YEARBOOK

OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
Containing Report for the Service Year sf 1963

Corporate Publislters
W A T C H T O W E R B I B L E & T R A C T SOCIETY
OF PENNSYLVANIA
W A T C H T O W E R B I B L E A N D T R A C T SOCIETY
O F N E W Y O R K , INC.
INTERNATIONAL

B I B L E S T U D E N T S ASSOClATlON

124 Columbia Heights

Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201, U.S.A.

Branch offices appear on last page

Copyright, 1963, by
Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society of Pennsylvania
Made in the United States of America

WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY

OF PENNSYLVANIA
OFFICERS
N. H. KNORR
President
F. W. FRANZ

Vice-President
GRANT SUITER
Secretary-Treasurer

WATCHTOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY

OF NEW YORK, INC.
OFFICERS
N. H. KNORR

President

B. W. FRANZ
Vice-President
GRANT SUITER
Secretary-Treasurer

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

OFFICERS
N. H. KNORR

President
4 . PRYCE HUGHES
Vice-President
E. C . CHITTY
Secretary-Treasurer

GRANT SUITER
Asst. Secretary-Treasurer

INDEX O F
Page
Aden K - 2 2
110
Afghanistan 6 - 2 4
225
Alaska A-49
92
274
Albania F-19
Algeria H - 1 7
152
254
Andorra F - 1 7
238
Angola 8-19
Anguilla J-10
199
93
Argentina P-9
209
Aruba K - 9
Australia M - 3 1
95
97
Austria E-18
Azores 6 - 1 4
239
98
Bahamas H - 8
195
Bahrain Islands H - 2 2
Barbados 1-10
267
Basutoland P-20
249
249
Bechuanaland 0-19
Belgium E-17
99
Bequia J-10
267
159
Berlin D - 1 8
Bermuda 6 - 9
88
101
Bolivia N-9
Bonaire K - 9
210
Brazil M - 1 1
102
British Guiana K - 1 0
105
106
British Honduras J-7
B r i t i r l ~ Isles D - 1 6
107
Bulmaria F - 2 0
274
112
Burma 8 - 2 9
Cambodia D - 2 9
263
113
Cameroun L-18
Canalla D-4
115
Canary Islands H - 1 5
255
Cape Verde Islands 1-14
240
Garriacou K - 1 0
268
Cayman Islands J-8
185
Central African Republic K - 1 9
123
Ceylon K - 2 5
117
119
Chile P - 8
China 6 - 3 2
120
Colombia L - 8
121
Communist and Difficult Countries . . 2 7 3
126
Congo (Leopoldville) 1 - 1 9
Congo Republic (Brazzaville)
L-18 1 2 2
213
Cook Islands P - 4 1
Costa Rica K - 7
128
129
Cuba H - 8
Cyprus 6 - 2 0
131
Czechoslovakia E-19
274
217
Dahomey K - 1 7
132
Denmark D-18

.................
...........
...............
..............
...............
..............
...............
..............

..............
................
.............
..............
................
...............
.........
..............
.............
...........
..............
...............
................
...............
................
...............
...............
..........
..........
............
..............
...............
.............
..............
................
..........
........
.............
...........
....
...............
.................
................
...............
......
...........
..............
.................
...............
..........
..............
..............

Page

.............. 1 9 9
........ 135
................1 3 6
................. 138
. . . . . . . . . . . . .1 4 0
.. 2 7 7

Dominica 1-10
Dominican Republic J - 9
Ecuador L - 8
Eire D - 1 6
E l Salvador 1-7
Ethiopia and Eritrea K - 2 1 J - 2 1
Falkland Islands R-10
Faroe Islands C-16
Fernando Po L - 1 8
F i l i N-38
Finland 6 - 2 0
France E.17
French Guiana I(-11
Gabon. Republic of L-18
Gambla K - 1 5
Germany E-18
Germany. East E - 1 8
Ghana K - 1 7
Gibraltar 6 - 1 6
Gilbert and Ellice lslands K - 3 9 M-39
Greece F - 1 9
Greenland A-12
Grenada K - 1 0
Guadeloupe J-10
Guam 6 - 3 6
Guatemala 1-7
Guinea. Republic of K - 1 5 . . . . . . .
H a i t i J-9
Hawaii I(-45
Honduras K-7
Hong Konn C-32
Hu~igary E - 1 9
Iceland 8 - 1 5
India J - 2 5
Indonesia 6 - 3 9
Iran 6-23
Iraq 6 - 2 2
Israel 6 - 2 1
Italy F - 1 8
Ivory Coast K - 1 6
Jamaica J-8
Japan B - 3 6
Jordan H - 2 1
Kenya L - 2 1
Korea B - 3 5
Kuwait H - 2 2
Laos C-29
Lebanon 6 - 2 1
Leeward lslands (Antigua) J.10
Liberia K - 1 6
Libya H - 1 9
Liechtenstein E - 1 8

......... 2 7 1

. . . . . . . . . . .1 3 4
........... 2 1 7
.................1 4 2
............... 1 4 8
............... 150
..........166
....... 124
...............2 4 4
.............. 157
. . . . . . . . . . 275

...............1 5 9
.............. 111
144
............... 1 6 3

............. 134
.............. 268
............. 1 6 5
................ 89

.............. 1 6 7
245
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 6 9
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 7 0
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 7 1
............ 172

..............2 7 8
...............174
................1 7 5
............. 1 7 7
................ 1 9 5
................. 1 9 5
................ 1 7 9
................ 1 8 1
............ 1 6 1
................ 1 8 3
................1 8 6
............... 1 8 8
................1 9 0
................1 9 1
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 9 6
................
..............

264
193

.. 1 9 8
............... 2 0 1

................ 1 8 2
........... 260

COUNTRIES

............
..............

Luxernhouro E-17
Madeira 6-15
Malagasy Republic N-22
Malaya E-28
RZali. Repubiic of 1-16
Malta 6-18
lliirtinique 1-10
Nauritius N-23
Mexico H-5
Montserrat J-10
rdorocco 6-16
Mozambique 0-21
Netherlands D-18
Metllorlands An$illes
(Cura~ao) K-9
Nevis J-10
Now Britain I(-35
New Caledollia N-36
Wewfoundland E-10
New Guinea J-34
New Hebrides H-31
I c w Zez!and R-35
Nicaragua K-7
l i a z r i a K-17
h u e 0-40
North Borneo F-31
NorZhern Rhodesia N-19
Norway C-18
K;'asaland N1-20
Olinxwa D-34
Pakisian H-24
Panama K-8
Pacua K-34
Paraguay 13-10
Peru M-8
Phillgp;se Re~rilrlic E-32
Polarid E-19
Portugal F-16
Pcerto Rico J-9
Qatar H-22
fieanion 0-23
Rsaania F.20
$4, Ellstatiss J.10
St Helena N.16
st . l{insJ-10
St Lacia 1-10
5) l a a r t e n J-10

Page
202
240

........ 153
............... 246

........ 154
................ 111
............. 167
............. 204
................ 204
............. 199
.............. 206
............ 223
............

207

.......... 208
................. 200
............ 229
.......... 144
........... 211
............ 230
........... 145
........... 212
.............. 214
............... 215
................. 145
........... 247
........ 218
............... 221
............. 222
.............. 187
.............. 224
............... 226
...............227

.
.

............ 269
............... 90
........ 143
......... 147
............. 241

............. 247
....... 156
............ 213
............. 245

......... 231
............... 183
........... 247
........ 252
........ 251
................ 253
................ 91
.............. 255
............. 251
............... 256
............ 257

................ 197
............... 146
... 260
............ 219

....... 125
.............. 2G2
.............. 270
....... 162
................ 147
......... 242
.............. 265
....... 156

............... 281
.... 185
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191

.............. 232
................. 233
....... 235
............... 279
.............. 236
............. 241
................ 197

..

Page

St Vincent 1-10
Saiilan F - 3 6
Samoa. American N-40
Samoa. Western N-40
Sf10 Tom6 L-17
Sarawzk F-30
Senzgal Republic of K-15
Sierra Leone K-15
Sinpapote F-28
Solomon Islands L - 3 6
Somalia L-22
South Africa P-19
Southern Rhodesia N-20
Soul-8-West Africa 61-18
Spain F-16
Su~lan K-20
Surillam K-10
Swaziland 0-20
Sweden C-19
Switzerland E-18
Syria 6-21
T a h i t i 8-43
Taiwan. Republic of China 0-33
T a n ~ a n y i k a 1-20
Tchad. iiepubiic of 1-19
Thailand C-29
TcLago K-10
Togo!and Republic K-17
Tonga 0-30
Jortola (Br.V.1.) J-9
Trinidad K-10
Tuoiria. Republic of 6-18
Turkey 6-21
Tilrks and Caieos islands 16-9
Uganda L-20
Union of Soriet Socialist
Rapsblics 0-22
United Arab Repuhlic H-20
United Statcs of America 6-6
Uuaer Vo:ta K-17

.......... 282

..... 285

.............. 155
.............. 280
........... 250
200
............
.............. 200
............. 269
............ 201

.... 82
............ 163

.............. 270
.............. 271

..
Uruguay
P-10
Vellezuela
K-9
Vietnam 0-30

..............

265

...... 233
............ 256
............. 220

Virgin lslantls (U.S.)

Yugoslavia F-19
Zanzibar M-21

1-10

Service year chart. page 32

The lelter and number symbol following the n a c e of each country indicates the
country's location on the endsheet maps Numbers 1 t o 24 refer t o the front endsheet
and numbers 25 t o 50 to the back endsheet

YEARBOOK
OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
The Christian apostles Peter and John had been
in custody before. So being arrested and jailed
now was no new experience for them. But to have
an angel of Jehovah open the door of the prison
and tell them and their fellow apostles to be on
their way was something new. Such an experience
must have instilled confidence, strengthened their
faith and helped them in their fearless position
already taken against the religious leaders sf
Jerusalem. The religious leaders had shown fear
of this small band of Christian ministers and their
successful work. "The high priest and all those
with him, the then existing sect of the Sadducees,
rose and became filled with jealousy, and they laid
hands upon the apostles and put them in the public
place of custody." (Acts 5:17, 18) What had
these men said or done to arouse jealousy on the
part of these religionists and make them take
such action? Let us see.
It was not many days before this happening
that the apostles and others with them, 120 in all,
were "filled with holy spirit and started to speak
with different tongues, just as the spirit was
granting them to make utterance.'' (Acts 2:l-4)
It was on that very day of the Festival of Pentecost that Peter stood up with the eleven and spoke
to the men of Judah and to all the inhabitants of
Jerusalem. Peter told them about Jesus the Naza5

6
Yearbook
rene, how he had been fastened to a stake by the
hands of lawless men and killed, and how God had
resurrected Jesus by loosening the pangs of death.
Peter spoke fearlessly. He told the truth about the
inpaling of Jesus Christ outside Jerusalem fiftyone days previously. Listening attentively to the
words of Peter, that great crowd of people heard
his exhortation to repent. Peter said: "Repent,
and let each one of you be baptized in the name of
Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins, ar,d you
will receive the free gift of the holy spirit." "And
with many other words he bore thorough witness
and kept exhorting ihem, saying: 'Get saved from
this crooked generation.' " There were many there
who embraced Peter's words heartily and were
baptized, and on "that day about three thousaiid
souls were added. Aiid they continued devoting
themselves to the teaching of the apostles." (Acts
2:38-42) This great crowd of people that had come
to Jerusalem from many nations, some from as
far away as Rome, were in constant attendance a t
the temple day af'cer day listening to the truth
from God's Word. Before returning home they
were anxious to learn all they could about the fulfillment of prophecy and about this impaled one,
Jesus Christ, the Son of Jehovah God. How many
persons today are anxious to learn "all the sayings
about this life"? In our generation you can hardly
find a person who reads his Bible daily.
However, nineteen hundred years ago the temple area in Jerusalem, where Jesus did considerable preaching, was the center of attraction for
gaining the latest information. From Pentecost on,
the apostles were there busily giving out the most
important information? telling the truth concerning the kingdom of the heavens, the exaltation of
Christ Jesus to the right hand of God and the
promised holy spirit from the Father that was
being poured out daily upon believers. There was
much evidence oP the pouring out of this holy

Yearbook
7
spirit, because "Jehovah continued to join to them
daily those being saved." (Acts 2:47) The Christian religion was getting a real foothold. No wonder, then, that the Jewish religionists were getting
jealous.
The Bible account in the following chapter tells
us: "Now Peter and John were going up into the
temple for the hour of prayer, the ninth hour, and
a certain man that was lame from his mother's
womb was being carried, and they would daily
put him near the temple door." Here this crippled
man would "ask [for] gifts of mercy from those
entering into the temple." I t was quite natural,
then, for him to ask Peter and John for gifts of
mercy. Peter and John stopped and gazed a t this
lame man and said: "Take a look a t us." So the
man did and was surprised to hear Peter say:
"Silver and gold 1 do not possess, but what I do
have is what I give you: In the name of Jesus
Christ the Nazarene, walk!" Peter reached out
and took the lame man by the right hand and
raised him up. A miracle occurred! "Instantly the
soles of his feet and his ankle bones were made
firm; and, leaping up, he stood up and began walking, and he entered with them into the temple,
walking and leaping and praising God."-Acts
3 :1-8.
What a wonderful thing! Unbelievable, but
many people were coming into the temple and recognized that this one now walking about was the
same man who used to be lame. "Well, as the man
was holding onto Peter and John, all the people
ran together to them a t what was called Solomon's
colonnade, surprised out of their wits." (Acts 3:
11) This gave Peter a wonderful opportunity to
talk about Jesus Christ. He certainly did not want
them to believe that what had happened was due
to any personal power of his. Me said: "Men of
Israel, why are you wondering over this, or why
are you gazing a t us as though by personal power

Yearbook

or godly devotion we have made him walk? The

God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob, the
God of our forefathers, has glorified his Servant,
Sesus, whom you, for your part, delivered up and
disowned before Pilate's face, when he had decided to release him. Yes, you disowned that holy
and righteous one, and you asked for a man, a
murderer, to be frecEy granted to you, whereas
you killed the Chief Agent of life. But God raised
him up from the dead, of which fact we are witnesses. Consequently his name, by our faith in his
name, has made this man strong whom you behold
and know, and the faith that is through him has
given lhe man this complete soundness in the
sight of all of you. And now, brothers, I know that
you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers also
did. But in this way God has fulfilled the things
he announced beforehand through the mouth of
all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer. Repent, therefore, and turn around so as to get your
sins blotttcd out, that seasons of refreshing may
come from the person of Jehovah and that he may
send forth the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,
whom heaven, indeed, must hold within itselif until
the times of restoration of all things of which God
spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets of
old time." (Acts 3: 12-21) Do you believe what
Peter said then? Is your faith in Jesus Christ and
Jehovah God as strong as Peter's? Do you speak
to others about your Christian faith as plainly as
he did? If not, why not? Are you afraid that what
happened to Peter and John will happen to you?
Let us see what happened when the two apostles attracted great crowds by the miracle performed and by their freeness of speech: "Now
while the two were speaking to the people, the
chief priests and the captain of the temple and the
Sadducees came upon them, being annoyed because they were teaching the people and were
plainly declaring the resurrection from the dead

Yearbook

9
in the case of Jesus; and they laid their hands
upon them and put them in custody till the next
day, for it was already evening. However, many
of those who had listened to the speech believed,
and the number of the men became about five
thousand." (Acts 4:l-4) Of course, during the
previous days thousands of people had associated
themselves with these faithful followers of Christ
Jesus and had become Christians. The message of
Peter and John was making Jews repent, and they
were leaving the Jewish religion. Really, the ones
who should have accepted Christ Jesus were the
leaders among the people, namely, their rulers and
their priests. They knew the Scriptures and should
have seen the fulfillment of prophecy before their
very eyes, but these leaders were no more interested in God's kingdom and Christ Jesus in their
day than are the rulers and religious priests today.
The present-day religious clergy of Christendom
are acting just like the priests and Sadducees of
Jesus' time. The leaders of the masses try to keep
the people in line through threats and little irritations. They cannot find real fauIt with the individual Christian's excellent work, but what the
Christian does is not to their liking and reflects
on their prestige, so stop-scare them! What had
Peter and John done that was wrong and that led
to their being put in jail? The only thing that the
rulers could find fault with in Peter and John was
that they had told the truth to too many people
and did something good to a lame man. They had
healed that man, a man who had been lame from
the time of his birth and now was forty years old.
They had not asked permission from the rulers to
do this good deed and to preach the truth. Now
the way to stop them was to put them in jail for
a night. That should take the spirit of God out
of them, they thought.

10

Yearbook
INTIMIDATI[ON FAILS

This was the first time that Peter and John

were put into custody, held overnight in jail. This
intimidation did not disturb Peter and John a t all.
The next day when they were asked by the rulers,
"By what power or in whose name did you do
this?" here was what happened: "Then Peter,
filled with holy spirit, said to them: 'Rulers of the
people and older men, if we are this day being
examined, on the basis of a good deed to an ailing
man, as to by whom this man has been made well,
let it be known to all of you and to all the people
of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ the
Nazarene, whom you impaled but whom God
raised up from the dead, by this one does this man
stand here sound in front of you.' " Then they told
Annas the chief priest and Caiaphas, as well as
many others who were kinsfolk of the chief priest,
that they were the ones that rejected Jesus and
that "there is not another name under heaven tha.t
has been given among men by which we must get
saved." (Acts 4:7-12) Then Peter used a powerful
illustration. Re went back to the writings of David, quoting from Psalm 118:22. Peter pointed to
scripture in which they should believe and he
showed the fulfillment of prophecy. David had
written that the stone that the builders rejected
had beeor~ethe head of the corner. Would they
now listen when Peter said: "This is 'the stone
that was treated by you builders as of no account
that has become the head of the corner' " ? (Acts
4:11) Peter and John very likely had in mind the
words of the prophet Isaiah, too, who wrote:
"Therefore hear the word of Jehovah, you braggarts, . . . 'Here I am layifig as a foundation in
Zion a stone, a tried stone, the precious corner of
a sure foundation. No one exercising faith will get
panicky.' "-Isa. 28: 14,16.
Peter and John were not panicky but spoke
boldly to the Jewish rulers who had cried out to

Yearbook

11
PElate about Jesus: "Let him be impaled!" (Matt.
27:15-26) They showed their faith and courage
even though being in prison one night and then
being brought to stand before these august men.
This did not disturb their thinking. They were
there for a purpose-to speak fearlessly about the
true God and his Son, Jesus Christ, the only
"name under heaven that has been given among
4:12.
men by which we must get saved."-Acts
Peter and John were ordinary fishermen by
trade, and the people knew them as such. But it
could be seen that they had walked with Jesus,
had listened to his words and were trained by him.
They had something else, too-the
holy spirit
from God. All this would make them act differently from most persons. This difference was noticed by these rulers. "Now when they beheld the
oiltspokenness of Peter and John, and perceived
that they were men unlettered and ordinary, they
got to wondering. And they began to recognize
about them that they used to be with Jesus; and
as they were looking a t the man that had been
cured standing with them, they had nothing to
say in rebuttal."-Acts 4: 13,14.
The religious leaders, immediately having a
problem they did not know how to cope with, told
Peter and John to step outside the Sanhedrin hall,
and these "wise" men began to consult with one
another, saying: "What shall we do with these
men?" They certainly could not ignore or deny
what had happened. All the inhabitants of Jerusalem by now knew what had occurred. Fearing
the people, the rulers came to a conclusion: "Let
us tell them with threats not to speak any more
upon the basis of this name to any man at all."
-Acts 4 :15-17.
CLEE1eIa.A.L FEAB O F WITNESSES

Similar action has been taken today against

Christians in the nations of the earth that call

12

Yearbook

themselves Christian. Religious leaders get just as

fearful of the same message that true Christians,
Jehovah's witnesses, preach worldwide today.
They will do everything within their power to stop
the message of God's kingdom from being given.
For example, in Greece, in the summer of 1963,
the archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church,
Chrysostomos, threatened the Greek government
that he would organize a march from Salonika to
Athens if the convention of Jehovah's witnesses
was allowed to meet in Athens. He had his way,
as the DuQy American newspaper of July 26,1963,
pointed out: "The Greek government has banned
all public meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses, it was
announced today . . . Archbishop Chrysostomos,
primate of Greece, has led all Greek Orthodox
organizations in a general outcry against the Jehovah's Witnesses' rally, which he called a 'shameful congress of atheists and anarchists.' In a letter
to the prime minister, Panayotis Pipinelis, he said
unless the rally were banned, he would be compelled to 'defend everything sacred and to lead the
clergy and the people' In an all-out action against
the sect."
What was the archbishop afraid of, or, for that
matter, what are all the Greek Orthodox clergy
afraid of? Bible study? The distribution of the
Bible? Encouragement given to the Greelc people
to read the Bible? All the world knows that Jehovah's witnesses devote their time to aiding people around the world to read and understand the
Bible in their own language. Is that what the
archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church labels
atheism and anarchy, the study of the Word of
Cod? the preaching of the good news of God's
kingdom? Is he against having the Greek people
walk in the footsteps of Christ Jesus? Who really
is the anarchist, the disrupter of government?
Who wanted to make all people rise up and march

Yearbook
13
from Salonika to Athens and break up Jehovah's
witnesses' peaceful meeting?
The Greek Orthodox Church was successful in
its threats against the government and it was able
to dictate the action that the government of
Greece took, namely, cancel the approved meeting
of Jehovah's witnesses on July 30, 1963. In Jesus'
day Caiaphas, the high priest, and the howling
Jews shouted at the ruler, Pilate, "Let him be impaled!" Even Pilate, the ruler in the Roman province, did not want Jesus killed; but when he saw
that an uproar was arising, Pilate took water and
washed his hands before the crowd, saying: "I am
innocent of the blood of this man. You yourselves
must see to it." "At that all the people said in
answer: 'His blood come upon us and upon our
children.' Then he released Barabbas to them, but
he had Jesus whipped and handed him over to be
impaled." (Matt. 27:24-26) You hear the same
kind of cries today by false religionists against
true follov~erso l Jesus.
Desp?te all the outcries of the Greek clergy, Jehovah's witnesses in Greece increased by 9 percent
during the year 1963. There are now 10,507 of
Jehovah's witnesses, all Christians, preaching the
good news of God's kingdom. They have spent
more than 1,100,000 hours talking to persons interested in Bible study. Have the Greek Orthodox
clergy spent that imch time going from house to
house teaching the people of Greece the things
they learned from God's Word? Or, have they
speilt most of their time telling the people not to
listen to Jehovah's witnesses and seeing to it that
Jehovah's witnesses are arrested for teaching the
Bible to people who want to hear? Have the Greek
clergy gone to the homes of their parishioners
and conducted 4,245 Bible studies each week with
persons who want to know what the Bible contains? We wish they would! Jehovah's witnesses
did that in Greece in the year 1963.

14

Yearbook

In the days of the apostles, it was false religionists who tried to stop the faithful followers of
Christ from preaching the good news, and t0da.y
it is false religionists who are doing the same
thing. Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic and the
Protestant clergy are not training all their congregation members to be ministers; rather, their
members feel they should keep quiet and not say
a word about Jesus or his kingdom to anyone else.
I s that walking in the steps of Jesus Christ?
Returning to the account in Acts, we find that
the religious leaders called the apostles back into
their presence and "charged them, nowhere to
make any utterance or to teach upon the basis of
the name of Jesus. But in reply Peter and John
said to them: 'Whether it is righteous in the sight
of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge
for yourselves. But as for us, we cannot stop
speaking about the things we have seen and
heard.' "-Acts 4: 18-20.
So it must be today for every person who claims
to be a Christian. If your "church" does not encourage you to preach publicly and from house to
house about God's kingdom, then heed heaven's
command: "Get out of her . . . if you do not want
to share with her in her sins . . . and receive part
of her plagues." (Rev. 1 8 ~ 45)
, You must speak
about the things you have seen and heard in God's
Word. You cannot be silent! When, for instance,
the Greek Orthodox Church claims that no one
(in this case meaning Jehovah's witnesses) may
go about doing proselyting work, that is, preaching to other people about the Bible, they are going
absolutely contrary to the commandment of God
as stated in the Bible, God's Word. What were
Peter and John doing in Jerusalem? They were
preaching God's Word to the Jews, changing them
from one religion to another, from traditional
Jews to Christians. They were able to do i t be-

Yearbook
15
cause they were preaching the truth. Jehovah's
witnesses are doing a similar thing today.
Hitler, a Roman Catholic, the arm of his
church in Germany, forbade Jehovah's witnesses
to preach the kingdom of God, and these modernday Christians had to say to Hitler's Gestapo police: 'Whether it is righteous in the sight of God
to listen to you rather than to God, judge for
yourselves.' They kept preaching even though 10,000 of them were put in concentration camps and
over 4,000 died there. The rest nearly starved to
death. The war's end aided their survival.
In 1933 Hitler signed a concordat with the
Roman Catholic Church, even as Mussolini, the
head of the Italian government in his day, had
done. But even if the rulers of countries make
agreements with religious organizations, Jehovah's witnesses living in those countries cannot
forget God's Word. They must serve God, 'speaking about the things we have seen and heard.'
Even though these were threatened with death,
the rulers were unable to stop the preaching
activity of Jehovah's people. Today Hitler and
Mussolini are gone, but Jehovah's witnesses are
preaching in greater numbers than ever in their
countries. Today there are 78,045 ministers in
West Germany, and in Italy there are 7,801
witnesses of Jehovah telling out the good news.
No one ean destroy the truth. Truth is always
right, though everyone opposes it. The apostle
Paul said: "Let God be found true, though every
man be found a liar." (Rom. 3:4) Just because
Peter and John spoke the truth, saying they
healed a lame man in the name of Jesus, they
were jailed and threatened. Finally they were
released because the Jewish court "did not find
any ground on which to punish them and on
account of the people."--Acts 4: 26'22.
Peter and John hastened "to their own people
and reported what things the chief priests and

16
Yearbook
the older men had said to them." Then, all together, they raised their voices to God and said:
" 'Why did nations become tumultuous and peoples
meditate upon empty things? The kings of the
earth took their stand and the rulers massed
together as one against Jehovah and against his
anointed one.' Even so, both Herod and Pontius
Pilate with men of nations and with peoples of
Israel were in actuality gathered together in this
city against your holy servant Jesus, whom you
anointed."-Acts 4 :23-27.
Just as it was in the days of the apostles, so
Christians today must put up with the empty
things the rulers meditate on. Just because Jehovah's witnesses refuse to salute the flag of
Liberia under pressure by the army, Watch Tower Society missionaries were expelled from that
country. It is easy for the
president,
Tubman, to say "the Jehovah's Witnesses as a
sect are welcome in this country [Liberia] but
they will be required to conform to the law
requiring all persons to salute the flag when it
is being hoisted or lowered a t ceremonies in their
sight, or keep away from such ceremonies." ELI^
the question must be asked of the president:
How can Christians keep away from such a ceremony, which is idolatrous, when an army comes
to an assembly ground of Jehovah's witnesses
and at gunpoint makes everyone march to a
compound where a flag is raised and where force
is used to try to make everyone salute the flag
of the Republic of Liberia? Will that make the
individual a better Liberian or a better Christian?
This whole story appears in the Awake! magazine
of August 8, 1963. Has President Tubman put
himself in the class of Hitler and Mussolini?
The ruler in Haiti too expelled missionaries
who were carrying on a good work of preaching
God's kingdom and teaching the people to study
the Bible. In Spain Christian missionaries have

Yearbook

17

been expelled because of conducting Bible studies

in people's homes. The same is true of Portugal.
Meeting places in private homes of Jehovah's
witnesses in Roman Catholic Spain and Portugal
have been invaded, and many individuals have
been put in prison. Why? Because those people
were studying the Bible with other Christians.
So the rulers have taken their stand and have
massed together against Jehovah and against his
servants. They must certainly know that Jehovah's witnesses are not interested in upsetting
their governments or causing any disturbance to
them. The rulers further know that Jehovah's
witnesses are well-behaved people. Why must the
ruler be fearful? The only reason is that Jehovah's
witnesses preach the good news of God's kingdom.
Are you preaching this good news today? If
you are, you too are doing Christian work and
someday will be as much looked down upon by
false religionists as the apostles were. Do not be
surprised if i t happens to you. Christians can
expect such treatment. Jesus said: "You will be
haled before governors and kings for my sake, for
a witness to them and the nations."--Matt. 10 :18.
SPEAKING WITH BOLDNESS

Nineteen hundred years ago Peter and John

asked Jehovah God to "give attention to their
threats, and grant your slaves to keep speaking
your word with all boldness." This prayer God
answered right away, because "they were one and
all filled with the holy spirit and were speaking
the word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:29,31)
Jehovah did not show any partiality then, neither
does he now, for it is the same holy spirit, God's
active force, that each dedicated servant of God
wants so he can speak with the boldness necessary to keep on declaring the Word of God even
though threats come from archbishops, presidents
or dictators of countries, clergy or anyone else.

18
Yearbook
Because of "speaking the word of God with boldness" today Christians will have the same results
as Peter and John had, regardless of threats and
opposition. They, too, can joyfully say: "Believers
in the Lord kept on being added, multitudes both
of men and of women."-Acts
5: 14.
The people in Jerusalem were interested in truth
and wanted to hear what the apostles had to say.
But not so the false religionists! So again "the
high priest and all those with him, the then existing sect of the Sadducees, rose and became filled
with jealousy, and they laid hands upon the apostles and put them in the public place of custody."
(Acts 5:17, 18) This was the s e c o ~ dtime for
Peter and John, but they had company. The rest
of the apostles were locked up with them too.
Now something very unusual happened. The angel
of Jehovah stepped into the picture and did what
Jehovah toId him to do. The apostles were unafraid, being well acquainted with the words of the
psalmist: "The angel of Jehovah is camping all
around those fearing him, and he rescues them,"
and they would remember what Jesus said: "For
1 tell you that their angels in heaven always beheld the face of my Father who is in heaven."
(Ps. 34:7; Matt. 18:6,10) They also knew that
angels took a great interest in happenings on the
earth. They were acquainted with the facts of
the birth of Jesus when the shepherds were living
out of doors and watching their flocks. "And
suddenly Jehovah's angel stood by them, and
Jehovah's glory gleamed around them, . . . and
suddenly there came to be with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God." (Luke
2:9, 13) All these thoughts may have flashed
through their minds when "during the night Jehovah's angel opened the doors of the prison,
[and] brought them out."

Yearbook

19

Can you imagine the astonishment, the look

of amazement on their faces? The doors of the
prison opened. No protest came from the guards.
Here is an angel directing them out of the prison.
When they are all outside, the angel speaks: "Be
on your way, and, having taken a stand in the
temple, keep on speaking to the people all the
sayings about this life."-Acts
5 :20.
What could be more definite! The conimand
given to the apostles by the angel could not be
made any plainer than that. Some days earlier
they had asked Jehovah God to give attention to
the threats of the rulers "and grant your slaves
to keep speaking your word with all boldness."
When "they had made supplication, the place in
which they were gathered together was shaken;
and they were one and all filled with the holy
spirit and were speaking the word of God with
boldness." For doing this the whole group of
apostles were imprisoned this time. Now, here
is more assuranee that they had done the right
thing. An angel is pointing toward the temple:
"Be on your way, and, having taken a stand in
the temple, keep on speaking to the people all
the sayings about this life." What satisfaction
this must have meant to them!
The apostles had been in the temple day after
day doing what God told them to do, and thousands of people had heard them preach. There
a t the temple is where they belonged. There is
where Jehovah was going to keep them, despite
the religionists. What joy, what confidence, what
gratitude was theirs! They were right in what
they were doing! The religionists were wrong and
fighting against God. Here was a direct command
from Jehovah by his angel or messenger as to
what to do. Were they filled with zeal? 0 yes!
"After hearing this, they entered into the temple
5:21.
a t daybreak and began to teach."-Acts

20

Yearbook
EXTENDING T H E GOOD NEWS WORLDWIDE

There was no stopping the apostles then, and

there will be no stopping of Jehovah's witnesses
today, by Jehovah's undeserved kindness. Why?
Because the truth from God's Word must be
preached. Jehovah's witnesses have the very same
command that the apostles had. They have the
very same message from the Word of God arid
they believe it just as firmly today as did the
apostIes. The work of declaring this good news
of God's kingdom around the whole earth is
getting greater every year. This is no time for
Christians to be fearful. At Pentecost the Christians began preaching in Jerusalem, first a t the
upper
In time they took in all the Promised Land and then a much larger assignment,
an assignment Jesus said must be covered: "Go
therefore and make disciples of people of all
the nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit."
-Matt. 28 :19, 20.
Jehovah's witnesses today are trying hard to
accomplish the very thing that Jesus commanded
his followers to keep doing, namely, fulfill their
commission to disciple people of all nations. They
bear constantly in mind these words: "This good
news of the kingdarn will be preached in all the
inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations;
and then the end will come." (Matt. 24:14)
Jehovah's witnesses still seek angelic direction
but now go to God's written Word to see what
is to be done. We can see in our mind's eye what
John saw in vision: "And I saw another angel
flying in midheaven, and he had everlasting good
news to declare as glad tidings to those who dwell
on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and
tongue and people, saying in a loud voice: 'Fear
God and give him glory, because the hour of the
judgment by him has arrived, and so worship
the One who made the heaven and the earth and

Yearbook
21
sea and fountains of waters."' (Rev. 14:6, 7)
That is an assignment! Not just for the angel,
but for those who appreciate the work God wants
done on the earth.
Jehovah's witnesses today fully realize that
Jehovah God has used angels in times past, and
while they do not actually see the angel flying
in midheaven now, they do see through John's
vision that the message of this angel must be
declared today in its every detail. More than one
million proclaimers of the "everlasting good news"
are going from house to house around this earth
declaring glad tidings to everyone everywhere
regardless of his circumstances or nationality.
So what was happening back there in Jerusalem on a small scale with the angel freeing the
apostles and telling them to go into the temple
area, there to speak again, is occurring in these
last days on a worldwide scale. The angel in
midheaven is directing God's people to preach
the "everlasting good news," that everyone may
have the opportunity to "fear God and give him
glory." No one who is dedicated to Jehovah can
hesitate for a minute from telling all peoples to
"worship the one who made the heaven and the
earth."
The rulers and false religionists of the earth
today do not like Jehovah's witnesses to do this
any more than the rulers and priests did in the
days of the apostles. When Jehovah's witnesses
are arrested today they usually have to stay in
prison longer than the apostles experienced in
these accounts, but in God's due time they are
released. It took ten years or more to release
many of Jehovah's witnesses from the concentration camps in Hitler's tirne, but these Christians did get out; and today they are listening
to the angel flying in midheaven and, with their
brothers worldwide, are declaring the everlasting
good news as glad tidings.

22
Yearbook
Let us look a t our apostolic patternmalrers
again, our exemplars in good works. Right a t daybreak the apostles entered into the temple and
began to teach. Now when the high priest and
the Sadducees had got together and they assembled the older men of the sons of Israel, and they
sent out to the jail to have the apostles brought
to them, they learned from the officers that the
apostles were not there. These men reported to
the religious leaders: "The jail we found locked
with all security and the guards standing a t the
doors, but on opening up we found no one inside."
The angel had taken care of everything. After
he had opened the doors of the prison and had
brought the apostles out, then he closed them
again, locked them, and none of the guards knew
what had happened, except now they learned they
were guarding an empty prison. This was a disturbing situation for the captain of the temple
and for the chief priests. Just about this time,
when they were all worrying and were concerned
over what had taken place, a certain man arrived
and reported to thern: "Look! The men you put
in the prison are in the temple, standing and
teaching the people." This was where the angel
had instructed them to go and that is where they
went, to do the work God had directed them to
do. "Then the captain went off with his officers
and1 proceeded to bring" the apostles to this
religious crowd, "but without violence, as they
were afraid of being stoned by the people."
-Acts 5 :20-26.
OBEYING GOD RATHER THAN MEN

As the apostles stood before these rulers in the

Sanhedrin hall and heard the questions of the
high priest, they were not quivering and were
not EearfuI. They had the protection of Jehovah
God and of the unseen angels. Therefore after
the rulers said: "We positively ordered you not

Yearbook
23
to keep teaching upon the basis of this name, and
yet, look! you have filled Jerusalem with your
teaching, and you are determined to bring the
blood of this man upon us," Peter and the other
apostles said: "We must obey God as ruler rather
than men. The God of our forefathers raised up
Jesus, whom you slew, hanging him upon a stake.
God exalted this one as Chief Agent and Savior
to his right hand, to give repentance to Israel
and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of
these matters, and so is the holy spirit, which
God has given to those obeying him as ruler."
(Acts 5: 27-32) It took boldness to say what they
did to the rulers, but what they said was the
truth. They were Christians,
That is the very position every dedicated Christian must take today. Knowledge of Jehovah God
and his Son, Jesus, causes a Christian to declare
that Jesus Christ has been exalted as Chief Agent
and Savior and now sits a t the right hand of his
Father "until I [Jehovah] place your enemies
as a stool for your feet."-Acts 2:34-36.
Faithfulness to the Christian mission means
some inconveniences, threats, hardships and trials,
and perhaps even death in some instances. So
the priests and Sadducees felt ill-disposed toward
the apostles, as the record shows: "When they
heard this, they felt deeply cut and were wanting
to do away with them." (Acts 5:33) Sometime
later Stephen was stoned to death because he
spoke the truth. (Acts 7:54-60) In this modern
age we see like things happening when fanatics,
filled with the spirit of this world, object to the
ministry of Jehovah's witnesses. Still, when a
Christian knows he is right and is commissioned
to declare the "everlasting good news," he continues to preach the glad tidings with bold~ess.
During all this excitement back there in the
days of the apostles, a man of wisdom, a Pharisee
named Gamaliel, stood up and said: "Men of

24

Yearbook

Israel, pay attention to yourselves as to what

you intend to do respecting these men. For instance, before these days Theudas rose, s a y i ~ g
he himself was somebody, and a number of men,
about four hundred, joined his party. But he was
done away with, and all those who were obeying
him were dispersed and came to nothing. After
him Judas the Galilean rose in the days of the
registration, and he drew off people after him.
And yet that man perished, and all those who
were obeying him were scattered abroad. And
so, under the present circexmstances, I say to you,
Do not meddle with these men, but let them alone;
(because, if this scheme and this work is from
men, it will be overthrown; but if it is from God,
you will not be able to overthrow them;) otherwise, you may perhaps be found fighters actually
against God." At this they gave heed to Gamaliel,
"and they summoned the apostles, flogged them,
and ordered them to stop speaking upon the basis
of Jesus' name, and let them go." There should
be more men today like Gamaliel to counsel the
religious leaders and rulers as to the course they
should take.-Acts 5:35-40.
The flogging did not change matters for the
apostles. They had been beaten before. They had
been in prison before. They had been threatened
before. There was an unseen power backing them
up that the rulers did not recognize. It was
Jehovah God, his Son, Christ Jesus, and a multitude of angels, and the holy spirit that God
was sending to strengthen his earthly servants.
These faithful Christians, "therefore, went their
way from before the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because
they had been counted worthy to be dishonored
in behalf of his name. And every day in the
temple and from house to house they continued
without letup teaching and declaring the good
news about the Christ." Do you have that kind
of faith? Would you listen to an angel of Jehovah

Yearbook
25
and do what the apostles did? True Christians
5:41, 42.
will!-Acts
What joy the apostles had because they listened
to the angel! They moved out into greater fields
of service in vindication of Jehovah's name and
word. They strengthened the growing congregation of God in their day. Eventually, these
apostles along with many other faithful, tried
followers moved out illto other regions, not just
among the Jews, but among the Gentiles. These
others of every tribe and tongue and people were
given the opportunity of learning the truth and
"the sayings about this life" that Jesus had told
his followers about. The apostle Paul, writing to
the Corinthians, told of his keen interest in "the
sayings about this life" when he gave them his
wonderful argument in proof of the resurrection
of the dead.-1 Cor. 15:l-57.
Christians will now imitate those apostles who
did what God's angel told them to do. Jehovah's
angels today are directing his people in his organization throughout the earth as these declare
the message of everlasting good news. So take
courage. Share in the preaching work. Do i t with
boldness, having confidence in God's Word. "For
he will give his own angels a command concerning
you, to guard you in all your ways." (Ps. 9 1 : l l )
In proof of this Paul asks the question: "Are
they not all spirits for public service, sent forth
to minister for those who are going to inherit
salvation?" (Heb. 1:14) His question calls for
the answer Yes.
Are you, then, interested in salvation through
Christ Jesus? Peter and John were and said:
"There is no salvation in anyone else, for there
is not another name under heaven that has been
given among men by which we must get saved."
(Acts 4:12) If you have the faith a Christian
must have ill Christ Jesus, then in order to succeed in this fast-fading system of things you will

26
Yearbook
continue to pray to be "filled with the holy spirit"
and as a result you will be "speaking the word
4:31.
of God with boldness."-Acts
LOVE AND BOLDNESS LEAD TO LIFE

If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of

God and that ''there is not another name under

heaven that has been given among men by which
we must get saved," then you must certainly believe the words of Jesus and his apostles. Jesus
said: "If you love me, you will observe my commandments." (John 14:15) The logical conclusion,
then, is as stated by Jesus: "He that has my commandments and observes them, that one is he who
loves me. In turn he that loves me will be loved
by my Father." (John 14:21) So, when a disciple
keeps Jesus' commandments he shows love. But
what do these commandments of Jesus involve?
For one thing, Jesus said: "Go therefore and make
disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe
all the things I have commanded you." (Matt. 28:
19, 20) For Jesus' followers to convince people to
become disciples of Jesus it would take some talking, preaching, persuasion.
It was not only a matter of making disciples but
there was Jesus' instruction to teach the new disciples
and show them how to observe all the things Jesus
commanded. To travel, preach and teach, that is, put
the truth in the other person's mind, is a lot of work
for any Cnristian. Have you tried it? Does the "church"
you belong to urge you to do all that? Or is your religion more like the one described in Time magazine of
October 25, 1963, in its religious section on page 86? It
makes this statement: "President [of the Disciples of
Christ Church1 Dr. Robert W. Burns of Atlanta warned
that the flames of a faith built on evangelism seemed
to be dying into embers. 'Our evangelism has lagged
because many of us lack a deep concern for the salvation of our neighbor's soul,' he said. 'How long since
you were the means through which God added a soul

Yearbook

27

to tlie church? How long since you even tried?' " These
are good questions for everyone claiming to be a Christian to ponder. Every person belonging to any religious
organization 01 Christendom should examine himself.
Why? Well, if you claim to be a Christian, do you "go,"
"disciple," "baptize" and "teach"? What proof do you
have that you are a Christian if you do not preach and
teach pure Christianity? When did you last try to persuade anyone to take up Christian activity, like preaching the good news of God's kingdom to others? Or,
when did you even direct someone's attention to God's
written Word the Bible so that he could take a firm
stand for right principles? But you say: 'The way I live
my mora? life proves I am a Christian. I do not have
lo talk it.
Interestingly, "all the things I have commanded you"
takes in the high moral standard of God too. Do you
join in the spirit of this world, which revolts against
the teachings of Christ on sex morality? Do you in
your church close your eyes to adultery, fornication
and sodomy by your members? Paul the Christian did
not! He spoke out, saying: "You, the one preaching 'Do
not steal,' do yau, steal? You, the one saying 'Do not
commit adultery, do you commit adultery?" After
pointing out the "disgraceful sexual appetites" of both
the males and females of his day, he said: "These know
full well the righteous decree of God, that those practicing such things a r e deserving of death." (Rom. 2:21,
22; 1:24-32) Practicing wrong morals surely will not
get you Blfe! Paul believed what Jesus said on morals
and bad habits. Remember Jesus' words, "From inside,
out of the heart oh men, injurious reasonings issue
forih: fornications, thieveries, murders, adulteries, cove t i n g ~ acts
,
af wickedness, deceit, loose conduct, an ensiious eye, blasphemy, haughtiness, unreasonableness.
All these wicked things issue forth from within and
7:21-23.
defile a man."-Mark
It was with straightforward words that Jesus answered the scribes and Pharisees when they complained
aboat Jesus' disciples eating with unwashed hands. He
reached into God's written Word to reply authoritatively, saying: "Isaiah aptfy prophesied about you hypocrites, a s it is written: This people honor me with
tIieir lips, but their hearts are f a r removed from me.' "
I t is what is in a man's heart that makes him what he
is, for out of his heart a man speaks. If he is like the
Pharisees, he has Post sight of the real issue and is not
i o l i ~ w i n gGad's or Jesus' commandments. (Mark 7:6)
Jesus was preaching the truth and was against any
sort of hypocritical practice. Which side a r e you on

28

Yearbook

when i t comes to morals in a so-called Christian community? Do you express yourself o r just let people
look a t you and wonder what you do stand for? Do you
have the Iove of neighbor and the boldness to stand up
and talk for what Jesus said on moral issues? Do you
agree that "he that disregards me [Jesus] and does
not receive my sayings has one to judge him"? Jesus
said: "The word that I have spoken is what will judge
him in the last day; because I have not spoken out of
my own impulse, but the Father himself who sent me
has given me a commandment a s to what to tell and
what to speak. Also, I know that his commandment
means everlasting life. Therefore the things I speak,
just as the Father has told me them, so I speak them."
(John 12:48-50) Think! Just when did you read and
understand the full meaning of the words Jesus spoke?
I t is easy to see that a Christian cannot just arrive
a t his own conclusions and decide how he should live.
He must take into account what is written in God's
Word. If he loves Jesus he must obey the commandments of Jesus Christ too. I-Iow strange it sounds to a
Christian's ears to hear a member of a modern-day
"church" say: "Ever since the beginning, we've been
scared to death that we'd arrive a t a theology everyone
would have to subscribe to." So said industrialist J. Irwin Miller, a lay disciple and president of the National
Council of Churches. "The heart of the movement is
this great concern to preserve the freedom to arrive
a t one's own conclusions." (Time magazine, Oct. 25,
1963, page 86) Does he mean to say the people of his
religion do not on every occasion want to agree with
the coiicIusions of Jesus and God?
The twelve apostles of Christ Jesus did not want or
have twelve different conclusions when they expressed
the teachings of Christ. There was only one conclusion
a t which to arrive. The truth! Why is it that today there
a r e more than a thousand so-called Christian church organizations throughout the world? It is because they
want to teach their own conclusions, present their own
ideas, and not God's or those of Jesus. Is there not just
one faith, one baptism, one Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ? Well, then, why not get back to simple Christianity and have real love for one another and get understanding of God? Because there a r e too many pessons wanting their 'own conclusion,' not truth. Even
within the many different religious denominations
themselves the individuals do not love their neighbors
a s they do themselves. Did not Jesus say: "Just as I
have loved you . . . you also love one another"? Yes!
All true Christians must show love for Jehovah God

Yearbook
and for God's Son Christ Jesus. To try to help people,
showing love by explaining the Bible so all persons
will learn the truth in this day and age, takes boldness.
PAUL'S EXAMPLE O F BOLDNESS

The apostle Paul had that kind of boldness and

showed love by the way he served his brothers. First of
all, he was not afraid to preach. The Bible records that
Paul was "walking in and out a t Jerusalem, speaking
boldly in the name of the Lord; and he was talking
and disputing with the Greek-speaking Jews. But these
made attempts to do awzy with him." (Acts 9:28,29)
Do you who claim to be Christians go in and out and
about your city, discussing your faith with others?
Jesus did. The apostles did. Early Christians did. When
Paul was in Antioch, he did. He wanted to aid the
"lost sheep" of the children of Israel to understand
that the Word of God pointed to the promised Messiah, namely, Christ Jesus. On sabbath days Paul
would go into the synagogue of Antioch in Pisidia,
and the people of the city would gather together to
hear the words of Jehovah. However, when the Jews
caught sight of the crowds they were filled with jealousy
and began blaspheming and contradicting the things
that were spoken by Paul: "And 'so, talking with
boldness, Paul and Barnabas said: It was necessary
for the word of God to be spoken first to you. Since
you are thrusting it away from you and do not judge
yourselves worthy of everlasting life, look! we turn
to the nations. In fact, Jehovah has laid commandment
upon us in these words, "I have appointed you as a
light of nations, for you to be a salvation to the
extremity of the earth." ' When those of the nations
heard this, they began to rejoice and to glorify the
word of Jehovah, and all those who were rightly disposed for everlasting life became believers. Furthermore, the word of Jehovah yent on being carried
throughout the whole country. (Acts 13:44-49) That
message that Paul. spoke back there reached many
of your ancestors by means of the Bible. But has it
reached you? Or are you like many millions today,
just born into your religion? Have you made a personal decision to be a footstep follower of Christ
Jesus? If you have, can you endure what Paul did
and keep going in the Christian way?
Just because Paul was preaching the word of God
the people of the city raised up a persecution against
Paul and Barnabas and threw them outside their
boundaries. So what did these two men do? "These
shook the dust off their feet against them and went

30

Yearbook

to Iconium." (Acts 13:51) Paul showed love for Jehovah

God and his Son, Christ Jesus, by boldly speaking to
the Jews in the synagogue in Iconium. In this way
Paul proved he was a Christian. He loved Jesus. He
observed Jesus' commandments. Paul made "disciples
of people of all nations" and taught them to observe
the things Jesus commanded all his followers to do.
What is your method of preaching? Do you teach too?
Do you uphold the real Christian standard for proper
morals, not the watered-down kind? The teachings
of Christ and his way of doing things are still right.
Are yours?
Do not think that all the people in Christendom
are Christians. They could not be, because they do not
show the love of Christ and keep his commandments.
Be honest with yourself about the question. Do the
people belonging to Christendom's churches in all their
various religious denominations really act like Christians? You can say, 'They have a religion,' but surely
you cannot say they are walking in the foots~epsof
Christ Jesus. If the people were doing so, this system
of things would be different. Christendom's religious
leaders do not want to follow Christ any more than
the Jewish religious leaders of Paul's day did. Take
a firm stand for righteousness, no compromise, and
speak up in behalf of your faith In Christ Jesus and
the Kingdom of God and you can expect the same
kind of treatment as Paul got a t Iconium. Here "a
violent attempt took place . . . to treat them insolently
and pelt them with stones." When Paul and Barnabas
were informed of what the people and rulers were
going to do, they fled the city.-Acts 14:s-7.
On another occasion Paul was speaking in a synagogue in Ephesus and "he spoke with boldness for
three months, giving talks and using persuasion concerning the kingdom of God." When some began
"speaking injuriously about The Way before the multitude, he withdrew from them and separated the
disciples from them, daily giving talks in the school
auditorium of Tyrannus." (Acts 19:8, 9) Paul truly
was a Christian missionary. He went to places and
did preaching. He showed love for his brothers and
was bold in teaching all sorts of people the way to
everlasting life. You will find that to be a real Christian
you will have to do the same thing.
BOLDNESS IN OUR DAY

If anyone is going to lay hold on everlasting life,

he must do the same thing that Jesus Christ, Peter,
John, Paul and all the rest of the apostles and disciples

Yearbook

31

of CI~ristdid. They all boldly declared the good news

of God's king?om. The modern-day witnesses of Jehovah are tryrng hard to do the work Jesus said
must be done "for a witness to all the nations."
(Matt. 24:14) Despite the opposition that they meet
u p with, a s related in the i964 Yearbook of Jehovaiz's
Wil~esses,they boldly move ahead. They must declare
the "everlasting good news" in all the inhabited earth
agam and again. That is God's will. (See Chart of
Countries, page 32.)
Looking back, we see that the joy of Jehovah's
witnesses was great in the year 1963, because 1,040,836
different publishers were boldly preaching the message
of God's kingdom in 194 lands. These Christians were
associated with 22,761 congregations of Jehovah's witnesses. These men and women love to teach God's
Word and proved it by spending 151,251,242 hours
going from house lo house, conducting Bible studies
and speaking lrom the pubIic platform. They actually
made 51,991,915 return visits on people who had shown
interest in Christ's message and wanted to know more
about God's promises. These millions of people called
on did not come to Jehovah's witnesses' Kingdom
Halls, but the million Kingdom publishers went to
the peoples' homes. Quite a different method than
Christendom uses, but the original one introduced by
Jesus and his apostles.
Some people ask: 'Is Bible study waning?' Not with
Jehovah's witnesses. The fact is that every week of
the year Jehovah's witnesses conducted 702,470 home
Bible studies. Think of the time spent too in going
to and from these Bible studies on the part of these
Christians. Would you call that a demonstration of
love? How many times has your clergyman visited
you in your home in 1963?
This conducting of home Bible studies was not being
carried on by just the presiding "minister" of Jehovah's witnesses' congregations, but this work was being
done by those who make up the congregation. A11
witnesses of Jehovah are ordained Christian ministers.
In the apostles' days any dedicated, baptized man or
woman was commanded to 'go and disciple the people
of all nations. There is no difference in Christian
work today. Neither God's Bible nor the commandments in it have changed. But people's conclusions
a s to what Christian religion should be have changed.
Why not make your religion like what Jesus taught
his to be, Christian?
In addition to these 702,470 home Bible studies. held
in the private homes of people Jehovah's Christian

Yearbook
1963 SERVICE YEAE REPOET OF
1962

Country
U.S. of America
Bermuda
Guam
Saipan
Sudan
Alaska
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Belgium
Boliyia
Brazll
British Guiana
British Honduras

Av.
Pubs.

1963

Av.
Pubs.

267,436 280,052
52
70

40
31
395
8,415
14 634
6:374
225
6,721
439
24,664
685
238

38
462
9,292
15 045
6:717
225
7,016
476
26,827
795
308

France
17,299
Algeria
137
Malagasy Republic
80
Mali
4
Reunion
19

18,514
60
98
5
61

%Inc. Peak
over

Pubs.

Av.
Pio.

No.
Public

Pubs. Meet'gs
1962 1963
5 308,370 11,806 299,331
35
85
8
112
-5"
48
5
12
New
4
3
1
23
40
3
17
481
30
437
10
9 754
515
6.893
16:544
570 13,028
3
5
7,414
199
4,650
255
23
182
205
4,970
4
7,837
8
552
59
667
9
30,118
930 19,984
78
683
16
882
29
344
26
249

7 20,367
-56%
74
22
108
25
6
221
93

439
15
18
4
3

10,975
55
104
2
53

Yearbook
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES WOELDWIDE
No. of
Total
Conn's Literature

Total
Hours

New Individual
Av. Bible
Subs. Pdaaazines Back-Calls Stud~es

34

Yearbook

1962
Av.
Country
Pubs.
Senegal Republic
35
Tunisia
35
Germany West
70,663
4,909
West ~ k r l i n
Ghana
8.295
85
Ivory Coast
Togoland
338
Upper Volta
8,823
Greece
Guadeloupe
325
French Guiana
17
Martinique
94
Guatemala
1,061
831
Haiti
Hawaii
1,711
Honduras
624
Hong Kong
216
Iceland
61
India
1,772
Indonesia
588
Israel
71
Italy
6,501
Libya
42
Somalia
4
Jamaica
4,465
Cayman Islands
25
Turks & Caicos Isls.
2
Japan
2,266
Okinawa
141
Jordan
59
Kenya
118
Uganda
18
4,120
Korea
Lebanon
693
1
Bahrain Islands

1963 %Inc. Peak

No.
Av.
Av.
over Pubs.
Pio.
Public
Pubs.
1962 1963 Pubs. Meet'gs
46
23
49
5
43
20
49
4
8
42
3 78,043 1,862 60,900
73,119
114
2,744
5,054
3
5,400
8,408
1
8,841
413
7,660
78
-8*
94
9
86
364
8
439
32
316
7 New
7
9 10,507
172
2,431
9,573
376
16
388
23
148
22
1
18
17
124
32
138
13
112
1,164
10
1,236
110
1,850
12
1,036
96
1075
933
1,832
7
2,006
135
21036
653
209
66
1,875
700
73
7,130
41
2

4,580
23
2
2,670
181
66
133
19
4,617
756
1

5
-3"
8
6
19
4
10
-2'

709
222
74
2,000
801
80
7,801
42
50%
2
3
4,936
-8*

18
28
12

26
3
2,931
203
72

13
6
12
9

Iran
Iraq
Kuwait
Qatar
Syria
Leewards (Antigua)
Angullla
Dominca
Montserrat
Nevis

16
1
8
1
91
104
8
117
15
29

144
25
5,075
836
2
20
16
1
1
8
6 -25"
1
1
24
128
113
106
2
115
8
9
116
-IX 119
16
7
16
31
7
34

St. Eustatius
St. Kltts.
St. M a r t ~ n
Liberia
Luxembourg

2
65
43
597
311

2
71
45
401
344

5
-33*
11

Mauritius
63
Mexico
24,060
Morocco
150
Netherlands
12,300
Neth. Ant. (Curacao)
176

73
26,311
135
12,668
185

16
9
-lo*
3
5

64
39
11
199
140
9
237

658
283
42
1071
1:002
28
3,179
1

157

4,155

3
1
346
29
15

21
4
3,372
161
109

8
2
467
40

145
14
4,495
1,033

10

1
5

11
1
12
4
5

54
117
12
135
42
42

4
76
50
658
372

8
4
37
12

3
72
34
258
211

79
30,026
151
13,546
208

13
1,509
22
377
15

134
16,895
146
6,976
116

Yearbook
No. of
Total
Cong's Literature

Total
Hours

35

New Individual
Av. Bible
Subs. Magazines Back-Calls Studies

36

Yearbook
1962
Av.
Pubs.
114
24
531
3,954

1963 %Inc. Peak

Av.
No..
Av.
over Pubs.
Publlc
Pio.
Pubs.
1962 1963 Pubs. Meet'gs
119
4
128
4
112
23
-4*
26
2
12
571
645
8
31
598
4,067
3
4,355
148
3,862
4 New
6
3

Nicaragua
Nigeria
Dahomey
Fernando P o
Northern Rhodesia

473
31,923
817
52
28,426

524
33,492
868
46
28,303

Tanganyika
Zanzibar
Norway
Nyasaland
Mozambique

672
3
3 634
13:900
638

745
3
3738
13:875
745

Pakistan
Afghanistan
Panama
Papua
New Britain

131
9
1,321
384
75

147
8
1,316
374
60

12
-11*

154
179
409
1,451
30,819

Country
Aruba
Bonaire
Newfoundland
New Zealand
Cook Islands

11
5

580
37 073
1:455
74
29,338

50
1,704
49

374
31,207
966

392

20,478

11

815
5
3 944
15:061
982

54
104
644
39

1,344
4
2,126
12,454
674

-3*
-20"

162
9
1,470
398
64

112
16
3

198
239
444
1,673
32,049

29
34
9
15
4

215
299
461
1,824
36,836

14
7
47
175
2,878

1,235
21
76
3
30

1,597
35
86
4
39

29
67
13
33
30

1,795
58
90
7
46

51
1
5
2

293
524
3334
2,691
18,354
921
1
130
3
33

SLo Tom6
4
Puer.t.0 Rlco
2,176
Tortola
10
Virgin Islands (U.S.) 108
Sierra Leone
308
Gambia
11
Guinea
37
Singavore
127
~alkya
100
North Borneo
21

8
2,453
15
123
356
7
44
150
106
20

100
13
50
14
16

10
2,725
16
138
384

128
2
4
80

2.888
12
73
918

-36*
19
18
6
-5%

2
15
19
24

3
17,6&8
196
205
36

28
-1'
3

11
75
168
112
28
6
18,787
211
240
40

1,045
28
16
2

62
96
77
82
7
2
15,663
84
138
29

150
7
366
-3*
10,360
-8*
2,768
17
3 New

161
415
11,058
2,935
5

6
23
527
158
1

77
527
13,866
779
1

90
464
10 056
5:750
8

7
41
387
110

34
329
10 334
3:021

Ncw Guinea
Solomon Islands
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Portugal
Angola
Azores
Cape Verde Isl.
Madeira

Sarawal!
South A f r ~ c a
Basutoland
Bechuanaland
St. I-Ielena

3
1.7,657
153
208
35

South-West Africa
140
Swaziland
375
Soufhern Rhodesia 11,263
Span
2,358
Andorra
Canary Islands
Surinam
Sweden
Switzerland
Liechtenstein

75
397
8 906
5:185
6

83
427
9 361
5:436
7

6
-12*

3
17

11
8
5
5
17

20

88
12
1,272
167
46

Yearbook
No. of
Gong's

Total
Literature

Total
Hours

37

Av. Bible
New Individual
Subs. Magazines Back-Calls Stud~es

38
Country
Taiwan
Thailand
Cambodia
Laos
Vietnam
Trinidad
Barbados
Bequia
Carriacou
Grenada

Yearbook
1962
1963
Av.
Av.
Pubs. Pubs.
1,552 1,255
328
312
7
5
10
13
11
13

%Inc. Peak
Av.
No.
over Pubs. Pio. Public
1962 1963 Pubs. Meet'gs
-19* 1,477
123
1,025
-5"
357
41
298
-29*
8
4
10
30
17
7
16
18
15
7
9

1,539
618
11
22
129

1,645
651
14
25
146

7
5
27
14
13

1,756
709
19
27
158

77
17
3
2
14

1,343
795
47
39
83

Tobago
Uruguay
Falkland Islands

65
53
43
1,640
4

73
67
52
1,806

12
26
21
10
-25*

74
75
68
1,960
5

8
7
5
154

116
34
64
1,269
1

Venezuela

2,750

3,150

15

3,369

174

2,001

St. Lucia
St. Vincent

181 Countries
821,434 858,040
713 Other Countries 99,486 98,608

4.5 939,384 38.207 789,803

-.9* 101,452
366 53,402

:Work Banned and Reports Are Incomplete

"Percentage of Decrease

witnesses conducted 843,205 public meetings, usually

on Sundays, in their Kingdom Halls. There are other
weekly meetings too, such as the theocratic ministry
school, a Bible school where Jehovah's witnesses receive training to express themselves better. They have
"service meetings" each week, where they learn how
to improve their house-to-house ministry. Then there
is the weekly study of the Watchtower magazine and
the congregation book study. All these meetings are
Bible study meetings. Jehovah's witnesses keep on
preparing themselves so a s to be better ministers.
The outstanding thing about Jehovah's witnesses is
that they believe alike and preach the same things
Jesus preached. They do not encourage conclusions of
their own originality. God's Word is their teacher.
Who is man that he can determine by himself the
way of everlasting life? He needs a guide. That guide
is the written Word of God. Jesus said: "I am the
way and the truth and the,,life. No one comes to the
Father except through me. (John 14:6) And where
is the truth Jesus taught? In the Holy Bible! Study
it with others.
There are many people of all nations yet to be
discipled, and after learning the commandments of

Yearbook
No. of
Total
Cong's Literature

Total
Hours

39

New Individual
Av. Bible
Subs. Magazines Back-Calls Studies

18,840 18,688,858 144,815,497 1,433,385 116,540,324 49,649,276 652,159

3,921
338,397
6,435,745
157
305.604 2,345.639 50,311
22,761 19,027,255 151,251,242 1,433,542 116,845,928 51,994,915 702.470

ME~XORIAL
ATTENDANCE
WORLD WID^
MEMORIAL
PARTAXERS
WORLDWIDE

1962
1,639,681
12,714

1963
1,693,752
12,292

Christ Jesus they will dedicate their lives to the service of Jehovah and be baptized by total immersion
in water. During the year 1953 Jehovah's witnesses
baptized 62,798 individuals from all nations, people
and tongues. They not only baptized these individuals
but they taught them to observe all the things Jesus
commanded. These, too, became Christian ministers.
To help people, in their preaching work Jehovah's
witnesses placed with the people many Bible-study aids
in 162 different languages. In the year 1963 they distributed 4,221,772 Bibles and bound books and 14,805,453
booklets. One of the best ways to keep your faith
strong is to read regularly the Scriptures and good
publications on the Holy Bible. All of Jehovah's witnesses around the world read the Watchtower and
Awake! magazines and so do millions of other persons.
Jehovah's witnesses obtained 1,433,542 new subscriptions for the Watchtower magazine, printed in sixtysix languages, and the Awake! magazine, printed in
twenty-five languages. They also placed individual
copies of these two journals to the tota! number of
116,845,928. What an aid these printed Bible sermons
are to Jehovah's witnesses! They cannot spend all
their time in the homes of the people talking, but

Yearbook
they can leave literature with them so that the people
can read until the publishers of the good news can
make a return visit.
The Society has its own printing plants where Bibles,
books, booklets, tracts and magazines are printed. To
meet the demand for Bible literature ministers of
Jehovah's witnesses, all volunteer workers, produced
6,722,239 Bibles and bound boolrs, 26,057,581 boolclets,
303,763,470 copies of the Watchtower magazine and
95,100,307 copies of the Awake! magazine. They also
printed 487,116,545 handbills, tracts and letters, as well
as other office supplies.
The method Jehovah's witnesses use to reach the
people is exactly like the method employed by Christ
Jesus and his disciples. They went preaching from
house to house and publicly. Jehovah's witnesses today
do thc same. Today, though, the printed page helps
Christian witnesses of Jehovah to speed up their work.
I t is not just left to the memory of the person who
has heard what is said about everlasting life, but
leaving Bible literature helps him to learn the truth
in his private study of God's Word.
In addition to attending meetings a t Kingdom Halls
regularly five times a week, and taking part in the
discussions there, did you know that Jehovah's w ~ t nesses spend about ten hours each month going from
house to l~ousepreaching and teaching the good news
of God's kingdom? Some spend more time, others less.
Many special representatives devote much more time
to this ministry work each month. There are 7,475
special pioneers who go into territory where there
are often no congregations and spend a t least 150
hours a month preaching from house to house, conducting Bible studies and organizing new congregations. Then there is another group of 31,098 pioneers
who devote approximately 100 hours each month to
the field service. They work generally in large cities,
but may choose any field territory that is not assigned
to someone else, and in such they carry on their
ministerial service under the supervision of the Society.
Society representatives called circuit and district
servants visit all pioneers and congregations to give
organizational assistance and Scriptural counsel. These
spend one week with each congregation, helping with
the local problems. There are 1,983 such circuit and
district servants assigned to overseers' duties.
The ninety branch offices of the Watch Tower Society
around the world supervise the work of the circuit
and district servants. There are 1,461 dedicated ministers of God that live in what the Soclety calls Bethel

Yearbook

41

homes attached to branch offices. The branch office

staff is keenly interested in the activity of all pioneers
and congregations, and these all receive uniform instructions every month from the branch office under
which they serve. This develops unity, oneness of
thought and action, because all the instructions sent
out are based on the Word of God. All the activity
performed by Jehovah's witnesses conforms to the
principles of truth and righteousness and results in
a showing of love by these witnesses toward their
neighbors. Jehovah's witnesses everywhere really feel
the urgency of preaching the good news of God's
kingdom. Through this kind of organization much is
accomplished worldwide.
OEGANIZA'EHON CHART SHOWING INCREASE
AT FTVE-YEAFt INTERVALS
Year

1938
1943
1948
1953
1958
1963

Avaasc
Pubs.

47,143
109,794
230,532
468,106
717,088
956,648

Peak
Pubs.

