Yearbook—2006

Title Page/Publishers’ Page

2006 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Containing Report for the Service Year of 2005

“We Must Obey God as Ruler Rather Than Men.”​—Acts 5:29.

Shortly before his death, Jesus warned his apostles that they would be “objects of hatred by all the nations.” (Matt. 24:9) Ever since the very birth of Christianity, those words have proved true. Countless governments have tried to silence the proclamation of the good news, but they have failed because Jehovah blesses and guards his loyal ones. (Ps. 97:10) How fitting it is, therefore, to keep close in mind our yeartext for 2006! In the pages that follow, you will learn that Jehovah’s Witnesses obey God as Ruler despite many forms of human opposition. May you be encouraged and strengthened to follow their example always.

[Picture Credit Line on page 2]

Pages 6 and 12: Globe on brochure covers: Used with permission from The George F. Cram Company, Indianapolis, Indiana

Contents

3 A Letter From the Governing Body

6 Highlights of the Past Year

31 Worldwide Report—2005 Grand Totals

Acts of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Modern Times

67 Romania

163 Zambia

A Letter From the Governing Body

“MAY you have undeserved kindness and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” This was the greeting Paul used in many of his letters to the congregations. It well expresses what we wish for all of you.​—Eph. 1:2.

How we appreciate the undeserved kindness from Jehovah through the ransom sacrifice of Christ Jesus! By means of the ransom, we have an approved standing before God. We could never attain this through our own efforts, no matter how diligently we might study the Bible, preach the good news, or perform other good works. Forgiveness of sins and everlasting life are extended to us, not as payment for our efforts, but as gifts reflecting Jehovah’s undeserved kindness through Jesus Christ.​—Rom. 11:6.

Paul wrote to fellow believers: “We . . . entreat you not to accept the undeserved kindness of God and miss its purpose. For he says: ‘In an acceptable time I heard you, and in a day of salvation I helped you.’ Look! Now is the especially acceptable time. Look! Now is the day of salvation.” There was an “acceptable time” prior to the destruction of Jerusalem in the first century. Honesthearted people who loved Jehovah were saved spiritually. This led to eventual physical salvation for all those faithful ones who fled from Jerusalem prior to its destruction in the year 70 C.E.​—2 Cor. 6:1, 2.

Today, too, we are living in an “acceptable time” and a “day of salvation.” Those whom Jehovah accepts as his servants and who are being spiritually saved have the prospect of physical salvation through “the great day of Jehovah” now so close at hand.​—Zeph. 1:14.

The coming of the day of Jehovah places upon us a sobering responsibility. We are both to warn people of it and to help honesthearted ones benefit from Jehovah’s undeserved kindness so that they too might be saved. Paul deeply appreciated this responsibility. He wrote: “Really, woe is me if I did not declare the good news!” He also expressed how he felt in these words: “Both to wise and to senseless ones I am a debtor: so there is eagerness on my part to declare the good news.”​—1 Cor. 9:16; Rom. 1:14, 15.

Jehovah will hold us accountable if we neglect the vital work of warning people. We are aware of what Jehovah said to the prophet Ezekiel: “Son of man, a watchman is what I have made you to the house of Israel, and you must hear from my mouth speech and you must warn them from me. When I say to someone wicked, ‘You will positively die,’ and you do not actually warn him and speak in order to warn the wicked one from his wicked way to preserve him alive, he being wicked, in his error he will die, but his blood I shall ask back from your own hand.”​—Ezek. 3:17, 18.

These last days are difficult to deal with. It is not easy to balance out family matters, secular activity, congregation activity, and preaching. In addition, many of you have to deal with sickness, depression, old age, and even opposition. Most of you are “loaded down.” We want to express our fellow feeling to you, in line with what Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you.” (Matt. 11:28) We want to commend warmly all of you who put forth the effort to keep serving Jehovah faithfully despite challenges large and small.

As a result of your zealous preaching and teaching activity and because of Jehovah’s blessing, worldwide 4,762 are baptized on average each week. During the past service year, 1,375 new congregations were formed. We hope and pray that the new book What Does the Bible Really Teach?, which is already available in over 120 languages, will help millions to benefit from the undeserved kindness and the peace from Jehovah during this “day of salvation.”

Be assured that the Governing Body loves you and that we pray for you. We also thank you for your prayers for us.

Your brothers,

Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Highlights of the Past Year

RECENT years have seen an increase in natural disasters, and in many lands, the 2005 service year was no exception. Of course, such tragedies also affect our brothers. But as we shall see, trials bring Christian love to the fore, which strengthens the brotherhood and draws honesthearted ones to the truth.​—Mal. 3:18; John 13:35.

The rise in disasters has also made many people think more seriously about the future and about what is truly important in life. What a privilege we had, therefore, to help such ones grasp the significance of our times by means of the special campaign to distribute the brochure Keep on the Watch! In many countries, the campaign began on October 18, 2004, and it produced some fine results.

Keep on the Watch! Campaign

Argentina: “If a disaster should occur, who would survive​—a bad person, a good person, or one who heeded the warning?” That is how one sister effectively introduced the Watch! brochure in territory where there was much apathy.

A brother named Juan placed the brochure with a 16-year-old who read it and excitedly told his father what he had learned. Keen to know more, the father read it and looked up the scriptures as well. He was so impressed that he began to study the brochure with his family. When Juan returned, he offered the man a free home Bible study. “That’s exactly what we need​—a family Bible study,” replied the man. Needless to say, just such a study ensued.

France: Jocelyne gave a copy of Keep on the Watch! to Alicia, a young woman who had previously studied. She happily accepted the brochure and agreed to study it with Jocelyne. Alicia also resolved to read the Bible regularly. “Just two weeks later,” says Jocelyne, “she said that the Bible accounts of Jesus’ life brought tears to her eyes.”

Alicia told her boyfriend that she desired to legalize their union in order to please God and that she wanted to become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. To her surprise, he said: “OK. I don’t want to prevent you from doing what God requires.” Alicia has since attended her first circuit assembly.

Madagascar: Nana is the mother of two young girls. As a teenager, she had attended Christian meetings with her parents but ceased when they stopped serving Jehovah. During the special campaign, Nana accepted a brochure from a missionary sister and agreed to a Bible study. She now attends all the meetings with her two girls and is working toward becoming an unbaptized publisher. What is more, her parents also agreed to a study in the brochure. Their 14-year-old son, Josia, even conducts a study with a teenage friend, who now regularly attends Christian meetings.

Nigeria: “The death of my mother, which occurred during the campaign, gave me an opportunity to witness in my village,” says a pioneer brother. “Prior to the funeral, relatives cried and threw themselves on the ground. ‘Why are you behaving in this manner?’ I asked. ‘Mother’s death is painful to us all, but she is asleep in death. She will rise in the resurrection.’ Although weeping myself, I opened the Watch! brochure to page 8 and explained the resurrection scene. As a result, I placed 195 brochures, including 45 Watch! brochures. At the funeral, other brothers and I placed 100 copies of the May 1, 2005, Watchtower, which featured the subject ‘Will the Dead Live Again?’”

Russia: Irina, a special pioneer in Zelenogradsk, writes: “A sister and I offered the Watch! brochure to a woman named Alla, who invited us in. Life had lost all meaning for Alla because people had become so hard-hearted. We arranged for a return visit. A few days later, the same sister and I were walking together when we heard a woman calling us. It was Alla. She thanked us for the brochure, took it from her bag, and showed us points she had underlined. She now enjoys a regular study in the Require brochure.”

Elsewhere in Russia, Vera and her husband, Vitaliy, stopped at a roadside kiosk where Lyuda, an acquaintance of Vera’s, worked. Lyuda had indicated that she did not want to discuss the Bible with the Witnesses, so Vera was hesitant to offer the brochure. But with encouragement from Vitaliy, she offered it, and to her surprise, she placed the brochure. Two days later Lyuda phoned. “If I learned so much from one brochure,” she said, “how much more I would learn from a regular Bible study!” Despite opposition from relatives, Lyuda immediately began to study and to attend meetings. Her son and daughter are also studying. “It’s interesting,” said Vera, “that a few years ago, Lyuda was given a Knowledge book but showed no interest. The Watch! brochure, however, struck a chord with her.”

Venezuela: A circuit overseer’s wife had a doorstep discussion with a man, his wife, and their four children. Pointing to the Paradise scene on pages 16 and 17 of the Watch! brochure, the sister stressed the need for all in the family to learn about God. Then she invited all six to the Thursday night meeting, arranging to meet them at a nearby bus stop. The sister and her husband went to the bus stop at the appointed time, but nobody showed up. Unbeknownst to them, the family had caught an earlier bus and were already at the Kingdom Hall! Five members of this family now enjoy a regular Bible study and attend meetings, despite the long bus ride and the high fares.

A pioneer sister called at a house, but nobody came to the door. She returned later and met an elderly man, who had just stepped outside. He explained that he is almost deaf and either fails to hear people knocking on his door or is too slow to get there before they leave. The sister gave him a copy of the Watch! brochure and invited him to the congregation meeting.

During the meeting, the sister related this experience, unaware that the elderly man was actually in the audience! He now has a regular Bible study with a brother, attends all the meetings, and has expressed the desire to preach the good news. When asked why he attended that first meeting, he held up his copy of Keep on the Watch! and said, “Because of this brochure!”

Bible Translation

Starting in the late 1800’s, Jehovah’s organization purchased Bibles in large quantities and distributed them to interested ones, sometimes at 35 percent of the list price. Beginning in 1926, the brothers began printing and binding some Bibles in their own printery, including The Emphatic Diaglott and the King James and American Standard versions. Then, in 1961, came the release of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures in one volume in English.

What about other languages? Early in the 20th century, branches began to purchase Bible translations from various publishing houses and to distribute them at cost. Some of these Bibles were produced by sincere translators who even used God’s name​—Jehovah—​in the vernacular language. In time, though, most translators removed the divine name from their translations. Now some have gone a step further by replacing God’s name with that of a local deity! For example, the Chichewa Bible Buku Loyera, used in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia, renders the Tetragrammaton as “Chauta,” the name of a tribal god meaning “Great One of the Bow.”

Other corruptions also abound. For example, an African translation refers to Luke as a witch doctor. The Tuvaluan Bible takes liberties with Jude 23, saying: “Show intense love for sodomites; just be careful you are not affected by their sodomy.” Yet, the original text mentions neither sodomites nor sodomy!

In the past, Bible societies took the lead in producing and distributing Bibles. In recent times, though, some Bible societies have transferred their printing and distribution rights to churches of Christendom. Besides raising the price, churches in some lands do not want Jehovah’s Witnesses to purchase their Bibles. For example, in Kyrgyzstan a Protestant religion owns the rights to a modern Kirghiz translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures. When brothers try to buy a copy, they are often asked, “Are you one of Jehovah’s Witnesses?” or “Do you know God’s name?” If they answer yes, their request is denied.

In view of these and other factors, the Governing Body has directed that Bible translation receive greater attention. At present, the complete New World Translation is available in 35 languages, and the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures, in an additional 20 languages. Currently, of the 33 Bible translation teams around the world, 19 are working on the Hebrew Scriptures, 11 on the Christian Greek Scriptures, and 3 on the Reference Bible. A Bible team normally comprises from three to six persons. Aided by computerized translation tools and refined procedures, some teams have completed the Christian Greek Scriptures in less than two years.

How do the brothers feel when they receive the New World Translation in their own language? A pioneer in Albania summed up the feelings of many. “I wept,” he said. “I’ve never before felt this way when reading God’s Word. I want to drink in every verse!”

Legal Developments

Armenia: After 15 applications, Jehovah’s Witnesses were finally registered on October 8, 2004. Nevertheless, young brothers continue to be imprisoned because of their conscientious objection to military service. (Isa. 2:4) We remain hopeful that this registration will allow our brothers religious freedom, enabling them to import literature and to hold conventions. In fact, in June 2005, the first officially imported literature shipment to Armenia was given customs clearance and released to the brothers.

Austria: For over 30 years, Jehovah’s Witnesses here have been waging a legal battle for full religious recognition. Regarding this problem, five applications are before the European Court of Human Rights. On February 1, 2005, the Court decided to admit two cases involving brothers who were denied ministerial exemption from military service because Jehovah’s Witnesses are not recognized as a religion. On July 5, the Court agreed to consider the application, although it did not state how it would rule.

Eritrea: On January 24, 2004, authorities arrested 38 men, women, and children associated with the Saba Congregation in Asmara. They ranged in age from 6 to 94. Some were not baptized. After three nights in police custody, the youngest were released. The remaining 28 were transferred to a prison outside Asmara and confined in metal shipping containers that were exposed to the heat of day and the cold of night. On September 2, 2004​—over seven months later—​the two oldest brothers, aged 94 and 87, were set free. Others followed. Six, though, are still confined along with 16 other brothers, 3 of whom have been incarcerated for 11 years. Please remember these dear brothers in your prayers.​—Acts 12:5.

France: As reported in the 2001 Yearbook, the authorities applied a new tax against our brothers’ donations, including back taxes for four years (1993-96)​—all at a crushing rate of 60 percent, plus penalties! The brothers appealed but lost at the lower, appellate, and supreme court levels. On February 25, 2005, they filed an application with the European Court of Human Rights, appealing on the basis of evident religious discrimination.

Republic of Georgia: Violent persecution has largely abated. Our literature can now be imported, and Christian gatherings are not being disturbed. Yet, many past abuses remain unresolved in the courts. The brothers have four applications against Georgia pending before the European Court of Human Rights. These deal with the violent persecution our brothers suffered, the liquidation of our legal entities, and the subsequent lack of judicial remedies. On July 6, 2004, the Court admitted for consideration the case Gldani Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses v. Georgia.

Germany: When the country was reunited, the brothers sought confirmation that the Religious Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses has the status of a corporation under public law. Thus began a 12-year legal battle. A favorable decision by the Federal Constitutional Court in 2000 rejected the notion that the State could demand of Jehovah’s Witnesses a degree of loyalty that infringed on their Christian conscience. The proceedings that followed resolved matters. On March 24, 2005, the Higher Administrative Court of Berlin ordered the State of Berlin to grant Jehovah’s Witnesses the rights of a corporation under public law. The State is attempting to appeal the decision.

Russia: As reported in the 2005 Yearbook, the Golovinsky Intermunicipal District Court ruled on March 26, 2004, to ban all our activities in Moscow. Since then, there have been problems securing rental contracts for venues for congregation meetings and larger gatherings. However, the brothers own one Kingdom Hall complex with five auditoriums, which are shared by 44 congregations and 2 groups. At considerable expense and inconvenience, 17 Moscow congregations meet outside the city, while 31 conduct some or all of their meetings in small groups in private apartments. There has been some police harassment, but no one has been arrested. The March 26 ruling has been appealed.

On September 9, 2004, an oral hearing of the case Kuznetsov and Others v. Russian Federation took place before the European Court of Human Rights. On October 4, the Court unanimously admitted the case for consideration. It concerns an official who ordered police to break up a meeting of a sign-language congregation in Chelyabinsk in April 2000. The case has been complicated by extreme irregularities that occurred during the earlier trial. We await the decision.

Turkmenistan: Three brothers​—Mansur Masharipov, Atamurat Suvkhanov, and Vepa Tuvakov—​were sentenced to 18 months each in prison for their conscientious objection to military service. A fourth​—Begench Shakhmuradov—​was sentenced to one year. On February 16, 2005, a letter was sent from the legal offices of Jehovah’s Witnesses to the Turkmenistan embassy in Washington, D.C., requesting the unconditional release of these four brothers. On April 16, all were released under a special amnesty granted by the president of Turkmenistan. During the year, police detained and interrogated many brothers and sisters in an attempt to pressure them to renounce their faith, but without success.

A Year of Natural Disasters

In some lands, the year 2004 set new records for natural disasters. How did these tragedies affect our brothers?

Carriacou, Grenada, and Petite Martinique: On September 7, 2004, Hurricane Ivan swept over these islands, damaging or demolishing over 90 percent of the homes. Shockingly, rampant looting may have caused as much loss as the hurricane itself! The brothers lost most of their possessions in the disaster, and two of the six Kingdom Halls on Grenada were severely damaged. No brothers were seriously injured.

The Barbados branch, which cares for these islands, had earlier advised the congregations to schedule a Service Meeting part on hurricane preparedness, even though the last hurricane to hit that region was in 1955. “Why do we have to waste time discussing hurricanes when there are more important matters?” asked a sister in Grenada. Needless to say, after Ivan hit, she resolved never again to question organizational directions! The branch quickly formed a relief committee, and the Guyana and Trinidad branches also helped out. Hundreds of brothers from the Caribbean and the United States assisted with reconstruction.

Jamaica and the Cayman Islands: Hurricane Ivan caused no casualties among the brothers, but many suffered material losses. As soon as the weather improved, the elders in the 199 congregations on the islands made contact with the publishers. “You people really take care of one another,” said onlookers.

Haiti: In mid-September, Hurricane Jeanne deluged northern Haiti, resulting in a devastating flood that engulfed the coastal town of Gonaïves and surrounding areas. Even people seeking refuge on rooftops ended up knee-deep in water! “All night we heard houses collapsing and people screaming,” says one brother. The flood claimed some 2,900 lives, including that of an 83-year-old sister.

Says one brother, “I thank Jehovah that our family left our possessions behind and survived.” A few days later, Witnesses from neighboring towns brought food and fresh water, and the branch distributed a truckload of supplies. Despite the work involved to clean up, by week’s end all were again attending Christian meetings and preaching. “Forty volunteers worked on my home for four days,” says a sister. “They even gave it a coat of paint! All of this impressed those in my family who are not Witnesses. One has since started studying.”

United States: During August and September 2004, the state of Florida was pounded by four hurricanes: Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne.a More than 4,300 homes of brothers and at least ten Kingdom Halls were damaged. In the aftermath, the chairman of Florida’s Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) checked to ensure that EOC supplies were being properly used. He said that no other group was as well organized as Jehovah’s Witnesses were. He told the relief committee that they could have whatever supplies they needed.

One congregation had been temporarily using a building that they rented for $50 a meeting. But this building also suffered damage when the first hurricane hit. Men were hired to make repairs, but they did not finish the work. Offering their services to the owners, the brothers received approval and promptly completed the job. In return, the owners waived the rent for three months.

Japan: “The number of typhoons to strike Japan [in 2004] is the highest since Japan started keeping records in 1551,” said a news report. In Niigata and Fukui prefectures, extreme weather in July damaged well over 34,000 homes and other buildings, including a Kingdom Hall and 60 homes belonging to our brothers. Hundreds of Witnesses from neighboring congregations rushed to help. The Kingdom Hall was fully restored within two weeks.

The brothers also helped to clean and disinfect the homes of non-Witnesses who lived close to the hall. A man who had been opposed to the Kingdom message wept with gratitude. The local government even sent a letter of appreciation to the relief committee in acknowledgment of the brothers’ efforts.

When two typhoons swept across Japan in September and October, flooding and landslides killed one brother and one sister and caused hardships for about 100 other Witnesses. Toyooka City in Hyogo Prefecture was inundated. Even though his own accommodations were flooded, the circuit overseer helped to organize relief work.

After several feet of muddy water subsided from a pioneer sister’s apartment, local publishers scrubbed it clean. The owner, not a Witness, was deeply moved. The sister said: “I’ve heard of the relief activity of Jehovah’s organization, but this time I experienced it firsthand. I’m very proud of our God, Jehovah, and of his organization.”

Also in October, a major earthquake shook northern Japan, taking 40 lives and forcing over 100,000 to evacuate their homes. No brothers were injured or killed, although over 200 families were affected and one Kingdom Hall became unusable. The tremors began while the elders in the circuit were gathered to prepare for a circuit assembly. What did they do? In conjunction with direction from the branch office and the local Regional Building Committee, they immediately began to organize relief. “We were reminded to view these events as spiritual people would,” says one elder. The circuit assembly was held, and even those affected by the quake attended.

“The earthquake shook my husband’s heart,” relates a sister whose mate is not a Witness and whose house was damaged. Having seen Christian love in action during the relief work, the husband attended a congregation meeting for the first time in his life. “I can trust your organization completely,” he said. “It will never let us down.”

Philippines: When typhoons swept through Quezon and Aurora provinces in the latter part of 2004, one family of Witnesses, including four children, died when their home was overwhelmed by floodwaters and mud. Circuit overseer Felimon Maristela was in Quezon when a flash flood struck. “The Kingdom Hall was inundated in moments,” he writes, “and the water carried away my jeep. My wife and I and two other brothers spent the night on the roof of the hall, the water lapping at the eaves. At 3:00 p.m. the next day, I climbed down. The water was still chest deep.”

Despite the dangers, Brother Maristela sought out the publishers to see if they were all right. In Dingalan, Aurora, an elder had the opportunity to be evacuated by helicopter, but he chose to stay so that he could help his Christian brothers and sisters.

The Deadliest Tsunamis Ever Recorded

On December 26, 2004, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake just off the western coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia, triggered the most devastating tsunamis in recorded history. According to estimates, the dead and missing exceeded 280,000! Even in Somalia, Africa, an ocean away to the west, waves claimed approximately 290 lives.

Indonesia: Although this country suffered the greatest loss of life, no brothers or interested ones were killed. Because of earlier violence, many Witnesses had fled the region of Aceh​—the worst-hit area—​and moved inland. The island of Nias was also badly hit, but the brothers managed to flee to safety.

India: No brothers died, although many lost homes and other possessions. In the city of Pondicherry, Lakshmi was out in field service when she heard about the tsunami. She went to her home, a mud house about two miles [3 km] inland, and found it badly damaged. The brothers helped to clean and repair it.

In Madras, 13-year-old Naveen was playing cricket when he saw huge waves. He alerted his mother and sister and fled with them to safety. Even so, they waded through inrushing water that carried along all kinds of household items as well as many bodies.

Seven-year-old Lini was with her uncle and her cousin at a beach near Kanniyākumāri when waves carried her inland until she got jammed in a wooden fence. Water kept washing over her. Her uncle and cousin survived, but the uncle lost his glasses and could not see well. Still, he kept searching for Lini. Before long, he heard her cry out to Jehovah between surges of water and was able to rescue her. Lini now tells everyone that Jehovah heard her prayers.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Mary and her eight-year-old son, Alwyn, were visiting relatives when the quake shook the house. All ran outside. Mary saw a wall of water racing toward the shore. Just then, a bus arrived. She and her son jumped in and got away. Others, however, ran back into their homes to grab belongings and were washed away. After traveling a short distance, everyone on the bus felt another tremor. They fled the bus and ran to a high point where about 500 people had gathered. Before their eyes, surging water carried the bus away and came within two feet [half a meter] of where the people were standing.

After the water receded, Mary returned briefly to her home. She managed to find her Bible and the booklet Examining the Scriptures Daily, which were a source of strength in the ensuing days. When news came that ships would take the people off the island, hundreds ran to the shore and waded out in the ocean in anticipation of boarding a boat. For hours each day, Mary and her son waited in waist-deep water, surrounded by floating corpses. Six days after the tsunami, a boat finally took them away. Because many blamed God for the tragedy, Mary was able to give a fine witness. In fact, her sister-in-law is now studying the Bible and attending Christian meetings.

Prasanthi and her five-year-old son, Jehoash, had gone to Hut Bay to visit her aged father, Brother Prasad Rao. While there, they felt the earthquake, saw the waves, and fled to higher ground. Water rose 15 feet [5 m] above the road and covered Prasad’s home. His beds, refrigerator, and television and the congregation’s supply of Greatest Man books all floated away. Later, survivors found some of the books and began reading them. For five days, Prasad, Prasanthi, and Jehoash ate salvaged food and endured clouds of mosquitoes and flies. When boats arrived, Prasanthi and Jehoash, along with many others, waded in chest-deep water to their rescuers, even though crocodiles were swimming nearby! Prasanthi, incidentally, was six months pregnant. Her father joined them later.

All the houses on Teressa Island were washed away. The 13 brothers and sisters there spent six days in the jungle, suffering from hunger and insect bites, before being evacuated to Camorta Island. There they found shelter with Mark Paul, a brother who lives on high ground and whose home is used as the Kingdom Hall. Earlier, on the day of the tsunami, instead of the usual 10 to 12 attending the congregation meeting, 300 were there! Since then, 18 new Bible students regularly attend meetings, having seen firsthand the loving support Jehovah’s people extend to one another.

Sri Lanka: Waves hit two thirds of the coastline of this island, causing extensive damage. The tsunami struck on Sunday morning when most of the brothers were at congregation meetings outside the danger zone. Ten congregations were affected, and one sister lost her life when her house was dragged out to sea. The brothers deeply mourn the loss of this fine sister. A number of interested ones were also killed, and many brothers lost relatives. One elder lost 27 family members! Nevertheless, “the brothers have come through this tragedy without a spiritual ‘dent,’” writes the branch.

Bethel was packed with relief supplies, and most of the Bethel family focused on relief work. Local brothers with vehicles ferried supplies to the disaster areas. Within four days, all the brothers had been contacted and given food and clothing. When asked what else they needed, they replied: “Bibles and books! Ours were washed away.” Their needs were promptly filled.

Circuit overseer Gerrad Cooke was in Colombo at the time. He drove for seven hours on a road that is dangerous after dark because of wild elephants. When he arrived at 10:30 p.m., he and a local brother​—whose own house had been inundated—​immediately set off to visit families and distribute supplies, working well into the early morning hours.

Thailand: No local brothers were injured or killed, and none lost their means of livelihood. However, some foreign vacationers are missing, presumed dead. They include one Finnish brother, one Swedish couple, an Austrian brother, and a sister’s unbelieving mate. Two Swedish couples had joined the local group for field service away from the coast. When they returned to their hotel, they saw nothing but death and devastation.

On the Monday morning after the quake, the presiding overseer of the Phuket Congregation received a phone call from the Thailand branch informing him that a Finnish sister, Kristina, was in a hospital 90 minutes away. He and another brother immediately went to the hospital. Writes the presiding overseer: “I have never seen so much misery in my life​—people without mates, parents without their children, children without their parents. Some were crying for help; others were staring at the ceiling or the floor. The situation was so emotionally heartrending that occasionally we had to leave the room to regain our composure and pray for strength.”

The brothers found Kristina as she was being prepared for surgery on her broken leg. She had lost all her documents. After the operation, the two local brothers prayed with her and stayed by her side until midnight. A few days later, she flew back to Finland. Despite her adversities, “Kristina was courageous and strong,” the brothers report. Sadly, her husband died in the tsunami.

Branch Dedications

Angola, January 8, 2005: This special day was a milestone in the preaching work in Angola, a country that had been embroiled in civil war for almost 40 years. Stephen Lett had the double privilege of giving the dedication discourse for the branch facilities in Angola and of being the first Governing Body member to visit that land. Some 730 delegates from 11 countries attended the program. Why the need for a new branch complex? In 1975 the branch reported a peak of 3,055 publishers. By the end of 2004, the figure had increased 18-fold to over 54,000!

Bulgaria, October 9, 2004: Over a three-year period, 150 international volunteers and about 300 local brothers assisted with the construction of the new branch facilities in Sofia. Gerrit Lösch of the Governing Body delivered the dedication talk to an audience of 364 representing 24 countries.

Ethiopia, November 20, 2004: By early 2004, the 60 members of the Bethel family were scattered over nine locations​—a very undesirable situation! Their fine new Bethel is situated on a slope at the eastern edge of the capital, Addis Ababa, and is over 8,000 feet [2,400 m] above sea level. On some nights, the quiet is disturbed only by the laughter of hyenas. Gerrit Lösch spoke to an audience of 2,230, including 200 foreign delegates from 29 countries. Among those interviewed were several who had endured imprisonment and even torture for their faith. The daughter of a brother who was executed said, “In the resurrection, Father will be happy to know that I followed his example of godly devotion and served at Bethel.”

Ghana, March 5, 2005: Before an audience of 3,243, Malcolm J. Vigo of the Nigeria branch gave the dedication talk. The newly dedicated additions to the existing branch include three residence buildings, 50 offices, a maintenance building, a Kingdom Hall, and a dining room, kitchen, and laundry complex.

Guam, June 25, 2005: This was the third dedication program held since 1980, when Guam had just one congregation. Now there are ten. Besides renovations, the latest project included a new Kingdom Hall and a two-story residence. The 100 international volunteers came from Australia and the United States​—all at their own expense. When a local building inspector heard of this and saw the quality of the work, “he shook his head in disbelief,” writes the branch. Lorence Shepp of the Peru branch delivered the dedication talk.

Mauritius, November 6, 2004: Gerrit Lösch had the privilege of presenting the discourse when extensions to the existing branch were dedicated. The additions include 12 new offices for the Translation Department and a new maintenance building. Visitors came from Europe, Madagascar, Mayotte, Réunion, Seychelles, and South Africa.

Nicaragua, December 4, 2004: Over 330 international volunteers as well as hundreds of local brothers had constructed new offices and residences at the branch and also an open-sided Assembly Hall with a seating capacity of 2,400. Governing Body member Samuel Herd gave the dedication talk. Delegates included missionaries who had served in Nicaragua. Imagine how thrilled they were to meet not only some of their former Bible students but also their students’ children and, in some cases, grandchildren!

Panama, March 19, 2005: Samuel Herd spoke to an audience of 2,967, the majority of whom had been serving Jehovah for over 20 years. When work on the project commenced, the brothers hired a crane and an operator to move some storage trailers. When the operator arrived at the site, he refused to do the job, claiming that the site had not been properly prepared. The brothers reasoned with him but to no avail. Then just as he was about to walk away, he asked, “By the way, what religion are you people?”

“Jehovah’s Witnesses,” answered the brothers.

He thought for a moment and said, “OK, I’ll do the job.” Why the sudden change of mind? Two sisters were studying the Bible with his children, and he appreciated what the sisters were doing.

Slovakia, April 16, 2005: Theodore Jaracz of the Governing Body delivered the dedication talk to 448 guests from 21 lands. A special meeting was held at the sports stadium the following day, and many delegates arrived by bus. “You are such pleasant and happy people,” said one driver, “and everyone greets me! I know why. It is because of your faith. I usually transport school children and teachers. The children I have to greet first; and the teachers​—they don’t even bother to say hello!”

Wallkill, New York, U.S.A., May 16, 2005: “All of us resolve to dedicate this beautiful new printery and the A-, C-, and D-residence buildings to the one and only true God, Jehovah,” said Governing Body member John Barr during his dedication talk. Work started on the footings of the new printery on May 1, 2003, and just over eight months later, the first of the existing presses was moved to the new pressroom.

Regional Building Committees from across the United States, but primarily from nearby states, provided tradesmen. Some work was done by outside contractors. “I can’t pay my men to work like you people,” said one. “You work with your heart.” Another, a project manager, remarked, “I have appreciated and learned more regarding my trade in the few months at Watchtower than I did in five years at school!” A representative of the company that supplied a conveyor system said: “Thanks to you people, this is the fastest installation we have ever done. Everyone here is so happy that it makes me happy! This place is beautiful.”

A few years earlier, the United States branch had 15 web-offset presses​—11 at Brooklyn and 4 at Wallkill. Now there are just five, thanks to more efficient technology and the distribution of work to other branches under the regional printing arrangement. The new printery also includes a paper collection system that carries trimmings from the pressroom and bindery through overhead air ducts to automatic balers. The bales are recycled by an outside company, saving the branch about $200,000 a year!

Zambia, December 25, 2004: Of the nearly 700 present for the dedication of the expanded facilities, 374 had been serving Jehovah for more than 40 years! During his dedication talk, Stephen Lett told those who shared in the project that like the servants in one of Jesus’ parables, they deserve a hearty “Well done!”​—Matt. 25:23.

The brothers also gave a fine witness during the construction. “You people live in a paradise,” said one contractor.

“Do you mean physical or spiritual?” asked the brothers.

“Both!” he answered.

[Footnote]

[Box/​Pictures on page 29]

“Godly Obedience” Conventions

As explained at the “Godly Obedience” District Conventions, only those who “know God” and who “obey the good news” will survive Jehovah’s day of vengeance. (2 Thess. 1:6-9) Hence, we want to do all that we can to help those who have become confused about God or even embittered against him because of the suffering in the world. Fine new provisions to help us are the tract All Suffering Soon to End! and the book What Does the Bible Really Teach?

The new tract will no doubt comfort many victims of wars, poverty, disasters, injustice, and sickness by helping them to see that God is not the cause of these things. Similarly, the new book will appeal to those who yearn for spiritual truth. The writing is warm, simple, and clear, and key points are well illustrated, both visually and verbally. Before you use it to conduct studies with others, be sure to read the 14 additional subjects in the appendix.

[Chart/​Pictures on page 12, 13]

SOME EVENTS OF THE 2005 SERVICE YEAR

September 1, 2004

October 8: Jehovah’s Witnesses are legally registered in Armenia.

October 9: Bulgaria branch dedication.

October 18: Start of Watch! brochure campaign.

November 6: Mauritius branch dedication.

November 20: Ethiopia branch dedication.

December 4: Nicaragua branch dedication.

December 25: Zambia branch dedication.

December 26: A magnitude 9.0 earthquake near Sumatra, Indonesia, triggers the most devastating tsunamis in recorded history.

January 1, 2005

January 8: Angola branch dedication.

March 5: Ghana branch dedication.

March 19: Panama branch dedication.

March 24: The Higher Administrative Court of Berlin directs that Jehovah’s Witnesses in Berlin be granted the rights of a legal corporation.

April 16: Slovakia branch dedication.

May 1, 2005

May 16: Dedication of printery and residences at Wallkill, New York.

June 25: Guam branch dedication.

