and to feel free at heart. Moreover, our guards, unlike the one in Chisinau, encouraged us to sing.
I remained at the Inta camp for three years, three months, and three days. Then, thanks to an amnesty, I was released. Because I was not yet permitted to go home to Moldova, I went to Tomsk, Russia. There I was reunited with my husband, who had also spent time in prison. We had been apart for four years.
Because of my arrest, I had not yet symbolized my dedication to Jehovah by water baptism. So I asked the brothers in Tomsk about the matter. Since a number of others also wanted to be baptized, the brothers promptly arranged for a baptism. However, because of the ban, they decided to hold it at night at a lake in the nearby forest.
At the appointed time, we left the outskirts of Tomsk and walked into the forest by twos so as not to arouse suspicion. Each pair was to follow the pair in front of them until all arrived safely at the lake. At least, that was the plan. Unfortunately, the two elderly sisters in front of my partner and me managed to wander off the trail. We followed, and those behind faithfully followed us. Soon about ten of us were stumbling through the dark, soaked to the skin from the wet undergrowth and shivering. Bears and wolves were known to prowl in that area, so visions of them gripped our imagination. We were so tense that every strange noise startled us.
Realizing how important it was not to panic or lose heart, I suggested that we stand quietly and whistle a Kingdom tune, hoping that the others might hear us. We also prayed earnestly. So imagine our joy when we heard the same tune drifting back toward us through the darkness! Yes, our brothers had heard us! Quickly, they turned on a flashlight so that we could make our way to them. Shortly thereafter, we were immersed in the icy water, hardly aware of the cold because we were so happy.
I am now 74 years of age and back in Corjeuţi, where I first found the truth. Despite my advancing years, I still have much to sing about, especially in praise of our heavenly Father.
[Box/Pictures on page 104-106]
I Tried to Follow My Parents’ Example
Vasile Ursu
Born: 1927
Baptized: 1941
Profile: Served as congregation servant and worked in underground literature production.
My parents, Simeon and Maria Ursu, were baptized in 1929. Of their five children, I was the eldest. During the Fascist era, Father and Mother were arrested and sentenced to 25 years of forced labor because of their neutral stand. Spiritual brothers and sisters from the congregation in nearby Corjeuţi looked after us children and cared for our family farm. Hence, we always had enough to eat. Our elderly grandmother, not in the truth, also helped care for us. I was 14 years old at the time.
Thanks to my parents’ good example, I tried very hard to care for my siblings spiritually. To that end, I would get them up early each day to discuss a portion of our Bible-based literature together. They were not always keen to rise, but I gave them no choice. I realized the importance of good study habits. As a result, when our parents were released early and returned home in 1944, they were delighted to see how spiritually healthy we were. What a joyful reunion that was! Our happiness, though, was short-lived.
The following year the Soviets arrested Father and imprisoned him in Norilsk, Siberia, above the Arctic Circle. Three years later, I married Emilia, a vivacious, spiritually-minded sister. We had practically grown up together, so I knew her well. However, only a year after our wedding, I was arrested together with my mother. We were sent to Chisinau, where we were sentenced to 25 years of forced labor. Emilia lovingly cared for my siblings, who were now robbed of their parents and their big brother.
Eventually, I was sent to the coal mines in Vorkuta, an infamous labor camp north of the Arctic Circle. Two years later, in 1951, Emilia and my three brothers and one sister were exiled to Tomsk, in western Siberia. In 1955, Emilia asked to be transferred to Vorkuta to be with me. There she gave birth to the first of our three children, a girl we named Tamara.
In September 1957 an amnesty was declared, and we were set free. But one month later I was arrested yet again. This time I was sentenced to seven years in a labor camp in Mordvinia, close to Saransk, Russia. Many other brothers were also incarcerated there, and more were to come. When our wives came to visit us, they managed to smuggle in a regular supply of literature, which we deeply appreciated. In December 1957, Emilia moved to Kurgan, western Siberia, to care for our daughter, Tamara, who had been staying with Emilia’s parents. As a result, Emilia and I were apart for seven years. Still, this was the only way that we could prevent Tamara from being sent to a State-run institution.
In 1964, I was released but not allowed to return home to Moldova. Although my movements were still officially restricted, I was able to join my wife and daughter in Kurgan, where I served as a book study conductor in the congregation. In 1969 we moved to Krasnodar, in the Caucasus. After serving there for eight years, we moved to Chirchik, Uzbekistan. There I worked in the underground printery. Finally, in 1984 we were allowed to return to Moldova. We settled in Tighina, a city of 160,000 people and just 18 publishers. Over the years, this small band has grown to nine congregations comprising nearly 1,000 publishers and pioneers.
Do I regret the many years I have spent in labor camps and prisons for the Lord’s sake? Not at all! For me the issues were clear, even when I was a newly baptized 14-year-old: either you love God or you love the world! Having decided to serve Jehovah, I gave no thought to compromise.—Jas. 4:4.
[Pictures]
Left: Vasile Ursu
Far left: Vasile with wife, Emilia, and daughter, Tamara
[Box/Pictures on page 108-110]
A Little Boy With a Flower Reached My Heart
Valentina Cojocaru
Born: 1952
Baptized: 1997
Profile: A teacher under the Soviet regime, she included atheism in her lessons.
In 1978, I was a kindergarten teacher in Feteşti, Moldova. I was also an atheist. At a staff meeting, we were directed to concentrate on children of Jehovah’s Witnesses with a view to teaching them atheism. This, I thought, was a good idea. So I tried to devise imaginative ways to reach the hearts of my Witness pupils. I came up with what I believed to be a good idea.
I asked the class to prepare two flower beds. In one, the children were to plant flowers, water them, and remove any weeds. But they were not to touch the other bed. It belonged to God, I told them. He would care for it himself. The class received the project enthusiastically. Of course, as the children planted, watered, and weeded their plot, “God’s little garden” exploded with weeds.
Then, one bright, sunny day, I assembled the class in front of the two beds. I commended the children for their fine efforts, after which I embarked on my carefully thought-out lines. “Did you notice that God did nothing to his flower bed?” I asked. “See how obvious it is that this bed belongs to nobody?”
The children agreed that it certainly looked that way. I then presented my punch line: “You see, children, this flower bed looks like that because God exists only in the imagination of people. So if God does not really exist, how could he look after flowers or anything else for that matter?”
While talking, I observed the children to see how they were responding. I noticed one little boy, whose parents were Witnesses, getting more and more agitated. Finally, he could not contain himself any longer. He ran to a nearby field, picked a dandelion, and presented it to me, saying: “If God does not exist, then who made this flower grow? None of us looked after it.” His logic was a blow to me. Deep inside, I realized that the child had made a powerful point.
Because of my Communist upbringing, it took years for me to take the next step—to examine the Bible. However, in 1995, I approached the local Witnesses and asked for a study. Imagine my delight when I learned that one of my former pupils was now one of my teachers!
To be sure, the Communist system gave me a good secular education. But it failed to teach me the most important lessons in life. Today, thanks to Jehovah and a courageous little boy, I am able to use both my spiritual and my secular knowledge to help others appreciate that there really is a God and that he deeply cares for his human creation.
[Box/Picture on page 113-115]
Born in Exile
Lidia Sevastian
Born: 1954
Baptized: 1995
Profile: After being reared by her Witness mother and unbelieving father, she lost contact with Jehovah’s Witnesses for many years.
My mother and grandmother became Jehovah’s Witnesses in the early 1940’s. Although a good man, Father did not accept Bible truth at that time. By 1951, Mother had two children and was pregnant with twins. In April of that year, the authorities tried to break up our family. While Father was at work, they put Mother—who was about to give birth—and my older siblings on a train bound for Siberia. Before that, however, Mother managed to get a message to Father, who hurried home. Though not a Witness, he boarded the train and went into exile with his family.
During the trip to Siberia, Mother was allowed a brief stay in the town of Asino to give birth to the twins. The rest of the family had to go on to the district of Tomsk, where Father arranged for accommodations. He was assigned to work alongside the brothers. A few weeks later, Mother and her newborn twins joined the family. Tragically, the infants died because of the inhuman conditions in which the family had to live.
Nevertheless, four more children were born in exile, including my twin brother and me. Father loyally cared for us all. Finally, in 1957, we were allowed to return to our home village. Mother continued to inculcate Bible principles into our hearts, even though she was shadowed by the secret police.
Father, on the other hand, was primarily concerned that his children receive a good secular education. So at the age of 16, I went to Chisinau to study at the university. Later, I married and moved to Kazakhstan, where I became isolated not only from my parents but also from Jehovah’s organization. I returned to Chisinau in 1982 and immediately began to look for a congregation of Jehovah’s people, but in vain. For eight years I felt that I was the only person in the city who wanted to worship Jehovah.
Then while standing at a bus stop one day, I overheard two women talking about Jehovah. I moved closer so that I could hear better. Thinking that I was a KGB agent, the women changed the subject. When they started to walk away, I followed, which obviously alarmed them. So I quickly approached them and, after some discussion, convinced them of my sincerity. At last I saw my dream of associating with Jehovah’s organization fulfilled! Sadly, though, my husband opposed my stand.
By that time, we had two children. In 1992, I had surgery on my spine and had to lie still for six months in a hospital bed. At that depressing stage in my life, something wonderful happened: My son, Pavel, took a stand for Jehovah and got baptized at the 1993 international convention in Kiev. In time I recovered well enough to be able to walk again. So in 1995, I too symbolized my dedication to Jehovah.
Today, many members of my family are Witnesses, for which I thank Jehovah and Mother, whose steadfast example always remained with me. As for my wonderfully loyal father, I am thrilled to say that before he died, he too became one of Jehovah’s servants.
[Box/Picture on page 117, 118]
Our Sacrifices Pale in Comparison With Jehovah’s
Mihai Ursoi
Born: 1927
Baptized: 1945
Profile: Persecuted by both the Fascists and the Communists.
I became a publisher of the good news in 1941. In 1942, when I was 15 years of age, I was supposed to receive military training at the local school. Pictures of Romanian King Michael, General Antonescu, and the Virgin Mary hung in the classroom. When our group entered the room, we were supposed to bow before the pictures and make the sign of the cross. Three of us refused to do so.
For that the local police cruelly beat us. We spent the night at the school. In the morning we were sent to Corjeuţi, where we were again beaten. From Corjeuţi we were taken to a few other places before being sent, on foot, some 60 miles [100 km] to where we were to be court-martialed. My feet bled from that walk. Finally, I was sent home without being sentenced, likely because of my age.
When I was 18, I was conscripted by the Soviet authorities. Again I refused to compromise my neutrality and was brutally beaten, as was my friend Gheorghe Nimenco. In fact, he died six weeks later from his injuries. Once again, I was sent home, I assume because of my age. The Soviets rearrested me in 1947, this time threatening to shoot me if I refused military service. However, they put me in solitary confinement for two months instead, after which they sent me to do forced labor on the Volga-Don Canal project. It proved to be very dangerous work, and many were killed. In one accident that cost many lives, I narrowly escaped injury and was sent home to Moldova.
There I got married. In 1951 my then pregnant wife, Vera, and I were exiled, traveling first by train and then by boat to the Siberian taiga, a huge region of subarctic forest, where I had to cut lumber. Vera and I shared a cabin with 16 other families. Happily, in 1959 we were allowed to return home to Moldova.
A number of things have fortified me during those difficult years and since then. One was the example of faith set by my brother Ion. (See page 89.) He was sentenced to death, and even though he did not know that his sentence was to be commuted, he refused to compromise. I am also strengthened when I reflect on how Jehovah has always cared for me and, later, my wife during the trials we endured for his name. Still, our sacrifices pale in comparison with what Jehovah did in our behalf by sending his Son to die as a ransom for us. Reflecting on that extraordinary provision helps me to face each day with joy.
[Box/Picture on page 121-123]
I Felt Jehovah’s Tender Care
Mihailina Gheorghiţa
Born: 1930
Baptized: 1947
Profile: Worked as a courier and a translator during the years of ban.
I learned the truth in 1945 and enjoyed sharing the good news with my neighbors in my home village, Glodeni, and in the nearby village of Petrunea. Because I witnessed at school, the school authorities refused to give me a diploma. Even so, I was delighted to use my education to assist in translating Bible-based publications from Romanian and Ukrainian into Russian.
Shortly after my baptism, I was caught translating and was sentenced to 25 years of forced labor at Vorkuta, north of the Arctic Circle, where there were many other sisters. Despite the trying conditions, we all kept preaching. We also managed to get literature. In fact, we even produced some for our use right there in the camp.
One day I met a young woman who had been arrested because the authorities mistakenly thought she was a Witness. I suggested that she look into God’s Word, since Jehovah has the power to liberate his people should it be his purpose to do so. Eventually, she agreed to a Bible study and became one of our sisters. Not long after that, she received an early release from the camp.
Later, I was transferred to Karaganda, Kazakhstan. Finally, on July 5, 1956, I too was released. I moved to Tomsk, where I met and married Alexandru Gheorghiţa, who had spent six years in prison for his faith. Both of us continued preaching in the vast territory of Siberia, aware that the secret police were still watching us. Next we moved to Irkutsk, which is just a little west of Lake Baikal. There we continued to produce literature secretly. Later we also served in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Although cautious when witnessing, Alexandru was caught and given a ten-year sentence.
The prosecuting attorney said that I could visit Alexandru while he was in jail pending trial. Since this was not normally allowed, I asked him why he was extending this kindness. “You are a young couple,” he said, “and you have a child. Maybe you will reconsider your decision.” I told the prosecutor that long ago Alexandru and I had made our decision to serve Jehovah and that we were determined to remain faithful. He replied: “Even your Bible says that a live dog is better off than a dead lion.” (Eccl. 9:4) “True,” I said, “but the sort of live dog you describe will not inherit God’s new world.”
Alexandru served his full ten-year prison term and one more year under house arrest. After his release, we moved to Kazakhstan and then to Uzbekistan to help with the work. Finally, in 1983, we returned to Moldova, happy to have had the incomparable privilege of helping honesthearted people in many different places to learn about Jehovah.
Upon reflection, I readily admit that my life has not always been easy. But the same is true of my non-Witness neighbors. They too have had many problems to cope with. But the difference is that our suffering has been for the sake of the good news. Hence, we have felt Jehovah’s tender protection and care. Furthermore, we can see beyond our trials to a glorious and everlasting future.
[Chart/Graph on page 80, 81]
MOLDOVA—A TIME LINE
1891: C. T. Russell visits Kishinev, Bessarabia (now Chisinau, Moldova).
1895
1921: Annual report indicates that over 200 have accepted Bible truth.
1922: First “house for meetings” constructed, in Corjeuţi.
1925: Work of Bible Students is prohibited.
1930
1940: Romania cedes Bessarabia to USSR, and it is renamed Moldavian SSR.
1941: Romania retakes Moldova. Fascism and war hysteria result in persecution of the Witnesses.
1944: USSR reoccupies Moldova. Persecution continues.
1949: Soviets start deporting Jehovah’s Witnesses and others.
1951: Stalin begins Operation North.
1960’s: KGB tries to cause disruption and division among God’s people.
1965
1989: Witnesses enjoy greater religious freedom. Moldovan delegates attend conventions in Poland.
1991: Moldavian SSR renamed Republic of Moldova. First circuit assemblies are held. First zone visit is made by a representative from headquarters.
1994: Jehovah’s Witnesses obtain legal registration. First district convention is held in Chisinau.
2000
2000: New Bethel home in Chisinau is dedicated.
2003: 18,473 publishers are active in Moldova.
[Graph]
(See publication)
Total Publishers
Total Pioneers
20,000
10,000
1895 1930 1965 2000
[Maps on page 73]
(For fully formatted text, see publication)
UKRAINE
MOLDOVA
Briceni
Tabani
Lipcani
Şirăuţi
Corjeuţi
Ţaul
Feteşti
Soroca
Bălţi
Petrunea
CHISINAU
Căuşeni
Dniester River
Prut River
ROMANIA
Iasi
[Full-page picture on page 66]
[Picture on page 74]
Ilie Groza, one of the first Witnesses in Moldova
[Picture on page 75]
Tudor Groza
[Picture on page 78]
Ioana Groza
[Pictures on page 92]
Parfin Palamarciuc and his son Nicolae
[Picture on page 93]
Vasile Gherman
[Picture on page 94]
Nicolae Anischevici
[Picture on page 95]
Maria Gherman
[Pictures on page 96]
Boxcars that were used to transport Witnesses to Siberia
[Picture on page 98]
Ivan Mikitkov
[Picture on page 99]
Constantin Şobe
[Pictures on page 107]
Nicolai Voloşanovschi and the brochure “Double Bottom”
[Picture on page 111]
Gheorghe Gorobeţ
[Picture on page 126]
Assembly Hall in Feteşti
[Picture on page 131]
Moldova country committee, left to right: David Grozescu, Anatolie Cravciuc, and Tiberiu Kovacs
Republic of Congo (Brazzaville)
pp. 135–134
Republic of Congo (Brazzaville)
The title “The Truth Shall Make You Free” sparkled on the purple book in the opened package. Etienne was puzzled. There was no doubt that the package was meant for him. The address carried his name, Etienne Nkounkou, head draftsman at a government department in Bangui, French Equatorial Africa. However, he had not ordered the book, and the return address, Watch Tower in Switzerland, meant nothing to him. Little did he realize that Bible truth as explained in that book was about to change his life. That truth would also free thousands of his fellow Africans from false religion, tribal prejudices, and illiteracy. It would protect many from being swept along by the impending political euphoria and the disillusionment that followed. It would provide confidence and hope during traumatic events. It would also inspire God-fearing people to risk their lives to aid others. The story of these developments will move you and encourage you. Before we find out what Etienne did next, however, let us consider some background information about the African land that he called home.
A decade before Christopher Columbus made his famous voyage to the Americas in 1492, Portuguese sailors under Diogo Cão arrived at the mouth of the Congo River in central Africa. They did not know that the river water splashing against their ship had traveled thousands of miles before reaching the ocean.
The Portuguese met the local people, inhabitants of the flourishing Kongo kingdom. For several hundred years thereafter, the Portuguese and other European traders bought ivory and slaves from Africans who lived along the coast. It was not until the late 1800’s that Europeans ventured inland. One of the most prominent men to explore this territory was Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, an officer in the French navy. In 1880, Brazza signed a treaty with a local king, putting the area north of the Congo River under French protection. Later the territory became French Equatorial Africa. Its capital was Brazzaville.