59,047
126,329
260,756
519,982
798,326
1,040,836

Hours

10,572,086
28,726,524
49,832,205
72,344,728
110,390,944
151,251,242

Bible
Studies

66,493
130,281
281,219
508,320
702,470

Cangngations

Countries

3,633
6,310
11,714
14,163
17,878
22,761

52
54
96
143
175
194

There is one day in the year that Jehovah's witnesses

commemorate, that is, the day of Christ's death. That
day, Nisan 14 according to the Jewish calendar, Jesus
commanded to be remembered because of its significance. Last year Nisan 14 began on the evening of
April 8, 1963, and there were 1,693,752 witnesses of
Jehovah and persons of goodwill assembled in Kingdom
Halls around the world to celebrate this occasion with
gladness because they rejoiced that Christ Jesus died
according lo the will of God in their behalf. Of this
number, 12,292 professed to be of the remnant of the
body of Christ, anointed by holy spirit to be joint heirs
with Christ Jesus in heavenly glory, and they anticipate being part of the bride of Christ. The hope of
all the rest assembled that night is everlasting life
in a new system of things here upon the earth along
with all those dead ones who loved righteousness and
showed it by their works too. These will be resurrected
in God's due time during the one-thousand-year reign
of Christ. I t was Jesus who said: "The hour is coming
in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear
his voice and come out, those who did good things
to a resurrection of life, those who practiced vile

42

Yearbook

things to a resurrection of judgment." (John 5:28,29)

What a day or period of time that will be! What
one can show now to tell such truths to mankind.
The strong sense of responsibility Jehovah's witnesses have causes them to continue to preach this
good news about the death and resurrection of Christ
Jesus and the ransom sacrifice that he provided. They
believe in God's kingd0m.a~mankind's only hope. They
not only pray for this kingdom to come but work for
it now. Have you ever earnestly prayed the Lord's
prayer, "Our Father in the heavens, let your name be
sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take
place, a s in heaven, also upon earth"? (Matt. 6:9, 10)
If you have, work for it too by being a real Christian
minister.
To do this great work of declaring the "everlasting
good news" that Jehovah's witnesses feel they must
perform requires real love on their part for their fellowman of every nation, tribe, tongue and people. But
to do this they must first of all have love for their
Father in heaven. Jehovah's witnesses love Christ Jesus
too and they know they are his disciples. They are truly
Jehovah's Christian witnesses because they love not only
Jehovah, but his Son, Christ Jesus, and they are doing
the will of God and following the commandments of
Christ. Doing this in a world with the spirit it has
against truth certainly takes love and boldness, but it
certainly will lead to life and eternal happiness.
Even with all the teachings of the Bible that Jehovah's witnesses carry on, some religious organizatrons
of the world today claim that the witnesses are not
Christians, but that is because the religious organizations are jealous, even as were the Jewish priests. Jehovah's witnesses are walking in the footsteps of Christ
Jesus, and the false religionists know it! Jesus said:
"I am giving you a new commandment, that you love
one another; just as I have loved you, that you also
love one another. By this all will know that you are
my disciples, if you have love among yourselves."
(John 1234,35) This love Jehovah's witnesses do have
and they proved it again in their Around-the-World
Assembly in the summer of 1963. They must maintain
that love even while in this present evil system of
things in order to receive the blessing of Jehovah God
and everlasting life. If you have the love and the boldness of the early Christians, then get out of Babylon
the Great, the world empire of false religion, and serve
Jehovah God and obey the commandments of Christ
Jesus with Jehovah's witnesses and have their joy in
preaching the "everlasting good news."

lev:

17earbooie

43

"EVERLASTING GOOD NEWS" ASSEMBLY

O F JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES

The outstanding event in the history of the

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania during the year 1963 was the worldwide
assembly of Jehovah's witnesses, which was called
"Everlasting Good News" Assembly of Jehovah's
Witnesses. This Around-the-World Convention began on June 30 and ended September 8, 1963. It
was a continuous assembly of seventy-one days.
Those dedicated servants of Jehovah God who
kept on going from one assembly to another during those seventy-one days, followed by the trip
home, traveled all the way around the world.
As far back as June of 1960 the president of the
Society was working on the details of this Aroundthe-World Assembly, which culminated in a grand
cIimax OM September 8, 1963, a t the Rose Bowl in
Pasadena, California, when 118,447 packed out and
overflowed that huge stadium. The efforts that
went into making this great assembly a success
required, first of all, the blessing of Jehovah and
his direction. Jehovah's witnesses remembered
this assembly in their prayers daily, having in
mind the grand witness to be given to the honor
of Jehovah's name. The branch offices in twentytwo places cooperated fully with the office of the
president in working out all the problems pertaining to the convention location, housing delegates,
transportation and arranging for world travelers
to share in the field service and seeing points of
interest, especially those pertaining to religion.
Due to the splendid cooperation of all the brothers
and the diligent effort put forth by all the branch
officesof the Society the "Everlasting Good News"
Assembly proved to be a huge success.
Unless a person shared in all the work that went
into arranging this Around-the-World Assembly
i t would be difficult to comprehend the many details that had to be cared for and the great amount

Yearbook
of time and effort that went into making the arrangements. The president of the Society made a
preliminary trip around the world in December,
1962, visiting all but four of the convention
branches to work out the final details with the
branch servants and their assistants. The 583 witnesses of Jehovah who made the trip around the
world were amazed at the smooth-operating organization that had been set up. The more than
a half niillion people who attended the convention
a t the assembly cities around the world were
grateful for all the preparations made in their
behalf, and especially for the spiritual food that
was provided.
44

THE PROGRAM

The program was very thoughtfully worked out and

first presented in the County Stadium baseball park in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States of America. The
same spiritual, upbuilding Bible information was presented during ten weeks in more than thirty languages.
Where required, the lectures of President N. H. Knorr,
Vice-President F. W. Franz and Secretary-Treasurer
G. Suiter were all translated as they traveled around
the world. Outlines were furnished to all other speakers
on the programs so that they could present the same
theme and make the principal points in each language
as presented a t the original assembly.
Many very interesting Bible prophecies, especially
those in Revelation, were brought to the attention of
Jehovah's witnesses in all the twenty-four cities visited,
as well as other vital Bible information that has been
made clear in these latter days. It could easily be seen
that Jehovah had a great work to be done in connection with the preaching of the "everlasting good
news" and that all persons dedicated to Jehovah God
had a great obligation resting upon them to repeat the
message that the angel flying in midheaven had given
for all the nations, tribes, tongues and peoples to hear.
I t was readily seen that those having faith in Jehovah
God would come to fear him and give him glory, and
that in these days a tremendous witness must be given
concerning God's kingdom even to the ends of the earth.
This witness is necessary so that all hearing the message can have the opportunity to worship the one true
God, Jehovah, who is the Creator of the heavens and
the earth. A powerful message was declared regarding

Yearbook

45

Babylon the Great. I t was pointed out that the prophecy

of Revelation 148 and other prophecies throughout
the whole Bible were being fulfilled concerning the
world empire of false religion. Strong emphasis was
used to show that all persons of goodwill must flee
from this world empire of false religion, withdraw
every bit of support and seek safety in Jehovah's organization in order to escape the plagues poured out
by the seven angels mentioned in Revelation, beginning
in chapter fifteen.
In complete support of the message that was being
declared throughout the convention program concerning Babylon the Great, representative of the world empire of false religion, was the release of the new book
"Babylon the Great Has Fallen!" God's Kingdom Rules!
This was enthusiastically received by Jehovah's witnesses around the world.
This was only one part of the convention that was
very thrilling. There were many other features that
aroused intense interest. Much was said on the responsibility of overseers and the work of the principal
ministerial servant in each congregation, as he deals
with the congregation from the platfoim and behind
the scenes, as it were. It was forcefully shown how he
must show real interest in every individual and how he
must render compassionate care, even as a shepherd
cares for his flock of sheep. Special meetings were held
in connection with the circuit and district servants and
their activities in the congregations. Special pioneers
and other pioneers also received instructive information. Missionary meetings were arranged for in every
city and much helpful information was presented from
the platform that was an aid to all overseers aad
special representatives, as well as the wEioIe congregation of God. What was beneficial to one was certainly
beneficial to another because every talk was based on
Bible teachings.
Much was said about the conduct of the world and
how Jehovah's witnesses could not have the spirit of
this world, but must produce the fruits of the spirit.
Right conduct could best be attained and maintained
by constant study of the Sci-iptures and association
with God's dedicated people.
The Bible was certainly given due attention throughout the entire convention in each country. It was a joy
to see so many people in the convention audiences
opening their Bibles when citations of scripture were
given so that they could follow along with the speaker
to see exactly what he had to say, and to make notes
so that they could review the subject later. Persons

Yearbook
dedicated to Jehovah God are so different in their thinking and actions from persons of this old world, and
they must be so. They have to exhibit the fruits of the
spirit, love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness and self-control, not only to those
dedicated to God and in Jehovah's visible organization
today, but to all persons throughout the earth. They
must be proclaimers of the "everlasting good news" of
the Kingdom and of the judgments of God that he will
bring against false religion, politics and those harming
the people of the earth. Everything stated by all the
speakers, regardless of language, had the backing of
the Bible. So the Bible did indeed receive the consideration that is due this book inspired by Jehovah God.
At the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly three
English editions of the Holy Bible were released to the
conventioners, namely, the New World Trainslation, of
the Holy Scriptures in deluxe form, in a pocket edition
and in large type with footnotes, cross-references
and appendices. Additionally, there were six foreignlanguage Greek Scripture editions of the New World
Trainslation released. Tl?is brought tremendous joy and
satisfaction to the witnesses of Jehovah speaking
French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and Italian.
There were other very instructive meetings and demonstrations, one of which featured a convention release
entitled "All Scripture IS Inspired of God and Beneficial." This book will be used after January 1, 1964, in
the theocratic ministry school in English-speaking
congregations.
One highlight of these assemblies around the world
not to be overlooked was the adoption of the powerful
resolution that firmly declared that Jehovah's witnesses
would remain neutral toward all types of human government and that together they would press forward
declaring the "everlasting good news" of Jehovah's
righteous kingdom. The world around, this resolution
was enthusiastically adopted by Jehovah's witnesses
assembled in convention. This was indeed a great testimony to the unity of Jehovah's people no matter where
they may be located on this earth.
We could go on and on relating to you, the reader,
the details on the various lectures and themes developed by the speakers, but much of this information
wiIl appear in the Watchtower magazine so that we
can all give it very careful study.
MlkWAUXEE, U.S.A.

Another thing that made this convention most unusual was its around-the-world feature, starting in Mil-

Yearbook

47

waukee, Wisconsin, on June 30 and going eastward

around the world. The first assembly was eight days
long, and everything just mentioned happened there
and a lot more. There was a baptism service a t which
time 905 persons symbolized their dedication to Jehovah
God. On the final Sunday of the Milwaukee assembly
57,055 gathered together to hear the public address
"When God Is King over All the Earth." As that assembly was drawing to a close, with its representatives
from twenty-three different countries, the New York
assembly in Yankee Stadium was beginning, namely,
on July 7.
NEW YORK, U.S.A.

The New York assembly opened with 67,266 in attendance. The seven days that followed moved much
too last. There were so many people to see and things
to do. Thousands of brothers visited the Society's Bethel
home and printing plant. Additionally, a great crowd
witnessed the tremendous baptism of 2,251 in the waters
a t Orchard Beach. Representatives from eighty-nine
countries were in attendance a t this second convention.
Then there was that wonderful meeting together of
all the missionaries present from sixty different countries. This was held in the Bethel dining room, where
465 Gilead School graduates gathered together.
As each day of these conventions passed it seemed
that the joy and enthusiasm of the crowd increased.
One could not contain all the blessings and the happiness expressed in such abundance. We were to realize
that this same spirit moved right around the world
with Jehovah's people. In spite of a pouring rain the
public meeting attendance of 107,483 climaxed the New
YorXf assembly when all heard the lecture "When God
over A11 the Earth.
Is K ~ n g
One who thinks he is setting a fast pace would do
well to consider for a moment the pace that the aroundthe-world travelers set in meeting the schedule for
assemblies around this globe. The trip that began for
many with the New York convention was now to take
them around the world in eight weeks. The 583 travelers who got into this race with time found that they
were going to be stopping just long enough in various
cities to get acquainted with some local Witnesses, see
new faces, new lands, new ways of life and then just a s
they were feeling right a t home they would be hustled
on their way to the next stop. The amazing thlng
seemed to be that the longer they kept going the greate r were their energy and enthusiasm. Quite a number
of the around-the-world travelers were over seventy

48

Yearbook

years of age. Some were even on crutches. This made

some of the younger ones who felt the pace was too
fast a bit ashamed of themselves for not being able to
keep up with all there was to do. I n a number of instances youth did not show the stamina and surely not
the appreciation for this grand privilege of visiting
their brothers around the world. The older folks had
earned the right to make this trip through the saving
of their money and by working hard during their life.
Because of their many years in the truth they had a
deep appreciation of all the things they saw and heard
on this trip around the world. A few of the young folks
who were sent around the world by their parents, who
thought it would do them a lot of good, looked a t it as
a pleasure trip rather than a service privilege. While
all who went around the world were dedicated to the
service of God, there certainly was a difference in maturity and appreciation. By f a r the great majority had
the real appreciation and returned to their homes overflowing with joy a t having had the opportunity o f
visiting with their brothers.
To tell anyone all that really happened on this
around-the-world trip an individual would have to write
a book. This the Society has done, and has published
a 224-page brochure, well illustrated, called Report on.
"EverZastiazg Good News7' Assembly of Jehovah's Witnesses. For details and pictures read that publication.
But here is a brief report of a very hurried trip.
LONDON, ENGLAND

The around-the-world travelers in London had a

grand time in field service and enjoyed their association with the British brothers a t Twickenham
Stadium and had the opportunity of feasting their eyes
on one of the most beautiful English gardens in full
bloom during all the sessions. The colors and arrangements, along with a small thatched-roof bungalow,
added warmth to the entire setting. The tour to Watch
Tower I-Iouse, the British Bethel Home and printing
plant, was greatly appreciated, as well a s the opportunity to view many interesting historical Eible things
in the London Museum.
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

The Stockholm convention was in session simullaneously with the London assembly July 14-21. This assembly was held in Fotbollstadion a t Rasunda, a
part of Greater Stockholm. Interestingly, all the European conventions had tent camps, but the Swedish one

Yea~boolc

49

was unique because of its location, along a main highway, easily seen from the road and in the center of a
great racetra.ck. Brothers from four nations--Norway,
Sweden, Finland and Denmark-camped there in their
colorful tents. I t was an international New World
campsite complete with its modern store, self-servicestyle. Walking through a tent camp of Jehovah's witnesses, one could feel Jehovah's spirit and the love on
the part of all the campers. Most of the campers had
never met their neighbors until they pitched their tent
next to them, but as soon as one said "Hello, brother,"
one had New World living a t least for eight days.
In Stockholm there was a big translation problem.
While in New York there was a Spanish-speaking assembly in a separate building, in Stockholm all four
languages, Finnish, Norwegian, Danish and Swedish,
were spoken simultaneously in the same stadium to a
big daily crowd, the peak attendance being 25,160 a t
Sunday's public meeting.
It was pleasant to sit in the huge stadium in Stockholm and to see the large four-leaf-clover-shaped platform. Sometimes, when demonstrations were going on,
you would see about one hundred people on the four
platforms, but you would only hear what was going on
in one language, the language serving the section in
which you were sitting.
In Sweden the Society had just finished a new addition to its branch office a t Jakobsberg. All who t o u ~ e d
the Society's property were delighted to see the improvements made there.
MUNICH, GERMANY

Munich, Germany, presented its problems. For months

previous to the convention, the brothers were building
their own stadium. They constructed a huge horseshoelike seating area and a large 250-foot-longplatform a t
the open end. The German-speaking brothers came
from Austria, Luxembourg and Switzerland as well a s
West Germany. Other delegates swelled the number of
different countries represented to thirty-five. The large
fairgrounds adjoining the Theresienwiese (Theresien
Meadows) was also used. A large theate..r accommodated the French-speaking brothers from France and
Belgium. Another great hall in the fairgrounds was
decorated for the brothers of the Netherlands to use.
All assembly places were tied together by one grand
sound system so that lectures given on the main platform in English could be heard everywhere, and then
they would be translated into the German, French and
Dutch languages. The organization required to feed,

Yearbook

50

house and care for such a large convention was tremendous.

The German brothers arranged some excellent bus
tours. The field service work in Munich and seeing part
of the city were most enjoyable the first morning for
the world travelers. One they will never forget was the
tour to Dachau, one of Hitler's concentration camps.
You could feel the oppression, hatred, inquisition, yes,
the insanity of the rulers. Walking down the main
parade street of Dachau, where the Gestapo in Hitler's
day ruled with an iron heel, our German brothers
would point out different places of interest. "That barracks over there is where hundreds of us lived. The
one next to it too, No. 17, was a crowded place, but all
brothers. Here is where we would have to stand in the
cold of winter. There is where we used to go to eat,
but there was not much food." Then, thinking about the
horror of it all, the suffering, the integrity, the faithfulness of our brothers, we walked on together to
another section of this camp, to where the killing took
place, the gallows, the delousing chambers, as they
called them, the huge furnaces where they would throw
the dead bodies and they would be burned to a crisp, to
ashes. With these ashes they could fertilize the ground
or they buried them. What torture to the ones living
there! When would their turn come? How f a r would
rulers go to break man's integrity? How long can
faithful servants of God undergo such treatment? The
answers were plainly written there in Dachau. Until
death!
The mark for Earnest Bible Students, Jehovah's witnesses, could be seen in Dachau. Their "purple triangular symbol" was plainly in evidence. The papers that
Hitler tried to make Jehovah's witnesses sign in renouncing their faith in Jehovah God and their association with Jehovah's witnesses were on display. The
story is there to be seen by all the world that visits
this concentration campsite. The allled governments
have made this place a memorial to those who suffered
and died to show the German people and everyone
visiting the country what Hitler, along with his depraved folIowers, did. It certainly makes you think of
what God's Word says on matters of worship. For
example, Revelation 14:9,10 says: "If anyone worships
the wild beast . . he will also drink of the wine of
the anger of God." We know that different beasts mentioned in the Word of God have been representative of
different nations. The image of the wild beast is representative of the United Nations. How anyone could
come to worship a nation, or a wild beast, after seeing

Yeurbook

51

what the beastly nations do to Christians is hard to

comprehend. It was worth seeing Dachau. It made an
impression upon the mind that will not be quickly forgotten. It was a sight to remember and causes one to
resolve with the help of Jehovah always to walk in
integrity, never shrinking back because of any persecution. The words "Be faithful even to death" ring
clearly in your mind.
MILAN, ITALY

Now let us hurry on to Milan, Italy, where the huge

Velodromo Vigorelli stadium was obtained. Not only
were brothers here from Italy, France and Switzerland,
but also a large delegation came from Spain and
Portugal. What a joyful crowd assembled in Milan!
These were a spirited people by nature. The Latins
are excitable. It was a pleasure to be in their midst
and to feel their joy and excitement when receiving
new releases, especially the New World Translatzon
of the Christian Greek Scriptures, in Italian, French,
Spanish and Portuguese. There were great shouts for
joy on receiving the New World Translation of the
Christian Greek Scriptures in their own language. The
eight-day program was just as thrilling and informative
as that of all the other conventions. By -this time not
only were the 583 world travelers in Milan, but now
many others who had planned to go as f a r as Palestine
were meeting up with the world travelers.
All the airlines for days were carrying our brothers
over the toe of the foot in the boot of Italy. We saw
the island of Sicily to the west, then across the Peloponnesus, the Aegean Sea, landing a t Athens Airport.
ATHENS, GEEECE

Our brothers were at the airport to meet us, just

like it was done in every other country. However, our
Greek brothers had a loolr of disappointment on their
faces, not because we had arrived but because there
was not to be an assembly in the Panathinaikos
Athletikos Omilos. The archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church had shown the Greek government and the
prime minister who was "boss" of that country. He
had threatened a march on Athens by the Greek Orthodox Church members if the meeting of Jehovah's
witnesses was not forbidden. So everyone, from the
prime minister on down, kowtowed to the orders of
the archbishop, Chrysostomos, and the meeting was
banned. Already a great witness had been given from
one end of the country to the other.by the publicity
in the newspapers. People were inquiring everywhere

52

Yearboo7c

why there was all this uproar because Jehovah's

witnesses wanted to meet together. Numerous opportunities of preaching the good news of the Kingdom
were now opening up because of this persecution of
Jehovah's witnesses in Greece.
This kind of treatment was not new to Jehovah's
witnesses. The clergy there have been fighting the
work of God's people for decades. But, as this Yearbook
shows, there has been a fine increase in the work in
Greece during the past year, and, by Jehovah's undeserved kindness and if it be according to his will,
there will be an even greater increase next year.
I t was a real pleasure for the president of the Society
to be able to speak to all the circuit and district servants. They were given information on the assemblies
that had been held up to that point. They were told
how the Resolution would be read for adopting in
all the congregations of Jehovah's witnesses in Greece
and how the main talks would be delivered in every
congregation in a short time. This, of course, is all
history now and has been accomplished without difficulty. There were 9,917 of our brothers in Greece who
joined in adopting the Resolution in home meetings.
The time of the world travelers was well spent in
Greece though. Their minds were constantly being
drawn to God's Word by their trip to Corinth, which
Paul visited many centuries previously, and one could
recall many of the things about which Paul wrote. In
Athens we had the opportunity of visiting Mars Hill,
where Paul made his famous speech about the "unknown God." At the same time we visited the Acropolis
and saw the places where there were so many different
gods, all made of marble and without life and words
of counsel. What a difference in religions!
During our stay in Greece there were many opportunities to talk with the Greek brothers. We were
encouraged by them and feel we brought comfort and
joy to our fellow workers in Greece. We visited with
missionaries and did touring with some of them. Even
though the Greek brothers, and all of us for that matter,
were disappointed in not having the assembly for one
day, still we left our brothers in Greece in good spirits
and thankful for the association that all had together
for the spiritual upbuilding of one another.
BEBBh.FTT, LEBmQN

In Beirut, Lebanon, we did not expect to have any

large assembly. However, arrangements were made to
visit the various Kingdom Halls in Beirut and Tripoli,
and so, in effect, during the many days that the travelers

Yearbook

53

were there our brothers received just a s much information as many of the brothers a t future conventions
would receive on the around-the-world assembly. The
brothers got all the high points of the talks. Later on,
after we had gone, they had the baptismal service
and the public meeting. We later learned that 31 were
immersed and 914 attended the public talk. We did
have fellowship with many of the Lebanese brothers
and sisters on trips to the cedars of Lebanon and the
ruins of Baalbek. Traveling by car over the beautiful
mountains of Lebanon and down to the Bekaa Plain,
or Rift Valley, proved to be an unforgettable trip.
Now we were in the "I-Ioly Land" once ruled by David
and Solomon. But our minds went much farther back.
It was down through this valley coming from the
north that Abraham with his great herds of cattle
and attendants traveled. I t seemed to us that the
changes in the way of life since Abraham's time were
not too great. We saw Bedouins living in tents made
of goat's hair, and we saw camels traveling down
the roads loaded with their packs. It took us away,
away back in history. Nothing modern for these particular folks!
Northward we went through this very beautiful
fertile plain between the two great mountain ranges
of Lebanon, arriving a t Baalbek. We saw the temple
of Jupiter, the temple of Bacchus and the temple of
Venus. The goings-on in these temples as recorded is
sordid history. What debauchery these religious, drunken orgies brought to the human family! What a contrast between the lives of the worshipers of false gods
and the way Jehovah has directed his people to walk,
in righteousness! It was an education.
Then there were the great cedars of Lebanon to see
and Byblos on the seacoast of the Mediterranean. The
land is full of ancient history.
There were now over 1,100 of Jehovah's witnesses
who came to Beirut on their way to Jerusalem in Jordan. Congregation publishers, overseers, missionaries,
pioneers, the branch organization, all of them cooperated and worked day and night to help the visitors
on their journey. This kind of service was gladly given
around the world by all the local publishers.
JERUSALEM, JORDAN

Next stop--Jerusalem! This was the place all were

keenly interested in and they wanted to take full advantage of the time. The Society arranged to take
all the visitors on six different tours in the three days

54

Yearbook

they were there. They could take others if they desired

and these were also described for the travelers. One
tour took us to the south of Jerusalem to the city of
Hebron, claimed to be one of the most ancient cities
in the world. Here we were actually in one of the
old cities of refuge. Here David was first crowned
king of Israel. Here Abraham purchased the cave of
Machpelah in which. to bury his wife Sarah. It is
claimed that he loo is buned there along with Isaac,
Jacob and Leah.
All these places of great prominence in the Bible
are now inside a large mosque, a religious place of
worship for the Moslems, or else the Roman Catholic,
Greek Orthodox or some other religious system has
built churches over what they call sacred places. We
also saw a very old oak tree, which is called the Oak
of Mamre, the general location where the angel appeared to Abraham to inform him that he would be
the father of a son in his old age. We passed the place
where Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch. Women
were busy there filling jars of water to carry to their
homes. Springs and pools of water are gathering places
for the women. They do not have running water in
their homes.
We see some fine grape vineyards and visit the
pools of Solomon. Of course, they have been reconstructed or repaired but are still used for water storage.
Bethlehem holds real interest, for here it was that
Jesus was born. However, the Church of the Nativity
takes away all the humbleness and lowliness that
would be found in a stable where animals would be
bedded down. The incense, the colored lights, candles,
tapestry, the decoration, all take away from the true
setting. Then you hear the guide say that on Christmas
Day the place is packed out and the people of different
religions get into arguments and shove and push one
another. Before their services are over the police have
to be called in to calm down >he crowds. This is
"modern Christianity," their Chnstmas spirit! Really
it is Babylon's spirit.
The air is cleaner, the sun brighter, as we ride along
the dusty roads passing the field that was said to
have belonged to Boaz. That brings to mind the story
of Naomi and Ruth. Not too f a r from this location
are the Shepherds' Fields. This is where the shepherds
saw the angel and heard the singing of the great
heavenly host a t the announcement of the birth of
Christ. All of this seems more real, for you certanly
can imagine the shepherds with their flqcks in the fields
just outside the city of Bethlehem within easy walking

Yearbook

55

distance of the place where Jesus was born in the

manger.
Time goes fast as the tours continue to the Kidron
Valley and the pools of Siloam, where you see people
bathing themselves and also taking their sheep down
sleep stairs to wash them in water. There is still a
good flow of water from the spring of Gihon and
through the canal cut by Hezekiah. Now when we
read the Bible we can see these things a s they are.
Going farther down the Kidron Valley you come to
the junction of the Valley of Hinnom, or Gehenna.
I t was somewhere near here, so tradition has it, that
children were offered alive in sacrifice to the god
Molech. Not too f a r away we see the Potter's Field,
the "field of blood." I t was bought for thirty pieces
of silver.
Returning we see the tomb of Absalom and get a good
view of the hillside of the Mount of Olives. We walk
around Gethsemane, and the very, very old olive trees
are still there on the side of the Mount of Olives.
One evening we traveled to Amman, going through
Bethany, down into the deep Jordan Valley, just a
little north of the Dead Sea. The sun is setting and
the hills of Judea throw long shadows, the Mountains
of Moab reflecting the soft light of the sun to give
off purple hues. The sunlight still glistens on the peak
of Mount Nebo where Moses once stood and a t the
age of 120 years and with eyes that had not grown
dim saw the Promised Land. What a view he had
then, but we were deep in the valley below.
Traveling through desert country, we reach Amman
and have a joyful time with our brothers in their own
Kingdom Hall. We travel back that same evening in
the light of a full moon and we think of how it must
have been in the days when there were no electric
lights and people used only their little olive-oil lamps.
But on this moonlit night without the smog of the
big cities, what a beautiful place to meditate and
consider the heavens and the handiwork of the Creator
Jehovah God!
Up early and up to the top of the Mount of Olives,
we viewed the city of Jerusalem to the west and the
temple area. On that road to the left very likely Jesus
rode on an ass in his triumphal ride into Jerusalem,
with people spreading palm branches and hailing him.
We too go right into the city of Jerusalem. We enter
through Stephen's Gate. We see excavations of the
Pool of Bethesda. There is one point of interest after
another to be seen. Finally, we reach the temple area
where the Moslem Dome of the Rock holds the prom-

56

YearbooTc

inent position. Here used to stand the glorious temple

of Solomon and the great temple of Herod in the days
of Jesus. What a commanding view you get of the
land roundabout! Inside the Moslem temple, which
is the second most sacred spot in the Islam religion,
we see the great rock. It was up to this rock that
Abraham brought his son, Isaac, and it was here where
the altar of the temple of Solomon was located. It
was in this great temple area where, years before
Solomon's time, there was a threshing floor. While in
Lebanon we had seen such threshing and winnowing
floors in full operation. King David purchased this
one so that the area could be used for the building
of a house of worship. Bible history flies through your
mind. You cover ground a t such a rapid pace that
words cannot be spoken fast enough.
Now down to the weeping wall! On through the
very narrow streets, passing jackasses loaded down
with saddlebags, people in their many different costumes, shops and more shops. It seems that the streets
get more narrow, or that the things that were inside
the shops are now outside crowding the walkway.
There is just a narrow passageway for people to move
through. You get the smell of food, of shoes, spices,
people. This is Jerusalem, the old city! Walking out
of the Damascus Gate, we take a deep breath and
stroll through a more modern part of the city outside
the wall and to a place called the Garden Tomb. This
a t least looks more authentic than the place of the
staking, burial and resurrection of Jesus inside a great
church structure and inside the city's wall of today.
This is outside in the open, with trees all around, a
beautiful garden, the sky above. It looks like someone's
private burial place in his own garden. We listened
to the guide's explanation. Yes, here you can imagine
Jesus wrapped in white cloth and anointed with oils
for burial and put into a tomb hewed out of rock.
You can very easily imagine the guard stationed in
front of the rolling stone that would have sealed the
burial place. All of this could be like the burial and
resurrection place of Jesus. Not too f a r away is the
Place of the Skull, Golgotha. As we look a t the hillside we can see the two great caves that would look
like two eyes and protruding rocks for the position
of the nose, and the crevices in the rocks bzlow that
would look like a small mouth. Yes, it could be the
Place of the Skull, and above it Jesus, the Savior of
the world, could have been impaled and could have
been brought down from the torture stake and wrapped
and prepared for burial not too f a r away in this

Yearbook

57

garden tomb. It looks like a garden with its winepress for treading out grapes. You enjoy yourself
there because it makes you think of spiritual things.
Our next visit is to the city of Jericho. From here
we see the mountain of temptation where Jesus went
after his baptism and in the far distance to the east
t l ~ emountains of Moab and the mountain of Nebo
that Moses was on top of centuries ago. We can imagine
the millions of Israelites crossing the Jordan and later
marching around Jericho. Then we go to the Jordan
River, the same river where Jesus was baptized. We
see the Iocation where tradition has it his baptism took
place. This looks real. It is out in the open and there
seems to have been little change over the centuries.
Trees and growing plants fill the banks of the river.
It could be that John the Baptist wallred through all
this area preaching and then Jesus came to him and
was baptized. It is a hot afternoon and we are about
1,300 feet below sea level-as we get to the Dead Sea.
Then we travel up the mountainside to see the place
where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. What barrenness! What dryness! What heat! There you see
the caves. Some of the bfothers go into them. Then
you reflect on the New World Translatzon of the Holy
Scriptures and think how the ancient Isaiah manuscript found here was consulted by the New World
Bible Translation Committee in the producing of this
very fine translation of God's Word. Still, after all
these centuries of these scrolls being preserved and
now being examined, no particular changes were made
necessary in translating the Hebrew text. No new
truths result from these finds, but what was f ~ u n d
certainly substantiates that God has preserved the
authentic Holy Scriptures. How good it was that the
hTew World Bible Translation Committee could have
the benefit of the Isaiah scroll and other porzions of
the manuscripts that were found. Being here brings
you closer to the reality of the day and the things
that God's people are working with, and you marvel
a t the preservation of manuscripts going back two
thousaad years.
Now, wringing wet with perspiration, you are glad
to return to the hotel, get a cool refreshing bath, go
up on the roof of the hotel for some breeze and to
w-atch the full moon come up over the Mount of Olives.
Not too many blocks away Jesus with his faithful
disciples celebrated the Memorial under the same moon,
not only five months earlier but centuries ago. The
full moon in Jerusalem is beautiful.

58

Yearbook

In the morning we drive to Samaria, and one always

wonders just what Shiloh looked like where the Ark
of the Covenant was kept for 350 years and where
Samuel served. We see Shiloh on the way. Then we
come to the point where the guide says thls is the
border between Judah and the ten tribes of Israel.
What a deep valley it turns out to be! Then we drive
along the southern slope of Mount Gerizim down to
Jacob's well, the same place where Jesus came and
talked with the Samaritan woman. We drink some
of this good water, but we could not have been a s
thirsty as Jesus was. We had been riding in a car,
and he had walked great distances. The water was
tasty, fresh and something to be enjoyed. This was
really Jacob's well where the Samaritan woman from
Sychar came to draw water and where Jesus spoke
to her. What a favored woman!
Just ahead of us is Mount Ebal. We drive between
the mountains of Gerizim and Ebal and on north to
Samaria. It is beautiful land. There are olive trees
on the hillside and well-cultivated valleys. When we
get up on the high hills where Samaria came to be
the capital of the ten-tribe kingdom, we stop a t what
they claim was the summer palace of Herod Antipas.
Tradition has i t that here Salome danced for the
head of John the Baptist. Not too f a r away, just a
short walk, are the remains of King Ahab's palace.
You can climb around these ruins and see the beautiful
valley on both sides of the mountain. You ask yourself
the question, "Why, with all this loveliness and pleasantness, should King Ahab want Naboth's vineyard?"
On the way back we travel the road to Emmaus
and then on to Gibeon. It can easily be seen why the
Gibeonites were called drawers of water as that was
their assigned work given them by Joshua, but they
certainly had deep wells and large storage places in
their own strongly walled city. These Gibeonites that
wanted to save their lives did not have to walk f a r
to meet Joshua. This became so real to us when we
saw the locations of Gibeon and Ai.
This trip to Palestine made the Bible spring to life,
and all around you you felt things were happening.
These three days passed much too qulckly. We met
with the brothers in Amman and Ramallah, spoke to
the missionaries in Jordan, met Jehovah's witnesses
from somewhere a t every turn in the road. It was
good to visit the Holy Land during the "Everlasting
Good News" Assembly, but we fly to Beirut again
and catch our plane to New Delhi, India.

Yearbook;

59

NEW DELHI, INDIA

Flying all night did not dampen the zeal of the
arriving delegates in New Delhi, arriving a t 6:30 a.m.
Indian time. We were greeted by the branch servant,
along with many others. Three lovely sisters in native
saris put leis around the necks of the travelers. We
hurried off to the hotel because a t 8:30 that morning
we must be in a bus heading for the field service.
What experiences!
Things are so different in India. People welcome you
into their homes but the local missionary does not
need to help you with the language; so many people
in New Delhi speak English. Being invited into the
homes, you have difficulty taking your eyes off the
Hindus, the women with their colorful saris, wearing
rings on their toes and fingers and sometimes in their
noses. They love bracelets too. Some have precious
jewels in settings pierced in the side of their nose
and marks on their forehead, red or black, and sometimes yellow. With all these interesting distractions
before you, you must concentrate on what you are
going to say or get lost in wonderment. You know
you are there to preach the everlasting good news.
Many Indians listen to the message and take literature.
To hear the world travelers talk, this is the finest
territory they have ever worked in. A tour to the
Qutb Minar follows field service.
Now to the first convention session a t the Vigyan
Bhavan, a beautiful hall. What a delightful sight!
All your brothers and sisters sitting there, a great
many in white but others in colored saris. The talks
are translated into Kanarese, Marathi, Urdu, Tamil
and Mafayalam, but the majority do not need the
earphones to tune in their own tongue, for they understand English. Time is flying by. There are so many
meetings to attend, people to meet, missionaries to
talk to, another tour. Before you leave you have seen
India's greatest wealth and its poverty. There are some
sacred cows, and so skinny we wonder why the worshipers of them do not feed their gods better. In one
of the temples the swastika stands out prominently.
You remember that you saw that same symbol, or one
very much like it in Baalbek, and it was the same
symbol that Hitler used for his emblem, and that
swastika sign came from his Catholic school. How
strange! Or, is it? Is it not religion coming down
from Babylon on through the ages to modern times,
still a part of the world empire of false religion?

68

Yearbook

At this assembly too the officers of the Society,

Brothers Knorr, Franz and Suiter, had the joy of
speaking to their Indian brothers.
RANGOON, BURMA
But we must be on our way again, this time to
Rangoon, Burma, where the City Hall was obtained
for the assembly. I t is right in the heart of Rangoon.
Brother Knorr, being delayed due to plane travel,
arrived just a few minutes before he was scheduled
to give his talk. What a pleasure to be associated
with the delightful Burmese brothers and sisters and
to observe their happiness in meeting with so many
brothers from outside Burma! This was a new experience for them.
I t was not advisable to do house-to-house work here
as the traveling representatives had only a transit
visa, but we could enjoy the fellowship and the convention. We were able to visit some of the interesting
Buddhist temples, particularly the Shwe Dagon Pagoda.
This pagoda is 326 feet high and is covered with gold
leaf worth two and a half million dollars, They claim
that the very top of this structure, which is a ten-inch
spherical globe of gold, is covered with diamonds
and precious stones.
It was the monsoon season and one gets quite wet
walking around among the hundreds of shrines a t
the base of this great pagoda. Everyone had to check
his shoes and socks in the bus, so it was a new
experience to go sloshing around on the well-washed
pavement. How interesting to see a Buddhist purchasing "holy water" and have priests pour this "holy
water" over certain images. This, we understood, was
to wash away the sins of the one who bought the
"holy water" for the priest to use in his behalf. The
use of candles, incense, "holy water," bells, beads and
the shaved heads of the priests and nuns all brought
to mind the very likeness of the Buddhist religion to
the Roman Catholic religion. Certainly it was a f a r
cry from the simplicity of worship that Christ Jesus
introduced to his faithful followers. Christendom, centuries later, sanctified these Buddhist things into its
way of worship, all of them pagan practices and beliefs.
The assembly in Burma was the largest they have
ever had, and were the brothers pleased with 603 a t
the public talk! Sixteen were baptized. What a pleasure
i t was too to meet with all. the missionaries, eighteen
in number, a t a special meeting!

Yearbook

61

BANGKOK, TWAXLAND

Bangkok, Thailand, was the next stop. It is called

the Venice of the East. The "Everlasting Good News"
Assembly was held in the Lumpini Hall, a delightful
place open on three sides, but well sheltered from
the rain. Again the brothers had the unique experience
of going from house to house, now taking off their
shoes when they entered the homes and listening to
their fellow-Witness guides speak Thai. The Witnesses
soon found that the local children wanted to help
them. A dozen or so would follow along from house
to house, hearing the Witnesses present literature.
Often the children would be telling the householder
why the Witness was a t the door before ever the
Witness had a chance to speak. Of course, when
anyone was invited inside he could go ahead with
his sermon without the aid of the children. Everyone
enjoyed the field service and the tour that went with
it. They saw some interesting landmarks in the city
of Bangkok. The second morning, with no sessions in
progress, the brothers were taken on a tour of the
river to the floating market. This was an eye-opener.
Life on the river kept one busy turning his neck from
side to side, and even then we did not see it all. There
were people bathing in the river, brushing their teeth
with the river water, dipping up water for cooking
purposes and using the same river for their toilet.
Women in small boats were selling fruits, vegetables
and flowers. There was a Buddhist monk in his orangecolored robe paddling his boat up the river making
his collections of rice and other foods for the day.
Look a t that floating coffee shop and there a freshvegetable grocery store. A woman tied up alongside
our boat to sell us bananas. If you think the streets
in a modem American city are busy you ought to
try rowing a boat through this traffic. All the Thai
people living along the river front do their purchasing
of supplies from the river side of the house, not from
the land side. Stops are made a t a silk mill, a t the
Temple of the Dawn, a t the king's barges covered
with gold leaf. You really get close to the people on
the river tour and learn their way of life.
In contrast, the following morning the tour took
US to the king's palace, and what a grand palace it is!
For magnificence and splendor it is unsurpassed in
the East. We also saw the temple of the Emerald
Buddha. We observed the form of worship carried
on by a Buddhist priest. Before the tour is over we
have seen the Emerald Buddha, magnificent temples

62

Yearbook

done in gold, others in porcelain, giant grotesque

statues, which, it is believed, guard these temples, and
there is the large phallic symbol where phallic worship
is still practiced by barren women. Then we saw the
reclining Buddha, 160 feet long and 39 feet high. This
represents Buddha reclining before dying and entering
Nirvana, 543 years before Christ. The soles of the
feet of this reclining Buddha are most interesting.
There are 108 figures in mother of pearl, all having
some meaning in the Buddhist religion.
Viewing all this brought to our minds Babylon. It
could easily be seen that this religion, with all other
false religions, was part of Babylon the Great, the
world empire of false religion. What a tremendous
influence false religion has over the people of all
nations! Is it any wonder that not many persons
accept the truth in these religious lands?
Outstanding, though, was our association with the
Thai brothers a t the convention itself.
Here a t Bangkok the around-the-world travelers split
into two groups. One of 120 started southward, while
the remaining group of 463 continued northeast to
Hong Kong.
SKNGAPOSE

If time seemed to be moving by quickly for the

world travelers up to this point, now it was moving
like a whirlwind. Each of the groups had five more
conventions to attend before we met again in Honolulu
and Pasadena. Our brothers speeding to the south to
Singapore met with the brothers there in the Victoria
Theater. Here Brothers Franz and Suiter spoke and
delighted the Chinese brothers and the great mixed
congregations in Singapore. They had an interesting
cafeteria setup a t the Adelphi Hotel roof garden, not
too Tar away from the convention auditorium. So the
brothers were able to have much fellowship together.
They had a grand public meeting of 560, at which the
talk was given in English and Chinese, and 22 were
baptized. Having barely enough time to get acquainted,
the group was off again to Indonesia.
BANDUNG, rNDONESIA

This stop truly proved to be a rush for the world

travelers. They landed in Djakarta, got into their
buses, traveled through the capital and up through
the mountains to the convention site a t Bandung.
The assembly was held in the Gedung Wanita (Women's Hall). They had their troubles well in advance

Yearbook

63

while making arrangements for the convention. The

world travelers, however, did not see the tremendous
amount of work that the local branch office had to
do to make the convention possible. The Indonesian
brothers had to shift the convention site from one
place to another. But the joy of the Indonesian
brothers in meeting the world travelers and the world
travelers meeting the Indonesian brothers outweighed
all the difficulties that were encountered. For some
around-the-world travelers it meant just a stay of a
little more than twenty-four hours. Those hours were
packed full of excitement. After that they were off
to Melbourne, Australia.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

This was a long flight, going now from summer

into winter near the Antarctic neighborhood. After
weeks of being in countries where the languages were
foreign to the ears of the majority of the travelers
now they would be back in an English-speaking country.
The convention site was fixed up very nicely in the
Sheep Pavilion, a very appropriate name. No time had
to be spent here in interpretation. The brothers were
able to give the full text of their talks, this to the
delight of the 9,427 who adopted the Resolution in
Melbourne. A number of dark-skinned Solomon Islanders from the north attended the assembly in
Western dress.
It was cold there. Midwinter had set in, calling for
overcoats to be worn. This was a witness in itself
to Melbourne, for the brothers from all over Australia
came to that midwinter assembly. In spite of the cold,
Australian brothers helped to make it a grand success
through their house-to-house witnessing, their advertising of the public meeting and their proper conduct.
Many of the brothers stayed in the homes of the
people of Melbourne, giving a grand witness. The
newspapers made some excellent comments regarding
the assembly of Jehovah's people in Melbourne, and
the television company recorded a half-hour program
a t our beautiful platform and telecast it the following
night.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
The travelers now hurried on to Auckland, New
Zealand. There was no room to accommodate the
crowds in just one auditorium. So the brothers used
the Auckland Town Hall and the Civic Theatre. Much
to the surprise of the vice-president was the very

64

Yearbook

warm greeting the Maori sisters gave him, even in

the cold weather. In native costume and with a dance
and song they greeted Brother Franz. These sisters
also gave him their traditional greeting of rubbing
noses. After the nose rubbings Brother Franz turned
to Brother Suiter and said: "'Did you do this?"
All nations, tribes and peoples have their own unique
and interesting way of greeting, some with leis, some
with abrazos, some with nose rubbing. But with all
of it comes a warmth and love from one people to
another, all in Jehovah's organization. Even though
this was the winter season, the weather was good
and a tremendous witness was given in Auckland,
New Zealand, with 6,005 attending the public meeting.
SUVA, FIJI

Now it was time to get on to Suva, Fiji, which

proved to be a most interesting assembly because
there were islanders from the South Pacific, Polynesians and French-speaking brothers from many places,
like Tahiti and New Caledonia, from wherever thc
truth had been preached someone came. The Suva
Town Hall was used for the general assembly of God's
people from seventeen different island groups and
countries, truly international! The public talk was
given in the New Lilac Theatre to a full house of
1,080. The travelers were able to see the island life
of the Fijian people and their modes of travel. Their
experiences were just as many and exciting and heartwarming as those of their fellow travelers on the
northern trip. As they expressed it, they did not mtss
a thing by taking the southern trip, and it could be
said, too, that those taking the northern trip did not
miss a thing. It was all too wonderful to believe.

HONG KONG
As the larger crowd of 463 moved northward from
Bangkok to Hong Kong they assembled at the new
City Hall, where a grand public meeting was held.
Due to delays in air flights Brother Knorr arrived
at the public meeting just a few minutes before it
began. The hall was packed out with Chinese-speaking
people. The days that followed were filled with pleasure,
associating with the publishers, of whom there are
not too many in Hong Kong, but these Witnesses have
made good progress during the years. House-to-house
witnessing, a visit to the harbor, a tour through Hong
Kong and a trip into the rural areas and even to the
Communist Chinese border were all thrilling and
interesting.

Yearbook

65

MANILA, PHILIPPINES

But hurry, there is a convention in Manila and

some of the travelers were able to spend only twenty
eight hours in the Philippines. However, even though
they could spend only that period of time it was packed
with excitement. The Rizal Memorial Football-Track
Stadium was an ideal place to hold the assembly.
Just the day before the assembly was to commence
a typhoon came through and blew off some of the
covering of the stadium that our brothers had erected
to shelter the conventioners in the bleachers from the
rain or sun. They rebuilt it in a hurry when the storm
let up. It proved to be beneficial in sheltering the
brothers from the sun, for the days of the assembly
following the hurricane were very warm. It was a
wonderful experience to visit the new branch home
of the Society and to see the bustling city of Manila
and to enter into the field service.
It was expected that the public meeting would draw
a t least 30,000 people even in bad weather, for this
was the monsoon season. But with a clear day and
a brilliant sun 37,806 persons packed out Rizal Memorial
Stadium. They overflowed into the running track, into
the cafeteria and onto the sidewalks and street. What
a delightful answer to the hard work that our Filipino
brothers put into witnessing from house to house and
advertising the public meeting! Their hearts were
filled to overflowing.
Keep moving, for you must make three more stops
in order to meet your fellow travelers from the south
in Honolulu, and that is what the travelers did.

saou ~

N G TJUWAN
,

Taiwan was the next stop assigned for a convention.

While the travelers went to Taipei by plane, we had
to Ay to Hualien from there and then go by bus to
Shou Feng and the school ground where our Chinese
and Ami brothers were gathered together in the
"Everlasting Good News" Assembly. Everything was
held out-of-doors, and the assembly site was nestled
in among the high green mountains and the valleys
filled with rice fields. What a change! F a r away from
any city here we were in the rurals of Taiwan. We
got out of the bus and walked down the deep and
dusty roads. We were a spectacle to all the village
folk as the travelers visited a Kingdom Hall. The hall
was neat and clean, made of wood, one story high.
There were the podium, the chart, the instructions
for the theocratic ministry school. The congregation

66

Yea~book

servant greeted us. The world travelers were delighted

to see that away out here in one of these islands our
brothers were doing the very same thing we are doing
in the big cities of America and Europe, building their
own Kingdom Halls.
The way of life is so different here, so close to the
earth. No living in skyscrapers or huge apartment
houses. Here you work with people of the good earth
who depend on rice for a livelihood. Everyone in the
village knows Jehovah's witnesses. They have all been
talked to time and time again. Here is where missionaries have been sent from America and other parts
of the world to help these brothers with the truth
to gain Christian maturity. We admire the devotion
of the missionaries and their answer to the call to go
and disciple people of all nations. How true this has
been in all the countries that we have visited!
During the hot afternoons the visitors listened to a
talk, mingled together under the shelter built by the
native brothers. They had opportunity to see their
cafeteria, their cooking equipment, things that were so
different but adequate. It was an experience to be
remembered. Then the visitors were on their way to
Japan.
KYOTO, JAPAN

Back to modern civilization-Kyoto! Here was a

bustling city with one of the most up-to-date structures
used for the convention site, the Kyoto Kaikan. While
the city is modern, it is so different with its Japanese
language and writing that makes no sense a t 8-11to the
European or American who has not been s.chooled. in
the Japanese language. However, it is an ~nterest~ng
country. The world travelers were here long enough to
do some witnessing from house to house. How gracious
all the Japanese people are! We are invited into the
home and kneel down on their "tatami" mats and our
guide talks in Japanese while we listen and observe
the interest. The householder bows her head, almost
touching the Boor, and then rises, walks away in her
short steps, returns, hands a contribution to the brother
we are with, and he gives her the publications and invites her to come to the public meeting on Sunday. The
interest shown surely will prove to be sufficient to begin
a Bible study.
The convention hall is packed out in the afternoon
and evening. No walking around in aisles or out in corridors. Our Japanese brothers and sisters have come to
hear every word spoken, be it in English through an
interpreter, or directly in the Japanese language. We

Yearbook
go through the cafeteria and eat with the brothers and
use chopsticks. I t is a novelty, but a pleasure. Everyone
who can speak a little English will say hello and try to
converse and, in turn, we try to speak with them.
SEOUL, KOREA

We only have a few more days and another stop,

Seoul, Korea. To do so the convention travelers all had
to go to Tokyo, where they had the opportunity of seeing the new seven-story branch office building that is
being constructed. They stayed in Tokyo overnight and
then flew on to Seoul, where kindness and graciousness
were personified. Our brothers were hustled through
customs, put in special buses and given a police escort
to their hotel. Never had the world travelers experienced such a thing. For a moment some thought that
the bus driver had gone mad, driving down one side of
the road and then the other until they found out they
were being led by a police car. A new experience, but
it made you feel that this was just about the speed you
were used to in traveling around the world.
The Citizens Ilall, a new structure in the heart of
Seoul, was the convention site, and a t the very first
meeting it was packed out. Was every dedicated person
in the organization of Jehovah's witnesses in Korea in
attendance? It seemed so. This was Seoul's first international assembly and everyone wanted to be there.
Here again the field service tour proved to be tremendously interesting. The habits and way of life of the
people in the home and on the street were so different.
One could talk for days about what he saw. whom he
met, the houses he was in and the hospitality of the
brothers. And, as though it was a dream, we had attended another public meeting of 8,975 persons, seen
the branch office and done so many other things, but
now we were on a plane again flying eastward to
Honolulu, Hawaii.
HONOLULU, HAWAII

Here all were met with the warmth and friendliness

of the islands of the Pacific. Here is an island of mixed
peoples, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Filipinos, Westerners, all nationalities blended into one with the Hawaiians. The islands of Hawaii are themselves beauty to
the extreme. The blue Pacific, the towering mountains,
the clouds, the sunshine, all of these make Hawaii an
ideal place for a convention. Many of the brothers in
the United States and in Canada thought so too and
more than 1,100 now joined the around-the-world travelers in the Waikiki Shell, where the convention took

68

Yearbook

place. While we were back in the United States, it certainly did not feel like it. Hawaii is indeed a n island
group of the South Pacific, and the people a r e also a
part of the South Pacific. The Waikiki Shell proved to
be a delightful place in which to hold the assembly.
Everything was out-of-doors, with palm trees and
Diamond Head a s a background.
Field service was enjoyable. As we went from one
house to another we found the same variety, a Korean,
a Japanese person, a Filipino, a Hawaiian, a n American
of European descent. Is it any wonder that the work
in Hawaii is growing so rapidly? The people showed
much goodwill toward the truth. They were interested
in the message of the Kingdom, for on Sunday a t the
public meeting there were 6,189, and here in Hawaii
for the first time the public meeting was telecast over
all the islands. It was estimated that tens of thousands
saw and heard the entire lecture in this way.
PASADENA, U.S.A.

Did this Around-the-World Assembly of Jehovah's

Witnesses have to come to a n end? Was there not something that could be done to make the trip longer?
Pasadena seemed so close now. In fact, the convention
was already in session when we were closing the Hawaiian assembly. Pasadena, though, was climactic for
this Around-the-World Assembly of Jehovah's Witnesses. The Society used the Rose Bowl in southern
California and it proved to be an ideal spot in which to
have the convention. I t seemed that so many of the
brothers from Canada and the United States and Mexico, as well a s other parts of the world, wanted to be
a t the last convention to get a full report of what happened and to talk to thc brothers who traveled around
the world. They had that opportunity.
Pasadena had the full program of eight days from
September 1 to 8, in Spanish and English. I t was the
same as Milwaukee, New York, London, Stockholm and
all the other assernbl~es.Additionally, they had the final
report lrom around the world. The Pasadena assembly
not only was the last assembly of the "Everlasting
Gcod News" Convention but it was the biggest, winding
up on Sunday afternoon with a public meeting attendance of 118,447. h s this convention closed it brought to
an end a seventy-one-day tour around the world in
twenty-four cities. It was the greatest undertaking to
date by Jehovah's witnesses as f a r as collventions are
concerned.
There were really no hardships to talk about, no difficulties. For the around-the-world travelers it meant

Yearbook

69

go, go, go, but the more they traveled the stronger
they seemed to get and the greater was their happiness
in meeting with missionaries, congregation publishers,
brothers and sisters everywhere in many tongues. To
try to sum up tile Around-the-World Assembly of Jehovah's Witnesses in a few pages would be a difficult
task, but it can be reported that in these 71 days there
were 580,509 persons who attended the public meeting,
and 454,977 joined in adopting the marvelous resolution
that declared all of Jehovah's witnesses to be serving
the only true God and making known his message to
the ends of the earth.
There was ample proof that Jehovah's witnesses were
accomplishing their purpose of gathering together the
"other sheep," and 16,653 symbolized their dedication
to Jehovah by being baptized in water. Representatives
had come to these conventions from 161 different lands
throughout the world. This truly was a history-making
assembly. One thing that this assembly made you feel
was that, after the battle of Armageddon is over, all
these brothers and sisters will want to be communicating with one another again, and it will not be a t all
difficult. We accomplished it once in the "Everlasting
Good News" Assembly of Jehovah's Witnesses. We met
thousands of brothers from different parts of the earth,
North America, Central and South America, all of Europe, Africa and Asia and the islands of the sea. Representatives from all six contrnents went around the
world. There is someone who knows someone else in
other parts of our earth personally, anci how happy we
will be to see one another again when the new system
of things is in full operation. Jehovah God poured out
his rich blessing upon liis people and upon the entire
organization that went into operation to make this
convention a success, to make it a praise to Jehovah's
name, to make it a blessing to his people. For this we
are all very grateful.
IN APPRECIATION
In a letter from London, England, a brother writes:
"What a wonderful record the Around-theworld Assembly will make! What a rich blessing it has brought
to us all. So I record my gratitude to Jehovah, our
heavenly Father, and I want you to know of my deep
appreciation."
Another brother in London writes: "I want to express
my deep appreciation and gratitude for the great pri\7ilege in having a share in the activities of the Aroundthe-World Assembly. To meet with the brothers in the

70

Yearbook

different countries and get an insight into the cct~iditions under which they serve, to talk to them at their
meetings, to visit so many places of interest, and do
all these things in constant fellowship with the brothers
and under conditions made so easy through the Society's arrangements, to me .these are the main things
that made the trip outstanding and unique."
One of the anointed, eighty-four years of age, who
lives on the island of Trinidad said: "I cannot hold back
from expressing to you the blessedness I am enjoying
by reading the book entltled ' "Babylon the Great Has
Fallen!" God's Kingdom Rules!' The other book entitled 'All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial'
has a wealth of information. We thank Jehovah and
his consort King, for using the discreet slave class to
place these dishes on the table for us a t this juncture."
A sister in Bangkok, Tha-iland, writes: " 'Thank you'
would be an understatement, so much we appreciate
your visit here. We could understand your hardships,
sleepless n ~ g h t straveling; delays at the airport. All of
the delegates endured those things smiling patiently,
it was really inspiring to see. I went to the hotel to see
the brothers leaving for the afternoon plane. Even
though my pep was running out a little bit I was so
happy to see the friends once more. I t is wonderful to
belong to Jehovah's family and see the same love shining in the eyes of all brothers the world over. Thanks
to Jehovah a million times and over for the warmth
they left behind in every country. Such love could only
be kindled by Jehovah's holy spirit through his organization."
A brother in Burma wrote this: "As our faithful
brother the apostle Paul encouraged others and was
encouraged by those that appreciated his faithful efforts, so I would like to let you know how much your
visit here has meant to me, and, of course, all of us
here. Your untiring efforts and the detailed working
out of hundreds of items far the encouragement of the
brothers everywhere you went and your kind consideration for the missionaries has made a very deep impression on my heart. This recent assembly has brought
untold blessings to the brothers situated over the entire
earth.,,The results will be seen in the increase yet to
come.
More could be said. More letters could be quoted, but
suffice it to say the travelers rejoiced and great was
the blessing to all who were able to attend the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly of Jehovah's Witnesses
around the world. All the honor for its success goes to
our Great and Almighty Father, Jehovah.

Yearbook

71

PRlNCllPAL C l T l E S V I S I T E D BY T H E A R O U N D - T H E W O R L D T R A V E L E R S A T T E N D I N G THE '6EVERLASTING

GOOD N E W S " ASSEMBLY O F J E H O V A H ' S W I T N E S S E S
Public
Lands
Meeting
d~lopted
Y umber
RepreCitv
Attendance
Resoiution
Baotized
sented
-

Milwaukee, Wis., U.S.A.

57,055
53,112
New York, N.Y., U.S,A.
107,483
84,890
London, England
50,111
39,663
Stockholm, Sweden
25,160
22,009
Munich. Germany
107.164
91.748
Milan. Italy
20;516
16; 262
Athens, Greece
8,7601:
g 917~1:
Beirut, Lebanon
9147
642i.
Jerusalem, Jordan
687
96t
(Ramallah; Amman)
1,296
901
New Delhi, India
Coimbatore
365
238
363
Rangoon, Burma
603
Bangkok, Thailand
961
254
Hong Kong
1,180
280
560
251
Singapore
Manila, Philippines
37,806
24,508
Bandung, Indonesia
752
379
Melbourne, Australia
13,142
9,427
Shou Feng, Taiwan
1,566
840
Kyoto, J a p a n
3,534
2,479
Auclcland, New Zealand
6,005
4,293
Suva, Fiji
1,080
392
Seoul, Korea
8,975
6,307
Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A.
6,189
3,958
Pasadena, Calif., U.S.A.
118,447
81,082
Special representatives of t h e Society were sent
Haifa, Israel
115
90
Nicosia, Cyprus
702
596
TOTAL

580,509

454,977

905
2,251
1,369
766
3.027
1,233
363
31
44
14
16
9
14
22
2,342
34
347
34
292
187
25
612
207
2,496

to:
9
14
16,653

"All meetings were held in privates homes.

TAll meetings were held in their own Kingdom Halls.

OVERSEEES

The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of

Pennsylvania, a religious corporation formed in
1884, has directed the work of Jehovah's witnesses around the world for the past eighty years.
There has been a remarkable growth in the organization of Jehovah's witnesses, and it is very manifest that the Almighty God's blessing has Seen
upon these servants.
From the more than one million publishers of Jehovah's kingdom in fhe earth the Watch Tower Society
selects zealous individuals who are mature m a knowi-

72

Yearbook

edge of God's Word and appoints them to do special

service in the Society's worldwide organization. Following the Scriptural requirements of not appointing
"a newly converted man, for fear that he might get
puffed up with pride and fall into the judgment passed
upon the Devil," the Society selects men*who are
desirous of doing the fine work that is required of an
overseer. The Society fully appreciates that "the overseer should therefore be irreprehensible." (1 Tim. 3:
1-71 The president of the Society makes appointments
of branch servants, district and circuit servants around
the world, and the branch offices appoint congregation
servants and others who qualify for special service.
A heavy responsibility falls upon ail overseer, for he
must look well to the interests of all his brothers
and sisters, and every overseer should have the same
outloolr that Paul had when he said: "Besides those
things of an external kind, there is what rushes in
on me from day to day, the anxiety for all the
congregations."-2 Cor. 11:28.
It would be impossible to list here all the servants
who carry such a load of responsibility. The list
appearing in the 1964 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses
contains just a limited number of those who have
received special appointments. This list includes zone
servants, some members of Bethel families, branch
servants, those who have becn in the full-time service
for many years. They are specla1 representatives, all
ordained ministers.
LIST O F ORDAINED MINISTEES
APPOINTED TO SPECPAL SERVICE
Alernan Francisco
Aaron Gray
~ b a s t c ; ,Silvestre
Allen, halcolm S.
Abbulil David
Allen. Paul A.
Almati Leo G. T.
Abrahahson, R. E.
Accardi Litterio J. Amadi: Eugene U.
~ c k e r m i n 1 1 ,Heinz
Amores. Victor C.
Acquah, Daniel Sasu A m o r i k Jose
Adams Don Alden
Andersoh Eric M.
Anderson' Fred A.
dams' Floyd E.
Anderson' Marvin F.
s dams: Joel C.
Adams Karl A.
~ n d e r s o n 'Willie
AnderssoL Allan
Addai 'Robert K
Adjei ' ~ r n r n a n u i lK. Andersson' Ernst
~ d u - l ' h a n u h D. E
Andersson' Karl Ivar
Ahuama FGiday A:
~ n d r z e j e w k k i ,Paul
~ i g b e u b b i l e ,Patrick Anstadt Edmund
Aigner Franz
Antao 'Sergio A
~ o a n g n catalind C.
Ajibadk Abel 0.
~ k a k a m b a m a ,G.
Araujo ' Ruben A.
Akpablo Asuquo 0. ~ r b o r e 'John M.
~ k w a r n d a h , D. Y.
Arciga ' Justino
Alderson G. R
Arenieko C A
Aldrich, ' ~ l o y d' ~ l g i nArmour, kobert' C.

Yearbook

Bower, Arthur N.

chyke, ~ a l v i nM.
Chynn, David W.

74

Yearbook

Friend Maxwell G.
Dowel1 Roy Lee
~ r i e n d 'Samuel B.
Dower ' Lynton W.
Frost, ' ~ l l a r l e sE.
Drage ' Ronald
Frost. Erlch Hugo
rake' Grenville
F r y John Searle
Dube, ' Meshack S.
~ u < kErnest
Daffield Harry W.
Furcdtmann, Heinz
Dugan du ester M.
Gabardo, Guy
~ u n c o h b eV R.
~ u n c o m b e '~ o r k eM. Gabert. Diethein?
Dunlap ~ d w a r dA. Gabrielidis P
Galbreath. 'D. 'M.
~ u r l i q d e S G L.
Duterte 'uiyssAs 9. Gameng L. G.
Gamero: Jose T.
~ w e n g e ' r ,Heinrich
Gangas, George D.
Eames Joseph R.
Eaton 'Andrew Kirk Gannaway K. N.
Garcia. ~ a h u e l
Ebel ' ~ a ~ e r nJ.e
Garrard, Gerald B.
~ c k l b y Fred G.
Garrett Fio d F
~ i n s c h b e t z Willi
aski in.' ~ r c z i b a l dS.
~ i s k n h o w e ; C. R.
Gates. Jalues F.
Ekitanie ~ t i mA.
~ l d r i d g e ' Francis R. Gatti, Piero
Gavlno Pedro C.
Elliott ~ r n e s tC.
Gee ~ k o r g e
~ l m e r :Preben K.
~ e n k r a l ,Reginald H.
Eloranta, Vilho
Geng Karl
Emter Ernst
Georie, Arnold E.
Enerot'h Johan H.
Engelkamp R. J.
Georges, Ronald K.
German. Nicholas
Engler ~ & H.
l
Englugd, Ollc .A. E. Geyer Benjamin P.
Gibb 'George R. W.
Episcopo, Phillp
~ i b b h r d John
,
Erickson R R.
~ r i l c s s o n 'Gistav A. Gibbon James (Sr.)
Gibson,' Stephen D.
~ r i l t s s o n 'K u r t H
Ernst. ~ o n a l dE.'
Giffin. Bruce E.
Espadas, Hector
Gilks. Walter R.
Gilmore. Edmond J.
Estelmann, Otto
Gilmore, T. H. (Jr.)
Estepa Alfredo
Glaeser, K u r t
Fahie, ' ~ o b e r John
t
Fajardo, Felix S. A. Glass Ulysses V.
~ o e b h l Ludwig
,
I.1.
FalQck, Ronald C.
Goff Cecil Joseph
Fanln Fernando
Farm& Herbert J. GO&, Nazareno
Goings. Chester
~ a r n e t i :Walter
Gonzalez. Ramon M.
Fayad Afif
Fekel,' Charles John Gooch Wilfred
Good, ' ~ a r r yC.
Feller. Jules
Goodwin Neil V. V.
Ferreira, R. A.
Fetzik, Harry A.
Gorra, ~ b s e p hTofy
Gott, Robert Elwin
Feuz Gottfried
Goux, Arthur R.
Filsdn James W.
~iltea;, Hector h. Govea. Ruben
Gowero, Daston
Fjelltveit Kare
Graham, Allen L.
Flach. F ~ L Z
Fletcher John R.
Grahn, Rune
Grav John
Fleury,, ~ a u r i c eJ.
Florentino E. A.
~ r a ? :S. W. ( J r . )
Foerster, bietrich K. Grcenlees Leo K.
Foerster, Johannes
~ r e g o r i a d e s ,Gregory
Greis, Bernhard
Fogarty. $1. M. C.
Griesin-er T. A.
Ford W. Stanley
~ r a n k kAlvyn L.
G r i f i n . a ~ r ' a n Lynn
~ r a n k e :Konrad M.
Groh, John Otto
Grover, Erwm A.
Franks. F. N.
Franz, Fred William Guerrero, C. M.
Franz, Raymond V. Guest, Douglas A. J.
Fredianelli, Bruno J. Gumbo, Stainer E.
Fredianelli, George Gunther, Charles D.

Gustafsson. Lars &I,

Guy Harold Jacksoil
~ a e i e l eKarl
Haenni ' Fritz
~ a g e n , ' R o a rA.
Hagensen, L. K.
Haigh Joseph H.
Hall kaymond G
~ a m i l t o n , Milton 'R.
Hamilton, W. C.
Hammer, Paul
Haney Arthur
~ a n n a hGeorge E.
~ a n n a n Willian~
'
T:
Hanson' Bengt Olok
Hargis ' Calvin
arm ah Dennis A.
Harper ' ~ r i cT
Harris ' Harley' R.
~ a r r o 6 ,Stuart A.
Hart, Norman Alfred
Hartlief Markus
~ a r t m a kRobert L.
Hartstang, F.
Harvey F. E.
~ a t z f e l h ,Robert H.
Hauck Otto
Havli;
Paul D.
~ a w k i n s Aloiizo
.
Heiner. EIorst
Held Douglas Ede
~ e l s t r o mDaniel
,
N.
Henry Charles V.
~ e n s c h e l Milton
,
G.
Herms, Juergen
Hernandez, H.
Hernandez. Ruben
Herrera Hector
~ e r s h e $ , Monsell
Hess, Laverne E.
Heuse E. C. ( J r . )
Hewsdn. Arthur D.
Hibbard, Orin J.
Hibshman, David Z.
Hilborn, Howard M.
Hinderer James A.
~ o d g s o n :0. J . M.
Hoffmann, F. C. S .
Hogberg, P a u l
Holien Marvin L.
~ o l l e n d e r Loy
,
D.
Holmes L a r r y B.
Holms. 'Robert A.
Holnbeck, R. A.
Holz K u r t
~ o m b l k a Charles
,
P.
Hooper, Edmund W.
Hopkinson, Denton
Hopley Alfred
Hopley: Randall
Hoppe, Karl
Horton. Bert
Hosie, Douglas M.
Hoskins, Hayes C.
Houston, Joseph M.
Howard, J. C. (Jr.)
Howze, Weldon L .

Yearbook
Huber Emil
~ u g h e ' s Alfred P.
~ u g h e s Gwaenydd
'
~ u n i c k Hollister
:
A.
Husby Kjell Georg
~ u t c h ~ n s o N.
n . U.
Hutchinson R. E.
Idowu T. A.
~ d r e o s 'Plato
~ g n a c i bFernando C.
Ileogbeh, John 0. E.
Ingold, Reeves D.
Ishii Seiji
1tty,'V. C.
Jack Andrew
Jack;, Ronald N.
Jackson Harold K.
Jackson' William K.
~ a n d u r a ' J, . R.
Jaracz, Theodpre
Jarzyna. Edwin S.
Jason. John
Jenkins. George
Jennings, Herbert
Jensen Herinod
ense en' Klaus M.
Jensen' Svend A.
ens en' Svend E.
Jiya an kin
~dhdnnessen,Preben
Johansen, John
Johansson Bo
Johansson: Erik V.
Johansson, Jerker A.
Johansson, Lars Ove
Johansson, Sven G.
John Seth
.John: Wilfred H.
Johnson Curtis K
Johnson' David P.'
~ o h n s o nGeorge
'
A.
Johnson: Harry A.
Johnson Joseph H.
~ o h n s o n 'Lennart A.
Johnson' Verville G
~ o h n s o n :William D'.
Johnstone,, Alan C.
Jones Cecil J.
.Tones' Stanley E.
.Jones' Thomas R.
~ o n t e kL e 0 ~ 0 l dF.
.Torge<sen, F. J.
Joseph, A. J.
Judge, Benso?~
Kachepa Potlpher
~adzaleGoJ. D
Kalaj ~ r d o l dP.
~ a l e d e s h a Sosala
.
Kaliande Wenstone
Kalle ~ G d o l p h
Kalli; Arto I.
~ a l l i o Leo
'
Donatus
~ a m i i i a r i s M.
. E.
Kamm, Albert
Xangale, A. K. T.
Kankaanpaa, E. 3.
Kankaanpaa, T. 3.

