Yearbook—2007

Title Page/​Publishers’ Page

2007 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Containing Report for the Service Year of 2006

This book is the property of ․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․

“The Great Day of Jehovah Is Near.”​—Zeph. 1:14.

In the days of Judaean King Josiah, the prophet Zephaniah proclaimed a powerful message: Jehovah’s day of judgment was coming, and it was near. Though the wicked would be “cut off,” those seeking Jehovah, righteousness, and meekness would be “concealed in the day of Jehovah’s anger.” (Zeph. 1:3; 2:3) That day arrived in 607 B.C.E., and it came with fury upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

We boldly declare a similar message, one that warns the wicked and comforts the righteous: Soon Jehovah will eradicate both the wicked and wickedness. As you will see in the Worldwide Report, this message is being proclaimed as never before​—evidence that Jehovah’s day is near indeed. May our yeartext for 2007 remind us of where we are in the stream of time, and may it encourage us to remain ever faithful to our magnificent God, Jehovah.

[Picture Credit Lines on page 2]

Photo Credits: Page 22: Globe on DVD cover: Used with permission from The George F. Cram Company, Indianapolis, Indiana; page 27: Art source for Rome and Greece on top video cover: Roma, Musei Capitolini; page 66: City: Johannesburg Tourism Company; colorful buildings: ©Jon Arnold/​Agency Jon Arnold Images/​age fotostock; page 114: Top: Museum Africa: Times Media Collection; page 223: Rice: Ed Scott/​Pixtal/​age fotostock; house and boat: © ICONOTEC; page 228: Pineapples: © ICONOTEC; photo from space: Image courtesy of the Image Science & Analysis Laboratory, NASA Johnson Space Center; pages 229, 252-4: Flowers and lava, flowers and sunset, waterfall, waves: © ICONOTEC

Contents

3 A Letter From the Governing Body

6 Highlights of the Past Year

31 Worldwide Report​—2006 Grand Totals

ACTS OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES IN MODERN TIMES

67 South Africa

177 Latvia

222 Réunion

A Letter From the Governing Body

FOLLOWING Jesus’ example, we pray earnestly to God: “Let your name be sanctified.” Our strong desire to live in harmony with that prayer is made manifest by the way we live our lives as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Of course, much more is required of us than simply knowing God’s name. We must take advantage of every opportunity to glorify that name. Indeed, the greatest honor that any of us could enjoy is that of being called one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.​—Matt. 6:9; Isa. 43:10.

In keeping with Psalm 110:3, Jehovah’s people are willingly engaging in the work that Jehovah has decreed must be done. Why are people of all ages and backgrounds expending themselves in the preaching work? Primarily, it is because of their love for God and their personal devotion to him. Deuteronomy 6:5, 6 commands us to love Jehovah with ‘all our heart, soul, and vital force.’ This heartfelt love moves us to use our time, energies, and resources to advance the interests of God’s Kingdom, which includes sharing in the ministry as fully as our circumstances allow.

Jehovah’s love for mankind is behind his direction to have the good news of his Kingdom declared throughout the earth. He does not want any to be destroyed but desires all to repent of their wayward course and turn to their Creator with life in view. (2 Pet. 3:9) “I take delight,” Jehovah says, “not in the death of the wicked one, but in that someone wicked turns back from his way and actually keeps living.” (Ezek. 33:11) When we are engaging in the ministry, we are visible proof of Jehovah’s love for our fellow humans. This fact, no doubt, contributes to the joy and satisfaction we experience when we share in this important work.

Our deep love for Jehovah is also reflected in our view of his inspired Word, the Holy Scriptures. Without the Bible, we would not have come to know God and to draw close to him, as James 4:8 invites us to do. Nor would we know why we are here and what the future holds. We would not know that our common ancestor Adam is the source of our problems. (Rom. 5:12) Neither would we know of God’s great love in providing his only-begotten Son as a ransom for us. In many other ways, Jehovah is sharing a measure of his knowledge, wisdom, and understanding with us. How we treasure the gift he has given us, his spirit-inspired Word! Our appreciation for this wonderful gift moves us to ‘buy out time’ to read, study, and meditate on his sayings. (Eph. 5:15, 16; Ps. 1:1-3) We should never begrudge the time it takes to read God’s Word daily. Rather, our love for God should draw us to his Word, enabling us to increase our understanding of him and deepen our love for him.

We have learned from the Bible that when Adam sinned against Jehovah, he brought all of his future offspring, including each one of us, into a deplorable, hopeless situation. However, God could and did provide a way out for mankind, taking steps to ensure that his purpose toward this earth would be realized.​—Gen. 3:15.

No doubt every one of us has a strong desire to sanctify the marvelous name of our God. As we increase in knowledge of what a wonderful God Jehovah is, we are moved to cooperate with him and his organization in making his grand name and purpose known. We are assured of his favor and blessing now and of an endless future in the new world.

We members of the Governing Body wish to confirm our love for you dear brothers and sisters. We would also like to express our deep appreciation for your diligent efforts to use the remaining time before “the great tribulation” to reach as many people as possible with the good news. (Rev. 7:14) By doing so, you give them the same opportunity that you have received, that of taking in the knowledge of God and of Christ that leads to everlasting life.​—John 17:3.

Your brothers,

Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses

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Carey W. Barber

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John E. Barr

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Samuel Herd

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Geoffrey Jackson

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Theodore Jaracz

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Stephen Lett

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Gerrit Lösch

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Anthony Morris III

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Guy Pierce

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David Splane

Highlights of the Past Year

“I WILL praise Jehovah during my lifetime. I will make melody to my God as long as I am.” (Ps. 146:2) How thrilled the psalmist would be if he were alive today to see Jehovah praised as never before! Contributing to that praise is the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? which is reaching the hearts of many who are searching for the truth about God.​—Acts 17:27.

To increase the praise rendered to Jehovah, many branches have sponsored language classes so that publishers and pioneers can reach out to even more people with the good news. Perhaps you may be moved to think about expanding your own ministry by learning another language.

Another example of praise given to Jehovah was the three-week global campaign to distribute the special handbill advertising the “Deliverance at Hand!” District Conventions, held in some 155 lands. Millions of Kingdom publishers in over 99,000 congregations shared in the campaign, the first of its kind. “It prompted some new ones to begin publishing, and some who had lapsed into inactivity were stirred to get back into action,” wrote a Convention Committee. One brother who was inactive for 35 years received the handbill at his door and has not missed a meeting since! The following are just some of the experiences received from various branches.

France

While visiting a relative, a Catholic lady and her husband saw the handbill in the home and were intrigued by the questions it raised. They attended the convention along with their three children. When they arrived, an attendant warmly greeted them, gave them Bibles, and seated them next to a Witness family who lived just two miles [3 km] from their home! The two families spent the day together and made arrangements for a Bible study. The week after the convention, the interested family attended a congregation meeting during the visit of the circuit overseer.

India

A well-known singer named Sunita went to Canada to perform. Witnesses who met her there invited her to a Punjabi meeting. She accepted the invitation and enjoyed the meeting especially because of the emphasis placed on the Bible. When she received the convention handbill, she promptly canceled her performances for that weekend so that she could attend all three days. Sunita did not regret her decision. “This is the truth,” she said at the end of the first day. Upon returning to India, she went to the local Kingdom Hall, along with her mother, her son, her nephew, and a friend. When approached by her former pastors, she expressed her determination to become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In fact, she told them that they too should come to the Kingdom Hall!

Serbia

A Chinese lady whom we shall call Mei Li lives in Belgrade. In 2006 she began to read The Watchtower in her mother tongue. When Mei Li received a handbill inviting her to the Chinese-language convention in Leipzig, Germany, she was determined to attend even though Leipzig is about 600 miles [1,000 km] from Belgrade. She obtained a three-day visa, flew to Munich, and went by train to Leipzig, a journey that cost her the equivalent of two months’ wages. What she learned from the program and from her conversations with other delegates moved her deeply. When Mei Li returned to Belgrade, she and her mother accepted a home Bible study and began to attend a Chinese-language book study.

United States

“Visitors were noticed throughout the audience on all three days,” reports a Convention Committee. “One visitor was a woman who received an invitation the day after praying to God for direction in her life. She drove two hours to the convention on both Saturday and Sunday and accepted a Bible study.” The report continues: “One man actually ran down the street after a brother who had left an invitation with the man’s son. The brother was not sure what to expect but was delighted when his pursuer kindly asked him to return to his home for a discussion. Bible in hand, the man asked a number of questions, and a study was started.”

A brother offered the handbill to a man at a construction site. “May I tell others about this?” the man asked.

“Sure!” said the brother, unaware that the man had his own radio program on Saturday mornings. True to his word, he told others about the invitation by reading from it during his show! In response, many people inquired about the handbill.

Twelve-year-old Morgan serves as an auxiliary pioneer. A week before the special campaign, she met a man who asked a number of Bible questions and invited him to the public talk at the local Kingdom Hall. He came even though he had to leave immediately afterward to attend a family funeral. When the special campaign began, Morgan gave this interested man a handbill. “I will definitely be there on Saturday and Sunday, but I have to work on Friday,” he said. He then asked what the Witnesses do in such circumstances. “They usually get the day off, but sometimes they have to quit their job,” said Morgan.

When Morgan called again, the man said that he had asked his boss for permission to take Friday off, telling him that if he could not, he would quit his job. His boss said that he was too valuable a worker to lose and that he could have Friday off and Thursday as well so that he could prepare.

The man attended all three days of the convention but not alone. He was joined by 8 members of his immediate family and 12 of his friends and their families​—a total of 35 people! Initially, when he told Morgan that he would be accompanied by about 30 others, she replied, “I can’t save that many seats.”

“I understand,” he said. “We will sit in the rafters if need be.” Of course, they all found comfortable seating.

“THE BOOK . . . TEACHES AS JESUS DID”

Reports indicate that the Bible study aid What Does the Bible Really Teach? is proving to be a boon to the preaching work. “It opens the eyes and feeds the heart and mind,” said one Bible student. A district overseer reports: “The book grabs your attention because it teaches as Jesus did. It does not waste words, it is straightforward and clear, yet it is also very heartwarming.” Consider the following experiences.

Australia

While doing repairs on the home of a woman who was ill, a brother told her about the Kingdom hope. A few days later, when he called on her with a pioneer sister, the lady asked about the last days. The Witnesses opened the Bible Teach book to chapter 9, entitled “Are We Living in ‘the Last Days’?” and discussed the material with her. The woman was amazed at the things contained in the Bible. “My church has kept me in the dark,” she said.

The brother writes: “When we returned, we studied chapter 1, ‘What Is the Truth About God?’ and the related item in the appendix, which explains why God’s name is omitted from some Bibles. When the lady read in the foreword of her Bible that the translators had substituted ‘Lord’ for ‘Jehovah,’ she was angry, for she had been told that hers was a good translation. The woman has expressed the desire to attend Christian meetings.

Belgium

A sister named Ingrid met an African woman who was prejudiced against Jehovah’s Witnesses. When Ingrid kindly showed her the Bible Teach book, her attitude softened, since she was eager to understand God’s Word. She even accepted a study, insisting, however, that all the scriptures be read. This lady now attends the meetings, often comments, and wants to become a Kingdom publisher.

Brazil

The Witnesses studied the Bible with Paulo when he was in his early teens. Sadly, when he was 16, his family broke up. In order to support his mother, Paulo joined a samba band but soon became involved in immorality and heavy drinking. Still, certain truths remained in his heart. For example, realizing the connection that voodoo has with demonism, he was upset when he had to play at a voodoo center. He also began to see how empty his life was. When a young brother showed Paulo the Bible Teach book in 2005, his interest was immediately rekindled, and he began to study. Before long, he quit the band, and now he attends Christian meetings.

Britain

While in the door-to-door ministry, Marilyn met Melanie, a young mother who expressed an interest in the Bible. Marilyn left her a tract, promising to return. After several attempts, Marilyn found Melanie at home. “I decided to go straight into the Bible Teach book,” says Marilyn, “and this resulted in a progressive Bible study. Just before Christmas, Melanie surprised me by saying that this was to be the last time that she would have a Christmas tree. She had been reading ahead in the book and learned the truth about Christmas.”

Colombia

Consuelo obtained permission from her supervisor to take time off from work to attend a district convention. When Consuelo returned to work, her supervisor asked how the convention went, and a lively discussion ensued. When Consuelo showed her the Bible Teach book, she asked if she could borrow it. Two days later she returned it, saying that it made for interesting reading. “It’s not just for reading but for studying,” said Consuelo, who then showed her how a study is conducted. “Do you mean that I can study this book?” asked the supervisor. Needless to say, a study was arranged, and soon thereafter, the woman began to witness to family and friends. She also started to attend Christian meetings, sometimes accompanied by her son and her grandmother.

Guyana

Joseph, a regular pioneer, started a study in the Bible Teach book with a man who had met the Witnesses years earlier in Georgetown, the capital. When Joseph arrived for the first study, he found the man and his two adult sons and their wives waiting. They too accepted copies of the book. The following week, the father said that a local schoolteacher had borrowed his Bible Teach book and read it. “It contains the truth,” the teacher said. The teacher joined in the study as well. Meanwhile, a neighbor heard about the study and asked if he could attend. About that time, Joseph invited all to the Memorial. Although the man with whom Joseph first began to study was unable to go because of sickness, his family did attend the Memorial, as did the teacher and his family. All are continuing to make fine progress.

Poland

While street witnessing, Lucjan met 50-year-old Jan, a school friend whom he had not seen for years. During their discussion, which included points from the Bible Teach book, Jan revealed that he had lost his wife in death and that he had taken up smoking and become an alcoholic. “When a friend and I called back a few days later,” says Lucjan, “Jan was waiting for us. At his request, we immediately started to study the Bible Teach book.” The truth is reaching his heart, and he is trying to overcome his addictions and to control his language, which tended to be vulgar.

Spain

Why would a hematologist advise a patient suffering from depression to study the Bible? Two members of a Hospital Liaison Committee visited this doctor and placed with him a copy of the Bible Teach book. Both he and a patient were suffering from depression resulting from serious illness. Impressed with the Bible Teach book, he showed it to his patient, assuring her that by studying with the Witnesses, both of them would be able to look to the future with confidence. Within a couple of days, a pioneer sister who was engaging in street witnessing met the lady, and she accepted a study. The hematologist too began to study and is already attending Christian meetings.

Zambia

Goliath, a village headman who had two wives and ten children, is no giant, but he and his family have taken giant steps spiritually. Goliath began making changes soon after reading the Bible Teach book. In January 2006 he and his family started attending Christian meetings, and in February he asked his second wife to leave and legalized his relationship with his first wife. (Matt. 19:4-6; 1 Tim. 3:2) During March he resigned as village headman, and in April he and his wife, Esther, became unbaptized publishers. Their decision to serve Jehovah evidently displeased the demons, who began to harass Esther. However, she opposed them, as directed at James 4:7. The result? “Along with my husband, I am now a free person,” she said.

REACHING OUT TO WITNESS IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE

A number of countries have seen a large influx of immigrants who speak a foreign tongue, and many of these people come from lands where the preaching work cannot be done freely. As a result, “a large door that leads to activity has been opened,” and many brothers and sisters are going through that door by learning another language. (1 Cor. 16:9) In addition, some countries have a sizable indigenous population whose tongue is not widely spoken. Kingdom publishers are learning these languages too and are reaping rich rewards.

To advance the work in such territories, a number of branches have organized language classes. Designed to accelerate learning, the lessons often focus on real-life situations that occur in the ministry. “The course helps you to immerse yourself in the language,” says Elisa, who is studying Albanian.

Belgium

The branch reports that more than 300 publishers have attended 17 classes in ten languages, the students ranging in age from 9 to 71. “I have learned the Turkish language and grown to love the people,” says Enora. Annelies is studying Chinese, and she was interviewed by a reporter from a national television network. He wanted to do a story on someone who is doing something new in life. Of course, Annelies explained why she is learning Chinese. A year later when the reporter returned, Annelies explained the good results that she had seen in her ministry. The reporter was evidently impressed, for the program was aired on prime-time national television, and it included an interview with Annelies and a film clip of her witnessing in Chinese at a bus stop.

Netherlands

“Besides getting more workers into the foreign-language field, the language courses have helped brothers to take the lead in the congregations,” writes the branch. In Netherlands, an urgent need existed in the relatively new Romanian field. The branch had organized meetings occasionally, but only one brother was able to take the lead, and his health was poor. Now, thanks to the language course, additional qualified brothers have been able to take the lead. One brother conducts a weekly book study, another conducts the Watchtower Study, and a third is already serving as an interpreter when talks are given in Dutch.

Spain

Since 2003 the branch has sponsored 48 classes in ten languages, with the result that the number of Bible studies has increased dramatically to nearly 50,000. Juan and Mari Paz, a married couple who serve as special pioneers, were invited into the home of a Romanian family. Soon 16 people gathered to listen, including 19-year-old Mario, who was most attentive. Though he spoke no Spanish and the pioneers no Romanian, he accepted the Require brochure in his language. The following week, Mario asked for a Bible study and attended a special assembly day, even though he understood very little. Within a few weeks, he was attending all of the congregation meetings and began to offer simple comments in Spanish. He improved his appearance and began to share his newfound hope with others. He now conducts a Bible study with a Romanian couple, who are making fine progress.

Meanwhile, Juan and Mari began to study Romanian, and before long they were conducting 30 Bible studies in that language! Juan also conducts a book study in Romanian. After the study, ten publishers attend a Romanian-language class conducted by none other than Mario, the original Bible student.

United States

More than 50 million people speak a language other than English in the home. Among Jehovah’s Witnesses, some 254,000 publishers serve in 3,052 Spanish-language congregations and 53 groups. An additional 26,000 publishers serve in 690 foreign-language congregations and groups other than Spanish. To facilitate the work in this huge diverse field, the branch has sponsored over 450 classes in 29 languages. “The last two years have seen four new congregations formed in our circuit,” reports a circuit overseer. “Three of them are a direct result of the French-language classes.”

“This has been a dream come true for us,” says a brother who learned Spanish. “For years my wife and I wanted to be missionaries, but we had two children to raise. Now our children are grown, and I have retired from secular work. So three months ago, my wife and I moved to a Spanish congregation, and already we have been assigned talks in the Theocratic Ministry School. We also have many return visits and possibly five Bible studies. At 67 and 64 years of age, we have learned that one is never too old to learn a foreign language.”

If your territory is not producing many new disciples and if your circumstances allow for it, why not give prayerful thought to learning another language with a view to moving into a foreign- or an indigenous-language territory? Such a move can be very fruitful, and it may breathe new life into your ministry.

Germany

Language courses commenced more than 30 years ago in this country, and over 1,000 students have been trained in nine languages, from Albanian to Vietnamese. “This is much better than the course I took at a university,” said one sister. Because students also learn how people from other countries think, they are better able to reach hearts when giving a witness.

Paula, who is 82 years of age, began learning the Vietnamese language and travels about 100 miles [150 km] to attend meetings. “I am not gifted when it comes to language,” she says, “but I am very grateful to Jehovah for giving me so much joy.” Paula studied with a Vietnamese family. The husband was the first to take an interest in the truth, and his wife followed. Both are now baptized.

Since their baptism, the couple and their daughter have realized their dream of serving Jehovah in their home country. They built a house with enough space for congregation meetings, and the husband serves as an elder and auxiliary pioneer. His wife is a regular pioneer. Paula’s joy was unbounded when she received a letter from this family saying that the father baptized his own daughter. In a letter to Paula, the girl wrote: “Dear ‘Grandma.’ I miss you. I often think of you. You will always be my Grandma Paula. I love you.” What a heartwarming experience this was for our dear sister, who took on a difficult language late in life!

Canada

Since 2002 a total of 554 students have attended 31 language classes in ten cities. Paul, who is an elder and a paraplegic, was learning Mandarin. Linda, his part-time nurse, is Chinese. Because her church had maligned the Witnesses, Linda did not want to hear the Kingdom message. One day Paul asked her to take him to the Kingdom Hall so that he could hear a public talk in Mandarin. She obliged but kept to herself and showed no interest. Not long thereafter, she took Paul to the book study. This time Linda, a single parent, listened closely because the study dealt with family life. Afterward, a pioneer sister offered Linda a Bible study, which she accepted. She made rapid spiritual progress and is now one of our sisters.

Canada has many indigenous people who speak their own language. A few years ago, a pioneer sister named Carma witnessed to a man who is a Blackfoot Indian. “When I tried to witness to him in English, he refused to listen,” says Carma, who lives on the Blackfoot reserve with her parents. “He said that I belong to a white man’s religion and that the Bible is a white man’s book. I thought, ‘If only I knew more about Blackfoot language and culture, he might take me seriously.’” Carma decided to learn the language and later assisted 23 publishers who attended a weekly Blackfoot-language class.

One of the students witnessed to a Blackfoot couple who were visiting their sick son in the hospital. Impressed that the sister took an interest in their language, the couple gave her their address. Carma learned that the husband was the very same person whom she met a year earlier! So she accompanied the sister on the return visit. “They not only listened but also agreed with what the Bible says,” relates Carma. “The sister offered them a Bible and a study aid. With tears in her eyes, the woman held the two publications to her breast, her husband nodding approvingly. She now studies, and her husband listens in.”

Pointing to the success of the language class, the branch reports that 34 Blackfeet attended the 2006 Memorial held in their own tongue!

Italy

Some 7,200 publishers have attended classes in 18 languages. One of these students met Samson, who came from a land where the Kingdom work is banned. At age 24, Samson set off on what he called a journey of hope, first crossing the desert and then sailing to Italy. There he met the brother who had learned his language. Samson listened with interest and even attended a Christian meeting. After losing contact with each other for ten months, they met once again, and the brother began to study the Bible with Samson. The study was conducted at fast-food restaurants, subway stations, and parking lots. After attending the Memorial, Samson began to clean up his life, even ending a relationship with a woman he had been living with for about a year. He is now one of our brothers.

Nicaragua

During 2006 the brothers were able to give a good witness to the indigenous Mayangnan people for the first time. Most Mayangnas are of the Moravian religion, a Protestant group, and the unofficial mayor in each town is usually the pastor. One of these pastors broke with tradition and allowed Hamilton and Abner​—special pioneers—​to stay in the town. He even found lodging for them and gave them a complete Bible in Mayangna. The brothers learned the language and soon had a number of Bible studies. In fact, the pioneers served as interpreters when 13 people attended the meeting during the very first visit of the circuit overseer, and 90 attended the Memorial. On the latter occasion, the brothers translated the two songs into Mayangna, and all sang with gusto.

In view of the extraordinary interest shown, the branch agreed that the pioneers could stay in the assignment indefinitely. But would the local authorities approve of this? At a town meeting, some accused Jehovah’s Witnesses of being the antichrist. One man, however, had studied with the Witnesses, and he was on the town council. “Since these two young men have been in our town,” he said, “I have never seen anyone cook for them or do their laundry. They take care of everything themselves. They have even learned our language! What is more, they have taught us things from the Bible that we never knew. If these men were not from God, they would surely have given up by now.” The brothers were allowed to stay.

TRANSLATION FOR THE DEAF

United States

In 2006, The Good News According to Matthew was released in American Sign Language in the form of a set of DVDs. For the first time, deaf publishers are able to read entire chapters of the New World Translation in their own language. “This is the best personal letter I have ever received from Jehovah,” said one deaf elder. Another said, “Now I can see how every verse fits into its context.” A sister who makes it a goal to cover one chapter a day writes: “Before I know it, I am running late for an appointment because I have covered four or five chapters and lost track of the time!”

Brazil

The work in the sign-language territory is growing at an amazing rate. At present there are 232 sign-language congregations, and these make up ten circuits and one district. Over 1,000 elders and ministerial servants as well as 146 special pioneers, 8 of whom are deaf, are working in the sign-language congregations and field. Of the elders and ministerial servants, more than 100 attribute much of their spiritual growth to the fine publications that Jehovah’s organization is providing for the deaf. These study aids include Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life, What Does the Bible Really Teach?, Keep on the Watch!, What Does God Require of Us?, and The Watchtower. Starting in 2006, the Theocratic Ministry School was adapted for sign language, using publications available in that language.

“Having attended services at various churches,” said a 30-year-old schoolteacher, “I now recognize that only Jehovah’s Witnesses are really capable of teaching the Bible to the deaf.” What her church taught, she said, was illogical and ineffective. Despite pressure from her friends, she is determined to keep attending Christian meetings. May Jehovah continue to draw such honesthearted ones to his Son!​—John 6:44; Rev. 14:6.

LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS

Eritrea

Because our brothers did not vote in the national referendum, a 1994 presidential decree revoked the citizenship of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The decision caused our brothers great economic hardship, and hundreds fled the country, seeking asylum elsewhere. Others stayed, including some with school-age children. When in the ninth grade, all students​—boys and girls—​are registered for military training. Hence, many young ones have decided not to continue their education beyond the eighth grade.

Attending congregation meetings and sharing in the preaching work have proved hazardous; whole congregations have been arrested! Still, our courageous brothers and sisters continue to “obey God as ruler rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) At present, 31 brothers and sisters are in prison, including a 73-year-old brother who is a citizen of Netherlands. Others are in prison for refusing military service. Three brothers​—Paulos Eyassu, Isaac Mogos, and Negede Teklemariam—​have been incarcerated since 1994.

France

On February 25, 2005, an application was filed with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) regarding the unjust taxation of the Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Over 874,000 people signed a nationwide petition against this injustice, and the document was submitted to the Court. Even so, in January 2006 the tax authorities ordered the brothers to pay the balance of the tax bill.

Jehovah’s Witnesses urgently contacted the ECHR to inform them of these developments. The Court immediately began a preliminary examination of the application. On May 4, 2006, the Court asked the French government to submit its case in writing. The objective is to determine whether the religious freedom of Jehovah’s Witnesses has been violated and whether there is any discrimination involved.

Germany

On February 10, 2006, the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig ruled that the State of Berlin must recognize the Religious Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany as a public corporation. This ended a 15-year legal battle. The Religious Association is now entitled to tax exemption and other privileges enjoyed by the major religions. On July 5, 2006, the State of Berlin issued its official recognition, presenting the corresponding certificate to two members of the Branch Committee.

Greece

For years, permits to build and occupy Kingdom Halls were delayed or denied because the law required that they first be approved by a Greek Orthodox bishop. On May 30, 2006, parliament ruled that the Ministry of National Education and Religions alone will handle permits involving non-Orthodox religions.

On July 15, 2005, the administration of a covered public stadium in Loutraki, Corinth, revoked its decision to let the brothers rent the facilities for a district convention. The administration questioned whether Jehovah’s Witnesses are a “known religion.” The ombudsman intervened, and in February 2006, stadium officials promised to consider new applications on the understanding that Jehovah’s Witnesses are a recognized religion.

Nepal

Jehovah’s Witnesses were successfully registered as a religious society in October 2005. One of the chartered purposes of the organization is to “promote spiritual education.” This registration should contribute to the advancement of the good news in this predominantly Hindu land.

Romania

Although Jehovah’s Witnesses were registered as a religion in 1990, they were omitted from a State-issued list of officially recognized religions released in 1997. Consequently, the brothers were not allowed to build Kingdom Halls, and they were denied exemption from military service​—rights that were granted to recognized religions. The Romanian Supreme Court ordered the government to recognize Jehovah’s Witnesses as a religion, but the government repeatedly resisted the order. In March 2006, under the auspices of the ECHR, the government negotiated a friendly settlement with Jehovah’s Witnesses, bringing the nine-year legal struggle to an end. The government conceded that our organization should enjoy “all the rights and obligations conferred by the law” upon recognized religions.

Turkey

After the branch filed for registration as a religion, the government claimed that registration is impossible, even though legislation has been amended to comply with European Union standards. The case is currently in the domestic courts, but ultimately it may go to the ECHR.

Another challenge relates to military service. Brothers are called up three or four times a year until they are over the age limit. Each time, they are sentenced. Some have repeatedly been fined, and others imprisoned. In 2004, Yunus Erçep filed an application with the ECHR. Although fined many times, Brother Erçep was imprisoned in October 2005 and released after serving 5 months of his 12-month term. On the day of his release, he was called back to court and fined for refusing military service on previous occasions.

Uzbekistan

The past four years have seen over 1,100 documented cases of our brothers’ being arrested, detained, fined, or beaten. More than 800 of these incidents occurred during the Memorial in 2005 and in 2006. At many locations, baton-wielding police arrived in buses and arrested all in attendance. Many were fined; some were severely beaten.

Nevertheless, the brothers have given a fine witness. Consider the case of a brother and a sister who faced criminal charges for attending congregation meetings and for witnessing. Their lawyer asked for an in-court analysis of the literature that had been confiscated during the arrest. The Knowledge book and the Require brochure were read out loud, the judge sharing in the reading. Because he had a special interest in chapter 5 of the Knowledge book, “Whose Worship Does God Accept?” the judge ordered that the reading continue through the lunch break.

When Matthew 28:19, 20 was quoted, the judge exclaimed, “So that’s why you preach!” When he asked why Hitler’s Nazi regime persecuted Jehovah’s Witnesses, he was given copies of three videocassettes: Purple Triangles, Jehovah’s Witnesses Stand Firm Against Nazi Assault, and The Bible​—Accurate History, Reliable Prophecy. Although our brother and sister were fined, they were able to witness to court officials and police officers in ways that they could never have anticipated.​—Luke 21:12, 13.

Sudan

As of June 2006, Jehovah’s Witnesses have been registered as a religion in eight states. The brothers have built Kingdom Halls in these areas and have openly held large assemblies. Our literature is freely imported, and the brothers have an office in Khartoum.

Russia

On April 12, 2006, a congregation of 200 in Moscow were observing the Memorial in a rented facility when over 50 armed policemen appeared. The head of the Lyublino Police Department stopped the meeting, claiming that the ban on Jehovah’s Witnesses in Moscow precluded such gatherings. Police checked identity papers, confiscated literature, and took 14 brothers to the Lyublino police station, where they were detained for over four hours. When a brother went to the police station to render legal aid, he was thrown to the ground and threatened at knifepoint. He was told not to file a complaint. Nevertheless, 4 of the 14 brothers filed a complaint against the Lyublino Police Department on April 17.

A court hearing began on May 16 in the Lyublino District Court in Moscow with Judge Z. V. Zubkova presiding. None of the officers who participated in the raid were present​—only their attorney. Without any explanation, the judge dismissed 50 objections raised by the brothers’ attorneys and denied most of their motions. On the other hand, the judge granted a motion by the police department’s attorney to admit a copy of the Golovinsky Intermunicipal District Court’s decision that banned Jehovah’s Witnesses in Moscow and the opinion of psychologist L. V. Kulikov, who testified against Jehovah’s Witnesses during that earlier trial.

On June 15, 2006, the judge ruled that the detention of the plaintiffs was unlawful but failed to rule against the disruption of the Memorial. The decision also claims that the rented auditorium does not meet the requirements for a religious service. Jehovah’s Witnesses filed an appeal with the Moscow City Court on June 30, 2006, citing, among other things, the many procedural violations committed by the Lyublino District Court during the hearing. The Memorial was held without interference in 22 other locations in Moscow.

The opening paragraph of these Highlights mentioned the psalmist’s desire: “I will make melody to my God as long as I am.” (Ps. 146:2) Today, millions of Jehovah’s servants have provided abundant evidence that they have the same burning desire. Yes, for as long as the present system continues, may we not let prison walls, official decrees, or language barriers stop us from making melody to our heavenly Father!

[Box/​Picture on page 9]

More Than an Invitation

Printed on the handbill was a coupon that enabled people to request a Bible study, a copy of the Bible Teach book, or both. Completed coupons soon began arriving at branch offices around the world. The United States branch reports that they received just under 2,000 coupons, including 300 requests for a Bible study. Clearly, the hard work of our brothers and sisters in distributing the handbill will continue to bear fruit.

[Box/​Pictures on page 12, 13]

Bible Teach Books in Demand!

By the end of July 2006, over 47 million copies of the Bible Teach book had been printed in 155 languages, not including 10 Braille editions. In one month alone, congregations in the United States requested an average of 42,000 books per day. One third of these were rush orders. The worldwide Bethel family considers it a privilege to work hard to provide such literature for our brothers and sisters.

[Box/​Pictures on page 28, 29]

Branch Dedications

Albania

The 50-year ban on our work ended in 1992. The 325 brothers and sisters who attended the dedication of the new branch, located on the outskirts of Tiranë, included four elderly Witnesses who served God during the years of the ban. Also present were delegates from 32 foreign lands. When missionaries arrived in 1992, there were just nine baptized publishers in the country. Now there are 3,617. Governing Body members Theodore Jaracz and Gerrit Lösch shared in the program, which was held on June 3, 2006. On the following day, they spoke in an open-air stadium to an audience of 5,153, who listened attentively despite heavy rains.

Croatia

The past year saw a double blessing: the release of the complete New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures in Croatian at the district convention and the dedication of the recently completed extensions to the branch in Zagreb. On Friday, August 11, an audience of 142 listened as Brother Jaracz delivered the dedication talk. The original dedication occurred seven years earlier, in 1999.

Slovenia

On Saturday, August 12, Brother Jaracz delivered the dedication talk at the new branch in Kamnik, a town located about 12 miles [20 km] north of the capital, Ljubljana, and about 80 miles [130 km] west of Zagreb, Croatia. Previously, the Bethel family lived in various apartments in the capital, so they were thrilled to be living together as a family at last! The audience of 144 represented 20 countries.