Today, Brazzaville is the capital and the largest city in what is now the Republic of Congo. The city is located on the banks of the Congo River. Downstream, the river rages over boulders and ledges for much of the 250 miles [400 km] toward the sea, where Cão anchored his ship on his voyage of discovery. From Brazzaville you can look across the river at the skyline of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since both countries adopted the name of the river, it is common to call them Congo (Brazzaville) and Congo (Kinshasa).
The rapids and waterfalls downstream of Brazzaville make it impossible to navigate the river to the Atlantic. However, a railway links Brazzaville to the coastal city of Pointe-Noire. Most of the inhabitants of Congo live in and around these two centers. Though some coastal towns and cities lie farther north, most of this hot and densely forested country is sparsely populated.
The Truth Begins to Set Men Free
Let us now return to Etienne’s story. The year that he received the book in the mail was 1947. On the very day that he received it, Etienne read and discussed the first chapters with a neighbor. Both recognized the ring of truth and decided to invite some friends the following Sunday to read the book with them and to check the scriptures. Those who came were pleased with what they learned and decided to meet again the next Sunday. A customs officer named Augustin Bayonne was present at the second meeting. Like Etienne, he was originally from Brazzaville, and he too became zealous in spreading the truth that brings genuine freedom.
The following week, Etienne received two letters. One was from an acquaintance in Cameroon who knew of Etienne’s interest in religion. He wrote that he had sent Etienne’s name to the Switzerland office of the Watch Tower Society. The second was from Switzerland saying that a book was being sent to Etienne and encouraging him to read the book and to share it with his family and friends. It also provided an address in France where he could get more information. Now Etienne knew why the book had come to him. Soon he began regular correspondence with the branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses in France.
Within a few years, both Etienne and Augustin had returned to Brazzaville. Before that, however, Etienne wrote to an acquaintance in Brazzaville named Timothée Miemounoua, who was the dean of a technical school. His letter began: “I am pleased to inform you that the way that we have been following is not the way of the truth. Jehovah’s Witnesses have the truth.” Etienne went on to explain what he had learned. He also enclosed the book “The Truth Shall Make You Free.” Timothée reacted favorably to the Bible’s message, just as Etienne and Augustin had. These were the first three Congolese to embrace Bible truth, and each of them went on to help many others to do the same.
Timothée invited students who were boarding at the technical school to attend Bible discussions during the evening hours. He also wrote to request additional Bible-based publications. The group began to hold meetings and to preach as best they could. Some students, such as Noé Mikouiza and Simon Mampouya, later enjoyed privileges of oversight in Jehovah’s organization.
In 1950, Eric Cooke, a missionary living in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), visited to encourage the small groups of interested people in Bangui and Brazzaville. The problem, however, was that Brother Cooke could not speak French. Etienne recalls: “Using his small English-French dictionary, this humble, sympathetic brother tried his best to explain to us the Kingdom-preaching work and the theocratic organization. Sometimes we really had to guess what he was trying to say.”
Restrictions Imposed
Brother Cooke’s visit had come just in time because on July 24, 1950, the high commissioner of the colonial authorities imposed restrictions on the importation and circulation of all literature published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. During the next year, the publishers in French Equatorial Africa placed only six pieces of literature, though they held 468 public meetings. The 1952 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses expressed understanding and compassion for the brothers. It stated: “Imagine, if you can, being in a vast territory with only 37 publishers of the Kingdom message scattered throughout the entire land. Perhaps you had never seen any other active witnesses except those few in your own home town. The only thing you knew of the truth and the procedure for witnessing was what you had read of the publications and of the few letters that the Society had been able to get to you. [This is what] the brothers in French-controlled Africa are facing.”
Later Jacques Michel came from France to encourage the group and to provide further training. Noé Mikouiza, one of the technical-school students, remembers a question that was on their minds. They asked: “Is it forbidden to drink wine?” All eyes were fixed on Brother Michel as he opened his Bible to Psalm 104:15. After reading that verse, Jacques explained that wine is a gift from God, though Christians should not drink too much of it.
The newly baptized brothers in Brazzaville zealously witnessed to others. On weekends, they regularly ferried across the river to preach in Kinshasa. In 1952 the first Congolese on the south side of the river were baptized. The brothers from Brazzaville did much to aid those in Kinshasa during those early years. Later the roles would be reversed.
In December 1954 the brothers organized an assembly in Brazzaville. Those attending numbered 650, and the number baptized was 70. The truth was freeing more and more people from false religion. Of course, the religious leaders of Christendom were not happy about this and worked to turn governmental authorities against Jehovah’s Witnesses. The police thought that Timothée Miemounoua was the leader of the Witnesses, so they often summoned him to the police station. They threatened and beat him. This did not discourage him, nor did it intimidate the rest of Jehovah’s people in Brazzaville. Interest in Bible truth continued to spread.
The authorities then took further measures. Timothée Miemounoua and Aaron Diamonika, one of the former students at the technical school who accepted the truth, were both employed by the government. In 1955 the government transferred them to distant cities in the interior of the country. Timothée was sent to Djambala, and Aaron, to Impfondo. That attempt to disrupt the preaching activity failed miserably. The brothers in Brazzaville continued their zealous activity while Timothée and Aaron opened up territories and established congregations in their new locations. Though the brothers were zealous, they longed for help from abroad. This was soon to come.
In March 1956 the first four missionaries arrived, from France: Jean and Ida Seignobos along with Claude and Simone Dupont. In January 1957 a branch office responsible for the witnessing work in French Equatorial Africa was established in Brazzaville. Brother Seignobos was appointed branch servant. Shortly after that, tragedy struck when Jean’s wife, Ida, died in a car accident while the couple was visiting congregations in what is now Central African Republic. Jean continued to serve in his assignment.
Into the Interior
By that time Augustin Bayonne was now a circuit overseer. Augustin visited villages in the deep forests as well as encampments of Pygmies in the north and west of the country. Because he walked so often and so far, he became known throughout the area as The One Who Is Walking. Occasionally, Jean Seignobos accompanied Brother Bayonne. Jean was surprised that people deep in the equatorial forest knew that they were coming. Drums had forwarded this message: “The One Who Is Walking is coming with a white man.”
These expeditions accomplished much good. Previously, people claimed that Jehovah’s Witnesses existed only in Congo (Brazzaville). The presence of Brother Seignobos and other missionaries, along with showings of the film The New World Society in Action, proved otherwise.
Bible truth continued making inroads into villages deep in the interior, freeing people from spiritistic practices and tribal differences. Many brothers in these areas were illiterate. Since they did not have watches, they determined when to go to the meetings by the height of the sun. To calculate the time spent in the field ministry, they used small sticks. Every time they witnessed to someone, they folded a stick into a handkerchief. Four sticks meant one hour. Hence, they could complete their field service report at the end of each month. Really, though, the brothers preached much more than they reported, since the truth was the main subject of their conversations with others.
Legal Developments and Political Changes
Recall that in 1950, restrictions were put on the importation of literature produced by Jehovah’s Witnesses. As we have seen, this did not stop the disciple-making work. Dismayed, the clergy of Christendom complained to the government’s administrative authority, falsely alleging that Jehovah’s Witnesses were Communists. Consequently, one Thursday in 1956, ten brothers were arrested at five o’clock in the morning. Word of the arrests spread quickly; religious opposers rejoiced. The trial took place the same day at a courthouse packed with brothers who had come to observe the proceedings.
Noé Mikouiza relates: “During the proceedings, we proved that we were not Communists but Christians, God’s servants, accomplishing what is written at Matthew 24:14. Our lawyer, who had read our publications, told the court that if everyone were like Jehovah’s Witnesses, there would be no lawbreakers. That same afternoon the verdict was delivered: ‘Not guilty.’ Delighted, we all rushed home to change our clothes, since it was a meeting night. News of our arrest had spread through the city, and we wanted everyone to know that we were free. At the meeting we sang Kingdom songs as loud as we could. Many who heard us were shocked. They had expected us to be in prison.”
On August 15, 1960, the Republic of Congo gained independence. Political violence flared up. While the clergy of Christendom was taking an active part in these events, Jehovah’s Witnesses continued in their preaching activity. In 1960 a total of 3,716 attended a circuit assembly in Brazzaville. In the north, people were also flocking to the congregations. For example, in one region where 70 publishers lived, nearly a thousand people attended congregation meetings.
In December 1961 the Witnesses registered a legal entity called Les Témoins de Jéhovah. Legal recognition brought advantages, but the brothers knew that it was folly to depend fully on such things. Brother Seignobos relates what happened not long afterward: “One day I was summoned by a high official of the security office who found fault with our Christian neutrality. He threatened to expel me from the country. I feared he might carry out his threat, since he had the authority to do so. The following day, however, he died of a heart attack.”
Missionary Life in the 1960’s
In February 1963, Fred Lukuc and Max Danyleyko arrived from Haiti. After Fred married, he served as a circuit overseer. Initially, as he visited the congregations, he had difficulty in discerning who were the members of each family. He recalls: “I did not know who the elders’ wives were, and I could not figure out who their children were. The brothers had kept to the custom in central Africa that wives keep their own names upon marrying and that children be named after a relative or a friend of the family.
“The first night of the visit, at the Kingdom Hall, we found the brothers to be quiet and shy toward us. Once the meeting started, we observed something unusual. The brothers and older boys sat on one side of the hall; the smaller children and sisters sat on the other side. The brothers’ side was quite full when the meeting began, but there were few sitting on the sisters’ side. As the meeting progressed, more sisters arrived with little ones in tow and with Bibles and books gracefully balanced on their heads.
“I got up to greet the congregation and to introduce my wife and myself. After giving a warm welcome, I paused, fixed my eyes on the men’s side of the hall, and then said: ‘Brothers, please take ten minutes to find your wife and children. From now on, please sit together as families as all of Jehovah’s people do worldwide.’ They were happy to comply.”
Public transportation also had its challenges. Brother Lukuc’s wife, Leah, recalls: “We would pack up small camp cots, a mosquito net, a water bucket, portable water filters, clothes, books, magazines, and Bible-based films. To show the films meant bringing along electric cords, light bulbs, film reels, the scripts, a small generator, and a jerrican of gasoline. All of this we took with us on local trucks. To get a seat in the cab, we had to be at the truck by 2:00 a.m. Otherwise, we had to sit in the back, in the sun, with animals, baggage, and many other passengers.
“Once, after hours of walking in the heat, we arrived home to find that army ants had invaded the small mud hut where we lodged. They had climbed up a water bucket, made a bridge with their bodies to reach a tiny can of margarine, and cleaned it out. That night for supper, we had dry toast and half a can each of sardines. Though we felt tired and a little sorry for ourselves, we went to bed, leaving the brothers outside softly singing Kingdom songs beside the fire. What a gentle and beautiful way to fall asleep!”
Faithful Missionaries and Local Elders
From 1956 until 1977, over 20 missionaries served in Congo (Brazzaville). Though life was not always easy for them, each made a valuable contribution toward the Kingdom-preaching work. For example, all of those who served as branch servants were also missionaries. When Brother Seignobos returned to France in 1962, Larry Holmes was appointed to oversee the preaching work. After Larry and his wife, Audrey, left missionary service in 1965, Brother Lukuc became branch servant.
Many local brothers also were excellent examples in taking the lead. When the Branch Committee arrangement was introduced in 1976, the Governing Body appointed three brothers: Jack Johansson and Palle Bjerre, who were missionaries, and Marcellin Ngolo, a local brother.
Augustin Bayonne—The One Who Is Walking—attended the 37th class of Gilead, in 1962. After graduation he went to the Central African Republic, where, almost 15 years before, he had read the book “The Truth Shall Make You Free.” In time, Augustin married, fathered children, and returned to Brazzaville, where he allowed his home to be used for Christian meetings. Later he donated part of his property for a Kingdom Hall, which has since been built.
Both Augustin Bayonne and Timothée Miemounoua have since passed away. Before his death Timothée wrote down some of his experiences. He ended the account by quoting Hebrews 10:39: “We are not the sort that shrink back to destruction, but the sort that have faith to the preserving alive of the soul.” Etienne Nkounkou, one of the original three to embrace the truth in Congo, is now nearing 90 years of age. What fine examples of faithful service these brothers proved to be!
A Time of Testing
In August 1970 the Republic of Congo adopted a Communist form of government. Recall that in previous years, the authorities harassed the brothers, accusing them of being Communists. Now that the Communists were in charge, the new authorities found fault with the brothers for not being Communists!
For a time, however, the new government did not interfere with the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Conventions and meetings were held openly, and new missionaries were allowed to enter the country. Eventually, though, the brothers began to feel the effects of the Communist regime. First some officials accused the missionaries of being spies. Then on January 3, 1977, the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses was officially banned. One after the other, the missionaries were expelled until only Jack and Linda Johansson were left. Of this time, Jack says: “Those few months alone at the branch office were probably the most faith-testing and faith-strengthening time we have ever experienced in our missionary service. We were suspected of being spies for the American Central Intelligence Agency. Enemies of the government, including religious leaders, were being arrested and killed. Consequently, we knew we were in great danger. However, we saw that Jehovah’s protective hand was with us, and that strengthened our faith.”
Noé Mikouiza appealed to the prime minister, requesting that Jack and Linda be allowed to stay in the country. The request was denied; they had to leave. The branch property and Kingdom Halls were confiscated, and the branch office was closed down. For a short period, the France branch assumed oversight of the preaching work, but later this responsibility was delegated to the branch office in Kinshasa.
Although the brothers were restricted in some ways, they did not experience the severe persecution that Witnesses in other lands had to endure. However, some brothers became fearful, and this was contagious. Though the brothers still held meetings regularly, the house-to-house ministry virtually stopped. In response, the branch office in Kinshasa sent elders across the river to encourage and strengthen the brothers.
One of these elders was André Kitula. In June 1981 he began to visit the 12 congregations in Brazzaville as a circuit overseer. Upon visiting his first congregation in the city, he noted that the brothers supported the Theocratic Ministry School and Service Meeting on Tuesday. However, on Wednesday morning, none of the publishers came to the meeting for field service. As André began to preach alone, one householder exclaimed to him: “Jehovah’s Witnesses were the ones who used to console us, but now they have disappeared!”
As André continued preaching that morning, he met a brother who said: “We have all got out of the habit of preaching from house to house.” This brother then told other publishers about André’s activity. In the afternoon several sisters came to the meeting for service. Soon the house-to-house activity was resumed in all of Brazzaville. In the three years that André and his wife, Clémentine, served there, not one brother was arrested. Brothers outside the capital heard of what was happening. They concluded that if the brothers in Brazzaville were not afraid to go from door to door, there was no reason for them to be afraid either.
David Nawej, who was then working at the Kinshasa branch office, explains why the branch was particularly happy to send help across the river. He says: “It was the brothers from Brazzaville who had established the truth in Kinshasa. Later, when the Communist system there caused the activity to slow down, the Witnesses here went to the brothers’ aid. The wisdom of Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10 was confirmed: ‘Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their hard work. For if one of them should fall, the other one can raise his partner up.’ In our case, the brothers would say: ‘Two Congos are better than one.’”
Pressing Forward Amid Political Change
The year 1991 brought upheavals and changes on the political scene. Congo (Brazzaville) passed from a single-party system to a multiparty system. Though there was euphoria in the streets, the brothers kept in mind the words of caution found at Psalm 146:3, which states: “Do not put your trust in nobles, nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs.” It would not be long before the truth of this statement was demonstrated.
Nevertheless, the political changes brought benefits to Jehovah’s people. On November 12, 1991, the minister of the interior issued a decree lifting the ban on the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Kingdom Halls that had been confiscated were returned, though not the former branch building, which has continued to be occupied by the Presidential Guard until now. In August 1992, district conventions were organized in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, the first in 15 years. That year the number of Bible studies rose to 5,675, almost four times the number of publishers!
Meanwhile, the restored legal status reopened the way for the arrival of missionaries. Special pioneers were appointed and sent to the north, where most of those attending the meetings were illiterate. Congregations in the cities had done well in teaching many to read and write. It was now time to intensify efforts to promote literacy throughout the country.
Elections in 1993 caused another change in government. Widespread discontent by the opposition party resulted in a state of emergency for several weeks. Armed confrontations, strikes, curfews, roadblocks, and looting all became part of daily life. People were shocked and disillusioned. Economic difficulties persisted. The euphoria of 1991 had been snuffed out.
Ethnic problems ran parallel to the political turmoil. Tribal strife forced some brothers to move to safer locations. Consequently, a few congregations had to be dissolved. Meanwhile, the brothers repeatedly showed that the truth had freed them from ethnic hatred. During the unrest the brothers helped and protected one another, no matter what their tribal backgrounds were. Many people were beginning to realize that only Jehovah could give them real security.
The branch office in Kinshasa provided direction and encouragement. By the end of 1996, conditions in the country were again peaceful, and the number of publishers reached 3,935. Five missionaries were serving out of a missionary home in Brazzaville. With the arrival of two additional couples, a new missionary home was opened in Pointe-Noire in April 1997.
On the north side of the river, in Congo (Brazzaville), life was peaceful, and the Kingdom-preaching work was progressing well. Meanwhile, conflict raged in neighboring Congo (Kinshasa). As war neared Kinshasa, the missionaries there had to evacuate. So by the end of May, the Kinshasa missionaries were zealously serving alongside their companions in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. No one envisioned the traumatic events that would follow just a few days later.
Civil War Erupts
Suddenly on June 5, 1997, war erupted in Brazzaville. The conflict was between forces loyal to the president then serving and those supporting the former one. Heavy artillery bombarded and destroyed both city and suburb. Thousands died. Corpses were strewn everywhere. Confusion reigned. It was difficult to define the lines of battle. The stability that Brazzaville had enjoyed was shattered. The ferry service to Kinshasa stopped. Many people fled into the forest, while others paddled their dugouts to small river islands. Still others tried to cross the Congo River to Kinshasa. Though there was fighting near Kinshasa, it was mild in comparison with the violence in Brazzaville.