August 31, 2005

[Picture on page 20]

Cleaning a flood-damaged Kingdom Hall in Niigata Prefecture, Japan

[Picture on page 24]

Handling relief supplies in Sri Lanka

Worldwide Report 2005 Grand Totals

Branches of Jehovah’s Witnesses: 112

Number of Lands Reporting: 235

Total Congregations: 98,269

Worldwide Memorial Attendance: 16,383,333

Memorial Partakers Worldwide: 8,524

Peak of Publishers in Kingdom Service: 6,613,829

Average Publishers Preaching Each Month: 6,390,016

Percentage of Increase Over 2004: 1.3

Total Number Baptized: 247,631

Average Auxiliary Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 219,926

Average Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 623,308

Total Hours Spent in Field: 1,278,201,985

Average Home Bible Studies Each Month: 6,061,546

During the 2005 service year, Jehovah’s Witnesses spent over $104 million in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments.

Worldwide, a total of 20,119 ordained ministers staff the branch facilities. All are members of the Worldwide Order of Special Full-Time Servants of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

[Chart on page 32-39]

2005 SERVICE YEAR REPORT OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES WORLDWIDE

(See publication)

[Maps on page 40-42]

(See publication)

Worldwide Report

◼ ASIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST

Number of lands: 47

Population: 3,896,182,946

Number of publishers: 582,360

Number of Bible studies: 453,069

Kyrgyzstan: Svetlana, an auxiliary pioneer, could never find anyone at a particular home in her territory. As she was passing by it one day, she was thinking to herself that there was no point in calling there, since no one would be at home. Still, she decided to try again and was pleasantly surprised to meet a young woman. The woman was elated to see one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and said that she had studied the Bible but had lost contact with the brothers. Svetlana asked the woman if she would like to receive the magazines regularly, to which she replied that she needed not just the magazines but a regular home Bible study! The study was started immediately, and now this interested person is attending Christian meetings.

Japan: Two sisters working business territory entered the office of a lawyer who is well-known for helping the underprivileged. They were quickly turned away by a woman who said that she was busy but who accepted the magazines. This woman was alone when the sisters managed to meet her again. Before they could greet her, she angrily demanded: “Why are children without sin murdered? Why is the world like it is? I want convincing explanations! If you have the answers, tell me!” During the next hour as they discussed the issue of universal sovereignty, the woman’s demeanor gradually changed. She thanked the sisters for using the Bible to answer the questions she thought no one could answer. As the sisters left, the woman gave them her home address and telephone number and said: “I usually give this only to people I’m extremely close to, but you are different. I want to talk to you again. What we have discussed is no ordinary matter.” A Bible study was started.

Nepal: A woman attended church for many years but was dismayed at the greed and bickering that she witnessed among its members. Though her husband had become a pastor, a conflict arose over donations, and he was expelled. He began drinking heavily and stopped supporting the family. The woman became desperate in her search for the truth and prayed every day. To support her family, she started working at a wastepaper collection center. One day while sorting through books, magazines, and newspapers, she found the book United in Worship of the Only True God. She hid it in her clothes and took it home. She read the book daily and continued to pray. One day Bishnu, a special pioneer sister, knocked on her door. The woman liked what Bishnu had to say and invited her in. Gradually, the woman noticed similarities between what Bishnu told her and what the book said. She eventually showed Bishnu the book and was happy to know that it is one of our books. Now she is studying the Bible regularly and attending all the meetings with her children.

Sri Lanka: Even though he was not yet an unbaptized publisher, Punchibanda decided to share the Kingdom message informally with others. He spoke to a street beggar who explained that his eldest daughter had suffered and died from a disease. They had gone to an Assemblies of God church hoping for a miracle cure, but nothing had happened. Punchibanda explained that God does not perform healings today but that curing of disease will come under God’s Kingdom. He gave the beggar magazines on this subject. Later, he invited the man to the Kingdom Hall. The beggar went home and told his family about the invitation and showed them the magazines. His wife explained that she too had received magazines and had been invited to the Kingdom Hall. This man decided to go to the Kingdom Hall himself first. There the brothers and sisters warmly welcomed him. Now he, his wife, their son, and two daughters all attend meetings and rejoice in association with Jehovah’s people.

Lebanon: A special pioneer sister who originally came from the Philippines relates: “I met a Filipino lady while engaging in street witnessing. I visited her at work and was able to conduct a Bible study with her. She had many questions; at times she would not even allow me to finish answering one question before she raised another. Eventually, however, she received opposition from her close friends who were active members of their church. Sadly, she bowed to the opposition and stopped studying the Bible, though I encouraged her not to give up. Nevertheless, I said to myself, ‘If she is sheeplike, she will resume her study one day.’ A year elapsed, and I was still thinking of her, so I decided to write to her and let her know that I cared about her and that I would be happy to see her again. She called, and I visited her. This time I saw that she was even more interested than before. The things we had previously discussed together were still in her heart, and she deeply appreciated them. She told me that she had been to many churches but that none taught the truth. So she resumed her study, progressed, and is now baptized. Her 12-year-old son is an unbaptized publisher.”

India: A sister writes: “While working from house to house, we noticed a young girl who on seeing us went into her house. Soon we met a man who ordered us to leave. As we were leaving, we noticed the girl talking to the man. Later, as we were waiting for the bus, the girl approached on her bicycle and said: ‘I know that Jehovah is the true God. Please teach me the Bible. I went inside my house to invite you in, but the house owner objected to this.’ We asked her how she knew that Jehovah is the true God. She said that two years earlier she was traveling on the bus when she saw what looked like a large Christian gathering. It was one of our district conventions. She got off the bus and attended the program all three days. She had been waiting for Jehovah’s Witnesses to come to her house. Seeing her interest, we took her to a sister’s house and started a Bible study. She began attending meetings regularly and is making good spiritual progress.”

◼ AFRICA

Number of lands: 56

Population: 781,767,134

Number of publishers: 1,015,718

Number of Bible studies: 1,820,540

Uganda: Lucy is a Witness who works in a large dispensary. Together with some workmates, she was called upon to swear to her innocence after an audit revealed that a large amount of money was missing. When it was Lucy’s turn to hold the Bible and deny guilt, she looked up Proverbs 15:3 instead and read it aloud: “The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, keeping watch upon the bad ones and the good ones.” After a moment of complete silence in the room, the culprit went up to the supervisor and confessed. The supervisor suggested that in the future they all remember “Lucy’s scripture.” Lucy’s salary was later increased, and she was given the responsibility of keeping the keys to the dispensary.

Benin: Josué has endured much ridicule at school. When he gave a wrong answer in class, some classmates mocked him, saying, “Priest of Jehovah, how can you make a mistake?” Others joined in with mocking remarks, such as, “He spends too much time walking around with his briefcase.”

Josué admits, “I was especially afraid of meeting my classmates when I went out in the service on the weekend.” He prayed about the matter and consulted an elder, who encouraged Josué to go on the offensive by increasing his time in the field ministry and by boldly offering literature to his classmates. Josué reports threefold success. He says: “I now often serve as an auxiliary pioneer. Two classmates who used to make fun of me are now my Bible students. I have also improved my grades immensely.”

Ethiopia: About two years ago, Asnakech found a driver’s license and made an appointment to return it to the owner, a woman named Elsa. She was amazed at Asnakech’s honesty and wanted to give her some money. Asnakech refused the money and offered Elsa the brochure What Does God Require of Us? The next day Elsa started to study the Bible. She said that the name Jehovah was not new to her because her father, a priest, had told her about the name. After her whole family attended a district convention, her husband too started to study the Bible. However, when her father, the priest, found out, he was furious, calling Jehovah’s Witnesses good-for-nothing. Determined to continue her study, Elsa politely told her father that the Witnesses were not at all the way he described them. Dismayed, her father took the Require brochure from his daughter without her knowledge. He read it several times and was touched. After that, when he gave passersby the customary blessing, he no longer did so in the name of the Trinity. Soon he was labeled “apostate,” and some wanted to beat him. Consequently, he moved to Addis Ababa, where he too started to study the Bible. Elsa has become a baptized Witness, along with seven members of her household. Her husband and child are also making good progress.

Côte d’Ivoire: Anderson left the brochure What Does God Require of Us? with a storekeeper who read the Bible regularly. Soon a Bible study was started. The man was particularly drawn to the lesson entitled “Family Life That Pleases God.” He explained: “I was unaware that each partner had a role to play in marriage. If I came home late, I wouldn’t put up with any remarks from my wife. I would tell her, ‘I am the man, and I can go out if I want to; you are the wife, and you look after the house.’ Now I return home immediately after work and help my wife with the chores.”

Kenya: A seven-year-old child who is in second grade heard about the coming visit of the circuit overseer. A week in advance, he approached the headmaster of his school and requested permission to attend the meetings on Tuesday afternoon. Permission was granted. However, the following day the young boy was sent home from school with the directive to return with his parents and the alleged visitor. Consequently, the circuit overseer went to the school along with the boy’s father. The headmaster was shocked to see that the visitor had really come and that he had walked for over an hour up steep hills to meet the headmaster. He accepted literature and has since been quite friendly and cooperative.

Malawi: While engaging in field service, a brother was often harassed by a man on a bicycle. Upon seeing the brother preaching, the man would stop and try to start an argument. He even tried to take the brother’s Bible from him. One day the man rode by as the brother was conducting a Bible study. Reaching to adjust something on his bicycle, the man caught his hand in the spokes of the front wheel, badly injuring his fingers. Though the man was in severe pain, the only onlooker who helped him was the brother, who wrapped his fingers and made arrangements for him to be taken to the hospital. Later, the brother called at the man’s home. Embarrassed about his former behavior, the man confessed that his attitude had been affected by false rumors. He said: “You people worship the only true God. I never thought that you would treat me in such a kind way after the terrible way I treated you.”

Cameroon: A young sister was sitting in the crowded waiting room of a hospital when an old and sick man came in. Since all the seats were taken, the man was obliged to remain standing. The sister recalls: “I felt sorry for the man and gave him my seat. This caused a lot of murmuring throughout the room because in giving up my seat, I was also giving up my turn for a consultation. Soon a lady approached me and asked which religion I belonged to. I replied that I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She praised me because in her opinion very few young people would act in this way. I took the opportunity to give her and the others a witness with the help of some tracts that I had with me. I was able to answer a good number of questions. Some to whom I spoke changed their ideas about Jehovah’s Witnesses and were more inclined to have the Witnesses visit them at their homes.”

Togo: While working isolated territory, some brothers found a young man who expressed delight at meeting them. He showed them two notebooks in which he had hand copied the entire book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth and part of the book “Make Sure of All Things.” He had seen those books in the home of an evangelical pastor where he had lived for some time. The pastor had two bookshelves, one for his favorite books and one for books “without importance.” It was on this second shelf that the young man had found our books. After reading a few pages of one of them, he was captivated by the message. Since he could not take the book and did not know where to find another one, he copied it. When he began to tell others about what he had read, both his mother and the pastor opposed him. The brothers left literature with him and are helping him to progress spiritually.

South Africa: Thandi, a Witness, was asked by her employer to speak to a workmate named Bella, who was having marital problems. Bella’s husband, a policeman, had abused her physically and emotionally, so she had decided to divorce him. Thandi gave Bella two copies of the book The Secret of Family Happiness and encouraged her to give one to her husband. A week later, Thandi spoke to her and found out that her husband was reading the book and that their home had become peaceful. Three months later, Bella told Thandi that God had saved her marriage by means of prayer and the Family Happiness book. When Bella’s employer heard about this, she recommended that all 2,000 staff members get copies of the book. So far, Thandi has placed 96 Family Happiness books with fellow employees. The company made a donation to the worldwide work of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

◼ THE AMERICAS

Number of lands: 56

Population: 879,073,403

Number of publishers: 3,199,835

Number of Bible studies: 3,022,276

Venezuela: A family of Witnesses recently got a new telephone line in their house and a new number. Because of a technical problem, however, they began receiving phone calls from people who wanted to contact the local television station to talk to a lady astrologer, who was on hand. The family decided to make the best of the situation. With the help of the book Reasoning From the Scriptures, they prepared some information and a few Bible texts to share with these callers. Graciela, the mother, became an expert. One day a caller said: “Hello. Are you the goddess of the stars?”

“Hello. My name is Graciela, what is yours?”

“Carmen.”

“Carmen, why do you want to talk to the goddess of the stars? Do you need help or advice?”

Carmen proceeded to tell our sister about a personal problem. In a warm tone, Graciela explained where we can get the best advice, and she read Carmen passages from the Bible. She then asked her, “Don’t you think we should go to our Creator if we need reliable guidance now and in the future?” Carmen then confessed that she had studied the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses in the past, so arrangements were made for her to resume her study. Subsequently, Graciela’s family has spoken to many others seeking help, often giving them a good witness, encouraging them to listen to the Witnesses when they call, and directing them to the local Kingdom Hall.

Colombia: In March of 2005, a sister who lives in Cali had her car stolen. It was found a few days later. She and her unbelieving husband waited at the car for the police to arrive, but when they delayed, the couple decided to take the car. However, because the vehicle had been used to commit a crime, the couple was stopped by the police, arrested, and sent to prison. As soon as the sister entered the prison, she began to preach, and in a short time, she started several Bible studies. One of the students was released but asked the sister to continue the study as soon as she was released. This student also told the man with whom she lived that she wanted to get married in order to please God.

Although the sister had recently prayed that she might find more time to preach, she never imagined that it would be in jail! She received an offer to spend less time in prison, but because she felt protected by Jehovah and was content to preach, she refused it. After spending 45 days in prison, both she and her husband were set free. She said that her faith had been strengthened. During this time, her husband had received visits and help from the brothers. After 20 years of doing little spiritually, he began to attend meetings and expressed a desire to study the Bible. The sister now regularly visits the prison to conduct four Bible studies with female inmates. She feels grateful to Jehovah for having answered her prayers and for blessing her in so many ways.

Brazil: Up until two years ago, it was common to see Renildo, a blind man, begging in the markets in his hometown and in nearby cities. Though he did this to supplement his disability pension, begging proved to be a lucrative source of income, making it possible for him to own a car and a home with nice furniture and to buy an abundance of food that common people do not normally have in that impoverished area. A Bible study with Jehovah’s Witnesses progressively gave him a spiritual outlook on life, which moved him to make a courageous decision. After discussing with his wife and three children what they could do as a family to adjust to a lower income, Renildo stopped begging. Before long, he and his family made spiritual progress and were baptized at a district convention. Now Renildo is known, not as a beggar, but as a zealous publisher of the good news, spending an average of 40 hours a month in field service.

Ecuador: A pioneer regularly left the magazines in Chinese with the owner of a restaurant. That man was visited by a friend who also owns a restaurant. The friend saw the magazines and read them. His interest was such that he wrote to the Hong Kong branch, asking for more magazines, a Bible, and the book Draw Close to Jehovah. He also requested a Bible study. Hong Kong contacted the Ecuador branch, and soon pioneers were at the interested man’s door with the literature he had requested. Four days later they returned. Had he read the literature? He said: “I started reading from Genesis and am up to the book of Ezekiel, but I have some questions. Why is Jehovah so good to us humans? Everything belongs to him, so why does he go to such great lengths to help mankind? What does he get out of it?” A Bible study was started, and the man began attending meetings right away. He stopped smoking and going to casinos. He even closes his restaurant to attend the meetings. The man is now at the point of becoming an unbaptized publisher and is teaching Chinese to the local brothers who want to help other Chinese-speaking people in the country.

Honduras: In Guatemala in January 2005, a sister named Flor preached informally to a 15-year-old named Sebastián, who is a clown in a circus. He showed interest but had little time to talk. One day he fell from the top of the big tent, so he was laid up in a cast. He now had plenty of time to think about spiritual matters. Flor visited every day to answer his many questions. Soon his mother, Doris, a tightrope walker, also showed interest, and Flor began to study the Bible with her. Dalila, a trapeze artist, and Sofía, a dancer who had studied with the Witnesses in the past, joined in the study along with their daughters. So the group grew to seven persons. Flor conducted the study with all of them from five to seven times a week for two months.

When the time came for the circus to move on to Honduras, Flor encouraged the group to look for the Witnesses in the towns they visited so that they could continue their study and attend the meetings. When they reached the town of Copán, the Bible study was resumed by some special pioneers serving in that area. When the group moved on to the town of Gracias, another special pioneer conducted the study. When it was time for them to move on to the town of Santa Rosa de Copán, a missionary couple received a phone call asking them to care for the study for the following three weeks.

It is a unique study because seven to ten persons meet under the big circus tent. They study twice a week and prepare well, including the youngest, a nine-year-old girl named Julietta, who is a trapeze artist. When the group attends the meetings, they often have to leave immediately and run to change into their costumes in order to be on time for the show to begin. But they gladly make the effort.

◼ OCEANIA

Number of lands: 30

Population: 35,237,787

Number of publishers: 93,961

Number of Bible studies: 47,864

New Zealand: While reading a Bible-based brochure during her lunch break, a young sister named Cecilia was asked by a fellow worker what it contained. As Cecilia explained, 15 people gathered to listen, including her boss, who later invited her to his office. He told her that he was impressed by what he had heard. He also informed the staff that the lunchroom would become a Bible-discussion room and extended Cecilia’s lunch break from 30 minutes to 60 minutes so that she would have time to eat and discuss the Bible. For four weeks, attendance at these discussions ranged between 9 and 15 people. Two of the women are now studying the Bible regularly, making good progress, and witnessing to family members and friends.

Tuvalu: Peteli, whose name in English means “Bethel,” is a 14-year-old girl who is almost totally deaf. She has relatives who are Jehovah’s Witnesses, so she had attended some meetings but did not benefit greatly because of being deaf and unable to read. On her own initiative, Peteli learned to lip-read. More recently, Dale, a missionary sister, began to study with her using the brochure Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! Dale used the pictures to teach Peteli about the Bible and the text to help her learn to read. This was especially challenging because Dale was a new missionary still learning the language, and Peteli needed help in learning where to place her tongue in order to pronounce words correctly. Peteli is eager and works hard. After just three months, she started to read. She and her teacher prepare comments for the meetings together. Peteli carefully practices beforehand and proudly comments at the meetings. She sits in the front row at the Kingdom Hall so that she can concentrate on the speaker’s lips. Dale writes: “Jehovah is becoming a real friend to Peteli, and her eyes often fill with tears when we talk about the time when ‘the very ears of the deaf ones will be unstopped.’”​—Isaiah 35:5.

Samoa: Elena, a pioneer sister, conducted a Bible study with a Methodist woman whose house was opposite the local pastor’s house. The study was conducted in an open-sided part of the house, in full view of the pastor. One day while they were having the study, the pastor came to visit. The Bible student asked him what he wanted. The pastor replied: “I am looking for my piglet. I haven’t seen her for almost a month.” He then turned to Elena and asked, “Do you know why my piglet ran away from me?” Thinking that he was talking about a literal piglet, Elena suggested that the piglet might have run away because he was feeding her the same sort of food all the time. She suggested that he try feeding her something else. To Elena’s surprise, the pastor pointed to the Bible student and said, “She is my piglet!” He then added: “You have stolen her from me. You have to stop this study immediately and never ever do it again.” (Church pastors have enormous power in the villages of Samoa.) The woman cried. Elena tried to calm her down and explained that the Bible foretold that this sort of thing would happen to those who study the Bible.

Elena began to make adjustments in their schedule by changing the day, the time, and the place of the study. She explains: “Instead of having the study out front in the open Samoan house, we moved it to a tiny room at the back of the woman’s house. This was a very hot place, but at least the study could continue. We did this for two months. Then one day, after the opening prayer, the pastor came, catching us by surprise. I thought that he came to stop the study, but he had changed.”

He sat in on the study and even asked questions. After the study, he turned to the woman and said: “I want to tell you something. Last night we went to town, but on our way home, our car broke down near one of the other villages. A young couple and another young man came to help fix the car. The car would not go, so they offered to drive us home after I left the car at their house. When I got into their car, I noticed Watchtowers and other publications. I began to think that maybe these people are from the same church as the woman who comes to visit you.”

Now the woman answered him: “Of course, you are right. They are Elena’s children.” He apologized and then said: “Keep doing what you are doing. Now I know that Jehovah’s Witnesses are very good and loving people. Forgive me for what I said. This kind of program would help people of my church change their attitudes.” From that day on, rather than having the study in the tiny, hot room at the back of the house, they have it in the cooler, open-sided front of the house, in full view of the pastor, who has not bothered them since.

Saipan: On this island, the truth of God’s Kingdom deeply touched the heart of a woman named Helen. She was studying the Bible with the help of a missionary and wanted to show her appreciation for the things she was learning. At the conclusion of one study session, Helen handed the missionary a small cloth bag and said, “I don’t have much, but I would like to give this as a contribution to the preaching work.” Inside the bag was a beautiful pearl from her home island of Pohnpei. Helen suggested that the pearl be sold to provide a donation. The pearl was of excellent quality, and the owner of a jewelry store gladly bought it for $100. The money was handed to Helen so that she could decide how much to contribute, but she pushed the money away, saying, “Just put it all in the box.” What motivated her generosity? As in the parable that Jesus once related, Helen had found a pearl of higher value, the Kingdom hope.​—Matt. 13:45, 46.

◼ EUROPE

Number of lands: 46

Population: 731,536,437

Number of publishers: 1,498,142

Number of Bible studies: 717,797

Belarus: Pavel and Mayya, a married couple serving as special pioneers, were attending the pioneer school. One evening they decided to take a walk together, not planning to engage in any preaching. Nevertheless, they took along the booklet Good News for People of All Nations. Upon noticing two foreigners, they decided to witness to them. They were able to find out that the two men were from Pakistan and spoke Urdu. Remembering that they had the booklet with them, they gave it to the men to read. One of the two expressed interest and agreed to study the Bible. That very week he came to the congregation meeting. Association with Jehovah’s people has been a great source of encouragement to him, moving him to say, “In my three years in Minsk, this is the first time that I have met genuine Christians.” The man is continuing to study the Bible.

Britain: Richard is an elder who is blind and has a trained guide dog named Irvin. The door-to-door ministry proved to be a problem for Irvin because he was specially trained to remember every place that Richard visited. When Richard mentioned the situation to those who had provided the dog, they explained that this kind of ministry was too great a challenge for Irvin. They recommended that Richard have Irvin accompany him in business territory, where the dog would become familiar with the various locations he would visit on a regular basis. Richard had always found witnessing in business territory somewhat intimidating, but with Irvin’s help he soon became adept at this form of witnessing.

Hungary: A circuit overseer writes: “In May of 2004, we met a man named Csaba who was doing some gardening. He said that he was a member of a church council. After a brief conversation, we left. Two days later we returned with the Knowledge book and started a Bible study with him. At the end of the visit, he told us that he had problems with his stove. I said that I knew a brother who was skilled at such repairs and that I would forward Csaba’s number to him. When the brothers called to cultivate the interest, Csaba returned the book and discontinued the study. In the meantime, the brother whom I had recommended to help him fix the stove called him regarding the repair work. The brother spent three days fixing Csaba’s stove, and during that time he talked to Csaba for hours about the truth. The man resumed his Bible study, and his wife joined in. By May of 2005, he was an unbaptized publisher. During my visit to the congregation, I accompanied him when he participated in the ministry for the first time. His spiritual progress was to a large extent due to the friendly, helpful attitude of the brothers and the difference he saw between the conduct of the Witnesses and that of those in his church.”

Belgium: A brother made return visits on a woman at a house situated on a street corner, and his conversations always took place at the doorstep. One day as the brother left this house, a man approached him and said: “My friends said that you Jehovah’s Witnesses are not people to associate with. But I defended you and said that this was not true. I must be honest with you. Many times when I was walking my dog, I stood around the corner and listened to the conversations you had with the woman at that house. You often talked about the resurrection and the Paradise. I would like to know more about this. My wife is in the hospital recovering from an attack in which she was stabbed 17 times. I feel desperate, and I really don’t know what to do anymore.” A home Bible study was started with this man.

Italy: Early one afternoon a brother was returning home from work. As he neared the house where he lived, two men on a motorbike overtook him. The one sitting behind the driver pulled out a gun and motioned for the brother to stop his car, which he did. Next, the gunman opened the car door and told the brother to get out and hand over all the money that he had in his pockets. The brother complied. Then the gunman slid into the driver’s seat, ready to drive away. However, at seeing a Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses on the dashboard, he asked, “Are you one of Jehovah’s Witnesses?”

The brother answered, “Yes, why?” Without giving an answer, the man got out of the car, apologized for what had happened, and invited the brother to get back into his car. Meanwhile, the other robber told his partner to give back the money they had taken.

“Once again, we are very sorry,” said the man with the gun as he closed the car door for the brother. The men gave no reason for their change of mind, but they evidently respected the Witnesses.

Sweden: In April 2003 a publisher met a man who accepted the Knowledge book. The man was about 90 years old. In earlier years he had traveled throughout the country and taken pictures of many churches. Because of this he had been made an honorary member of a group in the Swedish Church. The publisher asked the man if he had noticed God’s name in any of the churches and showed him a picture of God’s name in one of the churches in Sweden. This aroused the man’s interest. He accepted a Bible study, which he enjoyed very much. He said: “I have read the Bible since I was a child, and I believed that I understood quite a lot. But I understood nothing compared with what I know now.” He soon started to attend meetings at the Kingdom Hall. In June 2005, at age 91, he had his first assignment in the Theocratic Ministry School​—a Bible reading. He is now an unbaptized publisher and is working toward baptism. He listened to Jehovah’s Witnesses in 2003 because of a TV program that had spoken against us. He wanted to know the truth about us, and now he does.

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Svetlana, Kyrgyzstan

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Lucy, Uganda

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Graciela, Venezuela

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Renildo with his family, Brazil

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Dale and Peteli, Tuvalu

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Cecilia, New Zealand

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Elena, Samoa

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Pavel and Mayya, Belarus

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Richard and his dog, Irvin, Britain

Acts of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Modern Times

Romania

Spies, informers, false brothers, torture, imprisonment, and forced labor​—these were some of the means that Satan used in his failed attempts to crush the spirit of Jehovah’s Witnesses individually and to shatter their organization in Romania. Read about Ioan, who prayed aloud before a firing squad. Meet Teodor, who along with other Witnesses sang Kingdom songs as bombs rained down around them. Learn of individuals who walked barefoot up to 65 miles [100 km] to attend meetings. And find out why a little boy exclaimed, “Daddy, you smell like the daily text!”

Zambia

Governmental bans, the deportation of missionaries, and expulsion from school​—these were some challenges that our brothers faced in Zambia. In this account you will learn about a schoolgirl who courageously defended the good news in court, a disabled refugee who moved “faster than eagles,” and an early Bible Student who was lashed with a whip. Read about a burning Land Rover, an exploding anthill, and a meeting place that looked like a black horse. Mosquitoes, tsetse flies, snakes, and lions are all part of the story of how our brothers have labored to proclaim the good news throughout this beautiful African land.

Romania

The Bible foretold that persecution of true Christians would reach a climax during the last days. (Gen. 3:15; Rev. 12:13, 17) Romania is a land where that prophecy has seen striking fulfillment. Yet, as this account will show, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Romania have let nothing extinguish the flame of truth that burns brightly in the hearts of God’s people. (Jer. 20:9) Rather, they have recommended themselves “as God’s ministers, by the endurance of much, by tribulations, by cases of need, by difficulties, by beatings, by prisons.” (2 Cor. 6:4, 5) May their record of integrity encourage all who desire to walk with God during these difficult times.

The year 1914 marked the beginning of the most volatile era in mankind’s history. In many European lands, it proved to be an era of ruthless dictators, extreme political ideologies, and horrific slaughter. Romania was caught in the middle of it all, and the people suffered greatly. So did those who, in obedience to Jesus Christ, were resolved to render “God’s things to God” and to refrain from worshipping the political state.​—Matt. 22:21.

Prior to 1945, Orthodox and Catholic clergy took the lead in the attack against Jehovah’s people. They did this from the pulpit and by conspiring with and egging on politicians and police. The next wave of persecution came from the Communists, who kept up their brutal and systematic campaign for the better part of four decades.

Why was the good news able to make progress under those oppressive conditions? Only because Jesus proved true to his words: “Look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matt. 28:20) Let us now go back about one hundred years to the time when Kingdom seed was first cast on the soil of what is today called Eastern Europe.

Romanians Return to Their Homeland

In 1891, Bible Student Charles Taze Russell visited parts of Eastern Europe during the course of a preaching tour. But he was a little disappointed with the results. “We saw no opening or readiness for the truth,” he reported. In Romania that situation would soon change. In fact, Brother Russell himself would be instrumental in getting the work started there but in an indirect way. How so?

As the 19th century drew to a close, social and economic conditions in Romania caused many people to seek work elsewhere, including the United States. For some, their move resulted in more than material gain​—they also acquired an accurate knowledge of Bible truth. Such was the case with Károly Szabó and József Kiss, spiritually-minded men who attended a number of Russell’s Bible lectures.

Discerning that the two men had a genuine interest in the Bible, Brother Russell made it a point to introduce himself. During their discussion, he suggested to Károly and József that they consider returning to Romania to share the Kingdom message with their relatives and friends. Both men embraced the idea and sailed back to Romania in 1911, establishing themselves in the city of Tirgu-Mures in Transylvania.

While en route to his homeland, Brother Szabó prayed that someone in his family accept the truth. When he arrived home, he acted in harmony with that prayer by witnessing to his relatives, including his niece Zsuzsanna Enyedi, a Catholic, who gave him accommodations. Zsuzsanna’s husband was a gardener, and she sold flowers at the market.

Zsuzsanna attended Mass every morning before work, and each night, after her family had gone to bed, she went out into the garden to pray. Observing these things, Károly approached her one night in the garden, gently laid his hand on her shoulder, and said: “Zsuzsanna, your heart is sincere. You will find the truth.” True to her uncle’s words, this fine woman took the Kingdom message to heart and became the first person in Tirgu-Mures to dedicate her life to Jehovah. She remained faithful until her death at the age of 87.

Brother Szabó also witnessed to Sándor Józsa, a young man who worked for the Enyedi family. Sándor attended all the meetings conducted by the two brothers, and he learned fast. In fact, this 18-year-old soon began witnessing and delivering fine Scriptural discourses in his home village of Sărăţeni, Mureş County. In time, his ‘letters of recommendation’ came to include six married couples and 24 children​—13 girls and 11 boys.​—2 Cor. 3:1, 2.

Starting from Tirgu-Mures, Brothers Kiss and Szabó preached throughout Transylvania. While in Dumbrava commune, 20 miles [30 km] from Cluj-Napoca, they met Vasile Costea, a Baptist. Vasile was a short, determined man and a passionate student of the Bible. Puzzled about Christ’s Thousand Year Reign, he listened attentively as József and Károly explained the Scriptures to him. After his baptism, Vasile, who also spoke Hungarian, gave a thorough witness to both Romanians and Hungarians in his county. Later, he served as a colporteur (full-time minister) and remained such until his death.

Brother Szabó also took the good news to Satu-Mare, a city in the far northwest of Romania. There he met Paraschiva Kalmár, a God-fearing woman who readily accepted the truth. Paraschiva taught her nine children to love Jehovah. Today her family of Witnesses spans five generations!

Another Romanian who learned Bible truth in the United States and returned to Romania prior to World War I was Alexa Romocea. Alexa went to his home village, Benesat, in northwestern Transylvania. Before long, a small group of Bible Students, as Jehovah’s Witnesses were then known, was formed and began to meet in the area. The group included Alexa’s nephews Elek and Gavrilă Romocea. Today, Alexa’s large family of Witnesses also spans five generations.

Severely persecuted for his Christian neutrality, Elek immigrated to the United States, where he attended a special convention of Bible Students at Cedar Point, Ohio, in 1922. In fact, he had the privilege of serving as interpreter for the Romanian-language section of the audience. Gavrilă stayed in Romania and accompanied Brothers Szabó and Kiss as they preached in Transylvania and visited fledgling congregations and groups. Later, he served at the first branch office.

A Romanian named Emanoil Chinţa was arrested during World War I and sent to a military prison in Italy, far from home. There he met some Bible Students who had been imprisoned because they refused to take up arms. Emanoil took to heart their Scriptural message. When he was released in 1919, he returned home to Baia-Mare, in Maramureş County, and zealously preached the good news and contributed to the formation of yet another group of Bible Students.

Thanks to the zeal and self-sacrificing spirit of the early pioneers of the good news and of those who listened to their message, the number of disciples multiplied and small groups of Bible Students mushroomed in the land. In fact, by 1919​—just eight years after Károly Szabó and József Kiss returned to Romania—​over 1,700 Kingdom publishers and interested ones were organized into 150 Bible study classes, now called groups or congregations. Brother Kiss served as a pioneer in his homeland until his death at 86 years of age. Brother Szabó returned to the United States in 1924 to coordinate the work in the Hungarian field there.

Producing Spiritual Food

The printed page played a major role in spreading the Kingdom message and in feeding the spiritually hungry. To help fill the need for spiritual food, the brothers arranged to have literature printed locally by commercial printers. Beginning in 1914, a private printery in Tirgu-Mures named Oglinda, meaning “Mirror,” produced a 16-page, monthly edition of The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence as well as books and tracts​—all in Hungarian.

Literature in Romanian began to come off local presses in 1916. Publications included the booklet Tabernacle Shadows of the “Better Sacrifices,” an eight-page magazine Selections From “The Watchtower,” the book Daily Heavenly Manna for the Household of Faith (now Examining the Scriptures Daily), and the songbook Hymns of the Millennial Dawn. Starting in 1918, a printery in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A., published and shipped to Romania a Romanian-language edition of The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence and the monthly tract People’s Pulpit, which boldly exposed false religion.