[Pictures]

Albania branch office building

A special meeting was attended by 5,153

Extended branch facilities in Croatia

Slovenia branch

[Picture on page 6]

Witnessing to a deaf woman, Brazil

[Picture on page 17]

First Hindi class, Germany

[Picture on page 19]

Linda and Paul

[Picture on page 19]

Carma witnessing in the Blackfoot language

[Picture on page 20]

Spanish-language class, Rome, Italy

[Picture on page 20]

Witnessing to Samson

[Picture on page 21]

Hamilton and Abner teaching the Bible in Mayangna

[Picture on page 27]

Kingdom Hall in southern Sudan

Worldwide Report 2006 Grand Totals

Branches of Jehovah’s Witnesses: 114

Number of Lands Reporting: 236

Total Congregations: 99,770

Worldwide Memorial Attendance: 16,675,113

Memorial Partakers Worldwide: 8,758

Peak of Publishers in Kingdom Service: 6,741,444

Average Publishers Preaching Each Month: 6,491,775

Percentage of Increase Over 2005: 1.6

Total Number Baptized: 248,327

Average Auxiliary Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 269,557

Average Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 642,182

Total Hours Spent in Field: 1,333,966,199

Average Home Bible Studies Each Month: 6,286,618

During the 2006 service year, Jehovah’s Witnesses spent over $111 million in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments.

◼ Worldwide, a total of 19,328 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]

2006 SERVICE YEAR REPORT OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES WORLDWIDE

(See publication)

[Maps on page 40-42]

(See publication)

Worldwide Report

ASIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST

LANDS 47

POPULATION 3,930,343,401

PUBLISHERS 591,750

BIBLE STUDIES 477,609

Japan

When it was near the time for Miho to give birth, she found it difficult to share in the ministry as usual. Wanting to continue her pioneer service, she asked the service overseer for addresses of homes where preaching was almost impossible, such as high-security apartment buildings. He gave her about a hundred addresses. From her home she telephoned as many as she could. On her initial attempt, no one wanted to listen, and she finished the calls in 30 minutes. Next, she combined her telephone calls with letters. Any information she could glean from a call, such as a baby crying in the background, she used as a basis for a short letter. When she thought that the letter had been delivered, she telephoned and discussed the benefit of applying the Scriptural guidance mentioned in the letter. In one case, a housewife refused to talk on the telephone, but Miho sent her a letter anyway. When Miho telephoned again, only the daughter, a schoolgirl, was at home, and she had read Miho’s letter. Miho witnessed to her and promised to send her a letter with some Scriptural advice for school life. She also arranged to telephone again. The mother answered the call and said that her daughter had been having problems at school and that what Miho had told her was of help. After a few more calls and letters, both mother and daughter began studying.

Nepal

A schoolteacher named Prem searched for the truth for a long time. He read the Bible and attended a church near the school where he worked. However, he was unable to get answers to his questions and was upset because the pastor was constantly begging for donations. Prem prayed to God, asking for guidance to find a church that would help him learn the truth. When Prem moved and began to teach at another school, he asked his new neighbors where he could find a church. Living in the same apartment complex was a schoolboy whose mother had attended a few meetings at the Kingdom Hall, and that is where the boy led Prem. The public talk that Prem heard explained God’s Kingdom, a subject Prem especially wanted to understand. A study was arranged. Happy to be getting answers to his questions at last, Prem now attends the meetings regularly with his family. They have sent a letter of resignation to their church because they want to become Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Taiwan

Students at a primary school were asked to write an essay for an annual writing competition. The theme was “My Favorite Book.” Ten-year-old Weizhen wrote that the Bible was her favorite book. Besides commenting on the accuracy of Bible prophecy and the fine guidance God’s Word gives, she explained that the Bible has given her answers to questions that neither her teachers nor her fellow students could answer satisfactorily. “Our teacher told us that man’s ancestors evolved from monkeys,” wrote Weizhen. “I thought to myself: ‘If man descended from monkeys, should we not show them respectful devotion and feel heartfelt gratitude? So why do we lock them up in cages in zoos? Doesn’t that make us guilty of serious wrongdoing?’ But the Bible clearly answers: We have not, in fact, descended from monkeys. Rather, our ancestors were created in God’s image from the dust of the ground.” She concluded her composition by writing: “They said in ancient times, ‘Reading a book is like opening a treasure chest.’ In my opinion, the Bible is more precious than gold. Consequently, this book is the one I love reading the most.” Her composition won first prize even among entries submitted by middle school students, although she is only in the fourth grade. In relating her experience, she quotes Hebrews 4:12 and then says, “I give all honor to Jehovah God.”

Mongolia

When Bolortsetseg, a newly baptized sister in Mongolia, heard that a relative had died and that his widow was grieving deeply, she sent her all our publications printed in Mongolian. Evsanaa, the widow, read them in one night. The following day, she telephoned Bolortsetseg and asked her to come over right away to talk. Taking another sister along, Bolortsetseg visited Evsanaa, who had prepared a long list of questions. She eagerly listened to the answers from the Bible. After a long discussion, the sisters explained that Evsanaa would benefit more if they thoroughly discussed one topic at a time. They recommended a home Bible study. Evsanaa readily agreed to study three times a week. Within a month, she had thrown away her idols and was attending the meetings. Two months after becoming a publisher, she was all set to auxiliary pioneer when it was explained to her that she had to be baptized first. Undeterred, she determined to spend at least 50 hours a month in field service and is waiting for a convention in order to get baptized.

Kazakhstan

In the city of Rudny, a pioneer met a young man named Nikolay who expressed interest in having a home Bible study. There was, however, a problem. Nikolay and his family lived in a distant village, and he only rarely traveled to Rudny to visit his relatives. The brother asked whether he could visit Nikolay in his home village, but Nikolay explained that the village was 120 miles [200 km] away and extremely difficult to reach.

Nevertheless, the brother wrote down the address and promised that they would meet again. He arranged to visit the village and invited another brother and two sisters from the local congregation to join him. Two weeks later, they boarded a train. On reaching the closest train station, they discovered that it was another 11 miles [18 km] to Nikolay’s village and that there was no public transportation. Their only option was to walk. This was not easy because it was winter and an icy wind was blowing. After a short while, a tractor transporting a milk tank passed them and stopped. The driver offered them a ride​—inside the tank! The publishers thought that the man was joking, but the tank was empty and dry, so they climbed in. Although it was cold in the tank, at least they would have some protection from the bitter wind. The driver told them that he would drop them off four miles [7 km] from their destination. From there, they would need to continue on foot. It took them another two hours to walk the four miles [7 km] to Nikolay’s village.

Nikolay and his wife, Valya, were astonished and delighted to see the brothers and sisters at their doorstep. They helped their guests to warm up and offered them food. A Bible discussion followed. Two weeks later, the brothers from Rudny returned there. Recalls the pioneer brother: “Nikolay picked us up at the station. Many people in the village wanted to talk with ‘the ones who had arrived in the milk tank,’ so Nikolay made up a schedule, arranging for the interested ones to meet with us. All of those who were listed came by appointment and agreed to study the Bible.” In time, practically everyone who began to study the Bible in that village made good spiritual progress. Two years later, Nikolay and Valya were baptized. Now their two sons are unbaptized publishers, and Nikolay was recently appointed an elder in this isolated group.

Georgia

Pioneers have been witnessing in the isolated mountain regions of the country of Georgia. Two pioneer sisters walked five miles [8 km] to a remote village located at the end of a mountain road and began preaching from house to house. Soon one of the older men of the village accosted Ketevan, one of the sisters, and demanded that she explain why she was preaching when she was not Orthodox. She tried to explain, but he would not listen. He then knocked her down and beat her with his cane. A number of people saw the beating, and the incident became widely known in the village. Later, Ketevan returned to preach in the same village. A woman who was previously opposed saw her and exclaimed: “You’re back here again after the beating you received! I’m amazed at your courage! Please come into my home and tell me more.” After listening, she said that Ketevan was welcome to visit her home anytime to preach to her.

AFRICA

LANDS 57

POPULATION 802,232,357

PUBLISHERS 1,043,396

BIBLE STUDIES 1,903,665

Rwanda

Some time ago, passersby found on the road a copy of the book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. They took it to an elder in their Protestant church. He read the book with great interest and searched for the Witnesses, who started to study the Bible with him. His knowledge of Bible truth increased, so he resigned from his church and got baptized. Meanwhile, he zealously talked to others in his former church about the truth, and 25 members left the church to become Jehovah’s Witnesses. The man who replaced him as church elder also began studying the Bible with the help of the Witnesses, and he too resigned from the church. He now attends Christian meetings and has expressed his desire to become a publisher. His wife was baptized at a recent special assembly day. It is amazing to think that all of this began with one book that was found on the road!

Côte d’Ivoire

While on his way to share in the field service in the capital city of Abidjan, a young Witness named Berenger passed a woman who sold bread. The woman dropped a 5,000-franc note ($10, U.S.) without realizing it. Just as Berenger picked it up to take it to her, another woman came from the opposite direction, yelling, “Give me that money; it is mine!” However, when Berenger asked her to verify the amount, the woman got angry and left. Berenger then ran to catch up with the woman who had lost the money. To his surprise, she denied that she had dropped it, adding, “This is a trick to rob me.” Discerning Berenger’s sincerity and persistence, however, she checked and found that she was indeed missing 5,000 francs, the equivalent of 50 loaves of bread.

Berenger said: “I gave her the money and told her that I did so because my God, Jehovah, teaches his servants to be honest. She thanked me and said: ‘If everyone conducted themselves as Jehovah’s Witnesses do, all men would be friends. It is the first time in my life that I have seen a youth act in such a way.’ I left her a tract, and she promised that from then on, she would listen to Jehovah’s Witnesses. That day, I had only 50 francs in my pocket for the whole day. Yet, I was happy that I did what is right.”

Democratic Republic of Congo

Eugene, an elder, works at a diamond business as a janitor and watchman. He recalls: “One evening a man came to the diamond shop intending to sell diamonds valued at $22,000 (U.S.). However, the packet containing the diamonds had fallen out of his pocket. Frantically, he looked everywhere but could not find it. The following day, his boss and a colleague walked up and down the street searching for the packet but in vain. Then I started sweeping outside, just in front of our shop door, and look! The packet of diamonds! I picked it up and ran to my boss, a Belgian man. He could not believe that I did that. I told him that I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and that I have respectful fear of my God. The owner of the diamonds, deeply moved by my honesty, exclaimed, ‘This is unbelievable!’

“One of my colleagues told me, ‘Eugene, you saved our reputation!’

“I replied: ‘Thank you! All the praise goes to Jehovah, as he is the one who taught me honesty.’”

Angola

While visiting a rural area, João, a missionary who serves as a circuit overseer, wanted to show to the local brothers and the interested people the DVD entitled Noah Walked With God​—David Trusted in God. The brother took along with him a small generator, two loudspeakers, and some gasoline, in addition to his laptop computer. At the first village, he lodged in a small mud house, and he arranged to show the film later in the evening. “To my surprise,” he said, “some 38 people arrived, supplied with chairs, benches, stones, milk cans, and other things to use as seats. There was not enough space in the house for even half of the people present, so we had to watch the film outside. Under a starry sky, I put the computer on top of some mud bricks, and many of those in attendance sat on colorful African fabrics on the ground.” News spread rapidly in the area, and many came to the villages that João visited. “When the showing was over, no one wanted to leave,” he recalls. “Many said that it had been the best night of their lives and expressed deep gratitude to Jehovah for this spiritual provision.” During the three weeks that João visited the groups in the rural area, 1,568 people watched the DVD!

Ghana

Vida, a food contractor in Accra, was reluctant to supply fresh vegetables to the Ghana branch office. Why? Her pastor had told her that the Witnesses were hostile to non-Witnesses. Consequently, when Vida brought in her first consignment of food items, she was surprised when she was met with friendly smiles and polite expressions of appreciation from the kitchen staff. During the weeks that followed, she became familiar with the volunteers at the branch, noticing that each one was kind to her and realizing that her pastor had not told her the truth.

Eager to learn more, Vida asked for a Bible study, even though she could not read. Within six months, Vida learned how to read from her own Bible, and at a recent district convention, she was baptized. Despite ridicule from family members and former associates, Vida has helped her cousin to qualify as an unbaptized publisher.

Sudan

While in the house-to-house ministry, a sister met two girls who welcomed her. Curiously, the girls would not let the sister help them find scriptures in their Bible. As it turned out, the local priest had warned them that if one of Jehovah’s Witnesses touched their copy of the Bible, the content would automatically change to harmonize with the Witnesses’ teachings. The girls even declined to shake the sister’s hand. Still, when they located the scriptures on their own, what they read was in harmony with what the sister said. Realizing that the priest had lied, they decided to study the Bible. Appalled, the priest promised to give them money to buy food​—if only they would discontinue the Bible study. Their reply? “We don’t want to fill our stomachs with food. We would rather be filled with the word of God.” The girls are now attending the congregation meetings.

Ethiopia

Though his wife had been a Witness for about ten years, a man named Awoke had not shown much interest in the truth. Nevertheless, when traveling to another part of the country for a two-month course, he decided to look up the Witnesses. Upon his arrival, he was directed to an office where one of our sisters works. The sister had been praying that a brother come to assist the congregation there. When she was told that there was a man asking for Jehovah’s Witnesses, her prayers came to mind. At seeing Awoke, who was well-dressed and nicely groomed, she concluded that he was the new brother she had prayed for. Joyfully, she rushed up to Awoke and greeted him warmly. Because of her great joy, he did not have the heart to correct her, and he did not want to disappoint her when she introduced him to the brothers. During his stay, he attended all the meetings. When his course ended and the time came for him to leave, a group of sisters invited him for lunch, and they asked him to give thanks for the meal. He remembered how his wife, with her head covered, gave thanks for their meals at home, doing so in the name of Jesus. So the prayer and the meal went well. Touched by the kindness shown to him during his stay, Awoke decided to become a real brother. Upon returning home, he began to study, and at a recent assembly, he was baptized. His wife is delighted, and Awoke is waiting for the opportunity to tell his story to the congregation he visited.

EUROPE

LANDS 46

POPULATION 730,776,667

PUBLISHERS 1,506,019

BIBLE STUDIES 744,319

Ukraine

A local electrician went to the Kingdom Hall to fix an electric meter. The man was a notorious drunkard in his village. While fixing the meter, he took note of the yeartext: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.” (Jas. 4:8) He paused and asked one of the brothers: “Is it really possible to draw close to God? Can sinners draw close to God?” The brother gave him answers from the Bible and invited him to the meeting. On Sunday, the man decided to go to the meeting but in another village, as he did not want his neighbors to see him going to the Kingdom Hall. As it turned out, though, the public speaker for that day was an elder from the man’s village. Upon seeing him, the man tried to hide. But the elder recognized him and warmly welcomed him. At that, he decided to attend meetings in his own village. A Bible study was started with him, and a year later he got baptized.

At that time, the man’s wife was working abroad, and she could not believe that her husband had stopped drinking and had become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. To see this for herself, she returned home. She was happy that her husband had stopped abusing alcohol and was caring for their children, but she did not like the fact that he had become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. One day, however, he asked her, “Could we, please, go to the Kingdom Hall all together, as a family?” She agreed. A Bible study was started with her, and in a short time, she got baptized together with their three daughters. Thus one Bible verse helped five people to draw close to God.

Greece

A brother who takes the same route to work each day noticed a woman regularly visiting a miniature chapel. Such chapels, seen along roadsides in Greece, usually mark the site of a fatal accident. To help this woman, the brother wrote a brief letter with comforting Scriptural thoughts on the condition of the dead and the hope of the resurrection. After adding his name and telephone number, the brother placed the letter inside the chapel. The very next day, the woman phoned him and showed great interest in the good news. She is now a regular return visit.

Norway

After field service, six sisters went to a café. They discussed a fine public talk that they had heard at the Kingdom Hall two days earlier. It was about the resurrection hope. After a while, a woman who had been listening came up to their table. She asked if she might sit down with them to hear about the subject they had been discussing. She told them that she had recently lost both of her parents. An upbuilding conversation followed. The sisters asked the woman for her phone number, and one of them later contacted her and started a Bible study.

Lithuania

Olga, a young full-time evangelizer, started a doorstep Bible study with a Russian woman. During one of their early discussions, the woman asked Olga to explain the Biblical expression “the last days.” (2 Tim. 3:1) Olga promised to do so on her next visit. For almost a month, Olga was not able to find the woman at home, though she called many times. And while no one opened the door, Olga noticed that someone looked out at her through the peephole. Says Olga: “I refused to think that this woman did not want to continue our Bible discussions. After all, someone else could have been behind the closed door. Therefore, I decided to write her a letter to explain the matter that concerned her. Three days later, I again tried to find her at home. How happy I was when she opened the door! She was deeply touched by the letter and by the personal interest shown to her.”

The woman thanked Olga and said: “I read your letter through several times and understood everything.” As a result, the initial doorstep study turned into a regular home Bible study in the Bible Teach book. And now, each time Olga goes to the study, this interested woman extends a warm welcome to her.

Switzerland

In Geneva, a cosmopolitan city, a sister named Marie spoke to a woman from the Middle East. Since Marie is learning Arabic, she used this language to communicate with her. Marie said that she believed in only one true God. At that, the woman embraced and kissed her, saying that she was sad and had been praying when Marie spoke to her. The woman said that she was returning to her country of origin the next day. Marie opened her Bible and read 1 Peter 3:7 and explained that God has a high regard for women. Next, she said that Jehovah wants every husband to honor and respect his wife. Astonished, the woman asked: “Are you an angel, or are you a human? My sorrow is that my husband does not practice what God says in this scripture. I pray regularly to God to help me. And you just opened this book and read this text to me.” The woman then asked Marie to write the scripture on a piece of paper. She said that she would take the paper with her, show it to her family, and tell them about this wonderful encounter. Marie was sorry that the woman had to leave, but they agreed to keep in touch.

Netherlands

The city of Rotterdam houses one of the largest ports in the world. The cargo arriving by sea is transferred onto trucks for delivery to countries in the European Union or beyond. Thus, a tremendous number of trucks pass through this country. One of the major highways into neighboring Germany has a huge truck stop through which up to 1,500 rigs pass each hour. Since many drivers take a compulsory break there, our brothers seize the opportunity to do truck-to-truck witnessing, meeting drivers from Europe, the Middle East, and nearly all of the former Soviet republics. The drivers are particularly fond of our magazines. Last year, brothers preached at the truck stop on 82 occasions and placed more than 10,000 magazines in 35 languages.

THE AMERICAS

LANDS 56

POPULATION 883,782,291

PUBLISHERS 3,256,287

BIBLE STUDIES 3,111,358

Peru

Jorge serves as a regular pioneer and makes his living painting pictures. He witnessed to Hubert, another artist, who accepted a Bible study. Despite strong opposition from his family, friends, and neighbors, Hubert completed a study of the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life in just six months. In his prayers, he asked Jehovah to help his family learn the truth. He was pleasantly surprised when his brother Jhon joined him in the study and began to attend meetings. The following week, Jhon’s brother-in-law, Cesar, joined the study. Though initially opposed, Cesar’s wife too began to study. Later, Hubert’s schoolmate Reynaldo wanted to study. Strong opposition forced him to study at Hubert’s home. Soon thereafter, Hubert’s brother Milton also began to study. After his first lesson, Milton witnessed to two fellow students, Darwin and Christian, who both began to study and to attend meetings. Hubert also has two older brothers, Ronald and Martin. Ronald came to Hubert’s study with a long list of Bible questions, so Jorge explained that a Bible study would answer all his questions. He accepted. Next, Martin began to study, and his two daughters have also joined in. Hubert and Jhon were baptized at the “Deliverance at Hand!” District Convention. As a result of that initial witness, according to the latest tally, 18 people in all have come to learn about Jehovah.

Brazil

Paulo lives in the northern part of the country on a ranch. The woman with whom he was living and whom he later married was having a Bible study, and he agreed to study the Bible simply to please her. Meanwhile, the cowboys working on the ranch chased and finally killed a jaguar that was decimating the cattle. Wanting to profit from the situation, they phoned the owner of the ranch and asked for money to hire a professional jaguar hunter. Paulo went along with the scheme, even telling his boss the same story. However, because of what Paulo had learned from the Bible, his conscience bothered him. Knowing that he could lose his job and that his colleagues would be angry with him, he phoned his boss and told him the truth. Later, Paulo was promoted to ranch manager because of his honesty. Paulo and his wife are now baptized publishers of the good news. What a pleasure to see this honest man driving his tractor to the Kingdom Hall, bringing along his wife and their two children!

Mexico

While at a meeting for parents held at the school where her two young daughters attend, María, a zealous regular pioneer, noted that the teachers were concerned about the rebellious attitude and immoral behavior of some of the students. One teacher said: “Parents, if you do not want to see another delinquent on the streets, please help us. Speak to your children. Buy them a book. Do something for them because they have many questions. Don’t allow them to get the answers on the street.” Later, María inquired at the principal’s office about the conduct of her daughters and was told that they were no problem. She then recommended the book Questions Young People Ask​—Answers That Work as a practical guide for young ones. The principal listened attentively and asked María to bring her a copy. When María brought it the next day, the principal paged through it appreciatively and asked for another copy for the school psychologist. After reading it, the psychologist suggested that it be made part of the school curriculum. The principal ordered one book for each of the 12 teachers and 50 books for the school library.

Uruguay

Before dawn one day, a man was traveling from neighboring Argentina to his home in Uruguay. He was about to board a ferry that crosses the Río de la Plata when he was approached by a young girl who offered him the January 2006 Awake! magazine featuring the cover series “What Will the Future Bring?” The girl was friendly, and he gladly accepted the magazine. Upon arrival in Montevideo, the passengers were driven to the main bus terminal. To his surprise, he was once again approached by a Witness but this time, an elderly lady with a cane. She offered the same issue of the magazine, and he accepted it. Shortly after arriving home that evening, he heard a knock at the door. Yes, it was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. After listening to a brief presentation, he took the magazine​—for the third time that day! When the Witness explained that contributions are accepted for the worldwide work, he said that he already knew about that and went inside to get some money. Returning, he brought along the two magazines that he had accepted earlier that day. Referring to the question “What will the future bring?” he smiled and said: “This much I know for sure: The future will bring one of Jehovah’s Witnesses!”

Puerto Rico

A sister was visiting her daughter when two robbers burst into the home, one armed with a revolver. They demanded money, but when the women said that they had none, one robber began to search the house while the other held the gun on them. At once they began to pray to Jehovah. The robber asked, “What are you doing?” They replied that they were Jehovah’s Witnesses and were praying to their God, Jehovah. While the sisters preached to the robber with the gun, the other man returned, saying that he had found an ATM card. Soon they were all in the mother’s car and on their way to the bank. The sisters kept preaching and speaking respectfully to the robbers. The mother now asked the thief with the gun to put it away, and to her surprise he did so, saying that he admired her for her tranquillity. She said that she had a son about their age but that he had a bright future before him. She urged the robbers to conform to Jehovah’s ways so that they too might have a wonderful future. Nevertheless, they all continued to the bank, and the daughter withdrew some money. The robbers then took our sisters to an alleyway, where they released them. One robber wanted to tie them up, but the man with the gun would not permit it. He told the sisters that someone very great was protecting them. Earlier the men had robbed, tied, and beaten others in the neighborhood.

OCEANIA

LANDS 30

POPULATION 35,914,649

PUBLISHERS 94,323

BIBLE STUDIES 49,667

Papua New Guinea

Tom, a former soldier, knew the horrors of war. When he met the Witnesses in the village where he lived, he was moved by the Bible’s promise of a world without war. Tom studied the Bible and progressed spiritually, but then a test of his faith came when he decided to attend the Memorial. Tom’s father had previously been a pastor in the United church, and Tom was currently the chairman of that church, which was located right next door to the Kingdom Hall. As Tom was entering the Kingdom Hall, he could see the church members​—his close friends, former coworkers, as well as the minister of the church—​who just stared at him. Tom wanted to hide, but then he thought: ‘Why should I hide? Now is the time that I should let people know that I am going to become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.’ After the Easter holiday, he approached the minister of the church and asked, “Did you see me at the Kingdom Hall?”

The minister said, “Yes, I saw you,” and then they both laughed.

Then Tom said: “My friend, I believed that a certain old restaurant was the best place to eat, but I learned that the food had poison in it. Then I found a new restaurant, which served wholesome, nutritious food. Once I had tasted such good food, how could I go back to the old restaurant?”

The minister got the point and said, “Tom, don’t tell anybody, but I am a regular reader of the Awake! magazine.” Tom removed his name from the church roll and despite a number of trials has become a dedicated servant of Jehovah.

Solomon Islands

On February 18, 2006, 58 publishers graduated from the first Basic Auslan Sign Language Course organized by the branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Since then, ten deaf people have accepted Bible studies and are attending congregation meetings. One of them is Moses. His neighbor had described him as “a short-tempered man who throws tantrums​—a very hard person to reason with.” However, when a Witness relative who had taken the course offered Moses a Bible study, he readily accepted. One month later when he attended his first meeting at the Kingdom Hall, his clothes were disheveled, his hair long, and his beard bushy. The welcome he received and the truths he “heard” touched his heart. He was surprised to learn from the Bible that by giving proper attention to his clothing and appearance, a person glorifies God. When he entered the Kingdom Hall the following week, the brothers didn’t recognize him. He had cut his hair and shaved off his beard, and he was neatly dressed. He had made changes in his personality too. His neighbor said: “Now he is clean, and he always has a smile on his face.” Moses is progressing spiritually and is helping other deaf ones to understand the good news.

Tahiti

The small, isolated atoll of Makemo, more than 360 miles [600 km] from Tahiti, has only 720 inhabitants. A woman named Ravahere became acquainted with the truth during a stay with relatives in Tahiti. Upon her return to Makemo, she began to study the Bible, first by mail, then by fax, and later by phone. Ravahere legalized her marriage and made other changes to conform to Jehovah’s standards, despite pressure from some in her family who wanted her to remain a Mormon. Eventually, while visiting a congregation in Tahiti, Ravahere qualified as an unbaptized publisher. Every two weeks she receives encouraging letters from publishers in that congregation.

In June 2006, the circuit overseer and his wife visited Ravahere. He reported that every weekend she preaches from door to door. She has mapped her territory and started several home Bible studies. She puts a display of our magazines beside her small snack bar. She also conducts a book study, which her husband attends.

Fiji

Each week Matthew, a Gilead-trained missionary and an elder, conducts a Bible study with four students at a teachers college. At the college, ministers of various churches regularly preach sermons in the evenings to church members. The purpose of this arrangement is to support the school authorities, who are trying to combat the bad conduct prevalent on campus.

One evening, Matthew noticed a large number of students in the cafeteria​—about 250—​sitting quietly, waiting with Bibles, notebooks, and pens in hand. They were waiting for a minister from a major denomination who was to conduct a service. Because the minister did not arrive, however, Matthew was invited to address the group. Unlike the usual singing followed by a fire-and-brimstone sermon given by some, Matthew gave a very different type of presentation, using the Scriptures. As the subject for his impromptu talk, Matthew encouraged the students to remember their Creator while they were young. Afterward, all the students lined up to shake Matthew’s hand and express appreciation. He now looks forward to following up the interest generated by this unexpected opportunity.

Australia

While working from door to door, two sisters met a woman who was ill. She told them that she had terminal cancer and that she was busy packing things away so that others would not have to worry about the things when she died. The woman said that she had no family and no friends and that life was extremely lonely. She further explained that she had had disturbing experiences with other religions and felt that God had abandoned her. Later, one of the sisters took her a bunch of flowers, and because the woman had gone out, the sister left them at her door with a little note. That afternoon the woman phoned to express her deep appreciation for the kind gesture. She said that no one had ever shown such kindness or given her flowers before, and she apologized for not being at home. When the sisters called again, she was waiting for them. The Bible Teach book was introduced, and a Bible study was arranged.

[Picture on page 43]

Miho

[Picture on page 47]

We arrived in a milk tank

[Picture on page 47]

Ketevan

[Picture on page 48]

Some of the former church members

[Picture on page 55]

Olga

[Picture on page 55]

Marie

[Picture on page 57]

Hubert, Jorge, and Jhon

[Picture on page 58]

Paulo and his family

[Pictures on page 63]

Ravahere in her snack bar on Makemo

[Picture on page 63]

Matthew

Acts of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Modern Times

South Africa

For decades, the peoples of this country were kept apart not just by language but by decree. Strict racial laws governed where a person could live, travel, work, and go to school. In this account, you will read how Jehovah’s Witnesses prospered spiritually and maintained strong unity against a background of racism, segregation, and civil strife.

Latvia

During the harsh Communist era, how did some Witnesses avoid capture? Why did one man say: “I am thankful that God allowed me to be sent to a work camp”? And what resulted when a national weight-lifting champion accepted Bible truth? You will see from this account that despite decades of oppression, God’s people in Latvia have a history of freedom​—spiritual freedom.

Réunion

The work on this tropical island got under way when a Witness family arrived in 1961. See how they cared for the interest shown in the good news. Read how a bowl of soup moved an opposer to listen to God’s people. And find out why four intrepid Kingdom publishers trekked deep into the basin of an extinct volcano.

South Africa

IF YOU walk along a busy city street in South Africa, you can observe a kaleidoscope of skin color ranging from the darkest black to the palest white. Above the traffic noise, you hear snatches of conversation in a profusion of tongues. Towering office buildings shade you from the blazing sun as you make your way past sellers of fruit, curios, and clothing. If you like, you can stop for a sidewalk haircut.

Amid such variety in a population of over 44 million, it is difficult to pick out a typical South African. The indigenous black people, about 75 percent of the total population, comprise Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Pedi, and Tswana, as well as several other smaller groups. The white population consists mainly of English- and Afrikaans-speaking people. These include descendants of Dutch settlers of the mid-17th century followed by French Huguenots. English settlers arrived in the early 19th century.

There is also a large Indian community, descendants of laborers who worked in the sugarcane fields of Natal (now in KwaZulu-Natal). Because of this blend of races and cultures, South Africa is aptly called the Rainbow Nation.

In the past, race relations were troubled. The apartheid policy brought international condemnation. In recent years, favorable publicity was given to the dismantling of apartheid and the inauguration of a democratically elected government.

Now all races can mingle freely​—they can go to any public place, such as a cinema or a restaurant. A person of any race can live where he chooses, provided he has the financial means.

Nevertheless, after the initial excitement abated, inevitable questions were raised. To what extent would the new government redress the injustices of apartheid? How long would it take? With the passing of more than a decade, serious problems remain. Among the great problems the government faces are increasing crime, an unemployment rate of 41 percent, and an estimated total of five million HIV-positive individuals. Many people have come to realize that no human government can eradicate these ills and have turned elsewhere for solutions.

BEAUTIFUL SCENERY

Despite the country’s problems, tourists are still captivated by the land’s natural beauty. The numerous tourist attractions include beautiful sun-drenched beaches, imposing mountain ranges, and a wide variety of hiking trails. In the cities, you will find world-class shops and restaurants. The temperate climate adds to South Africa’s appeal.

Diverse wildlife is a major attraction. The country boasts some 200 species of mammals, 800 species of birds, and 20,000 kinds of flowering plants. People throng to game reserves, such as the famous Kruger National Park. There in the wild, you can see Africa’s “big five”: elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffalo.

An unforgettable experience is a visit to one of South Africa’s several indigenous forests. In sheltered tranquillity you can admire unusual ferns, lichens, and flowers, as well as exotic birds and insects. As you look up at a magnificent yellowwood tree, you marvel that this giant has grown from a tiny seed. Some of these trees may reach a height of 180 feet [50 m] and be a thousand years old.

For a century, though, a different kind of seed has been planted and cultivated in this country. It is the good news of God’s Kingdom, which has been sown in people’s hearts. The psalmist compared responsive ones to large trees when he wrote: “The righteous himself will blossom forth as a palm tree does; as a cedar in Lebanon does, he will grow big.” (Ps. 92:12) Such righteous ones will live longer than the most ancient yellowwoods, for Jehovah has promised them everlasting life.​—John 3:16.

GROWTH FROM A FEW SEEDS

During the 19th century, the country was unsettled by war and political conflict. The discovery of diamonds and gold in the latter part of that century had a far-reaching effect. In the book The Mind of South Africa, Allister Sparks explains: “Overnight it turned a pastoral country into an industrial one, sucking country folk into the city and changing their lives.”

In 1902 the first seeds of Bible truth arrived in South Africa in the luggage of a clergyman from Holland. One of his boxes contained some of the publications of the Bible Students, as Jehovah’s Witnesses were then known. These publications came into the hands of Frans Ebersohn and Stoffel Fourie, in Klerksdorp. They recognized what they read as the truth and began witnessing to others. More than 80 relatives of the Fourie family spanning five generations and several descendants of the Ebersohn family became dedicated servants of Jehovah. One of Fourie’s descendants is currently serving at the South Africa Bethel.

In 1910, William W. Johnston from Glasgow, Scotland, came to South Africa with instructions to open a branch office of the Bible Students. Probably in his early 30’s at the time, Brother Johnston was sober-minded and reliable. The branch office he set up consisted of a small room in a building in Durban. This office was entrusted with a vast territory, virtually the whole of Africa south of the equator.

In those early years, the good news took root primarily in the white communities. At the time, the Bible Students’ literature was available only in Dutch and English, and not until years later were some publications translated into the vernacular languages. In time, the work progressed in the four fields​—white, black, colored,a and Indian.

From 1911 onward, there is a record of progress among black communities in the country. Johannes Tshange returned to his hometown of Ndwedwe, near Durban. He had a knowledge of Bible truth, which he shared with others. He conducted regular Bible studies with a small group, using Studies in the Scriptures in English. This group evidently became the first black congregation in South Africa.