The war brought problems for the brothers as it did for everybody else, but what a difference the truth made in the minds and hearts of God’s servants! They had full confidence in the words of Psalm 46:1, 2, which says: “God is for us a refuge and strength, a help that is readily to be found during distresses. That is why we shall not fear, though the earth undergo change and though the mountains totter into the heart of the vast sea.”
Many brothers managed to reach Kinshasa, where the Branch Committee arranged for them to be given food, shelter, and medical treatment. Families in Kinshasa were happy to extend love and hospitality to their fellow believers from Brazzaville.
To assist those who found it difficult to flee, some brothers remained in Brazzaville. Jean Théodore Otheni and his wife, Jeanne, a regular pioneer, were among these. In August, a shell smashed into their house, seriously wounding Jeanne. Jean rushed her to Kinshasa, but it was too late. Jean remembers: “Jeanne had a deep love for the ministry, right until the end. She gave me her notebook of addresses and said: ‘You must visit all my Bible students because they mean so much to me.’ I embraced her, and when I looked at her face again, I saw that she was dead.” Jean, like so many others, has continued zealously serving Jehovah, with full confidence in the promise of the resurrection.
Because the regular ferry service between the two capital cities had been interrupted, those with small motorboats offered their services to people wanting to flee Brazzaville. Courageous brothers from Brazzaville, including Louis-Noël Motoula, Jean-Marie Lubaki, and Symphorien Bakeba, volunteered to search for missing brothers and to help those still in Brazzaville. This meant defying the strong currents of the mighty Congo River in a small boat to search the islets and the shores. It meant entering the conflict zone in Brazzaville, where atrocities were continuing. It meant risking their lives for their brothers.
Symphorien, who had much experience in crossing the river, made many trips during the civil war. Sometimes he crossed over to provide support for those remaining in Brazzaville. Once, for example, he crossed with ten sacks of rice for some brothers in Brazzaville who were living in relative security. Of course, it was a challenge to cross the river, but it was a far greater challenge to get the rice to its destination without looters taking it. Among his passengers on that trip was a distinguished-looking man who asked Symphorien where he was going with the rice. Symphorien explained what he was doing, taking advantage of the opportunity to share his Bible-based hope. When the boat landed, the man identified himself as a high-ranking official. He called a couple of soldiers over and had them guard the rice until Symphorien was able to get a car to transport the rice to the brothers.
Usually, Symphorien crossed the river to help brothers flee from Brazzaville. There was one crossing that he will never forget. He recalls: “The currents in the Congo River are very strong, but most people with boats know how to navigate them safely without getting swept downriver toward the treacherous rapids. We left Brazzaville with seven brothers and five others on board. Right in the middle of the river, the boat ran out of fuel. We managed to maneuver to a small island that we were able to hang on to. Much to our relief, a small boat came by, and the skipper promised to buy some fuel for us in Kinshasa and return. We waited a very long and anxious one and a half hours until he returned with the fuel.”
Soon the branch in Kinshasa was caring for about 1,000 brothers and sisters along with their families and interested ones. By October 1997 the hostilities ceased, and the refugees began to return to Brazzaville.
All the missionaries serving in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire had been evacuated because of the war. Some had gone to their home countries of Britain and Germany, while others had gone to Benin and Côte d’Ivoire. When relative calm returned, some went back to their assignments in Congo (Brazzaville). Additionally, three couples and an unmarried brother were scheduled to arrive from France in December 1998. Eddy and Pamela May, experienced missionaries serving at the Kinshasa branch office, were transferred to Brazzaville, and a new missionary home was opened.
Civil War Once Again
The following year, another civil war erupted in Brazzaville. Again thousands died, including several Witnesses. Most of the missionaries, who had just arrived, evacuated to missionary homes in nearby Cameroon. Although rumors persisted that the war would reach Pointe-Noire on the coast, three of the missionaries managed to remain there. Finally, in May 1999, the civil war was over.
Because so many of the Witnesses had had to flee, the number of congregations in the country dropped from 108 to 89. Brazzaville now has 1,903 publishers in 23 congregations. Pointe-Noire has 1,949 publishers in 24 congregations. During both civil wars, Jehovah’s Witnesses elsewhere provided material help for their spiritual brothers and sisters. As usual, such assistance also benefited those who were not Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Despite war, famine, sickness, and many other difficulties, the Witnesses in Congo (Brazzaville) maintained a monthly average of 16.2 hours in field service. During April 1999, as the second civil war was ending, 21 percent of all the publishers were in some form of full-time service.
Rejoicing in the Truth
Wars have ravaged the country, bringing it to its knees. Reconstruction in Brazzaville is taking place, but there is still much to do. Among the most important building projects are Kingdom Halls, where people learn Bible truth. In February 2002, four Kingdom Halls were dedicated, two in Pointe-Noire and two in Brazzaville.
At one of these dedication programs in Brazzaville, an elderly brother described what had happened 15 years previously during the ban. The brothers had planned to hold a one-day assembly on January 1 on a vacant lot. They believed that it could be held without interruption, since people would be celebrating the new year. After the morning program concluded, however, the police arrived and broke up the assembly. The brother said: “We left the assembly site with tears in our eyes. Today we are here again at the same place with our eyes filled with tears. But this time we shed tears of joy because we are here to dedicate the newly built Kingdom Hall.” Yes, this beautiful new hall had been constructed on the same piece of property!
It is now over 50 years since the book “The Truth Shall Make You Free” helped Etienne Nkounkou, Augustin Bayonne, and Timothée Miemounoua to learn the truth. During that time, thousands in Congo (Brazzaville) have followed their example of faith, and many more continue to do so, making future prospects look bright. More than 15,000 Bible studies are being conducted—three and a half times the number of publishers! The Memorial attendance soared to 21,987 in 2003. At the end of the 2003 service year, 4,536 publishers, including 15 missionaries, were zealously working to help still others to learn the truth that will set them free.—John 8:31, 32.
[Blurb on page 143]
Drums had forwarded this message: “The One Who Is Walking is coming with a white man”
[Blurb on page 144]
Since they did not have watches, the brothers determined when to go to the meetings by the height of the sun
[Blurb on page 151]
“We went to bed, leaving the brothers outside softly singing Kingdom songs beside the fire. What a gentle and beautiful way to fall asleep!”
[Box on page 140]
An Overview of Congo (Brazzaville)
The land: The Republic of Congo is nestled among Gabon, Cameroon, Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is larger than Finland or Italy. A coastal plain extends about 40 miles [60 km] inland and then gives way to plateaus rising to over 2,500 feet [800 m]. Dense forests and large rivers dominate the rest of the country.
The people: The population of over three million is made up of many tribes. Pygmies are found in the densely forested areas.
The language: Although the official language is French, Lingala is widely spoken in the northern parts. Monokutuba is spoken in the south.
The livelihood: Subsistence farming as well as freshwater and saltwater fishing supplies the basic needs. The forests are teeming with wildlife, providing easy game for skilled hunters.
The food: Cassava or rice is preferred at most meals. This is served with fish or chicken seasoned with hot sauces. The many fruits include mangoes, pineapples, papayas, oranges, and avocados.
The climate: Congo is tropical, hot and humid year-round. There are two distinct seasons: a rainy season, which extends from March to June, and a dry season, which lasts from June to October.
[Chart/Graph on page 148, 149]
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE)—A TIME LINE
1940
1947: The book “The Truth Shall Make You Free” sparks the first interest.
1950: Missionary Eric Cooke visits Brazzaville. Authorities impose restrictions on literature published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
1956: In March, first missionaries arrive, from France.
1957: Branch office opens in January.
1960
1961: Legal association is registered on December 9, though restrictions on literature continue for another year.
1977: Jehovah’s Witnesses are banned. Branch property is confiscated, and the missionaries are expelled.
1980
1981: André Kitula helps revive the preaching work in Brazzaville.
1991: Minister of the interior lifts the ban. Later, first district conventions in 15 years are organized.
1993: Social and political agitation leads to a state of emergency.
1997: On June 5 civil war breaks out. Missionaries are evacuated. Branch office in Kinshasa arranges for food, shelter, and medical treatment for 1,000 refugees.
1999: Another civil war breaks out. Missionaries are evacuated again.
2000
2002: First four newly constructed Kingdom Halls are dedicated in February.
2003: 4,536 publishers are active in Congo (Brazzaville).
[Graph]
(See publication)
Total Publishers
Total Pioneers
5,000
2,500
1940 1960 1980 2000
[Maps on page 141]
(For fully formatted text, see publication)
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
CAMEROON
EQUATORIAL GUINEA
GABON
REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Impfondo
Djambala
BRAZZAVILLE
Pointe-Noire
Congo River
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
KINSHASA
ANGOLA
[Full-page picture on page 134]
[Pictures on page 138]
Members of an early Bible study group in 1949, from left to right: Jean-Seth Mountsamboté, Timothée and Odile Miemounoua, and Noé Mikouiza
[Picture on page 139]
Etienne Nkounkou
[Picture on page 142]
Jean Seignobos traveled in the interior of Congo, crossing rivers on ferries to visit congregations
[Picture on page 147]
Fred and Leah Lukuc (center) with the congregation that met in Augustin Bayonne’s home
[Picture on page 150]
Baptism in the Atlantic Ocean at Pointe-Noire
[Picture on page 152]
Augustin Bayonne—The One Who Is Walking—attended the 37th class of Gilead, in 1962
[Picture on page 153]
This building served as the branch office from 1967 to 1977
[Picture on page 155]
Noé Mikouiza
[Pictures on page 158]
Louis-Noël Motoula, Jean-Marie Lubaki, and Symphorien Bakeba
Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)
pp. 163–252
Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)
‘We are like the kernels in a bag of African corn. Wherever we are dropped, one by one, the rain eventually comes, and we become many.’ Those words were spoken over 50 years ago by a faithful Witness of Jehovah who had suffered much at the hands of the authorities in what was then known as Belgian Congo. In the pages that follow, you will learn how Jehovah’s blessing, like a refreshing rain, has resulted in an astonishing increase in Kingdom proclaimers throughout Congo.
That country, now known as Democratic Republic of Congo, or Congo (Kinshasa), lies in the heart of Africa.a Straddling the equator, much of this land is blanketed with lush forests. Its extensive forests and savannas provide a home for a spectacular array of wildlife. Abundant in natural resources, the country has long been the object of international interest and the focus of invasions and civil wars.
In 1885, Congo Free State was established with King Leopold II of Belgium as both sovereign and sole owner. However, life for the people of Congo was far from free. Leopold’s men used forced labor and extreme brutality to plunder ivory and rubber. Indignation among Belgium’s European neighbors rose to such a point that Leopold finally bowed to the pressure. In 1908, Congo Free State was abolished, becoming Belgian Congo, a colony controlled by the Belgian parliament. Congo achieved independence in 1960.
The people of Congo are quite religious. Churches, seminaries, and theological schools abound. It is common to meet people who can quote extensively from the Bible. As elsewhere, however, the establishing of true Christianity was not easy. But what made it especially difficult in Congo was that for a time, people confused Jehovah’s Witnesses with a religious movement known as Kitawala.
A Problem of Identity
“Kitawala” is derived from a Swahili term that means “to dominate, direct, or govern.” Accordingly, the goal of this movement was essentially political—to establish independence from Belgium. That goal, some reasoned, could best be achieved under the cloak of religion. Regrettably, Kitawala groups acquired, studied, and circulated publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses. A sign with the words “Watch Tower” identified their meeting places. Long before Jehovah’s Witnesses were established, these “Watch Tower movements” became prominent in the province of Katanga in southeastern Congo. For decades people assumed that the Kitawala adherents were Jehovah’s Witnesses. Of course, they were not.
The Kitawala twisted Bible teachings to support their political views, superstitious customs, and immoral way of life. They refused to pay taxes and opposed the colonial rulers. Some groups of them engaged in armed rebellion against the authorities. It comes as no surprise that the Belgian government outlawed them.
In 1956 a district commissioner of Belgian Congo wrote a newspaper article that shed light on the background of the Kitawala. The article discussed Tomo Nyirenda, a native of Nyasaland (now Malawi), living in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). Evidently, Nyirenda had received religious instruction from someone who had associated with the Bible Students (known today as Jehovah’s Witnesses) in Cape Town, South Africa. The article stated: “[Nyirenda] penetrated into Katanga [Congo] in 1925, . . . proclaiming himself Mwana Lesa, ‘Son of God.’ He exploited the natives’ ancestral terror of being bewitched, promising that those who followed him would not only be liberated from the witch doctors but also have the means of being freed from all taxes and orders of established authority, whether the government or the Church. Those who did not accept his law were declared to be witches, knocked senseless, and then drowned during a forced ‘baptism.’ (From one river, 55 bodies were retrieved.) After being denounced by a village deputy chief, Tomo managed to escape and returned to Rhodesia. Since the Rhodesian authorities were searching for him for the murders he had committed, he was arrested, judged, and hanged.”
According to the Belgian authorities, incursions by the so-called Mwana Lesa into Katanga from 1923 to 1925 marked the beginning of the Kitawala in Congo. Decades would pass before Jehovah’s Witnesses would be permitted to enter the country and reside there.
To put the problem of identity in perspective, it is important to note that independent churches are common in Africa. Some estimate that there are thousands of such organizations. John S. Mbiti, a specialist in African religions, wrote: “[A] major problem facing Christianity in Africa is the large number of Church divisions, denominations, groups and sects. Many of these were imported from abroad. Many more were started by African Christians themselves, partly because they did not wish to remain indefinitely under the domination of foreign missionaries, partly because of personal wishes for power, partly because of wanting to make Christianity reflect African culture and problems, and for various other reasons.”
Thus, there were many independent churches, most of which had either borrowed teachings from or broken away from an established religion. In this, the Kitawala movement was not unique. Yet, the presence of the Kitawala offered Christendom a unique opportunity to keep Jehovah’s Witnesses out of Congo. Though church leaders well knew the difference between the Kitawala and the Witnesses, they deliberately promoted the erroneous view that the Kitawala and Jehovah’s Witnesses were one and the same.
The churches were in a strong position to spread that lie. By the early 20th century, the religions of Christendom, particularly the Catholic Church, enjoyed a powerful and influential presence in Belgian Congo. In contrast, Jehovah’s Witnesses had no presence there, which is how the clergy of Christendom wanted things to remain. They jealously held on to their converts and did not want any intrusion by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Uprisings, rebellions, and tribal clashes among the native peoples were conveniently blamed on the Kitawala, often called the Watch Tower movement. The name Watch Tower became abhorrent to public officials and authorities. This caused great difficulties for those who wanted to serve Jehovah in Congo.
During the decades leading up to the country’s independence, Jehovah’s Witnesses in other lands repeatedly sent letters to the authorities in Congo, explaining that the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society had nothing to do with the Watch Tower movement. For many years, however, officials continued to associate the activities of this indigenous religious movement with the work of Jehovah’s people. Repeated efforts to send Jehovah’s Witnesses into Congo were largely unsuccessful.
Because the Witnesses were not allowed to enter the country, little is known about genuine Witnesses within the country itself. However, a fascinating glimpse into what was happening during the difficult early years is found in reports about Congo from nearby branch offices. Let us now examine some excerpts from this Congo diary of 30 years, to which we have added some supplementary comments.
Congo Diary—Excerpts From Country Reports 1930-60
1930: Inquiries for literature have been received by post from . . . Belgian Congo.
1932: We hope that later it will be possible to work the Belgian Congo and other parts of Central Africa which have not yet had the witness.
From May 1932 the branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses in South Africa repeatedly submitted requests to the Belgian authorities for permission to allow full-time ministers into Congo. These requests were denied. Because of the migration of people between Congo and Northern Rhodesia, however, some Rhodesian brothers were able to enter Congo, usually for brief periods.
1945: It takes a courageous man to stand for God and his Theocratic kingdom in [Belgian Congo]. Not only are the work and literature completely banned, but Congo Africans professing association with us are liable to be transported to a certain district where they are kept in a loose sort of confinement sometimes for several years. Letters sent us from the Congo seldom reach here [Northern Rhodesia], and mail sent back is, it seems, not delivered; but . . . everything possible is being done to help our fellow Kingdom workers in this priest-ridden country.
1948: There are two publishers of the Kingdom living in that territory now, and they have been sending in some reports to the office in Brussels. This vast territory we hope will open up some day so that the gospel of the Kingdom can be preached there.
1949: For years the witness work has gone on in this Catholic-dominated territory under the greatest difficulties. In times past the priests sometimes even used to make a man eat a block of salt without water as a punishment for being one of Jehovah’s witnesses, but now their methods are more in conformity with the Spanish Inquisition; they want the government to do their wicked oppressive work for them. For years African publishers have been in prison serving indeterminate sentences because of their witnessing work, and to make things worse they are sent to a special concentration camp at Kasaji, about [300] miles [500 km] from Elisabethville [now Lubumbashi]. Here they labor on small plots, and suffer isolation with or without their families. . . . The time may extend to even ten years. Often years and years of this seclusion are endured without the slightest hope of liberty or justice, except at the terrible price of selling their integrity.
The result has been that the work has been driven underground; meetings are held in secret, and the centers have to be changed for fear of arrest. Much of the witnessing was done by calling upon known friendly persons and their friends, but even then trouble has fallen upon one and then another. The witness is arrested and rushed to the Kasaji camp.
About this time, Llewelyn Phillips, from the branch office in Northern Rhodesia, traveled to Belgian Congo to intervene in behalf of the persecuted Witnesses there. The governor-general and other government officials listened as he explained the nature of the Kingdom-preaching work and the difference between Witness beliefs and those of the Kitawala. At one point the governor-general wistfully asked: “If I help you, what will happen to me?” He well knew that the Roman Catholic Church exercised great influence in the land.
1950: The past year has been the most difficult of any, and, for the brethren who have lived in the Congo Belge, that means a good deal. Early in the service year not all books and letters to the territory were received and means of communication almost closed down. Next, on the 12th of January, the governor-general interdicted the Society and imposed a sentence of two months’ imprisonment and a fine of 2,000 francs upon all who assembled with, supported in any way, or were members of the Society. This decision was hailed with delight by the Catholic press. Arrest after arrest followed. Lists taken a year before from a former [congregation] servant at Elisabethville were used as a means of tracing hundreds associated with the Society and they, with their wives, were arrested. After serving their sentences Northern Rhodesian Africans were deported, but the indigenous friends of Congo were, in many cases, sent to Kasaji, a concentration camp [about 300] miles [500 km] from Elisabethville, where a proportion still are. Some of the deported brethren were given a minimum of food and compelled to walk the final 18 miles [30 km] from Sakania to the Northern Rhodesia border.