Kapinmga, Fermson
Kaptein Maarten
~ a r a m a i i ? N.
, C.
Karanasslos Peter
Karanassios: S.
Iiarkanes V C.
at ant ha' 2.' M.
Katongo 'B.
Kattner ' Erich
~ a w a s a k iRobert K.
Kays Iiairy Isaac
~ e e n Grant
:
Street
Kehinde, S. A. 0.
K e l l a r ~ sA N.
Kelsey, kidhard E.
Kerassinis C.
Khaile ~ ; a n k
~ h u r n g l oOwen
Kibezi Jkcob
~ i l l i a d David
,
R.
Kim, Jang-Soo
Kim Sung-Kon
~ i n j s c h u kE. H.
King. ~ a r & lG
d.
Kirk Robert W
irkk key Curtis 'E.
~dellbe:g, Gustaf
Klein Karl F.
~ l e i n i t e .G. W. R.
Klenk, Hans
Klinck Walter E.
~ n e c h t 'Rudolf
Knoch 'Ray W.
Knorr ' Nathan H.
~ n o t t ,Wayne
'
M.
Koerber. Anton
Kolar, M. M. ( J r . )
Konstanty, Willi
Kovalak N. ( J r . )
Kralter, ' ~ i m o n
Kramer, Carl F.
Kraushaar L.
Krebs, ~ o A a l dR.
Kretschrner, Horst
Krieger Cecil E.
~ r i v u ~ kDaniel
h,
L.
Krochmal Chester
~ r o n v o l d , ' K u r V.
t
Kroschewski, Leo
Krueger Walter
Kruijff 'A D. de
~rzyzaho&ski,M.
Kuenz, Guenter
Kugler, Otto
Kuhn, Kurt M.
Kulschewski, G.
Kultoniak Jean
~umbanyiwa J.
Kunene, ~arnkon
Kunze Wilhelm
~ u o k $ a n e n .R. 0.
Kurkntas, P.
Kurzen, J. G. (Jr.)
Kcrzen. Russell W.
Kushnir, John
Kushnir, Paul
KusiaB, Michal

75
Kutch John A.
~ w a k $ eAlired B.
~ y l l o n e h .Kalevi
Lacson D P.
~ a g u n a '~
, ndrew
Lamb, Warren L.
Lamp William
Lang 'Julius
~ a n g kGerhard
LanglAy James T.
Langley' Roy W
La p a s t h a F. A'.
Larsen, ~ o i g e n
Larsen Jorgen H.
Max Harry
Lash, Dale E.
Lastima, Geronimo
Lategano, C. J.
Latimer, William A.
Latyn, Mike Frank
Laukkanen A. U. H.
Leach ~ a y k o n dB
Learnkd, Alvin E.
Leathco, Charles D.
Lebid, Michael
Leech Dennis
~efl.ie$Ralph H.
Leibe<sperger, C. F.
Leroy h'Iarceau
~ e s t e ; , Cornelius
Letonia, Anton
everi is, Arthur T.
Lewinson, B. A. A.
Lewis, David U.
Lewls Frank W.
~ i a n g Fu-Lone
:
Lietzke Georg
~ i n d e m 'Ralph T
~ i n d e n , ' D a v i dW:
Linder Emil
~ i n d s a $Ludwell M.
Linton. 'James S.
Little Kenneth A.
~ i w a gSalvador A.
~ o g a nW.
' Harvey
~opez,'SamsonL.
Lovinger, Royal P.
Lozano, Rodolfo S.
Lu, Lorrin K.
Lubeck, Joseph
Lundgren, H. B.
Lunkenhelmer, 0.
Luts John
Luz ' ~ e r a l d oP da
Lyambela, soldinon
Mabilat, Gu
MacAulay, 8aniel F.
Rlacdonald, Oliver A.
Macdonald, Robert J .
Machado. Wilson B.
Mackey Weldon
~ a c ~ e aDonald
h
H.
~ a c m i l l a h A.
, H.
MacNamara. A. W.
~ a c ~ h e r s oJ.
n ,F.
Maday, Caesar W.
Madsen, Kaj Fog

m arson:

Yearbook

Photinos Peter
Piccone, b. A.
Piis a Veijo B. M.
~jncfe; Jaclc
~ i t t m a i n Edward D
Platt, ~ ; a n k or don
Pletscher Reinhard
Plumhoff' Fred H.
plumhoif: Sidney H.
Poetzinger, Martin
Pohl Will Charles
~or~k
Robert
r
Earl
power;, Jack D.
Powley Arthur
~ r a m b d r g Jack
,
Price, Alan
Prighen Matthew 0.
~ r o s s e r ,Calvin
'
S.
PuIver. IIarold M.
Pysh, Elmer
Quilter, Roy Stuart
Quintanilla Jose
Rachuba krich
Ramirez,' Pedro
Ramseyer, Andre F.
Randall Charles A.
Rann dear-e A.
Rape; ~rchgleV.
~ a s e b b k aP.
, J . W.
Rasmusscn, C. M.
Rasmussen. Hugo N.
Rasmussen. J. E. F.
Rasmussen J a r cn
Raubenheiher
J.
Rawiri Rudolbh W.
Reano,' Pablo
Reed Charles H.
Reed' Kenneth M.
~ e e s ,Philip
'
D. M.
Reiter Ferdinand
~ e n d b b ct a u r i t s
~ e n o l d n 6 r John
Renton ~ 6 h n( J r . )
Reuschi Lyle E.
Reuter Georg
Rice dharles J
Rice' Usher ~ e t .
Fticier, Charles W.
Riemer I-Iugo H.
Rimmi ' Pentti H.
Ripley' Stephen
~ o b i s d nCorwin A.
Rocha Antonio A.
Rodriiuez, Gol?zalo
Roe Wendell P.
Roekner Ted Roy
Rohrer 'Arnold
Rojas hector
~ o m a h o Joseph
,
A.
Rombe Isaac
Ronco 'philip G.
Rooy k C . de
Rosam, E. D. (Jr.)
Roschkowski, Heinz
Rose, Gerald S.
Rose, John Darryl
Rose, Raymond R.

6.

Ross-Jensen W. R.
Rudtke ~ l i f r i e d
Rugglek Paul R.
Rundel ' ~ u e r g e n
Rusk red (Jr.)
Russ6nber~erHans
~ u t hwil;;le;
B.
Ryan' Roy Ansil
Saia ' ~ o s e p h
sainthill, E. C. (Jr.)
Sakatos R G.
Salang'b' ~ i l i C.
x
Salavada Kalle
Salih ~ a t ' h e e r
Salinhs. Adulfo
Sallis Gilbert W.
~ a m a > o aJose A.
Sanchez 'Renato
~ a n d e e iHarold P.
sanders& T. H.
Sandner,
Sanstrom, Gerhard
Sansom Robert D.
Santos 'A. J dos
~ a r a k ~chicles
h
W.
~ a t u r n i n oA. B.
Saumur i a u r i e r
~ a w a l i c hHoward S.
Scaglion; Joseph
~chadlofsky Karl
Scharner, ~ b s e f
Schaumburg. S.
Scheider Wilhelm
schemm61, Jose N.
Schlumpf, Walter
Schmidt John J .
~ c h n e i d 6 rGottlieb
~choenfelht Helmut
Schroeder, k. D.
Schuette Werner
Schuetz ' ~ e r m a n n
~ e h u l e rGerald
'
J.
Schulz, 'Reinhard
Secord Arthur H.
seegelken. G. D.
Seegers, C ,J.
Segal Marlo I.
~ e i d e Michael
:
A.
Serfert. Heinz
Seijl William van
~ e i t ; Hans-Werner
Sekela Vasil
Selby 'Douglas W.
~ e r r a h oBruno
Sewell john E.
~hakhAshiri G. J .
Shalkoski H. E.
Shawver, 'windell G.
Sheldon Charles C.
~herrnal;,C. 0. (Jr.)
Shyers George F.
Sibiva ' John E.
~jbfe$, Davld
Siemens, Allan B.
Sijula, EIijah
Silva, Carl
Silva, Fabio Celso

ax

Silva Jose R. da
~ i m c b xJames E.
~ i m p k i h sWilliam J .
Simpson ' ~ a m e sJ
Sinaali hukosiku'
~inclai; David G.
Singer 'Earl V.
~ i o l k o k s k i John
Sioras ~ o d Peter
n
~ k a l e c k i ,Antoiile
Skinner Francis E.
Sklavouhos T.
Slik ~ e n r ;
~ m i 1 1 ,Albert E.
Smilnak Michael
Smith ~ e i t Neville
h
smith' Leonard E.
smith' Louis D.
smith' Raymond H.
smith' Stephen
smith' Thomas E.
Snow 'Frederick W.
SnydGr Ralph L.
Solin ~ s r s - ~ r i k
Sondkrmann G.
Sosa, ~ i l e m d n
Souza Mario R. de
Spacii, Frank
Spangenberg W.
Sparks R o r d d A.
spencer ~ i l d e r E
t
spillin&. Barry J.'
Spotta Karl
Stago, 'Samuel E.
Stallard Esel D.
Statton 'Clare Edsal
Stauffei Alvin J
stebbin; Keith k.
Steele ~ h a r l e sA
~ t e e l e :Donald L.'
Stegenga Dirk J
~ t e i m a n g~ l b e r t '
steinemahn. H U ~ O
Stevenson Paul M.
Stewart Albert 0.
Steynbekg Wilfred L.
Stitz, ~ l a i e n c eV.
Sioermer C. A.
Stow R. 'F'. J.
StraGd, Roy Ivar
Strandber John R.
Streit, W&er
Stuefloten, John W.
Stuhlriiller Alois
Sugiura. 1 s b u
Suiklionea, Rauni J.
Suiter Grant
Su1liv;n Thomas J.
Sunal Fiudolph
~uthe'rland John P.
~vantesson:Erik
Svennbnclc. A. G.
Svensson, Agne
Svensson, Allan
Svensson, Curt
Svensson, Hugo
Svensson, Rolf

78

Yearbook

Swader Robert E.
swing&, Lyman A.
Sydlilr Daniel
~ y m e o h Wingstone
.
Sypsas Athanassios
~ z e w c z b k ,Heinz J.
Szumigs Marian
~ z ~ n l c z a jDaniel
i
Tabios, ~ ; l i o M.
Tabios, Santos M.
Taggueg Percy
Tareha ~ h a r l e sA
Taylor' John E.
~ e m p l & t o nR.
, R.
Teubner Titus
Tharp, Alexander E.
T h i e m ~ Guenter
,
Thomas Davld J.
Thomas: Fritz Hans
Thompson. A. deL.
Thompson J . A. ( J r .
Thompson' M. F.
~ h o n g o a n i J.
, S.
Tiainen Matti K.
Toikka,' Esko Tapio
Tolenaar J . H. D.
rom1ano;ich J. R.
Torso. Edwai-c! W.
Toth Frank Joseph
TouGeron P. M. J.
owns send, Ke!th S.
Tracy, F r e d e r ~ c kA.
Tracy Robert N
Tracy: William A.
Trost John Donald
~ r o s t Peter
:
Ronald
Truman Ivan W.
Tsekalis: Vassilios
Tsheke, Welconle
Tuazon I. D.
Tubini,' Giuseppe
Tumia, Michele
Turnbull, Douglas
Turner, Lawrence
Turner Lowell L.
Turpin' Walter E.
Tymkobich E d W.
Ulricll, ~ l a k e n c e
Umek, Bernard
~ i e g e r s m a Aalzen
,
Uwaeme, Dick 0. E. Wieland, Edward W.
Vainikainen, A. M.
Wihlborg,
Ingvar
Valentino Luiggi D.
Wildman. Lewis A.
Vnlerio, fiazarlo
Wilkinson, K. R. I-I.
Van Assel, Karel
Van Daalen, Em11 H. Willhite, Lovell G.

~ o u r n b o x Lambros
,
Zuercher, Franz
Zulu, Clement
Zyto, Casimiro

WATCHTOWEB BIBLE SCHOOL O F GIILEAD

The 37th class of the Gilead School was the

second elass to complete the expanded ten-month
term in the new facilities of the Watchtower Bible
and Tract Society of New York located in Broolrlyn Heights. Graduation day was Mo~day,November 26, 1962. The exciting activities of this day

Yearbook

79

were held in the Kingdoin Hall at 107 Columbia

Heights, Broolilyn, New York. Those attending
the graduation exercises were the students and
members of the Brooklyn Bethel family. There is
not sufEcient room for others to be in attendance
a t the Kingdom Hall. The auditorium itself was
not even large enough to seat those in attendance
and so the overflow crowd was accommodated in
the lecture room that was tied in by loudspeaker.
There were 725 in attendance at the graduation of
the 37th class of the Watchtower Bible School of
Gilead.
The program began a t 3:30 p.m. with President
Knorr acting as chairman. The four instructors spoke,
giving excellent farewell counsel. Then the factory
servant and the Bethel home servant, with whom the
students had worked throughout the year, spoke to
the student body. Following these brothers the Society's
vice-president, Brother Franz, spoke on the Christian's
deposit or trust. Brother Knorr gave the graduation
address on "Qualified to Teach." After thls the students,
who had come from 52 countries, received their dlplomas and assignments, and it was learned that the
PO3 students were now being sent to 64 different lands.
Ninety-five of the 103 graduating received diplomas
of merit.
Graduation day proved to be a very busy one for
the students and the Bethel family. It seems we all
look forward to it for a whole year, as it is a grand
event, something big being finished. in the lives of our
brothers and sisters who have come to school and the
starting of another important assignment somewhere
else in the world. So the day spent together, the fine
evening meal and then the Watchtower study afterward along with the experiences related by the various
students, gladdened the hearts of everyone in attendance. Late in the evening the program was brought
to a close with a prayer of thanksgiving to Jehovah
God for the day's activities. Not too many minutes
after that some of the graduates were packing and
were ready for travel to their assignments. A11 their
assignments were worked out well in advance and
tickets were purchased for their travel to missionary
fields. In fact, before the week was out, the Bethel
home seemed vacant because of the exodus of those
that the family worked with for a year.

Yearbook

80

Now the Bethel family had to get acquainted with

a new group that started coming in. Some arrlved
early to study English. By February 4, 1963, there
were another 104 students mingling with the Bethel
family. These came from fifty-six countries. Thirty-six
branch servants were called for study a t the 38th
class of Gilead, and the class has proved to be an
interesting one.
Many of the brothers who were students in the
38th class of Gilead had the privilege of sharing in
the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly of Jehovah's
Witnesses by being on the program a t Yankee Stadium.
As part of their schooling they were given a thorough
tour of all the convention departments, and those who
had been branch servants, along with many other
students, will have worked in practically every department of the Bethel home, factory and offices of the
Society before the ten-month course comes to a close.
The instructors in the school were delighted to have
the two new publications "At1 Scripture Is Inspircd
of God and Belz.eficialm and "Babylon the Great Has
Fallen!" God's Kzngdonz EuZes! because these wlll prove
to be very helpful in the verse-by-verse study of the
Bible, which covers the full ten months of the school
term.
As this service year closes, it will not be long before
the 38th class will be preparing to leave for their
assignments of service.
Some brothers who were brought to the "Everlasting
Good News" Assembly in New York are staying over
and are now studying English in preparation for
Gilead training. Members of the Bethel family have
volunteered to give them English lessons each.evening
and on weekends. This is very much appreciated by
the students.
It is indeed a privilege for the members of the
Bethel family to have this grand association with
brothers from all parts of the world. Here is the list
of the students who graduated in 1962.
GEADUATES OF GILEAD, 37th CLASS
November 26, 1962
Adria Salvador
~ d r i ~ rMargarita
'
B.
(M&. S.)
Aigner Franz
~ r m a l e ' Chafic I
Arnett ' Douglas 'D.
Ayala ' Juan Manuel
~ y e r s : Alejandro P.
Bangle, Aleck

Yearbook

81

KINGDOM MINISTRY SCEHOOL

The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of

Pennsylvania conducts special courses in all parts
of the world. The Kingdom Ministry School is for
the purpose of training congregation servants and
special pioneers for a period of one month. This
is really a refresher course designed for mature
brothers and sisters, those who have a fine basic
knowledge of God's Word and organization.
The Kingdom Ministry School is in operation in the
United States a t South Lansing, New York, a t the
Society's Kingdom Farm. We also have the Kingdom
Ministry School in operation in the London Bethel
home, a t Watch Tower House, and in Wiesbaden a t
our German Bethel home, as well as in many other
countries throughout the world. The school will operate
in each country until such time as all the congregation
servants have had the advantage of taking this special
course. Many countries have already completed the
training, but perhaps in a few years we will again
open the Kingdom Ministry School in these countries
to train all the new congregation servants and special
pioneers. Then they, too, may have the privilege of

82

Yearbook

studying the special schoolbook that the Society has

prepared for overseers.
In the United States 959 brothers and 79 sisters
were called to school during the 1963 servlce year.
This brought the total attending this school to 1,038
for the service year in the United States. Adding to
this those alreadv taking the course in the United
States, the grand "total cokes to 3,320. Other countries
throughout the world are doing a good work too in
training their overseers. We feel that the whole organization of Jehovah's witnesses is profiting through
the good leadership the congregation servants give
their fellow workers.
There is no end to study on the part of any overseer,
whether he goes to school or not. All of us have the
obligation toward Jehovah to gain maturity and a
better knowledge of God's Word. I t is our putting
into practice the things we have learned from that
Word that will aid others to come to an appreciation
of Jehovah's will and purpose.
Each congregation throughout the world also has
a theocratic ministry school where every member of
the congregation has the opportunity of carefully
studying the Bible and giving talks on selected subjects. This has proved to be most profitable and it has
certainly aided all of Jehovah's witnesses to express
themselves better. Everyone dedicated to Jehovah God
should certainly be enrolled in the theocratic ministry
school in the congregation, if it is a t all possible.
UNITED STATES O F AMERICA
Peak Publishers: 308,370
Population: 184,883,000
Ratio :
1 to 600

More time was spent preaching the good news

of the Kingdom in the United States during the
1963 service year than ever before. Jehovah's witnesses devoted 44,572,990 hours going from house
to house, distributing magazines, making backcalls and conducting Bible studies. This is 3,200,000
hours better than the previous year. Some of this
grand increase in hours we feel confident was due
to the fine part that the congregation publishers
took in the vacation pioneer service. This was the
best year the United States has ever had in the
a.verage number of pioneers participating in the
service. There were 11,130 regular pioneers on

Yearbook

83
the average, induding those in vacation pioneer
work during one or two months of the service
year. Additionally, there were 676 special pioneers
on the average. It is hoped that the congregation
publishers will continue to appreciate this grand
privilege of spending a month or more in pioneer
service during every year. Everyone can readily
see how this additional time aids in giving a greater witness.
There are many other commendable features of the
work in the United States report, such a s the distribution of individual magazines. We passed the fiftymillion mark for a year's distribution. This was the
first time such an outstanding distribution took place.
Home Bible studies climbed to a new high of 210,918.
It is hopcd that good results will be had a s a consequence during the 1964 service year.
On the average there were 12,616 more pu)?lishers
out in the field service each month than during the
previous year, and this is good. This means we had
an increase of about 5 percent over the 1963 average
of publishers in the field.
The outstanding event for the United States during
1963 was the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly of
Jehovah's Witnesses held in Milwaukee, New York
and Pasadena. We ieel sure the effect of these splendid
conventions will be reflected in the progress made
during the 1964 service year.
I t is a pleasure to see that the congregations have
increased in number, now totaling 4,777. During the
year 15,960 individuals were baptized. Of course, this
was more than the increase in publishers. This was
also true during the previous service year, when 22,000
persozls were baptized and we had an increase of 18,755
publishers. This brings us to a problem that we should
face, namely, that many more people are belng baptized than are being consistent in their preaching of
the good news. Surely they have not all died off, unless a goodly number of these or older ones in the
truth have died spiritually. This presents a challenge
to every overseer in the congregations. He will want
to see to it that those who have dedicated their lives
to Jehovah a r e properly fed, cared for and shepherded
go that they will become strong in Jehovah, advance
?n knowledge and prove to be mature servants of
God as the years go on. Jehovah does not want to
see anyone lost. Jehovah made tie provision of the
ransom sacrifice so that life could be gained, not lost.

84

Yearbook

None of the overseers or publishers in the congregation

should want to see any who have dedicated their lives
to Jehovah lost.
While we rejoice greatly in the gathering together
of the "other sheep," it is also our responsibility to
see that they are kept in the fold to gain life. VJe
want to aid them to take care of their responsibilities
as Christians in these last days. Some of the experiences furnished in the annual report from the branch
office in the United States show that one has many
opportunities of witnessing no matter where he is.
By engaging in the witness work younger brothers
and sisters have opportunity to fulfill the scripture at
Matthew 21: 16. A Catholic boss of a brother approached
him on a Monday morning, saying, "Sunday morning
a man and young boy came to my door. I was expectlng the man to talk, but, to my surprise, the little
fellow introduced the purpose of the call. I invited
them in and said to myself-I am going to make a
monkey of that kid. Pete, clo you know what happened?" To the employee's "No" the boss said, "Question after question he answered with the Bible. The
kid made a monkey out of me." He went on to say
that he took a year's subscription for the magazine,
"hoping that it will do me as much good as it did him."
Taking advantage of opportunities to do incidental
witnessing has resulted in many becoming acquainted
with the truth. A few years ago a brother traveling
through Arizona had to stop at a garage due to car
trouble. The mechanic found the generator to be defective, and since he was busy he said he would be
with him soon. To hurry the job along, the brother
took off the old generator. As the mechanic worked
on the car, the brother witnessed to him, and the
mechanic remarked that he was the first minister he
had met who was not ,afraid to get his hands duty.
A book was placed with him, and the brother left
his name and address. A year passed and the brother
received a three-page letter from the mechanic saying
that he and his family read the book and all accepted
the truth. Recently- the brother mads another trip
through Arizona, vislted the mechanic brother and
his family, and slept in the congregation's new airconditioned Kingdom Hall, the lot being donated by
the mechanic brother.
In starting home Bible studies the followir~gexperience shows the value of getting the entire family
to study. A study was progressjng nicely with a housewife who started attending meetings, then stopped.

Yearbook

85

When asked about it, she said her husband felt he

was being neglected so he started taking her to church
with him. The husband had not been invited to sit
in on the study prior to this, nor had an effort been
made to arrange the study so the man and his wife
could learn together. The publisher decided to call on
him, was invited in and explained that, since he was
the head of the home, he had the right to know what
his wife was learning. This resulted in a Bible discussion and the starting of a study with him, in which
his wife was invited to join. Later, arrangements were
made for the entire family to study together, and now
both the husband and the wife are regular publishers.
While these experiences have proved to be pleasant
ones, there are also those that require Jehovah's servants to "speak: the word of God with boldness." There
is still opposition in different parts of the country to
Jehovah's witnesses going from door to door, and
probably the greatest difficulty has come from the
attempted enforcement of what is known as the "Green
River Ordinance." Certain cities have this ordinance
that prohibits soliciting and peddling. While there
were no such cases that resulted in convictions, sometimes such ordinances have been used to try to scare
Jehovah's witnesses and to stop them from going into
territories where perhaps one or two persons have
made complaints to the police or the district attorney.
By the time these cases have gotten to the courts
someone along the way has dismissed them or the
city has dropped charges and the matter is not carried
any farther. The Society, of course, explains to the
city officials, usually the city district attorney, how
our work is carried on, and they do appreciate knowing
what the law says on the matter. Often we receive
letters from city a t t o r ~ e y sto this effect:
"I have previously read the handbook [Defending
and Lega1I.y Establishing t h e Good News1 which is
furnished to your people as they are traveling about
and agree that if they do conduct themselves as
prescribed in that handbook they probably could not
be required to obtain a license. . . . It is not the
intention of our mayor or council to restrict 'religious
liberty.' "
During the year the Watch Tower Bible and Tract
Society closed its legal department, but that does not
mean that the Society does not take care of the legal
problems affecting Jehovah's witnesses. When necessary, the Society obtains legal- counsel. in different
states to represent Jehovah's w~tnessesin cases that
affect freedom of worship.

$6

Yearbook

There are cases involving the expulsion 01 children

frorn school, such as the one in Arizona where children
of Jehovah's witnesses refused to stand and sing
during the playing of the national anthem. This case
was won by the attorney selected by the Society to
represent the children, and a decision was rendered
in favor of Jehovah's witnesses. The children were
allowed to return to school to get their education.
The judge said: "The key of our freedom of expresslon
is that the:
is individual freedom to believe, to speak
and to act.
With the Society's legal office closed, we might say
that we are pleased to give advice on Scriptural
matters. The Society is not in a position to give legal
counsel to persons on private problems, but the Society
will be happy to be of assistance where possible in
giving information on what the Scriptures have to
say on personal problems. Any individual thinking he
needs an attorney for his personal matters should
choose one of his own liking locally. The Society is
not in a position to recommend attorneys, any more
than it is in a position to recommend doctors or
surgeons.
PRINTING ACTIVITIES I N BlROOIPLYN

There has been a constant demand for books, booklets, magazines and Bibles on the part of all the publishers around the world and it has been the pleasure
of the Brooklyn factory to print and ship great quantities of these everywhere. As f a r as bound books are
concerned, the most printed and shipped publications
were Bibles, the New World Translation of the Holy
Scriptures. During the year 940,316 copies were completed. This included the special one-volume edition of
the large-type Bible, printing under one cover the six
volumes of the New World Tra.nslation of the Christian Greek and Hebrew Scriptures. This made one
grand book of 3,648 pages.
The bindery work in connection with this particular
edition is done almost all by hand, as there is no
machinery large enough to put such a book through
our automatic bindery equipment. We were able to complete 64,000 copies of this edition during the service year.
It was good to see the fine increase in the printing
of the Watchtower and Awalee! magazines in the
Brooklyn plant. While we were not able to ship any
Spanish magazines to Cuba during the past year because
of the difficult relations existing between Cuba and
the United States, still we were able to increase mag-

Yearbook

87

azine production. Furthermore, we transferred the

printing of the Butch edition of The Watchtower and
Awake! to our German plant in Wiesbaden.
Ilere is a comparative production report for the
Brooklyn factory.

BROOKLYN FAGTOEBI PBODUGTPON EEPOST

Bibles
Books
Booklets

The Watchtozoer
ilwake!

1961
757,899
4,809,465
12,081,228
61,071,030
54.040.200

1962
1,782,602
4 313 446
14:199:988
64 397 141
55:751:824

1963
1,706,684
4 634 763
22:909:173
65,121,123
57.205.228

145,828,325
340,242
74,988,771
2.861
14,735,900
235,896,099

157,540,150
377 570
71,074:276
2,905
11,136,960
240,131,861

158,335,500
481 254
69,259:443
1,800
10,563,800
238,641,797

Total
Advertising leaflets
Calendars
Miscel!aneous printing
Magazine bags
Tracts
Total n~isc.printing

The above work was accomplished on thirty-one

printing presses in the Brooklyn plant. They were all
kept busy rolling off the printed page and consumed
10,022 tons of paper. This is the first year that we
have ever gone over 10,000 tons, and it was a n increase
of 1,115 tons over last year. Let us just glance back
in ten-year steps and see how rapidly this paper
consumption has increased. In 1943 we used only
2,603 tol?s; in 1953 it was up to 4,279 tons; and in
1963 it jumped to 10,022 tons. This well reflects the
tremendous increase in the distribution of the printed
page containing Jehovah's life-giving message.
Among other commodities also produced and used
in the Brooklyn plant was 184,856 pounds of adhesives.
Additionally, 120 tons of printing ink was produced.
This was not only for our thirty-one presses in Brooklyn, but we aIso export printing ink by barrels to
other printing branches of the Society.
To keep the Society's property in good condition
we also manufactured 2,845 gallons o i paint in our
paint depa.rtment.
The Bethel family has many things to do and does
not just operate the printing plant of the Society.
Many members work in the Bethel home where food
must be prepared for the three meals that the family
eats each day. Then there are those who look after
the rooms and keep all the buildings clean and in good
repair. The Society operates its own laundry. Further,
many of the brothers work in offices handling the

88

Yearbook

more than 800,000 pieces of mail received in a year's

time. During the year there were, on the average,
675 niembers in the Bethel family. In addition to this,
there were 104 students going through Gilead School.
So we had living with us here in the Brooklyn Bethel
home 779 persons throughout the year.
At the close of the service year, August 31, there
were 789 persons working in the Bethel home and
going through school. The members of the Bethel
family hold very dear their God-given privileges and
responsibilities that go with being members of the
family. Not only do they enjoy their work day by
day in the home, office or factory, but during the
evenings they have the same opportunities that other
publishers of the Kingdom have, namely, of going
to meetings, conducting Bible studies, participating in
the field service on weekends and sharing in all co!lgregation activity with one of the congregations. In
New York City. They have had a grand share in help~ng
the congregations in New York grow. Many members
of the family are congregation servants and ass~stant
servants and study conductors in the 144 congregations
of New York City, where there are 15,356 publishers
associated together in the preaching activity. All the
family looli forward to another year of service in
which they can praise Jehovah's name and work in
the interests of their brothers around the world.
REPORT ON OTHER TEERITORIES
UNDER THE UNITED STATES BKANCEX

There are a number of islands and other territories that the Brooklyn branch office has under
its jurisdiction. There is good communication
between these lands and the United States and so
the office in Brooklyn looks after the direction of
the local activity. 1x1addition to paying particular
attention to the United States congregations, the
Brooklyn offree also looked after Bermuda, Guam,
Saipan and Sudan.
BERMUDA
Peak Publishers: 85

Population:
Ratio:

53.000
1 to 624

Excellent expansion has taken place in Bermuda

during the past year, and without doubt the increase
In full-time pioneer ministers has aided greatly .in
this regard. A vacation pioneer ~~~~~~~~~1 aceomparued
a special pioneer into the servrce. They talked to a

Yearbook

89

housewife and she accepted the New World Translation and requested five additional copies for gifts.
On the first back-call the husband was a t home and
listened in. His many Bible questions were answered
weekly. The special pioneer would always conclude
the study period with brief explanations of the Scripturalness of Jehovah's organization and would show
the worldwide scope of the Kingdom activity. It was
not long before the husband exclaimed, "This is the
truth! At last we have found the right way to worship
God." Now the man and his wife are attending all the
meetings with their two children and are regular
publishers and have been baptized. It is always good
to study with the husband and wife together.
Calling upon spiritually inactive ones has helped the
Bermuda congregation grow. Many years ago a family
o f twelve, where the parents and oldest son were
dedicated and the younger children were being educated for New World living, gradually ceased their
association with the New World society. Periodic visits
were made, but no results were forthcoming. Following
the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly a call was
made on this family, utilizing the practical approach
outlined in the demonstration a t the convention. Patience and kindly counsel were applied. A home Bible
study was suggested for the family and promptly
accepted. Now the oldest son, who is twenty-one, is
back in service fulfilling his dedication vows, and the
rest of the family is making good spiritual progress.
The point is, when watching demonstrations a t conventions, we want to take home with us the ideas
given and put them to practical use.
GUAM
Peak Publishers: 48

Population:
Eatio:

43,943
1 t o 915

Guam experienced the greatest disaster of its history

when typhoon Karen swept the island on November
11, 1962. However, with all its savage fury Karen
co~nldnot destroy the spiritual growth that had been
obtained here. Many things that we experienced after
typhoon Karen really strengthened our faith here.
There were the prayers, love and concern expressed
in letters from the Society and many brothers around
the earth. Then came financial assistance, clothing and
food from the brothers in the States. How the brothers
here appreciated this material aid! But it was the
expression of Christian love on the part of thew
brothers that they appreciated rnost of all.
Then just a t the right time, to keep us mindful
of our spiritual well-being, the Society sent the zone

90

Yearbook

servant to visit us, How thankful we were for his

visit, the assembly and feast of spiritual food! This
gave us the right mental attitude toward our ministry
in this time of rebuilding after the typhoon.
Though many of the brothers here are living in
temporary shelters, we have pushed ahead with Jehovah's blessing. During the Watchtower campaign
we had the visit of the circuit servant. The publishers
enjoyed this arrangement and supported the field service program well during the week. What were the results? The brothers obtained fifty-four subscriptions.
When the school term was coming to an end a part
of the service meeting was devoted to what teen-agers
could do with their vacation time. One young publisher accepted the thought of conducting a home
Bible study. She approached a neighborhood friend
about her own age, and a Bible study was started.
Soon her friend began to attend the congregation
book study and then the other congregation meetings.
What a wonderful and rewarding way to spend a
school vacation!
SAIPAN
Population:
5,286
Peak Publishers: 4
Batio :
1 to 2,072
Two missionaries arrived on Saipan, September 13,
1962. In spite of this being a solid-Catholic island,
many goodwill persons with strong hearts a r e taking
their stand for the truth.
At first the people were not accustomed to having
someone call from door to door. One day while they
were going from house to house, a young man asked
the missionaries what they were doing. They explained
that they were engaged in a Christian work teaching
the people from the Catholic Bible and doing the work
that Christ and the apostles. did. In time, a Bible
study was started. He asked if they had a Catholic
Bible. He obtained i t and read i t from then on. The
Paradise book was also placed and he and his wife
thoroughly read the book. He soon Pound out that the
Cathoiic doctrine was false and he was concerned
about letting the other people know the truth. He is
so zealous to study the Bible that he usually ends up
studying for two hours or more. Many of his friends
have admitted that he is changing. His previous manner
of speech was not Christian but obscene talk. His
friends are amazed and impressed with his worthwhile and upbuilding Bible language. This reminds us
of the scripture a t Ephesians 4:22-24, where Paul
states that we "should put away the old personality

Yearbook

91

. . . and should put on the new personality which

was created according to God's will."
SUDAN
Popnlatlon:
12,109,000
Peak Publishers: 40
Ratio:
1 to 302,125
The work moved ahead steadily during the service
year and we rejoice in the increase. The visits of the
zone and circuit servants were appreciated and undoubtedly contributed toward the expansion. Here are
several experiences.
One sister was anxious to see her mother get the
truth but was unsuccessful in starting a study. When
her brother returned home from his law studies in
Germany, the mother asked her son if he felt it was
wise for her to study. He answered, "They are morally
good people. Why not?" The study was started, the
mother made some progress, but it was rather slow.
The son came home again from Germany, and asked
his mother to invite several ministers in for a discussion. Two brothers came, making a fine impression
upon this law student. The mother is now dedicated
and the son shows a strong interest in the message,
indicating he wants a personal Bible study after
finishing his law course.
Another sister started a study with an old friend
and encouraged the person of goodwill to spend some
time after each study discussing different features of
the organization. Then the lady attended a circuit
assembly and there noticed the warmth and friendliness of the brothers. She and her husband viewed
the assembly as a gathering of "a happy family."
Later she said: "My house is big enough for the next
assembly. The next assembly will be in our home."
The heme was large enough and the next assembly
was held there. Since that time this person of goodwill, along with one of her relatives, symbolized her
dedication to Jehovah God.
One brother who went to serve where the need is
great entered a house to make repairs on the electrical
Iighting system and noticed a BibIe next to one bed.
He ascertained the owner of the Bible and had a very
fine discussion on the identity of the True God. After
several back-calls this person's interest was built up,
subscriptions were taken for the magazines and several
publications were placed. When the brother had to
leave the country, this person of goodwill, on his own,
asked for the name of the overseer so that he could
have his studies continued.

92

Yearbook

Hence, the work continues to go on apace in Sudan,

one of the countries in the world where the need is
truly great.
ALASKA

Peak Publishers: 481

Population:
Ratio:

288,357
1 to 496

Many of the brothers from Alaska were able to

attend the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly
and they benefited greatly from the instructive
program. There was an excellent increase in publishers in Alaska during the past service year. The
brothers made a fine effort in reaching out to the
remote parts of the land to preach. Congregation
publishers and pioneers welcomed this opportunity to work unassigned territory. Sometimes
they stayed two days or more in small villages.
One pioneer reports working in Haines, Alaska,
where a group placed twenty-six books, eight subscriptions and eighty magazines. Many ways are
employed to reach isolated territory, and here are
some experiences sent in by the branch servant.
Alaska is a vast territory and often the only means
of getting lo a town is by plane. This can be very
expensive and so many remote villages are seldom,
if ever, systematically worked. However, this summer
one of these villages of about 500 people was worked
by a brother who is a mechanic for an airline. The
company sent him there to service an aircraft, and
on his day off he worked the town. EIe was able to
leave twenty-one books, thirty-three booklets and eightythree magazines with the people of the village. It is
hoped that some of this seed will fall on good soil
and bear fruit to Jehovah's praise.
Where isolation makes it impossible to share in
the regular door-to-door ministry, letter writing is
being effectively used. A publisher in an isolated
logging camp in southeastern Alaska reports: "About
a month ago the branch ofice sent us a baclr-call slip
on an eleven-year-old girl who is also isolated and
asked someone to study with her. My ten-year-old
sister wrote to the girl and suggested a study in the
Paradise book by mail. Imagine how happy she was
when the girl wrote back sending the answers to the
first chapter iz the book and expressed her gratitude
for the study.

Yearbook

93

The following experience shows the effort one pioneer publisher put forth in showing nelghbor love:
"Some years ago I took the time to learn the alphabet
in sign language in order to talk to a custodian a t
the hospital where I worked. This past year I learned
we had a neighbor who was deaf-mute and I knew
that no one in the congregation had reached him with
the good news of the Kingdom. So I introduced myself
by spelling out in sign language 'Hi.' Soon the 'conversation' was directed to the Bible. He subscribed
for The Watchtower and I had a new Bible study
that proved to be most interesting. John was learning
the Bible and I was learning a new language. He
soon began attending all the meetings, started in the
door-to-door ministry with another brother and has
attended two circuit assemblies. He was baptized yesterday, so becoming the first deaf-mute minister of
Jehovah's witnesses in Alaska."
ARGENTINA
Peal< Publishers : 9,754

Population:
Ratio :

20,966,000
1 to 2,148

The new branch office and Bethel home has become a center of learning for overseers and special
pioneers. Over 135 students have gone through
the Kingdom Ministry School, and these have expressed their appreciation for being able to live
with the Bethel family to get special training.
These overseers appreciate more than ever the
need of maturity, not only on their part, but on
the part of all the publishers. One congregation
of eighty publishers arranged for twenty ministers
to vacation pioneer during April. The servant
leadership in this congregation is what brought
25 percent of the congregation up to the vacation
pioneer activity for that one month, Many persons
in Argentina with w~homthe Kingdom publishers
study have responded to the invitation extended to
them to join in the preaching and teaching activity. Therefore Argentina enjoyed a fine increase
sf 10 percent in new publishers during the past
service year. Jehovah's witnesses spent 1,948,683
hours giving the greatest witness ever in that land.
They conducted 9,213 Bible studies each week, on
the average, during the past year with fine re-

94
Yearbook
sults. Here are a few of the experiences submitted
by the branch servant.
Excellent results were obtained by three pioneer
sisters who said just as the apostle Paul did: "Let us
return and visit the brothers in every one of the
cities in which we published the word of Jehovah."
They were rewarded by the following experience:
In a village about four hours from their assignment,
there were a group of subscribers that had heretofore
been attended to by letters. The sisters, wishing to
give greater assistance, made a trip to the village.
One of the persons they especially had in mind showed
genuine appreciation for their loving help, accompanying them in the preaching work several days,
working twelve hours placing a subscription and
twenty-eight magazines.
But the false shepherds, who have no love for the
"sheep," reacted in their centuries-old, typically negative
way-they tried to scare the "sheep"-but
to no avail.
Despite their covering the village with a sound car
warning the people not to listen, more than twenty
Bible studies were started, and that Sunday seventeen
persons attended the first Watchtower study ever held
in the village. All in attendance took part in the discussion.
Four years ago a worried-looking person a t a bus
asked one of the special pioneers if
stop in V---the announcement about the end of the world was
true. (Someone had announced that the world was
to end on such and such a clay.) She was so impressed
by the Biblical answer she received that she invited
the sister to visit and stay with her some time in S-.
On arriving, they looked her up, and she permitted
them to stay a t her home. The Watchtower study
was held in her home also. She showed so much .goodwill that she had the girls witness to her until the
small hours of the morning; sleepiness was the only
thing that stopped them all. She ,and her daughter,
who was an atheist, now study diligently.
A circuit servant reports: "We went to the home
of the person whose name we had received from the
office, but she was a t work. We wen1 to her place of
work, and when we said' that we were Jehovah's
witnesses, she exclaimed: Ah, brothers!'
"We informed her that we had been sent by the
Society as a result of her writing. She immediate!^
manifested her desire to go out in service but sald
that she did not know how, and that she did not have
literature with which to work. Later, after work, she

Yearbook

95

showed us the only literature that she had, the

Paradise book and a Bible, both well studied. These
had been placed originally with the family of her girl
friend. Though very familiar with the Paradise book,
she did not know of The Watchtower or other publications. We showed her how to study, and reviewed
Study 44 of 'Qualified to Be Ministers' with her. We
also taught her a simplified sermon to use in the field."
The office has since heard twice from this sheeplike
person, and is happy to say that this month two sisters
are vacation pioneering in her city and helping her
in the preaching work.
Population:
10,869,475
16,544
Ratio:
1 to 657
Jehovah's witnesses in this part of the earth are
determined to press ahead without any shrinking
back so they can preserve alive their souls. Good
progress was made in Australia during the 1963
service year. New Kingdom Halls were erected and
dedicated, but the outstanding event for Australia
was the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly held
in Melbourne. One householder said: "Your organization has been the topic of conversation for
the past week all around here. Some for it, some
against, but all unanimous in their praise of the
behavior of any members who were boarded with
them." Here are some of the experiences that the
branch servant sent in.
AUSTRALIA
Peak Publishers:

The 70 percent of all Australian brothers attending

the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly a t TJIelbourne
a t the end of the service year felt it was well worth
the effort to be present. While there were some misgivings about holding an international assembly during
the winter season in a city notorious for its bad
weather a t that time, these thoughts -were soon dispelled a s the brothers assembled for the opening
session on Friday morning. A national magazine with
considerable influence published the following: "Melbourne has seen some marvelous conferences, like the
Country Women's Conference and the World Power
Conference, but I don't think we have ever seen anything like the 'Everlasting Good News Assembly' of
Jehovah's witnesses. There are 16,500 Jehovah's wit-

96

Yearbook

nesses in Australia, and we had over 12,000 of them

here in Melbourne. The organization was really some..
thing, with fleets of special trains and buses.
The grand gathering was in the Sheep Pavilion, 'Australia's biggest shed. Many thought that this was a
nice Bibliral touch having all the witnesses in the
Sheep Pavilion."
Thousands of brothers expended themselves to get
to Melbourne for the assembly. An elderly sister, eighty
years of age, saved ten shillings from each pension
for two years so that she could be present, this in
spite of the fact that she is almost blind. One young
boy of eleven rose a t 5 a.m. each morning to collect
bottles before school, sold papers in the evenings, cut
lawns and did many other odd jobs to earn his own
fare. His sister, age nine, grew flowers and sold them
as well as performing odd jobs for the neighbors, and
in this way they helped the family with the heavy
expense to get to Melbourne.
Observing that few congregations were able to reach
the subscription quota during the four-month campaign, the Society obtained a report from the overseer
of one congregation that did. He explained to the
Society the following eight-point program that the
congregation had applied in reaching its objective:
(1)servant leadership; (2) setting congregation, group
and personal goals; (3) fo8lowing up all expiration
slips thoroughly; (4) exploring all avenues for new
subscribers; ( 5 ) being subscription conscious a t all
times; (6) keeping the campaign alive by relating
experiences from the platform; ('7) using visual aids
on the Kingdom Hall notice board; and ( 5 ) praying
and working for Jehovah's blessing to encourage the
brothers all the time. In this congregation nine of
the servants obtained 40 of the 116 subscriptions.
Keeping the yeartext in mind daiIy can give us
courage to continue faithfully serving. Said one publisher: "On Friday evening the congregation overseer
announced that the following Saturday there would
be street work. I rejoiced to hear of this privilege
and prepared myself. The next morning 1 came equipped
with plenty of magazines but was very disappointed
to find that I was the only one there and I started
to lose courage. I felt like going home, but after
considering the yeartext I decided to try. That day
I placed fifty-two magazines, made arrangements for
a Bible study, which later was continued with great
interest, and made many back-calls. Now I realize
the importance of street work and I would not leave
it even if I must go alone."

Yearbook

97

How would you like to start a study that would

grow into six family studies and eventually see eight
get baptized, as a result of being faithful in small
things? The brother who related the following experience says it all took place because he kept a record
of interest on the house-to-house record and followed
it up. "After two or three visits were made the householder still had not been contacted, but I was determined to 5nd somebody in that home. One Saturday
I calIed after magazine work and found the householder there and was invited in. We had a short
discussion and I placed the magazines with her and
arranged to start a Bible study. After a week or two
the person said, 'I have been discussing this a t work
in my spare time. There are a couple of interested
people. Would you speak to them about this wonderful
truth?' So I went along and saw these two other
families and eventually we invited them, and then
there were eight of us studying together. To study
with eight persons becomes too much for one to handle
and so we decided to break the study up into three
family study groups. One iamily then started talking
to their neighbors and it was not long before they
wanted a study. . . . Others started talking to their
neighbors, until eventually six families were studying.
Now eight of them are baptized."
AUSTRIA
Peak Publishers:

7,414

Population:
EaLio:

7,073,807
11 to 954

The work has moved ahead a t a steady pace

during the past year. The Society continues to put
stress on the training of the Kingdom publishers
and emphasizes the need to reach out for maturity.
Among Jehovah's wwitnesses there can never be a
slowing down in the study of the Word of God. It
is most important to give diligent attention to
learning God's will for man, and with so many
new ones associating with Jehovah's witnesses
they must be alert to teach such ones the truth
and to aid them in every possible way. Here are a
few experiences from the branch servant's report.
A special pioneer was able, by means of his knowledge, to have a fine experience. He called back where
he had left some magazines, but this time the man
was very harsh 2nd said: "Go to the neighbors." Me
tried to overcome this objection, but got the same reply.

Yearbook

98

So the brother took leave and said in a friendly way

that he would go to the neighbors. In this moment
another man who was in the room said: "In this case I
have also something to say." He was the neighbor!
Now he asked the brother for proofs that the extant
Bible manuscripts and different German translations
are authentic. The brother's explanations obviously satisfied the man, and he invited him to speak also to his
wife. She was indeed thirsting for the water of life. At
the third study in the book (%et God Be True7' she
bought a Bible and subscribed for The Watchtower. As
she is manageress in a factory she meets many people,
and soon she placed three Bibles, four Paradise books
and many booklets with her fellow workers. Another
family who got some magazines from her were so interested that the pioneer is now also conducting a Bible
study in their home. This man is so enthusiastic that
he gets up a t five o'clock in the morning to read The
Wutchtower before he goes to work. Both families
regularly attend the meetings and are full of zeal for
the truth.
Besides knowledge, adaptability and courage are
often required. A publisher had frequently called on a
family, but could never do more than place some magazines. It seemed impossible to arrange a home Bible
study. One day the lady received the brother in the
entrance hall, apologized, and asked him to go because
she had visitors who were very much opposed to Jehovah's witnesses. The publisher now asked tactfully
if he might speak to them. Perhaps they were only
prejudiced because they had never had an opportunity
to speak to one of Jehovah's witnesses. The lady hesitated and then agreed. The result was that not only the
interested family, but also the visitors accepted a Paradise book, two home Bible studies were arranged, and
all of them are making good progress.
NAS

Peak PubBishers: 255

Bopnlation:
Batio:

112,556
1 t o 441

A good delegation fom the Bahamas attended

the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly in New
York. One family took the trip around the world.
The branch servant reported that two brotlners
who are new in the truth persuaded their wives
to go along to the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly in New York with them. Their wives were
so impressed by the assembly that they were eager

to share in preaching the good news of the Kingdom when invited to do so after their return to the
Bahamas. Sometimes assemblies greatly impress
people who have believing mates. If they are willing to sit and listen during assemblies they learn
many things that they may never have given their
partner in life an opportunity to tell them, much
preferring to hear it from someone else. It is
worthwhile for others in your home who are not
in the truth to go to meetings with you.
An effort to attend meetings is always rewarded. To
support a n out-island assembly brothers on the main
island hired a special plane to take them to Eleuthera.
Even though the opening day was a public holiday with
special activity for the schoolchildren, the teacher
gladly offered to hold their activities in the morning so
that the schoolroom could be used for the evening assembly. Many local people attended that evening. Seven
were immersed. One was nine years old, another ninetytwo. Though this ninety-two-year-old person has to walk
with a stick and travel thirty miles each way by truck
to be a t meetings, this dear old sister has not missed a
meeting yet, even though to get up the stairs to the
meeting place she has to move on her hands and knees!
Neither did she miss our local "Everlasting Good News"
Assembly, which meant a round-trip journey of well
over a hundred miles by boat.
Bible studies by mail can produce results. With our
territory scattered about on many isolated islands,
preaching a t times is done by mail. A list of questions
with space to fill in the answers, or else two or three
pages from a publication with notations in the margin,
are posted back and forth for checking. Two persons
who have studied in this way were baptized this year
when the circuit servant visited them.
Two young publishers, ages seven and nine, were
able to draw a man of seventy-two years to the truth
by the sensible answers they gave him. He was greatly
impressed by them and saddened to think that -with all
his years of attending church he was unable to give
answers a s they did. Now he is a dedicated brother.
BELGnJM
Peak PubEshers: 7,837

Bopulietion:
Eatio :

9,228,729
1 to lJ78

The majority of the brothers in Belgium went

to the "Everlasting Good NewsJ' Assembly in

100
Yearbook
Munich, Germany. About 4,500 from Belgium attended that convention. Of these, 100 were special
pioneers and missionaries who had been helped
by the contributions received from the brothers
everywhere to aid many of their fellow workers
to get to a convention. The branch servant says
these brothers and sisters who were aided so generously by their brothers want to express their
thanks to everyone. As the branch servant says,
the fine spiritual food received a t the "'Everlasting Good News" Assembly will certainly stimulate
all of Jehovah's witnesses in the months ahead to
press on with the great work that remains to be
done. Belgium, like all other countries, has reported some very interesting experiences, and
here are a few that occurred in that country.
Physical disabilities can keep some in bed, but certainly not from speaking or wrltlng the truth. An
eighty-six-year-old sister is confined to bed, being half
paralyzed, but she writes letters. She checlrs announcements in the newspapers about people who died recently and writes comforting letters to the family or
relatives, enclosing each time a tract "Hope for the
Dead." A lady was so depressed after having lost her
husband, that the letter she got from that sister was
truly like a balm on a wound. She noticed that the tract
was put out by Jehovah's witnesses and, as she knew
one of them, she immediately called on her to show her
the letter she received. She explained that, instead of
getting comfort from her own family, she was more and
more depressed. But now a total stranger was writing
to her, giving her the comforting hope held by the
Scriptures. "Well," she said, "if the religion described
by that fine lady incites its members to help their
fellowman to such a degree, I want to know more
about it." Literature was placed with her, and arrangements were made for a Bible study. What a joy for
that eighty-six-year-old crippled sister to learn about
the wonderful results of the good work she is doing!
Magazines play a very important pal-t in spreading
the Kingdoin messaxe. Therefore the need of establishing a rGagazine route cannot be overemphasized. Once
the route is established, it is not difficult to select the
interested people to call back on a t a definite time. A
special pioneer decided to make such a back-call on a
person on his magazine route. Arrangements were

Yearbook

101

made to caJl back when the husband was a t home, and

the Paradise book was placed then. Two days later, as
the special pioneer was walking down the street, the
lady called him, saying that her husband wanted to see
him immediately. The husband had been reading in the
book and wanted to know many things, such as why
the book shows Jesus hanging on a pole instead of a
cross, and so forth. A study was started immediately.
Two weeks later the couple attended the district assembly and, upon noticing that none of the Witnesses
was a smoker, they quit that bad habit. Now these
people have progressed to the point of starting in the
service and dedicating their life to Jehovah God.
The Society has stressed time and again the necessity
of trying to conduct Bible studies with entire families.
That means that one sometimes has to do something to
get everyone interested in the study. The results can be
very gratifying. A sister explains how she had a study
with a family where there were two girls, one sixteen
and the other one twenty years old. The latter one
would not sit down to study but would rather watch
television. The sister inquired and found out the girl
did not want to study because she had a Catholic girl
friend who was influencing her. The sister decided to
call on her girl friend. She was able to iron out several
doctrinal problems raised, and placed a book with her.
The girl friend called the next Tuesday at the home of
her friend and told her about it. The next week when
the publisher came to conduct the study, she was very
pleased to see everyone around the table, to study the
unifying Word of God.
BOLIVIA
Peak Sub$ishers: 552

Population:
Ratio :

3,856,868

1 to 6,442

Bolivia is situated high in the Andes Mountains

in South America. However, even here among the
Indians and Spanish-speaking people the good
news must be declared. I t was a joy to see that
this year for the first time the publishers reached
a peak of 552, passing the 500 mark. They have
enjoyed a very good year in hours, magazine distribution, new subscriptions and Bible studies. All
this is indicative of fine progress. Mere is a very
interesting experience that was sent in by the
branch servant.

102

Yearbook

One native brother who was persistent in covering his

territory writes: "Jt was the fourth time that I had
been a t this house. I remembered that they had rejected
the message before, but for some reason the man invited
me in. His wife hid herself, however, to malre me think
she was not home; but during the sermon I could see
her hiding behind the door also trying to hear. When I
made a return visit on this family, both husband and
wife were waiting for me and were full of questions
about the Bible and our work. After the discussion they
stated that things had never beiore seemed so clear.
Even their awn Catholic religion had not told them such
things. They agreed that this must be the truth. Two
months after the study was started, they started in the
preaching work and began attending meetings. Later I
learned why they had accepted the truth a t the time
they did. This couple was nearly a t the point of divorce
due to serious marital problems when the truth came
to them and changed things. Even the neighbors were
aware of the lives these persons had led, and they now
comment that since the Witnesses have come they have
changed completely. The couple said that the reason
for their happiness and peace now is that they both
know what the Christian requirements are for the man
and wife through a study of God's Word. They plan on
being baptized soon!'
BEMIL
Peak Publishers: 30,118

Population:
Htatio :

74,000,000
1 to $457

The political situation in Brazil and the everrising inflation have not discouraged Jehovah's
witnesses. They continue preaching the good news
of the Kingdom. Their hope is firmly fixed on
Cod's new system of things. They know that faith
is required and they press on with Jehovah's service. One of the outstanding things in Brazil is
that the attendance a t the Wlatchlower study for
the entire country is now 105 percent of the total
p~~blishers.
In other words, more people come to
the Watchtower study than are publishers of the
Kingdom. Is it any wonder, then, that the work
grows so fast in Brazil? This has necessitated the
building of a new Bethel home and Kingdom Hd1
on the Society's property. This has proved to be
a great asset in the expansion work. The branch

Yearbook
103
servant sent in some very interesting experiences
and says :
"All want to express their gratitude for the financial
aid given to such a large number of brothers in Brazil
so that they could attend one of the Around-the-World
Assemblies. It truly was an expression of love on the
part of the Society and the brothers whose contributions made it possible for so many to attend the assemblies. All have been refreshed and strengthened
spiritually, and this reflects itself in the work."
While stopping a t an isolated town, a traveling representative of the Society had the opportunity to witness to several families. One of the families showed
much interest in the Kingdom message. Since there
were no publishers living in that town to folIow up and
take care of the interest, he decided to make back-calls
through correspondence. He invited the family to write
and ask questions. The family did. Questions were also
asked in return to encourage study and research, and
the family would answer the questions propounded by
mail. This regular exchange of letters turned out to be
a Bible study conducted by mail. The family began to
witness to their relatives and neighbors and wrote of
their experiences. When the time came for the local
circuit assembly to be. held, the family was invited.
There they had the privilege of attending the service
meeting and participating in the house-to-house work
with mature publishers. This training was very vital
to them and helped them to make greater progress in
the ministry. They are now regular publishers. An isolated group was formed and the family will be receiving
further help and training through the regular visit of
the circuit servant.
Those who have accepted the invitation to serve
where the need is great have also been richly blessed.
After an assembly a. brother and his wife made arrangements to move to a town of about five thousand
inhabitants where little witness was being given. After
two years ten publishers were reporting field service
and now there is a small congregation formed, fruits
of the labor of these two publishers. Another couple
sent in their vacation pioneer applications and selected
territory where the need was great. After working as
vacation pioneers for four months the couple applied
for an extension of an additions-l four months. At the
end of eight months they were conducting ten Bible
studies, and a co~gregationof eleven publishers was
formed. Entire families also experienced the blessings
that come with serving where the need is great. A fam-

104

Yearbook

ily in Bahia State moved to a small city where no one

was preaching God's kingdom. They lived and served
there patiently for three years. Despite the objections
from the local clergy, people of goodwill were accepting
the truth, and as more workers were added the growth
became faster. An abandoned church building was purchased and transformed into a Kingdom Hall. From
that point the truth spread in the locality so that now
there are three congregations and two isolated groups
of publishers, making a total of a hundred active publishers reporting field service.
The wife of a district servant was h a ~ d e dsome expiration slips while working with a congregation together with her husband. Some of the slips were several months old, but she thought that they were worth
at least one call. Some had moved, and in making the
calls she had to go to as many as three different addresses before the right person was contacted. What
were the results? In all, seven subscriptions were obtained and one Bible study was started. It also helped
the brothers see their privilege of calling on all persons
whose subscriptions expired.
The reading and writing school, conducted in 414
congregations throughout Brazil, has helped 447 persons of goodwill and publishers to learn to read and
write during the past year. One publisher happily relates his expcrience: "It is with pleasure and happiness
that I write you to thank you, in the name of Jehovah,
for the wonderful provision of the Society to help persons like me to read and write. When I first began to
learn the truth I could not go from house to house
alone because I was not able to read. Now I am very
happy because I have learned to read and am able to
give sermons a t the doors. I already conduct a home
bible study, thanks to Jehovah." At a recent circuit
assembly a brother seventy-nine years of age read his
own experience telling how a t his age he was able to
learn to read a t the congregation reading school. He is
now an effective publisher. Another man of thirty-eight
told how he attended a public ta!k once and liked what
he heard, but since he was lead~nga bad life and, besides, was unable to read, he thought it was hopeless
for him to try to learn anything and change his way
of life. However, back-calls were made on him by the
local publishers and he was encouraged to come to the
meetings, and finally he enrolled in the reading and
writing school. He learned the truth, learned to read,
changed his way of life and now is a servant and book
study conductor in the congregation.

Yearbook
BRITISH GUXANA
Pealr Publishers: 882

Populatf on :
Ratio :

105
590,140
1 to 669

Our brothers in British Guiana met some very

stiff circumstances during the past service year,
but in spite of the difficulty they were able to
reach a new peak of 882 publishers who engaged
in Kingdom service. The publishers had to put up
with riots, a seventy-nine-day general strike during which all the meetings had to be held in the
daylight hours, and the inconvenience of having
no literature coming into the country because the
shipping lines were not operating. There was also
a shortage of food, and people had to spend many
hours searching for the necessities of life. From
the end of April until the end of July no magazines were received. Still the brothers carried on
their faith-inspiring ministry with zeal and love.
They kept in mind the admonition from Jehovah's
Word: "Have faith to the preserving alive of the
soul." (EIeb. 10:39) This had its rewards, as
pointed up in the experiences received from the
branch servant.
During the strike period the question arose, How
could we organize an assembly with no mail service, no
trains, fuel and food in short supply, and buses so
packed that people even sat on the tops of them? Well,
other organizations were canceling tneir arrangements,
but the brothers went ahead with circuit assembly
preparations with firm faith that Jehovah would provide the necessities. Program assignments were given
out during a fiftymile bicycle ride and other mail was
delivered along the bus.route. How about food? By a
short trip across the river to neighbouring Surinam
supplies were obtained to augment the cafeteria contributions. Would the brothers come? Yes! They came
by means of bus and bicycle transportation.
Distributing literature is a wonderful way to sow
seeds that will germinate and bring forth fruit to Jehovah's praise! In August 1961 a letter was received at
the branch offlce from a youl?g man, who wrote: "I've
read the book Front Paradzse Lost to Paradise Xegained and am quite interested in it. My ambition is to
be a missionary . . . I'm a lad of sixteen and to me
preaching the gospel and following Christ makes me

106

Yearbook

happy and I hope we shall find paradise!' The Society

advised the special pioneer in this area to contact the
lad. A study was started right away, but the boy was
severely opposed by his family. Still, following Christ
was his heart's desire, and just a few months ago he
became our youngest special pioneer brother.
Five years ago a brother went to live in isolated
territory two hundred miles from the nearest congregation. He organized meetings for his family of seven and
a few interested people, but soon it was only his own
family that attended the meetings. Although he and
his family worked hard against all kinds of opposition,
there was no increase. In fact, the brother wrote to the
circuit servant saying that he was despondent and was
considering returning to the coast, where he felt he could
accomplish more. Later, just before the circuit servant
was due to leave for his annual visit to this rerritory,
he received another letter from the brother. Now he
was rejoicing as a t last a sheeplike person had been
found and was attending meetings and sharing in the
fleld service weekly. This goodwill person plans to be
baptized a t the forthcoming district assembly. Perseverance pays off!
BRITISH HONDURAS
Peak P~xblishers: 344

Population:
Ratio:

100,453
1 to 292

The work of preaching and teaching the good

news of the establishment of God's kingdom to the
people of British Honduras during the past service
year went ahead by leaps and bounds. The pnblishers enjoyed a 29-percent increase. This does
not mean that everything went smoothly. They
had their internal troubles and they are still in
great need of capable brothers to handle some of
the congregations and to give the proper lead.
Newly interested ones have flocked rapidly into
the organization, and it is hoped that those in the
truth will be able to set right examples for all the
new ones and that all will maintain their integrity.
Keeping busy in the service is one of the important things, as well as attending meetings. Here
is a very interesting experience that the branch
servant sent in concerning a special pioneer.
"I approached a man in front of the Catholie church
and introduced two of the latest magazines. He took
them and promised to read them as soon as he got

Yearbook

107

to his farm. Three weeks later I met this man again,

but before I spoke he asked me for more of our magazmes. Two copies were placed with him. This time
he asked, also, how it would be possible for him to
obtain two bound books advertised on the cover of
the Awake[ of July 8, 1963. I told him I could .get
them for hlm, but, belng very curlous a t what mlght
have aroused his interest, I inquired why he wanted
the books 'Your WiZl Be Done on Earth' and "et Your
Name Be Sanctified.' H e then related that he had
taken the first two magazines to 'patronize' me, but
with the intention of tearing them up as soon as he
got to his farm. On arriving at his farm he opened
his valise to destroy them, but decided to do so later.
A few days went by and he forgot all about the
magazines. He had occasion one day lo write a letter
and so entered his valise Por his writing pad, which
had on its cover a picture of a half-nude woman. It
was tile first time he noticed the pad he bought.
Being a 'Catholic and a godly person' he would not
have such a picture around, so he tore off the cover
of the writing pad and placed the pad inside the Awake!
Lo keep it clean. While doing so, however, his attention
was drawn to one of the subjects on the cover of
the Awuke! magazine. At this he sat down to read
and never got up un\il he had read through both
magazines! He said, Imagine what I would have
done just because of my church! They say your books
are no good. Well, I want to get these magazines
always. I will subscribe for both for a year by next
Saturday.' He then paid for the two bound books, got
more magazines and promised to make arrangements
to attend all congregation meetings on Sunday nights.
If I had not supported magazine work every Saturday,
I would not have met this man, as Saturday is the
only day of t t e week he gets into town to sell his
farm products.
Many of our brothers were privileged, along with
the missionaries, to attend the New York and Pasadena
Around-the-World Conventions. Now, with plans for
our assembly in September, all are looking forward
to start the new service year with a joyful shout of
praise to the Most Nigh God for his excellent works
in all the earth.
BEITISW BBEEB
Peak Publishers: 51,725

Population:

Ratio:

53,301,000
1 to 1,030

The outstanding event of the year in the British

Isles was the assembly in Twickenham Stadium.

108
Yearbook
Whether this will have any deep and lasting effect
on the people of Britain, or London, is yet to be
determined. On the average, during the service
year of 1963 there were only 211 more publishers
engaging in the field service in the British Isles
than during the previous year. Even though more
than seven million hours were spent in preaching
the good news, there was not a great increase in
proclaimers of the Kingdom good news. This is
something for the British brothers to give serious
thought to, to determine the reason why the increase was so small. There were 3,879 persons
baptized during the year. There have been losses
along the way and these losses were brothers who
were dedicated to Jehovah God. They are having
the experiences and the joy of gathering together
the "other sheep," but the brothers in England,
and especially the overseers, should feel the responsibility of aiding those who are already a part
of the Lord's organization. These problems face
God's people all around the worId, as well. as in
the British Isles. The branch oEce there sent in
some fine experiences for the British Isles and
for the territories they IooBc after in Aden, Gkbralt a r and IUalta.
Two sisters who vacation pioneered together write:
"This was the fifth time we had a share in the vacation pioneer work and we both say it was certainly
the happiest and the most rewarding yet. Because of
having to be home to have lunch ready a t midday,
we could not waste time by traveling too f a r to the
work. So we worked locally on territory that has been
covered many times before. Yet, it was in this territory
that we had such a wonderful time with placements
and back-calls. Now we have started two new Bible
studies each, with prospects of more to come.
"Our only regret is that circumstances will not permit
us to continue in the pioneer service, but we are thankf u l for the provision of the vacation pioneer work."
A sixteen-year-old brother was engaged in the houseto-house work, using his Bible to give a prepared
sermon. The territory included some very large houses
in a well-to-do section. At one of these homes he talked

Yearbook

109

to the director of a well-known firm, and this man

was so impressed with the sermon that he asked this
young brother to step in. A study was then started
with this director, although a t that time his wife was
not very interested. Later the director talked to the
personnel manager of this limn, and soon the personnel
manager joined the Bible study. His wife also was
not interested. Later both the director ancl the personnel manager witnessed to one of the van drivers
who, although he was not interested himself, talked
to his wife, and she showed definite interest in this
Bible study. One evening the driver and this youthful
minister had a three-hour discussion on evolution,
which finally convinced the driver that he should look
into the truth for himself. Now this young brother
reports that the director and his wife, the personnel
manager and his wife and the driver and his wife
all attend the meetings regularly. So, from this one
call where a youthful minister was prepared to give
the sermon from the Bible, three families are gaining
a knowledge of the truth and already one of them
has been immersed and three others engage regularly
in the field ministry.
Because of the calls that are made during the week
when husbands are on secular work, wives often come
into the truth before their husbands. Sometimes these
husbands are described a s being opposed, and may
even interfere with the dedicated service of the preaching wife. One overseer was made to realize, while
attending the Kingdom Ministry School, that he was
not really giving this matter much attention in the
congregation. So when he returned, with the help of
other servants and mature publishers he decided to
concentrate on helping nine families where the husbands were considered opposed and the wives were
in the truth. After making a series of friendly calls
timed to find the husbands a t home, the congregation
servant had this report to make: "Three of the husbands are now having Bible studies and are attending
the congregation meetings along with their wives.
Four others have definitely shown interest and have
come to some meetings a t the Kingdom Hall. We a r e
hoping that soon further studies can be started to
help these men appreciate the good news of God's
kingdom. The remaining two can be described a s very
friendly and I am sure they are f a r less opposed and
difficult with their wives than they were prior to being
visited." The overseer concluded by saying that he
thought that this circumstance could be avoided in
the beginning if the Bible study were held with the

110

Yearbook

entire family. He gave a s an example a recent experience that he and his wife had enjoyed: "When
a woman who had been studying in another area moved
into our congregation territory I took my wife around
to continue the study and a t the same time I wanted
to see the husband, who apparently was rather cool
toward the Witnesses. The result in this case was
that the husband not only studied but within six months
became a dedicated brother and was baptized three
months before his wife!'
Incidental witnessing is always a means of directing
people's attention to Scripture, and many publishers
have found the use of a Bible tract to be very helpful.
A brother whose secular job involves visits to retail
shops in large cities can spend only a few brief seconds
in giving a witness as the opportunity affords, so he
has made it a practice to carry tracts with him. While
visiting one shop he placed a tract with the cashier.
On his next visit he took the magazines along and
was able to stimulate further interest, subsequently
obtaining a subscription for The Watchtower. ,Finally,
the cashier was shown a copy of the Paradese book
and was so thrilled with this publication that she
showed i t to others where she worked. As he left
this same shop another employee stopped him and
asked if he could get "one of these beautiful orange
books." So on his next call another Paradise book was
placed and the New World Traazslation was introduced
and likewise placed. Meanwhile a third person in that
shop had seen the Paradise book and the Bible and
wanted one of each. As one talked to another, the
result of the original placement of a tract has meant
the placing of five Bibles, three Paradise books and
three subscriptions for The Watchtower. And now
the cashier who originally took the tract has arranged
to have a regular Bible study.
ADEN
Peak Publishers: '3

Popdation:
Ratio :

220,000
1 to 31,429

The one dedicated brother in Aden last year was

joined by a couple from South Africa and another
sister from England. Now for the first time there can
be the interchange of encouragement by association!
The first meeting to be arranged was the Watchtower
study.
No regular preaching has been organized so far,
but it has been grand to see the results from incidental
witnessing-a peak of seven publishers and Sourteen
home Bible studies.