Because the good news was making fine progress, Jacob B. Sima, a Bible Student of Romanian origin, was assigned to help coordinate the work and to get it on a legal footing. Shortly after his arrival in Cluj-Napoca in 1920, Sima met with Károly Szabó and then with József Kiss. Of high priority was the finding of a suitable house in Cluj-Napoca for a branch office. There was a housing shortage, however, so the brothers set up a temporary office at a brother’s apartment. Thus, in April 1920 the first branch was established, as was the legal entity the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. For a time, the Romania branch also supervised the work in Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and the former Yugoslavia.

At that time, the winds of revolution blowing through the Balkans began to sweep into Romania. Adding to the political volatility, anti-Semitism began to spread like wildfire, especially in the universities, and students in a number of cities went on rampages. The government reacted by forbidding public gatherings. Although the colporteurs had nothing to do with the disturbances, over 20 of them were arrested and treated roughly, and their literature was seized.

Nevertheless, the brothers continued to work hard in the field, and the demand for literature kept growing. Commercial printing, however, was becoming expensive, so the branch investigated other options. At that very time, a printery at 36 Regina Maria Street, Cluj-Napoca, which the brothers were already using, was placed on the market. After obtaining approval from world headquarters, the branch purchased this ideal property, which included two buildings​—one was four stories high, and the other two.

Renovations commenced in March 1924, volunteers coming from as far as Baia-Mare, Bistriţa, and Rodna. So that they could contribute toward the project, a number of brothers sold personal belongings, while others donated food and construction materials. They transported many of these items in special bags called desagi, which could be slung over the shoulder or carried on the back of a horse.

In order to upgrade the printery, the branch purchased, among other things, three Linotype machines, two flatbed presses, one rotary press, an automatic folding machine, and a machine for gold-embossing. Thus equipped, the printery soon set a new standard for print quality in the country.

Of the 8 members of the Bethel family, one supervised the 40 non-Witness employees who worked three shifts in the printery. And they worked hard, as reflected in the production report for 1924, the first year of operation. Printing in both Romanian and Hungarian, the brothers produced 226,075 books, 100,000 booklets, and 175,000 magazines! The books included the Bible study aid The Harp of God and the first of seven volumes of Studies in the Scriptures, entitled The Divine Plan of the Ages.

After two years of preparatory work, the branch also printed a Romanian-language edition of the book Scenario of the Photo-Drama of Creation. As its name suggests, the Scenario was based on the “Photo-Drama”​—a discourse that employed colored glass slides, motion pictures, and synchronized sound. Audiences were taken from earth’s creation to the end of Christ’s Thousand Year Reign. Though not as dramatic as the “Photo-Drama,” the Scenario contained 400 printed images as well as short lessons on doctrinal, historical, and scientific matters​—all of which moved many readers to look into the Bible further.

Bible Study Classes Multiply

“Advertise, advertise, advertise, the King and his Kingdom!” exhorted Joseph Rutherford at the 1922 convention at Cedar Point, Ohio. This stirring admonition electrified God’s people worldwide, moving them to greater zeal. In Romania the brothers reached out into new territories with the good news and made many more disciples.

How did new ones study the Bible in those days? They joined in classes called Berean Bible Studies. Questions were supplied, and printed material for the lessons was taken from various publications, which could be ordered by mail. The schedule for study was listed in The Watch Tower. More advanced students also benefited from the course International Sunday School Lessons, which helped them to become teachers of God’s Word.

Branch representatives would visit the study groups, give talks, and provide other forms of spiritual assistance. Regular shepherding and teaching, however, were done by pilgrims, or traveling overseers as they are called today. Six were serving in 1921, and eight just two years later. These zealous workers held meetings in hundreds of cities, towns, and villages and spoke to tens of thousands of spiritually famished people.

Two of these pilgrims were Emanoil Chinţa, mentioned earlier, and Onisim Filipoiu. On one occasion in Bukovina, a northern region, Brother Chinţa’s listeners included large numbers of Adventists and Baptists, some of whom responded favorably to the truth. Later, the two brothers were assigned to Bucharest, where they helped many more come to an accurate knowledge of God’s Word. One appreciative man wrote: “I thank God for sending Brothers Emanoil and Onisim, who had to work hard to convince and enlighten me. The Lord will do a great work in this city, but patience is needed.”

In the year 1920, the brothers held their first assemblies​—one in Brebi, Sălaj County, and the other in Ocna Dejului, Cluj County. Both locations were accessible by train, and local publishers and interested ones provided accommodations. Some 500 delegates from all parts of Romania attended. They gave an excellent witness by their fine conduct.

The rapid growth in the ranks of Kingdom proclaimers, however, was not without opposition. In fact, from the beginning of World War I, the brothers began to meet with persecution from religious and political elements.

Enemies Exploit War Fever

Fired up by nationalism and egged on by the clergy, the political authorities had no sympathy for those who would not rally to the flag and kill for the country. Hence, when the first world war broke out, many brothers were arrested and sentenced. Some were even executed, including Ioan Rus, a newly married man from the village of Petreştii de Mijloc, south of Cluj-Napoca.

Ioan’s grandnephew Daniel relates: “In 1914, Ioan Rus was drafted for military service. Because he refused to go to war, he was taken to Bucharest and there sentenced to death. At the execution, he was forced to dig his own grave and to stand next to it facing a firing squad. The officer in charge then allowed Ioan to say a few final words. He chose to pray out loud. Moved by Ioan’s prayer, the soldiers had second thoughts and would not carry out the execution. The officer then took one of the men aside and promised him a three months’ paid leave if he shot the prisoner. The man accepted the offer and earned his leave.”

In 1916, Brothers Kiss and Szabó were also arrested but received a five-year prison sentence. Judged “dangerous,” they were held in isolation for 18 months in a high-security prison in Aiud. In what way were József and Károly “dangerous”? In the words of the judge, they had “proclaimed teachings other than those officially recognized.” Put simply, they were locked up not just for refusing to kill but for teaching Bible truths that conflicted with traditional theology.

From prison the two men wrote to the congregations and groups to encourage the brothers. In part, one letter said: “We wish to express our joy that our kind heavenly Father, to whom we owe gratitude, praise, and honor, has allowed the light from The Watch Tower to shine. We believe that our brothers appreciate The Watch Tower and guard it as a candle flickering in the storm.” Both men were released in 1919​—in time to help establish the branch office the following year.

Clergy Opposition Intensifies

When World War I ended in 1918, the clergy continued to oppose God’s people. One priest publicly criticized the Bible Students’ view of the immortality of the soul and the role of Mary. “The longing for a better life on earth is driving [the Bible Students] insane,” he wrote. “They maintain that we are all brothers and sisters and that people of all nationalities are the same.” Then he complained that it is difficult to take legal action against the Bible Students because they “put on the appearance of being truth loving, religious, peaceable, and humble.”

In 1921, priests in Bukovina wrote to the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Justice, requesting that the work of the Bible Students be banned. In fact, irate clerics in practically all areas where the truth had spread were fuming about God’s people. Orthodox, Catholic, and other churches organized hate campaigns, inciting individuals and mobs to attack the brothers. In a letter to world headquarters, the branch wrote: “In this country the clergy hold too many civil positions, and our work is, to some extent, subject to their mercy. Everything would be fine if they would observe the law, but they are misusing their power.”

In response to the clergy’s barrage of complaints, the Ministry of Religions approved the use of “public force” to hinder both the preaching and the meetings of Jehovah’s people. Thus, the police became an arm of the churches, arresting brothers on the false charge that they were disturbing the peace. The law, however, was not clearly defined, so sentences varied. The brothers’ good conduct also presented a problem. “The Bible Students cannot be condemned,” said one judge, “because they are often the most peaceable of men.”

Nevertheless, persecution intensified, and at the end of 1926, The Watch Tower was banned. But that did not stop the flow of spiritual food​—the brothers simply changed the name of the magazine! Starting with the January 1, 1927, issue, the Romanian-language edition became The Harvest, then later The Light of the Bible, and finally Daybreak. Its Hungarian counterpart was renamed Christian Pilgrim, then Gospel, and lastly The Magazine of Those Who Believe in Christ’s Blood.

Sadly, at about this time, Jacob B. Sima became unfaithful. In fact, in 1928 his actions led to the loss of the entire branch property and all the equipment! The brothers “have been scattered and their confidence greatly shaken,” reports the 1930 Year Book. Because of these distressing developments, oversight of the work was transferred to the Germany branch in 1929 and later to the Central European Office in Bern, Switzerland. Both branches worked through an office that the brothers subsequently established in Bucharest.

‘Please Do Not Burn My Book!’

Despite these additional trials, the faithful reorganized and continued witnessing, even opening up new areas. On August 24, 1933, the Romania office wrote: “The people are hungering after the truth. Our brethren in the field service write us that when they are engaged in the testimony work, the village folk accompany them in crowds from door to door that they might have further opportunity to hear the truth.”

In one instance, a needy woman requested a book that was being offered and even gave a modest contribution to the Kingdom work. When the village priest heard about the matter, he marched straight to the woman’s home. “Give me that book,” he demanded, “so that I can throw it into the fire!”

“Please, Father, do not burn it,” begged the woman, “for it has brought us comfort, and it will help us to endure in our misery!” The woman refused to part with the book.

Another woman who deeply appreciated the publications was a duchess whose servants were Jehovah’s Witnesses. One day she said to her employees: “You are no longer my servants but my brothers!” In another village, a brother told a group of curious children that he was proclaiming God’s Kingdom. The children, in turn, encouraged passersby to obtain the literature. “The books talk about God,” they announced. The brother, practically rendered speechless by this enthusiastic, unsolicited support, soon placed all his literature!

Nicu Palius, a soft-spoken pioneer, came to Romania from Greece to help with the work. After serving in Bucharest, he moved to Galaţi, a major port on the Danube. At the end of 1933, Nicu wrote: “For almost two and a half months, I worked among the Romanians, and Jehovah God granted me many blessings​—even though I could not speak the language. Afterward, I worked among the Greeks and the Armenians, and with the Lord’s help, I visited 20 towns. The Greeks especially rejoiced in the message.”

Yes, despite the clergy’s hate campaign, many honesthearted individuals wanted to hear the good news. They included a town mayor who devoured several brochures and later declared that he eagerly awaited the new world. In another town, a man asked for a number of copies of the publications, promising to distribute them to all who were willing to read them.

The Work Is Reorganized

In 1930, two years after Sima proved unfaithful, Martin Magyarosi, who was a Romanian of Hungarian descent from Bistriţa, Transylvania, was appointed to oversee the work. After receiving six weeks’ training at the Germany branch, Brother Magyarosi set up an office in Bucharest. Soon thereafter, the Romanian-language Watch Tower, which had been published temporarily in Austria and Germany, was again printed in Romania, this time by a publishing house in Bucharest called The Golden Book.

After considerable effort, the brothers were able to establish a new legal entity in 1933​—The Bible and Tract Society of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The address was 33 Crişana Street, Bucharest. However, because of religious and political opposition, the brothers could obtain only a commercial registration.

Still, these efforts helped to restore confidence and to advance the preaching work. Many publishers even started pioneering, while others increased their activity, especially during winter, when rural folk had more time. The brothers also listened to Bible-based lectures broadcast from abroad over public radio. These talks were especially helpful to people who did not attend meetings because they feared their neighbors or the priests. The Watch Tower announced program times, lecture titles, and radio frequencies.

Another provision that contributed to the advancement of the good news was the portable phonograph that was manufactured by Jehovah’s organization. During the 1930’s, congregations and individuals could order these as well as recorded Bible discourses. The latter served to encourage “not only the brothers but also those families who owned phonographs and who loved the truth,” said an announcement in the Bulletin (now Our Kingdom Ministry).

Further Internal Testing

The 1920’s and 1930’s saw increased light shed on God’s Word and on the need for each Christian to bear witness to the truth. A brilliant flash came in 1931 when the Bible Students adopted the name Jehovah’s Witnesses. More than just a label, this Bible-based name signifies that the bearer both upholds and proclaims Jehovah’s Godship. (Isa. 43:10-12) Bible Students who opposed the preaching work stumbled at this development and left the organization. Some even became apostate and assumed the name Millennialists. Would the faith of loyal ones withstand this test? Would they continue to carry out their preaching commission even in the face of opposition from both the clergy and the apostates?

While some gave in to the pressure, many carried on faithfully and zealously in Jehovah’s service. A report for 1931 stated, in part: “There are about 2,000 brethren in Rumania, and these under great difficulties have distributed during the year 5,549 books and 39,811 booklets.” The following year, the brothers did even better, placing a total of 55,632 books and booklets.

What is more, persecution sometimes had an effect opposite to that intended. For example, all the Witnesses in one area decided as a group to make their separation from “Babylon the Great” a matter of public record. (Rev. 18:2, 4) For five consecutive days, these courageous brothers and sisters streamed into the local town hall to draw up documents of withdrawal from their former church.

Community leaders were shocked, and the local priest was horrified. First he ran to the police station for help, but that proved futile. So he rushed back to the town hall and accused the notary of being a Communist for helping the people with their documents. Offended, the notary retorted that if the whole community came to him, he would help them draw up certificates of withdrawal. Thus the priest was stopped in his tracks, and the brothers were able to complete their paperwork.

“Are You Thinking of Shooting Me?”

In their sermons, the clergy railed against Jehovah’s Witnesses. They also kept up their pressure on the government to have the work banned. Of course, the Ministry of Religions, the political tool of the clergy, continued to use the police to harass the brothers. In one instance, a chief of police and a fellow officer unlawfully entered a home where Christian meetings were being held.

“I want to see your permit to hold religious services,” said the chief to the householder, a brother whom we shall call George.

Knowing that the chief probably did not have a warrant, George replied: “By what authority have you entered my home?”

The man had no answer, so George asked him to leave. Reluctantly, he made for the door. On his way out, however, he ordered his fellow officer to stand guard at the front gate and to arrest George should he try to leave the property. Later, when George did step outside, the officer arrested him “in the name of the law.”

“In the name of what law?” asked George.

“I have a warrant for your arrest,” he asserted.

As a former police officer, George knew the law; so he asked to see the warrant. As George suspected, the man had none. Because he was unable to carry out a lawful arrest, the man thought that he would try to scare George by loading his gun.

“Are you thinking of shooting me?” asked George.

“No,” retorted the officer, “I am not stupid.”

“Well, then,” said George, “why did you load your gun?”

With that, the man saw the folly of his actions and left. Not wanting a recurrence of this incident, George sued the chief of police for trespassing on private property. Amazingly, the chief was fined and sentenced to 15 days in prison.

In another instance, an elderly brother gave a fine witness in a court of law. The judge held in his hand two books published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Waving them in front of the brother, the judge accused him of distributing religious propaganda.

“If you sentence me because I proclaim the truth of God’s Word,” replied the brother, “I would view this, not as a punishment, but as a badge of honor. The Lord Jesus told his followers to rejoice when persecuted for righteousness’ sake because this is how the prophets of old were treated. In fact, Jesus himself was persecuted and even impaled, not for wrongdoing, but for speaking the truth that he had received from God.”

The brother continued: “So if this court sentences me for proclaiming Jesus’ message about the Kingdom by means of those two books, it would be sentencing a man who has committed no crime.” The judge dismissed the charges.

‘Nowhere Do Brothers Endure Greater Difficulties’

After 1929 the collapse of agricultural prices, widespread unemployment, and political unrest led to the rapid growth of extremist political groups, including Fascists. Furthermore, during the 1930’s, Romania gradually came within the sphere of influence of Nazi Germany. These developments did not bode well for Jehovah’s Witnesses. In fact, the 1936 Year Book said: “In no part of the earth do the brethren work with greater difficulties than in Rumania.” From 1933 to 1939, there were 530 lawsuits against Jehovah’s Witnesses. Of course, the prosecutors constantly called for the work to be banned and for the Bucharest office to be closed down.

Finally, at 8:00 p.m. on June 19, 1935, police arrived at the office, armed with what proved to be an illegal warrant. They confiscated files and over 12,000 booklets and posted a guard. Nevertheless, a brother slipped out through the back door and contacted a sympathetic lawyer, who was also a senator. The man phoned the respective authorities and had the illegal closure annulled and all files returned. But the reprieve was short-lived.

On April 21, 1937, the Ministry of Religions issued an order that was published in the official gazette and in the newspapers. The order stated that the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses was strictly forbidden in Romania and that those who distribute or even read their literature would be subject to arrest and punishment and their publications would be confiscated.

The brothers challenged the ruling. However, the government minister concerned, knowing that his case was weak, had the hearing postponed three times. Then, before the final date arrived, King Carol II declared Romania a dictatorship. In June 1938 a new order was issued against Jehovah’s Witnesses. Again the brothers filed a lawsuit. They also wrote an official memorandum to the king, stating that the Witnesses’ publications have an educational role, are not subversive, and do not incite public disorder. The memorandum even pointed to a previous superior court decision to this effect. The king forwarded the memorandum to the Ministry of Religions. The response? On August 2, 1938, the ministry closed and sealed the Bucharest office.

During this difficult time, a number of brothers​—even whole families—​were arrested and sentenced to prison, in some instances just because they sang Kingdom songs in the privacy of their own home. Terms ranged from three months to two years. How were these brothers discovered in the first place? Many were spied on by people influenced by the clergy. These spies disguised themselves as workmen, peddlers, and so on.

Anyone found with our literature was also arrested. A brother who worked in the woods as a lumberman took along his Bible and Year Book. One day police searched through everybody’s personal belongings and found the brother’s literature. They arrested him and made him go with them on foot for 125 miles [200 km] to court, where he received a six-month prison sentence. The prisons, incidentally, were overcrowded, filthy, and infested with lice. Watery soups were the only food.

World War II Brings More Trials

At dawn on September 1, 1939, German military columns stormed into Poland, triggering another global conflict​—one that would have both profound and long-lasting effects on Romania. In their grab for control, the Soviet Union and Germany, signatories to a nonaggression pact, subsequently divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence and carved up Romania like a pie. Hungary took northern Transylvania; the Soviet Union, Bessarabia and North Bukovina; and Bulgaria, southern Dobruja. As a result, Romania lost about one third of its population and territory. In 1940, a Fascist dictatorship came to power.

The new government suspended the constitution and issued a decree recognizing only nine religions, the principal ones being the Orthodox, Catholic, and Lutheran churches. The ban on Jehovah’s Witnesses stood. Acts of terror were common, and in October 1940, German troops occupied the country. Under these extreme circumstances, correspondence between Romania and the Central European Office in Switzerland virtually ceased.

Because most of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the region lived in Transylvania, Martin Magyarosi moved there from Bucharest, establishing himself in Tirgu-Mures. His wife, Maria, had moved there earlier for health reasons. Pamfil and Elena Albu, who had also served at the Bucharest office, moved farther north to Baia-Mare. Working from these two cities, Brothers Magyarosi and Albu reorganized the preaching work and the underground production of The Watchtower. Their fellow worker, Teodor Morăraş, stayed in Bucharest, where he coordinated the activity in what remained of Romania until he was arrested in 1941.

All the while, the brothers kept busy in the ministry, placing Bible literature at every opportunity but with great caution. For example, they left booklets in public places, from restaurants to train compartments, hoping that the literature would catch someone’s eye. They also continued to heed the Scriptural injunction to meet together for spiritual encouragement, taking care, of course, not to arouse suspicion. (Heb. 10:24, 25) For instance, those living in the countryside took advantage of the traditional parties that took place at harvesttime, when farmers would help one another bring in their crops and celebrate afterward by telling jokes and stories. The brothers simply substituted Christian meetings for these parties.

“Pressed in Every Way”

Brother Magyarosi was arrested in September 1942 but continued to coordinate the preaching work from prison. The Albus too were arrested, along with about 1,000 other brothers and sisters, many of whom were released after being beaten and held in detention for six weeks or so. Because of their Christian neutrality, a hundred Witnesses, including several sisters, received prison sentences of from 2 to 15 years. Five brothers received the death penalty, which was subsequently commuted to life imprisonment. Under the cover of darkness, armed police even dragged mothers and little children away, leaving their animals untended and their homes vacated for thieves to loot.

At the prison camps, the brothers were met by a “welcoming” committee of guards who would tie each one’s feet together and hold him down while another flogged the naked feet with a wire-reinforced rubber cudgel. Bones broke, toenails fell out, and skin turned black, sometimes peeling off like bark from a tree. Priests who patrolled the camps and witnessed these abuses would sneer, “Where is your Jehovah to release you out of our hands?”

The brothers were “pressed in every way” but “not left in the lurch.” (2 Cor. 4:8, 9) In fact, they comforted other inmates with the Kingdom hope, which some took to heart. Consider the example of Teodor Miron from the village of Topliţa in northeastern Transylvania. Prior to World War II, Teodor concluded that God forbids the taking of human life, so he refused to enroll in the army. Hence, in May 1943 he received a five-year prison sentence. Soon thereafter, he met Martin Magyarosi, Pamfil Albu, and other Witness inmates and accepted a Bible study. Teodor made rapid spiritual progress and, in a matter of weeks, dedicated his life to Jehovah. How, though, was he baptized?

An opportunity arose when Teodor and about 50 other Romanian Witnesses were taken by a roundabout route to the Nazi prison camp in Bor, Serbia. En route, they stopped at Jászberény, Hungary, where over a hundred Hungarian-speaking brothers joined them. During the stopover, the guards sent several brothers to the river to fill a water barrel. Having won the guards’ trust, the brothers went unsupervised. Teodor joined them and was baptized in the river. From Jászberény, the prisoners were taken by train and riverboat to Bor.

At that time, the Bor camp held 6,000 Jews; 14 Adventists; and 152 Witnesses. “Conditions were terrible,” Brother Miron recalls, “but Jehovah cared for us. A sympathetic guard who was often sent to Hungary introduced publications into the camp. Some Witnesses whom he knew and trusted looked after his family in his absence, so he became like a brother to them. This man, a lieutenant, would warn us if anything was going to happen. There were 15 elders, as they are now called, in the camp, and they arranged for three meetings a week. On average, about 80 attended as their shifts allowed for it. We also observed the Memorial.”

At some of the camps, Witnesses on the outside were permitted to give food and other items to their incarcerated brothers. Between 1941 and 1945, about 40 Witnesses from Bessarabia, Moldova, and Transylvania were sent to the concentration camp in Şibot, Transylvania. Each day they went to work at a local lumber factory. Because food was scarce in the camp, Witnesses who lived nearby brought food and clothing to the factory each week. The brothers distributed these items according to need.

Such fine deeds gave an excellent witness, both to fellow inmates and to guards. The guards also observed that Jehovah’s Witnesses were responsible and trustworthy. Hence, they granted them freedoms not normally extended to prisoners. One of the guards at Şibot even came into the truth.

Postwar Blessings

When the war in Europe ended in May 1945, Jehovah’s Witnesses were released en masse from prisons and labor camps. Martin Magyarosi, then 62 years of age, returned to Bucharest only to find the old office stripped clean. Not even a typewriter remained! “The Lord’s work was recommenced with nothing,” said a report. In addition to getting the work organized, the brothers sought legal registration, and their efforts soon bore fruit. On July 11, 1945, the Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Romania was registered.

This step facilitated the organizing of public meetings, assemblies, and literature production, all of which would reinvigorate the work and help to dispel much of the confusion and disunity that had developed. Indeed, during the first postwar year, the brothers produced nearly 870,000 booklets and over 85,500 copies of The Watchtower​—this despite a paper shortage in the country! And 1,630 people were baptized.

The brothers began preaching openly even before the work gained legal recognition. They also arranged for meetings and special public talks. Regarding the Witnesses in Maramureş County, an eyewitness relates: “While the armies were still retreating, the brothers met together. You could see them coming from all the villages in the region, totally unafraid. It was a thrilling time. Some walked 50 miles [80 km] to attend, singing and witnessing along the way. Each Sunday, the chairman would announce the meeting location for the following Sunday.”

Public talks were advertised and delivered in towns and villages where there were few or no Witnesses. Starting out near midnight, the brothers would walk up to 60 miles [100 km] to these places, often barefoot because of the high cost of shoes. They took their shoes with them, of course, but carried them over their shoulder. Only when conditions got very bad​—bitterly cold, for example—​did they put their shoes on. On the day before the meeting, the brothers offered literature to the public, announced the title of the lecture, and invited people to attend. After the talk, the brothers made their way home.

In Baia-Mare, Cluj-Napoca, Tirgu-Mures, and Ocna Mureş, the brothers held dozens of assemblies attended by hundreds of Witnesses and interested people. A highlight of the gathering in Baia-Mare in June 1945 was the baptism, held six miles [ten km] out of town. After the talk was given in a brother’s garden, the 118 candidates were immersed in the Lăpuşul River, which flowed by the garden. It was an unforgettable baptism in a beautiful setting.

In Tirgu-Mures, the brothers rented a theater that could seat 3,000. The day before the assembly, delegates began arriving by train, by horse-drawn carriage, by bicycle, and on foot. Some immediately started to preach and to invite people to the public discourse, which dealt with Noah’s ark. When the brothers saw placards with beautifully composed text advertising the talk all over town, many wept with joy. Never, they had thought, would they enjoy such freedom to preach the good news!

The brothers’ hard work was richly rewarded​—so many attended that two loudspeakers had to be mounted outside the theater for the overflow audience. As a result, many neighbors were able to hear the program from their windows. City officials and other prominent individuals were invited so that they could see and hear Jehovah’s Witnesses firsthand. Amazingly, they filled all the seats reserved for them. They also joined in the singing.

First National Convention

On the weekend of September 28 and 29, 1946, Jehovah’s Witnesses held their very first national convention in Romania. The venue was the Roman Arenas (Arenele Romane) in Bucharest. The Romanian railways agreed not only to provide a special train but to reduce the fare by 50 percent! The train brought well over a thousand delegates from some of the farthest parts of the country to the capital. Many carried placards, arousing considerable curiosity along the way. The journey, however, was not without incident.

The clergy heard about the convention and tried to stop the train. On the Friday before the convention, local Witnesses began to gather at the station at 9:00 a.m., expecting to welcome their brothers within the hour. They waited patiently until 6:00 p.m., when the train finally pulled into the station. The excitement among the brothers as visitors and hosts embraced cannot be described. Armed police were there to maintain order, but they had nothing to do.

Much of Bucharest had been destroyed in the war, including some 12,000 homes, so accommodations were limited. But the brothers were resourceful. To provide extra “beds,” they bought a mountain of straw and spread it on the lawn of a brother who lived in a suburb called Berceni. Because the weather was unusually warm for the end of September, families of conventioners were able to retire comfortably with their children on a mattress of straw under starry skies. Today, on that very site stands an attractive new Kingdom Hall.

The 3,400 in attendance at the convention on Saturday morning were thrilled to hear that The Watchtower was once again being published twice a month in both Romanian and Hungarian. In fact, one thousand copies of the first edition were distributed among the brothers that morning. For a time the magazine contained four study articles so that everyone could catch up on the information they had missed during the war.

Sunday morning was set aside for witnessing. Groups of publishers could be seen everywhere, advertising the public talk. Their placards portrayed a hammer, a sword, and an anvil. The text read: “‘Swords Turned Into Plowshares’​—God Inspired Those Words. Two Prophets Wrote Them. But Who Will Practice Them?” The publishers handed out invitations and offered magazines, which they carried in white cloth bags that had a shoulder strap and bore the words “Jehovah’s Witnesses” or “Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom” or “Proclaimers of Theocracy.”

That afternoon, Martin Magyarosi began the public discourse, saying: “Today, a peace conference of the great powers is being held in Paris. Here, at our convention, we have 15,000 in attendance. If you were to search every one of Jehovah’s Witnesses present, you would find no sword, no gun. Why? Because we have already turned our swords into plowshares!” With the scars of war visible everywhere, that talk was both powerful and timely.

Present on Sunday were the attorney general, a secretary of the Internal Affairs Minister, a number of police officers, and a group of Orthodox priests. Both the brothers and the officials expected the priests to create a disturbance, which they had threatened to do. But only one tried to interfere with the program. When the brothers spotted him striding toward the speaker’s platform during the public talk, they intercepted him, took him firmly by the arms, and ushered him back to the seats. “There is no need for an Orthodox priest to address this assembly,” they whispered in his ear, “but you are most welcome to take a seat and listen.” He did not try that again. Later, the attorney general said that he enjoyed the talks and was impressed by the orderliness of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Reflecting on the convention, a brother later wrote: “The conspiracy of the enemy completely failed, and the brothers returned home full of joy.” They also manifested a renewed spirit of peace and unity, which was encouraging because many had come to the convention with mixed feelings on account of divisions that had developed during the war.

Things did not look so bright for the clergy, however, for in many areas they could no longer count on the secular authorities to do their bidding in regard to Jehovah’s Witnesses. Of course, this did not stop them from berating the brothers from the pulpit. Some priests, though, went further and recruited gangs of hooligans to beat up Kingdom publishers​—male and female—​when they saw them preaching. In one instance, an Orthodox priest’s wife assaulted a pioneer sister with a stick, striking her until it broke! “We have many legal proceedings against such clergymen,” said a report from that era.

Further Efforts to Restore Unity

Alfred Rütimann, from the Switzerland branch, spent two months in Romania in 1947. The plan was to hold a convention and to have Hayden C. Covington, from world headquarters, accompany Brother Rütimann. However, the authorities did not allow the brothers to hold the convention, and they refused to give Brother Covington a visa. But they did grant Alfred Rütimann a two-month visa, which enabled him to spend August and September in Romania.

His first stop was Bucharest, where he was greeted at the airport by a group of brothers and sisters who were wearing big smiles and carrying a beautiful bouquet, the traditional floral welcome. They took him to the Bucharest office at 38 Alion Street, the home of an interested man. The office had been moved there in January 1947. Because of the growing Communist threat, however, the brothers retained the office at 38 Basarabia Street as their official address. It had been acquired in July 1945, and it contained an old table and a couch, a broken typewriter, and a cupboard filled with yellowed booklets and magazines​—all of which could be confiscated without loss. Occasionally, a sister worked there.

Brother Rütimann met with Pamfil Albu, president of the legal corporation, and Martin Magyarosi, who had oversight of the work in the country. Both brothers also served as district overseers. Communication had been limited for a number of years, and the Romanian brothers were thrilled to hear about recent developments in Jehovah’s organization, such as the institution of the Theocratic Ministry School in the congregations and Gilead School to train missionaries. Naturally, all were keen to see the former get under way in Romania. In fact, the brothers immediately arranged to have the 90 lessons in the school textbook, Theocratic Aid to Kingdom Publishers, printed in installments in both Romanian and Hungarian.

Brother Rütimann’s main objective, though, was to visit as many congregations and groups as possible to share with them the key talks they would have heard at the convention. Hence, he and Brother Magyarosi, who served as interpreter, embarked on a two-stage tour of the areas where the truth was well established, beginning in Transylvania.

Transylvania and Beyond

As in most places, the publishers in Transylvania made a great effort to attend the special meetings. And they were willing to stay up late because of the tight schedule of the two visitors. For instance, in the village of Vama Buzăului, the program ran from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.​—without a hint of complaint from the 75 in attendance.

“The people have a different concept of time than we have,” Alfred Rütimann later wrote. “They do not mind rising at 2:00 a.m. or 3:00 a.m. for visitors, and they do not think in terms of minutes and rarely in terms of hours! Although they travel on foot​—and sometimes walk long distances barefoot—​they seem to have more time than we do and are less stressed. At first I thought that we were crazy to arrange for a meeting so late at night, but Brother Magyarosi assured me otherwise.”

The next stop was Tirgu-Mures, then a city of 31,000. It too had suffered in the war, and hardly a bridge remained. Still, 700 brothers from 25 congregations traveled up to 30 miles [50 km] each way to the meeting place​—a clearing in the forest near the city.

The brothers also went to Cluj-Napoca, where 300 gathered, representing 48 congregations. While in the city, Brother Magyarosi showed Brother Rütimann the printery that had been lost in 1928 because of Jacob Sima. What had happened to him? “He died last year,” Brother Rütimann wrote in his report. “He had become a drunkard.”

Among the next stops were Satu-Mare and Sighet Marmaţiei, near Ukraine. The region had over 40 Romanian-, Hungarian-, and Ukrainian-language congregations. The local farmers and villagers had little need for the outside world. They grew all their own food crops as well as flax and hemp and raised their own animals, especially sheep. They also made their own garments and blankets and processed their own leather. The village cobbler made their shoes. Many of the brothers and sisters attended the special meetings dressed in their homemade, traditional costumes of embroidered linen and hemp.

For the second stage of their tour, Brothers Rütimann and Magyarosi went to Moldavia, in Romania’s northeast. Their first stop was the commune of Frătăuţii, where the local brothers, although poor, were outstandingly hospitable. In the subdued light of oil lamps, they fed their visitors fresh milk, bread, polenta, and peeled boiled eggs partly immersed in melted butter. Everybody ate from small bowls. “This food was very good,” wrote Brother Rütimann. That night the visiting brothers slept in the kitchen on beds placed near the oven for warmth. Their hosts slept nearby on sacks of straw.

The Witnesses in this region were zealous in the ministry and enjoyed Jehovah’s rich blessing, as the record shows. In the spring of 1945, there had been 33 publishers in that area. Now, in 1947, there were 350​—a tenfold increase in two years!

Adding a truly rural touch to their trip, the brothers took a cart drawn by two horses for the next 74 miles [120 km] to Bălcăuţi and Ivăncăuţi. “The small but excellent Romanian horses can go on any road, however bad it might be, and at any time, day or night,” wrote a brother. Formed in 1945, the Bălcăuţi Congregation consisted of publishers who had belonged to an evangelical church. The congregation servant had been their lay preacher. The meeting at Ivăncăuţi was held inside a brother’s home on account of the rain. But that was a minor inconvenience for the 170 in attendance, some of whom had walked 20 miles [30 km] barefoot to get there.