Secret police have recently been multiplied, and the presence of a Bible is sufficient to have a man suspected of being one of Jehovah’s witnesses.
News has just been received that two European sisters from the Elisabethville district have been sentenced to 45 days’ imprisonment, suspended for three years on condition of good conduct (which means, of course, no work for the Lord), for being in possession of The Watchtower and witnessing. They face daily the prospect of deportation.
1951: Numerous articles have been published in the Belgian newspapers and magazines accusing Jehovah’s witnesses and the Watch Tower Society of being connected with a fanatical native movement in the Belgian Congo called the “Kitawala.” In Belgium the law requires that when someone answers an article published by a newspaper or magazine, the newspaper or magazine must publish the answer. We have taken advantage of this right to defend the Kingdom work against these slanderous articles, and our answers have been published.
Since January [12], 1949, the work of the Watch Tower Society has been banned in the Belgian Congo and the true witnesses of Jehovah have had to suffer because of these false reports. Written protests have been made to the minister of colonies and ample proof submitted that Jehovah’s witnesses and the Watch Tower Society are not connected with the subversive “Kitawala,” but these protests have gone unanswered.
The weapons of misrepresentation, persecution, fines, beatings, imprisonment and deportation have been wielded in the Belgian Congo to try to cut off entirely the ‘preaching of the Word’ in that land.
1952: Central Africa has an “iron curtain” also! So far as Jehovah’s witnesses are concerned, it hangs around the borders of the Belgian Congo. The ban on the witness work in this predominantly Roman Catholic country continues without letup.
Isolated reports filtering through from the country tell of deportation, imprisonments, beatings and other privations being suffered by the African publishers. In many parts it seems there has been an increase in the venom unleashed against the witnesses. Natives of the country are banished to work camps if caught witnessing or even possessing Watchtower literature. Even possessing the Bible is taken as a mark that the holder is one of Jehovah’s witnesses.
The homes of [the] brothers are continually watched and often searched. In the words of one brother reporting this: “[The Belgian Congo police] don’t sleep because of us, but move up and down looking for nothing but Jehovah’s witnesses. Now it is more serious than before.”
An isolated report from 30 publishers for August reached this office with 1 Thessalonians 5:25, NW, written as a footnote: “Brothers, continue in prayer for us.”
As we mentioned earlier, African Witnesses from Northern Rhodesia went to Congo. When caught, however, they were imprisoned and later deported. Though most served brief prison sentences, some brothers were sent to work camps for several years. One brother spent almost five years in various prisons in Congo. His captors frequently beat him. They also told him that he would not be released until he stopped witnessing.
It was in 1952 that the faithful brother stated: ‘We are like the kernels in a bag of African corn. Wherever we are dropped, one by one, the rain eventually comes, and we become many.’ The branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Northern Rhodesia wrote concerning this: “The ‘bag of African corn’ is certainly being spread in the Congo in spite of, or rather because of, the persecution of the brothers. At one time the branch office at Lusaka received reports of several hundred people associating with the witnesses in the Kolwezi area. However, news now tells of numbers of those being transported to other parts of the Congo.” This scattering of the brothers resulted in the expansion of the disciple-making activity.
While the brothers were pushing ahead in the southeastern part of the country, the truth was being introduced in Léopoldville (now Kinshasa). The brothers in Brazzaville had made rapid spiritual progress and zealously shared the truth with others. Some began taking the ferry across the Congo River to preach in Léopoldville. In 1952, Victor Kubakani and his wife were the first Witnesses baptized in Kinshasa. Soon a congregation was formed.
1953: We have reports which show that about 250 brothers are having some share in the preaching work in various parts of the country, but there are probably many more. The witnessing is confined to [return visits] and home Bible studies and this with very little or no literature, as the brothers never know when their homes are to be searched. One brother was reported by one of his so-called “friends” as being in possession of two booklets, and he was sentenced to two months in the Central prison at Elisabethville.
1954: The total ban against the Society and the activity of Jehovah’s witnesses continues in the Belgian Congo . . . In prison faithful witnesses have carried on their preaching activity to the other prisoners, who with odd scraps of paper and bits of pencil make notes to take away with them and check further in their prison-provided copies of the Bible. No doubt it is because of such activity that in some prisons Jehovah’s witnesses have been segregated from the other prisoners.
The activities of both Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Kitawala were banned. Officials seized Bible literature sent into the country. Literature that got past the officials was sometimes intercepted and used by the Kitawala to advance their interests. Both Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Kitawala were arrested, beaten, and taken to concentration camps. However, Jesus declared: “By their fruits you will recognize them.” (Matt. 7:16) The colonial authorities observed the fine conduct of the brothers and began to discern the difference between them and the Kitawala.
1955: The ban continues on the work in this land with little prospect that it will be lifted in the near future, but this has not dampened the zeal of those who love and serve Jehovah. The many imprisonments and deportations of brothers during the past year have not caused them to slack the hand.
Under the existing conditions house-to-house work is not possible, so [return visits] and home Bible studies are conducted. As one congregation writes, the publishers would like to share in the public declaration of the good news also, although “we do not know if Jehovah will permit us to preach the good news from house to house in this land before the battle of Armageddon.”
1957: There is no doubt that during the past year the work has come in for more attention than ever before, particularly from the standpoint of government officials and the press. Back in November, Brother [Milton G.] Henschel made a direct approach to the government of the Belgian Congo in Leopoldville and at that time presented a petition for the removal of the ban against the Society and Jehovah’s witnesses. This initial approach was followed by a further visit to Leopoldville and then by representations in New York and Brussels. Later a specialist on African affairs from Belgium visited the Northern Rhodesian branch office, and an opportunity was afforded to give a detailed explanation of our work and our message.
Meanwhile, the ban continues, and the brothers in the Belgian Congo have to work under much difficulty. Two hundred and sixteen attended the Memorial celebration, though meeting in small groups.
1958: During the past year, despite the continued ban against the preaching of the good news and imprisonments of the brothers, the Kingdom message has sounded forth with increasing effect.
1959: For the first time verbal permission was obtained from the local government authorities for the brothers to hold congregation meetings, this despite the fact that the legal ban against the work has not been lifted. Up till this time no congregation meetings had been possible, and meetings of just small groups for Bible study in homes had been held. Now the brothers got busy and arranged as their first organized congregation meetings the Memorial celebration, and at the five Leopoldville [congregations] a total of 1,019 were present. Onlookers marveled, not only because the meetings were held at all, but to witness the joyful spirit of Christian fellowship manifest by the brothers. It caused several there and then to see that here was a people different from the other religions because ‘they manifest love among themselves.’
Though it was not yet possible to send missionaries into Congo, a decree of tolerance signed on June 10, 1958, permitted Jehovah’s Witnesses there “to assemble in enclosed meeting places.” The brothers were delighted that they could meet freely. Sometimes security agents attended these meetings and praised the brothers for their good conduct and orderliness.
There were other positive developments. Until 1956 all schools were sponsored by religious organizations. Then, a new liberal colonial minister established government schools and encouraged a more tolerant attitude toward minority groups. The confusing of the Kitawala with Jehovah’s Witnesses slowly began to diminish as officials discerned the difference between the two. A refreshing little rain shower had fallen on the scattered seedlings. Everywhere, people were taking sides with Jehovah.
At that time, a chief arrested several Witnesses and brought them before the regional administrator to be judged. The administrator asked what they had done wrong. The chief did not know. The administrator chided the chief and released the brothers, ordering that they be given transportation back to their homes.
1960: The work in the Belgian Congo has moved forward wonderfully in the past year. Despite the difficulties in that country and the fact that technically the work continues under a ban, it has been possible for the brothers to hold regular meetings in Kingdom Halls.
An outstanding event occurred at the time of the Memorial in the city of Leopoldville, the capital. The six [congregations] in that city arranged to meet together for a public talk on Sunday and had the thrill of seeing an attendance of 1,417. As one of the [overseers] wrote at the time: “We were very happy, because it was the first time that we had tried such a thing; Jehovah’s angels camped all around us.”
This 30-year diary has provided an overview of the activity in Congo, as reported by neighboring branches. Let us now see how things developed further.
National Independence Approaches
By the end of the 1950’s, the Kingdom-preaching work in Congo, supervised by the Northern Rhodesia branch, was officially tolerated though not legally recognized. Meanwhile, new problems and uncertainties were appearing. Nationalism had grown strong and so had resistance to the colonial power. During January 1959, rioters pillaged and burned shops in Léopoldville. They also looted churches, casting the idols into the streets. This led to a conference between Belgian officials and representatives of the local political parties. They set a date for national independence: June 30, 1960. Of course, none of Jehovah’s Witnesses had taken part in the riots.
Throughout the country, local political parties began to emerge. Their members were often more united by tribal ties than by political conviction. They put extreme pressure on the brothers to buy political party cards. Pierre Mafwa, who had been baptized a year earlier, stated: “It was a Saturday in June 1960. I was returning home from work at noon. As I passed the old airport in Léopoldville, a man with a sword approached me. ‘Where is your political card?’ he demanded. I didn’t answer. Suddenly he struck me in the face with his sword, cutting my nose. He continued to strike me with his sword. I tried to run but fell to the ground. I prayed to Jehovah, asking him to remember me in the resurrection so that I could again see my wife and six children. After this short prayer, I heard rifle shots. Soldiers had felled the would-be killer by shooting him in the knees. A policeman took me to the hospital, where I received treatment. Bible verses encouraged me greatly.”
First Missionaries Arrive and Open a Branch Office
As we have seen, repeated efforts to send representatives of Jehovah’s Witnesses into Congo had been unsuccessful. However, things were changing politically, opening the way for the arrival of Ernest Heuse, Jr.
Brother Heuse was a tall, well-built Belgian with black, wavy hair. Though he was fearless, he knew that life in Congo would not be easy for him; his wife, Hélène; or his 11-year-old daughter, Danielle. Ernest’s background provided fitting experience for what lay ahead. He had entered Bethel service in Brussels in 1947. A year later he married and transferred to pioneer service with his wife. After that, Ernest was assigned to contact lawyers and officials with a specially prepared brochure that discussed the differences between the Kitawala and Jehovah’s Witnesses. In time, he served as a circuit overseer.
Ernest made several attempts to obtain papers to enter Congo, even addressing a personal request to the king of Belgium. Permission was denied. Instead, Ernest’s name was added to the list of those considered “undesirable” for entry into Congo.
Ernest persisted. He traveled to Africa and tried to enter Congo from neighboring countries. All attempts failed. Finally, he obtained a visa to travel to Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo. He then took a ferry across the river to Léopoldville. His arrival triggered an animated discussion among the officials on duty. Some said that he should not be granted a visa, since his name was on their list of undesirables. Finally, one of the officials, Cyrille Adoula, who later became prime minister, said that he was familiar with the attempts that Ernest had made to enter Congo. He reasoned that if the former colonialists did not like Heuse, he must be a friend of Congo. Ernest was granted a temporary visa and later a residency visa. Thus, in May 1961, Jehovah’s Witnesses had a representative in Congo to supervise the disciple-making work.
Ernest sent for Hélène and Danielle, and by September, Danielle was attending school in Léopoldville. The first branch office was established in the capital on June 8, 1962. The office and living quarters were in a third-floor apartment on Avenue van Eetvelde (now Avenue du Marché). Since space was limited, literature was kept separately in a depot. While this situation was not ideal, it was the best solution because there was an acute housing shortage.
Brother Heuse went straight to work. He borrowed a projector and a film from the Brazzaville branch office. He then showed the film entitled The Happiness of the New World Society to the congregations in Léopoldville and to some government officials. It was a revelation both to the brothers and to interested people to see that there existed an international brotherhood of Witnesses all living in peace and happiness. They were astounded to see a black brother immersing Europeans. The mayor of Léopoldville enjoyed the film so much that he said: “This work [of Jehovah’s Witnesses] should be encouraged as much as possible.” Some 1,294 attended the first four showings.
It was a great joy for the brothers finally to have someone to help them, after having waited for many years. Previously, the European brothers had been only names to them. Some had wondered whether they really existed, since the Belgian authorities had asserted that there were no Jehovah’s Witnesses in Belgium. The brothers were thrilled to have Brother Heuse in their midst.
Applying the Truth—A Challenge
There was a tremendous amount of work to do to help the brothers apply the truth in their lives. For example, tribal rivalries persisted, and some congregation overseers were not on speaking terms with other overseers. If someone was disfellowshipped in a congregation dominated by a certain tribe, he could be accepted by the elders of another congregation composed mainly of brothers of his own tribe. Decisions made in one congregation were not binding in another. Tribal customs dominated everyday life, and tribal thinking spilled over into the congregations.
Other problems resulted from tribal customs. Among some tribes, the relationship between husband and wife was based on tribal loyalties. In general, there was no close relationship between husband and wife. Marriage was often viewed as an arrangement of the tribe. If the members of the tribe did not approve of a marriage, they could force the husband to get rid of his wife and take another—one of their choice.
When a husband died, the consequences could be disastrous. Often the husband’s family would take everything in the house, leaving the wife and children destitute. In some tribes, the husband would be held responsible if the wife died, and the wife’s family would impose a fine upon him.
There were other problems. To this day, many people in Congo believe that no one dies of natural causes. Consequently, at the time of burial, ceremonies are performed that supposedly identify the one responsible for the death. Hair is shaved off, and many other customs are practiced. In some tribes, when the husband dies, the wife is supposedly purified by a male member of their tribe by his having sexual relations with her. At funerals, remarks are often addressed to the dead person, reflecting the belief that the soul or spirit survives the death of the body. In view of all these deeply entrenched customs, it is easy to imagine the problems that confronted those who wanted to practice pure worship. Others who claimed to be true Christians had not fully abandoned these customs and even tried to introduce them into the Christian congregation.
Courageous, honest overseers were needed to set things straight. Those who loved Jehovah were willing to learn from them and to make necessary changes. It was not easy to overturn the strongly entrenched ideas of those who erroneously believed that they already knew the truth. However, the biggest problem was that people confused Jehovah’s Witnesses with the Kitawala.
When news spread throughout the country that a branch office had been opened, many groups of brothers wrote asking to be recognized as congregations. Kitawala groups did the same. One report states: “Some people came as far as 1,400 miles [2,300 km] with long lists of names of those wishing to be recognized as Jehovah’s Witnesses. These lists were sometimes written on paper 27 inches [70 cm] wide by 36 inches [90 cm] long and sometimes included the names of all of those inhabiting two or three villages.”
Before recognizing individuals or groups as Jehovah’s Witnesses, it was necessary to determine who were the true Christians and who were the Kitawala. Brother Heuse sent out mature brothers to investigate. This process went on for years. Let us consider some experiences of these faithful ones.
Confronting the Kitawala
In 1960, Pontien Mukanga, a slightly built, mild-tempered brother, was appointed as the first circuit overseer in Congo. After receiving training in Congo (Brazzaville), he visited the congregations in Léopoldville and a few isolated groups nearby. However, a far more difficult assignment lay ahead: confronting the Kitawala.
One of the first trips Brother Mukanga made was to Kisangani (then called Stanleyville), more than a thousand miles [1,600 km] from the capital. Why there? A European whom Brother Heuse met in field service showed him a photograph that had been taken in Stanleyville just after independence. The photograph showed a large sign in front of the railway station, with a picture of an open Bible and the following inscription: “Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society—International Bible Students Association—Kitawala Religion Congolese—Long Live Patrice E. Lumumba—Long Life to Antoine Gizenga—Long Life to M.N.C. Government.” Obviously, the Kitawala in Kisangani was misusing the names of the legal corporations of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Were there genuine Jehovah’s Witnesses in Kisangani? Brother Mukanga was sent to find out. The only information the branch had was concerning a man named Samuel Tshikaka, who had heard of the truth in Bumba and returned to Kisangani in 1957. Samuel was not associated with any of the Kitawala groups and was eager to assist Brother Mukanga, who later wrote: “I went with Samuel to investigate the people using the name Watch Tower. We went to visit their pastor, who told us about his group. We learned that although some of them used Bibles, all of them believed in the immortality of the soul. They were teaching love by exchanging wives.
“Shortly after my arrival, police attempted to arrest the Kitawala in the city. The Kitawala fought back. The police called in soldiers as reinforcements. Many of the Kitawala were killed. The next day a boat with dead and wounded in it came across the river. The pastor’s secretary was with them and recognized me as having visited their leader two days before. He falsely accused me of betraying them to the authorities and said that I was responsible for the deaths of those killed in the fighting. He told his Kitawala friends to make sure I didn’t get away, but I managed to escape before they could kill me.”
When the newspapers in Belgium reported this incident, they entitled the article “Fight Between Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Police.” However, Congolese authorities—who knew the difference between the Kitawala and Jehovah’s Witnesses—gave an accurate report. Not one newspaper in Congo accused the Witnesses of being involved in this incident!
What became of Samuel Tshikaka? He is still in the truth and serves as an elder in the Kisangani Tshopo-Est Congregation. Presently, there are 1,536 publishers organized into 22 congregations in Kisangani. Samuel’s son, Lotomo, serves as a circuit overseer, just as Pontien Mukanga did some 40 years ago.
A Circuit Overseer Who Set Things Straight
François Danda was another circuit overseer who worked to establish the difference between the Witnesses and the Kitawala. He explains: “It was a difficult time, and there was much confusion. The Kitawala always posted a sign with the words ‘Watch Tower’ in English at their meeting places. In all our publications, no matter what language, you could find ‘Watch Tower’ on the publishers’ page. Now, imagine that someone had read our publications and was searching for God’s people. He might find a meeting place with a sign ‘Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ in the local language and another with a sign ‘Watch Tower’ in English. Where would he be inclined to go? You can see how confusing it was.