Yearbook

PI1

Just before the London assembly, the couple who

had just settled there found it necessary to come
to England for a short period. This enabled them
to attend the eight-day convention, and the Society
has arranged for the brother to attend the Kingdom
Ministry School before he returns.
GSlgEtBL'dCAB
Population :
24,100
Peak Publishers: 17
Eatio :
1 t~ 1,418
Just like the saying "strong as the rock of Gibraltar,"
so the congregation that is located on this rocky
peninsula has stood firmly during its second year of
activity. Opposers were confident that the forced departure of the four special pioneers two years ago
would bring an end to this little group of Jehovah's
"sheep." But not so! This year has seen solid growth
toward maturity.
The regular visits of the circuit servant have been
the only contact that this congregation has had with
"outsiders." We have tried to get permission for someone to go to Gibraltar, but this permission has been
withheld. So this summer we were indeed happy to
arrange for the overseer to come to London for the
convention and the assistant congregation servant to
go to Milan. Additionally, ten other publishers went
along to Milan, and the association and spiritual benefits of these programmes were deeply appreciated.
The overseer remained in London to attend the
Kingdom Ministry School and has now just returned
to his congregation. I-Ie writes, "I am more determined
than ever to continue serving Jehovah, upbuilding
our brothers and taking the lead, even if it is never
again possible for pioneers to return here to help us.''

MALTA

Populiation:
330,000
Ratio:
1 to 36,666
When we read of the exemplary hospitality shown
to the Christian missionary, the apostle Paul, when
shipwrecked on the island of Malta, one would expect
to find there today an active congregation of modern
Christian witnesses, and there had been one until the
mid-part of this year, when the majority of publishers,
wives of servicemen, were scheduled to leave this island
and return to England. Would there still be a congregation in Malta? The one Maltese brother in the
congregation, who was appointed as congregation servant, wrote, "Malta will not be left without publishers
in His service. In fact, another person of goodwill is
also willing to go out on the work." And so began
Peak Publishers: 9

112

Yearbook

the start of an almost new congregation with but

four publishers. This brother writes: "The progress
we made was with Maltese. I started two studies and
now there are ten, seven of which are regular. And
two of them have begun to talk about it to friends."
Although the brothers were thrilled to see the newsreel report of the London assembly in the local cinema,
the Arou-nd-the-WorldAssemblies did not stop a t Malta.
"Since this month was a month of assemblies, I gave
two public talks, one in English and the other in
Maltese. This is because we felt that we should have
a n assembly of our own. In attendance we had twenty,
some Scots, Dutch, English and ten Maltese. We certainly thank Jehovah for his countless blessings."
BURMA
Peak Pub1ishea.s: 234

Population:
20,054,009
Ratio:
1 to 85,101

Jehovah's witnesses in Burma are forging ahead

even though the increase in the land is not great.
The high point of the past year was, without
doubt, the '"verlasting Good News" Assembly in
Rangoon. The brothers there greatly appreciated
the visit of the Society's officers and the brothers
who came there from many foreign lands. As the
branch servant put it: "People now have proof
that this is not a small organization confined to
Burma, but that we have brothers in all parts of
the world." ?%e convention certainly stimulated
the interest on the part of the public in the work
of Jehovah's witnesses, and Jehovah's witnesses
themsePves were greatly encouraged and blessed
and will push ahead now preaching the good news
in all parts of Burma. Here are some interesting
experiences from that country.
The work is going ahead among the Telegu people
in southern Burma. These persons love to hear the
truth and are very humble. Many of them realize
that their pastors are false shepherds. One church
there is split into two groups, and studies are being
held with niembers of both groups. A special pioneer
tells how he gave a talk in a church with seventeen
persons in attendance. A11 seventeen present a t that
talk are now having studies in the "Good News" booklet
in Telegu, which, apart from the New World tract, is
the only publication we have in that language.

Yearbook

113

Another person of goodwill from this same area

told a special pioneer that in a monthly magazine
published by the Baptist Church it said that Jehovah's
witnesses are No. 1 Christians and that the Baptists
pay just lip service to God. The woman said she could
see the difference for herself and she felt that God
had sent Jehovah's witnesses to her and she was happy
to receive the truth from them.
One of our most fruitful fields in Burma is a remote
Lushai village in the northwest. A special pioneer
writes: "When I got to Tahan it was just an isolated
group. Four months later, when the circuit servant
visited us, a congregation was recommended and later
established. Three years have passed, and I recall
Jesus' words a t John 10:27, 'My sheep listen to my
voice . . and they follow me. During these three
years, with Jel~ovah's help, I was able to help ten
people to take their stand for the truth.
"My most outstanding experience was with a young
lad who worshiped the spirits. It was in 1960 that I
met him in the door-to-door work. I called back and a
study was started. Two months later I spoke to him
about the field service and was successful in getting
him to join me. Now he is regular a t meetings and
service. He gives student talks, presents good sermons
and conducts Bible studies of his own. One with whom
he studies has even progressed to the point where
he is a regular meeting altender and a publisher
of the good news.
"Being poor, he has to spend his school holidays
working in the hills and earning money to pay his
own way through school. While up there, he takes
care of his ministry, stirs up quite a lot of interest
and gets good results. To get his report back to the
congregation he has to walk many miles, but he never
fails to do this. It demanded real effort on his part
to save enough money to attend the 'Everlasting Good
News' Assembly in Rangoon, and I was overjoyed
when Jehovah blessed his efforts and he was able to
be there. At this grand event he made a public
declaration of his faith by water baptism. Now this
one-time spirit worshiper has joined the ranks of
worshipers of Jehovah and praisers of his holy name."
CABXIEBOUN
Peak Publishers: 6,850

Population:
Ratio:

4,081,000
P to 597

Our brothers in Cameroun have heeded Jesus'

words at Matthew 1:7 to "keep on asking, and

114

Yearbook

it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will

find." They have been seeking truth. They have
been going to meetings and have been preaching
the good news. The results have been gratifying,
for they enjoyed a very fine increase in publishers
during the past service year. The overseers and
special pioneers are also seeking, and they have
found further trrxth through their attendance at
the Kingdom Ministry School. Now they are ready
to take on greater responsibl%itiesin helping the
congregations. The branch servant tells us about
s a n e interesting things that have occurred in this
country.
The most joyful event of the year was the visit of
Brother Henschel in March. We could not meet in a
large assembly, but arrangements were made so every
congregation in Douala was able to hear his encouraging talk.
Patient calling back even when little initial interest
is demonstrated can result in an experience like this
one reported by a regular pioneer: "An elderly lady
in my territory would not speak to Jehovah's witnesses.
However, whenever we met I would greet her. One
day I greeted her as usual and asked her if she knew
of the one, who had create? me. She replied that it
was God. But,' I replied, do you know his name?'
Her interest was aroused and regular stu-dies were
held in her home over a period of almost four years.
She made slow progress, as she smoked a pipe and
this was a stumbling block to her advancement. After
one of the regular studies I spent ten minutes explaining the advantages and Scripturalness of clean
living. Her new personality was manifested when she
stopped smoking and brought her broken pipe to me.
Now she is a very active publisher, and although she
is old, she never misses congregation meetings."
Children can be fearless praisers of Jehovah too.
One circuit servant reported: "A family was making
much progress in the truth, until the law regarding
blood was considered during a study. The husband
accept$d this clear truth without difficulty, but his wife
said: If the wicked will be destroyed a t Armageddon
for eating animals killed by strangling, then I willingly accept death.' All efforts to make her see the
unreasonableness of her course were futile. One day
the overseer visited the family along with his fouryear-old daughter. The friendly woman who ate blood

Yearbook

115

invited the child into her kitchen. There she served

one kind of meat to her husband, who abstained from
blood, and presented the child with a plate of meat
from an animal that had been strangled, along with
some cooked bananas. Seeing this, the four-year-old
~ h i l dstood up and with righteous indignation said:
What! Do you still eat strangled meat? I do not eat
blood! The others politely suggested that she eat only
the bananas. Touched by the child's firm stand for
godly principles, the woman immediately left her
plate of meat, never again to eat blood. Today she
is an active preacher of the good news."
Returning to unassigned territory year after year
has caused some people to see that we are unselfishly
interested in their welfare. One congregation writes:
"The chief of a neighboring fishing port welcomed
us, providing lodging and food. The people of the
village were invited to hear a public lecture the following day. News of our arrival reached a priest who
was stationed twelve miles from the port, and he
visited the village in an effort to cause us trouFle.
However, when he arrived the chief told him: We
do not want you. Jehovah's witnesses have been
supplying us with spiritual food from time to time.
Where have you been? Is it only today that you. have
come to know that people live in this port? Please
get yourself prepared and here are men to ferry you
back.' The sheep recognize the Shepheyd;~voice and
know he will care regularly for their spiritual needs."
CANADA
Peak Publishers: 40,625

Population:
Ratio:

18,531,000
P to 456

Jehovah's witnesses in Canada have given the

greatest witness as far as hours spent in the field
service are concerned in the history of the work
in Canada. They spent 5,775,431 hours preaching
the good news. They also conducted more Bible
studies in the homes of the people during the year
than a t any previous time. Still there was very
little increase in the gathering together of the
"other sheep." There were, on the average, only
191. more publishers in the field each month than
during the 1962 service year. Still, there were
1,391 persons baptized. Are those coming into the
truth brought to maturity? Are those in the truth
for years fully appreciating their responsibilities?

116
Yearbook
These are questions Jehovah's witnesses everywhere must alzswer. We must be "filled with the
holy spirit and . . . speaking the word of God with
boldness" (Acts 4:31) just as much today as were
the apostles in their day. Here are some experiences that have been received from the branch
office.
Magazines are still doing much to break down
prejudice. This was illustrated in the experience of
one sister who had the door slammed in her face by
a rude Catholic woman. Later on, another pioneer
sister called a t the same home, but talked with the
man of the house. Re was curious about the magazines,
so accepted the offer. When the return call was made
the woman answered the door, but what a change in
her! She wanted more magazines and was full of
questions. A Bible study was started in the booklet
"This Good News of the Kingdom." Soon she admitted
that she had learned more than in all her years at
church. She humbly apologized for the way she had
treated the other pioneer, so on the next call the two
pioneers went together and all three a t the study had
a fine time. The pioneer who began the study found
it necessary to move; so the sister who originally
had the door slammed in her face is the one now
continuing to conduct the study.
The effect of one public talk on people of a right
heart is seen in the experience of a couple who were
willing to have a study in their home and progressed
to the point of attending the public meetings. One of
the talks discussed marriage. At the next study the
couple explained that they were not legally married.
They wanted to know what to do; so Scriptural counsel
was given them. Although some of the legal matters
that had to be cleared up in Europe took much time,
money and patience, still this couple held to what
they knew to be right. Eventually it was the privilege
of the ones conducting this study to be the witnesses
to the legal marriage for this couple. The following
Saturday it was the further privilege of these publishers to take the couple into the field service for the
first time. The Scriptures do indeed set things straight.
A home Bible study was discontinued twice, first
because the woman's husband laid down the ultimatum
that she choose between the studies and him, and
second because when she later resumed the studies
in someone else's home he threatened to take the
children away from her. At this the special pioneer

Yearbook

117

sister who was conducting the study offered to speak

to the husband 011 the matter. A five-hour discussion
with him brought the concession that the wife could
study if she wished, but that he would never be interested. He even attended some meetings with her,
but insisted he would never be interested. All went
well until the wife explained to him her desire to
make a dedication. He was very angry at this a ~ d
said that she could not be one of Jehovah's witnesses
and that she was not to go to any more meetings.
The special pioneer relates, 'She explained to him
that she had to dedicate her life, otherwise she did
not want to live. . . . When the day came for the
immersion, she got up and got breakfast, but her
husband would not let h e r eat anything and took her
money away from her. He told her if she went she
was not to come home. She went anyway. After the
immersion a couple of friends took her home. She
found her Izushand had packed his clothes and had
left! This couple stayed with her for a while. Soon
her husband came back. The couple talked with him,
but he would only insist that the Witnesses had broken
up his home; so the publishers left. The next morning
the husband was a t their door. He apologized for
his conduct and asked the brother to study with him."
How pleased and happy this newly dedicated one is
that she continued to study and pursued the right
course as an example to her husband!
CEYLON
Peak Publlishers: 264

Population:
Ratio :

10,644,809
1 t o 40,321

Jehovah's witnesses in Ceylon have shared in a

very favorable season of witnessing during the
past service year. It seems that the brothers have
taken full advantage of the fine opportunity they
have to study and attend meetings and they have
arranged their affairs so as to have a good share
in the Kingdom service. There were 109 persons
from Ceylon who arranged to go to New Delhi for
the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly, and this
was a climax to their service year. They were
able to meet with their brothers from other lands
and enjoy their fellowship. Here are some experiences as reported by the branch office in Ceylon.
Promptly contacting interested persons when they
move is rewarding. A brother who did this reports:

118

Yearbook

"We received a letter telling us that a lady who had

studied with the Witnesses for quite a few years
was moving to a village about ten miles from our
home. Without delay we visited her, and what a
welcome she gave us! Her keen interest in the Bible
did not have time to wane, as arrangements were
made to continue right on with the study she was
having. On one occasion there was a visitor in the
room where we usually had the study. We wondered
if she would want to put off the study. How plezsed
we were to see her comiyg with her Bible and book!
To the visitor she said: Now we are going to have
a Bible study. You are welcome to join us. Otherwise
don't disturb us.' He excused himself and w-e had the
study. The next logical step was to invite her in the
service. This we did, and she has been a regular publisher since. When we told her of the 'Everlasting
Good News' Assembly in New Delhi, she a t once
decided she would like to attend. She put the matter
to her husband, who agreed to finance her trip. Before
leaving for the assembly we spoke to her about baptism. She told us she was planning to be baptized a t
the assembly. So now, after several years of patient
effort on the part of many brothers who kept in
contact with her as she moved from place to place,
she is a dedicated sister and her two children have
also shared in the ministry some."
Vacation pioneering is convincing both to those
sharing in it and to those who hear the message
because 01 it. "While vacation pioneering 1 called
back where magazines had been placed a t a Catholic
home. The youngest child was sent to tell me there
was no one a t home. I called again to be told the
same thing. The third time I found the man a t home.
He told me that the church had warned them to be
careful of people coming around talkine about God
and then condemning the Roman Catholics, as such
are antichrists. 'How do I know you are not an antichrist?' I tcok my Catholic Bible and showed him.
Soon he called the children, saying, 'Corne, come and
listen to this lady; she is reading from the Cathoiic
Bible.' By using this Bible on following visits all objections were overcome and a study was started, with
the family of six sitting in. Their appreciation of
Bible truths grew rapidly and the three oldest children
began attending meetings and joining in field service
despite the public denouncement by the priest. They
rejoice that they are now free, 'like frogs released
from a dark well,' a s the oldest son expressed it. This

Yearbook

119

son was among those who were immersed a t the

assembly in Delhi. Two others want to be baptized
a t our next assembly."
CMIIIILE

Peak Publishers: 3,144

Population:
aatio:

8,098,000
1 to 2,576

In spite of runaway inflation and very adverse

weather-the worst winter since 1 8 4 5 t h e brothers in Chile made good gains in theocratic activity
during the past year. One thing that has been
emphasized has been study, not only for the brothers, but among the people of goodwill. They have
had to keep in mind the words of Paul: "Pay
constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. Stay by these things, for by doing this you
will save both yourself and those who listen to
you." (1Tim. 4316) Anyone who follows out all
the admonition given in this text will certainly
keep himseIf busy finding out what the will of God
is for him and then doing it, and a t the same time
he will be helping others to know what God's will
is. With this in mind the branch servant sends in
some very interesting experiences.
Two special pioneers sent to an assignment in the
south reported the case of a lady who vowed to wear
brown all her life. At first she refused the offer of
the Paradise book because of having her own religion,
Roman Catholic. Her attitude changed, however, and
she took it when the pioneer showed her the bottom paragraph on page seven, which says, "This book is not put
out to fight against other religions . . . but to tell you
truthfully just what the Bible teaches." A study was
started on the return visit in the presence of images
and "saints" with lighted candIes before them. Several
studies passed with nothing said about this practice
till she, herself, finally .asked what the Bible said
about images, as she believed in them and every day
for twenty-five years had placed candles before them.
She agreed to the suggestion that they wait to consider the matter when it would be taken up in two
weeks on page seventyseven. A good basis had been
laid in the previous studies, so after the study on
images she recognized and made the necessary changes
to give God exclusive devotion. Instead of buying

120

Yearbook

candles and images, she buys The Watchtower to learn

true worship. She and her niece soon became regular
attenders a t the Kingdom Hall, and in their first month
of service placed fifty-eight magazines between them.
Patience and confidence in Jehovah despite oppositioil
in the home bring results when persons of goodwill
listen to the lifesaving truths that are taught. At a
study conducted by a sister, as the wife's interest
grew, the opposition of the husband, who did not attend, increased. Fortunately, one day the publisher
had the opportunity to speak to the husband on the
bus to explain the purpose of the study, and from
then on he allowed the study to continue with his
family. In spite of repeated invitations, however, the
housewife was too afraid to attend meetings. After
some time, during the circuit servant's visit, the publisher encouraged her to ask permission, saying that
in matters of worship that affect her life and that
of her children it was necessary to be subject to
Jehovah's commands and not man's. Courageously she
asked and permission was granted, so that from then
on she attended all the meetings. To get her away
from the local congregation, the husband arranged
to move to a city in another country. Undaunted,
she wrote the Branch for the Kingdom Hall address
there, and was overjoyed to find that their new home
would be in the same block. Since then she and her
oldest son have progressed to dedication and baptism,
and the husband too has changed his attitude toward
the preaching work. Jehovah rewards those who patiently teach proper subjection and those who listen
to it.
CHINA

We had a very fine report out of China this

year. It was the release of Brother Harold King
after four and a half years of imprisonment for
preaching the good news of the Kingdom in Cornmunist China. His report appeared in the Society's
magazines. We have just had recent information
that Brother Stanley Jones is alive and healthy,
but he still has more tiroe to serve in prison in
China. We understand that he is in the same prison cell now that Brother King was in and that
he is doing quite well. As to our other brothers in

Yearbook
121.
China, we know little about them. Some literature
has been sent to a few we know are still reading.
We can only hope and pray that Jehovah's spirit
will rest upon them and that they will continue to
walk in integrity. The doors of Communist China
for the present are closed to witnessing publicly
concerning God's kingdom.
COLOMBIA
Peak Publishers: 3,038

Population:
Ratio:

15,097,640
1 t o 4,970

Jehovah's witnesses in Colombia are certainly

a growing organization. For the last seven years
they have had over a 20-percent increase every
year. The importance of regular weekly service
has been kept before the brothers throughout the
year in accord with Paul's thought: "But we desire each one of you to show the same industriousness so as to have the full assurance of the hope
down to the end, . . . in order that you m a y . . be
imitators of those who through faith and patience
inherit the promises." (Heb. 6: 11'12) The branch
servant says that when the servants set the right
example the publishers will show zeal for the
scrvice. Here are some interesting experiences
from Colombia.

A goodwill person's husband first objected to her

studying in their apartment. She said she would study
somewhere else then. More objections when she started
attending meetings and then going in the service were
likewise overcome. Then came the real obstacle. The
wife could not leave their invalid, nine-year-old daughter, a polio victim, alone. A "real" obstacle? Not a t
all! For several months now she has been a regular
publisher progressively expanding her service activity
to include all features of the preaching work. She
carries her daughter in her arms to the meetings
and in the service.
Did you know that we have a waiting list of ternear
ritories to be opened up? Take the city of M-,
the Venezuelan border, for example. Two congregation
publishers had moved there and were doing what
they coul& in the service but they needed help. A
special pioneer couple was sent there, and the first

122

Yearbook

circuit servant's report stated: "After three months

they have up to forty-one people coming along and
it's a good, lively group. Also, there are five publishers
in the village. The pioneer is a kind, humble brother
and in the few months that he has been here the work
has received a good name, even though the church
has a big campaign to get all other religions out of
the city."
a Pacific coast seaport, the circuit
Regarding B-,
servant reports: "The atmosphere in the city is perfect for the rapid expansion of a group. Witnessing
is a pleasure. It is so easy to go from house to house.
The church offers no opposition a t all. One of Sister
C's cays showed the magazines to the bishop who
said: I wish more people in the city would read
something upbuilding like that.' "
Hundreds of brothers were a t the airport in Barranquilla on July 2 when a chartered airliner took
off with 84 delegates to the New York assembly, part
of a group of 115 that made the trip. What they saw
and heard is still being talked about here in Colombia.
In fact, it is being seen also, because a Movietone
newsreel has been shown i-n theaters with some good
glimpses of the assembly in New York along with a
favorable commentary in Spanish.
CONGO EEPUBLIC (Brazzaville)
Population:
Peak Publishers: 812
Katio :

810,000

1 to 998

A knowledge of the truth has a powerful effect

on those who love righteousness. Sometimes it requires great changes in their lives when the customs and traditions of the land are different from
what is taught in the Bible. During the past year
in the Congo Republic a number of persons have
legalized their marriage to one mate. This has
been done before civil authorities. They are now
happily serving Jehovah God in purity. This
action on the part of Jehovah's witnesses has
brought forth much favorable comment on the
work they are doing, especially in the north of
the republic where polygamy and wife-stealing are
prevalent, even among nominal Christians. Africa
presents its problems, but nothing so great that
the Scriptures cannot give the answers. Herewith

Yearbook
are some experiences that were sent in by the
branch servant in Brazzaville. They cover the
Congo Republic, the Central African Republic, the
Republic of Gabon and the Republic of Tchad.
A brother writes: "While attending meetings of
Jehovah's witnesses I often heard of what was called
'vacation pioneering.' After having become a publisher
and qualified for this form of service, I spent a month
seeing if it would really be as enjoyable and profitable
as I had been told. Was it? As a publisher I had never
been able to establish a continuing Bible study, but
in the one month I pioneered I was able to establish
eight home Bible studies, and these have continued
to progress since I returned to the congregation publisher ranks. Never will I hesitate to take up the vacation pioneer service when the opportunity again
presents itself to me."
The high point of the year was the visit of Brother
Henschel to the Congo. His practical suggestions and
encouraging admonition have been a stimulus to the
brothers, and the points he brought out have remained
firmly fixed in their minds.
Five brothers were aided to attend the "Everlasting
Good News" Assembly in Milan, Italy. The brothers
not privileged to attend have benefited greatly by
hearing the detailed accounts the brothers rendered
after their return. All wish to thank their brothers
in other lands for the generous contributions that
made the trip possible, and all express the desire to
continue without letup the announcing of the Kingdom
message.
GENTZLATL AI?EIGAlBT BEPUBLIC
Peak Publishem: 635
Popnlatio~: 1,800,800
Ratio:
1 t o 2,835

Although poor in material goods, brothers from

the "bush" in the interior of the country have shown
a keen appreciation for assemblies, although attending
often means traveling great distances on foot under
a blazing equatorial sun. One elderly brother trudged
along for I35 miles to reach the assembly city, taking
an entire week for the trip. This brother has been
lame from birth, and made the whole journey limping
along on a cane. His blg smile indicated how happy
he was to be present. Both coming to the assembly
and returning home, he enjoyed many fine experiences
preaching in villages along the way.

124

Yearbook

Loving patience and good conduct on the part of a

wife can deeply impress a husband, as this experience
shows: Following the death of his wife shortly after
their marriage, a man, in accordance with local custom, demanded of her parents another wife in replacement. The family, unwilling to refuse, gave the younger
sister of the deceased woman to him. Not long after
the marriage the young wife learned the truth-and
began actively participating in theocratic activities.
Now came violent persecution from her husband, even
to the extent of threatening her a t kniie point. But,
putting her trust in Jehova.h, this young sister refused
to give up her faith despite atrocious mistreatment.
Her Christian conduct and wifely subjection could
not be overlooked by her husband, who finally stated:
"Here I become furious with you and accuse you of
all manner of things, and yet you never lose your
temper and reply angrily. Where did you lean1 such
conduct? Is that what your religion is teaching you?
I'm going along with you today to see what you are
learning."
With his wife he attended the Watchtower study,
appropriately on the subject of marriage, and, stupefied to learn of the strict adherence by Jehovah's
witnesses to Bible principles of morality, he apologized
to his wife for having often accused her of adultery.
Since that Sunday he has accompanied his wife to all
the meetings, and is actively studying God's Word.
Youthful ministers attending school can give a powerful witness for Jehovah by standing fast for truth.
In one village the school director summoned all students to be present a t a local celebration. Required
to be there, several young witnesses of Jehovah were
present when the national flag was draped in front
of the audience and students were told to sing and
dance in front of it. The young brothers steadfastly
refused to participate in this idolatrous act, and had
occasion to explain Scripturally their position to more
than a thousand persons gathered there. Although
beaten, they would not compromise. Their firm stand
for their beliefs caused many present to ask for
further information, and much good interest has been
found as a result.
REPUBLIC OF GABON
Peak Publishers: 58

Population:
Ratio:

415,000
1. to 7,328

At the very beginning of the service year political

friction between this republic and a neighboring state
burst into violence. Many nonnationals were expelled

Yearbook

125

from the country. All the special pioneers working

in the two largest cities and the circuit servant, being
foreigners, were driven forcibly from their assignments, narrowly escaping injury. However, their loving
aid had strengthened the brothers, and fine progress
has been made during the year.
A young man living next door to one of the service
centers of the congregation in Port-Gentil noted with
admiration the intense ministerial activity and fine
conduct of the publishers. One evening, a t the close
of the weekly book study, he approached the study
conductor who was leaving for his home. He said:
"I want to come along with you people, but how much
do you ask for one to be admitted to your organization?" Using Scriptural support, the study conductor
explained that true Christians are happy to give free,
and that no money whatsoever is demanded. A fine
witness respecting Jehovah's purpose for man and
the earth was given. The young man was happy to
attend a public discourse at the Kingdom Hall, and
since that time has not missed a single meeting. He
expresses the desire to imitate the activity and manner
of conduct of Jehovah's witnesses and is making good
progress to that end.
EEPUBLIC OF TCHAD
Peak Publishers: 24

Population:
2,700,000
JRatio :
1 to 112,500

The small group of publishers located in the capital

city of this large republic zealously contlnue to proclaim the good news to all. The majority of the publishers are from other countries, and during the year
three brothers and their wives returned to their home
territories. Despite being fewer in number, the remaining brothers continued talking to others about their
hope. Realizing the importance of stimulating interest,
the brothers have stressed the back-call . and Bible
study activity, and are presently conducting, on an
average, well over one study per publisher.
Recently the brothers were happy to receire the visit
of a circuit servant returning from the Milan "Everlasting Good News" Assembly. All were overjoyed to
profit from the encouraging spiritual instruction and
counsel poured out a t that convention. The circuit servant reports that there is much interest in the city of
For-Lamy, but the brothers, all French-speaking, find
it impossible to get the message acrqss effectively to the
large Arab population. Many publications have been
distributed, however, and we pray Jehovah's blessing
upon the seed that has been sown.

126

Yearbook

CONGO (Leopoldvillie)
Peak Publishers: 2,M3

Population:
Bafio :

14,150,000
1 to B,79W

For many years Jehovah's witnesses have tried

to preach the good news in the territory of the
Belgian Congo, now known as the Congo. Many
reports on this matter have appeared in the Yearbook over the years. Now excellent progress is
being made since the opening of the branch office
in Leopoldville some years ago. It is a joy to see
how the work has moved forward since that time.
Many are now taking hold of the truth. We should
not scorn the day of small beginnings, for if something is truth it will prosper and grow, and that is
what has happened in Leopoldville and the rest of
the Congo during the past year. Let us hear the
story of the work that has been done there during
the 1963service year.
In 1932 the Society tried to send some Witnesses to
carry on the work in the Congo, then a Belgian colony,
but these efforts proved unsuccessful. The Belgian government confused the Witnesses with a political-religious
native group who called themselves "Kitawala." This
local religion is a mixture of Catholic, Protestant and
pagan ideas and also the teachings of Jehovah's witnesses. Considering the African way, this is not surprising because beliefs of the Catholic religion and
Protestant religions have been adopted into another
political-religious sect named "Kibangist." The Salvation Army saw also their beliefs changed and adopted
by some local groups. But these orthodox religions were
authorized by the Belgian government to work freely.
During this time the Witnesses, not being allowed to
work in the Congo, were not able to justify their position, and their religious adversaries did not hesitate
to stir up and maintain the confusion of identity between Jehovah's witnesses and the Kitawala.
However, if the adversaries hindered the foreign Witnesses from entering the Congo to supervise the work
there, they did not stop the truth from infiltrating there
and progressing, from a small beginning in 1947 of one
publisher, Lo 475 in 1958.
The major event in 1958 was the tolerance the Belgian government granted the Witnesses after recognizing how different they were from these political-religious
sects. Since then Jehovah has granted numberless blessings to these Witnesses in the Congo, and Jehovah's

Yearbook

127

witnesses have increased to 2,402 publishers. Nevertheless, many people are still confusing the Witnesses with
these local groups and some of these are still using the
names of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society and
the International Bible Students Association, and profess to represent these organizations while having no
authority to do so.
According to fundamental law, which serves actually
as a bill of rights, the Congo enjoys freedoni of religion
and conscience, but since a-great number of schools-are
taught by missions of different religions the parents
and children often have to fight for their faith. Several
children were expelled from school because they do
not attend the religious services a t the church. On this
matter an interesting experience is reported by a brother: His young son was expelled from the school; so he
wrote the teacher expressing his appreciation for the
efforts made by the teacher to give instruction to his
son, but he also explained that, according to the Bible
and the law of the country, he as the father was responsible for the religious education of his son and that
he could not allow his son to practice another religion
than the one he chose. A few days later the teacher
came to the home of the brother and tried to cause a
division in the family, saying to the wife, "Look, if you
let your husband give orders to your children you will
be in difficulties." But the wife, also being in the truth,
gave a Biblical answer on the rights of parents. Afterward the teacher agreed for the boy to continue his
schooling and that he could receive religious training
a t home by his parents.
The two big events of the year were the visit of
Brother Henschel and the attendance of fifteen Congolese brothers a t the assembly in Milan. Brother Henschel had occasion to speak to three different meetings
in Leopoldville, with a total attendance of 2,815.
Not all persons have the opportunity to come into
direct contact with the truth; so how are they to hear?
When the homes of interested people cannot be reached
directly such persons can hear the truth by correqondence. This happened in the case of a young man Iivlng
near Bakwanga in the Congo. This man received a copy
of one of the publications of the Society and read it
with interest. Ile realized that the many unfavorable
stories he had heard about Jehovah's witnesses from
Catholic sources were merely lies, and of these he said,
"These ministers of Satan try perhaps to turn men from
the truth." His interest in the truth led him to write a
letter to the Society's branch office, sending money for
additional publications. Having received the literature

with much appreciation, he is now studying to have

his many Bible questions answered.
COSTA RIGA
Peak Publishers: 2,133

Population:
Ratio :

1,325,155
1 to 485

The good news of the Kingdom has been

preached in Costa Rica for over fifty years and
very fine progress has been made, especially during the last two decades. The brothers there continually pushed ahead, advancing true worship
throughout the country, and now they have
reaped fine results. During the 1963 service year
four additional groups began reporting, four more
congregations were organized and now there are
seventy-nine congregations in this llmd. A goodly
number of our brothers in Costa Rica were able
to attend one of the "Everlasting Good 1"Sews"
Assemblies, and they rejoiced in their association
with their brothers and sisters from Inany other
lands. The acting branch servant has sent in a few
experiences telling about the things that are going
on in the land.
A special pioneer relates an experience that shows
the power of the truth to attract sincere persons and
free thern from the shackles of false religious bondage:
"In an isolated village in my assignment a. woman
served a s religious instructor for the pcople, even acting as priest, for she prayed the rosary in the church
and said prayers over those who were dying. This
woman heard of Jehovah's witnesses, that they teach
that God has a name and that his kingdom has been
established in the heavens. She became so interested in
learning more about Jehovah's witnesses that she traveled quite a distance to the home of a Witness to find
out when I would return to the village. It turned out
that she waited there fifteen days. When I got around
to that isolated territory again, what a joy it was to
find this person of goodwill and be able to hear and
answer her sincere questions on the Bible. She was so
impressed with the truth that she then said she also
wanted to be one of Jehovah's witnesses. The following
day I invited her to go along with me to see how we
preach irom house to house, and she was happy to go
along. Quickly the entire village heard about it and
some were very resentful. One person mockingly cried

Yearbook

129

out: 'Mama Chevita, teach us the rosary.' But she replied: 'No, I will not teach you those things any more,
for I was teaching lies. Now I want to teach you the
truth.' And that is exactly what she is now doing, but
as a regular baptized publisher."
A circuit servant's wife along with several brothers
was working in a small rural village. Upon coming to a
certain house the brothers informed her that the householder was very opposed and on occasions had even run
the Witnesses off her property. Because of this the
brothers were somewhat reluctant to call on the householder. However, the circuit servant's wife reasoned
that she did not know the householder and that she had
never been mistreated by her. So she went ahead and
made the call, determined to do all she could to arouse
the householder's interest. She not only was able to give
the sermon but also offer the subscription, which the
man of the house gladly accepted. Though they have
always been staunch Catholics, they are now regular
readers of the Watchtower magazine.
Population:
6,466,000
16,161
Ratio:
1 t o 400
Even though our brothers are going through
many hardships, they have reached new peaks in
publishers throughout all of Cuba. In spite of the
fact that the missionaries that the Society had
there for years have been expelled Prom the country, the work continues to go on. Our brothers
have taken their stand, and they "keep on speaking to the people all the sayings about this life."
It is good to know of their zeal and determination
to preach the "everlasting good news" and to comfort those who mourn. Here are some reports that
have come out of Cuba.
CUBA
Pealr Publishers:

Outstanding in this service year are the new peaks

reached in home Bible studies, hours, pioneers and publishers. This excellent work, however, was not made
without violent opposition by the enemy. Following the
denunciation of some religious groups, including Jehovah's witnesses, by the prime minister, Dr. Fidel Castro
Ruz, in his speech of March 13 of this year, a flood of
opposition swept the country.
Hundreds of brothers were %rrested because of their
preaching activity; many special pioneers were forced
to leave their assignments and many others were ar-

130

Yearbook

rested and stood trial because they gathered to study

the Bible without the permission asked by the local
authorities. In some trials brothers were condemned to
twenty days in jail; in other places they were ordered
to pay twenty to forty dollars.
In the provinces of Las Villas and Oriente brothers
were arrested even in their own homes and accused of
having illegal meetings, with the only ones there being
their own families. In the province of Pinar del Rio
there was a flood of inspections requiring the congregations to be registered as associations and, after fining
many congregations' servants, 95 percent of the Kingdom Halls were closed by an official resolution, the
properties were confiscated and the activity of the
brothers declared illegal. Representations have been
made to try to get permission to reopen the halls.
Many trials are under way and arrests occur every
day because, as the authorities say, " 'Proselytism' cannot be tolerated." They have told responsible brothers
that all religious activities have to be confined to the
interior of the temples and they will not permit preaching outside of them. Despite these conditions and all the
opposition many good experiences have been enjoyed
by the brothers.
At the beginning of 1963 a letter was received in the
branch from a girl of fifteen, who said in part: "I was
raised in the Baptist Church, but now all my family
are atheists and they want me to be as they are. Recently I read the booklet 'This Good News of the K i ~ g dom' and I believe that you have the truth. Please send
somebody to my house to help me, but be careful because my family is opposed."
Two persons came and talked with her about one
hour and instructed her in how to deal with her family.
She is now sharing in the preaching work and waiting
for the opportunity to be baptized.
The Bible says that those who trust in Jehovah do
not have to be afraid of their enemies and this is well
illustrated by the following experience. A sister received
a call from her daughters living in the U.S.A. They were
afraid that something might happen to her. After the
telephone call the sister wrote a letter to her daughters.
In the letter she said: "You called me the other day
because you were worried about me and your father;
let me tell you something: I am a dedicated servant
of God. I know what that means, but despite anything
that may happen to me, I know that Jehovah can reward me. I am here and I think this is my place; I am
resolved to maintain my integrity to my God. But, my
dear daughters, there is something that worries me and

Yearbook

131.

it is that both of you still have not decided to serve

Jehovah; really that is something to be worried about
in this critical time of distress. I as a mother feel more
worried about you there without the protection of Jehovah than about us here. Please do not forget my counsel, and follow Jehovah." As a result of this letter both
daughters of this sister are now studying the Bible and
attending the meetings of a nearby congregation.
CYPRUS
Peak Publisl~ers: 566

Population :
Ratio :

600,000
1 to 1,060

People with the spirit of the world do not like

individuals with the spirit of the truth. While Jehovah's witnesses are in the world, they cannot be
a part of it, but they must follow out the command of Christ Jesus to preach the good news of
God's kingdom no matter what occurs. Jehovah's
cvitilesses cannot stop preaching the good news of
the Kingdom because of threats, or even sometimes bodily harm. Despite some very severe opposition during the year the work in Cyprus has
moved ahead well, and here are some of the things
that took place there.
On February 7, people in Famagusta awoke to see
the main streets full of slogans against Jehovah's witnesses, while opposite brothers' shops and houses symbols of death-bones and skulls-were painted. On February 3 a priest, assisted by a mob of youngsters, beat
three of Jehovah's witnesses, father, mother and daughter, in a village near Nicosia because they went there
to preach the good news of the Kingdom. He was
brought beiore the court by the police and was fined
8. He denied all the charges before the court and
falsely accused the brothers of denouncing Archbishop
Makarios, the president of Cyprus. How true are the
words of Jesus that this class of people are the seed of
the Devil, the originator of lies and violence! In most
of the Greek villages of the Papho district, the brothers
were not able to preach because theologians gave instructions to the youngsters that as soon as they noticed Jehovah's witnesses in the village, they should
ring the bell of the church, create a mob and then chase
them out of the village, destroying their vehicles.
Brothers experienced many very narrow escapes.
We had an interview last October with the assistant
president, a very sincere gentleman, who assured us

132

Yearbook

that they are condemning this religious intolerance and

that they will do everything they can to stop this
situation.
The highlight of the service year was our "Everlasting Good News'' Assembly from August 8 to 11 in a
beautiful hall that the brothers built with the help of
the Society. It was really the best assembly we ever had
and we must thank you, Brother Knorr, for arranging
this assembly for us and for sending us four mature
brothers from Great Britain and Canada to help us on
the program. We had delegates from ten different countries abroad: Greece, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Italy, Sudan, and so forth, and an association that the brothers
will never forget.
DENMAELK
Peak Publishers: 11,002

Population:
Ratio:

4,585,256
1 to 417

Jehovah's witnesses are now the third-largest

religious group in Denmark, but it can be said of
them that they are first in activity. The Lutheran
State Church has come out openly against Jehovah's witnesses, trying to slow down their efforts.
They have urged their people not to listen to the
message that God's people bring to them. One of
the Lutheran clergymen announced a t a press
conference recently that he was going to make a
motion picture unveiling Jehovah's witnesses. I t
will be interesting to see if in his unveiling he tells
the truth about them. The branch office in Copenhagen looks after the work in Denmark, Faroe
Islands and Greenland, and here are some of the
reports of the year's activity from these places.
Even if there seems to be no possibility of getting
visible results from our service, we should not give up.
Two sisters who have a study with a ninety-year-old
lady contemplated giving up the study; no real results
could possibly be attained, they reasoned. The old lady,
however, was always well prepared, happy for the
study, and often expressed her conviction that Jehovah's witnesses have the truth, and so the sisters chose
to continue the study, and their decision was blessed.
Relatives of the lady noticed the love and care shown
her by the two sisters, and as time went by (the study
had now continued for three years) one of the relatives,
a daughter, agreed to have a study herself, and now

Yearbook

133

her daughter is also studying. A third relative was so

impressed by the example he had seen that he once
stood up a t a gathering to defend Jehovah's witnesses,
telling of the love and patience shown by the two sisters to his grandmother. "Would you do the same good
work?" he asked the opposers. The faithfulness of the
two sisters did bring forth results. Three relatives
showed interest, and studies were started with two of
them.
When a publisher works the same territory again
and again, the householders get acquainted with the
publisher. One sister who was working her individual
territory in this way was one day approached on the
stairs by a lady who asked: "May I be so curious as to
ask, Are you not one of Jehovah's witnesses? My nextdoor neighbor and I discussed whether you are paid
for the work or not. We know that you have two small
boys and a house to keep, so we wonder how you manage to do it all." This gave the sister an opportunity to
witness to the lady, which had not been possible before.
After the conversation the lady wanted to have the two
latest magazines and also two copies for her next-door
neighbor.
The counsel given by the Society about inviting
others in the household to share in the study is very
valuable and has already helped many persons of goodwill. One publisher had for some time conducted a study
with a young man. Then the young man married, and
for the first time the study was to be held in his new
home. The big question was whether his wife would
join him in the study. While she was in the kitchen,
the publisher suggested to the husband that they should
invite his wife to take part in the study. The young
man and his grandfather, who was also present, both
vigorously advised that such an invitation should not
be made because the wife, as they pointed out, was
strongly opposed to the truth. The publisher, however,
chose to follow the suggestion given in the Kingdom
Ministry. When the wife entered the room, he said to
her: "I have brought a book for you too as I thought
you would like to see what your husband is interested
in. Then you will also be able to help him out of it, if
you find that we teach him something wrong." She
accepted the invitation. The next time the study was
conducted, she was thoroughly prepared and gave more
comments during the study than her husband. The following Sunday both of them came to the public talk
and the Watchtower study in the Kingdom Hall. The
next time she attended the Watchtower study she gave
several comments, and this she has done ever since.

134

Yearbook

They have both attended their first circuif assembly,

the young man has started in the field servlce, and hls
wife will soon follow him. She is very thankful that
the publisher invited her to share in the study the first
time it was held in her new home.
Population:
34,596
Ikatio:
1 to 1,193
Peak Publishers: 29
One climax of the year was the circuit assembly in
Thorshavn in January. From thirty-two on Friday night
the attendance climbed to fifty-five for the public talk.
One of the many new ones was a fisherman. His sister,
a Faroese publisher, had previously given him the
Paradise book as a gift, and, being a fisherman, he took
it along on the boat and read it there. He wrote his
sister very enthusiastically and told her that he had
been delighted to read the fine book. "This is the first
time I really see what the meaning of life is. You have
the truth. Please send more literature." She is now
sending him The Watchtower and Awake! and answers
all his questions through letter writing. At the same
time he is studying "Let God Be True" by himself. He
just happened to be in Thorshavn the Friday the circuit assembly began, and through the effective advertising of the assembly he got to know of it and came.
He liked the program so well that he decided to stay
for the whole assembly, although he had to make a
telephone call to one of the other islands telling some
relatives that he would not visit them as planned but
would stay in Thorshavn until Monday. This he did, and
he really enjoyed being with the brothers.
But the real climax of the service year was the international assembly in Stockholm. A delegation of twentyfour from the Faroe Islands were happy to be present.
T i e contributions to the convention travel fund made
it possible to help the special pioneers to the assembly.
PAROE ISLANDS

GEEENLAND
Popnhtion :
34,3112
Peak Publishers: 15
Eatio:
I to 2,287
The brothers who moved to Greenland to serve where
the need is great have shown faith by not withdrawing.
It certainly takes faith to serve here. Isolation, rough
and primitive conditions, an extremely difficult language, and the Greenlanders' feeling of discrimination
between them and the Danes constitute a real test for
these brothers. But they have proved to be of the right
kind.
One of the sisters relates that two young men came
to her house and just said: "We visit." She invited them

Yearbook

135

in and managed to ask a few questions in Greenlandic.

She got to know their names and where they came
from, but when they explained why they came to her
house, she could not understand them. She sent for her
husband and he played some Kingdom songs for them
on the tape recorder and told them that he and his
family were Jehovah's witnesses. By means of the
pictures in the Danish Paradise book and a few texts
from the Greenlandic Bible they gave a witness. The
young men were impressed by the beautiful book, and
each of them wanted to have a copy of it next Friday.
(Wages are paid oil Friday.) When the sister asked one
of them if he had a Bible, he said: "No, but on Friday
I would like to have a copy of-what did you call it?"
So you see, the publishers have a big work to do to
help such persons out of darkness into the light of
God's Word. I t takes faith and courage to do this work,
but we are happy that there are such brothers in
Greenland.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Peak Publishers: 1,155

Population:
Ratio:

4,070,108
1 to 3,524

Great is the joy of the brothers in the Dominican Republic because there has been fine, continuous growth since freedom to carry on the
work has been granted again. Jehovah's witnesses
feel, like the psalmist when he sang to Jehovah of
his land: "There is a drenching of its furrows, a
leveling off of its clods; with copious showers you
soften it; you bless its very sprouts. You have
crowned the year with your goodness." (Ps. 65:
10, 11) The branch servant there says that their
territory is like a well-sown field that has only
waited for gentle rains to make it blossom. Here
are some experiences.
The circuit servants have done fine work in opening
up and developing interest in isolated territories. One
circuit servant and his -wife arrived a t a small town
only to find that the publisher they expected to locate
had moved. Told of another interested person six miles
out of town, they set out on foot over roads almost
impassable with mud. Finally reaching the home to
which they were directed, they found a young boy in
his teens who had identified himself a s a Witness even
during the years of the ban. Now he was helping two
other youths to share with him in witnessing and they

136

Yearbook

were conducting five home Bible studies with good interest resulting. Encouraged by the visit, he now reports regularly to the branch office, plans to be baptized a t the next assembly and then vacation pioneer
with one of the units in the capital to gain experience
and ability.
How many studies can a mother of eight small children conduct, especially when she lives in rural hill
country where rains sometimes flood roads and bridges?
A sister in isolated territory shows what can be done.
She begins a t home, rising early each morning and
taking her eight children with her to her little out-ofdoors kitchen, where, while she builds her wood fire,
she has one of the older boys read a chapter from
the Hebrew Scriptures and then another read a chapter
from the Greek Scriptures while the others listen. Thc
day's text and discussion follow. Is that all? No, in
addition to this home instruction, each week she walks
long distances to conduct some ten Bible studies, and
a t the last circuit servant's visit she had the joy of
seeing some begin publishing. On visiting the branch
office for the first time to obtain counsel on a family
matter that threatened to curtail her activity, tears
welled up in her eyes a t the mere thought of having to
discontinue even some of her studies. Really, how could
any publisher ever hold back from conducting a regular
home Bible study just to avoid being "tied down"?
The New Pork assembly crowned the year for us.
Never before had more than two or three Dominican
brothers been able to work their way past the web of
government restrictions to attend an international assembly. How grand, then, to see a Dominican delegation of over eighty in attendance! Of those helped to
attend, one pioneer sold his bicycle and another his
typewriter and a sewing machine in order that their
wives might go too. The feelings of all were well expressed by a schoolteacher who attended, though only
having begun to study three months before. Before the
assembly's end she said, "If it had cost $1,000 it would
have well been worth it."
ECUADOR
Peak Publishers: 1,164

Population:
Ratio:

4,520,430
1 to 3,884

It is good for God's people to keep always in

mind the writings of Jehovah, and our brothers
in Ecuador have remembered the words: "All day
long I will bless you, and I will praise your name
to time indefinite, even forever." (Ps. 145:2)

Yearbook
137
This they have endeavored to do during the past
service year, with very good results. The year
1963 was the first time that the publishers of the
good news in Ecuador passed the 1,008 mark in
total publishers engaged in the ministry. They do
rejoice in this blessing from
Here are
some of the experiences sent in by the branch
oEce.
A publisher in ill health who was confined to a
sanitorium for an extended period of time wasted no
time in talking to others about Jehovah's purposes.
A study was started with a young man, but, because
of religious pressure from within the hospital, he
stopped visiting the brother. After some weeks, the
young man returned and inquired about the meaning
of a certain scripture that the priest could not satisfactorily explain to him. So satisfied was he with
the explanation that he resumed his studies despite
the protest of others in his ward. I-Ie made considerable progress during the few weeks of study, but
the time came for his release. The question now was,
How could this person be cared Par, as he was returning
to his home in an area isolated from any contact
with a congregation? The brother was determined to
do all possible to aid him, so arrangements were made
to continue to study by mail. Systematically, by means
of correspondence, the brother assigned him portions
to study in a Bible-study aid, along with specific questions on the material assigned. Through correspondence
the student would provide the answers and give a
scripture or two in support of his answers, and in
this way manifested his getting the sense of the
Scriptures. When correction and further explanation
were necessary, the brother gave such. The result after
a few months of this 'correspondence course' is that
the young man is now energetically speaking to his
neighbors about the promised blessings of God's kingdom. He is now planning on attending his first assembly with baptism in view. Love for the "sheep"
impels Jehovah's servants to go to great lengths in
feeding them.
Courage and strong faith are required to weather
religious intimidation and opposition. In a gold-mining
town a small, newly formed group of pubhshers was
encountering considerable opposition from the local
priest, he doing all he could to make trouble, even
to the extent of inciting the youths to throw .stones
a t the Witnesses a t every opportunity. The meetings a t

138

Yearbook

that time were held in the home of a special pioneer.

The priest approached the owner, offering to pay the
rent if he would put the pioneer out, which he did.
The actions of the priest just made the little group
more determined. A family of goodwill exclaimed,
"We won't let you be pushed out of this town! You
must stay and help us! We will build a Klngdom Hall
along with an apartment for you on our lot." While
the Kingdom Hall was under construction, the neighbor remarked, "It looks like the only way to get rid
of Jehovah's witnesses is to burn them out, and that
is just what we intend to do." However, i t so happened
that a week later the house of the scoffing neighbor
caught fire and burned to the ground. Happily the wind
was blowing the fire away from the newly constructed
Kingdom Hall so that it was not harmed. When the
Kingdom Hall was inaugurated they had forty in
attendance and a peak of publishers was reported that
month. Courage in the face of religious intimidation
brings rewards!
Faithfulness in service prompts the Kingdom minister to be thorough in all the details of the ministry.
At the beginning of the service year a brother faithfully followed through with the suggestion of calling
on all "not-at-homes" encountered the Sunday previous
before continuing on with more territory. He met a
man who manifested considerable interest in the mes.
sage, although opposed a t that time by his wife and
family. Within four months, after a series of studies,
he made up his mind to serve Jehovah. He first had
to have his marriage legalized and was baptized shortly
after. His fine example and determination astonished
his wife and family so much that his wife, formerly
a zealous Catholic, accepted the truth. Then his aunt,
a t the age of sixty-three, after a period of study,
cleared the religious pictures and images out of her
home, accepted the truth and is now one of the most
active publishers of the congregation, dedicating an
average of thirty hours a month to the ministry.
Previously she never went out a t night, but now never
misses a meeting, rain or shine. Now from the two
families 'clere are seven publishers, and all this largelx
due to calling back faithfully on the "not-at-homes.
EIRE
Peak Publishers:

246

Population:
2,814,703
Ratio:
P to 11,44%

It takes fortitude to be one of Jehovah's witnesses in Eire, and those that have this quality did
enjoy good fruitage from their labors of love dur-

Yearbook
139
ing the past year. The brothers in this Catholicdominated country show deep gratitude to Jehovah God for the blessings upon their efforts, for
there has been an ingathering, and for the first
time in quite a number of years they enjoyed a
10-percent increase. The outstanding feature of
the report is the great increase in the number of
hours devoted to the field service. There were
20,000 more hours devoted to the field ministry
than during the 1962 service year. Or, stated
otherwise, they put in 142,329 hours preaching the
good news of the Kingdom in Eire. As time goes
on, we feel sure the vacation pioneer work will
take hold in Eire too and we will have not only
special pioneers there, but regular pioneers. Here
is what the branch servant tells us about the
country.
Intimidation has long been used as one of the basic
weapons to prevent the people of Eire from embracing
the truth of God's Word and becoming dedicated servants of Jehovah. Howevela, courageous individuals
with faith in Jehovah are manifesting themselves.
One of such is a lady who has served for some time
as a caretaker of premises belonging to a religious
institution. Having acquired knowledge and understanding over a considerable period of time and enjoyed association with Jehovah's witnesses, she desired
to symbolize her dedication to Jehovah by being baptized a t an approaching circuit assembly. When the
clergy learned of this, they sent someone around to
tell her that if she went ahead with this decision
she would be obliged to leave her employment and
accommodation. Her husband, who is not in the truth
yet does not hinder her in any way, was opposed to
her being intimidated and suggested that, if it was
her wish to be baptized, she shou-Id go ahead and
realize her desire. Courageously facing the situation,
this person went to the assembly and resolutely followed through on her determinatibn and was baptized.
Since her return as a dedicated and bantized servant
of Jehovah, no comments have been made, no questions asked, and she has been politely treated. Certainly Jehovah's blessing will be with those who do
not "shrink back" but "have faith to the preserving
alive of the soul."

140

Yearbook

In one assignment in a rural area two special pioneers were using a caravan or house trailer as their
living quarters. After being away for a weekend, the
special pioneers returned to find the trailer overturned,
with considerable damage to one of its sides. The
police were notified. They made investigation, tracked
down the young men responsible and brought them
to court. Reporting on the case, the newspapers said:
"The charge is that between May 31st. and June 5th.
they did unlawfully and maliciously commit damage,
injury and spoil to and upon a caravan, the property
of the Watchtower Bible Society of Dublin." The five
men involved were compelled to pay for the damage
done. In addition to the newspapers, radio and television also gave publicity to the case, just stating
the facts without bias. So we are glad that representatives of the "superior authorities" are acting in
defense of the property of those considered an "unpopular minority." The preaching of the good news
continues without interference in this area where the
incident took place.
EL SALVADOR
Peak Publishers: 802

Population:
Ratio :

2,627,007
1 to 3,276

The "everlasting good news" was preached to

more and more people in El Salvador during the
past service year. It proved to be one of the cowntry's finest years of service. Many new ones joined
in the proclamation of the good news of the Kingdom and showed their faith by their good works.
The experiences submitted by the branch office
are interesting.
"While working from house to house during the
Watchtower campaign I met a man who seemed to
be waiting for someone to bring him the truth. He
invited me in and listened intently to my sermon but
said that he could not take the subscriptions a t that
time but would take the magazines. He asked me to
call back and I did, but did not find him a t home.
This happened several weeks in a row, but finally I
met him on the street one day. Since it was nearing
the time for the Memorial celebration, I invited him
to attend, stressing the importance of this meeting.
The man came and was so impressed that immediately
after the talk he came to me and took the two subscriptions. From this time on, a regular study was
arranged in the 'Good News' booklet, and since I told

Yearbook

141

him of the importance of all the meetings he has not

missed one. He progressed rapidly and soon we were
nearing the end of the booklet. One day in the middle
of our study he interrupted me and said that he had
to make a confession. What was it? He said that he
had secretly made a promise to Jehovah to change
his life completely and to dedicate his life to Jehovah's
service. What a pleasant surprise when he told me
he was determined to get baptized a t the next convention! Of course, the road was not that easy, because
his wife and ten children were all Catholics and were
opposed to his getting baptized as one of Jehovah's
witnesses. One of his older daughters said that she
was going to have her priest come over to talk him
out of this foolish notion. The man said he would
permit it only if the discussion were based on the
Bible. The priest came, but my student was ready for
fiim with his family present. He spoke first, saying,
As long as the agreement is that our discussion be
based :n the Bible, it would be proper to start with
prayer. This he did. After firishing the prayer the
priest congratulated him for his nice prayer and s a ~ d
that it was a shame he had left the church and that
lot of
he should come back because he could do
good for the Catholics. My student replied, Do you
know where I learned to pray and gained my knowledge of the Bible? Not in the Catholic church but
from Jehovah's witnesses, and with these people I
am going to remain.' At that the priest got up without
saying a word and left. The wife and daughter were
deeply impressed with the way he answered the priest.
Now he is baptized, has opened his home for a service center, is dedicating more than fifty hours a month
in service, conducting five Bible studies and averages
over fifty magazines a month. Surely this is the kind
of faith that 'preserves alive the soul.'"
The determination of some of the ones with whom
Bible studies are conducted to progress and to share
their knowledge with others can be seen by this experience told by a special pioneer: "A married couple and
a young boy with whom I conduct a Bible study were
very desirous that their ppposed parents learn the truth
too. My student said, I noticed that the first .thin.g
my parents look for when they come over to visit IS
something to read. If I don't have anything in sight,
they look other places without asking permission.
Recently, when I knew they were coming over, I put
all the worldly magazines and newspapers under lock
and lrey and put the Watchtower and Awake! magazines and several of the Society's books in the places

a;

Yearbook
where I usually kept the other magazines and then
waited for their reaction. When they did arrive they
looked all over the dining room, living room and
bedroom but didn't find anything but the Society's
literature, and so to my surprise they began to read
what was available.' When I called for my next study
they told y e what they had done, and the wife said
excitedly, And this is the way they too have come
to hear about Jehovah and who his witnesses are.'"

FIJI
Peak Publishers: 248

Population:
Ratio:

427,851
1 to 1,725

There has been a healthy increase in the number of publishers throughout the South Pacific
and the islands that come under the direction of
the branch office in Fiji. Some new congregations
have been formed on new islands, and all of this
causes God's people to rejoice, for it means the
opening up of new territory. There is still a real
need for brothers who are anxious to go where
help can be used. Many of the islands of the South
Pacific can use additional assistance. The people
arc a joy to work among and help in gaining a
knowledge of the truth. Brothers from all the
islands under the branch office in Fiji were able
to get to the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly
held in Suva, and what a grand time they all had!
Here are some experiences from these islands.
We should attempt to start a study on the first call
where possible. A pioneer called on a lady who received
her kindly and showed interest. Some time later, the
pioneer called again on the same lady. After some
back-calls a study was started. The goodwill lady
made rapid progress and after a few studies said,
"You know, if you had asked me to study like this
before I would have said 'Yes' right at the start. But
I thought that your method of work was just to call
and have a short talk with people every few weeks!"
After three months' study the lady and her family
started associating with the isolated group in their
town. Six months later she was going from house to
house along with her seventeen-year-old son and servant girl. Now a new congregation has been formed
and they rejoice in their privilege of taking the truth
to others.

Yearbook

143

The brothers in Fiji had a wonderful year of blessings. They witnessed the marvelous effects the Suva
"Everlasting Good News" Assembly had on the public.
Who would have dreamed 1,080 would attend the
public talk, 600 being persons of goodwill, some coming
as f a r as 85 miles to hear the public talk? With the
large number of Witnesses in town from so many
countries, a big impression wa.s made in the minds
of Suva residents. They now had irrevocable evidence
that Jehovah's witnesses have a solidly established
organization in existence here. And how uplifting it
was for all the island brothers of the nine territories
under the branch to have this once-in-a-lifetimeopportunity of fellowship with the around-the-world delegates!
Having Brothers Franz and Suiter in attendance
and other members of the anointed was a profound
experience for these humble brothers.
AMERICAN SAMOA
Peak Publishers: 27

Population:
Ratio :

21,000
1 to 778

Remaining steadfast under family opposition brought

great joy to a publisher when one of his family also
took his stand for the truth. In 1955, five months after
symbolizing his dedication, a young publisher was
forced by his family to leave home owing to their
opposition. Hoping that some members of the family
might still have open minds toward the truth, this
young man continued to make friendly visits on the
family. After he married he was able to make more
regular visits home. He and his wife began to discuss
the truth with one of his brothers. They were cautious
because of the family's attitude. Some months later
a circuit assembly was held a t a nearby village so
the brother was invited to attend. He was very impressed with the subjects discussed, and a study was
started. The family's opposition resumed. He was told
not to go to the home of his Witness brother nor to
have anything to do with the brothers. He was
threatened that he, too, would be put out of the
family. He was not discouraged, nor was his keen
interest lessened. The opposition only made him resolutely cling to the truth. Ile began telling others of
the truths he learned. Six months later he turned in
his first field service report. In his determination to
worship aright, although still attending school, he
took a part-time job to save money to pay his fare
to the assembly in Fiji. This he did and, to the great
joy of his fleshly brother, he there symbolized his
dedication to Jehovah by being baptized.

144

Yearbook

NEW CALEDONTA
Peak Publishers: 58

Populatfon:
Ratio :

72,500
1 t o 1,250

For some years now the brothers have been experiencing difficulties due to the ban placed on all the
Society's publications by the local authorities. Imagine
their joy when, early in the service year, the Society
won a court action in Paris and the Privy Council
removed the ban from all the publications, excepting
The Watchtower and Awake! The brothers greatly
appreciated this victory for true worship.
There has been rapid increase in the congregation.
This has brought problems, as there are few mature
brothers to train all the new ones. A new group center
was organized with only one brother and one sister
capable of engaging in the ministry. However, many
new ones were attending the studies and wanting to
begin the ministry. The conductor set to work with
a will. He scheduled time after each group study to
instruct the new ones in presenting simplified sermons.
Then before each meetlng for field service he had them
rehearse the sermons. The results: after six months
the service center had sixteen regular publishers capable
of presenting sermons a t the doors.
GPLBEET A N D ELLICE ISLANDS
Peak Publishers: 7
Populatioa :
Eatio:

46,119
1 to 6,588

These two groups of islands, although hundreds of

miles apart, are all under one colonial administration,
with headquarters a t Tarawa, Gilbert Islands. Some
years ago a few Ellice Islanders who had learned the
truth in Fiji moved back to these islands, and so the
work began. Also, a few years ago a family from
New Zealand moved to the Gilbert Islands to serve
where the need is great.
A person of goodwill, after brief association with
the brothers in Fiji, returned to the Ellice Islands.
He had sufficient knowledge about baptism to refuse
permission for any of his children to be baptized by
the London Missionary Society. This was a great disappointment to both the minister of this church and
his wife. Over the years he stood by his decision in
this matter. This year he was contacted again by the
brothers. Immediately he requested four studies a
week. He took steps to see that his children were
brought up theocratically, studying with them himself
a t home and taking then1 to meetmgs. When his wife
fell ill, good opportunity arose for some sisters to

Yearbook

145

speak to her about the blessings of God's new order.

Due to the fine example her husband set in rearing
the children in the truth, she has taken up a study of
the Bible too. The man's father, on hearing all of this,
began to deal harshly with him. The son replied,
"From when I was small until now that I am a man
with a wife and children, you never taught me the
way to go. You never did teach us from the Bible.
Rut Jehovah's witnesses have done so. I do not want
my children to be brought up in the same way that
I was, without Bible education. I want to train them
in God's Word."
NEW HEBCIDES
Peak Publishers: 6

Population:
Bretio:

53,780
1 to 8,950

A solid foundation for future increase was laid

during the year with the arrival of a new family of
four publishers to serve where the need is great.
This makes six publishers now working in the territory,
and the added encouragement of this family has resulted in much increase in the activity of the group
in the town of Vila. During the visit of the circuit
servant ninety-four people attended a screening of
one of the Society's films, although it was not publicly
advertised and limited invitations were extended only
to those interested in the work.
There is need here for a married couple who are
able to speak French or have the ability to learn this
tongue in a short time.
NIUE
Peak Publishers: 22

Bopmlatioa:
Ratio:

4,885
1 to 222

The brothers have been experiencing opposition from

other religions that have spread false stories about the
Witnesses' beliefs and have gone so f a r as to threaten
with jailing anyone taking an interest in the work.
One clergyman requested a brother to come to his
home to mend his broken motorcycle. Although the
brother knew little about motors, he went along to
see what he could do, as it might be an opportunity
to explain the truth. This man had been one who
strongly opposed the work. The opportunity came a t
once to witness when the clergyman asked how long
the Witnesses have been a religion. The answer, "Since
the days of Abel," took this minister unaware; so a
really deep Bible discussion followed. He said, ''Neve:
mind about the motorcycle; let's talk about the truth.

Yearbook
In the end he admitted he thought his church knew
more about the Bible than any other religion,. but
now he could see that that was not so. He also admltted
that he had used articles from the Watchtower and
Awake! magazines in his sermons. He requested that
his son be taught
- by the Witnesses, and a study was
arranged.
The Legislative Assembly met to consider a request
by the London Missionary Society Committee to stop
the brothers from going from house to house. The
Assembly commendably advised the committee that it
was going to uphold the democratic right of freedom
of worship. So the way is still open to preach froin
house to house.
TAHITI
Peak Publishers:

68

Population :
Ratio:

84,550

1 t o 1,243

What a great blessing the new Kingdom Hall owned

by the congregation is to the brothers! For years it
had been a problem to find homes large enough to
accommodate all who attend meetings. The brothers
were able to purchase a fine block of land right near
the heart of the city from a sister at a reasonable cost.
They got together and worked on building the Kingdom
Hall, even though they had only ninety dollars in hand.
They were rewarded with a beautiful island-style hall,
which will be completely paid for within a year. How
glad they were to have this larger place to meet in,
for just a few months after completion 198 attended
the Memorial celebration! Now an average of ninety
people attend meetings, which is high for a congregation of fifty publishers.
Big changes have to be made in the lives of some
to conform to Jehovah's righteous standards. During
forty-two years a mother bore fourteen children out
of wedlock before finding the truth. She desired to
serve Jehovah, but was greatly disappointed when
she learned that this was not possible unless she
straightened out her life, for she was then living
with a man to whom she was not married. She decided
this could be done, but then difficulties arose because
all her children did not have the same surname. The
matter had to be taken to court to be put in order.
This process consumed a year's time. When this was
finally settled, she married the man. One month later
she was baptized a t the circuit assembly, along with
one of her daughters. She has since shared in vacation
pioneer service with her daughter. Her other children
and grandchildren are also proclaiming the good news
of the Kingdom.

Yearbook
TONGA
Peak Publishers:

Population:
Ratio :

147
62,000
1 to 6,889

I t was in the 1930's that a person of goodwill first

heard the truth. Since then he has stayed by the things
he learned and has spasmodically kept in contact with
the Society. Over the years, through his incidental
preaching, he became known as one of Jehovah's
witnesses. In recent years visits by special representatives have enlarged this person's understanding.
Meetings were organized and these he faithfully kept
going, even though he himself has never been to any
other meeting of Jehovah's witnesses. His incidental
preaching and holding of meetings has now resulted
in a total of nine publishers in Tonga, three of whom
are dedicated and baptized. They a r e all Tongans.
Due to restrictions made so f a r by the authorities
no outside missionaries have been able to enter the
country. As yet no one is serving where the need is
great in these islands. The need is very great for
mature, married couples to serve here to train the
local brothers in the ministry and in organizational
procedures.
WESTERN SAMOA
Peak Publishers: 70

Popdatlon:
Ratio:

3 10,000
1 to 1,571

During this service year some pioneers were able

to move to new areas to open up the work, two being
assigned to the largest island in the group.
Working all homes, even though it is known that
some householders are not favorably disposed to the
message, can sometimes bring blessings. On approaching a house during magazine service one sister advised
another, "Oh! I t is a waste of time! We preached to
them often, but they are real opposers of Jehovah.
They never liked us." So the two sisters passed up the
house. However, one of the sisters became troubled
about missing this home, and Paul's counsel a t 2 Timothy 2:25,26 kept passing through her mind. So the
next afternoon after conducting a study in the same
area, her conscience got the better of her arid she
called a t the home. She found out that the sister was
right. Only the woman of the family was home and
a t first she was very rude. However, the words of
Paul just mentioned continued to encourage the sister,
and, by remaining calm and friendly, she was eventuaily able to place a subscription for I'he Watchtower
with the woman. She called again and started a study.
The following week the husband joined the study.
Now the whole family, including the children, join

148

Yearboo16

in the study. How glad this sister is that she did not
fail to call a t all homes in her territory!
FINLAND

Beak Publishers: 9,664

Population:
Ratio:

4,547,937
1 to 471

The past service year saw the best publisher increase in Finland since 1959. There are so many
things to be thankful for that have brought blessings to Jehovah's people in that land. The "Everlasting Good News" Assembly in Stockholm was
attended by over four thousand Finnish brothers
and sisters. They returned home very enthusiastic
over the things they learned during that eight-day
convention. All the special pioneers and many
others expressed their appreciation for the finnncia1 assistance given to them to get to Stockholm.
They showed their appreciation by turning in their
best report of field service during the month of
August following the assembly. The brothers there
have their problems in working territory, just as
there are problems in other parts of the earth, and
the branch servant sends in some interesting experiences on the work during the 1963 service year.
The severe northern winter presents many problems
in getting to the more isolated parts of the territory,
but with perseverance even hard-to-get-at places can
be covered. In one congregation the brothers had not
been able to travel to one isolated village during the
winter, and so some publishers made plans to go there
as soon as the thaw came in spring, even though no
special interest had been manifested there earlier.
Imagine then surprise when a t the first house the
householder complained, not that Jehovah's witnesses
come too often, but that they do not call often enough!
"Where have you been?" the householder asked. Wave
you forgotten us? Don't you thinlc we want to know
about these things, too?" When they got to the next
house, the reaction was the same, and so on a t the
other houses in this small settlement. The brothers
were happily surprised and made good use of the
opportunity to give an extended witness and leave
literature a t each house. Then, finally, they found out
the reason for the sudden interest.
It all began when a study was started with a wellknown family in a neighboring village. This family

Yearbook

149

had a very good reputation as clean-living and cooperative neighbors, and when they began studying
with Jehovah's witnesses and later on the father and
seventeen-year-old daughter started out in the field
service, the villagers were all amazed a t how well
they knew their Bibles. One said, "That young girl
preaches better than our minister!" The local Lutheran
minister had founded a Bible study group, but it had
broken up the previous summer because of internal
dissension, and now the local people decided that
Jehovah's witnesses must have the truth because of
the progress this family has made. The seventeenyear-old daughter was immersed at the Stockholm
assembly.
Age and physical disability are no barrier to King.
dom service if the desire is there. One blind brother
who is confined to a home for the aged takes an active
part in the ministry in spite of his handicap. Since
he cannot read the Bible or The Watchtower himself,
he asks different inmates to read to him, which they
do. As he listens to their reading he tries to determine
from the tone of voice whether they show any interest
in the material or not, and so he makes opportunities to
witness to them. He has also asked some of the attendants to read to him, and in this way he has found a t
least one interested person, who took a subscription for
The Watchtower. He takes advantage of every opportunity to talk to the people he meets as he walks
around the grounds, and in this way he has been able
to arrange for two studies to be started by others.
Have you ever focnd it hard to answer the many
westions that people of goodwill present? Then why
not try using the magazines? That is what one newly
interested person did, with excellent results. He became quite enthusiastic after a few Bible studies and
began to speak about the truth while going about his
worlt. He is a chimney cleaner and so has many
opportunities to talk to the people in the various
homes where he does cleaning. But the people asked
him so many questions he could not answer, he became
discouraged. The pioneers with whom he was studying
suggested that he try leaving the magazines with
those showing some interest, and he began to do this.
The result was fifty-seven magazines placed in April,
and on his next cleaning round he followed up the
interest shown and offered later issues of the magazines. Now he has a cleaning round that is also a
magazine route, with an average of 175 ma.gazines
placed a month over the last four months.