The group attracted the attention of the local clergy. Members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church checked with them to find out if they were adhering to the teachings of the church. The group replied that they were teaching what was in the Bible. After many discussions, the members of this group were excommunicated from the church. Brother Johnston contacted the group and visited them regularly to conduct meetings and give assistance. Although the Bible Students were few, much preaching work was being done. A report in 1912 showed that a total of 61,808 tracts had been distributed. Also, by the end of 1913, 11 newspapers in South Africa were publishing in four languages the sermons of C. T. Russell, a leading Bible Student.

THEOCRATIC PROGRESS DURING WAR YEARS

The year 1914 was significant for the small group of Jehovah’s servants in South Africa, as it was for God’s people worldwide. Many expected to receive their heavenly reward at that time. In the annual report that Brother Johnston sent to world headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, he wrote: “In the last annual report, I expressed the hope that the next occasion would find us reporting to headquarters beyond the veil. That hope has not been realized.” However, he added: “The year that has gone has been the busiest in the history of the harvest work in Africa.” Most came to appreciate that there was more work to be done, and they rejoiced to have a share in it. The increased momentum was reflected in the report for the year 1915, which showed that 3,141 copies of Studies in the Scriptures had been distributed, about double that of the previous year.

One who found the truth at this time was Japie Theron, a capable lawyer. He read a Durban newspaper article referring to literature published by the Bible Students decades earlier. The newspaper article showed that events unfolding since 1914 had been foretold in the series of books Studies in the Scriptures, which explained Bible prophecy. Japie wrote: “I had to have these books, and after hunting through all the bookshops in vain, I finally got a set by writing to the branch address in Durban. What a revelation! What a delight to understand ‘hidden things’ recorded in the Bible!” In time, Japie was baptized, and he zealously shared Bible truth with others until his premature death from illness in 1921.

In April 1914 the first South Africa Convention of the International Bible Students was held in Johannesburg. Of the 34 who attended, 16 were baptized.

In 1916 the “Photo-Drama of Creation” arrived and was well received throughout the country. The Cape Argus newspaper reported: “The success that has attended the production of this wonderful series of Bible Films fully justifies the enterprise and foresight of the International Bible Students Association in bringing it to this country.” The impact that the “Photo-Drama” had on the field was not immediately discernible, but the presentation attracted large crowds and gave a good witness over a wide area in a short time. Brother Johnston traveled some 5,000 miles [8,000 km] throughout the country to present it.

The death of Brother Russell that same year caused a temporary setback to the preaching work in South Africa, as it did elsewhere. Some resented the changes that had to be made after his death, and they caused dissension in the congregations they attended. For example, in Durban the majority of the congregation broke away and held separate meetings. They labeled themselves “Associated Bible Students.” Only 12 remained of the original congregation, mostly sisters. This placed one recently baptized teenager, Henry Myrdal, in a difficult position. His father had joined the opposition, while his mother remained with the diminished congregation. After careful thought and prayer, Henry decided to stay with the congregation. As is usually the case, the breakaway group did not last very long.

In 1917 the branch office was transferred from Durban to Cape Town. There was a steady increase in the number of publishers. By that time, there were estimated to be 200 to 300 Bible Students of European descent as well as a number of flourishing congregations among the black population.

In 1917 the South Africa branch office reported: “Despite the fact that we have no literature in the native languages, the grasp of present truth which these native brethren have is phenomenal. We can only say, ‘It is the Lord’s doing and marvelous in our eyes.’” Brothers from Nyasaland (now Malawi) came to work in South Africa and assisted many in the black field to become disciples. Among the former were James Napier and McCoffie Nguluh.

FEARLESS FIGHTERS FOR TRUTH

In those early years, the small band of evangelizers fearlessly defended the truth. In Nylstroom, Northern Transvaal (now Limpopo Province), two schoolboys read the booklet What Say the Scriptures About Hell? They were thrilled to learn the truth about the dead. One of them, Paul Smit,b said: “Nylstroom became a center of commotion, as if struck by a cyclone, as we two schoolboys made it known in no uncertain way that the doctrines of the church were false. Within a short while, all sorts of people were talking about this new religion. The clergy, of course, played their well-known role of those who misrepresent and persecute God’s people. Their weekly sermons for months, even years, centered on this ‘false religion.’” Nevertheless, by 1924 there was a small group of 13 active publishers in Nylstroom.

In 1917, Piet de Jager was studying theology at the university in Stellenbosch. A fellow student was reading and talking about literature published by the Bible Students. This worried the church authorities, who asked Piet to talk to this student and invite him to attend a weekly Bible study organized by the Christian Students Association. The outcome was not what the authorities had in mind. Piet himself accepted the truth. After fruitlessly debating with his professors about the soul, hell, and other matters, he left the university.

Later, a public debate was arranged between Piet and a Dutch Reformed doctor of theology, Dwight Snyman, with an audience of 1,500 students. Brother Attie Smit described the proceedings: “Piet pinned down this learned doctor on every point and proved from the Bible that the church had unbiblical doctrines. One of the students summed up his own view, ‘If I did not believe that Piet de Jager was wrong, I would swear that he was right because he proved everything from the Bible with scriptures!’”

SOWING SEEDS IN OTHER COMMUNITIES

On a visit to the little town of Franschhoek, near Stellenbosch, Brother Johnston contacted some members of the colored population living there. Years before, a local schoolteacher, Adam van Diemen, had left the Dutch Reformed Church and formed a small religious group. Brother Johnston called on him, and Mr. van Diemen took literature for himself as well as for his friends.

Van Diemen and some of his friends accepted the truth and actively shared their knowledge with others. This laid a good basis for the spread of the Kingdom good news in the colored field. G. A. Daniels, then 17 years old, learned the truth at this time and devoted the rest of his life to Jehovah’s service.

In later years, David Taylor, a colored brother, also had a zealous share in spreading Bible truth in this field. He started to study the Bible with the Bible Students at the age of 17. In 1950 he was appointed a circuit overseer and assigned to visit all the colored congregations and isolated groups in the country, which by then had grown to 24. This entailed much traveling by train and bus.

THEOCRATIC PROGRESS IN DIFFICULT TIMES

In 1918, Brother Johnston was assigned to oversee the Kingdom-preaching work in Australia, and Henry Ancketill was asked to serve as branch overseer in South Africa. He had previously been a member of the legislative assembly in Natal. He was retired, and although no longer young, he fulfilled his assignment well for the next six years.

Despite the turbulent war years and organizational adjustments, growth continued as many avidly responded to Bible truth. In 1921, Christiaan Venter, the crew supervisor of a team of railroad maintenance men, noticed a piece of paper wedged under a rail. It was a tract published by the Bible Students. He read it and ran to his son-in-law, Abraham Celliers. Christiaan said, “Abraham, today I have found the truth!” The two men obtained more Bible-based literature and studied it diligently. Both became dedicated Witnesses and helped many to learn the truth. Over a hundred of their descendants are Witnesses of Jehovah.

FURTHER EXPANSION

By 1924 a printing press had been shipped to Cape Town. Also, two brothers arrived from Britain to give assistance​—Thomas Walder, who became branch overseer, and George Phillips,c who succeeded him as branch overseer a few years later. Brother Phillips served in this capacity for nearly 40 years and made a major contribution toward advancing and establishing the Kingdom work in South Africa.

The evangelizing work was given further impetus in 1931 with the resolution to adopt the name Jehovah’s Witnesses. The booklet The Kingdom, the Hope of the World was released at that time, giving the full text of this resolution. It was distributed throughout the country, and an effort was made to place a copy with every clergyman, politician, and prominent businessman in the territory.

A NEW BRANCH OFFICE

In 1933 the branch office moved to larger rented premises in Cape Town and remained there until 1952. By then the Bethel family had grown to 21 members. Those early Bethelites had accommodations in brothers’ homes and traveled to the office and printery every day. Before work each morning, they met in the changing room of the printery to discuss the daily text. After that, they recited the Lord’s Prayer in unison.

Some lived too far away to go home for lunch. They were given one shilling and sixpence (15 South African cents) to buy a meal. With that they could buy a plate of mashed potatoes and a small sausage at the railway station café or they could buy a loaf of bread and some fruit.

In 1935, Andrew Jack, a qualified printer, was sent to help with the printing work at the Cape Town branch. He was Scottish, of slim build, with a ready smile. Previously he had enjoyed full-time service in the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. After arriving in South Africa, Andrew obtained more printing equipment, and before long the one-man printery was operating at full speed. The first automatic printing press, a Frontex, was installed in 1937. For over 40 years, it turned out millions of handbills and forms as well as magazines in Afrikaans.

Andrew served at the South Africa Bethel for the rest of his life. Even when well on in years, he set a fine example for the Bethel family, regularly having a full share in the field ministry. A faithful anointed brother, Andrew finished his earthly course in 1984 at the age of 89, after 58 years of dedicated service.

GREAT GROWTH DURING THE WAR YEARS

The second world war did not have as dramatic an impact on South Africa as it did on Europe, though many South Africans did fight in Africa and Italy. The war was given much publicity to stir up popular support and to attract recruits. Despite the strong patriotic spirit among the people at that time, the 1940 service year saw a new peak of 881 publishers​—a 58.7 percent increase over the preceding year’s peak of 555!

In January 1939, Consolation (now Awake!) was published in Afrikaans for the first time. This was also the first magazine to be printed by Jehovah’s Witnesses in South Africa. Type for this magazine was set by hand, a slow process. Soon it was decided to publish The Watchtower in Afrikaans. Although the brothers did not realize it then, that was a timely decision in view of future events in Europe. A Linotype and a folder were installed. The first issue appeared on June 1, 1940.

Up to this point, the brothers had received the Dutch Watchtower from the Netherlands for Afrikaans readers, since the two languages are similar. But in May 1940, because of Hitler’s invasion of Netherlands, the branch suddenly closed. However, the printing of The Watchtower in Afrikaans had begun in South Africa, so the brothers did not miss any issues of the magazine. Monthly distribution of magazines went up to 17,000.

PROGRESS DESPITE CENSORSHIP

As a result of pressure from religious leaders of Christendom and the government’s alarm over our neutral stand, subscribers’ copies of The Watchtower and Consolation were seized by the censorship authorities in 1940. An official announcement was made banning these publications. Shipments of magazines and literature from overseas were seized on arrival.

Nevertheless, the brothers still received their spiritual food on time. A copy of The Watchtower in English always found its way to the branch office, where it was set and printed. George Phillips wrote: “While the ban was on, we had . . . the most marvelous evidence of Jehovah’s loving care and protection over his people. We never missed a single issue of The Watchtower. Many a time only one copy of an issue would get through. Sometimes it was a subscriber in one of the Rhodesias [now Zambia and Zimbabwe] or in Portuguese East Africa [now Mozambique] or on a lonely farm in South Africa or a visitor from a boat touching at Cape Town that would supply what was needed.”

In August 1941 all the outgoing mail from the branch office was seized without explanation by the censorship authorities. Later that year, the minister of the interior issued an order to seize all the organization’s publications in the country. At ten o’clock one morning, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrived at the branch office with trucks for the purpose of removing all the literature. Brother Phillips checked the order and saw that it was not strictly in accord with the regulations. The books were not listed by name, which was required according to the Government Gazette.

Brother Phillips then asked the CID officers to wait while he contacted a lawyer and made an urgent application to the supreme court for an interdict to restrain the minister of the interior from seizing the literature. His application was successful. By noon the interdict was obtained, and the police left empty-handed. Five days later, the minister withdrew the order and paid our legal fees.

The legal battle regarding the banning of our literature continued for some years. The brothers hid literature in their homes. While they had less literature to use in the field, they made wise use of it. They would lend books to those who wanted to study the Bible. Many accepted the truth at this time.

Toward the end of 1943, a new minister of the interior was appointed. An application for the removal of the ban was submitted and was successful. Early in 1944, the ban was lifted and the large stock of literature that had been seized by the authorities was delivered to the branch office.

How successful were the opposers of true worship in their efforts to stop the Kingdom-preaching activity? The figures for the 1945 service year indicate that Jehovah blessed the dedicated service of his faithful people, and the work forged ahead as never before. An average of 2,991 publishers placed 370,264 pieces of literature and conducted 4,777 Bible studies. This compares well with the peak of 881 publishers in 1940.

BENEFITS OF THEOCRATIC TRAINING

The introduction of the Course in Theocratic Ministry (now called the Theocratic Ministry School) in 1943 provided training that enabled many brothers to qualify as public speakers. It also helped more to be effective in the field ministry. By 1945 there were a good number of trained speakers, and a campaign of Public Meetings was started. The brothers advertised the talks, using handbills and placards.

Piet Wentzeld was a young pioneer at the time. Reminiscing about those early years, he recalls: “I was transferred to Vereeniging, with Frans Muller as my pioneer partner. Before we started with our Public Meeting campaign in July 1945, I prepared two of the four talks that were to be given. I went down to the river every lunchtime, and for one hour I spoke to the river and the trees, practicing my talks for a whole month before I felt confident enough to address an audience.” When the first talk was given in Vereeniging, 37 interested people attended. From this, the foundation was laid for a congregation that was formed later.

After many years as a traveling overseer, Piet, with his wife, Lina, was invited to Bethel. Now a member of the Branch Committee, he has maintained his zeal for the ministry and is still an ardent student of the Bible. Lina died on February 12, 2004, after 59 years as a full-time servant of Jehovah.

LOVING ASSISTANCE PROVIDED

Another development under the direction of headquarters in Brooklyn was the appointment of men referred to as servants to the brethren. These were forerunners of the circuit overseers of today. Those appointed were single men in good health and with plenty of vigor to keep up the busy schedule.

At first, larger congregations had visits of two or three days; small groups received only one-day visits. Thus, the assigned brothers did a lot of traveling. They used mostly public transport, often catching trains and buses at awkward hours. During their visits they carefully checked the records of the congregations. Their main objective, though, was to spend time in the field with the brothers and to train them in the ministry.

One servant to the brethren appointed in 1943 was Gert Nel, who had come to a knowledge of the truth in 1934 while teaching school in Northern Transvaal. He helped numerous publishers, and many still remember his faithful service. Tall and lean and rather stern in appearance, he was a zealous fighter for the truth. He was well-known for his remarkable memory, but he also had a great love for people. He would work in service from seven in the morning until seven or eight at night, without stopping for a break. In his journeys as a traveling overseer, he would board trains at all hours of the day or night; spend a few days with a congregation, depending on its size; and then move on to the next one. That is the way he would go on, week after week. He was called into Bethel in 1946 as an Afrikaans translator, and he continued to serve there faithfully until his death in 1991. He was the last of the anointed brothers to serve at the South Africa Bethel. Between 1982 and 1985, other faithful anointed ones​—George Phillips, Andrew Jack, and Gerald Garrard—​ended their earthly course.

THEY GAVE GENEROUSLY OF THEMSELVES

Jehovah’s servants appreciate the services of traveling overseers and their wives, who give unstintingly of themselves as they strengthen the congregations spiritually. For example, Luke Dladla was appointed a circuit overseer in 1965 and is now a regular pioneer. He said: “Today, in 2006, I am 81 years of age and my wife is 68, but we are still able to ascend and descend mountains and cross rivers to spread the good news in our territory. We have spent over 50 years in the field.”

Andrew Masondo was appointed a circuit overseer in 1954. He said: “In 1965, I was assigned to Botswana, and that was just like a missionary assignment. There was famine in the land, as it had not rained for three years. My wife Georgina and I found out what it is like to go to bed without supper and to go in the field ministry in the morning without breakfast. We would usually have only one meal, at noon.

“When I returned to South Africa, I was appointed a district overseer and trained by Ernest Pandachuk. His parting words to me were, ‘Never raise your head above the brothers, but be like a stalk of grain that bows its head when it is ripe, showing it has rich fruitage.’”

FIRST CIRCUIT ASSEMBLY

In April 1947 the first circuit assembly in South Africa was held in Durban. Milton Bartlett, a graduate of the fifth class of Gilead and the first missionary to come to South Africa, describes his impression of the brothers who attended this assembly: “It was a thrilling experience to see the attitude of the black Witnesses. They were so clean, quiet, neat in their person, so sincere and eager to learn more of the truth, very eager for field service.”

As interest among the black population continued to grow, more assistance was given. The first issue of The Watchtower in Zulu was dated January 1, 1949. It was printed on a small hand-operated duplicating machine at the branch office in Cape Town. It was not the bright and attractive magazine that it is today, but it provided valuable spiritual food. In 1950, literacy classes were set up in six languages. These classes equipped hundreds of eager brothers and sisters to read God’s Word for themselves.

As the evangelizing work progressed, the need arose for suitable meeting places. In 1948 a pioneer was assigned to Strand, near Cape Town, where he was privileged to organize the building of the first Kingdom Hall in South Africa. A local sister financed the project. George Phillips said, “I wish that I could put the new hall on wheels and take it around the country to encourage the brothers to build more Kingdom Halls.” It would take some years before organized Kingdom Hall construction was established throughout the country.

HEARTENING RESPONSE IN INDIAN COMMUNITIES

Between the years 1860 and 1911, contract laborers were brought from India to work in the sugarcane fields in Natal. Many remained after they had completed their work contracts, and a sizable Indian population​—now numbering over one million—​settled in the country. By the early 1950’s, interest in Bible truth was developing in the Indian communities.

Velloo Naicker was born in 1915, the fourth son in a family of nine children. His parents worked on a sugarcane plantation and were devout Hindus. Bible classes in school stimulated his interest, and when Velloo was a young man, someone gave him a Bible. He read it every day, completing it in four years. He wrote: “Matthew 5:6 appealed to me. When I read this, I realized that it makes God happy if one is hungry for truth and what is right.”

Velloo was finally contacted by a Witness and started to study the Bible. He was one of the first Indians in South Africa to be baptized, in 1954. The Hindu community where he then lived in Actonville, Gauteng, was strongly opposed to Jehovah’s Witnesses, and a prominent individual even threatened to take Velloo’s life. Velloo lost his job as the manager of a dry-cleaning business as a result of his firm stand for Bible truth. Nevertheless, he continued to serve Jehovah faithfully until his death in 1981. His fine example bore fruit, as over 190 family members (including family by marriage) through four generations are currently serving Jehovah.

Gopal Coopsammy was 14 years old when he first heard the truth from his uncle Velloo. “Velloo talked about the Bible with a few of us young ones, though I did not have a Bible study,” he recalls. “The Bible was a strange book to me, a Hindu. But some of what I read made sense. One day I saw that Velloo was going out to a Congregation Book Study. I asked him if I could go along. He agreed, and ever since then, I have attended the meetings. I wanted to further my Bible knowledge, so I went to the public library and found some publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses. There was much opposition from my family, but I always remembered the words of Psalm 27:10: ‘In case my own father and my own mother did leave me, even Jehovah himself would take me up.’ I was baptized in 1955, at the age of 15.”

Gopal is the presiding overseer of the congregation where he now serves, along with his wife, Susila. They have helped some 150 people to become dedicated servants of Jehovah. When asked how they accomplished this, he explained: “There were many family members living in our area, and I was able to witness to them. A number of them responded favorably. I also ran my own business, and this gave me some free time to spend in the ministry. I pioneered for four years. I worked hard in the ministry and diligently followed up any interest found.”

LOVE AND PATIENCE BEAR FRUIT

Doreen Kilgour and Isabella Elleray graduated from Gilead in 1956 and 1957 respectively. They served for 24 years in the Indian community in Chatsworth, a suburb of Durban.

Doreen described what working in the territory was like: “We had to have patience. Some had never heard of Adam and Eve. People were hospitable. Hindus think it is wrong to let you stand at the door. They used to say, ‘Have tea and go,’ meaning that we should have tea before we went to the next home. After a while, we felt as if our eyeballs were floating in tea. To us, it was a miracle every time an Indian left his deeply entrenched religious beliefs and became a worshipper of Jehovah.”

Isabella related this experience: “While sharing in the field ministry, I spoke to a man who accepted the magazines. His wife, Darishnie, who had just been to church, joined him. She was holding their baby. We had a lovely discussion, and I arranged to call on them. However, Darishnie was never at home. Later, she told me that her pastor had said that she must go out when I called. This, he reasoned, would make me think that she was not interested. I went to England to visit my family. While I was there, I kept thinking about Darishnie. When I returned to South Africa, I went to see her. She wanted to know where I had been. She said: ‘I was sure that you thought that I was not interested. I am so pleased to see you again.’ We started to study, though her husband did not join us. She was a keen student and in time was baptized.

“Her religion taught that a married woman wears a gold ornament attached to a yellow string around her neck. It is called a tali. She is supposed to take it off only if her husband dies. When Darishnie wanted to start sharing in the preaching work, she understood that she had to take off the tali. She asked me what she should do. I advised her to ask her husband first and see what his reaction was. She asked, but he did not want her to take it off. I told her to be patient, to wait a while and, when he was in a good mood, to ask him again. He eventually agreed that she could take it off. We encouraged our Bible students to be tactful and to show respect for Hindu teachings while at the same time taking a stand for Bible truth. They thus avoided unnecessarily hurting the feelings of friends and relatives, who in turn found it easier to accept the Bible students’ change of religion.”

When asked what helped them to endure for many years as missionaries, Doreen said: “We grew to love the people. We immersed ourselves in our assignment and thoroughly enjoyed it.” Isabella added: “We made many dear friends. We were sorry to leave our assignment, but our health is no longer good. We gratefully accepted the kind invitation to serve at Bethel.” Isabella passed away on December 22, 2003.

The other missionaries who served in Chatsworth likewise found that because of advancing age, they could not continue in their assignments as well as run the missionary home, so they were also assigned to Bethel. They were Eric and Myrtle Cooke, Maureen Steynberg, and Ron Stephens, who is now deceased.

A MAJOR PROJECT

When Nathan Knorr and Milton Henschel, who were serving at headquarters in Brooklyn, visited South Africa in 1948, it was decided to purchase property for a Bethel home and printery at Elandsfontein, near Johannesburg. The project was completed in 1952. For the first time, members of the Bethel family could live together under one roof. Much additional printing equipment was installed, including a flatbed press. The Watchtower was published in eight languages, and Awake! in three.

In 1959 the Bethel home and printery were expanded. The addition was larger than the original building. A new Timson press was installed, the first rotary press in the branch.

To assist with the printery operations, Brother Knorr invited four young brothers from Canada to move to South Africa: Bill McLellan, Dennis Leech, Ken Nordin, and John Kikot. They arrived in November 1959. Bill McLellan and his wife, Marilyn, still serve at the South Africa Bethel, while John Kikot and his wife, Laura, now serve at Brooklyn Bethel, New York. Ken Nordin and Dennis Leech remained in South Africa, married, and raised families. They continue to make a fine contribution to Kingdom interests. Both of Ken’s children are serving at the South Africa Bethel.

The expanded Bethel and the new equipment were used to the full in caring for the growing interest in the country. In 1952 the number of publishers in South Africa exceeded 10,000. By 1959, that figure had grown to 16,776.

MAINTAINING CHRISTIAN UNITY UNDER APARTHEID

To understand the problems the brothers faced under the apartheid system, it is helpful to know how apartheid was enforced. The law allowed blacks, whites (of European descent), colored (of mixed descent), and Indians to work in the cities in the same buildings, such as factories, offices, and restaurants. But at night, each racial group had to return to its own suburb. The races were thus kept apart as far as living quarters were concerned. All buildings had to have separate eating and washroom facilities for whites and for people of other races.

When the first branch was built at Elandsfontein, the authorities did not allow the black, colored, and Indian brothers to live in the same buildings as the white brothers. At the time, most of those in Bethel were white because of the difficulties in getting permits for those of other races to work in the city. There were, however, 12 black and colored brothers and sisters at Bethel, mainly translators of the vernacular languages. The government gave permission to build five rooms at the back of and separate from the main residence to accommodate these brothers. The permission was later withdrawn when apartheid rules were more strictly applied, and our brothers had to travel to the nearest African township, some 15 miles [20 km] away, and stay at a men’s hostel. The two black sisters were accommodated in private homes of Witnesses in the township.

The law did not even allow these Bethelites to eat with their white brothers in the main dining room, and inspectors from the local municipality were watching for any infringement of the law. However, the white brothers could not bear the thought of eating separately. So they replaced the clear glass windows in the dining room with opaque panes so that the whole family could be together for meals without disturbance.

In 1966, George Phillips found it necessary to leave Bethel because of the poor health of his wife, Stella. Harry Arnott, a capable brother, was assigned as branch overseer, and he served in this capacity for two years. From 1968 onward, Frans Mullere has served as branch overseer and later as Branch Committee coordinator.

A BLUE BOMBSHELL SPARKS GROWTH

The book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life was released at the district convention in 1968. Affectionately known as the blue bombshell, it had a stimulating effect on the field. The Shipping Department had been sending about 90,000 books to the field annually but, during the 1970 service year, sent out 447,000 books.

In 1971, Brother Knorr paid another visit to South Africa. By this time, Bethel had again become too small. There were now 68 members in the family. Extensions were planned, and brothers willingly offered their services or donated funds for the project. Construction was completed by January 30, 1972. Another extension was finished in 1978. All this expansion provided encouraging reassurance of Jehovah’s backing, for at the time God’s people faced increasing pressure from governmental authorities.

A TEST OF NEUTRALITY

South Africa left the British Commonwealth and became a republic in May 1961. This was a time of political turmoil and increasing violence in the country. In efforts to contain the situation, the ruling government stoked the spirit of nationalism, and this caused difficulties for Jehovah’s Witnesses in the years that followed.

For many years Jehovah’s Witnesses had not been required to perform military service. This changed in the late 1960’s when the country became increasingly involved in military operations in Namibia and Angola. New legislation required that every young, white, medically fit male perform military service. Brothers who refused were sentenced to a military detention barracks for 90 days.

Mike Marx was with a group of detained brothers who were ordered to put on army overalls and helmets. He recalls: “Because we did not want to be identified as part of the military, we refused. The commanding officer, a captain, then imposed on us the loss of privileges, solitary confinement, and a spare diet.” This meant that the brothers could not write or receive letters, have visitors, or possess any reading matter except the Bible. Spare diet​—ostensibly for incorrigible prisoners—​consisted of water and half a loaf of bread per day for two days followed by normal army rations for seven days before the next two days of bread and water. Even the so-called normal diet frequently left much to be desired in quality and quantity.

Every effort was made to break the integrity of the brothers. Each one was locked up in a small cell. At one stage, showers were not permitted. Instead, each brother was given one bucket for a toilet and another one to wash in. In time, shower privileges were restored.

“One day,” recalls Keith Wiggill, “after we had a cold shower in the middle of winter, the guards took away our mattresses and blankets. They did not allow us to wear our civilian clothes, so we wore only a pair of shorts and an undershirt. We slept on a damp towel on the ice-cold concrete floor. In the morning the sergeant major was amazed at how happy and well we were. He acknowledged that our God had looked after us during that icy winter night.”

Shortly before they completed the 90-day sentence, the brothers would be taken to court again because they would not put on the uniform or train with the other military prisoners. Then it was back to detention. The authorities made it clear that they intended to resentence the brothers until they reached the age of 65, when they would no longer be eligible for military service.

In 1972, after strong public and political pressure, the law was changed. Brothers received a single prison sentence commensurate with the length of military training. The sentence was initially 12 to 18 months. Later it was increased to three years and eventually to six years. In time, the authorities did make some concessions, and the brothers were allowed to hold one weekly meeting.

While in the detention barracks, the brothers did not forget Christ’s command to make disciples. (Matt. 28:19, 20) They spoke to fellow inmates, those in authority, and others with whom they came in contact. For a while they were permitted to use Saturday afternoons to share the good news by writing letters.

At one time, the military authorities ordered the 350 Witnesses to have their meals along with the 170 military inmates. The detention barracks became the only territory with a ratio of 2 Witnesses to 1 non-Witness, and the authorities soon decided that the brothers should have their meals on their own.

CHRISTENDOM AND NEUTRALITY

How did the churches of Christendom respond to the issue of compulsory military service? The South African Council of Churches (SACC) passed a resolution on conscientious objection in July 1974. Rather than sticking to the religious issue, however, the statement had distinct political overtones. It supported conscientious objection on the grounds that the military was defending an “unjust and discriminatory society” and was thus waging an unjust war. The Afrikaans churches, as well as other church groups, were not in favor of the SACC resolution.

The Dutch Reformed Church supported the government in its military pursuits. It rejected the SACC resolution as a violation of Romans chapter 13. Another group that opposed the SACC stand was that of the religious chaplains serving in the South African Defense Force, which included clergymen from churches that were SACC members. In a joint statement, the chaplains of the English-language churches condemned the resolution and declared: “We . . . urge every member of our churches and especially the young men to make their personal contribution in the defence of the country.”

Furthermore, the individual member churches of the SACC did not take a clear position on neutrality. The book War and Conscience in South Africa admits: “Most . . . failed to clarify their positions to their membership, let alone challenge their members to be conscientious objectors.” The book shows that the government’s strong reaction to the SACC resolution, backed by strict legislation, made the churches hesitant to stress their convictions: “Attempts to commit the church to a constructive programme of action met with failure.”

In contrast, this book acknowledges: “By far the majority of conscientious objectors who were imprisoned were Jehovah’s Witnesses.” It adds: “Jehovah’s Witnesses focused on the rights of individuals to oppose all wars on grounds of conscience.”

The Witnesses’ stand was strictly religious. While they concede that “the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God,” the Witnesses remain politically neutral. (Rom. 13:1) Their primary allegiance goes to Jehovah, who reveals in his Word, the Bible, that his true worshippers will have no share in carnal warfare.​—Isa. 2:2-4; Acts 5:29.

After this system of detention had been operating for a number of years, it was clear that Jehovah’s Witnesses would not abandon their neutral stand to avoid harsh treatment. Furthermore, the detention barracks were overcrowded and attracting negative publicity. There was pressure from some quarters to send the brothers to civil prisons.

Some favorably disposed military authorities disagreed. They respected our young brothers for their high moral standards. If the brothers went to a civil prison, they would have a criminal record. They would also be exposed to the worst elements of society and the threat of rape. Thus, arrangements were made for them to do community service in governmental departments not connected with the military. When the political climate in the country changed in the 1990’s, compulsory military service was abolished.

How were our young brothers affected by being detained for a lengthy period at such a crucial time in their lives? Many built up a fine record of loyal service to Jehovah and used this opportunity wisely to study God’s Word and to grow spiritually. “My stay in the detention barracks marked a turning point in my life,” says Cliff Williams. “The clear evidence of Jehovah’s protection and blessing during my detention motivated me to do more to further Kingdom interests. Shortly after my release in 1973, I started regular pioneering, and the following year I entered Bethel, where I still serve today.”

Stephen Venter, who was 17 years old when he went to the detention barracks, said: “I was an unbaptized publisher with a limited knowledge of the truth. The spiritual support I received from the daily Bible text discussion​—which we had in the mornings while we polished the floors—​the regular meetings, and the Bible study conducted with me by a more experienced brother made it bearable. Although there were some bad times, it’s amazing how little I remember of those! In fact, the three years in detention were perhaps the best years of my life. That experience helped me to make the transition from boyhood to manhood. I got to know Jehovah, and that motivated me to take up the full-time service.”

The unjust detention of our brothers served a good purpose. Gideon Benade, who visited the brothers in the detention barracks wrote, “Looking back, one realizes what a powerful witness was given.” The endurance of our brothers and the many news reports about their trials and sentences left an indelible record of the neutral stand of Jehovah’s Witnesses, which made an impression both on the military and on the country as a whole.

THE INTEGRITY OF THE BLACK BROTHERS

During the early years of apartheid rule, the black brothers did not face the same tests of neutrality that the white brothers did. For example, blacks were not called up for military service. However, when political black groups began to challenge apartheid rule, severe trials befell the black Witnesses. Some were killed, others were beaten, others fled as their homes and possessions went up in flames​—all because they refused to violate their neutrality. Yes, they were determined to obey Jesus’ command to be “no part of the world.”​—John 15:19.

Some political groups required everyone in their area to buy a political party card. Representatives from these groups called at people’s homes to demand money for weapons or for the funeral expenses of their comrades who had died in battles with the white security forces. Because the black brothers respectfully refused to pay such money, they were accused of being spies for the apartheid government. While engaging in field service, some brothers and sisters were attacked and accused of spreading white Afrikaans propaganda.

Take for example, Elijah Dlodlo, who gave up a promising career in sports to become one of Jehovah’s dedicated servants. Two weeks before South Africa’s first democratic election, tension ran high between rival black communities. Elijah’s congregation decided to cover their seldom-worked territory, located a few miles away. Elijah, baptized for only two months, was assigned to work with two boys who were unbaptized publishers. While speaking to a lady at her door, they were confronted by a group of youths, members of a political movement. The leader wielded a sjambok, a heavy leather whip. “What’s going on here?” he demanded.

“We are talking about the Bible,” replied the householder.

Ignoring her, the angry man said to Elijah and his two companions: “You three boys, join us. Now is not the time for the Bible; now is the time to fight for our rights.”

Elijah boldly replied, “We cannot do that because we are working for Jehovah.”

The man then pushed Elijah and began to beat him with the sjambok. With each blow, the man shouted, “Join us!” After the first blow, Elijah no longer felt pain. He found strength in the words of the apostle Paul, who said that all true Christians ‘will be persecuted.’​—2 Tim. 3:12.