“Many brothers did not have accurate knowledge, and there were few publications available. Congregations often mixed the truth with the Kitawala teachings, especially concerning the sanctity of marriage. In one city that I visited, it was thought that 1 Peter 2:17, which says to ‘have love for the whole association of brothers,’ meant that sisters were available to any brother in the congregation. If a sister became pregnant by a brother other than her husband, the husband accepted the child as his own. As in the first century, ‘the untaught and unsteady’ were twisting the Scriptures.—2 Pet. 3:16.
“I gave very direct Scriptural talks on Jehovah’s standards, including those on marriage. I said that there were some things that we had to straighten out patiently, little by little, but wife-swapping was not one of them. Happily, the brothers understood and accepted the correct Scriptural viewpoint. Even some of the Kitawala in that city embraced the truth.”
The efforts of Brothers Mukanga and Danda and many like them made it clear to people that Jehovah’s Witnesses were different from the Kitawala. Today, no one associates “Kitawala” with the term “Watch Tower.” The Kitawala are still present, though they are not as prominent or as powerful as in the past. In many areas, they are completely unknown.
Better Organization Brings Increase
By the end of the 1962 service year, more than 2,000 publishers were zealously serving Jehovah throughout Congo. However, few brothers met the Scriptural requirements for oversight. Illiteracy was one problem, especially among older ones. Another problem was that many were slow in conforming to God’s righteous standards because traditional customs were formidable obstacles. Furthermore, anyone who had been associated with the Kitawala had to wait years before receiving any service privileges.
Gradually, though, sound Scriptural teaching and the operation of Jehovah’s spirit helped men become qualified for positions of oversight in the congregations. Throughout the country, courageous circuit overseers and pioneers did much to strengthen and train the brothers. About that time, circuit overseers and special pioneers trained in Zambia even entered Katanga and southern Kasai, regions that had been embroiled in civil war.
After Independence—The Years of Religious Tolerance
Recall that in 1958 the government issued a decree of tolerance giving the brothers a measure of religious freedom. During the early 1960’s, the brothers continued to make requests for official legal recognition. They were not soliciting for government subsidies or other financial assistance, but they did want to be legally recognized. Such recognition would enable them to preach the good news without harassment. This need was urgent because in many places the local authorities organized attacks on the brothers. Meeting places were burned, and brothers were beaten, arrested, and imprisoned. When the brothers protested to the Ministry of Justice, the standard reply was: ‘We are sorry, but since you are not legally recognized, there is nothing that we can do for you.’
Adding to this problem was the chaotic state of affairs in the interior. The authority of the central government was not recognized in certain parts of the country. In some areas, just a letter from the branch office was sufficient for local authorities to release the brothers from prison. However, in places of entrenched opposition, little could be done to protect the brothers from persecution and imprisonment.
In Kinshasa the brothers faced little opposition. Previously, large gatherings in the city had been only for weddings and funerals. In 1964, however, the branch office planned to hold two circuit assemblies in the capital. This would be a new experience for most of the brothers. At special meetings, they received training in both the presentation of talks and the organizing of the assembly departments.
In their enthusiasm, the brothers spoke openly about the assembly, and it became known to the governor of what was then the province of Léopoldville. Because this man disliked Jehovah’s Witnesses, he prepared on stencil a letter that was to be distributed to the local authorities. The letter directed that any Witness caught preaching or meeting for worship be arrested. However, when the letter was sent for duplication, the job happened to be assigned to a brother. The brother had very little duplicating paper left in stock, and he knew that the stores in Léopoldville were empty. When his supervisor asked for copies of the letter, the brother showed him the empty shelves—no paper!
Meanwhile, the brothers prayed earnestly to Jehovah about the matter. What happened? The government unexpectedly decided to form some new provinces, and the one governed by the opposer was dissolved! Over the years, there were many who tried to harass or destroy God’s people. Yet, such ones were frustrated in their attempts.—Isa. 54:17.
Arrival of More Missionaries
During the 1960’s, the organization took advantage of the opportunity to send missionaries to Congo. A small missionary home was established in Kinshasa. In March 1964, missionaries Julian and Madeleine Kissel arrived from Canada. Forty years later they are still serving faithfully as members of the Bethel family in Kinshasa.
Some missionaries who came in the late 1960’s are now residing in other countries. In 1965, Stanley and Bertha Boggus were assigned to Congo after having served in Haiti. Brother Boggus, a traveling overseer, returned to the United States in 1971 because of health problems. Toward the end of 1965, Michael and Barbara Pottage joined the missionaries in Congo. They are currently at Britain Bethel. William and Ann Smith were assigned to Congo in 1966; they worked mostly in Katanga. Because of a ban, they were reassigned to Kenya in 1986. Manfred Tonak from Germany, who graduated in the 44th class of Gilead, served as a traveling overseer in Congo. When the ban came, he was assigned to Kenya. Now he is Branch Committee coordinator in Ethiopia. In 1969, Dayrell and Susanne Sharp came to Congo after graduating in the 47th class of Gilead. After being expelled from Congo, they were assigned to Zambia and have been in Lusaka Bethel ever since. Other missionaries were reassigned to countries in West Africa. Among them were Reinhardt and Heidi Sperlich, who died in a plane crash. This tragedy was a source of great sadness to all who knew them.
In 1966 the first missionary home outside Kinshasa was opened in Lubumbashi, in the southeast of the country. Later, others were established in Kolwezi, northwest of Lubumbashi, and in Kananga (then Luluabourg), Kasai. The presence of the missionaries was a strong stabilizing influence that helped the brothers to live the truth. In Kasai, for example, tribal rivalries still existed among the brothers. Since the missionaries were not from the tribes, they were in a good position to mediate problems and to act with impartiality in judicial cases.
From 1968 to 1986, over 60 missionaries served in different parts of the country. Some had attended the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead in the United States, and others, the Gilead Extension School in Germany. In addition, French-speaking pioneers came directly to Congo as missionaries. Many learned the local languages, and all worked hard to comfort people with the Kingdom good news.
Kingdom Halls in the 1960’s
In the bigger cities, the meeting places were generally open-air structures. The heat and extreme humidity favored this kind of arrangement, and most meetings were held in the evening or the early morning, when it was cool. This was fine when it did not rain. However, during the rainy season, meetings often had to be postponed until another day.
The first Kingdom Hall was dedicated in 1962. It was located in Kimbanseke, Kinshasa, and belonged to one of the six congregations that existed then. Since then, congregations in Congo have shown great initiative in the construction of Kingdom Halls. There were, however, occasional legal problems. Sometimes a brother would allow the congregation to use his land to build a hall, but no legal papers were filed. When the brother died, members of his family would come and seize the hall and everything in it. Little could be done to prevent this. Later, during times of ban, many halls were taken over by local authorities and used for their own purposes. These problems restricted the extensive building of Kingdom Halls.
Nevertheless, Kingdom Halls were constructed throughout the country. Though most were simple structures, all reflected the faith of those who built them. Consider a missionary’s description of meeting places during the late 1960’s.
“To reach a Kingdom Hall in Léopoldville, we must walk down a passageway between houses made of rough concrete. A crowd of children follows us. We enter a courtyard that is encircled by a concrete wall. The open-sided Kingdom Hall is behind a house that is occupied by brothers. The brothers are practicing Kingdom songs. What a thrill it is to hear them! They sing with all their hearts. We are happy that trees overshadow the hall, giving protection from the sun. There is seating for about 200 people. The platform is made of concrete and has a corrugated sheet-iron roof. If the speaker happens to be tall, he may have to stoop a little. There is an information board for letters from the branch office and for congregation assignments. There is a table for literature. The brothers have placed plants at the side of the platform. Kerosene lamps are used for lighting so that the brothers can hold their meetings in the evenings. When we leave, the children are still outside to escort us back to the main road.
“We now journey deep into the interior of Congo. As we enter a village of grass huts, the Kingdom Hall catches our attention. This is a structure supported by nine poles, with a thick roof made of leaves. There are small trenches dug in the ground from one side of the hall to the other. Surprisingly, when we sit on the ground and place our feet in the trenches, we are not uncomfortable. Above the brother who conducts the meeting hangs a handwritten sign that says ‘Kingdom Hall’ in the local dialect. There are about 30 people attending. Perhaps only half are publishers. They know a few Kingdom songs. What they lack in musical technique, they make up for in enthusiasm, and we sing with all our hearts.
“Now we travel to the northern part of the country. We stop the Land Rover and look toward the village. We see a cluster of grass huts, beyond which is a structure that stands out from the rest. This structure is made of thick bamboo poles firmly joined together. Windows and a door have been cut into the bamboo wall. The roof is made of grass. In front of the building is a neat lawn with a narrow path, and on the lawn is a small sign that reads: ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses.’ Walking up the path, we reach the Kingdom Hall and are joyfully welcomed by our brothers. As we enter, we observe that the benches consist of bamboo poles placed across upright bamboo stakes. It is good that the Kingdom Hall has a watertight roof! Otherwise, problems would result: If water reaches the bamboo stakes, they take root and grow rapidly. Instead of being 12 inches [30 cm] from the ground, your bench would be much higher. An information board displays meeting schedules and letters from the branch office. The brothers get literature from a table made of split bamboo lashed together with reeds.
“We travel south to Katanga, where the sun is just setting. Here the weather is much cooler, and we need to wear warmer clothes. We reach a village, and as we approach the Kingdom Hall, we hear the brothers singing. The brothers in villages generally do not possess watches, so they estimate from the sun when it is time for the meetings. The first ones to arrive at the hall usually start singing until the majority are present and the meeting can begin. We squeeze onto a seat made of a tree trunk sawed in half and placed on two supports. The literature is kept in an old cupboard, but it cannot be stored there for long because of invasions by cockroaches and termites that ruin the paper. When the meeting is over, the brothers invite us to look at their hall. The walls are made of small branches tied with reeds and then covered with clay. The watertight roof is made of woven grass.”
Jehovah Protects His Servants
During the 1960’s, civil strife and violence were commonplace. Many people lost their lives, including some of Jehovah’s people. It took faith and courage for the brothers to meet together, since meetings were sometimes mistaken for political gatherings. In Équateur Province, armed soldiers approached a Kingdom Hall where the brothers were holding a meeting. The soldiers discerned quickly that the brothers were there to worship God, not to promote politics. Consequently, the soldiers left, saying that they were neither against religion nor against God.
On another occasion, in Kisangani, Bernard Mayunga and some other publishers were rounded up by rebels who were looking for local administration chiefs, whom they planned to execute. When asked to which tribe he belonged, Bernard replied: “I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Surprised by this answer, the rebel leader asked for an explanation. Bernard witnessed from the Scriptures, after which the rebel leader declared: “If all people were like you, there would be no wars.” Bernard was released, along with other Witnesses who were being held.
Legal Recognition at Last!
Up to 1965, the Congo Bethel still consisted of an apartment in the center of Kinshasa. The place was small and cramped. The number of Kingdom proclaimers was approaching 4,000, and larger facilities were needed. After a diligent search, the brothers acquired a house that was only six years old, located at 764 Avenue des Elephants, Limete, Kinshasa. The building was two stories high and had four bedrooms. The brothers got to work and converted the large lounge and dining room on the first floor into an office. They used the garage for shipping and mimeographing. An extension to the building was added in 1972.
In November 1965, Joseph-Désiré Mobutu took political power by a coup d’état. Once again the branch office submitted a request for legal recognition, and on June 9, 1966, President Mobutu signed an ordinance granting it. Now Jehovah’s people would enjoy the same rights and privileges as all other legally recognized religions in Congo. What the brothers had worked and prayed for since 1932 was finally realized. They were free to preach publicly, to hold large assemblies, and to own property. However, this freedom would last for only six years.
Conventions Give a Great Witness
How happy the brothers were to organize circuit assemblies under the protection of a legal ordinance! The first series consisted of 11 assemblies with a total attendance of 11,214 persons and 465 baptized.
The assemblies drew a strong reaction from the local churches. The clergy had fiercely fought to prevent Jehovah’s Witnesses from receiving legal recognition in this fruitful territory, which the clergy considered their domain. At Gandajika in Kasai Province, the religious leaders protested to the mayor. Because the mayor did not yield to their intimidation, they sent youths to the assembly site to disrupt the gathering. It so happened, however, that a Bible-based film was being shown at the assembly, and a large crowd had come to see it. Soon the troublemakers also settled down to watch it. What they saw impressed them. As each reel was changed, the crowd, numbering several thousand, shouted: “Long live Jehovah’s Witnesses!”
Jehovah’s Witnesses now had the authorization to hold large conventions, but much preparation was necessary before they could do so. They needed to organize Bible dramas, and the dramas required costumes. The brothers had to install and operate sound equipment. All of this they accomplished because they were eager both to volunteer and to learn.
Traveling to Serve Circuit Assemblies
In 1964 there were enough circuits in Congo to form two districts. In 1969 a third one was formed, in Kasai, and by 1970 there were four. Because of the poor roads, it was often difficult for district overseers and others to travel to assemblies and conventions. To illustrate, let us accompany a district overseer, William Smith, on a journey to a circuit assembly.
“Rain had deluged the countryside, so the rivers were swollen. Our destination was Kamina, where a circuit assembly was scheduled to be held. To reach there we had to travel more than 200 miles [320 km]. The heavy rains transformed some roads into a sea of mud, and in other places, water made the roads disappear. One valley had become a lake. Cars, trucks, and government vehicles were parked everywhere as people waited for the waters to subside. Many expected to be delayed for two weeks.
“I knew that the brothers were eagerly anticipating the assembly program. Some would have walked for days to attend. I asked if there was any way to bypass the valley. To my surprise, people told me that Jehovah’s Witnesses had built a small byroad, but because the ground was so soft, the Witnesses would not let anyone use it until the district overseer had passed on his way to Kamina.
“Brothers from two villages had worked all day, all night, and on into the next day to cut a new stretch of road, which bypassed the impassable section of road. I soon found the brothers and prepared to drive the jeep on the road that they had built. Quite a crowd of people had gathered to see if the jeep could get through. How disappointed we were to see the jeep sink into the soft earth just a few yards past the entrance to the new road!
“Though the brothers pushed, the vehicle did not budge. They had worked so hard, and disappointment showed on their faces. Nevertheless, they had not lost their determination to get the district overseer to the assembly. The onlookers, thinking that the new road was more of a hazard than a help, went back to their vehicles. The brothers decided to try again. This time they unloaded everything from the jeep, which was heavy with literature, sound equipment, a generator, and other things. The brothers dug and pushed, and the spinning wheels started to inch the jeep forward.
“One hour later, shouts of joy and the singing of Kingdom songs celebrated our successful passage through the mud. The brothers had accomplished what those sitting in their vehicles thought to be impossible. The assembly was a fine success, thanks to the hard work of the brothers. Jehovah was with his people and helped them to do his will.”
New Political Regime Institutes Changes
It was not easy to reach people scattered over thousands of square miles of equatorial rain forest and savanna. While missionaries preached in the larger towns, the local brothers and sisters serving as special pioneers opened up rural territory. Many people in the villages were illiterate, however, making it difficult to build strong congregations. Furthermore, changes in national politics were to have an impact on the lives of the brothers.
The year 1970 marked the beginning of a one-party political system. The party was known as the Popular Movement of the Revolution (Mouvement Populaire de la Révolution in French), or MPR. Its policy was to return to traditional values, and this included the renaming of towns and cities. Stanleyville had already become Kisangani, and Elisabethville became Lubumbashi. In 1971 the government changed the name of the country and its principal river from Congo to Zaire. The currency was changed from francs to zaires. The government required that people change their names also: What were considered Christian names had to be replaced by authentic African names. Neckties were prohibited, since they were associated with Europeans. In all these matters, the brothers obeyed respectfully.—Matt. 22:21.
According to the political ideology, everyone born in Congo was automatically an active member of the MPR. To keep a job, attend school, or sell at the market, people were obliged to possess a political card. Furthermore, it was expected that people wear a political party pin, especially when entering a government office. It was a difficult time for Jehovah’s people. Brothers lost their jobs, and children were expelled from school.
Some government officials, however, understood the position of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The minister of the interior asked a brother who worked for him why he did not wear the party pin. The brother explained his Scriptural reasons. The minister replied: “We know you, and we are not going to give you problems; but the youth movement will give you a hard time.”
It was reported that President Mobutu himself, after receiving many complaints against Jehovah’s Witnesses, replied to his party members at one meeting: ‘If there will ever be any problems for me, they will not come from Jehovah’s Witnesses. Remember who it was that betrayed Jesus. It was Judas, one of His disciples. If anyone is going to betray me, it will be someone who is eating with me.’
Bethel Expands to Meet the Needs
Nathan H. Knorr, from headquarters in Brooklyn, visited Congo in January 1971. One matter discussed during his visit was the expansion of the Bethel Home and office facilities. By 1970 there were almost 14,000 publishers in 194 congregations and over 200 isolated groups. Because of the ever-growing need for literature in Congo, the stockroom at Bethel had become too small. What a joy it was when Brother Knorr announced that an addition would be made to the existing building! An architect drew up plans for a new, modern, two-story building, twice the size of the existing one. It incorporated a large office, a large stockroom, and additional bedrooms.
In June 1971 the plans were approved, and work started. Don Ward was sent in from Dahomey (now Benin) to direct the construction. Many volunteers from the 39 congregations in Kinshasa came in to help, and together they completed the building project. All this expansion in the field and at Bethel was causing further irritation to the religions of Christendom, as we shall see.
The 1970’s—A Time for Courage and Caution
In December 1971 the government passed a law to regulate the many new religions and prayer groups that were being formed throughout the country. According to this new law, only three religions were legal: the Roman Catholic Church, the Protestant churches, and the Kimbanguist church, a local religion. In 1972 three other religions were also recognized: Islam, Greek Orthodoxy, and Judaism. Many smaller religions grouped themselves under the Protestant classification.
Thus, from 1971 until 1980, a period of nonrecognition, or soft ban, existed, which in some ways restricted the activities of God’s people. Although Jehovah’s Witnesses were not officially recognized, no order had been given to expel the missionaries, and Bethel was not disturbed. A missionary home in Kananga was closed, but the homes in Bukavu, Kisangani, Kolwezi, and Lubumbashi were not. No longer could the brothers organize large district conventions. In many places, however, the brothers met in their Kingdom Halls. They held small circuit assemblies in larger halls. Much depended on the attitude of the local authorities. In places where there was strong opposition, the brothers could expect persecution and arrest. Hundreds of brothers were imprisoned. Where the local authorities were favorable, the brothers could carry on their religious activities freely.