150

17earbook

Population:
47,650,008
20,367
Ratio:
1 to 8,340
What a joy it was for the brothers in France to
learn that they reached a new peak of 20,367 publishers during the 1963 service year! France has a
tremendous population and there is still much
work to be done, but with this number of publishers engaging in the field service many more sf
the "sheep" will be found. Many of our brothers
will engage in the vacation pioneer service during
the year, and this will result in a greater witness.
Others will get into the regular pioneer service,
and eventually many will be prepared for special
pioneer work; and we can use hundreds of these
brothers and sisters in France to get out into the
isolated sections and large cities that do not have
publishers. The branch ofice in Paris looks after a
great field. They not only interest themselves in
France itself, but also during the year they gave
attention to Algeria, Malagasy Republic, Republic
of Mali, Reunion, Senegal Republic and Tunisia.
Here are some very interesting experiences from
all these places.
FRANCE
Peak Publishers:

The following report shows the good effect and the

good witness given by the Christian conduct of Jehovah's witnesses. A young woman was recently employed in a factory where a brother was also employed.
She noticed that his conduct was beyond reproach
and that he never used filthy language, in cofitrast
with some of the other workers. One day she asked
him an unexpected question: "Would you not be one
of Jehovah's witnesses?" Surprised and somewhat
touched by this question, the brother replied "YesJ'
and was able to witness to her. Later she attended a
public meeting. She stayed for the study that followed
and agreed to a home Bible study conducted by a
sister. She was temporarily separated from her husband who was overseas. She informed him of her joy
of knowing the trutlm. Then the husband got his wife
to rejoin him, and so now she keeps up her study
by correspondence. In a recent letter she stated that,
in spite of the opposition that she gets from those
around her and the lack of interest on her husband's

Yearbook

151

side, she is persevering in the truth and desires to

be able to serve the true God someday.
A brother who is a waiter on a French liner
witnesses whenever he has the opportunity. One day
a t breakfast a passenger declared: "Today is my
birthday. When I got up this morning I thanked God
for all that he had given me in life, for all I possess
I owe to him." Seeing that this man believed in God
and had a heart condition not often found these days,
the brother took advantage of the occasion to make
him a gift of the book Fronz Paradise Lost to Paradise
Regained, which he accepted with pleasure. The next
day this man said to the brother: "You h o w , my
wife and I stayed up till midnight reading your book.
It is magnificent; it is wonderful to see how good
God is. I am going to give this book a place of honor
in my bookcase, but before doing so, I am going to
keep up my reading of it attentively!" That same
evening he said to the brother: 'Good evening. I've
had a good meal, but I am going to keep on eating,
because I am going to read your book, and that will
be my dessert!" This man has now returned to France
and is progressing in the truth, thanks to a home
Bible study.
Certainly the Paradise book is a wonderful instrument! A lady who was a catechist accepted this book
from a sister who was a special pioneer. The sister
used this book to reply to the lady's questions concerning the Catholic religion. This lady now understood her responsibility and used the Paradise book
as her principal textbook for her job as catechist,
finding this book "the most efficient." Soon, however,
she put an end to this equivocal situation by telling
the priest that she was going to stop her militant
Catholic activities. Shortly afterward she stopped going
to church and replaced this church attendance by a
Bible study with the whole of her family, seven persons in all. Six months later this lady was baptized,
followed three months later by her husband and her
son. In her zeal she spoke to her sister, who did not
wait long before stopping her daughter's visits to
the catechist. The interview that she brought about
between the priest and the witness of Jehovah opened
her eyes to see the truth clearly, and soon she also got
baptized, as well as her husband and her three daughters. Thus, the special pioneer's small group of publishers quickly got an increase of ten new publishers!
The brothers in France were highly enthusiastic
at learning of the assemblies to be held in Munich
and Milan, and a t these some 11,000 attended. Many

152

Yearbook

did not allow the language difficulty to stop them

from engaging in the field service provided for a t
these assemblies. Others gave a fine incidental witness. One of the French brothers who went to the
Munich assembly told how in the past he had spent
five years in Bavaria as a prisoner of war. His life
was often very miserable and the persons to whom
they were assigned as prisoners of war were very
hard. In 1942 he learned that his mother had been
arrested in France by the Germans and had been
deported to Ravensbruck, where she finally died as
a result of blows she received and bad treatment.
Thus a bitter hatred developed in his heart tor that
nation, and in 1945 he declared to those who had been
put in charge of him that he would never return to
that detested country. A few years later he learned
the truth, which changed his life and his way of
thinking. This brother returned to Germany in 1963,
but this time it was to attend the Munich assembly.
The place where he had been held prisoner in the
past was not too f a r from Munich, and so it was
possible for him to go and visit his former guardkns
or keepers. They did not feel very much a t ease when
they saw this ex-prisoner back again. They were very
astonished when they heard him witness to them,
showing that the violent hatred that he stored in
his heart in times past had been banished by the
truth, and that now he had come many miles in order
to bring to them a proof of Christian love. Finally
he was able to place with them the book "Let God
Be True" in German and he also had the joy of
being asked by them to enter their names as subscribers for The Watchtower in German.
ALGERIA
Peak Publishers: 74

Population:
9,500,000
Ratio:
1 to 128,318

Since last year great changes have been brought

about in this country where a struggle has been
going on between Europeans and different extremist
elements, sowing fear and destruction. Many Europeans have returned to France and the majority of
the publishers have followed the exodus. Thus out
of a force of 173 publishers there are now only 74
in Algeria. During the period when violence and crime
were reigning, the work did not stop. The publishers
were wise and zealous and had the opportunity to
comfort many persons by announcing Jehovah's purposes. Most of the brothers and sisters came out of
this tribulation unscathed. The few brothers who remained were greatly encouraged by the pioneers who

Yearbook

153

remained in their territory. When peace was restored,

a reorganization was made and a regathering began.
The following experience was sent in by a pioneer.
A sister placed the Paradise book with a young lady
and arranged to call back. On the return visit she
was surprised to see seven persons waiting for her
visit. The study was started and arrangements were
made for a regular study. Very soon, however, the
family left hurriedly because of the trouble in the
country. The lady's house was occupied by her sister,
but the study was discontinued. However, the sister
still continued to visit this person each week and to
talk to her concerning the hope of God's kingdom.
One day this lady spoke to the sister about her husband who was Catholic. He had chosen the army as
his career, and she told the sister of her fears. "You
will see how I will receive Jehovah's witnesses," he
had said to her. One day the husband came home
during the sister's visit, went to his room but left
the door ajar intentionally. The sister finished her
conversation with the wife and left without seeing
the husband. The following week the sister came to
see the lady, and the husband was there again, but
this time he intervened in the conversation. He asked
many questions and showed keen interest in the Bible.
At the end of the conversation the man agreed to
having a home Bible study and he asked to have a
copy of the Faradise book. The following day he had
read the whole of the book and said, "This book has
taught me many things." Two months later he no
longer attended church and was looking for a job
because he had left the army. He found a job as a
treasurer in a secondary school. Shortly afterward
he went out in the field service. But the situation in
Algeria obliged him to leave the country, and he again
found himself without work. As soon as he arrived
in France, this man contacted Jehovah's witnesses so
a s to continue to receive instruction and to engage
in the field service. He has also had the joy of giving
the truth to the family with whom he is staying,
and they are progressing in the truth.
MALAGASY REPUBLIC

Population:
5,650,000
Peak Publishers: 188
Ratio :
1 to 52,315
Experiences show that children can serve Jehovah
efficiently. A small girl of ten who is a regular publisher exceeds the average of ten hours per month
and places an average of twenty-one magazines. She
recently brought a girl of twelve to the service center
study. In the one congregation in the Malagasy Re-

Yearbook
public, as a result of encouraging the young ones,
all the school-age publishers meeting the requirements
became vacation ~ioneers. Of sixtv-five ~ublishers.
nine became vacatjon pioneers, or f 4 percent of the
congregation. Meetings for field service were arranged
each day, morning and afternoon, and the enthusiasm
of these pioneers was stimulating to all the other
publishers. It often happened that over twenty persons
came to the meeting for field service.
In one family a child seemed to have no interest
whatever for the truth. However, the father insisted
that he attend the meetings in spite of the child's
indifference. This perseverance produced results. A
young brother came to spend his vacation in the same
locality as the family in question. The parents of the
indifferent boy invited the brother to their home.
There he had the occasion to speak kindly to the boy,
and since he was almost of the same age he was able
to make a great impression on the boy. Finally, the
lad began to go out in the field service and then
dedicated his life to Jehovah. Me has now been in the
pioneer work nine months, thus proving that the father
did right in insisting on his attending the meetings.
Results are not always rapid, and perseverance is
necessary in the back-call work. A sister who is a
missionary obtained a subscription for Awake! Prom
a lady and also placed a Bible with her. It was
necessary to make many return calls before a study
could be started. The lady never studied beforehand,
and there were long discussions every time before
the study could be started. But the truth was doing
its work. The husband joined the study and the lady
began to go out in the field service. Then they left
to live on the island of Rbunion, where the lady got
baptized and became a vacation pioneer. Her husband
also made a dedication to Jehovah. Three years passed
from the time of the first visit until her baptism,
but she was a person of goodwill and perseverance
brought her into the fold.
REPUBLIC O F MALI

Population:

4,Z00,000

Peak Pub1ishers: 6
Ratio :
1 to 700,000
The field is vast and there are few workers in this
country. Three special pioneers are worlring courageously trying to get the truth to penetrate this
territory where Islam is the predominating religion.
A special pioneer writes: "A goodwill Moslem who
got a Paradise book, which I placed with his friend,
has become very interested. He is also reading Awake!

Yearbook

155

Due to this study and in the light of the world events,

Ize now believes in the Bi!le.
Ilere is the letter I
received from him recently: I t is with a heart swelling
with joy that I write to you today to tell you how
much I a m fascinated by your n~azagine Awake!
This magazine constitutes, in truth, an inexhaustible
source of knowledge of the true God. Since I began
to read lhis magazine I keep thanking God for bringing
it to my attention. I realize that your organization
is the true one and leads in the way of salvation.
I hope soon to be counted among Jehovah's witnesses.' "
REUNION
Peak Publishers:

93

Population:
Ratio:

360,000
1 to 3,871

I t is wonderful to see the progress in the preaching

of the good news of the Kingdom in this island when
one stops to think that the witness first began to be
given in January of 1961. Of the twelve months of the
service year, eleven have seen new peaks in publishers.
The first baptism service was held in December,
when twenty persons symbolized their dedication to
Jehovah before witnesses. The second was held in
June, when thirty-eight persons publicly symbolized
their dedication before 220 persons.
There are two congregations in the island and a
third group of eight isolated publishers is being formed.
Brother Ilenschel's visit was an important event,
and in spite of the late meeting and lack of transport,
155 persons attended his discourse. During this visit
arrangements were made for four special pioneers
to help take care of the congregations and to work
in those parts of the island where the good news had
not yet been preached. One of the special pioneers
is a father of seven children who has agreed to leave
St. Denis to work where the need is great.
Before going out in the field service a young brother
in the truth suggested to the brother responsible that
they first visit his family, because, said he, "I cannot
visit strangers if I have not first of all preached to
my p-lrents." Thus he and his pioneer brother went
to visit his family. Friends and neighbors quickly
became interested and studies were starred. The result
of lhis initiative: today in that town there is a young
congregztion of sixteen publishers with great prospects
for increase.
The following experience shows the zeal of the publishers in this island. In December a young brother
who is a teacher wrote to the Society to become a
vacation pioneer. Since he had been publishing only

156

Yearbook

three months, the congregation committee could not

recommend him. Fully understanding the position, he
declared: "It doesn't matter. During my two vacation
months I will work as if I were a vacation pioneer."
That is what he did. The two special pioneers cooperated
with him during these two months. EIe did very good
work, reaching an average of 112 hours per month
and 70 return visits and establishing 14 home Bible
studies. At the end of his vacation the overseer asked
him: "Brother, how will you be able to care for your
home Bible studies when you take up your secular
work again?" "What shall I do? I will conduct them
myself;. two each evening, zlso on Thursday, and I
shall st111 have t ~ m efor the house-to-house work on
Sunday morning." As a result there exists today in
that town a group of eight isolated publishers conducting thirty-two home Bible studies.
REPUBLPC O F SENEGAL
Beak Publishers: 49

Population:
3,200,000
Ratio:
1 to 65,306

The service year that has just finished proves once

again that Jehovah is blessing his people. The service
year began with thirty-three publishers and four special
pioneers. With Jehovah's help the brothers in Senegal
were able to reach a new peak of forty-four publishers
and five pioneers in February.
The people of Senegal give a listening ear to the
message of the Kingdom. The occasions when the publishers are badly received are very rare; however, the
people have a certain superstitious fear of religious
conductors, who have a very great influence on their
lives in every respect. Thus, in spite of the good number
of Bible studies, very few persons make a stand for
the truth. They follow the studies regularly, but when
certain points are discussed on doctrine or when it
comes to dedication, there is a distinct drawing back.
This is particularly true for those who practice polygamy. In spite of all difficulties, the truth is penetrating
little by $ttle and the name of Jehovah is becoming
known in ~ e n e g a l .
REPUBLHC O F TUNISIA
Peak Publishers: 49

Population:
4,000,000
Ratio:
1 to 81,633

Due to difficulties that have arisen in this country, the

work in some localities has suffered some setbacks, but
it is encouraging to see the good spirit of the brothers
with regzt~dto the publishing of "this good news of the
kingdom.

Yearbook

157

The circuit servant sends in the following experience.

"In 1956, while pioneering in France, I met a lady who
was a subscriber for Awake! She said that she appreciated reading this magazine, but, being very busy, she
did not always find the time. Furthermore, she was
thinking of leaving soon to go with her husband to
take up residence in Tunisia, her husband's country.
We had a long talk during which I presented the current sermon. She was a Baptist but was looking for the
truth. I tried to make arrangements for a return call,
but she said she had difficulties and made me understand that for the time being it was not possible for
her to give time for the study of the Bible. Nevertheless, I called back to see her when her subscription expired some time later. She refused to renew her subscription, and added that she did not want to be visited
again.
"In April, 1963, seven years later, while going from
house to house in Tunis, I met a lady who listened to me
attentively and she said that she knew of the work of
Jehovah's witness~s.'Decldedly!' she said, "herever I
go I meet them. She told me that while living in
France she had been approached by Witnesses, and as
our conversation progressed we came to the subject
that we had discussed in France! She was astonished to
have met me again, and was happy that I had called
on her. She invited my, in, took the Paradise book and
agreed to have a study.
GERMANY
Peak Publishers: 78,043

Popula.tion:
Ratio:

55,564,000
1 to 112

The "Everlasting Good News" Assembly of Jel~ovah'sWitnesses brought the 1963 service year
to a grand climax in Germany. A circuit servant
wrote and said: "Almost all the persons that we
visited who had provided rooming accommodations were very, very entl~usiasticabout our gathering. On our back-calls they joyfully showed us
correspondence carried on since the convention."
A person living in Munich wrote: "Dear Watchtower People: Many thanks for the lovely days
that you provided for us in Munich. Although
Catholic, I was on the field all day. The world convention is now over, but those were unforgettable
days. Countless Catholics and also Lutherans were

158
Yearbook
there." So the convention had its effect in Munich
and all of us can rejoice in that. Here are some
experiences from the German branch office on
Germany and also Berlin.
There a r e still some areas where special pioneers are
needed in order to direct the people of goodwill to the
way of everlasting life. Special pioneers were assigned
to such a territory three years ago and their efforts
soon bore fruit. Interested persons were found with
whom the brothers studied and who then were soon
immersed. But still more publishers were needed in
this territory. Soon a young married couple answered
the call to serve where the need is great and joined
the praisers of Jehovah there. The priest of the town
felt obliged to pray that no more of Jehovah's witnesses might enter the territory. The church members
were encouraged to pray in the same manner. During
this time our brothers were also praying, however.
They prayed that still more persons might answer the
call to serve where the need is great and come to their
territory. Their sincere petition was heard, for soon
another family joined the publisher group. On May 1,
1962, a congregation was organized. Soon it was seen
that the brother's home, which had been used for the
meetings, was too small. The construction of a K i n g
dom Hall was decided upon, and on September 26, 1962,
i t was dedicated. What a joy for the brothers a s they
counted the number of persons in attendance-57! Now
the congregation is thriving greatly with Jehovah's
rich blessing.
The following experience demonstrates how necessary it is to 'go on bringing up one's children in the
discipline and authoritative advice of Jehovah.' A mother was studying with her eleven-year-old daughter. Her
five-year-old son sat in on the study. At a tender age
the boy thus learned to conduct himself well and to
avoid bad speech. Sometimes he goes over to the carpentry shop next door to watch the men working. But
when he heard them use some improper expressions, he
exclaimed that persons who talked that way "would
not get into the new world." Astonished, the workers
asked him: "What do you think you know about a new
world?" So he explained to them enthusiastically that
his mother had a book that told all about it. One
of the men asked if he could get such a book. The boy
immediately ran home to get a Paradise book and then
placed it with the man for the normal contribution.
Since that time, he has continued to witness to grown.

ups about his hope and is able to place many magazines

with them.
Population:
2,175,000
Peak Publishers: 5,400
Ratio:
1 to 403
The Berlin publishers can only carry on their ministry in the city itself, because of its island-like location
in the midst of Communist East Germany.
A brother invited one of his fellow employees to attend a public talk in the Kingdom Hall. I t so happened
that another employee heard him and asked if he could
come along too. After the talk, the young man was
very enthusiastic and asked the brother if he could also
become one of Jehovah's witnesses, since he had seen
none in his neighborhood for a long time. The following
Sunday he went along in the field service and that
afternoon he attended the Watchtower study. Two days
later he went in the field service prior to the congregation book study. In addition to the home Bible study
that is being conducted with him, he attends all the
meetings and is continuing regularly to take part in
the field ministry, reporting up to sixteen hours a
month. He has also brought some interested persons
lo public meetings.
A district servant was going from door to door with
a sister, and they met a student whose objections
sounded more like those of an opposer. The district servant spoke to him and overcame his objections with the
Bible. In the meantime, his brother, also a student,
joined them and invited the publishers to come in. Both
young men were astonished a t the publishers' Bible
knowledge and wanted to know how it had been ohtained. They showed them the publications of the Society and said that they too could obtain such knowledge by studying the publications with their Bible. So
the students subscribed for both the Watchtower and
the Awake! magazines. The congregation servant made
a back-call, and soon a home Bible study was in progress. When the district servant arrived in Berlin six
months after that, the two students met him a t the airport themselves, and now they and their sister have
symbolized their dedication to Jehovah by immersion in
water. Atpresent they are studying with their mother.
BERLIN

GHANA

Peak Publishers:

8,841

Population:
Ratio :

6,690,730
1 to 757

Jehovah's witnesses had a very interesting year

of service. In spite of the fact that nationalism is

160
Yearbook
on the increase in Ghana the brothers pushed
ahead with their work among the people. More
pressure is being brought upon the brothers to
take an interest in pohtical affairs. The recent
Watchtower articles on the "superior authoritiesw
helped the brothers to maintain their neutral position and to seek first the kingdom of heaven
and its righteousness. There is much work yet to
be done in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Togoland and Upper Volta, and the branch office in Accra smds in
some experiences from these places.
Witnessing to members of one's family may require
much patience, but can bring good results. A circuit
servant said that a t the time when he took his stand
for the truth his brother wrote to him and protested
strongly that he should stop his new faith since they
were born Anglicans and their father was a catechist
priest in the Anglican Church. Through correspondence
the circuit servant encoura.ged his brother to read the
Watch Tower Society's publications, which would help
him to understand the course he had taken. This only
infuriated the opposing brother and he vowed that he
would never read the publications nor would he welcome any letter telling him about them. The circuit servant relates an interesting account of what has happened since then. "Because of his strong protest, we
discontinued writing to each other until in 1962, when I
wrote him that I would like to spend my vacation with
him. He accepted my request. My reason for visiting
hinl was to talk to him about the truth, but since he was
an opposer I was wondering by what means I could
interest him. I made it a matter of prayer and one
morning I approached him and told him that I had
many talks to deliver in the congregations and asked
him if he would mind copying some for me. He agreed.
A few minutes after I left him, he came to me and said,
'Is it true that those who eat blood by not draining
animals before they are eaten will be cut off? My Bible
says so,' he added. This opened the way for me to witness to him. His last question to me was this, 'Am I a
good Christian if I violate the law on blood?' I replied,
No, quoting from the scriptures a t Leviticus 17:lO-15
and Acts 15:28, 29. A home Bible study was started as
a result and he made rapid progress in the Scriptures
during the week I spent with him. When I was leaving
him, I left him to the care of the local brothers. In a
few months' time he wrote to me and said, 'I have

Yearbook

161

taken my stand an the side of Jehovah our God. Send

me "Equipped for Every Good Work" and a songbook.
They will help me to increase my praise to Jehovah.'
He was baptized a t our national. assembly in March
1963 and hopes to pioneer oae day."
Children can oiten create a favorable impression in
the minds of householders who have not shovm much
interest in the Bible. A pioaeer took along his eightyear-old daughter in field service and approached three
women with the comment, "We bring you the good
news of the kingdom of God." One of the women replied, "Get out! We have no time!" The pioneer then
remarked, "All right. My daughter would have been
the speaker, but as you have no time, we are going."
The householder said, "This small child? Let her come!'
The young sister warmly presented the current sermon
and asked, "Do you pray the Lord's prayer?" to which
the woman replied, "I surely do." The young publisher
asked the woman where that prayer was in the Bible,
but the woman was unable to tell her. The small witness said, "You can read it in Matthew 6:9-13." To the
next question, "What is the personal name of our Fa;;
ther who is in heaven?" the woman answered, "God,
but it was made clear to her from the Bible that the
name is Jehovah. By this time a number of persons
had drawn near to listen to the conversation and the
initial objection had been turned into a favorable
impression.
The highlight of the year was our moving into the
new Bethel home and branch office in Accra during
March with the dedication taking place during Brother
Henschel's visit. It is located in a quiet residential area
of Accra and is an ideal place in which to work a s well
a s a very comfortable home for the Bethel family. We
all want to express our appreciation for this grand provision that Jehovah has made through his organization
and we want to show our appreciation by using the
building to the honor and praise of Jehovah's name.
IVQBY COAST
Peak Publishers: 94

Population:
3,200,000
Ratio:
1 to 34,043

The publishers in Ivory Coast have been very thankful to have received the help of two missionary couples
during the service vear. This service vear saw the first
natiocal assembly held in Ivory Coast and the brothers
appreciated hearing the talks in their own language.
The value of making personal calls on persons who
write to the Society's office for information about the
organization is demonstrated by the following experi-

ence. A French family obtained a Paradise book in

France before moving to Abidjan, the capital of Ivory
Coast. Upon their arrival they wrote to France to inquire if there were any of Jehovah's witnesses in Abidjan. The Society asked one of the missionaries to call
on this family and much interest was found. The family
had many questions concerning the end of the world,
and the missionary tactfully answered them by starting
a study in the chapter in the Paradise book that covers
this subject. Four weeks after the first contact was
made they were attending congregation meetings. Here
they heard field experiences and comments on the
congregation activities. This moved the husband to take
the lead in the conversation at the end of their weekly
home Bible study; and he said, "I suppose we shouldn't
wait long before we get started in the service ourselves.
At what hour do you go out in the morning on Sunday?" Since then, hardly a week has passed without
t h e ~ rpresence a t all the meetings as well a s their
presence in the field service. They enjoyed a very happy
weekend with the brothers a t the recent circuit assembly
and now they want to know what is required of one
to get baptized.
TOGOLAND EEPUBLXcC
Peak PnbPishers: 419

Population:
Ratio :

1,440,000
1 to 3,280

Working in unassigned territory helped a pioneer to

appreciate that there are many people who are waiting
to have someone come to teach them more about the
Bible. The pioneer traveled seventy-four miles to this
territory and planned to stay only three days. However,
after working in the village for a few days he found
that the people were very receptive, and the chief of
the village pleaded with him to extend his stay to continue his teaching work because he was very happy
with what he had learned. The chief had heard of Jehovah's witnesses before but had never met any. He
said that the priests had hid many things from them
and he was very pleased that someone had a t last come
to teach them more about the Scriptures. The pioneer
happily agreed to stay longer in the territory, and as a
result the chief called all the people of the village together so that they might all benefit from the good
news from the Bible. After the talk the people expressed their appreciation for what they had heard and
said, "We beg you Jehovah's witnesses not to leave us.
We have all seen that you are the only one teaching
the right way m truth." The pioneer writes that he will
soon go back to that village again to give them more
help.

Yearbook
WPER VOETA
Peak Publishers: 7

163

Population:
4,467,000
Ratio:
1 to 638,143

At the end of June 1963 seven publishers from the

Togoland Republic and Dahomey moved to Ouagadougou, the capital of Upper Volta, to seek empIoyment
and serve where the need is great. They were able to
take a small supply of literature and magazines with
them, and they were able to distribute most of these
among the people in Ouagadougou in a very short time.
The publishers are now having a good share in the
back-call work and have started a number of Bible
studies.
Population:
8,500,000
10,507
Ratio :
1 to 809
The past year was an unusual one for our brothers in Greece. They were kept extremely busy
making preparations for an assembly in addition
to taking care of their regular service activity.
They welcomed and guided many hundreds of
visiting brothers who came from twenty-six different lands to Greece during the year. It was a
year full of intense activity, excitement and tremendous pressure from the enemies of the truth,
but i t turned out to be a year of great joy to the
brothers, climaxed by their association with their
fellow workers who visited them in Greece. While
the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly was not
convened in Greece, the results of the assembly
were still felt far and wide, Here is a report from
the Branch on activities in the country.
GREECE
Peak Publishers:

The witness given throughout the country by reason

of the ways and means employed by the Greek Orthodox Church to cancel our assembly is truly amazing.
Our brothers have now more opportunities to explain
the truth by informing people of goodwill exactly how
the events developed relative to our canceled assembly.
With trust in Jehovah under all circumstances allowed
by Him, we courageously keep on with the ministry of
the "everlasting good news" in close cooperation with
Jehovah's holy organization.
One publisher, while a t work from door to door,
placed a magazine with a lady who showed a very
good spirit and keen interest. On making a back-call,

164

Yearbook

the publisher found no one a t home. He called again,

but was unable to meet this lady. The neighbors, who
perceived what it was all about, gave no information to
the brother. Ultimately, through other interested people
living in the vicinity and unknown to the lady's hostile
neighbors, the publisher succeeded in meeting this
housewife and arranging for a meeting a t the home of
the interested people, where the lady gladly came, attending a Bible study in the Paradise book with great
appreciation. She obtained other bound books, and five
months later all her family attended congregational
meetings and are now publishers.
A young sister who came to know the truth after
graduating from high school and who dedicated herself
to Jehovah's service met with very hard opposition
from her father. But this did not discourage the sister.
She regularly attended meetings to edify herself in the
faith. She kept trying to share the truth with her sisters. Two of them began to show interest and shortly
accepted the truth. A little later, thanks to the wise
course followcd by this sister, her mother too came
to a knowledge of the truth, and finally her two other
sisters. The father remained alone in the family and
continued to be very hostile, being influenced by his
relatives and neighbors. However, during his visit to
Athens, his daughter i~troducedhim to brothers who
took him to meetings, and finally the father also followed the way to salvation and life.
A young girl, a witness of Jehovah just ten years old
but well trained by her parents in the nurture and admonition of Jehovah, was stopped on her way home by
a neighbor woman who laughed a t her, saying: "You
too are a Jehovite; you people do not attend church
masses, and you a r e not Christians," etc., etc. The little
girl did not lose her cotlrage but retorted to the lady
that Jehovah's witnesses a r e Christians, that they attend congregation meetings three times a week, and
that they study the Gospel that tells about God's kingdom. "Are you doing this?" asked the little girl of her
neighbor. Then the lady changed her tone, and asked
her to tell her mother to pay a call on her, which she
did. Attending the discussion also were two young men
who were tenants in the prejudiced lady's home. A
Bible study was arranged. Three months later the two
young men, with what they learned up to that time, left
for their village in central Greece and began telling
their fellow villagers what they had learned. Care was
taken for them to meet with a neighboring congregation, and now a great circle of interested people are
attending home Bible studies. All this interest because

Yearbook

165

of that ten-year-old little girl who was well trained

by her theocratic parents.
Ilere is now a typical result of the cancellation of our
assembly due to the clergy's malicious steps. A sister
who had a very opposed husband told the cofigregation
servant that her husband ent~relychanged his course
of conduct, daily following in the public press the
clergy's steps to have the gathering of Jehovah's witnesses canceled. His conscience was stirred up by all
this, and he finally told his wife: "Never more will I attend church after this unjust prohibition."
GUADELOUPE
Peak Publishers: 388

Population:
Ratio:

283,223
1 t o 730

All Kingdom p-ltblishers need faith, endurance

and love to do the work commanded by Jesus. It
takes much time and patience to aid new ones to
appreciate the many wonderful truths in the Word
of God. They must heed the words of the apostle
Paul: "Consequently, my beloved brothers, become steadfast, unmovable, always having plenty
to do in the work of the Lord, knowing that your
labor is not in vain in ccnnectisn with the Lord."
(1Cor. 15:58) 111 this French-speaking territory
of Guadeloupe, French Guiana and Martinique, all
Catholic territory, there have been some very interesting experiences to relate.
When he was doing preaching from door to door, a
special pioneer was greeted by the words: "Mister, do
not go farther, because nobody here will accept that
religion." In answer the brother said to the lady:
"If our religion is from the true God, we will find here
also people who will serve him." The brother took his
words to heart and worked with f a ~ t hand hard labor
in that territory. One day as he passed by a work place
someone called out: "You keep straight on, but you i o
not know if I am not a 'sheep'!" The third time the
brother met this man he was invited into his home,
publications were placed and a study was arranged.
After the first study the brother encouraged him with
a sermon to attend the meeting the next day. He came
er
However, before the
and has been regular e ~ ~ since.
second study the man was discouraged and confused
after a visit from a Seventh-clay Adventist. A rendezvous was arranged with the Adventist, so the man could
hear a t the same time the sound of the two "beils."

166

Yearbook

The truth was made clear to him and he recognized

the true sound.
This man had a big obstacle to overcome. He had a
mistress and two children by her and she was awaiting
a third one. But she did not want to hear about the
truth. When the man explained to her that it would be
necessary to get married because he desired to be one
of Jehovah's witnesses, she said: "I prefer having
twenty-five children without being married rather thsn
accept that cursed religion." As he showed much patience, she began to attend the study with her lover.
Now she became persecuted by her parents. Her mother, who is a Catholic in practice, said that she could not
tolerate having the Bible and other books in her house
while she receives holy communion. (She never said
anything to her daughter because of her having children with a inan who was not her husband.) In spite
of many difficulties the lady stood firm for the truth. R
few months later the marriage was celebrated before
the authorities and in the Kingdom Hall. After that
event they began to preach from house to house, were
baptized a t the first circuit assembly and have become
zealous Kingdom preachers.
E'PENCH GUHmA
Peak Publishers: 22

Population:
Ratio :

83,505
1 to 1,523

In 1958 a missionary went to French Guiana for

three weeks to look after the interests of the work
there. During the three weeks he placed seventy-five
subscriptions. One of the subscribers for Awa,ke! was
opposed by his wife each time he bvught the magazine
s
finally
home. Since it was being sent to h ~ worlrshop,
he stopped bringing it home. He renewed the subscription with two special pioneers who were preaching
regularly in Cayenne, the capital city. Sometimes he
went to the meetings, but secretly because of his wife.
He wanted to keep peace a t home, but he wondered how
he could get his wife on the side of what he felt to be
very good in view of what he had read in Awake!
He was convinced that if his wife would read one
single Awake! she would continue to read the magazine.
How to make her read the first one? That was the
question! The opportunity came with the article "Finding Happiness in Marriage." He brought the magazine
home and in a manner that his wife could not help but
notice, he put the Awake! in a place where she would
see it during his absence. When he came home, he
sensed that his wife had read the article on marriage,
if not more, but she said nothing. From that time on

Year.boo7c

167

the husband continued to bring a magazine home once

in a while. The wife read all the magazines secretly.
Sometimes her husband surprised her reading Awake!,
but he acted a s if he did not see anything. Finally a
Bible study was established with the family. The wife
was baptized last year and her husband this year.
This couple is now happy to have been awakened to
the will of Jehovah God. Having put into practice the
good counsel of Awake?, this couple has found more
happiness in marriage. The year 1963 was certainly one
of the happiest of their life, as they were delegates
from French Guiana to the "Everlasting Good News"
Assembly in New York.
Population:
292,062
138
Eatio:
1 to 2,116
A pioneer met a man who showed much interest in
the Word of God, but the man could not read. The
brother made every effort to study with the woman living in the same house, despite her lack of interest, so
the man would have a regular study. The parents of
the lady loaded her with abuse, and she thought of
stopping the study.
Being unmarried, the man decided to stop living with
his concubine; he had decided to walk with God. With
tact, steadfastness and patience, the brother repeatedly
encouraged the woman to continue with the study. He
explained that learning the will of God does not mean
to repudiate her parents. The time came when she
understood that it is more important to please Jehovah
God, according to Matthew 10: 37, 38.
When a child was born to her both resisted the bad
influence of the parents and friends. The baby was not
baptized according to the Catholic church, as the Bible
does not teach baptism for babies. Now this couple is
married, allowing them to share in the preaching work.
Regularly they make known to others the way to get
free from the bondage of Babylon the Great. Now they
are waiting for the next assembly to symbolize their
dedication to Jehovah by baptism.
MAETINIQUE
Peak Publishers:

GUATEMALA
Beak Publishers-: 1,236

Popuulation:
Batio:

4,076,804
1 t o 3,298

In this comely land of eternal spring Jehovah's

witnesses have been encouraged to construct their
own Kingdom Halls. These Kingdom Halls, of
course, help the brothers to take more interest in

168

Yearbook

their place of meeting. It means they have a permanent location to which to invite those of goodwill. Right now two Kingdom Halls are
construction, and these will be a great help in expanding the witness in the territories where they
are located. A good witness was given throughout
the land this past service year, and here are a few
experiences sent in hoin the branch oflice.
Showing the need to take advantage of every opportunity to witness, one of our special pioneers working
unassigned territory found himself preaching to a
Protestant pastor. Our pioneer was then given the
opportunity to witness to the local congregation that
evening. Let our brother put things in his own words:
"After the church collection had been taken t);je next
pastor to speak took the platform and said, Before
I start my theme I want to tell you that we have
present with us a brother, one of Jehovah's witnesses,
and we yould like him to give a testimony or an experience. For the next twenty minutes I took advantage of the offer and, using my Bible, I explained the
hope of eternal life on earth. There were three pastors
in the audience in front of me: One pastor to the
left of me, one to the right of me and one in front
of me. At the end of this eventful meeting one of
the pastors invited the audience to take some literature
that I had. Many in the audience said that they had
no money. With that the pastor said, 'That's all right,
you may use the money from the collection!"' So,
brothers, you never know how things are going to
turn out, do you? During this trip the pioneer brother
placed 150 magazines, 40 books and 60 booklets.
The desire to tell others the good news is aptly
illustrated in the following experience. A brother who
was living in a coastal town and working on board a
ship as a steward came to a knowledge of the truth
because of the efforts of a special pioneer. Since he
was not from this coastal town, he wished to take the
truth to the town where he was born, as there was
no organized work being carried on there. He quit
his job, took out a salesman's license and moved home
with his wife and two children. I3e established studies
and waited to be contacted by a brother. When a
special pioneer arrived, the TVatchtower and weekly
book studies were started. The brother was then baptized during the circuit servant's visit. There are now
eight publishers in this area.

Yearbook
11AITI

Peak Publishers: 1,036

Population:
fhatio:

169
3,382,000
1 to 3,266

The Republic of Haiti has had another year of

political and economic difficulties. In this small
country of the Caribbean it seems that everyone
is busy with politics, but Jehovah's witnesses stick
to their God-given work of preaching the good
news. There were four Haitian brothers that received permission from the government to leave
the country to attend the "Everlasting Good
News" Assembly. This brought great joy to them,
and they were able to take back a good report of
the things they learned. Here is an experience
that occurred during the year in Haiti.
At one of our circuit assemblies a congregation servant from Port-au-Prince told the following experience:
"For some time a brother conducted a home Bible
study with a person of goodwill living near a Baptist
church. The pastor lived next door, and on finding his
neighbor was studying the Bible with one of Jehovah's
witnesses, he paid a visit to tell his neighbor that the
Witnesses are anlichrist, that they don't believe in
Jesus and reject the trinity doctrine. As a result the
student invited the brother to discuss these matters
with the pastor. On arrival I was privileged to open
the discussion, so I asked them if they believed that
the Bible taught the doctrine of the trinity. They
answered yes, so I quoted several scriptures showing
that Jesus is not equal with the Father and consequently could not be God Almighty. In spite of the
convincing scriptures, they still claimed to believe
that Jesus was Almighty. So I asked them to read
1 John 4:15. At this the pastor grew enraged and
brought the discussion to an end.
"Three months later while I was a t a gas station
someone called me. To my great surprise it was the
assistant pastor, inquiring about the time of our
meetings. I asked him why he wanted to know, and
he replied, 'From the day I read the scriptures you
cited and after meditating on them, it became clear
to me that there is only one God and he is greater
than Christ.' Tne following Sunday he was the first
one present a t the Kingdom Hall. A home Bible study
was arranged, and when I arrived, the whole family
was waiting for me. However, the study dTd not begin
the first day, as the entire family believed in the doc-

170

Yearbook

trine of divine healing through faith. After discussing

Matthew 21:24, 2 Thessalonians 2:9, and showing that
Mark 16:9-20 was apocryphal according to the marginal notes of the Segond version, they agreed to study.
From that day on their progress was evident and
soon they joined me in the house-to-house work. At
one of our circuit assemblies, this assistant pastor
and his wife symbolized their dedication to Jehovah
by water baptism."
HAWAII
Peak Publishers:

2,006

Population:
Batio:

640,000
1 to 319

A joyous shout of praise ascended to Jehovah

as many brothers from the several islands that
make up the Hawaiian group gathered together at
the grand assembly in Honolulu. The scripture
comes to mind: "Let them attribute to Jehovah
glory, and in the islands let them tell forth even
his praise." (Isa. 42: 12) Everyone on the islands
seemed happy, especially Jehovah's witnesses, and
here are a few experiences from the branch servant.
There is great value in having service centers conveniently located throughout the territory. A service
center had been functioning for several years a short
distance from the home of a sheeplike person. Very
often she had been contacted by the Witnesses and
was especially impressed by the effectiveness of many
of the younger publishers. She noticed that nearly
every morning the pioneers and publishers met a t this
particular home and carried on their activity from
that point. One evening she went to this home and
told the sister she was interested in Jehovah's witnesses. After a long discussion the sister obtained
four su.bscriptions and arranged for a Bible study.
Just two days later the study began and a New World
Translation Bible was placed. This person is progressing well, and she has proved the service centers
in themselves serve to advertise Jehovah's kingdom.
One brother, realizing that the purpose 01 calling a t
the door is to give a witness, did not shrink back when
seeing a crowd gathered and enjoyed this experience:
"Another brother and I called a t a home where there
was a party of about sixteen persons enjoying themselves. The householder invited us in and, after orienting ourselves, I proceeded to give the sermon 'God's

Yearbook

171

Name to Be Sanctified.' After the sermon I presented

the book Z e t Your Name Be Sanctified.' The householder agreed to take the book and so did four of
her guests. Since we had only three books with us,
we went in search of the other publishers to obtain
two more. Upon returning to this house, two other
persons had decided to get this bound book, for a
total of seven books at this one house."
We are especially grateful, Brother Knorr, for having
had the impressive "Everlasting Good News" Assembly
in Honolulu. 'There was excellent publicity on the
largest group ever to convene in the islands. This
has caused many who once closed their ears to .the
message of "everlasting good news" now to consider
Jehovah's witnesses.
HONDUEAS
Peak Publishers: '709

Population:
Eatio:

1,949,858

1 90 2,150

When Paul said, "Let us press on to maturity,"

he was not excluding any part of the earth as far
as Jehovah's witnesses are concerned. Everyone
must put forth an extraordinary effort to find out
what the \will of God is and then do it. A good
example of advancing to maturity on the part of
the brothers in Honduras is seen in the number of
congregation publishers who are taking up vacation pioneer work. During the past year eightyeight took on this added privilege of service. Here
is one of the experiences from the branch that is
of interest.
In Central America one of the greatest obstacles
to the advancement to maturity of many people is
the Iact that they are not married but just live together, usually with many children. Let us see how
they are making the required steps to "press on to
maturity." In a little town, or alclea, a sister working
from house to house met a person of goodwill, a
woman, who already had the book "Let God Be True."
A study was started, and from the start she showed
real interest. However, she was living consensually,
and the man opposed her studying with Jehovah's
witnesses, as he was a fanatic Catholic. He told her,
"I do not want to see that Jehovah's witness lady
here again. If she does come back, something is going
to happen." This discouraged the person of goodwill
somewhat, but the publisher, being alert, made ar-

172

Yearbook

rangements to continue the study in the home of the

goodwill person's mother. After a few studies the
woman wanted to know what else was required to
become one of Jehovah's witnesses. The importance
of matrimony was discussed, and the woman was
anxious to legalize her relationship with the man as
she also had several children. He refused. Later, however, the Catholic church in the localjty was encouraging all its members to marry if they had not already done so. The opposed ''husband" then got an
idea, "If I marry her in the :hhurch, then she wilI
leave this other religion and be a good' Catholic again."
So they married. When she returned to her aldea,
all her friends congratulated her because she had
returned to be a "good" Catholic. This person of goodw7ill took advantage of the situatioi? and. said, "I am
also very happy because this marrlage is just what
I needed in order to be one of Jehovah's witnesses;
now nothing can stop me." Soon she was going out
in the service when her opposed husband was a t work.
When she attended the Kingdom Ilall for the first
time her husband came in and threatened her, taking
her out of the Kingdom Hall. Some days later she
was baptized. Now she never missed a meeting, although upon returning each time he would hit her in
the face and finally threatened her with death. With
that she moved with the children, but he soon was
begging her to come back, saying he would give her
freedom of religion. When she did return, the congregation servant went and personally talked with
hlm, showing him the position of his wife as a dedicated
Christian and her obligations, such as meeting attendance, field service, and so forth. With this understanding his attitude changed, and he was invited
to attend the meetings with his wife. He went, and
was so impressed, not only with what he had learned
but also with the warm greetlng that he received,
that he was moved tz say, "Soon I will have to become a member also. And so it was. Shortly afterward he asked for a Bible study and began to associate
regularly. He has expressed his desire to be an active
participant in the expanding New World society.
HONG WONG
Peak PubIishers: 222

Population:
3,500,000
Ratio:
1 to 15,166

Jehovah's witnesses in the British Crown Colony of Hong Kong have kept very busy during the
past year. Of course, the "Everlasting Good News"
Assembly in Hong Kong was t h d r greatest joy.

Yearbook
173
Throughout the yesr they had a full share in the
Kingdom proclamation. They spent more time in
the field ministry than during any other year.
They conducted more Bible studies, and even
though they did not reach a new peak in publishers, the witness was given. The small band of Jehovah's witnesses in Hong Kong have a great work
to do among the three and a half million people
now there, and the population continues to expand. Hong Kong is a beehive of activity, and
Jehovah's witnesses there are in the midst of it
doing their God-given work. Here are a few experiences from the branch servant.
A brother who works as a junior executive of a shipping company whose vessels trade in the Far East has
been unable to join the rest of his brothers on Magazine Day, so he had poor magazine placements. He
writes: "How to place my quota of magazines was
something I kept turning over in my mind. Then an
idea came. Why not offer the latest copies of The
Watchtower and Awake! to those in my office and to
the masters of the ships when they are in port and
come to the office? I took courage and each Saturday
afternoon offered the magazines to my fellow workers.
Results were excellent. During the past service year I
placed an average of thirty magazines each month."
This brother's effort to place his quota of magazines
was richly blessed.
Labor is plentiful and cheap in Hong Kong, resulting
in many having to work very long hours. This poses a
great problem to both publishers and goodwill persons,
but those who use initiative and overcome the problem
receive a blessing. One sister relates such an experience
as follows: "About eight months ago I met a young
man who showed good interest. EIe asked me to call
quite late in the evening after he had finished his day's
work. This 1 did, and a study was started. He made fine
progress and came to the point where he realized that
he must attend the meetings. He approached his emplayer and asked if he could leave work earlier on
Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and this was made
possible. From then on he made rapid progress in
knowledge, came out in the service equipped with a new
Bible and later a new briefcase. But the greatest joy
of all was to see him symbolize his dedication a t the
'Everlasting Good News' Assembly in Hong Kong."

174

Yearbook

Without doubt the crowning joy of our service year

was the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly and the
presence of so many of our brothers from more than
twenty lands. We here in Hong Kong count it a great
joy and blessing to have worked and shared in the
success of such an assembly, the grandest ever held
in Hong Kong.
In February this year two special pioneers were assigned to the Portuguese Colony of Mac50 on the edge
of the China mainland. They have done good work
and covered quite a portion of the territory. Being able
to speak the local Chinese dialect, they have been able
to meet many goodwill persons and study with them
a s we11 a s obtain many subscriptions for T h e Watchtower and Awake! Five goodwill persons attended the
"Everlasting Good News" Assembly in Hong Kong. A
good start has been made, and it is hoped that some
will share in the preaching work during the coming
year. The field service activity for the two special pioneers is included in the Hong Kong report.
A sister in Hong Kong tries to keep contact with a
sister in China by way of her mother but with not too
much success. When sending a parcel of candy and
cakes to her mother, she packed a Paradise book in
Chinese among the candy. It got through to her mother
in China and our sister was able to read it on occasions
when she visited the house. I t brought her great joy
and she wrote a short letter saying how much she appreciated this morsel of spiritual food. I t was evident
from her letter that she continues to speak the truth
under very restricted conditions, and she assures us
she has not forgotten Jehovah's goodness and the coming new order of righteousness.
PCELAND
Peak Publishers: 74

Population:
Eatio:

183,478
1 to 2,479

Iceland is a cold, raw country, an island out in

the middle of the North Atlantic. However, there
are people there who are interested in knowing
more about God's Word. There has been a steady
increase in those associating with Jehovah's organization and it is a remarkable thing that in
this cold climate the congregation publishers averaged 9.2 hours each month throughout the entire
year. The branch servant there gives us a few
good experiences that occurred there during the
9963 service year.

Yearbook

175

Jehovah's people in Iceland have had much to do

this year, and they have experienced many blessings.
The outstanding highlrght of the year was when twentysix or about one-third of the Witnesses traveled to
continental Europe in order to attend sow-e of the internatloaal assemblies there. Of course, such traveling
takes a lot of time and is expensive, but we believe it
was worth while to do so and thus be able to attend
these grand spiritual feasts spread by our heavenly
Father.
However, not all those having vacations used them
traveling; quite a few tried out the vacation pioneer
service this year. Among those who did so was the assistant congregation servant in the congregation of the
capital, Reykjavik, together with his wife. Now, for
quite a time he has had to be contented with just being
able to recommend others for the vacation pioneer
service, but this summer he decided to do differently.
Having sold his small business, he combined his summer vacation with our circuit assembly, and then right
after the assembly he drove out in the rurals as a vacation pioneer, together with his wife and three children,
two of whom are publishers now. What joy they experienced! In just two weeks they managed to distribute
69 bound books, 103 booklets and 389 magazines, b.esides taking subscriptions and making back-calls m
this widely scattered area where people often want to
have you stay for hours! They were overjoyed when
they came home, as were the girls, who had, despite
their young age, reached more than twenty hours each!
This was a very good example for the brothers, and a
total of eleven brothers vacation pioneered over the
year, or 16 percent of all the publishers.
INDIA
Peak Publishers:

2,000

Population: 443,000,000
Ratio:
1 to 221,500

While the Chinese aggression on India's northern border came as a shock to the nation, Jehovah's witnesses had a comforting message to carry
to the people. Glancing a t the fine increase in
India this past year, narnely, 6 percent, one of the
outstanding features was seen to be the home
Bible study activity. While our brothers have
plenty of territory in which to work, they are now
facing a new problem and a big one. That problem
is obtaining suficient literature. The government
has clamped down on all imports, restricting the

176

Yearbook

importation of almost everything, including books,

even when these are sent in as gifts. The branch
office is working on this problem so that we can
keep them supplied with English publications. All
publications in local languages niust be made in
India itself. The Society is, of course, taking care
of this nratter and will do everything possible to
aid our brothers in India to press on with this
wonderful work of preaching the good news. The
branch servant has sent in many i~terestingexperiences, and here are a few that will warm our
hearts.
A feature of work that is worthy of mention is the
unassigned territory campaign conducted each year.
Last year this campaign was organized with the idea
of using the experiences had by tlie congregations
to locate the most suitable locations for special pioneers. Previously special pioneers were assigned to big
towns just because they were big, and sometimes without any real fruitage. This last year we asked for reports from the congregations that had worked unassigned territory to get a better idea of where there was
likely to be good interest. A congregation reported good
interest in a town thirty miles away, so, first, we asked
a circuit servant and his wife to pioneer there for a
few weeks in between serving their congregations, and
they aroused much more interest. Then two special pioneers were assigned to the place, with the result that
in less than two months they had three publishers reporting. These were prominent churchgoers, and one
of them has now opened up her home for meetings.
There were some interesting experiences reported by
teen-agers. A boy of twelve began to take interest in
the Kingdom message and was baptized the following
year. His parents did not show any interest, but his
elder sister did. The parents began to make arrangements for the marriage of their daughter to a man not
in the truth. The boy protested and told his parents that
he would leave home if his sister was married to this
man. The parents were impressed and eventually
dropped the idea. Then some of the boy's cousins began
to take interest as a result of the lad's witnessing, and
two of these dedicated themselves to Jehovah and were
baptized. Now the parents are also studying and attending meetings.
The crowning feature of the year was, of course, the
share we had in the "Everlasting Good News" Assem-

Yearbook

177

blies around the world. As the report on that outstanding event will probably have appeared elsewhere in
greater detail, it may be sufficient now to say that it
was a most stimulating pleasure to prepare for, and to
receive, some 583 delegates from abroad traveling together on the Society's tour, plus some who traveled
independently, and 32 Gilead -graduates who came to
India from surrounding countries. For our Indian brothers it was a lifetime's experience to have the opportunity of meeting so many brothers from other lands,
all joining in united praise to Jeliovah for the abundance of good things provided. Many of our Indian
brothers living in the far south were unable to afford
the 4,000-milejourney to Delhi and back, and they much
appreciated the loving concern the Society had for them
in arranging for an echo assembly in the south two
weeks later, when almost the entire program a t Delhi
was duplicated for them.
A most interesting sequel to the Delhi asseinbly was
a miniature echo assembly in Bombay arranged entirely by schoolchildren. It so happened that these children
had a few days' holiday from school the week following
the Delhi assembly, so what did they do but spend the
time organizing an assembly of their own. Without any
prompting from their parents they drew up a program
for a two-day assembly, made speaking assignments
and appointed servants for the departments, with a
chairman and assembly servant. They had a bookstall,
cafeteria, contribution box, toilet, signs, and even a
small replica of the map of the world showing all the
Society's magazines and where these are printed, as a t
Delhi. This was taken from a school map with the
magazines drawn in by hand.
Considering that the oldest was only sixteen and
the youngest speaker six years of age, they showed a
remarkable grasp of the organizational features as well
a s of the subjects of the talks. There were seventeen
children all together and the public meeting was taken
by a boy of ten. Neighboring children were invited and
the attendance a t the public meeting was twenty-five.
INDONESIA
Peak Publishers: 801

Population: 100,000,000
Ratio:
1 t o 124,844

A fine report comes in from Indonesia and the

good news has been preached far and wide
thmt~ghoutthe land. The pioneers and special pioneers are pushing the expansion and are reaching
out into new fields. Some fine work has been done

178
Yearbook
there this past year, and here is a. report from the
branch servant.
By f a r the most outstanding event of the year was
the international assembly in Bandung. Many difficulties attended the arranging of this assembly. First, we
had to move from the original city to Bandung and
then our hall in Bandung was canceled three weeks
before the assembly. A number of obstacles had to be
surmounted in getting the around-the-world travelers
from Djakarta to Bandung. One of the greatest difficulties was that, due to inflation, the government raised
all fares 400 percent two months before the assembly.
Some brothers had to cancel their plans to attend.
Nevertheless, every congregation was represented. Due
to the generosity of the brothers' contributions, 111 of
the 114 special pioneers were able to attend. This assembly, the largest ever in Indonesia, with a peak attendance of 776, was a source of strength and encouragement to all the brothers from the far-flung islands
of Indonesia.
Earlier, in May, anti-Chinese riots flamed through
many cities of West Java. In the town of Tjirebon amid
the fearful atmosphere in the aftermath of the riots,
and the threatened further riots, our Chinese brothers
and special pioneers kept right on preaching. This made
a tremendous impression on many who observed their
cheerfulness and courage, and much literature was
placed with people formerly uninterested, as a result of
their observing the brothers sticking to their preaching work.
In Bandung the Chinese brothers and goodwill people
were particularly encouraged by the visits of the servants to their homes while the riots were still in progress. Our Chinese brothers there did not draw back,
and in the month of the riots the congregation reached
its highest peak ever, with a 60-percent increase.
A new territory was opened during the year. The
territory now called Irian Barat and formerly known as
Dutch New Guinea passed into Indonesia's control after
a period of United Nations' administration. Four missionaries were able to enter during the U.N. period and
so far they have been able to remain there. They are
working in two centers. One of the missionaries rebefore
ports: "Ten days after our arrival in M---beginning door-to-door witnessing, while we were still
studying the language every day, the local Protestant
minister started personally to visit and warn those
that had some connections with us. One answered: 'You
didn't visit me for five years, and now you suddenly

Yearbook

179

consider it necessary to call on me? I myself shall decide whom I will receive in my home and nobody else!'
Shortly afterward we got an invitation to explain a
little more concerning our purpose in a village church.
One of the villagers who did not show up later on
phoned and warned the same minister about it. From
that moment onward troubles really started. First came
a personal visit of three local ministers to our house,
demanding that we stop preaching in their field. Then
weekly warnings started from every pulpit. A letter
with some false charges concerning Jehovah's witnesses
was given to each church member. Next, a radio talk
against us. Every chieftain of the different tribes was
approached in order to have them unIawfulIy use their
influence against us. All elders were instructed to visit
every church member. Everyone with whom a home
Bible study was held was personally visited by the
ministers and intimidated. The results?
"The very one that phoned the minister concerning
our talk in the church, a former assistant preacher, is
now one of the most advanced interested ones. An elder
of the church is now arranging our chairs a t the Kingdom Hall. Among the fifty people whom we study with
we find a former preacher of the Adventist church,
also a lady who is a member of the governing body of
the Protestant church. Our meetings average now,
eight months after Gur arrival, about twenty people."
ISRAEL
Peak Pnblishers : 80

Population:
2,203,300
Ratio :
1 to 27,541

The Society opened a branch office in Israel on

January 1 and all the work is now directed from
there rather than from Cyprus. The year was outstanding, as much good work was accomplished
and The Watchtower began to appear in Hebrew
by use of a mimeograph machine. We are printing
500 copies of each issue and we look forward to
an increase in this during the months ahead. The
two congregatio~xin Israel have grown during the
year, and the congregation publishers averaged
9.2 hours. They are working now to meet the
quota of ten hours a month. It is good to see the
interest on the part sf some people living in Israel,
and here are some expzriences sent in by the
branch servant.

One outstanding event during the latter part of the

year was the national assembly held in Haifa for three
and a half days during August. The brothers from all
over the country came together to receive spiritual food
and to associate with their spiritual brothers. The evening before the last day, the Haifa Chief Rabbi personally intervened and pressured the owners of the hall
being rented to cause them to cancel the remaining day
of the assembly. Even though the Society had a legal
right to the hall by virtue of a written contract with
the owners, it was decided not to fight the matter, but
to assemble peacefully elsewhere, even though it was
extremely hot and uncomfortable. The result of this
was over 150 column inches in almost every paper in
the country, all of which was favorable, and many of
which carried feature articles correctly explaining
many Bible truths. This has had considerable influence
on many persons who were previously opposed to our
work.
One experience that shows the value of calling back
on inactive publishers took place recently after a
change in overseers lri one of the congregations. The
new overseer went to the inactive file and found an entire family of five inactive publishers, four of whom
were baptized, and who had ceased association over two
years ago as a result of personal difficulties. A study
was started with the family in the "Let God Be True"
book, even though they had previously studied this
same book twice. Now after six months, two of the
younger members of the family are the most regular
publishers in the congregation, while the others are
continuing to progress. A similar study was just started
with two sisters who had been attending meetings some
years ago and for similar reasons discontinued associating. They too are progressing well, showing that
anlong ,,the inactive ones are still some of Jehovah's
"sheep.
For the first time in Israel the Society was invited
to lecture on the activity of the New World society.
The invitation came from the oldest troop of Boy
Scouts in Haifa. The Society's representntive talked to
them for about forty minutes, stressing why Jehovah's
witnesses believe in God, then why we believe in the
Bible a s God's Word, and finally what we believe. At
the end of the short talk the difference between Jehovah's witnesses and Christendom was stressed, showing
that only true worship will bring good fruitage. Eightyfive magazines were placed with the group, and questions from the youngsters lasted two hours and twenty
minutes. The interest of the group wax clearly oriented

Yearbook

181

toward science: why we believe there is a God, and how

we prove it. To sum up the attitude of many of the
group, one of them stated upon leaving, "Your faith is
certainly something extraordinary." They have extended an invitation to the Society to show the film
"The New World Society in Action."
ITALY
Peak Publishers:

7,801

Population:
Eatio:

60,708,000
1 to 6,500

Tile unforgettable event of the year was the

"Everlasting Good News" Assembly held in Mil2n.
Never had there been so many Witnesses gathered
together in Italy. The branch servant said that all
the brothers in Italy expressed their thanks to
Jehovah and to Jehovah's witnesses worldwide
who made the Milan assembly possible. The assembly came as a climax to a very blessed service
year. During the I963 service year the greatest
witness ever given in the land was accomplished.
The branch servant is happy to report that more
than 10,000 new subscriptions were taken and
more than one million magazines were distributed
by the publishers in the field. Here are some experiences from Italy, Libya and Somalia, territory
that the branch office in Rome handles.
In the city of N---a sister left the "Good News"
booklet with a lady and promised to return the following week to answer any questions. On her return visit
a young girl came to the door to say that her mother
was not a t home, but she too accepted a booklet and
invited the publisher to call back. The following week
still another girl answered the door and accepted a
booklet. Each time the publisher called she had found
a different person, until finally one day she found the
first lady again. The householder was very glad to tall<
with the publisher and to know that she had not given
up so easily. After a brief discussion on the booklet a
Bible study was started with this lady and one of her
daughters. Now they both attend meetings and have
agreed to engage in the field service.
A brother was going from house to house in the town
At one home an elderly man came to the
of P-.
door, and a s soon as he heard the message he began to
shout that he was tired of meeting Jehovah's witnesses
at the door on Sunday. He exclaimed that he was

182

Yearbook

ashamed of his own townspeople who were doing this

work and now there were too many Witnesses in the
entire region. The publisher tactfully asked him iP he
knew why the preaching work was being done, and the
man admitted that he did not know. So the brother
explained that it was because of love for God and love
for neighbor. This made him quiet down and then he
began to explain that he was a retired police ol?icer and
that he had once arrested four Witnesses for distributing magazines. However, a t the trial the Witnesses
were freed of all charges. To the publisher the retired
law officer now confessed that it had been the local
priest who had telephoned police headquarters to have
the Witnesses arrested. But now he was willing to accept Bible literature and invited the publisher to return.
Further calls developed into a Bible study with this
former opposer of Jehovah's witnesses.
In Sardinia a group of Witnesses were working the
where the local priests had always
small town of C----,
stirred up the people against the Kingdom publishers.
The circuit servant was training a sister in the house-tohouse work when a mob of women and children headed
by a nun prevented the Witnesses from continuing in
the work. So the circuit servant went to the local station of the carabinieri, where he reported the matter to
the police officer on duty. The brigadiere could hardly
belleve that a Catholic nun was interfering with the
exercise of religious freedom. He told the brother to
con-cinue with his preaching work while he follovred at
a distance. Soon the nun came out of hiding and, wlth
the mob behind her, began once more to interfere with
the witness work. Ilere the brigadizre came on the
scene, and the mob took to its heels, leaving the nun
alone to face the police officer. She was strongly reproved and warned to quit her illegal activity against
the Witnesses. Then the brigadiere turned to the Kingdom publishers and assured them that they would have
no more interference.
LIBYA
Peak Publishers:

42

Population:
1,250,000
Heatio:
1 to 29,762

A brother sold his automobile and in it he had forgotten some personal magazines. The purchaser cleaned
out the car and found the magazines, which he read
with great interest. So he went to the brother who
had sold him the car and asked for other Bible
literature to read. The brother gave him a witness
and started a Bible study with him. This same brother
is also holding a Bible study with an Arabian who

Yearbook

183

became interested due to a discussion on the sanctity

of blood. An Arabic Bible was obtained for the man,
and now he is studying the Paradise book.
One young publisher twelve years of age was attending a class in science when the professor explained
that the first men on earth were uncivilized, had no
language and lived in caves. A few days later the
same professor was giving a lesson on religion when
he explained that God had created man and had placed
him in a beautiful paradise. Between classes the young
brother asked the professor why one day he had
taught that the first man was animal-like and another day that he was perfect. The teacher stated
that one was a theory of men and the other a Bible
lesson. The young publisher then asked which was
the correct one. The professor, finding himself in a
dilemma, went away without answering.
Population:
1,931,000
SOMALIA
Peak Publishers: 2
Ratio :
1 to 965,500
All Europeans in Mogadiscio especially have had a
fairly good opportunity to hear the message and all
of them were repeatedly visited by missionaries. Some
who were favorably disposed and started to study
the truth had to leave the country because of their
secular work. The onIy new people moving into the
country are the Communist Chinese and Russians.
Due to conditions the people in general are skeptical
and indifferent toward spiritual matters. A brother
had the opportunity to visit almost everyone who has
shown some interest in the past, and although polite
and kind and receptive to the message, they seem
rather unwilling to study seriously. Every day studies
and discussions were had with persons of goodwill,
and it is hoped that they will continue to study and
increase in knowledge.
JAMAICA

Peak Publishers: 4,936

Population:
Ratio :

1,638,000
1 to 332

Jehovah's witnesses in Jamaica are happy to be

contributing to the praise of Jehovah's name in
this ever-expanding New World society. The inhabitants of the island of Jamaica are being well
served by the ministers of God, and Jehovah's people have done far more talking concerning God's
kingdom during the past year than ever before in
a year's time. There have been some increases in

the activity carried on. The branch servant sends

in some experiences for the island of Jamaica,
Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Combining vacation pioneering with working isolated
territory has provcd to be fruitful to one congregation.
Fourteen brothers out of a congregation of seventy
applied to vacation pioneer for two weeks. Besides
reporting the regular field service activity for that
month, they wrote and told of the success they had in
gathering twelve persons in a regular home Bible study.
One of our missionaries tells of an experience he
had as a result of engaging in the door-to-door ministry.
A young man who teaches school in Jamaica asked
many questions that he said were never answered
a t his church. The Bible answers given sharpened his
desire to learn more, so he agreed to having a regular
Bible study a t his home. Without hesitation this schoolteacher immediately began attending meetings regularly, sharing in the commenting. The new things he
learned a t the Bible study forcefully impressed on
his mind that Jehovah had the Bible written to be
understood. Realizing that this understanding was not
coming through the churches, he arranged for this
system of learning the Bible to be extended to the
students of his school. Now the missionary not only
conducts the study with him, but has an average of
twenty-five schoolchildren attending the study each
week, conducted right in the schoolroom. This has
had a wholesome effect on the children in their deportment and speaking ability. The teacher? He has
advanced another step. He now engages in the field
ministry to help find other students of God's Word.
This same eagerness to learn the truth and share
in it is seen in another part of Jamaica where a
housewife and her sister asked many questions of one
of Jehovah's witnesses. They were impressed with
the information given to them and showed their desire
to learn more by attending the congregation book
study that same evening. Following the study one
lady hurried home to tell the things that she had
learned to her husband. Eecause of not really being
able to explain satisfactorily the information heard,
she returned to the home of the Witness a t 9:30 p.m.
and asked if it would be possible to come and speak
with her husband. The Witness agreed, and on the
waj7 back to the home the woman invited another
young man to listen to the discussion. This young man
was so much impressed with what he heard that he
discussed some of the things with a few of his ac-

quaintances the next day. The following Sunday morning the man and his wife, together with this young
man, all appeared at the meeting for service and since
that time have attended all congregation meetings
and engage in the field ministry regularly.
CAYMAN ISLANDS
Peak Publishers: 26

Population:
Ratio:

7,616
1 to Z93

One man contacted in the 1920's was impressed with

the slogan "Millions Now Living Will Never Die." For
years he lost contact with the truth, but in 1956 a
study was started with his wife. I-Ie never joixed in
the study, but was friendly to the Witnesses. He went
away to sea, was taken ill and landed in a hospital
in the United States, in need of an operation. While
he was there, one of Jehovah's witnesses met him
and urged him to study the Bible. Upon returning
home, he eagerly joined in the study with his wife,
and was first to begin attending meetings a t the
Kingdom Hall. Now he believes he will be among
the millions now living who will never die.
TURKS AND CAICBS ISLANDS
Peak Publishers: 3
Population:
Ratio:

5,716
1 to 1,905

One special pioneer is doing very fine work on these

islands. Ile faces opposition from the clergy, but he
continues to forge ahead, giving loving assistance to
people who want to learn the truth. One person with
whom he studies received interference from a clergyman who stirred up opposition through her husband.
The husband made it known that he did not want
any of Jehovah's witnesses coming to his home to
study with his wife. The woman wanted to learn the
truth, however, and so arrangements were made for
the study to continue through the mail. The pioneer
writes out questions based on an assigned portion of
each lesson, and the student writes in the answers,
sending them back to be corrected. The delivering of
the mail is done by this woman's sister who works
for the post ofice.
The circuit servant was able to visit the special
pioneer in April and to work with him in the field
ministry. He reports that the pioneer is putting the
Yearbook to good use. Eight persons obtained copies
and make it a point to read the text each day and
an experience. One lady of goodwill said that she
read an experience that was just like her own, that

186

Yearbook

is, having an opposed husband. The experience was

a source of strength to her to continue studying.
JAPAN
Peak Publishers: 2,931

Population:
95,750,000
Ratio:
1 t o 32,668

There are many fine people in Japan, and Jehovah's witnesses are doing everything possible to
help these people to break clear of traditional
superstitions. It takes time to make their minds
over so that they can conform to the will of the
Creator. So with patience Jehovah's witnesses in
Japan keep on preaching and studying with the
people, and 1963 was a big year for expanding the
witness given to the people of that country. Additionally, Kyoto, Japan, was the location of one
of the "Everlasting Good News" Assemblies,
which proved to be a real blessing to the people.
Here are some reports from the branch servant
on Japan and Okinawa.
There are many children among Japan's ninety-five
million population, and, happily, many zealous young
ministers among Jehovah's witnesses. An eight-yearold girl, witnessing in company with her mother, gave
the Bible sermon and placed a Paradise book with a
junior high school girl and her mother. The young
publisher herself made back-calls, giving the backcall sermon and starting a study in the "Look!" booklet.
Although her mother went along with her, the young
publisher conducted the study herself. She was immersed a t a recent assembly.
A sister attending middle school was asked to give
a three-minute talk in class on any subject of interest.
She spoke on "Jehovah's Witnesses." One of her classmates later told her that he was very much interested.
He subscribed for The Watchtowel; and now attends
the TVatchtower study, as well as having his regular
personal study. Another youthful publisher, following
up counsel in Kingdom Ministrg on 'letting your light
shine,' used the school lunch hour to explain the truth
about evoIution to one of his friends. By the time he
was through, eight others were also listening. Some
denied the existence of God, but four or five attended
the next public talk a t the service center. Two started
attending meetings regularly, and one is making rapid
progress toward publishing.