In the final tally, the two brothers spoke at 19 locations to a total of 4,504 publishers and interested ones from 259 congregations. On his way back to Switzerland, Alfred Rütimann also gave talks in Orăştie and Arad, where a number of brothers walked 40 to 50 miles [60-80 km] to the meeting place. In fact, one 60-year-old farmer walked 65 miles [100 km] barefoot, such was his appreciation!

A major milestone in the history of the work in Romania, these special meetings were timely, not just because the brothers needed encouragement but because the spiritual harvest was ripe. Romanians were tired of oppressive rulers and the misery of war, and many were disillusioned with religion. Additionally, the drastic devaluation of the currency, the leu, in August 1947 rendered a lot of people penniless overnight. Hence, many who had opposed the Kingdom message were now willing to listen.

The special meetings were timely for another reason as well​—a new, even more severe storm of persecution was brewing. Fed by atheistic ideology and by ruthless, intolerant leaders, this storm would rage for the better part of four decades!

The Iron Curtain Comes Down On Romania

In November 1946, the year before Alfred Rütimann’s visit, the Communists came to power in Romania. Over the next few years, their party eliminated any remaining opposition and accelerated the process of Sovietization, whereby Romania’s cultural and political institutions were aligned with Soviet models.

Taking full advantage of the calm before the storm, the brothers printed hundreds of thousands of magazines, booklets, and other publications, distributing them to 20 depots throughout the country. At the same time, many increased their activity and some started pioneering, including Mihai Nistor and Vasile Sabadâş.

Mihai was assigned to the northwest and center of Transylvania, where he continued to pioneer even after the Communist ban, under which he was long pursued by the enemy. How did he avoid capture? He relates: “I made up a bag that looked identical to the one used by men who sold windows. Wearing work clothes and carrying window panes and tools, I walked around in the center of the villages and towns where I was assigned to preach. Whenever I saw the police or someone who looked suspicious, I would advertise my windows in a loud voice. Other brothers employed different methods to evade the opposers. It was exciting work but risky​—not just for us pioneers but also for the families who took us into their homes. Still, it brought us great joy to see Bible students progress and the publisher ranks grow.”

Vasile Sabadâş also continued to pioneer despite having to move often. He was particularly helpful in locating and assisting brothers who had been dispersed by the Securitate, the centerpiece of a vast security network of the new Communist regime. “To avoid arrest,” Vasile said, “I had to be cautious and innovative. For example, when traveling to another part of the country, I always sought a valid reason for doing so, such as a medical referral to a therapeutic-bathing resort.

“By avoiding suspicion, I was able to establish lines of communication among the brothers so that they could receive a regular supply of spiritual food. My mottoes were Isaiah 6:8: ‘Here I am! Send me’ and Matthew 6:33: ‘Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom.’ These verses gave me joy and strength to persevere.” Vasile needed these qualities, for despite being cautious he, like many others, would eventually be arrested.

Violent Attacks Against God’s Organization

By 1948 correspondence with world headquarters became very difficult, so the brothers often resorted to writing encoded messages on postcards. In May 1949, Martin Magyarosi forwarded a message from Petre Ranca, a coworker in the Bucharest office. He said: “All in the family are well. We had a very strong wind and severe cold, and we were not able to work in the field.” Later, another brother wrote that “the family is not in a position to receive any sweets” and that “many are ill.” He meant that it was not possible to send spiritual food into Romania and that many brothers were in prison.

Following a decision issued by the Justice Ministry on August 8, 1949, the Bucharest office and living quarters were closed, and all the equipment, including personal belongings, was seized. In the ensuing years, hundreds of brothers were arrested and sentenced. Under Fascist rule, Jehovah’s Witnesses had been accused of being Communists; but when the Communists came to power, the brothers were labeled “imperialists” and “American propagandists.”

Spies and informers lurked everywhere. The measures taken by the Communists, said the 1953 Yearbook, “have become so severe now that anyone receiving mail in Romania from the West is put on the black list and is watched carefully.” The report continues: “It is almost impossible to imagine the terror that exists there. Even the members of families are unable to put confidence in other members of their own household. Freedom is absolutely gone.”

Early in 1950, Pamfil and Elena Albu, Petre Ranca, Martin Magyarosi, and many others were arrested and falsely accused of spying for the West. Some were tortured so that they would reveal confidential details and confess to their “spying.” Their only confession, however, was that they worshipped Jehovah and served the interests of his Kingdom. After these ordeals, some brothers went to prison, others to labor camps. How did this wave of persecution affect the work? That very year​—1950—​Romania saw an 8 percent increase in publishers. What a testimony to the power of God’s spirit!

Brother Magyarosi, then in his late 60’s, was sent to the Gherla prison in Transylvania, where he died at the end of 1951. “Many and great have been his sufferings for the sake of the truth,” said a report, “especially since his arrest in January 1950. Now these sufferings have come to an end.” Yes, for approximately 20 years, Martin endured vicious attacks by the clergy, the Fascists, and the Communists. His example of integrity calls to mind the words of the apostle Paul: “I have fought the fine fight, I have run the course to the finish, I have observed the faith.” (2 Tim. 4:7) Though not imprisoned, his wife, Maria, also set a fine example of endurance under adversity. One brother described her as “an intelligent sister, fully devoted to the Lord’s work.” After Martin’s arrest, Maria was cared for by relatives, including her adopted daughter, Mărioara, who spent time in prison herself and was released in the autumn of 1955.

“Jehovah’s Witnesses Are a Fine Class of People”

In 1955 the government granted an amnesty, and most brothers were set free. But their freedom was short-lived. From 1957 to 1964, Jehovah’s Witnesses were again hounded and arrested and some were given life sentences. The imprisoned brothers, however, did not give in to despair but encouraged one another to stand firm. Indeed, they became well-known for their principles and integrity. “Jehovah’s Witnesses are a fine class of people, and they would not give in and renounce their religion,” reminisced a political prisoner. He added that in the place where he was held, the Witnesses were “the most liked prisoners.”

Another amnesty was announced in 1964. But it too was short-lived, for more mass arrests occurred between 1968 and 1974. “Because we spread the Gospel,” wrote one brother, “we have been tortured and taunted. We implore you to remember our imprisoned brothers in your prayers. We know that all of this is a test that we have to endure. We shall go on courageously preaching the good news as foretold at Matthew 24:14. But once again we urge you with all our heart, don’t forget us!” As we shall see, Jehovah heard the earnest, tearful prayers of his loyal ones and comforted them in various ways.

Satan Sows Seeds of Mistrust

The Devil attacks God’s servants not only from the outside but also from the inside. For instance, some brothers who were released in 1955 and who had held positions of oversight prior to their arrest were not restored to their former office. In response, they grew resentful and sowed seeds of discord. How sad that after standing firm in prison, they caved in to pride when set free! At least one prominent brother, in order to avoid punishment, even went so far as to cooperate with the Securitate, causing much harm to the faithful and to the preaching work.​—Matt. 24:10.

God’s people also had to deal with differences in viewpoints in matters of conscience. For example, after being arrested, brothers were often allowed to choose between going to prison or working in the salt mines. Some viewed those who chose the latter as having compromised Bible principles. Others held that sisters should not wear cosmetics and that it was improper to go to a cinema or a theater or even to own a radio.

But on the positive side, the brothers in general never lost sight of the big issue​—the need to remain loyal to God. This was evident when the 1958 service year report showed that 5,288 shared in the field service​—over 1,000 more than in the preceding year! Also, 8,549 attended the Memorial, and 395 were baptized.

Another test began in 1962 after The Watchtower explained that “the superior authorities” mentioned at Romans 13:1 were human governmental authorities, not Jehovah God and Jesus Christ as previously thought. Having suffered much at the hands of brutal rulers, many brothers in Romania found the new understanding hard to accept. In fact, some sincerely thought that it was a shrewd Communist fabrication intended to make them totally subservient to the State, contrary to the principle set out at Matthew 22:21.

One brother spoke with a fellow Witness who had been to Berlin, Rome, and other cities. “This traveler,” he recalls, “confirmed that the new understanding was, not a Communist trick, but spiritual food from the slave class. Even so, I still hesitated. So I asked our district overseer what we should do now.”

He replied: “Just press on with the work​—that is what we should do!”

“That was excellent advice, and I am pleased to say that I am still ‘pressing on’ today.”

Despite the major obstacles to communication, world headquarters and the branch overseeing the work in Romania made every effort to keep the brothers abreast of revealed truth and to help them work together as a united spiritual family. To that end, they wrote letters and prepared appropriate articles for the Kingdom Ministry.

How did this spiritual food reach Jehovah’s people? Every member of the Country Committee had secret connections with the traveling overseers and congregation elders. These connections were maintained by trusted couriers, who also carried letters and reports to and from the office in Switzerland. Hence, the brothers were able to get at least some spiritual food and theocratic direction.

Loyal brothers and sisters also worked hard to foster a spirit of harmony within their own congregations and groups. One such person was Iosif Jucan, who would often say: “We cannot hope to be saved at Armageddon unless we continue to take in regular spiritual food and keep in close contact with ‘Mother.’” He was referring to remaining in touch with the earthly part of Jehovah’s organization. Such brothers were a precious asset to God’s people and a bulwark against those who tried to disrupt their unity.

Tactics of the Enemy

In their attempts to weaken the faith of Jehovah’s servants or to bully them into submission, the Communists employed spies, traitors, torture, lying propaganda, and the threat of death. Spies and informers included neighbors, work colleagues, apostates, family members, and Securitate agents. The latter even infiltrated congregations by feigning interest in the truth and learning theocratic terms. These “false brothers” did much harm and caused many arrests. One of them, Savu Gabor, even held a responsible position. He was exposed in 1969.​—Gal. 2:4.

Government agents also spied on individuals and families by means of hidden microphones. Says Timotei Lazăr: “While I was in prison because of my Christian neutrality, the Securitate regularly summoned my parents and younger brother to their headquarters where they were interrogated for up to six hours at a time. On one such occasion, they bugged our home. That evening, my brother, an electrician, noticed that the electric meter was rotating abnormally fast. He checked around and discovered two eavesdropping devices, which he photographed and took down. The next day Securitate agents came and asked for their toys, as they called them.”

Lying propaganda often came in the form of recycled articles published in other Communist lands. For example, the article “The Jehovist Sect and Its Reactionary Character” was taken from a Russian newspaper. The article accused Jehovah’s Witnesses of having “the character of a typical political organization” whose goal “is to perform an undermining activity in Socialist countries.” It also urged readers to report anyone promoting the teachings of the Witnesses. To thinking people, however, this political howling was an indirect admission of failure on the part of the opposers, for it announced to all that Jehovah’s Witnesses were still very much alive and far from silent.

When Securitate agents captured a brother or a sister, their cruelty, expertly applied, knew no bounds. In order to get their victims to talk, they even employed chemical substances that affected the mind and nervous system. Samoilă Bărăian, a target of such abuse, relates: “After they started their interrogations, they made me take drugs, which were more harmful than the beatings. Soon I noticed that something was not right with me. I could no longer walk straight and was unable to climb stairs. Then I developed chronic insomnia. I could not concentrate and spoke haltingly.

“My physical condition continued to deteriorate. After a month or so, I lost my sense of taste. My digestive system broke down, and I had the feeling that all my joints were coming undone. I was in terrible pain. My feet perspired so heavily that my shoes fell apart in two months, and I had to discard them. ‘Why do you keep on lying?’ my interrogator would yell. ‘Can’t you see what you’ve become?’ I wanted to explode in rage and needed great self-control.” In time, Brother Bărăian recovered fully from this ordeal.

The Securitate also employed mental torture, as Alexa Boiciuc recalls: “The hardest night for me was when they woke me up and took me to a hall where I could hear a brother being beaten. Later I heard a sister crying, and then I heard my mother’s voice. I preferred to be beaten myself than to endure these things.”

Brothers were told that they would be pardoned if they divulged the names of other Witnesses as well as meeting times and locations. Wives were encouraged to leave their imprisoned husbands so that their children would have a better future.

Because their property had been taken over by the State, many brothers were forced to work on collective farms. The work was not so bad, but the men had to attend political meetings, which were held often. Those who stayed away were ridiculed, and their pay was reduced to almost nothing. Naturally, this situation created hardships for Jehovah’s Witnesses, who would not participate in any political meetings or activities.

When raiding the homes of the Witnesses, government agents also seized personal belongings, especially things that could be sold. And in the middle of winter, they often wrecked stoves, the only source of heat in the homes. Why this cruelty? Because stoves, they said, were good places to hide literature. Nevertheless, the brothers would not be silenced. Even those who endured the abuses and privations of labor camps and prisons, as we shall now see, continued to bear witness to Jehovah and to comfort one another.

Praising Jehovah in Camps and Prisons

In addition to prisons, Romania had three large labor camps. One was in the Danube Delta, another was on the Great Island of Braila, and the third was on the canal linking the Danube with the Black Sea. From the beginning of the Communist era, imprisoned Witnesses often found themselves alongside former persecutors, who were arrested because of their links to the former regime. One brother, a circuit overseer, found himself in the company of 20 priests! To be sure, such a captive audience made for many interesting discussions.

For example, a brother in one prison had an extended conversation with a professor of theology who had formerly examined candidates for the priesthood. The brother soon discovered that the professor knew next to nothing about the Bible. Among the inmates listening in was an army general of the deposed regime.

“How is it,” the general asked the professor, “that simple craftsmen know the Bible better than you do?”

The professor replied: “At theological seminaries we are taught church tradition and related matters, not the Bible.”

The general was not impressed. “We trusted in your knowledge,” he said, “but now I see that we have been woefully misled.”

In time, a number of prisoners came to an accurate knowledge of the truth and dedicated their lives to Jehovah, including one man serving 75 years for robbery. In fact, this individual underwent such a remarkable change in personality that he caught the attention of the prison authorities. They, in turn, gave him a new job​—one that would not normally be given to a person incarcerated for robbery. He would go to town unescorted and purchase items for the prison!

Nevertheless, life in confinement was harsh, and food was scarce. Prisoners even asked that their potatoes not be peeled so that they could have a little more to eat. They also ate beets, grass, leaves, and other plants, just to feel full. In time, a number died from malnutrition, and all suffered from dysentery.

During summer the brothers in the Danube Delta shoveled and moved earth for the dam under construction. In winter they cut water reeds while standing on ice. They slept in an old, iron ferryboat, where they endured cold, filth, lice, and heartless guards who remained impassive even when a prisoner died. Yet, no matter what their circumstances, the brothers encouraged and helped one another to remain spiritually strong. Consider the experience of Dionisie Vârciu.

Just before Dionisie’s release, an officer asked him: “Has confinement succeeded in changing your faith, Vârciu?”

“Pardon me,” Dionisie replied, “but would you change a high-quality suit for one of lesser quality?”

“No,” said the officer.

“Well,” continued Dionisie, “during my confinement, no one has offered me anything superior to my faith. So why would I change it?”

At that, the officer shook Dionisie’s hand and said: “You are free, Vârciu. Keep your faith.”

Brothers and sisters like Dionisie were not superhuman. Their courage and spiritual strength came from faith in Jehovah, which faith they kept alive in amazing ways.​—Prov. 3:5, 6; Phil. 4:13.

Studying From Memory

“My time in prison was a period of theocratic training,” reflects András Molnos. Why could he say that? Because he saw the value of assembling with his brothers every week to study God’s Word. “Often,” says András, “the information was not on paper but in minds. Brothers would recall Watchtower articles they had studied prior to their imprisonment. A few brothers could even remember the contents of an entire magazine​—including the questions in the study articles!” In some cases, this exceptional recall could be attributed to the work of hand copying spiritual food, which some inmates had done prior to their arrest.​—See the box “Duplication Methods,” on pages 132-3.

When planning Christian meetings, responsible brothers announced the subject to be considered, and each inmate tried to recall all that he could on that topic, from Scripture texts to points gleaned from Christian Bible study aids. Finally, everyone met to discuss the material. At the meeting they selected a conductor who, after the opening prayer, led the discussion by asking appropriate questions. When everyone else had commented, he presented his thoughts and then moved on to the next point.

In some prisons, discussion groups were forbidden. But the brothers’ ingenuity knew no bounds. Recalls one brother: “We used to take the bathroom window out of its frame and paint the glass with a mixture of moist soap and lime that we had scraped off the wall. When dry, this instrument became a workable writing tablet, enabling us to inscribe the lesson for the day. One brother quietly dictated the words while another wrote them on the tablet.

“We were divided into several prison cells, which became study groups. Each lesson was passed from brother to brother within the cell. Because only one cell had the tablet, the brothers in the other cells received the information by Morse code. How so? As quietly as possible, one of us would tap out the article on the wall or on the heating pipes. At the same time, the brothers in the other cells would hold their cups against the wall or the pipe, and each one would put his ear to his cup, which served as a listening device. Naturally, those who did not know Morse code had to learn it.”

In some prisons, the brothers were able to receive fresh spiritual food from the outside by means of equally ingenious and resourceful sisters. For instance, when baking bread, sisters would hide literature inside the dough. The brothers dubbed this food bread from heaven. Sisters even got portions of the Bible into the prisons by folding pages into tiny blocks, inserting these into small plastic balls, and then smothering the balls with moist chocolate and cocoa powder.

The unpleasant thing about this arrangement, however, was that the brothers had to do their reading in the restroom, the only place they could be alone for a few minutes unsupervised by guards. When a brother finished his turn, he would hide the printed matter behind the water reservoir. Non-Witness inmates also knew about this hiding place, and many would enjoy a quiet period of reading as well.

Women and Children Maintain Integrity

Siblings Viorica and Aurica Filip were persecuted by family members, as were many other Witnesses. The girls had seven brothers and one sister. Viorica recounts: “Because of her desire to serve Jehovah, Aurica had to quit the university in Cluj-Napoca in 1973, and she was baptized soon thereafter. Her sincerity and zeal piqued my interest, and I began to look into God’s Word. When I learned about God’s promise of everlasting life in an earthly paradise, I thought, ‘What could be better than that?’ As I progressed in my study, I took to heart the Bible principles relating to Christian neutrality and refused to become a member of the Communist Party.”

Viorica continues: “In 1975, I dedicated my life to Jehovah. I had also moved away from home and was living with a relative in the city of Sighet Marmaţiei, where I worked as a schoolteacher. Because I chose to stay out of politics, the school authorities informed me that I would be dismissed at the end of the school year. Trying to prevent that, my family began to persecute both me and my sister.”

Even school children were subjected to intimidation, some by the Securitate. Besides suffering physical and verbal abuse, many were expelled from one school and had to enroll in another. Others were denied further education altogether. Agents even tried to recruit children to serve as spies!

Daniela Măluţan, who now serves as a pioneer, recalls: “I was often humiliated before my classmates because I refused to join the Union of Communist Youth, which was a tool for the political indoctrination of youth. When I started in the ninth grade, Securitate agents caused me many hardships, as did teachers and other staff members who were informers. From 1980 to 1982, I was interrogated in the principal’s office every second Wednesday with few exceptions. The principal, incidentally, was not permitted to stay for these sessions. The interrogator, a colonel in the Securitate, was well-known among the brothers in Bistriţa-Năsăud County for his hatred toward us and for the zeal with which he pursued us. He even came to me equipped with letters that incriminated responsible brothers. His goals were to undermine my trust in the brothers, to cause me to abandon my faith, and to induce me​—a schoolgirl—​to become a spy for the Securitate. He failed on all counts.

“Not all my experiences were bad, however. For example, my history teacher, a party member, wanted to know why I was being interrogated so often. One day he canceled the history lesson and for two hours in front of the whole class asked many questions about my faith. He was impressed with my answers and did not think it right that I was treated so unkindly. After this discussion, he began to respect our views and even accepted literature.

“The school authorities, though, continued to oppose me. In fact, they made me leave school at the end of the tenth grade. Even so, I immediately found employment and have never regretted remaining loyal to Jehovah. Indeed, I thank him that I was raised by Christian parents who held to their integrity despite the abuses they suffered under the Communist regime. Their good example has stayed with me to this day.”

Young Men Put to the Test

In its campaign against Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Securitate especially targeted young brothers for maintaining their Christian neutrality. These were arrested, imprisoned, released, arrested again, and sent back to prison. The objective was to undermine their morale. One such brother, József Szabó, received a four-year sentence immediately after his baptism.

After serving for two years, József was set free in 1976 and shortly thereafter met his future wife. “We got engaged and fixed the date for our wedding,” says József. “Then I received another summons from the Cluj Military Tribunal. I was to appear before them on the very day set for our wedding! Nevertheless, my fiancée and I went ahead and got married, after which I presented myself to the tribunal. Even though I could measure my married life in minutes, the tribunal sentenced me to three more years in prison, every one of which I served. I cannot describe how much that separation hurt.”

Another young Witness, Timotei Lazăr, recalls: “In 1977 my younger brother and I were released from prison. Our older brother, who had been set free a year earlier, came home to celebrate the occasion with us. But he walked right into a trap​—Securitate agents were waiting for him. We had been forcibly separated for two years, seven months, and 15 days, and now our brother was being torn away from us again and sent back to prison for maintaining his Christian neutrality. My younger brother and I stood there heartbroken.”

Observing the Memorial

On Memorial nights, opposers intensified their efforts to hunt down Jehovah’s Witnesses. They raided homes, handed out fines, and made arrests. As a precaution, the brothers met in small groups​—sometimes just families—​to commemorate Jesus’ death.

“On the evening of one Memorial,” relates Teodor Pamfilie, “the local chief of police was drinking with friends until late. When he left to raid the brothers’ homes, he asked a stranger who owned a car to drive him. However, the car would not start. Finally, the engine came to life, and they drove to our house, where a small group of us were observing the Memorial. However, because we had completely covered all the windows, they saw only darkness and assumed that no one was at home. So they drove to another house. But there the Memorial was over, and everyone had gone home.

“Meanwhile, we concluded our program, and the brothers quickly left. Only my fleshly brother and I remained when two policemen barged in, stood in the middle of the room, and barked: ‘What’s going on here?’

“‘Nothing,’ I said. ‘My brother and I were having a conversation.’

“‘We know that a meeting took place here,’ said one of the men. ‘Where are the others?’ Looking at my brother, he added: ‘And what are you doing here?’

“‘I came to see him,’ he replied, gesturing toward me. Frustrated, the officers stormed out. The next day we learned that despite their zeal, the police had failed to make a single arrest!”

World Headquarters Appeals to Romanian Officials

The harsh treatment meted out to Jehovah’s Witnesses moved headquarters to write a four-page letter in March 1970 to the Romanian ambassador to the United States and a six-page letter in June 1971 to Romania’s president, Nicolae Ceauşescu. In their letter to the ambassador, the brothers said that it was “Christian love for our brothers in Romania and our concern for them that has moved us to write to you.” After listing the names of seven individuals who were imprisoned because of their faith, the letter continued: “It has been reported that some of the above-mentioned persons were very cruelly treated in prison. . . . Jehovah’s Witnesses are not criminals. They are not engaged in any form of political or subversive activity anywhere in the world, but they confine their activities strictly to their religious worship.” The letter concluded with an appeal to the government to “grant relief to the suffering Witnesses of Jehovah.”

The letter to President Ceauşescu stated that “Jehovah’s Witnesses in Romania do not enjoy the freedom of religion the Romanian constitution provides” but risk arrest and cruel treatment when they share their beliefs with others and assemble for Bible study. The letter also drew attention to a recent amnesty that resulted in many brothers’ being set free. “It was hoped that a new era would begin also for . . . Jehovah’s Witnesses. But unfortunately this expectation did not come true. The news we get from all over Romania today reveals the same very sad story: Jehovah’s Witnesses are still the object of persecution by the State. Their homes are searched, printed matter is confiscated, men and women are arrested and subject to hearings, some are sentenced to many years of imprisonment, and some are brutally treated. And this because they read and preach Jehovah God’s Word. Such things do not contribute to the good reputation of a State, and we are deeply concerned over what happens to Jehovah’s Witnesses in Romania.”

Two books were enclosed with the letter: The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life in Romanian and Life Everlasting​—In Freedom of the Sons of God in German.

Things began to improve a little for Jehovah’s Witnesses after 1975, when Romania became a signatory to the Helsinki Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. This conference guaranteed human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion. Thereafter, only those who refused military service were arrested and imprisoned.

Then, in 1986 a new constitution stipulated that no one, officials included, may enter a private dwelling without the householder’s consent except in certain legally approved circumstances. Now, at last, the brothers were able to feel more secure holding Christian meetings, including the Memorial, in private homes.

Underground Printing

During the ban, spiritual food was smuggled into Romania as printed matter, stencils, or in some other form and was reproduced locally. Sometimes it had been translated into Romanian and Hungarian, but usually it had to be translated locally from English, French, German, or Italian. Couriers came in many forms, such as foreign tourists visiting the country, students coming to study, and Romanians returning from their travels.

The Securitate tried hard to intercept the couriers and also to find out where the literature was being produced in Romania. Prudently, the brothers operated from several soundproof, private dwellings in a number of towns and cities. Inside these homes, they constructed secret compartments, or rooms, where they set up their duplicating equipment. Some of these rooms were concealed behind fireplaces, which were normally attached to a wall. However, the brothers modified the fireplaces so that they could be moved, allowing access to a hidden entrance.

Sándor Parajdi worked in a secret printery in Tirgu-Mures, where he produced the daily text, Kingdom Ministry, The Watchtower, and Awake! “We worked up to 40 hours on the weekends, taking turns to sleep for one hour,” recalls Sándor. “The smell of chemicals permeated our clothes and skin. On one occasion, when I arrived home, my three-year-old son remarked: ‘Daddy, you smell like the daily text!’”

Traian Chira, a husband and father, duplicated and transported literature in Cluj County. Traian was given an old manual duplicating machine nicknamed The Mill, for which retirement was long overdue. It did the job, but the results would have won no prizes. So Traian asked a brother who was a mechanic to overhaul it. The brother inspected the machine, but his grave expression said it all​—the old Mill was beyond repair. Then his face lit up, and he said: “I can build you a new one!” As it turned out, he did much more. He set up a workshop in a sister’s basement and built his own lathe. Instead of making one duplicator, he manufactured more than ten! These new Mills were sent to different parts of the country and produced good work.

In the 1980’s a number of brothers were taught to operate offset duplicators, which were superior machines. The first to be trained was Nicolae Bentaru, who in turn taught others. As was often the case, literature production at the Bentaru home was a family affair, each member performing certain tasks. Of course, keeping these operations secret was a challenge, especially during the time when the Securitate spied on people and raided homes. Speed was therefore of the essence, so the brothers would work long hours all weekend to get the literature printed and out. Why on the weekend? Because they had their regular jobs during the week.

The brothers also had to be cautious when purchasing paper. Even if a customer requested just one ream​—about 500 sheets—​he had to explain why. Yet, the printeries processed up to 40,000 sheets a month! So the brothers had to be circumspect when dealing with store personnel. And because roadside inspections were common, they also had to be alert when transporting materials.

The Challenge of Translation

A small number of brothers and sisters living in different parts of Romania translated literature into the local languages, including Ukrainian, which was spoken by an ethnic minority in the north. Some translators were language professors who had come into the truth; others had taught themselves a different tongue, perhaps with the aid of a language course.

During the early days, translators did their work by hand in copybooks, which they took to Bistriţa, a city in the north, for proofreading. Once or twice a year, translators and proofreaders would meet to resolve questions concerning their work. When these brothers and sisters were caught, it was not unusual for them to be searched, interrogated, beaten, and arrested. Those who were arrested were detained for a few hours or days, released, and then rearrested​—a process that was repeated many times as a form of intimidation. Others were placed under house arrest or had to appear before the police daily. And not a few were imprisoned, including Dumitru and Doina Cepănaru and Petre Ranca.

Dumitru Cepănaru was a professor of Romanian language and history, and his wife, Doina, was a medical doctor. The Securitate eventually caught up with them, arrested them, and sent them to separate prisons for seven and a half years. Doina spent five of these in solitary confinement. In fact, their names appeared in the aforementioned letter that headquarters wrote to the Romanian ambassador to the United States. During her confinement, Doina wrote 500 letters to her husband as well as to other imprisoned sisters to encourage them.

A year after Dumitru and Doina were arrested, Dumitru’s mother, Sabina Cepănaru, was also arrested, and she spent six years less two months in prison. The only member of the family who remained free, although closely watched by the Securitate, was Sabina’s husband, who was also one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. At great risk to himself, he regularly visited all three of his family members.

In 1938, Petre Ranca was appointed secretary of the office of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Romania. This assignment​—not to mention his work as a translator—​put him high on the Securitate’s wanted list. They caught up with him in 1948, arrested him repeatedly and, in 1950, tried him alongside Martin Magyarosi and Pamfil Albu. Accused of being a member of an Anglo-American spy ring, Petre endured 17 years in some of the harshest prisons in the country​—namely, Aiud, Gherla, and Jilava—​and 3 years under house arrest in Galaţi County. Nonetheless, this faithful brother gave his all in Jehovah’s service right up to the end of his earthly course on August 11, 1991.

The loving labors of such integrity-keepers call to mind the words: “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.

Open-Air Conventions

During the 1980’s, brothers began to meet in larger groups​—even in the thousands—​when the opportunity presented itself, such as at a wedding or a funeral. At weddings, they would erect a large tent at a suitable location in the countryside and decorate it inside with attractive carpets that had Bible images and texts woven into the fabric. Tables and chairs would be arranged for the many “guests,” and a poster showing the enlarged logo of The Watchtower as well as the yeartext would be hung behind the podium. Local publishers usually provided food according to their means. Thus all enjoyed a dual banquet​—physical and spiritual.

The program commenced with the wedding or funeral talk and continued with discourses on various Bible topics. Because speakers were sometimes prevented from arriving on time, other qualified brothers were always ready to fill in, usually with just the aid of the Bible, for there were no copies of prepared outlines.

During the summer, city dwellers flocked to the countryside for recreation. Jehovah’s Witnesses did likewise. However, they took advantage of the opportunity to hold small conventions in the hills and forests. They even put on full-costume Bible dramas.

Another popular vacation spot was the Black Sea, which was also ideal for baptisms. How did the brothers immerse new ones without drawing attention to themselves? One way was by playing a “game.” The candidates and some baptized publishers would form a circle in the water and throw a ball to one another. The speaker stood in the middle and gave the talk, after which the candidates were immersed​—discreetly, of course.

A Hall for Apiculturists

In 1980, the brothers in the town of Negreşti-Oaş, in the northwest of Romania, thought of an ingenious way to get legal approval to build a Kingdom Hall. In those days the State promoted apiculture, or beekeeping. So a group of brothers who owned beehives came up with the idea of establishing a local apicultural association, which would give them a legitimate reason to build a place to meet.

After consulting with the elders in their circuit, the brothers registered with the Apiculturists Association of Romania and went to the town hall to present their proposal to build a meeting place. The authorities readily approved the construction of a wooden building 111 feet long by 46 feet wide [34 m x 14 m]. Elated, the apiculturists and their many helpers completed the project in three months. They even received a special thank-you from town officials!

Because the inaugural meeting was to be well attended and would last for several hours, the brothers sought and gained approval to use the hall for a grain-harvest party. Over 3,000 Witnesses from all parts of the country gathered for the occasion. Town officials were amazed that so many turned out to help with the harvest and to “celebrate” afterward.

Of course, the celebration proved to be a spiritually rewarding assembly. And in view of the official purpose of the building, bees were often featured in the program but in a spiritual context. For example, the speakers pointed to the insect’s industriousness, navigational and organizational skills, self-sacrificing courage when protecting its hive, and many other traits.

After this inaugural meeting, the Bee Hall, as it was called, continued to serve the brothers during the remaining years of the ban and for three years after the ban was lifted.

Zone Overseers Help Promote Unity

For decades the Communists did all in their power to sow seeds of doubt and disunity among God’s people and to stifle communication. As mentioned, they had a measure of success. In fact, some divisions persisted even into the 1980’s. The visits of zone overseers helped to correct this problem, as did a changing political climate.

Beginning in the mid-1970’s, Gerrit Lösch, Branch Committee member at the Austria branch but now a member of the Governing Body, visited Romania on a number of occasions. In 1988, Governing Body representatives Theodore Jaracz and Milton Henschel went there twice, taking along Brother Lösch and interpreter Jon Brenca, then a member of the United States Bethel family. After these encouraging visits, thousands of brothers who had kept themselves separate from the main body of Jehovah’s people confidently rejoined the fold.

In the meantime, growing political changes sent tremors through Communist Europe, shaking it to its very foundations and culminating in the collapse of most of these regimes at the end of the 1980’s. In Romania, things came to a head in 1989, when the people revolted against the Communist regime. The party leader, Nicolae Ceauşescu, and his wife were executed on December 25. The following year, a new government was installed.

Freedom at Last!

As always, Jehovah’s Witnesses maintained strict neutrality as Romania’s political landscape changed. Nevertheless, for the 17,000 Witnesses in Romania at the time, the changes brought freedoms that most had only dreamed of. “After 42 long years,” the Country Committee wrote, “we are glad to send a joyful report about the activity in Romania. We are grateful to our loving Father, Jehovah God, who listened to the fervent prayers of millions of brothers and put an end to the merciless persecution.”