Despite the restrictions, the Witnesses continued to preach with boldness. A group of three brothers and one sister went to a market to witness to others. Two men approached and arrested one of the brothers as he placed a book with an interested person. They took him to the political party headquarters and left him in a room to await the arrival of the party chief. The party chief entered to find the brother offering to another man in the waiting room the book Did Man Get Here by Evolution or by Creation?
“Are you spreading your propaganda here?” the chief demanded.
The brother replied: “Well, if someone asked you, ‘Did man get here by evolution or by creation?’ how would you reply?”
The chief gave no answer. Turning to the men who had arrested the brother, he said: “Let him go. He is doing nothing unauthorized.”
The brother returned to the market and continued witnessing. Later, the chief happened to pass by and see him. Pointing to the brother, the chief said to his companions: “That is a courageous man, is it not?”
In 1974 the branch overseer Ernest Heuse was obliged to return to Belgium at the recommendation of his doctors. Ernest had suffered from emphysema for some time, and frequent bouts with malaria worsened his health. The brothers loved the Heuse family; they had made a significant contribution to the work. In Belgium, they continued zealously serving Jehovah. Ernest passed away in 1986; his wife, Hélène, died eight years later. Back in Kinshasa, branch oversight was entrusted to Timothy A. Holmes, who had served as a missionary since 1966.
1980 Brings Legal Recognition Again
On April 30, 1980, the president of the republic signed an ordinance granting legal recognition to the Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Interest in the truth was greater than ever, with 90,226 attending the Memorial and some 35,000 Bible studies being conducted in the homes of interested persons. New peaks were recorded in the number of publishers and pioneers. Better facilities were necessary to serve the needs of the field more efficiently. Thus, the brothers rejoiced when the Governing Body approved the purchase of a plot of land two and a half times larger than what Congo already had. As we will see, however, difficulties arose.
For years the brothers had not been able to organize large district conventions. Now they were free to do so. In 1980 five “Divine Love” District Conventions were held throughout the country. Some delegates had to travel great distances. Many families walked more than 250 miles [400 km] to attend. Two special pioneers in a very isolated region spent two weeks on their bicycles to travel more than 450 miles [700 km] through deep sand and rain forest. Some delegates also came from Congo (Brazzaville), Burundi, and Rwanda.
In the years that followed, it was necessary to organize district conventions at even more locations. It is true that the brothers had religious freedom, but economic pressures were increasing. Many were having a hard time just surviving. Prices were soaring, but salaries were not. The cost of transportation was too high for most of the brothers to travel any great distance. Therefore, the branch office lovingly organized more conventions nearer to where most of the brothers lived.
A road in Congo can be like an obstacle course: Fallen trees, damaged bridges, deep sand, and mud holes are common. Branch representatives and their wives have always shown a spirit of self-sacrifice when serving at assemblies and conventions. Yet, their sacrifice is small when compared with that of the faithful local brothers and sisters who often have to walk for days and sleep in the open. It is still common for brothers to walk between 30 and 100 miles [50-150 km] to attend district conventions.
New Missionary Homes Are Opened
Legal recognition in 1980 opened the way for new missionaries to come into the country. In 1981 a new home was opened in Goma (Kivu Province). During the next two years, more homes were opened in Likasi (Katanga), Mbuji-Mayi (Kasai), Kikwit (Bandundu), and in the port city of Matadi (Lower Congo). Homes that had been closed were reopened. Finally, in 1986 a home was opened in Isiro (Orientale Province), making a total of 11 missionary homes in the country. These homes also served as literature depots. The missionaries were a link between the branch office and the field. The local brothers and sisters appreciated the encouragement and training received from them. The 1981 service year finished with a new peak of 25,753 publishers. The possibilities for increase were great.
No Fear of Kimbilikiti
Kimbilikiti is the name of a tribal spirit. This spirit is worshiped by the people of the Rega tribe, who live in the deeply forested east-central part of the country. The lives of these people—mostly hunters, farmers, and fishermen—are dominated by religious beliefs associated with Kimbilikiti. This cult is enshrouded in secrecy, and its priests wield great influence over those who live in dread of the spirit.
Jehovah’s Witnesses in this area do not fear Kimbilikiti because they know that Jehovah is the only true God. They are the only ones who do not comply with what the priests of Kimbilikiti demand, such as the offering of goats and chickens for the priests themselves to eat.
Beginning in 1978, members of the cult began openly persecuting Jehovah’s Witnesses. They burned down several Kingdom Halls, chased some brothers from their own homes, and confiscated their belongings. The cult also used sorcery and spells in a futile effort to harm the brothers. Then in August 1983, members of the cult carried out a morbid plan—they brutally murdered eight brothers near the village of Pangi.
This horrifying incident was a shock to the congregation, especially to those who had lost a dear husband or father. The branch office and local brothers rallied to provide both spiritual and material aid to the families affected.
Meanwhile, the murderers felt safe in this isolated, forested area. Eventually, though, the guilty ones were apprehended. The trial was held in the district court at Kindu. The defendants asserted that the spirit Kimbilikiti had incited them to murder. However, the prosecuting attorney pointed out where the real blame lay. He stated: “Certain [members of the Rega tribe] who in the past participated in the rites of Kimbilikiti and know the secrets are now associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses. They have revealed the secrets, particularly those that concern the nonexistence of the spirit called Kimbilikiti. Consequently, they have exposed the falsity of the offerings demanded by the said spirit who, according to Jehovah’s Witnesses, is a vast deception organized by the old men that direct the ceremonies.”
Hence, the defendants were found guilty, not the spirit Kimbilikiti. When the case was appealed, a higher court at Bukavu upheld the death sentence for the murderers. Public prosecutors warned of the consequences of any future attacks against Jehovah’s Witnesses by the worshipers of Kimbilikiti.b
Since then, there have been other incidents, but members of the cult now realize that they can neither conceal such things in the forest nor count on a nonexistent Kimbilikiti to protect them. Meanwhile, Jehovah’s Witnesses faithfully continue to help others break free from this cult. Jehovah has lovingly blessed these efforts. Now there are more than 300 zealous publishers serving in the congregations in this area. They love Jehovah; they do not fear Kimbilikiti.
The Work Is Banned
By 1985 the Kingdom work was flourishing in Congo. Construction of a new Bethel had begun on the land that had been purchased in 1980. About 60 foreign volunteers were on hand to help. The service year ended with almost 35,000 publishers in the field and a new peak in pioneers. Sixty missionaries were zealously preaching throughout the country. Traveling overseers were training congregation elders and pioneers. Everything seemed set for tremendous increase.
However, not all looked with favor upon the spiritual and material prosperity of God’s people. Working through the politicians, the clergy were interfering with the activities of the brothers. On March 12, 1986, President Mobutu signed a decree to ban the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The next day, the ban was announced over national radio. One announcer said: “Now we shall never again hear of Jehovah’s Witnesses in [Congo].” How wrong he would prove to be!
The branch office called in four of the missionaries who had been serving as district overseers and assigned local brothers to carry on the district work. Because the missionaries could no longer preach openly, it was as if they were under house arrest. The local brothers used great caution when preaching. (Matt. 10:16) Sadly, many interested people became afraid and stopped studying. Some Kingdom Halls were closed or even destroyed. Others were seized by the political party. Brothers had to meet in small groups. Brothers were arrested at night in their own homes, and their belongings were stolen.
In Équateur Province, many brothers were beaten and thrown into prison. One special pioneer was severely beaten and kept in prison for three months. All of this was the result of the radio announcement. Up to this point, no formal law had been passed to implement the ban. Shortly after the announcement of the ban, the brothers made an appeal but received no answer. Then in June 1986, the president of the country made a public speech in which he condemned the Witnesses as unpatriotic and disrespectful of authority.
How quickly things had changed! A once-respected people were suddenly respected no more. Construction of the new branch halted, and silence fell on the site that had been noisy with joyful activity. The foreign volunteers all had to leave the country, and the construction equipment was sold. About 20 local brothers stayed to guard the property.
Then, like a bolt from the blue, a letter dated June 26, 1986, came from the chief of security, saying that all missionaries must leave the country. This ban was to be very different from the ban in 1972, under which the missionaries could stay. How sad it was to see the Shipping Department filled with personal effects as the missionaries packed to leave! During July, 23 missionaries departed to other countries. Those who were out of the country on vacation never returned. Now began a further period of refining in Congo.
Reorganization for Underground Activity
If the opposers thought that they would discourage or destroy Jehovah’s people, they were wrong. They did not know the power of Jehovah’s holy spirit and the determination of God’s people. A small core of experienced missionaries managed to remain in the country. Branch personnel carried on their oversight of the Kingdom-preaching work in several private homes. The brothers conducted the Pioneer Service School in homes throughout the country.
There was no lack of spiritual food. The brothers continued to print and distribute Bible-based publications. The branch office sent district convention and circuit assembly outlines to the congregations, where the outlined material was presented as talks. During visits to the congregations, circuit overseers played recorded convention dramas in the local languages. This was done each year from 1986 until the ban was lifted. Although all of this entailed much work, the brothers benefited greatly.
Meanwhile, elders contacted governmental authorities to explain our position of political neutrality and to try to make it clear that neutrality is not synonymous with subversion. In this way, Jehovah’s name and purpose became known to all, including the highest authorities in the country. Jehovah’s servants stood out as a unique people—strictly neutral yet peaceable and nonsubversive.
A Decrease and Then an Increase in Kingdom Proclaimers
The 1987 service report showed a drop of 6 percent in the number of publishers. Some were fearful and did not want to identify themselves with a banned organization. Vicious persecution broke out in several regions.
Sometimes, though, opposition backfired. For example, one local chief held a special meeting in order to speak against Jehovah’s Witnesses. The chief held up a copy of My Book of Bible Stories and told the people that they should arrest anyone distributing the book. The people responded that they wanted to examine the book so that they would recognize it. He agreed, and they liked what they saw. Some then requested copies of the book from a special pioneer who lived in another village. The special pioneer recalls: “I started ten Bible studies with people. I had never preached in the chief’s village. If he had not spoken against us, then maybe these ones would not have had occasion to learn the truth!”
The brothers adapted to the new circumstances. Although limited in many ways, they were “not cramped beyond movement.” (2 Cor. 4:8) The 1988 service year ended with a 7-percent increase in publishers. Some 60,000 Bible studies were being conducted. Brothers from the Service Department at Bethel visited major cities to provide encouragement and to meet with local elders and traveling overseers. Meanwhile, the branch office continued to have oversight of neighboring Congo (Brazzaville), where the work was also under ban, and of Burundi.
A brother working as headmaster at a school in Kolwezi refused to take a political oath. For this, he was badly beaten and then transferred to Lubumbashi, where his opposers thought he would be killed. The brother calmly explained the reason for his neutral position. He was acquitted and was returned to Kolwezi. Those who had beaten him were required to apologize! He was readmitted to the teaching profession and appointed as an inspector!
During October 1988, local chiefs seized the Bethel construction site in Kinshasa and confiscated tons of Bible literature. Soldiers regularly stole books and Bibles by the carton, which were then sold at the local markets. People bought them, providing the brothers with ready-made opportunities to start Bible studies.c
By 1989 the number of Kingdom publishers reached 40,707, despite the ban. The religious enemies of Jehovah’s Witnesses were enraged. The then minister of justice, a well-known friend of the Catholic Church, sent to all public prosecutors in Congo a letter expressing dismay at the continuing activity of Jehovah’s people. He encouraged the prosecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses and the closing of Kingdom Halls. Later, in a speech made to religious leaders, he described Jehovah’s people as “veritable demons.” This provoked some persecution in the minister’s home province of Bandundu.
Children Sent to Prison
During that period, some children of Jehovah’s Witnesses were arrested at school for refusing to participate in certain political ceremonies. The father of two boys was also arrested and thrown into prison with his young sons. The prison guards were instructed not to give them any food. Puzzled, one guard asked: “In this prison we have murderers and thieves, and we give them food. Why should this man and his two sons be deprived of food?” Upon receiving no reasonable answer, this guard himself gave food to them. The boys spent 11 days in prison, and their father, a special pioneer, 7 days. This test in no way discouraged them.
In Kikwit, a man who was not one of Jehovah’s Witnesses was arrested after his Witness wife and two daughters had been put into prison. When the officials found out that the man did not share the beliefs of his wife, they ordered him to leave the prison. He refused to go, saying that he would not leave his wife and children behind. When he was finally released with his family, he studied the Bible and was baptized. He now serves as a congregation elder.
Turmoil Within the Country
In September 1991 a military revolt took place in Kinshasa, followed by widespread looting. This resulted in severe food and fuel shortages as well as mass unemployment and spiraling inflation. The branch offices of Jehovah’s Witnesses in South Africa and France sent in relief supplies.
As the Congo branch struggled to cope with its own problems, it also cared for refugees from neighboring Angola and Sudan. In northeastern Congo, Zekaria Belemo, then a traveling overseer, visited a group of refugee brothers from Sudan. He addressed the audience in his limited English, which was translated into Arabic. Zekaria wondered whether the brothers understood much of the talk. About five years later, two young men visiting Bethel approached him and asked: “Do you remember us? We were among those listening to your talk in the refugee camp. We took to heart all the encouragement you gave and started studying the Bible.” Later, these two young men dedicated their lives to Jehovah.
Ethnic disputes were another major ongoing problem for the country. Many from Kasai had moved south to Katanga. In 1992 and 1993, the Katangese chased them out of the province. Most of those from Kasai had to leave behind jobs, belongings, and homes. They fled for their lives to camps or other places where they could group together for security. More than 100,000 returned to their home in Kasai. Among them were some 4,000 of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Though the brothers who lived nearby had little means and food was scarce, they did all they could to help. One congregation on the main route north from Katanga sent brothers to meet each arriving truck to find out if there were any Witnesses aboard. Once identified, the brothers received needed care.
The South Africa branch sent several truckloads of food and medicine for distribution to displaced brothers waiting at camps. This provision saved lives. The Governing Body also gave direction to the brothers in Kinshasa to buy food, medicine, hoes, and shovels so that families could resettle in Kasai and cultivate their fields.
Other Signs of Change
A presidential speech and news conference on April 24, 1990, signaled a marked change in the official attitude toward Jehovah’s Witnesses. In his news conference with both national and foreign journalists, the president gave assurance that the government upheld all basic freedoms, including freedom of the press and freedom of religion. This opened the way for the brothers to preach and to meet more openly. Those who had been held in prison were released.
Do you remember the radio broadcaster who confidently announced in 1986 that Jehovah’s Witnesses would never again be heard of in Congo? His prediction proved untrue. When the ban began in 1986, there were 34,207 publishers in Congo. By the end of the 1990 service year, there were 50,677 publishers in Congo, with 156,590 individuals attending the Memorial. The kernels in our bag of African corn had become many despite opposition, slander, persecution, and the wrath of religious and political leaders. In 1997, when the regime of President Mobutu was overthrown, it was the broadcaster, not Jehovah’s Witnesses, who had to flee the country.
Freedom Again
The presidential decree of 1986 banned all activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses and dissolved their legal corporation in the country. However, on January 8, 1993, the Supreme Court of Justice of Zaire (Congo) handed down a decision in the case of Jehovah’s Witnesses v. the Republic of Zaire. The court ruled that the presidential decree was unjustified and thus annulled it. What joy this brought to the brothers!
That Supreme Court decision caused quite a stir because the court had applied a new transitional constitution, which was unacceptable to the president and his supporters. Others viewed the decision as establishing jurisprudence. The Witnesses were caught in the middle of the dispute, but what a tremendous witness this proved to be to the glory of Jehovah’s name! Dozens of newspaper articles commented on this historic case. Then the Justice Department informed the governors of the various provinces that Jehovah’s Witnesses were again legally authorized to carry on their religious activities. What a victory for Jehovah’s people and for true worship!
The Complications of Shipping Within Congo
Congo is a vast country. However, apart from a small coastline in Bas-Congo, the country is landlocked. Most large shipments arrive at the port of Matadi. There is a single-line railway and one paved road between Matadi and the capital, a distance of about 200 miles [300 km].
Branches in Europe sent to the Congo branch some four-wheel-drive trucks, which have been put to excellent use for shipping and construction purposes. Since 1999, a Bethel depot has operated in Matadi. This has been a great help because literature can be unloaded directly from the ships and stored at the depot until a truck from the branch comes to take it to Kinshasa.
In the 1980’s, it was still possible to make trips right across the country from Kinshasa to Lubumbashi, stopping at the missionary-home depots at Kananga and Mbuji-Mayi. Though a jet could fly between Kinshasa and Lubumbashi in about two hours, a loaded truck needed two weeks to make the journey! As the years went by, however, the roads worsened to the point of being impassable. While there are thousands of miles of navigable rivers, the boats that go up-country from Kinshasa are not reliable. Besides these difficulties, political unrest persists in some areas, which further limits the radius around Kinshasa that vehicles from Bethel can reach. The best way to ship literature from the branch to distant points is by airfreight.
Other branches have cooperated to supply literature to the brothers. The branch in Cameroon trucks publications through the Central African Republic and into the north of Congo. The Rwanda and Kenya branches help to service eastern parts of the country. Congregations in some areas of the south receive their literature from South Africa and Zambia.
Ministerial Training School—A Blessing for the Field
In 1995 the first class of the Ministerial Training School was organized in Kinshasa. By April 2003, more than 400 brothers had received training in 16 classes. Five of the students have become district overseers, and over 60 are serving in the circuit work. Fifty others have been appointed as special pioneers. These brothers prove to be a real asset in contributing to the enthusiasm for the preaching work.
For some it was not easy to attend the school. When Georges Mutombo received a letter of invitation to attend, he lived in an area of the country controlled by forces opposed to the government. He had to travel 250 miles [400 km] by bicycle to Kamina before being able to catch a plane for Kinshasa, where the school was to be held. His journey involved enduring three days of rain and passing through 16 military checkpoints. He also rode through territory where crime was rampant. At one point, he was chased by a group of bandits, also on bicycles. The chase ended when a tire blew on the lead bicycle of the pursuing group. Evidently, the bandits recognized Georges as a Witness by his appearance. They shouted that they would not chase him anymore, as they could see that his God, Jehovah, was with him.