Yearbook

187

A publisher noted that the :'Reader's Corner" in a

big Tokyo newspaper, the Yonzzurt, carried items about
various social activities. So she. wrote the paper a
letter about the local congregation meetings. About
two weeks later the paper published the information,
together with the sister's address and telephone nurnber. During the next wee!< about twenty people contacted her, nine of them visiting her a t her home.
She placed fifieen books and two subscriptions with
them. To those who came from a distance she supplied addresses of nearby congregations. She herself
started to study with four, three men and one woman
-people who would not have been contacted in the
regular witness work, because of their occupations.
One of these, a student, made especially rapid progress,
attending Kingdom Hall meetings, engaging in the
witness work, and being baptized a t the next circuit
assembly. The other three are also attending meetings
and studying well. All resulting from a brief newspaper announcement!
As the year drew to its close, attention was focused
on Kyoto, the ancient capital of Buddhist Japan. It
was here, in the lovely Kyoto Kaikan, that the Japan
assembly of the 1963 around the-world series was held,
August 21-25.
The assembly made a tremendous impact on Buddhist Kyoto itself. Many new studies have been started.
A high school boy attended the assembly as the result
of receiving a handbill, and immediately recognized
Jehovah's witnesses as the true Christians. He now
studies, together with his mother and grandmother.
The latter had attended "church" for forty years, but
has recently come lo realize that there is a difference
between the Bible teaching and what the clergy say.
A number of studies have also been started with persons in governn~entalcircles who were impressed by
the assembly.
By the time this report is available to Jehovah's
witnesses around the world, we hope the Tokyo Bethel
family will be living and working in the new branch
building that Jehovah has so graciously provided for
further advancement of the Kingdom work in Japan.
OWPNAWA
Peak Publishers: 203

Population:
Eatlo:

868,000
1 to 4,216

Two years ago the circuit servant's wife met a person

of goodwill, obtained a Wutch.tower subscription from
her, and commenced a study in the "Look!" boovet.
However, this person had only attended two meetlngs

188

Yearbook

when she had to move to Yaeyama Island, twenty-two

hours away by ship. Although The Watchtower kept
coming to her, she lacked association and all but
forgot what she had learned. Finally, the subscription
renewal notice appeared in The Viatchtower. This
little slip of paper really thrilled her, for it told her
that the Society was interested in her. From then
on she began to appreciate the contents of The Walchtower all the more, and especially when she read the
article "Right Associations Lead to Life." But what
could she do about association in this isolated island?
She received the answer when the circuit servant in
Okinawa was invited to Giiead School, and the circuit servant's wife wrote this woman inviting her to
come and stay with her during the year that her husband would be away. She gladly accepted. While this
woman loolted ior work during her first month in
Naha, she placed ninety-six magazines in forty-two
hours of witnessing and started two home Bible studies
of her own. She found a job that allowed her only
two free Sundays a month, but when she explained
that she had to have every Sunday for theocratic
association her employer readily agreed, and he also
paid her a higher salary than she had expected. She
was baptized a t the circuit assembly. Incidentally, the
circuit servant's wife is also using her time well during
her husband's absence, having brought eight new persons to dedication and baptism during the first six
months of his being away.
JORDAN
Peak Publishers: 72

Population:
1,636,000
Ratio:
1 to 22,722

The 1963 service year began for Jordan with

the opening of a new branch office to care for the
work of that country. It has proved to be the wise
thing to do because now the Society has someone
there to give full attention to the activities of Jehovah's witnesses, which was especially necessary
in connection with assembly matters during the
1963 service year. The branch servant gives us
some very interesting experiences in connection
with the work in Jordan.
After much effort to obtain permission for the
assembly it was finally denied by the government
because of the trouble it was feared the other "Christian" religions would cause if Jehovah's witnesses
were allowed to hold a large gathering. It thus became

Yearbook

189

doubtful whether the brothers would even be able

to come to Jordan as tourists to see the "Holy Land,"
because the Minister of Interior issued a memorandum to all government offices concerned that Jehovah's witnesses were not to be given visas to enter
the country, This arbitrary action was finally overcome
by pointing out to various high government officials
that, since a large part of Jordan's income is froin
tourism, it was most unreasonable to deny e!ltry to
over a thousand tourists. And since Jehovah's witnesses
are a recognized Christian community in. Jordan, what
basis was there to deny them visas to vlsit the "Holy
Land" as tourists like *any other Christian group?
Jehovah gave us the victory, and happily the way
was cleared for the brothers to come.
And come they did, over a thousand of them. Identified by their lapel badges, their presence and model
conduct, together with their incidental witnessing,
did a great deal to overcome prejudice and correct
wrong ideas that many people in Jerusalem had about
Jehovah's witnesses. One Jerusalem hotel owner .well
expressed the feelings 01 many of his fellow citizens
when he said to a missionary after the brothers had
all gone: "That was the best organized, most orderly
group I have ever seen. Can't you give me some
literature to read? I want to know all about Jehovah's
witnesses!" He and others like him are having their
desires satisfied in this respect.
I t is always wise to follow the Society's suggestion
to invite people of goodwill with whom we study to
attend assemblies. This was done in the case of a
young student who was making good progress in
knowledge through the home Bible study being held
with him but who had not yet .started attending
meetings and sharing in field service. At the clrcult
assembly he attended every session and volunteered
for duty as an attendant. After hearing the encouragement on the service meet~ng Friday evening to
share in field service during the assembly, he asked
a missionary if he could go along in the service.
After the assembly he remained in the assembly
city for a week to visit relatives living there and
took the initiative to make arrangements with an
experienced local publisher to accompany him in calling
back on the interested people he and the missionary
had found in their house-to-house work. When he
returned to his hometown toward the end of the
month and attended his first congregational meeting
there, he approached the congregation servant to turn
in his field service report. He told the overseer: "I'm

Yearbook
sorry I only made nine and a half hours, so I didn't
quite reach the quota. However, I managed to make
the six back-calls and I hope next month to start a
Bible study with a school friend." He now conducts
several Bible studies and makes more than twice the
quota of hours each month.
KENYA
Peak Publishers:

144

Population:
8,676,000
Eatio :
1 to 60,250

A wide door of opportunity has been opened in

Kenya for the preaching of the good news of God's
kingdom. After a number of years of earnest
effort on the part of many brothers it has been
possible to open up a branch office and to have missionaries work in the country; so very good progress should be made. At this appropriate time, too,
the Paradise book was released in the Swahili
language and this in itself should open up a new
field. The new branch office in Nairobi takes care
of the work in Kenya and Uganda. Here are some
experiences.
The thirst for Bible knowledge is evidenced in both
adults and the new generation alike. One high school
for boys was without a teacher to instruct pupils in the
Bible. The brothers received a request from some of the
pupils for someone to help them. As a result, one of
the missionaries is now conducting a regular weekly
Bible lesson with 150 pupils a t the school between the
ages of 13 and 20. Recently the time came for the
school holidays, and some of the boys, before their
departure to their homes in many parts of Kenya
where the truth has not yet been preached, asked
how they could take the good news to their families.
An example that shows the importance of putting
the miiid of Jehovah into Christian children is shown
in the following experience: One day a t the school
where a young publisher attends the teacher put
some religious pictures on the wall. One of these depicted the cross, so the young publisher explained to
the teacher that Jesus was not nailed to a cross but
to an upright stake. Impressed by the child's sincerity,
the teacher contacted the child's parent for further
Scripture explanation. The parent has continued her
discussions with the teacher, who has obtained several
of the Society's publications and now subscribes for
The TVatchtower and Awa7cel

Yearbook
UGANDA
Peak Publishers:

191

Population:
7,282,119
Batlo:
1 to 291,285

25
A pioneer placed a "Good News" booklet with the
son-in-law of an Anglican clergyman who had become
disappointed a t the continued failure of the church
to answer his questions. A Bible study was started
and the following Sunday he was encouraged to attend
the Watchtower study. R e enjoyed the meeting and
subscribed for The Watchtower. Though his wife was
opposed to his attending the meetings, the young man
ansv~eredher objections, saying: "I am on my way
to find tine truth." After only six months' study he
symbolized his dedication by being baptized a t the
circuit assembly held in Nairobi, Kenya, traveling over
400 miles to be there. The brother has been a regular
publisher since his first report and averages over
twenty hours a month.
Calling back on magazine placements often yield-s
much fruit. A return visit was made on an elderly
Sikh gentleman who had taken two copies of the
magazines, and he was happy to subscribe for both
of them. A short time later a coupon was received
from the address of the subscriber. This had been cut
from the Awake! requesting the New World Translation of the Bible and the book "Let Your Name Be
Sanctified." A further call was made and it was found
that the son of the subscriber had become so interested
in what he had read that he had sent for the additional
publications of the Society. After further calls a study
was started, with the father attending some of the
discussions. The young man has expressed the desire
to become one of Jehovah's people and remarked,
"In view of the shortness of the time, I have to do
a lot of studying in a hurry." So seed that is being
sown among persons of various faiths in Uganda is
bearing fine fruit.
Population:
26,279,621
5,075
Ratio :
1 to 5,118
The brothers in Korea feel closer than ever to
Jehovah's wonderful organization because of the
recent visit by the brothers who made the trip
around the world. The branch servant says: "You
all got to know us a d we got to fellowship with
all of you." The "Everlasting Good News" Assembly probably was as impressive to the people of
Seoul a s any other convention in any part of the
fQd)REA
Peak Publishers:

192
Yearbook
world. I t was outstanding, and the witness that
was given by our brothers throughout Korea during the 1963 service year was also outstanding.
The brothers devoted 1,132,000 hours to the field
service, and that is a marvelous witness in itself.
The bra-nch servant gives us some interesting
highlights of the year's activity in Korea.
The effect of this assembly on the brothers will be
felt for a long time to come, and the effect on the
community has been tremendous. One lady wrote to
the unit servant of Seoul's Chunglyangri Unit on
August 30, five days after your public lecture: "I
read Acts 4:32, which says, 'Moreover, the multitud:
of those who had believed had one heart and soul.
I found this true with Jehovah's witnesses. I felt
sisterly kindness and warmth from the asscmbly of
Jehovah's witnesses. I thought I was associating with
the saints of God . . . I appreciated Mr. N.H. Knorr's
talk very much. He said Jehovah's witnesses would be
willing to teach the Bible regularly. I have read the
Bible from Genesis to Revelation but I find it is very
difficult to understand. How should I begin to study
the Bible?" A study has been started with this lady
and with many others because of the interest aroused
a t the assembIy. What a fitting climax to a fine service
year!
One sister from Kwangju's Pulrbu Unit, a s the oldest
of seven children charged with assisting the mother
to care for the family, thought that the pioneer service
was impossible for her. She writes she would never
have thought it possible had it not been for the
circuit servant's encouraging her and talking the matter
over with her mother. With his suggestion she was
able to arrange things to pioneer in the daytime and
assist the family by tutoring a t evening time. She
says that a t first she thought the schedule to be overwhelming but has learned since that wise scheduling
gets things done. Since beginning to pioneer she has
been appointed as a study conductor and finds that
she has more time for her personal things than she
did before she graduated from high school and took
up the pioneer service.
In the smaller rural communities there is no transportation between the villages. A special pioneer
brother assigned to such territory wrote us how he
works the farming communities. He and his partner
live in the largest village, which contains about three
hundred houses. The branch offce suggested he try

Yearbook

193

to buy a bicycle to work the other villages, and he

did. With no smooth roads to some of them, he has
become adept a t riding the ridges between the rice
paddies. During the farming seasons he can find
people only in their iields from sunup to sundown.
He makes his back-calls during their lunch periods
or late a t night after they come in. Some nights he
barely makes it home in time for curfew at midnight.
I n the rainy season he has to carry his bicycle long
distances in the darkness. His neighbors have nicknamed him "the owl who preaches a t nigl~t." But he
has found a way to reach the goodwill people in these
villages, and we hope that more of this territory where
65 percent of Korea's population lives will be covered
in the future.
LEBANON
Peak Publishers: 836

Population:
Rati~:

1,550,000

1 to 1,854

The brothers in Lebanon for over two years

were working hard on the arrangements to take
care of the brothers who would come there on the
trip around the world during 1963. They had the
opportunity to feel the bonds of love existing with
their brothers from thirty-nine nations that were
represented. Over two hundred brothers were
busy working in all the departments that took
care of the visiting brothers on their tours and on
their arrival and departure Irom the airport. It
was a joy to have the pleasure of visiting the
Lebanese brothers in their own Kingdom Hallls,
Despite much opposition, the good news of the
Kingdom is still being preached in all these Arab
countries that the branch in Beirut looks after,
namely, Lebanon, Bahrain Islands, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and Syria. Here are some experiences
from these places.
The extensive legal efforts for over two years to
obtain a permit for the "Everlasting Good News"
Assembly were from the very beginning directly op.
posed by the clergy, who pressed the government to
deny this permit to us. During this service year for a
second time the Cabinet of Ministers refused our
application for a permit for an assembly during the
visit of our brothers. But this refusal has not been
unfruitful, because it has provided us once more a

194

Yearbook

great opportunity to witness to the rulers of this

country. The Prime Minister, almost every minister
in the Cabinet, the President o f the .Republic, and
almost every deputy ol: the Parl~arnentIn this country
were visited i11 connection with the assembly permit,
and what a wonderful opportunity this was to give a
witness to them again! As the Minister of Information
recently said during a visit paid to him in connection
with the ban of The TjVatchtower and Awake!, "I
know you people visited every deputy in this country
about this matter, and many came to me in connection
with this matter too." As a matter of fact, this has
irritated the clergy to the point that a prominent
Orthodox archbishop wrote to the Prime Minister asking
to follow up Jehovah's witnesses and stop their activities. As a consequence, troubles startfd with tl?e
brothers in two congregations in the territory of t h ~ s
archbishop. Two special pioneers and two congregation
servants were arrested and most of the literature
in the Kingdom Halls was confiscated, and a case was
opened by the Security Department against the brothers
in this locality. How happy we were when we saw
Jehovah's protection in giving the victory to his people
when the court ruled that there is nothing illegal in
the work of Jehovah's witnesses!
An interesting experience that shows how Jehovah
makes arrangements for his "sheep" to be cared for
in spite of opposers is one concerning a schoolteacher
who is one of Jehovah's witnesses in the village of
K-.
His uncle, who is the mayor of the village,
after much opposition, warned this brother that if
he did not stop associating with Jehovah's witnesses
he would ask for his removal from the village, having
him transferred elsewhere. Of course, the brother continued his theocratic activities, so his uncle, through
the deputy of that district, succeeded in having h ~ m
transferred. The government arranged for another
teacher to replace the brother a t the school. The first
day of his entering the school, the new teacher was
welcomed by the mayor who went to him saying how
happy he was to have him in the village, and then
he asked him what denomination he belonged to. To
his shocked amazement, the answer was, Jehovah's
witnesses! At this the mayor went complaining to
the Ministry of Education, saying: "We have tried
to get rid of a witness of Jehovah with one star and
you have sent us a witness of Jehovah with two
stars!!!" He found out that he could do nothing about
it a t least for one year. Also, the first teacher was
sent by the government to a school in an area where

Yearbook
the need is grea.t for Jehovah's witnesses. So, try as
they might, opposers cannot stop Jehovah's work.
BlaKRAPN ISLANDS
PoguBation:
143,213
Peak IPcbl3shers: 2
Ratio :
3. to 71,606
Our only sister in Bahrain Islands in the Persian
Gulf had the joy of receiving the visit of the zone
servant a t the beginning of the service year and
again the visit of the circuit servant a t the end of
the service year, both of which visits were a source
of encouragement to her. She continues to share in
the ministry regularly, and she has faithfully sent
her report every month to the Society's office in Beirut.
IEAN
Population:
20,149,000
Peak Publishers: 20
Baltio:
1 to 'L,009',450
An interesting experience is related by a German
sister who was out in the service with one of her Bible
students, a Russian girl. She says: "We met an
Armenian lady who was quite friendly and took the
book 'Let God Be True' in Armenian. At the first backcall I arranged to come back for a Bible study. I went
alone and started a study in English in the Paradise
book. The study progressed, and after a few weeks
she came to the Watchtower study, which she is now
attending regularly. I could see her amazement as
we studied the chapter on idol worship, pointing out
Exodus 20:4, and was wondering what her reaction
would be, since all Armenians cling closely to their
church traditions. How great was my joy when I
learned months later that a few weeks after she
studied this, she quietly took off the cross she llad
been wearing as a necklace! Then she also coiafessed
that when I had first come to her house she was very
suspicious as we introduced ourselves, my little girl
friend being Russian and myself being German. She
said her first impression was that we were spies using
the Bible as a means to get into her house. Very soon
she discovered that we were speaking a wonderful
message of truth from the Bible. A few months later,
as she progressed with two studies a week, she mentioned that she would like her three sons to learn
what she now knew to be the truth. Immediately she
got three more Armenian 'Let God Be True' books,
and now for a moilth we have been carrying on the
study with her teaching the boys as I sit and help
her. I t is amazing to see the joy that this mother
has in teaching her three boys, ages 10, 14, and 16, the

Yearbook
truth. One day size said to me, 'Do you know, I learn
a lot while I am teaching them!' Soon after that she
said to me, 'I am r,eady to go with you in the service
whenever you say. Following the wonderful advice
in the Kingdom M i a i s t ~ y , I have prepared . a good
back-call for this new sheep' and am looking forward to taking her. It is wonderful to experience the
great j ? ~we have when our pupils become like the
teacher.
IBAQ
Population:
6,590,000
Peak Publishers: 1
Eatio:
1 to 6,590,000
The light of the truth is still fiickering in this vast
country through one lone publisher, and, although she
has no association with Jehovah's people, she writes:
"Dear Brothers in Lebanon, 1 long to be with Jehovah's
people, but it is truly amazing how Jehovah does
strengthen his sheep. As soon as I find myself growing
weak, something happens, a magazine arrives, a
brother visits, or a wonderful change takes ?!ace
which could only be attributed to Jehovah . . .
This sister and her family have moved to a new
place where she lnopes to make more new contacts
in behalf of the truth. She carries on a study with
her children and she asks in her letter: "I ask you
brothers to pray for me to become stronger, to write
)o you more often, to be regular with my reports,
LO study constantly with and teach my children, to
help and not be impatient with my husband; in short,
to make my home a little Kingdom Hall to the honor
and glory of Jehovah's name."
KUWAIT
Population :
206,117
Peak Publishers: 8
Ratio:
1 to 25,765
The effect of a letter sent by the Boycott of Israel
Office in Damascus, Syria, to all Arab States was
felt by the small congregation of Jehovah's people
in Kuwait. At the time of the visit of the circuit servant the authorities confiscated some literature. When
the brothers visited the authorities responsible for
confiscating the literature, they were informed that
the reason for this was that it was being used in
preaching activity.
The investigations of the brothers brought to light
that again the same old false charge of Zionism was
involved as mentioned in the letter from the Boycott
of Israel Office against our work. Since then great
difficulties were faced by the brothers in this territory,

The congregation servant, a Gilead graduate, was

asked to appear before the security officers many
times for questioning and finally was arrested on
July 25 and kept for over sex-enteen days without
anyone's being allowed to contact him. After almost
two months in prison he was deported from the
country without any trial or explanation.

&AT=
Population:
45,000
Peak Publishers: P
Ratio:
1 to 45,080
A faithful brother from India has carried on with

the preaching 01 the good news for the last few years
in Qatar. Many have been the persons that he has
been able to speak to about the truth, although no
congregation has been organized. The Society's office
has kept in contact with him and encouraged him to
continue to put up a hard fight for the faith even if
he is completely isolated. Expressing his gratitude,
he has written: "I will be failing in my duty if I don't
thank you sincerely for your letters which have enlightened my mind and have given me new zeal in
my preaching work,"
SYEIA
Population:
4,420,587
Peak Publishers: 128
Eatio:
1 to 34,536
During the past year of political unrest in Syria,
the New World society has not suffered any setback
but rather reached !he best increase in its history.
Two new congregations were organized during the
year, as well as various isolated groups, all this under
the very difficult situation that tne brothers have in
carrying on the work.
This does not pass unnoticed by those who oppose
the work and, as a consequence, the Boycott of Israel
Office in Damascus sent a letter to all the Arab counas Zionists.
tries misrepresenting Jehovah's wit~~esses
This resulted in a ban of all the literature in Syria as
well a s affecting the work to varying degrees in the
other Arab countries. However, the Society has presented the full facts to the Political Office in Damascus
and also is defending our freedom of worship in three
cases in court. One of these cases came about in the
when a priest led a mob sf twentyvillage of M-,
four hoodlums against the brothers who were on their
way to attend a congregation -meeting. The mobsters,
including the priest, beat up three brothers until one
elderly brother was literally dragging on the floor.
The local police sided with the brothers and told them
to protest against this action in cour3t immediately.

198

Yearbook

LEEWABD ISLANDS (Antigua)

Peak Publishers: 115
Population :
Bath :

64,913
1 t o 564

Jehovah's witnesses in these sun-clad islands

have moved forward steadily during the past year,
keeping well in mind the advice of the apostle
Pawl to Timothy: "Fully accomplish your ministry." (2 Tim. 4:5) If anyone is going to accomplish his ministry fully he must seek every opportunity he can to proclaim the good news of God's
kingdom, and the brothers in the Leeward Islands
are doing this. The report comes from the
branch servant on the islands of AnguilIa, Dominica, Montserrat, Nevis, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts,
St. Maarten and Antigua.
This happened in Antigua when a special pioneer
was assigned to care for an isolated group. Being
anxious to win the confidence of the "other sheep,"
he asked if he could attend a village meeting arranged
by the head schoolteacher to discuss with parents the
subject of "Overcoming Delinquency." Learning that
any respectable person was welcome, the pioneer attended and listened well. When the meeting was
about to close, the pioneer asked if he could say something on the matter. Permission was given. Then,
pursuing their theme, he tactfully reminded then1 that
if delinquency was to be overcome at home, a t school
and abroad, nobody could ignore God and his Word,
for it alone gives the only solution to the problem
of delinquency. He pointed out how delinquency started
with responsible persons in Eden by Adam and Eve's
ignoring God's counsel. Then he went on to state how
parents must get acquainted with the Bible and teach
their children its contents and live by its righteous
principles if they are to overcome delinquency and
be blessed by Jehovah. His remarks were received
well, and after the meeting some from the audience
asked, "Who is that man? He is no ordinary man.
We thought him to be some ordinary person, but he
speaks good words, the words of the Lord." Having
now gained the confidence of a number of goodwill
persons, he was able to establish nine Bible studies
within a very short time and obtain a Watchtower
subscription from the head schooiteacher.

Yearbook

199

ANGUILLA
Peak Publishers:

Population:
6,605
9
Ratio:
1 to 623
In spite of handicaps, the brothers here are pushing
ahead in their ministry, for they have again averaged
thirteen hours per publisher, demonstrating that they
love Jehovah and their neighbor,
One of the congregation publishers was a delegate
to the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly in New
York, and on his return he resolved to carry out the
best he could the many good things he saw and heard.
DOiMINICA
Peak Publishers:

119

Population :
Ph.a$io:

65,305
1 to 549

There is a wonderful spirit of love and unity between all ranks of publishers and in many ways they
show their determination to press on in serving the
Creator. The pioneer spirit too is very evident and
ten publishers were vacation pioneers in one congregation during April.
When the congregation was preparing for its "Courageous Ministers" District Assembly, the priests did
their utmost to discourage the people from accommodating the more than eighty delegates that were
expected a t this assembly. They informed them that
Jehovah's witnesses were responsible for lots of killings
of priests and nuns in Europe's communistic countries.
However, this wicked lie did not have its intended
effect, for the Catholic people did accommodate all
the delegates, and the public talk was attended by
nearly all who played host to the courageous ministers.
The attendance was 170, which meant more than
half in attendance were goodwill persons. Victories
like this certainly help the brothers to abound in love
and right works.
MONTSERRAT
Peak Publishers:

16

Population:
Ratio :

13,500
1 to 844

In a territory so influenced by Christendom's clergy,

it is encouraging to see the efforts put forth by the
Witnesses to preach the good news of the Kingdom.
Their faithfulness has been rewarded with a ?-percent
increase in their ranks.
One publisher increased his joy by becoming a vacation pioneer in December, and when sending in his
report, he stated, "Having tasted of the joy that comes
from serving Jehovah, I would like to extend my
vacation pioneering through February." In March he
applied for regular pioneering, was accepted, and the
Society invited him to take up the special pioneer

200

Yearbook

work, which he began in August. This increased

praise is laying a good foundation for additional
praisers in this land.
NEVES
Population:
16,138
Peak Publishers: 34
Ratio :
1 to 475
Jehovah's witnesses in this small. island are very
joyful in their work of aiding their neighbors to learn
of Jehovah's kingdom. Contributing to some of the
increase has been the erecting of a Kingdom Hall of
their own by one of the two congregations located
there. As it is situated in the capital, a good witness
has been given, with more respect being shown the
Kingdom message, for more goodwill persons now
regularly attend the Watchtower study.
ST. EUBTATIUS
Population:
4,016
Beak Publishers: 4
Batio:
1 to 254
One sister, her two children and a seaman make
up the isolated group of publishers who carry on the
work here. They are greatly handicapped in having
no pioneers to help them. Nevertheless, they have
regular visits from the circuit servant and his wife,
which keep them spiritually strong. Such visits are
eagerly awaited, and they have learned to make out
their reports and send them regularly to the branch
oEce each month.
They held their first Memorial celebration this year.
A sister paid the plane fare for a special pioneer to
come from St. Marlin, F.W.I., to spend the weekend
of Memorial in service with them. All enjoyed spiritual
fellowship, with fourteen attending the special public
talk and twenty-two a t the Memorial.

Population:
ST. BITTB
37,058
Ratio :
1 to 488
Peek Publishers: 76
The younger publishers have contributed much to
the fine increase by taking to heart the circuit servant's suggestions on directing the "sheep" to the
organization. The result? Three studies were started
by two young publishers, and after just four months
of study the three interestea persons joined them in
the service during the next visit of the circuit servant.
Incidentally, two others started in the service that
same week, and all five are joyfully continuing.
The population likes reading the magazines and it
is quite a common occurrence for people to come up
to the Witnesses and ask for the latest issue. One
did this lo the visiting district servant, stating that

Yearbook

201

lle liked The Watchtewer because it had opened his

eyes to the many falsities in his religion, so he would
like to receive every issue. He was rather worried
as to how he could get them as he was living f a r
from town and miles from any of the Witnesses. He
was told there would be no difficulty a t all if he became
a subscriber. He subscribed for The Watchtower right
away and arrangements were made to visit him from
time to time.
ST. &MAELTEN
Population:
4,903
Peak Publishers: 50
Ratio :
1 to 98
The missionaries are doing their best to assist a
newly interested publisher lsolated on the distant
island of Saba to keep him spiritually strong and
active. Visiting him anew after a long absence,
the missionaries found him keen and keeping the
truth alive but not knowing how and when to report
his service. This was in June when the lnissionaries
spent thirteen days witnessing over there. They were
accompanied by this new publisher and trained him
in the different features of service and showed him
how and when to report. He reported fourteen hours
for June, and since then has regularly reported his
activity to the Philipsburg congregation i n St. Maarten.
His last report said he was having a real tussle with
the local priest, who in the end had to "back down."

LIBERIA

Peak Publishers: 658

Popdation:
Ratio :

1,500,000

1 t o 2,280

There are bound to be testings that will come

to God's people in all parts of the earth. A testing
came to our brothers in Liberia during the past
year. At the beginning of the service year the
prospects of increase with more sharing in the
preaching work were great. With the passing of
months a sudden change took place that affected
the number that took their stand for Jehovah
God. The whole story appears in detail in the
Awa7ce! magazine in the article entitled "Is Liberia Losing Its 'Love of Liberty'?" There is one
thing that is certain, the brothers everywhere, if
they are going to stay on Jehovah's side, must be
speaking the Word of God with boldness and they
must take a firm stand on his side of the issue.

Yearbook
Here is a short report from the acting branch
servant in Liberia that gives us good news.

202

In January 1963 local newspapers began publishing

articles on a recent compulsory flag-salute law that
had been passed, which was aimed directly at a "certain religious sect." Things moved rapidly, and then
came arrests and imprisonment of Witnesses. This
sparked off a chain reaction of events that was climaxed in the mass arrest of more than 400 brothers in
Gbarnga, where the district assembly was being held
from March 8 to 10.
After threats and violent maltreatment at the hands
of Liberian soldiers, many of the brothers succumbed
to fear and compromised their faith. Of the more than
400 Witnesses arrested only about 75 of the local brothers continued to the last day of detention without compromising, besides a number of foreign brothers and
missionaries who had been released earlier.
The reports received from brothers and persons of
goodwill are interesting. A person of goodwill remarked
that the persecution of the Witnesses convinced him
that "this is the truth." He continued, "I hope that by
the time of the next persecution I will be with the
brothers, taking my stand as a witness of Jehovah."
With the aid of Jehovah we have once more started
going from house to house, meeting in the Kingdom
Hall, and engaging in other features of the service. The
brothers in Liberia are grateful to Jehovah for his
guidance and protection in this time of trial, and to
the many brothers and sisters throughout the world
whose letters of protest have contributed to this change
in the Government's attitude toward our preaching
activity.
LTJXEBXBOUEG

Peak Publishers: 372

Populafion:
Ratio:

314,080
1 t o 844

In this small country of Central Europe the

"other sheep" are still being gathered together in
goodly numbers, and all of us rejoice with them
in the fine work they acconiplished during the
past year. The branch servant sets out a fine experience in regard to helping those who have
ceased their association with the congregation. I t
shows what can be done, and is very encouraging.
We care for not only the new ones, but those who

Yearbook
203
have dedicated their lives to Jehovah and who for
some reason drift away.
Heeding counsel brings blessings, a s the following
experience shows. The Society encouraged servants not
to forget those who once associated with the New
World society but nave ceased to do so for some reason.
There was a brother baptjzed back in 1933. In 1952 he
felt justified, because of hurt feelings, to stop associating with the congregation. All efforts to help him failed.
Years passed. Many new ones came. He was ahnost forgotten. Now came the Society's call to show love to
these "lost" ones too. Tllc congregation servant took the
counsel to hcart and visited this "lost" brother. He
made only a short friendly visit. He repeated these visits frequently. He also started to talk with his wife, not
well disposed to the truth. He even started a study.
Finally the brother came to the meetings again, and
found people welcoming him heartily. The study a t
home continued, despite the fact that the brother now
came to the meetings. Ire started field service again and
had the joy 01 attending the assembly in Munich. Now
he admits that he was never happy during the ten years
he isolated himself, but many times he prayed with
tears to Jehovah to find the way back and, with the
loving aid of his brothers, following the Society's counsel, he was helped to come back.
A couple, refugees from Eastern Europe, lived for
some time in Luxembourg before the congregation
learned that the woman was a sister. She w-as contacted, but her husba.nd did not want her to associate
with Jehovah's witnesses. Refugee life, void of true
Priends, drove him into bad association and drinking,
creating debts and forclng his wife to earn money too.
The more he drank the worse he treated his wife. One
day he beat her so terribly that she fled to the congregation servant's house and stayed there for one week.
Later the congregation servant went back with her,
trying to reason with the man, using the Bible, saying:
"Your wife has here in Luxembourg over 300 brothers
and sisters. She will never be alone! But it is much
better that she stay with you." The man was ashamed,
and toe iove shown to his wife impressed him so much
that he immediately decided to stop drinking. And he
did. With so much goodwill there was only one thing
to do: start a study with him. It was not easy to lay
a foundation upon which to build a strong faith, but
gradually he made progress. He also stopped smoking
and, to the joy of his wife and the congregation, he

Yearbook
was baptized in Munich. Certainly brotherly love makes
a deep impression on all kinds of people.
MAUEIT][US
Peak Publishers: 79

Population:
Ratio:

691,034
1 to 8,747

Last year was a busy and successful one for

Jehovah's witnesses in Mauritius. One of the highlights of the year was the visit of Brother Henschel a t their circuit assembly. Some of the brothers from this small island were able to get to one
of the Around-the-World Assemblies in some part
of the earth, and all this activity reflected itself
in a 16-percent increase. Here is the report from
the acting branch servant.
When it was announced a t our last assembly that all
the missionaries would be absent during the month of
August to attend the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly, one of the local servants who had a holiday from
his secular work that month came immediately to thc
platform and said, "Well, I was going to go to the seaside for my holidays, but under the circumstances I will
stay home and pioneer." He did vacation pioneer along
with his wife and six others in the congregation. They
had an excellent month of service aiding the other publishers and were greatly blessed for putting Kingdom
interests first.
A special pioneer reports that a young Catholic man
with whom he is now studying had previously ordered
a Catholic Bible from France. He was desirous of serving God, so asked the priest if he too could be a minister. The reply was that he did not have enough education. This young man is now full of joy to know, a s he
has learned from his own Catholic Bible, that he can
be a minister, for he attends meetings regularly and
now assists in giving sermons from door to door by
reading the Bible texts. All who desire to serve God
can be ministers in spite of their standard of education,
as Paul shows a t 1Corinthians 1:26,27.
MEXICO
Peak Publishers: 18,026

Population:
Eatio:

37,233,227
1 to 1,240

The brothers in Mexico have had much joy in

"preserving alive the soul" by faith during the
past service year. One of the unusual things in
Mexico is the two traveling Kingdom Ministry

Yea~~baok
205
Schools that go from one part of the country to
another. In different locations the overseers of
congregations are brought in along with special
pioneers and they are given the training that will
help them with their ministry to the people. Already 927 individuals have received the training
of the Kingdom Ministry School. The school had
its start in July 1961. Another problem the brothers of Mexico Iiave on their hands is the strong
opposition of the Catholic church, especially when
brothers lliove into new territories. But let us bear
some of the experiences of our brothers as related
by the branch servant.
When Bible truth begins to be brought to a Catholic
town, the priests, nut being able to refute true BibIe
teaching, resort to a campaign of violence to stop Jehovah's witnesses. An example of this occurred in a
town where there were four of Jehovah's witnesses.
During the circuit servant's visit a mob of about fifty,
incited by the priest, ran out the circuit servant and
said that if he returned he would be killed. The four
local brolhers were threatened also, but they remained
faithful, with the result that when the circuit servant
returned four months later there were eight publishers, a 100-percent increase, and they had a 10.7
hour average! Now the authorities are being appealed
to for protection, arid once again the Catholic church
has failed to stop Jehovah's work!
A special pioneer relates Plow upon visiting a small
town some distance from his congregation and new assignment he discovered that there had been a congregation there years ago but because of problems it was
discontinued. Upon visiting this town with the district
servant and exhibiting the film to about seventy persons, these spiritually dead brothers began to revive
and to associate again with the organiza?ion, and now,
only a short time later, twenty-five regularly meet
for study and seven are publishing. Loving attention
could have prevented such a deplorable spiritual condition in this former congregation, but since it did
happen it is good to see that loving attention has
brought these persons to life again in Jehovah's servjce.
Publishers in Mexico still know how to use their feet
to walk because very few have cars. When it is meeting
time in the congregation those with appreciation know
that that is where they should be even if they have to

Yearbook:
walk. A publisher tells how he walked thirty-two kilometers (nineteen miles) every week to attend meetings
when he was learning the truth. But he states that it
was not in vain, because Jehovah has now blessed him
with the privilege of being a special pioneer.
MQ%QC@O
Peak Publishers: 151

Population:
11,598,070
Ratio :
1 to 16,808

During the year the congregation in Tangier

played host to a Eiingdom Ministry School class,
and a number of the b r o t h e ~ sfrom Spain were
able to attend, These brothers by so doing could
st~rdytogether in complete freedom and also be an
inspiration to the congregation in Tangier, a lovely city on the Mediterranean Sea. A fine place was
obtained in which to conduct the school, where the
Spanish-speaking brothers as well as the Frenchspeaking brothers in Casablanca were trained.
The branch servant gives us some interesting
experiences.
Our bilingual national assembly last October in
Tangier was more like an international assembly. We
had brothers not only from all parts of Morocco present, but also from Gibraltar, Spain, Portugal, and as
f a r away as the Canary Islands. Some of these brothers
traveled as many as three days by boat to get to this
assembly.
Making a back-call on a lady who had subscribed for
The Watchtower, tne two pioneers found that the son
was home. After telling the young man the nature of
the call, he exclaimed: "In that case it is not my mother
that you need to see but me. ?,he is not the one that
reads The Watchtower; I am. Inviting them in, he
brought out a copy of "This Good News .of the Kingdom" "This is a wonderful booklet," he said. "I study it
ten minutes on my way lo school and ten minutes on
my way home." The pioneers were requested to turn
to the pages where he had questions. Me asked for the
address of the Kingdom Hall and promised to come
the next Sunday. On the next call he was disappointed
not to have been able to find the hall, but once more
had many questions, such as, "Whom does the antichrist
refer to?" The next Sunday he was at the meeting and
commented. After two or three studies in "Let God Be
True," he wanted to go out in the service. He was soon
giving tine sermon and making his own back-calls.

Yearbook

207

Parental persecution became severe, and he was sent

to a boarding school in France. However, he was still
able to attend the meetings and have a personal Bible
study.
NETHERLANDS
Peak Poblishers: 13,646

Population:
Eatio:

11,889,000
1 to 878

For the brothers in the Netherlands the two

highlights of the year were the Munich csnvention, to which ten thousand publishers went, and
the breaking of ground for the new four-story
Bethel home that will be erected in Amsterdam.
All of God's people are interested in seeing the
new system of things and they appreciate that
people today rnust be told about the only hope for
the world-God's
kingdom by Christ Jesus. On
the other hand, the Devil resists the purposes of
the Creator and fights the preaching work done
by the Creator's people on earth. But the angels
are separating the "sheep" from the "goats."
Here are a few experiences from the branch.
The following experience demonstrates that the mes.
sage often breaks down opposition. A pioneer sister met
the husband in a family. He was disappointed about all
religion. From his youth on he had been educated in a
monastery and this had made him opposed to all religion. During the first discussions with him he gave
the sister much argument. But once convinced of the
truthfulness of the message, he and his wife became
very meek. After two months they were baptized and
are now regular publishers. Then this man remembered
his friend who used to be with him in the same monastery. The wife of the friend was a serious Catholic. She
did not like these two men talking about the truth, but
she did not know yet that the friend of her husband
was one of Jehovah's witnesses. However, her interest
in following their Bible study grew. The brother realized that once she knew he was one of Jehovah's witnesses she would stop studying because of her aversion
toward them, so he thought that it was better not to
mention this name yet.
Armed with his Catholic Bible translation, he treated
a subject that he himself had learned the week before.
The wife of his friend drank eagerly from the water
of life, but still did not know they were having a Bible
study with one of Jehovah's witnesses. From the time

she uzlderstood whose message it was she was studying,

she saw Jehovah's witnesses as they really are. Gladly she continued the study every week, and now she is
already a p~tblishcrgoing from house to house with the
good news. Both she and her husband appreciate the
truth very much. Together they already have four
home Bible studies, and two of these people take part
in the preaching activity.
We need endurance to be friendly and kind in spite of
disappointing experiences. A publisher related: "Some
years ago we studied with f a m ~ l yD---.
After one year
they stopped the study for some reason. Eut we continued to visit them, bringing the magazines and telling
some points of the truth. One day the chaplain yisited
this family. The conversation was as follows: Well,
here lives the family ID----, is it not?' 'Yes,' the man
answered, 'already for three years, and did you 'now
find us?' The chaplain understood. His reply was: Yes,
yes, it is beautiful weather, is it not? Just one minute,
let's see, does not the family Jansen live downstairs?
Yes, yes, well, I have to visit those people too. Good-bye,
Family Dwas perplexed. Mrs. D-family D---.'
said: 'Look a t our spiritual provider! Consider now Je.
h0va.h'~witnesses. Although we discontinued the study
with them, they never failed us; they always were
friendly and when they came they talked about the Bible and gave us some of the magazines. Well, then, let
us aslr them again to give us a Bible study, but now
seriously.' Family D---- began their study in the Paradise book. Their progress is very good."
NE1'HERLANDS ANTILLES (Ct~~agao)
Peak Publishers: 208
Population:
Ratio:

129,676
1 to 623

The branch oBce in Curacao in the Netherlands Antilles directs the work on three islands,
Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. There have been
some interesting field service experiences on these
islands during the past year, some of which definitely show that the Word sf God is alive and
exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged
sword. (Heb. 4: 12) It strengthens our faith to see
the zeal of the brothers in all parts of the world
as they stand up in defense of the truth even before false shepherds. Here are the experiences
that were sent in.

Yearbook

209

The scene of the world is quickly changing and Curacao is no exception. During the past year there have
been many changes and many blessings too. Not the
least among these changes has been the building of
the .new Bethel home, branch office and Kingdom Hall
all 111 one, that Brother Knorr made arrangements for
when he visited Curacao in March 1962.
Though time has brought many changes in Curacao,
one thing that does not change with time is the devotion of a Christian to his God and his determination to
serve his God even in old age. One elderly brother who
is barely able to hobble along with the help of his
stick has found a way 01exceeding the magazine quota
every month. Whcn he was able to go to work he did
not fail to witness to his associates and to place magazines with them. Now, although he cannot walk as f a r
as the docks where he once worked, he is able to call
a t nearby homes of acquaintances who are still in
contact with the men with whom he once worked. He
not only places magazines with these people, but ar.
ranges for them to take magazines from him to his
friends on the docks. He never fails to take his order
of twenty-four magazines a month from the magazlneterritory servant. Helping him in this is a faithful pioneer sister, who is not too busy to visit him with his
magazines even though she never reports less than
120 hours a month as a regular pioneer.
ARUBA
Peak Publishers: 188

Population:
Ratio:

58,938
1 to 460

A priest felt the cutting edge of God's Word in the

presence of a large family 01 his followers. He had
come to visit an aged member of the family but met
instead a young member armed with the sword of the
spirit in his hand. This young man had only recently
become interested in the trvth but felt he should use
his Bible on this ideal occasion and so began to do so.
This was not to the priest's liking, especially when he
found that he could not defend his position against the
thrusts from God's Word. Lunging forJhe Bible m the
young man's hand that was cutting him to pxeces, he
grabbed it away and began a futile attempt to break
the offensive weapon in two. With a countermove the
young man grabbed back his Bible, only to find the
priest g r a s p i ~ ghim by his ear and now trying to push
the young man from his chair. Retreating to the door,
his only way of escape, the priest fired a parting shot
a t the young man, still a mere babe in the truth, "You
have put me to shame before the whole family." The

210

Yearbook

young man, recalling Peter's words, replied in paraphrase, 'Whoever trusts in Christ wlil never.be put to
shame.' Quite by chance he met this same prlest a t the
home of another person of goodwill. The priest was intimidating the person of goodwill who knew little as yet
of God's Word. The young man quickly took out h ~ s
sword of the spirit, but before he could us: it the priest
shouted to him, "Keep your mouth shut. Ilastily thc
priest withdrew once more. To date the priest has not
been seen a t either of these two homes again. However,
the young inan is now preaching God's Word v,7ith confidence and is also considering dedication and water
baptism, while the man of goodwill along with all his
family is preparing for service and baptism as well.
BONAIRE
Peak Publishers:

&6

Population :
Ratio:

7,100
1 to 273

The island's first Witness and congregation servant,

who had been lying ill in the hospital, died. Much pressure to take a blood transfusion had been brought upon
this aged brother by his Catholic family, but, though
old and tired, he kept his integrity till death. There had
been much talk about this brother's stand both in Curacao, where he was in the hospital, and in Bonaire. His
sudden death seemed to have stunned even the opposers, and his body was flown by charter pIane back
to Bonaire. It happened right in the middle of a circuit
assembly, and funerals cannot wait in the tropics, not
even for circuit assemblies. The funeral discourse was
given by the district servant in English to a large
crowd gathered a t the home, and it was translated by
the circuit servant into Papiamento. Then, after the
long walk to the graveside, another discourse was presented to a further large crowd. Many more heard the
message of the good news that day than would ever
have attended the assembly. Following the funeral the
publishers took the opportunity to make back-calls on
many people and to answer their questions about our
position with regard to blood. Quite a number of the
Blood, Nediciwe and the Law of God booklets were
placed and a fine witness was given. The simplicity and
sincerity of the funeral had impressed even the family,
and now the brothers are being received with much
more friendliness. One man took a double subscription,
the Paradise book and the Blood booklet. Another
prominent lady said how disgusted she was with her
religious leader who told her that 'taking blood was
not important.' Still another man expressed his appreciation in a practical manner by freely transporting

Yearbook
several of the brothers who had attended the funeral
home to Curacao on his boat. The local publishers have
certainly learned this year that each one must carry
his own load of responsibility as a servant of God.
NEWFOUNDILBND
Peal< Publishers: 645

Population:
Zaeio:

483,000

1 Lo 743

Jehovah's witnesses have worked urgently to

reach the goal of ten hours for congregation publishers in Newfoundland. They did not quite reach
the goal, but they are still trying to average that
for each month of the year. The brothers in Newfoundland have problems, even as do our brothers
in other lands. They are anxious to share in the
preaching activity and to be a t i t urgently in
favorable season and in troublesome season. Here
are a few interesting experiences from the branch.
The following experience was related by a sister:
"Since my dedication to Jehovah nearly six years ago
I had never been able to reach my quotas in hours,
back-calls and Bible studies regularly. My health had
always been poor; so with four children, a husband
and a home 'LO care for, it took all my time. However,
one of the more mature sisters in our congregation
continued without letup in a loving way to encourage
me to take part in the service with her. This I did
after a long time. I found I really enjoyed it. I started
attending the midweek activity and with help started
a Bible study with a lady who is anxious to learn
the truths of God's Word. We also do sermon work
on that day. A few weeks later I started another Bible
study. By this time I was enjoying the service so
much I didn't want to stay home a t all while the
children were in school. I found it was no trouble
a t all to meet the quotas, because now I am serving
Jehovah from thirty to sixty hours a month and meeting
all the other quotas as well and enjoying every minute
of it. I can truthfully say my health is f a r better
than it has ever been and I don't have the headaches
I used to have despite the time spent in preparing
for service, meetings and student talks. Jehovah has
indeed been good to me, and with his help I know
I will continue to reach all the quotas from now on."
Do you hesitate to go from house to house among
your immediate neighbors, especially if they have
shown opposition? A Bible study conductor tells how

212

Yearbook

he and his service group were blessed by not holding

back from witnessing to their neighbors. He says:
"Anyone that had ever called on the street where I
live was treated rather rudely and, of course, no
literature was placed. However, the time came for
our group to work the same territory with the
rurrent literature offer. Everyone squirmed at the
thought. I took the calls nearest my home and the
other publishers worked the rest oi the street. The
first few people contacted were really polite. I was
in for greater surprises. A few houses from my own
I: was invited in and was able to deliver the sermon.
The man's interest was verified when he readily took
tIie Bible-study aid 'Let God Be True.' The same thing
happened again a few doors farther on when a young
couple invited me in. When the street was enished
we had placed five bound books with the neighbors
we had hesitated to talk to."
NEW ZEALAND
Peak Publiskers: 4,355

Population:
Ratio:

2,538,033
I to 583

The branch office in New Zealand was able to do

a little expansion work during the year when some
brothers moved out to the Cook Islands and started to witness there. They devoted many hours to
the field and a spIendid witness was given. In addition to that, of course, there was a grand assembly in Auckland, New Zealand, part of the Aroundthe-VvTorld Asseinbly, and this served to give a fine
witness to the people of that country. Here are
some of the branch servant's comments on the
work done in that land during the past year.
The greatest witness ever given in New Zealand
for the ruling kingdom 01 God was during the 1963
service ear, which ended with the momentous Aroundt h e - ~ o r y dAssembly in Auckland, August 21-25. Never
before had so much preaching and teaching been done
in one year. Never before had one assembly caused
so many people to talk favorably about Jehovah's
witnesses. Unprecedented radio and television ncwscasts covering all New Zealand played a big part
in making it the most widely discussed religious convention in the Dominion's history and also the largest
on record.
Rlagazines continue to help many to come to a
knowledge of the truth, but following through is

Yearbook

213

essential if these Kingdom seeds are to grow. A placement of two magazines was followed up by a sister,
and the woman accepted the Ptaradise book. Instead
of just leaving it a t that, the sister demonstrated
how the book could be used to best advantage, and
a Bible study was started immediately. The studen.[:
prepares very thoroughly and when the study is conducted she never looks a t the book for answers. When
commended for this, she said: "I thought i t would
be cheating to look a t the book." Later in a short
organizational talk after one of the studies, the part
that women can have in the theocratic ministry school
was explained, along with benefits it provides for
the ministry. She was glad to hear of this, because
she commented: "I have been thinking about becoming
a Witness, and the ministry school is just what I
need to help me."
We are very grateful to Jehovah for the spiritual
prosperity throughout the year and the loving and
devoted ministry of Brothers Franz and Suiter, who
added so much to our first international asscmbly.
COOK ISLANDS
Peak Publisliers: 6

Population:
Zatio:

18,378
1 t o 3,063

A fine start has been made to bring the good news

of the Kingdom to the people of the Cook Islands
since 1962, when a New Zealand family moved to
Rarotonga, the main island of the Cook group. Numbering fifteen in all and covering an area of ninetythree square miles, these islands are owned and administered by the New Zealand government. The
island of Rarotonga has 8,676 of the total population.
The native Polynesian people read and speak a
Maori dialect similar to the New Zealand Maori and
they were glad to have the tract Life in, a New World
in their own Rarotongan language. It was given out
when the film "The Happiness .of the New World
Society" was screened six times, with a tofal attendance
of 300. As a result many are now askrng for home
Bible studies. Even before these showings the two New
Zealand special pioneers had established sixteen Bible
studies. Already three local persons are pub1ish:ng
the "everlasting good news" and conducting studles.
In 1962 a person of goodwill was prevented from
attending the Memorial by his violently opposed Roman
Catholic wife, who wrecked his bicycle with a n ax,
but through the man's f a i t h f ~ ~endurance
l
his wife
has now accepted the truth. She greatly assisted him
in bringing a number of others to the 1963 Memorial,
which was attended by twenty-four persons.

214
NICAIRAGUA
Peak Publishers:

Yearbook
Popahtion:
580

Ratio:

1,642,695
1 to 2,832

Nicaragua is a very warm Central American

country. This is not only true of the climate, but
there is also a very warm spiritual climate. Tlie
brothers and sisters there have shown affection
and consideration, not only for those in the congregation, but for the people scattered throughout
the country. They want to help them learn the
truth and find the way to life. The branch servant
has sent in some experiences that are very interesting.
A publisher writes how he started a study with a
Nazarene who was formerly a Baptist. Soon he accompanied the brother in service, showing remarkable
advancement. He was seen in the work by the Baptist
minister, who later went to find out why he was
preaching. "I was associated with you for years and
you never told me of my responsibility to be a minister." "But you don't have to be a minister," cried
the Baptist. "Every Christian has to be," the goodwill
person said, and then quoted Joel 2:28,29 and Matthew
23:19,20. Suddenly the minister found he had urgent
business elsewhere. Later, the Nazarene minister visited and asked, "Are you one of Jehovah's witnesses?"
"No, I'm studying to be. I'm not qualified yet." "It
seems to me that you are qualified," bemoaned the
preacher.
With all the blessings we have received, the new
branch building along with a good increase and many
field experiences, one of the most precious was to see
the tears of appreciation stream down the faces of
our brothers here when they returned from the "Everlasting Good News" Assen~blies. They were deeply
moved a t seeing the intensified degree of unity and
warm love of their assembled brothers. How vital a
part of our lives these assemblies are! One sister
related to us that her Bible study person decided to
stop her studies. All efforts were futile to reestablish
her study, as the pressure was great from her family.
Later, one of her sons, who was studying in another
home, came to her and invited her to attend the circuit
assembly the day of his symbolizing his dedication.
The mother felt she could not refuse to be there and
so attended. She was so impressed with the warm
greetings from the brothers and the love there that
she attended the remainder of the assembly. Despite

Yearbook

215

more opposition from her family, she started her study,

having it twice weekly, and now participates in the
service.
Will magazine routes, if well cared for, fade away
to nothing during the absence of the publisher who
attends an assembly and is gone several months? One
missionary writes: "On returning from the New Pork
assembly one of my first interests was to see how
my magazine route was. With much joy I found them
lamenting the lack of magazines. One man to whom
I took three issues said, 'Three nothing! You owe me
ten."' So by placing ourselves first a t the doors of
the people we can place magazines and keep in touch
with them, noting those who are prospective "sheep."
NPGEIRIA
Peak Publishers: 37,073

Popula~on: 35,000,000
Batio:
1 to 944

A fine witness was given during the past year

in Nigeria, a land where some men cast certain
carved stickrs on the ground to read the future. In
one instance, on viewing the position of the sticks
the man reading them said: "'This means trouble."
Others said: "What trouble is this and what sacrifices are needed to appease the trouble?" Just then
there was an alert publisher passing nearby and
he said: "I can tell you about the trouble. Look,
the Bible tells you all about the trouble and here is
the Watchtower magazine based on the Bible. If
you want to survive the trouble, then survive Armageddon." The brothers of the land of Nigeria
seize every opportunity and preach the good news
with success. Here is a report from the branch servant in Lagos on the countries of Nigeria, Dahomey and Fernando Po.
At Ago-Sasa a priest of Sango cursed a pioneer
who refused to obey ordgrs to quit the town in seven
days. The next day an unseasonal thunderstorm struck
the vicinity of the Kingdom Hall while the pioneer
was there studying privately. Lightning burned out a
breadfruit tree in the Kingdom Hall yard and momentarily paralyzed the pioneer. A few days later a
villager explained to the pioneer the cause of his
unusual experience: "You must have powerful medicine. When the juju priest left you he got bitter kola
and a fowl and made a curse against you before

216

Yearbook

Sango. Sango struck your hall but you lived. And

now this very day that juju priest of Sango has been
struck dead by lightning in his own home." Then
there was only a congregation book study being held
a t Ago-Sasa. But the townspeople who were listening
to the sermon when the priest threatened the pioneer
regarded it as a trial of spirit power. Convinced of
Jehovah's supremacy, many villagers have taken to
the truth and now a large congregation is flourishing
a t Ago-Sasa.
An experience a t school demonstrates how effective
our young ones can be. A loving father bought a
Paradise book for his eleven-year-old daughter and
taught her from it as a godly parent should. The
child took the book to school regularly to read during
recreation and other nonstudy periods. Soon her companions would gather around asking questions, which
the girl answered. The ochoolrnates were especially
delighted by her enthusiastic explanations of the pictures in the book, which evidently reflected her father's
home instruction. Gradually, the teachers heard of it
and sent for the girl and the book. The child gave
a wonderful witness in answer to their many questions
about paradise. "Bring us four Paradise books tomorrow!" In this manner, the eleven-year-old placed
Pour Paradise books and six other bound books with
her teachers. Praise can come out of the mouth of babes.
Children can help even their parents into the truth.
A boy of thirteen learned the truth when he visited
his uncle during holidays. When he returned home
he began telling his mother the new things he had
learned. Though a prominent woman in the local C.M.S.
church, she, nonetheless, got interested in what her
son was telling her. She obtained "Let God Be True,"
and a sister started a Bible study with her, which
her son supported. That did it. Before long she was
attending the congregation book study and all the
meetings. Her first day in the service brought her
and the son fierce persecution from the husband, who
is a committee member of the C.M.S. church. The
son was sent away from home, but he joined his
uncle and continued studying and preaching. The
husband kept up his opposition and persecution of
the wife, telling her to drop 'this crazy religion' and
rejoin him in the C.M.S. church. Instead, she remains
steadfast for the truth. Both the mother and son have
since been immersed in symbol of their dedication
to Jehovah, who has founded strength out of the
mouth of children.-Ps. 8:2.

Yearbook

217

Population:
1,000,000
Peak Publishers: 1,455
Etatao:
1 to 1,375
The work in Dahomey moved ahead very well during
the past year. There were increases in all features
of Kingdom service.
To free people from superstition requires a lot of
patience. This is demonstrated in an experience of a
circuit servant. He visited a man who had subscribed
for the Yoruba Watchtower in the belief that the
magazine would help him with spiritistic cures. The
man's room was simply filled with all kinds of "medicine," as the various juju objects, charms and talismans are called. IIowever, the circuit servant started
a Bible study with him. On a subsequent visit to the
congregation, the circuit servant visited the man for
a Bible study. Noticing that the truth was beginning
to take root, the circuit servant kindly explained to
the man that Jehovah would never listen to the
prayers in the house if the man continued to keep
all these "medicines" tied around everywhere. The
man said nothing. However, when the circuit servant
visited after the next four months, he called at the
house and found that the man had got rid of all the
juju objects and "medicines"! Not only that, but he
attended the circuit assembly, he is now preaching
regularly to his family,. and one of his sons is a
regular publisher preparing for baptism.
Twenty-nine adult publishers learned to read and
write in congregational literacy schools during the
year. They demonstate that it can be done.
DAM0,MEY

FERNANDO PO
Peak PabUshers:

Population:
212,000
Ratio:
1 to 2,865
The brothers in Fernando Po, although working
under difficulties, have put forth good efforts to hold
high the Kingdom good news in their various locations.
Being under contract and hence unable to move about
freely, they, nevertheless, manage to preach many
hours in the compounds available to them. And being
under Spanish rule where the work is not recognized
forces them to work in an unobstrusive manner mainly
on back-calls.
A brother, on taking employment ia Fernando Po,
immediately visited the manager of the estate and
politely explained that he was greatly interested in
the Bible and liked to preach among the workers.
The manager seemed to be verv nleased and considered
it good thgt his workers have&minister among them,
thus a.cting as a quieting influence. He gladly gave
14

Yearbook
the brother freedom to preach to the men and told
him to report any person who tried to stop him.
Since then the brother has been enjoying much freedom
for the ministry.
NOIRTHEZN RIPODESIA
Peak Bub2Lishe1.s: 29,358

Population:
Ratio:

8,498,500

1 to 119

Our brothers in Northern Rhodesia are putting

up with a lot of difficulties and harassment by
various political parties. These have disturbed
quite a number of our brothers. There are still
many people in the land who are seeking out 3ehovah's people and who are coming to the point of
dedicating their lives to Jehovah and being baptized. However, these new ones do not take the
place of many who have left the organization. An
accurate knowledge of God's Word is very essential, and Jehovah's witnesses all over the world
must come to appreciate more and mare the need
for such. Here are some reports that the branch
oEce in Mitwe sent in on Northern Rhodesia, Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
Conduct worthy of the good news in an entire tribal
area resulted in a young English married couple's
associating with the New World society. Sent by one
of the English universities to make a sociological
study of the African way of life, they were immediately impressed by the marked contrast between
the way of life of the African Witnesses and the other
Africans, nominally Christian and pagan. They noticed,
to quote them, '"hat Jehovah's witnesses were more
progressive, mature, cooperative and law-abiding," and
so they decided that they would have to study the
religion of the Witnesses to find out why they were
so different. The man is compiling a report to be
published in book form and he says that the work
of Jehovah's witnesses will appear throughout the
book, not because he is already interested, but because
he must put the facts in his report. They admitted
that their deep interest was no longer an impersonal
one of sociologists but that because of the conduct
of the Witnesses they were now personally interested
in the truth of the Bible as preached by Jehovah's
witnesses, and they expressed their desire to progress
in their study of this.

When the district servant visited a missionary he

arranged for him to show the Society's film to the
Asian community. The missionary writes: "After the
film a boy of fifteen came to us and asked if he
could subscribe for The Watchtower and Awake? After
the first back-call his Hindu parents objected; so he
arranged to come to the missionary home for his
study. He came several times a week during his school
vacation. When he had to return to school in another
town I arranged for the brothers there to continue
studying with him. The first week he was in school
there was a meeting of all Hindus. At tine meeting
when he was asked to speak, he used the information
from the chapter 'The Spread of Hinduism' in What
Has Religion Dovhe for Mankind? Many began to
murmur that this was not Hindu doctrine but Christian; so he said that those who wished to decide for
themselves which religion was right could study with
him. As a result each week after that, instead of going
to the Hindu meeting, nine of the students met with
him for Bible study. When he heard of the national
assembly at ICitwe, he arranged to spend his school
vacation visiting relatives there so that he could attend
every session. At present he is home for school vacation,
and he has accompanied me in the field service and
attends the congregation meetings."
Brother Henschel's visit was certainly encouraging
and upbuilding, and all the brothers were very happy
to have a member of the governing body a t their
national assembly. This was a truly integrated assembly, and to cater to the four main language groups
four separate but adjoining arenas were built in the
bush near Kitwe. There was a peak attendance of
24,551, with 631 being baptized at Northern Rhodesia's
first multiracial baptism. Delighted expressions of
appreciation for this demonstration of the unity of
the New World society were heard from the brothers,
worldly persons and political party officials who
attended the assembly.
TANGANPIKA
Peak Publishers: 815

Population:
9,560,000
Eatio :
1 eo 11,730

At a sugar estate the African workers were threatening to strike because the posho (staple food of maize
porridge) was very thin and watery. A European
person of goodwill then suggested that one of Jehovah's witnesses be appointed as cook. After this there
were many expressions of satisfaction from the workers
about the quality of the posho. In fact, the commen-

220

Yearbook

dation was such that the goodwill person began to

be worried that our brother had been using more
than the allowed ration of maize flour. However,
before he could inquire into this the brother turned
up with a large sack half full of the maize flour, explaining that this was what was left over from the
ration allowed to him for making the workers' porridge. There had never been a surplus before.
The highlight of the year was, of course, the visit
of Brother Henschel and the national assembly. For
this assembly the finest auditorium in all Tanganyika.
was obtained, the same hall that is used by the legislalive assembly when it is in session. During the
assembly several government workers had to pass
through the building, and their attention was attracted
by the sight of African, Coloured and European
brothers working in close harmony. They made appreciative comments about this evidence of the unity
existing among Jehovah's witnesses and some listened
to part of the sessions. Among those who came along
to hear Brother Henschel was the mayor.
Population:
299,400
Eatio:
1 to 99,800
The American fanlily stationed on this "Island of
Cloves" have continued to work steadily throughout
the year and it now looks as if some fruitage may
be produced from among the predominantly Moslem
population here. The showing of the film "The Happiness of the New World Society'' aroused some good
interest. A few promising Bible studies were started,
including some with Asian and African RIIoslems. One
of these, an Indian Moslem, speaks of himself as a
witness of Jehovah and is witnessing boldly among
his friends, explaining that Jehovah is the only supreme
God. Three of the Bible students have indicated that
they are considering sharing in the house-to-house
ministry, and it is hoped that in the first month of
this service year a t least one sf them will do so.
As the brother's contract is ending, this family will
have to leave the island in a few months, but they
hope that some of those who have expressed a desire
to serve on this scenic island \%ill arrive before then
so that Ll?e goodwill persons may have continuous
assistance and encouragement. According to the brother,
as long as one does not engage in secular work there
would be no dificulty to remain there on a visitor's
pass telling others the "everlasting good news."
ZANZIBAR

Peak Publishers: 3

Yearbook
NORWAY
Peak Publishers: 3,944

Population :

Ratio:

221.
3,655,000
1 to 921

Ht has been very observable that as materialism

increases and prosperity grows, and they get a
strong grip on the people, some brothers get ensnared. Those, however, who keep putting Kingdom hterests first in their lives are richly blessed.
All this great prosperity around them does not
attract them away from doing the will of God. It
is something that must be watched by every individual. Norway is beginning to feel the pull
toward materialistic pursuits. The branch sends in
some interesting experiences on what is happening in the land.
Is it possible for a whole family to be vacation
pioneers a t the same time? Yes! It was done by a
family who served a s vacation pioneers on their way
home from the international convention in Stockholm.
They were father, mother and four children, eighteen,
fifteen and thirteen years of age and one one year
of age. Five of the family used from two to six hours
each day jn the service, and they took care of the
youngest, each one in his turn. "This proved to be
the most ideal vacation for us," the father writes to
the Society, "and we strongly recommend to other
families to use their vacation in the vacation pioneer
service. We have never I ~ a dsuch a joyful vacation
before."
The following experience shows how necessary it
is for a woman to endure in faith despite opposition
from her husband and that this even may lead to an
opening of the husband's eyes. A special pioneer sister
writes: "After having studied a couple of times wlth
a woman in 'Let God Be True' she soon found out
that this was the truth and before long attended the
meetings regularly. However, her husband disliked
this and tried to make her stop studying, but in vain.
She encouraged him in a friendly way to read some
of the Society's literature, but he did not even wa?t
to touch a magazine. But he noticed one thing-h~s
wife continued to study with the same zeal. One
evening he felt that he had to look into this book
'Let God Be True,' and he soon realized that what he
read was quite different from what he had believed.
He not only read Z e t God Be True,' but he asked for
all the latest books of the Society. Me began to attend

222

Yearbook

the congregational meetings, and he and his wile

were both present a t a circuit assembly that was held
in the town where they lived. He asked me to have
the study in his home a t a time when he could be
present too, because, he said, he wanted to make progress in the truth together with his wife. They both
soon understood how important it is to tell the truth
to others, and in April she started in the service. He
enrolled in the ministry school and started in the
service in June, and they both went with me to the
international convention in Stockholm."
NPASALWPuTB)

Peak Publishers: 15,t31

Population:
Eatio:

2,983,6430
1 to 198

Jehovah's witnesses in Nyasalland in certain

areas have had opportunity to prove the depth of
their devotion and their love for Jehovah God during the past service year. Many of them have had
to go through some very unpleasant experiences,
but they have kept the apostle Paul's wcprds in
mind as found in Romans 8 ~ 3 5 ,37: "Who will
separate us from the love of the Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or hunger or
nakedness or danger or sword?" Many have had to
face real tests of integrity, and so will all of Jehovah's witnesses worldwide, but they prove themselves worthy of Christ's love despite hardships.
I-Xere are some experiences sent in by the branch
in Blantyre covering Nyasaland and Mozambique.
Many times faithfulness under persecution brings
increase and makes honest-minded people think. In
one area up north a Kingdom Hall was burned down
and both brotners and sisters were mistreated. When
the people saw the unity among the brothers and in
what a wonderful noncomplaining spirit the brothers
took everything, many came lo the congregation servant, in fact, about thirty of them, and said words
to this effect: "Now we know that your church is
the true church, because no one else would be able
to take all these bad things that have happened to
you as you do. You are true Christians and therefore
we want to become members of your church." The
congregation servant told them what they would have
to do and that Jehovah's witnesses would be happy

Yearbook

223

to study the Bible with them. Many Bible studies

have now been started.
Age is no hindrance to accepting the truth. When
a district servant went with a publisher to a home
Bible study he learned that the student was 101 years
of age. But you should have heard that man answer the review questions after the study! We
invited him to come to the public talk the following
day. "But," said the district servant, "it is three miles
to the meeting place. Perhaps we should try to arrange
some transport." "No need for that," .said.the old man.
"1 need some exercise, and three mlles IS nothlng to
me." Did he come to the meeting? Yes, and he was
usually the first to applaud when some fine Scriptural
points were brought out. When the talk was over
he expressed his appreciation for what had been said
and added that he had been preaching to some e ~ g h t
men before coming to the meeting.
Certainly this has been an eventful year in the lives
of Jehovah's witnesses in Ngasaland. Brother Henschel
visited the country and gave some excellent -points
of counsel. To this very day the brothers are revrewlng
points he brought out. The national assembly was
successful because Jehovah blessed it.
The letter from Brother Knorr informing us that,
because of the generosity of the brothers worldwide,
eleven full-time servants would be able to attend the
"Everlasting Good News" Assembly in London made
us glad. Then, too, we received permission from Brother
Knorr to start mimeographing The Watchtower in
Tumbuka. The first two issues have now been sent
out and the Tumbuka-speaking brothers in the troubled
Northern Province are overwheImed with thankfulness to the Gives of "every good gift and every
perfect present," Jehovah our heavenly Father.
MOZARaBlrQtJE
Population:
6,170,000
Peak Publishers: 981
Ratio :
1 to 6,283
What a thrill for the brothers in Lourenco Marques,
the capital of Mozambique, to have Brother Henschel
in their midst for three days! Certainly the effect on
the Kingdom work of what Brother Henschel did during
those days can already clearly be seen. The brothers
in Mozambique have every reason to say with the
psalmist: "Taste and see that Jehovah is good!'
(Ps. 34:8) In most parts of the country they have
been able to carry on their preaching work peacefully
and Jehovah has blessed them with an excellent increase in the number of praisers of his name.