The man eventually became tired and stopped. Then one of the attackers criticized the man who had the whip, saying that Elijah was not from their community. The group became divided and began fighting among themselves, the leader receiving a severe beating with his own sjambok. Meanwhile, Elijah and his two companions escaped. This test strengthened Elijah’s faith, and he continued to make progress as a fearless preacher of the good news. Today, he is married, has children, and serves as an elder in his congregation.

Our black sisters also showed great courage in the face of pressure to stop preaching. Consider the example of Florah Malinda. Her baptized daughter, Maki, was burned to death by a mob of youths because she tried to defend her brother who had refused to join their political movement. Despite this tragic loss, Florah did not become embittered but continued spreading God’s Word in her community. One day, representatives of the political movement who had murdered her daughter demanded that she either join their movement or suffer the consequences. Neighbors came to her rescue, explaining that she did not take sides in politics but was busy helping people to study the Bible. This resulted in a debate among the activists, and they eventually decided to let Florah go. During all that trialsome time and until now, Florah has faithfully continued to serve as a regular pioneer.

A regular pioneer brother describes what happened to him while traveling on a bus to his territory. A young political activist pushed him and asked why he was carrying literature produced by Afrikaners and selling it to black people. The brother explains what happened next: “He demanded that I throw the literature out of the bus window. Because I refused, he slapped me on the face and put the burning end of his cigarette against my cheek. I did not respond. Then he grabbed my bag of literature and threw it out the window. He also pulled off my tie, saying that it is the white man’s way of dressing. He kept on insulting me and making fun of me, saying that people like me should be burned alive. Jehovah saved me because I was able to get off the bus without further harm. The experience did not deter me from continuing to preach.”

The South Africa branch received many letters from individuals and congregations telling of the integrity of the black brothers. One such letter came from an elder in a congregation in KwaZulu-Natal. It said: “We write you this letter to let you know about the loss of our lovely brother Moses Nyamussua. His job was to weld and repair cars. On one occasion he was asked by one political group to weld their homemade guns, which he refused to do. Then, on the 16th of February, 1992, they had their political rally, where they had a fight with those of the opposing group. On the evening of the same day on their way back from their battle, they found the brother making his way to the shopping center. There they killed him with their spears. What was their reason? ‘You refused to weld our guns, and now our comrades have died in the fight.’ This has been a very great shock to the brothers, but we will still carry on with our ministry.”

OPPOSITION AT SCHOOLS

Problems arose in township schools because Witness children would not participate in prayers and the singing of religious hymns at morning assemblies. This did not pose a problem in schools for white pupils. Parents simply had to write a letter explaining their stand, and their children were exempted. In the black schools, however, refusal to participate in religious ceremonies was viewed as an act of defiance against school authority. Teachers were not accustomed to this kind of resistance. When the parents came to explain the Witnesses’ position, the teachers claimed that there were to be no exceptions.

The school authorities insisted that children of Jehovah’s Witnesses should be present for morning assembly because announcements were made about school matters. The children would attend but stand quietly during song and prayers, without participating. Some teachers would walk along the rows to check if the children were closing their eyes during prayers and if they were singing the religious hymns. It was heartwarming to know that these children, some of them very young, courageously maintained their integrity.

After a large number of children were expelled from schools, the brothers decided to take the matter to court. On August 10, 1976, the Johannesburg Supreme Court handed down a decision on an important case involving 15 pupils at one school. The transcript stated: “The respondents . . . conceded the right of the applicants’ children to abstain from participation in prayers and singing of hymns, and . . . also conceded that the suspensions and expulsions . . . were not lawful.” This was an important legal victory, and this matter was eventually resolved in all the schools concerned.

OTHER DIFFICULTIES AT SCHOOLS

Many Witness children attending schools for whites faced a different test of integrity that resulted in their being expelled from schools. The apartheid government wanted to mobilize the white youth to support its ideology. In 1973 the government introduced a program called Youth Preparedness. It included marching, self-defense, and other patriotic activities.

Some Witness parents sought legal counsel, and the matter was presented to the minister of education but without success. The minister maintained that the Youth Preparedness program was purely educational in nature. The government created much negative publicity against Jehovah’s Witnesses over this issue. At some schools the principals were tolerant and exempted the children from unscriptural aspects of the program, but at other schools the children were expelled.

Few Christian parents could afford to send their children to private schools. Some parents arranged for their children to have correspondence courses. Witnesses who were teachers provided home schooling. Nevertheless, many of the expelled children did not complete their basic high-school education. They did, however, benefit from Scriptural training at home and in their congregations. (Isa. 54:13) A number of them entered full-time service. These courageous young ones were glad that they endured under trial, placing their complete trust in Jehovah. (2 Pet. 2:9) In due course, the political climate in the country changed, and our children were no longer expelled for refusing to share in patriotic activities.

APARTHEID AND OUR CONVENTIONS

To comply with South African law, the brothers had to arrange for separate conventions for each racial group. The first time that all races met at one venue was at the national assembly held at Wembley Stadium, Johannesburg, in 1952. At that time, Brothers Knorr and Henschel visited South Africa and gave talks at this convention. In compliance with apartheid regulations, the different racial groups had to sit separately. Whites sat in the western stand, blacks in the eastern stand, the Coloreds and Indians in the northern stand. Cafeteria arrangements also had to keep the races separate. In spite of these restrictions, Brother Knorr wrote of that convention: “The joyful part was that we were all together in the same stadium worshiping Jehovah in holy array.”

In January 1974 there were three conventions in the Johannesburg area, one for blacks, one for Coloreds and Indians, and one for whites. However, a special arrangement was made for the last day of the convention: All the races would be together at Rand Stadium in Johannesburg for the afternoon session. A total of 33,408 poured into the stadium. What a joyful occasion it was! This time all the races mingled freely and sat together. Many visitors from Europe were there as well, which made it more memorable. How was this possible? Without realizing it at the time, the convention organizers had booked a stadium that was set aside for international, interracial events, and no permit was needed for this one session.

CONVENING DESPITE PREJUDICE

Some years before, arrangements were made for a national convention in Johannesburg. However, a government representative from Pretoria visited the government offices in Johannesburg dealing with Bantu (black people’s) affairs and noticed from the minutes of their meeting that Mofolo Park had been booked by Jehovah’s Witnesses for a convention that would accommodate the black brothers.

He reported it to his headquarters in Pretoria, and the Bantu Affairs Department promptly canceled the booking, stating that the Witnesses are not a “recognized religion.” The white brothers had booked their convention at the same time in the Milner Park Show Grounds in the center of Johannesburg, and the colored brothers were to meet in the Union Stadium, in the city’s western suburbs.

Two brothers from Bethel went to see the minister concerned, who happened to be a former clergyman of the Dutch Reformed Church. They pointed out that the Witnesses had been having conventions at Mofolo Park for many years and that the white brothers and the colored brothers were having their conventions, so why deny the black brothers the right to meet together? The minister would not change his mind.

Since Mofolo Park is on the western side of Johannesburg, these two brothers decided to try to arrange to hold the convention on the eastern side of Johannesburg, where there were also large black townships. They saw the director in charge, but they did not tell him about the meeting with the minister in Pretoria. He was very sympathetic when they requested a venue for the convention. He arranged for them to have the use of Wattville Stadium. This facility had stands, which Mofolo Park lacked.

All the brothers were quickly informed of the change of venue. They had a successful convention with some 15,000 in attendance and no interference from Pretoria. For some years thereafter, the brothers continued to hold conventions at Wattville Stadium without any problem.

A LEGAL ASSOCIATION IS ESTABLISHED

On January 24, 1981, at the direction of the Governing Body, a legal association consisting of 50 members was formed: Jehovah’s Witnesses of South Africa. This legal entity helped promote spiritual interests in several ways.

For years, brothers from the branch tried without success to get permission for Jehovah’s Witnesses to have their own marriage officers. Frans Muller recalls: “Every time, government officials turned us down, indicating their feelings that our religion had neither the status nor the stability to have our own marriage officers.”

What is more, the lack of a legal association made it impossible to get permission to build Kingdom Halls in black townships. The brothers were always turned down because the authorities said: “You are not a recognized religion.”

Shortly after the association was formed, however, the brothers were given permission to have marriage officers. They were also allowed to build Kingdom Halls in the black townships. South Africa now has more than 100 elders serving as marriage officers. They can perform the marriage ceremony at the Kingdom Hall, so it is not necessary for couples to go to court first for a civil ceremony.

REVOLUTIONARY CHANGES IN PRINTING

Printing methods were rapidly changing, and the letterpress equipment was becoming outdated. Furthermore, spare parts were scarce and costly. So it was decided that the time had come to change to computerized phototypesetting and offset printing. Stand-alone units for data-capturing and phototypesetting were purchased, and in 1979 a TKS rotary offset press was installed​—a generous gift from the Japan branch.

Because Jehovah’s Witnesses produce literature in so many languages, they saw advantages in developing their own phototypesetting system. In 1979, brothers in Brooklyn, New York, began working on what came to be called MEPS (an acronym for multilanguage electronic phototypesetting system). MEPS was installed in South Africa in 1984. The use of computers in translation and phototypesetting made it possible to publish literature simultaneously in a variety of languages.

PLANNING AHEAD FOR FURTHER GROWTH

By the early 1980’s, the Bethel complex at Elandsfontein was too small to meet the growing needs in the field. Consequently, land was purchased in the town of Krugersdorp, about a 30-minute drive from Johannesburg. The 215-acre [87 ha] property is an attractive, hilly area, edged by a pleasant stream. Many brothers gave up their jobs to work on the building project, and others used their vacation time to assist. A few volunteers came from other countries, such as New Zealand and the United States, and construction was completed in six years.

It was still difficult to get permission for black Witnesses, mainly translators, to live on the property. Permission was granted, but for 20 people only, and separate accommodations had to be constructed for them. In time, though, the government eased up on its apartheid policy, and brothers of all races could live in rooms anywhere in Bethel.

The family was delighted with the well-constructed Bethel and the spacious, well-planned rooms. The red brick-faced, three-story building is surrounded by beautiful gardens. When construction began in Krugersdorp, there were 28,000 active Witnesses in South Africa. By the time of the dedication, March 21, 1987, the number had increased to 40,000. Nevertheless, some wondered if it was really necessary to build such a large facility. One floor of the office section was unused, and one wing of the residence was unoccupied. The brothers had tried to plan ahead and were confident that they had made provision for future growth.

MEETING A VITAL NEED

There was an urgent need for additional Kingdom Halls for the growing number of congregations. Brothers in the predominantly black areas held meetings under difficult conditions. They used garages, outbuildings, and school classrooms, where they sat at small desks designed for young children. They also had to contend with other religious groups’ using classrooms in the same school, singing loudly and beating their drums, making a deafening noise.

In the late 1980’s, Regional Building Committees started experimenting with new building methods to speed up the construction of Kingdom Halls. In 1992, 11 Canadian Witnesses with experience on quickly built projects volunteered to assist with the construction of a double Kingdom Hall​—a two-story structure—​in Hillbrow, Johannesburg. These men shared their expertise with the local brothers and helped them to improve their construction methods.

The first quickly built Kingdom Hall was erected in Diepkloof, Soweto, in 1992. The brothers had been trying to obtain a site for a Kingdom Hall in this area since 1962. Zechariah Sedibe, who was involved in trying to obtain that site, was at the dedication of the Kingdom Hall on July 11, 1992. He said, with a broad smile: “We thought that we would never have a Kingdom Hall. We were young then. Now I am retired, but we have our hall, the first one in Soweto to be built in a few days.”

There are currently 600 Kingdom Halls in countries under the oversight of the South Africa branch. These halls stand as centers of pure worship of Jehovah. However, there remain about 300 congregations of 30 or more publishers each that need their own Kingdom Hall.

Working under the direction of the branch office, 25 Regional Building Committees give practical assistance to congregations wanting to build a hall. Congregations can obtain interest-free loans to help finance their projects. Peter Butt, who has assisted with Kingdom Hall construction for over 18 years, is chairman of the Gauteng Regional Building Committee. He pointed out that brothers on these committees are usually working men with families, yet they gladly sacrifice much time in behalf of their brothers.

Another member of a regional committee, Jakob Rautenbach, explained that committee members usually work on-site during the whole construction period. In addition, they are involved in all the planning before construction starts. He enthusiastically described the happy, cooperative spirit among the volunteer workers. They travel to the site, which is sometimes a long distance away, at their own expense.

Jakob said that many other brothers gladly donate their time and resources to the Kingdom Hall building work and gave this example: “Two fleshly sisters with their own transport company arrange to move our 13-meter [40-foot] container of equipment to building sites throughout the country​—and even to neighboring countries—​and they have been doing this since 1993. That works out to a sizable donation! Many companies we deal with are moved to make donations or to give us discounts when they see what we are doing.”

After planning carefully and organizing the work teams, the brothers often put up a hall in three days. This has gained the respect of many observers. Near the end of the first day of construction at one site, two men who had been drinking heavily at a beer hall nearby approached the brothers. They explained that they usually walked through a vacant plot to their homes but now there was a hall standing on it. They asked for directions, as they were sure they must have lost their way.

A SELF-SACRIFICING SPIRIT

Political changes in the early 1990’s did not bring peace and stability. On the contrary, violence erupted as never before. The situation was complex, and people have offered many reasons for the increased violence, most of them related to political rivalry and economic dissatisfaction.

Still, Kingdom Hall construction continued. Volunteers of various races would enter the townships, escorted by the local brothers. Some volunteers were attacked by angry mobs. During the construction of one hall in Soweto in 1993, a violent mob threw stones at three white brothers as they traveled to the Kingdom Hall site with building materials. All the windows in the vehicle were smashed, and the brothers were injured. They managed to keep driving and got to the site. The local brothers then rushed them to a hospital via a safer route.

Work on the project was not delayed. Precautions were taken, and hundreds from all races worked on the site the following weekend. Local pioneers shared in street witnessing in the territory around the hall. If they detected any trouble, they warned the brothers on the site. A few days later, the injured brothers were well enough to return to work on the hall.

The congregations appreciate the dedication shown and the sacrifices made by the brothers who volunteer to work on Kingdom Hall construction. Over a period of 15 years, Fanie and Elaine Smit, often traveling long distances at their own expense, have helped 46 congregations to build their Kingdom Halls.

One congregation in KwaZulu-Natal wrote to the Regional Building Committee: “You missed your sleep, the pleasure of being with your families, your recreation​—and much more—​to come here and build a hall for us. Besides that, we know that you also sacrificed a lot of your own money to make the project a success. May Jehovah remember you ‘for good.’​—Nehemiah 13:31.”

When a congregation has its own Kingdom Hall, there is a positive effect on the neighborhood. The following comment from one congregation is typical: “The increase in attendance after the Kingdom Hall was built has been such that the congregation has to divide into two groups for the public talk and Watchtower Study. We will have to form another congregation soon.”

Small congregations in rural areas sometimes have difficulty in financing a hall. Yet, many have found ways to raise the funds. In one congregation, the brothers sold pigs. When they needed more money, they sold an ox and a horse. Then they sold 15 sheep, another ox, and another horse. One sister offered to buy all the paint, another bought the carpet, and another paid for the curtains. Finally, another ox and five more sheep were sold to pay for the chairs.

After their Kingdom Hall was completed, a congregation in Gauteng wrote: “For at least two weeks after the hall was built, we would go there after field service to marvel at it. We couldn’t go home after field service without seeing our Kingdom Hall first.”

OTHERS ALSO NOTICE

The community often takes note of the efforts of Jehovah’s Witnesses to have suitable places of worship. The congregation in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, received a letter that stated in part: “The Keep Durban Beautiful Association appreciates your efforts in keeping your area clean and also encourages you to keep on doing so. Your diligence has made this place look beautiful. Our association has dedicated itself to fighting against litter and keeping our environment clean. We believe that a clean place contributes to good health in the area. It is for this reason that we commend our citizens for keeping our area clean. Thank you for being such a good example. We encourage you in whatever you do to keep the Umlazi area clean.”

One congregation wrote: “When a known burglar broke into our new Kingdom Hall, people living around the hall attacked him. They said that he was vandalizing ‘their church’ since it is the only religious building in the vicinity. They beat him before handing him over to the police.”

MEETING THE NEED FOR KINGDOM HALLS IN AFRICA

In 1999, Jehovah’s organization set up an arrangement for building Kingdom Halls in lands with limited resources. A Regional Kingdom Hall Office was set up at the South Africa branch to organize this work in several countries in Africa. A representative from the office was sent to each branch to help the brothers set up a Kingdom Hall Construction Desk. This desk is responsible for the purchasing of land and the organizing of Kingdom Hall Construction Groups. International servants were also sent to give help and training to the local brothers.

The South Africa Regional Office has established 25 Kingdom Hall Construction Desks in Africa, which care for Kingdom Hall construction in 37 countries. Since November 1999, there have been 7,207 Kingdom Halls built in countries served by this arrangement. By mid-2006, it was determined that there is a need for another 3,305 Kingdom Halls in these countries.

EFFECTS OF POLITICAL CHANGE

Growing dissatisfaction with the previous government’s racial policies gave rise to unrest and violence, and some of Jehovah’s Witnesses were directly affected. Fierce battles raged in the black townships, and many people died. For the most part, however, the brothers exercised caution and continued to serve Jehovah faithfully during this difficult time. Late one night a gasoline bomb was thrown into the home of a brother and his family while they were sleeping. They managed to escape, and the brother later wrote to the branch: “My family and I have even stronger faith now. We lost all our material possessions, but we have drawn closer to Jehovah and his people. The brothers have helped us materially. We look forward to the end of this system of things and thank Jehovah for our spiritual paradise.”

On May 10, 1994, the first black president, Nelson Mandela, was sworn in. He was also the country’s first democratically elected president, and it was the first time that blacks were given the opportunity to vote. A spirit of nationalism and euphoria prevailed. This posed challenges of a different kind for some of our brothers.

Sadly, some of Jehovah’s people violated their Christian neutrality, but most did not. Many of those who compromised saw their error, showed sincere repentance, and responded to Scriptural encouragement.

GROWTH IN HEARTS

The provision of more Kingdom Halls is evidence of Jehovah’s blessing, but the truly miraculous growth takes place in people’s hearts. (2 Cor. 3:3) Individuals from varied backgrounds are attracted to the truth. Consider some examples.

Ralson Mulaudzi was imprisoned in 1986 and sentenced to death for murder. He found the branch address in one of our brochures and wrote for help to learn about the Bible. Les Lee, a special pioneer, was allowed to visit him and started a Bible study. Ralson soon began to speak to other prisoners and the wardens about what he was learning. He was baptized in prison in April 1990. Ralson receives regular visits from members of the local congregation and is allowed out of his cell for an hour each day. He spends this time preaching to other prisoners. Ralson has helped three people to the point of baptism and currently conducts two Bible studies. His death sentence has been commuted to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

Others who are drawn to Jehovah have a very different background. Queenie Rossouw, an interested person, attended the Congregation Book Study and asked the book study overseer to call on her 18-year-old son, who was preparing for catechism. The brother had a good discussion with the young man, who began attending meetings with his mother. Then the mother asked the brother to call on her husband, Jannie, who was an elder in the Dutch Reformed Church and chairman of the church board; he wanted to ask some questions. The brother talked to the husband, who agreed to a Bible study.

This was the week of the district convention, and the brother invited Queenie to attend. To the brother’s surprise, Jannie also came and attended all four days. The convention program and the love among the Witnesses made a great impression on him. Their 18-year-old son and their eldest son, a deacon in the church, now began to sit in on the Bible study.

All of them resigned from the church and began attending the meetings right away. They also attended a meeting for field service. The brother explained to Jannie that he could not share in field service with the Witnesses because he did not yet qualify as an unbaptized publisher. With tears streaming down his face, he said that the truth is what he had been searching for his whole life, and he could no longer keep it quiet.

The Rossouws had another son, 22 years of age, who was a third-year theology student. Jannie wrote to this son and asked him to come home, since he would no longer pay for the son’s studies. The third day after the son’s return, Jannie and three of his sons worked with the congregation for a day at the Bethel complex in Krugersdorp. The theology student was impressed with what he saw at Bethel, so he agreed to study the Bible along with his brothers. After studying for a time, he said that he had learned more about the Bible in one month than in two and a half years at the university.

The whole family were eventually baptized. The father is now an elder, and some of the sons are elders or ministerial servants. One daughter is a regular pioneer.

“LENGTHEN OUT YOUR TENT CORDS”

Despite earlier efforts to make ample provision for future expansion at Bethel, large extensions were needed just 12 years after the complex in Krugersdorp had been dedicated. (Isa. 54:2) During that time, there was a 62 percent increase in publishers in South Africa and in countries under the branch’s supervision. A warehouse and three new residence buildings were built. Additions were also made to the laundry and office block, and a second dining room was provided. On October 23, 1999, all these extensions were dedicated to Jehovah. Daniel Sydlik of the Governing Body gave the dedication discourse.

More recently, an 86,000-square-foot [8,000-sq m] extension was added to the printery. This accommodates a new MAN Roland Lithoman rotary press. The branch also received machinery to trim, count, and stack the magazines automatically. The Germany branch provided a bindery line enabling South Africa to produce softcover books and Bibles for the whole of sub-Saharan Africa.

SUITABLE VENUES FOR ASSEMBLIES

Much construction work has been planned to meet the need for Assembly Halls. The first one was built at Eikenhof, south of Johannesburg, and was dedicated in 1982. Another Assembly Hall was built in Bellville, Cape Town, and the dedication discourse was given by Milton Henschel in 1996. In 2001 still another hall was completed at Midrand, between Pretoria and Johannesburg.

Neighbors who at first opposed the Midrand construction project changed their attitude as they got to know the brothers and see what they were doing. One neighbor delivered boxes of fruit and vegetables every two weeks for over a year. Some companies were moved to make donations. One delivered compost for the gardens, free of charge. Another presented the brothers with a check for 10,000 rand (about $1,575, U.S.) for the project. Of course, the brothers also donated generously toward the Assembly Hall.

The hall is a beautiful, well-designed building. Guy Pierce, a member of the Governing Body who gave the dedication talk, pointed out the real beauty of the hall​—its use to honor our Grand God, Jehovah.​—1 Ki. 8:27.

NOT SEPARATED BY MAN-MADE LAWS

For many years it was difficult to obtain suitable venues for assemblies in black-populated areas. In Limpopo Province, the brothers were living on what was known as a reserve, which was, at the time, off-limits to whites. The district overseer, Corrie Seegers, could not obtain a permit to enter the area, and he could not locate a venue for the assembly.

Brother Seegers approached a man whose farm was adjacent to the reserve, but this man did not want the assembly on his land. However, he did allow Brother Seegers to park his caravan (trailer) there. Eventually, the brothers held the assembly in a clearing in the bush on the reserve. This bordered the farmer’s land, which was separated from the clearing by a barbed-wire fence. Brother Seegers parked his caravan on the farmer’s land next to the clearing and gave his talks from there. The brothers were separated from the “platform” by the fence, but they had the assembly program, and Brother Seegers could address the brothers without breaking the law.

A CHANGE BENEFITS THE FIELD

The Governing Body directed that from the year 2000, all congregations in South Africa would come under the arrangement of distributing literature without charge to all who show genuine interest. Publishers would invite individuals to make a small donation toward our worldwide evangelizing work.

This voluntary donation arrangement has proved beneficial not only to those in the field but also to the brothers. Formerly, many could not afford to pay for publications used for the Watchtower Study and the Congregation Book Study. In some congregations of 100 publishers, only about 10 had their own copies of The Watchtower. Now everyone can have a personal copy.

The work done by the Export Department at Bethel has greatly increased in recent years. In May 2002 a total of 432 tons of material was sent to other African countries, most of it Bible literature.

The South Africa branch is now warehousing literature for the Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe branches. This includes all the literature in the various languages used by these countries. The orders for each congregation are packed on the trucks in such a way that when delivered to the branches, the orders can be transferred directly onto the branch vehicles for delivery to the depots.

Since the donation arrangement was implemented, the demand for literature has greatly increased. Magazine production in South Africa has jumped from one million to 4.4 million per month. Literature orders have climbed to 3,800 tons per year, compared to 200 tons in 1999.

Construction materials too are sent out to other African countries. In addition, South Africa has organized relief materials to assist brothers in need. Help was repeatedly given to the Malawian brothers who as a result of severe persecution had fled from their homes and settled in camps. Relief supplies were sent to Angola, which was ravaged by severe drought in 1990. The civil war in that country also left many brothers impoverished, and truckloads of food and clothing have been provided for them. In the year 2000, assistance was given to the brothers in Mozambique after they experienced heavy flooding. More than 800 tons of maize were sent to the brothers in Zimbabwe who were affected by severe drought during 2002 and early 2003.

PROGRESS IN TRANSLATION

The South Africa branch has a large Translation Department. Some years ago it was enlarged to cope with the growing need for Bible translation. There are currently 102 translators working to produce literature in 13 languages.

The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is now available in seven local languages. Concerning the Tswana Bible, one brother said: “It is readable and pleasant to the eye and the ear. I would like to thank Jehovah and his spirit-directed organization for the way that we are being spiritually nourished.”

Modern technology has been put to good use in assisting translators. While brothers in South Africa were working on software to help translators, a department with a similar goal was set up at Brooklyn. The programs developed were eventually compiled and called the Watchtower Translation System. The programmers in South Africa were able to contribute much to the software used in this system.

The brothers did not try to create computer programs to do actual translation, which some secular companies have tried with limited success. Rather, they concentrated on providing tools for translators. For example, Bibles were provided electronically. Translators can also compile their own electronic translation dictionaries. These are valuable because some local languages do not have adequate dictionaries.

SOWING IN A SILENT FIELD

Publishers of the Kingdom message try to reach everyone. Communicating with deaf people has been a challenge, but the results are gratifying. In the 1960’s, June Carikas started a Bible study with a deaf lady. The lady and her husband, also deaf, progressed and were baptized.

Since then an increasing number of deaf people have accepted the truth, and groups for the deaf have been formed in cities throughout the country. The brothers have grown accustomed to having a sign-language section at conventions. It is a moving experience to see those in attendance singing the songs using sign language and “clapping” with the rest of the audience by waving their hands in the air.

The first group for the deaf was established at Brixton Congregation in Johannesburg under the oversight of June’s husband, George, who is an elder. Training in sign language was given to willing brothers in the congregation, including some Bethelites. There is now one sign-language congregation and five groups in the territory cared for by the South Africa branch.

KINGDOM FRUITAGE IN OTHER COUNTRIES

The South Africa branch oversees the evangelizing work in five other countries. The following is a brief overview of the progress of the Kingdom work in these fields.

Namibia

This country extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the western border of Botswana. After World War I, Namibia was placed under South African rule by a League of Nations mandate. Finally, after much unrest and bloodshed, Namibia attained independence in 1990. While the country for the most part is arid and sparsely populated, it also has places of stunning scenic beauty with abundant wildlife and unusual vegetation. The Namib Desert attracts numerous visitors, who may be surprised to see the remarkable variety of wildlife that manages to survive the harsh conditions. The spectacular landscapes of Namibia are matched by her colorful peoples, who speak nine national languages.

The first efforts to spread the Kingdom message in Namibia were made in 1928. That year the South Africa branch mailed a large quantity of Bible literature to people who could not be reached personally. About this time, the first man to become a dedicated Christian in Namibia learned the truth in an unusual way. Bernhard Baade bought eggs wrapped in pages torn from one of our publications. He read the pages avidly, without knowing their origin. Finally, one of the eggs was wrapped in the last page of the publication, which gave the address of the Germany branch. He wrote requesting more literature. A circuit overseer who later visited Bernhard’s congregation remarked that in all the years until Bernhard died, he did not miss a single month in the ministry.

In 1929, Lenie Theron was sent to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. This pioneer sister witnessed in all the major towns of Namibia, traveling by train and post cart. In four months she placed 6,388 books and booklets in Afrikaans, English, and German. Although pioneers periodically preached in Namibia, no one remained to cultivate the interest. This changed in 1950 when some missionaries arrived. Among them were Gus Eriksson, Fred Hayhurst, and George Koett, who all built up a fine record of faithful service until their death.

By 1953, there were eight missionaries in the country, including Dick Waldron and his wife, Coralie.f They had to contend with strong opposition from the clergy of Christendom as well as from the local authorities. Though the Waldrons wanted to share the Bible message among the indigenous population, they had to have a government permit to enter the black areas. Dick applied but without success.

After the birth of their daughter in 1955, the Waldrons had to give up missionary service, but Dick continued pioneering for a while. In 1960, Dick finally received a permit to enter one of the black townships, Katutura. He recalls, “The interest shown was tremendous.” Within a short time, a number from this township were attending the meetings. Now over 50 years later, Dick and Coralie continue to serve faithfully in Namibia. They have made a valuable contribution to the advancement of Kingdom interests in this field.

Bringing Bible truths to the various racial groups in Namibia was a challenge. There was no Bible literature available in the local languages, such as Herero, Kwangali, and Ndonga. Initially, educated local people who were studying the Bible translated some tracts and brochures under the supervision of local Witnesses. Esther Bornman, then a special pioneer, studied Kwanyama, and in time she was able to speak it in addition to another local language. She and Aina Nekwaya, an Ndonga-speaking sister, translated The Watchtower, which is published partly in Kwanyama and partly in Ndonga. Both of these languages are used in Ovamboland and are understood by most of the people there.

In 1990 a well-equipped translation office was set up in Windhoek. More translators were added, and now in addition to the aforementioned languages, literature is translated into Herero, Kwangali, Khoekhoegowab, and Mbukushu. André Bornman and Stephen Jansen provide oversight at this office.

Namibia is a major producer of diamonds. The Watchtower of July 15, 1999, referred to this in the article “There Are Living Gems in Namibia!” It compared honesthearted ones to “living gemstones” and stated that while much evangelizing work had been done, some areas of the country had hardly been touched. The article extended this invitation: “Are you in a position to serve where the need for zealous Kingdom proclaimers is great? Then, please, step over into Namibia and help us find and polish more spiritual gemstones.”

The response was heartwarming. There were 130 inquiries from brothers in various countries, including Australia, Germany, and Japan, and some in South America. As a result, 83 Witnesses paid a visit to Namibia and, of these, 18 stayed. Sixteen of them were regular pioneers when they arrived, and in time, some were appointed as special pioneers. The spirit shown by these volunteer workers was contagious. Even now, the branch office receives letters inquiring about the invitation that appeared in The Watchtower. William and Ellen Heindel have been serving as missionaries in northern Namibia since 1989. They had to learn the Ndonga language used by the Ovambo, who live in that area. Their endurance and hard work in this unusual territory has brought them rich rewards. William notes: “We have seen boys, some of whom were our Bible students, grow into spiritual men. Some serve as elders and ministerial servants in the congregation. Our hearts swell with pride when we see them give talks at assemblies and conventions.”

In recent years a number of graduates of the Ministerial Training School have been sent to Namibia, and they have done good work in cultivating interest and in serving the congregations. In 2006, there were 1,264 publishers in Namibia, a 3 percent increase over the preceding year.

Lesotho

The small country of Lesotho, with a population of 2.4 million, is completely surrounded by South Africa. It is situated in the Drakensberg Mountains, which provide magnificent vistas for the rugged climber.

Despite its usually tranquil atmosphere, the country has had its share of political turmoil. In 1998, disputes over an election led to fighting between army and police in the capital, Maseru. Veijo Kuismin and his wife, Sirpa, were missionaries there at the time. He recalls: “Happily, few brothers were hurt during the fighting, and we organized relief aid for those who did not have basic food and fuel supplies. This strengthened the bonds of unity in the congregation, and meeting attendances increased throughout the country.”

Lesotho is economically dependent mainly on agriculture. Because of the poor economy, many of the men are migrant workers in South African mines. Though the country is materially poor, there are valuable spiritual riches to be found in this mountain kingdom, and many people have responded to Bible truth. In 2006, there were 3,101 Kingdom proclaimers, a 2 percent increase over the preceding year. Three missionary couples​—the Hüttingers, the Nygrens, and the Parises—​are currently serving in Maseru.

Abel Modiba served as a circuit overseer in Lesotho between 1974 and 1978. He is now at South Africa Bethel with his wife, Rebecca. In his calm and unhurried way, he relates some impressions of Lesotho: “In most of the rural areas, there were no roads. I would walk, sometimes for seven hours, to reach a group of isolated publishers. Often brothers brought horses, one for me to ride and one to carry my luggage. At times, we even carried a slide projector and a 12-volt battery. If a river was in flood, we waited for a few days until it subsided. In some villages the headman invited all the villagers to come to the public talk.

“Some had to walk many hours to get to meetings, and for this reason it was common for those coming from far away to stay with brothers living near the Kingdom Hall during the week of the circuit overseer’s visit. That made it a special occasion. In the evenings, they came together to share experiences and sing Kingdom songs. The next day, they went out in the field ministry.”

Per-Ola and Birgitta Nygren have been serving as missionaries in Maseru since 1993. Birgitta relates this experience that shows the value of the magazines in assisting others: “In 1997, I started a study with a woman named Mapalesa. She started to attend meetings. But she was not always at home for the study, and she often hid from us. I stopped studying with her but kept her on my magazine route. Years later, she appeared at one of our meetings. She explained that one day she read an article in The Watchtower about controlling anger. She felt that it was Jehovah’s answer to her problem, since she and her relatives were constantly fighting. The study was resumed, and she hasn’t missed a meeting since. She also began to have an active share in the field ministry.”

For many years the brothers in Lesotho used makeshift facilities for their Kingdom Halls. In recent years, however, the South Africa branch assisted the Lesotho congregations in financing Kingdom Hall construction.