On April 9, 1990, the brothers gained legal recognition as the Religious Organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses and immediately organized circuit assemblies throughout the country. More than 44,000 attended these gatherings​—well over double the number of publishers, which had risen to approximately 19,000. Indeed, the field service report showed that from September 1989 to September 1990, Jehovah’s Witnesses saw a 15 percent increase!

At that time, a Country Committee supervised the work under the oversight of the Austria branch. However, in 1995, after a 66-year interval, Romania once again had a branch office.

Sustained Through Economic Hardships

By the 1980’s, Romania’s economy had fallen into decline, and consumer goods were in short supply. Then, when the Communist government was toppled, the economy collapsed with it, leaving the people in dire straits. In response, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Austria, Hungary, and what were then Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia sent over 70 tons of food and clothing to their brothers in Romania, who were even able to share some of those provisions with non-Witness neighbors. “Each time assistance was rendered,” says a report, “the brothers took advantage of the opportunity to give a thorough witness.”

Besides material provisions, the brothers received spiritual food by the truckload. This abundance brought tears to the eyes of many, for these people were used to having perhaps one Watchtower for an entire group. What is more, as of the January 1, 1991, issue, The Watchtower in Romanian was published simultaneously with the English edition and in full color! These changes resulted in a sharp increase in placements in the territory.

From Discussion Groups to Regular Meetings

During the era of persecution, the brothers could not conduct certain meetings, such as the Theocratic Ministry School, in the normal manner. Instead, they met in small groups, read the information, and then discussed it. Usually they had just a few copies, or only one, of the material being considered.

“The Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook was printed in Romanian in 1992,” says Jon Brenca, now a member of the Romania Branch Committee. “Before that, a small number of brothers had a locally printed version of the book. In 1991 we began to train elders how to conduct the Theocratic Ministry School and give counsel. Often, though, the elders hesitated to offer counsel, which was given from the platform in those days. ‘The brothers will get upset if we counsel them in front of others,’ some said.”

There were also some misunderstandings. For instance, when a Ministerial Training School graduate visited a congregation in 1993, an elder approached him with a copy of the school schedule that mentioned that larger congregations could have a second school. Thinking that this provision was for more advanced students, the elder asked: “I wonder when we will be able to start giving talks in that school? We have qualified brothers who could advance to a higher level.” The visitor kindly clarified the matter.

“Circuit assemblies did much to educate the brothers,” explains Brother Brenca, “for they include a model Theocratic Ministry School conducted by the district overseer. Still, it took a few years for everyone to adjust fully to the arrangement.”

The Pioneer Service School commenced in Romania in 1993 and has helped thousands of pioneers to make spiritual advancement and to be more effective in the ministry. To be sure, pioneering is a challenge in Romania because it is almost impossible to obtain part-time work. Nevertheless, in 2004, over 3,500 brothers and sisters shared in some form of the pioneer service.

Help for Traveling Overseers

Brothers Roberto Franceschetti and Andrea Fabbi were assigned from the Italy branch to Romania in 1990. Their objective was to help reorganize the work. “At the time, I was 57 years old,” explains Brother Franceschetti. “Because of the economic conditions in Romania at the time, the new assignment was not easy for my wife, Imelda, and me.

“When we arrived in Bucharest on December 7, 1990, at 7:00 p.m., the temperature was 10 degrees Fahrenheit [−12°C], and the city was blanketed in snow. We met some brothers in the city center and inquired about a bed for the night. ‘We don’t know yet,’ they said. However, a young lady whose mother and grandmother were Witnesses overheard our conversation and immediately invited us to her home. We stayed there for a few weeks until we found a suitable apartment in the city. The local brothers also gave us emotional support and encouragement, which helped us to adjust to our assignment.”

A graduate of the 43rd class of Gilead in 1967, Roberto, along with his wife, spent nearly nine years in Romania, generously helping the brothers to benefit from their decades of experience in Jehovah’s service. “In January 1991,” continues Roberto, “the Country Committee arranged a meeting with all the traveling overseers​—42 brothers. Most served small circuits of six or seven congregations each. Their routine had been to serve each congregation over two consecutive weekends, usually without their wives. In those days, circuit overseers had to hold down a normal job to support their families and to avoid arousing the suspicion of the authorities. But now these brothers could follow the same schedule as their counterparts in other lands by serving congregations from Tuesday through Sunday.

“After explaining this arrangement, I said to all 42 brothers, ‘If you are willing to continue to serve as traveling overseers, please raise your hand.’ Not one hand went up! Thus, in a matter of minutes, we lost all the traveling overseers in the country! After giving the matter further prayerful thought, however, some changed their mind. Additional help arrived in the form of Ministerial Training School graduates from Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and the United States.”

Jon Brenca, an ethnic Romanian, transferred to Romania from Brooklyn Bethel, where he had served for ten years. At first, Jon served as a circuit and a district overseer. He recalls: “In June 1991, as district overseer, I began working with the circuit overseers who were willing to serve full-time under the new arrangement. I soon found that they were not the only ones who had to make big changes in their thinking​—congregations had ‘teething’ problems too. ‘It will be impossible for the publishers to support the field service on a daily basis,’ said some elders. Still, everybody pulled together and made the adjustment.”

The Kingdom Ministry School and the Ministerial Training School also helped to educate the brothers. During a Kingdom Ministry School in Baia-Mare, an elder wept as he approached one of the instructors. “I have been an elder for many years,” he said, “but only now do I truly understand how shepherding visits should be made. I thank the Governing Body for this wonderful information.”

The brothers had heard about the Ministerial Training School, but the thought of having one in their own country seemed just a dream. So you can imagine their excitement when that dream became a reality in 1999 when the first class was held! Since then, eight more classes have been held, and these have included Romanian-speaking brothers from neighboring Moldova and Ukraine.

“I Have Found the Truth!”

While many people now receive a regular witness, some seven million​—a third of the population—​live in unassigned territory. And a number of regions have never heard the good news, so the harvest is still great! (Matt. 9:37) Regular and special pioneers and congregation elders have responded to this need by moving into unassigned areas. As a result, more groups have been formed and congregations established. Additionally, the branch has invited congregations to participate in special campaigns to serve in unassigned territories. As in other lands, these campaigns have been very fruitful.

In one remote village, an 83-year-old woman received a copy of The Watchtower from one of her daughters, who had found it in a trash can in Bucharest. The elderly lady not only read the magazine but looked up every scripture in her Bible​—which, incidentally, contained the divine name. The next time she spoke to her daughter, she exclaimed, “My dear, I have found the truth!”

She also spoke to her village priest and asked him why he had not told the people God’s name. The priest did not answer but asked to borrow the Bible and the magazine in order to examine them. The woman respectfully obliged, and that was the last she saw of her Bible and Watchtower. Later, when Jehovah’s Witnesses came to her village to preach, she invited them in, began to study God’s Word with the aid of the Knowledge book, and made excellent progress. Today, she and her daughters are all in the truth.

Free to Assemble at Last!

Jehovah’s Witnesses in Romania were overjoyed when in 1990 they gathered for the “Pure Language” District Conventions. For many, this was the first time they had ever attended a convention. The host cities were Brasov and Cluj-Napoca. Two weeks earlier, a delegation of over 2,000 attended a Romanian-language convention in Budapest, Hungary. Even though the conventions in Romania were just one day long, the brothers were thrilled to hear two representatives of the Governing Body speak, Milton Henschel and Theodore Jaracz. Over 36,000 attended, and 1,445 were baptized​—about 8 percent of the publishers!

In 1996, Bucharest was scheduled to host one of the “Messengers of Godly Peace” International Conventions. However, the Orthodox clergy did all they could to stop the convention. They and their minions pasted hateful posters all over the city​—on church property, buildings, passageways, and walls. “Orthodoxy or death,” said one, while another read: “We will ask the authorities to cancel this convention. COME SO THAT WE MAY DEFEND OUR FOREFATHERS’ FAITH. May God help us!”

Under the circumstances, city officials had second thoughts and would not allow the convention to be held in Bucharest. Nevertheless, the brothers managed to secure sites in Brasov and Cluj-Napoca from July 19 to 21, and they were also able to organize much smaller conventions in Bucharest and Baia-Mare for those unable to travel to the other conventions.

News reporters were impressed that the brothers were able to remain calm and reorganize things on such short notice. Hence, despite the rantings of the clergy, the media coverage on the day before the convention was positive. But even the earlier negative reports did some good in that they brought Jehovah’s name to the fore. “In three weeks,” said a brother in Bucharest, “we got publicity equivalent to years of witnessing throughout the country. What the Romanian Orthodox Church thought would hinder us actually turned out to be for the advancement of the good news.” A total of 40,206 attended the conventions, and 1,679 were baptized.

At the “Doers of God’s Word” District Conventions, held in the year 2000, the brothers were thrilled to receive the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures in Romanian. Said one appreciative young brother: “I drew even closer to Jehovah as I read his name in my personal copy of this translation. I thank Jehovah and his organization from the bottom of my heart.”

From Bee Hall to Assembly Hall

With the exception of the Bee Hall, mentioned earlier, there were no Kingdom Halls built during the Communist era. So when the ban was lifted, the need for Kingdom Halls was almost overwhelming. However, thanks largely to the Kingdom Hall Fund arrangement, in recent years the brothers have been able to complete, on average, one Kingdom Hall every ten days! Simple, functional buildings, they are made from standard designs and with materials that are easy to obtain. As in other lands, the smooth organization and volunteer spirit manifested during construction, especially on quickly built halls, give an excellent witness to neighbors, business people, and city officials.

In Mureş County, the brothers approached the authorities for a permit to connect electricity to a Kingdom Hall under construction. “Why are you in such a hurry?” asked an official. “Processing your permit will take at least a month, and you won’t have much done by that time.” So the brothers took the matter to the director.

He also asked: “Why the rush? You’ve just laid the foundation, haven’t you?”

“Yes,” replied the brothers, “but that was last week. Now we are working on the roof!” The director got the message and issued the permit the very next day.

The first Assembly Hall in Romania, built in Negreşti-Oaş, has a seating capacity of 2,000 in the main hall and 6,000 in an open-air amphitheater. Brother Lösch was thrilled to be invited to give the dedication talk, which he presented in Romanian. Over 90 congregations from five circuits had helped with the construction. Even before the hall was dedicated, 8,572 attended a district convention held there in July 2003. Understandably, the Assembly Hall was a hot topic in the local Orthodox community. But the comments were not all negative. In fact, even some priests commended the brothers for their volunteer spirit.

No Weapon Will Succeed Against God’s Servants

When Károly Szabó and József Kiss returned to their homeland in 1911, little did they know the extent to which Jehovah would bless the work they were starting. Consider: In the past ten years, approximately 18,500 new ones have been baptized in Romania, bringing the publisher figure to 38,423. And 79,370 attended the Memorial in 2005! To keep up with this growth, a fine new Bethel home was dedicated in 1998 and expanded in the year 2000. A complex of three Kingdom Halls was also built on the property.

The foundation for this remarkable growth, however, was laid during periods of such vicious persecution that many of the details cannot be set down on paper. Hence, all the credit for the increase must go to Jehovah, under whose protective shadow his loyal Witnesses found refuge. (Ps. 91:1, 2) Concerning his faithful servants, Jehovah promised: “Any weapon whatever that will be formed against you will have no success, and any tongue at all that will rise up against you in the judgment you will condemn. This is the hereditary possession of the servants of Jehovah.”​—Isa. 54:17.

In order to retain that priceless “hereditary possession,” Jehovah’s Witnesses in Romania are resolved to honor the tears of all of those who suffered so much for righteousness’ sake by imitating their precious faith.​—Isa. 43:10; Heb. 13:7.

[Box on page 72]

An Overview of Romania

The land: Covering 91,700 square miles [238,000 sq km], Romania is roughly oval in shape and about 450 miles [720 km] from east to west. Clockwise from the north, its neighbors are Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia and Montenegro, and Hungary.

The people: Romania’s 22 million inhabitants include a wide variety of foreign and indigenous groups, such as Romanians, Hungarians, Germans, Jews, Ukrainians, Roma, and others. At least 70 percent of the population is Romanian Orthodox.

The language: Romanian is the official language. It developed from Latin, the tongue of the ancient Romans.

The livelihood: About 40 percent of the workforce is engaged in agriculture, forestry, or fishing; 25 percent in manufacturing, mining, or construction; and 30 percent in service industries.

The food: Crops include corn, potatoes, sugar beets, wheat, and grapes. Livestock is primarily sheep. Other animals include cattle, pigs, and poultry.

The climate: Temperatures and rainfall vary according to region. Overall, the climate is temperate with four distinct seasons.

[Box on page 74]

Romania’s Diverse Regions

A largely rural land, Romania is divided into several historical and diverse regions, including Maramureş, Moldavia, Transylvania, and Dobruja. Maramureş, the northern region, is the only territory never invaded by the Romans. The people live in remote mountain villages and have preserved the culture of their Dacian ancestors. To the east, Moldavia is renowned for its wineries, mineral springs, and 15th-century monasteries. Walachia, the southern region, is home to Romania’s capital and largest city, Bucharest.

Lying in the center of Romania, Transylvania is essentially a plateau entirely surrounded by the great arc of the Carpathian Mountains. Richly endowed with medieval castles, cities, and ruins, Transylvania is the home of the legendary Dracula, portrayed in fiction as a vampire. Dracula’s prototypes were 15th-century Princes Vlad Dracul, or Vlad the Devil, and Vlad Ţepeş, known as Vlad the Impaler because of the way he executed his enemies. Naturally, tours of this region include their many haunts.

Dobruja, which hugs the Black Sea for about 150 miles [250 km], boasts the magnificent Danube Delta. The second longest river in Europe, the Danube forms the southern border of Romania and drains much of the country. Its ecologically diverse, 1,700-square-mile [4,300 sq km] delta is Europe’s largest wetland reserve and is home to over 300 species of birds; to 150 kinds of fish; and to 1,200 varieties of plants, from willow trees to water lilies.

[Box on page 87]

From the Cult of Zamolxis to Romanian Orthodoxy

In the centuries before our Common Era, the people inhabiting the region now known as Romania were the Getae and the Dacians, kindred tribes. Their god, Zamolxis, was apparently a deity of the sky and the dead. Today, nearly all Romanians profess Christianity. How did this change come about?

During Rome’s ascendancy in the Balkan Peninsula, the Geto-Dacian union posed a major threat. In fact, the union’s King Decebalus twice defeated Roman armies. Early in the second century C.E., however, Rome prevailed and made the region a province. Dacia, as it was called, enjoyed great prosperity and attracted droves of Roman colonists. They interbred with the Dacians, taught them Latin, and produced the ancestors of the present-day Romanians.

Settlers as well as merchants and tradespeople brought nominal Christianity to the region. In the year 332 C.E., Christendom’s influence increased when Emperor Constantine made a peace treaty with the Goths, a confederation of Germanic tribes that lived north of the Danube.

After the great schism of 1054, when the Eastern Church broke away from the Roman Church, the region fell under the sway of the Eastern Orthodox Church, parent to the Romanian Orthodox Church. By the late 20th century, the latter had a membership of over 16 million, making it the largest independent Orthodox Church in the Balkans.

[Box/​Picture on page 98-100]

We Sang as Bombs Rained Down

Teodor Miron

Born: 1909

Baptized: 1943

Profile: Learned Bible truth in prison. Spent 14 years in Nazi concentration camps and Communist work camps and prisons.

On September 1, 1944, as German troops retreated, I was one of 152 brothers who, along with other prisoners, were being taken from the concentration camp at Bor, Serbia, to Germany. On some days we had nothing to eat. When we did get a few scraps​—beets lying on the roadside next to fields, for example—​we shared everything equally. When someone was too weak to walk, the strong would trundle him along in a wheelbarrow.

Eventually, we reached a railway station, rested for about four hours, and then unloaded two roofless freight cars to make room for ourselves. It was standing room only, and we had no warm clothes​—just a blanket each, which we draped over our heads when it started to rain. We traveled like that all night. At 10:00 a.m. the following day, as we reached a village, two planes bombed our locomotive and brought the train to a halt. None of us were killed, even though our cars were immediately behind the locomotive. Despite this incident, another locomotive was hooked up to our car, and we continued on our way.

While stopped for two hours at a station about 60 miles [100 km] farther on, we saw some men and women carrying baskets of potatoes. ‘Potato sellers,’ we thought. But we were wrong. They were our spiritual brothers and sisters who had heard about us and knew that we would be hungry. They gave each of us three large, boiled potatoes, a piece of bread, and a little salt. This ‘manna from heaven’ sustained us for another 48 hours until we reached Szombathely, Hungary, early in December.

We stayed in Szombathely for the winter, surviving largely on corn lying under the snow. During March and April 1945, this beautiful town was bombed, and the streets were littered with mangled bodies. Many people were trapped under rubble, and sometimes we could hear their cries for help. Armed with spades and other implements, we were able to dig some of them out.

Bombs hit the buildings near the one in which we were staying, but not our building. Whenever the air-raid sirens sounded, everybody dashed for cover, terrified. At first, we ran too, but soon we saw that running was pointless, for there were no proper shelters. So we just stayed where we were and tried to remain calm. Before long, the guards stayed with us. Our God, they said, might protect them too! On April 1, our last night in Szombathely, bombs rained down as never before. Even so, we stayed in our building, praising Jehovah in song and thanking him for our calmness of heart.​—Phil. 4:6, 7.

The next day we were ordered to leave for Germany. We had two horse-drawn carriages, so we rode and walked for about 60 miles [100 km] until we reached a forest 8 miles [13 km] from the Russian front. We stayed overnight on the property of a rich landlord, and the following day our guards set us free. Thankful to Jehovah that he had sustained us both physically and spiritually, we said tearful good-byes and headed for home​—some on foot, others by train.

[Box on page 107]

Christian Love in Action

In 1946, the eastern part of Romania was hit by a famine. Although poor, Jehovah’s Witnesses living in parts of Romania that were less affected by World War II and its aftermath donated food, clothing, and money to their needy brothers. For instance, Witnesses who worked in a salt mine in the town of Sighet Marmaţiei, near the border of Ukraine, purchased salt from the mines, sold it in neighboring cities and towns, and used the profits to buy corn. At the same time, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Sweden, Switzerland, the United States, and other lands also helped by donating some five tons of food.

[Box/​Picture on page 124, 125]

We Recalled 1,600 Bible Verses

Dionisie Vârciu

Born: 1926

Baptized: 1948

Profile: Beginning in 1959, he spent just over five years in several prisons and work camps. He died in 2002.

During our imprisonment we were allowed to communicate with our families, and they were permitted to send us a ten-pound [5 kg] gift package each month. Only those who finished their work assignments received their package. We always shared the food equally, which usually meant dividing it into about 30 portions. In one instance, we did this with two apples. True, each portion was small, but it helped to alleviate our hunger.

Even though we had no Bibles or Bible study aids, we maintained our spiritual strength by recalling the things we had learned before our confinement and by sharing these things with one another. Our arrangement was that every morning a brother would call to mind a Bible verse. We then repeated this text in an undertone and meditated on it during our compulsory morning walk, which took 15 to 20 minutes. Back in our cell​—20 of us were packed into a room measuring 7 by 13 feet [2m by 4m]—​we commented on that verse for about 30 minutes. Between us, we were able to recall 1,600 Bible verses. At noon we considered various topics, including some 20 to 30 associated scriptures. Everybody memorized the material.

One brother initially felt that he was too old to memorize many Bible texts. However, he had underestimated his ability. After hearing us repeat the passages out loud about 20 times, he too was able to recall and recite a large number of scriptures, much to his delight!

True, we were physically hungry and weak, but Jehovah kept us spiritually fed and strong. Even after we were released, we had to maintain our spirituality because the Securitate kept harassing us, hoping to break our faith.

[Box on page 132, 133]

Duplication Methods

During the 1950’s, handwritten duplication, often with the help of carbon paper, was the simplest and most convenient method of reproducing Bible study aids. Although slow and tedious, this method did have one particularly useful side benefit​—the copyists memorized much of the material. So when imprisoned, they were able to give much spiritual encouragement to others. The brothers also used typewriters, but these had to be registered with the police and were difficult to obtain.

Mimeographs, or stencil duplicators, came to the fore in the late 1950’s. To make stencils, the brothers mixed glue, gelatin, and wax and then spread the mixture in a thin, even layer on a smooth rectangular surface, preferably glass. Using a special ink that they prepared themselves, they embossed the text onto paper. When the ink dried, they pressed the paper evenly onto the waxy surface, thus obtaining a stencil. These stencils, however, had a short life span, so the brothers constantly had to make new ones. And as with handwritten copies of articles, stencils also presented a security risk​—the writer could be identified by his or her handwriting.

From the 1970’s until the last years of the ban, the brothers built and employed more than ten portable, hand-operated duplicators. They were based on a model from Austria, and they used plasticized-paper printing plates. The brothers dubbed this machine The Mill. Beginning in the late 1970’s, a few sheetfed offset duplicators were obtained, but the brothers were unable to make the plates, so the machines sat idle. Starting in 1985, however, a brother who was a chemical engineer from what was then Czechoslovakia taught the brothers the necessary skills. Thereafter, both the output and the quality were markedly improved.

[Box/​Picture on page 136, 137]

Jehovah Trained Me

Nicolae Bentaru

Born: 1957

Baptized: 1976

Profile: Served as a printer during the Communist era and now serves as a special pioneer with his wife, Veronica.

I started to study the Bible in 1972 in the town of Săcele and was baptized four years later when I was 18 years old. The work was then under ban, and the meetings were held at the group study level. Nevertheless, we received a regular supply of spiritual food, even Bible dramas, which were presented as audio recordings along with color slides.

After my baptism, my first assignment was to operate the slide projector. Two years later, I received the additional privilege of purchasing paper for our local underground printing operation. In 1980, I learned how to print and shared in producing The Watchtower, Awake!, and other publications. We used a mimeograph and another small, manually operated press.

In the meantime, I met Veronica, a fine sister who had demonstrated her faithfulness to Jehovah, and we married. Veronica proved to be a great support to me in my work. In 1981, Otto Kuglitsch from the Austria branch taught me how to operate our very first sheetfed, offset duplicator. We set up a second press in Cluj-Napoca in 1987, and I was assigned to train the operators.

After the ban was lifted in 1990, Veronica and I along with our son, Florin, continued in the work of printing and distributing literature for eight months. Florin helped to collate the printed pages before they were pressed, trimmed, stapled, packed, and shipped. In 2002, all three of us were assigned to pioneer in the town of Mizil, which has a population of 15,000 and is about 50 miles [80 km] north of Bucharest. Veronica and I serve as special pioneers, and Florin, as a regular pioneer.

[Box/​Picture on page 139, 140]

Jehovah Blinded the Enemy

Ana Viusencu

Born: 1951

Baptized: 1965

Profile: From her early teens, she helped her parents duplicate literature. Later, she shared in translating publications into Ukrainian.

One day in 1968, I was hand copying a Watchtower onto paper stencils for duplication. Not thinking, I failed to hide the stencils when I went out to a Christian meeting. As soon as I arrived home at midnight, I heard a car stop. Before I could see who it was, five Securitate agents, armed with a search warrant, entered the house. I was terrified but managed to maintain my composure. At the same time, I implored Jehovah to forgive me for my carelessness, promising that I would never leave work out again.

The officer in charge sat down at the table right next to the papers, which I had hastily covered with a cloth when I heard the car stop. He stayed there until the inspection was finished a few hours later. While writing up his report​—just inches from the stencils—​he tidied up the cloth on a number of occasions. His report stated that the agents had found no banned literature in the house or on any person.

Even so, the men took Father with them to Baia-Mare. Mother and I prayed fervently for him, and we also thanked Jehovah for protecting us that night. Much to our relief, Father came home a few days later.

Not long thereafter, while I was copying some publications by hand, I again heard a car stop outside our house. I switched off the light, peeked through the covered windows, and saw several uniformed men with shiny insignia on their epaulets step out of the car and enter the house across the street. The following night, they were replaced by another team, confirming our suspicions that they were Securitate spies. Nevertheless, we continued our duplicating work but would carry our materials out through the garden at the back of the house to avoid detection.

“The road between us and the enemy,” Father used to say, “is like the pillar of cloud that stood between the Israelites and the Egyptians.” (Ex. 14:19, 20) Through personal experience, I learned just how right Father was!

[Box/​Picture on page 143, 144]

Saved by a Broken Exhaust Pipe

Traian Chira

Born: 1946

Baptized: 1965

Profile: One of the brothers responsible for literature production and transportation during the years of ban.

Early on a summer Sunday, I loaded eight bags of literature into my car. The bags did not all fit into the trunk, so I removed the backseat, put the other bags where the seat had been, draped blankets over them, and tossed a pillow on top. Anyone who looked inside would simply conclude that our family was going to the beach. As an extra precaution, I laid a blanket over the bags in the trunk.

After praying for Jehovah’s blessing, all five of us​—my wife, our two boys and one girl, and I—​headed for Tirgu-Mures and Brasov to deliver the literature. As we drove along, we sang Kingdom songs together. After about 60 miles [100 km], we came across a stretch of road that was riddled with potholes. With all the weight in the car pressing down on the suspension, the exhaust pipe hit something on the road and was ripped apart. I pulled over and put the loose section of pipe in the trunk next to the spare tire but on top of the blanket. Then we roared away, quite literally!

At the town of Luduş, a policeman stopped us to examine our car for roadworthiness. After checking the engine number and testing the horn, windshield wipers, lights, and so on, he asked to see the spare tire. While walking to the back of the car, I leaned over and whispered through the window to my wife and children: “Start praying. Only Jehovah can help us now.”

When I opened the trunk, the policeman immediately spotted the broken exhaust pipe. “What’s this?” he asked. “You will have to pay a fine!” Satisfied that he had discovered a defect, he concluded his inspection. I closed the trunk, heaved a sigh of relief, and was never happier to pay a fine! That was our only close call, and the brothers received their literature.

[Box/​Picture on page 147-149]

An Encounter With the Securitate

Viorica Filip

Born: 1953

Baptized: 1975

Profile: Started full-time service in 1986 and serves as a member of the Bethel family.

When my sister Aurica and I became Jehovah’s Witnesses, we were treated harshly by our family. Hurtful though that was, it strengthened us for our future encounters with the Securitate. I had one such encounter on a December evening in 1988. At the time, I was living with Aurica and her family in the city of Oradea, near the border of Hungary.

I had in my handbag a magazine that I was proofreading when I went to the house of the brother who supervised the translation work. I was unaware that Securitate agents were conducting a search there and questioning the occupants and anyone who visited. Fortunately, when I saw what was happening, I was able to burn the material that I had in my bag without being discovered. After that, agents took me and other Witnesses to the Securitate for further questioning.

All night they interrogated me, and the next day they searched my official place of dwelling, a little house in the nearby village of Uileacu de Munte. I was not living there, but the brothers used the house to store materials for the underground work. Having made this find, the agents took me back to the Securitate and beat me with a rubber cudgel in order to get me to divulge the identity of those who owned or were directly connected with the items found. I implored Jehovah to help me endure the flogging. A feeling of peace came over me, and the pain lasted no more than a few seconds after each stroke. Soon, though, my hands got so swollen that I wondered if I would ever again be able to write. That evening I was released​—penniless, extremely hungry, and exhausted.

With a Securitate agent tailing me, I walked to the main bus terminal. I had not told my interrogators where I was living, so I could not go directly to Aurica’s house for fear of compromising her and her family’s security. Unsure of where to go or what to do, I supplicated Jehovah, telling him that I desperately needed to eat and that I longed to sleep in my own bed. ‘Am I asking too much?’ I thought.

I reached the terminal just as a bus was about to leave. I ran and boarded it, even though I had no money to pay the fare. Coincidentally, it was going to the village where my house was. The Securitate agent also caught up with the bus, asked me where the bus was going, and then hopped off. I deduced from this that another agent would be waiting for me in Uileacu de Munte. To my relief the driver allowed me to stay on the bus. ‘But why am I going to Uileacu de Munte?’ I thought. I did not want to go to my house because I had no food there anyway and not even a bed.

I was still pouring out my concerns to Jehovah when on the outskirts of Oradea, the driver stopped the bus to let a friend off. I seized the opportunity to disembark as well. As the bus drove away, a feeling of happiness swept over me, and I cautiously made my way toward the apartment of a brother whom I knew. I arrived just as his wife was taking goulash​—one of my favorite dishes—​off the stove. The family invited me to stay for dinner.

Later that night when I thought it was safe, I made my way to Aurica’s house and went to sleep in my own bed. Yes, Jehovah gave me the very two things that I had prayed for​—a good meal and my own bed. What a wonderful Father we have!

[Box on page 155]

Young Ones Maintain Their Spiritual Focus

During the era of persecution, young Christians built up a commendable record of integrity, and many risked their freedom for the sake of the good news. Now they face different tests, and sadly, some have let down their guard. But others have maintained their focus. For example, a group of high school students in Câmpia Turzii discuss the daily text together during their morning break. They do this either in the school yard or on the sports field, and other students sometimes join in.

A young sister remarked: “Reviewing the daily text with my friends is a refuge for me, a brief escape from the company of students who do not serve Jehovah. I am also encouraged when I see that I am not alone as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” The headmistress and some teachers have commended these fine young people.

[Box on page 160]

Legally Establishing the Good News

On Thursday, May 22, 2003, Romania’s Ministry of Culture and Religions issued a ministerial ordinance reaffirming that the Religious Organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses, established on April 9, 1990, is a legal entity recognized by the State. Hence, Jehovah’s Witnesses are entitled to all the legal benefits granted to approved religions, such as the right to preach and to build Kingdom Halls. This recognition represents the culmination of many legal battles fought over the years.

[Chart/​Graph on page 80, 81]

ROMANIA​—A TIME LINE

1910

1911: Károly Szabó and József Kiss return from the United States.

1920: Branch office is established in Cluj-Napoca. It oversees the work in Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and the former Yugoslavia.

1924: Branch property, including a printery, is purchased in Cluj-Napoca.

1929: Oversight is transferred to the Germany branch and later to the Central European Office in Switzerland.

1938: Government closes and seals the Romania office, now in Bucharest.

1940

1945: Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Romania is registered.

1946: Some 15,000 attend the first national convention in Bucharest.

1947: In August and September, Alfred Rütimann and Martin Magyarosi tour Romania.

1949: Communist government bans Jehovah’s Witnesses and seizes all branch property.

1970

1973: Oversight is transferred from Switzerland branch to Austria branch.

1988: Governing Body representatives visit Romania.

1989: Communist regime collapses.

1990: Jehovah’s Witnesses gain legal recognition. Assemblies are held.

1991: The Watchtower in Romanian is published simultaneously with the English edition and in full color.

1995: Romania branch office is reestablished in Bucharest.

1999: Romania hosts its first Ministerial Training School.

2000

2000: New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures in Romanian is released.

2004: First Assembly Hall is dedicated, in Negreşti-Oaş.

2005: 38,423 publishers are active in Romania.

[Graph]

(See publication)

Total Publishers

Total Pioneers

40,000

20,000

1910 1940 1970 2000

[Maps on page 73]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

POLAND

SLOVAKIA

HUNGARY

UKRAINE

MOLDOVA

ROMANIA

Satu-Mare

Oradea

Arad

Negreşti-Oaş

Baia-Mare

MARAMUREŞ

Brebi

Bistriţa

Topliţa

Cluj-Napoca

Tirgu-Mures

Ocna Mureş

TRANSYLVANIA

Carpathian Mts.

Frătăuţii

Bălcăuţi

Ivăncăuţi

Prut

MOLDAVIA

Brasov

Săcele

Mizil

BUCHAREST

WALACHIA

Galaţi

Braila

Danube

DOBRUJA

SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO

BULGARIA

MACEDONIA

[Full-page picture on page 66]

[Pictures on page 69]

In 1911, Károly Szabó and József Kiss returned to their homeland to preach the Kingdom message

[Picture on page 70]

Paraschiva Kalmár, seated, with her husband and eight of their children

[Picture on page 71]

Gavrilă Romocea

[Picture on page 71]

Elek and Elisabeth Romocea

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Construction of the new office in Cluj-Napoca, 1924

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As persecution intensified, literature was produced under a variety of titles

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Nicu Palius came from Greece to help with the work

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Listening to a recorded Bible discourse, 1937

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Martin and Maria Magyarosi (front) and Elena and Pamfil Albu

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A circuit assembly in Baia-Mare in 1945

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Poster for the national convention held in 1946

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Mihai Nistor

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Vasile Sabadâş

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Listening device used by the Securitate

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Periprava, a labor camp in the Danube Delta

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The Mill

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Veronica and Nicolae Bentaru in the secret bunker beneath their house

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Doina and Dumitru Cepănaru

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Petre Ranca

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Assemblies held in the 1980’s

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First Pioneer Service School held in Romania, 1993

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Roberto and Imelda Franceschetti

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Thousands attended the 1996 “Messengers of Godly Peace” International Conventions, despite opposition from the clergy

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(1) Complex of seven Kingdom Halls, Tirgu-Mures

(2) Romania branch, Bucharest

(3) Assembly Hall, Negreşti-Oaş

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Branch Committee, clockwise from top left: Daniele Di Nicola, Jon Brenca, Gabriel Negroiu, Dumitru Oul, and Ion Roman

Zambia

Africa is like a vast embroidered garment. From the white sands of the Mediterranean Coast, past the golden Sahara, through the emerald forests, to the windswept, white coastline of the Cape of Good Hope, the continent embraces a tenth of the world’s population. Threading through it are many rivers, such as the Nile, the Niger, the Congo, and the Zambezi. And deep in its folds lie vast reserves of gold, copper, and precious stones.