224

Yearbook

Never miss the opportunity to start a home Bible

study, A back-call wa.s made on a man who had
wntten to the branch office in Nyasaliand asking for
some publications. The man had moved out of town,
but a study was started with his sister-in-law instead,
who, as a result of the study, left her church and
began to attend the meetings. When the circuit servant visited the group, she went from house to house
with the circuit servant's wife and expressed great
joy, saying, "I thought I would be too nervous to say
anything, but the words seemed to come out so easily."
She spoke so naturally and sincerely that the people
listened intently to her words. Now a friend to whom
she has witnessed has stopped going to mass, which
she previously attended regularly.
PAKISTAN
Peak Publislaers: 162

Population: 93,000,000
Ratio:
1 to 574,074

The brothers were delighted during the year

with the fine progress made in gathering together
the "other sheep." The finest witness ever given
in the country was effected this year, with the
brothers and sisters spending 44,714 hours witnessing. They are also doing well with their Bible
studies, reaching a new peak in that field. Here is
what the branch office in Lahore reports concerning the work in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The brothers in Pakistan were indeed happy to be
able to assemble with our brothers from many lands
in New Delhi. Over forty persons were able to get
to the convention. I t will be a long time before we
stop talking about that assembly.
A congregation servant writes in this experience
showing the value of public lectures: ''A public lecture
on the subject 'Maintaining a Happy Family Circle'
was arranged to be given a t a congregation book
study center. A family in which the wife was Roman
Catholic and the husband was Pentecostal were invited to attend. They came and listened attentively
to the talk. After the talk the family was invited to
have a weekly Bible study, This was gladly accepted.
The husband and wife, after the first study, stopped
attending their respective church services. Mot only
this change came, but the wife gladly told that after
hearing the public lecture, the husband, who previously
used to beat her on even petty matters changed, and
love and happii~essnow prevail in the family. This

Yearbook

225

happy family progressed well in the truth. They have

now regularly published the good news for the last
six months and are keenly looking forward to the
next assembly, when they plan to be baptized."
Sometimes it is the goodwill people who come looking
for the brothers. A missionary wriies the following
expenence: "A man of the Muslim religion approached
me a s I was working from house to house near his
home and inquired about our work. He eagerly accepted the two magazines I offered him, and arrangements were made for me to call a t his home two
days later. He was waiting for me that day and we
immediately started to study in the 'Look!' booklet.
He made quick progress. From the beginning he
attended the congregation meetings and shared in
them with his own comments. He had previously been
to a number of 'Christian' religions to try to find
someone to teach him the Bible, but no one seemed
to want to bother, not even his neighbors who professed
Christianity, that is, until after I started to study
with him. Those who previously would not help him
now came with their offers to teach him, suggesting
that he was not getting the truth of Christianity Prom
us. It was all to no avail. We continued to study, attend
meetings, witness to his friends, even placing a New
World Translation Bible with one of his superior
officers a t work. When I felt the time was right, he
was invited to share with me in the house-to-house
work. He was keen to go and shared in giving a
witness!'
In East Pakistan there are 50,000,000 people and
we have only oile elderly sister to care for them.
Is there anyone who can come to Pakistan and serve
where the need is great?
AFGHANISTAN
Peak Publishers: 9

Population:
12,000,000
Ratio:
1 to 1,333,333

The brothers in Afghanistan were very happy to

attend the recent Around-the-World "Everlasting Good
News" Assembly in New Delhi. It certainly was the
highlight of the year. The local overseer of this small
faithful group writes: "The assembly was certainly
wonderful in all ways. I haven't enjoyed myself so
much since the Kingdom Ivlinistry School."
Another highlight of the .year for the brothers in
Afghanistan was the first visit of the circuit servant.
The brothers were spiritually strengthened and were
happy to have a busy week of service with the visitin
servant. I t is hoped that regular visits of the circufi
servant can now be made to this small group.

226

Yearbook

During the month of August the brothers found that

their magazines had accumulated. Taking to heart
the wise counsel given a t the assembly, they placed
them wherever they went. When they had totalled
up the report for the month, they had an average of
41.7 per congregation publisher.
PALNAMA
Peak Publishers:

1,470

Population:
&atlo:

1,177,419
1 to 881

Some things are hard to understand. Panama is

a country having an increase in hours, distribution of magazines, Bible studies and back-calls.
Why is it, then, that there was no overall increase
in the number of publishers? In Panama during
the year a number of unworthy ones were expelled
from the congregation so that the whole organization might be kept clean. Others left the organization of their own accord because of lack of interest. It appears that with more congregations
this year there will be more publishers next year.
If it is Jehovah's will for a greater increase to be
effected in Panama, it will be so. Here are some
of the experiences sent in by the branch.
"The deaf are hearing," said Jesus, in the message
he sent back to the inquiring John the Baptist. A simil a r report comes from a missionary in the interior of
Panama. Says she, "I started a study with a stone-deaf
man who could, however, read and speak. So, in the
study, he would read the question and then give the
answer. If it was not correct I would write the correct
answer for him. He soon became a regular publisher
and was baptized. His mother and sister were Catholics
and would not listen. Then the sister moved away and
began to study the Bible and to feel the need for help.
She sent to me for hterature, and I would send her
each issue of the magazines. Then she moved back
home to be able to study with me. Now she is baptized,
and the mother hopes to be a t the next assembly. Then
all the family will be in the truth. But the deaf heard
first."
Calling on "not-at-homes" produces surprising results
sometimes. A missionary sister reports: "Calling on a
home where no one was found previously I found a
woman lazily sunning herself, lying on the grass. I
spoke to her for about thirty minutes about the kingdom of God, but she showed little interest. But she did

Yearbook

227

admit that what I had said was from the Bible. Could
that mean a spark of interest? A booklet was left, so a
return call should tell the story. I t did. And what a
happy story! She had read the booklet. It made sense.
And now the householder supposed she would be changing her religion. I was sent to another assignment, but
this interest was cared for by another publisher. In just
six months from the initial call she symbolized her
dedication by water baptism. Her husband, a military
man, is deeply interested."
PtBPUA
Peak Publishers: 398

Population:
Ratio :

487,050
1 to 1,224

The message of Jehovah's kingdom continues to

spread out to the uttermost parts of the territory
of Papua, even penetrating back to areas where
there are demonized, heathen people. Many of
these people are now being molded by the principles of God's Word and are becoming mature
publishers of the Kingdom. It takes many months
and a lot of patience on the part of the mature
ones to help these illiterate people turn from the
worship of demons to the worship of the true God.
There are many very interesting experiences sent
in by the branch office located a t Port Moresby
concerning the work done in Papua, New Britain,
New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.
In most congregations the brothers are becoming
more discreet in starting new publishers in the field
service. A thorough check is made of each new prospective publisher and the requirements are fully explained
to him. The result has been that many have not been
allowed to report due to the fact, as an example, that
the bride price has not been fully paid. When these
matters are explained to them many begin to right
matters for themselves. This was illustrated in a congregation where the circuit servant was asked about a
certain person of goodwill. He had not paid the bride
price, though he had been married about eighteen
months. It was pointed out that, to conform to the Society's policy, he must pay the full bride price before
he could be counted as a publisher. When this information was translated to the man, he agreed, saying
that he was not really happy, either, with the way he
was living. During the few weeks following he was very
busy making arrangements to obtain the full bride

225

Yearbook

price. Now it is paid and a happy new publisher has

been added to the list!
Friendliness to strangers often pays dividends. Writes
a circuit servant: "On Monday morning my wife and I
together with three native brothers set out to paddle up
the river to visit an isolated group. 'This trip ta$es
eight hours. Just about midday another canoe carrylng
a European man and some Papuans passed us, going
down the river. We both nodded to them and after they
had passed I inquired from the native brothers as io
who the European was. They replied that he was the
manager of one of the local rubber and copra plantations. As we were learning these facts we noticed that
his canoe was turning around and coming back toward
us. Greeting us, this manager commented that usually
he acknowledged people when he passed them on the
river but that never before had anyone nodded back to
him. When we had done so he was impressed and asked
his Papuan boys who we were. On finding out he immediately decided to turn back and speak to us. Hc was
very friendly and invited us to his home for the night,
and we were happy to accept this hospitality.
"A very pleasant time was had with him and his wife.
He related to us an experience he had during the
'eclipse episode' when the missions were blaming Jehovah's witnesses for telling that such occurrence would
be a sign that the end of the world had come! The native boys were much frightened by such stories and
were leaving the plantations and returning home. The
plantation managers were blaming Jehovah's witnesses
for these stories. On this occasion our newly found
friend had spoken up in favor of Jehovah's witnesses
and said that even if individuals spread such stories the
organization as a whole was not to be condemned, as
he knew we were different. When the time came for our
return trip this plantation manager offered us the use
of his canoe with its outboard motor and sent a crew of
five boys to take it down for us, a t the same time
towing our paddle canoe behind.
"This plantation manager asked us to visit him again
and bring with us the Society's film so that it could be
shown to all the natives on the plantation. Now the
native congregation servant can visit his plantation and
conduct studies there any time he is in that area."
One of the big events of this year for us has been the
Melbourne "Everlasting Good News" Assembly, which
eighty-five witnesses from these islands were able to attend. Eighteen of these were native brothers!

Yearbook
NEW BRITAIN
Peak Publishers:

61

Population:
Ratio :

102,192
1 to 1,675

Up until this last year the work was confined

mostly to the town of Rabaul. Earlier in the year two
brothers went to work in a timber camp on the north
coast of New Britain Island. Now they have written in
to the congregation requesting literature and urgently
requesting that a pioneer be sent down to help them.
The one brother reports that he has over a hundred
interested persons with whom he regularly
conducts
studies.
At another center on this same island a native brother now regularly requests literature to satisfy the needs
of a whole village. After a pubIic discussion between
the brother and the local clergyman the villagers told
the priest to leave them a s they now want Jehovah's
witnesses to teach them and therefore have no further
necd of him!
The following experience serves to show how important it is to read and act on all advice given through
the pages of The Watchlower and also to realize that
even though we are.fortified with the truth and belong
to Jehovah's organization, we can still lay ourselves
open to attacks by wicked spirit forces. Four years ago,
a professional fortune-teller in the West Indies gave
her departing daughter .a gold bracelet from which
were suspended tlny replicas of horseshoes, wishbones,
and so forth. Recently, the daughter, who for the last
three years has been a faithful baptized witness of Jehovah, lovingly gave the bracelet to a young sister of
high school age. About two weeks later the younger sister became afflicted for two days with severe knifelike
pains in the stomach. When the first sister inquired as
to the nature of the pains, s h e said: "Do you know, they
are the same kind of pains that Z have suffered for
over four years, often with tears, and which the doctors
could not cure. But now that you mention it, I realize
that ever since I gave you that bracelet I have not had
the pains a t all. Just the other day, however, the circuit servant's wife suggested that in view of what the
article 'Resisting Wicked Spirit Forces' in the March 15,
1963, issue of The Watchtower had to say we should
think of that bracelet in the event of any strange things
happ~ningin your house. You see, my mother used to
experience bed-shaking, which indicates demon activity.
But it had never occurred to me that there may have
been a connection between that bracelet and my pains,
which ow seem to have been transferred to you. You
must get rid of that bracelet as The Watchtower zdvised us to do." The bracelet was then carefully con-

Yearbook
cealed inside an empty fish can and deposited in the
rubbish dump. Neither sister has experienced the pains
since then!
NEW GUINEA
Population:
1,224,003
Peak Publishers: 215
Ratio:
1 to 5,693
One brother and his wife have just returned home,
and he tells the following experience that illustrates
how interest can be aroused and prejudice overcome by
a tactful approach.
"On arrival in my village I immediately began calling on the homes of my friends and relatives, to share
with them all the good things my wife and I had
learned. In this Catholic community many showed interest and asked questions. Soon the whole village was
talking about this new religion, much to the dismay
of the native Catholic teacher. He then began going
from house to house warning the people not to have
anything to do with this new religion and saying all
kinds of evil things about me. On hearing these accusations, I decided to confront the teacher; so I waited
close to the path when I saw him coming along. As he
approached I stepped out in front of him holding out
my hand in greeting. At the sight of me he began to
tremble, and when I confronted him with the accusations he had made, he a t first denied them. As his anger
increased he admitted that he had warned the people
against me and told them not to accept this 'new mission! I remained very calm and, after opening my Bible, I began explaining the work of Jehovah's witnesses
to him. As I progressed in my explanation his anger
subsided and soon he was asking questions and showing
interest. Then he said he was very sorry for all the
nasty things he had said about me and asked if we
could have further discussions. We met regularly during my month's vacation in the village. Now we are
continuing our study by correspondence. I am hoping
he will cast off the shackles of false religion and become a real teacher of Jehovah's truth."
The brother and sister who left their comfortable
quarters in Port Moresby to settle in the western highlands of New Guinea write: "Every effort was made to
stop us from obtaining land for our trade store and
home. The local priest roused these primitive people to
go to the government district officer and ask him to
send us back to Australia, a,s they did not want us
there. This just officer said 'No.
"As time went by, these primitive people found out we
were very kind to them. This was something foreign to
them. Often tears would come to their eyes when we

Yearbook

231

showed kindness. The result was that one day the owners of the land gathered to say that they had changed
their minds and now wanted us to stay. However, the
interpreter of the priest came to try to excite to opposition. We took the 'bull by the horns' and took this
mobster right up to the priest's house, with many of the
native folk following us. Here we informed the priest
we would not stand for his bigotry and intolerance any
longer and that he was not acting in a Christlike manner. Then we left the priest and went straight to the
district officer with about fifty native folk following us.
We told him what had occurred a t the priest's house
and gave him a copy of the U.N. Charter to read, showing him that there should be freedom of religion, especially in a United Nations protectorate."
SOLOIVPON ISLANDS
Peak Piiblishers: 299

Population:
Ratio:

130,000
1 to 435

The service year in the Solomon Islands ended on an

enthusiastic and exciting note. Due to the contributions
made by the brothers in other lands all the native special pioneers, six in number, were able to attend the
Melbourne "Everlasting Good News" Assembly. What
changes for them! They had to learn so many things:
to wear shoes, long trousers and coats, sleep in real
beds, have several blankets a t night to keep warm,
even use a hot-water bottle to get their feet warm!
They saw their first trains and then spent several days
on them to reach the assembly.
Often these native pioneers had been asked by the
villagers: "What does the government of Australia
think about Jehovah's witnesses? Are there many Witnesses in that country?" Now they can truly answer
these questions. They were thrilled to see over 12,000
Witnesses gathered in Melbourne.
The truthfulness of Jesus' words, "The harvest is
great," is being experienced by the publishers working
on the island of Malaita. The two native special pioneers who were sent to aid the many goodwill people
there are now studying with over 500 people by means
of picture sermons on blackboards, which helps to
hurdle the barrier of illiteracy. Now many hundreds
more are requesting brothers to come and teach them,
and the original twenty-eight villages requesting help
have increased to many more. One of their former
mission pastors has made his dedication and been baptized and is now carrying on a fine work and is conducting Bible studies with over forty people.

232
PA%AGUAY
Peak Publishers:

Yearbook
461

PopnlaEon:
Eatio:

1,816,890
1 t o 8,941

The past year has been one of spiritual prosperity for Jehovah's witnesses in Paraguay, and
they are reaping the lruits of their labors. Paul
said: "So let us not give up in doing what is fine,
for in due season we shall reap if we do not tire
out." (Gal. 6 :9) Good reaping was done this year
in that the brothers in Paraguay enjoyed a
lere are some
9-percent increase in publishers. P
experiences reported by the branch.
December 22, 1962, saw the dedication of the first
Kingdom Hall to be bullt and owned by the brothers in
the country. It is a fine brick and cement structure that
can seat over 200. The time of the dedication tied in
nicely with the visit of the zone servant, so 173 persons
received a double treat, hearing the Society's traveling
representative deliver the dedication discourse and
other animating information. Many were the expressions of happiness, joy and gratitude that were heard
during the period of fellowshiping that followed. The
construction of the hall itseli provided a fine witness
as men, women and children took part in digging, mixing cement, polishing bricks and later painting and
cleaning up. Seeing all this activity over an extended
period of time, the city electrical inspector said: "I y n
see that you truly have an organization of workers.
Time that is spent studying with people and teaching
them what the Bible has to say can never be looked
upon as wasted, even if the results do not manifest
themselves right away. A missionary brother on coming
to Paraguay nine years ago began his very first study
with a man who had three young children. The study
progressed for some time but the man did not seem to
want to accept responsibility, so the study was stopped,
with the man continuing as a subscriber and attending
an occasional public meeting. Through his study he
recognized that Jehovah's witnesses had the truth and
so he never bothered sending any of his children to the
local Catholic church. But as time passed and the children grew older, the neighbors began to ask them why
they did not attend church and began to apply pressure
to get them to do so. Seeing that his cl?ildren could not
give satisfactory answers to the neighbors' questions,
the man made arrangements to have the brother study
with them. On his arrival for the first study the brother
was surprised to see three young people waiting and all

Yearbook

233

ready for the study with their Bibles open. They were
now youths of sixteen to twenty years of age. From the
time of the first study they have never missed a meeting, and after three months of study all u7cre out in the
service and having part in the theocratic ministry
school. The oldest was baptized after five months of
study and Pegan vacation pioneer service immediately
on completing six months as a regular publisher, and
his goal now is the regular and special pioneer service.
His younger brother and sister, too, are making f i ~ e
progress. The father? He is happy and proud that his
children can now give an answer to those who ask
about their hope. Thc missionary brother? Me is happy
that nine years ago he planted the seed that is now
bearing fruit.
PERU
Peak Publishers: 1,824

Population:
Ratio:

12,014,000
1 to 6,587

The fourth class of the Kingdom Ministry

School was held in Peru this year, and the branch
servant feels certain that the good progress during the year has been made possible by the excellent training and counsel that this school has
provided for the overseers. Jehovah's witnesses
have worked hard in Peru, both overseers and
publishers together, and the harvest was good.
They enjoyed a 15-percent increase and we are
very grateful that twenty-seven brothers and sisters could be helped to attend the assembly during
the past summer. A total of eighty-four delegates
represented Peru a t three assemblies held in the
United States. They had many good experiences in
the field service, and the branch sends in the
following.
When necessity causes one to leave a new Bible study
for a time, he wonders whether the interest will wane
during his absence. Prior to leaving for the New Yorlr
assembly a missionary started a study with a butcher
and his family who, in the three or four studies held
before his departure, showed remarkable progress. On
returning to his assignment he was anxious to learn
how this family had fared. He was happy to find they
had continued their studies and meeting attendance,
and that the wife had removed all her Catholic images
from the walls of her home. Gifted with an inquiring
mind, the butcher had decided to visit other non-

234

Yearbook

Catholic organizations to compare their teachings with

the truth. First he visited the Pentecostal church, where
he was invited to attend services in a public park and
was told later that he would have their teachings explained to him some other time. The services were devoid of truth. Meanwhile a group of Salvation Army
people arrived to compete with the Pentecostals, and in
the resultant confusion the butcher was abandoned.
He decided to visit the Mormons. He asked for information on their doctrines and was told to listen to the
talk that was being delivered in the Mormon church.
After the talk he renewed his request but was told that
it was time for the recreation period. Disgusted a t the
childish games played right in the church, he was convinced that the only organization interested in teaching
the people the truth is that of Jehovah's witnesses. He
has stopped wasting his time seeking knowledge in other
organizations and is now concentrating on increasing
his knowledge of the truth.
Fearing Jehovah rather than men helped a young
pioneer brother working from door to door who unexpectedly came upon the home of a Catholic priest. He
was invited to enter and be seated. I t was the first time
the brother had ever met a priest face to face in offering the message and a touch of panic made him wish he
had dismissed himself without entering. Could he ably
present his sermon to this man of academic and theological background? With a silent prayer he boldly
began, "I am a bearer of God's Word and I have an
important message for you concerning peace." The
priest listened condescendingly. During the sermon he
stopped and asked the priest, "When will true p:ace
come?" "That is something no one knows, my son, he
replied. The young brother responded, "God has provided his Word by means of which mankind can learn
about his purposes, and since you do not know, I, one of
Jehovah's witnesses, shall tell you when true peace will
come. Do you know the meaning of the 'Our Father'?"
The priest blushed, still a t a loss for words. "Then I
shall teach you the meaning of it," our brother continued. The clergyman listened intently with admiration
in his eyes as this youngster demonstrated an excellent
command of the Holy Scriptures. The priest, with an
equal lack of response to other questions, finally took
two booklets and congratulated the brother for his good
preparation and expressed his appreciation for an organization that could train young people boldly to defend their faith as this young brother had done. Truly,
"he that is trusting Jehovah will be protected."-Prov.
29: 25.

Yearbook
PHPLI[PPINE REPUBLIC
Peak Publishers: 36,836

Population:
Eatio :

235
11,413,000
1 to 746

Jehovah's witnesses greatly rejoice in that 2,342

newly baptized brothers and sisters joined their
ranks to preach the good news of the Kingdom in
the Philippine Islands. The outstanding event sf
the past year was the "Everlasting Good News"
Assembly. This was not only the largest convention to date for the Philippines, but also by far the
happiest and most successful. The branch servant
has sent in some interesting experiences, which
are published herewith.
The outstanding event of the service year was our
grand privilege of being one of the hosts of the Aroundthe-World Assembly. Many hundreds of brothers
worked long and hard in preparation for this foremost
event, and the preassembly organization ran smoothly.
The day before the assembly was to begin on August 14, however, a storm warning was broadcast.
Typhoon "Luding" was on her way. She arrived in all
her fury on the opening day and played havoc with the
platform and the temporary roofing that had been
built over the bleacher section, even flooding many departments in the stadium. The first session for field
service had to be canceled. However, late in the morning the winds began to subside, and immediately many
willing hands set to work to repair the damage. The
assembly program got under way with the afternoon
session and continued to a successful conclusion on a
beautiful Sunday afternoon with the public meeting
attendance of 37,806 far exceeding our most optimistic
hopes.
Although the year ended on such a joyful note,
anxious weeks were spent by the brothers here early in
the year when the Philippine government threatened to
deport all foreign missionaries. The branch servant was
given twenty days to submit a written memorandum
showing why the missionaries should not be deported.
The outcome of this was a letter from the Deportation Board to the branch office on December 10, 1962,
which said: "Please be advised that the case against
you and other members of your 'Jehovah's Witnesses:
for alleged refusal to salute our flag has been dropped.
In recommending the case to be dropped, the Secretary
of Justice was quoted in the Manila Tinaes of December 6, 1962, as saying: "It does not necessarily follow
that citizens who refuse to salute the flag for being

236

Yearboo7c

contrary to their religious beliefs are less patriotic and

less law-abiding than those who do."
Jesus said: "No one has left house or brothers or
sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my
sake and for the sake of the good news who will not
get a hundredfold now in this period of time, houses
and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and
fields." (Mark 10:29, 30) The truth of these words can
be seen in the following experience. An elderly couple
who were studying with a special pioneer were bang
strongly opposed by their children and friends. The
husband became ill and his children and neighbors
blamed the illness on his change of religion. The dying
man's son insisted on getting a priest to have the last
rites administered in order that he would die peacefully. But the dying man's wife boldly defended the
truth and explained what the Bible has to say about
death. Whcn the man died, none of the children or
neighbors came to help. The wife informed the special
pioneer, and soon a busload of brothers and sisters
from a nearby congregation came bringing a coffin and
Aowers, and they made all the arrangements for the
funeral. The brothers could not hire transportation to
the cemetery due to opposition and so they carried the
coffin seven kilometers (4.3 miles) in the rain. What
was the result? The special pioneer sister writes: "The
whole community was softened by the Christian cooperation that the brothers showed. The bereaved wife
and two of her daughters and a grandson are notv
immersed, while the sons who were so bitterly opposed
are now studying. All this because of the Christian conduct and loving help of Jehovah's people."
PORTUGAL
Beak Publislllers:

1,798

Population:
Ratio:

9,470,000
1 to 5,267

What couId be the result of increased persecution by the Portuguese government against Jehovah's :vitnesses? The b a n n i ~ gof the literature
pubiished by the Society was followed by a wave
of arrests and intimidatioai by the police. Did this
stop the brothers in their determination to serve
Jehovah God? The answer is that there was a
29-percent increase in the number of publishers.
They have kept on preaching the Word. Their attitude is the same as David's: "In God P have put
my trust. 1 shall not be afraid. What can earthling man do to me?"-Ps, 56:11.

Yearbook

237
There was no possibility of holding an assembly
in Portugal during the past year, but a goodly
number of the brothers were able to attend the
"Everlasting Good T.Jews" Assembly in Milan. This
came as a great refreshment to the brothers, and
they brought back plenty of good news to their
fellow workers in Portugal. Here are reports on
Portugal, Angola, Azores, Cape Verde Islands,
Madeira and S5o Tome.
Tilere have been not only many articles in the newspapers concerning us but also a series of discussions
on a television program called "Tomorrow Is Sunday"
by a Roman Ca.tholic priest. With the help of Protestant literature against us, he hoped to destroy the
doctrine of ''this sect that is becoming so popular in
Portugal and the rest of the world." His knowledge
of the Bible proved so negligible that his arguments
fell flat, and each week i t became more evident that
Jehovah's witnesses were truly a different and distinct
people who really practice their religion. As the series
continued different persons wrote in, and the priest
was so amazed a t the response that he decided to run
another series of talks on the same subject. One letter
was from the president of the Evangelical Methodist
Church of Portugal in which, although commending
the priest for what he was doing to stop Jehovah's
witnesses, he had to admit concerning them that "the
devotion and perseverance they have in spreading
their ideas by all means" must be noted. The letter
continued, "I have seen them all over Europe, on good
days and bad days, selling their literature, and many
times in the streets of the big cities the presence of
them is the only visible manifestation of religious
activity. How good it would be if everyone who accepts
Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior would manifest
the same consecration and activity."
Not content with trying to destroy our doctrines,
this priest began to call Jehovah's witnesses seditious.
His hope was to discourage people from talking with
Jehovah's witnesses, but what was the result? The
brothers immediately noted a more interested attitude
by many of the people they met in the door-to-door
work, and many curious people who had never taken
notice of us before have invited us into their homes.
The following is one such experience.
Two sisters were going from door to door and were
firmly told by a womai? a t one door that she was
not interested. Just a s the door was about to close,

238

Yearbook

her husband interrupted and invited the sisters to

come in. "Are you Jehovah's witnesses?" he asked.
"I have heard all about you on television and have
some questions to ask." He began by saying that the
priest on television had called us wolves who were
stealing the sheep, and he continued by making other
accusations against Jehovah's witnesses and said that
he should call the police. The sisters listened patiently
and then one said, "Do wolves attack sheep or sheep
attack wolves?" When the man agreed that it is always the wolves who attack, the sister replied, "Then
who is attacking whom on this television program?
Is it the wolves being attacked by the sheep?" The
sisters then had opportunity to answer some of his
questions, and arrangements were made for a backcall. Later during the week this same man was again
watching the television program about us with a friend
and he noticed that his friend was troubled by the
false statements being made. He asked why and
found out that his friend was studying with Jehovah's
witnesses. This was a surprise to him as his friend
had never mentioned it before, and now he determined
to have a study too. So, to the surprise of the two
sisters upon returning for the first back-call, the man
asked if he could have a study to learn more about
the Bible.
Due to the arrests of the brothers, one court trial
has already taken place and there will be several more
within the next few months. In the first trial, two
brothers, accused of holding illegal meetings, had been
arrested a t their homes and held for three days in
prison. A few weeks after being released they were
to appear in court. On the day of the trial the judge
was amazed to see the courtroom full of spectators
who had come to see the results. In Portugal such
court cases usually take only a few minutes to be
tried, but the judge was so interested that this one
lasted for almost three hours. During the trial the
judge quoted from the Watchtower magazine and
asked questions concerning several Bible subjects. Three
brothers gave a fine witness and the verdict proved
to be "Not guilty." A victory for Jehovah's people
and true worship!
ANGOLA
Population:
4,832,611
Beak Publishers: 58
Ratio:
1 to 83,322
For several years the Society had received a number
of subscriptions from a small village in the interior,
but when the subscriptions expired no renewals were
made. It was impossible to have anyone make the

Yearbook

239

back-call personally, so the Branch wrote directly to

one of the subscribers concerning the renewal. What
joy it was to receive an immediate answer asking
for a renewal of eight subscriptions and for all the
latest literature! The letter said, in part, "There are
seven of us here who would like to be baptized and
go out into the field service just like The Watchtower
says, but we don't know how. Could you help us?"
Their call for help has been answered and there are
seven more publishers regularly preaching each month.
The Protestant churches are active in Angola and
they continually try to stop the progress of Jehovah's
people. Two families who were studying with Jehovah's
witnesses were told that we were a "diabolic sect"
and that they should speak with the Protestant minister.
The two families agreed, but on one condition: that
one of Jehovah's witnesses should be there also. The
main subject of this meeting was the trinity, and
after several hours the "pastor" was forced to retreat
and the two families are now Jehovah's witnesses.
Population:
348,000
Ratio:
1 t o 3,867
The work in these snlaller islands is difficult for
several reasons. One is the difficulty in reaching the
people of goodwill. There are no roads on the islands
and sometimes several weeks go by without a boat
stopping. Another reason is the strong opposition by
the dominant religion, the Roman Catholic Church.
The following experience related by a special pioneer
gives some idea of this.
"While going from house to house I met a very old
lady who listened attentively to the message. Her
neighbors had warned her against us, but this only
heightened her curiosity. She mentioned that her son
had a Bible. and he was invited to sit in on the
discussions. 1t wasn't long before this humble old
lady began to receive threats from the neighbors, and
the son was finally told by his boss that if he and his
mother did not stop their studying he .would lose his
job. His reply was that he would continue the study,
and he and his mother have made fine progress."
A sister on one of the other islands is very well
known for her preaching work and spends many,
many hours walking from one house to another as
there is no transportation. When the recent ban was
placed on our literature she knew that sponer or later
the police would visit her, so she decided that the
best thing to do would be to go to them. She went
to the police station and said that she heard of the
AZOEES
Peak Publishers:

90

240

Yearbook

new order and wot~ldlike to explain our work. She

then demonstrated to the police how we go from door
to door and then gave a full eight-minute sermon,
placing some literature. They were very attentive and
impressed by her frankness. They agreed that this
was the work of God and not of men. Due to this
sister's sincere attitude there has been little trouble
on the island, and the brothers continue active in the
work of teaching and preaching.
CAPE VEIRIPE ISLANDS
Peak Publishers: 7

Population:
280,000
]Ratio:
1 to 25,714

In the Cape Verde Islands, as in all the possessiory

of Portugal, the literature of Jehovah's witnesses is
banned and the government has taken a stand against
God's people. So, then, it did not come as a surprlse
when two foreign residents of these islands were told
to leave, with no reason given. These two brothers
had been very active in the preaching work and this
has resulted in the dedication of two goodwill persons
a s well as various study groups throughout these tiny
islands. The two brothers' being ordered out has caused
much talk among the populace and is giving a good
opportunity for a witness.
The Catholic and several Protestant churches are
very active on the islands and they use various methods
in order to stop the people from* studying with Jehovah's witnesses. Rather than glve the people the
water of life, the churches have emphasized the giving
of material aid. When they learn of someone studying
the Bible they threaten that person with the loss of
these material things. Nevertheless, those who have
the right heart condition have stuck to their determination to continue doing the divine will.
Those who are publishing have been threatened
with arrest and one brother was taken to the local
police station for questioning. This gave him a good
opportunity to witness and he was immediately released when he proved that the accusations against
him were completely false. These experiences do not
discourage but only help to increase the zeal and
determination of the brothers.
MAIPEBA
Peak Publishers: 46

Population:
Ratio:

300,000
1 to 6,522

The shortage of literature due to the recent ban

has not stopped the brothers in their zeal and determination to preach the good news of God's kingdom.
The brothers set out for the door-to-door work with
only the Bible in their hands. After the three-to-eight-

Yearbook

241

minute sermon is given arrangements are made to

call back on interested persons. The little literature
that the brothers do have is then placed with the
most interested people on the back-calls, and from
these, studies are developed. Even with this diRiculty
the congregation has had a splenc?id increase in the
number of publishers for the recent service year.
S b O TOM@,
Peak Publishers: 10

Population:
Ratio:

66,000

1 to 6,600

Even though the brothers in SBo Tom6 have little

contact with their many brothers throughout the world,
they continue to show remarkable spiritual health,
as can be seen by their letters to the Branch. By
means of correspondence they have been sl~ownhow
to meet regularly for study and how to carry on the
preaching work in a more systematic way. They are
thankful to Jehovah and his organization for this
help, as can be seen by their increased activities in
the face of opposition by their taskmasters.
The island is made up of coffee plantations and the
workers live in compounds, the rest of the island being
nothing but jungle. This does not stop the brothers
from going from one compound to another for meetings
or for service, even though it may be dangerous.
PUERTO RTCO
Peak Publishers:

2,725

Population:
Ratio :

2,349,544
1 to 862

There are very few areas where the truth has

not been spoken in Puerto Rico. How true the
words of the Bible are that when diligent work is
done good results are forthcoming! King Solomon
said: "In the morning sow your seed and until the
evening do not let your hand rest; for you are not
knowing where this will have success, either here
or there, or whether both of them will alike be
good." (Eccl. 111:6) Throughout the island of
Puerto Rico, on Tortola and the Virgin Islands
there has been good sowing and good reaping.
Here is the report from the branch office.
The help given by Jehovah's organization is made
manifest in many ways and one way is that it helps
the young publishers to give fine testimonies in the
schools. One publisher was given an assignment to
prepare a composition on a subject of her own choice.
She chose the subject of juvenile delinquency, citing

242

Yearbook

Inany Bible texts. She had to read her composition

to the class a t school and, with the theocratic ministry
school training, was able to make a fine presentation.
When she fin~shed,the class applauded her. She was
asked what her religion was and where she had obtained such good information. She explained that she
?as one of Jehovah's witnesses and that the WatcF~lower and Awake! magazines had helped her. Full
marks for the composition would be 100 or "A," but
the teacher said that she would receive.200 or double
"A." The teacher stated that it was evldent that the
composition was the work of a Christian girl, for she
had never heard the like before. This young girl was
then asked to present her work in the library, and
now the teacher said that she would try to gather
together some of the parents of the children in the
class in order that the young student might present
her composition to them. Truly it can be said that
the young servants of Jehovah can give a fine testin~ony
to His praise.
Although the government has done much to overcome the problem of illiteracy, there are still those
who cannot read and write, and these must be helped
to learn the truth. A brother made a back-call where
he had left some literature with a young married
couple. The husband stated that he could not read,
so could not study the Bible. The publisher tactfully
explained that the man was still young and so could
easily learn to read, to whicl? the man replied that
he was too busy to go to school now. Upon learning
that the brother would teach him to read he was delighted and his wife also became interested, although
a spiritualist. The study progressed well and soon
this young man could read and was also progressing
in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes. After a while
the couple moved and the brother lost contact with
them. How joyful the brother was to meet these
young folks a t a circuit assembly and learn that they
were both now publishing!

TORTOLA (BP.V.P.)

Population:

7,760

Peak Publishers: 16
Ratio :
1 t o 485
The following experience shows how love can help
people of goodwill take a stand for the truth. A lady
who for some years opposed the truth and who did
not want her husband to study decided to find out
what makes Jehovah's witnesses so zealous, peaceful
and happy. Seeing the great change in her husband,
who was then baptized, she agreed to a family study,
with her husband often conducting it. Within a few

Yearbook

243

months she became a strong supporter of the truth,

zealously sharing in the house-to-house ministry a s a
regular publisher. Even though living a great distance
out of town and having to travel over rough mountainous roads, she and her husband and little girl
meet with the brothers to share in the group field
service activity. She comments that she has a t last
found the true religion after having been associated
with a number of other groups in search of the true
worship, but which, she said, only taught her hatred
instead of love for Jehovah. Her home, she said, has
never before been so happy and peaceful.
VIRGIN ISLANDS (U.S.)
Peak Publishers: 1.38

Population:
Ratio:

31,904
1 to 231

Two fine new Kingdom Halls are being prepared

and this will give added impetus to the work of gathering in the "other sheep.
A man who was well known in various villages for
his old-world way of life began to study the truth.
His "wife" and nine children also studied, but due to
the fact that they were not legally married this couple
could not participate in the preaching work. The matter
of Jehovah's righteous requirements was put before
them and soon they were helped to legalize their marriage. What a surprise it was for the people to see
this man first begin studying the Bible, then legalize
his marriage after so long a time, and then go from
door to door, Bible in hand, preaching and teaching
the good news of God's kingdom!
In one congregation alone, five couples have legalized
their marriages in the past thirty months, thus giving
a fine testimony to the cleanliness and uprightness of
Jehovah's visible organization.
SIERRA LEONE
Peak Publishers: 384

Population:
Ratio:

2,500,000
1 t o 6,510

Jehovah's witnesses in Sierra Leone appreciate

that everyone has to take part in the training
program. They look a t it this way: Either we
want to be helped, or we want to help someone
else. The work keeps them occupied. Preaching
the good news and doing the training work for
aiding others has proved beneficial for the brothers during the past year. The branch servant has
sent in some experiences that took place in Sierra
Leone, Gambia and Republic of Guinea.

214

Yearbook

One of the blessings of the year was having our

own marriage registers for all the provinces throughout the country. For five years requests had been
made to the government to have marriage registers
for the brothers up country, but each time we were
told our meetings places did not qualify as "churches."
Howevcr, in April of this year our request was
granted. Now we have marriage registers in seven
districts throughout the country, and this will enable
the brothers and persons of goodwill to legalize their
marriages and prepare themselves for baptism so they
can become publishers of the good news.
It is a difficult thing to train people who have been
born and reared in superstition and denied an education
and bring them around from their old customs to
following the simple teachings of the Bible. The following experience shows how this is bcing done in
Sierra Leone. Among the Kissi-speaking tribe there
is a secret native bush society for the men called "poro."
In one village where the brothers were holding regular Bible studies with a group of prospective publishers, the head man of the bush society made his
attack on these newly interested people. With his
supporters, this "poro" headman arbitrarily tried to
force them to join in demonic worship, rites and
celebrations. They were beaten, their houses burned,
their property confiscated; some of the brothers were
tied with chains in the bush, imprisoned and starved.
The paramount chief sat back registering approval
and support for the violators. The brothers then reported the case to the police and quickly a group of
policemen was sent to the scene to investigate. Upon
arrival a t the village the police found that all the
culprits had run away and taken cover in the bush.
Luckily enough, they were able to lay hands on some
of the leading gangsters, including the paramount
chief, whose ruling staff has since been taken and
given to another rightful man. Matters now boomeranged-the paramount chief and some of his elders,
together with the "poro" headman, were put in custody
for several days pending court trial.
Population:
311,000
GAMBIA
Peak Publishers: 11

Ratio:

1 to 28,273

The little group of publishers is doing its best to

meet the spiritual needs of the people. Exceptionally
great is the need for more workers. The Society sends
the circuit servant from Sierra Leone regularly to
serve the one congregation and the two special pioneers, and this is greatly appreciated by the brothers.

Yearbook

245

Gambia was one of the countries represented a t

the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly in London,
and it is hoped this will be the means of encouraging
the local publishers to continue preaching.
REPUBLIC O F GUINEA
Peak Publishers: 75

Population:
2,500,000
1 to 33,333
Ratio:

Work in this African country of Guinea continues

to grow. There are all kinds of obstacles and difficulties lo meet, but the brothers stand firm. Good
progfess was made during the year, resulting in a
19-percent increase in publishers. Not only did new
ones take up the good news, but those already in the
truth and publishing grew stronger, and greater
maturity can be seen in all the congregations and
isolated groups.
Some progress was made during the year in the
literacy class and a number have learned to read. As
more brothers become mature, more attention can be
gzven to the illiterate ones, as this is really the big
problem to overcome.
SHNGAPOIRE
Peak Publishers: 168

Population:
1,750,000
Ratio:
1 to 10,411

At the close of the service year a new nation

comes into existence. The four countries under the
Singapore branch have just merged and the nation
of Pilalaysia was born. The people are celebrating
this occasion and are looking forward to great
prosperity. In the meantime Jehovah's witnesses
keep on peacefully preaching the good news and
winning the people of goodwill to the side of Jehovah's established kingdom. Here are reports and
experiences from Singapore, Malaya, North Borneo and Sarawak, as they were known before
Malaysia was formed.
The biggest theocratic event that took place in this
territory was the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly.
We are reminded of what the apostle Paul said a t
Romans 1:12 regarding an "interchaage of encourauement among you, by each one through the other's
fabith, both yours and mine." Every feature of it will
long live in the memory of the brothers. The five
glorious days, packed with activity, association and
spiritual food, went by so quickly it seemed a s though
we had shared for a short time in a world relay race.

246

Yearbook

A sister relates this experience: "My husband and

I were baptized Presbyterians and were active workers
in tine church. Due to dissension we stopped going to
church, coming into a spiritual vacuum, as it were.
It was then that one of Jehovah's witnesses called
on me and I immediately began studying the Bible
with them. Remembering that my husband had burned
some books of the Society in 1941, I was not surprised
when he refused to heed the message and forbade
me to go witnessing. He especially forbade me to
teach the children this doctrine. He insisted they go
to Sunday school. It was then I appreciated Peter's
counsel a t 1 Peter 3:1, 4: 'Be in subjection . . that
. . . they may be won without a word throu h the
conduct of their wives.' I let the children go to g n d a y
school, but taught them the truth at home. Every
Sunday the father took them to the movies. He got
his first shock one Sunday when the children refused
to go to the movies, saying that the Watchtower study
was more important. Another jolt was soon to follow.
I took an active part in the ministry, being subject
to Jehovah's wlll. I postponed baptism, hoping that
my husband and children .might be wlth me. Finally
the children began following me in the. field service,
and I decided to symbolize my dedication by water
immersion. By this time my husband began to realize
that there must be something in this religion, as two
of our children were also baptized. I t was my turn for
a shock now, as he asked for someone to study with
him. Our cup of blessing is now overflowing because
he was baptized a t the 'Everlasting Good News'
Assembly."
We all appreciated very much having Brother Franz
and Brother Suiter with us for a few days and this
was another encouragement to us to continue spreading
the good news farther afield, knowing full well for
which God we are witnesses.

PopulatZon:
7,100,000
1312
Ratio:
1 t o 63,393
Are you inclined to shy away from territory that
is rough and where the people are not too well
educated? A Chinese-educated special pioneer did not
feel that way. Ile combed through ;is rough hillside
territory and searched out a "sheep. A regular study
was arranged and soon the "sheep" came to meetings
and took part by commenting. When the pioneer
invited him in the service he came willingly and has
averaged ten hours a month since. He traveled five
hundred miles with a group to the Around-the-WorId
MALAYA
Peak Publishers:

Yearbook

247

Assembly and stood with the other twenty-one candidates and answered the two questions in Chinese
and was immersed. He now plans to vacation pioneer, but before filling in his application he resigned
from his printing job and took up another job that
would give him more time for preaching. What a
joy this pioneer would have missed if he had not
thoroughly worked the territory!
454,328
NORTH BORNEO
Population:
Peak Publishers: 28
Ratio :
1 to 16,226
It is good news to be able to report that on the
eastern side of North Borneo a new congregation has
been formed with fifteen publishers. These brothers
had been scattered in different parts of the country,
mainly in logging camps. With the formation of the
new nation of Malaysia some political trouble has
arisen and some of the brothers have sent their families back to the Philippines. The remaining brothers,
though sacrificing better jobs, moved into one place
to be together, and the blessed result is the forming
of a congregation. How happy they are to be able to
hold all meetings in their own Kingdom Hall and
feel the benefits of encouraging one another in love
and right works!
750,000
Population:
SARAWAK
Peak Publishers: 6
aatio:
1 to 125,000
Sarawak is a land of few roads and many rivers.
The only way to travel is by boat or airplane. A schoolteacher from the capital, Kuching, says: "From time
to time new groups of students come in from outlying
areas in remote jungle villages to learn to be schoolteachers. We often meet them and they eagerly take
literature and show interest. On returning to their
homes they take the literature back to their villages.
The Society's publications get where the Witnesses have
never been. My own brother sometimes makes long
trips up the rivers in connection with his work and
distriby,tes the Iban tract that was translated by my
father.
SOUTH MELICA
Population:
15,841,000
Beak Publishers: 18,787
Ratio :
1 to 843

The branch office in South Africa looks after

the work of a number of countries. There is not
only South Africa itself, but Basutoland, Bechuanaland, St. Helena, South-West Africa and Swaziland. In these territories there are a number of

248

Yearbook

languages spoken, and the printing plant that we

have in Elandsfontein is now printing twenty-two
issues of magazines each month as well as thirteen
issues of the Kingdom Miatistry. Many of the
magazines go to other branch ofices in countries
in the southern part of Africa. The work is very
interesting in this section of the earth, and here
are some experiences.
Assemblies played a prominent part in our activities
during the past year. South Africa had a share in the
"Everlasting Good News" Around-the-World Assembly.
About a hundred brothers traveled to London. A con
siderable number were helped to attend the London
assembly as a result of the generous donations made
to the travel fund. Those so helped were very thankful
for the assistance rendered.
The films continue to do good work. A district servant was recently introduced to three new publishers
who became interested as a result of seeing one of the
Society's films. Within a year after seeing the film
they were publishing. Incidentally, this brother showed
the Society's films at forty-four different places with
the aid of the power plant. Apart from the witness the
films gave and the education they gave the brothers,
they also helped him to get into Bantu areas where it
was difficult to enter before. Once the people had seen
the film, and since it was free, it was easier in many
eases to get permission to enter and work with the
brothers or hold an assembly.
Although inany of the brothers in this country have
little worldly education, they have a sound knowledge
of the Scriptures and with Jehovah's spirit backing
them up they are able to convince better educated ones
what the Bible teaches. For example, the headmaster
and his schoolteacher wife kindly accomrnodated the
circuit servant and his wife during the week of the circuit assembly. They also offered the use of their house
for the Tuesday evening talk. Although there were
only a few publishers working this location over the
past ten years, thirty-five goodwill persons came; in
fact, they did not want to leave. Both the headmaster
and his wife attended the assembly. Now they are convinced that they had been hearing the truth for the
past ten years from these few poorly educated brothers,
but only now could they appreciate it in all its purity.
They remarked, "Now we can see clearly how we were
deceived by the clergy in this location. They were always scofiing a t these uneducated brothers, yet there

Yearbook

249

was always something that these brothers had that

made us want to continue to listen to what they had
to say. Now we know what it is. It is the truth!"
Magazine distribution is certainly an excellent way to
introduce young people to the joys of field service.
About four months ago two children of a family who
were having a home Bible study also joined the study.
They made rapid progress. Soon they indicated they
wanted to go out in the service. The oldest one went
with a special pioneer. They did four doors together,
after which the youngster felt ready to do it alone.
What joy was his by the end of his first day in magazine service to find he had placed 153 magazines!
Going where the need is great takes faith and determination but has many bless~ngs.One brother, hearing
of the need for mature assistance in an eastern Transvaal town, planned to go. Having a family of four to
care for, he found it hard to move until he asked off
from work to attend a district assembly, and his firm
gave him the option of quitting his job or missing the
assembly. This decided it for him; he quit his job, went
to the assembly and moved where the need was great.
The effort was blessed from the start. In his new employment as a salesman he often took first place for
sales. The house that he was offered had a large room
suitable for a ICingdom Hall holding forty people, and
it was soon filled by his family's combined efforts to
contact and help some long-inactive publishers.
BASUTOLAND
641,000
Population:
Peak Publishers: 211
Ratio:
1 to 3,038
At the last assembly in the capital, Maseru, it was
indeed wonderful to see so many of the brothers bringing all their children with them. Due to their very large
families, many African brothers do not bring their
children. However, one congregation said, "We must
come as family units to worship Jehovah. So we have
made an extra effort during the last few months to save
enough money to bring our children." One sister was
determined to come, even though the other two sisters
in her group were ill. So she rode along on horseback
for three days, then one day by bus, in order to come
from the interior. She arrived three days before the
assembly began in order to enjoy fellowship and engage in preassenlbly work.
BECHUANALAND
Peak Publishers: 240

Population:
Ratio:

296,851
1 to 1,237

Much can be done by incidental witnessing if one is

alert to embrace opportunities. After placing "Let God

250

Yearbook

Be True" with a shopkeeper for whom he worked, a

newly dedicated brother placed one book among the
groceries to be seen by everyone coming into the shop.
When a person asks, "What book is this?" he merely
quotes the contribution and avoids discussion. If a person takes the book the publisher obtains his name and
address and arranges to pay him a visit to explain the
purpose and use of the book. In one month by keeping
one book on display he placed twenty bound books and
reported twenty-five back-calls, and continues to do well.
It is a custom in Bechuanaland for parents of a boy
to pay a deposit of $12.00 plus a blanket and a dress
for the girl whom they wish their son to marry. This is
done when she is ten years of age. Thereafter the boy's
parents continue to support the girl until she is ready to
be married. This is done without consulting the girl or
ascertaining whether she loves the boy or not. Recently
a fifteen-year-old girl came to a knowledge of the truth
and informed her parents that she did not wish to be
unequally yoked with an unbeliever. Her parents tried
to force her in view of the money already paid for her,
but when she successfully convinced them from the
Scriptures that such an arrangement was wrong they
agreed to let her have her way.
ST. HELENA
Peak Publishers: 40

Population:
Pcatio:

4,600
1 to 115

The outstanding event on St. Helena island during

the past year was the visit of a circuit servant and his
wife from the Republic of South Africa. Arrangements
were made for this couple to spend a month with the
brothers on the island. There was a record attendance
for the island at the public talk of 121, and 117 stayed
for the final talk.
Some of the shopkeepers were cautious about putting
up the posters for the public meeting, insisting that
they had to be put up in inconspicuous places. Imagine
the surprise of the brothers when they called a t the
police station and found the officer there willing to put
up a poster right in the centre of the main door, removing some government notices to do so.
One of the favourite dishes on the island is blood
pudding. A schoolboy Witness was visiting the home of
some friends. They tried to force him to eat, and when
he refused they scoffed at him. But he stood firm and a
good witness was given, for soon the whole island
learned of his stand.
The people are afraid of the truth in one district and
always run away as they see -the brothers coming.
Evening work with magazines will be done there in the

Yearbook

251

future. Tnen the people will not see the brothers coming and a witness may be given in that way.
SOUTH-%VESTAFEICA
Popnbtion:
550,000
Pesk Publiisbers: 161
Eatis :
1 to 3,416
In the African field the work is slowly but steadily
progressing, with many persons learnlng the truth
from their European employers and then returning to
their homelands, taking the truth with them. One dedicated brother who had thus returned furnishes a good
example of the tenacity and faithfulness displayecl by
such ones whcn they really understand the truth. I-Iaving returned to his homeland, nothing was heard from
him by the brothers for some months, until one day
one of the European brothers, a bus driver who regularly has to go into Ovamboland, found him waiting a t
the bus halt in the northern part of Ovamboland.
Knowing that the European brother was bound to come
there sometime, he had been awaiting this brother's
arrival for a whole week. Ile had traveled 250-odd miles
by bus and walked another 50 miles through lioninfested country during a flood season when roads were
practically impassable to reach this place. The reason?
IIfs subscription for The Watchtower had expired and
he wanted to renew it! He then waited another week,
during which he did witnessing, so that the European
brother could go home and bring him some magazines
Por witnessing when he returned. He is now reporting
as many as seventy-five hours a month to the nearest
congregation in the northern part of South-West Africa.

SWAZILAND
Population:
237,000
Peak Publishers: 416
Eatio:
1 to 570
Two special pioneers were sent to a new assignment
where there were no Witnesses. It was a goodwill
Catholic who opened his home and gave them accommodation. His entire family soon showed interest. A
study in the Paradise book began the very first day,
and by the end of the second week husband, wife and
daughter were sharing in *field service with the pioneers. The principal meetangs were soon organized,
and now they and another family have progressed to
the point of dedication, planning to be immersed a t the
next circuit assembly.
Working in one section of his territory, the circuit
servant and his wife met a woman of goodwill who
manifested interest in the message and finally took the
booklet "This Good News of the Kingdom? A study

Yearbook
was started. Later on the woman responded to the invitation to the meetings. This quickly drew the attention of her former religious associates who came
around her home to attack her with rebukes and questions such as, "Will you go about with these people who
always engage in talking?" Her answer was, "I will
also imitate the same talking a s long a s it is Biblical."
SOUTHERN RHODESIA
Peak Publishers: 11,058

Population:
ltatio:

4,013,000
1 to 363

The biggest event of the year in Southern Rhodesia was the large national assembly they had a t
which there were 12,880 persons who heard
Brother Henschel speak. Conventions of this kind
are necessary because sometimes those dedicated
to Jehovah God grow weary. This is no time to be
growing weary. It is a time for feeding upon spiritual food to keep oneself strong to preach the
"everlasting good news." Here are a few experiences from Southern Rhodesia.
At the time of the national assembly in April, stress
was given to the need for more personal study of the
Bible, The Watchtower and other publications of the
Society. This counsel has been followed by many, and
we are happy to report that now many more of the
publishers are subscribing for The Watchtower for use
in personal study. We are confident that this trend will
strengthen the faith of our brothers and enable them to
withstand all onslaughts.
In the old world many people who have ailments
just give up with the feeling that they cannot be of
any use or help to others, but not so with members of
the New World society! A crippled sister relates: "It
was always my desire to pioneer, and to this end I
tested my physical strength by building up my hours
every month. Then I saw in one of the Society's publications an experience of a sister who was bedridden
and yet served as a pioneer, and this helped me to make
a definite decision to apply for vacation pioneer service myself. First of all, I applied to be a vacation pioneer for two weelrs. I enjoyed it so inuch and got quite
a few replies to the letters which I sent out, with the
result that I applied for an extension of my pioneer service far another month. I am happy to be continuing in
the pioneer service now." This sister, before pioneering, suffered a stroke, which affected her right hand; so

Yearboolc
she overcame her problem by learning to write with
her left hand instead and thus continue her witnessing,
which is mostly done by writing letters.
SPAIN
Peak Publishers: 2,935

Population: 50,093,000
Eatio :
1 to 10,253

Courageous ministers in Spain have moved

ahead wonderfully during the year despite the
continued government and clergy opposition, as
well as other obstacles. Outstanding in the year
was the Milan assembly where many of the Spanish brothers could be in attendance. What a blessing it was for them! Then, too, they were able to
get the New World Tramlation of t7ze Christian
Greek Scriptures in the Spanish language. Our
brothers in Spain have had a glorious year, and
rich blessings have been their portion. Reports
have come from Spain, Canary Islands and Andorra.
During the year many more brothers have come to
appreciate the door-to-door ministry, and many good
experiences and blessings have been received. A pioneer
working from door to door in CBdiz noted a small door
in an attic apartment, which appeared to be uninhabited. The pioneer decided to make sure by knocking,
and she was rewarded when a person manifesting interest opened the door. After making several back-calls,
a study was started with the woman's son and his
fiancbe. Soon they were attending meetings, and during
the circuit servant's visit they were baptized. Their next
step was the vacation pioneer service, and now both are
serving faithfully as regular pioneers. How fortunate
it was that the pioneer did not overlook a n apparently
uninhabited apartment!
The brothers keep in mind the proverb: "Do not hold
back good from those to whom it is owing, when it
happens to be in the power of your hand to do it," and
this especially applies to incidental preaching opportunities. On Thursday of Spain's "Holy Week" celebration a woman entered the taxi of a brother in Madrid,
explaining that it was her intention to visit seven
churches as is the custom for that day. Sensing that the
woman was a sincerely devout Catholic, the brother
tactfully started a conversation about Bible topics that
lasted two hours. Then a booklet was placed, and arrangements were made for the brother's wife to help

254

Yearbook

her to increase her Scriptural knowledge by means of a

Bible study. Later the woman noticed the announcement in The Watchtower placed with her concerning
the 1963 "Everlasting Good News" Assemblies, and
when she asked if she too could attend, she was invited
to make the trip in the brother's taxi. So just four
months after first hearing the truth, this spiritually
starved person was able to drink in eight days of nourishing spiritual refreshment a t the Milan assembly, all
stemming from an incidental witness given in a taxi.
During the year there has been police action against
the Christian activities carried on in at least twelve
provinces. More often than not brothers are arrested in
their homes rather than while they are participating in
their ministerial obligations. Almost invariably the
charge is that of violating Spain's "spiritual unity,"
even though Spanish law guarantees freedom to other
faiths, thus negating that such "unity" exists.
The thrilling announcement concerning the New
World Translation in the Spanish language was received with great enthusiasm, and the brothers look
forward to using it in the field. Excellent prospects for
future increase are indicated by the fact that 6,223 persons attended the Memorial, a figure that is more than
double the number of publishers, so there is no doubt
that with Jehovah's blessing, the knowledge of him will
continue to expand in this land, which has been held
so long in the darkness and bondage of modern-day
Babylon.
ANDORRA
Peak Publishers: 5

Population:
Ratio :

9,000
1 t o 1,800

Located on the south slope of the eastern Pyrenees,

Andorra covers an area of just 191 square miles, which
makes it the world's fifth-smallest nation.
With great joy, three persons knowing the Catalan
tongue began to serve the great need of the Andorran
people during this service year. Overcoming the many
obstacles involved regarding secular employment in
such a small country is not an easy task, especially
since the area is completely snowbound during a large
portion of the year. Nevertheless, the brothers have
shown endurance, and Jehovah has blessed their efforts
to continue in their theocratic assignment.
Andorrans are a traditionally independent people; so
it is hoped that many will come to know the truth that
truly sets one free.

Yearbook

255

985,000
Population:
Eatio:
1 to 10,944
Catholic priests continue their harassment of the
brothers, even to the point of using mob action tactics.
On Sunday, February 17, two brothers who started
working their territory noted that they were being
followed by a t least eight persons. They stopped to
speak to a friend who was sitting in a car, and they
were quickly surrounded. The license number was
written down. Then the b r o t h e ~recognized the leader
of the group and approached hlm directly. The leader
sheepishly admitted that more than fifty had been
organized that morning to go in gangs to all the city's
neighborhoods to seek out and disturb any of Jehovah's
witnesses who might be found preaching. Often priests
especially train little children to report our Christian
activity to the local parish.
In other cases fines and threats of deportation have
been made. A police official told one brother that the
only way to avoid deportation.would be to "shut up and
do your worship only in prlvate with your family."
The brother cited Article 12 of the Fuero de 10s Espaiioles, which guarantees freedom of speech, and he mentioned specific cases of many in the city who had
cleaned up their lives, thus resulting In moral good for
the community. The official listened, but reiterated that
some action would have to be taken because of the
strong complaints that he had received.
CANAXZY ISLANDS
Peak Publishers: 90

SURINAM
Peak Publishers: 464

Population:
Ratio :

291,815
1 to 689

Twenty-nine delegates from Surinam were able

to attend the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly
in New York. They returned home filled with joy,
and all this has had a good effect on the work in
the country. The brothers have been encouraged
to work up a regular schedule in order to spend a t
least ten hours a month in the field ministry. Excellent progress was made in this regard in Surinam during the past year. It is a joy to see the
increase in this land, and here are a few experiences from the country.
Three new congregations were established, one of
which is entirely composed of Bush Negroes. In all
there are now ten congregations in Surinam. Especially
in the interior the work is going ahead steadily, and in

256

Yearbook

spite of difficult traveling connections, much preaching

work is being done.
The building of a new branch office, missionary home
and Icingdom Hall in the capital city, Paramaribo, is
going ahead, and the brothers, who are building it
themselves, hope to be finished within the next service
year.
That the truth can actually help to heal one is evident
from the following experience. A person of goodwill
became an invalid due to a terrible siclrness and also
sulFfered from diabetes and high blood pressure. Because of these complications she was subject to terrible
fits of anger regularly. When she learned the truth she
seized it as medicine. When she felt an attack coming
on she took her literature bag and went into the service, hobbling from one address to the other. The more
she busied herself helping others, the fewer attacks
she had. She 1s now baptized, and, although seriously
ill, she has had no more attacks and she is a regular
publisher who enjoys the servlce.
The Society's suggestion to call on the weaker ones
has also had good results in this country. A young sister who had become entirely indifferent was visited
several times by the congregation overseer and his
wife. Spiritually upbuilding conversations were carried
on and finally she went to a meeting again where she
was so encouraged that she has not missed one since.
Also, she began to preach again and even became a
zealous publisher who already has spent three months
in the vacation pioneer service and has no idea of
stopping.
SWEDEN
Population:
7,581,237
Peak Publishers: 10,056
Ratio:
1 to 754

The really big event of the whole year in Sweden was the "Everlasting Good News" Assembly
a t Stockholm. The gathering of Jehovah's witnesses, particularly fom Sweden, Denmark, Norw8y and Finland, and from around the world,
aided greatly in giving a good witness to the people of Sweden. The branch servant reports that
those persons traveling around the world who
went from house to house while attending the convention in Sweden made a deep impression upon
many of the Swedish people. This has been Sweden's best year in field service, too, and in their
spending time preaching the good news of the

Yearbook

257
Kingdom. They have had some fine experiences
and a few of them are printed herewith as sent in
by the branch servant.
An outstanding event was the campaign with the
"Word" booklet, of which we sent out no less than
137,699 copies. The thorough study of the subject that
was presented in this booklet made a good impression
on several of the clergy, although others were too
haughty even to read anything issued by our Society.
In one town three Witnesses live in the Old People's
Home. The nurse in charge allowed a circuit servant to
give a talk there, which caused an investigation by the
authorities. The nurse then stated that there are various religious bodies represented in the home, but none
are being looked after so well by their congregation as
are these Jehovah's witnesses, ar,d none are reading
their Eibles as they do. Their Bibles are always to be
seen and they look well used. As a result the brothers
are permitted to lecture regula.rly
to the old people
there.
The general attitude among the people of Sweden is
still very indifferent toward anything that has to do
with the Ffble, which is regarded as just "a book of
fairy tales. But sometimes the unconcerned mind may
get awakened by an alert comment, as in this case: One
man said to a pioneer sister who spoke to him about
the Paradise book and mentioned about the rainbow,
"That is nothing remarkable. I can make a rainbow
myself with a jet of water in the sunshine." But when
shown from the book how that was impossible before
the Flood because of the watery canopy, he got interested and asked to have the book. A study in the Basis
for Belief booklet was started, and soon the man finished reading Paradise, whereupon he ordered tee five
publications there advertised and "Your WzZZ Be
Doaze." When these books were delivered, he said they
did not cost him anything at all. How was that? Well,
since he started to read our books he had stopped
buying weeklies and crossword magazines, which had
formerly cost him quite a bit. He subscribed for the
magazines, and the pioneer couple were alert to help
him prepare the lesson for study, and were very glad
when he soon asked if it would be permissible for him
to comment in the meetings.
SWFTZEREAND
Peak Publishers: 5,755

Population:
Beatio:

8,608,500
1 t o 975

It requires love, faith and boldness on the part

258
Yearbook
of the brothers everywhere to preach the good
news of the Kingdom. These qualities our brothers
in Switzerland show. It is truly amazing to observe the actions of false religionists when a person of their organizatiorl receives the truth and
what opposition is brought to bear against him.
But with boldness and love for Jehovah God one
can stand firm. Here is a very interesting experience in this regard sent in by the branch ofice
in Switzerland. There is also a report on Liechtenstein,
The following experience demonstrates how important and valuable incidental witnessing is: "One day
a salesman called a t my door. I was just in the middle
of cleaning the apartment, and was hoping that no
one would disturb me while a t this job. But the bell
rang and when I opened the door a salesman stood
before me. After I had given my order, I witnessed
to him about our hope. He said it disturbed him somewhat that we did not venerate the saints or even the
'Mother Mary.' I showed him with the Bible that
veneration of saints is not pleasing to Jehovah God,
and we do well to believe only what the Bible teaches
us. Then I gave him some magazines to read.
"A few days later he called again and asked for
further magazines. On this occasion I also gave him
the book From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained.
The following Sunday lie attended the public lecture
and afterward subscribed for both The Watchtower
and Awake! in the German language.
"At home he now met great opposition from his
foster-mother. So one day I asked the congregation
servant to accompany me to his home. We found him
there, and his foster-mother was also a t home, but
she ignored us completely as though we were not there
a t all. Nevertheless, a home Bible study was arranged,
which was taken over by a brother from the congregation. On one occasion when there was no opportunity to study in the kitchen or in another room, the
brother just sat on the stairs out on the landing with
this interested person, and this in spite of the low
wintry temperature prevailing. So they sat in their
winter coats and continued the study. This made a
deep impression upon this woman, and she began to
read the publications herself. In course of time and
with much patience his foster-mother was also convinced of the truth. She began to take part in the

Yearbook

259

study and soon officially severed her connections with

the church. Now things began to move. The images
and pictures disappeared together with the crucifix.
The glass of the picture frames was used to mend the
broken windowpanes. Now with her six other children,
this woman compared the catechism of the Catholic
church with the Bible. This she did almost every day.
As a consequence, opposition from the Catholic population arose, bringing much harassment against this
family. The young man, the salesman, who had first
:ome in contact with the truth, wrote the following:
Here in . . . the Devil seems to be let loose, and
oppresses us from all sides-the police, the teacher and
sisters (Catholic), the neighbors and particularly our
house owner-and all this because the whole family
have severed themselves, from Catholicism and have
stopped going to church.
"Meantime the study was continued. The young
salesman moved into another territory and already
shares in the service. The family, where he was raised
a s foster-son, have received notice to vacate their
apartment because they openly identify themselves
with the New World society. I t cannot yet be seen
how things will work out in the future. But they are
not alone; the brothers in the congregation are at
their side, supporting them, and Jehovah will have
the final say in the matter. A way will be found for
sure that they have a roof over their heads again,
and Jehovah holds greater blessings in reserve for
them, as they follow his leadinp, than they would
ever have hoped for themselves.
How youthful ministers can contribute toward the
Kingdom witness work is illustrated by the following
experience: A schoolteacher asked his pupils to prepare a short talk to be given before the class, the
subject to be treated being any book they had read.
One of the boys, eleven years old, is the child of
dedicated parents. The boy told his parents that he
intended to give a talk on the Bible, and they supported
him in this. He prepared his talk very well and the
next day gave it in school. The talk was not only
correct as to style, but the boy also used modulation
and gestures as he had learned in the ministry school.
When he had finished, the teacher commended him
for it, saying: 'That was good work!' Then the teacher
asked him whether he would care to give the talk a
second time the following day, when he would record
it on tape, so that his elderly mother a t home could
hear this talk, as she was interested in the Bible.

260

Yearbook

But this was not the only echo of this short talk
on the Bible. The mother of the boy received a telephone
call from the mother of a classmate of our youthful
minister. She said that her son had been so enthusiastic
about the talk he had heard in the classroom about
the Bible, that she was now calling up to ask if the
boy who had given the talk could give Bible instruction
to her own son. The mother, of course, agreed to this,
and since that time the two boys have regularly come
together and our youthful Witness is holding a Bible
study with his classmate. It takes courage to witness
in school, but it bears fruit.
LIE@IPTENBTEPN
Peak Publishers: 8

Population:
Ratio :

14,757

1 to 1,845

The few publishers in Liechtenstein have been

growing to maturity. During the last service year
three of them publicly declared thcir dedication to
Jehovah by water baptism. The Catholic church holds
a strong grip on the population in this small country
and it takes much patience on the part of the publishers here to build up faith in Jehovah and his
righteous new order with the sheeplike ones so that
they can stand the oppression and boycott that is put
on everybody who severs his relationship with the
Catholic church. It is like raising plants in an unfortunate climate. But we rejoice to see the number of
Kingdom publishers increasing, as it is Jehovah who
keeps making it grow.