At an altitude of approximately 10,000 feet [3,000 m], the Kingdom Hall in the town of Mokhotlong is the highest in Africa. To build this hall, volunteer workers came from as far away as Australia and California, U.S.A. Brothers from the KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa gave financial support and also provided vehicles to transport equipment and materials to the site. Living conditions for the volunteer workers were primitive. They had to provide their own bedding and cooking equipment. The hall was completed in ten days. An elderly local brother, born in 1910, was at the site every day to watch the proceedings. He had been waiting for a hall ever since he became a servant of Jehovah in the 1920’s, and he was delighted with the progress of “his” Kingdom Hall.

The year 2002 brought famine to Lesotho. Maize meal and other commodities were trucked in and distributed to Witnesses in the affected areas. A letter of appreciation stated: “When the brothers came to my house to deliver the maize meal, I was amazed. How did they know what I needed? I thanked Jehovah for help that I had never dreamed of receiving. This strengthened my faith in Jehovah God and in his organization, and I am determined to serve him whole-souled.”

Botswana

This country includes much of the Kalahari Desert and has a population of over 1.7 million. The climate is generally hot and dry. Numerous parks and wildlife reserves attract visitors. The scenic Okavango Delta is popular for its unspoiled tranquillity and abundant wildlife. Traditional transport along the waterways in the delta is the mokoro, a dugout hewed from local trees. Botswana has a sound economy, mainly because of diamond mining. Since the discovery of diamonds in the Kalahari Desert in 1967, Botswana has become one of the world’s leading diamond exporters.

It appears that the message of God’s Kingdom first reached Botswana in 1929 when one brother shared in the preaching work there for a few months. Joshua Thongoana was appointed a circuit overseer in Botswana in 1956.g He recalled that at the time, literature printed by Jehovah’s Witnesses was banned there.

Enthusiastic missionaries have reaped good results in this productive territory. Blake and Gwen Frisbee together with Tim and Virginia Crouch have worked hard to learn the Tswana language. Toward the north, Veijo and Sirpa Kuismin eagerly provide spiritual assistance to the populace.

In the southern part of the country, Hugh and Carol Cormican display an ardent missionary spirit. Hugh relates: “There is a 12-year-old brother named Eddie in our congregation. From a very early age, he wanted to learn to read so that he could enroll in the Theocratic Ministry School and share in the field ministry. As soon as he qualified as an unbaptized publisher, he spent much time in the field and started a Bible study with one of his classmates. Since his baptism, Eddie has often served as an auxiliary pioneer.”

Many of the congregations in Botswana are located in or near the flourishing capital, Gaborone, situated close to the eastern border. That region of the country is densely populated. The rest of the population lives in villages to the west and in the Kalahari Desert, where a few San families still roam, living off the land and hunting with bow and arrow. Publishers have exerted great effort during special preaching campaigns in isolated territory, traveling thousands of miles to take Bible truths to nomadic cattle farmers in the rurals. These people are busy growing food, building shelters from local materials, and foraging for firewood. There is little time for other activities. However, when a stranger arrives with the refreshing Bible message, they readily agree to an open-air meeting on the soft desert sand.

Stephen Robbins, one of a group of six temporary special pioneers, remarked: “People here are forever on the move. They seem to cross borders like we cross the street. We met one of our Bible students, Marks, on a ferry as we crossed the Okavango River. We were delighted to hear that he had taken time off from work so that he could travel and share Bible truths with his friends and relatives. Marks spends all his free time in the evangelizing work.”

There is an encouraging response to the good news in Botswana. In 2006, there were 1,497 who shared in the preaching work, a 6 percent increase over the previous year.

Swaziland

This small monarchy has a population of about 1.1 million. It is mainly an agricultural society, though many men seek employment in South Africa. Swaziland is a scenic country with several game reserves. The Swazi people are friendly and still follow many of their traditions.

The former king, Sobhuza II, was favorably disposed toward Jehovah’s Witnesses and had much of our literature. Each year he would invite to his royal residence not only the clergy but also one of Jehovah’s Witnesses to speak on the Bible. In 1956 the invited Witness talked about the doctrine of the immortality of the soul as well as the use of honorary titles among religious leaders. Afterward, the king asked the religious leaders if the things said were true. They could not refute what the brother had said.

Our brothers had to take a firm stand against the custom of mourning based on ancestor worship. In parts of Swaziland, tribal chiefs drove Jehovah’s Witnesses from their own homes because they refused to follow traditional mourning customs. Their spiritual brothers in other areas always took care of them. The Swaziland High Court ruled in favor of Jehovah’s Witnesses in this matter and stated that they should be allowed to return to their homes and lands.

James and Dawne Hockett are missionaries in the capital of Swaziland, Mbabane. They graduated from Gilead in 1971 and 1970 respectively. James used the following example to show how missionaries have to adapt to different customs: “We were working in unassigned territory, and a chief wanted me to give a public talk. He called the people together. We were sitting in an area where construction work was in progress, and there were cement blocks lying about. The ground was damp, so I found a cement block to sit on, and Dawne sat down next to me on the block. One of the Swazi sisters approached Dawne and asked her to come and sit next to her. Dawne said that she was fine where she was, but the sister insisted. Afterward, it was explained to us that because some of the men were sitting on the ground, the women could not sit higher than the men. That is the custom in the rural areas.”

James and Dawne visited a school to speak to a teacher who had previously shown interest. She sent a boy out to tell them that it was not a convenient time to speak to her. They decided to talk to the boy, Patrick, and asked him if he knew why they were calling. After a discussion, they gave him the book Questions Young People Ask​—Answers That Work and started a Bible study with him. Patrick was an orphan and lived in a room attached to his uncle’s house. He had to care for himself, prepare his own food, and do part-time work to pay his school fees. He made good progress, was baptized, and now serves as an elder in the congregation.

There has been an encouraging response to the evangelizing work in Swaziland ever since the work got started in the 1930’s. In 2006, there were 2,292 who had an active share in spreading the good news of God’s Kingdom in this territory, and 2,911 Bible studies were conducted.

St. Helena

This little island, ten and a half miles [17 km] long and six and a half miles [10 km] wide, is west of the southwestern coast of Africa. It generally has a mild and pleasant climate. The population of St. Helena is about 4,000, a mixture of people of European, Asian, and African origins. English is spoken with a distinctive accent. There is no airport; a commercial shipping line provides access to and from South Africa and England. Broadcast television became available only in the mid-1990’s, by satellite hookup.

The good news of God’s Kingdom first reached St. Helena in the early 1930’s, when two pioneers paid a short visit. Tom Scipio, a policeman and a deacon in the Baptist church, obtained some literature from them. He started to speak to others about what he was learning, and from the pulpit he made it clear that there was no Trinity, no hellfire, and no immortal soul. He and others who stood up for Bible truth were asked to leave the church. Soon Tom and a small group shared in the field ministry, with the aid of three phonographs. They covered the island on foot and by donkey. Tom also gave his large family of six children a good grounding in the truth.

In 1951, Jacobus van Staden was sent from South Africa to encourage and assist the group of loyal Witnesses on the island. He helped them to be more effective in the ministry and organized regular congregation meetings. George Scipio,h one of Tom’s sons, recalls one of the difficulties they had in getting everyone to the meetings: “There were only two cars among all the interested ones. The terrain is rough and hilly, and there were few good roads at that time. . . . Some started walking early in the morning. I took three in my small car and dropped them off some distance along the road. They kept on walking. I turned back, took three more some distance, dropped them off, and returned. Eventually, all got to the meeting this way.” Later, although George was married and had four children, he was able to serve as a pioneer for 14 years. Three of his sons serve as elders.

Jannie Muller visited St. Helena as a circuit overseer a few times in the 1990’s, along with his wife, Anelise. He says: “When you accompany a publisher in the field, he will invariably tell you who is living in the next house and what the reaction will be. When we visited the island and distributed the Kingdom News entitled “Will All People Ever Love One Another?” the entire island was covered in one day, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.”

Jannie particularly remembers their arrivals and departures. He says: “When the boat arrived, most of the brothers would gather on the quayside to welcome us. They described the day we left as one of tears, and it was so when we saw them all standing on the quayside waving good-bye.”

In 2006, there were 125 who shared in spreading Bible truth throughout the island. The Memorial attendance was 239. The island has a publisher-to-population ratio of 1 to 30, the most favorable in the world.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

In the shadow of racial strife in South Africa, Jehovah’s Witnesses of all races enjoy a unique “bond of union.” (Col. 3:14) Others have commented on this. In 1993 many visitors came from overseas for the international conventions. Some 2,000 Witnesses went to the airport in Durban to welcome delegates from the United States and Japan. They sang Kingdom songs when the visitors appeared. The brothers warmly greeted one another and embraced. Among those watching was a prominent political leader. In conversation with some of the brothers, he said, “If we had the same spirit of unity as you, we would have solved our problems long ago.”

The 2003 “Give God Glory” International Conventions gave a spiritual boost to all who attended. South Africa had international conventions in the major centers, as well as numerous smaller district conventions. Two members of the Governing Body, Samuel Herd and David Splane, served at the international conventions. Delegates from 18 countries attended. Some wore their traditional dress, which added to the international flavor. The attendance for all the conventions was 166,873, and 2,472 were baptized.

Janine, who attended the international convention in Cape Town, expressed appreciation for the release of the publication Learn From the Great Teacher: “I am beyond words, unable to describe how much I appreciate this gift. This book is designed to reach the hearts of our children. Jehovah knows what his people need, and Jesus, the Head of the congregation, sees the struggle we have in this ungodly world. I thank Jehovah and his servants here on earth with all my heart.”

When looking back over the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses in South Africa during the last century, we rejoice over the endurance and steadfast record of faithful ones. In 2006, there were 78,877 publishers who conducted 84,903 Bible studies. The Memorial attendance for 2006 was 189,108. Indications are that Jesus’ words still apply in this part of the worldwide field: “Look! I say to you: Lift up your eyes and view the fields, that they are white for harvesting.” (John 4:35) There is still much work to be done. The abundant evidence of Jehovah’s direction moves us to exclaim, along with our brothers in every corner of the earth: “Shout in triumph to Jehovah, all you people of the earth. Serve Jehovah with rejoicing”!​—Ps. 100:1, 2.

[Footnotes]

[Blurb on page 174]

St. Helena has a publisher-to-population ratio of 1 to 30, the most favorable in the world

[Box on page 68, 69]

What Was Apartheid?

The word “apartheid” literally means “separateness” and was first used by the National Party during the political elections of 1948. That party won the election that year, and strict separation of the various racial groups in South Africa became official government policy with the firm backing of the Dutch Reformed Church. This policy, driven by the determination to ensure white supremacy, led to laws that regulated key facets of life​—residence, employment, education, public amenities, and politics.

The major racial groups were classified as follows: white, Bantu (black Africans), colored (those of mixed race), and Asian (Indians). Apartheid proponents declared that the races should have their own designated areas, called homelands, where they could live and develop in harmony with their culture and customs. What may have looked viable to some in theory did not work in practice. Intimidated by guns, tear gas, and snarling dogs, many blacks with their meager possessions were driven from their homes and relocated to other areas. Most public facilities, such as banks and post offices, had separate sections for whites and nonwhites. Restaurants and cinemas were reserved for whites.

Whites still depended on cheap black labor, both for business and domestic purposes. This led to the division of families. For example, black men were allowed to go to the cities to work in mines or factories and were accommodated in men’s hostels while their wives had to stay in the homelands. This disrupted family life and led to much immorality. Black servants working in white homes usually stayed in a room on the employer’s property. Their families could not live in white suburbs, so parents did not see their families for extended periods. Blacks had to carry identity passbooks at all times.

Apartheid cast its shadow over many areas of life, including education, marriage, employment, and property ownership. While Jehovah’s Witnesses were well-known for their racial harmony, they obeyed government laws as long as these did not prevent them from rendering sacred service to God. (Rom. 13:1, 2) They sought opportunities to enjoy association with fellow worshippers of the various racial groups when they could.

Beginning in the mid-1970’s, the government made a number of reforms, rendering their racial policies less restrictive. On February 2, 1990, then President F. W. de Klerk announced measures to dismantle apartheid, such as the official recognition of black political organizations and the release of Nelson Mandela from prison. With the democratic election of a black majority government in 1994, apartheid officially ended.

[Box/​Maps on page 72, 73]

OVERVIEW​—South Africa

Land

The coastland of South Africa is a narrow lowland bordered by mountains that rise to a vast inland plateau that makes up most of the country. The plateau is the highest on the eastern Indian Ocean side, where the Drakensberg Mountain range reaches more than 11,000 feet [3,400 m]. The land area of South Africa is about four times that of the British Isles.

People

The 44 million inhabitants of the country come from a variety of backgrounds. In 2003 the government published the results of a census in which the citizens were divided into the following four groups: black African, 79 percent; white, 9.6 percent; colored, 8.9 percent; and Indian or Asian, 2.5 percent.

Language

There are 11 official languages, though many speak English. Listed in the order of the most commonly spoken are Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Sepedi, English, Tswana, Sesotho, Tsonga, Siswati, Venda, and Ndebele.

Livelihood

The country has vast natural resources and is the world’s largest producer of gold and platinum. Millions of South Africans work in mines, on farms, or in factories that produce food, cars, machinery, textiles, and other products.

Climate

The southern tip of the country, including Cape Town, enjoys a Mediterranean-type climate with wet winters and dry summers. The inland plateau has a different weather pattern; thunderstorms bring refreshing coolness in summer, while in winter, days are relatively warm and skies are cloudless.

[Maps]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

NAMIBIA

NAMIB DESERT

Katutura

WINDHOEK

BOTSWANA

KALAHARI DESERT

GABORONE

SWAZILAND

MBABANE

LESOTHO

MASERU

Teyateyaneng

SOUTH AFRICA

Kruger National Park

Nylstroom

Bushbuckridge

PRETORIA

Johannesburg

Klerksdorp

Dundee

Ndwedwe

Pietermaritzburg

Durban

DRAKENSBERG MTS.

Strand

Cape Town

PRETORIA

Midrand

Krugersdorp

Kagiso

Johannesburg

Elandsfontein

Soweto

Eikenhof

Heidelberg

[Pictures]

Cape Town

Cape of Good Hope

[Box/​Pictures on page 80, 81]

My First Effort to Be a Witness

ABEDNEGO RADEBE

BORN 1911

BAPTIZED 1939

PROFILE Served in the first black congregation in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, and died faithful in 1995.

I WAS born and raised near Pietermaritzburg. My father was a Methodist preacher. In the mid-1930’s, I obtained some literature published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Though I agreed with what I read, I had no opportunity to associate with the Witnesses.

Someone in the hostel where I lived gave me the booklet Heaven and Purgatory. I had never read anything like it before. It helped me to understand what the Bible says about the resurrection and the earthly hope. I wrote to the branch office in Cape Town and ordered some books.

I hesitated to approach the Witnesses I saw in town. Among my people the custom was, “Do not approach a white man first. Wait for him to approach you.”

One evening on returning home from work, I saw the Witnesses’ sound car parked outside the hostel where I lived. As I reached the gate, a well-built older man in a summer suit approached me. He introduced himself as Daniel Jansen. I decided that it was time to use this opportunity to get to know the Witnesses, so I asked to hear one of Brother Rutherford’s lectures. A large crowd gathered. When the lecture was finished, Jansen put a microphone in my hand and said, “Tell these people in Zulu what this recording has been saying so that they can benefit as well.”

I replied, “I cannot remember everything that the speaker said.”

Jansen said, “Just say what you remember.”

With my hand shaking, I stammered a few words into the microphone. That was my first effort to be a Witness of Jehovah. Jansen then invited me to accompany him in the preaching work. First, he checked my understanding of fundamental beliefs to see if I was in full harmony with Bible teachings. He was satisfied. I associated with a white company, or congregation, for four years, where I was the only black person. We were a small group, and we met in a brother’s home.

In those days, each publisher was given a testimony card to introduce the Bible’s message to the householder. We also carried a phonograph, some recordings of four-minute lectures, and a bag of literature.

To save time, the publisher had the phonograph wound up and ready with a fresh needle. When the householder opened the door, the publisher greeted him and offered a card, which introduced the recorded lecture. When the record was more than halfway through, the publisher opened his bag so that when the record ended, he could offer the relevant book to the householder.

[Box/​Pictures on page 88, 89]

A Faithful Example

GEORGE PHILLIPS

BORN 1898

BAPTIZED 1912

PROFILE Became a regular pioneer in 1914. Served as branch overseer in South Africa for nearly 40 years and died faithful in 1982.

GEORGE PHILLIPS was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland. He started pioneering in 1914, at the age of 16. In 1917 he was imprisoned for maintaining Christian neutrality. In 1924, Brother Rutherford personally invited him to serve in South Africa. He said, “George, it may be for a year, or it may be for a little longer.”

This was George’s impression on arriving in South Africa: “Compared to Britain, conditions were altogether different and everything connected with the work was so much smaller. At that time, there were only 6 in the full-time service and not more than about 40 doing a little service work. Our territory embraced everything from the Cape to Kenya. How was it going to be covered and an effective witness given in one year? Why worry about that? The thing to do was to get going, use the instruments at hand, and leave the results to Jehovah.

“South Africa is a complex country with many different races and languages. It was a real joy getting to know these different peoples. Organizing the work in such a vast field and laying the necessary foundations on which to build were no easy tasks.

“Down through the years, Jehovah’s loving provision for all my needs, his protection, guidance, and blessing have ever been abundantly manifest. I have learned that ‘godliness with contentment is great gain’ and that if one would remain in ‘the secret place of the Most High,’ one must stick close to his organization and work hard at doing his work in his way.”​—1 Tim. 6:6, King James Version; Ps. 91:1.

[Box/​Picture on page 92-94]

Helping My Family Spiritually

JOSEPHAT BUSANE

BORN 1908

BAPTIZED 1942

PROFILE A family man who learned the truth while working in Johannesburg, far from his home in Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal.

I WAS born in Zululand, South Africa, in 1908. Though my family was content with a simple farm-life, at the age of 19, I started work as a shop assistant in the town of Dundee. In time, I heard that many young men were earning good money in Johannesburg, the center of South Africa’s gold-mining industry. So I moved there and worked for many years posting advertisement bills. I was overwhelmed by the attractions and opportunities, but I soon realized that city life undermined the traditional morals of my people. Although many young men forgot about their families who lived in the rurals, I never forgot mine and regularly sent money home to them. In 1939, I married a girl from Zululand, named Claudina. Though married, I still continued to work 250 miles [400 km] away in Johannesburg. Most of my peers were doing the same. Although it was painful to be separated from my family for long periods, I felt an obligation to help them enjoy a higher standard of living.

While in Johannesburg, a friend named Elias and I decided to search for the true religion. We visited churches in our neighborhood but were not satisfied with any of them. Then Elias met Jehovah’s Witnesses. I joined Elias in regular association with the first black congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Johannesburg. In 1942, after dedicating my life to Jehovah, I was baptized in Soweto. On trips home to Zululand, I would try to share my beliefs with Claudina, but she was deeply involved in church activities.

However, she began to compare our literature with her Bible, and the truth of God’s Word gradually reached her heart. In 1945 she was baptized. She became a zealous Christian minister, sharing Bible truth with her neighbors and inculcating it into the hearts of our children. Meanwhile, I had the privilege of helping some come to a knowledge of Bible truth in Johannesburg. By 1945 there were four black congregations in the vicinity of Johannesburg, and I served as the company servant of the Small Market Congregation. In time, Scriptural direction was given to married men who worked far from their homes to return to their families and give more attention to their responsibilities as family heads.​—Eph. 5:28-31; 6:4.

So in 1949, I left my job in Johannesburg to care for my family in Jehovah’s way. Back home I obtained work with a livestock inspector as a dipping-tank assistant. It was difficult to support a family of six children on the meager salary I received. So to help care for expenses, I also sold vegetables and corn that we grew at home. Although our family was not rich materially, we had spiritual treasures because of heeding Jesus’ direction recorded at Matthew 6:19, 20.

Attaining these spiritual treasures requires hard work, just as does digging for gold in the mines around Johannesburg. Every evening, I shared a Bible text with my children and asked each one to tell me what he had learned. On weekends, I took them, in turns, in the preaching work. As we walked from farmstead to farmstead, I discussed Scriptural matters with them and tried to impress the Bible’s high moral standards on their hearts.​—Deut. 6:6, 7.

For many years, ours was the only family in a position to provide hospitality for traveling overseers. These brothers and their wives had a fine influence on our children and built in them a desire to become full-time evangelizers. Altogether, we had five boys and a girl. All six children are now grown and are spiritually strong. How thankful I am for the direction from Jehovah’s organization that encouraged ones like me to give better attention to the spiritual needs of our families! The blessings that have resulted are far greater than anything money can buy.​—Prov. 10:22.

Brother Josephat Busane continued serving Jehovah faithfully until his death in 1998. His surviving grown children also continue to treasure their spiritual heritage. One of the sons, Theophilus, serves as a traveling overseer. Further details about Brother Busane can be read in the “Awake!” of October 8, 1993, pages 19 to 22.

[Box/​Picture on page 96, 97]

“Kingdom Service Has Helped Me Draw Close to Jehovah”

THOMAS SKOSANA

BORN 1894

BAPTIZED 1941

PROFILE Learned five languages so that he could help people spiritually in his pioneer assignments.

IN 1938 a schoolteacher gave me some booklets published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. At the time, I was a preacher at the Wesleyan church in Delmas, some 40 miles [60 km] east of Johannesburg. I had long been deeply interested in the Bible. The church taught that the soul is immortal and that the wicked are tormented in hell. But those booklets showed from the Bible that this was not so. (Ps. 37:38; Ezek. 18:4) I could also see that instead of going to heaven, most of God’s people will get everlasting life on earth.​—Ps. 37:29; Matt. 6:9, 10.

I was very happy to learn these truths and wanted to preach them to the congregation at my church, but fellow preachers objected and planned to have me expelled. So I quit the church and began associating with the small group of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Delmas. I was baptized in 1941 and started pioneering in 1943.

I moved to Rustenburg, where there was a need for Kingdom proclaimers. Being a stranger, I had to apply to the local chief for accommodations and a permit to stay. He said that I would have to pay 12 pounds for the permit. I was unable to pay this, but a kind white brother there paid the money and helped me financially so that I could carry on in the pioneer service. One of the men with whom I studied made good progress, and after I left that assignment, he was appointed a servant in the congregation.

Then I moved farther west to Lichtenburg. This time I had to apply to a white superintendent to stay in the black area of the town. He refused to grant me permission. I appealed to a white pioneer brother in Mafikeng, not far away, to help me. We visited the superintendent together, but he said: “I don’t want you here. You people teach that there is no hell. So how can people do the right thing if they are not afraid of hellfire?”

Because of this refusal, I moved to Mafikeng, where I am still serving as a regular pioneer. My language is Zulu, but soon after I learned the truth, I decided that I must learn English so as to read all the publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses. This helped me to grow spiritually.

To be effective in my ministry, I have also learned to speak Sesotho, Xhosa, Tswana, and a little Afrikaans. Through the years, I have had the privilege of helping many to dedicate their lives to Jehovah, including four who are now elders. Full-time service has also been beneficial for my health.

I give thanks to Jehovah for allowing me to reach a good old age in his service. It is not in my own strength that I have gained knowledge and had success in the field. Jehovah through his holy spirit has helped me. Above all, regular, full-time Kingdom service has helped me to draw close to Jehovah, and I have learned to depend on him.

The above interview took place in 1982. As one of God’s anointed, Brother Skosana continued in his faithful course. He died in 1992.

[Box/​Pictures on page 100, 101]

South Africa’s First District Overseer

MILTON BARTLETT

BORN 1923

BAPTIZED 1939

PROFILE First Gilead-trained missionary assigned to South Africa. He worked hard to advance Kingdom interests, particularly in black communities.

IN December 1946, Milton Bartlett arrived in Cape Town as the first Gilead-trained missionary to serve in South Africa. His assignment was to get the circuit and district work started, which he did. At that time, Brother Bartlett served as the only district overseer. In the years that followed, traveling overseers did much to promote Kingdom interests in South Africa, especially among the black population.

Milton was dearly loved by the brothers in South Africa. He was a patient man who listened carefully when brothers discussed their problems with him. Thus, he was in a position to send to the South Africa branch detailed and accurate reports concerning problems that had wider implications. This helped to bring the brothers’ conduct and way of worship into closer harmony with Bible principles.

Milton was able to offer such help to his brothers because of being well versed in the Scriptures and a skillful teacher. He was also blessed with the determination and persistence that were necessary in order for him, a white man, to get permits from apartheid officials to enter black townships. Prejudiced officials would often refuse him a permit, and Milton would have to approach higher authorities, such as town councils, for help. Then he would have to wait until the council held its next meeting and reversed unfavorable decisions. One way or another, he gained access to most black areas.

At times, undercover policemen would be sent to take note of the content of Milton’s talks. One reason for this was that Christendom’s ministers falsely accused Jehovah’s Witnesses of being Communist agitators. A black policeman was once sent to take notes at an assembly. “This was providential,” Milton wrote some 20 years later, “as that policeman accepted true worship on the basis of what he heard that weekend, and he is still going strong.”

When Milton arrived in the country as a 23-year-old single man, there were 3,867 publishers. After Milton had served in South Africa for 26 years, the publisher figure had reached 24,005. In 1973, Milton and his wife, Sheila, and their one-year-old son, Jason, had to return to the United States to care for Milton’s aged parents. The picture on this page shows Milton and Sheila back in South Africa in 1999, when they attended the dedication of the South Africa branch extension. How thrilled they were​—after an absence of 26 years—​to enjoy a reunion with many old-timers who remembered their labors of love!

[Picture]

Milton and Sheila Bartlett, 1999

[Box/​Picture on page 107]

A Unique Setting

Table Mountain, a striking landmark, provides a brilliant setting for the city of Cape Town. Some regard Cape Town as the most beautiful city in Africa.

In summer the level plateau may at times be neatly covered by a thick cloud that is aptly styled “the tablecloth.” This is caused by strong winds being forced up the mountain slopes, the moisture condensing into a thick cloud that settles over Table Mountain.

[Box/​Pictures on page 114-117]

Maintaining Integrity During Detention

AN INTERVIEW WITH ROWEN BROOKES

BORN 1952

BAPTIZED 1969

PROFILE Held in detention from December 1970 to March 1973 because of Christian neutrality. Started regular pioneering in 1973 and went to Bethel in 1974. Now a Branch Committee member.

What were conditions like in a detention barracks?

The barracks were long blocks, each with two rows of 34 cells facing a passage with a storm-water furrow down the middle. In solitary confinement, we had our own seven-by-six-foot [2 x 1.8 m] cell. We were let out of our cells only twice a day: in the mornings to wash, shave, and clean our toilet pans and in the afternoons to shower. We couldn’t write or receive letters. We were allowed no books other than the Bible and no pens or pencils. We could not have any visitors.

Prior to entering the detention barracks, most brothers had their Bibles bound together with other books, such as Aid to Bible Understanding. The guards were none the wiser because it resembled their large, old Afrikaans or Dutch family Bibles.

Were you able to obtain Bible literature?

Yes, we smuggled in literature when we could. All our possessions were kept in suitcases in one of the empty cells. This included toiletries. Once a month a guard would let us go to our suitcases to replenish our toiletry supplies. We also had literature in these suitcases.

While one of us distracted the guard by talking to him, another brother would hide a book under his shorts or undershirt. Back in the cell, we divided the book into signatures, which were easier to hide. We passed these around so that all could read them. We found many hiding places. Some of the cells were in a neglected state, and there were holes everywhere.

Our cells were frequently searched, sometimes in the middle of the night. The guards always found some of the literature but never everything. One of the more sympathetic soldiers often warned us when there was going to be a search. We then wrapped literature in plastic and pushed it up the drainpipes. One day there was a tremendous storm, and to our dismay, one of these packages came floating down the furrow inside the cellblock. Some of the military inmates started playing soccer with it. Suddenly a guard appeared and ordered them to get back into their cells. To our relief no one paid further attention to the package, and we were able to retrieve it when we were let out of our cells shortly afterward.

Was your integrity tested while you were in detention?

Constantly. The prison officials were always trying something. For example, they would be very nice to us​—give us extra food, take us out to exercise, and even let us lie out in the sun. Then after a few days, they would suddenly command us to put on the khaki military overalls. When we refused, they treated us as severely as before.

After that, we were told to wear the plastic army helmets, which we refused to do. The captain was so enraged that from then on, he didn’t even allow us to have showers. We were each given a bucket so that we could wash in our cells.

We had no shoes. Some brothers’ feet were bleeding, so we made shoes. We collected pieces of old blankets that were used to polish the floors. Then we found some copper wire, flattened one end, and sharpened the other. We made a hole in the flat end with a pin and used this wire as a sewing needle. We stripped threads out of our blankets and sewed moccasins from the pieces of blanket.

Without any warning, we were once ordered to go three to a cell. Although we were cramped, this proved advantageous. We arranged that spiritually weaker brothers went in with more experienced ones. We had Bible studies and field service practice sessions. To the captain’s dismay, our morale soared.

Realizing that this scheme had failed, the captain ordered each Witness to share a cell with two non-Witness inmates. Although they had strict orders not to speak to us, they started asking questions, and we had ample opportunity to witness. As a result, one or two of these inmates refused to engage in certain military activities. We were soon back to one to a cell.

Were you able to hold meetings?

We held our meetings regularly. Above each cell door was a window with a wire mesh and seven vertical bars. We knotted two ends of a blanket around two of the vertical bars and made a little hammock that we could sit in. From up there we could see the brother in the cell across from us, and we could shout and be heard by the others in the block. We did the daily text each day, and if we had the magazine, we did the Watchtower Study. We closed each day by taking turns in offering a public prayer. We even made up our own circuit assembly program.

We weren’t sure if an elder was going to get permission to come in and observe the Memorial with us. So we made our own preparations. We made wine by soaking some raisins in water, and we flattened and dried out some of our bread ration. On one occasion, we were given permission to receive a small bottle of wine and some unleavened bread from the brothers outside.

Did conditions change in time?

In time, conditions did improve. The law changed, and our group was released. From then on, religious objectors received one sentence of prescribed length, with no resentencing. Later, after our group of 22 brothers was released, the remaining 88 brothers in custody were granted normal prison privileges. They could have one visit a month and could write and receive letters.

When you were released, did you find it difficult to adjust?

Yes, it took time to adjust to life on the outside. For example, it was quite unnerving to mix with crowds of people. Our parents and the brothers kindly assisted us to take on more responsibilities in the congregations gradually.

While those were difficult times, we benefited from the experience. The tests of faith strengthened us spiritually and taught us endurance. We really came to appreciate the Bible, and we learned the value of reading it and meditating on it every day. And we certainly learned to trust in Jehovah. After having made those sacrifices to remain faithful to Jehovah, we were resolved to carry on, giving our best to him, doing so in full-time service if possible.

[Box/​Picture on page 126-128]

We Trusted in Jehovah During Perilous Times

ZEBLON NXUMALO

BORN 1960

BAPTIZED 1985

PROFILE Was a Rastafarian before he learned the truth. Soon after his baptism, he entered full-time service. Presently serves as a circuit overseer, accompanied by his wife, Nomusa.

AFTER assisting with the construction of the Krugersdorp Bethel, my pioneer partner and I were assigned to serve where the need was greater in the KwaNdengezi township, near the port city of Durban. A few days after our arrival, a political group sent five of their youths to our home on a fact-finding mission. They asked us to support them in protecting the township from a rival political group. The animosity between these two Zulu-speaking groups had caused much bloodshed in that region of South Africa. We asked them what they thought was the solution to this violence. They said that the main cause was white man’s rulership. We referred to other war-ravaged countries in Africa whose citizens were poverty-stricken. Then we reminded them of the saying, History repeats itself. They agreed that crime, violence, and sickness would remain even if blacks took over the rulership of the country. Next we opened the Bible and showed them that God’s Kingdom is the only government that can solve mankind’s problems.

A few nights later, we heard a crowd of youths chanting freedom songs and saw men wielding firearms. Houses were being set on fire, and people were being killed. Gripped with fear, we prayed to Jehovah for strength not to allow threats or intimidation to dampen our spirit or break our integrity. We also called to mind the martyrs who under similar circumstances had not disowned Jesus. (Matt. 10:32, 33) Suddenly, a group of youths and adults knocked at our door. Without any greeting they demanded money to buy intelezi, Zulu for a supposedly protective medicine provided by a witch doctor. We pleaded with them to be patient and asked, “Do you feel that what the witch doctors are doing is right in promoting killings by means of witchcraft?” We also asked: “Suppose your beloved relative became a victim of witchcraft. How would you feel about it?” They all agreed that it would be bad. We then opened the Bible and asked their leader to read God’s view of witchcraft, as recorded at Deuteronomy 18:10-12. After he read the verses, we asked the group what they thought about it. They were dumbfounded. We took advantage of the ensuing silence to ask if they deemed it wise for us to listen to Jehovah or to them. They all left without a word.

We survived many situations like these and came to know that Jehovah was on our side. For example, one evening another group came to our house demanding money to buy weapons to “protect” the residents. They complained that they suffered insecurity because of the opposing political group and said that the solution was to launch a counterattack with more sophisticated weapons. They demanded that we either give them the money or face the consequences. We then reminded them that their organization had signed a charter guaranteeing human rights and respect for the conscience of others. We asked them if a person should be willing to die rather than go against the constitution they believed in. They said yes. We then explained that we belong to Jehovah’s organization, that our “constitution” is the Bible, and that the Bible condemns murder. Finally, the leader of the group said to his comrades: “I understand the position of these men. They have made it clear that if the money is for developing our township​—such as for building an old-age home—​or if their neighbor needs money to go to the hospital, they are willing to give. But they are not willing to give us money to kill.” At that, the group rose from their seats and we shook hands, thanking them for their patience.