Facilities to Accommodate Theocratic Increase
Since 1965 the branch office had been located at 764 Avenue des Elephants, Limete, Kinshasa. In 1991 a plot of land was purchased in the industrial part of the city. The three large buildings on this land had previously been occupied by a fabric company and later used as repair shops. The brothers renovated the buildings so that branch activities could be centralized. Though political insecurity and instability delayed the project, work on the new branch facilities began in 1993 with the arrival of international servants. In April 1996, branch personnel moved from Avenue des Elephants to the new facilities. After moving, one Bethel elder remarked: “Seeing all the family gathered together again takes us back ten years to when our work was put under ban. We deeply thank Jehovah God and his visible organization for these jewellike buildings.” In October 1996 the number of publishers reached a new peak of 100,000. The brothers were thrilled at prospects for further increase.
Missionaries Come to Assist
During the 1990’s, it was again possible to bring missionaries into the country to join the seven missionaries who had managed to remain there throughout the years of ban. In July 1995, Sébastien Johnson and his wife, Gisela, were reassigned from Senegal to Congo. Other missionaries were to follow. Some came from the United States after graduating from Gilead, while others arrived from Belgium, Britain, and France. In March 1998, Christian and Juliette Belotti arrived from French Guiana. In January 1999, Peter Wilhjelm and his wife, Anna-Lise, were reassigned from Senegal. Later, additional missionaries came to Congo from Cameroon, Mali, and Senegal.
In December 1999 a new missionary home was opened in a residential area of Kinshasa. Twelve missionaries live in this home. In Lubumbashi, a missionary home has been in operation without interruption since 1965. A second home was opened there in 2003. Presently, four married couples are serving in that home. A new missionary home was set up in May 2002 in Goma, in the east of the country, with four missionaries assigned there. The missionaries continue to be a blessing in this vast and productive field.
Christian Neutrality During War
Most of these missionaries arrived during a period of violent change within the country. In October 1996 war broke out in the eastern part of the country and rapidly spread to other areas. The purpose of this war was to overthrow President Mobutu. On May 17, 1997, the forces of Laurent-Désiré Kabila entered Kinshasa, and he became president.
While TV audiences around the world were watching horrifying pictures of impoverished refugees plagued by hunger and disease, Jehovah’s people continued declaring the Bible’s message of hope and comfort. Sadly, countless thousands perished during the war, including about 50 Witnesses. In the wake of the war, many died from cholera and other diseases.
Because of the war, most people do not have identity cards. This poses a problem for brothers who travel on preaching campaigns. Along the roads, there are many military checkpoints. The publishers of one congregation did not have identity cards, so an elder suggested that the brothers present their Advance Medical Directive/Release cards instead, and they did so. At one checkpoint, the soldiers said to them: “That is not what we want. We want the national identity card of each citizen!”
The brothers answered: “This is the card that identifies us as Jehovah’s Witnesses.” The soldiers allowed them to pass.
In Kisangani, foreign mercenaries who were fighting for government forces imprisoned four young brothers. The brothers had been falsely accused of giving information to the enemy. Each morning, the mercenaries selected ten prisoners, drove them into the bush, and killed them. One morning, they selected two of the brothers along with eight other prisoners. Off they drove. On the way the truck stopped because there was a corpse on the road. The mercenaries ordered the two brothers to bury it. After completing the job, the brothers awaited the return of the truck, which had continued on without them. Though they had opportunity to flee, they did not do so because they did not want to endanger the lives of their two companions, who remained in prison. The truck returned without the eight prisoners, who had been shot. Back at the prison, everyone was amazed to see the two brothers return alive. Shortly after that, the door of the prison was blown open when opposition forces took over the town. The mercenaries fled, and the brothers were freed.
European Branches Assist During Difficult Times
Much of Congo has seen warfare since 1996, and vast numbers of people have been displaced. Several thousand brothers from Congo fled to refugee camps in Tanzania and Zambia. As more of Congo fell under the control of rebel forces, it became harder for the branch office to keep in contact with and to care for the brothers in occupied territories. Relief committees were set up in major cities to distribute material aid. The Bethel family displayed a willing and self-sacrificing spirit by working late into the night to help with the distribution of relief supplies. Jehovah’s Witnesses in Belgium, France, and Switzerland airlifted to Congo tons of food, clothing, and medicine along with 18,500 pairs of shoes and 1,000 blankets. Relief work continues. Much suffering is being alleviated. Jehovah’s Witnesses and others are benefiting.
In October 1998 an article was published in a Kinshasa newspaper. It stated: “Christian congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses in different European countries combined efforts to collect more than 400 tons of relief goods destined for Congo-Kinshasa and Congo-Brazzaville. Through the cooperation of volunteers from England, France, and Switzerland, 37 tons of rice, powdered milk, beans, and vitamin biscuits have already been sent to Kinshasa, departing Ostend, Belgium, by airfreight and arriving at the national headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Kinshasa. Another plane . . . will arrive . . . with 38 tons of food.
“It is noteworthy that Jehovah’s Witnesses have come to the rescue of refugees in East Africa ever since the genocide in Rwanda. . . . The spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses declared that these voluntary donations, consisting of food and medicine amounting to more than 200 tons, helped combat the cholera epidemic. At that time Jehovah’s Witnesses from France and Belgium set up several teams to assist refugees in camps. He also mentioned the contributions that Jehovah’s Witnesses have made for the destitute in Eastern Europe and Bosnia.”
War Does Not Impede Spiritual Progress
In September 1998, rebels attacked the Kinshasa suburb of Ndjili. Amid the turmoil, a group of brothers sought refuge in a house where a circuit overseer was staying. The circuit overseer said a prayer in behalf of the group and then read to them Isaiah 28:16. That verse says: “No one exercising faith will get panicky.” He encouraged all to remain calm and to rely on Jehovah for guidance.
Some suggested crossing the bridge to get out of Ndjili, while others suggested passing along the railroad. Finally, the brothers decided that they should remain where they were. Three days later government troops regained control of the area. The brothers learned that if they had taken any of the routes that they had considered, they would have been caught in the fighting.
A brother from the Museka Kipuzi Congregation in Katanga was selling fish to some soldiers. Following a conversation, a soldier accused him of being a spy for the opposing party. He was tied, severely beaten, and then taken to the military headquarters of that region. It was night when he arrived. The soldiers demanded that the brother dance for them. The brother replied: “How could you enjoy my dancing when it is dark?”
“You can sing instead,” they said. With all his heart, the brother sang “Throw Your Burden on Jehovah.” Touched by the words, the soldiers asked him to repeat the song. He sang the song a second time. One of the soldiers asked him to sing another song. This time he sang “We Thank You, Jehovah,” in Kiluba, his native tongue. When he finished, his captors untied him. The next morning the soldiers took him back to town and made some inquiries in the brother’s neighborhood to make sure that he was not a spy. Before leaving, the soldiers told him: “You were about to die, but now you will not die. Your religion saved your life! We were very impressed by the words of the two songs you sang. Do not give up in serving your God!”
Kingdom Hall Construction Brings Praise to Jehovah
In recent years the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses has made a special effort to assist in the construction of Kingdom Halls in lands with limited resources. The brothers in Congo welcomed this development, since there was a dire need for Kingdom Halls. In Kinshasa, for example, there were 298 congregations but not even 20 appropriate halls. Hundreds of halls were needed throughout the country. In April 1999 the Kingdom Hall construction program got under way in Kinshasa. Later, it expanded to the other provinces of Congo. By early 2003 some 175 Kingdom Halls had been completed in both Congos.
A man who had been in contact with the truth since the 1950’s was very impressed when he observed the construction of a Kingdom Hall opposite his compound. He remarked: “I never took the Witnesses seriously. Now I can see the fruits of their efforts. They built a Kingdom Hall next to my brother’s house, and now one is opposite my compound. It looks like the Witnesses are following me everywhere!” This man accepted invitations to the Memorial of Christ’s death and to the dedication of this new Kingdom Hall. He now attends meetings regularly.
Three congregations in Matete held their meetings in a dilapidated building, which they purchased in 1994. The brothers did not have any money to fix up the building, so it stayed in that condition for six years. Across the street from this property was a big church. When the church was built, the preacher said that Jehovah’s Witnesses would soon be gone. The neighbors mocked the brothers because they did not have a fine meeting place. Even when the congregation started making blocks in preparation for the construction of a new Kingdom Hall, some neighbors continued to mock. How amazed they were to see the results! Now they say that Jehovah’s Witnesses have the nicest building in the area. One neighbor who had never wanted to speak with the Witnesses was impressed by what the brothers accomplished. She came to the site and promised to listen to the Witnesses the next time they called.
At one construction site, a woman approached a sister who was cooking food for the workers. The woman asked: “Are you building a church?”
“We are building our Kingdom Hall,” replied the sister.
The woman said: “This building will be just like you people. You are always neat and clean. Your church will resemble you!”
Adjustment in Branch Administration
To care for the needs of the field, it became necessary to reorganize the local Branch Committee. In May 1996 the Governing Body made adjustments. On May 20, 1996, Sébastien Johnson was appointed Branch Committee coordinator. He and Peter Ludwig, who had been added to the committee two months earlier, formed a reduced Branch Committee that took care of the oversight of the work. In the years that followed, others were appointed: David Nawej, Christian Belotti, Benjamin Bandiwila, Peter Wilhjelm, Robert Elongo, Delphin Kavusa, and Uno Nilsson. For health reasons Peter Ludwig and his wife, Petra, had to return to Germany, where they are now serving at the branch office.
The brothers on the Branch Committee are working hard to impart theocratic direction throughout the field. In addition, servants of Jehovah have been assigned to Congo from North America, Europe, and Japan to serve as international servants, Bethelites in foreign service, and missionaries. During the 2003 service year, the Kinshasa Bethel family grew to over 250 members. The average age was 34 years.
Much Work Remains
A prophet of ancient times wrote: “Blessed is the able-bodied man who puts his trust in Jehovah, and whose confidence Jehovah has become.” (Jer. 17:7) Despite ongoing warfare in several areas of Congo, the brothers continue to make known the Kingdom good news to others. Though the civil war hampers the efforts of the branch office to provide spiritual assistance throughout the whole of the country, it was encouraging to see the publisher figure reach a new all-time peak of 122,857.
In this account, we have related experiences about faithful servants in Congo. It is not possible to mention the names of all the many brothers and sisters who have contributed to the defending and legally establishing of the good news in Congo. Yet, all can be assured of Jehovah’s appreciation. The apostle Paul wrote to fellow Christians: “God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name, in that you have ministered to the holy ones and continue ministering.”—Heb. 6:10.
There is still tremendous work to do. There are new territories to be opened. Kingdom Halls need to be constructed. Branch facilities need to be expanded. Nevertheless, looking at more than 50 years of theocratic activity in Congo, we agree with what the brother said in 1952: ‘We are like the kernels in a bag of African corn. Wherever we are dropped, one by one, the rain eventually comes, and we become many.’ We wait with excitement to see to what extent our heavenly Father, Jehovah God, will cause the Kingdom seed to grow.—1 Cor. 3:6.
[Footnotes]
a Over the years, this land has been called Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Congo, Zaire, and since 1997, Democratic Republic of Congo. Unofficially, it is called Congo (Kinshasa) to distinguish it from neighboring Congo (Brazzaville). Throughout this account, we will use the name Congo.
c A Supreme Court decision eventually returned to the brothers the rights to the confiscated property where Bethel construction had started in the early 1980’s. Soldiers later occupied it. However, when the soldiers finally moved out in the year 2000, local officials divided the entire property into smaller plots and illegally sold them to squatters. Hundreds of squatters now occupy the area. That problem has yet to be resolved.
[Blurb on page 229]
“Now we shall never again hear of Jehovah’s Witnesses in [Congo]”
[Blurb on page 249]
“You were about to die, but now you will not die. Your religion saved your life!”
[Box on page 168]
An Overview of Congo (Kinshasa)
The land: Straddling the equator, Democratic Republic of Congo is more than six times larger than neighboring Congo (Brazzaville). Most of northern Congo is covered in tropical rain forest, so dense that sunlight seldom reaches its floor. In the eastern part of the country, there are mountains and active volcanoes. Western Congo claims a 23-mile [37 km] stretch of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.
The people: Congo’s 55 million people represent more than 200 African ethnic groups. Of the population, 50 percent professes to be Catholic; 20 percent, Protestant; 10 percent, Kimbanguist; and 10 percent, Muslim.
The language: Many languages are spoken. Though the official language is French, the primary African languages are Lingala, Kingwana, Swahili, Kongo, and Tshiluba.
The livelihood: Congo possesses vast natural resources—petroleum, diamonds, gold, silver, uranium—but recent fighting in the country has sharply curtailed exports and has increased external debt. Families in rural areas grow most of their own food, including cassava, corn, and rice.
The wildlife: Wild animals are plentiful. In forested areas baboons, gorillas, and monkeys abound. In more open terrain, there dwell antelope, leopards, lions, rhinoceroses, and zebras. The rivers are home to crocodiles and hippopotamuses.
[Box/Picture on page 173, 174]
He Searched for the Truth and Found It
Henry Kanama was a member of the Evangelical Church in Luena but came to realize that this religion did not have the truth. To pray and meditate, he often went into the mountains. There he met a group that claimed to converse with invisible spirits. Members of this group told Henry that they thought that God was far away, though they did not know where.
Henry began to search for the true God. In time, he met a man who gave him a copy of the Awake! magazine in French. It did not take Henry long to recognize the ring of Bible truth. This was what he had been looking for! He wrote to Jehovah’s Witnesses at the address he found inside the magazine, and soon he was enjoying a Bible study by correspondence. Eventually, Henry along with his wife, Elisabeth, and some acquaintances wrote to ask how they could be baptized. The next letter they received directed them to branch offices in neighboring countries. Most were distant.
The little group, consisting of Henry and Elisabeth along with Hyppolite Banza and his wife, Julienne, decided to go to Northern Rhodesia. All realized that this meant that they would need to learn the Cibemba language to deepen their knowledge of the truth. They counted the cost and made the move. After six months there, they were baptized in 1956.
That same year they returned to Congo, where they zealously shared the good news with others. In 1961, Henry and some of his companions were arrested and sent to prison. They were charged with being Kitawala followers who had killed a local chief who had plotted the murder of another chief. There was, of course, no proof of this, and they were later released.
Henry and Elisabeth then took up pioneer service. They eventually became special pioneers and later served in the circuit work. Though Henry died in 1991, Elisabeth is still regular pioneering. One of their sons, Ilunga, serves in the circuit work.
[Box/Pictures on page 178]
Albert Luyinu—A Faithful Witness
Albert had his first contact with the truth in 1951 through a workmate, Simon Mampouya, from Congo (Brazzaville). Albert was the first Congolese to become a dentist, and his elevated social position did not make it easy for him to take a stand for the truth. He and his wife were baptized after the Memorial observance in 1954. The baptism took place at night because the work was banned at the time.
Albert served from 1958 to 1996 as the legal representative of the Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the local registered corporation of the Witnesses. He remembers interpreting a marriage talk given by Brother Heuse before an audience of 1,800. First the talk outlined the responsibilities of the Christian wife. Albert remembers that he felt tall and proud as he looked at his wife and the other sisters present. However, he recalls that when he heard what the responsibilities of a Christian husband were, he felt small and humble. By the end of the talk, he felt knee-high!
[Picture]
Albert and Emilie Luyinu
[Box/Picture on page 191-193]
An Interview With Pontien Mukanga
Born: 1929
Baptized: 1955
Profile: Served as the first circuit overseer in Congo.
In 1955, I went to the hospital because of a toothache. The dentist, Albert Luyinu, treated me and then showed me Revelation 21:3, 4, which speaks of the time when there will be no more pain. I left my address, and Albert visited me that evening. I made rapid spiritual progress and was baptized that same year.
I was appointed circuit overseer for the entire Congo in 1960. The circuit work was not easy. I traveled for days, even weeks, in the back of heavily loaded trucks over terrible roads and under the blazing sun. Mosquitoes tormented me at night. Often, a truck broke down, and I had to wait until it was repaired. I walked alone on unmarked paths and sometimes lost my way.
Once, I visited a town in the north of Congo. I was with Leon Anzapa. We traveled together by bicycle toward another town more than 75 miles [120 km] away. We lost our way and had to sleep one night in a closed-in chicken coop. Bugs from the chickens were biting us, so the owner of the place started a little fire in the middle of the floor, although there weren’t any windows.
That night a fight broke out between the owner’s son and the other villagers. Soon the owner was fighting too. We knew that if he lost, we would be in trouble. We did not sleep at all that night because of the bugs, the smoke, and the fighting.
Before dawn, we sneaked away on our bicycles, but after a few miles, we lost our way again. We kept on all day long, following an abandoned road. Toward the end of the day, famished and exhausted, Leon tumbled from his bicycle. He smashed his face against a rock, gashing his upper lip. He was bleeding badly, but we kept on until we reached a village. Upon seeing Leon, the villagers wanted to know who had wounded him. We explained that he had fallen from his bicycle. They refused to accept the explanation and accused me of wounding him. We did not sleep that night either; Leon was suffering with pain, and the villagers spoke of wounding me as punishment. The next morning we continued on until we finally arrived at a village where there was some medicine. They poured Mercurochrome on Leon’s lip and closed the gash with six clamps. We then traveled another 50 miles [80 km] to Gemena, where I finally left Leon for treatment at a little hospital. I continued alone to rejoin my wife, after which we worked our way downriver to Kinshasa.
Pontien’s wife Marie often went along on these trips. She died in 1963. In 1966, he remarried and continued in the circuit work until 1969. He is still in full-time service, as a regular pioneer.
[Box/Picture on page 195, 196]
An Interview With François Danda
Born: 1935
Baptized: 1959
Profile: A traveling overseer from 1963 until 1986. Served at Congo Bethel from 1986 to 1996. Now an elder and a special pioneer.
In 1974, I was visiting a congregation in Kenge, Bandundu Province, when militants of the ruling party arrested seven of us. The main charge brought against us was that we refused to share in political ceremonies honoring the head of state. They put us into a cell that had no windows and measured seven feet by seven feet [2 m by 2 m]. None of us could sit or lie down; we could only lean against one another. Allowed out only twice each day, we were in that cell for 45 days. When my wife, Henriette, heard what had happened, she traveled the 180 miles [290 km] from Kinshasa to see me. However, they allowed her to see me only once a week.