TAIWAN, REPUBLIC O F CHINA

Peak Publishers: 1,350
Population:
Eatio :

11,000,000

1 to 8,148

The past service year has bee11 one of cleaning

and strengthening Jehovah's organization in Taiwan. Maturity and an understanding of God's
Word are very important in gaining an appreeiation of the fact that service to God is far superior
to service l;o man. Our brothers in Taiwan are getting a better appreciation of their responsibilities
as Christians, and good progress has been made
during the year. Here are a few experiences that
were sent in by the branch servant.
During the year much effort was put forth to help
the brothers of the Ami tribe get a clearer understanding of Jehovah's organization and the need for
each publisher to be able to give a witness himself,

Yearbook

261

rather than just go along and listen as has been the

case with many of the publishers in the past. This
has resulted in a number of these formerly counted
as publishers no longer being counted, while those
who are trying to become qualified publishers are
getting more assistance and training.
The highlight of the whole service year was the
Shou Feng Around-the-World "Everlasting Good News"
Assembly. Never have the brothers in Taiwan had
an opportunity to realize so forcefully the love and
unity of the New World society worldwide. Actually
to see their brothers from so many other lands made
an impression on their minds that will last for years
to come. The public talk on the first day saw 1,566
assembled, listening to the talk by a member of the
Taipei Bethel family. The peak attendance came on
Monday afternoon, the second day of the assembly,
when Brother Knorr spoke to them for a n hour and
a half on the subject "Everlasting Good News for
the 'Time of the End.' " At that time there were 1,922
listening as Brother Knorr also included timely counsel
for the local brothers along with his prepared material.
The brothers were very pleased when Brother Knorr
released the Kingdomn Minist~y in their own Amis
dialect.
A publisher in the city of Rsin Chu, a little south
of Taipei, writes the following experience: "When
preaching in a small village outside the city I contacted a Chinese ex-serviceman who had heard of
the truth before. He took the Paradise book and all
the other literature I had with me, and arrangements
were made to study with him and his wife. When I
returned for the study there were ten people waiting
for me. The goodwill person first contacted could
hardly wait for an opportunity to get baptized, and
made excellent progress. Following his baptism the
congregation has been able to form a service center
a t his home, and he continues zealous in the work."
The circuit servant comments that this person is very
enthusiastic and is also serious-minded about the truth.
Some parents hold back from attending the meetings
because of their children, being afraid that they will
make a nuisance of themselves. This was the case with
one of the persons with whom a missionary in the
southern part of the island was studying, but finally
she was aided to attend the meeting. The result? The
n~issionary writes: "That evening the study in the
Paradise book was about Jesus' childhood, and her
four children were very attentive. The next time I
went to her home for their Bible study she was very

262

Yearbook

happy and told me what had Ilappened the day following their attendance a t the meeting. When her
eldest daughter, about eight years old, arose in the
morning she immediately started to clean the home.
When her mother asked P;ler why she was so anxious
to help, the child said: Last night a t the Kingdom
Hall we learned how Jesus helped his parents, and I
want to be like him. Besides, the Kingdom Hall was
so neat a.nd nice lpoking that I wanted our home to
be the same way. The mother and four daughters
have been to the book study every week since then."

THAILAND
Peak Publishers: 557'

Population:
28,000,000
Eatio:
1 to 78,431

In all of southeast Asia there is tension. This

does not mean, however, that Jehovah's witnesses
should be fearful and slow down in their preaching
of the good news concerning God's kingdom.
Rather, it points up the importance of being more
diligent in trying to reach all the people possible
with the message of the Kingdom. So Jehovah's
witnesses in this part of the world are pressing on
diligently, and here are reports on Thailand, Cambodia, Laos a.nd Vietnam.
A Buddhist woman from a little village visited a
relative in Chiengmai and found among the wastepaper a copy of "This Good News o f the Kingdom."
She read it and found that it answered questions about
death and spirits that she had often been wondering
about. She read the booklet several times, and upon
leaving town for her village she asked the relative
whether she could take the booklet with her.
Sometime later a t her village that woman heard
about a lecture being given a t a home in the neighborhood. She was too shy to go up into the house, but
she listened from underneath the house and noticed
that the speaker had the same message a s she had
found in the booklet. She started to study, joined in
telling others about the good news and dedicated her
life to do Jehovah's will. Later her husband dedicated
himself too, soon became a vacation pioneer and is
now a regular pioneer.
A study was being held with a Chinese woman who
was always eager to share her new-found knowledge
with friends. One of her friends, in turn, related these
things to her husband. She said her husband was
interested; so a back-call was arranged.

Yearbook

263

The following week a study was conducted in Thai

using the "Good News" booklet in Thai, English and
Chinese. The man already had a Bible in English but
ordered one in Thai for his wife to use. R e accepts
the Bible as t r ~ r e and almost immediately started
telling his fellow Catholic workers of the things he
ri7as learning.
One territory had been covered many times in magzzine work, and a young girl would take magazines
every time a publisher would call. She was a n orphan
with no friends or relatives and not well treated by
hcr master; so the truth appealed to her.
On one occasion she tried to locate the branch office
but failed. Since no one returned to help her understand the magazines, she wrote to the Society asking
for help, even stating that she was willing to pay a
membership fee if necessary and not too high.
A publisher called and arrangements were made for
a Bible study. She prepares her lesson well beforehand
and knows the answers. She has come to the Kingdom
Hall once and would like to come every week but, due
to pressure from her master, she has been unable to
do so a s yet. She is saving her money for a Bible and
1s so happy a t last to have someone explain the truth
to her.
The service year colrcluded with the greatest assembly ever held in Thailand. The local brothers together
with the brothers from Cambodia, Laos and Vletnam
a r e very grateful for the hundreds of brothers who
did not shun the expense and time to come all the
way around the world to have fellowship and a n
exchanging of encouragement with them.
CAl'WBODHA
Peak PubllsBlers: 8

Population:
5,750,000
Eatio :
1 to 718,750

A study was recently started with a young Catholic

girl who had taken "Let God Be True." She showed
good interest in the message. After a few studies she
took the book to the nuns to get their opinion of it.
Of course, you can imagine what the opinion was
-do not study it yourself; we will do so and tell you
all about it. But she kept on studying. When the nuns
found that this girl had not stopped studying, they
called her a heretic and gave the book back. Encouraged by her Buddh.ist father, she is continuing to study.
Another interesting call was made on a couple who
work for the U.N. They showed good interest in the
message of the Kingdom a s the only hope for mankind
and asked many questions about the beliefs of Jehovah's
witnesses and the difference between us and the other

264

Yearbook

religions. Then the husband made a very noteworthy

remark about the U.N. Re said the only way to describe
it, as one seeing it from the inside, was "The Abomination of Desolation." I t was pointed out that that
was exactly what the Bible called it and that soon
it would collapse and fail completely. So many people
ski11 recognize man's inability to remedy this world's
affairs and are looking for something better.
LAOS
Peak Publishers:

17

Population:
3,000,000
Ratio :
1 to 1'16,471

Up ~intilone year ago there were no native publishers of the good news in Laos. Readers of last year's
Yearboo2 may remember that a La.0 overseer of nominal Christians, together with several members of his
congregation, was showing lieen interest in the truth.
Last November this man broke all ties with false
religion and both he and his wife were baptized as
dedicated witnesses of Jehovah. He has since taken
up the pioneer service, and is causing the good news
of the Kingdom to be made known with notable effect
among both Christians a.nd Buddhists. Moreover, the
man who was appointed to take his place as overseer
of his former church has also dedicated his life to
Jehovah and he too is working toward the goal of
pioneering. All together, there are now six native
Laotian publishers proclaiming the good news in
Savannakhet, and they average about sixty hours a
month each.
Some of our brothers have been having encouraging
success in teaching Kingdom truths to Euddhists. A
short time ago a young brother was calling from house
to house when he saw that one householder was already engaged in conversation with a missionary representing one of the sects of Christendom. The householder was explaining that he was not interested in
what the missionary had to tell him as he was a
Buddhist and thus already had his own religion. After
some minutes of futile discussion the missionary left;
and our brother, not wishing to pass by even one person
without giving him an opportunity to hear the truth,
promptly went to the householder and introduced himself. He began his sermon by showing the importance
of the present troubles in Laos and southeast Asia and
how these very things correspond with the ancient
prophecies of the Bible. This time the householder was
very impressed and invited the brother to sit down and
explain more to him because, as he said, "this is 'nah
fang,'" that is, worthy of being listened to. Many
people in this area have been making similar com-

Yearbook

265

ments, and certainly the rich spiritual truths from

Jehovah's Word are proving more "nah falzg7>than the
dry husks supplied by Christendom's religions.
V1ETNA.M
Beak Publishers: 15

Population:
14,500,000
Ratio:
1 to 966,667

Ancestor worship is one of the strongest beliefs

among the Vietnamese people. But when they accept
the truth, whether they are young or old, they soon
abandon such worship. This was the case for our fiftytwo-year-old sister who abandoned her life-long practice of false religion and started a new life, conforming
herself to do Jehovah's will. After studying the Bible
for about two years she knew that with the knowledge
she had, she had to make a decision. She announced
to her family she was planning to get baptized a t
the next circuit assembly. Her husband, who is of
goodwill, said to their seven children, "Now look,
children, today is a big day for your mother, and I
want you all and myself to attend the baptism discourse
and then witness the immersion." This they did. After
the immersion our new sister went out in the service.
When she returned home from the service to supper
the husband again said to the family, "We want to
help mother live up to her vow to God; so we must
cooperate with her. First, we will get rid of the incense sticks, which also ineans the ancestor altar.
There will be no more burning incense in this house,
as it is useless and a waste of money. We will also
stop celebrating anniversaries of our dead relatives."
Since then the sister has been progressing very well.
She has joined the ministry school, studies weekly
with her children, attends meetings, and is regular in
the service. Her husband is studying at the present and
is doing well. We hope that he will soon follow the
good example of his wife.
TEXNIDAD
Peak Publishers:

1,756

Population:
R a ~ :o

'794,624

1 $0 453

The reports that came to the branch office in

Trinidad during the year were very encouraging.
It appears that the brothers tried to follow
through on the instructions of the ci~cuitservants
and that they tried to cooperate in every way with
the congregations' servants. The overseers fully
appreciated that i t was necessary to do more than
just tell the brothers what to do in the field. They

266
Yearbook:
realized they had to take the lead in doing the
work. They had to be kind and patient and show
the brothers what to do by setting the proper lead
and working with them in the field. Overseers who
are willing to take time to show o t h e ~ sjust how
to do the work can reap fine results. The branch
a t Port of Spain sends in reports for Trinidad,
Barbados, Bequia, Carriacou, Grenada, St. Lucia,
St. Vincent and Tobago.
While a wife may a t times win her husband without
a word, many times words in season can help a husband
who is not bitterly opposed to see the truth more
rapidly. On working her territory, a sister met a
woman who was well acquainted with the truth. She
wanted the sister t o , meet her husband who was a
Catholic and who mzght be opposed. "We arranged
to call back, met the husband and answered many
of his Bible questions." A study was started. They
attended the Memorial and began attending meetings,
when the priest sent a Legionnaire to get them back
to church. Asked why the priest himself did not come,
he replied that the priest was too busy building a
school. The woman observed, "It seems the priest is
more interested in the school building than his parishioners, and if a young lady could walk to my home
to teach me about the Bible, I cannot see why the
priest cannot come." She now accompanies the sister
in the service while the husband who might have been
opposed takes a keen interest in the truth and does
some incidental witnessing.
Considerable attention has been given to encouraging
young persons to remember their Creator by pioneering.
This is as it should be. We must never think, however, that just because our days of energetic youth
have passed pioneering is not for us. Many who have
reached their three score and ten still have the strength
to pioneer successful?y by making a careful schedule
so a s to conserve their strength. Back in January,
1960, a sister seventy-seven years of age was appointed
a regular pioneer. The rest of that service year she
averaged ninety-nine hours. The last three service
years she has averaged well over the 100-hour quota.
One month this year she reported 131 hours, 134
magazines, 93 back-calls and 8 Bible studies. Other
months are quite similar. Surely this sister, now in
her eightieth year, should be an incentive to all congregation publishers, young and old alike, to reappraise

Yearbook
their position and prospects of making a career of
picneering.
BARBADOS
Peak Publishers:

709

Popnlatioti:
Ratio :

232,085

1 to 327

A sister from England passing through and attendiiig a Watchtower study at one of the congregations
was amazed to see the zeal of the brothers. Although
the hall was cramped and very hot, she enjoyed the
stcdy and fellowship. She said, "In our congregation
we have nice seats like they have in theaters and plenty
of space, even a special room for the library; but we
only get a little more than half the brothers to attend
the meetings. What a contrast to see the brothers with
these facilities still turn out in such numbers."
In connection with meetings another encouraging
feature of the year was the attention that has been
given to repairing, purchasing and painting Kingdom
Halls. Three congregations have bought their own
halls and several others have definite plans afoot to
secure their own Kingdom Halls in the near future.
The brothers have discovered that the effort they make
toward acquiring a Kingdom Hall gives them a stronger
sense of responsibility and strengthens their unity.
The zeal of the brothers has aroused favorable comment from some ministers. An Anglican minister saw
the brothers putting up a banner for a circuit assembly
in the rain. The following Sunday he used this as a
comparison between Jehovah's witnesses and the lazy
attitude of those in their ranks who, as he said, 'only
come to church to fill a seat.
Population:
3,800
Bath :
1 to 158
The following experience well illustrates the aggressive attitude of the special pioneers in directing
interested ones to the organization, in this case a
sailor home on vacation who read the magazines.
"My wife invited him to the book study that evening
which he attended, and since that time he is attending
all meetings. In January I began a home Bible study
with him in 'Let God Be Tme' and taught him to
offer the Watchtower and Awake! magazines from
house to house. The first day he placed eight magazines,
while I placed four." He joined the ministry school
and gave many student talks. He even gave a p ~ b l i c
talk in his own village to an audience of 106 persons.
For the past six months he has averaged 32 hours,
15 magazines, 5 back-calls and one Bible study. He
BEQairIA
Peak Publishers: 19

268

Yearbook

is now waiting to get baptized a t the next circuit

assembly. The special pioneer truthfully observes, "It
pays to invite all interested ones to the meetings."
CARRIACOU
Peak Publishers: 27

Population:
Eatio:

6,766
1 to 251

Pressure can be successfuliy endured and overcome

when kind encouragement is given, as shown by this
experience of a special pioneer: "When I called on
one woman she told me that she knew all the Witnesses in the neighborhood and that she used to study
with one of them. I seized the opportunity to resume
the study. After a few studies with her, she started
evading me. I continued calling, however, until she
settled down to study once more. Four months later
she volu3tarily withdrew herself from the Anglican
religion. Almost every member of the immediate famiiy,
including her husband who was away in England,
persecuted her mercilessly." She was 011 the verge of
quitting, but was encouraged to endure by the regular
study with the special pioneer. She attended the next
circuit assembly and symbolized her dedication by
baptism and is now a zealous Witness.
GRENADA
Peak Publishers: 158

Population:
natio:

82,034
1 to 519

After about a year's study with a woman, her interest

turned to local politics until she got a disappointment
and renewed hcr interest in the study. On this particular day the missionary had sent his wife to conduct the
study. Thc mother and three children were ready with
the Pa~adisebook. Knowing the mother's capability, the
sister said that, instead of a regular study, she would
help the family prepare the sermon that Jehovah's
witnesses were using that month. She rehearsed it with
the family as though they were all householders. Next
she rehearsed it with the mother and had one of the
daughters with her as though she was being trained in
the field. Then she said, "Well, Mrs. ----, when do we
start?" The reply? "Tomorrow." And tomorrov~it was.
Since the11 she goes out regularly, although she has
eleven In her faml!y.
Children often stimulate indifferent parents and cause
them to realize the seriousness of the truth and to
makc an application of it in their lives. A study that
had been discontinued was renewed with a woman
whose daughter and granddaughter joined in the study.
Little seemed to be accomplished until one day the girl
refused to attend the Catholic convent to continue her

education. She tactfully explained to her parents that

the religious teaching she would receive there would
conflict with her new-found faith. At this, the publisher who conducted the study reports, "I forthwith invited her to join me in the regular field service. The
invitation was gladly accepted. Since then she has been
sharing in the service regularly. This has caused the
mother and grandmother to take the studies more
seriously. It was a thrilling experience to see all three
of them attending the entire circuit assembly."
Population:
86,145
Ratio :
1 to 1,164
I t is a fact that one's actions often give a silent and
favorable witness where a verbal witness cannot easily
be given. A sister who had been deserted by her hus.
band i o r her Christian stand was forced by circumstances to go to work a s a housekeeper not f a r from
her neighborhood. Remembering her dedication to Jehovah, she followed Christian principles a t work. This
was soon felt. A pioneer writes: "I had tried to witness
to her mistress before but never could. Onc day a s I
was returning home from the service I was stopped by
a big smile and a friendly handshake. 'I have to admit
that your religion has made a difference in my life. Before your sister worked with me I never thought I could
stay in my house when my husband was away. My
house is so peaceful, and what is more my expenses
have been cut down to almost half.' I embraced the
opportunity and gave a good witness; it was easy too.
This was because the sister followed Christian principles a t her work."
ST. LUCIA
Poslc Publishers:

74

ST. VINCENT
Popubtion :
77,005
Peak Publishers : 75
Eatio:
1 to 1,027
Increase does not come easy; it comes by following
up all interest. A lady invited a publisher to call on her
mother, who was well known by the publisher; she was
a staunch Catholic and an opposer. "I knocked a t the
door and was surprised when the lady's mother opened
the door and invited me in. I went into my sermon,
whish she listened to carefully. After making the offer
I was more surprised vrrhen she said she would take a
year's subscription for The Watchtower. When I called
back she encouraged her grandson to subscribe, and he
did. She wanted to discourage the reading of comic
books by the grandson, and she was successful; he destroyed them all on getting his questions answered
from the Bible. He made fast progress in the study

270

Yearbook

during the ensuing months aild began to attend. meetings and go out in the service. In six months he was
baptized in symbol of his dedication. He is a regular
publisher and has now sent in his application to be a
vacation pioneer."
TOBAGO
Popr~lation:
33,333
Eatio:
1 to 490
Peak Publishers: 68
"A little over a year ago I was assigned to work

with an isolated group." At that time their averages

were very low. "The need, a s I saw it, was to give personal attention and so a s a start I singled out four
sisters and a brother along with one of my most promising Bible students. I arranged Lo work with them
'ruesdays, Wednesdays and l7ridays. Did it work? Yes,
it did, and I a m happy to say that my 'labor is not in
vain in connection with the Lord.' (1 Cor. 15:5S) Three
sisters together average sixty-two hours. The fourth,
who has been irregular and not placing magazines, is
now conducting a Bible study and placlng some magazines and is a regular publisher. The brother is now
capable of handling the magazine distribution among
the publishers. Three of these sisters a r e now on thc
vacation pioneer list and my Eible student is attending
the Watchtower study and goes out in the field service
with us. So my advice to all is to give personal attention."
BTIRBJGUAY
Peak Publishers:

1,960

Population:
Ratio:

2,500,000

1 to 1,276

Another good witness was given in this country

during the year. The congregations averaged a
10-percent increase in publishers and greatly improved their hours in the field service as well as
their home Bible studies. All this activity brought
fine results during the year. The branch oEee
there also looks after the work in the Falkland
Islands, and here are a few reports from Uruguay
and the Falkland Islands.
Many years ago a man accepted a bound book from
some pioneers only because of its attractive title about
truth, but he never read it and put it away in his bookcase. Years later, other pioneers, this time special pioneers, were study-minded and started a study with this
man's sister, who mentioned to him about her study of
the truth. He then remembered the book, went home

Yearbook

271

and began to study it himself. He soon realized he

needed more help, so he went over to his sister's house
and the special pioneers began a study with him. This
was on Monday, and by Thursday he was in the Kingdom Hall and now is a mature brother.
For others it is a battle to come into the truth. A
spiritualist who had gone as f a r a s curing people by
deep concentration found herself confused when her
cult split itself into two divisions; so she then joined a
semireligious cult called "Mother Mary," and later she
accepted a Eible study with Jehovah's witnesses. After
two studies she withdrew to her dark room to concentrate and try to discover which religion was correct. A
demon spoke in favor of "Mother Mary" twice, and
tried to get her to discontinue the Bible study, but the
publisher did not give in and the study continued. The
demon finally gave up one day when she threw out all
her images of the virgin and never bothered her anymore. She is now a pioneer.
FALIPLAND ISLANDS
Peak Publishers: 5

Population:
Eatio :

2,100
1 to 420

Considering how isolated these English-speaking

Falkland Islanders are, a lot of witnessing has taken
place there off the coast of South America during the
last few years. The Society has sent one or two missionaries a year down there from Uruguay since 1954
to stay a few months, thus giving a continual witness
and a t the same time helping five publishers to manifest themselves. Many of the inhabitants go back and
forth to England. This year, in March, a family of
three publishers moved back to England and in May a n
elderly sister who had spent all her life in the Islands
saiIed out, planning to rnove to Australia, so once
again in 1963 these islands are without house-to-house
preachers, but there are people of goodwill who study
there and the cry continues to go out for help.
VENEZUELA
Peak Publishers:

3,369

Population:
Ratio :

8,143,629
1 t o 2,411

Jehovah's witnesses in Venezuela enjoyed another fruitful year while proclaiming the "everlasting good news" in this changing country. Conditions have been unsettled in many parts of the
land; so Jehovah's witnesses have had the opportunity of preaching under favorable and unfavor-

Yearbook:
able conditions. In most instances the results have
been excellent. Here are some experiences that
the branch servant sent in.
272

A missionary from La Guaira writes: "One morning

while working from house to lxouse I placed a Pcu~adzse
book with a young housewife. I made one return visit
before going on my vacation. When I came back I
wanted to call again but found out that she had moved.
The neighbor lady offered to take me to their new residence, which I willingly accepted. She received me cordially, but I was unable to say much about the truth
because of the visiting neighbor. However, when I returned the next time alone, a study was started in the
book. She had given the book very little attention, but
after two studies I noticed that her interest had greatly
increased. After the study she said: Could you come
some evening, as my husband likes to read the Bible?'
This was arranged immediately and my husband and I
were soon having a weekly study in 'Let God Be Tr-ue'
with them. After a couple of weeks they appreciated the study so much that they wanted to come to
our house to make it more convenient for us. We accepted this arrangemenl, as we had access to our theocratic
hbrary to answer their many questions. In the meantime the husband was offered a better job in another
city, but he decided not to interrupt his study of the
truth. This study was started in February and in May
they went out in the service while attending their first
circuit assembly. They have been regular publishers
ever since. The study in 'Let God Be True' and 'This
Means Everlasting Lzfe' was finished before both were
baptized. They had enrolled in the school and are also
participating in the service meetings. Now, a year after
the offer of a belter job, the husband was still able to
take it, having ~ ~ i o v eto
d another congregation where
he and his wife are a good help to the smaller group
there. Only a little effort to locate a back-call brovght
these fruitful results."
Another experience comes from the congregation servant in Acarigua: "A brother was studying with a
couple for almost two years. They were not legally
married and had not derided about the truth, the husband rather hiding when -the time for study came. The
study was given then to a sister. After noticing that the
woman was not paying much attention either, the sister
dropped the study completely. In the meantime another
sMer in the congregation asked for help in making a
back-call on a man who had tzken a magazine. When
they wefit to the man's house, only his wife was there

and she told them that he liked the magazine very

much and that he also had a book. Another call was
made on the following weekend, and this time the husband was home. The book he had was the Paradise
book given to him by the man who previously studied
for almost two years and who did not get married. A
study was arranged in the same book with this newly
interested person. He and his married wife studied
nicely. In about three months the man had taken several other publications of the Society and three different Bibles, including a Catholic Bible, so he could compare them. In five months he was able to read the
whole Bible and in three months he was attending the
various meetings and now is an active publisher in? the
local congregation. He makes many back-calls and
preaches the good news to others. This includes the
man who gave hiin the Paradise book at the beginning,
who is now making definite arrangements to legalize
his marriage."
THIRTEEN OTHER COUNTEPES WI3ERE ZE;T80VAH9S
WITNESSES WORK UNDER DIFFICULTY
Peak Publishers: 101,452
Population: 418,629,006)
Ratio:
1 t o 4,126

As God's faithful servants in the earth read the

port of the activity of their brothers in other
countries they will fully appreciate that in order
to be faithful one must have a clear knowledge of
the truth and must want to associate with his
brothers. It is just as the apostle Paul said, we
cannot forsake the assembling of ourselves together, and those behind the Communist Iron Curtain and in other places of the earth where the
pressure is hard against God's witnesses must
stand together, and they do.
These reports show that even tl~oughJehovah's
servants lace imprisonment, they are not slowed
down from preaching the good news. Even though
they have been in prison and are released, they
continue to preach, just as Peter and John did
after being thrown into prison and being released.
Often Jehovah's people are putback in prison, but
this does not deter them in their faithfulness.
They know that they have the words 01 everlasting

274
Yearbook
life and that they must preadl such in all the
world for a witness. So we find Jehovah's witnesses around the world faithful in fulfilling their
responsibilities as dedicated servants of the Most
High God Jehovah. Let the experiences that folIsw strengthen all of you to be faithful in your
service wherever you are in the world. "Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations."
ALIBAhTIA

In Albania the brothers meet with considerable difficulty in carrying on their worship and service of
Almighty God. Even though they have been isolated
for many years from contact with the brothers in other
countries, nevertheless, they have maintained their
faith and continue to tell the good news of God's kingdom to others. They were able to celebrate the Memorial and a r e doing the best they can not to forsake the
assembling of thenlselves together. Some field service
reports have been received. It has also been learned a t
the end of the year that some arrests have taken place,
but details are not known. We pray that our brothers
in Albania will be of good courage as they continue in
pure worship of the living God.
BULGAEHA

The work in Bulgaria has made some progress in the

past service year. A good number of people have come
in touch with the truth and learned its elementary
doctrines. A number of Bible studies have been started
with honest and truth-seeking persons interested in the
kingdom of God. Since this country is under communistic rule, no official activity of the Society is permitted.
Much activity lies ahead in this Balkan country, and by
Jehovah's help it is hoped that the work can be built
up and more fruits can be reaped in due time. The
clinzate lends itself for such a harvesting of men of
goodwill, but it needs workers, and these are few in
Bulgaria.
CZECHOSLOVAKIA

The brothers in Czechoslovakia have done a very

good work in the past service year by Jehovah's help.
All their preaching has to be done underground. Jehovah made grow what diligent hands have planted and
watered.
A married couple witnessed several times to a certain family, but evidently without any tangible success.

Yearbook

275

On the next visit they decided to take their children

along to this indifferent family. At the end of the Bible
discussion held by the adults, the children were asked
by their parents to present the Bible sermon on "Future
of Man." They did it well. The family was impressed
and expressed their astonishment that children of that
age are able to speak about God and his kingdom. They
said in reaction to what they had seen and heard: "For
many years we have been connected with our church,
but we have never heard children having such knowledge about God." They did not hesitate to express their
sincere joy and said that they felt as if Jehovah himself had transmitted this message through the mouth of
these children. And the result? Indifference was overcome and a home Bible study is now being conducted
with this couple. "Out of the mouth of children . . you
have founded strength."-Ps. 8:2.

EAST GERMANY

Despite the constant danger of getting caught and

imprisoned by the Communist authorities, the publishers have intensified their efforts to reach the people of
good~vill.Quite a few took up vacation pioneering in
various places during the summer and others moved
out into new fields. They had many thrilling experiences.
Some people seem just to be waiting for home Bible
studies. A publisher who started out in a new territory
was able to conduct six new studies within two months.
One woman told her a t her second call that she felt it
a direction from God that the publisher came to her
door. She had always been in fear of something unknown, but since she learned from God's Word what
mankind has to expect and how we can find protection
from it her fears a r e gone. This woman's heart was so
filled with the newly found truth that she started to
talk to her relatives about it, and now a cousin of hers
is also showing great interest.
A publisher calling a t a home in a territory that had
recently been thoroughly covered was asked, "You are
certainly one of Jehovah's witnesses; a r e you free
again?" And without waiting for the answer the householder continued: "I a m so glad, please come in!" The
householder told the publisher that she had that impression because f r o n all sides they had been telling
her something about Jehovah's witnesses. Of course,
she learned that the ban was still on; nevertheless,
she was very happy to be able to learn mere about the
good news of the Kingdom.

276

Yearbook

The good example of a sister encouraged others in

her neighborhood to appreciate more their privileges.
Patiently she helped others to accompany her in the
service. She lost quite some time waiting for them or
calling on them a t their homes. But how happy she is
now to see that one of the publishers whom she assisted is now himself just a s busy conducting two Biblc
studies almost every night of the week. This brother is
now taking along some new publishers and so the rnessage is spreading into all corners of the territory.
A publisher moved into a new territory where She
need was great. One day a woman was met in the field
service who was a member of the New Apostolic sect.
She had been searching for the truth all the time and
had many questions. Whatever the publisher pointed
out to her she eagerly checked in her Bible. She was of
a very meek disposition. At once she recognized the
falseness of the doctrine of the immortality of the soul.
She also saw the unscripturalness of the claims of the
so-called apostles of her church. When a t the next call
the publisher pointed out to her in her own Bible the
fruits that true religion is to produce, the woman, not
yet knowing the identity of the publisher, a t once said:
"Then the Bible Students were the right kind of Christians. They had been doing these things. But wha-t a
pity they have been done away with." How happy this
woman was when she was taught from Gamaliei's
statement that man cannot destroy God's work and
that she was talking to one of those Bible Students or
Jehovah's witnesses. She gladly agreed to have a Bible
study and quit attending her church.
In another town a publisher some time ago was
called on by two ofiicials of the Communist secret police. They offered her a book about Jehovah's witnesses,
written by a n individual who had turned against the
truth. The sister answered that such things could haypen, because Judas also was a close follower of Jesus
for a while, but then betrayed him for thirty pieces of
silver. She did not need that book and she was not
interested in reading it. She had her Bible to read. They
then warned her that she had become more active recently and if she carried on like that she would soon
find herself again where she had been before, in prison.
She replied that such is a Christian's course of life, and
the apostles too had been alternately in and out of
prison.
Kindness is a very effective way to overcome the
fears and distrust of the people, many of whom seem
to be just waiting for the truth. A sister traveled to
town on the railroad and talked to a woman who was

Yearbook

277

from the same village. On her way back she again met
the same woman. While they were on the train it
started to rain. The woman had no protection, but the
sister had a scarf and an umbrella, so she offered the
woman her umbrella, telling her she would pick it up
sometime. At that call she started to preach to the
woman, made a back-call on her and began a home
Bible study. After a while the woman sent the sister to
her daughter who lived in another village who, in turn,
also had her talk to her son. All three have made good
progress and have left the church, and the son is now
ready for baptism.
ETHIOPIA AND ERITEEA

Splendid increases have been made in the Kingdom

work in Ethiopia during the year, particularly in the
province of Eritrea. But this increase has not been
without opposition. Early in the year four priests issued
fetters and also gave oral warnings to a number of
Witnesses and people of goodwill to the effect that if
they did not come to church on Sunday and renounce
their association with. Jehovah's witnesses, their parents would be expelled from the church and they would
have trouble from the police. However, encouraged by
the yeartext, the brothers and goodwill persons answered the priests: "We are not coming. Do whatever
you want to do; we are awaiting you in Jehovah's
name." The priests did not follow up their threat.
Due to the continued activity and zeal of the brothers,
the opposition was intensified toward the close of the
year. The local Coptic priests issued an order to their
congregations not to listen to Jehovah's witnesses and
if they had a child who was a Witness to put him out of
the house, or if they were renting to a Witness to evict
him or they would be excommunicated themselves.
Due to the fear of the people, eighteen persons were
forced to leave their homes. Clergy-inspired newspaper
articles and even a public drama attccked the Witnesses and misrepresented their Christian work. Finally
the police arrested a number of brothers for belonging
to a "forbidden religion" and warned them that no
more than two persons could gather at a time and that
they must not preach. However, those who are faithful
and courageous will never become frightened, but will
remember the words of the angel to the apostles under
similar circumstances: "Keep on speaking to the people
all the sayings about this life."-Acts 5: 20.
A minister of Jehovah was conducting a home Bible
study with people of goodwill. One evening a monk was
present. I t was his bdief that the way to win God's

278

Yearbook

approval was by wearing goatskins, begging money arid

isolating oneself from society. Surprised by the answers
he got from the Witness to his many questions, the
monk shared in the study and after a month threw
away his dirty goatskin garments and bought new
clothes. Now he is clean and well shaved and progressing nicely in the truth. Truly, "the word of God is
alive and exerts power." We are happy to see the work
continue to progress in Ethiopia even under opposition.
MUNGrnY

The brothers in Hungary have worked hard in preaching the good news of the Kingdom. Some brothers who
were in prison have been released on the basis of an
amnesty.
In many families the youths present a real problem
and this certainly is also the case in Communist countries where the children continually are exposed to the
influence of atheistic communism. The problem is even
worse when the father also exercises a Communist influence. A publisher started a Bible study with a woman,
but not a t her home, a s her husband was a Communist
and frorn the very beginning he brought up his children according to this atheistic ideology. In spite of this
the younger boy, sixteen years old, started to show great
interest in the truth, so his mother took him along to
the Bible study. The older son, eighteen years of age,
learned about these studies and he began to show a
very hostile attitude. One evening when the study was
being held this elder son approached the house where
the study was conducted and through the open window
he threatened his own mother and brother and the sister that if the study were not discontinued a t once he
would call the police immediately. But the study was
continued fearlessly. Another time he came into the
room where the study was held in order to talk to his
mother. The publisher seized this opportunity and told
this young man in very friendly but, nonetheless, in
frank and direct words that Jehovah's witnesses a r e nct
afraid of such threats: "We are on the right way and
we know that the exercise of our faith brings persecution." This conversation caused this boy to think. He
stopped interfering with t'ne study and, to the surprise
of all, he began to attend the study regularly. At the
beginning he did not give any comment, but after a
time he participated in the study. From then on, the
mother and the boys were very diligent in the study.
Both boys changed their conduct. Formerly their mother suffered a lot on account of the disrespectful and
rude behavior of these boys. Then the truth changed

Yearbook

279

them. They became decent and polite. Recently all

three of this family got baptized and they have become
very diligent publishers. This shows how a firm attitude toward teen-agers may result in blessings.
POLAND

There was 110 letup in court cases this year. About

130 trials were reported, in which the cases of 150 publishers were handled and sentences passed summing up
to 150 years. But only ten brothers were actually put
in prison, because the other sentences were appealed.
The strange fact is that the laws applied against the
brothers are a special set of laws that were originally
made for the sole purpose oP enabling the government
to fight dangerous criminal bands after World War 11.
After many years of silence about the issue, the Supreme Court has now finally ruled and afirmcd the
questior, as to whether that special set of laws may be
applied to the cases of Jehovah's witnesses. So it seems
that the conviction of faithful Christians will continue
without any alleviation. But the brothers feel like the
first Christians who went their way from before the
high court "rejoicing because they had been counted
worthy to be dishonored in behalf of his name. And
every day . . . they continued without letup teaching
and declaring the good news."
When the publishers learned about the world convention, they planned to have a share in this great witness
by doubling their own effort during the time the convention was rolling around the globe. Many used their
vacation or part of it to take part in working outlying
territory, using tourist camps as a basis and reaching
out from there to those places. As the territories were
covered they moved on to another camp. In one village
the priest, when learning that Jehovah's witnesses had
been in the neighborhood, told his church audience:
"Let us now pray because the plague of Jehovah's witnesses is flcoding the whole land and many have erred
from the truth." Shortly thereafter the symbolic locusts
reached that village and it was covered, with good
results.
Behaving differently from the rest of the tourists in
those camps, the publishers soon roused the interest of
the people. When some returned to their tents to rest a
little they found that inhabitants of the town had come
out to their tents, wanting to talk to them about Bible
questions or to listen to them singing Kingdom songs.
I t requires careful planning and a bit of strategy to
successfully work territory where there is much opposition, as it is like touching an ants' nest. A group of

280

Yearbook

publishers worked a town in which publishers six years

ago had been physjcally abused by hateful opposers.
Every publisher had a certain section of h o ~ ~ s eass
signed to him, and they all started a t once. Everything
worked out fine, as the town was taken by surprise.
Only three pairs of publishers were stopped and escorted to the railway station, and they managed to
distract the attention of the opposers from the rest.
One other brother was followed by a police oficer. In an
unnoticed moment he took off his overcoat and hat,
giving them to a sister. The police officer, not recognizing him any longer, let him pass by unmolested. The
publishers were able to call on several hundred homes.
Preaching a t cemeteries is a helpful feature of the
service in order to get in contact with people. A sister
who had been hesitant to do so happened to be a t the
cemetery for the funeral of a brother. She noticed a
young woman with three children kneeling and weeping
a t the grave of her husband. The sister went to her and
started to comfort her from the Bible. A back-call resulted and the sister found genuine interest, even with
the woman's mother. They are making good progress.
Seeing this dire need helped the sister overcome her
negative attitude toward taking advantage of this feature of the service.
ROMANIA

"Do not be afraid of the things you are about to

suffer. Look! The Devil will keep on throwing some
of you into prison that you may be fully put to the
test, and that you may have tribulation ten days."
Our brothers in Romania recall this text in Revelation
2:10 as they consider their situation. A considerable
number of brothers are in prison. The others have to
be very vigilant and cautious, seeing that the pressure
from the Communist government has not lessened.
But in spite of these circumstances, the work in Romania has made some progress in the past service
year. The publishers make use of every opportunity
to spread the word of life. As a result a number of
Inen of goodwill symbolized their dedication by water
immersion, which, of course, had to take place secretly.
Yes, everything that concerns the truth has to be done
secretly, the witnessing, the meeting together, even
the study of God's Word. The brothers have to be on
guard, not only against the police, but also. against
neighbors, Pellow workers, relatives and family members.
A person from the West who visited Romania related
that, when he stayed in his home village there, a

Yearbook

281.

niece from a nearby village came to see him. She did

not Itnow that the visitor was in the truth. When they
were alone, she asked him in a low tone: "Please tell
me, what is the name of your God?" The visitor
replied: "My God is Jehovah." Upon this answer the
niece embraced him and both had tears in their eyes,
because the niece too was one of Jehovah's witnesses.
The niece told him that most of the brothers she
knows are in prison. "The authorities are very strict
with our brothers because they speak the truth; but
t
something
we all know that Jehovah does l f ~ permit
we would not be able to endure, she continued. The
niece told him that even studying is a problem. Since
the other family members are not in the truth, she
has to go somewhere outside, where she is alone, to
read the Bible. If she did it a t home, she would have
to risk the danger that her Communist family would
report her to the police. How thankful should all those
be who can meet and study freely and have abundance
of spiritual food at their disposal, compared with the
few pages our brothers get in some totalitarian lands!
TURKEY

Jehovah's witnesses in Turkey enjoyed another fine

service year filled with abundant blessings as well as
tests of faith. One legal case from.1961 finally ended
with the acquittal of two brothers involved, but there
are still cases against Jehovah's witnesses for preach~ng
the good news of the Icingdom in Turkey. We hope
that these will be settled Pavorably soon. I t certainly
requires faith to preach in a land where a t any nioment
you could be arrested for carrying a Bible. But the
Christians in Turkey must tell their neighbors and
friends what they bel.ieve and what they have learned.
They must go and dlsciple people of all nations.
A Jewish lady of goodwill witnessed to her neighbor,
a Moslem lady. This lady in turn talked to her Moslem
friends about the Bible as a book containing important
prophecies and about Jehovah's witnesses. As a result,
these two friends of hers expressed the desire to talk
with one of Jehovah's witnesses. An appointment was
made. The resulting discussion about God's new system
of things and its blessings became very interesting
and the ladies expressed appreciation for the prophecies
explained. When one of the ladies said, "We Moslems
accept Jesus as a prophet, but why do you not accept
Mohammed as one?" the brother explained that if
all the religious leaders were God's prophets and their
writings inspired by him, then the information contained therein would not be so contradictory to the

282

Yearbook

words of Jesus. Also, ~ < ? i is

y the prophetic part. nlissing
from their writings? Since prophecy has to be fulfilled,
other religious leaders of all times thought it advisable
to abstain from uttering prophecies regarding the future of mankind and limited their teaching to moral
principles, which again are not universally accepted
a s being of the highest standard, as is the case with
the principles of the Bible. The ladies appreciated the
explanations given and aslred where they could find
a Bible. Arrangements were made to meet them
again and continue the discussion.
One brother related the following expe1;ience: "One
day my wife and I were waiting for a shared taxi'
while on our way to a back-call. Finally, one c a x e
with just two vacancies left and while I opened the
door to allow my wife to pass, a man rushed past
and filled one vacancy. A little dejectedly we closed
the door to wait for the next opportunity. Then we
noticed a private car immediately behind and the
Inan inside beckoned to us. A little surprised, I told
our destination to him and he said he would.take us.
On the way I mentioned that world condrtlons and
thoughtless people cause much unhappiness. He agreed
and freely expressed his views, recalling the little
incident we had just experienced. I. took up the theme
of world governments and found him quite concerned.
We were nearing our destination arid said we would
like to continue our discussion when he had more time.
When we visited him I had the opportunity to tell
him who we were. Ele was quite happy, saying that
he had spoken to a member of our group a long time
before but was very busy and lost contact. He aslred
many questions and was glad to learn more about
the worldwide preaching of the Kingdom. While we
were speaking, his nephew came in and he too showed
interest. Arrangements were made to start a study in
the Paradise book with him. Although they are Jews,
they were glad to learn about an $ve,~lastinggovernment under the rule of Jesus Chrrst.
UNION O F SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS

Although the Communists tried to keep their Iron

Curtain hermetically sealed off, a number of reports
from our faithful brothers in Russia leaked out, in
which they assure us that they feel closely united
with us in worshiping Jehovah and searching for
his "other sheep."
The propaganda film "Armageddon" is being show11
even in small villages. The Ukrainian newspaper The
Red Flay of May 14 reported such a performance in

Yearbook

283

the village of Otinya. Before the actual showing began,

a member of the atheist section delivered a discourse
on "Who are the Jehovists?" in order to "prepare"
the audience. The film itself is spun around 2 love
affair of a boy and a girl. While he serves in the army,
she is dragged into the ranks of the nonsense-believing
Jehovists. The overseer of the group is exposed a s a
tool of the American espionage service. At the end
of the picture the feeling of the audience is stirred
to a climax through the accidental death of the little
sister of that girl, which is caused by that wicked
overseer. The paper concludes: "In such a way atheistic
propaganda is effective, convincing, and it can be used
in other villages
of the country where similar films
are shown."
Although Jehovah's witnesses, in newspapers, radio
and films, are slanderously painted a s a people that
are dangerous agents and backward as regards the
achievements of modern culture and science, the publishers do not get disturbed, but peacefully carry on,
leading a quiet life and instructing other people about
God's Word, the Bible. They know that Jesus warned
his followers of these very things when he said: "Happy
are you when people reproach you and persecute you
and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against
you for my sake. Rejoice and leap for joy, since your
reward is great in the heavens; for in that way they
persecuted the prophets prior to you." Often the articles
prove to work in the interest of spreading the message.
In many instances the brothers have been able to give
a good witness to the truth as a result of such articles.
The field is really getting ripe for the harvest. There
a r e numerous people of goodwill, and the *brothers
employ various methods to get into contact with them,
a t churches, cemeteries and funeral processio~s.When
people mourn for their deceased close relatives they
are receptive to the comfort of God's Word and learn
about the resurrection hope. There are positive results.
Other publishers go into puPlic parks and other places
where people gather for leisure, in order to find new
opportunities to witness to people.
Often i t is hard to witness to the people in their
homes, a s there is now a member of the Communist
party or of the Communist youth organization or a t
least sympathizers of it in almost every home. The
presumed incompatability of religion and science is
a t once made the subject of discussion. Atheistic propaganda, which is constantly showered down upon the
people, causes many to lose their readiness to take
an interest in the message of God's Word. In the

284

Yearbook

higher grades of the secondary schools Darwinism

is taught extensively and the students have to agree
with it if they want to finish school with good grades.
When publishers were released from the Siberian
penal camps after they had spent many years there,
they were told that if they preached or made contact
with people about the truth they would be sent back
to Siberia. Many brothers have their passports marked,
as they had been in prison for not serving in the
army. A young brother who refused to submit to the
draft was asked why. He told them that he was a
soldier for the new system of things. He was put in
solitary confinement for five and a half months and
another five years and six months in various penal
camps. In one of these camps he had to make bricks
out of clay and he thought of the Israelites down in
Egypt under Pharaoh.
Two young Ukrainian brothers in a penal camp had
to undergo many sufferings because they did not renounce their faith in Jehovah. When the authorities
realized that they were not able to turn the brothers
away from being Jehovah's witnesses, they set a neu7
test for them. They were ordered to work in an outside place where there were only young girls as
workers. All day long they had to be around those
girls. One of the two brothers fell into that trap. He
did not stay away from the advances of a young girl
and finally married her, giving up the truth. But the
other brother proved steadfast. He paid attention to
the Christian injunction to marry only in the Lord,
and did not entertain any thought of getting involved
with one of those girls. After a while he was sent back
to prison and put on forced labor for an indefinite time.
The publishers even have to contend with false
brothers sent to them by the secret police in order
to infiltrate the organization. One sister was called on
by two "brothers" whom she did not know. They told
her that they came all the way from Siberia and that
they were sent by the brothers to find out how they
were getting along. The sister asked them whether
they had met any of the Jonadab family in Siberia.
"No,77they did not happen to know them, they said.
They had not passed this test, and when the sister
asked them about a letter of recommendation and
they mentioned that they had lost it on the way, she
was sure about the true nature of the visitors. When
they even offered her a brand-new Watchtower magazine a s proof of their identity, the sister sent them
away without accepting the magazine, thus avoiding the
trap.

Yearbook

285

UNITED AGAB REIPUBLI6:

In submitting to you the U.A.R. annual report 1

a m very happy to inform you that Jehovah has blessed
us abundantly by increasing our workers in the field.
Our religious opponents are many and powerful,
and "had it not been that Jehovah proved to be for
us . . . then they would have swallowed us up even
alive." (Ps. 124:2, 3) They keep accusing us falsely
to the people so they will not accept our message
of life, also accusing us before the "superior authorities" so that they will persecute us. Many of our
brothers arc watched by secret policemen and quite
a few have been cross-examined by the Security and
Tnvestigations Departments' officers, sometimes either
being visited a t their own homes or summoned to the
departmental headquarters. During these interrogations they are threatened with jail or being fired from
their jobs or both if they persist in rendering sacred
service to the Almighty God according to tne dictates
of their conscience. I t is not unusual also to order
them lo make a signed declaration stating that they
will do no religious activity any more, or, to ask
for names and addresses of other Witnesses in order
to follow and watch them likewise.
A study was conducted with an elderly woman for
over three years and although she had a sincere heart,
she was spiritually asleep and was not making any
progress due to the fact that her son opposed the
truth fiercely. Then one day, lo her great amazement,
her son asked her to invite one of Jehovah's witnesses
to their home in order to have a discussion with one
of his friends who likewise studies the Bible. This
proved to be a trick, because his friend was a wellknown Catholic priest officially assigned to fight Jehovah's witnesses and who had already had many
discussions with Jehovah's witnesses and good~vivill
persons. When the priest came he was accompanied
by twelve of his disciples to cause confusion during the
discussion and make the brother lose his temper.
The subject of discussion most often used in Egypt
is the trinity. The brother who was invited for this
interview, having already discussed this with this priest
other times, did not waste his time but proved very
quickly the Bible's poillt of view a.nd withdrew from
a n unpolite atmosphere of insults and mockery. Eut
what was the result for the goodwill person? The
lady understood the difference between priests and
Jehovah's witnesses and where the truth lies, and
said so in front of the priest and his twelve friends.
She therefore started studying her Eible more thor-

286

Yearhook

oughly with the Society's publications in order to

defend her newly acquired faith in front of the attacks
of this priest, who continued visiting her three or
four times a week. After a couple of months tlie
goodwill lady declared to her son with freeness of
speech that from now on she would become a true
witness of Jehovah, going from door to door, attending
meetings and even getting baptized. When the priest
heard that and saw her determination, after calling
her many names, he ceased visiting her. This lady
was recently baptized and became very zealous despite
her advanced physical age. She now attends all congregational studies.
YUGOSLAVIA

Our brothers in Yugoslavia live in a Communist

country, but due to their having legal status they enjoy
a certain measure of freedom, for which they are
grateful.
A sister conducted a Bible study with an interested
woman whose husband, a stern Catholic, was very
much opposed to the truth. Whenever he found a
Watch Tower publication in his home, he burned it.
This man is a member of the Communist party and,
a s such, occupies a leading position in a factory. Again
one day he found a copy of the Watchtower magazine
in his home. He took it and went straightway to the
Communist party committee, to get advice from them
as to what he should do to stop his wife from spreading
such "false doctrines." How surprised, however, he was
when the two members of the committee replied:
"Leave her where she Is; that is good. At least this
way you can be sure that your wife is faithful to
you and does not go about committing adultery like
our wives do. Really, Jehovah's witnesses don't do
that and they a r e the most reliable women." The man
walked out, saying to himself: "Well, I cannot just
rely on what these men say; after all, they do not
believe in God a t all and, who knows, maybe Jehovah's
witnesses even cooperate with the Communists, seeing
that they attack the Catholic church so strongly."
This suspicion inspired him with an idea. Instead of
returning home, he went to the Catholic clergyman;
after all, this was a friend of his. There he opened
his heart and told. the clergyman that his wife was
no longer a Catholic and even makes propaganda for
the Witnesses. He said it with much volume and in
a n excited mood. The clergyman, a n elderly person,
calmed him and asked him to be seated. And then he
said: "Leave your wife in peace and don't bother her,

Yea~book

287

because what she reads and what she is teliirlg others

is the truth and actually it is what we should do."
Upon hearing this the man was finished. He said to
the clergyman: "That then means that you have not
told us the truth thus f a r and yet you have the courage
to tell this in my face? Why don't you take this
course? Why do you still stick to those lies we have
been taught?" Upon this the clergyman asked him
again to be calm and said: "For us, i t is already
too late; we are too deep in this swamp to get out
again. But you and your wife, you can yet do it, and
as a friend I am giving you this advice." The man
hurried home, hugged his wife and told her that henceforth he would study this message with her, because,
after all, this must be the truth! Today this husband,
a t one time strongly opposed, not only studies the
truth with his wife, but also attends our public meetings. This is a lesson of encouragement for all who
live in a divided household.
CONCLUSION

The activities of Jehovah's witnesses during 1963

showed that they had great faith in Jehovah God. They
were courageous and very busy. In many parts of the
world they stood up marvelously under persecution.
The message of God's kingdom was heard in more
lands than a t any time before. They pressed their
preaching and teaching work into 194 countries, provinces, colonies and islands of the sea, and because of
this there are now more than one million Kingdom
publishers proclaiming the good news worldwide.
Jehovah's Christian witnesses appreciate the heavy
responsibility that rests upon each person who comes
out of Babylon seeking the truth. We must aid them
in 1964 to get an accurate understanding of the Word
of God and to grow on to maturity. This will take a
lot more work on our part.
Things are not going to get easier for us in the days
ahead, but as God's people we will have to display the
same kind of boldness that Peter and John and the
rest of the apostles displayed in their day. This, by
Jehovah's help, we will do. All of us who have dedicated
our lives to Jehovah's service a r e conscious of our
spiritual needs and we want to be filled with the holy
spirit so that we can be speaking the Word of God with
boldness. We have enjoyed our finest year yet in
r s the
preaching because we devoted 151,251,242 h o ~ ~ to
field ministry. The year's report shows that we spent
this timc? wisely and efficiently in telling out and teaching the good news of God's kingdom everywhere.

288

Yearbook

Not only have we, Jehovah's witnesses, given freely

of our time, but we have contributed of our own resources to help some of our brothers devote all their
time to the field service. Due to the generous contributions on the part of God's people around the world,
7,475 missionaries and special pioneers have been able
to work in special assignments. The Society spent
,R2,808,000.00 to assist special pioneers this past year in
all the countries of the world.
As slaves of Jehovah the world around we appreciate the fine work done in our behalf by the circuit
and district servants. We now have 1,983 brothers serving regularly in these capacities, and the Society
helped then1 in their travels during the past year to the
extent of $495,000.00.
What a joy it has been for the Society to be able to
spend $3,303,000.00 to aid more than 9,500 persons to
stay on in Jehovah's service. You brothers have spent
not only your time but your money too in order to get
the good news of the Kingdom preached. Thank you
so much for helping the Society carry out its responsibilities.
When one is dedicated to the service of God a s a
Christian witness of Jehovah he will continue to exercise justice and loving-kindness and will be modest in
walking with his God, Jehovah. (Mic. 6:S) So with joy
we will a11 do that and look forward to the new year of
service wherein we will again be declaring the "everlasting good news" to all nations.
In closing this report I want to say that from all the
lands in the earth where Jehovah's witnesses live they
have asked me to convey to all of you their warm love
and greetings and to let you know also that they appreciate the good things you have done for them. Especially are they thankful for your prayers in their behalf continually. May it be our pleasure now to show
boldness and courage as we move ahead together, doing
the work we have been commanded to do. Our prayer
is that Jehovah's rich blessing will go with all of us
as we keep on speaking to the people "all the sayings
about this life," knowing that we must obey God a s
ruler rather than men. Be assured of my warm love
and best wishes too.
Your brother and fellow servant,

, President
WATCHTOWER
BIBLE& TRACT
SOCIETY
0s PENNSYLVANIA

The annual meeting of members of the Watch Tower

Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania was held on
Tuesday, October 1, 1963, pursuant to notice and in
accordance with law and with the corporation's charter.
There was a half-hour program that preceded the
annual business meeting. The Society's president, N. H.
Knorr, called the meeting to order and consideration
was given to the text and comments for the day by
L. A. Swingle, a director of the Society. He also offered
prayer.
There were a llumber of members of the corporation
present from foreign lands and the president of the
Society called on them for brief reports, which were
of great interest to those in attendance. The following
brothers spoke: Jules G. Feller, Berne, Switzerland;
Marvin F. Anderson, Oslo, Norway; Donald E. Baxter,
Caracas, Venezuela; Erkki J. Kankaanpaa, Helsinki,
Finland; Emil H. Van Daalen, Santurce, Puerto Rico.
After enjoying their delightful reports the president
of the Society, N. 13. Knorr, opened the formal business
meeting. Proof was then presented by the secretary
and treasurer, GranMulter, that the Watch Tower
Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania had a membership of 455 and that 443 members were present in
person or by proxy. One feature of the order of business
for the day was the election of directors to fill the
vacancies occasioned by the expiration of the terms
of Milton G. Henschel, Nathan E-I. Knorr and Lyman
A. Swingle, who had been elected October I, 1960,
for a term of three years. These same directors were
unanimously reelected for a period of three years.
After discussion of other matters the president of the
Society called on the following members from foreign
countries to give reports: James 0 . Webster, Barranquilla, Colombia; Thomas R. Yeatts, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles; Richard E. Abrahamson, Copenhagen,
Denmark; Harry W. Arnott, Kitwe, Northern Rhodesia;
Wlliam A. Bivens, San Jose, Costa Rica; Charles
Eisenhower, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Wilfred Gooch,
Lagos, Nigeria; David D. Hibs+man, Guatemala City,
Guatemala; Joseph E. Babinski, Bangkok, Thailand;
Walter E. Klinck, Monrovia, Liberia; Paul Kushnir,
Amsterdam, Netherlands; Frederick J. Wilson, Santiago, Chile.
The Societjr's president, Nathan H. Knorr, then addressed the assembly, discussing the spirit of the world
259

290

Yearbook

in contrast with the worshipful spirit manifested by

Jehovah's people.
There were 1,656 persons in attendance, filling the
two Kingdom Halls located in the building of the
Society a t Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A closing prayer
was offered by N. H. Knorr and the meeting was
adjourned.
A few days later, October 3, the board of directors
met a t 13rooklyn headquarters and all the erstwhile
officers were nominated and reelected to succeed thcmselves, namely, for president, N. H. Knorr; for vicepresident, F. W. Fsanz; for secretary and treasurer,
Grant Suiter; for assistant secretary and treasurer,
H. IT. Riemer. The other directors of the Society are:
T. J. Sullivan, E. A. Swingle and M. G. Wenschel.
THE NEW HOBHI; 80CXETP

The annual meeting of the Watchtower Bible and

Tract Society of New York, Inc., was held on January
12, 1963, a t its Brooklyn (New York) headquarters,
after a n adjournment from the originally scheduled
date of January 5, 1963. For the illformation of all of
Jehovah's witnesses the directors and officers of the
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.,
are a s follows: N. H. Knorr, president; F. W. Franz,
vice-president; Grant Sui-ter, secretary and treasurer;
H. H. Riemer and J. 0. Groh, as assistants secretary
and treasurer; G. M. Couch, director, and M. IT. Larson,
director.
All the members of the boards of directors of these
two societies are grateful for their privileges of service
and will continue to work diligently and a t unity in
the overseers' positions they have in Jehovah's organization. By Jehovah's undeserved kindness they
m7ill continue to praise Jehovah's name by declaring
the "everlasting good news" along with all of Jehovah's
witnesses around the world.

YEARTEXTFOR 1964
with the holy spirit and . . . speaking

"Filled
the
word of God with bo1dfiess."--Acts 4:51.
Peter and John were bold. It took boldness to speak
publicly to a great crowd of Jews in Jerusalem and
say: "Yes, you disowned that holy and righteous one,
and you asked for a man, a murderer, to be freely
granted to you, whereas you killed the Chief Agent
of life. But God raised him up from the dead, of which
fact we are witnesses." (Acts 3:14,15) Such talk by
these apostles helped thousands of Jews to become
Christians. However, the chief priests, the captain of
the temple and the Sadducees were annoyed because
Peter and John were teaching the people the truth
and "plainly declaring the resurrection from the dead
in the case of Jesus." The Bible account shows that
these religionists "laid their hands upon them and put
them in custody till the next day." By this time the
number of men who became believers was about 5,000.
-Acts 4: 1-4.
The next day the rulers, including Annas the chief
priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander and
the kin?folk of the chief priest, inquired of Peter and
John: By what power or in whose name did you
heal this lame man?' Can you imagine Peter and John
standing there before that august body of rulers?
Now hear them say: "Let it be known to all of you
and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of
Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you impaled but
whom God raised up from the dead, by this one does
this man stand here sound in front of you." (Acts 4:10)
Where had Peter and John learned such boldness of
speech? Had they seen or heard the like of it before?
Yes, they had.
They saw the officers of the Jews seize Jesus, bind
hirn and lead him to Annas. They heard the chief
priest question Jesus about his disciples and about
his teachings. And they heard Jesus answer him: "I
have spoken to the world publicly. I always taught
in a synagogue and in the temple, where all the Jews
come together; and I spoke nothing in secret. Why
do you question me? Question those who have heard
what 1 spoke to them. See! These know what I said."
(John 18:19-21) Jesus was bold in his expression. He
did not try to hide what he was doing. Peter and John
291

292

Yearbook

saw and heard Jesus speak boldly before the religious

rulers because John later wrote about it.
Later Jesus was ushered off to Pilate, the governor.
Pilate said to him: "Are you the king of the Jews?"
"Jesus answered: 'Is it of your own originality that
you say this, or did others tell you about me?' Pilate
answered: I am not a Jew, am I ? Your own nation
and the chief priests delivere? you up to me. What
did you do?' Jesus answered: My kingdom is no part
of this world. If my kingdom were part of this world,
my attendants v~ouldhave fought that I should not
be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom
f s not from this source.' Therefore Pilate said to $im:
Well, then, are you a king?' Jesus answered: You
yourself are saying that I am a king. For this I have
been born, and for this I have come into the world,
that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone
that is on the side of the truth listens to my voice.' "
-John 18: 33-37.
Jesus did not hesitate to let the chief priests, religious
rulers or the political ruler, Pilate, and others know
who he was or what he was preaching. It was the
truth. So he spoke the word of God boldly! Jesus
was certainly filled with holy spirit when before these
rulers. It was the same spirit that he promised would
come upon the disciples. Peter and John had a good example here and so they walked in Jesus' footsteps when
they were before Annas and Caiaphas.-Acts 4:5-22.
Peter and John must have remembered Jesus' words,
too, when he said: "Why, you will be haled before
governors and kings for my sake, for a witness to
them and the nations. However, when they deliver
you up, do not become anxious about how or what
you are to speak; for what you are to speak will be
given you in that hour; for the ones speaking are
not just you, but it is the spirit of your Father that
speaks by you." (Matt. 10:18-20) They believed these
words and prayed: "Jehovah, give attention to their
threats, and grant your slaves to keep speaking your
word with all boldness." God answered their prayers
quickly: "When they had made supplication, the place
in which they were gathered together was shaken;
and they were one and all filled with the holy spirit
and were speaking the vi7ord of God with boldness."
-Acts 4:29-3:.
Showing this kind of boldness in those early days
did not stop there. Later when Saul of Tarsus, named
Paul, became a Christian he was given the holy spirit
and he showed the same kind of boldness when brought
before the ruler Festus. Paul said: "I am standing

Yearbook

293

before the judgment seat of Caesar, where I ought

to be judged. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as
you also are finding out quite well." (Acts 25:10)
Later Paul had the opportunity to appear before King
Agrippa, and after setting out matters very plainly
to this ruler he said: "Do you, King Agrippa, believe
the Prophfts? I know you belleve." "But Agrippa said
to Paul: In a short time you would pe~suademe to
become a Christian.' At this Paul said: I could wish
to God that whether In a short time or in a long time
not only you but also all those who hear me today would
become men such as I also am, with the exception
of these bonds.' "-Acts 26:27-29.
Paul, filled with holy splrit, spoke the word of God
with boldness. That is the way Jehovah's witnesses
must speak today. Will you? We all have these same
examples of faithful Christians standing before rulers,
religious and political. They declared 'she truth from
the Word of God without hesitation. This is no time
for hesitation. Every one of us must study the Word
of God carefully so that we, too, can be "filled with
the holy spirit and . . . speaking the word of God with
boldness." This was the answer to the prayer of the
early .Christians. Will we get the same answer to
our sincere prayer? We can!-Acts 4:30,31.

C H I E F OFFICE AND OFFICIAL ADDRESS O F

Watch Tower Bible d T r a c t Society of Pennsylvania
Watchtower Bible and T r a c t Society of New York, Inc.
International Bible S t u d e n t s Association
124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York 11201, U.S.A.
ADDRESSES O F BRANCH OFFICES:
ALASKA: 1438 Medfra Street, Anchorage. ARGENTINA: Calie Honduras
5646-48 Buenos Aires 14. AUSTRALIA' 11 Beresford Road, Strathfield,
N.s.w.' AUSTRIA Gallgasse 44, ~ i e n n a XIII. BAHAMAS: Box 1247,
Nassau, N.P. BELGIUM: 28 Ave. Gen. Eisenhower, Schaerbeek-Brussels.
BERLIN, WESTERN GERMANY: 49-50 Bayernallee, Charlottenburg 9. BOL I V I A : Casilla No. 1440, La Paz. BRAZIL: Rua Licinio Cardoso, 330, Rio
de Janeiro, GB, ZC-15. B R l T l S H GUIANA: 50 Brickdam, Georgetown 11.
B R I T I S H HONDURAS: Box 257, Belize. BURMA: P.O. Box 62, Rangoon.
CAMEROUN, REP. FED. DU: B.P. 5428, Douala Akwa. CANAOA: 150 Bridgeland Ave., Toronto 19, Ontario. CEYLON: 11 Sakvithi Lane, Colombo 5.
CHILE: Correo 15. Casilla 261-V, Santiago. COLOMBIA: Apartado ABreo
2587, Barranquilla. CONGO, REPUBLIC OF THE: B.P. 7409, Leopoldville 1.
CONGO REPUBLIC: B.P. 2.114, Brazzaville. COSTA RIGA: Apartado 2043 San
Jose. CUBA: Avenida 15 Nfim 4605, Almendares, Mayianao, ~ a b a n a .
CYPRUS: P.O. Box 288, Limassol. DENMARK: Kongeve~en207, Virum
Copenhagen. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Moises Garcfa 32, Santo Domingo.
ECUADOR: Casilla 4512. Guavaquil. EIRE: 86 Lindsay Rd., Glasnevin,
Dublin. E L SALVADOR: Apartado 401, San Salvador. ENGLAND: Watch
Tower House, The Ridgeway, London N W. 7. F I J I : Box 23, Suva.
FINLAND: Puutarhatie 58, Tikkurila. FRANCE: 81, rue du Point-du-Jour,
Bou'ogne-B~llancourt (Seine). GERMANY (WESTERR) : Am Kohlheck,
Postfach 13025, (62) Wiesbaden-Dotzheim, GHANA. WEST AFRICA: Box
760, Accra. GREECE: No. 4 Kartali St., Athens 611. GUADELOUPE: B.P.
239, Pointe-P-Pitre.
GUATEMALA: 11 Avenida 5-67, Guatemala 1. H A I T I :
Post Box 185, Port-au-Prince. H A W A I I : 1228 Pensacola St. Honolulu 14.
HONDURAS: Apartado 147, Tegucigalpa. HONG KONG: 312 ~ k i n c eEdward
Rd. Second Floor Kowloon ICELAND: P 0 Box 251 Reyk~avrk.
I N D ~ A : South ~ v e n & eSanta druz omb bay' 5k. INDONES~A. Kotakpos
2105, Djakarta. I T A L ~ : Via Monte' Maloia 32 (Monte ~ a c i o ) Rome.
,
JAMAICA. W.I.: 41 Trafalgar Rd., Kingston 10. JAPAN: 1 Toyqoka-Cho!
Shiba-Mita, Minato-Ku, Tokyo. KENYA: Box 7788, Nairob~. KOREA.
P 0 Box 7 Sodaemun-ku P.O Seoul. LEBANON: P.O. Box 1122, Beirut.
L ~ E W A R OISLANDS, W.1 Box 119' St Johns Antigua. LIBERIA: P.O. Box
171, Monrovia. L U X E ~ B O U R G r;e
:
Antoine'Meyer 14, G.D. Luxembourg.
MAURITIUS: 12 rue Rev. Lebrun, Rose Hill. MEXICO: Calzada Melchor
Ocarnpo 71, Mdxico 4, D.F. MOROCCO: W. Malenfant, B.P. 1028 Principal,
Tangler. N ETH ERLANDS: Koningslaan 1, Amsterdam-2. NETHERLANDS
ANTILLES: Pietermaaiweg 152, Willemstad. Curacao. NEWFOUNDLAND,
CANADA: 239 Pennywell Rd. S t John's. NEW ZEALAND: 621 New North
Rd., Auckland S.W. 1. ~ I C A U A G U A : Apartado 183, Managua, D.N.
NIGERIA, WEST AFRICA: P.O. Box 194, Yaba, Colony. NORTHERN RHODESIA:
Box 1598, Kitwe. NORWAY: Inkognitogaten 28 B., Oslo. NYASALAND:
Box 83, Blantyre. PAKISTAN: 8-E Hahibullah Rd., Lahore. PANAMA.
Apartado 1386 Panama. PAPUA: Box 113, Port Moresby. PARAGUAY:
Casilla d e ~o;reo 482, Asuncibn. PERU: Casilla No. 5178 Miraflores
Lima. P H l L l P P l N E REPUBLIC: 1% Roosevelt Ave., San ~ i a n c i s c odei
Monte, Quezon City. PUERTO RICO: 704 Calle Lafayette, Pda. 21, Urb.
Hip., Santurce 34 SIERRA LEOBE: Box 136 Freetown SINGAPORE 15:
33 Poole Road. SOUTH AFRICA: Private Bag 2: P.O. ~landsfontein,
Transvaal. SOUTHERN RHODESIA: P.O. Box 1462, Salisbury. SURINAM: Box 49,
Weidestraat 82 B, Paramaribo. SWEDEN: Jakobsberg. SWITZERLAND:
Allmendstrasse 39 Berne 22 TAIWAN (CHINA)' No 5 Lane 99 Yun-Ho
St Taipei. T H A I ~ A N D :Box k7, Bangkok T R ~ ~ ~ I D AbD. 1, 21 ~ g y l o S
rt
~ z o d b r o o k ,Port of Spain. U N I T E D S T A ~ E SOF A M E R I E A : " ~Adams
~~
st::
Brooklyn 1, N.Y. URUGUAY: Fraucxsco Bauza 3372, Montevideo. VENEZUELA: Avda. Honduras, Quinta Luz. Urb. Las Acacias, Caracas, D.F.