[Box/​Pictures on page 131-134]

Single Sisters With 100 Years of Translation Service

A number of brothers and sisters in the South Africa Bethel family have used their gift of singleness in valuable Kingdom service. (Matt. 19:11, 12) The following three sisters have spent a total of 100 years translating spiritual food from “the faithful and discreet slave.”​—Matt. 24:45.

Maria Molepo

I was born in the chiefdom of Molepo, in South Africa’s Limpopo Province. My older sister Aletta taught me the truth while I was still in school. When I completed my schooling, another sister, who is not one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, offered to pay for a three-year college course for me to become a qualified teacher. I turned down her kind offer because I wanted to serve Jehovah with my two older sisters, Aletta and Elizabeth, who were pioneers. I got baptized in 1953 and put in pioneer hours on and off for six years before filling out an application and being formally appointed a regular pioneer in 1959.

In 1964 the South Africa branch invited me to work part-time translating spiritual food into Sepedi. I did this while continuing my pioneer service. Then in 1966, I was invited to become a member of the South Africa Bethel family. Bethel service was not what I had imagined it to be. I missed going out in field service every day. Soon, however, I adjusted my viewpoint by considering the weekends, from Saturday afternoon to Sunday evening, as pioneer time, although I could not put in pioneer hours. I enjoyed my weekend field service so much that I would often come home too late for Saturday or Sunday supper. When the change came for older Bethel sisters to take Saturday mornings off, I was so happy to be able to use that extra time in field service.

During my first eight years at Bethel, I shared a room with another translator in a building separate from the Bethel home. The apartheid authorities initially allowed us to live near our white brothers, but in 1974 they refused to allow this anymore. Black translators like myself were forced to live in areas reserved for black people. I stayed with a Witness family in Tembisa and had to travel a long distance to and from Bethel each day. When the new Bethel was constructed in Krugersdorp, the apartheid government had begun to relax its policies, and I could live with the rest of the Bethel family again.

I’m very grateful to Jehovah for enabling me to continue my work as a Bethel translator down till this day. Indeed, he has blessed me for using my gift of singleness in his service to the extent that my younger sister, Annah, also chose to remain single and has been enjoying the full-time evangelizing work for the past 35 years.

Tseleng Mochekele

I was born in the town of Teyateyaneng, in the country of Lesotho. My mother was a religious person and used to force me and my siblings to accompany her to church. I hated going to church. Then my aunt became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and she shared her faith with my mother. I was happy when my mother stopped going to church, but I ignored the truth because I loved the world and its entertainment.

In 1960, I moved to Johannesburg to finish my schooling. When I left home, my mother begged me, “Please, Tseleng, when you are in Johannesburg, look for the Witnesses and try to become one of them.” When I first arrived in Johannesburg, I was impressed with all the opportunities to enjoy entertainment. However, upon taking a closer look at people’s lives, I was shocked at the sexual immorality commonly practiced. Then I remembered my mother’s words and started to attend the meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Soweto. During my first meeting, I remember praying, “Help me, Jehovah, because I want to become one of your Witnesses.” Soon I started sharing in the ministry and got baptized in July of that same year. After completing my schooling, I returned to my mother in Lesotho. By that time she too was baptized.

In 1968 the South Africa branch invited me to become a full-time translator of the Sesotho language. For many years, I fulfilled this assignment while living at my mother’s home. During hard times I suggested to my family that perhaps I should stop full-time service and get a job to help support them. However, both my mother and my youngest baptized sister, Liopelo, refused to hear of such a thing. They deeply appreciated the privilege of supporting me in my assignment as a full-time translator.

In 1990, I was able to become part of the South Africa Bethel family at the new branch facilities in Krugersdorp, where I continue to enjoy my privilege of translation work. I do not regret my choice to remain single. Rather, I feel deeply grateful to Jehovah for blessing me with such a happy and meaningful life.

Nurse Nkuna

I was born in the northeastern part of South Africa in the town of Bushbuckridge. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, my mother raised me in the truth while working full-time to supplement my father’s income. Mother taught me to read before I even went to school. This helped me to share in the preaching work during weekdays with an elderly sister who was a regular pioneer. She had poor eyesight, so my ability to read helped her in the ministry. Even after I started going to school, I continued engaging in field service with her in the afternoons. My association with full-time servants instilled in me a love for the ministry. Seeing people take a stand for the truth brings me joy. When I was about ten years old, I prayed to Jehovah about my desire to spend my life in the full-time preaching work. I was baptized in 1983 and spent a few years working to help provide for my family’s physical needs. To ensure that I did not develop a love of money that would impede me in reaching my goal of entering full-time service, I asked my mother to manage my salary. Then in 1987, I resigned from work when my application to become a Zulu translator with the South Africa Bethel family was accepted.

Serving as a single sister at Bethel has brought me many joys. Comments given at morning worship have helped me to improve my field ministry. Serving in close quarters with fellow worshippers of different backgrounds has helped me to improve my Christian personality. True, I have no children of my own, but I have many spiritual children and grandchildren whom I may not have had if I had chosen to marry and have a family of my own.

While working hard at their Bethel translation assignments, at the same time these three single sisters altogether have helped 36 individuals to become dedicated, baptized worshippers of Jehovah.

[Box/​Pictures on page 146, 147]

Mountain Splendor

The Drakensberg Mountain range stretches some 650 miles [1,050 km] through South Africa. However, the section that forms a natural border between KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho is the most spectacular part of the range. It is often called the Switzerland of South Africa.

Challenging summits​—such peaks as the massive Sentinel; the smooth, dangerous Monk’s Cowl; and the treacherous Devil’s Tooth with its sheer sides​—beckon adventurous mountaineers. Climbing such mountains can be dangerous. A number of passes to the escarpment, though, are steep but safe and do not require special climbing equipment. Of course, it is essential to obey the rules of the mountains. Warm clothing, a tent, and a reserve of food are vital. The escarpment can be bitterly cold, with fierce winds at night.

Each year thousands of hikers, campers, and mountaineers leave behind the stress and pollution of the cities and come here for the fresh mountain air, the tingling sweetness of mountain water, and the grandeur of the majestic heights.

[Picture]

Rock paintings done by Bushmen

[Box/​Pictures on page 158, 159]

Rescued From Spiritism and Polygamy

ISAAC TSHEHLA

BORN 1916

BAPTIZED 1985

PROFILE Disillusioned with Christendom, he was a wealthy witch doctor before learning the truth.

ISAAC and three of his friends​—Matlabane, Lukas, and Phillip—​grew up in the Sekhukhune Mountains situated in the northeastern part of South Africa. These four young men decided to leave the Apostolic Church because of the hypocrisy they saw among church members. Together they began searching for the true religion. In time, they lost contact with one another.

Three of the four friends eventually became Jehovah’s Witnesses, together with their wives. But what happened to Isaac? He had followed in the footsteps of his father, who was a renowned witch doctor. Isaac’s motive was to make money, and he became wealthy. He owned a hundred cattle and had a large bank balance. As is traditionally expected of wealthy people, Isaac also had two wives. Meanwhile, Matlabane decided to search for Isaac and show him how his three former friends had found the true religion.

Isaac was pleased to meet Matlabane again and was eager to know why his old friends had become Jehovah’s Witnesses. A Bible study was started with Isaac in the brochure Enjoy Life on Earth Forever! Picture number 17 in the local-language edition shows an African witch doctor throwing bones onto the ground to divine an answer to a client’s question. Isaac was amazed to learn from the cited scripture, Deuteronomy 18:10, 11, that such spiritistic practices are displeasing to God. He was disturbed by picture number 25 of a polygamous man and his wives. The picture includes the citation of 1 Corinthians 7:1-4 to show that a true Christian cannot have more than one wife.

Isaac was eager to obey the Scriptures. At the age of 68, he dismissed his second wife and legalized his marriage to his first wife, Florina. He also stopped practicing as a witch doctor and threw away his divining bones. During one of Isaac’s Bible studies, two clients arrived from a long distance. They had come to pay him 550 rand ($140, U.S., at the time) that they owed him for his services as a witch doctor. Isaac refused to accept the money and gave the men a witness, explaining that he had given up his former practice and was now studying the Bible with the intention of becoming one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Soon Isaac reached his goal. In 1985 he and Florina were baptized, and for the past few years, Isaac, now aged 90, has served as an elder in the Christian congregation.

[Chart/​Graph on page 124, 125]

TIME LINE​—South Africa

1900

1902 Bible-based literature arrives in South Africa.

1910 William W. Johnston opens branch office in Durban.

1916 “Photo-Drama of Creation” arrives.

1917 Branch office is moved to Cape Town.

1920

1924 Printing press is shipped to Cape Town.

1939 First Consolation is printed in Afrikaans.

1940

1948 Kingdom Hall is built near Cape Town.

1949 Zulu Watchtower is printed.

1952 Bethel is completed at Elandsfontein.

1979 TKS rotary offset press is installed.

1980

1987 New Bethel is built in Krugersdorp; expanded in 1999.

1992 First quickly built Kingdom Hall is erected in Soweto.

2000

2004 Printery is extended. MAN Roland Lithoman press is in production.

2006 Peak publishers is 78,877.

[Graph]

(See publication)

Total Publishers

Total Pioneers

80,000

40,000

1900 1920 1940 1980 2000

[Chart/​Pictures on page 148, 149]

A Multitude of Languages

The South Africa printery produces “The Watchtower” in 33 languages

A Variety of Fashions

In Africa you can find a colorful variety of ethnic clothing, jewelry, and textile designs

Zulu

GREETING “Sanibona”

MOTHER TONGUE OF 10,677,000i

PUBLISHERS 29,000j

Sesotho

GREETING “Lumelang”

MOTHER TONGUE OF 3,555,000

PUBLISHERS 10,530

Sepedi

GREETING “Thobela”

MOTHER TONGUE OF 4,209,000

PUBLISHERS 4,410

Tsonga

GREETING “Xewani”

MOTHER TONGUE OF 1,992,000

PUBLISHERS 2,540

Xhosa

GREETING “Molweni”

MOTHER TONGUE OF 7,907,000

PUBLISHERS 10,590

Afrikaans

GREETING “Hallo”

MOTHER TONGUE OF 5,983,000

PUBLISHERS 7,510

Tswana

GREETING “Dumelang”

MOTHER TONGUE OF 3,677,000

PUBLISHERS 4,070

Venda

GREETING “Ri a vusa”

MOTHER TONGUE OF 1,021,800

PUBLISHERS 480

[Footnote]

[Full-page picture on page 66]

[Picture on page 71]

Yellowwood tree

[Picture on page 74]

Stoffel Fourie

[Picture on page 74]

“Studies in the Scriptures”

[Picture on page 74]

Durban Congregation with William W. Johnston, 1915

[Picture on page 74, 75]

Johannes Tshange and his family

[Picture on page 75]

The first branch office was a small room in this building

[Picture on page 77]

Japie Theron

[Picture on page 79]

Henry Myrdal

[Picture on page 79]

Piet de Jager

[Picture on page 82]

Henry Ancketill, 1915

[Picture on page 82]

Grace and David Taylor

[Picture on page 82]

This 1931 booklet contained the resolution to adopt the name Jehovah’s Witnesses

[Pictures on page 84]

The 1931 Bethel family in Cape Town, including George and Stella Phillips

[Picture on page 87]

Recording in the Xhosa language

[Picture on page 87]

Andrew Jack and the Frontex press, 1937

[Picture on page 87]

First “Consolation” and “The Watchtower” in Afrikaans

[Picture on page 90]

Assembly delegates, Johannesburg, 1944

[Picture on page 90]

Advertising a talk with placards, 1945

[Picture on page 90]

Frans Muller and Piet Wentzel with phonographs, 1945

[Picture on page 95]

Gert Nel, servant to the brethren, 1943

[Picture on page 95]

Witnessing in the rurals, 1948

[Picture on page 99]

Andrew Masondo and his second wife, Ivy

[Picture on page 99]

Luke and Joyce Dladla

[Picture on page 99]

First Zulu “Watchtower”

[Picture on page 102]

Velloo Naicker’s example helped 190 family members accept the truth

[Pictures on page 102]

Gopal Coopsammy at age 21 and today with his wife, Susila. They have helped 150 people to dedication

[Picture on page 104, 105]

Isabella Elleray

Doreen Kilgour

[Picture on page 108, 109]

original, 1952

Bethel, Elandsfontein, 1972

[Pictures on page 110]

Convention Highlights

(Top) Release of the book “Children,” 1942; (middle) baptismal candidates, 1959; (bottom) Xhosa chorus welcomes delegates, 1998

3,428 were baptized last year!

[Picture on page 120]

Elijah Dlodlo endured a whipping

[Picture on page 121]

Florah Malinda, a regular pioneer. Her daughter was brutally murdered

[Picture on page 122]

Moses Nyamussua was murdered by a mob

[Pictures on page 140, 141]

Accelerated Kingdom Hall Construction

The congregation in Kagiso was assisted to have a new place of worship

Before

During

After

The Rathanda Congregation in Heidelberg love their new Kingdom Hall

In 37 African countries, 7,207 halls completed, 3,305 more to go!

[Picture on page 147]

The Rossouw family today

[Pictures on page 150]

Midrand Assembly Hall

[Picture on page 155]

Relief to Zimbabwe, 2002

[Picture on page 155]

Computer software has been provided to assist translators

[Pictures on page 156, 157]

South Africa Branch, 2006

Residence and office buildings, new press, and Shipping Department

[Pictures on page 156, 157]

Branch Committee

Piet Wentzel

Loyiso Piliso

Rowen Brookes

Raymond Mthalane

Frans Muller

Pieter de Heer

Jannie Dieperink

[Pictures on page 161, 162]

Namibia

William and Ellen Heindel

Coralie and Dick Waldron, 1951

Namibia translation office

[Pictures on page 167]

Lesotho

(Top) Abel Modiba in the circuit work; (above) cave dwellers gather around a missionary; (left) Per-Ola and Birgitta Nygren

[Pictures on page 168]

Botswana

The Thongoanas witness to a street vendor

Preaching from hut to hut

[Pictures on page 170]

Swaziland

James and Dawne Hockett

Sharing the truth at a craft market, Mbabane

[Pictures on page 170]

St. Helena

The “Kingdom News” campaign was completed in one day; (below) port city of Jamestown

[Picture on page 175]

1993 international convention

Latvia

ON Brīvības Street (or, Freedom Street) in the center of Riga, Latvia’s capital, stands the Freedom Monument, 138 feet [42 m] high. Unveiled in 1935, it is a symbol of political freedom. A superior kind of freedom, however, has been offered to the people of Latvia ever since the 1920’s​—the freedom that comes from knowing Bible truth. Concerning this spiritual freedom, a report said: “The common people, . . . both men and women, receive the message with tears of joy.” For decades, enemies tried to suppress that precious message, and they had a measure of success. But as this account will show, no force on earth can check the hand of the Almighty or that of his Son, whose dominion transcends all political boundaries.​—Rev. 11:15.

From the time of the Teutonic Knights who founded Riga in 1201 to the era of Soviet Communism, Latvia has been invaded and ruled by a number of political powers, including Germany, Poland, Russia, and Sweden. In 1918, Latvia declared her independence for the first time. However, in 1940 the country became a Soviet republic. In 1991 she regained her independence as the Republic of Latvia.

Political independence, though, does not spell true freedom. Only Jehovah can fully liberate humankind, and his promise of freedom is a brilliant facet of the good news of God’s Kingdom. (Luke 4:18; Heb. 2:15) How did that good news reach Latvia? Our story begins with a prayer of seaman Ans Insberg.

Ans wrote: “One starry night at sea, I poured out my heart to the Lord and asked him to lead me to the people who worshipped him with spirit and truth. (John 4:24) I had seen much hypocrisy among churchgoers in my native Latvia and wanted none of that. Then in 1914 in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A., I saw the ‘Photo-Drama of Creation,’ a Biblical production of the International Bible Students, as Jehovah’s Witnesses were then known. My prayer was answered; I had found the truth! I was baptized on January 9, 1916, and took up the preaching work, going back to sea whenever my funds ran low.”

Shortly after World War I, Ans gave the Kingdom message wide circulation in Latvia. At his own expense, he placed notices proclaiming God’s Kingdom in Latvian newspapers. A retired schoolteacher named Krastin̗š learned the truth from those notices and may have been the first Bible Student residing in Latvia to dedicate his life to Jehovah. In 1922, Ans joined the staff at the world headquarters of the Bible Students in Brooklyn, New York. There he regularly visited the docks​—“my fascinating pulpit,” as he described them—​to share Bible truth with other seamen. He finished his earthly course on November 30, 1962.

In 1925, the Northern European Office was opened in Copenhagen, Denmark. It supervised the work in the three Baltic States​—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—​as well as in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. In July 1926, Rees Taylor, from Britain, was assigned to oversee the work in Latvia. He set up an office in Riga and organized a small convention. Of the 20 who attended, 14 shared in the first field service campaign in the country. The brothers then gained permission from the police to hold public meetings, and 975 people heard Bible lectures in Riga, Liepaja, and Jelgava. The talks were delivered in German, the second language of many Latvians. A number asked that further meetings be held.

“FREEDOM FOR THE PEOPLES”

In September 1927, some 650 delegates from Estonia, Latvia, and Scandinavia gathered in Copenhagen to hear Joseph F. Rutherford from world headquarters deliver the talk “Freedom for the Peoples.” The following year a booklet bearing that title was translated into Latvian, and the colporteurs, or pioneers, took the lead in distributing it.

Those early pioneers included at least ten brothers from Germany who came to Latvia to help with the work. One of these was 22-year-old Johannes Berger. He wrote: “Delivering public talks was the first thing pioneers did when they arrived in their assigned city. The result was that we gave talks in nearly all the cities of Latvia. In the city of Sloka, we rented a cinema, and every Monday in the winter, I gave talks. The people came from far away on their little horses.” Looking back on those times, he added: “My privileges of service were very great, despite my limited education.”

About 40 Kingdom publishers, 15 of whom were baptized, shared in the preaching activity in 1928. In 1929, the year the office was moved to Šarlotes Street, Riga, nine more were baptized, and over 90,000 books and booklets were placed in the field.

Earlier, in 1927, a young man named Ferdinand Fruck and his mother, Emilie, were baptized. Four years later, Ferdinand found his future pioneer partner while witnessing at a bakery in his hometown, Liepaja. The baker dashed next door to his brother’s barber shop. “Heinrich! Come quickly!” he said. “A man in my store is saying things that are hard to believe.” The barber, Heinrich Zech, did not find Bible truth hard to believe and was soon baptized. He teamed up with Ferdinand, and the two bicycled to many towns to spread the Kingdom message.

OPPOSITION ERUPTS

Even though the brothers were few, their zeal angered the clergy. In fact, a prominent clergyman in Riga threatened to excommunicate anybody who attended meetings of the Bible Students. In Liepaja, the clergy issued pamphlets accusing the brothers of not believing in Jesus Christ and telling the people not to obtain their literature. They also used the leading church newspaper to malign the Bible Students.

In 1929 the government bowed to church pressure and expelled the German colporteurs from Latvia. By 1931 most Bible study aids were banned. Did these attacks stop the brothers? “The opposition of the Devil,” wrote the Latvia office, “only spurs us on to be more faithful. It is a real joy to have a share in the work here . . . , and we are determined to press on.”

In 1931 several brothers from Britain answered the call for pioneers to move to the Baltic countries. Some of these brothers helped to bring spiritual food into Latvia from neighboring Estonia and Lithuania. Edwin Ridgewell, then 18 years old, was assigned to Lithuania. Now in his 90’s, Brother Ridgewell recalls: “My two partners, Andrew Jack and John Sempey, and I received a special assignment​—to take literature into Latvia. We would take the night train to Riga and hide the literature in parcels that were designed to fit into compartments under the seats where bedding was stored during the day. Before disembarking, we put the parcels, along with some clothing, into specially made expandable suitcases. After each nerve-racking delivery, we celebrated. Percy Dunham, who had oversight of the work, would take us out to dinner at a restaurant in Riga.”

Ferdinand Fruck often met brothers at the border of Lithuania. They gave him literature, which he then stored under hay in the loft of his barn. His activities came to the attention of the authorities, however, and thereafter the police regularly raided his property to search for banned publications. During one search, the officer did not want to climb into the loft, so he sent Ferdinand up instead! In order to placate the officer, Ferdinand returned with a few older Watchtowers and handed them over. Satisfied, the officer left.

PROGRESS DESPITE OPPOSITION

Scotsman Percy Dunham, mentioned above, was assigned to oversee the Latvian field in 1931. A Bible Student from before 1914, Percy had experience that proved to be invaluable. Late in 1931, the office wrote: “The work is being carried on under difficulties by those who are poor in this world’s goods but who are rich in faith toward God. . . . There is an increasing interest being manifested in our message. . . . Every week inquirers call at the office, asking for books and wishing to know when others will be available.” Then, concerning an extremely important theocratic development, the report added: “At a recent meeting in Riga, we unanimously passed a resolution, joyfully accepting the new name [Jehovah’s Witnesses], which the Lord has given to his people.”

In 1932 the office was moved to Cēsu Street, Riga. During that same year, Margaret (Madge) Brown, a Scottish pioneer serving in Ireland and baptized in 1923, moved to Latvia and married Percy Dunham. Meanwhile, opposition to the work intensified. Madge writes: “On February 9, 1933, a Riga newspaper accused us of being Communists. The next morning when I answered the doorbell, police waving pistols barged in shouting, ‘Hands up!’ For seven hours, they searched for banned books. At lunchtime I offered them a cup of tea, which they accepted.

“The main literature supply for the brothers was hidden in the attic. Earlier, when the officer in charge searched my husband’s pockets, he found some keys. ‘What are these for?’ he asked. ‘The attic,’ said Percy. Yet, the police never went up there. In fact, just before leaving, the officer in charge handed the keys back to Percy! Although they looked through some literature, they said they found no reason to confiscate it.

“Nevertheless, confiscate it they did, along with letters, some money, a duplicating machine, and a typewriter. Police made similar raids on six homes of Latvian Witness families but found no evidence of wrongdoing and pressed no charges.”

There were fewer than 50 Kingdom publishers in the entire country at the time. Still, in order to get some legal footing, the brothers applied for registration. Imagine how thrilled they were when on March 14, 1933, the International Bible Students Association was officially registered! Although they did not receive permission to import Bible literature, the brothers took advantage of their legal status to have some booklets printed locally. Translation into Latvian was done by the acclaimed writer and editor in chief of the Rīts newspaper, Aleksandrs Grīns.

REGISTRATION IS SHORT-LIVED

A coup d’état in May 1934 led to the imposition of martial law. Exploiting the political volatility, enemies of the truth accused God’s people of being Communists. On June 30, the minister of the interior closed down the office of the International Bible Students Association and confiscated over 40,000 books and booklets along with a small amount of cash. Clergymen were appointed liquidators! Applications to reregister were rejected.

In 1939, World War II erupted, and in June 1940, the Russian army marched into Latvia. In August, Latvia became the 15th republic of the USSR and was named the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic. On October 27, the Dunhams had to leave Latvia and their dear Latvian brothers and sisters. They were reassigned to the Australia branch, where Percy ended his earthly course in 1951 and Madge, in 1998.

The closing down of the office, the deportation of the brothers taking the lead, the trials of war, and the decades of harsh Communist rule that followed had a crushing effect on the work. Indeed, only in the early 1990’s were the cruel shackles of the intolerant past finally removed.

JEHOVAH COMFORTS HIS LOYAL ONES

During World War II, the small band of Witnesses in Latvia had no contact with headquarters. Still, they kept their hope alive “through the comfort from the Scriptures.” (Rom. 15:4) After the war, in the late 1940’s, the Germany branch finally got mail through to the few brothers in Jelgava, Kuldīga, Riga, and Ventspils.

In Kuldīga, a town 100 miles [160 km] west of Riga, Ernests Grundmanis, who had been in the truth for 20 years, received several letters from Germany that truly contained spiritual food at the right time. “In all things,” said one letter, “trust in Jehovah God, our good Father. He will support and strengthen you at the right time.” The letter then quoted 2 Chronicles 16:9: “As regards Jehovah, his eyes are roving about through all the earth to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him.” How timely and encouraging such letters were!

The brothers took every opportunity to witness informally. For example, Marta Baldone, a masseuse at a health center in Ventspils, preached to her clients, one of whom was Alexandra Preklonskaya (now Rezevskis). Alexandra recalls: “Marta taught me that God’s name is Jehovah, and I came to love that name dearly.”

Alexandra’s father, Peter, who was born in 1880, also came to a knowledge of Bible truth. His daughter writes: “Father joined the Communist party before the 1917 revolution and lived in St. Petersburg [called Petrograd from 1914 to 1924 and Leningrad from 1924 to 1991]. However, the outcome of the revolution was not what Father had hoped for, so he handed in his party membership card and was forced to leave the city. He came to Latvia, where I introduced him to Marta. An honest, kind man, Father readily accepted the truth. In 1951 he returned to Russia, only this time as a prisoner for his faith. He died in Siberia in 1953.”

DEPORTATIONS TO SIBERIA

In Latvia, as in other Soviet-occupied lands, the new government began to pursue its goal of shaping all cultural and political institutions according to Soviet models. The Communists also collectivized, or combined, privately owned farms and put them in the hands of the State. In conjunction with this campaign, several waves of deportations, climaxing in 1949, resulted in some 100,000 Latvians being deported to northern Russia, including Siberia. Two years later, the Communists focused on Jehovah’s Witnesses, deporting thousands from occupied lands, including at least 20 of the approximately 30 publishers still in Latvia.

Although unbaptized, Valija Lange, from Ventspils, was one of those whom the KGB (Soviet State Security Committee) arrested during raids in September 1950. In a late-night interrogation in Riga, she was asked: “Why do you as a citizen of the Soviet Union operate against the State?” Valija answered calmly and respectfully, “My only motives are to serve Jehovah God, to understand his teachings, and to share them with others.”

Along with those of 19 Witnesses, Valija’s name was on a document dated October 31, 1950. All listed were sentenced to ten years of hard labor in Siberia, and their property was confiscated. Some were allowed to go home only to be charged again. For example, Paulīne Serova was sent back to Siberia for another four years after the authorities discovered that she was receiving Bible literature in the mail.

In the camps, the brothers continued preaching and making disciples, one of the latter being Jānis Garšk̗is. Baptized in 1956 and now living in Ventspils, he says, “I am thankful that God allowed me to be sent to a work camp, otherwise I would not have learned the truth.” What a fine attitude!

Tekla Onckule, a native Latvian, was accused of political agitation and sent to Siberia. In the remote city of Omsk, she heard the truth from exiled Witnesses. “I will never forget my baptism,” says Tekla. “It took place late at night in an ice-cold river. I was shaking all over from the cold, but I was very happy.” In 1954, Tekla married Aleksei Tkach, who was baptized in 1948 in Moldavia (now Moldova) and later deported to Siberia. In 1969, this couple along with a handful of other Witnesses returned to Latvia. Sadly, most of the other Latvian deportees had perished in the camps.

BACK HOME, ELUDING THE KGB

A small number of Witnesses evaded capture. “I avoided deportation by staying on the move, working on various farms, and eluding the KGB. Meanwhile, I continued to preach to all I met. People listened, and some came into the truth,” writes Alexandra Rezevskis. KGB agents worked feverishly to locate the few scattered Witnesses who remained in Latvia, accusing them of being anti-Soviet. The government even circulated a brochure that lyingly denounced the Witnesses as being American spies. Closely watched by Communist informers, the brothers had to preach with caution and conducted their meetings secretly and at different places.

After her marriage to Kārlis Rezevskis, Alexandra and her husband moved into a cottage belonging to Kārlis’ parents. Tucked away in a forest near the town of Tukums, 42 miles [68 km] from Riga, the cottage was ideal for meetings in the winter. Dita Grasberga, then Andrišaka, recalls: “I was a child when our family attended meetings in the Rezevskis’ home. The journey to Tukums by bus and the walk through the forest in the snow was a great adventure. Finally, when we entered the cottage, we were often greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of a delicious soup simmering on the stove.”

Kārlis would hide literature in the forest. On one occasion, he buried two bags filled with books and carefully marked the spot. But that night a terrible storm obliterated the marker. Kārlis tried to find the bags, but to no avail. They lie buried somewhere in those woods to this day.

During the summer, the brothers held the meetings in forests, by lakes, or at the seashore. As in other Soviet lands, they took advantage of weddings and funerals to give Scriptural discourses. During the 1960’s and 1970’s, brothers from Estonia, including Viljard Kaarna, Silver Silliksaar, and Lembit Toom, visited Latvia regularly to give talks, pass on literature, and collect reports from the approximately 25 baptized publishers there. The local brothers were especially pleased to receive The Watchtower in Russian, which Pauls and Valija Bergmanis translated into Latvian, handwriting it in school exercise books.

“WE HAD JUST ONE WATCHTOWER TO SHARE”

During the 1970’s and 1980’s, brothers from Estonia obtained The Watchtower on microfilm in Russia and smuggled it into Latvia. Because photography was a popular hobby at the time, the brothers had the means to process the negatives at home, make copies, and distribute them. From time to time, other publications came into the country in the same way, mainly from Lithuania and Ukraine.

“We had just one Watchtower to share,” recalls Vida Sakalauskiene, then about ten years old. “For a time, each group received the magazine on photographic paper developed from negatives and passed it from family to family so that all could read it and make notes. No one could keep the magazine for more than 24 hours. At the meeting, the conductor had the magazine, and we answered the study questions from memory or from our notes.” This spiritual provision helped Vida to stand firm for the truth during her school days. It also helped her brother, Romualdas, to maintain his integrity while imprisoned for his Christian neutrality.

ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE ACCEPT THE TRUTH

Vera Petrova was actively involved in the Communist party for 27 years. “One of my jobs,” she says, “was to attend church to see how many Communist party members were there and to report back to the local party secretary. Meanwhile, one of my two sisters came into the truth and began to witness to me. My interest aroused, I asked a Russian Orthodox priest for a Bible.

“‘Why do you need a Bible?’ he said.

“‘I want to know if what you teach is in harmony with it,’ I replied. He failed to give me a Bible, so I obtained one from another source and began to read it. I soon discovered that the church’s teachings are not based on the Bible. I continued to make spiritual progress and left the Communist party. I was baptized in 1985.”

Before World War II, Teofīlija Kalvīte, a medical nurse, married the mayor of Daugavpils. Sadly, early in the war, he was declared missing in action. Teofīlija herself experienced many hardships and saw much suffering and death. After the war, she became the president of the Latvian Red Cross and received at least 20 State awards during her 61 years in the medical field. When Teofīlija was about 65 years of age, she met Witness Paulīne Serova, who explained to her from the Bible why God permits wickedness. Teofīlija embraced the truth and thereafter enjoyed the greater privilege of helping people gain spiritual health. Faithful to the end, she died in 1982.

“OH, IT’S A DICTIONARY”

In 1981, 18-year-old Yurii Kaptola was imprisoned for three years for maintaining Christian neutrality. Says Yurii: “I spent two years of my sentence in Siberia, where we lived in tents and worked in the forests, even when the temperature fell to minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit [-30°C]!a Jehovah always took care of me spiritually. For instance, on one occasion, Mother sent me a copy of the Greek Scriptures in a food parcel. While a guard was examining the parcel, he spotted the book.

“‘What’s this?’ he asked.

“Before I could answer, a nearby inspector said, ‘Oh, it’s a dictionary,’ and let me keep it.

“I was released in 1984. Instead of settling in Ukraine, my home country, I moved to Riga, where I associated with a small group of Witnesses for about two years. However, because Latvia was still part of the Soviet Union, I was again called up to serve in the army. The result? On August 26, 1986, I was again sentenced to hard labor, this time four years in Latvia. After serving time in Riga, I went to a camp near the city of Valmiera. At a hearing for my release early in 1990, the judge said: ‘Yurii, the decision to imprison you four years ago was illegal. They should not have convicted you.’ All of a sudden, I was free!”

In 1991, Yurii became a member of the only congregation in Latvia and served as one of the two elders there. “The field was really white for harvesting,” he writes.

When Yurii first arrived in Latvia, he spoke to a woman who was tidying up a grave. He recalls: “When I asked her why life seems so short, she took a few steps toward me, and we talked. Minutes later, a large branch broke off a tree and crashed to the ground right where she had been working. Had she stayed there, she would have been crushed. She gave me her address, and I arranged for a sister to visit her. In 1987 the woman, her son, and her daughter-in-law were baptized.”

THEY LOVE PEOPLE, NOT COMFORTS

Many other young ones from different parts of the Soviet Union also moved to Latvia to help with the work. Their life was not easy, but they were willing to make sacrifices. For example, Anna Batnya, now serving as a special pioneer, found work at a sewing factory and accommodations in a hostel. “Conditions were far from ideal,” she relates. “We witnessed informally on trains, at stations, in parks and cemeteries, and near churches.

“On the trains, which were always packed, we would preach by twos from car to car. One of us witnessed; the other kept on the watch. People nearby often joined us in the discussion. As a result, questions sometimes flew at us from all directions. When the train stopped, we would move to another car if necessary. It was a great joy to see Jehovah bless our ministry.”