Where the tropical rain forest of the Congo Basin rises to meet the gently undulating savanna that is the central African plateau, there nestles Zambia. Some have said that this country resembles a huge, lopsided butterfly that settled on a map. Its unusual border, a legacy of the colonial era, marks out an area of more than a quarter of a million square miles [three-quarter million sq km]​—larger than the state of Texas, U.S.A.

To the northeast of the territory now called Zambia lies the Great Rift Valley. To the west and south is the mighty Zambezi River. Until the late 19th century, this land remained remote to foreigners who plundered Africa for gold, ivory, and slaves. In 1855 explorer David Livingstone, the son of a Scottish mill worker, helped to open the eyes of the world to the land beyond “The Smoke That Thunders”​—the imposing wonder that Livingstone later called Victoria Falls in honor of Queen Victoria of England.

Soon came missionaries of Christendom eager to promote “Christianity, commerce, and civilization” in an effort to open up the heart of the continent. Their methods often did little to recommend their ministry. Yet, it would not be long before some came who, with God’s help, would truly recommend themselves as his ministers.​—2 Cor. 6:3-10.

The Early Days

By the year 1890, five missionary societies had established themselves within the territory that is now Zambia. At the turn of the century, beleaguered by the advance of colonial power and commercial enterprise, a growing number of Africans were seeking direction. Exotic and bizarre religious movements were making their appearance across the continent. Genuine spiritual help, however, was at hand. As early as 1911, copies of Studies in the Scriptures found their way into the hands of honesthearted ones in Zambia. The Bible truths found in those books quickly spread north, though not always by means of those sincerely interested in serving God.

In 1910, Charles Taze Russell, who had oversight of the Kingdom-preaching work in those days, sent William W. Johnston, a dependable, sober-minded brother from Glasgow, Scotland, to help the brothers in Nyasaland (now Malawi). Regrettably, a few who had gone before​—both native and foreign—​had distorted Scriptural truths as they sought to promote selfish interests. Indeed, in the years to follow, self-styled preachers and pastors came to Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) promoting a heady mixture of religion, promises of liberation, and unclean practices. While Brother Johnston helped those in Nyasaland, whom he described as “filled with a strong desire for a more intimate acquaintance with God’s Word,” little direct attention was given to territories to the west. Bible-based literature did reach Northern Rhodesia by mail and by means of migratory workers, but the Kingdom-preaching work in those years remained largely unsupervised.

A Period of Uncertainty

The early 1920’s was a period of uncertainty. Indigenous “Watch Tower movements” did much to discredit the true Christian ministry of God’s servants. Wife-swapping and other acts of wrongdoing were reported among some who not only had little understanding of Bible truth but also falsely professed association with the Bible Students, as Jehovah’s Witnesses were then called. Evidently, though, there were many groups whose sincere devotion to Bible principles and zealous preaching bore the hallmark of truth.

The challenge was to identify those who were sincerely interested in serving God. Thomas Walder and George Phillips, both from Britain, arrived in South Africa at the Cape Town office of the Bible Students in 1924. Brother Walder, a man in his early 30’s, traveled through the Rhodesias to establish who were being linked to the name Watch Tower. The following year, William Dawson, from Europe, was assigned to visit developing groups. He noted that some self-appointed pastors were eagerly baptizing large numbers of people, most of whom lacked an understanding of and appreciation for Bible truth. Llewelyn Phillips (not related to George Phillips) later wrote: “It became abundantly clear that the vast majority were like the people of Nineveh who ‘did not know the difference between their right hand and their left.’” (Jonah 4:11) Many were sincere, but the almost complete absence of publications in vernacular languages made it difficult for people to comprehend the truth. Since repeated efforts to gain government approval for permanent oversight of the work had been unsuccessful, the decision was made by the Cape Town office to curtail public preaching and baptisms. Though not discouraging Bible study and meeting together for worship, Brother Walder wrote a letter to groups of interested ones, exhorting them to cooperate with this temporary measure until the appointment of a permanent representative of the Bible Students could be made.

Along the Railway Line

For centuries, local peoples had used surface deposits of copper for tools and decorative purposes. By the mid-1920’s, the British South Africa Company, which not only governed the territory but also controlled mining rights, began to exploit the vast subterranean reserves. Workers were needed, and thousands came from rural areas to newly developing towns and cities along a railway line originally meant to stretch from the Cape to Cairo.

James Luka Mwango recalled: “The establishment of companies, as congregations were then called, was very different from our modern-day organization. Before 1930, meetings for Bible study were limited to small groups. Some interested ones communicated with the Cape Town office, while others sent their requests for literature directly to Brooklyn. Since the literature was in English, it was difficult for many to understand the truth properly.” Though the groups were generally small, they were making progress, and their zeal and determination were being increasingly directed toward organized preaching. This did not escape the notice of the clergy of Christendom.

A Campaign of Suppression

By May 1935, influential religious groups had pressed for an adjustment to the penal code of Northern Rhodesia, making the importation and distribution of so-called seditious literature a serious offense. Of course, those who decide what is seditious or subversive are influenced by their own political or religious persuasion. As events were to show, there was little doubt that opposers were searching for a pretext to ban Jehovah’s Witnesses.

When the announcement of new taxation sparked riots in mining communities, opposers saw this as an opportunity to brand the Witnesses as antigovernment. Earlier in the month, the Witnesses held an assembly in Lusaka. Apparently, opposers claimed that the small assembly was in some way connected with the unrest more than 200 miles [300 km] north. Thomson Kangale, a young man at the time, remembers: “We knew that trouble was brewing. Instead of preaching, we decided to stay indoors and practice Kingdom songs. We knew that we should not become involved in strikes or acts of violence.” Nevertheless, arrests of brothers followed, and in many towns they were hounded from their homes, and their Bible literature was confiscated or destroyed. The governor issued a proclamation banning 20 of our publications.

A commission of inquiry was appointed to investigate the disturbances. The district commissioner in the area primarily affected acknowledged: “Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Watch Tower itself as an organization took no part in the strike.” Not one of Jehovah’s Witnesses was implicated in any rioting. However, the book Christians of the Copperbelt reported: “The Commission of Enquiry . . . accepted many serious allegations on very slender evidence, [and] on the strength of its report the literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses was banned. In a few districts, [tribal] chiefs carried out a vigorous campaign of suppression, burning down the Watchtower meeting enclosures.”

Meanwhile, the Cape Town office repeatedly appealed to the British government’s secretary of state for the colonies that the Witnesses be “permitted to exercise their God-given rights to worship Jehovah God according to the dictates of their own conscience, without interference.” Appeal was also made for a permanent office with a representative. Jehovah blessed these efforts. In March 1936 the secretary of state approved that a depot be established in Lusaka and that Llewelyn Phillips be the representative.

The Four Requirements

The establishment of a depot in Lusaka was a significant victory. However, until acceptable evidence could be presented that more structured oversight of congregations was in operation, the governor withheld approval that Jehovah’s Witnesses be legally recognized as a religious organization. In the years to follow, Brother Phillips vigorously worked with faithful brothers to help and strengthen sincere ones and to exclude those who promoted unscriptural practices. Pioneers received training in doctrinal, moral, and organizational matters, and then they went out to help groups and congregations.

Commenting on this period, one brother said: “The best year for publishers in Zambia was 1940. It was in this year that baptism was again allowed. It had been stopped in 1925.”

“Before he was allowed to be baptized,” recalls James Mwango, “a Bible student now had to study what we called the four requirements. He was then questioned about their meaning by the one baptizing or another brother designated by the company servant. The first requirement was hearing the truth; the second, repentance; the third, learning God’s Word; and the fourth, dedication. When a student properly understood the four requirements, he could be baptized. This procedure was introduced to make sure that those being immersed knew what they were doing.”

Literature Prohibition

Particularly during the second world war, government officials mistook the neutrality of the Witnesses for opposition to the government’s recruiting policy. In December 1940 the list of banned publications was expanded to include all literature published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. The importation of our literature was also banned. The spring of 1941 saw the government issue a notice requiring that those possessing Watch Tower publications surrender them or face prosecution and possible imprisonment.

Solomon Lyambela, who served as a traveling overseer and later attended Gilead School, recalled: “We hid literature in canoes on the Zambezi River. We tied books under beds and even hid them in our stores of mealie meal [corn meal] and millet.”

Another brother said: “We had to bury our books. However, we did not have to hide the Berean Bible, which we greatly valued and was not banned. We lost many books​—termites ate some, and thieves stole others. Because we frequented the places where books were buried, thieves thought that we had buried something of material value. I remember that one day when I went to study in the bush, I found our books scattered about. We collected them and hid them again, in a different place.”

Llewelyn Phillips boldly wrote a complaint to the governor regarding the banned publications. Already having been imprisoned earlier that year for refusing military service, Brother Phillips was sentenced to a further six months. A volunteer who served temporarily at the Lusaka depot said: “We were frequently visited by the Criminal Investigation Department, and Brother Phillips was often called to the police station.” Nevertheless, Brother Phillips continued to promote good order and a zealous spirit among the congregations. As capable brothers became available, they were trained and sent out as traveling ministers, or servants to the brethren. They helped contribute to the peak of 3,409 publishers in 1943.

Steady Progress Toward Greater Freedoms

Following the war, the Britain and South Africa offices of Jehovah’s Witnesses repeatedly appealed to the Colonial Office in London to legalize our publications. Upon receiving a petition signed by more than 40,000 expressing their support for the educational work of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the government removed some items from their list of proscribed publications. However, the Watchtower magazine remained under ban.

In January 1948, Nathan Knorr and Milton Henschel from the headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Brooklyn made their first visit to the country. After attending a four-day assembly in Lusaka, they met with the secretary of native affairs and the attorney general, who told them that soon the remaining restrictions would be lifted. What a joy it was when the work of Jehovah’s people was finally legally recognized! On September 1, 1948, a new branch office was established under the name Jehovah’s Witnesses, not Watch Tower Society. In the minds of the authorities, of the population, and even of the brothers themselves, a distinction could now clearly be made between Jehovah’s Witnesses and adherents to indigenous, unrelated “Watch Tower” sects.

During the preceding 40 years, religious opponents, who showed little interest in making disciples of Christ, directed their efforts toward tearing down the faith of those who listened to the good news. For a time, Jehovah’s Witnesses, who had been misrepresented as “deceivers,” continued to establish themselves as truthful ministers of God. (2 Cor. 6:8) In anticipation of postwar freedoms, they set in motion exciting measures to care for the increase to follow.

Missionary Service

“Among the rewarding features of missionary service is seeing how Jehovah uses all kinds of men and women in fulfilling his purpose. It is also a joy to see the appreciation shown by those who receive spiritual help,” commented Ian (John) Fergusson, who served for many years in Zambia. Missionaries of other religions are often preoccupied with social and economic issues, whereas the missionaries of Jehovah’s Witnesses focus on the work of making Christian disciples. In carrying out this divine commission, these missionaries have provided evidence of having “love free from hypocrisy.”​—2 Cor. 6:6.

The missionary spirit is epitomized by such individuals as William Johnston who, a few years before the outbreak of World War I, came to southern Africa and traveled widely throughout the region. Piet de Jager, Parry Williams, and others had by early 1921 reached Salisbury (now Harare), the capital of Zambia’s neighbor Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). George Phillips, Thomas Walder, and William Dawson gave attention to Northern Rhodesia in the mid-1920’s. Others, some who were born in Northern Rhodesia but had come in contact with the Bible Students while working elsewhere, returned to spread “good news of good things.” (Rom. 10:15) Manasse Nkhoma and Oliver Kabungo had a great share in those early days. Joseph Mulemwa, a native of Zambia, was contacted at the Wankie (now Hwange) mine, in northern Zimbabwe, and he later served faithfully in western Zambia. Fred Kabombo served as the first traveling overseer in that area. These brothers were real pioneers, reaching out to areas where little or no preaching of the good news had been done and laying a solid foundation for future growth.

As the end of the second world war approached, Charles Holliday from South Africa responded to an invitation from George Phillips in the Cape Town office to visit groups of interested ones in the Western Province. Accompanied by a local brother acting as interpreter, Brother Holliday journeyed by timber train, canoe, and ganger’s trolley​—a small hand-powered railway car. On reaching Senanga, a small town some 150 miles [250 km] north of Victoria Falls, they were welcomed by a large crowd. Some of those present had journeyed for several days, keenly interested in listening to this visitor explain Bible truths.

Gilead Missionaries Arrive

In 1948, two missionaries, Harry Arnott and Ian Fergusson, arrived in Zambia. Attention was now given to the thousands of Europeans who had moved there in connection with copper-mining operations. The response was exciting. That year saw a 61 percent increase in the number of Witnesses active in the field ministry.

In many places it was not unusual for the missionaries to have waiting lists of people who wanted Bible studies. The branch office acquired a ten-year-old Dodge panel truck, which was used by two missionary traveling overseers to reach areas beyond the industrial centers. “It served well,” stated one branch report, “although at times it returned to base on three wheels or with half the chassis dragging behind.”

By 1951 there were six missionaries in the country. December 1953 saw six additional missionaries arrive ready to help. Among this group were Valora and John Miles, who served in Zambia for six years before being transferred to Zimbabwe and then to Lesotho. In the years that followed, more missionaries arrived: Joseph Hawryluk, John and Ian Renton, Eugene Kinaschuk, Paul Ondejko, Peter and Vera Palliser, Avis Morgan, and others all contributed their loving efforts. Of course, being effective in their special service involved sacrifices and adjustments.

“He Is Still a Child!”

“I felt sure that there had been a mistake,” says Wayne Johnson, recalling his feelings when he received his assignment to Zambia. A graduate of the 36th class of Gilead, Wayne arrived early in 1962, accompanied by Earl Archibald. Now a traveling minister in Canada, accompanied by his wife, Grace, Wayne reflects: “I was only 24 years old and looked even younger. As I was learning the Chinyanja [also called Chichewa] language, I would hear sisters whisper to one another when they first saw me: ‘akali mwana’​—‘He is still a child!’”

“I realized that I would have to lean heavily on Jehovah and his organization,” says Wayne. “I wanted everyone to know that in the spirit of Acts 16:4, I was merely conveying direction and information prepared by Jehovah and his organization. I also tried to act in a way that others would find acceptable. As I look back, I still marvel that I was given such a great privilege.”

Deported!

The 1960’s and 1970’s were years of change. Periodically, persecution broke out across the country. Following Zambian independence in 1964, the brothers faced increased difficulties in relation to flag-salute and national-anthem issues. Toward the close of the 1960’s, some politicians considered the missionaries’ influence as hostile to the aims of the government. A branch report explains what happened: “Early in the morning on January 20, 1968, telephone calls began to come in from overseers in almost every English-speaking congregation informing the branch office that the overseers had been served with deportation orders. Interestingly, the deportation orders were served not only on expatriate Jehovah’s Witnesses but also on Zambian citizens, two of whom were George Morton and Isaac Chipungu.”

Events moved swiftly. At ten o’clock in the morning that same day, immigration officers came to the branch office to serve notices on five missionary couples. “Before we knew it,” remembers missionary Frank Lewis, “they were on our front step. It was decided that the missionary brothers in the office should leave by the back door and make their way to a brother’s home to set in motion the arrangements that we had made in case of a ban. However, we hesitated to leave the property because a missionary sister was upstairs seriously ill with malaria. But the local brothers insisted that we leave, promising that they would take care of the sister. We knew that they would.

“How strange it seemed when we read in the Times of Zambia that the Watchtower, as they called us, was now banned and that the ‘leaders’ were in hiding. Our names appeared on the front page of the paper, which added that authorities were making a door-to-door search for us in the town! The local brothers who had remained in the office did their job well. They transferred the files and literature to various places. When that was accomplished, we returned to the branch the following day to turn ourselves in.”

A police guard was posted at the branch office, and soon deportation notices were served on selected missionaries and other foreign nationals. “We were among the last to leave,” explained Brother Lewis. “We still get a lump in our throats when we visualize the group of sisters whom we didn’t know personally but who walked 16 miles [25 km] from Kalulushi with their children just to say good-bye in person and to shake our hands!”

A Second Wave of Deportations

Time passed. Albert Musonda, now serving as a member of the Branch Committee in Zambia, was a 22-year-old Bethel volunteer working in the Accounting Department when one day in 1975, the police suddenly arrived. “They gave the missionaries less than two days to leave the country,” he said.

John Jason adds: “In December 1975 a brief letter from the immigration office ordered us to leave the country within 36 hours.” An appeal was lodged through a local lawyer, and an extension was given that allowed the missionaries to collect some of their personal belongings. “After that,” says Brother Jason, “we had to leave a people whom we had come to love very much.”

Albert’s wife, Dailes, recalls: “We escorted our brothers to Southdown Airport to see them off. John Jason flew to Kenya, and Ian Fergusson went to Spain.” What had caused this second wave of deportations?

In the minds of many, the convention of 1975 was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. “It was one of the largest conventions held during that turbulent period, with a total attendance of more than 40,000,” remembers John Jason. Coincidentally, a political gathering was being held nearby. Some there called for strong action against Jehovah’s Witnesses because of their neutrality in political affairs. Brother Jason recalls that the convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses was blamed for the poor attendance at the political gathering.

Missionaries Return

Ten years were to pass before missionaries could again enter Zambia. The 1980’s was a period of greater political stability and of diminishing restrictions. In 1986, Edward Finch and his wife, Linda, arrived from the Gambia. More were to follow, including Alfred and Helen Kyhe and Dietmar and Sabine Schmidt.

In September 1987, Dayrell and Susanne Sharp arrived via South Africa from Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They had graduated from Gilead in 1969 and had served throughout the Congo in the traveling work. They were already familiar with central African life. Dayrell, a robust figure, has now been in special full-time service for more than 40 years. He says: “Our missionary home for many years had been just over the border in Lubumbashi, and we had regularly traveled to Zambia.”

Susanne has vivid memories of that period. “Food shortages in Congo during the early 1970’s made it necessary to go to Zambia every few months to buy supplies,” she says. “Then in early 1987, the Governing Body asked us to leave Congo and go to a new assignment​—where? Zambia!” Finding their activity increasingly restricted in the Congo, the Sharps were delighted to move to a country where the brothers enjoyed increasing religious freedom.

Some adjustments in the field and at the branch were needed, however. Because of the partial ban imposed on the public ministry, most of the brothers only conducted Bible studies. Many publishers were unfamiliar​—and even uncomfortable—​with the idea of preaching openly from house to house, a fundamental feature of the public ministry of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Consequently, the brothers were encouraged to be bolder in the house-to-house preaching work, especially since the situation in the country had relaxed and the police paid little attention to our activities.

Moving Forward, Not Backward

The Branch Committee was concerned about the apparent stagnation of growth during the 1970’s. Local tradition made it difficult for the brothers to study with their own children, and since house-to-house witnessing had been banned, it became common for fathers to let their children study with others. Fathers, in turn, studied with children not their own. Now was the time to make courageous decisions. In the years that followed, the publishers were encouraged to put away unscriptural traditions and practices. As congregations responded, they were blessed, and the brothers worked hard to bring their lives into harmony with Bible principles and the worldwide brotherhood.

In the five-year period following the deportations of 1975, there was almost an 11 percent decrease in publishers. In contrast, during the five years following the return of the missionaries in 1986, the peak number of publishers increased more than 50 percent. Since that year, the number of active publishers has more than doubled.

In a letter to the branch, Silas Chivweka, a former traveling overseer, said: “From the 1950’s onward, the Gilead-trained missionaries helped others to advance to maturity. The missionaries were very patient, understanding, and kind. By drawing close to the publishers, they became aware of what required correction.” Such unhypocritical, loving assistance on the part of the missionaries continues to stimulate growth today.

The Printed Word

Like Paul and his companions, Jehovah’s modern-day Witnesses give evidence of their ministerial status through their use of “weapons of righteousness on the right hand and on the left.” (2 Cor. 6:7) In waging spiritual warfare, they continue to use righteous “weapons,” or means, for furthering true worship.

In the early days, our publications were available only in English. Though some in southern Africa subscribed to The Watch Tower as early as 1909, Bible truth was spread largely by word of mouth. One brother of that era reported: “Every village has a [gathering place] for the hearing of matters of public interest. The itinerant brother reading English translates the paragraphs in simple style into the vernacular of the people. Questions are entertained.” Of course, the accuracy of the truths conveyed depended heavily on the ability and motives of the one translating. Therefore, to promote both unity and accurate knowledge among interested ones, a regular and reliable flow of Bible-based publications in their own language was needed.

Publications Made Available

The early 1930’s saw a book, The Harp of God, and some booklets translated and published in Chinyanja. By 1934 the small number of active publishers had distributed more than 11,000 pieces of literature. This activity stung the opposers, who would later frame “trouble by decree.” (Ps. 94:20) Nevertheless, by the close of 1949 when the Watchtower magazine was no longer under ban, a monthly edition in the Cibemba language was being mimeographed and mailed to subscribers.

Jonas Manjoni recalls his work on the magazine during the early 1950’s. “I was alone in Cibemba translation,” he says. “I would receive the English manuscript, translate it, and make corrections. Next I retyped it onto a stencil and used that to produce copies. It took a long time; sometimes 7,000 copies of each issue were needed. I hand-produced each magazine and then stapled it together. Then I mailed the magazines to the congregations. Putting stamps on the rolls of magazines and taking them to the post office in cartons was a big job.”

Despite the limited technology of the day, those involved in translation demonstrated dedication, recognizing the beneficial results of their work. While active in the traveling work, James Mwango wrote out translations by hand and mostly by candlelight. “I never felt too tired to do this work,” he said. “It was a pleasure to know that my efforts helped provide spiritual food for my brothers, assisting them to maturity.”

‘Changing Hands’

Properly conveying truth requires a translator with a sound understanding not only of his own language but also of the English manuscript. Aaron Mapulanga said: “In translation, there are phrases that mean something other than what they might seem to mean from the words. I remember a discussion we had about the English expression ‘to change hands’ in a publication that spoke of the transfer of responsibilities from Elijah to Elisha. One brother translated the phrase literally. I questioned if the text really meant ‘exchanging hands.’ After consulting with other brothers, we came to understand the correct meaning. I recall too that we were advised not to translate literally word for word because our work would then sound like English. We made an effort to get away from a literal translation and to follow the form of the language into which we were translating.”

Technology Assists

Since 1986, MEPS (an acronym for multilanguage electronic phototypesetting system) has been made available to branch offices. This has helped greatly in speeding up the translation, checking, and composition of text. More recently, Watchtower Translation System software and translation tools have been used extensively. Currently, teams working in several major local languages provide Bible-based publications that are understood by most Zambians. The New World Translation and other “weapons of righteousness” will continue to play a role in assisting honesthearted people come to know Jehovah.​—2 Cor. 6:7.

Help to Refugees

In Africa many people enjoy a happy, peaceful life. Sadly, though, more and more people are affected by war. Overnight, neighbors become enemies, innocent people have to flee their homes, and communities are devastated. Carrying but few material possessions, refugees seek security where they can. This is the experience of millions today.

In March 1999, thousands of people poured into Zambia, fleeing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As in many wars, advancing forces looted, compelled men to carry heavy loads, and abused women and children. Since Jehovah’s Witnesses would not carry weapons, many were humiliated and brutally beaten. Katatu Songa, a zealous regular pioneer in his mid-50’s, recalls: “They made me lie down in front of women and children and whipped me until I was unconscious.”

To avoid similar mistreatment, many families fled. While running away through the bush, Mapengo Kitambo was separated from his sons. He explains: “We had no time to look for anyone. We just had to move on, though we worried terribly about our loved ones.” Many fled hundreds of miles on foot or by bicycle to reach safety.

The small town of Kaputa was overwhelmed with refugees. Among them were close to 5,000 brothers and their families, exhausted by the long and harsh journey. Though unprepared for the refugees, the 200 Kingdom publishers who lived in the town happily extended Christian hospitality to their brothers and sisters. Refugee Manda Ntompa recalls: “We were profoundly impressed by the love and the hospitality that were shown to us. Upon realizing that we were Witnesses of Jehovah, the local brothers opened up their homes. Like the widow of Zarephath, they were willing to share their meager provisions with us.”

Near the shores of Lake Mweru in the north, a small number of local Witnesses cared for hundreds of refugees. In an organized manner, they supplied food and shelter. Nearby congregations provided cassava and fish. Finally, after three months, the Congolese Witnesses were registered and transferred to a refugee camp.

Those who flee violent conflict rarely bring with them books and magazines. Often the most treasured possessions have to be left behind in the desperate flight to safety. A contrasting situation prevailed among God’s people. Frantic as their escape was, a few managed to bring their publications with them. Still, Bibles and Bible-based literature were scarce. Typically, at a meeting with an attendance of 150, only five books were available. How did those present participate? One brother explains: “Those having a Bible looked up scriptures, and those who did not have a copy paid rapt attention. So all took part in praising Jehovah and encouraging one another by their comments.”

Material Needs Are Considered

Most refugees are women and children. Often they arrive in poor health and with nothing to eat. How have Jehovah’s Witnesses assisted them? The Times of Zambia reported: “It is gratifying that the Zambia Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses has sent volunteers and relief workers to the former Zaire just to alleviate the burden of refugees in the Great Lakes region.” The article explained that Witnesses from Belgium, France, and Switzerland “supplied the refugees with a total of 500 kg [1,100 pounds] of medicine, 10 tons of vitamin products, 20 tons of food and more than 90 tons of clothing, 18,500 pairs of shoes and 1,000 blankets, totaling nearly $1m[illion].”

Brother Ntompa recalls: “It was a very exciting and faith-strengthening day for all of us when the goods arrived. What a caring organization we belong to! This great demonstration of love was a turning point for many of our brothers’ unbelieving family members. Since then, some of them have joined us and are making fine progress as God’s worshippers.” Relief supplies were donated to all refugees, without discrimination.

By late 1999 the number of displaced persons in the country had swelled to more than 200,000. A local newspaper reported: “Zambia has become one of the largest asylum countries for African refugees fleeing conflicts.” Despite the efforts of the authorities to meet the needs of the refugees, frustration and dissatisfaction among the latter led to violent protests. Following one riot, the camp authorities approached the circuit overseer, charging that he had done little to help them in maintaining order, even though Jehovah’s Witnesses had had no part in any disturbances. The circuit overseer kindly but firmly replied: “I have helped you! Can you imagine how much worse things would have been if 5,000 people were added to the mob? Please appreciate that at least 5,000 refugees did not take part in the riot because they are Witnesses. They are my brothers!”

Jehovah’s Witnesses are recognized as a stabilizing influence in the refugee community. One government official commented: “We heard that Jehovah’s Witnesses are very religious, and we assigned many of them to be section leaders. Since then, there is calm in the camp because they are helping, and everybody is concentrating on reading the Bible. I thank God that such people should continue with us and that peace is prevailing in the camp.”

Obeying the Divine Prohibition on Blood

Though the practical wisdom of the Scriptural injunction “to keep abstaining . . . from blood” has long been evident, sub-Saharan Africa has seen much prejudice and misunderstanding regarding nonblood medical care. (Acts 15:28, 29) Sadly, Jehovah’s Witnesses have been subjected to harsh and humiliating treatment. It was not uncommon for a hospitalized child to be taken at night, without the parents’ knowledge, and transfused.

Jenala Mukusao’s six-year-old grandson, Michael, whom she cared for, was admitted to the hospital with severe anemia. Doctors ordered a transfusion. Sister Mukusao’s refusal to give consent resulted in four days of intimidation and abuse. She said: “I pleaded with them and showed them my Medical Directive card, but they were not willing to listen. The nurses accused me of being a witch who wanted to kill my grandchild.”

In view of such hostility, some have hesitated to go to the hospital. Many doctors ignored the patient’s right to informed consent. The few doctors who were willing to help risked harsh criticism and even ostracism from their peers for practicing what many thought to be unconventional medicine. There were also the challenges of an underdeveloped infrastructure and limited availability of alternatives to blood. In 1989, however, the chief medical officer of the copper-mining industry said, “Blood transfusions should not be given against people’s wishes.” It was evident that the views of a few in the medical profession were softening.

Committees With Impact

In 1995, Hospital Information Services, together with its associated Hospital Liaison Committees (HLCs), was established in Zambia. Few could foresee the profound impact these committees would have on the medical community’s attitude toward nonblood treatment and patients’ rights. Part of the work of the HLCs is to visit hospitals, interview doctors, and make presentations to health workers, all with the aim of cultivating cooperation and preventing confrontations. The level of professionalism evident in these presentations impressed medical staffs. At a hospital in the southern part of the country, one clinical officer was moved to say to the brothers, “You are doctors​—you just don’t want to say it.”

A Dutch doctor working in a district hospital in western Zambia said: “Two weeks ago we were discussing means of minimizing blood use because of the associated hazards. Today we have had experts talk with us about the issue.” Before long, medical personnel who attended the presentations by the HLCs began to recommend to their colleagues that they too attend. The program gained recognition among the medical community, and confrontation increasingly gave way to cooperation.

Some serving as committee members had to overcome their feelings of inadequacy when approaching doctors, who for years had been regarded almost as gods. Brother Smart Phiri, who served as chairman of the Lusaka committee, recalls, “I had no medical background and felt very unsure of myself.”

In time, however, perseverance and trust in Jehovah were rewarded. Another committee member recalls the early days: “Three of us went to meet a doctor, a very influential man, who had worked as minister of health. We were very nervous. In the corridor, in front of the doctor’s office, we said a prayer to Jehovah, asking for His help so that we might speak with boldness. When we entered the doctor’s office, we had a good discussion, and he proved to be most cooperative. I realized that we had Jehovah’s backing and no reason to be fearful.”

Evidence of the growing cooperation between the HLCs and the medical community is seen in the willingness of doctors to take up challenging cases that some years ago they would not have accepted without freedom to transfuse. In October of 2000, two surgeons made a bold decision to operate on Beatrice, a six-month-old baby who was from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Though the operation for biliary atresia was successfully performed without blood, the case brought a torrent of adverse publicity.

However, a press statement by Professor Lupando Munkonge, the head of the team that had performed the operation, brought about a reversal. He made clear his respect for the stand of Beatrice’s parents. This did much to defuse media criticism. Two months later a television documentary focused on the case, presenting a positive view of our stand on the issue of bloodless medicine and surgery.

“Do It Fast”

Few doctors have remained skeptical regarding the Witnesses’ conscientious stand on blood. Most now recognize that alternative strategies are safe, simple, and effective​—even in rural Africa. Many patients have learned to defend their rights with boldness. This has meant educating themselves on important issues and learning how to give voice to their conscience.

Even children have been given “the tongue of the taught ones.” (Isa. 50:4) Before his surgery, Nathan, an eight-year-old boy who suffered from osteomyelitis of the left femur, told a team of doctors: “Please, when you do the operation, do it fast so that I don’t lose a lot of blood. Do not transfuse me, otherwise my parents and Jehovah will not forgive you.” After the operation, a member of the surgical team commended Nathan’s parents for training their son. Humbly, the doctor said, “It is the first time for me to be reminded by a young patient about the importance of respecting God.”

“We recommend ourselves as God’s ministers, . . . by sleepless nights,” stated the apostle Paul. Sleeplessness for God’s servants frequently stems from concern for fellow believers and for the advancement of true worship. (2 Cor. 6:3-5) This is often true of those serving on the HLCs. Such self-sacrifice does not go unnoticed. One sister said: “I am at a loss for words to express my appreciation adequately. It is heartening and comforting to note the self-sacrificing spirit of brothers on the HLC who came to my aid on short notice and were always there for me even at odd hours. When I went to the operating room for the second time within 24 hours, I did not panic. I had been greatly fortified by the brothers’ encouraging words.” Yes, despite ‘bad reports,’ Jehovah’s Witnesses have continued to recommend themselves as God’s ministers through willing cooperation with the medical community. (2 Cor. 6:8) Strengthened by ‘good reports,’ they are determined to remain obedient to the divine command “to keep abstaining . . . from blood.”

Ministerial Training School

“In many countries a group of 25 or so young men might be viewed with suspicion as a potential source of trouble,” comments Cyrus Nyangu, a member of the Zambia Branch Committee. “However, the 31 classes of the Ministerial Training School (MTS) have consistently trained groups of energetic, dedicated Christian men who prove to be a blessing to the communities in which they serve.” More than 600 graduates of this international school are serving in various avenues of full-time service throughout the six countries of southern Africa. In Zambia, more than half of the traveling overseers are graduates. Why is the school necessary, and what does it accomplish?

Since the graduation of the first class in 1993, there has been an almost 60 percent increase in the number of active publishers in Zambia. Still, there exists a need for qualified men to care for congregations, especially since there is strong community pressure to conform to traditions and customs that conflict with Bible principles. Emphasizing this need for capable men to shepherd and teach, one graduate stated: “A problem in our field is that people are inclined to tolerate wrongdoing. I have learned that we need to be firm for what is right and not to go beyond what is written.”

Initially, students are unaccustomed to the range of information considered and the depth of study. The instructors, though, are eager to help. One of them, Sarel Hart, said: “Teaching each class was, for me, like conducting a tour along a mountain trail. At the beginning, all are strangers, trying to get accustomed to unfamiliar and awe-inspiring surroundings. At times, boulders obstruct the way. As the students negotiate obstacles and continue to climb, they look back to see seemingly insurmountable barriers conquered and paling into insignificance.”

Many describe their spiritual progress as a result of attending the school as a metamorphosis. Elad, now serving as a special pioneer, said: “I viewed myself as unqualified to teach and too young for further congregation responsibilities. The school helped me realize that I could be of use. In the congregation to which I was initially assigned, the 16 publishers had problems conducting progressive Bible studies. We regularly considered suggestions and practiced presentations before going into the ministry. By 2001 the congregation had grown to 60 publishers with an isolated group of 20.”