One day the state prosecutor came to visit the prison. A political ceremony was held in his honor. Everybody except us sang political songs and repeated party slogans. The prosecutor was furious and commanded me to order the six other brothers to sing. I replied that I had no authority over them and that whether to sing or not was their decision. For this I was beaten.
Later, we were loaded into the back of a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Two soldiers went along to guard us, and the same prosecutor rode in the cab with the driver. We were heading for the city of Bandundu, the capital of the province of the same name. The vehicle was moving very fast. I told the brothers to hold on tight, and then I began to pray. Just as I was finishing my prayer, the vehicle took a curve too fast and rolled over. It was amazing that no one was killed or even injured. We felt that Jehovah had protected us. When we got the vehicle back on its wheels, the prosecutor ordered the two soldiers to take us back to the prison on foot. The vehicle continued on to Bandundu.
When we got back to the prison, the soldiers told the authorities there what had happened and pleaded with them to let us go free. The prison director was extremely impressed, believing as we did that God had protected us. We spent the next few days in a regular cell and were allowed to mingle in the courtyard with the other prisoners. Then we were released.
After having served 24 years in the circuit work, François and Henriette were invited to Bethel. Ten years later they transferred to the special pioneer work. Henriette passed away on August 16, 1998.
[Box/Picture on page 200-202]
An Interview With Michael Pottage
Born: 1939
Baptized: 1956
Profile: Michael and his wife, Barbara, served in Congo for 29 years. Now at Britain Bethel, Michael is an elder in a Lingala-speaking congregation in London.
Our primary challenge was learning to communicate. We first had to become fluent in French, the official language of Congo. That was only the beginning. In Katanga, we learned Swahili; in Kananga, we had to master Tshiluba; and when we were assigned to Kinshasa, we learned Lingala.
All of this proved very beneficial. First, our brothers more readily warmed up to us as we struggled to communicate with them. They saw our efforts to speak their languages as proof of our genuine love and our interest in them. A second benefit was that the ministry became more meaningful. The first reaction of a householder upon hearing us speak his language was often astonishment followed by delight and then respect, along with a desire to hear what we had to say.
When we traveled in the district work, our knowledge of local languages saved us from potentially dangerous situations. Military and political party roadblocks were common in times of crisis and served as a convenient place to extort money. Especially were foreigners seen as easy and lucrative targets. When we were stopped at a roadblock, we would greet the soldiers in the local language. This made them draw back in surprise. They would then ask who we were. When we could go beyond a mere learned greeting and explain in their language exactly what we were doing, they usually responded favorably, requested our publications, and wished us a safe journey with God’s blessing.
We were often deeply touched by the genuine self-sacrificing love displayed by our African brothers. For many years Congo was a one-party political state that actively and sometimes violently opposed neutrals, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses. In this climate, we traveled by jeep in the district work, serving the brothers at assemblies.
I well remember one assembly. During the evening session of the final day, the local head of the political party came behind the platform. He was drunk and abusive, insisting that we allow him on the stage to tell everyone that they must buy a party card. When we refused, he became enraged and screamed abuse at us, saying that Jehovah’s Witnesses were against the government and should be imprisoned. Some brothers managed to persuade him to leave. He left, shouting that he was going to report us to the administrator and return to burn our jeep and set fire to the grass house where we were staying. We knew that this was no idle threat.
The brothers were wonderful. Instead of running away in fear, they gathered around us, encouraging us to trust in Jehovah and leave matters in his hands. They then took turns guarding our grass house and jeep all night. It was a most touching experience. Not only were the brothers ready to lay down their own lives to protect us but they were willing to risk whatever brutality might follow our departure because of the refusal to support the political party. We have never forgotten this demonstration of self-sacrificing Christian love, along with so many other heartwarming expressions of love that we experienced during our years in Congo.
[Box/Picture on page 211-213]
Interview With Terence Latham
Born: 1945
Baptized: 1964
Profile: Spent 12 years as a missionary. Learned French, Lingala, and Swahili. Presently serves in Spain with his wife and two children.
It was in 1969 that Raymond Knowles and I flew into Kisangani. The city then had about 230,000 inhabitants and was the capital of the northeastern province of Congo.
What a warm welcome we received from the handful of publishers and the many interested people in the area! They showered us with gifts—papayas, pineapples, and bananas, along with tropical fruits that we had never seen before. Some brought live chickens and tortoises. Samuel Tshikaka kindly put us up in his house. Soon, though, we found a bungalow to rent. We were then joined by Nicholas and Mary Fone as well as Paul and Marilyn Evans. How happy we were! Together we refurbished and painted the first missionary home in Kisangani. It was overgrown with forest vines and tall grass, and during the cleanup we dislodged two civet cats from the attic. Later, Peter and Ann Barnes joined us in that missionary home, along with Ann Harkness, who had become my wife.
It was during the first four years of preaching in Kisangani that we learned to speak Lingala and Swahili and drew close to the hospitable and friendly people there. We had so many studies that we had to work from early morning to late evening to care for them all. During our years in Kisangani, we saw the group of fewer than ten publishers grow to eight congregations.
Once while driving along the Ituri road, a group of us noticed a Pygmy village. We were eager to preach to the inhabitants. The Pygmies, some scholars say, refer to the forest as their mother or father because it is the source of their food, clothing, and shelter. Consequently, the Pygmies view the forest as sacred and believe that they can commune with it through a ceremony called molimo. This ceremony involves dancing and singing around a fire. Accompanying the dancing is the molimo trumpet, a long wooden tube that the men blow to produce music and animal sounds.
We were impressed by the fascinating settlement of these nomadic people, who usually stay in one place only for a month or so. The camp was composed of beehive-shaped sleeping shelters constructed from saplings and leaves. These shelters had only one opening and could be constructed in two hours or less. Each was big enough for a few individuals to curl up inside. Some children approached us to touch our skin and hair; they had never seen white people before. What a privilege it was to meet and preach to those friendly people of the forest! They told us that they had previously met Witnesses who came to them from villages located near their encampments.
[Box/Picture on page 215, 216]
An Interview With David Nawej
Born: 1955
Baptized: 1974
Profile: Of all the local members of the Bethel family in Congo, he has served the longest. He is also a member of the Branch Committee.
In 1976, I was surprised to receive a letter of invitation to Bethel. The words “urgent” and “immediately” were underlined in the letter. I lived in Kolwezi, about 1,500 miles [2,450 km] from Kinshasa. It was not easy to leave home, but I wanted to respond as Isaiah had done: “Here I am! Send me.”—Isa. 6:8.
When I arrived at Bethel, the brothers showed me a typewriter and asked if I could type. I replied that I was a tailor and knew how to run a sewing machine but not a typewriter. Still, I buckled down and learned to type. At that time I worked in the Translation and Service departments.
Later I was assigned to the Correspondence desk. Part of the assignment was to process the coupons that people had cut out of the publications and had sent to the office. Usually, they requested other publications. I often wondered how people responded to the literature they received. I do know what happened in one case. Two young men made rapid progress. Later they became pioneers, and then, special pioneers. When they were invited to Bethel, one became my roommate.
Sometimes people wrote to Bethel to request money. A tactful letter had been prepared, explaining the voluntary nature of our work and encouraging the individual to study the Bible. Some time ago, a brother told me that he had come into the truth because of such a letter. He showed it to me. Years earlier, he had written to Bethel, begging for money. He had reacted favorably to the encouragement that he had received and was now in the truth.
Later I became involved with legal matters. Once I aided some local brothers who were accused of not wearing the party pin. I mustered up courage and said to the authorities: “What does the pin prove? We have just finished a civil war, and all of those whom you fought against wore pins. The pin means nothing; it is no guarantee of what a person really thinks. What really counts is what a person is inside. Jehovah’s Witnesses are citizens who will never start a civil war. This law-abiding attitude is of much more value than a pin.” The brothers were released. Jehovah always aided us in such situations.
I have now served at Bethel for more than 27 years. Although I have some physical limitations and have not had much secular education, I keep exerting myself so that Jehovah can use me. There are still urgent and immediate needs at Bethel!
[Box/Picture on page 219, 220]
An Interview With Godfrey Bint
Born: 1945
Baptized: 1956
Profile: Graduate of the 47th class of Gilead. Served in Congo for 17 years. Presently serves on the Branch Committee in Rwanda. Speaks English, French, Lingala, Swahili, and Tshiluba.
In 1973, I was in field service with a local brother in Kananga. The authorities came into a home where we were conducting a Bible study and arrested us. We spent the next two weeks in prison. During this time, my missionary partner, Mike Gates, brought us food, since none was available in the prison itself. Finally, we were released. Three months later, the day Mike and I were booked to take a plane to attend an international convention in England, we heard that all the brothers in a nearby congregation had been arrested. We wanted to see them and to give them some food. To our surprise, when we asked to see the brothers, a magistrate ordered our arrest. As we waited for the prison bus to take us to the prison, we heard our plane take off. You can imagine how our hearts sank at that sound!
When we arrived at the prison, I saw that many inmates were still there from my previous stay three months earlier. Because my partner who had brought me food was now also imprisoned, the inmates asked: “Who is going to bring you food this time?”
We answered that our brothers would bring us food, but the inmates shook their heads in disbelief. They knew that there were no other European Witnesses in the area. How surprised they were the next day when our Congolese brothers arrived with so much food that we could share it with those prisoners! It was a wonderful witness concerning our international brotherhood and the love that unites us. Those dear brothers who brought us food risked imprisonment to do this. Five days later, we were released. We then flew to England, arriving just in time for the convention.
[Box/Picture on page 224-226]
An Interview With Nzey Katasi Pandi
Born: 1945
Baptized: 1971
Profile: Fearlessly served in difficult territories as a single sister and later accompanied her husband in traveling work from 1988 to 1996. Presently in special full-time service in Kinshasa.
In 1970, I was reading my Bible when there was a knock at the door of my home in Kinshasa. It was a man with his small son. The boy began to speak about the Bible and asked me to open mine to Matthew 24:14. I had always considered myself quite religious, but I could not find the scripture. He helped me, and we went on to have a nice discussion.
The brother saw that I was interested and invited me to a meeting the following Sunday. It was held behind a brother’s house, since the Witnessing work was under ban. I liked the talk and stayed for the Watchtower Study. That same evening the brothers came to my home and started a study with me.
In time, I was baptized and took up the full-time service. In Our Kingdom Ministry, I read about the great need that existed in other parts of the country. I asked if I could go to Kenge, Bandundu Province. The brothers agreed, but cautioned me that some had been arrested there. I thought, ‘They can’t arrest everybody.’ So I decided to go.
I arrived in the evening and was happy to know that the circuit overseer, François Danda, was visiting the congregation. The next morning I went to the meeting for field service, only to find out that François and several other brothers had been arrested. The chief of security wanted to speak to me. He said: “We know that you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. You can stay in Kenge if you want to, but if we ever see you walking around with your bag, we’ll arrest you.”
The townspeople were quite upset with the chief of security and his agents. They knew that Jehovah’s Witnesses were not harming anyone. The people claimed that the security agents should be out fighting crime—there were enough criminals around—not wasting their time on Jehovah’s Witnesses. Eventually, the brothers were released.
I was appointed to serve as a special pioneer in 1975 and visited many towns and villages, staying for two or three weeks in each place. Before long, six groups of interested people were established. I wrote to the branch, requesting that brothers be sent to shepherd and care for the groups.
I met Jean-Baptiste Pandi, who also was a special pioneer. In the past, I had talked to the missionaries about marriage and full-time service. They told me that if I wanted to continue for a long time in full-time service, I would find it easier if I did not have children. Jean-Baptiste agreed, and we were married. People believe that children will provide security when one is older. Times have changed, however, and I know many cases where parents have been very disappointed. Jean-Baptiste and I have not been disappointed in any way.
Over the years, we have seen many people come into the truth. I am especially happy about my own family. I helped not just my papa and mama but also my four brothers and one sister to accept the truth.
Psalm 68:11 says: “The women telling the good news are a large army.” This means that we sisters have a great responsibility and must do what we can. I am so thankful to Jehovah that he has allowed me to have a part.
[Box on page 240]
Translation of Spiritual Food
While French is the official language of Congo, Lingala is the main language spoken in Kinshasa and along the Congo River. Though Lingala does not have an extensive vocabulary, it does have some very meaningful expressions. For example, the phrase “to repent” is kobongola motema, which literally means “to turn over the heart.” Another expression having to do with the heart and feelings is kokitisa motema, literally meaning “to put down the heart” or, in other words, “to calm down.”
The Watchtower has been translated into Lingala for decades. Presently publications are translated into the following languages spoken in Congo: Kiluba, Kinande, Kipende, Kisonge, Kituba, Lingala, Lingombe, Lomongo, Mashi, Monokutuba, Ngbaka, Otetela, Swahili (Congo), Tshiluba, and Uruund.
[Box on page 247]
Zealous Though Physically Disabled
Twenty-year-old Richard is a paralytic and has been bedridden for 15 years. He can move only his head. However, in January 1997 he became an unbaptized publisher. Richard consistently preaches to those visiting him in his room. When he speaks, his voice is full of conviction. On average, he preaches ten hours per month. On April 12, 1998, he was carried on his stretcher to be baptized in a stream not far from his home. Now he is able to attend the meetings regularly. He is also teaching the truth to one of his relatives, who attends Christian meetings and is making good progress. Though physically weak, this brother has been made powerful by God’s spirit.
[Box on page 248]
“No Part of the World”
One day at school, 12-year-old Esther was surprised when the teacher asked that each student stand before the class and sing the national anthem. When her turn came, Esther politely told the teacher that she could not do it. Esther relates what then happened:
“The teacher was angry. I then asked if I might sing something else. He agreed. I sang ‘No Part of the World.’ The teacher then said that the whole class should applaud, which they did.
“After class, the teacher called me aside and said that he really liked the song, especially the words. He added: ‘I see that you Jehovah’s Witnesses are really separate from the world. Your conduct in class shows this too.’
“One of my classmates was also very impressed. She began to ask questions, and I answered them. At the end of the year, we had to separate, but I encouraged her to look for Jehovah’s Witnesses in the area to where she was moving. She did, and now she is a sister.”
[Box on page 251]
Honesty Brings Honor to God
A certain brother worked in a factory. One day because of a mistake made by the shift in which the brother was working, part of the equipment was ruined. The director decided to dismiss all the workers. He gave them their salary and sent them home. On arriving home, the brother noticed that he had received 500 francs (just over $1.00, U.S.) too much, so he returned to give the money back. He seized the opportunity to give a witness, and the director was so impressed with the brother’s honesty that he asked him to stay on and work for him.
[Chart/Graph on page 176, 177]
CONGO (KINSHASA)—A TIME LINE
1932: Efforts are made to send Jehovah’s Witnesses into Congo.
1940
1949: Decree reinforces unofficial ban on Jehovah’s Witnesses.
1960
1960: Congo achieves independence, and a period of religious tolerance begins.
1962: Branch office is established in Léopoldville (now Kinshasa). First missionaries arrive.
1966: Legal recognition is granted to Jehovah’s Witnesses.
1971: Legal recognition is revoked.
1980
1980: Legal recognition is again granted.
1986: Jehovah’s Witnesses are banned.
1990: Religious freedom is recognized unofficially.
1993: The Supreme Court annuls the 1986 ban. Work begins on the new branch.
2000
2003: 122,857 publishers are active in Congo (Kinshasa).
[Graph]
(See publication)
Total Publishers
Total Pioneers
120,000
80,000
40,000
1940 1960 1980 2000
[Maps on page 169]
(For fully formatted text, see publication)
SUDAN
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
REPUBLIC OF CONGO
BRAZZAVILLE
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Isiro
Bumba
Congo River
Kisangani
Goma
Bukavu
Bandundu
KINSHASA
KASAI
Kenge
Kikwit
Matadi
Kananga
Mbuji-Mayi
KATANGA
Kamina
Luena
Kolwezi
Likasi
Lubumbashi
ANGOLA
ZAMBIA
[Full-page picture on page 162]
[Picture on page 185]
Hélène, Ernest, and Danielle Heuse in Kinshasa in the 1960’s
[Pictures on page 186]
Scenes of baptisms at international conventions shown in the film “The Happiness of the New World Society” impressed many Congolese viewers
[Picture on page 199]
Madeleine and Julian Kissel
[Picture on page 205]
Simple meeting places were built throughout the country
[Picture on page 207]
The branch office in Kinshasa, 1965
[Picture on page 208]
Assembly in Kolwezi, 1967
[Picture on page 209]
Bad roads made travel difficult
[Picture on page 221]
“Divine Love” District Convention in Kinshasa, in 1980, was the first large convention held there in eight years
[Picture on page 223]
Many walk for days carrying food and belongings, just to attend assemblies and conventions
[Picture on page 228]
In December 1985, just three months before a severe ban is imposed, the “Integrity Keepers” Convention is held in Kinshasa
[Picture on page 230]
During the ban, our brothers endured imprisonment and brutal beatings
[Picture on page 235]
Zekaria Belemo, serving as a traveling overseer, visits a group of refugee brothers from Sudan
[Pictures on page 237]
Sturdy vehicles are used to transport literature over the country’s difficult roads
[Picture on page 238]
The first class of the Ministerial Training School in Congo (Kinshasa) in 1995
[Picture on page 241]
Gisela and Sébastien Johnson
[Picture on page 243]
Twelve missionaries live at this home in Kinshasa
[Pictures on page 244, 245]
Relief supplies arrived from Europe and were distributed to those in need in 1998
[Pictures on page 246]
Traveling overseers, such as Ilunga Kanama (bottom left) and Mazela Mitelezi (inset, left), face many challenges in war-torn areas
[Pictures on page 252, 253]
(1) Kinshasa Bethel facilities
(2-4) Recently constructed Kingdom Halls
(5) A brother assists in Kingdom Hall construction
[Picture on page 254]
Branch Committee, from left to right: Peter Wilhjelm, Benjamin Bandiwila, Christian Belotti, David Nawej, Delphin Kavusa, Robert Elongo, Sébastien Johnson, and Uno Nilsson