Angelina Tsvetkova first heard the truth after having prayed at her church. She relates: “In 1984, Aldona Dron̗uka, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, approached me and asked if I had read the Bible. ‘Parts of it,’ I replied. ‘But I don’t understand it, and I have many questions.’ We exchanged addresses and discussed God’s Word regularly. A few months later, Aldona invited me to a wedding in Lithuania, and I accepted. About 300 were there. At the reception, we listened to one Bible talk after another, which puzzled me somewhat.

“It was here that I learned that I had been studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses and that the wedding was also an assembly! Despite these revelations, my heart was touched by the love and unity of these humble people. In 1985, I was baptized, and in 1994, I started pioneering. Now five of my six children are baptized, and the youngest is an unbaptized publisher.”

FREEDOM TO ATTEND LARGER GATHERINGS

In the mid-1980’s, conditions in many Communist lands became less restrictive, and Jehovah’s Witnesses were able to meet more openly. In 1989 about 50 delegates from Latvia attended the “Godly Devotion” District Convention in Poland. “Being together with all those brothers and sisters was a turning point in my spiritual development,” says Marija Andrišaka, who now serves as a special pioneer.

In 1990 more than 50 delegates from Latvia attended the “Pure Language” Convention, also in Poland. One of these, Anna Mančinska, spared no effort to be present. She recalls: “On my way to the train station, I discovered that I had forgotten some documents that I would need at the border crossing. So I took a taxi home, picked up the papers, and returned to the station only to find that the train had gone. I rushed to the next station but arrived too late. In the end, I took the taxi into Lithuania and finally caught up with the train 155 miles [250 km] from Riga. The taxi ride was expensive, but the cost was worth it!” Anna now serves as a member of the Latvia Bethel family.

In 1991 the brothers were finally able to hold conventions openly in places that had formerly been Soviet republics. Several busloads of delegates from Latvia traveled to Tallinn, Estonia, to attend the “Lovers of Godly Freedom” Convention. How appropriate that theme was!

Ruta Barakauska from Vain̗ode persuaded her non-Witness husband, Ādolfs, to accompany her to Tallinn. “I did not intend to go to the convention,” says Ādolfs. “My plan was to buy spare parts for my car. But after I attended the first session, I was so impressed with the talks, the friendliness of Jehovah’s Witnesses, their clean speech, and the love they showed for one another that I stayed for the whole convention. After returning home, I started to study the Bible and worked hard at controlling my temper. In 1992, I joined my wife as a baptized Witness of Jehovah.”

In the early 1990’s, it was not possible to rent suitable venues for district conventions in Latvia, so the brothers went primarily to Estonia and Lithuania. The first convention held in Latvia was the 1998 “God’s Way of Life” Convention held in a large sports hall in Riga. The auditorium was divided into three sections according to language: Latvian, Russian, and Latvian Sign Language. After the final prayer, all clapped, and many shed tears of joy, thankful to Jehovah for this landmark event.

A PERIOD OF RAPID GROWTH

After the Communist era, the work in Latvia moved ahead in great strides. Prior to 1995, however, Our Kingdom Ministry was not available in Latvian, so the brothers’ presentations in the field sometimes lacked a little polish. But the Witnesses made up for this lack with their zeal. Dace Šk̗ipsna describes how she first heard the truth: “At a roadside kiosk in 1991, I bought a book about hell and the afterlife. I had walked only a short distance when I heard a voice from behind say, ‘You’ve bought poison!’

“Those words stopped me in my tracks. Two of Jehovah’s Witnesses​—a man and his wife—​introduced themselves, and we talked about the Bible. In fact, we covered practically everything: Hades, Gehenna, Christmas, the cross and, finally, the last days! I must confess that in my mind some points were a little hazy, but I liked what I heard. We exchanged phone numbers, and over the following weeks, the Witness couple answered many of my Bible questions.”

“I AM GLAD THAT I DID NOT SHRINK BACK”

Jānis Folkmanis was a USSR weight-lifting champion, and in his final competitions in March 1993, he became champion of Latvia. Jānis relates: “In 1992, a workmate, Jānis Cielavs, invited me to sit in on his Bible study. That experience changed my life. Three months after I became weight-lifting champion of Latvia, I became a Kingdom publisher. In August 1993, I was baptized. When I witnessed at the gym, my trainer expressed his displeasure. But I am glad that I did not shrink back. My friends Eduards Eihenbaums and Edgars Brancis will explain why.”

Eduards: “Jānis Folkmanis offered me a free Bible study. ‘If it really is free, we can start right now,’ I said. And we did! What I learned made sense, especially the teaching of the resurrection, which made more sense than the doctrine of the immortality of the soul. My wife too began to study, and we were baptized in 1995.”

Edgars: “Jānis witnessed zealously at the gym. Four times he offered to study the Bible with me, and each time I declined. But I did accept the Watchtower and Awake! magazines and the book You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. Meanwhile, I kept asking myself, ‘Why would such a famous sportsman be interested in the Bible?’ My curiosity eventually won out, and I began to study. The result? I was baptized in 1995 and now serve as a special pioneer.”

Some had to overcome bad habits in order to please God. For example, Aivars Jackevičs had a drinking problem. “A weekend binge,” he says, “would start with beer for breakfast followed by a bottle of vodka. One evening in January 1992, I was at home with my arm in a sling, depressed and contemplating suicide. I had been robbed while drunk. I heard a knock at the door. It was a neighbor​—the same one who had discussed the Bible with me on several occasions. We talked, he offered me a Bible study, and I accepted.

“On study days, I abstained from alcohol, which helped me to make progress. After I learned the true condition of the dead and that I would not burn in hellfire​—something I had always feared—​I began to study three times a week. In less than four months, I became an unbaptized publisher. The Bible warns us, however, ‘Let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.’ Foolishly, I spent an evening in bad company, drank to excess, and once again had thoughts of suicide. But Jehovah is merciful and patient, and some loving brothers came to my rescue. What a lesson that experience was! In 1992, I was baptized, and today I am a member of the Latvia Bethel family.”​—1 Cor. 10:12; Ps. 130:3, 4.

Māris Krūmin̗š, who also serves at Bethel, had to make major changes in his life in order to serve Jehovah. “After serving in the military,” explains Māris, “I became disillusioned with life. Later, I was expelled from a university for missing lectures. Aimless, I got involved in crime, and one night after a drunken brawl, I was arrested. Sitting in my cell, I thought about the laws I had broken and concluded that many of them actually stemmed from the laws of God. For the first time in my life, I prayed to God for forgiveness and vowed to search for him.

“After being released from prison, I attended various churches but each time met with disappointment. So I started to read the Bible and other religious books. In 1990, while traveling on a train, I met a former schoolmate and learned that he was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. During that short journey, Jehovah opened up my heart as I listened to my old friend explain God’s purpose for mankind and the reason for the suffering in the world. I began to study and became a publisher in 1991. In 1992, I was baptized. A year later, I became a member of the Latvia Bethel family, and in 1995, I married Simona, a Finnish pioneer.”

Edgars Endzelis was a law student. “In the early 1990’s,” says Edgars, “political change was in the air. I was at law school in Riga, and many students were discussing the purpose of life. I read books on philosophy and Eastern religions. I also practiced a form of martial arts called aikido. Then my wife, Elita, and I came in contact with Jehovah’s Witnesses.

“At our very first meeting, we were welcomed with open arms by Latvian- and Russian-speaking brothers alike. This genuine love impressed us deeply. About the same time, I was shocked when my martial arts instructor stated that only those who practice Zen Buddhism can become aikido masters. That was the end of aikido for me! Shortly thereafter, I cut my long hair, and in March 1993, Elita and I were baptized. Since then I have had the privilege of using my knowledge of law to help ‘in the defending and legally establishing of the good news’ in Latvia.”​—Phil. 1:7.

CHRISTIAN FAITH PUT TO THE TEST

In 1993 four music students in Jelgava had their faith tested when their choir was assigned to sing at an Independence Day festival. Though new in the truth, the girls resolved to please God. Hence, they wrote to the choir director, respectfully asking to be excused from that event because of their Christian conscience. How did the director respond? He wrote an ultimatum to the girls’ parents, stating that either the students sing or the school would expel them. Like the three Hebrews, the girls obeyed Jehovah.​—Dan. 3:14, 15, 17; Acts 5:29.

Dace Puncule was one of those girls. She reflects: “Prayer to God and the support of the brothers helped us to stay faithful. We were expelled, but I have never regretted standing firm for the truth. Indeed, Jehovah has taken good care of me. After just a few months, I found work at a law office, and the experience I gained there later helped me at Bethel, where I have served since 2001.”

The blood issue has also tested the integrity of some. On September 6, 1996, Yelena Godlevskaya, a 17-year-old girl who was hit by a car, suffered multiple fractures to the pelvis. Spiritually mature, Yelena had determined in her heart to abstain from blood. (Acts 15:29) Back then, most doctors in Latvia were unfamiliar with nonblood techniques, so the attending doctors refused to perform corrective surgery. Then about a week later, two doctors cruelly forced a blood transfusion on Yelena late one night, and she died.

Marina, Yelena’s mother, was not yet a Witness. Marina says: “It was amazing to see my daughter’s strong faith in Jehovah and in his promises. She did not compromise.” Now baptized, Marina and her family look forward to embracing Yelena in the resurrection.​—Acts 24:15.

SPIRITUALLY MATURE MEN FILL A VITAL NEED

The rapid growth in the number of publishers has created the need for spiritually mature men to take the lead. In 1992 the opportunity to serve as missionaries in Latvia was offered to three Latvian-speaking brothers who had grown up in the United States. Along with their wives, they were Valdis and Linda Purin̗š, Alfreds and Doris Elksnis, and Ivars Elksnis, Alfreds’ brother. All five arrived in Riga in July 1992. Their four-room apartment became a missionary home, a literature depot, and a translation center.

A good sense of humor helps when learning another language. “While conducting a study with two young women,” relates Doris Elksnis, “I tried to explain how Satan spoke to Eve through a snake. However, I used a Latvian word that sounds similar to the one for ‘snake.’ The result? I had the Devil talking through a pig!”

In 1994, Peter and Jean Luters arrived from Australia. Peter, baptized in 1954, was born in Latvia but grew up in Australia. Sadly, Jean, whose loving, kind manner had soon won the hearts of all, passed away in 1999. Peter decided to stay in Latvia and now serves on the Branch Committee. “When we arrived,” says Peter, “we found the Latvian brothers to be zealous preachers. However, congregations had not yet been assigned a specific territory, and even parts of Riga were not being worked. Also, only a few congregations scheduled regular public talks. Both matters were quickly addressed.”

GILEAD GRADUATES PROVIDE A BOOST

The first Gilead-trained missionaries arrived early in 1993. Swedish couples Anders and Agneta Berglund and Torgny and Lena Fridlund were assigned to Jelgava, a city of over 60,000 with 28 publishers. “Upon our arrival,” says Anders, now a member of the Branch Committee, “we joined the brothers in field service, and they kept us busy! On some days, we practically ran with them from one study to the next for seven or eight hours without stopping to eat! Their zeal was inspiring. Many of those students are now in full-time service themselves.”

Torgny Fridlund recalls: “After a three-month language course, we felt ready to converse on our own. We selected territory that had not been worked since World War II but failed to get much of a response. Was our approach wrong? After discussing the matter, we tried another approach​—reading a scripture at each door. Thereafter, we started several studies.”

More Gilead graduates began to arrive in April 1995. They included Basse and Heidi Bergman from Finland, who now serve in the traveling work in a Russian-language circuit. “I asked the local brothers to correct me when I said something wrong in the ministry,” says Basse. “And they responded with gusto, spontaneously correcting me not just in the field but also during meetings! Nowadays, it warms my heart when I hear brothers say, ‘Basse has become one of us.’”

Carsten and Jannie Ejstrup from Denmark served together in Latvia until Jannie, while still in her 30’s, lost her fight with cancer. “The best way I can honor Jehovah,” says Carsten, “is to continue faithfully in my missionary assignment.” What an example such brothers are!

MINISTERIAL TRAINING SCHOOL GRADUATES ARRIVE

Beginning in 1994, more than 20 Ministerial Training School graduates were assigned to Latvia from Britain, Germany, and Poland. The first to arrive were Michael Udsen and Jess Kjaer Nielsen from Denmark. They were assigned to the industrial city of Daugavpils, Latvia’s second-largest city.

Says Jess: “We left for Daugavpils, which is about 150 miles [240 km] southeast of Riga, on a cold January afternoon. In fact, it was snowing in Riga when we climbed into the vehicle​—an old van packed with literature. The brother who drove spoke no English, and we, no Latvian or Russian. Every 30 miles [50 km] or so, he would stop and tinker with the engine. One thing for sure, he was not fixing the heater; it was as cold inside as outside! We survived the bone-rattling ride, though, and arrived at Daugavpils near midnight. At the time, there were 16 publishers in the city. By the end of the following year, that number had nearly doubled.”

TRANSLATING INTO LATVIAN

Before 1992, literature was available mainly in Russian, which most Latvians spoke. Many, though, preferred their mother tongue. “Remarkably,” states a report, “among the few hundred new publishers were some with translation skills, and we could see God’s holy spirit direct the work of these willing young brothers and sisters.”

Thanks to the hard work of the translators, The Watchtower in Latvian became available monthly in January 1995 and semimonthly in January 1996. Other publications now available in Latvian include a number of books, brochures, and the Awake! magazine.

Early in 1993 the translation team moved from the cramped quarters at the missionary home in Riga to an apartment on Brīvības Street. Then in August 1994, they moved into newly renovated offices at 40 Miera Street. How did the brothers acquire the new property?

A GENEROUS GIFT

George Hakmanis and his wife, Sigrid, left Latvia as refugees during World War II. The couple learned the truth in London, England, and were baptized in 1951. The following year they immigrated to the United States, and in 1992 they returned to Latvia for five years.

After Latvia withdrew from the Soviet Union in 1991, people could reclaim title to property that had been taken by the State. Sigrid and her sister, also a Witness, had kept their family documents for over 50 years, so they were able to acquire the property at 40 Miera Street. After doing so, they kindly donated it to Jehovah’s organization. The brothers then turned the building into a five-story translation center with accommodations for 20.

Milton G. Henschel of the Governing Body attended the dedication on August 20, 1994. While there, he advised the brothers to purchase the adjoining property at 42 Miera Street, which included a six-story building. The owner, who lived in the United States, agreed to sell. This building too was fully renovated, and the Bethel family grew to 35. Since then, further expansion has provided offices and rooms for a total of 55 Bethelites.

LEGAL RECOGNITION

Legal registration of the work continues to be a challenge in Latvia. In 1996, officials used the bad press regarding Yelena Godlevskaya as the basis to deny registration. A member of parliament even hinted that our work might be banned! Still, the brothers continued to meet with officials and to explain our work. Finally, on October 12, 1998, the director of the National Human Rights Office announced the legal registration of two congregations​—Riga Center and Riga Torn̗akalns—​for a trial period of one year. A month later, the congregation in Jelgava was similarly registered.

Latvian law requires that new congregations reregister every year. To obtain permanent registration, a minimum of ten congregations have to register for ten years. Meanwhile, those awaiting registration are able to meet without governmental interference.

FINDING PLACES TO MEET

Rapid growth during the 1990’s called for larger places to hold meetings. In 1997 a suitable property was put up for public auction in Daugavpils, and the brothers were the only ones to bid. Renovations commenced in December 1998, and eight months later, the more than 140 publishers in that city were thrilled to assemble in their own Kingdom Hall.

The first Kingdom Hall to be built from the ground up was completed in Jūrmala in 1997. One local Bible student was so impressed with the quality of the work that he asked the Witnesses to build him a house! Of course, the brothers declined, explaining the spiritual nature of our work. Meanwhile, the brothers in the Torn̗akalns area of Riga obtained a burned-out cinema for a reduced price. By August 1998 the charred structure had been transformed into a beautiful double Kingdom Hall!

A HELPING HAND FROM FINLAND

The brothers in Finland have done much to advance the work in Latvia, even overseeing the work there from 1992 to 2004. Finland also prints all the magazines for Latvia and over the years has provided capable brothers to give direction. They include Juha Huttunen and his wife, Taina, who came to Latvia in 1995. Juha now serves on the Branch Committee. Ruben and Ulla Lindh, who together have spent over 80 years in full-time service, were also a great asset to the work. Brother Lindh served on the Latvia Country Committee for four years before returning to Finland.

In addition, over 150 brothers from Finland have helped with various construction projects. Thanks to all such labors of love along with Jehovah’s rich blessing on the ministry of the publishers, pioneers, and missionaries in Latvia, the country became a branch on September 1, 2004.

SPECIAL PREACHING CAMPAIGNS

Most publishers in Latvia live in or around cities and larger towns. Early in 2001, congregations received a letter inviting publishers to use part of their vacation to share in a special preaching campaign in isolated areas. The 93 publishers who volunteered were divided into nine groups and assigned to a number of rural towns and villages.

Vjačeslavs Zaicevs, a Bethel family member, took vacation time so that he could share in the campaign. “It was a wonderful opportunity to get better acquainted with other brothers and sisters,” he says. “After witnessing, we enjoyed a meal, shared experiences, and planned the next day. Then we played soccer and cooled off in a lake. It was a taste of Paradise.”

The brothers spent over 4,200 hours in the ministry​—an average of more than 41 hours per publisher—​placed over 9,800 pieces of literature, made 1,625 return visits, and conducted 227 Bible studies. Similar campaigns have been arranged every year since.

MANY ARE FINDING THE PATH TO TRUE FREEDOM

Our story began with Ans Insberg, a Latvian who poured his heart out to God one starry night at sea. Ans wanted to find the people who worship God “with spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) Jehovah heard that sincere request. Since then, over 2,400 other honesthearted people in Latvia have come to a knowledge of spiritual truth, and almost as many are studying the Bible. Yes, there is still much work to do!​—Matt. 9:37, 38.

Jehovah’s Witnesses in Latvia are eager to help all those yearning for true freedom, not by pointing them to that which is symbolized by the Freedom Monument on Brīvības Street, but by directing them to God’s Kingdom. Soon those who yearn for that Kingdom and who worship Jehovah “with spirit and truth” will be set free from every form of pain and suffering. Yes, they will taste the very perfection of freedom​—“the glorious freedom of the children of God.”​—Rom. 8:21.

[Footnote]

[Blurb on page 190]

“I will never forget my baptism. It took place late at night in an ice-cold river. I was shaking all over from the cold, but I was very happy.”

[Blurb on page 203]

“I heard a voice from behind say, ‘You’ve bought poison!’”

[Box/​Maps on page 184, 185]

OVERVIEW​—Latvia

Land

Latvia measures about 280 miles [450 km] from east to west and 130 miles [210 km] from north to south. Forests cover about 45 percent of the land. Animals include beavers, deer, elks, lynx, otters, seals, wild boars, and wolves. The many bird species include black storks, herons, nightingales, and woodpeckers.

People

Over a third of the 2.3 million inhabitants live in Riga, the capital. The main religions are Lutheran, Roman Catholic, and Russian Orthodox. Most Latvians, however, consider themselves nonreligious.

Language

The main languages are Latvian, spoken by about 60 percent of the people, and Russian, spoken by over 30 percent. Many speak more than one language.

Livelihood

Nearly 60 percent of the population work in service industries, while the balance work in factories and agriculture.

Food

Agricultural products include barley, potatoes, sugar beets, and various other vegetables and cereals. Livestock includes cattle, goats, pigs, and sheep. Poultry is also popular.

Climate

Humidity is high, and skies are usually cloudy. Summers are relatively cool, and winters are not extremely cold.

[Map]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

ESTONIA

RUSSIA

LATVIA

Valmiera

RIGA

Jūrmala

Sloka

Tukums

Ventspils

Kuldīga

Liepaja

Vain̗ode

Jelgava

Daugavpils

LITHUANIA

BALTIC SEA

Gulf of Riga

[Picture]

Riga

[Box/​Map on page 186]

The Four Regions of Latvia

Latvia is generally divided into four geographic and cultural regions, each with its own character and beauty. Bordering on the Gulf of Riga, Vidzeme, the largest region, is home to the historically rich castle towns of Sigulda and Cēsis as well as Latvia’s capital, Riga. To the east are the lowlands and the blue lakes of Latgale and the country’s second-largest city, Daugavpils. Dubbed the breadbasket of Latvia, Zemgale lies south of the Western Daugava River, which flows from Belarus through Latvia to the Gulf of Riga. The region boasts two magnificent baroque palaces designed by Italian architect Rastrelli, who also designed the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia. Dotted with farms, forests, and beaches, the fourth region, Kurzeme, takes in the Baltic Coast, the cities of Ventspils and Liepaja, and many fishing villages.

[Map]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

1 VIDZEME

2 LATGALE

3 ZEMGALE

4 KURZEME

[Box/​Pictures on page 192, 193]

Witnessing to a Clergyman Changed His Life and Mine

ANNA BATNYA

BORN 1958

BAPTIZED 1977

PROFILE Raised in a Christian home in Ukraine, she has helped more than 30 to baptism and now serves as a special pioneer.

HEARING about the need for publishers in Latvia, I moved there in 1986. We were unable to preach openly, so I hid my Bible in a bag of groceries and approached people in parks and other public areas. We focused on the Kingdom hope and used our Bibles only when we had a positive response from someone. Fearing relatives or neighbors, people rarely invited us to their homes, so we usually studied with interested ones in the places where we met them.

Literature was extremely scarce. In fact, for a couple of years, our congregation had just one Russian copy of the Bible study aid The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. We made good use of this book in the field, but it did not leave the congregation!

While witnessing near a church, my companion and I met Pyotr Batnya, a clergyman. In order to strike up a conversation, we asked him where we could buy a Bible. “I too am interested in the Bible,” he replied. We then had a very enjoyable discussion. On the following day, we met Pyotr in a nearby park, showed him the table of contents in the Truth book, and asked him what he would like to discuss. He chose “Popular Customs That Displease God.” It proved to be a fruitful discussion and led to a regular Bible study, which was conducted by a brother.

Armed with accurate knowledge of the Bible, Pyotr began asking fellow clergymen questions and found that they could not explain even basic Bible teachings! Soon thereafter, Pyotr resigned from the church and dedicated his life to Jehovah.

In 1991, Pyotr and I were married and began pioneering together. Tragically, he died in an accident just a few years later. How have I coped? In no small part by keeping fully absorbed in the ministry, helping others get to know “the God of all comfort.” (2 Cor. 1:3, 4) Indeed, in 1997, I was privileged to be appointed a special pioneer.

[Picture]

Pyotr

[Box/​Pictures on page 200, 201]

I Yearned for a Just Government

INDRA REITUPE

BORN 1966

BAPTIZED 1989

PROFILE A former Communist, she began pioneering in 1990 and has helped more than 30 people to baptism.

WHILE growing up, I believed neither in God nor in the Bible. Nevertheless, I always tried to stand up for what is right and could never understand why humans consistently failed to establish good and fair government.

When I first met Jehovah’s Witnesses, I was amazed at what they showed me from the Bible. Their words made sense! What I learned about the Kingdom government and the justice that Jesus espoused touched my heart. In 1989, I was baptized in a lake, and six months later, I began to serve as a regular pioneer. At the time, my husband and I had one child. Later, we had twins. My husband, Ivan, is also one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and with his loving support, I have been able to continue in full-time service.

When the children were small, I often witnessed informally on the streets and in parks. In fact, the twins were a help because they aroused curiosity and made people more relaxed and inclined to converse with me.

While witnessing in a park in Riga, I met a lady named Anna. Sitting on a bench, she was waiting for a concert to begin and had already purchased a ticket. However, she was so eager to learn more about the Bible hope for mankind that she skipped the concert. We read scriptures together and arranged to meet again in the park. Six months later, Anna (right) became our sister, and she now serves on the translation team at the branch. Yes, my heart overflows with joy when I reflect on Jehovah’s blessing on my ministry.

[Picture]

With my family

[Box/​Picture on page 204, 205]

They Must Have Read My Mind

ANDREY GEVLYA

BORN 1963

BAPTIZED 1990

PROFILE Shown with his wife, Yelena, serves as a pioneer, a substitute circuit overseer, and a city overseer.

ON A train to Riga in January 1990, two women asked me if I had ever read the Bible. They must have read my mind, for I had long wanted to read the Bible but could not obtain one. I gave the women, one of whom was Indra Reitupe, my address and phone number. (See the box on pages 200-201.) A few days later, they arrived at my door to find me eagerly awaiting their visit. I was impressed by the way they skillfully used the Bible to answer my questions. Soon thereafter, Pyotr Batnya, a full-time minister who had once been a clergyman, began to study with me.​—See the box on pages 192-3.

Four months later, I attended my first meeting. Once a month during the summer, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., meetings were held in the forest. The brothers discussed selected parts from the Theocratic Ministry School and Service Meeting schedules, and usually someone was baptized, which meant that we had a baptism talk before the noon break.

My newfound knowledge and the brotherly love I felt at the meetings filled me with joy. I wanted to get baptized as soon as possible. That opportunity came at the end of August the same year, and I was immersed in a lake.

In the early 1990’s, I studied the Bible with a number of people in my art studio. Some became my spiritual brothers. In 1992, Jehovah added greatly to my joy​—my dear wife, Yelena, became my spiritual sister.

[Box/​Pictures on page 208, 209]

Home Again After 50 Years

ĀRIJA B. LEIVERS

BORN 1926

BAPTIZED 1958

PROFILE A native Latvian, she lived in a number of countries before returning to Latvia to serve where the need was greater.

DURING World War II, Father decided that our family would pack up and leave Latvia. I eventually married, and my husband and I ended up in Venezuela. There I met Jehovah’s Witnesses for the first time and accepted a home Bible study with a missionary sister. We studied in German. When I started to attend meetings, I learned Spanish, the official language of Venezuela.

In 1958 our family moved to the United States, and two months later I was baptized. After the death of my husband, my daughter and I moved to Spain, where I pioneered. General Franco was dictator at the time, and humble, God-fearing people were thirsting for the truth. During my 16 years in Spain, I had the privilege of helping some 30 people to baptism.

Following the collapse of Soviet Communism in 1991, I visited Latvia and saw that there was a great need for Kingdom proclaimers. My dream of returning to my homeland to pioneer became a reality in 1994​—exactly 50 years after I left.

The Latvian field was indeed ripe for the harvest. For example, I witnessed to a man who asked for one of our books. His daughter, he said, was interested in spiritual matters, and he wanted to give the book to her. I obtained her address, started a Bible study, and within a year she was baptized. I thank Jehovah for giving me the privilege and the strength to pioneer in my homeland after such a long time away.

[Picture]

When I was 20 years old

[Chart/​Graph on page 216, 217]

TIME LINE​—Latvia

1916 Seaman Ans Insberg is baptized. After World War I, he places notices proclaiming God’s Kingdom in Latvian newspapers.

1920

1926 An office is set up in Riga.

1928 The booklet Freedom for the Peoples is released, the first publication in Latvian. Colporteurs arrive from Germany.

1931 Percy Dunham is made office manager.

1933 International Bible Students Association (IBSA) is registered.

1934 Government closes IBSA office.

No reports were obtained from 1939 to 1992.

1940

1940 Latvia becomes a part of the Soviet Union; the Dunhams have to leave.

1951 Witnesses are deported to Siberia.

1960

1980

1991 Latvia reclaims its political independence.

1993 First Gilead-trained missionaries arrive.

1995 The Watchtower is published monthly in Latvian.

1996 A Country Committee is established in Riga.

1997 First completely new Kingdom Hall is built, in Jūrmala.

1998 Two congregations in Riga are legally registered.

2000

2001 The first special preaching campaign is organized.

2004 Latvia becomes a branch on September 1.

2006 Branch extensions are completed; over 2,400 publishers are active in Latvia.

[Graph]

(See publication)

Total Publishers

Total Pioneers

2,000

1,000

1920 1940 1960 1980 2000

[Full-page picture on page 176]

[Picture on page 178]

This building housed the Bible Students’ first office in Riga, 1926

[Picture on page 178]

“Freedom for the Peoples” in Latvian brought a message of joy, 1928

[Picture on page 178]

Rees Taylor

[Picture on page 180]

Ferdinand Fruck, baptized in 1927

[Picture on page 180]

Heinrich Zech and his wife, Elsa, in front of their shop in Liepaja

[Pictures on page 183]

Edwin Ridgewell (left) and Andrew Jack secretly took literature into Latvia

[Picture on page 183]

Percy and Madge Dunham

[Picture on page 183]

Office staff and other Witnesses, 1930’s

[Picture on page 191]

KGB list of Witnesses arrested in 1950. Many were sent to Siberia

[Picture on page 191]

Siberia, early 1950’s

[Picture on page 194]

At larger gatherings, such as this funeral, brothers heard spiritual discourses

[Picture on page 194]

Pauls and Valija Bergmanis translated “The Watchtower” into Latvian, handwriting it in school exercise books

[Picture on page 194]

Using microfilm (actual size shown), the brothers developed, copied, and distributed “The Watchtower”

[Pictures on page 197]

Paulīne Serova introduced the truth to Teofīlija Kalvīte, a nurse

[Picture on page 199]

Yurii Kaptola, 1981

[Picture on page 199]

Today, in front of the prison where he was confined

[Pictures on page 202]

1998 “God’s Way of Life” Convention, the first held in Latvia, included a sign-language section

[Pictures on page 207]

Three months after Jānis Folkmanis became the weight-lifting champion of Latvia, he became a Kingdom publisher

[Pictures on page 207]

When in prison, Māris Krūmin̗š prayed to God for the first time

[Picture on page 210]

Dace Puncule was expelled from school for refusing to sing nationalistic songs

[Picture on page 210]

Yelena Godlevskaya died after a blood transfusion was forced on her

[Picture on page 210]

Traveling overseers and their wives build up the congregations

[Picture on page 215]

The Latvia Bethel family

[Pictures on page 215]

Branch Committee, 2006

Peter Luters

Anders Berglund

Hannu Kankaanpää

Juha Huttunen

[Picture on page 215]

The three branch buildings on Miera Street, Riga

[Pictures on page 218]

Jehovah’s people in Latvia can now preach openly

[Pictures on page 218]

This burned-out cinema (left) became two Kingdom Halls (below)

Réunion

THE first people to see the island of Réunion​—most likely Arab traders—​chanced upon a tropical paradise. Set like a green gem in the deep-blue Indian Ocean, Réunion is endowed with natural beauty and diversity that rivals that of entire continents. Beaches of volcanic sand, waterfalls too numerous to count, rain forests, wildflowers in abundance, deep valleys, rugged volcanic peaks, vegetated calderas many miles across, and a live volcano​—these are just some of the island’s assets.

Although they live on this enchanting isle, many people in Réunion have come to appreciate something even more beautiful than that which is captured merely by the eye. They have come to love the precious truths of God’s Word. Missionary Robert Nisbet, assigned to nearby Mauritius, was the first Kingdom proclaimer to set foot on Réunion. During his stay of just a few days in September 1955, Robert aroused considerable interest in the Bible, placing much literature and obtaining a number of subscriptions to Awake! He maintained contact with interested ones by letter.

Between 1955 and 1960, Robert and zone overseer Harry Arnott made a few short visits to the island. In 1959 the France branch asked Adam Lisiak, a French pioneer and retired coal miner of Polish descent serving in Madagascar, to visit Réunion. Adam spent the entire month of December 1959 on the island. He wrote: “Ninety percent of the population are ardent Catholics, but many would like to know more about God’s Word and the new world. The priests are trying to stop the spread of the truth. Someone told an Awake! subscriber that the local priest wanted to borrow our book ‘Let God Be True.’ ‘If he comes in person, he can borrow it,’ said the subscriber. The priest never came.”

HELP ARRIVES FROM FRANCE

The France branch, which cared for the work at the time, invited qualified publishers to move to Réunion. The Pégoud family​—André, Jeannine, and their six-year-old son, Christian—​along with Noémie Duray, a relative, heeded the call. They docked in January 1961. Noémie, known as Mimi, served as a special pioneer for two years before returning to France.

Right away, they found much interest and even held meetings in their hotel room in the capital city, Saint-Denis. As soon as the family moved into a house, they held meetings there. About a year later, the fledgling group in Saint-Denis rented a small hall that could seat about 30. It was a wooden building with a corrugated iron roof, two shuttered openings, and one door. After obtaining permission, the brothers knocked out the internal walls, built a small platform, and installed wooden benches that had no backrests.

On a cloudless, tropical Sunday morning, the iron roof became a very effective radiator, and soon all in attendance​—especially those standing on the platform, their heads just inches from the roof—​broke out in beads of sweat. Moreover, because the hall was often filled to capacity, many stood outside, listening from the shuttered openings and the doorway, reducing the already poor ventilation.

‘WE ARE OVERWHELMED!’

Despite the discomfort, all were made to feel welcome at the meetings, and by the end of the first year, about 50 were attending regularly. The number of Kingdom publishers rose to seven, and there were 47 Bible studies! Some new ones studied twice a week. “We are joyful, very joyful, but a little overwhelmed,” wrote the brothers.

One of the new Bible students was Myriam Andrien, who had begun to study in Madagascar in 1961. She remembers that the afore-mentioned hall also served as an Assembly Hall of sorts. The brothers simply erected a shady extension using palm branches. Up to 110 attended those early, larger gatherings.

Among those baptized at an assembly in Mauritius in October 1961 were David Souris, Marianne Lan-Ngoo, and Lucien Véchot, all of whom contributed much to the preaching work. The second year saw an increase to 32 publishers, and the pioneers conducted as many as 30 Bible studies each! The attendance at Sunday meetings increased to 100 people, and they represented a variety of ethnic groups.