Measuring Success

What are some features that make for success at the Ministerial Training School? “We really emphasize the importance of always being humble, stressing that one should not think more of himself than it is necessary to think,” explains Richard Frudd, one of the instructors. “We look for maturity, compassion, and the ability to handle tough challenges and still smile. If brothers can relate to others in a kind way, showing that they want to serve and not be served, then we feel that the school has accomplished its purpose.”

Students acknowledge the truth of those words. Emmanuel, a graduate of the 14th class, said: “Being assigned to a congregation does not mean that we should rush in to correct every little thing. Rather, our focus should be to share with the congregation in the most important work, the preaching of the good news.”

Moses, a pioneer, said: “I have come to appreciate that Jehovah can use any humble one and that sometimes knowledge and experience do not matter. Love for those in the congregation and in the field as well as cooperation with others is what matters to Him.”

Large Gatherings

Pre-Christian festivals of the nation of Israel and their ‘holy conventions’ were happy occasions, helping those present to focus on spiritual matters. (Lev. 23:21; Deut. 16:13-15) This is no less true of modern-day gatherings of God’s people. In Zambia conventions are not staged in a gleaming modern sports complex. The brothers build what they call a convention village, which includes small booths in which to sleep.

Over the years, more permanent structures have been put in place at such locations. However, the early years were challenging times full of innovation. “At the circuit assembly site,” remembers a district overseer, “the brothers would build a hut for me, usually made of grass. They then erected a fence around the seating area. The seats were mounds of earth, and ‘cushions’ of grass were placed on them. Sometimes the brothers leveled the top of a dormant termite hill to make a platform. On top of that, they built a little booth from which the program was presented.”

Peter Palliser, a missionary, recalled: “At one convention the brothers decided that they would like to have a raised platform. One of the brothers was skilled in the use of explosives. He rigged the area and blew the top off an abandoned anthill that had been some 20 feet [6 m] high. That left us with a raised mound on which we built a podium.”

Efforts to Attend

Most convention sites were away from main roads and difficult to reach. Robinson Shamuluma remembers a convention he attended in 1959. “About 15 of us cycled to Kabwe in Central Province,” he said. “We carried mealie meal and dried fish for food. Every night we slept in the bush. At Kabwe we boarded a train, and we eventually reached the convention site after almost four days of travel.”

Lamp Chisenga remembers one brother who traveled about 80 miles [50 km] walking and cycling with his six children to attend a convention. He said: “For their journey, they prepared food​—roasted cassava, groundnuts, and peanut butter. Often it was necessary for them to camp unprotected in the bush.”

While serving as a district overseer, Wayne Johnson noted the effort that many put into attending. He wrote: “One special pioneer rode his bicycle for almost a week to get to an assembly. Others rode in the back of a truck. Many arrived early, at the beginning of an assembly or a convention week. They sang at night as they sat around campfires. Sometimes there were so many of us for field service that we worked the territory three times that week.”

Opposed but Not Neglected

Large gatherings continue to bring strength and encouragement to the brothers. Today conventions receive much positive publicity. However, during periods of political change and particularly during the 1960’s and 1970’s, such events were viewed with suspicion. Elements within the government did what they could to restrict our worship. Because of their refusal to sing the national anthem, the brothers could not receive the necessary police permits to have public gatherings. Later, restrictions limited the number who could attend. “The year 1974 was the last year for Jehovah’s Witnesses to meet in open areas,” recalls Darlington Sefuka. “The minister of home affairs announced that no public meetings could be held unless the national anthem was sung and the flag displayed.” Nevertheless, the brothers were allowed to meet at local Kingdom Halls within grass-fenced compounds. Adjusting to this situation, the branch arranged for the circuit assembly program to be held at Kingdom Halls, often with just one or two congregations in attendance.

District conventions were also held on a small scale. “Instead of having one large district convention, we would have 20 small ones,” recalls a brother who shared in convention organization. “Many brothers were trained and used on the programs and in the departments, so that when the ban was lifted, we had many experienced men to use in organizing conventions and assemblies.”

Baptisms

From the early 1940’s, efforts were made to ensure that those getting baptized fully appreciated the significance of that step. Some found it difficult to abandon completely “Babylon the Great” and false religious practices. (Rev. 18:2, 4) Contributing to this problem was the fact that comparatively few could read well and many congregations did not receive adequate supplies of Bible study aids. Consequently, circuit and district overseers would interview each baptism candidate to see if he or she was qualified. Geoffrey Wheeler, a graduate of the 33rd class of Gilead, recalls: “We looked closely at the babies carried by nursing mothers wanting to get baptized to check for superstitious beads and charms. We were often up until midnight each day of the assembly week; there were so many candidates.” The kind assistance given to congregation elders by traveling overseers; later publications, such as “Your Word Is a Lamp to My Foot”; and further organizational refinements did much to reduce the need for such interviews.

Stage Fright!

Full-costume Bible dramas remain among the most popular convention features. Each participant takes seriously his responsibility to convey his character’s emotions, and few Zambians have a reputation for underacting. Frank Lewis, a former missionary and now a member of the United States Bethel family, recalls: “We did not have the early dramas on tape. The brothers who played the various parts had to memorize their lines. I remember going to one assembly in the Northern Province where we had our first drama, which was about Joseph. Well, since the mail was a bit slow and the manuscript had not reached the brothers, we had to work late into the night trying to help the brothers memorize their lines. When the drama was presented, we came to the scene where Potiphar’s wife screamed to her husband that Joseph had tried to rape her. At that point, the brother playing Potiphar developed stage fright and walked off. I was backstage prompting the brothers and saw him coming off the stage. I quickly reminded him of his first few lines and pushed him back on the stage. He then in a very fine way blurted out his words of contempt for this man who stood accused of attempted rape! Though this was a near mishap for our convention, every time I read the Bible account, I think: ‘Perhaps it was that way. Perhaps Potiphar in anger left the room, composed himself, and then returned to denounce Joseph!’”

In 1978 when a four-year government ban restricting the size of assemblies and conventions was eased, the “Victorious Faith” Convention presented a challenge. A former traveling overseer recalls: “At that convention we staged all the dramas we couldn’t have in previous years when we were forced to meet in Kingdom Halls. The convention lasted five days, and we had five dramas, one each day. We caught up with all the dramas we had missed! It was really nice but challenging for the Bethel representative who had to review all those dramas. It was quite a lot of work!”

“I can truthfully say that I have never attended more enjoyable conventions,” said a Branch Committee member. “In the morning families come out of their little booths, looking so neat and clean. They come in to Jehovah, looking their finest. They often sit, not in the shade, but in the sun. Yet, they remain there the entire day and pay rapt attention. It’s beautiful to behold.” Associating together is an essential part of worship for Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Heb. 10:24, 25) Whether “sorrowing” on account of personal difficulties or religious opposition or not, Jehovah’s people know that attendance at large gatherings is a reason to be “ever rejoicing.”​—2 Cor. 6:10.

Kingdom Hall Construction

“I write this letter to authorize the above named congregation to have its own land. This is a permanent area, and I have agreed for them to be there for 150 years. Nobody should trouble them until Paradise.”​—Chief Kalilele.

From early in the last century, truth-seekers in southern Africa recognized the need to gather together for worship. In about 1910, William Johnston reported that rapidly growing groups constructed meeting places from traditional materials, some large enough to hold 600 people. Though many were eager to have places of worship, not everyone felt that way. Holland Mushimba, who first learned the truth in the early 1930’s, recalled: “Although meeting for worship was encouraged, little local emphasis was placed on having a regular meeting place. We used to gather at any suitable spot in the shade of a big tree or in the yard of a brother. The view that some entertained, based on Luke 9:58, was: Even Jesus had no permanent hall, so why should we worry ourselves with building one?”

Prior to 1950, most meeting places were uncomplicated, flimsy structures made of rough timber and mud. In the busy Copperbelt region, Ian Fergusson convinced a mine manager to allocate a plot for a Kingdom Hall. In 1950 the first Kingdom Hall was constructed, in Wusikili. A decade was to pass before the brothers drew up plans for unified construction. The first Kingdom Hall built from those plans was a fine flat-roofed structure costing about 12,000 Zambian kwacha. Though a considerable amount at the time, in today’s inflation-battered economy, that is the equivalent of a little under three U.S. dollars!

Because they refused to buy political party cards, the Witnesses continued to face storms of violence unleashed by patriotic militants. Places of worship were burned. Alarmed by the prospect of further attacks, some brothers thought it best, not to build, but to meet in the open. Following further restrictions in the early 1970’s, it became increasingly difficult to obtain plots of land. Although it was well-known that Jehovah’s Witnesses would not support any political party, authorities in some areas insisted that party cards be attached to any letter of application.

Wiston Sinkala recalls: “We could hardly obtain a plot, let alone building permission. When we told the city council that we were taking them to court, they thought we were joking. However, we found a capable lawyer, and after two years, the court ruled in our favor and ordered the council to provide plots. This case opened the way for future freedoms.”

The Black Horse

It was rare for congregations to be given plots with legal certificates of title. Often the brothers found undeveloped pieces of land, but without the proper papers, they could not build a permanent structure. Materials were expensive, and many used iron sheets or empty fuel drums that were split, flattened, and then nailed to a wooden frame. Referring to one such structure, an elder commented: “We had painted the iron sheets with tar, and from a distance the hall looked like a big, black horse. Inside, the heat was unbearable.”

A former circuit overseer said: “When I look back, I feel uncomfortable referring to those structures as Kingdom Halls. Really, they were not suitable to represent the Most High God, Jehovah.”

Some congregations decided to rent halls. Although this seemed an inexpensive solution, it did pose problems. Edrice Mundi, who associated with the only English congregation in Lusaka in the 1970’s, recalls: “We rented a hall that was also used as a disco. Every Saturday people would drink and dance until the wee hours of the morning, and we would have to go early on Sundays to clean up. The hall smelled of beer and cigarettes; it just did not feel right to worship Jehovah in such a place.”

Edrice’s husband, Jackson, recollects: “One Sunday in the middle of the program, a young man walked in, went all the way to the front, picked up a crate of beer that he had left the preceding night, and walked out without any concern for those present.” Little wonder that the brothers yearned to have their own Kingdom Halls!

A Program That Made History

As more people responded to the Kingdom message, the need for dignified halls became ever greater. However, though full of enthusiasm and zeal, some brothers were barely able to afford food for their families, let alone pay for a Kingdom Hall. Jehovah, whose hand is never short, had a pleasant surprise in store.

When a survey showed that there was a need for more than 8,000 Kingdom Halls in 40 developing lands around the world, the Governing Body decided to accelerate the construction. It was recognized that in some areas there might be few tradesmen who could make themselves available for projects. Tools might also be in short supply. Furthermore, in developing economies many congregations could not afford to repay large loans. In addition, with the rapid publisher increase, it was difficult for branches in certain regions to develop a well-organized program. With all of this in mind, the Governing Body established a design/​build committee in the United States to oversee the development of Kingdom Hall building programs worldwide. Guidelines for Kingdom Hall construction in lands with limited resources were issued, and skilled volunteers were assigned to overseas construction projects.

Sometimes traditional building methods and ideas needed to be adjusted. In Zambia, for example, women supported construction projects by volunteering to draw water, carry sand, and cook. However, the construction teams were eager to get sisters involved in the actual building work and to make full use of the workforce.

One chief in Eastern Province watched in total disbelief as a sister built a wall for a Kingdom Hall. He exclaimed: “Since I was born, I have never seen a woman laying bricks and doing it so well! I feel very blessed to see this.”

“Our Spiritual Hospital”

The construction program has had a profound impact on communities. Many who at one time were either indifferent or opposed to Jehovah’s Witnesses have adopted a more tolerant view. For example, a chief in the Eastern Province who at first resisted the construction of Kingdom Halls in his area said: “I did not initially reject your project of my own initiative, but I was influenced by the clergy of other religious denominations. Now I can see that you are here for a good purpose. This beautiful building is now our spiritual hospital.”

The primary Christian ‘labor’ is that of preaching the “good news of the kingdom.” (2 Cor. 6:5; Matt. 24:14) Yet, just as the holy spirit moves God’s people to preach, it also spurs them on to labor vigorously in promoting Kingdom interests through the construction of dignified meeting places. Congregations gain an enhanced sense of purpose. One brother said: “We now feel confident when we go in the ministry and invite people to our meetings because we know that they will come, not to a shack, but to a Kingdom Hall that glorifies Jehovah.”

Another brother said: “We may not deserve such a nice Kingdom Hall in the bush, but Jehovah deserves it. I am happy that Jehovah has been glorified with better places of worship.”

The Traveling Work

Endurance is necessary for God’s ministers. (Col. 1:24, 25) Traveling overseers are an example of those who give of themselves in advancing Kingdom interests. Their loving labors as shepherds strengthening the congregations have established them as “gifts in men.”​—Eph. 4:8; 1 Thess. 1:3.

By the late 1930’s, capable men were being trained to serve as zone and regional servants, today called circuit and district overseers. “Traveling to congregations was not easy,” recalls James Mwango. “We were provided with bicycles, but the brothers had to accompany us to help us by carrying our luggage on foot. It took several days to reach our destinations. We used to spend two weeks with each congregation.”

“He . . . Promptly Fainted”

Rural travel then, as today, was a challenge. Now over 80 years old, Robinson Shamuluma served in the traveling work with his wife, Juliana. Robinson remembers being caught in a particularly heavy rainstorm during one rainy season. As the storm subsided, the way ahead was clear except that they had to pass through mud up to the seats of their bicycles! By the time they reached the next congregation, Juliana was so exhausted that she could hardly muster up the energy even to have a drink of water.

Enock Chirwa, who served in both circuit and district work through the 1960’s and 1970’s, explains: “Monday was a very difficult day; it was traveling day. However, when we reached the congregations, we forgot about the journey. Being with the brothers made us happy.”

Distance and hardship were not the only obstacles. On a journey to visit a congregation in the north of the country, Lamp Chisenga was accompanied by two brothers. On a dusty road, they saw an animal in the distance. “The brothers couldn’t see it clearly,” said Brother Chisenga. “It sat on the road like a dog. ‘Can you see it?’ I asked. ‘Can you see it?’ Then one of the brothers recognized the shape as a lion. He cried out and promptly fainted. We decided to rest there for some time to allow the lion to disappear into the bush.”

John Jason and his wife, Kay, who spent part of their 26 years in Zambia serving in the district work, learned the need for patience when facing mechanical “machinations.” John said: “I recall driving over 100 miles [150 km] on broken springs, since we had neither the spare parts nor a place to call in for help. At one point we broke down. Stranded with an overheated vehicle, we could do only one thing: Use all the water we had to cool the engine and to make one last cup of tea. Isolated, hot, and tired, we sat in the car and prayed to Jehovah to help us. At three in the afternoon, a roadworks vehicle came by, the first vehicle that day. Observing our plight, the crew offered to tow us. We reached our brothers just before dusk.”

Learning to Trust

In such circumstances traveling overseers quickly learn to place their trust, not in personal ability or material things, but in more reliable sources of support​—Jehovah God and the Christian brotherhood. (Heb. 13:5, 6) “We met a challenge just three weeks into our district work,” recollects Geoffrey Wheeler. “We were at the assembly site, ready for the weekend program. I had inherited a faulty Primus stove. It was a hot, windy day, and as I lit the stove, a burst of flame flared up. Within minutes the fire was out of control. The tire on the front of our Land Rover caught fire, and the flames quickly engulfed the entire vehicle.”

The loss of their vehicle was bad enough, but there was more to contend with. Says Geoffrey: “Our clothes were in a black steel trunk inside the Land Rover. They didn’t burn; they shriveled! The brothers came around the far side of the burning vehicle and rescued our bed, a shirt, and my typewriter. How grateful we were for their quick thinking!” Their personal possessions were lost in the ruined vehicle, and they themselves were not due back in town for two months, so how did they manage? Geoffrey says: “A brother lent me a tie, and I gave the public talk in some rubber overshoes. We survived, and the brothers did all they could to comfort their inexperienced district overseer.”

A Bed Safe From Snakes

The love and concern displayed by congregations that “follow the course of hospitality” strengthen traveling overseers and their wives to continue in their self-sacrificing activity. Endless are the accounts of how congregations, though in material need themselves, make loving provisions that are deeply appreciated.​—Rom. 12:13; Prov. 15:17.

Accommodations for traveling overseers are usually basic but always provided in a spirit of love. Fred Kashimoto, who served as a circuit overseer in the early 1980’s, remembers arriving at a village in Zambia’s Northern Province at night. The brothers gave him a warm welcome. After they all entered a small house, the brothers put his cases on top of a large table made of poles some five feet [1.5 m] high. When it grew late, Brother Kashimoto asked, “Where am I going to sleep?”

Pointing to the table, the brothers replied, “That is the bed​—there.” Apparently because of the prevalence of snakes, the brothers had provided a safer bed frame. With rolls of grass for a mattress, Brother Kashimoto settled down for the night.

In rural areas, gifts often take the form of farm produce. “On one occasion,” Geoffrey Wheeler remembers with a smile, “the brothers gave us a chicken. We put it on a perch in the pit latrine just before dark. However, the silly thing jumped off its perch and fell down the hole. We managed to scoop it safely out with a hoe. My wife then washed it in hot soapy water with plenty of disinfectant. We cooked it at the end of the week, and it tasted fine!”

The Jasons benefited from similar generosity. “Time and again, we would receive a live chicken from the brothers,” John said. “We had a little basket, and we carried a hen in it as we traveled through our district. Each morning she laid an egg, so we were not about to eat that hen. When we were packing to move to a new location, she made it clear that she wanted to come along.”

Moving Pictures

Commencing in 1954, The New World Society in Action along with several other films made for a stimulating educational campaign. “It inspired many to exert themselves both in the ministry and in the congregation,” commented a report from the branch office at the time. Some adopted a slogan when dismantling the assembly site after a film showing: “Let us do it ‘The New World Society in Action’ way”​—meaning “vigorously!” In the first year of its release, this film was seen by over 42,000, including officials of government and education, who were impressed with it. Eventually, more than a million people in Zambia were informed about Jehovah’s Witnesses and their Christian organization.

Wayne Johnson remembers its impact. He says: “The films attracted people from miles around and did a lot to teach them about Jehovah’s organization. Often during the program, there would be enthusiastic and sustained applause.”

For a time, the Saturday evening session of the circuit assembly featured one of the films. In bush areas, this was an exciting experience. The campaign had a strong impact, though people who were unfamiliar with life elsewhere misunderstood certain scenes. One film showed people streaming from the exit of a subway in New York City. Many thought that this depicted the resurrection! Nevertheless, the films helped the people to have a greater appreciation for Jehovah’s Witnesses. But times were changing, and a growing desire for national independence would turn many Zambians against the brothers. Congregations and traveling overseers alike would confront situations calling for even greater endurance.

Political Interference

On October 24, 1964, Northern Rhodesia gained independence from Britain and became the Republic of Zambia. During this period, political tensions ran high. The neutrality of Jehovah’s Witnesses was misinterpreted as tacit support for the perpetuation of colonial rule.

Lamp Chisenga recalls traveling to the Lake Bangweulu area during this time. He planned to take a boat to island areas to visit fishermen there who were Witnesses. The initial stage of the journey was a bus ride to the lakeside. After he disembarked, he was asked to show a political party card. Of course, he didn’t have one. Political cadres took his briefcase. Then one of them saw a box marked “Watchtower.” He blew his whistle loudly and began to shout: “Watchtower! Watchtower!”

Fearing a disturbance, an official pushed Lamp back into the bus along with his bags. A large crowd had formed and began to throw stones at the bus, hitting the door, tires, and windows. The driver sped away, traveling nonstop to Samfya, some 55 miles [90 km] away. Overnight the situation cooled. The next morning Lamp, unperturbed, boarded the boat to serve the small congregations around the lake.

“By the endurance of much,” traveling overseers continue to recommend themselves as God’s ministers. (2 Cor. 6:4) Fanwell Chisenga, whose circuit covered an area along the Zambezi River, notes, “To serve as a circuit overseer calls for whole-souled devotion and self-sacrifice.” Traveling between congregations in this area involved lengthy boat journeys in old, leaky canoes on a river where an angry hippopotamus can snap a canoe like a dry twig. What helped Fanwell to endure in the circuit work? Smiling as he studies a photograph of congregation members who escorted him to a riverside, he acknowledges one source of motivation​—his brothers and sisters. Wistfully, he asks, “Where else can you find such happy faces in this angry world?”

Neutrality

“Every one who serves as a soldier keeps himself from becoming entangled in the world’s business​—so that he may satisfy the officer who enlisted him.” So wrote the apostle Paul. (2 Tim. 2:4, Weymouth) Remaining wholly at the disposal of their Leader, Jesus Christ, requires Christians to avoid involvement in the world’s political and religious systems. This stand has presented challenges and “tribulations” to true Christians, who wish to remain neutral in worldly affairs.​—John 15:19.

World War II saw many brutalized for lack of “patriotism.” “We saw old men being thrown on a truck like bags of maize for refusing military service,” recalls Benson Judge, who went on to become a zealous traveling overseer. “We heard these men say, ‘Tidzafera za Mulungu’ (We shall die for God’s sake).”

Though not baptized at the time, Mukosiku Sinaali well remembers that during the war the issue of neutrality was never far away. “Every person was required to dig and collect the roots of the mambongo vine, which produce a valuable latex material. The roots were stripped and beaten to make bands of material that were bundled and later processed as a rubber substitute used in the manufacture of boots for military personnel. The Witnesses refused to harvest these roots because of the link that this work had to the war effort. Consequently, the brothers faced punishment for their noncooperation. They became ‘undesirable elements.’”

Joseph Mulemwa was one such “undesirable.” A native of Southern Rhodesia, he had come to the Western Province of Northern Rhodesia in 1932. Some claimed that he encouraged people to stop cultivating their fields because ‘the Kingdom was at hand.’ A minister from the Mavumbo mission who despised Joseph promoted this false accusation. Joseph was arrested and handcuffed to a mentally disturbed man. Some hoped that the man would assault Joseph. However, Joseph pacified the disturbed man. After being released, Joseph continued to preach and to visit congregations. He died faithful in the mid-1980’s.

Strengthened to Face Trials

The spirit of nationalism and tensions within communities led to the intimidation of those who could not in good conscience participate in the political process. Even though the atmosphere in the country was tense, the 1963 “Courageous Ministers” National Assembly at Kitwe testified to the peace and unity existing among Jehovah’s Witnesses. Almost 25,000 delegates, some of whom came with tents and caravans for the five-day event, enjoyed the program in their choice of four languages. Significant was Milton Henschel’s talk that focused on a Christian’s relationship to the State. Frank Lewis recalls: “We remember his telling us to help our brothers understand the issue of neutrality. How happy we were for the timely counsel we received because most of the brothers in Zambia met the severe tests ahead and remained faithful to Jehovah!”

Through the decade of the 1960’s, Jehovah’s Witnesses faced widespread, violent persecution along with destruction of their property. Homes and Kingdom Halls were razed. Commendably, the government responded by imprisoning large numbers of those involved in the intimidation. When Northern Rhodesia became the Republic of Zambia, Jehovah’s Witnesses took special interest in a provision for basic human rights that was made by the new constitution. However, a wave of patriotism was soon to come crashing down on an unsuspecting target.

National Symbols

In colonial days, children of Jehovah’s Witnesses had suffered punishment when for religious reasons they did not pay homage to the flag, at that time the Union Jack. They were also punished for refusing to sing the national anthem. After representation was made to the authorities, the department of education softened its view, writing: “Your [group’s] views about saluting the flag are well-known and respected, and no child should be penalized in any way for refusing to salute.” The new republican constitution fueled hopes that fundamental freedoms, including freedom of conscience, thought, and religion, would be strengthened. However, a new flag and anthem led to an upsurge in patriotism. Daily flag-salute and anthem ceremonies were reintroduced in schools, with great vigor. Though some Witness youths were granted exemption, many others were beaten and even expelled from school.

A new education act, passed in 1966, gave reason for hope. Incorporated was a provision allowing a parent or a guardian to request that a child be exempted from religious services or observances. Consequently, many children who had been suspended or expelled were reinstated. However, shortly afterward and with a measure of secrecy, regulations were appended to the act, which defined flags and anthems as secular symbols that promote national consciousness. Despite the brothers’ discussions with the governmental authorities, by the end of 1966, more than 3,000 children had been expelled from school for taking a neutral stand.

No School for Feliya

The time had come to test the legality of such action. A test case was chosen. Feliya Kachasu regularly attended Buyantanshi School in the Copperbelt. Though she was known as a model student, she had been expelled. Frank Lewis recalls how the case was brought to court: “Mr. Richmond Smith presented our case, which was not an easy one since it was against the government. Hearing Feliya explain why she did not salute the flag had convinced him that he wanted to take the case.”

Dailes Musonda, herself a schoolgirl in Lusaka at the time, says: “When Feliya’s case was brought to court, we were very much in expectation of a good result. Brothers traveled from Mufulira to attend court sessions. My sister and I were invited. I remember Feliya in court, dressed in a white hat and pale dress. The proceedings lasted three days. We still had some missionaries in the country; Brother Phillips and Brother Fergusson came to listen. We thought that their presence would help.”

The chief justice concluded: “There is no suggestion in this case of Jehovah’s Witnesses intending any disrespect to the national anthem or the national flag by their actions.” However, he did rule that the ceremonies were secular and that despite Feliya’s sincere beliefs, she could not claim exemption under the provisions of the education act. The ceremonies, he believed, were required in the interests of national security. How the imposition of such a requirement upon a minor would serve the interests of the people was never established. No school for Feliya while she held to her Christian beliefs!

Dailes remembers: “We were very disappointed. Nevertheless, we left everything in Jehovah’s hands.” When pressures continued to increase, Dailes and her sister left school in 1967. By the close of 1968, almost 6,000 children of Jehovah’s Witnesses had been expelled.

Public Gatherings Restricted

The Public Order Act of 1966 required that all public gatherings be opened with the singing of the national anthem. This made it impractical to hold assemblies to which the public was invited. The brothers met the demands of the government by holding larger gatherings in private areas, often around Kingdom Halls, fenced with grass. Intrigued, large numbers of interested ones were drawn to investigate what was happening, and as a result, attendances rose steadily so that in 1967, some 120,025 were present for the Memorial of Christ’s death.

“During this period there were outbursts of violent opposition,” remembers Lamp Chisenga. “In the Samfya area, a mob attacked Brother Mabo of the Katansha Congregation and killed him. Brothers were sometimes assaulted at meetings, and many Kingdom Halls were burned down. However, the authorities maintained respect for the Witnesses, and some opposers were arrested and punished.”

Their Own Air Force!

Opposers continued to make false accusations against Jehovah’s Witnesses, claiming that they were unusually rich and that they would form the next government. One day the secretary of the ruling party arrived at the Kitwe branch office unannounced. The first thing that the brothers knew of his visit was streams of police officers arriving at the gate. At a meeting with branch representatives, he got excited. “We gave permission for you to construct these buildings,” he said, raising his voice. “What are you doing with them? Are they your government offices?”

Some among the authorities continued to believe distorted rumors. In Zambia’s North-Western Province, police used tear gas in an attempt to break up a convention. The brothers managed to send an urgent telegram to the branch office. An expatriate farmer owned a small airplane, and he flew additional representatives from the branch to Kabompo to help in calming the situation and in clearing up any misunderstandings. Unfortunately, this did little to dispel the suspicions of some who now reported that the Witnesses had their own air force!

At the site, the brothers carefully collected spent tear-gas canisters. Later, when branch representatives visited government officials to express their concern, these were presented as evidence of the use of unnecessary force. The incident was widely publicized, and the peaceful reaction of the Witnesses was noted.

Explaining Our Stand

The drive to outlaw the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses continued apace. The branch wanted to explain our neutral stand to the government. Smart Phiri and Jonas Manjoni were selected to make a presentation before many government ministers. During the presentation, a minister verbally lashed out at the brothers. “I would love to take you outside and beat you!” he said. “Do you realize what you have done? You have taken our best citizens, the cream of the crop, and what have you left us with? Why, the murderers, the adulterers, and the thieves!”

The brothers quickly responded: “But that is what some of them were! They were thieves, adulterers, murderers, but because of the Bible’s power, these very people have made changes in their lives and have become Zambia’s best citizens. That is why we appeal to you to let us preach freely.”​—1 Cor. 6:9-11.

Deportations and Partial Ban

As we learned earlier, missionaries were ordered to leave the country. “We shall never forget January 1968,” said Frank Lewis. “A brother telephoned to tell us that an immigration officer had just left his home. The officer had served him deportation papers giving him seven days to wind up his business in Zambia and get out. Soon another call came and then another. Finally, one of the brothers called to say that he had heard that a big complex in Kitwe was next on the list.” Evidently, such drastic measures were intended to destabilize the unity of the Witnesses and to discourage them in their zealous activity.

The following year, the president authorized the Preservation of Public Security Order, which outlawed the door-to-door preaching work. In the face of this virtual ban, the brothers needed to restructure the ministry, with informal witnessing taking on greater importance. Our Kingdom Ministry became Our Monthly Letter, and the section “Presenting the Good News” took on the title “Our Internal Ministry.” This helped us to avoid attracting the attention of government censors. A peak of almost 48,000 home Bible studies was reported in April of 1971, giving clear indication that the efforts to restrict the work did little to discourage the brothers.

Clive Mountford, who now lives in England, associated with many missionaries. He recalls: “One way we would witness was to give people lifts in our cars and then to discuss the truth with them. We always kept magazines in the car, in full view of any to whom we gave a ride.”

Although not outlawing Bible discussions, restrictions demanded that consent be obtained beforehand for a call to be made. Sometimes this was simply a case of calling on the homes of relatives, former schoolmates, workmates, or others. During a social call, conversation could be tactfully directed to Scriptural matters. Since extended families were large, contact could be made with a chain of unbelieving relatives and members of the community.

By 1975 the branch reported: “Several thousand publishers in our field have never engaged in preaching from house to house. However, new disciples have been made, and a tremendous witness has been given.” In view of the restrictions placed on their door-to-door activity, the brothers used other ways to give a witness. Typical is the example of one brother who was a recordkeeper in a government department. His work involved recording names and details of members of the public. He took particular interest in those having Bible names and asked them what they knew of the Bible character by the same name. This provided many opportunities to witness. When one mother and her daughter called, the brother noticed that the girl’s name was Eden. When asked if she knew what “Eden” meant, the mother admitted that she did not. The brother briefly explained, pointing out that in the near future, the earth would become like that original Paradise in Eden. Intrigued, the woman gave him her home address. Her husband too became interested, the family began attending the meetings, and eventually some were baptized.

Other publishers took advantage of their secular work to give a witness. Royd, who was employed by a mining company, used his lunch break to ask workmates for their thoughts on various texts. “Who do you think is the ‘rock-mass’ mentioned at Matthew 16:18?” Or, “Who is the ‘stone of stumbling’ at Romans 9:32?” Large groups of miners would often gather to hear the explanations from the Scriptures. Because of these informal discussions, several of Royd’s workmates progressed to dedication and baptism.

The determined stand taken by our young ones at school also provided opportunities for others to hear the truth. When one group of children refused to participate in singing patriotic songs, their teacher became angry and ordered the class to stand outside. One of the group recalled: “The teacher must have thought that we couldn’t sing even our own religious songs. It seems that he saw it as an opportunity to subject us to mockery. He ordered the pupils to separate themselves according to religious denomination. Each group was directed to sing one or two of their church songs. When two groups failed to recall any songs, the teacher turned his attention to us. We began with the song ‘This Is Jehovah’s Day!’ It seems that we sang well​—local people passing by the school stopped to listen. We followed with ‘Jehovah Has Become King!’ Everyone, including the teacher, burst into applause. We returned to class. Many of our classmates were moved to ask where we learned such beautiful songs, and some accompanied us to the meetings, later becoming active Witnesses themselves.”

“Those Who Drop Books”

Throughout this period the brothers showed themselves to be as “cautious as serpents and yet innocent as doves.” (Matt. 10:16) Because of their distinctive literature and enthusiastic use of study aids, Jehovah’s Witnesses were nicknamed Abaponya Ifitabo meaning “Those Who Drop (or, Place) Books.” Despite determined efforts by opposers to silence the brothers, the Kingdom-preaching work continued unabated. Though sporadic and violent opposition continued for years, by the early 1980’s, opposition had lessened.

During the 25 years following national independence, almost 90,000 were baptized. However, the number of active publishers increased by only about 42,000. What was the reason for this? True, some died, and others may have moved away. “Fear of man, however, was also a factor,” recalls Neldie, who served at the branch office during that period. Many became irregular or inactive in the ministry. Furthermore, independence brought change. Positions in management and business administration, previously reserved for expatriate workers, needed filling. With new opportunities for housing, employment, and education, many families shifted their focus from spiritual to material pursuits.

Nevertheless, the work progressed. Wise King Solomon wrote: “In the morning sow your seed and until the evening do not let your hand rest; for you are not knowing where this will have success, either here or there, or whether both of them will alike be good.” (Eccl. 11:6) The brothers endeavored to plant seeds of truth that would flourish as conditions became more favorable. Steady increases meant that in 1976, purchase of a new truck was necessary for increasing literature deliveries. In 1982 work started on the construction of new printing facilities some miles from Bethel. Such practical developments would lay the foundation for future growth.

Few countries in central Africa have enjoyed the level of peace and freedom from civil conflict that Zambia has. While circumstances are now extremely favorable to “declare good news of good things,” memories of “tribulations” serve to inspire faithful ones to continue busy in “gathering fruit for everlasting life.”​—Rom. 10:15; 2 Cor. 6:4; John 4:36.