Many among Réunion’s Indian population practice an amalgam of two religions​—Catholicism and Hinduism. For some, giving up their old ways was a struggle. But the brothers’ patience, kindness, and firmness for what is right often led to good results. For example, one woman who had been studying with a pioneer for two years continued to practice false religion, to tell fortunes, and to live as a concubine. The pioneer decided to hand the study over to another sister to see if she could help. “After a few months,” the latter sister writes, “the woman’s appreciation began to increase, and to my great joy, she stopped her spiritistic practices. But she had not yet legalized her marriage. The man, she said, refused to commit himself. In the end, she decided to stay with him, so I had no choice but to discontinue the study.

“One day on the street, I met the woman, and she asked me to resume the study. I said yes, provided that she showed her genuineness by applying the things she had already learned. I counseled her to pray to Jehovah about the matter, which she did. She then mustered up the courage to talk frankly with her partner. To her great joy, he agreed to marriage. What is more, he began to attend meetings with his new wife.”

The 1963 service year saw 11 peaks in Kingdom publishers, the last one being 93. Réunion now had two congregations and one group. The first local baptism ceremony, held in December 1962 on the beach at St.-Gilles-les Bains, saw 20 new ones immersed. The second, held in June 1963, saw 38 baptized. In 1961, Réunion had 1 publisher to every 41,667 of the population. Three years later the ratio was 1 to 2,286. Yes, Jehovah was “making [the word] grow” on this spiritually fertile island.​—1 Cor. 3:6.

TAKING THE KINGDOM MESSAGE FARTHER AFIELD

By 1965​—just four years after the first Witness family arrived—​the congregation in Saint-Denis had grown to over 110 publishers, and they were covering the local territory every three weeks! Yet, other areas were hardly being touched. The solution? The brothers rented buses and preached in other coastal towns, including Saint-Leu, Saint-Philippe, and Saint-Pierre.

It took many hours to reach some territories, so the brothers would set off early in the morning and travel roads that were often narrow, steep, and tortuous. The drive from Saint-Denis to the city of Le Port, which takes 15 minutes today, was a two-hour ordeal. “It took faith to travel that road,” reflects one brother. Even the new road is not without risks on account of falling rocks. In places, mountains rise almost vertically from the roadside, and heavy rain sometimes loosens overhead rocks, some weighing many tons. Over the years, a number of people have been killed.

“When I was about eight years old,” says Christian Pégoud, “our group would place from 400 to 600 Awake! magazines in isolated territories. The Watchtower was banned. Because some unbelieving but friendly husbands enjoyed the day’s outing, they came with their wives but did not go witnessing. After field service, we had a picnic, which was a real treat for us children. To be sure, these special activities had a big impact on my life.”

ORGANIZATIONAL ADJUSTMENTS BOOST THE WORK

In May 1963, Milton G. Henschel became the first representative from world headquarters to visit Réunion. He gave a special talk to an audience of 155. As a result of his visit, four were appointed as special pioneers to help care for the congregations and to work in areas where the good news had not yet been preached. David Souris was assigned to Le Port, Lucien Véchot to the city of Saint-André, and Marianne Lan-Ngoo and Noémie Duray (now Tisserand) to Saint-Pierre.

On May 1, 1964, oversight of the work was transferred from France to Mauritius. In addition, a literature depot was established on Réunion. Meanwhile, the publishers were invited to work more unassigned territories, and the brothers were encouraged to reach out for congregation responsibilities so that the new ones flocking into the truth could be well cared for. Indeed, during the 1964 service year, 57 were baptized​—21 at one assembly!

During the preceding year, the group at Saint-André applied to become a congregation. The application read: “At the end of June 1963, there will be 12 baptized publishers, with the possibility of 5 or 6 new publishers in the next two months. The brothers are conducting 30 Bible studies.” The application was approved, and two brothers took care of the congregation​—Jean Nasseau as congregation servant, or presiding overseer, and Lucien Véchot as his assistant. Both had been in the truth for less than two years.

Big in heart and in frame, 38-year-old Jean was an instructor at a technical school and a master builder. Baptized in 1962, he had the skills and the ability to get things done to help advance the Kingdom work. In fact, he built Réunion’s second Kingdom Hall at his own expense and on his own land in Saint-André. A sturdy, well-finished wooden structure, the hall could comfortably seat over 50. Eight congregations have since been formed in the territory originally cared for by the group at Saint-André. Jean died faithful to Jehovah in 1997.

The third group that developed in the early 1960’s was in Le Port, a harbor city, and included interested ones from Saint-Paul, about five miles [8 km] to the south. Le Port consisted of simple wooden homes surrounded by milkbush, a cactuslike plant devoid of spines. David Souris rented a house and held meetings there. In December 1963, the group applied to become a congregation. There were 16 Kingdom publishers, 8 of whom were baptized, and they averaged 22.5 hours a month in field service. David and his assistant alone conducted 38 Bible studies! When the circuit overseer visited that same month, he gave the public talk to an audience of 53.

Also assigned to Le Port were special pioneers Christian and Josette Bonnecaze. Christian had been baptized in French Guiana and came to Réunion in the early 1960’s. Single at the time, he was the only member of his family in the truth. Brother Souris kindly moved into another house to make room for Christian and Josette in the house where the meetings were held. In time, however, the congregation grew so much that this couple had to move out as well!

Meanwhile, clergy in this predominantly Catholic area began to turn people against the Witnesses. During the day, children and youths often threw stones at the publishers and at night tossed stones on the brothers’ roofs.

New Bible student Raphaëlla Hoarau knew some of those youths. After one stone-throwing episode, she followed the culprits home. “If you continue throwing stones at my brother,” she said, “you will have me to deal with.”

“We are sorry, Mrs. Hoarau,” they replied. “We didn’t know that he was your brother.”

Raphaëlla came into the truth, as did her three daughters, one of whom, Yolaine, married Lucien Véchot.

Despite the clergy-inspired prejudice, the brothers’ zeal and God’s blessing resulted in a zealous congregation in Le Port, and the hall was soon filled to overflowing. Often, in fact, more listened from outside than from inside. Chairs were placed in every possible spot, even on the platform, and a row of children sat on the edge of the platform facing the audience. Eventually, the brothers built a fine Kingdom Hall, and today, the area boasts six congregations.

PIONEERS LEAD THE WAY

One of the early pioneers in Réunion was Annick Lapierre. “Annick studied with Mother and me,” recalls Myriam Thomas. “She encouraged me to work hard in the ministry, and I told her that I wanted to become a pioneer. I was baptized after six months. Back then, the whole island was our territory, and we usually walked, for there were no buses and very few cars. Brother Nasseau, though, owned a car and took us out in service whenever possible. Preaching was a joy, and we were all highly motivated.”

Family man Henri-Lucien Grondin recalls: “We always encouraged the children to pioneer. The circuit overseers made us aware of the importance of giving Jehovah our best. Henri-Fred, our eldest, is now 40 years of age and has made the full-time service his career.”

“Our congregation had a large group of zealous youngsters,” reminisces Henri-Fred. “Some were baptized, but others, like me, were not. During our school vacations, we all spent 60 hours in the ministry anyway. We never lost sight of our spiritual goals, and today I serve in the circuit work, accompanied by my wife, Evelyne.”

DEMON OPPOSITION

Spiritism is common in Réunion. “In the village of La Montagne,” recalls Jeannine Corino (formerly Pégoud), “I met a man who said that he would put a curse on me by sticking pins into a doll. I did not understand what he was talking about, so I asked my Bible student to explain. ‘The man is a witch doctor,’ she said, ‘and he is going to invoke the spirits to hurt you.’ I assured her that Jehovah protects those who fully trust in him. Needless to say, no harm befell me.”

A brother recalls that when he was a child, his family conducted séances. In 1969 he met Jehovah’s Witnesses and began to study the Bible. However, the demons tried to discourage him by making him deaf when he came to the meetings. Nevertheless, he not only kept coming but also had the talks recorded so that he could play them at home. Before long, the demons left him alone, and soon thereafter he began to share in the field service.​—Jas. 4:7.

In 1996, Roséda Caro, a Pentecostal woman, started to study the Bible with the Witnesses. Earlier she had lost her sight because she had taken the advice of her church friends and stopped taking medication for her diabetes. Her husband, Cledo, who was involved with the local Communist party, was feared in the community because of his violent temper. He also practiced witchcraft, participated in Hindu ceremonies, and later became a Pentecostal.

When Roséda began to study, Cledo opposed her and even threatened the congregation elders. But Roséda did not cower. Some months later, Cledo was taken to a hospital, where he fell into a coma. When he eventually regained consciousness, two Witnesses brought him some soup, which he thought was for his wife.

“No, Mr. Caro, the soup is for you!” said the sisters.

“That touched me deeply,” recalls Cledo. “No Pentecostal had visited me, yet two of Jehovah’s Witnesses​—the very people I had strongly opposed—​brought me a meal. ‘Jehovah, the God of my wife, really does exist,’ I said to myself. Then I offered a silent prayer, asking that Roséda and I be united in our beliefs.”

Cledo did not make this humble request on the spur of the moment. Before he became ill, his attitude had softened somewhat and he had allowed his wife to study at a neighbor’s house. Then one day he said to Roséda and the sister studying with her: “It’s not good that you study there. Come to our house.” The women did just that. But unbeknownst to them, Cledo listened in from the next room and liked what he heard. Although Cledo was illiterate, when he recovered from his illness, he studied twice a week and was baptized in 1998. Despite health problems that often accompany old age, Cledo and Roséda continue to serve God faithfully.

REACHING THE INTERIOR

A small percentage of Réunion’s population lives away from the coast in deep valleys hemmed in by steep mountains rising 4,000 feet [1,200 m] or more. Others live high up in the vast, verdant calderas of a massive but extinct volcano. Some of these people rarely, if ever, see the ocean. The caldera Cirque de Mafate, for example, is accessible only by foot or by helicopter.

Louis Nelaupe, a descendant of African slaves, grew up in Cirque de Mafate. As a young man, he helped carry the Catholic priest on a litter. Louis eventually moved to Saint-Denis, where he came into the truth. Naturally, he wanted to share his newfound beliefs with his relatives. So one day in 1968, Louis and his wife, Anne, and two other sisters, aged 15 and 67, set off on foot for the interior. They took a knapsack along with a suitcase and a briefcase full of literature.

Initially, they walked along a riverbed and then up a narrow, winding mountain path. In places, there was a sheer rock face on one side and a precipice on the other. They preached at every dwelling along the way. “That night,” says Louis, “Jehovah provided for us by means of the only storekeeper in the district. He gave us a two-room cabin complete with beds and kitchen. In the morning, we set off again, our route taking us over the brow of a 4,500-foot-high [1,400 m] mountain into the caldera, a vast, natural amphitheater.

“Eventually, we arrived at the home of an old friend, who showed us hospitality. The next day, we left some baggage with him, and we pressed on toward our destination, sustaining ourselves with small guavas that grew wild and preaching to humble folk who had never before heard the Kingdom message. We arrived at the house of a relative at 6:00 p.m. Happy to see us, she prepared a tasty chicken dinner, reminding us of Abraham and Sarah, who fed God’s angels. (Gen. 18:1-8) Of course, we witnessed to her while she cooked. Finally, at 11:00 p.m., we ate.

“On the following day, Thursday, we worked our way around the basin, dining on guavas and visiting all the homes we could find. One kind man offered us coffee, and we were able to rest a little​—our feet, that is, not our tongues! Indeed, this man so enjoyed our Bible discussion that he accompanied us to all the homes within a mile of his, playing his harmonica as we walked.

“Finally, we circled back to where we had left our luggage and stayed there overnight. By the time we arrived back at our homes late on Friday, the four of us​—including our dear 67-year-old sister—​had walked about 100 miles [150 km], visited 60 homes, and placed over 100 pieces of literature. Oh, yes, we felt tired physically, but we were refreshed spiritually. For me, of course, the trek to Cirque de Mafate was also a return to my roots.”

FROM TWO PUBLISHERS TO FIVE CONGREGATIONS

In 1974, Christian Pégoud and his mother moved to the southern town of La Rivière, which had no congregation at the time. “We used our garage for the meetings, and soon 30 people began to attend,” says Christian, who was now 20 years old. “I started a study with a woman and her daughter, Céline, who was engaged to Ulysse Grondin. A militant Communist, Ulysse did not want his fiancée to study with us. However, Céline convinced Ulysse to listen to us, and Mother went to see him and his parents. Much to our delight, they listened to Mother and liked what they heard. The whole family started to study, and in 1975, Ulysse and Céline were baptized and married. Ulysse was eventually appointed an elder.”

Christian continues: “Besides La Rivière, our territory included the inland communities of Cilaos, Les Avirons, Les Makes, and L’Étang-Salé. We found much interest at Les Makes. Above the village is Le Cap, a section of the rim of an extinct volcano. From there, on a clear morning, one can see a vast, verdant amphitheater over a thousand feet [300 m] below.”

A family by the name of Poudroux lived on a small holding near the foot of Le Cap. The firstborn, Jean-Claude, reminisces: “My four brothers, five sisters, and I helped Father grow vegetables for the market. He also grew and distilled geraniums in order to produce an essence used in perfume. We walked three miles [5 km] to school in the local village, often carrying garden produce with us. Coming home, we sometimes carried about 20 pounds [10 kg] of groceries​—all on our heads.

“Father was a hard worker, and we respected him for that. But like many, he drank heavily, and when under the influence, he became violent. My siblings and I often witnessed nasty scenes at home, and we feared for our family’s future.”

Jean-Claude continues: “In 1974 a pioneer contacted me. I was working as a schoolteacher in La Rivière. Because of the hypocrisy and injustices I had seen in the churches, I was more or less an atheist. Still, I was impressed when the brother used the Bible to answer all my questions. My wife, Nicole, and I began to study. We also visited my family to share Bible truth with them, often talking late into the night with my siblings. Sometimes my parents would listen in.

“Before long, my brothers Jean-Marie and Jean-Michel and my sister Roseline began to come regularly to our home to sit in on our study. We all progressed spiritually, became publishers, and were baptized together in 1976. Sadly, Father accused me of wrongly influencing my siblings and stopped talking to me. He even became belligerent to the point that I had to avoid him in public!

“Even though she was illiterate, Mother began to study. And I am happy to report that Father eventually softened in his attitude. In fact, he began to study the Bible in 2002. Today, 26 members of our family are baptized. They include my nine siblings and me, our marriage mates, and our mother, who is still zealous despite her advanced age. Jean-Michel and Jean-Yves served for a while as circuit overseers but had to stop for health reasons. Both are congregation elders, and Jean-Yves is also a pioneer, along with his wife, Roséda. My eldest son and I serve as elders.”

When Christian Pégoud and his mother arrived in 1974, La Rivière and the surrounding towns had no congregations, but now there are five. One is in the town of Cilaos, high up in Cirque de Cilaos and famous for its mountain springs and thermal spa. How did the Cilaos Congregation begin? Every Thursday from 1975 to 1976, publishers from La Rivière traveled up the 23-mile [37 km], narrow, winding road​—notorious for rockfalls—​to Cilaos and preached until about 5:00 p.m. Their efforts bore fruit, for now there are about 30 publishers in the town, and they have their own Kingdom Hall.

SPIRITUAL PROGRESS IN THE SOUTH

For good reason, locals label the southern part of Réunion “the wild south.” Huge waves explode in white fury along the rather barren coast, which is dominated by Réunion’s active volcano, Piton de la Fournaise (Peak of the Furnace). Saint-Pierre is the largest town in the area. Special pioneers Denise Mellot and Lilliane Pieprzyk were assigned there in the late 1960’s. Later, as interest developed, special pioneer Michel Rivière and his wife, Renée, joined the two sisters.

An early Bible student in the area was Cléo Lapierre, a builder who came into the truth in 1968. “The first meeting I attended was held under a big tree,” says Cléo. “The ‘Kingdom Hall’​—a ten-foot by ten-foot [3 m by 3 m] shed—​was being demolished to make way for a larger building, which I was able to share in constructing.”

That same year Cléo, who was in the army reserves, was called up to do military service. “With the little Bible knowledge I had,” relates Cléo, “I wrote to the authorities, explaining my now neutral position. They did not reply, so I went to the army base in Saint-Denis, on the other side of the island, to investigate the matter. An officer told me to go home but to prepare to go to prison. Hence, I prayed frequently and studied diligently. Before long, I was called back to the base. When I arrived, I asked the brother who rode there with me to wait for an hour. ‘If I’m not back by then,’ I said, ‘I will most likely not be coming back. In that case, please sell my car and give the money to my wife.’

“When I went inside, I observed officers arguing over what to do with me. After about 45 minutes, a sergeant approached me.

“‘Get out of my sight!’ he said. ‘Go home.’

“I had walked no more than 50 yards [45 m] when he called me back. In a changed tone, he said: ‘I admire you people. I heard about Jehovah’s Witnesses in France, but you are the first one I’ve met.’

“At the time, I was the only brother in Saint-Pierre, so I conducted all the congregation meetings. However, I did receive help from time to time, and in 1979 the missionary couple Antoine and Gilberte Branca arrived.”

KINGDOM HALL CONSTRUCTION

At first, congregations and groups usually met in modified houses and private homes. Because of frequent cyclones, however, sturdier structures were needed. But buildings made out of masonry are expensive, and they take a lot longer to construct. Still, Jehovah’s hand is not short, and in time, such Kingdom Halls began to appear in Réunion.​—Isa. 59:1.

In the town of Saint-Louis, for example, a young brother was taking a course in masonry when the congregation received the plans for their new Kingdom Hall. The brother witnessed to his instructor, told him about the hall, and explained that it would be built by volunteers. How did the teacher respond? He brought the class to the site for some practical training! The class helped dig the footings, and the teacher later donated steel for the foundation.

The brothers arranged to pour the 2,000-square-foot [190 sq m] slab of concrete on a public holiday, and over a hundred eager volunteers arrived early for the work. For some reason, however, the town had turned off the water supply! Not short on initiative, a brother who knew the chief of the fire department explained the predicament to this kind man, who promptly sent a fire truck with enough water for the job.

When the Kingdom Hall was completed, a newly interested man, impressed by the brothers and their work, pulled out his checkbook and donated nearly enough for a new sound system. While visiting Mauritius in December 1988, Carey Barber of the Governing Body came to Réunion to deliver the dedication talk. The first quickly built Kingdom Hall was completed in 1996 in St.-Gilles-les Bains. Today, the island has 17 Kingdom Halls serving 34 congregations.

WHERE TO HOLD CIRCUIT ASSEMBLIES?

The work in Réunion got off to such a good start that it was a challenge to find places that were big enough for assemblies. In 1964, the brothers planned their first local circuit assembly. After months of searching, however, they could find only one place​—an upstairs restaurant in Saint-Denis. The building was old, expensive to rent, and made out of timber. The owners said that it would hold the weight of over 200 people, the expected attendance.

Left with no choice, the brothers booked the restaurant, and a favorably disposed man contributed a loudspeaker system. When the day arrived and the brothers began to fill the building, the floor creaked and groaned, but it held. The attendance on Sunday was 230, and 21 were baptized.

Soon thereafter, Louis Nelaupe, the brother who had grown up in Cirque de Mafate, kindly offered space on his land in Saint-Denis for the construction of a temporary Assembly Hall. With a simple, open design, the structure had a wooden frame, an iron roof, and walls of plaited palm leaves.

The first assembly held there was a three-day district convention. “On the first morning,” recalls delegate Myriam Andrien, “we went out in service and came back to a hot lunch​—a real Creole meal of rice, beans, and chicken with hot chili peppers thrown in. For palates not accustomed to hot peppers, the cooks prepared a rougail marmaille, or children’s chutney.”

The Assembly Hall was extended as attendances grew, and it also served as a Kingdom Hall. In time, the families that rented homes that were on that piece of property left, and Louis donated all the land to the congregation. The site now boasts a handsome brick Kingdom Hall, which is shared by two congregations in Saint-Denis.

In 1997 an Assembly Hall was completed in the town of La Possession on a parcel of land purchased five years earlier. The building has open sides, and a baptism pool is incorporated into the platform. Able to accommodate 1,600, the hall is used at least 12 times a year for assemblies and conventions. Next to it is a missionary home that can accommodate nine people. It includes a literature depot and an office for the Réunion field.

WHERE TO HOLD DISTRICT CONVENTIONS?

Before the brothers had their own Assembly Hall, they rented the Olympic Stadium in Saint-Paul for district conventions. Even so, they often had to go elsewhere at the last minute because of sports or cultural events that received priority. In time, the municipality asked the brothers to use the exposition grounds next to the stadium. Set aside for fairs and exhibitions, this area has no seating or covering, so delegates had to bring their own chairs and sunshades. As a result, those on the platform looked out over, not a sea of attentive faces, but a mass of multicolored umbrellas.

“Once, the municipality double booked the grounds,” writes the Réunion office. “The other party was a musical group from Martinique who played zouk​—a blend of African rhythms, reggae, and calypso. Favoring the zouk group, the officials offered us a recreation area called The Cave of the First Frenchmen, the spot where the first French settlers landed. The setting was beautiful, with a backdrop of high cliffs and many shady trees, but there were no seats, very few restrooms, and no stage.

“This time, though, we were glad to be there, for on the Saturday evening of the convention, a storm rolled in and lightning knocked out the entire electric system at the stadium, ending the zouk concert. Three miles [5 km] down the road, we were unaffected. Locals even talked of ‘God’s judgment’ over the affair.”

ORGANIZATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS

On June 22, 1967, the legal entity Association Les Témoins de Jéhovah (Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses) was established. In February 1969 the island received its first local circuit overseer, Henri Zamit, who was born in Algeria and raised in France. His circuit included the six congregations in Réunion and the four in Mauritius as well as a number of isolated groups. Today, Réunion alone has two circuits.

In 1975 the 22-year ban on The Watchtower was lifted in France, and the brothers promptly made use of this magazine in the Réunion field. They had been using the publication Bulletin intérieur. Printed in France, it contained the same information published in The Watchtower but was not placed with the public. In January 1980 the France branch began printing a French edition of Our Kingdom Ministry that was tailored to the needs of Réunion and other islands in that area. Also, for the benefit of people who speak Réunion Creole, certain publications​—including tracts, brochures, and the books Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life and Worship the Only True God—​have been translated into this language. These fine spiritual provisions have aided the advancement of the good news in this remote part of the world.

Yes, in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, Réunion is a mere speck. But what a mighty shout of praise has ascended to God from there! This calls to mind the words of the prophet Isaiah: “In the islands let them tell forth even [Jehovah’s] praise”! (Isa. 42:10, 12) In telling forth that praise, may Jehovah’s Witnesses in Réunion continue to be as constant and faithful as the big blue waves that roll in endlessly on the island’s volcanic shores.

[Box/​Maps on page 228, 229]

OVERVIEW​—Réunion

Land

About 40 miles [65 km] long and 30 miles [50 km] wide, Réunion is the largest of the Mascarene Islands​—Mauritius, Réunion, and Rodrigues. Near the center of the island are three inhabited, well-vegetated calderas called cirques, or steep-walled basins, which were formed by the collapse of a massive, ancient volcano.

People

The 785,200 inhabitants are mainly of mixed African, Chinese, French, Indian, and Southeast Asian descent. About 90 percent are Catholic.

Language

French is the official language, but Réunion Creole is the common tongue.

Livelihood

The economy is largely based on sugarcane and its products, such as molasses and rum, as well as on tourism.

Food

Principal foods are rice, meat, fish, beans, and lentils. Besides sugarcane, crops include coconuts, lychees, papayas, pineapples, cabbages, lettuces, tomatoes, and vanillas.

Climate

Situated slightly above the Tropic of Capricorn, Réunion is tropical and humid with regional variations in rainfall and temperature. Cyclones are common.

[Maps]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

Madagascar

Rodrigues

Mauritius

Réunion

RÉUNION

SAINT-DENIS

La Montagne

La Possession

Le Port

Saint-Paul

St.-Gilles-les Bains

CIRQUE DE MAFATE

CIRQUE DE SALAZIE

Cilaos

CIRQUE DE CILAOS

Saint-Leu

Le Cap

Les Makes

Les Avirons

L’Étang-Salé

La Rivière

Saint-Louis

Saint-Pierre

Saint-Philippe

Piton de la Fournaise

Saint-Benoît

Saint-André

[Pictures]

Photo taken from space

Lava flow

Saint-Denis

[Box on page 232, 233]

A Brief History of Réunion

Early Arab sailors called the island Dina Morgabin (Western Island). When Portuguese navigators discovered the still uninhabited island in the early 1500’s, they named it Santa Apollonia. Frenchman Jacques Pronis claimed Santa Apollonia for France in 1642 when he deported 12 mutineers there from Madagascar. In 1649 it was renamed Île Bourbon, after the French royal house. When the House of Bourbon fell in 1793 during the French Revolution, the island was named Réunion, commemorating the union of the Paris National Guard with revolutionaries from Marseille. After more changes, Réunion was readopted as the name in 1848. In 1946, the island became an overseas department of France.

In the early 1660’s, France founded a colony on the island and established coffee and sugar plantations, the workers being slaves shipped in from East Africa. After the abolition of slavery in 1848, France brought in indentured servants, mostly from India and Southeast Asia. The island’s present mixed population stems largely from these groups. In the early 1800’s, coffee-growing waned and sugarcane became the main export crop.

[Box/​Pictures on page 236, 237]

From Bodybuilder to Special Pioneer

LUCIEN VÉCHOT

BORN 1937

BAPTIZED 1961

PROFILE Once a well-known bodybuilder, he served as a special pioneer from 1963 to 1968 and has served as an elder since 1975.

ON A memorable day in 1961, I went to my friend Jean’s home to “rescue” him from Jehovah’s Witnesses. Jean’s wife had asked me over, afraid that the false prophets, as she called the Witnesses, might become argumentative and assault her husband!

‘If they lay a hand on him,’ I said to myself, ‘I’ll beat them up.’ But they were pleasant and reasonable and showed no hint of aggression. Soon I became engrossed in a discussion about the cross, in which the Witnesses showed clearly from the Bible that Jesus had died on a simple pole, or stake.

Later, I asked what the prophet Daniel meant when he spoke of Michael the archangel “standing” in behalf of God’s people. (Dan. 12:1) The Witnesses explained from the Scriptures that Michael is, in fact, Jesus Christ and that he has been “standing,” or ruling as King of God’s Kingdom, since the year 1914. (Matt. 24:3-7; Rev. 12:7-10) I was amazed at these answers and at the Witnesses’ knowledge of the Bible. From then on, whenever the Witnesses were in the area, I seized the opportunity to discuss God’s Word with them. I even followed them from door to door and joined in their discussions. Before long, I began to associate with the isolated group that met in Saint-André.

At my first meeting, even though I could not read well, I read some of the paragraphs in the Bulletin intérieur, which, at the time, we used instead of The Watchtower. Then, immediately after my baptism, I was asked to conduct the book study because no other brothers were available. ‘But how do I conduct the book study?’ I wondered. Aware of my anxiety and uncertainty, Jeannine Pégoud kindly suggested that she read the paragraphs and I ask the printed study questions. So that’s what we did, and the study went well.

When Milton Henschel visited Réunion in 1963, he encouraged those eligible to consider special pioneer service. I wanted to give my all to Jehovah, so I filled out the application and was accepted. My assignment was the city of Saint-André, where, in time, I conducted nine Bible studies.

The fledgling congregation met in the home of Jean Nasseau. When Jean broke his hip in a car accident, I took care of the congregation for six months. This meant giving talks, conducting the Theocratic Ministry School and Service Meeting, and preparing reports for the branch office​—all of which gave me additional valuable experience.

In the territory, we had to battle superstition, which stemmed from a confusing blend of Catholicism and Hinduism. Still, people responded to the good news. In fact, in one family at least 20 members came into the truth. Today, there are five congregations in the Saint-André area.

[Box/​Pictures on page 238]

My Faith Was Tested by Ridicule

MYRIAM THOMAS

BORN 1937

BAPTIZED 1965

PROFILE Has pioneered since 1966.

WHEN my cousin Louis Nelaupe and I started preaching in 1962, we were invited in at almost every door. People would offer us coffee, lemonade, and even rum! Before long, however, the clergy influenced many to change their attitude. Some householders mocked us, at times using deliberate corruptions of God’s name. In one town, people threw stones at us.

As a result, some of us stopped using God’s name in the ministry. The circuit overseer noticed this and inquired about it. When we explained our reasons to him, we felt a little ashamed. In a kind way, though, he counseled us and encouraged us to be more courageous. We deeply appreciated this, viewing his words as discipline from Jehovah. (Heb. 12:6) Indeed, without God’s patience, mercy, and holy spirit, I would have stopped pioneering long ago. Instead, I have been able to devote over 40 precious years to the pioneer service.

[Box/​Picture on page 246, 247]

Jehovah Supported Me Through Trials

SULLY ESPARON

BORN 1947

BAPTIZED 1964

PROFILE One of the first in Réunion to be baptized, he spent three years in prison because he would not join the military.

WHEN I accepted the truth at age 15, my parents put me out of the house. But that did not weaken my determination to serve Jehovah. I started regular pioneering in 1964 and special pioneering in 1965. I also had the privilege of sharing in the oversight of the congregations in Saint-André and Saint-Benoît. Jean-Claude Furcy and I regularly cycled between the two, which had 12 and 6 publishers respectively.

In 1967, I was called up for military service. I explained that as a Christian, I could not take up arms. Nevertheless, because mine was the first case of its kind in Réunion, the authorities neither understood nor accepted my position. In fact, an officer beat me in front of about 400 recruits and then took me, now limping, to his office. He laid a uniform on his desk and told me to put it on, otherwise he would beat me again. Nearly six feet [1.8 m] tall and well built, he towered over me. Still, I mustered up courage and said, “If you hit me again, I will file an official complaint because France guarantees freedom of religion.” Fuming, he stepped toward me but restrained himself. Then he took me to the commanding officer, who said that I would do three years of hard labor in France.

I did the three years, but in Réunion. And it was not hard labor. After sentencing me, the judge invited me into his office. Smiling, he shook my hand and sympathized with me, explaining that as judge, he had to apply the law. The assistant prison director too was friendly toward me and arranged for me to work in the courtroom. He even came with me to the visitors’ area to meet my parents and a member of the congregation.

Initially, I shared a cell with 20 to 30 others, but then I was put in a cell for 2, which gave me more freedom. I requested an electric light and, amazingly, received one. Normally, electric items are forbidden because inmates might try to electrocute themselves. Thanks to my lamp, I could study the Bible and also complete a correspondence course in accounting. When I was released in 1970, a judge kindly found work for me.

[Box on page 249]

The Threat of Cyclones

In February 1962, Cyclone Jenny swept across both Réunion and Mauritius, transforming the surrounding Indian Ocean into a foaming monster that flooded coastal areas, especially on Réunion. In Saint-Denis, buildings were damaged, trees were stripped of leaves, and roads were littered with broken branches. Electric poles leaned at dangerous angles, and cables dangled on the ground. Amazingly, the small Kingdom Hall was undamaged. The cyclone took 37 lives, injured 250, and left thousands without shelter. At the time, the brothers were attending an assembly on Mauritius, which was not hit as hard. Although they could not return home for a few days, at least they survived unscathed.

In 2002, Cyclone Dina caused a landslide that blocked the road to Cilaos for three weeks. The Réunion office quickly arranged to send in a four-wheel-drive vehicle loaded with supplies for the 30 brothers there. The vehicle joined a convoy of 15 others, with the police taking the lead. Sections of paved road had been washed into a river, and the convoy had to drive down into the riverbed and back up onto the road. How the brothers in Cilaos rejoiced when the vehicle arrived!

[Chart/​Graph on page 252, 253]

TIME LINE​—Réunion

1955 Robert Nisbet visits in September.

1960

1961 A Witness family arrives from France and finds much interest.

1963 M. G. Henschel from world headquarters speaks to an audience of 155.

1964 Oversight of the work is transferred from France to Mauritius; 230 attend the first local circuit assembly.

1967 The legal entity Association Les Témoins de Jéhovah is registered.

1970

1975 Ban on The Watchtower is lifted in France.

1980

1985 Publisher figure exceeds 1,000.

1990

1992 Publisher figure exceeds 2,000. Branch purchases property in La Possession for the Réunion office, an Assembly Hall, and a missionary home.

1996 First quickly built Kingdom Hall is completed.

1998 First assembly is held in the new La Possession Assembly Hall.

2000

2006 About 2,590 publishers are active in Réunion.

[Graph]

(See publication)

Total Publishers

Total Pioneers

3,000

2,000

1,000

1960 1970 1980 1990 2000

[Full-page picture on page 223]

[Picture on page 224]

Adam Lisiak preached in Réunion for a month, 1959

[Picture on page 224]

Noémie Duray, Jeannine Pégoud, and her son, Christian, on their way to Réunion, 1961

[Picture on page 227]

Le Port Kingdom Hall, 1965

[Picture on page 230]

Open-air buses were rented for preaching trips, 1965

[Picture on page 230]

Josette Bonnecaze

[Picture on page 235]

Jeannine Corino

[Picture on page 235]

Witnessing in Saint-Paul, 1965

[Picture on page 243]

Cléo Lapierre

[Pictures on page 244, 245]

Louis and Anne Nelaupe witnessed in isolated villages and dined on guavas along the way

Cirque de Mafate

[Picture on page 248]

The finished Kingdom Hall in Saint-Louis, 1988

[Pictures on page 251]

Assemblies and Conventions

The first local circuit assembly was held in an upstairs restaurant, 1964

The Cave of the First Frenchmen, a district convention site

Temporary meeting place, Saint-Denis, 1965