Branch Expansion

In the 1930’s, Llewelyn Phillips and his fellow workers cared for their assignments from a two-room rented building in Lusaka. Few would have imagined the current 270-acre [110 ha] Bethel complex, which houses more than 250 volunteers. These brothers and sisters serve the spiritual needs of over 125,000 publishers and pioneers. Let us briefly consider how this growth came about.

As we learned earlier, by 1936 the attitude of the authorities had softened sufficiently to allow the opening of a literature depot in Lusaka. Expansion soon called for a move to a larger building. A residential property was obtained near the central police station. “It had two bedrooms,” remembers Jonas Manjoni. “A dining room was used as the Service Department, and a veranda, as the Shipping Department.” In 1951, Jonas took two weeks’ vacation from secular work to serve at Bethel, and later he came to stay. “It was well organized, and there was a happy spirit,” he says. “I was in the Shipping Department with Brother Phillips, working on subscriptions and putting stamps on rolls of magazines. It was good to know that we were serving the brothers.” Llewelyn Phillips was later joined by Harry Arnott, and they worked alongside local brothers, such as Job Sichela, Andrew John Mulabaka, John Mutale, Potipher Kachepa, and Morton Chisulo.

With Zambia experiencing a healthy mining industry and a rapidly developing infrastructure and the mining region drawing people from all corners of the country, attention was increasingly focused away from Lusaka to the Copperbelt. Ian Fergusson recommended purchasing property in a mining town, and in 1954 the branch office moved to King George Avenue, Luanshya. Before long, however, these premises became too small to care for the rapidly expanding field, which extended into most of East Africa. During his visit to the “Awake Ministers” District Assembly in 1959, Nathan Knorr, from world headquarters, viewed possible locations for a new branch and gave the go-ahead to proceed with construction. Geoffrey Wheeler recalls, “Frank Lewis, Eugene Kinaschuk, and I went with an architect to the new site in Kitwe to set out pegs for the new Bethel.” On February 3, 1962, a new branch office with a home, a printing room, and a Kingdom Hall was dedicated to Jehovah. Concluding the dedication program for the facilities, Harry Arnott, branch servant at the time, directed attention to the more important spiritual building at which each one must work hard using the building blocks of faith, hope, and love.

These facilities soon became inadequate because of an increase in the number of Kingdom publishers from 30,129 to almost 57,000 in the next ten years. “Brother Knorr encouraged us to expand our printing,” recalled Ian Fergusson. “I visited the branch in Elandsfontein, South Africa, to consult with the brothers. Soon a printing press was airfreighted from there to Kitwe.”

Besides literature and magazines, Kitwe produced the monthly Our Kingdom Ministry for distribution in Kenya and other East African territories. In no time at all, the small printing facility became cramped, and it was necessary to move the printery. When the city council raised objections to our using an available site, a brother stepped forward and offered some land. The building was completed in 1984. For three decades Kitwe served as the spiritual hub of the preaching work in Zambia.

During the difficult years following the deportation of the missionaries, the number of workers at the branch office increased to the point that 14 members of the Bethel family were living outside of Bethel with their families. Adjustments were needed to care properly for the work that lay ahead. In time, two houses were bought and another was rented, making it possible to increase the size of the family. Obviously, though, new facilities were needed. Happily, circumstances were soon to improve dramatically. In 1986, brothers in key locations were assigned to search for land for a new branch. A 270-acre [110 ha] farm became available some nine miles [15 km] west of the capital. This proved to be a wise choice since the area has large reserves of groundwater. Dayrell Sharp commented, “I think that Jehovah guided us to this lovely spot.”

Dedication and Growth

On Saturday, April 24, 1993, hundreds of longtime servants of Jehovah gathered for the dedication of the new facilities. Among the 4,000 local brothers and sisters were more than 160 international guests, including missionaries who had had to leave some 20 years earlier. Theodore Jaracz, one of the two members of the Governing Body present, spoke on the theme “Recommending Ourselves as God’s Ministers.” He reminded those who had served faithfully for many years that if they had not endured, there would not have been a need to build. Referring to Paul’s words to the Corinthians, he emphasized that a true minister cultivates the fruitage of the spirit, which enables one to endure difficulties, trials, and tribulations. “You have recommended yourselves as God’s ministers,” he noted. “We have had to build this new branch because of the expansion of the work.”

In 2004 a four-story, 32-room new residence building was completed. Almost 11,000 square feet [1,000 sq m] of printery space has been upgraded to accommodate 47 translation offices with additional areas for file storage, conference rooms, and a library.

Despite economic hardships and other difficulties, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Zambia have been enriched in their service of God, and they count it a privilege to share their spiritual riches with others.​—2 Cor. 6:10.

Recommending the Truth to All

Zambia’s family-oriented society has through the years provided opportunity for many to be raised in the way of the truth. A traditional saying from Zambia’s Western Province is, A cow does not find its horns heavy. In other words, the duty of looking after one’s family should not be considered a burden. Christian parents recognize their accountability before God and prove to be a positive influence on their children, recommending the Christian ministry by word and by deed. Today, many Witnesses are the zealous offspring of such loyal ones.​—Ps. 128:1-4.

Jehovah’s Witnesses in Zambia rejoice at what has been achieved with Jehovah’s patience and support. (2 Pet. 3:14, 15) In the early days, “truthful,” Bible-based beliefs brought them through a period of uncertainty. An active “love free from hypocrisy” continues to be a bond among people drawn from diverse tribes and has steadily brought spiritual growth without unnecessary pain. Using “weapons of righteousness” to defend and inform with “kindness,” they have opened the minds of many, including those in authority, often resulting in a “good report.” Now more than 2,100 congregations are being firmly established “by knowledge” as capable graduates of the Ministerial Training School contribute needed oversight. Though greater “tribulations” may yet unfold, Jehovah’s Witnesses can be confident of “ever rejoicing” as they gather together.​—2 Cor. 6:4-10.

During the 1940 service year, about 5,000 heeded Jesus’ command to commemorate his death. That was 1 in 200 or so of the population. In recent years, more than half a million​—indeed 569,891 in 2005—​representing approximately 1 out of every 20 persons honored Jehovah that special evening. (Luke 22:19) Why have Jehovah’s people met with such success? Credit belongs to Jehovah God, the one responsible for spiritual growth.​—1 Cor. 3:7.

Jehovah’s Witnesses in Zambia, however, have done their part. “We are not embarrassed to talk about the good news; to us it is a privilege,” comments a member of the Branch Committee. It is evident to visitors that Jehovah’s Witnesses approach their ministry with a courteous determination. No wonder they enjoy a ratio of about 1 publisher to 90 of the population! Yet, there is more to be done.

“The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection.” (Prov. 18:10) There remains an urgent need for rightly disposed ones to run to Jehovah’s side now. The almost 200,000 Bible studies presently conducted in Zambia each month will help many more to dedicate themselves to Jehovah and become his zealous ministers. More than 125,000 active Witnesses in Zambia have every reason to recommend that course.

[Box on page 168]

An Overview of Zambia

The land: A flat, landlocked country with an abundance of trees, Zambia lies on a plateau some 4,000 feet [1,200 m] above sea level. The Zambezi River defines much of the southern border.

The people: Most Zambians are literate and profess to be Christian. In rural areas, people live in grass-roofed homes and grow food nearby.

The language: English is the official language, though more than 70 indigenous languages are also spoken.

The livelihood: Major industries include copper mining and processing. Among the agricultural products are maize, sorghum, rice, and peanuts.

The food: Maize is popular. Among the favorite dishes is nshima, a thick maize-meal porridge.

The climate: Because of the country’s elevation, the climate is milder than one might expect for a country in south-central Africa. Periodically, there is drought.

[Box/​Picture on page 173-175]

I Was Given 17 Months and 24 Lashes

Kosamu Mwanza

Born: 1886

Baptized: 1918

Profile: Endured persecution and false brothers. Faithfully served as a pioneer and an elder until he finished his earthly course in 1989.

I enlisted in the army and served as a medical orderly in the Northern Rhodesia Regiment during the early part of the first world war. In December 1917 while on leave, I met two men from Southern Rhodesia who were associated with the Bible Students. They gave me six volumes of Studies in the Scriptures. For three days I devoured the information in these books. I did not return to the war.

Correspondence with the branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses was difficult, and I and the brothers with me worked without direction. We went from village to village, gathering people around us, giving a sermon, and entertaining questions from listeners. In time, we chose a central point of meeting called Galilee in the north of the country. From there we invited interested ones to come and listen to explanations of the Bible. I was appointed to oversee matters. Sadly, many false brothers arose and spread confusion.

We were eager to preach, but our efforts disrupted the pastures of Catholic and Protestant missionaries in the area. We continued to hold large meetings, and I recall how in January 1919, about 600 gathered in the hills near Isoka. Unsure of our intentions, police and soldiers arrived, destroyed our Bibles and books, and arrested many of us. Some were imprisoned near Kasama, others in Mbala, and others as far south as Livingstone. Some received sentences of three years. I was given 17 months in prison and 24 lashes on the buttocks.

Upon release, I went back to my home village and resumed the preaching work. Later I was again arrested and imprisoned after receiving more lashes. Opposition continued. The local chief decided to expel the brothers from the village. All of us moved to another village, where the chief welcomed us. We settled there, and with his permission, we built our own village, which we called Nazareth. We were allowed to stay there on the condition that our activity did not disrupt the peace. The chief was pleased with our conduct.

Toward the end of 1924, I returned north to Isoka where a sympathetic district commissioner helped me to understand English better. During that time some self-styled leaders arose, teaching twisted things and misleading many. However, we continued to meet discreetly in private homes. Several years later, I received an invitation to meet in Lusaka with Llewelyn Phillips, who assigned me to visit congregations along the border between Zambia and Tanzania. I went as far as Mbeya in Tanzania, strengthening the brothers. After each round, I would return to my local congregation. I did this until the 1940’s when circuit overseers were assigned.

[Box/​Pictures on page 184-186]

Help to Northern Neighbors

In 1948 the newly formed Northern Rhodesia branch took oversight of the Kingdom-preaching work in most of what was called British East Africa. At that time, a few publishers were to be found in the highlands of Zambia’s northern neighbors. With the authorities of the day largely resistant to the entry of foreign missionaries, who would help humble ones learn the truth?

When Happy Chisenga offered to serve as a regular pioneer in Zambia’s Central Province, he was surprised to receive an invitation to serve in isolated territory near Njombe, Tanzania. “When my wife and I saw the word ‘isolated,’ we thought that we would be working along with publishers in a remote area. We soon learned that we were the first to preach in that place. When we directed people’s attention to the name Jehovah and such expressions as Armageddon in their copies of the Bible, people began to wonder. They soon nicknamed my wife Armageddon and me Jehovah. When we eventually transferred to Arusha, we left a group of stable publishers.”

In 1957, William Lamp Chisenga received an assignment to serve as a special pioneer in the mountains around Mbeya, Tanzania. “My wife, Mary, and our two children arrived in November, and we spent the whole night in the bus terminal since the local hotels were full. Though the night was cold and rainy, we looked forward to seeing how Jehovah would direct matters. The following morning, I left my family at the terminal to search for accommodations. I wasn’t sure where I was going, but I took with me copies of The Watchtower. Reaching the post office, I had placed several magazines when I met a man named Johnson. ‘Where do you come from, and where are you going?’ he asked. I told him that I had come to preach the good news. After hearing that I was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, he said that he was originally from Lundazi in Zambia’s Eastern Province and that he was a baptized Witness who had become inactive. We arranged to transport my family and our possessions to his home. In time, Johnson and his wife regained their spiritual strength and helped us to learn Swahili. Eventually, he returned to Zambia and became an active preacher of the good news. The experience taught me never to underestimate Jehovah’s ability to help us and never to undervalue opportunities to help others.”

Bernard Musinga’s full-time service took him and his wife, Pauline, and their young family to areas as diverse as Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Regarding a visit to the Seychelles, Bernard relates: “In 1976, I was assigned to visit a group on beautiful Praslin Island. The people were staunch Catholics, and misunderstandings had arisen. For example, the young son of a new publisher had refused to use the plus sign in his math lessons, explaining: ‘It is a cross, and I don’t believe in the cross.’ At that, religious leaders had leveled the bizarre accusation: ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses do not let their children study mathematics.’ In a meeting with the minister of education, we respectfully explained our beliefs and resolved that misunderstanding. The rapport we developed with the minister opened the way for missionaries to enter.”

[Picture]

Happy Mwaba Chisenga

[Picture]

William Lamp Chisenga

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Bernard and Pauline Musinga

[Box/​Picture on page 191, 192]

“You Are Losing Your Future!”

Mukosiku Sinaali

Born: 1928

Baptized: 1951

Profile: A Gilead graduate and a former translator, he currently serves as a congregation elder.

On the day of my baptism, missionary Harry Arnott spoke with me. There was a need for Silozi translators. “Can you help?” he asked. I soon received a letter of assignment and a copy of the Watchtower magazine. I eagerly started work that evening. The translation work was difficult, involving long hours of writing with an old ink pen. There was no Silozi dictionary available. I worked by day at the post office and by night as a translator. Sometimes I would receive a reminder from the branch office: “Please mail translation immediately.” I often thought, ‘Why can’t I enter the full-time service?’ Eventually, I resigned from the post office. Though I was trusted by the authorities, my resignation raised suspicions. Had I misappropriated funds? The post office sent two European inspectors to see. Their thorough inspection revealed no problems. They could not understand why I was resigning. My employers offered me a promotion to stay on, and when I refused, they warned: “You are losing your future!”

That wasn’t true. In 1960, I was invited to Bethel. Soon afterward came an invitation to attend Gilead School. I felt apprehensive. Flying for the first time​—to Paris, on to Amsterdam, and then to New York—​I remember thinking, ‘Is this how the anointed feel when they go to heaven?’ The loving reception that I received at world headquarters was overwhelming​—the brothers showed such humility and a complete lack of prejudice. I was assigned to return to Zambia, where I continued to help with translation.

[Box/​Picture on page 194]

Faster Than Eagles

Katuku Nkobongo is disabled; he cannot walk. One Sunday during the visit of the circuit overseer, news broke that rebel forces were advancing toward the village where he lived. Everyone fled. One of the last to leave was the circuit overseer, Mianga Mabosho. As he got on his bicycle to ride to safety, he heard a voice cry out from a nearby hut, “My brother, are you going to leave me here?” It was Katuku. The circuit overseer quickly helped him get on his bicycle and out of the village.

Their route southward to Zambia took them across difficult terrain. Brother Nkobongo had to crawl up the steep hills. The circuit overseer recalls: “Although I was climbing with my two legs, he reached the top of the hills before I did! I said, ‘This man is lame, but it is as though he has wings!’ When we finally reached a safer place and were given a meal, I asked the brother to pray. His heartfelt expressions brought tears to my eyes. Referring to Isaiah, chapter 40, he prayed: ‘Your words are true, Jehovah. Boys will both tire out and grow weary, and young men themselves will without fail stumble, but those hoping in you will regain power. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not tire out.’ He added, ‘Thank you, Jehovah, for making me move faster than the eagles of the heavens.’”

[Box/​Picture on page 204, 205]

Khaki Shorts and Brown Tennis Shoes

Philemon Kasipoh

Born: 1948

Baptized: 1966

Profile: Serves as a traveling overseer and an instructor and the coordinator of the MTS in Zambia.

My grandfather trained me in the ministry. Many times he took me to my schoolmates and asked me to witness to them. Grandfather used to conduct a regular family study, and no one was allowed to doze! I always looked forward to the family study.

I was baptized in a river near our home. A month later I gave my first talk in the congregation. I remember that I wore new khaki shorts and brown tennis shoes that day. Unfortunately, I tied the laces on my shoes so tight that I felt uncomfortable. The congregation servant noticed this. He kindly came to the platform and loosened them while I remained silent. The talk went well, and I learned from that act of kindness. I can see that Jehovah has given me much training.

With my own eyes, I have seen the fulfillment of Isaiah 60:22. The increase in the number of congregations calls for more elders and ministerial servants who are well equipped to handle responsibility. The MTS is filling this need. It is truly a source of joy to teach these young men. I have learned that when Jehovah gives you a job to do, he is sure to give you his holy spirit.

[Box/​Pictures on page 207-209]

“Oh, That’s Nothing”

Edward and Linda Finch

Born: 1951

Baptized: 1969 and 1966 respectively

Profile: Graduates of the 69th class of Gilead. Edward serves as the Branch Committee coordinator for Zambia.

During one convention period, we drove through the north of the country. There are few roads, just tracks. Several miles outside a village, we saw people walking toward us. One was an old man bent double and using a walking stick. His boots were tied together and hanging over his back along with a small bag of belongings. Getting closer, we saw that he and the others wore convention badges. We stopped to inquire where they were from. The elderly brother straightened up a little and said: “You have forgotten already. We were together at Chansa for the convention. We are now nearing home.”

“So when did you leave the convention?” we asked.

“When the program ended on Sunday.”

“But it is now Wednesday afternoon. Have you walked for three days?”

“Yes, and last night we heard lions.”

“You are all to be commended for the wonderful spirit you show and the sacrifice you make to attend conventions.”

The elderly brother simply picked up his things and started walking. “Oh, that’s nothing,” he said. “You go and thank the branch office for the new convention location. Last year we had to walk five days, but this year​—only three days.”

Most remember 1992 as a drought year in Zambia. We were at a convention on the banks of the Zambezi River, about 120 miles [200 km] upstream from Victoria Falls. During the evening, we visited families, most of whom were huddled around a fire in front of their small booth. One group of about 20 was singing Kingdom songs. We learned that they had walked eight days to get to the convention. They did not feel that they had done anything special. They traveled by loading their animals with small children, food, cooking utensils, and other necessities and slept wherever night found them.

The next day it was announced that the drought had affected many and that those in need were being given help. That evening three brothers came to our hut. None wore shoes, and their clothes were old. We were expecting them to tell us how the drought had affected them. Rather, they started to tell us how sad they were to learn of the suffering of some of the brothers. One pulled an envelope stuffed full of money out of his jacket pocket and said: “Please do not let them go hungry. Here, buy them some food.” Choked with emotion, we were unable even to thank them, and they were gone before we recovered. They had not come to the convention prepared for this, so their donation represented a big sacrifice on their part. Experiences like these draw us ever closer to the brothers.

[Pictures]

Despite hardships, many travel great distances to attend assemblies and conventions

Above: Cooking supper at the convention site

Left: Baking rolls in an outdoor oven

[Box/​Picture on page 211-213]

Determined to Assemble

Aaron Mapulanga

Born: 1938

Baptized: 1955

Profile: Formerly a Bethel volunteer, a translator, and a Branch Committee member. Now a family man serving as a congregation elder.

It was 1974, and our convention was six miles [10 km] east of Kasama. Though permission for the gathering was given by the local chief, the police insisted that we disperse. Soon the commanding officer, a large man, arrived with about a hundred paramilitary officers, who surrounded our camp. We kept the program moving while in a grass office, there was an animated discussion about permits and about whether the national anthem would be played.

When the time arrived for my part on the program, the commanding officer followed me onto the platform in an attempt to stop me from delivering the keynote address. The audience wondered what was next. He stood for a while gazing at the audience of about 12,000 and then stormed off. After my talk, I found him waiting behind the platform, very annoyed. He ordered his men to disperse the gathering, but a dispute arose between the senior officers, and they drove off. Shortly afterward, they returned, this time carrying a large book. The commanding officer laid it on the table in front of me and asked me to read a marked section. I read the paragraph silently.

“This book is correct,” I said. “It says: ‘The officer is empowered to disperse any gathering if it threatens peace.’” Looking at his belt and revolvers, I continued: “The only threat we have here is your presence and your men, who are armed. For our part, we have Bibles.”

He immediately turned to an intelligence officer and said: “Did I not tell you? Let us go!” Off we went to the police station.

On arrival at his office, he reached for the telephone and began talking to another officer. Up to that time, we had conversed in English. Now he spoke in Silozi. Little did he know that this was my language too! They talked about me. I just sat quietly and avoided giving the impression that I understood. Putting the receiver down, he said, “Now listen!”

I responded in Silozi, “Eni sha na teeleza!” meaning “Yes sir, I am listening!” Obviously surprised, he just sat and looked at me for a good while. He then stood up, walked over to a large refrigerator in the corner of his office, and got me a cold drink. The atmosphere became more relaxed.

Later a brother who was a well-respected businessman in the area also arrived. We made practical suggestions that alleviated the officer’s fears, and the tense situation ended. With Jehovah’s backing, convention arrangements became easier.

[Box/​Picture on page 221]

Thin Like a Finger

Michael Mukanu

Born: 1928

Baptized: 1954

Profile: Served as a traveling overseer and now serves at Zambia Bethel.

My circuit extended down into a valley behind an escarpment. I was often troubled by tsetse flies. To avoid insects and the heat of the day, I would wake up at 1:00 a.m. and head off, climbing hills and mountains to reach the next congregation. Because of so much walking, I carried very few items. I had little food to eat, so I was thin, like a finger. The brothers thought about writing to the branch office to request a change of assignment for me because they thought that, sooner or later, I was going to die. When they told me this, I said: “That is a kind suggestion, but you should remember that my assignment came from Jehovah, and he can change it. If I die, will I be the first to be buried here? Just let me continue. If I die, just notify the branch office.”

Three weeks later, I received a change of assignment. True, serving Jehovah can be a challenge, but you have to continue. Jehovah is the happy God; if his servants are not happy, he can do something so that they continue joyful in his service.

[Box/​Picture on page 223, 224]

We Do Not Support Superstition

Harkins Mukinga

Born: 1954

Baptized: 1970

Profile: Along with his wife, served as a traveling overseer and is now at Zambia Bethel.

When traveling, my wife, Idah, and I took with us our only son, a two-year-old boy. Arriving at one congregation, we were warmly welcomed by the brothers. On Thursday morning our son started crying and didn’t stop. At 8:00 a.m., I left him in Idah’s fine care and went to the meeting for field service. An hour later, while I was conducting a Bible study, news reached my ears that our son had died. Added to our distress was learning that a number of the brothers concluded that someone had bewitched him. We tried to help them reason against this common fear, but the news burst out like a petrol fire all over the territory. I explained that Satan is powerful but cannot overpower Jehovah and His loyal servants. “Time and unforeseen occurrence” befall us all, but we shouldn’t be hasty to draw conclusions based on fear.​—Eccl. 9:11.

Our son was buried the following day, and after the funeral, we held the meeting. The brothers learned some lessons from this: We neither fear wicked spirits nor support superstition. Though deeply pained by our loss, we continued with our special week of activity and left for another congregation. Instead of the congregations’ comforting us for what we had experienced, we comforted and encouraged them that in the near future, death will be a thing of the past.

[Box/​Picture on page 228, 229]

We Mustered Up Boldness

Lennard Musonda

Born: 1955

Baptized: 1974

Profile: In full-time service since 1976. He spent six years in the traveling work and now serves at Zambia Bethel.

I recall visiting congregations in about 1985 in the far north of the country. In previous years, political opposition there was intense. I was a newly appointed circuit overseer, and an opportunity presented itself for me to show faith and courage. Just after our meeting for field service one day, we were poised to visit a nearby village. Then a brother said that he had heard that if Jehovah’s Witnesses attempted to preach there, they would face a beating from the entire village. Though there had been mob attacks in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, I could not imagine that we would face violence from an entire community at this time.

Nevertheless, at hearing this report, some publishers became fainthearted and remained behind. Others of us​—a good number—​mustered up boldness and set off for the village. What we found amazed us. We placed many magazines and had friendly discussions with those we met. However, some who saw us enter the village ran away. We saw abandoned pots boiling over and houses left open. So instead of experiencing a confrontation, we witnessed a retreat.

[Box/​Picture on page 232, 233]

I Had to Run for My Life

Darlington Sefuka

Born: 1945

Baptized: 1963

Profile: Served as a special pioneer, a traveling overseer, and a Zambia Bethel volunteer.

It was 1963, and times were turbulent. Often, as we went into the field ministry, gangs of politically motivated youths would go ahead of us, warning people not to listen and threatening that if they did, someone would come and break their windows and doors.

One evening barely two days after my baptism, I was badly beaten by a group of 15 youths. Blood streamed from my mouth and nose. On another evening, a brother and I were assaulted by a group of about 40 who had followed us to where I stayed. Recalling the experiences of the Lord Jesus strengthened me. The talk delivered by John Jason at my baptism had made it clear that a Christian’s life would not be problem-free. When these things happened, they came, not as a surprise, but as an encouragement.

At the time, politicians wanted support in their fight for independence, and our neutral position was seen as aligning ourselves with Europeans and Americans. Religious leaders who supported political groups made sure that they fueled any negative talk about us. Things were difficult before independence, and they remained challenging afterward. Many brothers lost their businesses because they would not obtain party cards. Some moved from urban areas back to their home villages and took up low-income jobs to avoid requests for donations to support political activities.

When I was a teenager, my cousin, who wasn’t a Witness, cared for me. My neutral stand led to intimidation and threats against his family. They were afraid. One day, before leaving for work, my cousin said, “When I come back in the evening, I want you gone.” At first I thought he was joking, since I had no other relative in the town. I had nowhere to go. I soon realized that he was serious. When he returned home and found me there, he was furious. He picked up stones and began to chase me. “Go to your fellow dogs!” he screamed. I had to run for my life.

My father heard reports and sent a message: “If you continue to stick to your neutral position, never step in my house.” That was difficult. I was 18. Who would take me in? The congregation did. Often I meditate on King David’s words: “In case my own father and my own mother did leave me, even Jehovah himself would take me up.” (Ps. 27:10) Let me tell you, Jehovah is true to his promise.

[Box/​Picture on page 236, 237]

My Conduct Won the Respect of Many Teachers

Jackson Kapobe

Born: 1957

Baptized: 1971

Profile: Serves as a congregation elder.

In 1964 the first expulsions from schools began. The branch office helped parents to see that they should prepare their children. I remember Father sitting down with me after school and discussing Exodus 20:4, 5.

At school assemblies, I stood toward the back to avoid confrontation. Those found not singing the national anthem would be called to the front. When the headmaster asked why I refused to sing, I answered using the Bible. “You read, but you do not sing!” the teacher exclaimed. He reasoned that I owed loyalty to the government for providing a school that taught me to read.

Finally, in February 1967, I was expelled. I was disappointed because I enjoyed learning and was a good student. Despite pressure from workmates and unbelieving family members, my father reassured me that I was doing the right thing. My mother too was under pressure. As I accompanied her into the fields to work, other women would ridicule us, “Why is this one not in school?”

My education, however, was not abandoned. In 1972 greater emphasis began to be put on literacy classes within the congregation. As time went on, the situation in schools eased. Our house was across the road from the school. The headmaster would often call to get cold water to drink or to borrow brooms used to sweep classrooms. Once he even came to borrow money! My family’s acts of kindness must have touched him, for one day he asked, “Does your son want to continue school?” Dad reminded him that I was still one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. “No problem,” said the headmaster. “What grade do you want to start?” he asked me. I chose grade six. Same school, same headmaster, same classmates​—except my reading skills were better than most because of the literacy classes held at the Kingdom Hall.

My hard work and good conduct won the respect of many teachers, which made school life easier. I studied hard and took some examinations, which allowed me to accept a responsible position in the mines and later to support a family. I am happy that I never sang in compromise.

[Box/​Picture on page 241, 242]

“How Can We Stop Preaching?”

Jonas Manjoni

Born: 1922

Baptized: 1950

Profile: Served at Zambia Bethel for over 20 years. Currently an elder and a regular pioneer.

In the middle of the second world war, my brother returned from Tanzania with a Bible and several books including Government and Reconciliation. With publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses still under ban, I was interested to see what all the fuss was about. I read Reconciliation but found it hard to understand. Some years later, I visited my brother and went with him to a congregation meeting. There was no Kingdom Hall; the meeting place was a cleared area, fenced off with bamboo. No printed outline was used, but how satisfying it was to hear a lecture taken directly from the Scriptures! The explanation of the Bible was quite different from that presented at the church I went to, where those attending were eager to salute the flag and to beat drums. Why, in church, squabbles arose over tribal differences and in what language they should sing! At this meeting, however, I heard beautiful songs giving praise to Jehovah and saw whole families seated, taking in spiritual food.

I got baptized and continued my secular work as a medical orderly, which took me from town to town in the mining areas. In 1951, I took two weeks’ leave and spent the time helping at the branch office in Lusaka. Soon afterward, I was invited to serve at Bethel. At first I worked in shipping, and later when the office moved to Luanshya, I helped in correspondence and translation. Though political change began brewing in the early 1960’s, the brothers continued to produce good fruitage and to maintain their neutrality amid political upheaval.

March 1963 was one of several occasions when I met with Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, who was soon to become president of Zambia. I explained why we refused to join political parties or to purchase party cards. We requested his assistance in ending intimidation from political opposers, and he requested more information. Some years later, Dr. Kaunda invited us to the State House where we were privileged to speak to the president and his principal ministers. The meeting lasted late into the evening. While not objecting to Jehovah’s Witnesses as a religious group, the president asked if we could just meet like other religions, without preaching. “How can we stop preaching?” we replied. “Jesus preached. He did not simply build a temple alongside the Pharisees.”

Despite our appeals, a ban was imposed on features of our ministry. Nevertheless, as always we found ways to give credit and honor to Jehovah, who uses his servants to accomplish his purpose.

[Box/​Picture on page 245, 246]

I Had a Strong Desire to Learn

Daniel Sakala

Born: 1964

Baptized: 1996

Profile: Serves as a congregation elder.

I was a member of the Zion Spirit Church when I received a copy of the booklet Learn to Read and Write. Though illiterate, I had a strong desire to learn. So after obtaining the publication, I devoted much time to it. I would ask people to help me understand new words. In this way, though having no teacher, I made progress and within a short time learned the basics of reading and writing.

I could now read the Bible! However, I discovered several things that conflicted with practices in my church. My brother-in-law, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, sent me the brochure Spirits of the Dead​—Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist? What I read prompted me to ask my pastor some questions. While in church one day, I read Deuteronomy 18:10, 11 and asked, “Why do we do things that the Bible condemns?”

“We have our own part to play,” answered the pastor. I didn’t understand that comment.

I then read Ecclesiastes 9:5 and asked, “Why do we encourage people to honor the dead when the Bible says the dead ‘are conscious of nothing’?” Neither the pastor nor the audience said anything in reply.

Later, some church members approached me. They said, “We are not Jehovah’s Witnesses, so why should we stop respecting the dead and not follow our customs?” This puzzled me. Though I had used only the Bible in the discussion, the congregation had concluded that I was associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses! From then on, I began to attend the Kingdom Hall with two associates from my former church. Within the first three months, I successfully encouraged several close relatives to attend Christian meetings. Three of them are now baptized, including my wife.

[Chart/​Graph on page 176, 177]

ZAMBIA​—A TIME LINE

1910

1911: Studies in the Scriptures reach Zambia.

1919: Kosamu Mwanza and about 150 others are flogged and imprisoned.

1925: Cape Town office of the Bible Students curtails preaching and baptisms.

1935: Government restricts literature imports. Twenty publications are banned.

1936: Depot opens in Lusaka under oversight of Llewelyn Phillips.

1940

1940: Government bans importation and distribution of our literature. Baptisms begin again.

1948: First Gilead graduates arrive.

1949: Government lifts ban on The Watchtower.

1954: Branch office moves to Luanshya.

1962: Branch office moves to Kitwe.

1969: Government bans our public preaching.

1970

1975: Missionaries are deported.

1986: Missionaries are again allowed to enter the country.

1993: Present branch facilities in Lusaka are dedicated.

2000

2004: Branch extension in Lusaka is dedicated.

2005: 127,151 publishers are active in Zambia.

[Graph]

(See publication)

Total Publishers

Total Pioneers

130,000

65,000

1910 1940 1970 2000

[Maps on page 169]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

ZAMBIA

Kaputa

Mbala

Isoka

Kasama

Samfya

Lundazi

Mufulira

Kalulushi

Kitwe

Luanshya

Kabwe

LUSAKA

Senanga

Zambezi River

Livingstone

BOTSWANA

ZIMBABWE

MOZAMBIQUE

MALAWI

[Full-page picture on page 162]

[Picture on page 167]

Thomson Kangale

[Picture on page 170]

Llewelyn Phillips

[Picture on page 178]

Harry Arnott, Nathan Knorr, Kay and John Jason, and Ian Fergusson, 1952

[Picture on page 193]

Right: Manda Ntompa and his family in the Mwange refugee camp, 2001

[Picture on page 193]

Below: A typical refugee camp

[Picture on page 201]

The first class of the Ministerial Training School in Zambia, 1993

[Picture on page 202]

MTS instructors Richard Frudd and Philemon Kasipoh meet with a student

[Picture on page 206]

Convention facilities were built using mud, grass, or other local materials

[Picture on page 215]

Left: Full-costume Bible drama, 1991

[Picture on page 215]

Below: Candidates for immersion at the “Messengers of Godly Peace” District Convention, 1996

[Picture on page 235]

Mr. Richmond Smith with Feliya Kachasu and her father, Paul

[Pictures on page 251]

Joyful workers share in the construction of the current branch in Lusaka

[Pictures on page 252, 253]

(1, 2) Recently built Kingdom Halls

(3, 4) Zambia branch, Lusaka

(5) Stephen Lett at the dedication of the branch extension, December 2004

[Picture on page 254]

Branch Committee, from left to right: Albert Musonda, Alfred Kyhe, Edward Finch, Cyrus Nyangu, and Dayrell Sharp